Best of 2010 – Kyokai Edition
ANIME GENRES
Favorite Action/Adventure Series
Katanagatari
I remember thinking, man this is boring, while I first started watching but with time I came to love this series for its unique art design, character development and an array of never-boring side-characters. I can say some of the Maniwa peeps were not at all in-depth but some of them were and when the final second hit to end this series, I felt sad letting Shichika go.
Runner-up: Sengoku Basara Ni because I like manly men and DEM fighting~
Favorite Romance Series:
Nodame Cantabile Finale
This was a full circle I have been waiting for since season one. There are people I know who say Nodame is annoying; she can be at times but look at Chiaki; he’s a big doofus himself. Together they do make an odd couple but so fitting. I came to love a different genre of music just because of this and helluva enjoyed the ups and downs of this series.
Runner-up: Kuragehime is this year’s dark horse. No one was expecting much from it but it turned out so win. I need the last episode NAO!
Favorite Comedy Series:
Arakawa Under the Bridge
I can go on and on about this series. I love almost all the characters because they all make such an amazing combo of odd humour that I can’t help but laugh out loud almost every episode. Of course, not every episode is perfect but near to with amazing animation and character rendition. It brings a smile to my face every time I watch and rewatch it. My favourite from SHAFT after Bakemonogatari.
Runner-up: Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt. Lots of lulz producing, good and bad both.
Favorite Harem Series:
The World God Only Knows
I caught up late on this but whoa, Keima! How brilliant can you be? Keeping his nose buried in his PSP, he still can communicate (so what if he doesn’t meet your eye that much), study, walk around, go to the bathroom, etc. He’s pure WIN in thinking up strategies to save girls from different demons. He definitely deserves his title of being unbeatable.
Runner-up: Hakuouki S2. Reverse harem is my kind of harem. :3
Favorite Drama Series:
Angel Beats!
Oh, the dorama~ So, you start with Kanade being evil and a whole force against her but end up knowing the fact that she’s actually good. Nothing is as it seems! Still there are laughs in the middle and a lot of fun times with the cast bungling around trying to find the truth. It also has some very touchy moments, tearjerkers if you will. Even being at least 13 episodes short, this was worth the watch and another good one from Key.
Runner-up: Amagami SS. Junichi, you lucky bastard!
Favorite Slice-of-Life Series:
Ore No Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai
This is definitely on my top 5 of Fall season. Without expecting much I really, really liked this. From the get-go I empathized with Kyousuke for getting such a bitchy sister. His deadpan looks and monotonous remarks were priceless; not to mention white sweat drops. xD
Runner-up: Working!! This is a marathon series and by the end you would like all of them. Also, shizaya ftw~
Favorite Supernatural Series:
Durarara!!
I think I’ve said enough about this already being my first completed series for episodics. I waited for each episode on tenterhooks and fangirled over my favourite characters, which I still continue. You can simply see our fan favourite awards which were ruled by this one. Definitely, one of my favourite series of all time.
Runner-up: Kuroshitsuji II – Ciel and Sebby, ‘nuff said.
Favorite Mystery Series:
The Tatami Galaxy
This needs so much love. I guess, it’s because people like to experiment less? Though, I thoroughly enjoyed this and became a bigger fan of Madhouse just because of it.
Runner-up: Occult Academy. Time travel phenomenon and supernatural theme? I was in since the summary got published.
Favorite Horror Series:
Shiki
Ohohoo~ From where should I even begin? This has been such a treat for me. There haven’t been a lot of good horror anime because firstly, this is 2D, not relatable to RL at all; secondly, animation and background music play a big part in such stories. Shiki has both and due to its unique character design (specifically of eyes and hair), it is even more daunting to see okiagari in action. It progressed slowly but with exactly the right pace. Watch it in good quality (720p and/or higher) with headphones on; such a treat!
Runner-up: HOTD because zombie-fest needs mentioning.
Favorite Sports Series:
Giant Killing
I LOVED THIS. I’m of the minority though. >.> As I have said previously, you don’t have to like football to enjoy this but if you do it’s a double treat for you. The characters are hella interesting and filled with enthusiasm injections! Yeah, Bakuman was not the first one!
Runner’s up: Oofuri. Moar bishies? I’m so watching this.
ANIME OAVs/ OADs/ Movies
Favorite OAV/OAD
Yozakura Quartet: Hoshi no Umi
Even without watching the main series, I instantly liked this. I wanted to know more about them and that is the reason I’m downloading the main series right now. The character designs are very similar to Durarara!! so who knows I might get my Drrr! fix from this till the second season is announced. >.>
Runner’s up: Bungaku Shoujo Memoir. A girl who eats pages of books, yeah, I guarantee you there is a reason for it.
Favorite Movie:
Break Blade 2
It had everything that the movie one didn’t. Finally the background information was revealed and the characters were in a position to be related to. Also, amazing animation and this reminds me if only Production I.G would pick up some Type-MOON, I would faint in glee.
Runner’s up: Fata/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works. I am the bone of my sword~ Not the best of the paths but still entertaining.
Worst OAV of the Year
Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu
The biggest failure on the OVA planet by J.C. Staff. I followed this manga for a while (until the drama got too much for me) and at least the beginning part was interesting enough for making a full season on it but what do the fans get? A mix and match of ridiculous clips with weird transitions even putting fan-made AMVs to shame. I hear, there’s another in the making… Oh GOD, would this not END?! >.<’’
Most Overrated OAV of the Year
Black★Rock Shootaah~
I have to say the character design was brilliant and everything was top-notch except for the storyline. What kind of nightmare was that? If only they had put some more work in it. Ryo, do the stuff you are good at, man! Write some more awesome songs. >.>
>> Navigation
>> The Real Deal: This section highlights the real people behind the fandom, who make anime-watching a treat.
>> Music Goodness: All music related nominations of this year along with some live performances thrown in.
>> The Genre Game: Favourite anime series on the basis of genres with some OAV/OAD/Movies thrown in.
>> Unique Cookies: The many anime moments of 2010 that made this year a very fitting one to watch the many series that released.
About Kyokai
The Boss lady of Metanorn, who makes it all happen. An animanga enthusiast, who watches/reads almost anything that strikes her fancy. Just beware of her Death Perception and always keep her happy. Regularly found at @KyokaiTM & #[email protected].
POWUH: 800-899 and Self-proclaimed Manga Queen with 874 comments
~BY GOLLY I LOVED TO BE IN THAT BACKSTAGE PIC WITH THE CAST MEMBERS OF DURARARA *____*
I’d be all up on Hiroshi Kamiya HAHAHAWOW I didn’t know the person who directed Durarara!! did Kuragehime as well! That’s so amazing~
Loved the post Kyokai~ :3 We have similar tastes in Opening and Ending songs hahahaha, and I’ve been wanting to watch Tatami Galaxy since you started posting about it on the other year-ender posts. I need to check it out before my vacation is up~
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I KNOW RIGHT?! I would love to go and attend one of these!
Omori is Brains base’s brain child, he needs to direct more. He also directed Natsume Yuujinchou, one of my all time favourite anime.
Anyway, thanks and that means we should talk more about music over IM/skype! And Tatami Galaxy is so not your average anime but it is soooo worth watching. :3
*first post cookie*
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Wow O_O A really interesting post
Don’t even know what to say!!! I agree with your decisions on most of the ‘categories’, especially Durarara-concerned ones xD And boy, am I glad that I didn’t watch Seikon no Qwaster(you spell it like this, right???)
Once again, Happy New Year!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol, thanks! It took a lot of time but I had fun writing it. That’s Seikon no Qwaser and stay the hell away from it. One of the most weirdest storylines ever!
Hope you had fun on the New Year’s! ^^
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Thnx, I did)))) and didn’t regret it LOL
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Ohohooo~ Seems like you have a story there. :3
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Well…..
More or less :3
^________^
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I’m digging all the crazy categories. This is the way year-ender posts should be XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol! I just went on a rampage I think but damn fun to do it. xD
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 67 comments
haha, thank you for everything, Kyokai!
Cant wait for another year of Anime rants.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Aww, thanks chanda! The love of fandom is what moves me. :3
Also, expect more anime rants from here on forth. ^^
POWUH: Meta Resident and Yōko Fanboy with 1246 comments
I never actually though Hatsune Miku would get any mentions! xD GO KYOKAI~!! ahahaha And YES! Hikasa Yoko should totally win a Grammy award!!! x3
Naruto has a very interesting art to it and same goes for Bleach but I’m not sure why so many people hate it… is it because it’s too long? Fillers in the most awesome situations that you just wanna kill someone? xD I’ll agree with the last part… I hate fillers but no matter what I’ll still enjoy Naruto and Bleach (I’m speaking otu for all you Naruto and Bleach fanatics here!)
Ahh~ The girl band battle between HTT and Girl Dead Monster… Honestly I prefer HTT ^^ (of course…) but GirDeMo also had some strong points, I really loved the guitar and bass work going on and you can’t ignore the drums as well, but some of there songs aren’t to my liking… While on the other hand, HTT’s main vocalist is supposed to be Yui (but is more like Mio) has that happy uplifting feel to the songs they make, also some awesome bass guitar work, I’d love to play some of there songs. My favourite genre would be those uplifting happy songs with good guitar and bass work (stuff those sound effects shit…)
Kyokai, you should watch K-ON (just saying) if you have time I’ll recommend it ^^ BUT! Concerning Black Rock Shooter… am I the only person who actually liked the OVA? Sure the storyline was drifting into different places but either way I understood what they were trying to say and I think they did an alright job at it, the art work is exceptionally great and the fighting scenes… awesome…
Saeko: I AM WET!! LMAO!!! xD
Kyokai… The video you put up for Naruto Shippuden known as “Best AMAZING QUALITY” were you serious? (Pardon my rudeness)
I think I’ve just fallen in love with TK after seeing that video and.. omg, I’m actually tearing up from the last scene… nostalgic memories… T___T
Overall nice list Kyokai ^^
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh, Hatsune definitely deserves more than a mention. That live concert was nothing short of amazing.
I actually like Naruto and Bleach and catch up on manga whenever I get time, however I have stopped following the anime because well, I hate fillers and why watch something I have already seen? Also, for the best quality video, of course I had my sarcasm on. xD
I will watch K-On! someday but of course some day. And I liked the character design of BRS a lot but not the story whatsoever.
I had a lot of fun doing this list so glad you liked it. Dancing the shadows~ ^^
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 371 comments
Haha, this is like the ultimate sum-up of all your comments and tweets. That’s just AWESOME. xD
I would never have enough patience to do one of these on my own so I applaud you for organizing all this. I especially liked the genre page cuz I thought everything that was best under their certain categories fit. *very satisfied, nodnod* x)
Totally cracked up at the last page, too. And just to lovingly annoying you…HARAHETA! *smacked* xDDD;;;
Here’s to another good year ahead of ya, me hopes. *toasts* ;Db
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Hahahaa! You can call it the ultimate 2010 post for sure. xD
Actually the planning of this post took 2 days and same for actually writing it. Of course, I took a lot of breaks to rethink some title nominations and addition of a lot of silliness in the last page.
Thanks for the buck-up as always. <333 Hope you had an awesome New Year's and same for the coming days. *toasts back* ^^
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 304 comments
Oh Brains Base~ Brains Base makes me happy. But right now, Production I.G. is making me happier because they actually gave us a socond season! D:< Oh, I love both Takahiro Omori and Akiyuki Shinbou. Hehe, Shinbout gives us so much odd, SHAFTY goodness.
KYAAA!!! *-* Hiroshi Kamiya! Izaya, Ric, Araragi, Itoshiki-sensei, Otonashi! Oh, I adore him. I love Ono Daisuke too; his voice makes me melt. <3 Sakamoto Maaya's voice really is amazing and she's an amazing singer as well. Kana Hanazawa is so talented and she has such a sweet voice.
😮 The Miku preformance! It looks so real! *sigh* If only Miku and the other Vocaloids were real…
OHMYGOD!!! Yes, someone please be kind and sub the Durarara Seiyuu Cast Live. My most favorite seiyuu ever are RIGHT THERE and all I can do is listen to them speak a language that I can't completely understand, and smile stupidly.
Ah, GirlsDeMo. Love them to death! A
rakawa is totally the craziest (right after Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei) and most hilarious anime I've seen. Angel beats was my second favorite anime of the year. My favorite definitely goes to Durarara!
Shiki is certainly on my plan-to-watch list after hearing so many good things about it.
Awww, I liked BRS. I do agree that the story could have been much better though. I was expecting more action, more BRS, and more of the BRS world. O
h! I still need to watch the last episode of Kuragehime! D: But Kuragehime definitely comes in third as the best series of the year for me. Haha, and Kuranosuke is such an amazing trap! <3
Hehe, Izaya. I love him, but I hate him too. I mean, he's such a douche, but he's still totally awesome at the same time! Oh, and the Dollars totally rock! Man, TK is hilarious. xD
You have quite a nice list there and I agree with most of what is on it. I certainly hope that 2011 is as awesome as 2010 was.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I loved reading your comment! XD
It’s like my excitement was complimented with another excited reader. Awesome! <3
2010 was so better than 2009 anime-wise, now I have high hopes of 2011, which I still need to get used to writing. ^^
POWUH: iLurker with 18 comments
That clip from Shizuo makes me laugh ever time. Miku… I don’t hate her but I don’t like her either, though that hologram thing is amazing! Kuragehime sure exceeded our expectations, that is why I love it so much. The Tatami Galaxy, in my opinion, was overwhelming, that’s why I only watched the first two episodes, but I did won a prize so it’s worth mentioning. And Ajikan sang the OP and they are my favorite group, so they need to be recognized a little bit more.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh Shizuo! How I miss him sooo…. There was a time when I was not so ON with the whole Vocaloid thing but then I got introduced to Supercell’s nagi and I just love her voice. I don’t specially like all Miku songs but this live performance was more than amazing and thus had to be mentioned.
Tatami Galaxy is brilliant and Ajikan (I love, love them) should be the catalyst for you to give this another chance! xD
POWUH: 600-699 and Romance Expert with 652 comments
well at least you have yosuga no sora there. they’re your choices anyway and they’re still great.
special mentions:
in index/railgun, the only redeeming character there for me would be
biribirimikoto.seikon no qwaser: my first anime where I saw characters nude. im still stuck at ep 22, dont know when il ever pick it up again…
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Thanks! And Yosuga no Sora had to be there because I at least completed it and I loved its ED. I totally agree with the biribiri part and the reason for her nomination in the main lead. She is sooooo better than Index, who has been completely useless this season.
Props to you for actually going through that anime, I stopped after I saw the first episode. >.>
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
WHAT DAISUKE ONO IS NOT THE FIRST!!!??? *cry*
agree about everything in anime, except imuto because world god only knows. ugh, just…ugh.
i lol’ed when i read SnQ part, because i actually watched it until the end. no, it’s not for the ecchi. the ecchi is just fuckin gross. and the last three episode are just EEEWWWW. i watched ot for the sake of chemistry which i love SOO MUUCCCHHH
and male Sailor Moon should be the first. he can even change his hair color I WANT THAT ABILITY TOO.
and you should put yosuga no sora as the most dramatic incest porn of the year. HEHE.
and yay there’s another fan of izayaXshizuo!!! let yaoi conquer your mind! muhuahahaha!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Aren’t you happy already that he got the best fan favourite award?! It’s not like I hate him but I love Kamiyaan~ more. <3
Btw, what about imouto and TWGOK? They were good anime without any stupid incest unlike YnS, which was filled to the brim with it. >.>
I didn’t even know, was there chemistry involved in SnQ except for that iron manipulation theory?
And I CAN’T unsee all those Drrr! episode and thinking BL, even when I know Shizuo hates him so much that he would burn himself if he ever felt an inkling of attractions towards Izaya. I better read the light novels soon to clear my mind. xD
POWUH: iLurker with 2 comments
Naked lolis are fine alright!!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol! I knew it I was talking to the wrong people. xD
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 70 comments
underlying influence of Durarara on every page lol
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
To be expected definitely. xD
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
YAY! nice list here too love the crazy categories!
Agreed with IndexII were did all the awesome go! grr
Woooo Durarara!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol, thanks! I dunno what happened to Index… D:
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 222 comments
Aha! I was at the Durarara!! Live show <3 Hiroshi Kamiya was being so mean to Ono D after the show. The two of them were like.. Arguing. So cute right! She’s like.. Not even real. But I guess some of the songs are really nice.
I know how to play all the Favourite OPs and EDs that’re up there on the piano, heehee! Uragiri no Yuuyake is a pain to, though.
Nice stuff, though, Kyokai!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
You were THERE!!! Where are the pictures?! 0.0
These two have a lot of history together so who knows, why they were arguing. Anyway, Miku’s performance was amazing.
Also, wasn’t your instrument cello? How much more talented are you, loli?! xD
And, thanks. :3
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 190 comments
Nuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, you’re making my list grow Kyokai!!
Anyways I liked the Love Machine – Yoko Hikasa Ver.
Didn’t know about it cuz I haven’t followed Seikimatus yet but I’m dl’ing it atm.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
LOL! Mission accomplished! *strikes a pose*
Isn’t it better to watch MOAR animu? And yeah, Love Machine was awesome! ^^
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 107 comments
I *know* that you’re going to make Hiroshi Kamiya your Favorite Male Seiyuu! Aww, he’s just awesome in many ways. And love that pic you’re using for him xD
And I love Sakamoto Maaya too! Her voice, it’s so coooll~ She’s my fave female seiyuu beside Chiwa Saito 😀
And at least Break Blade win something! Rygart & Zess, they need more love! <3 <3
So Katanagatari win in Favorite Action, maybe I should add it in my 'plan to watch' list.
Overall, it's a pretty nice list, Kyokai-san! I had so much fun reading it ^^
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Hahaa! I know right. I fangirl over Kamiyaan and Maaya so much! And moar break blade for sure. When is the third movie getting subbed anyway? I wanted it last year! ;3;
Katanagatari is really, really good. Definitely more than worth a watch. Thanks, baka_girl-chan~ <333
POWUH: 1100-1199 and Meta's Evil rice-flour Product with 1137 comments
WHY ARE YOU SOOOO WISE, WOMAN *bows down in reverence for the metanorn goddess*
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Aww, shucks! Arigatou, Dan~ ^^
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 145 comments
on a shit-no-one-cares-about note, i also think that PnS and KIRABOSHI are top two picks for best theme song.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol! Then PnS wins~
POWUH: iLurker with 6 comments
Kyokai, thank you so much for giving Tatami Galaxy some props. It really saddens me to see how low it scored on the popular vote; critics on the other hand LOVE IT.
P.S. – Your earlier comment “Tatami Galaxy is so not your average anime but it is soooo worth watching.” The reason why it is worth watching, is because it isn’t average anime, it’s one of the greatest.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh man, forget about props it needs a goddamn APPLAUSE for being so awesome. If you check out my year-ender posts, I have pushed it throughout the categories, still it sadly didn’t get a lot of votes… =3=
It NEEDS MOAR LOVE, YEAH!
POWUH: iLurker with 2 comments
[…] haven’t I already done enough listing for 2010… From 10 categories to fan favourites and my personal version. Still, I wanted to get a varied opinion on that and what could be a better version that displaying […]