My top picks for 2016

Although 2016 has gone by in the blink of an eye, I received so many blessings, probably more than I deserved. For that, I am so much thankful. Also, along my journey, anime greatly helped me relieve my stress, and it served as my escape from the mundane. It was a great thing that 2016 was also a great year for anime. We were served with some great shows each season; a lot of them shined brighter than the rest.

So yeah, as we celebrate the new year, I would like to share my TOP 5 PICKS lists for this Anime Year 2016. This would probably be for several posts coming early this year because, yeah, I need to make up for the lack of posts lately.

I decided the rankings based on my totally biased opinion. If I enjoyed it, they I enjoyed it. Period.

Without any further ado, here they are:

5. FLYING WITCH

Truly, a healing anime. The whole show exudes serenity and tranquility – perfect for total relaxation. I do understand that some people would find this show boring, because hey, we do have different tastes! Surprised, aren’t ya?

What I do love about this show is that every scene unfolds naturally. It perfectly mixes the fantasy element with the mundane. Can you believe that I totally enjoyed some episodes about the characters taking few walks, picking wildflowers, and eating pancakes? The show meanders through some uneventful situations but the show invested in character interactions and their daily lives. Add up the sweet and super likeable characters (Chinatsu, anyone?) and its peaceful music. I can’t ask for more. Oh, probably more flying?

4. BOKU DAKE GA INAI MACHI

Yoho! This one is probably the most hyped anime during the season it aired, if not of the whole 2016. I dunno, I was out of touch in the anime community except in twitter. But yeah, I joined the hype because this show was really good in making me feel at the edge of my seat in every episode. I enjoyed the thriller element, waiting for the reveal by the end of the episode.

The plot and the time travel element were kept simple so as to avoid plot holes; the show invested more on the emotional aspects. Who remembered the scene when Satoru’s mom took care of Kayo? Man, the feels. I could probably put this higher on my list but the latter episodes kinda let me down somehow. They were still good, but I just expected more I guess?

3. HAIKYUU!! S2

Best season of Haikyuu for me. The revenge match against Seijo made me want more each week. Although I already have an idea what the outcome would be (typical sports anime formula), I was still at the edge of my seat every match. Season 3 was also good, as it gave the spotlight to Tsukishima, but the tension between the Shiratorizawa and Karasuno doesn’t compare to that of Seijo and Karasuno. Man, I want more Oikawa. Oh well.

2. RE:ZERO KARA HAJIMERU ISEKAI SEIKATSU

A total surprise to me. I have no idea about the show when I picked it up; I was attracted to the character designs at first. Then that last scene of the first episode happened. Boom! It sparked my interest. And from then on, the show kept giving me the adrenaline rush. I totally enjoyed the whole ride. It is the only anime that I watched during my review. That says a lot.

I kinda love and hate how the show treated Subaru, but by the end of it, I enjoyed seeing the fruits of his sufferings (though he will probably suffer more based on the spoilers I read online). The setting, to me, was perfect and I would love to know more about the world they are in. I saw myself wanting to know more, about the royal selection, the witches, the dragon – all about Lugnica. Wish they would have the second season soon. I can’t wait.

Oh, to avoid conflict, my ships involve Reinhardt and Subaru. The former being the ultimate seme and the latter the ultimate uke. I’ll leave the combinations to you all! (Hint: No Emilia and No Rem)

1. NATSUME YUUJINCHOU GO

Do I still have to explain why this is my TOP 1 Pick? Do I really have to? Damn, I missed this show. I lost count of how many times I rewatched the whole franchise during the time that it was gone.

Since it is already on its fifth season, Natsume was already a developed character and I am already invested in his character. It is totally rewarding to see how he grows each season. I specifically love how this season focused more on some characters like Natori and Matoba. We dig a little bit deeper into the world of exorcists in which Natsume was dragged into.  And the second to the last episode about Touko and Shigeru – PERFECT. I cried, really. It tied up some things left loose during the previous seasons.

There are MORE potentials in which Natsume Yuujinchou could explore. We still do not know a lot and we could expect more. Good thing the sixth season was already announce. Thank you, anime gods!

Special Mentions: Osomatsu-san, Hibike Euphonium S2, Bungou Stray Dogs S2, Hai to Gensou no Grimgar

So there you have it. We were blessed with good anime year last 2016. I sure do hope that 2017 would be even better.

How about you? Care to share your own top 5 picks?