Number 1: Shakugan no Shana.

Shana started off strongly, but disappointingly tapered off towards the ending of the series, resulting in the show being written off as mediocre, a disappointment given that J.C. Staff is known for their quality. However, Shana-chan herself remains strong in the fandom scene and the antics of the tsundere, melonpan-addict loli still garners a lot of fandom around, with the “Urusai! Urusai! Urusai!” trademark line of hers and also the unquestionably funny Shana-tan DVD specials, even managing to fight her way up to the Quarterfinals of the Saimoe’06.

Number 2: Fate/Stay Night

Ahh.. Fate/Stay Night… how awesome it could have been. Alas however, Studio DEEN failed us all, especially on the infamous “mana-replenishment” scene, which got toned down, for the fear of parental objection when the show is inevitably licensed to North America, and replaced with a cheesy dragon. Still, the show had it’s saving graces, mostly in the form of dynamite tsundere, Rin Tohsaka, and her ass-kicking servant, GAR.. Archer. C’mon, HE coined the term GAR.

Number 3: Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora

Given it’s 6 episode run, it’s more fitting that it should’ve been given a full run instead. Yet, this bittersweet romance story between a sick girl and a sick boy, who met in a hospital, did a lot more than what it could’ve done in 6 episodes. It’s an admirably well-done story, and the ED still manages to evoke a tear to my eye when I listen to it.

Number 4: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.

Emo facial contortion anyone? Probably one of the most shocking and horror thriller shows in anime in recent times, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni unfortunately also fell in to a steady decline after the shocking first two arcs of the show. Nevertheless, the mystery of Hinamizawa remains a compelling watch, if just to find out the truth in the end, with all the weird theories being thrown out, especially in the final two arcs.

Number 5: Black Lagoon

Unarguably one of the best action anime of recent times, and undoubtedly this year, Black Lagoon was an all-out fun ride of guns, pirates and gangster wars. While the budget undeniably went in to the choreography, the plot was there too and written quite well, whether when it dealt with some serious issues or just as a cause for more guns to be fired and things to be blown up. Black Lagoon is definitely a show well enjoyed by going along with the ride.

Number 6: Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru.

Fittingly, after popularizing the phenomenon of traps, Otoboku is definitely one of the influential shows of 2006. The sordid premise of a guy, forced by his grandparents will, to play dress-up and attend an all-girls school, did particularly well for focusing on the characters that surrounded Mizuho-chan, and while the ending might have been a disappointment to many, I found it a very good one instead, since it didn’t ended on a “forced” note to pair up Mizuho with any of the girls that surrounded him. The performance of Yui Horie as Mizuho will be one of her notable roles in the future, undeniably.

Number 7: NHK ni Youkoso.

A title that deals with a subject matter that strikes close to the heart of many otakus (this blogger included), hikikomorism, the anime adaptation has long been awaited. Initial concerns were raised when it was discovered that Gonzo would be handling it, given their reputation in recent times, but I’m pleased to say that my hopes were not dashed. Of course, the production quality of the show bombed many times throughout it’s run, but thankfully, the story remained solidly one foot in the ground, tackling a lot of social malaise’s that have struck Japan in the aggressive rush to the future, and in the center of it all, Tatsuhiro Satou, a very human character that personified the many negative sides of a human, but yet in the end, still manages to stand back up and face the challenges, slowly but surely. I would also give kudos to the performance of seiyuu Yui Makino as Nakahara Misaki, and I’m looking forward to her future career up ahead.

Number 8: Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu

If I had to name a show that represented 2006, no doubt SHnY will be the first name I come out with. There was absolutely no fanfare about the title at all, up to the week it aired, except for a few that noticed it was being done by the gods, Kyoto Animation. And true to their reputation, KyoAni literally created a “Big Bang” in the otaku scene, with the story of an eccentric girl, bored of the world, in search of otherworldly beings to literally bring excitement to the world. She might not have managed to create the excitement she originally aimed for in her own dimension, but in ours, she has definitely spiced up the lives of countless fans, and now rightly claims to be the most marketable brand name in the industry, perhaps only eclipsed by more, commercially focused shows, such as Bleach.

Number 9: Zegapain

Initially neglected by the torrent that was Suzumiya Haruhi, I’m glad to have discovered this little gem by Sunrise, who have, in many ways, disappointed it’s own fans recently. Zegapain, however, shows that Sunrise still possesses a considerable amount of talent at it’s disposable, just don’t let them near the marketing executives. The story and setting of Zegapain is undeniably compelling and exuded an exceedingly melancholic feel, while the clincher of the show lies in it’s main characters, from the spunky Kyo Sogoro, the enigmatic Misaki Shizuno (the best role of Ayako Kawasumi, to date) and the cute and innocent Ryoko Kaminagi (wonderfully done by newcomer Kana Hanazawa). The exceedingly awesome accompaniying OP and ED songs also made Zegapain, all in all, an extremely awesome package to watch.

Number 10: Simoun.

While Suzumiya Haruhi might have been the representative title of 2006, by no means it’s the best show of the year, rightfully belonging to Simoun instead. Sadly promoted as a “yuri fanservice” title, which till now still sticks in the minds of many, Simoun quickly showed a depth rarely seen in anime titles nowadays. The cast was purely all female-voiced, the setting of the series was done wonderfully well, the battle instruments are most probably the most unique ever seen in recent times, and the way the show was presented was absolutely top-notch. Combining the evergreen themes of human suffering in times of conflict and the uncertainty of stepping in to adulthood from youth, Simoun told a very complex story, but yet a very compelling one, once it is understood.

©2009 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Kimitachi ni wa… imagoro doku ni iru darou…bokutachi no… eien no shoujo wa…

So thus Simoun ends, as one of the best but underrated shows this year. I have my dislikes about the ending (mainly, because it ends), but overall, still made of awesome and win. Still can’t believe I only started this like 4 days ago, and now, it’s like an obsession, with Chor Tempest adorning my desktop and the OST put on full repeat.

So, taking in the episode’s title to heart, I’m going to present some portraits of the cast members, 10 years in the future.

Starting off, Limone and Dominura are still in the past, and Limone has matured finely. *Now*, she really does fit Noto’s profile :). While Dominura seems to have not chosen a sex yet, and appears to be exhibiting the signs that Onashia had.

Limone.

Dominura.

Wauf is still the captain of the Messis, but it’s freight ship now apparently, with Morinas working under him too. And speaking of that, Morinas x Waporif fans, rejoice! Both of them are married happily now, with a child and one more coming soon too ;).

Wauf, awesome as usual.

Morinas.

Waporif.

Paraietta now runs an orphanage, with help from Rodoreamon, who has taken over her family business.

Paraietta & Rodoreamon.

Alti and Kaimu, meanwhile, are both living happily together with their family.

Alti & Kaimu

Neveril Eyecatch.

Break time now, for the awesome eyecatches. Too bad NegativeZero doesn’t want to do more Simoun vectors :(. I would love this to be my wallpapers.

Aaeru eyecatch.

Back on track, Yun continues to be Onashia’s replacement at the Spring. I do wonder if she doesn’t get tired of standing and holding that cradle all the time :P.

Yun-sama

Floe, or now, Floef, lives in the countryside somewhere nearby the now sunken Arcus Prima, making a living on cultivating strange vegetables. Vyura, or Vyuraf, seems to be close to her… sorry, him, and with a new war lurking on the horizon, both of them are set to be on opposing sides, unfortunately. Seriously, I still can’t think of Floe as a guy. She was the last ever person I thought would be a guy in the end. Her masculine look now really, really feels weird.

Floef,looks very weird.

For the fangirls, Anubituf and Guragief, undoubtably the resident bishounens, look even more handsome now. God, I can already hear the swoons of the fangirls over them. As for me, my thoughts are, “These are definitely characters I’d wished they were women instead, but man… I think I might fall for them as guys as well.”. I think they’ll make a whole new catagory of trap by themselves.

Anubituf & Guragief, the new GAR’s.

Simoun’s ending was….. ambigious, to put it in a way. No clear resolution was given to the fates of Aaeru and Neviril, and instead, I guess we get to interpret it in any meaning that we like. But it’s not to say, it wasn’t good, instead, it was awesome enough to make me feel sad that this great series is ending. Particularly my favourite parts were when the Morning Calm Ri-Maajon was performed out by the Highland Simouns to bid farewell to them and the Neviril x Aaeru dance sequence outroing to the _rakugaki_ of the Chor Tempest members on the living quarters of the now sunken Arcus Prima, over the tune of the theme song, Youen naru Kizuna no Hibiki. (would’ve loved to post out the full _rakugaki_ but I can’t photoshop, so meh :P.)

©2009 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Caught up to episode 25 now, and even though the episodes wasn’t as awesome, still there were quite a few shocks and surprises here and there….

(Warning: Massive spoilers ahead)

Like on how the Emerald Ri-Maajon actually is a one shot time-travelling roulette, Dominura and Limone being the ones that actually set off the current chain of events (Time Paradox anyone?), the secrets of the Onashia and Yun becoming her successor, and etc. etc. Man… can’t wait for the final episode tonight to see how it’ll be all capped off. Extremely crazy to think that I actually caught up in the span of 3 days or so, XD.

So far, Simoun is now a strong contender for “Most Awesome Show” this year. I mainly attribute this to the direction it took, being a extremely character driven show. Everyone had almost equal focus upon and none were given too much attention to leave the others forgotten. To prove this point, in the span of just 3 days watching, I’ve remembered all the Chor Tempest’s members names, despite being extremely bad with names lately, and when I think of Chor Tempest, I think of all the members, instead of only recalling a single figure head character.

Ah… well… enough for now. I will leave the rest for when I post on the finale. In the meantime, I can’t bloody stop listening to the OST’s, most notably the “Shin Tenchi e Tobira” tracks of Denen and Tenohira no Melody(which by the way, is too damned short). Oh, and some extra stuff too, the chichikurabe chart and the height comparision chart. Gotta love Limone’s height :). Also, interesting, character popularity chart from episode 11 to 19, in tribute to Mamiina.

©2009 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Holy. Shit.

(Warning: Spoiler ahead)

Not many deaths in anime stand as memorable to me, but somehow, Mamiina’s one is so…. honourable, particularly her death expression.

Now, suddenly… the relationship chart seems to rude and inconsiderate.

Well, 6 more episodes left till it ends. The person who shot down her coffin had better have a good explanation on why it was done.

©2009 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Click for larger version.

I now present to you the official Simoun relationship chart! (God, this chart is just made of blunt truth and win.)

Anyways, I reached episode 13. Yeah, that was a big fuck-up there by Aaeru. I’m like… “OH SHI….!! NOOOO…!!”.

Still, I haven’t find her detestable yet. She somewhat…. does not irritate even when screwing up.

©2009 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

(I initally wanted to make the title in English, but “Being Beautiful is Enough” sounds weird to me some how)

Now, as I said in my Za Paper post, I’ve started up on Simoun, with some initial encouragement from Jeff :). Initially, I tried watching raw but I gave up after the first episode as I couldn’t endure watching through it’s jargon filled self without guides.

I’m up to episode 09 now, and although I won’t be saying it’s the best show of the year yet, but I find it quite an entertaining watch. God damned trying hard not to get myself wiki-spoiled now.

But man… there really are no guys in that world. Simoun is the only anime so far now that I’ve watched that does not have a single male seiyuu yet. The cast list is really all female. Quite a few surprising roles for some of my favourite seiyuu’s in there which I did not really notice, like Nana Mizuki’s Morinas. And yes, Noto Mamiko’s Limone kinda feels weird at first, but it’s starting to grow on me.

I must say one thing too… Simoun’s theme track, Youen Naru Kizuna Hibiki, is made of accordians(?) and win. And Aaeru is a really awesome character. She carries a perfect balance of tomboyiish stubborness with a mature grace, making her one of the most intriguing and interesting characters I’ve seen in a while that doesn’t try to conform to the current moé stereotypes.

©2009 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.