Dec18
2011 Year-Ender: Anime OPs
Time to unleash our Year-Ender Fan Favourite Awards and of course, Anime OP comes first. Vote away.
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Dun dun dun~ It’s that time of the year again when we look back and try to pin-point what really transpired. 2011 has been pretty happening even when earthquake raked Japan and we had the scare of many seiyuu missing (getting their sporadic updates in process). The anime engine never ceased production even at such dire times and we salute their professionalism. So, even with vacations and what not, our duty is to dish out best of the year and we’ll let our readers decide to make the cut. |
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Oh man, I can’t believe that the year is coming close to an end. Where did time go that we are at this point? Well wherever it went, I’m still behind… But yeah! Finally the Year-Ender Fan Favorite Awards are here and we’re starting with the opening theme songs. It was a tough one on which openings to nominate but those Meta teammates who had the time (especially to my aniki… Foshizzel), pulled through.
So, lets get this first Year-Ender event rolling. Check out the animes we nominated (in no particular order) and then vote for which you think is the best~! |
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[ 01 ] [ Level E ] “Cold Finger Girl” by Chiaki Kuriyama |
| Indeed, Level E was an underrated anime that didn’t get a lot of love from the viewers. But Kyo and I know how awesome this anime was. As well, that opening song was just so catchy and that whistling part too! Chiaki Kuriyama’s voice is just unique and the song matched the opening sequence of the anime so well.
//.ness |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 02 ] [ Kamisama Dolls ] “Fukanzen Nenshou” by Chiaki Ishikawa |
| However the anime pacing was, I was completely enthralled by the song since I first heard it. The angle-ridden animation really help the sequence blend in with the many characters. The reverberated line repeats is what really catches the ears.
//.kyokai |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ] |
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[ 03 ] [ Yumekui Merry ] “Daydream Syndrome” by Marina Fujiwara |
| While the anime had a hard time creating much of a plot or provide any amazing fight scenes.The opening has such a addictive song! The video shows a few spoilers about Merry’s unique powers and some of the important bad guys, not to mention all those stomach shots of Merry flipping and kicking. I just remember the opening had some amazing guitar solos in the song, I wish I could find a great remix of it somewhere.
//.foshizzel |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 04 ] [ Fate/Zero ] “oath sign” by LiSA |
| I’m pretty sure that no one hated Girls DeMo and LiSA being a part of them really shined in Angel Beats! No wonder she landed a big project of ufotable and she does a brilliant job in oath sign that spans across the Fuyuki city and many headquarters from where the participating masters hail. Also, an elaborate view of all servants all hyped up with the ‘fighting spirit’. What else do you want from a fast-paced sequence?
//.kyokai |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 05 ] [ Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko ] “Os-Uchūjin” by Erio o Kamatte-chan |
| Despite not liking the anime much. I did however love the opening! The music was very catchy and the singing was unique. As well, it all matched the whole weird theme of this series and along with the opening animation that showcases the eccentric cast.
//.ness |
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[ SPRING ’11 ] |
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[ 06 ] [ Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka? ] “Ma・Ka・Se・Te Tonight” by Iori Nomizu |
| Ooooh yes I have fond memories of Kore wa zombie desu ka! This is another series with a great opening with lots of visuals showing off all of characters. they even threw in a amazing scene of a battle with Aikawa and the others as they team up to take out some random monsters. I just remember listening to this opening over and over again after the first episode came out, it became so addictive for me.
//.foshizzel |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 07 ] [ Chihayafuru ] “Youthful” by 99RadioService |
| Oh this song. Always energizes me. Not just because it’s titled ‘Youthful’ but the amazing drums and upbeat music really plays well against the similar characters who are giving their all in getting better at Karuta. Who would have thought this nondescript title would be this awesome but it is, and if you are not watching this, time to catch up!
//.kyokai |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 08 ] [ Ao no Exorcist ] “Core Pride” by UVERWorld // “IN MY WORLD” by ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D |
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Core Pride Show ▼ IN MY WORLD Show ▼ |
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| It was really hard choosing between these two. I mean, c’mon… Both set the mood for what Ao no Exorcist had to dish out with even some moves from our characters. It portrays characters on the move and we know how much they move fighting demons and many other baddies. This is the one that will have you moving; no wonder it’s been performed in many cons already.
//.kyokai |
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[ SPRING ’11 ] |
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[ 09 ] [ Mawaru Penguindrum ] “Noruniru” Etsuko Yakushimaru |
LINKSorry, no video available on Youtube. |
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| Etsuko Yakushimaru has a beautiful voice. She sings with an almost detached quality to her voice that somehow comes across as ethereal instead of lifeless. It’s a mystery how she puts so much emotion into her songs. Noruniru is no exception, and it really is a great way to help you dive back into the Mawaru Penguindrum realm each episode. It’s also rife with symbolism and foreshadowing, so it’s worth watching with your eyes peeled.
//.overcooled |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ][ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 10 ] [ Persona 4 ] “Sky’s the Limit” Hiratat Shihoko |
| Best engrish OP award right here. That’s right, it’s entirely in english! It’s definitely one of the more unconventional OPs of the group, building off that Persona style of music that the games are so famous for. It’s like rap – but actually cool. Furthermore, the visuals in the video are top notch and just reeking of style. I think that’s where all the budget went.
//.overcooled |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 11 ] [ No.6 ] “Spell” by LAMA |
| I’ve literally become a LAMA fan with them performing at least two major titles this year; both are coincidentally bones shows. For Spell, it has the right amount of techno beat and crescendos to keep you on your toes while listening to this. The opening sequence really compliments the song as we see Sion and Nezumi growing up and how time changes them, but of course they will always be the nakama, who started their turbulent journey together.
//.kyokai |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ] |
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[ 12 ] [ Ano Hana ] “Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Galilei |
| Who can forget this song or even this series? Made so many of the fans cry buckets because you would always feel sorry for one or another character. Aoi Shiori really has everything to tug at your heartstrings and Galileo Galilei vocalizes all those emotions into this song. It’s complimented with the animation of character when they were kids and how they grow up, missing a friend who was lost to all of them.
//.kyokai |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ] |
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[ 13 ] [ [C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control ] “Matoryoshika” by NICO Touches the Walls |
| We might not have very many fond memories of actual series but the one thing that stands out above anything easily was opening. We are instantly hit with some fantastic visuals like a 3D city being built all around the main characters, and the use of money as a core theme adding more to the eye popping 3D elements. As for the song it really is a high energy theme starting out slow and quiet to instant rock and great singing by Nico Touches the walls.
//.foshizzel |
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[ SPRING ’11 ] |
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[ 14 ] [ Phi Brain ] “Brain Diver” by May’n |
| Brain Diver is just fun. It’s hyper, fast-paced and insanely addictive. I guarantee that you will have this badboy on loop for days on end. It’s so incredibly catchy and bouncy, that I had to include it on the list of nominees just to show some love for Phi Brain.
//.overcooled |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 15 ] [ Kimi ni Todoke S2 ] “Sawakaze” by Tanizawa Tomofumi |
| Personally I love Tanizawa’s voice so when he sang the opening for Kimi ni Todoke again, I was delighted. Sawakaze has meaningful lyrics and perfectly portrays the innocent love that Sawako and Kazehaya shares. Yep, you definitely feel the sweetness in the air, while hearing this song.
//.kyokai |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 16 ] [ Guilty Crown ] “My Dearest” by supercell
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Yeah yeah, not many people seem to like the story of this anime but we can’t let that change our minds about the music. I think by far this anime has a great OST along with that awesome opening song by supercell. Now, I haven’t listened to many songs by this artist but those that I have, I like and this is one of them. Aside from that, the incorporation of Inori singing these songs is always pretty cool but I can’t really say if the voice matches the character. But yeah, awesome song, voice and animated sequence to go with it.
//.ness |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 17 ] [ Mirai Nikki ] “Kuusou Merosogii” Yousei Teikoku |
| Nothing says “Horrific, yandere-ridden anime” like a macabre OP song filled to the brim with violent imagery. It’s not your typical OP that just blandly cycles through the characters you see in the show either. The frantic and almost chaotic rhythm really puts you in a killing mood~ Oops, got too excited there, haha..ha…ha…<_<
//.overcooled |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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Honorable Mentions: Show ▼
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In terms of rules, except for the OP/ED titles (because of respective release of albums), we are not including the series that haven’t finished airing as yet. We did an internal accumulation of nominations so you can see they are in no particular order. So… Vote away your top 7 choices for the Best Anime OP of 2011. |
2011 Year-Ender Fan Favorites: ANIME OPs (7 choices allowed)
- Level E: "Cold Finger Girl" by Chiaki Kuriyama (5%, 105 Votes)
- Kamisama Dolls: "Fukanzen Nenshou" by Chiaki Ishikawa (5%, 118 Votes)
- Yumekui Merry: "Daydream Syndrome" by Marina Fujiwara (4%, 76 Votes)
- Fate/Zero: "oath sign" by LiSA (8%, 167 Votes)
- Denpa Onna: "Os-Uchūjin" by Erio o Kamatte-chan (4%, 92 Votes)
- Kore wa zombie desu ka?: "Ma・Ka・Se・Te Tonight" by Iori Nomizu (3%, 65 Votes)
- Chihayafuru: "Youthful" by 99RadioService (4%, 94 Votes)
- Ao No Exorcist: “Core Pride” by UVERWorld // "IN MY WORLD" by ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D (9%, 200 Votes)
- Mawaru Penguindrum “Noruniru” Etsuko Yakushimaru (9%, 188 Votes)
- Persona 4 “Sky’s the Limit” Hiratat Shihoko (6%, 139 Votes)
- No.6: "Spell" by LAMA (5%, 100 Votes)
- AnoHana: "Aoi Shiori" by Galileo Galilei (8%, 171 Votes)
- [C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - "Matoryoshika" by NICO Touches the Walls (5%, 98 Votes)
- Phi Brain “Brain Diver” May’n (3%, 58 Votes)
- Kimi ni Todoke Season S2: "Sawakaze" by Tanizawa Tomofumi (5%, 106 Votes)
- Guilty Crown “Dearest” by supercell (9%, 204 Votes)
- Mirai Nikki “Kuusou Merosogii” Yousei Teikoku (9%, 189 Votes)
Total Votes: 2,170
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About Team Meta
We are the deadly team of Metanorn. When together, we usually come up with long, informative reviews and commentary. After all, we take fangirling seriously!
POWUH: 400-499 and Manly Russians lover with 401 comments
Whoah, no RPG? I don’t even remember the OP of C.
In any case, I’m glad My Dearest is winning. That song is boss.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
That’s an ED and yes, it will be on our list. How can we miss sfp? xD
POWUH: 400-499 and Manly Russians lover with 401 comments
That Hourou Musuko is an ED though?
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
Yeah it’s mistake~ Fixing it XP
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah I almost forgot about that C opening haha I just remember how awesome it looked! And a lot like Eden of the East style too very cool.
YES! Great song xD
POWUH: Metanorn Regular and Infamous Nekomata with 91 comments
Kuusou Merosogii all the way! It’s one of the few OPs that I never get bored of re-playing over and over. And, oh, so many memories from this year’s shows <3
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah! That is one amazing opening, I feel the same I have replayed it over and over again ahahah good stuff.
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 58 comments
“koko kara dashite kure matoryoshika!!”
^has been my ringtone for a while now XD boo to those that don’t remember it >_> lol
Hmm there were a lot of goods ops this year =)
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
C is great! Love that opening <3
Nice ringtone!
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 58 comments
GAH I just realized that Orion wo Nazoru from Tiger and Bunny isn’t on this list! DX that song made me love Unison Square Garden!
POWUH: iLurker with 5 comments
that is Hourou Musuko’s ending theme, right?
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
I never watched Hourou Musuko, so I didn’t notice it<_<; Fixing it in a few.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 131 comments
I was torn between voting for Aoi Shiori and My Dearest – glad to see that at least one of them is winning! Aoi Shiori tugs at my heartstrings, while My Dearest is even more epic than the actual anime (just because supercell really makes such epic-sounding love songs).
…my question, however, is how did Magia and/or Connect not get into the nominations?
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Magia’s definitely on the ED list, Connect got an honourable mention. :3
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 131 comments
*facepalm* Okay, stupid question. Of course Magia is an ED. Derp. Thanks for clearing that up! <3
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Wooot more love for My Dearest <3 <3
POWUH: 400-499 with 428 comments
Gah, when it said top 7 votes, I thought we could vote for 7, but alas, my job just got harder!!!
I mean, if we were allowed seven, it would defs be Oath Sign, Youthful, both AnE OPs, Sky’s the Limit, Aoi Shiori, Sawakaze and Kuusou Merosogii! Each of the songs appeal to me in different ways, from the bounce in Youthful and the pacing in Aoi Shiori and Sawakaze, to the ‘bump bump bump!’ of Sky’s the Limit and the murderous-inducing Kuusou Merosogii…kukuku…
Argh, if this is the OP post, I (almost) hate to see the list of EDs filled with awesome (Memoria & Beauty of Destiny~!)
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
You can vote for up to 7 OPS~ >_>;I’m sorry I edited the poll and it must have changed the choice amount to 1 again.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yep 7 openings! GO GO GO!
Yep those are some great openings right there! This was a great year for openings I can’t wait to see what next year brings out for us.
POWUH: 400-499 with 428 comments
Choice now seven OPs? Sugoi~ Yay!
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ and Vocaloid Fangirl with 363 comments
Yeah hehe same with Reaper, I thought we could vote for 7! xD
In the end I settled for My Dearest because the song is reeeally addictive and has stayed in my iPod favorite playlist ever since it was released *___*
Other than that I also liked Core Pride, In My World, Noruniru, Matroyoshka, oath sign and Sawakaze 8D The songs this year have been really impressive (Y)
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
Sorry again>< I didn't notice the option changed earlier. But yeah! My Dearest is a fav for me too XD I listen to it about 2 times a day when driving to and from work XD
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
No love for Kore wa zombie or Merry! T___T Just kidding I am happy so many people love My Dearest soooo goood! <3 <3
POWUH: 1000-1099 and Pirate King with 1048 comments
My top 3 are easily Sawakaze, Matryoshka and Funkanzen Nunsho. I mean they’re all good, but I gave the only vote to Kamisama Dolls for the fantastic animation style and music.
Had I gotten more acquainted with the second Tiger & Bunny OP, I’d a mentioned it earlier.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Very nice! Gotta love that Matryoshka opening so amazing <3 <3 Yeah Kamisama dolls had a great style for visuals ;D
Yeah I didn't really like to many of the Tiger and Bunny openings or endings but ya the music was great!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Same with Reaper and Miyu, I thought we could vote for 7 OPs at one time.
This choice is far worse than ANTM. After all the hard contemplating, I finally went with My Dearest. More than two months have passed and I can’t get it out of my head. It’s just plain addictive. I listen to it whenever I have free time.
My runner-ups are: Kuusou Merosogii, Core Pride, In My World, Brain Diver, Sky’s the Limit, Ma・Ka・Se・Te Tonight and Oath Sign. The OPs for 2011 have really been awesome.
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
Nuuuu another victim to my n00b poll mistake >_>; It should be fixed now, if only you waited a few seconds~ Sorry><; But yay again for My Dearest haha
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
SAW EVERYTHING something something my world? Ahahah I love that part of the song, I can’t wait to see what they do with a 2nd opening! Or will they get lazy and continue with this one…
YAY! Kore wa zombie desu ka! Gotta love it and Brain Diver…that is another great song xD
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
There was so much OP and ED goodness this year!
No Usagi Drop – Sweet Drops? I am sad.
My favorites for this year, in no particular order, are:
Ano Hana “Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Galilei
Kimi ni Todoke S2 “Sawakaze” by Tanizawa Tomofumi
Guilty Crown “Dearest” by supercell
Usagi Drop “Sweet Drops” by Puffy
Hanasaku Iroha “Hana no Iro” and “Omokage Warp” by nano.RIPE (these two really grew on me)
Gundam Age “Ashita e” by Galileo Galilei (horrible anime, great song)
Persona 4 “Sky’s the Limit” by Hirata Shihoko
Looking forward to more FABULOUS MAX music in the new year!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Aww yeah Usagi drop was decent, but I always skipped it…guess I wasn’t a fan of it but I know a lot of people are.
I love the openings of Ano Hana and Gundam AGE and Galileo Galilei always do fantastic work I hope to hear them again in winter.
Wooo! More love for Guilty Crown <3
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Also surprised School Food Punishment didn’t make the list.
Un-Go “How to Go” by School Food Punishment
It’s on my playlist at the moment, it’s probably at the “like” stage and I need to listen to it a few more times before I make a decision. Definitely a solid song however.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah that is a great opening for Un-Go, and that ending is also great 😉
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 99 comments
You guys covered almost everything good. I think I preferred the second PenguinDrum OP to the first, and I love Usagi Drop’s Sweet Drops but other than that, most of my top OPs are on here. Great post! 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Wooo! Thank you Renn we tried to get a bit of everything, 2nd penguin OP is good like really good! Thanks 😉
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 26 comments
Pretty great list. I did love the C and Penguindrum OPs! Especially the theme for Penguindrum. I haven’t kept up with too much lately, but after watching the Mirai Nikki OP it makes me really want to watch it. Not ’cause of the splashing blood of course…I mean…but I was already wanting to watch it since I read the manga but seeing that OP topped it for me.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Thanks! Teamwork ftw <3
C and Penguindrum have some great openings I love the animation for them, oh god that Mirai Nikki OP so good! Ahaha yeah the blood just adds to the awesome just like BloodC something about chicks and blood...xD
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 207 comments
I’ve got to admit, no matter how much Guilty Crown dissapointed, it didn’t dissapoint on the matter of Music, with Supercell and Hiroyuki Swano. Yeah totally badass combo right there. So I think that My Dearest should get best opening, though I did like AnE, Mawaru Peguindrum, and Persona 4’s openings too 🙂
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Guilty crown music is always amazing! Just with the anime was good…anyway yes Supercell <3 <3
I love the lyrics to the P4 Opening hahah they are always great to read along with ;P
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 25 comments
Denpa Onna’s is my choice if I’m ever on the edge of despair and want a realize to take my life.
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 25 comments
The mere thought of Denpa Onna’s awful OP made me temporarily mistake “realize” for “reason”.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Ahahah the denpa infection is spreading! SAVE US T___T
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
Glad I’m not the only one who’s not so fond of that song. It’s just… Bleh.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
That Denpa Onna OP! That song will get stuck in your head so easily…I know it did for me.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular and Bassun-yo~ with 118 comments
I think Ano Hana’s OP is probably my favourite, since it was quite a memorable one haha. But looking at this list, there are a LOT of quality ones. Can’t wait to check out the EDs though since most of my favs are there XD
But where is Un-Go’s awesome SFP OP!? XD
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Ano Hana OP not to bad, yeah we usually end up loving any opening tied to our series we pick for reviewing! Like Guilty Crown for me and Working!! for tag team xD
True! I think it might be because none of us are reviewing it, that might be why it fell through the cracks on the final list…or we just forgot.
POWUH: 800-899 and Self-proclaimed Manga Queen with 874 comments
~I’m next in line at the people wondering why there’s no school food punishment on this list. Their song for UN-GO was great!
My favorite OP is definitely Noruniru. I get so entranced listening to it, like I’m being sucked into some celestial realm. My other favorites are both the Ao no Exorcist OPs (of course) and the Ano Hana Op. I almost always want to tear up every time I hear the first few seconds of Aoi Shiori.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
I have no idea why T___T Guess we just forgot…
Yep! Both Ao No Exorcist OPs were great very fitting for the series same for Ano Hana great stuff 😉
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 199 comments
Meta team, some links broke.
I voted for Mirai Nikki OP – it’s already one of my personal favs of all time. Great song, great animation and something that makes me watch it every time.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Thanks for the heads up! We will fix them.
Nice! That is a addictive opening, and yeah great animation.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 83 comments
Nuuuuuuu! All of my favourites ended up in the honourable mentions section! But I voted for Denpa Onna’s OP, Penguindrum’s, Anohana’s, CORE PRIDE and Persona. I get goosebumps every time i hear the Anohana OP and can’t help but drum along to the beat for Pride Core.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
All great choices Star!
POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments
Well I voted for the songs that are currently on my iPod. which were only 6. I would have picked 7 if 1 of Nichijou’s OP’s was nominated.
Still this is one if the first times I found it easy to vote for something. So happy 🙂
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah that is one way to vote, there are some great songs on this list 😉