2023 Anime Spring Ranking - Part 2
This is part 2 of my ranking of the anime I watched from the 2023 Spring Season. For Part 1, you can check it out HERE.
Mashle's got a unique and interesting premise. It's a world where magic is everything, but our protagonist, Mash Burnedead, has zero magic. Instead he relies on crazy superhuman strength to get by, pretending his incredible physical feats are actually magic spells. This weird combo makes for a lot of hilarious situations. It's basically One Punch Man forced to attend Hogwarts and he has an overwhelming love of cream puffs.
The characters are well-developed and likable. Mash is a great protagonist - funny, chill, and oddly relatable - despite the ridiculous physical stuff, like kicking the air to "fly". He's surrounded by a colorful cast of interesting side characters who play off him nicely.
Mashle is freaking hilarious. The humor is sharp and witty. The cream puff bit never gets old, and I crack up when Mash stutters deadpan when nervous.
The action animation is good, though not mind blowing compared to other top shows this season. For me the art style stands out more - the heavy lines and saturated but dark colors work. Love the funky, funny end credits and solid intro music too.
The overall story of Mashle is engaging, though it takes a backseat to the comedy. It's dropped some cool hints about the political stuff happening behind the scenes that I hope get expanded on. The action is fun, feels almost old-school shonen to me.
Overall, Mashle is a stellar comedy/action/fantasy sure to please fans of those genres. It puts a fun spin on shonen. I strongly recommend it for any shonen lover looking for laughs.
13/28 - Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage
"Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage" is a heartwarming and charming anime that provides a delightful watch for fans of the original series. It offers a great way to learn more about Bojji's experiences and growth, as well as the side characters and world of the show. The stories are short yet emotionally impactful, while the beautiful animation and loveable characters enhance the overall experience.
It is true that some stories stand out more than others, and a few feel particularly unimportant. Nevertheless, the worst episodes of the entire season still serve as a solid baseline of “good,” and certain later episodes are truly spectacular and worth the wait. It may have left me craving a proper second season, but these side stories are still highly enjoyable.
If you're a fan of fantasy adventure anime or simply seeking a heartwarming and charming series, first watch the original “Ranking of Kings” and then watch "The Treasure Chest of Courage." I highly recommend it.
"Skip and Loafer" is a delightful slice-of-life romantic comedy anime that captures the essence of high school life, friendship, and self-discovery.
I loved the main characters - Mitsumi Iwakura and Sousuke Shima. It is fun to watch Mitsumi getting used to city life after moving to Tokyo from the country, as is the effect she has on Souske, her classmate, and his complex problems. Watching their growth and friendship is rewarding and heartwarming.
The anime's realistic portrayal of high school life, social issues, and relatable characters make it a captivating watch, and it approaches its issues with care and nuance. For instance, the anime is commendable for its sensitive and realistic representation of transgender issues without sensationalizing them through a major side character.
Visually, "Skip and Loafer" stands out with its pastel watercolor-like art style, creating a unique and appealing aesthetic. Additionally, the music complements the show well, and the OP is delightful and fun, with a delightfully animated dance sequence.
Ultimately, the relatable nature of the story, coupled with the beautiful art style, make it an enjoyable watch. With its heartwarming narrative and engaging characters, this anime is one I highly recommend.
11/28 - Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
Just a quick note, but this covers the placement for the first 12 episodes of the 24 episodes scheduled for the anime.
"Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts" has similarities with both "Ancient Magus Bride" and "Tale of Outcasts.” If you enjoyed those shows, I believe you'll find this one appealing as well. In terms of overall quality, I would rank it just below "Ancient Magus Bride" but above "Tale of Outcasts." I find the characters, watercolor art style, and world-building all captivating and very well done.
While it is beautiful, there is a notable problematic element regarding the age difference between the main character, Sariphi, and the King of Beasts, Leonhart. Sariphi is a young girl, and while the anime never portrays their relationship as sexual, it is reasonable to assume that if their marriage comes to pass and she becomes the Queen of the Beasts, there would be some form of consummation involved. Although it raises concerns, I want to mention that this story is very much like a fairy tale and focuses on emotions and relationships rather than the physical aspect of romance. Sariphi is never sexualized, which helps temper this criticism, and things like having children are spoken of in a future sense.
It's unfortunate that in this show, and many others, I feel the need to contextualize or defend such problematic age gaps. However, I personally don't consider it a serious issue that outweighs the enjoyment I derive from the rest of the story and its overall media. If the age gap is a deal-breaker for you, then you likely have a clear stance on the matter.
For me, this show is incredibly sweet, offering a basic yet sincere sense of romance. It handles themes of social status, class, racism, and world-building quite well, even though it remains within the confines of a fantasy romance fairy tale without delving into intricate details.
The delightful character designs, warm humor, and compelling plot keep me engaged, but it's truly the relationships between the characters that draw me in. It may not be groundbreaking, but it carries messages of inclusion, self-worth, and not judging others based on appearance or class. If this resonates with you, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
10/28 - The Dangers in My Heart
"The Dangers in My Heart" is an anime that grows on you. It took me a bit to warm up to the main character, Kyoutarou, but his cringey behavior reminded me of many kids I knew in middle and high school, including a little bit of myself, if I’m being honest. Anna, on the other hand, is delightfully odd and silly in her own unique way, which comes as a surprise to Kyoutarou as she’s seen as something of a school idol, being a part time model.
I love them both and, as the story progresses, even the characters' flaws become charming.
The humor in the series is warm and comforting, while the romance is delightful and cute. I absolutely loved the character design, the animation is solid, and I really like the OP.
While I enjoyed it from the start, it truly won me over after a few episodes, so I recommend sticking with it and giving it a chance to grow on you.
9/28 - My Clueless First Friend
I can't emphasize enough how much joy "My Clueless First Friend" brought me. Each episode left me with a wide grin on my face, and a warm heart. It's like a ray of sunshine and a spoonful of honey for my soul.
The premise is simple. Our main character, Nishimura, is a girl who faces bullying from her classmates. However, she forms a friendship with a new transfer student named Takada who is well-liked but clueless about social cues.
Whenever Nishimura is targeted by her classmates, Takada's naive and innocent responses turn their insults into compliments, or highlight Nishimura's positive qualities. Witnessing Nishimura's adorable reactions to his kind positivity - like steam coming out of her ears, intense blushing, and hands over her eyes - are absolutely endearing.
The art style and the sweetness of the characters breathe new life into these familiar tropes, making them feel fresh and enjoyable. It also boasts a fantastic ending credits sequence, adding another delightful touch to the overall experience.
This show revolves around kindness and exudes a relentless and big-hearted nature. While it may not be realistic, it excels in everything that truly matters. If you're seeking an anime that lifts your spirits, gives you a warm hug, and puts a smile on your face, I highly recommend "My Clueless First Friend." If it resonates with you, it will leave a lasting impact.
"Hell's Paradise" is an absolute visual feast, with a unique artistic style and a compelling vision. I love the chaotic, saturated, colorful, and vibrant wilderness that makes up this island - and especially how the show uses that to communicate how wrong and unsettling its world can be in subtle and sometimes in very overt ways. It's Unique in the field, and I adore that.
From the moment the first episode started, I was completely hooked. It ticks all the right boxes for me: a strong premise, memorable characters, a mysterious and intricate world, high-stakes situations, and some of the best music this season. Seriously, if it weren't for "Oshi no Ko," it would have the best opening credits of any show I've seen all year.
The fights, action, and animation in "Hell's Paradise" are all top-notch. I'm eagerly awaiting the next season because I had such a fantastic time watching it.
However, you might be wondering why it dropped to 8th place on my list, especially when it was initially ranked as high as third. Here's the thing: the show consistently delivers a high level of quality, but it hasn't managed to reach the same emotional depth as the shows ranked above it. While I appreciate the characters and how cool or layered they can be, I haven't formed the same strong emotional attachment as I have with other shows’ casts. Don't get me wrong, the characters are still great and the show could arguably be placed as high as fourth place, but this is where I decided to position it.
Another factor contributing to its placement is that, while I loved the mystery and the initial sense of fear the setting evoked, I feel that after some early deaths giving a sense of high-stakes, danger, and even hopelessness, the remaining characters became more capable of handling the challenges this strange world offers outside of the Tensen. I wish the overwhelming sense of unreality, danger, and mystical wrongness had been maintained to a greater extent.
However, I must emphasize that the show is never anything less than great. It maintains its quality throughout, never faltering or becoming mediocre.
I haven't watched "Demon Slayer" yet, but as far as the best Shonen anime of the season goes, "Hell's Paradise" takes the crown. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and an unforgettable experience.
7/28 - Dead Mount Death Play
"Dead Mount Death Play" is a reverse isekai story that completely surprised me. At first, I thought it would be just another typical isekai anime, but oh boy, was I wrong. I am absolutely in love with this show.
To help you understand why, let me give you an analogy. Imagine the Batman Universe, with its iconic villains, corrupt police, secret societies, and gripping mysteries. Now, picture a world like that, but without Batman - instead, a powerful Necromancer is thrown into the mix. This Necromancer becomes the central protagonist, dealing with various factions, intriguing characters, and countless enigmas. If you approach "Dead Mount Death Play" as if it were a Batman story, I think you'll truly appreciate its vibe.
The characters are captivating, especially the Corpse God, who reveals surprising layers and a sympathetic backstory over time. But it’s not an overly serious show. In fact it is quite self aware and has delightful humor in the sheer silliness of things like a spirit inhabiting a Frankenstein shark plushie, and the wonderfully offbeat side characters like Phantom Solitaire (A much less psychotic version of the joker, imo).
Oh, and don't even get me started on the intro and outro music—they're absolute bangers that add to the overall excitement of the show.
In my opinion, this show is an absolute blast. It may not be highbrow intellectual storytelling, but it embodies the essence of pulp fiction at its peak. If that sounds intriguing to you, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Take a few episodes to let the characters establish themselves, and I'm confident it will win you over.
6/28 - Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story
Hell yeah! Lesbian Mafia Golf! I suppose that’s a little bit of an exaggeration. A lot of the golf in “Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story” is just exaggerated regular golf - only some involving the Mafia. And they are never called Lesbians, and they aren’t shown in a confirmed relationship, even after a time jump - though they spend a suspiciously long amount of time daydreaming about each other, talking about what they love about each other, staring in bedazzled admiration at one another while framed by rainbows…
Fuck it, they are goddamned lesbian-golf-married, your honor!
For real, though, I wish the show had committed instead of sticking to subtext. In general that’s my biggest complaint - it doesn’t go far enough. It’s ridiculous, sure, but it could have been MORE ridiculous. More Mafia. More high stakes and life or death scenarios. More big personality golfers, more golf powers. Especially more lesbian romance. Just more.
That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy what I got. It is still silly. It is still melodramatic in the best ways, with nonsensical golf-related illness, complicated webs of relationships and surprising parental reveals, etc. It’s still Eve and Aoi being terrific and beautiful together, alongside the fun cast of minor characters.
I love Birdie Wing, but I was hoping for a stronger landing. The show really deserves/could use another season.
It is not for everyone, but it comes highly recommended from me.
5/28 - The Ancient Magus' Bride
I absolutely loved the first season of "Ancient Magus Bride." It captured a blend of fairy tale elements, naturalistic magic, and immersive world-building that resonates with me. It transported me to a time when druidic religions and Celtic mythology held great influence. This second season has a unique twist, resembling a meeting between those ancient themes and the magical school setting seen in many popular franchises, as Chise is invited to attend a magical school, and Elias is invited to be a professor.
I find the characters endearing, particularly the evolving relationship between Elias and Chise. Additionally, the interactions among the students are delightful. Admittedly, some aspects feel less developed compared to the manga, but that's often the case with adaptations. The season begins as a slow burn, gradually building up to some remarkable moments. However, it feels like this first half is primarily setting the stage for future developments. Although significant events occur, the season doesn't reach the heights one might expect by its conclusion.
Nevertheless, I appreciate how the story delves deep into Elias' character. With his ancient, mystical wisdom, he possesses an alien perspective on the world and relationships. His innocence and naivety in understanding human connections, even the concept of friendship, are intriguing. One particularly beautiful and revealing conversation between Elias and Chise takes place on a rooftop, in which they discuss their relationship and what words like husband, wife, and marriage mean, illuminating their complex dynamics. Overall, despite its slow pace, this season is excellent and has raised my expectations for the upcoming second part scheduled for release in the fall.
4/28 - Insomniacs After School
"Insomniacs After School" is an absolute gem. The animation is lovely and it feels like the characters were drawn with great care. I fell in love with the two main characters and their beautifully portrayed friendship to romantic relationship. It feels incredibly genuine and heartwarming to witness their connection, as they navigate a struggle that not many others truly understand. In their shared hardship, they not only find understanding but also a partner to lean on. Insomnia is a serious issue, and this show captures it in a sincere and relatable manner. While it falls under the slice-of-life genre, focusing on interpersonal drama, it does so with exceptional skill and heartfelt storytelling, surpassing other series of the same kind this season. Each episode has held me captivated from beginning to end. I hold this show dear to my heart and wholeheartedly recommend it to others.
Heavenly Delusion is a fascinating anime set in a post-apocalyptic world. The main story revolves around two children, Maru and Kiruko, who are traveling through this harsh and dangerous landscape, looking for particular people from their pasts. Alongside their journey, there is a secondary story that follows a girl named Tokio and a group of strangely super-powered children being raised in an isolated facility.
How and why those two stories connect is kept a mystery for a very long time. The anime presents several such compelling mysteries that kept me hooked until the end.
While the story starts slow, with extensive character and world introduction, it gradually becomes more captivating and intense. The characters in Heavenly Delusion are complex, though it takes time to emotionally connect with them - or it did for me. The real meat is in their interactions with each other, however.
The show can be quite graphic, dark and twisted, handling subjects like dystopia, body horror, character deaths, suicide, and rape - but it takes those subjects seriously. It explores various themes, including gender, personal identity, friendship, sexuality, and how authority figures manipulate and take advantage of those below them.
The animation's style is very reminiscent of the typical post-apocalyptic setting, with strong “The Last of Us” vibes, but the characters and story and how it is told sets it apart. I highly recommend it.
The full-length movie that serves as the first episode of this series is my favorite first episode of the entire season, possibly of all time. It showcases some of the best the series has to offer, with sharp criticisms of the entertainment industry, strong and fascinating characters, emotional highs and lows, and fabulous animation, style, and music. The opening credits and song are a feast by themselves.
That being said, it also highlights the show’s biggest flaw, which is the bizarre creepiness inherent in its reincarnation premise. To be honest, this show would have likely been number 1 if it hadn’t included those elements, but it also derives some of its dramatic tension from those elements, so I’m not sure how I’d do it differently.
So does this flaw ultimately bring down the show? No. I mean, I did put it in second place, after all. I struggled with whether or not I should give it first place.
I’m not going to spend more time dissecting it. I don’t want to spoil anyone. This show is a masterpiece. I love it, and I highly recommend it.
1/28 - Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
The cour didn't have enough of the wonderful Sulemio romance for my taste, but what it did feature delighted me. I craved an on-screen kiss and wedding, but must satisfy myself with fanart on that front. At least they're canonically married lesbians - the rings and sister-in-law confirm it! Hallelujah! It makes my heart sing! 🥰
One of the aspects I really enjoyed about Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is its complexity. The intricacies can be difficult to grasp on initial viewing, but make rewatches rewarding. There are so many subtle details - the factions, allegiances, political maneuvers - that add purpose and depth to the relationships and story. However, I felt the anime was rushed near the end, as if it had to wrap things up prematurely. There was potential for another season to explore the nuanced relationships, politics, and intense Gundam battles in more depth. Overall, I find the show captivating for its intricate plot and complex characters, though I wish there was more time to delve deeper into certain elements.
So many characters grappled with painful struggles, all portrayed effectively. The political maneuvering was intricate and interesting. Quiet Zero lived up to the hype. Interwoven themes addressed personal issues and societal concerns like war, inequality, poor parenting, and self-determination. The Tempest references and parallels provided rich literary depth perfect for analysis. I feel like I could write an essay about it.
It should go without saying that the show looks great with solid animation and great designs, and the music is fantastic. The Voice Acting also remains top notch. The ending credits is a masterpiece of music and art.
This show made me want to check out more Gundam shows, but please, I need another season!
Why is this show number 1 over Oshi no Ko? Gonna be honest with you here, it mostly comes down to one thing - My girls are happily alive and married at the end. Canonically. Do you know how many queer relationship stories in anime - no, in all media - end happily? Not very many. This show is an absolutely win. Are there things I wish I had more of? Yes. Did I still get more than I had expected? Oh yes, very much. WLW for the win, friends! Sulemio for life!
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