Favorite Anime of 2008 Survey: Staff Picks!
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Himitsu
I wasn't particularly fond of 2008, but that doesn't mean that it was bad. I know that I wasn't too impressed with the anime I sampled, or perhaps I didn't even sample enough. However, I know that I was much more enthusiastic about my picks from last year, 2007, than this year. It's unfortunate that there's just so little time to watch them all though. For example, I would have loved to complete Eve no Jikan or Shigofumi.
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Kure-nai
5th place
You know. I actually have no idea how Kure-nai kept me wanting to watch each episode. I cannot pinpoint what made this anime so enjoyable. Truly. Almost every aspect that make up an anime, I'd describe as just "good". In my opinion, I think I enjoyed Kure-nai a lot because Murasaki was so loveable. I was curious to see how she would interpret and respond to her new lifestyle. Having Shinkurou as her sworn protector also perked up the engaging factor. I think Kure-nai had wonderful art and animation, but didn't take advantage of that enough. The fight scenes were impressive, but short. The events that occurred were simple, but somehow urged me to want to watch more. Great series, with witty humour.
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Soul Eater
4th place
Soul Eater blends delicious elements into a powerful mix. There's shounen-style action, delectable fanservice, comedy, good music, and of course a great set of characters. The interactions are hilarious, and the characters drive is strong. The execution involves zooming in and focusing on only a small set of characters. There is no real main character then, well, I guess Maka and Soul are. Unfortunately, the most annoying downfall of Soul Eater is Maka's voice work - her efforts are terrible. Anyway, one of these characters are bound to be within your top favourite characters list. Watch!
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Skip Beat!
3rd place
Beautiful work for this anime. Well, the animation and art stills aren't very impressive, but the feeling you get from watching Skip Beat is wholesome. I really like the main character. Though she is the energetic "never-give-up" attitude. She isn't a cookie-cutter type. In fact, she's one that can no longer express love. You experience all sorts of emotions watching this; humour (of course!), sorrow, drama, even revenge. The themes run deeper than what is surfaced. Also, I think the most attractive component, is the competitive feel. I'm always looking forward to what Kyoko manages to think up and perform.
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Nodame Cantabile: Paris-Hen
2nd place
Oh Nodame~ This is even more funny than the first season. We've seen Nodame's antics in Japan, now just imagine her in the heart of Paris. It was utterly hilarious on how Nodame grasps on the French language. She overwhelms an otaku by replaying her favourite anime over and over. Whilst all these adventures are occurring, Paris-hen still tickles you with excellent piano pieces. They even play fully orchesstrated music. My goodness! I would have been happily satisfied with just the awesome cast of characters and heavenly music, however, this anime also brings you some neat romance. It won't be the corny, rabu rabu, romance. It's quite subtle, but sweet.
Je t'aime~!
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Natsume Yuujinchou
1st Place
This is a great series which just about anyone can enjoy. I think this would be a great starter anime as well. It's adventurous, funny, and has perks of the supernatural. It actually reminds me of the game Okami in that there are side themes of getting more people to believe in Gods, etc. Natsume is a pretty uninteresting and indifferent guy, but what really brings the entertainment is Nyanko-sensei (the cat!). No need to justify why Nanko is so awesome - he's a plump cat! He's quite arrogant, powerful, and silly. Natsume Yuujinchou has a pretty unique premise, and it's easy to follow. What makes this my favourite of 2008 thouh, is the interaction between Natsume and Nyanko; good times~
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Jsy3k
I should say that 2008 was not a very good year for any anime lovers. I found out that I was watching more of the past year's anime than this year's due to its lack of variety of great anime display in 2008. Although feeling a little bit disappointed, there were also great series that shone brightly and bringing some great entertainment for our viewing pleasure.
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Clannad -After Story-
5th place
As always be, Kyoto Animation + Key = Great Formula. As a sequel of Clannad TV, at first, I am sceptical that this is going to be good for this to be made into 26 episodes, judging from their movies, but the series proved me very wrong.
Even with its 18th episode currently, the story is still engaging. It retains its completely unique comedy, characters and also some great stories on some other support characters in the series before going on to concentrate on the main characters' relationship.
Even till now, I just can't wait for the next episodes next time as the development is just very dramatic and incredible.
Overall, a great series, but I can't put this higher as I have not watched the entire series, but nevertheless, this is an anime that no one should miss, especially for those who have watched the first series.
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H2O: Footprints In The Sand
4th place
A heartbreaking story of discrimination and friendship, H2O -Footprints in the Sand- provides more than just drama and emotional rollercoaster.
The series is basically about a female student, that is discriminated and called "cockroach" because of her family's past atrocities. Adding to this story comes a character from a city that is recuperating from his blindness and that is the basis of H2O -Footprints in the Sand-.
The mixture may not sound good at first, but once you started watching, the series is just as amazing as it is sickening at how the characters interact with each other, but nevertheless, the character development is amazing, although a bit rushing due to its small amout of episodes.
Overall, a great series that everyone should try watching at least once.
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Aria the Origination
3rd place
A great end to one of the best series ever created in anime, Aria The Origination is one of the most memorable series in 2008.
The series still follows the old formula that Aria The Animation and Aria The Natural uses. Their simple, yet refreshing stories in each of the episodes just draws you in, together with their great art details and alluring music.
Overall, a great series that ended the whole season of Aria series. The sad thing is that it ended.... I wanted more of them!! ;_;
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Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
2nd place
A great, light-hearted series can prove to be one of the most charming anime I have ever seen.
Just imagine a good-looking princess, with lots of money, fame, beauty and grace, and found out that she is an anime otaku. That is basically what Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is all about.
The story itself may not appeal to a lot of people as the cliche content inside this anime is in HUGE amount, but for certain reason, it just draws you in. The romance, the comedy and the simple story is a surprisingly good formula for this anime.
Overall, a great series and I just can't get enough of it. The charm of the series is enough to keep you wanting for more.
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ef - A Tale of Melodies
1st Place
The sequel of my most favorite series in 2007, ef -a tale of melodies- continued to entertain me through its great emotional inducing themes and great story delivery.
The unique presentation of the story-telling is incredible, looking at the different ways they are displaying the feelings and emotions of the characters in the different segments.
The story involves 2 more couples from characters in the first series, ef -a tale of memories- and answered lots of unexplained questions in the first series and ended the series nicely and with a satisfying after-taste.
Overall, this anime is a great sequel and one that will stay on in my collection for my repeated watching in the future. And for those who wanted to watch this, please watch the first series before watching this. Some of the things are explained better when you watch the first series.
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