It's nearly the end of 2016, and we're nearing the end of another anime season. I feel that anime should end strong towards the end of the year, but it didn't happen this time. This was a strong year for anime, just not ending on a high note. So what's the last season of the year have to offer us?
Returning Favorites
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
The bizarre don't stop, and I'll never stop watching! The battles of Josuke Higashikata and his friends vs a serial murder continues to put me on the edge of my chair. When it's not surprising me with crazy plot points, it cracks me up with weird and outright funny moments.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans
Even more orphans for your viewing pleasure! While the show's focus has shifted a bit onto new Human Debris kids, it still maintains the quality of the first season. I absolutely miss the OP and ED songs from the original season, but Mika and the gang are still here. You aren't ever sure if everyone's going to make it through the conflict, especially with how many losses Tekkadan have taken. I haven't been excited about a Gundam show in more than a decade, and I wonder if another Gundam will be as special to me as this one has been.
Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs started its return with a pivot from the tone it had initially, before returning to the present timeline's story. It was unexpected and very welcome to have this flashback arc, which takes it self a lot more seriously than the present timeline's gang. I'm not one of the people who hated the comedic shifts in tone, but I didn't think Stray Dogs had the ability to keep a straight face for so long.
I Finally Watched...
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
It's no secret that One Piece is a massive phenomenon over in Japan and within the worldwide anime community. Over 800 manga chapters, 770 episodes, a dozen films, theme park attractions, and even stage adaptations have kept the adventures of
It's time to go back to school, and there's no more time for vacation. Summer is at an end! I hope you've had time for anime, between going to the pool or visiting your relatives. Even if you haven't, I have some anime you might want to catch up on.
Returning Favorites
The Heroic Legend of Arslan
Arslan is no less heroic in the new season. I love The Heroic Legend of Arslan, but its one problem is that Arslan and his forces are too superior to their enemies. I'm glad that there are some new surprises in the plot to keep the show fresh.
Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma
Foodgasms are back! Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma continues its tournament arc, and its as weird and wacky as ever. Where else are you going to get a JoJo's Bizarre Adventure-meets-food reference? Speaking of JoJos...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
The 4th JoJo's team is back, and crazy stuff continues to happen in a small town. I loved the Jotaro Kujo era, but Josuke and his allies come close to beating them. Shocking, funny, and...bizarre, Diamond is Unbreakable is still appointment television.
Runners-up
DAYS
I'm glad that I try sports anime out. DAYS is the story of a high school student who isn't a gifted athlete, but he has the heart to persevere. I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, whether they're sports-related or not. I liked the first episode, but I haven't included this in my rotation of anime.
Servamp
At first, I was very interested in Servamp. It felt a little fresh, creating a world where humans and vampires have a unique relationship. Then I gradually felt like Servamp was going nowhere. There are times when I watch a show and I realize that the action may have been an afterthought, and the primary genre is something else. Anime News Network only calls it an action show, but My Anime List has josei (young women) as one of its categories. I think Servamp's real purpose is to allow girls to watch a bunch of vampire guys deal with their drama.
Amanchu!
I don't know what it is that attracts me about Amanchu! Maybe it's the laid back pace, or the peppy, positive Hikari. Whatever it is, it has led me to catch up to the most recent episode. Amanchu! is not for everyone. I can see people getting tired of Hikari saying "Peu peu peu!" all the time. If you have a bucket list, and you want to check "watched an anime about diving" off it, then you should watch this show regardless.
