Random Thoughts on the Anime of Spring 2016

The past couple of years have introduced us to one solid season after another.  (It reminds me of the days where I despaired of the anime industry, which lead to posts like “Anime Spring Season 2012: Only Two Worthy Shows?“. Click on that if you want to read a really old post!) This season was no exception.  So, I limited myself to seven regular length shows lest I become overburdened.  (I’m not concerned about shorts taking up too much time.) See below for the shows which made the cut.  The shows are in no particular order.

1) Space Patrol Luluco

The first two episodes greatly amused me, and I found myself surprised by the serious turn taken in the third episode.  Trigger is nothing if not creative, and I can’t wait to see how they meld the insane antics of this show with the more serious elements.  Fans of Kill la Kill will no doubt see similarities between Luluco and Mako Mankanshoku.  Having a Mako-ish character as the heroine ought to make for a very memorable short.

2) Usakame

Hilarious is the only word to describe this short about the crazy members of a tennis club.  Well, that’s the way shorts should be, and I’m looking for more creative gags from this show.

3) Mayoiga, aka The Lost Village

Here is an interesting work of suspense.  I suppose it’s supposed to be in the horror genre, and horrible things may yet occur (Yottsun’s death was not that horrific); but, the lack of revelation is the main draw of the show.  One simply wants to know what’s going on with this abandoned and forgotten village.  Most of the characters strike one as more like caricatures, and I would have dropped the show had not the anime added some depth to certain characters in episode three, especially Valkana.  Still, suspense is the show’s main draw.  This is a perfect show for a marathon.

4) Ushio to Tora

This show is a must for any lover of Shonen.  And, season two started with a bang!  The stakes were increased in record time and the evil Hakumen no Mono is wasting no time throwing his proxies against Ushio and company.  (Did you know that Megumi Hayashibara voices Hakumen no Mono?  I never would have known had I not stumbled upon that just now!) Anyway, the second season had a very strong and exciting start, and your humble blogger is looking forward to more.

5) The Flying Witch

Perhaps the most relaxing and beautiful show of the season, this show takes place in the northerly Aomori prefecture.  The characters are all likable (the adorable little sister Chinatsu holds first place), and some of its scenes number among this season’s funniest, especially the harvesting of the mandrake.  The series immerses our heroine, a journeying witch à la Kiki’s Delivery Service, in the culture of Aomori bit by bit.  As I said, a fun and relaxing show.

6) Kiznaiver

I’m not sold on this show yet, but, as an avid fan of studio Trigger, I’m sticking with it.  The first two episodes almost caused me to drop the show.  Certain of the female characters are interesting–can’t say much more in its favor.

7) Bungo Stray Dogs

Kiznaiver, this show, and the following rather reveal how whimsical my choices in anime can be.  I swear that there are better shows this season, but I’m not going to watch them.  I’m going to watch Bungo Stray Dogs, which is about as well put together as a Yugo. The show features the journey of an orphan who has been expelled from his orphanage and is trying to find his way in the world.  Unfortunately for him, he has the ability to transform into a tiger and gets enlisted in the ranks of an organization dealing with the supernatural.  His new friend, Dazai, has a great propensity for trying to commit suicide–since the author for whom he is named died in just that manner.  All the other characters with supernatural abilities are also named after authors.  Mainly, I decided to watch this show for its unique setting and quirky characters, in which fields it does not disappoint.

8) Twin Star Exorcists

Yes, I know that a show where a boy and girl team up to fight demons and fall in love on the way has been done a million times.  But, the reason this story has been told a million times is because it’s a good story.  Yours truly has not seen it for a while and for that reason will pick it up.  The action is good, the female lead amusing, and our reluctant, angsty hero not unpalatable.

9) Haifuri

I used to be a huge fan of the U. S. Navy in grade and high school and still am.  There are few memoirs of WWII submariners I have not read, and so this show, which strikes most bloggers as a Girls und Panzer on the high seas, was irresistible.  Most of you already know that the show starts with our heroines being accused of mutiny, and it has been enjoyable so far.

So, what are my dear readers watching?  What strikes them as the best shows this season?  (In my case, Ushio to Tora, Flying Witch, and Mayoiga in that order.)