Geekology: Summer 2015 Anime Season Final Review | Technobubble

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Ah, the Summer 2015 anime season, a wild roller coaster ride filled with expected thrills, surprising highs and some unexpected dips.

It's like riding several penny stocks at once and watching the bliss and the carnage unfold, sometimes simultaneously. Hey, sometimes you're Winthorpe and Valentine, and sometimes you're Randolph and Mortimer.

I shared my thoughts earlier this year by picking my midseason top 10 Summer 2015 anime among those I watched and, well, the wrap-up list is going to look a wee bit different. I'm also turning it into a Top 15 because I'm a wavering dolt and it makes it easier for me to make a final decision.

First off, a little ode to my personal pick for No. 1 anime of the Summer 2015 season.

No. 1 With a Bullet Bill: Non Non Biyori Repeat

Nyanpasu!

The best shows touch you in the most unexpected and satisfying ways, even when you think you've got them all figured out.

Like the secret recipe for a dish that titillates your taste buds, my favorite anime shows keep me coming back for more again and again. This is exactly how I feel about Non Non Biyori Repeat, one of the rare shows that ultimately quelled my fears and exceeded my already high expectations for it because of the excellent first season it had some time back.

Maybe it's because I'm at a point in my life where I'm older and the little things hold a lot more value than they used to. For me, the best part about Non Non Biyori Repeat is how it strikes an excellent balance between sharing new experiences while also reminding me of old ones from my own past that I have long forgotten. Part of it is due to its masterful use of atmosphere to convey powerful thoughts even when nothing is being said onscreen. Then you've got its scenery — oh, that beautiful, amazing scenery. Whether it be leaves fluttering in the wind, fireflies floating through the dark of night, rich fiery sunsets or a big canvas of green, watching Non Non Biyori makes me want to pack up and go to a quiet place somewhere just to watch time slowly go by.

A lot of how I feel about this show certainly stems from my own personal biases. Growing up in a small, provincial seaside town before video games got really big, I was able to wander through fields, climb all sorts of trees, wade through crystal clear waters during floods and bike to the beach whenever I wanted. Non Non Biyori Repeat managed to resurrect so many precious childhood memories that got buried by my busy work life that I feel a good amount of gratitude to it. I mean, who hasn't jumped from a high spot as a kid, or at least wished they could? Who hasn't felt a tinge of bittersweet emotion after seeing an old favorite toy that's all beaten up? It made me realize how lucky I was growing up while being able to truly live life with family and friends, especially now that my hometown — which I visited recently after more than a decade — has gotten bigger and doesn't quite have the old charm it once possessed.

I also like how Non Non Biyori Repeat masterfully switches between comedy and poignancy, usually within the same episode. You have laugh-out loud scenes like Komari freaking out from Renge's Teruteru Bouzu outfit, poor Hotaru's fireworks fail, and Natsumi's giant fishing haul for the backyard pond. Then you have touching ones involving the death of pets and the glorious scene between the candy store lady parting with little Renge — her tiny knees bruised up and covered with Band-Aids — after she finally learns to ride a bike without training wheels. Like Mike Gundy, I'm a grown man, darn it, and that stuff still makes me want to cry.

Now I'm fully aware that slice-of-life shows occasionally get grief from some parts of the anime fandom. I'll even admit that some of it is deserved as some shows literally have nothing actually happening when you think about it. Non Non Biyori, however, is slice of life done right. While it chronicles simple everyday things, it does it in a way that makes you realize why those simple everyday moments in life become the treasured, impactful memories that define you as you grow into adulthood. I'm as big a fan of action and serious material as anybody but sometimes, it's just nice to fully immerse yourself in a show where the world isn't in serious trouble, people don't die and you don't have seriously messed-up characters who probably belong inside an insane asylum. I seriously adored every character in this show because they're all good people at heart, which just makes you want to root for them.

What especially makes Non Non Biyori Repeat deserving of a top spot for me is its incredible consistency week in and week out. Even shows that I loved this season had moments when they weren't quite up to snuff but Non Non Biyori didn't have a single bad episode for me. Maybe it's my favoritism for this show coming through. Then again, it's easy to become biased when a show delivers good stories that tickle your sides and touch your heart with such consistency.

The only bad thing, honestly, is that the show has ended yet again. Boy, am I going to miss Nondays.

Try if you like: Barakamon

SALUTING REST OF TOP 15

2. Working!!!: Admittedly, the third season about the cast of family restaurant Wagnaria didn't quite have the sense of freshness that the debut season had. What it had, however, is loads of progress in spades, which is much welcome after two seasons of running in place. After sitting through my fair share of shows where relationships just dragged on and on and on, it's nice to get one with a good measure of closure. The fact that the cast continues to be crazy and kooky is also much appreciated. Admittedly, the cliffhanger ending is a bit of a bummer but at least we get an extra one-hour special to wrap things up. Now if we can get a crossover with Servant x Service, that would be the proverbial cherry on top.

Try if you like: Servant x Service, Minami-Ke

3. Gangsta: This show was headed to good places during my mid-season review, even managing to tie Non Non Biyori Repeat for first. Then the Hunters arc started plus we also got a filler show squeezed somewhere in there for good measure and Gangsta lost a bit of steam. It's a shame, too, as the show's first eight or so episodes about the conflict between Twilights and Normals were so good, which is how it still manages to make my top three despite the pacing issues and crammed plot toward the end of its run. Then again, it's also hard to fault the now bankrupt studio Manglobe for it as it pretty much followed the manga plot faithfully. It's just sad as this could've been special.

Try if you like: Jormungand, Black Lagoon

4. Shokugeki no Soma: My shonen anime pick for the season, Shokugeki no Soma is another showed that exhibited solid consistency. It's also an inoffensive show that should entertain all ages, its occasional scenes of foodgasms notwithstanding. Hey, anytime you can turn regular kitchen battles into excellent shonen fodder, you deserve praise. Plus I also hope it inspires some fans to pick up an important life skill and learn how to cook. Just do it, baby. Now I'm aware it's starting to become sexy in some circles to say that the show is overrated due to its popularity and as long as you're not just being a wannabe contrarian because it's the cool thing to do, then, hey, I respect your opinion. Personally, I still like this show, though.

Try if you like: Yakitate or any shonen manga, really

5. Gakkou Gurashi: A drama masquerading as a slice of life show, Gakkou Gurashi takes the award this season for cute girls doing non-cute things. I'll refrain from talking about the plot for folks who have yet to start it but all I can say is, get ready for the feels. This show will make you wanna hug your dog or someone else's dog if you don't have one. Just, um, make sure it's not a rabid one. Hey, everything is going to be "daijoubu," OK?

Try if you like: Puella Magi Madoka

6. Prison School: Admittedly, I'm not a big fan of ecchi anime 'cause I'm a big, old prude. Once in a while, though, there's that rare show in the genre that's just so freaking hilarious that it's hard to ignore even with my school marm sensibilities. I seriously haven't felt this uncomfortably guilty enjoying a crass anime show since Ping Pong Club. Anyway, Prison School is about a bunch of male misfits being thrown in a school prison overseen by a bunch of female misfits. Stanford Prison Experiment anyone? It's not going to be for everyone for sure but it'll be loads of fun for those who can get past some of its more, uh, cringeworthy elements.

Try if you like: Ping Pong Club

7. Ore Monogatari: The love story of the hulking Takeo Gouda finally ends its stellar run, at least for now, and it proved to be a great ride overall. I can't say enough how much I appreciate that Ore Monogatari doesn't gratuitously fill its plot with some of the annoying drama that dominate romance shows where two characters obviously like each other but manage not to get together season after season. After season. Say you love each other already gosh darn it! Anyway, no such issues here though there was a little bit of drama at the end involving some patisserie dude. Fortunately, it didn't get dragged out like a Dragon Ball Z battle. Now this is a love story I can get into.

Try if you like: Kimi ni Todoke

8. Rokka no Yuusha: At first, I thought Rokka no Yuusha was an action show. Turns out it's actually a mystery anime, something it actually ended up doing a better job at than the seemingly obvious pick at the start of the season, Ranpo Kitan. The plot centers on figuring out who among a band of Seven Heroes assembled to take out an evil demon lord is actually a lying, old fake. I mean, it's kind of a given due to the fact that the title means The Six Heroes. What follows is a lot of finger-pointing, backstabbing and false accusing, leading to a sort-of hilarious ending given all the grief that everyone went through during the season. The pace might be a bit slow for folks who expect lots of action but it's actually just right for a mystery.

Try if you like: Shingeki no Bahamut

9. Overlord: This tale about a gamer who gets transported into a different world as his undead gaming alter-ego actually starts out slow but fully transforms into a tale of pure bad, uh, "bassery" midway through. I just found it hilarious how overconfident jerks suddenly lose their you-know-what — maybe even their teeth — upon realizing that they just picked a fight with the undead version of Chuck Norris. Then again, I don't think even the Chuckster can summon a freaking Sharknado. Just be warned that some parts can get gruesome, even as the anime censors some of the more gory sections of the light novel. Also, the protagonist and his crew aren't exactly good guys either but that's part of what makes the show intriguing, too.

Try if you like: Log Horizon

10. Himouto Umaru-chan: Another low-stress anime that I quite enjoyed, this one detailing the exploits of a closet otaku who appears as a prim and proper lady to most of the outside world but a lazy video game-love slob at home. Admittedly, the temper tantrums of the protagonist can get old for some folks but a solid supporting cast rounds this out nicely. Geeks will also love its many gaming and otaku culture references.

Try if you like: Lucky Star; Denki-Gai no Honya-San

11. GATE: Some folks will say that I should take off Umaru-chan from the top 10 and bump up this one instead, and they'd actually have a solid argument. I found the show's fantasy-meets-modern-military approach quite enjoyable and the show has its fair share of memorable characters, too. The last episode kind of left me feeling like a hanging chad in Florida, though, and I wish it had a more definite resolution. Other than that, the mix of action with politics was quite entertaining.

Try if you like: Outbreak Company

12. Classroom Crisis: This show started out a bit slow and, well, kind of boring to be honest but I'm glad I stuck with it. That's because Classroom Crisis shaped up into an excellent show of backroom politicking and evil business conniving in its second half with the whole rocket-building classroom stuff essentially just being a front for the true plot. There's just a whole bunch of rotten people in here, with that underachieving second brother who sounds like Favaro taking the rotten cake. Then there's the whole unexpected reveal at the last few episodes that I did not see coming early on. Well played, Classroom Crisis, well played.

Try if you like: Robotics;Notes

13. Jitsu Wa Watashi Wa: What happens when a guy incapable of keeping secrets gets tasked with a big one involving the girl he likes? Comedy, that's what. Granted, this rom-com involving supernatural characters in high school didn't quite match the excellent manga it's based on but it still proved to be a hilarious romp nevertheless. It also has its share of touching moments without being too overly sappy. It may not have been as consistent as I would have liked but it's knee-slapping hilarious when it's on its game.

Try if you like: Nisekoi mixed with a dash of D-Frag

14. Akagami no Shirayukihime: Although I'm not a big shoujo romance kind of guy, I can still appreciate shoujo shows that bring something extra to the table, and I consider Akagami no Shirayukihime to be one such anime. Just like Ore Monogatari, this show doesn't force you to deal with unnecessary drama with its two protagonists such as the appearance of overplayed love rivals, for example. I also like how Shirayuki is portrayed as a strong woman who does her best to solve problems on her own without always waiting for some Prince Charming to bail her out. Admittedly, Prince Zen can be a bit too flowery at times but it's not overdone, plus he isn't a jerk or (gasp) a male "tsundere." 'Cause only Ren Akatsuki of Fairy Tail can get away with being a male tsundere. Add a dash of politics to the medieval drama and you've got an enjoyable show.

Try if you like: Kamisama Hajimemashita, Spice and Wolf

15. Ushio and Tora: Kid draws spear from sealed demon. What could possibly go wrong? I'm a big fan of 1990s-style anime so there will always be a place for shows like Ushio and Tora in my show list. Granted, the show has a bit of a villain of the week feel to it but it still manages to squeeze in some pretty good stories in there. Hopefully, it gets to do more of those solid stories now that the plot has progressed far enough into the midway point.

Try if you like: Zenki

WAIT, WHERE'S…?!

So, like I said earlier, ecchi shows aren't really my thing (sure, Jason, we believe you Mr. Mutsuri). I know, my loss, right? Anywho, two shows I keep hearing good things about in the genre that should be top list material are Shimoneta and Monster Musume. If you like that stuff and aren't an uptight prude like I am, give these two a shot. Another well-regarded show is Durara!!X2, but I still have to catch up with its initial season so I haven't had a chance to watch the latest season.

ON THE CUSP

Almost there, but not quite

Charlotte: Here's a show that kept floating in and out of my top list all season. With a pedigree that includes visual novel great Jun Maeda, expectations were high for this show about young folks who gain special powers. There were times when it fulfilled those expectations, too, like the episode involving the lead singer of Zhiend. But it also suffers from some pacing issues as well as some developments toward the end that appeared to undo some of the key events that happened previously. It's unfortunate as this had the potential to be really good. I can even forgive the little Deus Ex Machina at the end but the show was just all over the place in terms of consistency.

Try if you like: Little Busters

Sore ga Seiyuu: I actually quite liked this show, which chronicles the hard life of "seiyuu" talent in Japan via three voice actresses. It's actually a topic of interest for yours truly ever since my Japanese roommate in college exclaimed surprise at how little the voice actress of Slayers character Naga makes per episode. Basically, unless you're a super popular seiyuu who also makes lots of bank via events, CDs and what have you, earnings for episode work really isn't that much. Anyway, this show touches on some of that and even has guest appearances by some popular voice talent.

Try if you like: Shirobako

Baby Steps: The show continues the exploits of "A-chan" a straight-A student who's inspired to pick up tennis because of a girl he likes. It's a solid sports anime that uses plenty of analysis, with some relationship and comedy stuff sprinkled in between. I especially like the steady growth in protagonist Maruo Eiichirou who starts as a tennis neophyte and turns into a skilled court general who puts pressure on the higher ranked favorites of the sport. Give it a shot if you like sports anime.

Try if you like: Haikyuu, Yowamushi Pedal

God Eater: Video game-based shows usually have a mixed record. As such, I was surprised how competent God Eater ended up being. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where creatures known as Aragami have driven humans to the brink, the show chronicles the exploits of the God Eaters, super humans who wield God Arcs capable of beating the Aragami threat. Despite all that power, however, they're still quite vulnerable and you can't help but feel that their struggle is a losing battle at times. Unfortunately for the show, it's been plagued by delays which is a shame as it's actually an interesting watch. Honestly, it should probably get an incomplete grade at this point as the last four or so episodes have been moved to winter, if I'm not mistaken, and it can still end up being good or bad.

Try if you like: Shingeki no Kyoujin, Knights of Sidonia, Terra Formars, basically any super depressing show about fighting a superior force

PATENTLY INOFFENSIVE

Not really good but not super bad, either. Guess, they're aight

Joukamachi no Dandelion: This anime is the perfect definition of something that's patently inoffensive. It basically chronicles the life of siblings in a royal family who try to live a normal life while also being engaged in elections to choose who will succeed their father as ruler. It's a lot of light fluff but is also low stress so it's an easy watch and the perfect anime to decompress from the more serious shows of the season.

Try if you like: Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de

Wakaba Girl: A healing-type show about a rich, ditzy girl who finds friendship after enrolling in a normal school. I actually liked this show for what it is, which is a slice-of-life anime delivered via quick, short episodes. Another great show for decompressing from, say, God Eater or Gangsta.

Try if you like: Kiniro Mosaic, Gochumon wa Usagi Desu Ka

Gatchaman Crowds Insight: Admittedly, I have a love-hate relationship with Gatchaman Crowds. A big part of it is that I'm a huge fan of the original Science Ninja Team Gatchaman and it made me feel like they just slapped the Gatchaman title on Crowds to capitalize on the original's name recognition. In that sense, I guess I might be a bit biased with my opinion against Crowds so take that with a grain of salt. For its second season, Crowds deals with the dangers of groupthink as well as the abdication of personal responsibility in decision making, the consequences of which get magnified in an electronically connected world. It's a good topic, for sure, though I also found a lot of the characters in this show super annoying and it just killed my enthusiasm for it. Still watched it till the end, though.

Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan: A story about modern flying wizards who defend humanity's final floating bastions against magical insects. Most of the character development involves the three squad members of team E601, who are at risk of dissolution due to their constant failure in combat exercises. Folks looking for lots of action might be disappointed by the low number of direct battling as the show mostly concentrates on character development with occasional fights in between. Sometimes, it almost feels like an entire season of filler. Still, it's another low-stress show if you're looking for something that's easy to digest.

Try if you like: Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance

KIND OF A LETDOWN, REALLY

You disappoint me, Ramsay

Aquarion Logos: This show is just, well, weird. It gives off the vibe of an old-school robot show with villains of the week — which I normally like — but also has some metaphysical stuff going on that makes it seem like it's trying too hard to be something beyond what it is. I basically spent the whole season waiting for a payoff that just never seemed to come.

Aoharu x Kikanju: This is one of those shows that started out with lots of potential, then kind of rambles on a bit before going off the rails toward the end. The premise is interesting as you have a female protagonist joining an airsoft club while hiding her identity because it has a no girls policy. Heck, I'd say the characters also seemed quite interesting at first. Then the whole thing ends up being sabotaged by contrived melodrama and characters just end up making these extraordinarily ridiculous decisions and reacting to situations in the most ludicrous way. To be fair, I noticed that contrived melodrama seems to be a common occurrence in all the survival game anime I have watched but the drama in this one just felt particularly vexing to me for some reason. Many times, I would see things occur on screen and just ask myself "Why?" while resisting the urge to do damage to my forehead. By the time it ended, I honestly wondered what the point was to everything I just watched, especially given how the last episode played out. Still, I'm sure there are folks out there who will like this so don't take my word as gospel. The show just wasn't for me, that's all.

Chaos Dragon: Honestly, I'm not fit to do a review on this anime because I dropped it after four or so episodes. Now, I'm the type of person who would watch a show even if I don't think it's particularly great simply because I like to see things through once I start something. One of my pet peeves, however, is being put through a depressing emotional ringer with no promise of a good payoff. Let's just say the alarm bells started going off on this one early on. This show seriously slathers in some really depressing stuff and I felt that death was used as a cheap plot device to shock viewers and be edgy instead of being used to deliver a compelling story. Anyway, like expired milk, I just decided to drop it because I wasn't sure if it was worth the resulting grief in the end. Now I don't doubt there will be people out there who liked this and if you're one of them, I'm truly happy for you. For the most part, though, I think anyone who managed to last through watching this whole series literally deserves a medal for exceptional feats of mental and emotional strength.

Ranpo Kitan: This show makes me feel like I've been duped. The whole thing starts out looking like a mystery-horror hybrid of sorts but it really doesn't have many mysteries to be solved. Heck, Rokka no Yuusha ended up being more of a mystery show than Ranpo Kitan. I ended up dropping this one midway as well.

And that's my final wrap on the 2015 Summer Anime season. So what are your thoughts about the last season? Feel free to share your thoughts via the comments. Now while it's sad to see things come to an end, it also means a new season is beginning. I plan to give my initial thoughts about the 2015 Fall Anime season once I get an episode in for most of them so stay tuned to this space if you're interested!