Mahou Sensou – 01
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「真夏の魔法少女」 (Manatsu no Mahou Shoujo)
“Midsummer Magical Girl”
Mahou Sensou‘s first episode leaves much to be desired. There’s potential, but the series is fighting an uphill battle.
Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta – 01
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「旅立ちの島 」 (Tabidachi no Shima)
“Island of New Journeys”
There’s a lot of potential here with this series.
Buddy Complex – 01
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「出会い」 (Deai)
“Encounter”
Christmas is here bright and early for mecha fans this year. Or wait. Is it late? Either way, here were are with another Sunrise original mecha series.
Reader’s Choice – Best Anime 2013 Poll
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The end of the year is here and it’s time for the Eighth Annual Reader’s Choice poll! Do you have a favorite series you’d like to see win? Are you just curious to see what everyone else enjoyed this year? Either way, the microphone’s in your hands now. Make your vote count.
As per the usual, there will be two polls for you to vote on this year – one for regularly broadcast TV series, and another for OVA/movies. We’re asking you for your top 5 picks in each poll, which should stop the results from being heavily skewed towards the mega-popular shows. This year we have an astounding 160~ TV series (shorts are included this year) and 120~ OVA/movies/specials for you to choose from, so make sure you look over the entire list before deciding. Keep in mind that like all entertainment, anime is subjective. There is no one size fits all here. Please respect the opinions of others, even if you may disagree vehemently with them.
More after the jump.
Note: The polls will close at midnight PST on Thursday, January 2nd. This means the morning of the 3rd, or 8:00 AM GMT on the 3rd. Results will be posted in the Best of Anime 2013 post, which will be written by myself and Stilts (the two active writers who have watched the most anime this year).
Ghost in the Shell ARISE – 02
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「Border:2 – Ghost Whispers」
As the second part of a quadrilogy, one of the things I was looking for was whether or not it served as a proper bridge between the introductory portion of the series and the overarching plot line it wants to give us. Powered by the always fabulous Kusanagi Motoko, it does just that.
Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova – 12 (END)
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「航路を拓く力」 (Koro o Hiraku Chikara)
“The Power to Open a Path”
I think it’s safe to say that this was a series that exceeded everyone’s expectations. Powered by a spectacular OST, over the top action, complex themes on human nature, and the newest in CGI tech, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova was a bundle of joy throughout. Sadly, with every beginning comes an end, and the end is here—for now.
Suisei no Gargantia – 15 – OVA
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「まれびとの祭壇」 (Mare Bito no Saidan)
“Altar of the Heavenly Visitor”
Bit later than expected, but here we are with Kugel’s untold story.
Strike the Blood – 12
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「天使炎上篇IV」 (Tenshi Enjo Hen IV)
“Angel in Flames IV”
ALL HAIL LA FOLIA. A spectacular finish brings us to the end of yet another solid arc.