2015: The Summer of Animes - Part 2

I thought I'd seen the best of the best:

Nothing could top Deathnote 

Nothing was as action filled as Psycho-Pass

No series was more popular than Attack on Titan

No show continued to surprise me like Fullmetal Alchemist 

And finally, no soundtrack was more stunning than that of Sword Art Online.

But as the summer continues and I delve deeper into the hole that is Anime, it appears that I have been gravely mistaken.

In my last post regarding anime, I listed my top five anime series that I'd watched as well as an honorable mention and a few series I was still working on. Well, a few weeks later, I have a few updates, a few more series that I've made it through (for better or worse) and a few series that I currently working on. So here's where I stand:

UPDATES:

1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, R1 & R2 (2006)
Continued Story (Sung theme of Code Geass)

I had written before that I would definitely be continuing into season two of Code Geass, and continue I did at a vigorous pace. After the incredible ending season one left there was no question that I would be starting season two that same night (or morning as it ended up being in reality)

"The only ones who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed". Code Geass follows student Lelouch Lamperouge who seems ordinary at first glance but is actually a former prince of the Holy Britanian Empire. When his mother was mysteriously killed and his father the Emperor disowns Lelouch and his sister Nunally, the two go into hiding in Area 11 (recently re-named Japan). Things take a turn when Lelouch becomes involved in a terrorist plot, which not only reunites him with a childhood friend but also introduces him to a mysterious girl who offers Lelouch a power known as "geass". By accepting the girls contract, Lelouch is granted this power which allows him to bend the will of others and command them to follow whatever order he gives no matter what. Wanting to avenge his mothers mysterious death, create a world where his little sister Nunally can live happily and get revenge on his father, Lelouch vows to use this power to create a better world. But with such a power, will Lelouch be able to overcome his past while paving the road towards a better future?

Why I began this series: I had recently finished Deathnote and was looking for a similar series, which led me to Code Geass

What I loved about the series: Like Black Butler, my love of Code Geass can be summed up by one character: Lelouch Lamperouge (later known as Lelouch vi Britania). The development and drive that Lelouch endures throughout the series is amazing and I found myself rooting for Lelouch the entire time. The connections Lelouch has with every single character, whether main or secondary, is strong and he uses these characters to his own advantage while also showing that he genuinely cares for them all. Lelouch is a character of a select few who I will never get tired of.

What I didn't like about the series: The begging few episodes seemed slow, but as Code Geass continued I became increasingly interested and eventually hooked on its every move.

Code Geass is an anime that while released back in 2006, is still one of the most admired and talked about anime shows of all time. It has received critical praise from both Japan and the U.S.A in addition to cultivating an enormous fan base in both countries. I would recommend Code Geass to everyone, simply because it is amazing and has one of the best endings in anime history.

2. Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Original Opening Video

  

Sad to say, I finally gave up on Fate/Zero. I was never able to get into the story or connect with the characters enough for me to continue watching Season 1. But while I may not have made it through the series, it still has a great opening track!


COMPLETED SERIES (*NEW*)

1. Clannad (2007-2008) & Clannad: After Story (2008-2009)
Clannad: After Story Original Opening Video

High school delinquent Tomoya Oakasaki hates his life. With the passing of his mother at a young age and his father who has turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with this loss, Tomoya finds no joy or happiness in his hometown or his school until he meets the shy, young Nagisa. After learning that Nagisa is repeating her senior year due to poor health and that she loves drama, Tomoya vows to help Nagisa make friends in addition to reviving the schools Drama Club - but could there be more to their relationship than meets the eye?

Why I began this series: I had just finished Code Geass, when I decided I wanted a break from action and thriller anime series. I was curious about "romance animes" and began trolling the internet for possibilities, fearing that all romance animes would be either boring or too X rated for my liking. I found Clannad at the top of every romance anime list and decided to give it a try, and I have to say that watching these shows is one of the best decisions I ever made.

What I loved about the show: Clannad and Clannad: After Story are simply beautiful series. The original series introduces the characters and shows their friendships continue to grow, especially between Nagisa and Tomoya. Clannad: After Story continues this but shows how these relationships grow after Tomoya, Nagisa and their friends graduate from high school and enter the real world.

Clannad and especially Clannad: After Story are known for one thing: siring emotion. Both series made me experience every emotion possible, from joy to sadness and everything in between. I have never laughed so much or cried so hard while watching a series until Clannad and Clannad: After Story, and I can now say that it is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever had the privilege of watching.

What I didn't like about the series: Nothing - both series were simply beautiful both in body and soul

Like Deathnote and Code Geass, I would recommend BOTH Clannad and Clannad: After Story to everyone. Beautiful, magical, touching and even a bit nostalgic, both of these series are magnificent and are not to be missed or overlooked.

ANIME SERIES IN PROGRESS:

1. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Original Opening Video

Current position: Episode 17 of 25
Will I continue into Season 2: There has been no announcement of a second season of Blue Exorcist but if one does happen I'll be there to see it
What I like about Blue Exorcist: There is much to like about Blue Exorcist, from it's lovable characters to the idea the series revolves around. Also bursting into blue flames is pretty cool.
What I don't like about the series: A few episodes at times feel slow and a few characters get pretty neglected, but this changes when more demons are introduced and Rin is forced to face challenges he never expected to
Why you would enjoy Blue Exorcist: If you love series with action, comedy, demons and blue flames than this is the series for you


2. Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign (2014)
Original Opening Video

     

Current position: Episode 8 of 24
Will I continue to Season 2: Since this series is so new there is no news currently on a second season, but if there is a Season 2 I will definitely be watching
What I like about Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign: I finally found a vampire anime series that is not boring, stupid or 'Twilight-esq"
What I don't like about the series: So far I have almost no complaints about the series, but I am watching the show slowly as weekly new episodes are released with the English dub
Why you would enjoy Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign: This series uses a story line about vampires that is incredibly smart. If you are looking for a series that in no way resembles Twilight but still uses your favorite blood-sucking monsters, look no further.

Nothing will ever top Deathnote 
Psycho-Pass will always hold a dear place in my anime heart
No series will continue to scare me more than Attack on Titan
Fullmetal Alchemist will always be fun to watch

And Sword Art Online started it all

But now:

There will never be a more beautiful love story than that of Clannad and Clannad: After Story
I will never forget the blue flames from Blue Exorcist
And Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign will be the end of my summer anime train

Until next time, Viva anime!