So, what is the best anime in 2012? For the purpose of this thread, "anime in 2012" is defined as any anime show, or part thereof, that was aired in Japan within 2012.
I watched the following shows -
One Piece - I love One Piece as always but the Fishman island arc is clearly not the best OP arc. The pace is too slow and the story stretched for far too long. I'd rather see some filler material than to deal with snail pace.
Oda Nobuna's Ambition - I am a fan of the Senkoku period and it is nice to see history with a twist. Nicely combined elements of alternate history, time travel and harem. Too bad it ended with only 12 proper episodes and it is doubtful if there will be a second season.
Magi - So far I am enjoying this, but only 12 episodes were aired in 2012 and it is too early to judge.
Fairy Tail - a wonderful series but too bad 2012 had a 25-30 episode filler arc. It was overall a surprisingly good filler arc, but still a filler arc. Some of the filler episodes were downright silly.
Gundam Seed HD Remastered Version - this was actually my first time seeing Gundam Seed. Nice story, cool graphics, very good songs and music. Probably the show with the best music in 2012. My gripe is that the first half of the series felt too similar to the original Gundam series, and the second half felt a bit unbelievable.
Accel World - probably the second best show of the year, IMO. It is a difficult choice on whether this or Sword Art Online is better. Both shows share the same author and they both deal with online games. I like the idea of accelerating, but the concept is at times too confusing and complicated compared with Sword Art Online.
Sword Art Online - the twin of Accel World and the surprise of the year. The "can't wait for the next episode" effect is the strongest with this one. Only problem is that the second half isn't as good as the first half. Still my choice for best anime show of 2012.
What is your choice of the best anime in 2012?
The one with characters whose eyes and mouths can alternately cover half their face or disappear completely.
you mind linking to a few trailers or similar stuff
Quote from: Viking on January 03, 2013, 04:08:59 AM
you mind linking to a few trailers or similar stuff
I usually watch the anime with Chinese subtitles, so I am not sure where to find the English subtitled stuff. Some trailers I just found on Youtube.
Sword Art Online
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv8u5bY8Now
Accel World
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u87tytmycls
Nobuna's (correct spelling) Ambition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9PJciGkwgE
Fairy Tail (fan made trailer. It is a long series with 162 episodes aired so far)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nGyWfsv8L8
Naturally I was horrified at the shonen nonsense I saw in the thread, so I will once again be the arbiter of good taste pertaining to anime.
Standouts from 2012-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRHJntLYMh0
Sakamichi no Apollon skillfully interwove jazz music, kyushu in the 1960s, and well-handled romance into a fine anime. It uses a psuedoretro artistic style that still looks quite sharp and detailed, and has wonderful music. A strong contender for the best show of the year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMUzoBXF1M
Fate/Zero is an anime with quite an entry barrier, being a prequel to the massive visual novel fate/stay night, but manages to have tension and action of the sort that beat'em-up shonen titles are supposed to excel in. Its main hook is a war for a holy grail that can grant any wish, which seven parties compete for; magi paired to a mythic hero from somewhere out of history or legend, with Bluebeard, King Arthur, Alexander the Great and Gilgamesh all making appearances. And waver is adorable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbGSkqgz1QQ
Thermae Romae is short at only three episodes, and done on a shoestring budget and flash animation. But it takes the simple premise of a Roman architect falling through a drain and resurfacing into modern Japan and makes it something hilarious, educational, and really charming. (And Lucius is moe.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtsCVEqfNiE
GIRLS UND PANZER has exactly what it says it does. Watch underage russian girls sing nostalgic folk songs to the lonely siberian sky as they roll their T-34s over the dunes of snow, or elegant british women struggle not to spill their tea while doing maneuvers in a Matilda tank. A wonderful, wonderful show that delivers exactly what it promises on, and it is a boring person indeed who is moved by neither GIRLS nor PANZER.
(omake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jftmXemXzKU )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42u4ytkzAWw
Humanity has Declined shows an idyllic pastoral future in which humanity has reverted to simple villages and set upon a graceful decline, being succeeded by fairies as the dominant race on the planet. What follows is social commentary, humor, and pastel-colored art. Notable for having an excellent protagonist.
Of course, Kyoto Animation had another wildly successful year. Hyouka and Chuunibyou were both excellent and prove that Kyoani remains the master of their particular niche of cute girls doing cute things.
This is not all-encompassing of the good shows this year, for it was a good one, but it is a good start.
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 04:40:48 AM
GIRLS UND PANZER has exactly what it says it does. Watch underage russian girls sing nostalgic folk songs to the lonely siberian sky as they roll their T-34s over the dunes of snow, or elegant british women struggle not to spill their tea while doing maneuvers in a Matilda tank. A wonderful, wonderful show that delivers exactly what it promises on, and it is a boring person indeed who is moved by neither GIRLS nor PANZER.
Oh WTF :lol:
L.
Quote from: Pedrito on January 03, 2013, 05:53:00 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 04:40:48 AM
GIRLS UND PANZER has exactly what it says it does. Watch underage russian girls sing nostalgic folk songs to the lonely siberian sky as they roll their T-34s over the dunes of snow, or elegant british women struggle not to spill their tea while doing maneuvers in a Matilda tank. A wonderful, wonderful show that delivers exactly what it promises on, and it is a boring person indeed who is moved by neither GIRLS nor PANZER.
Oh WTF :lol:
L.
I saw fences painted with SS girls from that show while I was in Akihabra.
I think I only watched Black Lagoon and and Hellsing Ultimate this year.
I haven't watched anything new in a long time.
I really have to get around to watching Puella Magi Madoka Magica
despite it being the big thing with kids these days I've never actually seen an episode of one piece.
fairy tail I tried to watch way back when and found it meh.
hmm.....
the only New anime series I've seen this year was shirokuma cafe.which despite being aimed at girls was actually rather funny
Quote from: Pedrito on January 03, 2013, 05:53:00 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 04:40:48 AM
GIRLS UND PANZER has exactly what it says it does. Watch underage russian girls sing nostalgic folk songs to the lonely siberian sky as they roll their T-34s over the dunes of snow, or elegant british women struggle not to spill their tea while doing maneuvers in a Matilda tank. A wonderful, wonderful show that delivers exactly what it promises on, and it is a boring person indeed who is moved by neither GIRLS nor PANZER.
Oh WTF :lol:
L.
That was my reaction too when I first saw it. In traditional Japan, well-educated girls are supposed to excel in flower arrangement and tea preparation. The show happens in a universe where girls battle each other in WWII era tanks as a hobby on the same level as flower arrangement. Presumably it is like a sports competition and people don't die. I LOLed, then skipped it. But now everywhere I look the show is getting raving reviews. So I may surrender and watch it anyway :blush:
Quote from: Tyr on January 03, 2013, 06:15:31 AM
despite it being the big thing with kids these days I've never actually seen an episode of one piece.
fairy tail I tried to watch way back when and found it meh.
Both One Piece and Fairy Tail are long-term shows. One Piece has 578 episodes, 3 OVAs, 6 TV specials and 12 films. Fairy Tail has 162 episodes, 5 OVA/specials and 1 film. It is necessary to watch a large number of episodes to really get into these shows. Watch the first 10 episodes of One Piece and it is probably meh. Watch 100 episodes and be prepared to be hooked.
I just can't stand the art of the One Piece manga
"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness. Watch it if only to marvel at the reveal in the first episode of just exactly where their School is! :lmfao:
As for others? I think "Mouretsu Pirates" and "Rinne No Lagrange" stick in my mind the most from the last year - not great but enjoyable and memorable enough.
"Fairy Tail" maintained its' quality, of course (it's the only multi-season anime I watch.)
Quote from: Agelastus on January 03, 2013, 07:52:24 AM
"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness.
Less sabot rounds, more tentacles, plz.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 03, 2013, 08:50:45 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on January 03, 2013, 07:52:24 AM
"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness.
Less sabot rounds, more tentacles, plz.
You are welcome to suggest actual titles :contract:
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 09:02:07 AM
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
:hmm: What's the back story on the uniforms?
Quote from: Monoriu on January 03, 2013, 06:29:23 AM
Quote from: Tyr on January 03, 2013, 06:15:31 AM
despite it being the big thing with kids these days I've never actually seen an episode of one piece.
fairy tail I tried to watch way back when and found it meh.
Both One Piece and Fairy Tail are long-term shows. One Piece has 578 episodes, 3 OVAs, 6 TV specials and 12 films. Fairy Tail has 162 episodes, 5 OVA/specials and 1 film. It is necessary to watch a large number of episodes to really get into these shows. Watch the first 10 episodes of One Piece and it is probably meh. Watch 100 episodes and be prepared to be hooked.
If it takes 100 episodes to force yourself to get into it then that doesn't seem to be a particularly good show :p
DragonballZ I remember got me hooked after just a few episodes. I was absolutely crazy about pokemon after the first few eps.
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 09:02:07 AM
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
Sounds very German.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 03, 2013, 09:20:41 AM
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 09:02:07 AM
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
:hmm: What's the back story on the uniforms?
No idea, haven't watched it.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7056
QuoteThis first entry in the Angel Core series follows a young soldier (fighting for a fictional, futuristic empire) as he's transferred to a secret military installation, where's he surprised to discover that his new job will be having sex with gorgeous young "Angels," a group of genetically unique women who need regular intercourse to nurture their powers.
Quote from: Agelastus on January 03, 2013, 07:52:24 AM
"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness. Watch it if only to marvel at the reveal in the first episode of just exactly where their School is! :lmfao:
:blink: :lmfao:
I watched the first episode - so it' basically the usual "high school sports team" plot, only that the sports is the "traditional female martial art of Panzerfahren"? Also, what's with the random German words in the subtitles?
Ilsa She-Wolf of the SS needs to seriously strap-on those school girls. Now THAT'S a motif I could support.
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 01:27:58 PM
I watched the first episode - so it' basically the usual "high school sports team" plot, only that the sports is the "traditional female martial art of Panzerfahren"? Also, what's with the random German words in the subtitles?
You are using commie subs. Why'd you do that? Use hiryuu instead. From episode 2 onwards commie added a NO FUN ALLOWED track that disables the gratuitous german, but it was just awful.
Speaking of just awful, GIRLS UND PANZER has a very generic first episode that really belies how excellent it will be in the future. In particular, the teams of other countries are always good fun, and the matches themselves don't come in until around episode three.
Quote
the only New anime series I've seen this year was shirokuma cafe.which despite being aimed at girls was actually rather funny
Polarbear cafe is charming, and more laid back than it is funny. The premise is simple- customers regularly go into a cafe, except the customers are largely animals, and the owner is a polar bear. It suffers from somewhat bad comedic timing, and suffers extremely from being too long- it was a fine 24 episode anime that was signed on for 50 episodes.
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 04:40:48 AM
the arbiter of good taste pertaining to anime.
This is akin to Caliga's claim to be the Zagat's of gas station bistros, or garbon dispensing advice on the best ersatz "champagnes".
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 02:18:45 PMYou are using commie subs. Why'd you do that?
It's what's being streamed over at http://www.goodanime.net/
goodness gracious, you stream? It isn't that languish has nobody who watches anime; it is that they don't know what to watch, or how to watch it.
Get good sub groups in good video quality, and stop streaming 480p slave race from embarrassing websites
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on January 03, 2013, 02:33:10 PM
ペラペラペラ
then there's this guy, who doesn't even WANT to be the little girl.
To check out a series or watch it casually, yes. If I really like a show I may download it, but it's been a while since I felt that way (Ergo Proxy was the last one, and Legend of Galactic Heroes before that).
And I don't care if this offends your pseudo-snobbish sensibilities.
No no, far be it from me to stop you. Stick it to the elitists and watch shows in inferior quality, with horrible subtitles that bear passing resemblance to the spoken content, with interruptions.
Quote from: Tyr on January 03, 2013, 10:23:43 AM
If it takes 100 episodes to force yourself to get into it then that doesn't seem to be a particularly good show :p
There's too much stuff out there to sit around and force yourself to watch a third episode of a show you're not enjoying, let alone a hundredth. I think Mono needs Netflix.
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 03:34:53 PM
goodness gracious, you stream? It isn't that languish has nobody who watches anime; it is that they don't know what to watch, or how to watch it.
Get good sub groups in good video quality, and stop streaming 480p slave race from embarrassing websites
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on January 03, 2013, 02:33:10 PM
ペラペラペラ
then there's this guy, who doesn't even WANT to be the little girl.
For many animes dodgy streaming sites are the only way to find them.
I'm currently watching an old show called Black Heaven which was a pain to find episodes for.
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 03:34:53 PM
then there's this guy, who doesn't even WANT to be the little girl.
Little girls rarely get to drink any decent armagnac.
I don't see the percentage in it.
Quote from: Tyr on January 03, 2013, 05:12:57 PM
For many animes dodgy streaming sites are the only way to find them.
I'm currently watching an old show called Black Heaven which was a pain to find episodes for.
No, you are just bad at it
http://bakabt.me/details.php?id=10798&page=1
I mean, you can find REALLY obscure stuff like The Star of Cottonland or Porphy's Long Journey if you want to, and that's just on available-to-anyone websites.
I don't stream :ph34r:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on January 03, 2013, 04:35:31 PM
Quote from: Tyr on January 03, 2013, 10:23:43 AM
If it takes 100 episodes to force yourself to get into it then that doesn't seem to be a particularly good show :p
There's too much stuff out there to sit around and force yourself to watch a third episode of a show you're not enjoying, let alone a hundredth. I think Mono needs Netflix.
I need to rephrase. The authentic material of One Piece is enjoyable to watch from start to finish. The only episodes that I almost force myself to watch are the filler material. It only reaches legendary status if you keep it up and watch a sufficiently large number of episodes. For this kind of show, just a random sampling of a few episodes here and there, or watching the first 10 episodes won't work. A lot of people say that, if they start from episode one of One Piece, they start to really get into the show from the Nami/Arlong Arc. That's after episode 30.
Quote from: Tyr on January 03, 2013, 05:12:57 PM
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 03:34:53 PM
goodness gracious, you stream? It isn't that languish has nobody who watches anime; it is that they don't know what to watch, or how to watch it.
Get good sub groups in good video quality, and stop streaming 480p slave race from embarrassing websites
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on January 03, 2013, 02:33:10 PM
ペラペラペラ
then there's this guy, who doesn't even WANT to be the little girl.
For many animes dodgy streaming sites are the only way to find them.
I'm currently watching an old show called Black Heaven which was a pain to find episodes for.
A good way to find old/rare shows is emule. I agree that BT is only good for new and popular stuff. Emule may take longer than bt, but the success rate is quite high. May take a while though, like weeks or months. The search feature is especially useful, even though it is a pretty dumb search engine. As in you need to be very careful with the exact search words that you use.
Quote from: Pedrito on January 03, 2013, 05:53:00 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 04:40:48 AM
GIRLS UND PANZER has exactly what it says it does. Watch underage russian girls sing nostalgic folk songs to the lonely siberian sky as they roll their T-34s over the dunes of snow, or elegant british women struggle not to spill their tea while doing maneuvers in a Matilda tank. A wonderful, wonderful show that delivers exactly what it promises on, and it is a boring person indeed who is moved by neither GIRLS nor PANZER.
Oh WTF :lol:
L.
Sounds Goddamned awful.
And considering there were real female Soviet tank crews who fought and died and stuff, it's really kind of offensive that this is where a potentially interesting historical fact finds purchase. I have no problem saying this without having seen the material, because if it's good enough for Spike Lee, it's good enough for me.
Anyway, I don't think I've seen anything from 2012. I think Welcome to the NHK is the most recent anime I've watched, and I only watched half of that because then there's the part where the shut-in starts playing crypto-WoW and the interest centers in my brain shut down. It was only for one episode for all I know, but I strangely and suddenly was able to find something else to spend my time on. I think it's from like 2009.
Quote from: Ideologue on January 03, 2013, 09:29:34 PM
Sounds Goddamned awful.
Considering it's probably the most enjoyable show of 2012 I feel motivated to intervene again...so, as I said before, quite the reverse of your statement is true.
Quote from: Ideologue on January 03, 2013, 09:29:34 PM
And considering there were real female Soviet tank crews who fought and died and stuff, it's really kind of offensive that this is where a potentially interesting historical fact finds purchase. I have no problem saying this without having seen the material, because if it's good enough for Spike Lee, it's good enough for me.
:yuk: Spike Lee...
Since the people who crew the tanks in the series are
all female (even the instructor who gets to use a current era MBT unlike the competitors stuck with 1945 or earlier models) I rather doubt any of the producers of the show were aware of that fact; perhaps you might want to climb down off of your high horse a tad here. :P
Watch it - you might surprise yourself by liking it. ;)
The only problem with the show is that the last two episodes won't broadcast until March due to "production issues". :glare:
Quote from: Ideologue on January 03, 2013, 09:29:34 PM
And considering there were real female Soviet tank crews who fought and died and stuff, it's really kind of offensive that this is where a potentially interesting historical fact finds purchase.
Well, thank goodness Ray Lewis was never in one.
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 09:02:07 AM
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
Speaking for myself, no. I don't dig pedeo cartoons.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 03, 2013, 10:10:19 PM
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 09:02:07 AM
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
Speaking for myself, no. I don't dig pedeo cartoons.
Anime chicks are hotter with boobies anyway.
Getting access to subtitled anime is a real pain. Generally speaking, it is relatively easy to get shows that are (a) recent and (b) short. It is also a lot easier to find stuff in 480p than 720p. Some fansub groups even make stuff in 576p. Anything that is longer than 100 episodes or broadcast more than 5 years ago is going to be painful, even if they are famous like Dragonball. The biggest problem is getting the specials. Say, Fairy Tail. Getting the 162 episodes in 480p is easy. Getting them in 720p is going to be a bit harder, but still very possible. The real pain is getting the 5 specials, because 4 out of 5 were given out on four different discs in Japan as bonus items when they bought the manga. The last one is a summary of the first 50 episodes or so that everybody ignored. (Yes I got them all)
I actually am willing to *gasp* pay a reasonable price to get the official version to save time. I want to pay a fee, press a few buttons and download, from official sources, episodes in 1080p with either Chinese or English subtitles. Too bad this option just isn't available. A few Japanese anime/TV firms have started to move in that direction. What they do is sell the streaming rights to the Chinese equivalents of Youtube, and let people stream the legitimate version, with official Chinese subtitles. They still won't let people download though.
Anime chicks creep me the fuck out. They are like those grey Aliens from the x-files with blue hair, enormous jugs and wearing a really skimpy schoolgirl outfit. They are sexy in the same way that being raped by crazed chimps wearing clown masks is sexy.
Quote from: Razgovory on January 03, 2013, 10:23:02 PM
being raped by crazed chimps wearing clown masks is sexy.
:unsure:
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 09:02:07 AM
I think Seedy/Ed would enjoy Angel Core - sex with underage girls in pseudo-Nazi uniforms.
I am shocked... I would have thought that there would be like 100+ anime series about teen Nazi sex-warriors by now. :hmm:
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on January 03, 2013, 02:33:10 PM
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 04:40:48 AM
the arbiter of good taste pertaining to anime.
This is akin to Caliga's claim to be the Zagat's of gas station bistros, or garbon dispensing advice on the best ersatz "champagnes".
Puh-leeze. Said champagnes aren't even the same league as those other two horrible competencies.
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 01:27:58 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on January 03, 2013, 07:52:24 AM
"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness. Watch it if only to marvel at the reveal in the first episode of just exactly where their School is! :lmfao:
:blink: :lmfao:
Alright, I'll bite. Where is their school located?
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 03, 2013, 03:42:26 PM
No no, far be it from me to stop you. Stick it to the elitists and watch shows in inferior quality, with horrible subtitles that bear passing resemblance to the spoken content, with interruptions.
It's your right to seek out the best possible experience for your viewing pleasure. For me, anime is just another medium for stories that may entertain me - like comics, tv shows, movies, books or computer game. There's oodles of anime/manga I don't like. Usually, I lose interest quickly if the protagonists are high school students or giant robots are involved (with a few exceptions, like 12 Kingdoms). In general I prefer more serious stories, and drama over comedy. That said, I can still enjoy stuff like Hetalia or, in this case, Girls und Panzer, but that's mostly because of the topics (history parody and World of Tanks-like combat/Panzer porn).
That's why I like shows shows like Legend of Galactic Heroes, Ergo Proxy, Wolf Rain or even the rather mediocre Speed Grapher.
Quote from: Habbaku on January 04, 2013, 01:38:52 AM
Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2013, 01:27:58 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on January 03, 2013, 07:52:24 AM
"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness. Watch it if only to marvel at the reveal in the first episode of just exactly where their School is! :lmfao:
:blink: :lmfao:
Alright, I'll bite. Where is their school located?
[spoiler]A county sized aircraft carrier. It seems all schools are now located on those artificial islands.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Syt on January 04, 2013, 01:51:48 AM
Usually, I lose interest quickly if the protagonists are high school students or giant robots are involved
Wataru is a famous show with a primary school student as protagonist, and he fights other dwarf robots with his dwarf robot. Perfect show for you ;)
After defending streaming sites you try to link images from one :lol:
But I respect your taste in anime. I tend to prefer serious shows too- Legend of Galactic Heroes is easily my favourite anime. I might recommend Saraiya Goyou. Drama over comedy, and a historical slant, are definitely my preferences as well.
Victorian Romance Emma, maybe? Kaoru Mori has a genius sensibility. I am not sure how you'd feel about Mushishi, but it is of course a masterpiece, with a mature protagonist and serious tone.
I'm not having this discussion with you. I have better things to do with my time.
:huh:
was just suggesting some anime you might like. I mean, I like them. I don't know how it came across, but the intent was friendly.