2011 Year-Ender: Best Anime

Tenth and last in line: Best Anime nominations for 2011. Vote Away~

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And finally, we are at our last category of Awards for 2011 and what a year it has been. We got to see many glorious series, some of them came as surprises while others crashed and burned. Comparison to 2010, I definitely saw a lot more and can vouch for it to be a good year quality wise. Even when Japan was hit with massive earthquakes, the production didn’t halt. Hats off to the industry and hope there’s many more and even better years to come!
A whole year has passed already? Whoa! Where is my personal time machine to revisit some great anime! But forget that mess we should look forward to 2012! Have fun with out list of the years best in 2011 anime.
There can only be one anime of the year. It’s undoubtedly the most coveted award in the list, as it recognizes the series overall as being the best to offer. If you could only watch one anime from 2011, which would it be? It’s a hard choice, so think carefully! Or maybe you don’t need to think. Use your heart to decide. Or..your soul. Screw it, I don’t have either of those, what the hell do I know? Just vote!
2011 has been a terrific year for anime. Every anime on this list has something you can take away from it, whether it be a meme (“wanna form a contract?” or “YOU HAVE GAIN”), unique relationships (the No. 6 shounen-ai duo or Usagi Drop’s parent/child pairing) and dead people (Menma from AnoHana and Himari from Penguindrum). Good luck voting, cause you’ll be stuck on this page for about half-an-hour deciding where to put your votes.
…Can we even give out just one award? There were so many amazing anime that came out this year that I imagine that it’s going to be difficult to decide who to vote for. Well, it’s your problem now, not mine. Happy voting!
Wooo, we’re finally here! The almost most important part of the Year-Ender awards… Best Anime. Now, I’m sure this is going to be a tough one considering all of the good anime of the past year. But we gotta do this and it’s all up to you viewers. I’d probably have a hard time just choosing one, good thing we’re giving you all seven choices. XD

As an update, so far the following Year-Ender posts are out and voting is still open. Get in your votes! All polls except for Best Anime close on January 10th, 2012.

The list is in no particular order. So check out these super duper animes of 2011 and vote for the best~!

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[ 01 ] [ Fate/Zero ]

{ ufotable }

The bomb of Fall season and the most well-executed anime of this year, hands down. From the one hour first episode till the last one with a giant cliffhanger, this brilliant story intertwined by Gen Urobuchi for Nasu’s fate world has kept the viewers glued to their screen. I heard so many Type-Moon fags scream that I almost became deaf. The beauty of this is not only the movie-quality animation and music but the crisp plot and interesting fleshed-out characters. Of course, thirteen episodes are not enough to dish the whole story but wait till Spring and for ultimate glory!

//.kyokai

[ FALL ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 02 ] [ Steins;Gate ]

{ White Fox }

Steins;Gate started with a crawl and ended with a sprint, taking all the time in the world to set up a riveting storyline and flesh out the main characters in a way that most anime only dream of being able to achieve. The time travel elements are all carefully researched to mirror real life phenomena (with a few errors *cough* Ruka’s D-mail *cough*) and is used to spin an amazing story. But what really sets this show apart is not the time travel, but how everyone deals with it. Okarin and Kurisu are brilliant characters to watch, filled to the brim with realistic emotions that are never restricted to just one character type. Steins;Gate was a beautiful, unique show, and I appreciate everything it strives for.

//.overcooled

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 03 ] [ Usagi Drop ] 

{ Production I.G }

There’s no doubt whatsoever that Usagi Drop was the feel-good anime of the year. The story of Daikichi taking Rin under his care was nothing short of heartwarming; they were a great duo and both had a lot of likable qualities. Production I.G. should do more josei/shoujo series, because they seem to have such a great feel for how to animate a series of this nature.

//.jrow

[ SUMMER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 04 ] [ Tiger & Bunny ]

{ Sunrise

Tiger & Bunny accrued a massive following of fans after it took everyone by surprise when it someone didn’t suck. Having heroes with labels of real companies plastered on them seemed like an instant flop, but it somehow turned it around and made everything wonderful. It was a more real take on heroes and how they would be treated in real life, mixed with some ridiculous cheesiness and hilarity. Every single episode was entertaining and full of moments to think back on and chuckle over. The real pull to this show, however, is Kotetsu and his relationship with Barnaby. They go from being hostile to one another to the absolute closest of comrades. It’s one of the most addictive parts of the series, and it made my week…every single week.

//.overcooled

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 05 ] [ Mawaru Penguindrum ] 

 { Brains Base }

Kunihiko Ikuhara’s return to anime was a very crazy, twisted one with a multi-layered plot, symbolism overload and some of the greatest artistic direction in anime this year and of the 21st century. At times Penguindrum was charming, others it was funny, and it also was heartbreaking at times. All this with the music and dialogue voiced by an excellent cast blended together into what was one of 2011’s most compelling anime.

//.jrow

[ SUMMER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 06 ] [ Ao no Exorcist ] 

{ A1 Pictures }

One of the best action/shounen shows of the year. Ignoring the…er, anime original ending, A-1 took the story and gave us laughs, action and amazing characters. Rin and Yukio are probably the most kick ass set of twins this year. …A-1 also gave us some weird loving husband version of Satan, another Hanazawa character and twincest shipping fodder for the fangirls, but let’s ignore that for now.

//.karakuri

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 07 ] [ No.6 ]

{ Bones }

No.6 has its ups and downs, but I’m not about to ignore that this anime made me very, very happy as a whole. While I can’t say too many nice things about the way the dystopian society story was handled (wasps. it was handled with wasps.), the story of Nezumi and Shion coming together was spot on. The two of them shared a beautiful relationship while avoiding all of the horrendous traps and stereotypes most gay couples in anime tend to fall into. It’s not perfect, but it’s full of charm and a bunch of moments that made me melt like butter.

//.overcooled

[ SUMMER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 08 ] [ Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica ]

{ Shaft }

I’m sure not many people didn’t expect much from a magical girl type anime. But this Mahou Shoujou has surprised and won the hearts of many who wouldn’t even touch a magical girl themed anime. This anime isn’t just about little girls and their transformation sequences. No, this is about the struggle of friendship, self-less acts for a wish that comes with a heft price. This is pink gone dark and you’ll be touched by the hardships that these girls have to go through.

//.ness

[ WINTER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 09 ] [ Hanasaku Iroha ]

{ P.A. Works }

The slice of life anime that kept its regular pace with the regular life at Kissuiso inn. Life for Ohana sure has been tough with a careless mother and a tyrant grandmother. I still remember that slap in the first episode but the good thing about her is that she didn’t let it pull her down and conformed to the situation. Of course, her jilting Kou repeatedly pissed me off but the series ended at a good point with resolution for almost everyone.

//.kyokai

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 10 ] [ Kamisama no Memochou ] 

{ J.C. Staff }

This was a surprise of Summer with an interesting storyline and almost as engaging characters like Durarara!! if only it got similar episode length. Yes, it had its weak baseball episode but it started out really well and ended up with a bang, the latter two story arcs were definitely the best this story had to offer. I loved the character development of Narumi and how little bits were revealed about every character. I hope this gets another season so that we get to know more about the side characters.

//.kyokai

[ SUMMER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 11 ] [ C ] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control

{ Tatsunoko Production }

Fighting with the power of money with some of the most interesting looking monsters next to something like Persona! From start to finish this series had some decent fights with lots of random English quotes, like ‘You have gain!’ and ‘Direct!’ If the world of C was real, I wonder how our very own Ness would do? She would probably keep all of her monehhs and kick so much ass!

//.foshizzel

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 12 ] [ Kore wa zombie desu ka? ] 

 { Studio DEEN }

Damn what can I really say about this little gem of an anime? Only one word comes to my mind FANTASTIC! I have to say Kore wa zombie has a very unique cast of supernatural characters. We get everything from a necromancer, vampire ninja, a few zombies and one over-powering magical girl! Hell we get to see Ayumu become a magical boy and his transformation? Watching those scenes will always make me laugh every damn time.

//.foshizzel

[ WINTER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 13 ] [ Level E ] 

 { David Production / Pierrot }

Probably one of the most underrated animes of the year. Level E isn’t just about extraterrestrial beings. It’s about a trolol in the form of a tall, not dark but handsome blonde alien man. This anime brings different stories, good laughs and likeable characters. As well, throw in some sci-fi alien elements and we’re set.

//.ness

[ WINTER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 14 ] [ Working’!! ] 

{ A1 Pictures }

Since the moment I found out, this was getting another season, my jubilation didn’t know any bounds. This is all about a bunch of misfits who gather in Wagnaria and somehow or the other end up complementing each other. Even if that means some employees getting bullied, punched, threatened and downright persuaded for being adopted. The gals and guys alike have insane obsessions and what ensues is nothing short of amazing comedy. Check this out, yo~

//.kyokai

[ FALL ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 15 ] [ Kamisama Dolls ] 

{ Brains Base }

Every time I sit back and think about this series I will always think of mecha Kyuubey, just look at the designs for Kukuri. Watching Kamisama Dolls is strange trip as  I remember a few episodes left me wanting more from Aki, Kyohei and Utao…not so much their character backgrounds but I wanted to see more fight scenes. Anyways, I did enjoy watching this series and I wouldn’t mind another season. The one thing I would change probably is the size of Hibino’s massive boobs…MY GOD do those things have their own zip codes?

//.foshizzel

[ SUMMER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 16 ] [ Kimi to Boku. ]

{ J.C. Staff }

The daily lives of some very normal and cute boys. Seriously. Along with random footage of cats that is somehow very appropriate with the subtext of daily life shenanigans. The story is about a quartet group comprising of a megane-kun, a girly looking boy and mischievous twin that is made even more interesting with the inclusion of a transfer student Chizuru. This jumping jack blondie makes the group a quintet, who makes different friends and sometimes even help out others. Even if the story sounds mundane, there are many comedic moments to enjoy and bonding moments between the gang.

//.kyokai

[ FALL ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 17 ] [ Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai ] 

{ A1 Pictures }

All of my tears=this show. This was the type of anime that made you actually care about the characters and then took you on an emotional roller coaster up until the last minute of the last episode. Every single one of the group of friends had their own side to the story and A-1 did a fantastic job of telling it.

//.karakuri

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 18 ] [ Un-Go ]

{ Bones }

This series got a late interesting-start and lot of us took time in warming up to the characters. It was around episode seven that things got really interesting, before which it was more of a case per episode and Inga’s transformed state asking a question. Not the best mystery out there but bones at least tried to be a bit different than following the usual formula. The ending mystery around Kaishou was the highlight of series, no doubt about it.

//.kyokai

[ FALL ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 19 ] [ Nichijou ] 

{ Kyoto Animation }

When this series came out I instantly fell in love with Mio, Yuuko, Mai, Nano, Hakase and Sakamoto. Hell, I love every character in this series. I can’t remember any anime that made me laugh as much as Nichijou. Whenever an episode got released, I would get so excited. While the first twelve episodes are introductions of the main characters, the second-half actually focused on Nano going to school. Those are great moments when Nano finally interacts with someone other than Hakase all the time. So, if you have not watched Nichijou, I highly recommend that you try it out; you just might laugh as much as me.

//.foshizzel

[ SPRING ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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[ 20 ] [ Star Driver ]

{ Bones }

Fosh:Crazy male transformations and tons of Kiraboshi quotes made this series so much fun even if some people hated the first episode….

Kyo: Yes, Fosh, I was one of those but then I came to like this series and all its craziness. Yes, its over-the-top and seems to be one mecha match per episode but it defied its own formula and took the school/slice of life route and getting to know the characters was better than APPRIVOISE all the time. Still, that ending fight scene was pretty epic.

//.foshizzzel + //.kyokai

[ WINTER ’11 ]

[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

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Honorable Mentions:Show ▼

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As mentioned in previous posts, the titles were chosen from Winter ’11 to Fall ’11 anime series. This does not include animes that will continue on into the Winter ’12 season that are 20+ episodes. As well, don’t forget to check out the other Year-Ender posts and vote for the best~!All Polls close on January 10th, 2012 BUT the poll for Best Anime will be closing January 12th, 2012.

You may select 7 characters. So vote for the Best Anime of 2011.

2011 Year-Ender Fan Favorites: Best Anime (Select 7)

  • Fate/Zero (8%, 191 Votes)
  • Steins;Gate (9%, 224 Votes)
  • Usagi Drop (5%, 135 Votes)
  • Tiger & Bunny (6%, 147 Votes)
  • Mawaru Penguindrum (9%, 214 Votes)
  • Ao no Exorcist (7%, 176 Votes)
  • No.6 (5%, 122 Votes)
  • Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (8%, 204 Votes)
  • Hanasaku Iroha (4%, 90 Votes)
  • Kamisama no Memochou (3%, 71 Votes)
  • [C] (3%, 70 Votes)
  • Kore wa zombie desu ka? (3%, 68 Votes)
  • Level E (4%, 90 Votes)
  • Working'!! (4%, 98 Votes)
  • Kamisama Dolls (2%, 46 Votes)
  • Kimi to Boku. (3%, 76 Votes)
  • Ano Hana (8%, 192 Votes)
  • Un-Go (5%, 129 Votes)
  • Nichijou (3%, 76 Votes)
  • Star Driver (3%, 87 Votes)

Total Votes: 2,506

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50 Responses to “2011 Year-Ender: Best Anime”

  1. Sabine says:

    Fate/Zero, Kore wa Zombie desu ka and Level E, the ultimate favorites here as Zombie and Level E are so underrated.. Fate/Zero is simply still one of the best animes in a long time, a winner, truly.

  2. Toori-chan says:

    Fate/Zero (a must)
    Steins Gate (also a must)
    Mawaru Penguindrum (In some ways, a must)
    Hanasaku Iroha (Somehow chose this over Nichijou)
    Kamisama no Memochou (My fav from JC Staff)
    Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? (Chose it over [C])
    Ano Hana (A tear-breaking must *sob*)

    I never got to watch Madoka so I didn’t take it into consideration *sigh*. For some reason Penguindrum seems to get the early glory more than Fate/Zero. Why is that? Nvm I trust in the fans for more votes. Bring it on!

    • T.K. says:

      Probably because Fate/Zero hasn’t end yet, wait until there’s more screen-time for Team Berserker. *wink*

  3. T.K. says:

    Hmmm, I’m a bit sad that Ikoku Meiro and Tamayura wasn’t in. Both were my healing anime that kept me going when life threw grenades at me. Level E too was very underrated but ultimately it’s all subjective….

    • skylion says:

      Oh, those grenades. It really did make watching those shows a something to look forward to. I second this motion.

      • Overcooled says:

        I found Meiro a bit boring at times, but Tamayura was a great anime to relieve stress. It’s perfect to watch with a warm cup of tea for that calming effect…I really liked the OST too. I wouldn’t put it as my top 10, but it definitely ‘healed’ me more than any other anime this year :3

        • T.K. says:

          Both series also has the best insert songs I’ve heard entire year. Euterpe accounted for of course. XD

    • Joojoobees says:

      Yeah, I was disappointed that Ikoku Meiro no Croisée didn’t make the list. It was an interesting representation of 19th century Paris, which is not something you see a lot of in anime. The music was great. It was heartwarming. Very nice artwork. I thought Ao-chan gave a great performance as Alice.

      Of those on the list, Mawaru Penguindrum and Steins;Gate were the standouts, IMO.

  4. BlackBriar says:

    Best Anime of 2011:

    Fate/Zero: The awesome anime of the Fall season. Badass heroes, underhanded sadists and despicable villains rule this show

    Ao no Exorcist: The winner of the Spring season. The show was a lot more fun than I thought despite having rumors that it wasn’t fully following the manga.

    Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka?: I absolutely love this harem anime. Most of the characters here are supernatural beings rather than just being plain human which was a huge plus.

    Kamisama Dolls: Using giant sized dolls was unique. Everytime I watched this, I find myself hoping to see Aki screwing with everyone’s minds and being exceedingly jealous of him for being captured by hot girls and bound by them. Lucky bastard!!!

    C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control: Yu-Gi-Oh style show using money.

    Kamisama no Memo-chou:

    Here are a few of my Honorable Mentions:

    Ben-To: (The characters and fighting were awesome. Besides Sato, Yarzui and Shaga, my favorites are the Orthros twins, Nikkaido and Ume. They even added a substantial amount of all out Yuri in it! Whoo!)

    Infinite Stratos:

    Yumekui Merry:

    Deadman Wonderland: Violence, insanity and Branch of Sin powers. It was a good ride.

    Mayo Chiki!

    Blood-C: Sluggish and Slice of Life-ish at the beginning but got good and violent toward the end.

    Dantalian no Shoka:

    Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi: Favorites: Himea, Taito, Hinata and that creeper badass Yuuichi.

    C³: Cube x Cursed x Curious:

    Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai:

  5. Hoshi says:

    ~All my favorites are actually on this list -sob-.
    Usagi Drop is easily my favorite show of 2011 because of all sorts of reasons I can’t think to list right now.

    Madoka was definitely a real shocker for me. I couldn’t get over the fact that this seemingly ‘Oh hey we’re cute magical girls fighting evil!’ show was actually a bit dark. I could probably name it as my second favorite show for 2011. Penguindrum was going to take that spot but, my heart…

    • Ness says:

      Too much for your heart to take huh? XD I still need to watch Usagi Drop<_< but I'll wait for when I'm in the mood...

  6. skylion says:

    I checked the rankings right after voting. It almost looks like a repeat of “Female Lead”, which I should have suspected given the overlap. Not at all surprising seeing MP, AnoHana, and Madoka leading the pack.

    Between this site and RandomC, it looks like I really missed out on Steins;Gate. Damn, more backlog to find the time for.

    Surprises. I was honestly taken aback with the inclusion of [C] in this list. The concept was fascinating, I just didn’t find it well executed. It’s hard to flesh out so many concepts in such a short run, but I still feel a bit cheated on details.

    Denpa Onna. Wish more folks would have found it as charming as I did.

    Tomadachi. On consideration, it didn’t tell a complete enough a story, nor was it on the Epic level that Fate/zero ran up towards to get away with ending as it did. So not surprised to see it in the HM section. It will remain one of my personal favs.

    • skylion says:

      Forgot to list my votes:

      Usagi Drop. Beautiful backgrounds, well designed characters, and wonderful OP and ED (who didn’t sing along?). Rin and Daikichi will be in my heart for quite some time.

      Mawaru Penguindrum. The one that almost got away. Had no intent on watching it; busy summer. Caught Rock over Japan on Youtube. Interested. Watched first four episodes. Addicted. Cheered that crazy, sweet Ringo-chan on. Found new level of addiction in The Frozen World. Dropped jaw at the end of The Princess of Lies. Found myself forming my life around the Friday drop of this show (not really, but close on some occasions). Laughed like a loon for “Everybody went Nutso”. Found it hard to watch around number 19. Held on for dear life as Destiny Train sped all the way to I Love You. It wasn’t a show you watched, MP was something you experienced.

      Madoka. Invigorating, as it got me back into anime after a multi-year hiatus. I hold MP above it, but only just above it. The one-two punch of episodes 10 and 11 were perfect in the build up of all that came before it, and it finished with style and grace.

      Hanasaku Iroha. My surprise hit of the year. Just the right amount of charm and sweetness without going overboard. Hazy and Yumenji easily hit my top five favorite songs of the year. Wonderful principle cast, voicing against type. Yeah, I feel in love with Ohana.

      Working. I’m an actual for real waiter as my day job. I’ve never worked with anyone quite like these lunatics, never quite in this sort of asylum. Only…I have. All the characteristics are there, even the crossdressing. At my current job, I see facets of this cast in all my fellow crew members. It is very disturbing. A comedy anime should take liberties with real life and run them around the block like a Chocobo race. It should not be this eerily close to my working days. The only real difference is that as a citizen of the United States, I get gratuity. The crew of working, don’t.

      AnoHana. So much has already been said. I can only add that I was impressed with how much attention went into modeling Chichibu as the story’s background city. They could have easily just assembled an “everytown” and been done with it. That the setting was a real place had such a deep impact on the story for me. I can also add that I became a huge Galileo Galilei fan because of AnoHana. It’ like it just keeps on giving.

      Un-Go. At first it was a mess of a program that happened between an awesome OP and an even more awesome ED. Then it caught some real fire. And a loli robot girl.

  7. skylion says:

    @Fosh. Hibino’s oppai have started to form their own weather patterns. One would need GPS to attain a full appreciation. And yet, somehow, I still love my Taiga-chan.

    • BlackBriar says:

      I’d brave a harsh snowstorm if it meant seeing Hibino’s oppai. I need to get myself a GPS. LOL.

  8. Renn says:

    Whoa, you guys picked the best images for the post. It’s gorgeous. Also, I picked AnoHana, Madoka Magica, Steins;Gate, Penguindrum, Fate/Zero, Tiger & Bunny, and Usagi Drop (although I liked Hourou Musuko and Un-Go more, but eh, you can’t have it all). Great job on these posts, team! 🙂

    • Kyokai says:

      Thank you! Had to troll through pixiv and zerochan but got some very good ones. :3

      Good picks and if only, we could add more to the list. ><

  9. Samantha Zan says:

    It’s finally here. Though I didn’t watch every single show this anime year, here are my choices:

    Best Anime of 2011:

    Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica – I actually had no idea what I was in for. All I know is that it was by SHAFT and knowing them, it would be enjoyable. But this show was more than enjoyable, it was tear-jerking, clever, and amazing in every single way. (That PLOT TWIST HNNNNN!). Madoka had the greatest character’s, each with there own reasons and whatnot, and watching there developments were just amazing. Definitely one of 2011’s best.

    Mawaru Penguindrum – Yet again, another anime show that I had no idea what it was about going in XD. But this show had the the charm,premise,comedy to keep me going. With SEIZON SENRYAKU TO DESTINYYY!!!! It had it all, but Mawaru showed that it can just be more than one genre of anime. It was serious when it needed to be, emotionally groundbreaking, and just a great piece of work all around. It gave new meanings to everything, life, love, and friendship. Though I did have a few problems with understanding the story, the ending wraps it up nice and neat. It will always be (in my opinion) one of those anime’s that has made its mark on viewers everywhere.

    AnoHana – I think we all knew that this was going to be a tearjerker, but that ending just made me sob like after watching CLANNAD. The character’s in this story were all amazing, each having there own relationship with Menma, and how they all felt after she had died. To me this showed the realism of how the best of friends can just fall apart in an instant, but also showed me how they can get back together as well. Jinta’s journey is one of a kind, and to me, what made AnoHana so great. This is one of the best kind of heart warming story that was a great addition to the world of anime.

    Hanasaku Iroha – For me, I seriously though this show was just going to be another moe moe girl series. But I was seriously wrong. Hanasaku Iroha provides a simple premise, but enjoyable scenes to back up when we were at the
    Kissuisou. The best for this show, was just Ohana herself. She has to be one of the best lead character’s of 2011. She has charm and determination, and I even think it’s safe to say she has to be one of the most relatable characters ever. With all her struggles being at the Kissuisou, her personality helps her punches through those problems and gives us a great slice of life anime.

    Usagi Drop – What I loved about this show, was just watching Daikichi’s interaction with Rin with each episode. Every episode was just a D”AWWW with each moment. All the character’s were just awesome in there own ways. The only problem I had with this was just the ending of the anime, it just ending as it seemed the next episode should come again. It just was really conclusive. But none the less, still a great show that people should at least view a few episode of.

    Ao no Exorcist – Episode 1 BAM!!! Tears falling down already. Ao no Exorcist had a great starter, and every episode after that was just amazing as ever. It was a great anime that needed the spotlight. It felt like another Durarara!!(In it’s sense). The only problem, as we all know, the anime filler arc. I won’t call it horrible, but it did lessen my expectations. I know they were getting horribly close to the manga, but I still think, maybe in another time it could have been better. Though none the less those first 15ish amount of episodes were the best things ever. So it should still be at least viewed for that.

    Other mentions (Didn’t mean to copy BlackBriar X0):

    Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai: Come on guys, God of Conquest!!!! I freaking love this show. One of my favorite types of shows anyway XD. Keima is just full of so much win, with Elsie to help along with him. Those two make one of the duos of the year for me.

    Deadman Wonderland – Blood, violence, and action. One of my favorite genre mixes in everything. One of the coolest ideas in the century, that should have gotten a 2nd season.

    Kamisama Dolls – The trailer was really cool, the anime was cool too. But it didn’t really blow me away. Though the opening was really awesome.

    Persona 4: The Animation – I gotta at least give this a mention. I never played the game, so I actually had no idea what this was about. But this whole idea with the Personas is really awesome, and I thought all the characters were really fun to watch.

    Mayo Chiki! – One of the good go around romantic comedy shows. Or at least you know XD. But it might have not been the most original, it still was a hell of a lot of fun to watch. (COME AT ME BRO!!!!)

    • BlackBriar says:

      LOL. No worries, Samantha Zan. I actually feel honored you made your list of favorite animes for 2011 like mine.

      I agree with you on Deadman wonderland. It was great despite Ganta’s lackluster performance. But the blood, violence and action were great. I loved Shiro’s Red Man/Wretched Egg smile. A total yandere. What should have been done was they waited a little longer and at least made a 24 episode series since the manga is still going. Creating the Branch of Sin is one of the best ideas of the century.

      Mayo Chiki was one of my relief anime for the summer. Having the hot and sadistic mastermind Kanade Suzutsuki play with everyone like puppets was addictive. Guys would turn into masochists just at the sight of her. One of her best parts was playing matchmaker for Jirou and Subaru. Like letting them spend the night together in one of her summer homes. I hope there’s another season.

      • Samantha Zan says:

        Oh who didn’t love Shiro in Deadman Wonderland XD. Totally agree with you with the 24 episodes, I think it could have covered more depth. Mayo Chiki was seriously my relief anime too, after all the seriousness of the other animes I would watch. I would always watch Mayo Chiki at the end to get me through the rest of my day XD

  10. I love you guys so much for Kimi To Boku on there – deserved credit is finally given, Yes!
    Other than that, I picked Usagi drop, Steins;gate, PenguinDrum,HanaIro, Anohana, Nichijou and forgot to pick Madoka.OTL

    • Namika says:

      Definitely, Kimi to Boku more than deserved to be in that list!! One of the biggest surprises. Ever O.O

    • Kyokai says:

      I love my bishie boys and it was comedic too. Best combination, something that Working has with slice of life and comedy. xD

  11. Jrow says:

    It’s a dogfight between Madoka and Penguindrum. Those two along with Steins;Gate are in my Top 3 of 2011.

    Other votes:
    Tiger & Bunny – Really proved me wrong after not liking episode 1. The cast as a whole isn’t really amazing, but Kotetsu does so much heavy lifting that he made it really fun to watch.

    Usagi Drop – Maybe the most sound . It ends in a way that, even though you know there’s more manga story and you’d like a season 2, it’s still a nice closing episode that isn’t trying to tease or anything.

    Fate/Zero – Visually incredible. It kind of struck me in the Rin’s Adventure episode that, “wow, this is a TV series I’m watching.” Could even rival some anime movies from this year it’s so solid.

    Ano Hana – I hadn’t thought much about it after watching it, but in retrospect, I still think Ano Hana was a great anime. Episode 10 was the most impactful episode for me moreso than 11. Great cast and Anaru’s a sex bomb.

    Good job Meta-folk! (my Metanorn side included)

  12. Moni Chan says:

    ohhh man it’s the final voting section. THE BEST ANIME. Can’t I choose all of them. 🙁

    Madoka and Penguindrum is battling it out from what i’m seeing @ the moment.

    I don’t get why Kamisama dolls and Nichijou isn’t getting the love.

    2011 was an awesome year 4 anime. I can’t wait to see the final results

  13. Kitty says:

    I’m really happy I watched Madoka before the end of this year. 2011 was pretty awesome for anime but 2012 looks pretty good too!! Happy New Years everyone I will deeply miss:
    Nurarihyon
    Ao no Exorcist
    Tiger & Bunny
    Star Driver
    Seikaiichi

    cheers

  14. Gecko says:

    Madoka and Mawaru Penguindrum. I’m happy if either wins. Both were stunning, pretty deep, and original. Madoka with the extra consequences of being a magical girl/wishes/whatever the heck was going on with Kyuubey. Penguindrum with how it started out looking like a wacky shoujo, but developed into something that really just twisted fate into something that makes it seem so much more unavoidable.
    If more anime was like those two, I would be so happy.

  15. Tofu says:

    T_____T Was Boku Tomo really that bad for everyone that it didn’t even get an honorable mention? OTL

    • BlackBriar says:

      You’re right. Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai definitely deserved an honorable mention. Kodaka, Yozora, Sena, Maria, Rika and especially Kobato were worth watching.

    • Karakuri says:

      It’s there under Hagenai. Don’t worry! I made sure it was in there!!!

      • BlackBriar says:

        Sorry, Kara. I saw the Honorable Mentions and Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai isn’t part of it. Maybe just an honest mistake.

      • Tofu says:

        Ahahahaha Sorry, I mistook Haganai as Wagnaria for some strange reason ;D

      • Kyokai says:

        BB, Boku wa is also known as hagani, actually more so since it released. So, it did get a mention. ^^

  16. anaaga says:

    Didn’t vote for Penguindrum and Madoka. I was surprisingly not into them

  17. Namika says:

    I haven’t watched even HALF of these ……. I’m in a depression. DAMN YOU, EDUCATION! =3=
    And my first vote goes tooooooo Ap no Exprcist! ^O^ The rest of the votes go to Hanasaku Iroha, Kimi to Boku and Kore wa Zombie desu ka. Damn, my hands are itching! Got to finish at least some of those before the end of the holidays….
    Challenge accepted.

  18. Erin says:

    Level E just doesn’t get enough love. Maybe it isn’t as ambitious as Penguindrum or Madoka, but it does what it aims to do, be clever and funny, near perfectly.

    • Kyokai says:

      It deserves more love. I highly enjoyed it. In comparison, more than Madoka.

  19. Amutofan123 says:

    Let’s go Madoka! You can pull ahead of Mawaru Penguindrum! I believe in youuu!!!

  20. skylion says:

    The votes are really surprising me. Now, I expected it to be a dog fight between Modoka and Mawaru, but I didn’t expect MP to keep on pulling ahead. I would have thought that Madoka, in comparison, with a more straight forward manner, would have aced this vote.

    But the experience that was Mawaru Penguindrum is kicking some serious tale. Maybe it’s a case of last seen best remembered?

    • Kyokai says:

      It’s the recent series air syndrome. People remember it more than the previous ones.

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