Winter 2019 Anime Review
Alot of great anime dropped in winter 2019. There were some heavily anticipated anime this year from Mob Psycho 100 II, The Rising of the Shield Hero, to studio MAPPA’s adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s classic work, Dororo. They all delivered for the most part. The number of quality anime this winter season is high.
Here are the top 5 anime of winter 2019:
5. Dororo
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Demons, Supernatural, Samurai, Shounen
Studio: Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
Season: Winter 2019
Episodes: 24
Introduction
The greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu’s land is dying, and he would do anything for power, even renounce Buddha and make a pact with demons. His prayers are answered by 12 demons who grant him the power he desires by aiding his prefecture’s growth, but at a price. When Kagemitsu’s first son is born, the boy has no limbs, no nose, no eyes, no ears, nor even skin—yet still, he lives.
This child is disposed of in a river and forgotten. But as luck would have it, he is saved by a medicine man who provides him with prosthetics and weapons, allowing for him to survive and fend for himself. The boy lives and grows, and although he cannot see, hear, or feel anything, he must defeat the demons that took him as sacrifice. With the death of each one, he regains a part of himself that is rightfully his. For many years he wanders alone, until one day an orphan boy, Dororo, befriends him. The unlikely pair of castaways now fight for their survival and humanity in an unforgiving, demon-infested world.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
Dororo was one of the most anticipated anime of 2019 and it delivered for the most part. It is a really good story with plenty of action. Unlike typical action anime, Dororo stands out because of the moral dilemmas it presents to the audience. It is a interesting historical anime and studio MAPPA is able to do a great job of adapting this classic work.
What stops Dororo from being higher on this list is the inconsistent animation and filler in the second half. It would’ve been better if Dororo was 1 cour (12-13 episodes) instead of 2 cours (24-26 pisodes).
For a more detailed analysis, check out Is Dororo Good?
4. Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019)
Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Horror
Studio: Madhouse
Season: Winter 2019
Episodes: 18
Introduction
Hushed exchanges among the female student populace of Shinyo Academy center around an enigmatic supernatural entity. This entity is Boogiepop, a Shinigami who is rumored to murder people at the height of their beauty before their allure wanes. Few know of his true nature: a guardian who, between periods of dormancy, manifests as the alter ego of a high school girl named Touka Miyashita to fend off “the enemies of the world.” Now, a string of mysterious disappearances—presumed by the school to be merely runaways—has caused Boogiepop to awaken. But somewhere in the academy, a menacing creature hides, waiting for its opportune moment to strike.
Boogiepop wa Warawanai subtly explores the intrinsic associations between human beings and their perception of time, while delving into its characters’ complex relationships, emotions, memories, and pasts.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
I’m a big fan of mystery and psychological anime so Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) was on my list of anime that I absolutely needed to check out and boy did it deliver.
Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) requires the audience to actually make an effort in keeping up with small details. That’s because it all plays in the bigger picture. This series touches on many deep and abstract philosophical ideas. There are times where the audience can be lost or confused but that’s okay. That’s because you can tell your watching something different. Rarely do you see a good mystery and psychological anime executed as good as Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019).
Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) is not a sequel to Boogiepop Phantom (2000). It’s also not a reboot. It adapts another part of the story. Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) and Boogiepop Phantom (2000) differ in terms of style but they are similar with their unorthodox narrative structure.
Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) is a really good mystery anime that is very underrated and was overlooked this winter season.
For a more detailed analysis, check out Is Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) Good?
3. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Seinen
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Season: Winter 2019
Episodes: 12
Introduction
At the renowned Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are the student body’s top representatives. Ranked the top student in the nation and respected by peers and mentors alike, Miyuki serves as the student council president. Alongside him, the vice president Kaguya—eldest daughter of the wealthy Shinomiya family—excels in every field imaginable. They are the envy of the entire student body, regarded as the perfect couple.
However, despite both having already developed feelings for the other, neither are willing to admit them. The first to confess loses, will be looked down upon, and will be considered the lesser. With their honor and pride at stake, Miyuki and Kaguya are both equally determined to be the one to emerge victorious on the battlefield of love!
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
Kaguya: Love is War was an anime I wasn’t expecting to like as much as I did. This is the best romance anime of winter 2019 and already a candidate for best romance of the year.
Kaguya: Love is War is theatrical and is visually great. There’s some interesting camera shots and art styles incorporated into alot of the scenes. The back and forth between Shirogane and Kaguya is very funny and entertaining.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a thoughtfully-directed romantic comedy and is in the top 3 anime of winter 2019.
For a more detailed analysis, check out Is Kaguya-sama: Love is War a Good Romance Anime?
2. Mob Psycho 100 II
Genre: Action, Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural
Studio: BONES
Season: Winter 2019
Episodes: 13
Introduction
Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is now maturing and understanding his role as a supernatural psychic that has the power to drastically affect the livelihood of others. He and his mentor Reigen Arataka continue to deal with supernatural requests from clients, whether it be exorcizing evil spirits or tackling urban legends that haunt the citizens.
While the workflow remains the same, Mob isn’t just blindly following Reigen around anymore. With all his experiences as a ridiculously strong psychic, Mob’s supernatural adventures now have more weight to them. Things take on a serious and darker tone as the dangers Mob and Reigen face are much more tangible and unsettling than ever before.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
The second season of Mob Psycho has been a long time coming. Mob Psycho II is just as good as the first season and even better in some areas.
The animation, as expected from studio BONES, is spectacular. It manages to stay consistent for the entire series and it helps that this season is one cour.
Even though the action and animation is top notch, the best part about Mob Psycho II is Mob and Reigen’s growth. Reigen, in particular, had amazing arc this season. Forever the con artist, Reigen goes through alot of obstacles and personal struggles this season.
For a more detailed analysis of Reigen’s character growth throughout Mob Psycho, check out Is Arataka Reigen a Good Guy? | Character Analysis
Mob Psycho 100 II would’ve been the best anime this winter season if not for one anime…
1. The Promised Neverland
Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Shounen
Studio: CloverWorks
Season: Winter 2019
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Surrounded by a forest and a gated entrance, the Grace Field House is inhabited by orphans happily living together as one big family, looked after by their “Mama,” Isabella. Although they are required to take tests daily, the children are free to spend their time as they see fit, usually playing outside, as long as they do not venture too far from the orphanage—a rule they are expected to follow no matter what. However, all good times must come to an end, as every few months, a child is adopted and sent to live with their new family… never to be heard from again.
However, the three oldest siblings have their suspicions about what is actually happening at the orphanage, and they are about to discover the cruel fate that awaits the children living at Grace Field, including the twisted nature of their beloved Mama..
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
For more lists, check out
Top 3 Underrated Anime of Winter 2019