Jeoffrey

For the celebration of my hundredth review, I could not have chosen anything less than my favorite anime series. Gintama is the funniest and most perfect parody of almost everything an anime fan can think of. It features nearly all the clichés and tropes, plus the twists are so perfectly unique that it leaves you in stitches. The jokes develop into other jokes, and then at the right moment, they go back to the original joke, albeit in a different way, and you have to roll around on the floor laughing and at the same time marveling at the anime's creators and what they achieved. Hideaki Sorachi is the manga artist behind this, and he is the troll of all trolls; nothing is sacred to him. He steals ideas from practically everywhere and is not afraid to make fun of the audience (how often has Gintama ended?) and himself, a monkey. Plus, the quality of this anime series and its sense of humor seem more amazing than the number of other anime series I have seen. When I saw Gintama six years ago for the first time, I had a great time, even though at times I did not get it. I only recognized references to the most famous anime series like One Piece, Bleach, etc. However, when I watched it again a year later and had already watched over a hundred anime series, suddenly my viewing experience was completely different. When I watched it last year (some four hundred anime series watched later), it was even better than the first time because I had more to compare it to. It seemed the perfect show. There are references to various other anime series but also movies (like Star Wars), games (like Super Mario Bros), or even actors (like Jackie Chan), and the perfect situational and conversational sense of humor makes this a real treasure. However, there are also the characters who also make it such a good show. There is an entire collection of quirky personalities and perverts that you will not find anywhere else, and Gintoki himself is the absolute king among them. He is a lazy, cheeky, drunk, playful main male protagonist, plus he is a total loser. He is a laughing stock for everyone. However, no one wants to touch his friends, or they will see him change into a demon, an epic-level action hero that would make Chuck Norris piss his pants. So, a funny show becomes a top-notch action-packed shounen. There is also the lazy and brash alien Kagura, who has incredible strength. Then there is the chatty prude and quite dumb Shinpachi, his sister, who is sweet and pleasant until you piss her off. Her stalker is the head of the Shinsengumi special police force. There are other members of the Shinsengumi like the sadistic Okita and mayonnaise-loving Hijikata, the crazy terrorist Zura (ZURA JANAI, KATSURA DA!!!). I could write about this show forever because even every supporting character is unique, and you can easily remember them. You can even enjoy the biggest jerk (I am thinking of Prince Hata, aka Baka-ouji) and the bad guy. Aside from the characters, there are also unique items. So even things like Justaway or the Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon (especially the way it looks) get under your skin fast. Well, what would be the perfect show with perfect humor and incredibly perfect characters without a good story? Gintama manages to combine episodes that will keep you entertained even when nothing happens. Even an episode where the whole time the shot is at Gintoki's mansion and the main three protagonists are just talking and telling one joke after another will keep you entertained. Then there are the story sequences that can engage even the more discerning viewer with their sophistication. The soundtrack is great, and most of the openings and endings are great, I love listening to them, and the animation is also superb. In other words, this anime series has everything I want from an anime, and so it is rightfully at the top of my Top Ten, and this is unlikely to change.

Rarely does anything get to me emotionally and move me to tears, although what Clannad and especially Clannad: After Story did to me was unbelievable. Hell, I was already crying like a baby at the Fuko narrative, and I had no idea what all was going to follow next. In other words, if anything could get me emotionally, it is Clannad, and for that alone, it deserves to be among my top shows, even if it will be a long time before I decide to watch it again.

Sousou no Frieren is being hailed by many as the best anime released to this day, a modern masterpiece that comes as close to perfection as possible. For those yet to encounter the nearly immortal elf, you might be wondering, "Is it really that good?" Speaking as someone who has been immersed in anime for 14 years, having seen around 1700 anime series and films, I can confidently confirm that Sousou no Frieren is indeed one of the best anime I have ever seen. It's a series that left a magical and indelible mark on me. The first episode alone had me in tears, a testament to how deeply it resonated with me. And each subsequent episode continued to deliver something powerful and unforgettable, right up to the very end. There wasn't a single weak episode; what some may mistakenly label as filler episodes are purposeful passages that serve to build the characters and the entire world. Most of these moments are also present in the manga, so it's not filler by any means! The overall atmosphere is simply incredible. It's a contemplative series that delves into the idea that the journey is more important than the destination. Each episode is brimming with thought-provoking wisdom, delivered not just through dialogue but through beautifully depicted scenes that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. And let's talk about the battles — both physical and magical — they are nothing short of spectacular. The dynamics, strength, emphasis, and speed in these fight scenes, especially those between a human and a dragon, are some of the best-animated sequences I've ever witnessed. There's a grace and aesthetic to the power and colors that make these magical clashes truly mesmerizing. Imagine combining the essence of series like Kino's Journey or Girls' Last Tour with the world-building and character depth of Mushoku Tensei (minus any controversial character issues), and then adding in fight scenes akin to Chainsaw Man (since the same team worked on most of them), along with an intricate magical system with its own complex rules — that's Sousou no Frieren in a nutshell. It excels in every aspect it touches upon. Yet, what I find even more intriguing than how good Sousou no Frieren is, is why it's such a standout work. To me, this series is a profound reminder that Madhouse not only continues to exist but remains at the pinnacle of Japanese anime production. I recall the days when I eagerly anticipated each new Madhouse series, knowing I wouldn't be disappointed, or, actually, I would, as one of the common memes was "Madhouse doesn't do second seasons." The first crucial element for any successful anime is a top-tier animation studio with seasoned professionals, and the show certainly delivers on that front. But there's another crucial factor, perhaps even more vital than the studio itself: the director. The director is the guiding force, the one who steers the ship, makes critical decisions, and sets the tone for the entire production. Keiichirou Saitou, known for his work on Bocchi the Rock!, proves once again that his talent is no fluke. He has the ability to take a solid manga about a girl band and turn it into a cult classic, as well as elevate an above-average fantasy manga into a legend. Saito's connections and reputation among animators allowed him to assemble an exceptionally talented team. He is known for granting his team creative freedom, which attracted many talented individuals to work under him. Moreover, Saito possesses an incredible sense for the material he works with, paying attention to even the smallest details. The director also showcased the talent of many capable animators by allowing them to direct some episodes of the series. A look at the individual episode directors reveals a beautifully balanced mix of experienced creators, including one of the founders of Madhouse, alongside new names. The entire production seemed to run smoothly, evident not only in the absence of delays — every episode was released on schedule. In one interview, Evan Call mentioned that he often had visual material, sometimes even entire episodes, while composing the accompanying music. This allowed him to craft music that perfectly matched the scenes he was scoring. Speaking of music, a quality soundtrack is another essential aspect that Sousou no Frieren excels in. The series features a fantastic first opening theme by Yoasobi, showcasing the duo's ability to turn everything they touch into a hit. Having such a well-known name on the team, especially after the success of Idol from Oshi no Ko, was a smart marketing move. While the music doesn't always perfectly align with the episode's mood, it's undeniably great. However, what truly complements Frieren is the ending theme by Milet. Cleverly split in half within the series, it becomes a constant companion throughout. I fell in love with this song, finding myself capable of playing an hour-long version while working, and never tiring of it. However, it's not the opening or ending themes that stand out as the best song of the whole series for me. Even the background music in is flawless. It compelled me to search for the OST on Spotify, and when I'm not listening to Milet by chance, I find myself listening to the hour-long version of the Zoltraak track on YouTube, which has become my favorite musical motif from the entire series. I also realized that Evan Call is a composer to closely watch and that the music for Violet Evergarden might not be the pinnacle of his work, as I had previously thought. Let's sum it up. What makes this show so exceptional? It's because the production was very healthy here, managing everything exceptionally well. A talented and respected director assembled a team of highly skilled animators, many of whom were granted creative freedom and responsibility, including the music composer who truly understood the purpose of the music. The result was flawless animation, a brilliant soundtrack – a true gem was created. I could delve further; I haven't even explored the story, or mentioned how elegantly and cleverly the series handles time, how the pace of the story mirrors the interest and perception of the main heroine (and gradually slows down as a result). The portrayal of the main heroine herself, who appears somewhat emotionless yet is one of the most sensitive characters, is also noteworthy. The use of flashbacks is masterful, and even though the hero Himmel is dead, he remains the central figure of the story. Not to mention the exceptional romance portrayed here! But is it necessary to delve into these details? Experience it for yourself; you won't regret it. For some works, not even a 5-star rating or a 10/10 is enough...

This show is absolutely unbelievable. It has an incredible atmosphere, a charismatic main male protagonist who has little to say even though you cannot take your eyes off him. There is also a perfectly thought out and vivid fantasy universe dominated by Mushi of all shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the very concept of Mushi and what a Mushi can be and how it can behave and look will practically drive you to speechless amazement every episode. Then there are the awesome narratives, where many times you are not even sure of how things will turn out and this show will surprise you practically all the time. There is also an amazing opening that sets the atmosphere and a soundtrack that suits the show perfectly. In other words, this anime series is a real gem, in which the anime’s creators show us how wonderful fantasy can be and what can be invented based on a fairly simple concept. Finally, I would like to mention that you need to have a decent imagination and a certain mental maturity to watch this show. Otherwise, you might do what I did about six years ago: you drop it after the first episode because it seems like a weird ghost story. Anyway, if you have the above-mentioned personal qualities, then this work will probably grab you and not let go. 10/10.

Hunter x Hunter is a show that made me go back to watching anime series about eight years ago. Although I came across the first few episodes more or less by accident, I could not resist, and this show managed to win me over very quickly. It has a very interesting and suspenseful narrative and great characters (especially Killua and Hisoka). It is not afraid to show violence and gore. Plus, it is beautifully colorful and with a nice soundtrack. The 2011 remake goes much further in the story and has a much brisker pace, although I put this older version in my Top Ten from a purely nostalgic point of view.

I thought this was a great show. The perfect combination of comedy and cuteness is not boring for a moment. You realize the characters are great after a few episodes. I have to highlight the adorable Chiyo, "Osaka", who is very strange and cute in her way, Tomo who is completely insane, and the similarly wacky teacher Yukari, and finally, Sakaki, who likes animals (especially cats) even though they do not like her. Also worth mentioning is the opening, as the music captures the character of this anime series, and I have not heard something so weirdly wacky yet interesting in a long time. I am totally satisfied. 10/10

A clear winner of the entire winter anime season, and an absolutely amazing and original anime that completely won me over. And not just me, obviously. Everywhere I look, the score doesn't go below 8/10 and the vast majority of reviews are nothing but positive. From a complete underdog, a series that not many people had high expectations for, it has become an absolute treasure and maybe even a future cult classic. But only time will tell. How did this happen and what is it about Bocchi that makes her so great? Well, let's just say that you hardly ever get to see so much love and creativity in a single animated project. In my opinion, Bocchi the Rock is a combination of the best of shows like K-ON! (musical setting), Hitoribochi (a lonely protagonist looking for friends), Watamote (a socially awkward protagonist and general craziness), or even Eizōken (incredibly inventive animation). All this is skillfully combined into a unique experience. It's simply incredible, and some of the gags contain elements and ways of expression that I might not have seen in anime before (well, maybe if I watched, say, Pop Team Epic). They resonate with viewers and lead to the creation of many memorable memes, which then circulate the internet and keep spreading awareness of this excellent work. Bocchi the Rock is also unique in that it's an adaptation that might even be better than the original manga, which I've also had a peek into. While the manga is great, it's really the immense love the authors obviously had for it that has given many of the jokes in the anime an even better punchline, taken them a bit further, or added something new that you won't even find in the manga, but in perfect tune with the overall vibe. The creators not only love the original source but also understand the message that is supposed to be conveyed to the viewer, and what its strengths are. Another important aspect that makes Bocchi the Rock a perfect show and a work that so many people love is the main character herself and her social phobia. The author of the manga obviously knew a lot about this issue and managed to capture the mindset of a person with social phobia in a very creative way and with a good dose of typical Japanese hyperbole, presenting a lot of situations that many people who are not very confident in social interactions will easily see themselves in. In short, a lot of viewers found themselves in Bocchi, feeling all of her worries, and loving the humor with which the show treats them. It might have even helped them find some courage in themselves seeing all that Bocchi has accomplished... However, even for those who don't suffer from phobias, everything is so visually impressive and hilarious that they'll at least have a good laugh and enjoy the heroic struggle Bocchi wages with herself and sometimes manages to win. To be completely honest, in the first episodes, I didn't believe that Bocchi had it in her to carry the whole series. I thought she would get worn out – boy was I wrong! But it's not just Bocchi who is a distinct and interesting character that many will relate to. I've noticed the other three girls in the group (Kita, Yamada, and Ijichi) in various popularity charts, so they obviously have a strong fan base and people are rooting for them, too, just like the protagonist. I don’t find it surprising as it's an original and very memorable group of characters with their own dreams, strengths, and weaknesses. Perhaps the last thing I want to discuss, which makes Bocchi the Rock so great for me, is the animation. I've already mentioned the incredible originality and the plethora of different animation styles and other means of expression, but when I remember claymation Bocchi, or monopoly, I don’t think I have praised it enough. But it's not just that. CloverWorks did such a great job that I’ve seen the best animation of musical instrument playing ever, for example. Hands moving realistically across the fretboard of a guitar, close-ups of the strings, or capturing the rhythm of drumming, it's all there and it looks incredible, mind-blowing, just great. I was about to end my review, but I remembered that I hadn't mentioned the voice actor performances. I just feel the need to say that Yoshino Aoyama's performance was flawless, memorable, and amazing. She gave Bocchi a real personality and captured her social phobia - she really pulled it off. The creative work with the sound is also worth mentioning, such as the great use of ASMR in the last episode. If I had to nitpick, the final performance of Episode 12 didn't feel as strong as those in the other episodes (like the excellent Episode 8). I also had a bit of a problem at the beginning with one of the accompanying musical themes that was heard in the more cheerful passages and didn't seem to fit. It reminded me of the sounds of my Game Boy in the 90s. But those are just minor details in the overall impression. I don’t feel the need to take any points off the rating. It won't change the fact that this is my Anime of the Season and quite possibly my Anime of the Year 2022. Bocchi Rocks! Bocchi Rulez! Give me more Bocchi! 10/10

As a kid, I loved this TV show, and it made me interested in the human body, and it made me want to become a doctor for a while. I recently watched a few episodes again and found that even as an adult it is still really enjoyable. 10/10.