Ask John: What Were John’s Picks of 2018’s New TV Anime?

2018 will not be remembered as a remarkable year in anime history as the year didn’t produce any television series of historical significance. No avowed masterpieces rose from this year. Even the year’s finest productions are not “all time best” caliber shows. Nor did 2018 produce any memorably awful shows that will go down in history’s flames. Excluding continuing series and shows seemingly officially recognized as continuing seasons rather than new series, and also excluding a record high number of Chinese productions broadcast in Japanese dubs, including Jikken-hin Kazoku, To Be Heroine, Onmyouji: Heian Monogatari, Ani ni Tsukeru Kusuri wa Nai! 2, and Hora, Mimi ga Mieteru yo!, 2018 premiered 249 new terrestrial broadcast & web streaming anime series and one-shot specials. I was fortunate enough to watch a sample full episode of 243 of them. I even managed to watch 75 of this year’s new anime to completion.

My personal selections as the finest TV anime of 2018 begin with Sora Yori mo Tooi Basho, the story of four high school girls who vow to visit Antarctica. Privately, each of the four harbors a tremendous personal anxiety, so their collective journey allows them the opportunity to challenge and overcome their most intimidating fears. The story, which is ostensibly a slice of life drama, rapidly blossoms into a far more substantial and rewarding viewing experience thanks to Jukki Hanada’s script and Atsuko Ishizuka’s exceptional direction. The series concentrates equally on character development and depicting the small, realistic daily nuances involved with teenagers joining and participating in a civilian Antarctic scientific expedition. Subtle details including the parallel of both teen girl Shirase Kobuchizawa and adult leader Gin Todo struggling through survivor’s guilt emphasize thematic depth. Likewise, for example, the framing of the separation between Mari & Megu at the shrine in episode five is one of the most symbolically meaningful composition shots I’ve ever seen within an anime. And their “breakup” scene – particularly the way distance between the two girls is utilized – is impactful and makes excellent use of visual symbolism. Like the whole series, the climax of episode 12 is much more nuanced than it initially appears. On first impression, it’s a heartwarming conclusion. But upon further consideration viewers may realize that it’s actually quite bittersweet and perhaps even an outright tragedy. From episode to episode, nothing about the show is particularly flashy or arrestingly impressive, and the show isn’t a memorable landmark in anime history, but consistently the show’s animation quality, direction, editing, characterization, story development, and attention to detail are exceptional.

Masao Otake’s 2010 comedy manga Hinamatsuri is fine, but it’s director Kei Oikawa’s 2018 anime adaptation that vividly brings the manga to life and imbues much greater impact and emphasis to within it. The story is a sitcom hybrid of traditional yakuza politics and psychic teenage battle. A yakuza underboss has a time-traveling psychic teen fugitive literally materialize in his apartment, so he adopts the disaffected and lazy teen as a surrogate daughter. Young Hina’s disinterested and weary attitude is great source for comedy, but the anime series’ strength actually lies in its supporting characters and themes. Hina’s self-proclaimed rival Anzu initially seems like a typical “yankee,” a female version of Yu Yu Hakusho’s Kuwabara or Rurouni Kenshin’s Sanosuke. But her story arc reveals her unexpectedly conscientious personality and allows the show its rare opportunity to extensively examine Tokyo’s homeless population that’s frequently excluded from anime for being too weighty and uncomfortable of a subject to deal with. Likewise, Hitomi’s story shines a satirical light on frustrations of the Japanese employment system. And Mao’s story allows the show to let off steam with kung fu movie and Castaway parody. Ultimately the anime series, far more than the originating manga, uses animation, characterization, editing, and scripting to deliver a hilarious goofy comedy that also devotes a lot of attention to empathetic concepts including family, consideration for the underprivileged and homeless, and empathetic personal responsibility. Hinamatsuri is a raucously hilarious comedy that’s also frequently deeply heartfelt and moving.

I have to acknowledge Koi wa Ameagari no You ni with a significant caveat. The May-December romantic drama revolves around a teen girl who harbors a crush on her divorced middle-aged family restaurant manager boss. The show is uniquely interesting in several ways. Immediately and obviously it looks like an early 90’s production. Despite being 2018 animation based on a 2014 manga, the show visually most resembles Madhouse’s 1989 Yawara television anime and Studio Deen’s 1988 Patlabor. So while the dated-looking art design may deter some contemporary viewers, it’s also a pleasant breath of fresh air compared to the look of every other contemporary anime. Particularly lead characters Akira Tachibana and Masami Kondo are deeply nuanced and faceted because the storytelling spends so much time on them. Viewers get to know and care for these two characters who both suffer an emotional stumbling block that obstructs their progress. But roughly half-way through the series the story changes from a romance to a drama when the show concentrates on depicting the two characters individually yet in parallel challenging and overcoming their own psychological hurdles. The series may be admirable for respecting its characters, but being faithful to the characters at the expense of viewer satisfaction leaves viewers rationally impressed but emotionally unsatisfied. On a side note, the show’s ending theme, Aimer’s “Ref:rain,” may be the best anime theme song of the year.

Planet With is literally a hybrid of Gadguard, Genma Taisen, and Star Trek. The 2018 original series felt very reminiscent of the “kitchen sink” unpredictability of golden age anime including Ai City, Harmagedon, and Battle Royale High School. Interesting, dynamic characterizations from a diverse cast and lovely, exciting animation from studio J.C.Staff make the show eminently gratifying, although its brisk pace may actually have been better served with a longer two cour length that would have allowed for more suspense and given the story some breathing room. Seeing characters including Soya, Benika, Yosuke, Takezo, and even Generalissimo reveal their secret motivations and change allegiances and philosophical values multiple times as their perspectives change adds fascinating nuance to the show. But all of these changes occurring so rapidly compromises their impact. Like all of this year’s best anime, Planet With isn’t flawless, but it is highly enjoyable for many reasons and in many ways.

In fact, I don’t have a top fifth pick. Rather, I have a number of runner-up picks worth brief mention.

Asobi Asobase & Chio-chan no Tsuugakuro were both outrageously and unpredictably hilarious at their best, but neither show had grand aspirations nor was either solidly consistent. Similarly Pop Team Epic was brilliant when at its best but largely too esoteric and limited in its scope to elevate its status sustainably. Netflix’s ten-episode Aggressive Retsuko leaves viewers wanting more, but minor changes from the earlier web series aggravated me. Despite being a bit derivative, Darling in the FranXX is arguably the year’s most ambitious and unique mecha anime. Yet it still felt like it never quite symphonized the way it wanted to. Masaaki Yuasa rarely disappoints. Devilman Crybaby delivered everything viewers expected and hoped for, but ultimately the show is just a greatest hits remix of elements from the prior Devilman adaptations. Hanebad exhibited exceptional animation but wildly uneven storytelling. Violet Evergarden is arguably the year’s most exceptional looking show, but the series’ script didn’t rise to its lush visual and animation quality. Hisone to Masotan & Kokkoku are among the year’s strongest unique narratives, but unfortunately both suffered underwhelming final acts. Uma Musume: Pretty Derby far surpassed low expectations with strong characterizations and a great amount of respect for audience intelligence. But exceptional execution isn’t sufficient to elevate a story with middle-of-the-road ambitions. Yuru Camp is this year’s best iyashikei anime, but it’s a bit redundant and limited in scope compared to series including Non Non Biyori, Natsume Yujincho, Amanchu, and Kemono Friends. While I enjoyed Yuru Camp quite a bit, Hakumei to Mikochi was my favorite iyashikei anime of the year.

I don’t relish recognizing bad anime, but 2018 seemed to produce an inordinate number of sub-par TV productions ranging from bad to near unspeakably abysmal. Among them: Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens, Hero Mask, LadySpo, Ore ga Suki nano wa Imouto dakedo Imouto ja Nai, Satsuriku no Tenshi, Sora to Umi no Aida, RErideD: Tokigoe no Derrida, and Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger.

List of 2018 TV & Web anime (The titles I didn’t watch any of are boldfaced):

25-sai no Jyoshikousei
3D Kanojo: Real Girl
A.I.C.O. Incarnation [Netflix anime]
Aggressive Retsuko [Netflix anime]
Aguu: Tensai Ningyou
Aikatsu Friends!
Akanesasu Shoujo
Akkun to Kanojo
Akuma no Memumemu-chan [web anime]
Alice or Alice
Amai Choubatsu: Watashi wa Kanshu Senyou Pet
Amanchu! Advance
Angolmois: Genkou Kassenki
Anima Yell!
Aru Zombie Shoujo no Sainan
Asobi Asobase
B: The Beginning [Netflix anime]
Back Street Girls ~Gokudolls~
Baki [Netflix anime]
Bakumatsu ~Ren’ai Bakumatsu Kareshi Gaiden~
Bakutsuri Bar Hunter
BANANA FISH
BanG Dream! Garupa?Pico
Basilisk: Ouka Ninpouchou
BEATLESS
Beelzebub-jou no Okinimesu mama.
Beyblade Burst Chouzetsu
Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu Happy Kiss!
Butlers: Chitose Momotose Monogatari
Caligula
Captain Tsubasa (2018)
Cara to Otama Jakushi Shima
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen
Cardfight!! Vanguard
Carnival Phantasm Selection
Chihayafuru Syuukasen
Chio-chan no Tsuugakuro
Chuukan Kanriroku Tonegawa
citrus
Comic Girls
Conception
Cutie Honey Universe
Dagashi Kashi 2
Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
Dame × Prince Anime Caravan
Darling in the FranXX
Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku
Devidol!
Devilman Crybaby [Netflix anime]
Devil’s Line
Dorei-ku The Animation
Double Decker! Doug & Kirill
Duel Masters!
Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan
Fate/EXTRA Last Encore
Free!-Dive to the Future-
Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory
Fumikiri Jikan
Future Card Shin Buddyfight
Gaikotsu Shotenin Honda-san
Gakuen Babysitters
Gakuen Basara
Gan Gan Ganko-chan second series
gdgd Men’s Party
Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro (6th series)
Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These – Kaikou
Gintama: Gin no Tamashii-hen
Goblin Slayer
Golden Kamuy
Grancrest Senki
Grand Blue
Gundam Build Divers
Gurazeni
Gyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu,” Igiari! Season 2
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
Hakumei to Mikochi
Hakyuu Houshin Engi
Hanasaku Kizuna no Romantan [web anime]
Hanebado!
Han-Gyaku-sei Million Arthur
Happy Sugar Life
Harukana Receive
Hashiri Tsuzukete Yokattatte.
Hataraku Onii-san!
Hataraku Onii-san! No 2!
Hataraku Saibou
Hero Mask [Netflix anime]
High School DxD Hero
High Score Girl
Himote House
Hinamatsuri
Hinomaru Zumou
Hisone to Masotan
Hoshi no Shima no Nyanko
Hugtto! Precure
Hyakuren no Haou to Seiyaku no Valkyria
Idolish Seven
Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Gekijou 3rd season
Inazuma Eleven: Ares no Tenbin
Inazuma Eleven: Orion no Kokuin
Ingress [Netflix anime]
Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara
Isekai Izakaya: Koto Aitheria no Izakaya Nobu [web anime]
Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu
ISLAND
Itou Junji: Collection
Itsuka Aeru Kimi ni [web anime]
Iya na Kao Sare Nagara Opantsu Misete Moraitai [web anime]
Jashin-chan Dropkick
Jingai-san no Yome
Jojo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze
Joshi Ochi!!: 2-kai kara Ero Musume ga Futte kite, Ore no Areni!?
Juushinki Pandora
Kaijuu Girls: Ultra Kaijuu Gijinka Keikaku 2nd Season
Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi
Kamisama Minarai Himitsu no Cocotama: Natsu da! Oohashagi Special
Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san
Karakuri Circus
Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
Kekeroke
Ken En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki
Killing Bites
Kimi no Matsu Basho e [web anime]
Kirakira Happy?Hirake! Cocotama
Kiratto Pri?chan
Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet
Kitsune no Koe
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni
Kokkoku
Koneko no Chi: Ponponra Dairyokou
Kuroneko Monroe
Kyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes
LadySpo
Last Period: Owarinaki Rasen no Monogatari
Layton Mystery Tanteisha: Katri no Nazotoki File
Live Animation Heart x Algorhythm 2nd series
Lord of Vermilion: Guren no Ou
LOST SONG [Netflix anime]
Lostorage conflated WIXOSS
Lupin the Third: Part 5
Mahou Shoujo Ore
Mahou Shoujo Site
MAJOR 2nd
Mame Neko
Märchen Mädchen
Marvel Future Avengers Season 2
Megalo Box
Merc Storia: Mukiryoku Shounen to Bin no Naka no Shoujo
Miira no Kaikata
Mitchiri Neko
Mitsuboshi Colors
Muhyo to Roujii no Mahouritsu Soudan Jimusho
Nanatsu no Bitoku
Nanatsu no Taizai: Imashime no Fukkatsu
Nani Iro no Nani [web anime]
Nil Admirari no Tenbin
Okojo to Yamane
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
Omae wa Mada Gunma wo Shiranai
One Room second season
Ongaku Shoujo
Ore ga Suki nano wa Imouto dakedo Imouto ja Nai
Ore-tacha Youkai Ningen G
Oshiete Mahou no Pendulum: Rilu Rilu Fairilu
Oshiri Tantei
Otona no Bouguya-san
Overlord II
Overlord III
PERSONA5 the Animation
Phantom in the Twilight
Piano no Mori
Planet With
Pochitto Hatsumei: Pikachin-Kit
Pop Team Epic
Puzzle & Dragon
Radiant
Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san
Release the Sypce
RErideD: Tokigoe no Derrida [Netflix anime]
Robot Girls Neo [web anime]
Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori
Ryuuou no Oshigoto!
Saiki Kusuo no ?-nan 2nd Season
Sakura no Chikai ~Marronni ? Yell Higashi no Asuka Shimotsuke-shi o Yell!~
Sanrio Danshi
Saredo Tsumibito wa Ryuu to Odoru
Satsuriku no Tenshi
Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
Senjuushi
Senran Kagura: Shinovi Master – Tokyo Youma-hen
Sentai Heroes Sukiyaki Force: Gunma no Heiwa wo Negau Season e, Mata
Shichisei no Subaru
Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion
Shinya! Tensai Bakabon
Shoujo ? Kageki Revue Starlight
Shuudengo, Capsule Hotel de, Joushi ni Binetsu Utawaru Yoru.
Slow Start
SNS Police [web anime]
Sono Toki, Kanojo wa.
Sora to Umi no Aida
Sora Yori mo Tooi Basho
Souten no Ken: Regenesis
Space Bug
SSSS.GRIDMAN
St. Seiya: Saintia Shou
Steins;Gate 0
Sunohara-sou no Kanrinin-san
Super Dragon Ball Heroes [web anime]
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
Sword Art Online: Alicization
Swordgai The Animation [Netflix anime]
Tachibana-kan to Lie Angle
Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai
Takunomi.
Televi Yarou Nanana
Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger
Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken
The iDOLM@STER Side M: Wake atte Mini!
Thunderbolt Fantasy second season
Toaru Majutsu no Index III
Toji no Miko
Tokyo Ghoul:re
Tonari no Kyuuketsuki-san
Tsukumogami Kashimasu
Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudou-bu
Uchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru!
Uchi no Oochopus
Uchuu Senkan Tiramisu
Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc to Renkin no Kishi
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
Usagi no Mathew
Violet Evergarden
Virtual Buzz Talk
Wakaokami wa Shougakusei!
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
Yagate Kimi ni Naru
Yakiniku-ten Sengoku
Yakusoku no Nanaya Matsuri [web anime]
Yama no Susume 3rd season
Yami Shibai 6th Season
Youkai Watch: Shadow Side
Yowamushi Pedal: Glory Line
Yume Oukoku to Nemureru 100 Nin no Ouji-sama
Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san
Yuru Camp
Zannen na Ikimono Jiten
Zoids Wild
Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru
Zombieland Saga