Anime
Outside of video games, I spent most of my year indulging in various anime. I fell out of watching it for quite a few years, but I’ve recently gotten back into the medium, and what a year for it. There were so many good series this year, and I know I haven’t even watched half the ones that deserve mention, but these are the ones that left an impression on me.
Mob Psycho 100
Anyone who didn’t see this getting on my list definitely didn’t read our Week in Anime write-ups recently. Not since The Vision of Escaflowne has an anime gripped me this hard, and as it so happens, Mob Psycho supplanted that title as my favorite anime of all time. Not only is the animation some of the best I’ve seen in years, the story is emotionally affecting, and Mob himself is one of the most compelling and endearing protagonists I’ve ever seen. I cannot stress enough how much I love Shigeo. He is my perfect, precious child. I would die for him. This story of learning to accept yourself – of finding your place amongst others, learning to have confidence in your own abilities, and overcoming your insecurities – is universal, but beautifully told. Everyone should at least give this anime a try. It’s just too good not to.
My Dress-Up Darling
Marin Kitagawa is the most adorable character ever, I love her so much. She’s cute, passionate and earnest, and she deserves all the happiness ever. Also, the anime she’s in is a fantastic encapsulation of fandom and cosplay culture, treating the love people have for fiction with care and consideration I don’t see very often. The attention to detail when it comes to sewing makes me really happy. I love that it doesn’t treat “bad” cosplay in a derogatory manner, and instead just celebrates fandom in general. It portrays healthy relationships and emphasizes the importance of communication in a genre where misunderstandings are the bog standard. I also very much appreciate the lewdness. If you want to sit back and just have a good time, you can’t go wrong with this one.
SPY x FAMILY
Speaking of a good time, it’s hard not to enjoy a tried and true story about a spy with an adopted psychic daughter and fake assassin wife. The Forgers are endearingly stupid and inept, and I love them for it. Between the brilliant animation and comedic writing, SxF is easily one of the most digestible but engaging anime of the year, with a cast chock full of personality. Despite some of the absurdity though, there’s real heart to this story of found family, and I’ve had a rip roaring good time with it.
Sabikui Bisco
This is an anime I honestly never expected to be as memorable as it was, but it’s been months since I’ve watched it and I still think about it from time to time. I loved the characters and their dynamics, and the world building in this post-apocalyptic Japan overrun by Rust was unique and compelling. Add in some great animation and set design, and it’s not hard to see why I would like it. It’s, honestly, exactly the type of thing I like: absurd premises with badass execution. More than that, though, I just really appreciated the writing; I wanted Milo and Bisco to save everyone. I wanted them to come out on top in their fights. These two had such a fun and memorable dynamic. Just a super great show all around with a bittersweet ending.
Komi Can’t Communicate
Sometimes I just really want to sit back and chill with a cute cast of characters, and for me that show was Komi Can’t Communicate. It was my go-to happy show while it aired, and it still brings a smile to my face thinking about it. I found Komi and her crippling social anxiety both endearing and relatable. I certainly don’t have nearly as many issues as she does, but making friends is hard, and having the courage to step outside your bubble is difficult to come by. I also just adored the slow but inexorable buildup of her relationship with Tadano. They’re so cute together. Romcoms are a dime a dozen, but when they hit they hit, and for me, Komi was a solid bullseye.
