Ask John: What’s John’s Favorite Early 2010 Anime?

Question:
What’s your favourite anime this season?

Answer:
I assume that by “this season” you’re referring to the early 2010 Japanese anime TV series season that started in December 2009. Some of the high profile titles from the current Japanese TV season include Durarara, Dance in the Vampire Bund, Baka to Test to Shokanjuu, Hanamaru Yochien, Okamikakushi, Nodame Cantabile Finale, Sora no Woto, Seikon no Qwaser, and Ladies vs Butlers. I’ve had the opportunity to watch at least one full episode of nearly all of this season’s shows, and I have a strong suspicion that the ones I haven’t seen aren’t contenders for a spot on my list of favorites. There was a lot of grumbling in the American fan community that the winter 2009 TV season that launched in October 2009 was the “worst season ever” for TV anime. But in reflection, I think there were more interesting anime series in the prior season than there are in the current season that’s wrapping up.

Among the current season shows, I’ve been regularly watching BakaTest, Vampire Bund, Durarara, Sora no Woto, Heartcatch Precure, Cobra the Animation, and Hanamaru Yochien. And I watched the complete short Hipira-kun TV series. I would like to have said that Dance in the Vampire Bund was my favorite show of the season. I’ve tremendously enjoyed the first five volumes of the manga that I’ve read. And I typically like director Akiyuki Shinbo’s anime. I enjoyed animation studio Shaft’s previous vampire girl anime series, Tsukuyomi ~Moon Phase~. Dance in the Vampire Bund seems like a show specifically targeted at viewers just like me. But the Vampire Bund anime simply can’t compete. I’m not upset by its narrative construction that’s partially based on the original manga and partially original. I’m frustrated by its seeming inability to commit to being either a faithful adaptation or an original adaptation. I’m even more frustrated by its obvious technical limitations that literally hamstring the series. Limited animation, and missing and incomplete animation frequently make the show literally incomprehensible.

BakaTest has been, I think, the season’s surprise hit. Anticipation for Durarara was very high among American fans, but few expected much from Baka to Test to Shokanjuu. The show, in fact, hasn’t exactly delivered a lot, but it has been consistently attractive looking, fun, and amusing without seeming excessively obsequious. While shows like Chu-bra and Ladies vs Butlers have felt like gratuitous pandering, BakaTest has managed to retain a marginal degree of dignity. While the show has been enjoyable enough to keep my attention and my enthusiasm, I can’t say that I love it, though.

I also can’t yet say that I love Heartcatch Precure. However, in some respects Heartcatch Precure is the new Pretty Cure series that’s most similar to the original two series which I do dearly love. Beginning with its jaw dropping introduction, Heartcatch Precure has consistently delivered formula entertainment that still feels unique and creative. Despite Heartcatch Precure being the seventh installment in one of Toei Animation’s most mainstream franchises, the show has managed to feel more fresh, charming, engaging, and simply fun than any other show I’ve watched from the current season.