Well, it’s been a month since the new season of anime started. From gun-riding witches to butt-bumping sports, the Fall 2016 season has been full of different genres of anime available via FUNImation, Crunchyroll, and The Anime Network. After keeping watch on several series, I’ve decided to compile my personal favorites for the season thus far. Depending on your view, it’s fortunate/unfortunate that all of this is via the Crunchyroll app for android devices. Unfortunately, the FUNImation app doesn’t like my device. If I get a chance to add FUNI to my list next month, it will be there. For now, let’s continue with this month’s picks!
– Sound! Euphonium, Season 2 –
For anyone that has seen and loved the first season, this is absolute gold. The storytelling remains from Kumiko’s POV and the first four episodes so far have moved away from the core group of characters from the last season very slightly. Kumiko and Reina are, of course, very prominent. Sapphire and Kazuki have taken a step back in the series (save for singing the ED with Reina and Kumiko), but this allowed character growth from others in Kitauji High School’s concert orchestra as well as the edition of a completely new character. The character development is strong in the series with several side characters from the previous season being developed this season. The OP and ED are catchy, as well. I hope the series continues strong for the rest of its run. I truly recommend this entire series to everyone.
– Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku / Magical Girl Raising Project –
To be honest, the first two episodes made me think it was a retelling of Madoka Magica. In fact, I still feel that, but there’s something about this series that makes me want to keep going. It’s a death game for magical girls (and La Pucelles) that both depresses you and raises hopes. It’s a little early in the story to make complete judgments, so I’ll wait til next month to do that. The animation is beautiful, but again, just makes me think Madoka. Hopefully, this series stands out more on its own merit for me in the future.
– Natsume Yuujinchou Go / Natsume’s Book of Friends, Season 5 –
If you haven’t watched any of the previous seasons, go watch them. Then watch this. Love it. The series continues with it’s pace of storytelling and makes me want to keep watching. The serious comedy is perfectly used. Keep watching to learn more of this wonderful world and that’s all I’ll say for now.
– Flip Flappers –
Pure, unadulterated fun. It reminds me heavily of FLCL with slightly less-rushed storytelling. (If you think Flip Flappers is fast-paced, you’ll never keep up with FLCL.) Colorful and unique among this list of anime, I’m looking forward to more of this series. It’s definitely wacky enough for me.
-Sousei no Onmyouji / Twin Star Exorcists –
Not really from this season, as it premiered in Spring, but it’s still good enough for an honorable mention. The story is progressing and seems to be hitting another dramatic high. To be honest, the series feels more like it would be better marathon’d than watched week-by-week, but I haven’t dropped it yet since I picked it up in the middle of its run last season. I also prefer this month’s OP greatly.
– Shuumatsu no Izetta / Izetta, the Last Witch –
Extremely strong contender for Anime of the Season (AOTS) for me, personally. First off, SHE RIDES FREAKING GUNS AND JAVELINS! Yes, she originally rode brooms, but the current timeframe in the series has her riding on an assortment of modern weaponry. Set in the time frame of an alternate World War II, Shuumatsu no Izetta is telling the story of the country of Eylstadt and its resistance to the invading Germanian Empire. So far, the series has made a solid stance as my personal favorite this season. With an assorted cast of characters, including a miniature maid made of pure love (Yes, I’m calling waifu-material this early; she may end up becoming my first), and a lovely art-style, I have high hopes for Izetta and am already advocating for a second season. Oh. And she can throw tanks at you. Plus, the OP kicks ass.
– Bloodivores –
I’m not sure on this one. I’ll keep watching, but so far, I feel as if nothing has been told yet in four episodes. It may need just a few more episodes, but if it’s only a 1-cour series, the storytelling is a bit slow for me. Virtually an honorable mention.
– Poco’s Udon World –
So much yes on this series. Inadvertent child raising anime seem to be my weakness. Poco is so cute and loveable and is going to end up teaching our main character much about himself and others just by him raising her. It reminds me of Usagi Drop and Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai and even Barakamon (though, Handa didn’t have to raise that girl in that show). With its awesome OP starting you out with each ep, I also end up hungry after headbanging and moving my body too much. Perfect series to make you hungry for more in terms of story and food.
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This season is jam-packed with series that have started off strong enough for me to watch them so far. I’m looking forward to the next month of watching. Hopefully, nothing here gets dropped, but there’s always that option. Until next month, my friends!
