Anime in Fall 2018 was an interesting one. This was a good season for those who are fans of isekai (involves a normal person from Earth being transported to, reborn or trapped in a parallel universe). This fall season had isekai anime such as Goblin Slayer, Sword Art Online Alicization, and Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken.

Overall, it was a solid season. Lets take a look:

 Most Disappointing Anime of Fall 2018

Anime: Zombieland Saga

Genre: Musical, Comedy, Supernatural

Studio: MAPPA

Introduction

Zombieland Saga was a joint collaboration between Cygames and Avex Pictures. It was animated by studio MAPPA.

In 2008, high school student Sakura Minamoto is on her way to audition for an idol group when she is killed in a traffic accident. Ten years later, she discovers that she, along with six other “legendary” girls from various eras of Japan’s history, are resurrected as zombies by Kotaro Tatsumi to save Saga Prefecture as the all-zombie idol group Franchouchou.

Thoughts

A zombie apocalypse anime is nothing new. However,  Zombieland Saga seemed interesting at first glance simply because it was also about an idol group with elements of comedy. The premise was promising and the first episode was so ludicrous and over the top. Mamoru Miyano, the voice actor behind Rintaro Okabe from Steins;Gate (2011), plays Kotaro Tatsumi, the manager of the group. Beginning episodes were satirical and it looked like it was going to showcase different music genres. However, as the show progressed, it turned into a generic idol group anime.

Conclusion

Zombieland Saga seemed promising with a bunch of interesting elements but it couldn’t quite bring it all together properly and it ultimately fell short.

 Most Underrated Anime of Fall 2018

Anime: SSSS. Gridman

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Mecha

Studio: Trigger

Introduction

SSSS. Gridman is a joint collaboration between Studio Trigger (known for titles such as Kill La Kill, Little Witch Academia, Darling in the Franxx) and Tsuburaya Productions, a special effects company. Tsuburaya Productions is known for producing the Ultra Series. 

Yuuta Hibiki is a first-year student in high school living in Tsutsujidai. One day, he wakes up without his memories. Yuuta later meets Hyper Agent GRIDMAN who is inside an old computer. GRIDMAN tells him to fulfill his purpose. Yuuta’s quest to understand the meaning behind those words and to find his memories begins. While all of this is sudden, Yuuta has helpful assistance from his classmates, Shou Utsumi, Rikka Takarada, and Akane Shinjou, but those peaceful days are destroyed mercilessly by a monster that suddenly appears.

Thoughts

You would expect an anime that is produced by studio Trigger to get alot of attention but this is not the case for SSSS. Gridman. This may due to the fact that Gridman’s direction and style is not like studio Trigger’s usual works. Nonetheless, what really stands out is the visuals and general direction.

Conclusion

SSSS. Gridman deserves more attention than it got. The background art, great visuals and action sequence is worth it. For a deeper analysis, check out Is SSSS Gridman Worth Watching?

Best Anime of Fall 2018

Anime: Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai

Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Supernatural

Studio: CloverWorks

Introduction

Bunny Girl Senpai is a light novel written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by  Keeji Mizoguchi. It was adapted into a television series by Studio CloverWorks.

Mai Sakurajima is a third-year high school student who gained fame in her youth as a child actress, but recently halted her promising career for reasons unknown to the public. With an air of unapproachability, she is well known throughout the school, but none dare interact with her—that is until Sakuta sees her wandering the library in a bunny girl costume. Despite the getup, no one seems to notice her, and after confronting her, he realizes that she is another victim of Puberty Syndrome. As Sakuta tries to help Mai through her predicament, his actions bring him into contact with more girls afflicted with the elusive disease.

Thoughts

Bunny Girl Senpai was a nice surprise. The main protagonist, Sakuta Azusagawa is not a push over and behaves like a real character. Mai Sakurajima is also a good character. What makes the show great is their dynamic. The scenes between them are endearing and witty. They have great chemistry.

Bunny Girl Senpai has a poignant message that is relevant to the difficulties of teens today. It manages to touch on issues such as bullying and ostracization and the effects it can have on the youth. It was all nicely presented with great production.

Conclusion

Bunny Girl Senpai gave me Bakemonogatari (2009) vibes. Arguably the best show of the season. Bunny Girl Senpai shows that it’s not always good to judge a book by it’s cover.

Best Anime (Continuing) of Fall 2018

Anime: Golden Kamuy 2nd Season

Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen

Studio: Geno Studio

Introduction

Golden Kamuy is a popular manga that was written and illustrated by Satoru Noda and has won the Manga Taisho award. It was adapted into anime by Geno Studio.

Thoughts

The first season of Golden Kamuy was great. This second season is even better. More action, even more fast pace, and everything comes together. Given how much material Geno Studio adapted, it made sense for it to end the way it did. For more detailed analysis, see my post Why You Should Watch Golden Kamuy.

Conclusion

Golden Kamuy is good gem and a contender for Anime of the Year.