Kept you all waiting huh?

I know it has been a while and I can explain in better detail in a future post. But for now, I think it’s about time I go through the entirety of my retrospective of the anime I managed to go through in 2021 in my usual setup. So let us not any more time!

BEASTARS 2

I can’t believe I would put a CGI anime filled with anthropromorphic animals in such high regard over a lot of anime that came out this year, but here we are. The first season was a surprisingly great character story with CGI animation that didn’t look cheap looking compared to similar shows of the past. Now with the 2nd season, I’m a full blown fan of this series. Does that make me a furry now? I don’t care now.

Grade: A-

Blue Period

Looking at what this anime was about, it seemed interesting for someone like me who considers himself an admirer of the arts. However, what I got was largely a boring slice of life with characters that couldn’t blossom out of their cliched existences.

Grade: C+

Bokutachi no Remake

It’s nice to watch an anime that surprises you in a good way when you have no clue what to expect. Going back in time to try to pursue your passions instead of following the trend of what’s considered success always struck a chord with me.

Grade: B-

Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

When I say that this is an isekai with the political/economic intrigue of Spice and Wolf, that may seem like I’m putting it on that level. I assure you, I’m not. It’s still an isekai anime through and through, but there are at least some areas they put some effort to make it at least stand out from the rest.

Grade: B-

Heike Monogatari

I never read the famous story that this is based on. So going into this blind was a pretty interesting experience. Makes me want to read the actual story in its written form. Which I guess makes it a success in that regard.

Grade: B

Heion Sedai no Idatentachi

An example of style over substance but not in a good way. Not that it’s bad by any means, there are some fun aspects to be had. But I feel like it just needed something extra for it to garner any intrigue from me.

Grade: B-

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu + Gou

I had to put these two together because it’s impossible not to. I actually enjoyed Sotsu for what it was despite the somewhat clunky narrative and I liked the different art designs they went with to make the colors and character designs pop more. But then I watched Gou, and it just completely fell apart from the absolutely pointless way they made Satoko the main villain and her reasonings for being evil to be asinine to the nth degree. I know it’s cliched to complain about cash grabs at this point because studios have been doing it for the past 10 years, but good lord at least put in the effort is all we ask.

Grade: C-

Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san

When I heard about this getting an anime adaptation, I was worried. There have been way too many shows that adapt a manga with a meme waifu you see on Twitter and so forth that turn out to be trash or plain mediocre. Thankfully this was not the case for Nagatoro-san. I loved almost every single minute of it to the likable interactions with her and the male protagonist and every other character that pop up to spice up the comedy.

Grade: B+

Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu Ω

Seeing that this was only going to get ten episodes, I knew this was going to be trouble. That goes to show a series isn’t performing to expectations financially and we will probably never get another season. It was still decent for what it was. The new characters really did not do much to elevate the case and compared to the girls of the first season they’re forgettable to say the least.

Grade: C+

Kanojo mo Kanojo

Another harem waifu bait anime? No thanks.
*Sees Ayana Taketatsu, Rie Takahashi, Ayane Sakura, and Azumi Waki as the main girls*
Wait, never mind.

Grade: B-

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maidragon S

More Maidragon, no problems. And with more booba too.

Grade: A-

Komi-san wa, Komyushou desu.

I didn’t think it was possible to have one girl and one gimmick carry a show. I could watch her cute anxious face all day.

Grade: B+

Mairimashita! Iruma-kun 2

This is quickly becoming a new favorite shounen anime that’s come out in the past 10 years. Coming from someone who doesn’t watch a ton from this demographic.

Grade: A-

Mieruko-chan

I was concerned that this joke would die off after a few episodes. But no, it does manage to do some quirky dark humor gags to make the show watchable.

Grade: B

NOMAD: Megalo Box 2

I’m sorry. I just do not get the hype for NOMAD.

Grade: C

Odd Taxi

However, this hype was something that I got immediately. It sure has been a renaissance for anthropomorphic animals in anime shows. Like if you mixed Taxi Driver and Beastars, only less darker and less sexy.

Grade: A-

Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta… X

I don’t know why but this felt like a step back. Maybe it’s because the comedic gags have fallen flat or the sight of a female-led isekai has worn out its welcome.

Grade: C

Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi

The cutest rom-com of the year, I will not be taking any questions any further. Thank you.

Grade: A-

Seirei Gensouki

Boring isekai is boring. Art is nice at least.

Grade: C+

Sentouin, Hakenshimasu!

Made by the same creator who did Konosuba. Essentially it’s the same thing, except this just feels like Konosuba but the characters aren’t as memorable and the jokes don’t hit as hard as you’d want them to. Not a bad sit by any means but I was expecting something of a good appetizer while waiting for the next Konosuba season.

Grade: C+

Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid

Man 3D-animation has come a long way for anime, hasn’t it? A touching romance with the interesting premise of living with the ability to kill anything with a touch.

Grade: B+

Slime Taoshite 300-nen, Shiranai Uchi ni Level Max ni Nattemashita

Cutesy anime with girls that have personalites of fucking bricks. Seriously forgettable.

Grade: C+

Sonny Boy

One of those anime that I feel like I should like it but for whatever reason was bored halfway through and didn’t care whatsoever. Sorry, Shingo Natsume, try harder next time.

Grade: C+

takt op.Destiny

We all know Gacha games are cancer. But you know what’s worst? Anime trying to sell you gacha games.

Grade: C-

Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken 2nd Season Part 2

My boy Rimuru going dictator on all y’all’s asses. Don’t fuck with my boy.

Grade: B+

Tensura Nikki: Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken

A fun spin off through and through. A nice needed chill watch before the action begins.

Grade: B+

Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu

A very self aware isekai that does some cool things with the protagonist than just him being an overpowered god.

Grade: B

Vanitas no Carte

Cute vampire boys are always nice to watch. Put them in a steampunk setting with an interesting premise for a story and you a surefire win for an anime.

Grade: B

Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

I’ll admit, the premise is incredibly cheesy. But the character story involving Vivy and her evolution really made me love the anime for what it was trying to do. While flawed in it’s pacing, it does get the job done to pull in the emotional impact in the end.

Grade: A-

Yuukoku no Moriarty Part 2

Moriarty being Moriarty. What more could you ask for?

Grade: B+

Zombie Land Saga: Revenge

I might have mentioned this before when I talked about the previous Zombie Land Saga season, I’m not one to go for idol anime. But when it does something different in its setting or characters, it will always have my intrigue.

Grade: B+

5-Toubun no Hanayome ∬

I don’t care how toxic the fanbase for this anime is. I will take more seasons of this til the day I die.

Grade: A-

86: Eighty Six

Mecha that is more grounded in modern era rather than a super futuristic, space opera setting doesn’t come around that often. This almost reminds me of the game Valkyria Chronicles in both fo their themes about oppression, war, racism, etc. In a great way of course. This had me hooked from the first episode and it never stopped. It makes me super hyped to know what will happen in the 2nd season.

Grade: A-