Tofu’s Top 10 Anime of 2011
Hello minna-san! Welcome back to another top 10 anime of Tofu’s… great. Last year was probably – in your case – a complete troll with K-On as first (hey you’re talking to a K-On fan boy here folks) but this year around I’ve decided to indulge myself in more anime than I’ve ever done in the past. I’ve also decided to pick up on shows which were considered golden shows of 2011 by majority just so that if there’s any disputes over shows I didn’t include, I can actually defend myself because I’ve seen it. Remember that this is ‘TOFU’S Top 10 of 2011’ not ‘THE Top 10 of 2011’ so the overall rating does not influence the shows list order in any way. They are based on Tofu’s enjoyment out of them all. Other than that, let the 2nd round of Tofu’s Top 10 list… BEGIN!!! Prepared to get TROLLED!
#10 Hanasaku Iroha
Might I say that one of my favourite production companies are P.A Works and they sure did do a great job in presenting us that magnificent art quality P.A Works is known for. The character designs were quite appealing along with the backgrounds and even the food made in the inn was appealing enough to make me hungry at times. Of course not only was the art great about Hanasaku Iroha, but the character development was entertaining to see play out within its 26 episode length. The one who developed the most would have to be Ohana throughout the series. Not only was her unique way of winning over people’s hearts something I still question about yet find amusing to see but her feelings towards her grandma, Kou and the inn itself was a sight to behold. Even though it took a while for Ohana to gather up the realization that she liked Kou herself it was still a great development in answering Kou’s love for her which has been on hold for a long time.
Ohana’s grandmother on the other hand seemed strict at first so we didn’t see much of a lovely family bond between the two of them but later on Ohana understands the meaning of ‘no work, no food’ and begins to accept this new lifestyle of hers with a new understanding for Ohana’s grandmother that all she wanted was to bestow upon this realization and work hard to earn what they want. Maybe I’m wrong but that’s now I view it. At times Hana Iro got emotional at times, especially near the end where the inn had to close down. There was heaps of enthusiasm from each member of the inn in wanting it to continue its operation and to also keep the one thing that held them all together like a big family. There’s a bunch of other character developments I loved in the series and some emotionally impacting scenes but as you can see how long it’s already gotten, I’d rather not go into too much detail. Surprisingly even with all that mentioned, Hana Iro was quite inconsistent at times and even with such great art, it tends to dull in the story with some rather mediocre episodes and lacked impact in trying to convey its message across due to a slow pacing.
Art: 9 out of 10
Story: 6 out of 10
Music: 7 out of 10
Characters: 7 out of 10
Overall rating: 7 out of 10
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#9 Working’!!
What I liked about Working’!! was the character interactions in every episode which either offered us comedy or a further development in themselves or the relation they have with other characters. Of course, Working’!! uses a variety of settings and characters in executing what I call ‘misunderstanding’ comedy. Even if the show made use of comedy about 90% of the time, most of it was a hit in my opinion. You’ve got Yamada going around the place always seeking attention and everyone else just shutting her down. Sure it’s a bit tight but it’s nevertheless funny to watch these characters take on their own role and apply it in certain situations that will really make that particular gag golden!
Everything was thought through so well that even characters are given their own flaws to be picked on in the series. Say for example Maya who’s the ‘normal’ girl of Wagnaria. Due to her constant struggle to be ‘normal’ Sato and Soma pick on her using the word normal as many times as possible during a certain conversation. I couldn’t help but crack up laughing! What made the show even more worthwhile to watch are the facial expressions and reactions each character made when the situation called for it. There’s no character in Wagnaria that you’d really hate the guts out of but there are only a few that you wouldn’t really care about. Yamada’s “presumably” lost brother was someone I didn’t care about but putting that aside, Working has a fun cast of characters indeed.
Art: 6 out of 10
Story: 7 out of 10
Music: 6 out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Overall rating: 7 out of 10
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#8 Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?
It was really tough switching between Kore wa Zombie and Mayo Chiki in determining which one would be under the other because I equally loved both of these shows and surprisingly both of them have a disappointment final episode. Funny that. Anyways, Kore wa Zombie was one of the earlier series that finished near the start of the year so don’t tell me it isn’t part of this list because if a series ends in that particular year then that’s the year that series belongs to. Makes sense considering if you’re going to say it was in 2010, the show hasn’t even ended yet so how could you say it’s 2010? You’re just basing your assumption of how good that show is regarding the episodes it’s aired but not the ones that haven’t aired yet in 2011. It doesn’t matter when you state this, it doesn’t change the fact that Kore wa Zombie is a 2011.
Okay moving on. The cast of characters in Kore wa Zombie was truly awesome to see interact with each other and especially the constant “you piece of shit” remark by Sera (who’s voiced by the lovely Hikasa Yoko~). Story-wise it wasn’t anything brilliant but the music and art in the show was beautiful. Maybe not the art but it is quite appealing… even though Sera’s breasts are way too big. The music however is nothing less than beautiful and even till now I still listen to some of the OST’s the show had to offer us. Each choice of music placed in certain scenes helped add the extra impact of emotion Kore wa Zombie wanted you to feel and especially in episode 11 where Yuu finally talked and the beautiful music accompanied by that art was none other than magnificent. Too bad episode 12 had to be a letdown.
Art: 7 out of 10
Story: 6 out of 10
Music: 8 out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Overall rating: 7 out of 10
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#7 Mayo Chiki
Like I’ve mentioned in Kore wa Zombie, it was a tough choice but in the end I felt that Mayo Chiki was more enjoyable due to how much it had to offer us in its stunning character designs, incorporated music within the show and the romantic development between Subaru and Jirou. I really felt that there’s no other way of drawing these characters and backgrounds the way they are in portraying each individuals personalities and reactions. Truly befitting for such a series but if you’re looking for something more detailed like Kara no Kyoukai, look somewhere else. Also, Subaru looks stunning in her beach outfit (I just had to add that remark). Not only that, with the music Mayo Chiki uses, you can’t help but laugh at the funny scens, or feel emotional during the more emotional scenes. In other words, Mayo Chiki was able to make you feel how it wanted you to feel.
A great example is Subaru’s thank you kiss in episode 12. That was done superbly with the build-up the music was creating and the brilliance of that art making Subaru so adorable in those clothes! If only it was the LAST episode for the series… sadly the last episode was disappointing to the point that it you’re better of thinking of it never existing. Anyways, Mayo Chiki also incorporates sexual comedy as the most of you know by now and it works well with the art and story Mayo Chiki has. I don’t think there’s one moment where I haven’t at least cracked a smile at the jokes made. Especially those Sheep tokens were both hilarious yet steamy to see and continued to drag us all into wanting to watch more for its comedy and the development of each character, especially Jirou and Subaru’s relationship.
Art: 9 out of 10
Story: 8 out of 10
Music: 8 out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Overall rating: 8 out of 10
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#6 Moshidora
You can hate me all you want for not endulging in enough sports-related show to really state what a ‘great’ sports show is but I personally thought Moshidora was a magnificent sports show that incorpoarated a whole heap of emotions and character development that made me cry a few times due to how emotionall impacting this show is. I’ve noticed hardly ANYONE’s seen this show and I really think it’s one of the more underrated shows in the year that deserves a chance because the experience I’ve gone through with this sparked my interest in sports anime. The music throughout the series was exceptionally brilliant and befitting in every angle it was used in. Things like how the team advanced through each match they play was always accompanied by the right choices of music, making everything you see and hear emotionally powerful.
The struggles each member goes through, the problems they face and overcome, the obstacles that hold challenges for the team are all expressed brilliantly, showing you the beauty of baseball but at the same time, the beauty of teamwork and the relationships each character has with one another. As the episodes progressed, it never fell short of its previous episode. Each episode was better than the previous episode and this continued till you’re bombarded by the final episode that really tugged at your heart emotionally which left me crying in joy and happiness. I haven’t been moved to tears this much since I watched Clannad. All I can say is that this is a show you should really give a try and indulge in what it has to offer and take in everything it throws at you. Of course I’m easily moved by shows so it might not apply to those who have stone hearts.
Art: 6 out of 10
Story: 8 out of 10
Music: 9out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Overall rating: 8 out of 10
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#5 Steins;Gate
There’s no way I couldn’t include this certain series in my top 10 with what it had to offer us near the end (hey that rhymed). There were some episodes that felt like it needed a faster pacing and that one episode which no one really cared about: Ruka’s special episode with Okabe on a date. Still Steins;Gate offered us a great amount of thinking, head banging, mind screwing and a replica of the ‘Endless 8’ done well. It was these that shined in Steins;Gate and also the characters relationships with each other, especially Kurisu and Okabe’s relationship. It was truly sad to see them depart after getting together.
The choices Okabe had to make throughout the serious parts of the episodes were immensely intense when you know that his actions will change the future and possibly the past through sending D-mails or time traveling through the use of a thought transferring machine (forgot the name). To me the series really picked up near the end, explaining what Okabe has to do and everything related to time traveling. It’s hard to get into details with such a mind-screwing show but each action taken and each scene we were exposed to worked well in building up the tension for the next. Overall a very enjoyable series that would leave you thinking and second guessing most of the time only to be proven wrong (for me that is) in the best way possible.
Art: 7 out of 10
Story: 9 out of 10
Music: 7 out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Overall rating: 8 out of 10
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#4 Fate/Zero
Maybe it was the brilliant choreographed fighting accompanied by those stunning characters designs and clarity that pulled me in but I am a fan of Type Moon and love Saber heaps. Even so you can’t deny that the fighting in the series isn’t anything less than spectacular. The fight between Lancer and Saber was one of the best fights I’ve seen in a while and also how my previous knowledge of playing the Heaven’s Feel route allowed me to enjoy Fate/Zero within the first 10 minutes. Of course it’s alternative somewhat to not indulge in the Fate/Stay Night visual novel or the anime itself to watch Fate Zero but it does give you an insight on the main points and familiarization with characters that appear in both Zero and Stay Night. Even so, Fate/Zero’s stunning art and how graphically beautiful it is amazes me every time I watch an episode plus the continuous development of each servant, master and the relationship between servants and masters fit in well whenever it is executed and never did feel out of place.
Each servant and master holds a different purpose in obtaining the grail, a different personality from one another and different perspectives of what they perceive as the ‘best course of action’. Say for example Lancer and his master disputing over a knight’s code and even going as far as to use a command spell to forcefully make Lancer fight Saber. Even the temporary truce between masters and servants brings forth a greater power and a deeper development between each character with the knowledge of who they were in the past. Each character is interesting to say the least and contributes their own individual talent and influence into the series which makes it what it is now plus let me also mention that the knights drinking game was an awesome insight into how each of the servants viewed the Holy Grail and the dispute over what a king truly is. This series blew me off my chair from the moment it started. How brilliant the development of each character progresses while the episodes filled with action-packed elements makes this show entertainingly worthwhile to watch. Can’t wait for the second season!
Art: 10 out of 10
Story: 8 out of 10
Music: 8 out of 10
Characters: 9 out of 10
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
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#3 Usagi Drop
I had never thought that watching the life of Daikichi and Rin develop would’ve been so heart-warmingly entertaining that made me adore everything about this show. Those watercolours at the start always gives me a fuzzy feeling and seeing Daikichi so dedicated in nurturing Rin was remarkably beautiful considering how at first Daikichi was living as a lone single man but now with Rin, he needs to adjust his life dramatically. It’s this sudden development Daikichi has to go through and Rin’s love for Daikichi as the series progresses makes this show both relaxing and gorgeous to learn from and watch while we sit back in our chairs. You’ve got useless situations like going to the store to buy some food which is usually brushed off as any other mediocre scene in other animes but with Usagi Drop, it’s not. Little things such as those grow into an enjoyable scene to see Daikichi and Rin to interact over products.
Might I say that it’s cute to see how Rin is a very independent and ‘grown-up’ girl that still acts her age yet still lectures Daikichi at times. This would have to be one of the best developments and relationships developed between two characterws I’ve ever seen. Both Daikichi and Rin go through life as they know it, learning from each other and caring for each other as family should plus you’ve also got other characters like Yukari and Kouki who both really enlightens the mood whenever the 4 of them are together. You can obviously tell Yukari and Daikichi should be together and even if Kuoki can get annoying, he’s still a kid of course and Rin sure loves being the mature one when it comes to Daikichi and Kouki… though I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Art: 9 out of 10
Story: 9 out of 10
Music: 8 out of 10
Characters: 10 out of 10
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
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#2 Natsume Yuujinchou San
I’ve only recently picked up this series due to high popularity. In other words I marathoned the all 3 series and let me tell you I don’t ever regret doing so, in fact I regret not picking this series up during its airing dates because it is extremely well done and elegant in every angle you can view it in. I love how the story is still able to progress when each episode feels different from the rest like a stand-alone episode but at the same time not… trippy. Natsume continues to develop throughout the journey he undertakes in his own understanding of a ‘normal’ life. The different youkai’s come in between Natsume and his school life but it is because of this we get to see Natsume develop and take appropriate action towards the situation he is in with that particular youkai. Not to mention that the show is constantly introducing new characters that leaves a great impression even if they only appear for an episode or even less. This goes to show how greatly paced and well executed the series is; wasting no time to get to the point while still incorporating that smooth pacing which will allow you to enjoy and take in the emotions in each episode.
Every character within this show makes the show work and if you were to ever take one out, it doesn’t feel the same anymore. Take for example Madara who was absent for an episode. Even though I don’t give much attention to Madara (considering he’s always around) it didn’t feel right for him not to be there and I missed the guy (or spirit…). At that point I realized I’ve fallen in love with each character – large or small, each character was unique to the series and develops alongside Natsume that you begint o unconsciously like all the characters in the show and I haven’t even mentioned about the art or music in this series that really makes it even more worthwhile to watch. At times you’ll be attached to the youkai’s that come and go and feel a bit sad but at the same time you feel glad they’ve moved on to a better place, it’s a sense of bittersweet that this show offers us and it works every single time. Taking a look up top I think I’ll stop here before I write too much folks. Onto the last of them all!
Art: 8 out of 10
Story: 9 out of 10
Music: 9 out of 10
Characters:10 out of 10
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
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#1 Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai
I was debating with myself over what show would deserve my number 1 spot as the best in the year. It was a hard decision between Natsume and Boku Tomo but I personally believe that Boku Tomo had that ‘special’ episode 11 which gave it the extra nudge into my top spot. If you’ve read my review on this series already you’ll know how much I love this series and for what purpose I love this series so much but for the people who haven’t tuned in on my review post, let me express my view on why Boku Tomo deserves the top spot. I must admit that everything in this show clicks together brilliantly in executing its comedy or a further development between characters; making the flow between each scene, dialogue, episode and joke magnificently done well.
Even if some characters don’t appeal to you, there’s always a character you’ll stick around for and for me that’s Rika the most (though I find all characters likable). Why so? Each character plays a major role in portraying the world of the Neighbours club as they see it, without one, Boku Tomo would no longer be Boku Tomo and it’s excellence in comedy would fall apart. Speaking of comedy, Boku Tomo incorporates the use of comedy multiples times throughout each episode yet it still handles the progress of what the story entails and even character development as it happens at the same time. Usually anime would switch between being serious and being funny but Boku Tomo was able to incorporate both of those elements together, making a vital development in the story or character humorously enjoyable.
The choice of music in each episode is none other than befitting for whatever emotion or scene Boku Tomo shows us. There’s never once where I had said to myself that this certain sound in the background didn’t suit the atmosphere of a certain scene but on the contrary, I continued to praise it because it was always placed in the most needed of places like episode 11. Episode 11 offered everything an episode could offer. It had every element a person would look for in such a series and they did this with the execution of music, art, and story development and character interactions followed by a befitting ending in episode 12. I really can’t see any of this work any other way and maybe this is all a bias rant but nevertheless I don’t need to prove the fact that the cast of characters along with its attractive art made this show an enjoyable piece to watch. It truly is hard to express the same thing without plagiarising my own review so if you wish to know more or if I might have left out something please go check out my review on Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai.
Art: 8 out of 10
Story: 9 out of 10
Music: 8 out of 10
Characters: 9 out of 10
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
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Honourable Mentions
Ano Hana
Bakuman Season 1
Ao no Exorcist
A Channel
Break Blade
Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
Hourou Musuko
Ikoku Meiro no Croisee
Kami-sama no Memo-chou
Madoka Magica
Mawaru Penguindrum
Nichijou
The World God Only Knows 2
UN-GO
I miss my anime….I really really do….ToT.
But great post! Aaah, brings back memories of when i still fangirled over Rin and Natsume~
And it's New Year public holiday so i'm only gonna let myself go just this once. Just this once! Just this once, Tofu!!
(and…maybe a few other public holidays in the future….)
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Just… don't get caught yeah? XD and thanks! I've realized I wrote MUCH more than my last top 10 post ;D Not sure if it's a good thing or not because some people might get tl;dr OTL
My recent post Tofu’s Top 10 Anime of 2011
No mentions of Dantalian, Level E, Gosick, Ben-to, Fireball or Supernatural is saddening. This is an interesting top 10. I would have had more of the honourable mentions you have here in the top ten instead :p. Very good year for anime in my opinion with shows like Madoka and Hourou Musuko taking a pre defined genre and fucking about with it.
I've never seen Dantalian, Level E, Gosick and Supernatural. Though I did somewhat enjoy fireball it doesn't really make the cut for me personally since the jokes were mainly misses though for Ben-to…. I dropped that after episode 2. It was… ridiculous.
Though trust me, it was really hard to create this list and I was shuffling around between these shows and their orders and also the shows in the honorable mentions.
My recent post Tofu’s Top 10 Anime of 2011
Tofu you are awesome! Hanasaku, Kore wa zombie, Mayo Chik,Fate/Zero are all good choices!
Kore wa zombie- Random and crazy but always so much fun! I can't name one character that was my best but damn that is so much fun. Are you excited for season two?! SOON! I CAN'T WAIT Woooooooooooooo!
Hope you find lots of anime in 2012 to be just as fun.
ahahahaha thanks Fosh and I'm definitely excited for season two of Kore wa Zombie!!! YEEEAAAAHHH~~~~!!!!!!!!!
I cross my fingers for 2012 to be a more exciting year than 2011 because hey, 2011 had great shows ;D It was a great year
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Moshidora is pretty good, but you should really indulge yourself in more sports anime/manga (I won't hate you if you don't though!) XD I wouldn't really put it up there with other sports anime… though it did make me tear up a little!
I need to watch Kore wa Zombie & Mayo Chiki. I'm a little surprised T&B didn't get a mention, but I think I love it more because of the characters and the hype (fanart/doujin/etc.) rather than the actual anime LOL
Haganai might not be my #1 (Usagi Drop, I think), but it's damn close haha
LOLS yeah I'll definitely be indulging in more sports related anime/manga (that includes ES21) ;D
The only reason T&B didn't get a mention is that I didn't watch the whole thing so I can't judge myself how great it is since I dropped it after the 2nd episode… it didn't work for me let's leave it at that. ^^;
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LOLS yeah I'll definitely be indulging in more sports related anime/manga (that includes ES21) ;D
The only reason T&B didn't get a mention is that I didn't watch the whole thing so I can't judge myself how great it is since I dropped it after the 2nd episode… it didn't work for me let's leave it at that. ^^;
My recent post Winter 2012 Anime Preview
Nice top 10. I'm glad to see Hanasaku Iroha on your list. This is also my top on 10 but I'm not really seeing this on other's list.
Fate/Zero and Usagi Drops are also on my list. I really wished that I followed Steins;Gate because it seemed to be in almost everyone's list.
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it's never too late to pick it up Snippet ;D For me, I picked up Natsume this year and loved it!
My recent post Winter 2012 Anime Preview
Neat top 10, Tofu. :D I've looked at a lot of top 10 lists in the blogosphere, and I haven't seen any quite like this one. I dropped Haganai after seven episodes because (1) I didn't have the time and (2) Yozora is such a bitch, but I love the rest of your top five, and Mayo Chiki was a guilty pleasure. Really glad to see that you like Natsume so much.
ohohohohoho I must have a very unique taste~ ;D
My recent post Winter 2012 Anime Preview
Well… This is your top 10 but haganai? Something just failed to click. Haganai was good but it doesn’t deserved to be in the top 5 imo. But again, this is your picks.
Even my choice was unconventional but predictable if you are a frequent visitor to my blog
ahahahaha ^^; Well then again I did enjoy it much more than the majority of viewers ;D Gimme a link and I'll check out your choices
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