Myna’s Monthly Rankings – September 2012

And thus, the lackluster summer season finally draws to a close. At least this season’s finales were all pretty good. I also decided to leave out Kyousogiga from the rankings because there’s not enough to write about on just a single ten-minute episode.

Good Tier

(=) Natsuyuki Rendezvous (episodes 10-11) – While I didn’t think this anime was utterly flawless, it’s still one of my top five shows of the year so far. Going back to its adult-centric jousei roots it just what noitaminA needed.

(=) Space Brothers (episodes 21-26) – Space Bros really is great. I honestly had no issues with it this month. I’m just overjoyed to see Hibito and Apo again.

(-) Humanity Has Declined (episodes 10-12) – I think the school flashback arc was probably my second least favorite of all, but I did like the fact that it was probably the most human story. This ended up being one of my favorite summer shows and I’m a bit sad to see it end. I wonder what it would be like watching this in chronological order…

Okay Tier

(+) Moyashimon Returns (episodes 10-11) – These last three episodes definitely improved Returns overall. However this season was definitely a step or two below the first season. The pacing could’ve been quicker and I still wish that the art style didn’t change. That was an awful and unnecessary choice. Maybe the foreshadowed third season will be better.

(=) Hyouka (episodes 20-22) – I had mixed feelings about these last few episodes. I enjoyed the New Year episode, but admittedly it was probably because of Houtarou’s bed hair. The penultimate one that focused on Satoshi was fantastic. The last one….eh. As a whole, I can say that I liked Hyouka, but with some reservations. As a mystery show, it completely and majestically fails. As a slice-of-life show, it’s great. It’s funny how I ended up really liking the KyoAni show that everyone else seemed to be disappointed in.

(+) Yuruyuri♪♪ (episodes 10-12) – AKARIN. DAT TIME TRAVEL EPISODE. DAT ONEE-CHAN. Even if it was fanfiction, I was still touched. Even though the Snow White skit just hardcore milked all the usual character gags, I still had fun watching it. Overall, this was an adequate sequel to an adequate show.

(=) Smile PreCure! (episodes 30-35) – The art and animation continue to saunter downwards. The fact that we need to sit through the girls finding even more Decors really pisses me off. Seriously? The creators couldn’t think of something else to find?

(+) Uta Koi (episodes 10-13) – I really enjoyed the Lady Murasaki episode. I’m not quite sure why – perhaps it’s because I’m actually familiar with the Tale of Genji. But that’s as close as I was to liking this show. In the end, watching this was simply a boring and forgettable experience.

Shit Tier

(=) Dog Days’ (episodes 10-13) – What more can I say that I already haven’t? Just the same as this show always has been. But seriously, no older Nanami?

 (-) Eureka Seven Ao (episodes 19-22) – I can’t even begin to express my utter hatred for Elena. Good lord. It’s not even Omigawa Chiaki’s fault. What the hell was up with her characterization in EP21? It’s also gotten up to the point where I don’t even care about the story anymore. It’s only interesting whenever Eureka’s present now. (The fact that we have to wait until November for the finale is not improving my relationship with Ao.)

(-) Who is Imouto? (episodes 9-12) – This anime is convoluted and utterly stupid. It tried to be way too mysterious which just made the plot drag on and on and fucking on. If you have a brain, you’ll know not to do what I did and waste time on this.

The Depths of Hell

Come at me, giant dragons and ogres! I fear thee not – HOLY SHIT A GIRL IN THE WOODS. RUN FOR THE FUCKING HILLS!!!

(—) Sword Art Online (episodes 10-13) - …Guys, explain something to me. This is worse than Guilty Fucking Crown. Why do people like this? How can so many people justify as to why this piece of shit is a masterpiece? Someone give me an answer because I just cannot fathom the mindset  of this thing’s fans. There is absolutely no fucking excuse. None.