Top 20 Anime Opening Songs of 2018

I enjoyed doing this last year, so I am back again with my Top 20 Anime Opening Songs for this year. Unlike last year there is no Honourable mention(s). I have been harsh and it's been hard, but I have managed to narrow it down to 20. The Top 5 were really easy, but the rest was so hard but in the end I am happy with how it ended.

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1) Banana Fish
Opening 1 - Found & Lost by Survive Said The Prophet

2) Garo: Vanishing Line
Opening 2 - HOWLING SWORD by Shuhei Kita

3) Black Clover
Opening 3 - Black Rover by Vickeblanka


4) Banana Fish
Opening 2 - FREEDOM by BLUE ENCOUNT

5) Sword Art Online: Alicization
Opening 1 - ADAMAS by LiSA


6) Free! Dive to the Future
Opening 1 - Heading to Over by OLDCODEX
7) Caligula
Opening 1- Paradigm Box by Ritsu Shikishima (Chiharu Sawashiro), Shougo Satake (Shunsuke Takeuchi)
8) DAKAICHI -I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year-
Opening 1 - Fukanzen Monochlogue by Tomohisa Sako
9) Tokyo Ghoul:re 2nd Season
Opening 1 - katharsis by TK from Ling Toshite Shigure
10) RWBY *Volume 6*
Opening 1 - Rising by Casey Lee Williams
11) SSSS.Gridman
Opening 1 - UNION by OxT
12) My Hero Academia 3
Opening 2 - Make my Story by Lenny code fiction
13) Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Opening 3 - It's all in the game by Qyoto
14) Devils' Line
Opening 1 - Eclipse by Shouta Aoi
15) Persona 5 The Animation
Opening 1 - BREAK IN TO BREAK OUT by Lyn
16) Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Opening 1- CLEAR by Maaya Sakamoto
17) Violet Evergarden
Opening 1 - Sincerely by TRUE
18) Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
Opening 1 - Stray (ストレイ) by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets
19) Sanrio Boys
Opening 1 - Seishun Interlude (青春インターリュード) by Sanrio Danshi
20) DARLING in the FRANXX
Opening 1 - KISS OF DEATH by Mika Nakashima x Hyde

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There you have it, my top 20 Anime opening songs of this year. All links go to Anime Planet bar RWBY in which case, I have linked it to go to where you can watch it for free 1 week after it's out for members who pay. If there is a song that you love and isn't on this list then it could be on my top 5 Anime Opening songs of; Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

I will be back with a new post of my top 5 Anime of Fall 2018 and then after that the big one, which will be my top 20 Anime of 2018. Be warned it could be late to be put out, but early January/mid January the latest.

Tara
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Top 5 Anime Opening Songs of Fall (2018)

Onto the last season of the year and what year it has been. It's time to tell you my favourite opening songs of this season. I know this post is late and I do apologise, but I have been poorly and busy. Once again though, it was a hard to order my top 4 but in the end I did it through my enjoyment of the song, and how much it went with said show too. 

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Honourable Mention #1: 
Radiant

Opening 1 - Utopia by 04 Limited Sazabys

Honourable Mention #2:

RWBY *Volume 6*  (I count it...Deal with it)
Opening 1 - Rising by Casey Lee Williams

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#5

SSSS.Gridman

Opening 1 - UNION by OxT

#4

Tokyo Ghoul:re 2nd Season
Opening 1 - katharsis by TK from Ling Toshite Shigure

#3

DAKAICHI -I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year-
Opening 1 - Fukanzen Monochlogue by Tomohisa Sako

#2

Sword Art Online: Alicization
Opening 1 - ADAMAS by LiSA

#1

Banana Fish
Opening 2 - FREEDOM by BLUE ENCOUNT

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There was some other opening songs that I did enjoy but just not as much as the above. All links go to Anime Planet apart from RWBY which links to the site where you can watch it for Free 1 week behind paid members.

If you want to know all the Anime that I am watching then click here and then you will know what other opening song's I missed out.


I will be back with a new post of My Top 5 Anime in Fall.

See you then.


Tara
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My Top 5 Anime in Summer 2018

The third season has now ended and only more left for this year. It's crazy how fast it's going. This Season was the most weird, crazy and unfortunately for some Anime, so disappointing. Anime such as Banana Fish will be on the Top 5 Anime of Fall, but I do want to highlight how amazing the show is.

This list will be a combination of Anime I finished from last season, and Anime that was only 12-13 Episodes long. 

Honourable Mention #1

Persona 5 The Animation (26 Eps) – 3 ½ Stars

What a roller-coaster this show had me on. I was really hyped for this show, right from when it was announced. I do have to admit, I have only played part of the game, so after a certain point I was going in blind. I am very impressed with some parts of the show, how they changed things from Game to Anime. I love the soundtrack and the Animation was good 50% of the time, average 30% and really poor 20% of the time. Some of the episodes was really stupid and not needed. Though with all the ups and downs, the ending was the huge disappointment of it all. To the ones that have completed the game, they may not care but to those who can't or unable to, we are left on a cliffhanger and we have to wait for an OVA near the end of the year. You are kidding me....after 26 episodes, we are left to wait... WAIT!!!. If I have something to say, it's if you don't know what chose, out of Game or Anime...Choose Game 100%. Also I know it's not impossible as Persona 4 The Animation did so well and I loved that one.

Honourable Mention #2

Angels of Death (12 Eps) – 4 Stars

I got hooked in this crazy world from the get go but little things here and there was just not needed. I loved the horror, creepy parts of it and I also loved the relationship that started forming between Rachel and Zack. There was moments where I was bored or found it not needed. Some parts dragged while others was rushed. I do admit that the main part of the lower rating is because it ended on a cliffhanger and you had to wait for the final 4 episodes in a separate series. So I will quickly point out, if I had the final already, this may have been number 5 or higher instead. 

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#5

Sirius the Jaeger (12 Eps) – 4 Stars

This show was actually surprisingly good for the most part. It had a decent plot, interesting characters and good Animation. There was a lot of cliche moments and boring parts thrown in, which really annoyed me and made me disappointed. The majority of the characters were unique and interesting, even the bad characters. There is a certain female character called Ryoko that a lot of people found annoying and not needed but to be honest, she kicked ass and did as much as she could. Not once did I feel she was in the way, if anything, there was other characters that I felt wasn't needed. I loved the fight scenes, and I mean I adored them. I secretly hope for a second season because the ending wasn't the best and I do hope they can do more, but if they don't I can understand why. 

#4
Steins;Gate 0 (23 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

Although this season was amazing, it just couldn’t live up to how good the first season was. There was parts and moments that made me feel disappointed in this show, but then there was moments that reminded me why I love Steins;Gate. The character's were all amazing and portrayed in the right way depending on how the plot was progressing. I felt the first half was really slow and some things just dragged when it could have been done in less episodes and had more episodes focused on situations that needed more time. The tension and being made to sit on the edge of the seat was still present throughout the show and the emotions it had me feeling reminded me of how I felt watching the first season. The ending was actually really neat and awesome. Did I enjoy this show, hell yeah I did, but it just wasn't as good as the first season. Now please no more. Let it be. Time is not to be messed with.

#3
Free! Dive to the Future (12 Eps) – 5 Stars

I may be biased when it comes to this show, because any show with hot men… I mean with talented men is a must for me.When this Season was announced I was so happy but also scared to see what will happen as all the Characters were doing different things and aiming for different things. Although at times I felt they were adding in things that weren't needed and dragging out parts and also not enough Rei and Nagisa, I was actually surprised with how AMAZING this was. The character progressions in this series was done really well and I was actually surprised how they managed to put everything together. The opening song was done by OLDCODEX just like the other seasons and it was just as catchy as the others. The ending song was also done by Style Five (the Main 5 Characters VA's). Although I did love the song, it just doesn't beat the other two ending songs they have did. I was slightly disappointed with the ending as it ended mid dive, but because of the text saying more in 2020, I kind of forgive it but.. 2020... 2 years.. we have to wait 2 whole years and of course everyone links it to the Olympics which if it is, that was cleverly done.

#2
My Hero Academia 3 (25 Eps) – 5 Stars

I will never not love My Hero, unless they mess it up big time. The only thing that nagged me this season, was I didn't feel as hyped and invested in the second half of the season. The pacing was done really well and I didn't feel like things were rushed, although I kind of wished some parts did go faster. Just like with Free! some character developments and changes were done really well and I love how they take time to not only develop the main character but also the other characters because without the other characters it just wouldn't work, at least not in my opinion. I love the opening and ending songs, although I preferred the second opening and ending over the first ones. After the final two episodes, I am all hyped and ready for the next season that was announced at the end of this season. Until then "PLUS ULTRA!" 

#1

Attack on Titan 3rd Season (12 Eps) –  5 Stars

Finally I can rate a Attack on Titan Series 5 stars. I have been waiting for something more in this show and I got it this season. There is certain characters I really wanted to grow up, develop and become something more than just a name. There is two characters that stood out to me as being developed, one developed more as main story where the other was literally just one/two episodes. Those two being Armin and Historia, I will not be saying anything more as I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't watched this season yet. The pacing in this season was amazing and the storyline was so well put together. The action in this season is so much better than last season and that could be partially the reason why I loved it so much more. Although I loved the opening and ending song, it just isn't the same as Season 1. I can't wait for the next part of this Season in April. Until then, Slay some Titans. 

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This season had a lot of sequels and less new Anime. I do have to admit the sequels did do better than the new ones. I didn't cover a couple of Anime from this season, so if you want to know more about that then just check out my Anime Planet link on the right side of the blog. Can't wait to be back with my Top Anime Opening songs of Fall 2018.

P.S.   Sorry it is out late, I have been ill all month, so I have been taking my time with this. 

Tara

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Review of Claymore

The Storyline was most certainly unique in most ways. Strong FEMALE characters, the majority of the storyline was revolved around one main character but focused on others. The demons/monsters in this anime was actually pretty scary and freaky which in most Anime isn’t true, and it’s pretty fake in Anime, but they make you actually feel slightly freaked out. The fact they didn’t keep to the stereo typical, boy falls in love with girl vice versa, was pretty refreshing form other anime I have seen. All of the sub genres made this whole Anime a success and although not perfect, pretty close to being that. 

The Animation was perfect for that year, and also there was no censoring or nothing unlike some Anime. The Sound was pretty much perfect, although the opening and ending songs weren’t the best, they were perfect for the Anime, and I kind of got into them half way through the series. The English Dubbed voice actors were mostly great, bar a few which were not really suited to that Character or was a tad annoying. 

The Characters were the weakest thing in the whole Anime. I only like one or two in the whole of the Series… The others were either annoying or just not important to me. The main character Clare is my favourite as she’s not the strongest yet she’s strong and she doesn’t care about anyone’s opinions and yet she’s caring to others and can help out. Although I do like Raki, the other main character who hangs around with Clare for the most part of the Anime, I found him annoying a lot of the times, so I am kind of in the middle with what I think about him. Teresa was the other character I liked and all the other characters I either don’t like or really don’t care about them. 

Overall I really enjoyed this anime, but there were some slow parts through the series and the characters just lacked something, as I shouldn’t be hating that many… or should I.

8.9/10Story

   

10/10Animation

   

9/10Sound

   

8/10Characters

   

8.9/10Overall

P.S Some of these Reviews that I am posting, was old Reviews, when I used to write Small Reviews. So some reviews I write will be long and some will be short. :) 

Review of Persona 4 The Animation

The Storyline was really interesting and I know I keep saying this, but it honestly was unique. I am reviewing this as if it isn’t a game, as I haven’t played any of the games, so to me it really is unique and different. For me it took a few episodes to get into it, but after those few episodes, I just knew it would be a good Anime. I loved how I was working out who was the main bad guy throughout the whole series and was pretty hyped when I found out I was correct.  

The Animation and Sound was amazing, although I wasn’t a huge fan of the opening and ending songs, although they aren’t the worst I have listened too. The English Dubbed voice actors were amazing they really suited the characters they were playing and it was pretty cool to see the Voice actor of Ichigo from Bleach voice the main male character.  The Animation was really good and fit the style of the Anime. 

The Characters were all pretty different when talking about their personalities. It was really entertaining and funny watching the friendships being formed, and how some of those people has some weird personalities and have no idea how they can stand one another. Yu Narukami is the main male character although his friends come a close second. His personality is more of the quite type but can be outgoing at certain times, especially around friends.

Overall I really enjoyed this Anime, but because of the slowness and other things, I couldn’t rate it perfect.

9/10Story

   

10/10Animation

   

8/10Sound

   

9/10Characters

   

9/10Overall

P.S Some of these Reviews that I am posting, was old Reviews, when I used to write Small Reviews. So some reviews I write will be long and some will be short. :) 

Review of No. 6

The Storyline is really interesting and actually although yes it has similar ideas of other Anime, the overall idea is pretty unique. The pace of the Anime is really good but I wished that it was a longer series or that a second season was made, as I felt it was rushed in some episodes. 

The Animation was really good and perfect for the show, but I wasn’t a fan of the opening Animation but loved the ending Animation, the same with the Sound and the fact I wasn’t a fan of the opening song, but loved the ending song. The English Voice actors did a really good job voicing their characters. 

The Characters Nezumi and Sion were amazing, in this Anime, I really loved both of their personalities, and by gosh did they both have different personalities. They bonded and created an amazing friendship and although some people are against them becoming more than just friends, I am NOT against it. I also really loved Karan; Sion’s mother. The love she has for her son and the risks she took for him were amazing. 

Overall I really LIKED this Anime series, but I really wished it was longer, or had another series, because there was so much more they could have done with the story and characters. 

9/10Story

  

9/10Animation

  

8/10Sound

  

9.5/10Characters

  

8.9/10Overall

P.S Some of these Reviews that I am posting, was old Reviews, when I used to write Small Reviews. So some reviews I write will be long and some will be short. :) 

Top 5 Anime Opening Songs of Summer (2018)

Onto the third season already, oh my gosh. Time is going fast this year. This is looking like a good season for Anime and also a good season for opening songs, at least for the Anime I am watching. It was hard to order 5-2 as they are all amazing songs in their own unique way, but Attack On Titan opening sounds more like an ending song, hence why it's 5th place. Once I heard Banana Fish opening I was hooked, happy and hooked once again. The best EVER. Their was no competition for it. So here it is, my top 5 plus 2 honourable mentions. 

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Honourable Mention #1: 

Sirius the Jaeger
Opening 1 - Sirius by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

Honourable Mention #2:

Angels of Death
Opening 1 - VITAL by Masaaki Endo

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#5

Attack on Titan 3rd Season

Opening 1 - Red Swan by X Japan featuring Hyde

#4

Persona 5 The Animation
Opening 2 - Dark Sun by Lyn

#3

My Hero Academia 3
Opening 2 - Make my Story by Lenny code fiction

#2

Free! Dive to the Future

Opening 1 - Heading to Over by OLDCODEX 

#1

Banana Fish
Opening 1 - Found & Lost by Survive Said The Prophet

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If you want to know all the Anime that I am watching then click here and then you will know what other opening song's I missed out.

I do quickly want to point out that I love a lot of the ending songs this season, but I just don't have the time to do Ending song lists either. I have only ever done it once on this blog and it was just too much effort. Maybe one day I will, but I am hoping to bring something to this blog I had on one of my past blogs.

I will be back with a new post of my Top 5 Anime in Summer and then My Top 5 Opening in Fall.

See you then.


Tara
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My Top 5 Anime in Spring 2018

The Second season has now ended and we are now halfway through the Anime year of 2018. This season was a mix bag of Anime and below it will be my thoughts and feelings. As I have most likely said in past posts, only Anime I have finished this season go on this, for Anime such as Persona 5 will be on the Summer list if it's in my Top 5. 

This list will be a combination of Anime I finished from last season, and Anime that was only 12-13 Episodes long.

Honourable Mention #1

Cute High Earth Defense Club Happy Kiss! (12 Eps) - 4 Stars 

I was very disappointed when I found out it was going to be with new Characters but at the same time intrigued to see how they can pull it off. Although at first I didn’t really find it interesting and wasn’t really drawn to it, eventually I started to find the characters interesting and the show in a whole funny just like the past two seasons. Will I always love the first two more; yes but I am not rating it lower just because of that. This show is for light hearted fun and mainly, most likely for Girls to fan girl.

Honourable Mention #2

Dorei-ku The Animation (12 Eps) – 3 Stars

I was really temped to not put this in the post, as I have two other Anime with the same star rating as this, but if I were to choose any of them to be a little bit better than the others it would be this. I was so looking forward to this and I honestly though this could have been so AMAZING, but so many things just disappointed me and annoyed me. I hated all the characters bar two and of those is a Dog… a Dog and the other being his female owner aka the Main female lead. She was most likely the only smart one and only humane character in the whole show. She didn’t want to control others and be a jerk and only reason she got roped into this was because of other idiots. The opening song was AMAZING and I didn’t really have any big issues with Animation. The storyline was interesting, but just like a lot of Anime recently; it has a chance to shine and be unique but just fails to do the best.

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#5

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (12 Eps) - 4 Stars 

I am a huge fan of Sword Art Online, even with all the hate it gets. When I saw it was going to have a side story of sort with different/new characters I was definitely interested and intrigued. Did I go into it thinking it’s going to be an amazing show; no I didn’t , but I did go into it hoping it will entertain me, make me laugh and have an interesting storyline. I loved the main character so much, I don’t know what made me love her so much but I just do. Pink? Maybe it’s the pink!?. The pacing was good and the majority of the storytelling was good. I just felt like it was very repetitive at times, and some things weren’t really needed. I loved the little mentions to the original series and characters. Opening song was ACE and ending song was good. I don’t want any more of this series, as I felt it worked more on a stand-alone and I can’t wait for the main series of SAO to be back. 

#4

Tokyo Ghoul:re (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

I was sceptical with a new season of Tokyo Ghoul since the last season wasn’t as good as the first and it really disappointed me at times. I actually got really hooked in this series and it managed to change my views on Tokyo Ghoul once again, it made me have the same thoughts and feelings as I had in season one. While watching this series I was confused and lost at times and researching things weren’t getting me anywhere so I assumed as a non-manga reader that because of the mess up with season two it led me confused with this season. Other than that issue I really enjoyed this series, I loved the fights and the characters and development we had. Wasn’t the biggest fan with the opening and ending songs, but insert songs are a whole different story. The ending was good enough, especially knowing that a new season will be out in October. This series was a huge improvement and hopefully it will only go up from now and maybe just maybe I will eventually be able to rate a Tokyo Ghoul series a five star. 

#3

DARLING in the FRANXX (24 Eps) - 4 1/2 Stars

Anime original coming, making its way through the crowd and oh boy was this a ride I really am glad I was part of. I am not going to talk too much about the drama that enfolded in the Anime community with a certain episode, but only to say that I really was disgusted with some people’s behaviour. Back onto the topic at hand, this show was good and I mean it was really good but it kept doing random stuff and bringing stuff into it that maybe wasn’t needed at times. The pace was really good for the majority of the series and although there was some dull episodes, I kind of expect that for Anime series that are longer than 12/13 episodes. I feel that the characters were really good in this show bar a couple of them that I found were kind of dull or annoying. Once again this Anime had a romance element that I loved. Opening song and ending songs were fitting and quite enjoyable. Once again this could have been a perfect Anime but some elements just brought it down a little.

#2

Devils' Line (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

After reading volume one of this Manga, I then found out it was going to be an Anime in this season, and I was suddenly so hyped and so ready for it to be animated. From episode one I got hooked and then once it got post the part I got to with the Manga I was going blind and still enjoying it just as much. I know other watchers were comparing it to the Manga throughout the whole series, but I luckily didn’t have that on the back of my mind. I really enjoyed plots and pace of the series and most of the episodes were really enjoyable and addicting and I do say this show did one other shows do and that leaves it on a cliff-hanger at the end of each episode. The relationship between the two main characters was imperfect in a perfect kind of way. The opening and ending songs were AMAZING. The ending was most likely an Anime original ending as it was kind of rushed. Was this show perfect; no, but it was almost there and it was a ride I really enjoyed being on.

#1

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card (22 Eps) - 5 Stars 

When I first found out Cardcaptor was getting a new season my younger self jumped with joy. I am joking it wasn’t my younger self it was my current self too. The first thing I noticed was how amazing the animation was and sound quality of everything. I got hooked into this universe as soon as episode one was over and wanted more every week. The characters were just as amazing as the first season. As a non-manga reader I can’t tell when it’s a filler or canon episode so to me, it was all really well done and not dragging. The relationship between Sakura and Syaoran is just the cutest, most adorable and the best couple of ANIME. The opening songs were beautiful and the ending songs were catchy and I especially liked the first ending over all of them just that little bit more. Although the ending was what I wanted, everything up till then was perfect to me and that’s why it’s my number one and earned its five stars. 

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This season was a mix bag of good and bad. Even though half of the Anime I finished this season was good, bar one or two, none were close to being perfect. The Anime that disappointed me could have been so much more. I didn't cover a couple of Anime from this season, so if you want to know more about that then just check out my Anime Planet link on the right side of the blog. Can't wait to be back with my Top Anime Opening songs of Summer 2018. 

Tara

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Top 5 Anime Opening Songs of Spring (2018)

The second season of Anime is now underway and this season there was a range of different and unique Anime and what comes with Anime is the Opening songs... and by gosh was there plenty of those... This was the hardest season and year I've had to narrow it down...I had over 10 opening songs that I loved and enjoyed. Narrowing it down to 5 was just too hard, so narrowing to 7 will have to do. I have missed out so many good songs, so if you don't see your favourite than don't hate me. 

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Honourable Mention #1: 

My Hero Academia 3

Opening 1 - ODD FUTURE by UVERworld

Honourable Mention #2:

Steins;Gate 0

Opening 1 - Fatima (ファティマ) by Kanako Itou

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#5

Persona 5 The Animation

Opening 1 - BREAK IN TO BREAK OUT by Lyn

#4

Devils' Line

Opening 1 - Eclipse by Shouta Aoi

#3

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 

Opening 3 - It's all in the game by Qyoto

#2

Caligula

Opening 1- Paradigm Box by Ritsu Shikishima (Chiharu Sawashiro), Shougo Satake (Shunsuke Takeuchi)

#1

Black Clover 

Opening 3 - Black Rover by Vickeblanka

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As I said above, this was so hard to order and cut down to only 7. If you want to know all that I am watching then click here and then you will know what other opening song's I missed out. My number 1 rank was always going to be my number 1 rank from the moment I heard the song. EPIC!.


I will be back with a new post of my Top 5 Anime in Spring and then My Top 5 Opening in Summer. See you then.


Tara
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My Top 5 Anime in Winter 2018

The first season of 2018 has finally ended. Time has gone way to quickly. I can't wait to get into the Anime of Spring as I have around 14 I want to watch, including on-gong Anime, I do have a feeling I will be dropping a few as I do have work etc to do as well as watch Anime but I am hoping to watch the majority of what I have on my to watch list. 

This list will be a combination of Anime I finished from last season, and Anime that was only 12-13 Episodes long.

Honourable Mention

• Sanrio Boys (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

I was actually really close to putting this as 4 Stars but the voice acting that they all showed was so well done that I just couldn’t do that. I knew from the start that this is a show that a lot of people wouldn’t like or wouldn’t get into but I also knew that I being the kind of girl who loves a little cheeky show would enjoy it. The middle of the show was a little iffy but other than that I found the storylines interesting and the development of characters was really well done. I found a character annoying at the start but by the end I grew to love him. The opening and ending song was both catchy and I wouldn’t mind downloading the opening song, just for that one line... This Anime was just so innocent and light hearted and I could watch this no matter what mood I was in. It wasn’t too serious but yet not too comedic that I felt like I was watching a comedy sketch. Would I want a season two, yes I would but at the same time, maybe with new characters and them being minor ones, to branch out the Sanrio characters too. 

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#5

Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

This was on the shows I went into thinking I wouldn’t enjoy it and I wouldn’t get hooked into the storyline. Well… I was so very wrong. I was intrigued after episode 1 and hooked after episode 2. The fight scenes were really well done, although at times I did want them lasting longer. All of the characters were unique and interesting. (Poor Saito, and his bad luck, although I guess it could be good luck that he has the allies that he does have).  I actually enjoyed this more than I enjoyed some Anime I really thought I would love but ended up dropping or just being disappointed. The pacing was really well done, especially as it only had a 12 episode window to fit it all in. I love how it still had time to develop so many characters and still have it staying fresh and interesting. The opening song is amazing and the ending song catchy, this ending song showed, you don’t always need lyrics to make a good song.  I really hope a second season comes out, because this show had elements I wished other Anime had but don’t and yet they can keep going on. 

#4

Violet Evergarden (13 Eps) - 4 1/2 Stars

This show was one that I didn't actually plan to watch, but ended up watching it due to the amount of high praise it got for the first few episodes. I am so glad I listened to the high praise. I will say that, it’s been a long time that an Anime has made me cry in so many episodes, I would say around 3-4 episodes hit me right in the heart. The storyline was unique, interesting and never once was it boring. I did feel at times, it was a slightly slow, especially at the start but other than that, it was paced very well. The characters were all unique and I loved all of the good characters in the Anime. The growth of the main character was well portrayed and written. The animation was so clean and pretty and I loved just looking at the background in all of the scenes. The opening song is truly beautiful and fits with the show very well. I know that the “Violet Evergarden” franchise has been green lit for a new project but no idea if that’s a movie, more Anime or other things entirely but whatever it is, I am sure it will be amazing and I will most certainly check it out. 

#3

B: The Beginning (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

I always planned to watch this, but when it didn’t come out at the start of Winter, I thought that maybe it was delayed until next season, so I forgot about it, and then suddenly I saw it on Netflix and I was like… Oh well I best get on it and all of the episodes were out. ALL OF THEM.  I would be lying if I said I didn’t drop everything and devoured the whole series in a couple of days but I don’t want to lie, so yes that’s what I did. The show was just amazing. Amazing soundtrack, the majority of the Characters were likeable and interesting and the twists and turns were really well done. I am not sure if I am the only one that felt like it was two separate storylines interlinking and at times I felt the stories interlinking were very forced and not natural which is why I didn’t like it at times and I also felt some things weren’t explained very well and you had to use your own imagination and brain. Other than that I loved the show. I really hope for a second season, because of how it ended. If a second season doesn’t happen, I would be very disappointed. 

#2

Garo: Vanishing Line (24 Eps) – 5 Stars

The last time I tried to watch a Garo series; I just couldn’t get past half way. I am so glad that this series had something the other one didn’t. I will be honest and say that I was disappointed when I found out Vanishing Line would be part of the Garo universe because I thought I would get confused at times and be unaware of things, but with the little knowledge I did have and having help from my boyfriend I managed to watch this without getting too confused. I love how unique this was compared to the other Garo series I half watched. I think it was easier to fall in love with the main characters in this one and it was also more modern which helped in my case. The pacing was iffy at times and I felt some episodes could have been merged into one or just not happen. Other than that issue, I fell in love with the world and the characters. Sophie will always be my favourite Garo character ever, with Sword and Gina coming a close second and third. Luke… Well Luke will be my crush of the Garo universe. The second opening and ending songs were my favourite and a shout out to the ending, it legit made me feel things I wasn’t expecting to feel. Emotions... 

#1

Mahou Tsukai no Yome (The Ancient Magus' Bride) (24 Eps) – 5 Stars 

When this show started last season, I fell in love with it straight away. The animation, soundtrack and characters were enough to make me addicted to this world. I was always looking forward to the next episode every week. The storyline was paced very well for the most part although at times I felt like it was going to fast or too slow but other than that it was done really well. Chise was just the best character in this show. Even being weak, she showed great strength and bravery. There was sad, happy and nerve wrecking times while watching this show and I am so glad that I watch this. The first opening and second ending were my favourite songs and the insert music that was used was fitting and good. Do I think there will be a second season, I really don’t know because the ending was just so good but would I watch it if a second season happened…Hell yeah. Also If I could rate this higher than 5, I would. 

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I loved the majority of the Anime that finished this season. It was really hard to order my number 3 and 4 in that order as they are both two completely different genres and I loved both for different reasons. In the end I just choose the one with more Action as my number 3 but in my eyes, both are number 3. Can't wait to be back doing my top 5 of Spring.

Tara
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Top 5 Anime Opening Songs of Winter (2018)

The first Season of Anime of the year 2018 is now halfway through. I am back to do my Top 5 Anime Opening Songs each Season. Going into this Season I was actually at first not keen on most of the Opening songs, but a few. I started to get into some of them as the season went on, hence why I am posting this later than I was originally going to do it. I will be doing 2 honourable mentions and then my top 5. 

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Honourable Mention #1: 

DARLING in the FRANXX

Opening 1 - KISS OF DEATH by Mika Nakashima x Hyde

Honourable Mention #2:

Overlord II

Opening 1 - GO CRY GO by OxT

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#5

Sanrio Boys

Opening 1 - Seishun Interlude (青春インターリュード) by Sanrio Danshi [Kouta Hasegawa (Takuya Eguchi), Yuu Mizuno (Soma Saito), Shunsuke Hoshino (Jun Ootsuka), Ryou Nishimiya (Hiroyuki Kagura), Seiichirou Minamoto (Yuuma Uchida)]

#4

Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens

Opening 1 - Stray (ストレイ) by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets

#3

Violet Evergarden

Opening 1 - Sincerely by TRUE

#2

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen

Opening 1- CLEAR by Maaya Sakamoto

#1

Garo: Vanishing Line

Opening 2 - HOWLING SWORD by Shuhei Kita

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As I said before, It took me a while to enjoy some of these Anime Openings. This season I felt the ending songs were so much better but unfortunately, I just don't have the time to do Opening and Ending, although I am thinking of highlighting some songs in a different way. Number 1 and 2 were the two songs that I knew I loved from the start and I didn't have to think about that. After that I started to enjoy the others.

I will be back with a new post of my Top 5 Anime in Winter and then my Top 5 Opening songs of Spring.

Tara
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My Top 20 Anime In 2017

I know last year I did a Top 30 Anime, but this time I didn't actually watch enough to do a Top 30, well I think I may have just, but then that would literally me listing all of my Anime. The whole point of these lists is to highlight my favourites. Out of about 30ish Anime I watched in 2017, 20 of them stood out above the rest, well If I was being picky around 22 stood out but 2 of them will have to just sit out (I apologise). 

I also did an honourable section last year, but once again I feel that it's just an easy way to then list all you don't add in your actually Top Anime list, so this year I will not have honourable mentions. If an Anime you like isn't on this list, it could be on my Season Top Anime Lists, which I do at the end of each season. (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall). 

It was easy to do my Top 7 but then after that, it became harder to order them. 

Without any more delay, this is My Top 20 Anime in 2017. 

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1. My Hero Academia 2 (25 Eps) – 5 stars

2. Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (12 Eps) – 5 Stars

3. The Royal Tutor (12 Eps) – 5 Stars

4. Tales of Zestiria: The X [2017] (13 Eps) – 5 Stars

5. Super Lovers 2 (10 Eps) – 5 Stars

6. Attack on Titan 2nd Season (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

7. Re:Creators (22 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

8. Shoukoku no Altair (Altair: A Record of Battles) (24 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

9. Sakurada Reset (24 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

10. Welcome to the Ballroom (24 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

11. Kekkai Sensen & Beyond (Blood Blockade Battlefront & Beyond) (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

12. Knights & Magic (13 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

13. Scum’s Wish (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

14. Kakegurui (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

15. Kenka Banchou Otome: Girl Beats Boys (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

16. Katsugeki! Touken Ranbu (13 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

17. Twin Star Exorcists (50 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

18. Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas (12 Eps) – 4 Stars

19. Naruto Shippuden (500 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars

20. Roku de Nashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records (12 Eps) – 4 Stars

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Hope you enjoyed the list and don't forget to check out my Anime lists on my Anime sites which are located on the right side of my blog :) 

Tara 

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My Top 5 Anime in Fall 2017

Fall 2017 is over and done with, so is the year 2017, but I will talk about that in my next post... I am running slightly behind with posts. 

I didn't actually finish a lot of Anime this season, as 1 was on going for a few season (Boruto) and 2 were 20 something episodes long leading into next season/year. So in all I only finished 7 Anime, with 2 of them being so disappointing that I am only mentioning them to say how bad they were but also how good they could have been. King's Game and Evil or Live were two Anime I really thought could be something good but instead were something that I wished I never watched. There was some good moments in both Anime, mainly the opening songs and main characters. Both Anime had the potential to be the best Anime this season but blew it over rubbish pacing, bad Animation and rubbish story telling. With both Anime, the ending were rushed and disappointing. That is my two dishonourable mentions this season. 

Now the negative is out the way, how about I tell you my top 5 Anime this season. This is how you create Anime. 

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#5

TsukiPro the Animation (13 Eps) – 4 Stars

This actually surprised me, on how much I actually ended up liking it. It has the same sort of cliche as any other Music/Idol genre but for some reason, having it focus on 4 bands at once and other things amongst that made it a little unique to me. The songs were amazing, vocals were spotless and the fact each band had a unique style was amazing. The last episode was doing really well, with how it showcased all the songs in 1 big concert. I would have preferred if they did the songs longer and stretched it over 2 episodes but we can't always get what we want. I nearly rated this 4 1/2 starts but I felt the cliche bit about it annoyed me at times. If another season comes about, I will check it out and most likely enjoy it. Idol Anime is always my guilty pleasure. 

#4

Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~ (12 Eps) – 4 Stars 

This was the other Anime that actually surprised me at times. Yes for the most part it was predictable and cheesy but other than those parts it was actually really enjoyable. The story line and pacing was actually really decent in my opinion and I loved the majority of the characters. The opening song is good and the ending song was perfect for the show. As I mentioned at the start the plot was slightly predictable, especially the ending, along with how cheesy it was. I am actually happy with how it ended but I felt if it had 24 episodes, it could have expanded and did a lot better. I doubt there will be a season two, but if one did appear, I would check it out.

#3

Kekkai Sensen & Beyond (Blood Blockade Battlefront & Beyond) (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

I was very excited to watch season 2 of this amazing, funny show, but although it was good and funny and entertaining. There was something lacking that just made me grade it half a star off 5 Stars and felt it could have a little better. This season did what the last season didn't do and that was focus on the other characters that we see but not know anything about. I liked that they did this, but I felt it ruined the season from having an actually main story line. That was until the last two episodes. The last two episodes was the best two episodes I have watched for a finale in a long time, and if I were rating it solely on these episodes I would highly rate it 5 Stars and more if I could. I don't want to ruin the episodes for anyone who may not have seen it yet, but it was mainly centred towards the main character Leo and his sister. I also nominate Leo as best Male of 2017. I doubt a season 3 comes about, but if it does then I will 100% watch it. 

#2

Welcome to the Ballroom (24 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

When I first saw the trailer for this a few seasons ago, I honestly wasn't sure if it was going to work on screen, especially as a lot of sports Anime has been dished out recently. I was wrong to judge it though, as the first half was amazing and the last few episodes of the second half was also just as amazing. The character development of the characters especially the main character was so well done and I couldn't help but be captivated by him. He showed that even when you have no talent at something you can gain the knowledge and ability to do it. In the words of a certain someone, "Never give up". The opening songs were also good and catchy and the ending songs fitting. It was amazing to see they kept the same artists for said both. In the middle of the show, I felt like it dropped in a lot of things that made it good to start with. It didn't need to shine light to so many character over so many episodes. I wanted to see the main character and who he interacts with, not someone who I really don't care about. The animation was good, well the majority of the show was good. Long necks... That's all I need to say. If a second season got announced I would 100% be watching it. 

#1

Shoukoku no Altair (Altair: A Record of Battles) (24 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars 

This has to be the most underrated show I have ever watched in a long time. I know the first few episodes weren't as strong as they could have been, but if people just stuck with it, like the few that did, they would have gotten an Anime that was actually amazing in so may ways. The pacing was good, the story line interesting and the different range of characters unique. I always love a good tactician in Anime, and when I find that certain one, I end up loving the character more than I should. I was never bored in the Anime, and the twists and turns that came about kept me wanting more. I was slightly confused at time, when they were talking about war and all that, as I am not the greatest at history or war knowledge. I also felt like at times they dragged some things out over more episodes than they had to. I was slightly disappointed with the ending, but then I realised the source material is still on going and there's hope for a season two, let's hope that it comes about. I know not as many people watched this over popular shows, but for the people who did watch it, I felt like the majority of them liked this show and would love for more. So this underrated Anime get's my top spot for my Fall 2017. 

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Well then, Fall 2017 is now over and Winter 2018 is just around the Corner. I can't wait to be back to let you know my Top 5 of that season is.


Tara
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P.S. The next Post is the big one, My Top Anime in 2017.