Favorite anime of 2013

Well, the year is rapidly drawing to an end, so I figured I'd just make a post about the shows I enjoyed the most from this year. I don't normally do this, but I figured it couldn't hurt. Maybe when I look back in a few more years I can see how my taste in shows changed, or didn't.

I know for a fact my preference in shows over even just the past year has switched dramatically. I've become less focused on watching objectively "good" anime and more concerned with the things I personally enjoy, regardless of how else they're seen.

So, without further ado, I present my favorite anime (per season) from the year that was!

Winter 2013 favorite:

Love Live! School Idol Project

This probably isn't all too surprising to anyone actually following this blog. For a show that I initially dropped on the first episode, I got into Love Live with much the same fervour as with Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon. Fun characters, catchy music and a simply story about nine girls and their dream of becoming school idols. I understand that the description doesn't exactly make it sound like a masterpiece, and don't get me wrong, the show is not a masterpiece. But for me personally, it had everything there to make it my most enjoyed show of the season.

Winter 2013 runner-up:

GJ-bu

This was definitely the show I enjoyed the most as the season was airing. I was actually incredibly sad for the final episode of this show, which caught me off guard. It was recently announced that there will be a second season for this though, so there is light at the end of the tunnel after all! I look forward to more Ore-man.

Spring 2013 favorite:

Shingeki no Kyojin

Unquestionably the most intense show I watched this year, Shingeki no Kyojin is one of those shows that will be remembered for years to come. To some, this show is perhaps overrated, but I personally feel it deserves all the attention and praise it has recieved. It's also a great show to introduce people to anime who have never seen any before.

Spring 2013 runner-up:

Hataraku Maou-sama!

Probably the surprise of the season for me, Hataraku Maou-sama! was the funniest thing I'd seen all year, with surprisingly on-point humour that doesn't just rely on blatant fanservice or contrived situations, but rather, good dialogue and character interaction. A great cast of characters combined with some hilarious situations, I think in any other season this would have been my favorite.

Summer 2013 favorite:

Kiniro Mosaic

Funny, light-hearted and warm. Everything I want from a slice-of-life series. I don't know if there's much else I can say about this, not that there's nothing that can be said, but for me it was just a really enjoyable and relaxing watch. If you want to just unwind and chill for 20 minutes, this show would be the one to watch.

Summer 2013 runner-up:

Genshiken Nidaime

Another season of the much-loved Genshiken, with a new cast of characters, this certainly has a different feel than the old group, but the charm is still there. If you enjoyed this season, it's certainly worth reading the manga as it has progressed quite a bit further (and there's a confession! Though I won't spoil who confessed).

Autumn 2013 favorite:

White Album 2

What's this? Kill la Kill not taking the favorite spot? Not this season, because White Album 2 absolutely blew me away with it's stellar portrayal of three graduating students and their intertwined relationship with one another. Romance in the purest definition of the word, White Album is one of the best romance anime I've ever watched. Ever. While nothing out of the ordinary in terms of plot or story, the cast of well-written characters, solid production and incredible OST have made me a fan. If you're looking for a good romance, this show is a must-watch.

Autumn 2013 runner-up:

Kill la Kill

Everything you could want out of an action show, and more. Kill la Kill was surely my most anticipated show for this season, and it surely lived up to my expectations. With the conclusion of episode 12, I can't wait for the second cour. Why is Satsuki such a badass?

Most anticipated for Winter 2014 season:

Wake Up, Girls!

Please be good, please be good, please be good. The short PV that was recently released was somewhat promising, and the fact they have Satoru Kosaki handling the music has me hopeful for a great soundtrack. The story and set-up for this show are all promising, and if nothing else, this will be the show that will hold me out until Love Live Season 2 comes out.

Seitokai Yakuindomo Season 2

Enjoyed season 1? Enjoyed the OVAs? Well, if you did, I've got good news. Expect more of the same for the second season. For me, this isn't a show I'm worried will be good or bad, since I know I will enjoy it just based on the previous season. It's more a feeling of "hurry and start so I can watch more".

D-Frag!

Yes! It's finally getting an anime, how exciting! I've read the manga, but the VAs really give that extra bit of life to the who gag, and from what I've heard from the Drama CDs (and since they're keeping the same VAs) I have every bit of confidence this will be hilarious.

So there you have it! My personal list of my favorite shows this year, hope you're all having a nice break, and enjoy your Christmas! ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ