{"id":37065,"date":"2018-12-31T15:00:58","date_gmt":"2018-12-31T19:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/?p=37065"},"modified":"2018-12-31T15:00:58","modified_gmt":"2018-12-31T19:00:58","slug":"ask-john-what-were-johns-picks-of-2018s-new-tv-anime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/ask-john-what-were-johns-picks-of-2018s-new-tv-anime\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask John: What Were John\u2019s Picks of 2018\u2019s New TV Anime?"},"content":{"rendered":"

2018 will not be remembered as a remarkable year in anime history as the year didn\u2019t produce any television series of historical significance. No avowed masterpieces rose from this year. Even the year\u2019s finest productions are not \u201call time best\u201d caliber shows. Nor did 2018 produce any memorably awful shows that will go down in history\u2019s flames. Excluding continuing series and shows seemingly officially recognized as continuing seasons rather than new series, and also excluding a record high number of Chinese productions broadcast in Japanese dubs, including Jikken-hin Kazoku<\/em>, To Be Heroine<\/em>, Onmyouji: Heian Monogatari<\/em>, Ani ni Tsukeru Kusuri wa Nai! 2<\/em>, and Hora, Mimi ga Mieteru yo!<\/em>, 2018 premiered 249 new terrestrial broadcast & web streaming anime series and one-shot specials. I was fortunate enough to watch a sample full episode of 243 of them. I even managed to watch 75 of this year\u2019s new anime to completion.<\/p>\n

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My personal selections as the finest TV anime of 2018 begin with Sora Yori mo Tooi Basho<\/em>, the story of four high school girls who vow to visit Antarctica. Privately, each of the four harbors a tremendous personal anxiety, so their collective journey allows them the opportunity to challenge and overcome their most intimidating fears. The story, which is ostensibly a slice of life drama, rapidly blossoms into a far more substantial and rewarding viewing experience thanks to Jukki Hanada\u2019s script and Atsuko Ishizuka\u2019s exceptional direction. The series concentrates equally on character development and depicting the small, realistic daily nuances involved with teenagers joining and participating in a civilian Antarctic scientific expedition. Subtle details including the parallel of both teen girl Shirase Kobuchizawa and adult leader Gin Todo struggling through survivor\u2019s guilt emphasize thematic depth. Likewise, for example, the framing of the separation between Mari & Megu at the shrine in episode five is one of the most symbolically meaningful composition shots I’ve ever seen within an anime. And their “breakup” scene – particularly the way distance between the two girls is utilized – is impactful and makes excellent use of visual symbolism. Like the whole series, the climax of episode 12 is much more nuanced than it initially appears. On first impression, it’s a heartwarming conclusion. But upon further consideration viewers may realize that it’s actually quite bittersweet and perhaps even an outright tragedy. From episode to episode, nothing about the show is particularly flashy or arrestingly impressive, and the show isn\u2019t a memorable landmark in anime history, but consistently the show’s animation quality, direction, editing, characterization, story development, and attention to detail are exceptional.<\/p>\n

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Masao Otake\u2019s 2010 comedy manga Hinamatsuri<\/em> is fine, but it\u2019s director Kei Oikawa\u2019s 2018 anime adaptation that vividly brings the manga to life and imbues much greater impact and emphasis to within it. The story is a sitcom hybrid of traditional yakuza politics and psychic teenage battle. A yakuza underboss has a time-traveling psychic teen fugitive literally materialize in his apartment, so he adopts the disaffected and lazy teen as a surrogate daughter. Young Hina\u2019s disinterested and weary attitude is great source for comedy, but the anime series\u2019 strength actually lies in its supporting characters and themes. Hina\u2019s self-proclaimed rival Anzu initially seems like a typical \u201cyankee,\u201d a female version of Yu Yu Hakusho\u2019s<\/em> Kuwabara or Rurouni Kenshin\u2019s<\/em> Sanosuke. But her story arc reveals her unexpectedly conscientious personality and allows the show its rare opportunity to extensively examine Tokyo\u2019s homeless population that\u2019s frequently excluded from anime for being too weighty and uncomfortable of a subject to deal with. Likewise, Hitomi\u2019s story shines a satirical light on frustrations of the Japanese employment system. And Mao\u2019s story allows the show to let off steam with kung fu movie and Castaway<\/em> parody. Ultimately the anime series, far more than the originating manga, uses animation, characterization, editing, and scripting to deliver a hilarious goofy comedy that also devotes a lot of attention to empathetic concepts including family, consideration for the underprivileged and homeless, and empathetic personal responsibility. Hinamatsuri<\/em> is a raucously hilarious comedy that\u2019s also frequently deeply heartfelt and moving.<\/p>\n

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I have to acknowledge Koi wa Ameagari no You ni<\/em> with a significant caveat. The May-December romantic drama revolves around a teen girl who harbors a crush on her divorced middle-aged family restaurant manager boss. The show is uniquely interesting in several ways. Immediately and obviously it looks like an early 90\u2019s production. Despite being 2018 animation based on a 2014 manga, the show visually most resembles Madhouse\u2019s 1989 Yawara<\/em> television anime and Studio Deen’s 1988 Patlabor. So while the dated-looking art design may deter some contemporary viewers, it\u2019s also a pleasant breath of fresh air compared to the look of every other contemporary anime. Particularly lead characters Akira Tachibana and Masami Kondo are deeply nuanced and faceted because the storytelling spends so much time on them. Viewers get to know and care for these two characters who both suffer an emotional stumbling block that obstructs their progress. But roughly half-way through the series the story changes from a romance to a drama when the show concentrates on depicting the two characters individually yet in parallel challenging and overcoming their own psychological hurdles. The series may be admirable for respecting its characters, but being faithful to the characters at the expense of viewer satisfaction leaves viewers rationally impressed but emotionally unsatisfied. On a side note, the show\u2019s ending theme, Aimer\u2019s \u201cRef:rain,\u201d may be the best anime theme song of the year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Planet With<\/em> is literally a hybrid of Gadguard<\/em>, Genma Taisen<\/em>, and Star Trek<\/em>. The 2018 original series felt very reminiscent of the \u201ckitchen sink\u201d unpredictability of golden age anime including Ai City<\/em>, Harmagedon<\/em>, and Battle Royale High School<\/em>. Interesting, dynamic characterizations from a diverse cast and lovely, exciting animation from studio J.C.Staff make the show eminently gratifying, although its brisk pace may actually have been better served with a longer two cour length that would have allowed for more suspense and given the story some breathing room. Seeing characters including Soya, Benika, Yosuke, Takezo, and even Generalissimo reveal their secret motivations and change allegiances and philosophical values multiple times as their perspectives change adds fascinating nuance to the show. But all of these changes occurring so rapidly compromises their impact. Like all of this year\u2019s best anime, Planet With<\/em> isn\u2019t flawless, but it is highly enjoyable for many reasons and in many ways.<\/p>\n

In fact, I don\u2019t have a top fifth pick. Rather, I have a number of runner-up picks worth brief mention.<\/p>\n

Asobi Asobase<\/em> & Chio-chan no Tsuugakuro<\/em> were both outrageously and unpredictably hilarious at their best, but neither show had grand aspirations nor was either solidly consistent. Similarly Pop Team Epic<\/em> was brilliant when at its best but largely too esoteric and limited in its scope to elevate its status sustainably. Netflix\u2019s ten-episode Aggressive Retsuko<\/em> leaves viewers wanting more, but minor changes from the earlier web series aggravated me. Despite being a bit derivative, Darling in the FranXX<\/em> is arguably the year\u2019s most ambitious and unique mecha anime. Yet it still felt like it never quite symphonized the way it wanted to. Masaaki Yuasa rarely disappoints. Devilman Crybaby<\/em> delivered everything viewers expected and hoped for, but ultimately the show is just a greatest hits remix of elements from the prior Devilman<\/em> adaptations. Hanebad<\/em> exhibited exceptional animation but wildly uneven storytelling. Violet Evergarden<\/em> is arguably the year\u2019s most exceptional looking show, but the series\u2019 script didn\u2019t rise to its lush visual and animation quality. Hisone to Masotan<\/em> & Kokkoku<\/em> are among the year\u2019s strongest unique narratives, but unfortunately both suffered underwhelming final acts. Uma Musume: Pretty Derby<\/em> far surpassed low expectations with strong characterizations and a great amount of respect for audience intelligence. But exceptional execution isn\u2019t sufficient to elevate a story with middle-of-the-road ambitions. Yuru Camp<\/em> is this year\u2019s best iyashikei<\/em> anime, but it\u2019s a bit redundant and limited in scope compared to series including Non Non Biyori<\/em>, Natsume Yujincho<\/em>, Amanchu<\/em>, and Kemono Friends<\/em>. While I enjoyed Yuru Camp<\/em> quite a bit, Hakumei to Mikochi<\/em> was my favorite iyashikei<\/em> anime of the year.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t relish recognizing bad anime, but 2018 seemed to produce an inordinate number of sub-par TV productions ranging from bad to near unspeakably abysmal. Among them: Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory<\/em>, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens<\/em>, Hero Mask<\/em>, LadySpo<\/em>, Ore ga Suki nano wa Imouto dakedo Imouto ja Nai<\/em>, Satsuriku no Tenshi<\/em>, Sora to Umi no Aida<\/em>, RErideD: Tokigoe no Derrida<\/em>, and Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger<\/em>.<\/p>\n

List of 2018 TV & Web anime (The titles I didn\u2019t watch any of are boldfaced):<\/p>\n

25-sai no Jyoshikousei
\n3D Kanojo: Real Girl
\nA.I.C.O. Incarnation [Netflix anime]
\nAggressive Retsuko [Netflix anime]
\nAguu: Tensai Ningyou
\nAikatsu Friends!
\nAkanesasu Shoujo
\nAkkun to Kanojo
\nAkuma no Memumemu-chan [web anime]
\nAlice or Alice
\nAmai Choubatsu: Watashi wa Kanshu Senyou Pet
\nAmanchu! Advance
\nAngolmois: Genkou Kassenki
\nAnima Yell!
\nAru Zombie Shoujo no Sainan
\nAsobi Asobase
\nB: The Beginning [Netflix anime]
\nBack Street Girls ~Gokudolls~
\nBaki [Netflix anime]
\nBakumatsu ~Ren’ai Bakumatsu Kareshi Gaiden~
\nBakutsuri Bar Hunter
\nBANANA FISH
\nBanG Dream! Garupa?Pico
\nBasilisk: Ouka Ninpouchou
\nBEATLESS
\nBeelzebub-jou no Okinimesu mama.
\nBeyblade Burst Chouzetsu
\nBinan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu Happy Kiss!
\nButlers: Chitose Momotose Monogatari
\nCaligula
\nCaptain Tsubasa (2018)
\nCara to Otama Jakushi Shima
\nCardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen
\nCardfight!! Vanguard
\nCarnival Phantasm Selection
\nChihayafuru Syuukasen
\nChio-chan no Tsuugakuro
\nChuukan Kanriroku Tonegawa
\ncitrus
\nComic Girls
\nConception
\nCutie Honey Universe
\nDagashi Kashi 2
\nDakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu.
\nDame \u00d7 Prince Anime Caravan
\nDarling in the FranXX
\nDeath March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku
\nDevidol!
\nDevilman Crybaby [Netflix anime]
\nDevil’s Line
\nDorei-ku The Animation
\nDouble Decker! Doug & Kirill
\nDuel Masters!
\nEmiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan
\nFate\/EXTRA Last Encore
\nFree!-Dive to the Future-
\nFull Metal Panic! Invisible Victory
\nFumikiri Jikan
\nFuture Card Shin Buddyfight
\nGaikotsu Shotenin Honda-san
\nGakuen Babysitters
\nGakuen Basara
\nGan Gan Ganko-chan second series
\ngdgd Men’s Party
\nGe Ge Ge no Kitaro (6th series)
\nGinga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These – Kaikou
\nGintama: Gin no Tamashii-hen
\nGoblin Slayer
\nGolden Kamuy
\nGrancrest Senki
\nGrand Blue
\nGundam Build Divers
\nGurazeni
\nGyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu,” Igiari! Season 2
\nHakata Tonkotsu Ramens
\nHakumei to Mikochi
\nHakyuu Houshin Engi
\nHanasaku Kizuna no Romantan [web anime]
\nHanebado!
\nHan-Gyaku-sei Million Arthur
\nHappy Sugar Life
\nHarukana Receive
\nHashiri Tsuzukete Yokattatte.
\nHataraku Onii-san!
\nHataraku Onii-san! No 2!
\nHataraku Saibou
\nHero Mask [Netflix anime]
\nHigh School DxD Hero
\nHigh Score Girl
\nHimote House
\nHinamatsuri
\nHinomaru Zumou
\nHisone to Masotan
\nHoshi no Shima no Nyanko<\/strong>
\nHugtto! Precure
\nHyakuren no Haou to Seiyaku no Valkyria
\nIdolish Seven
\nIdolm@ster Cinderella Girls Gekijou 3rd season
\nInazuma Eleven: Ares no Tenbin
\nInazuma Eleven: Orion no Kokuin
\nIngress [Netflix anime]
\nIrozuku Sekai no Ashita kara
\nIsekai Izakaya: Koto Aitheria no Izakaya Nobu [web anime]
\nIsekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu
\nISLAND
\nItou Junji: Collection
\nItsuka Aeru Kimi ni [web anime]
\nIya na Kao Sare Nagara Opantsu Misete Moraitai [web anime]
\nJashin-chan Dropkick
\nJingai-san no Yome
\nJojo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze
\nJoshi Ochi!!: 2-kai kara Ero Musume ga Futte kite, Ore no Areni!?
\nJuushinki Pandora
\nKaijuu Girls: Ultra Kaijuu Gijinka Keikaku 2nd Season
\nKakuriyo no Yadomeshi
\nKamisama Minarai Himitsu no Cocotama: Natsu da! Oohashagi Special
\nKarakai Jouzu no Takagi-san
\nKarakuri Circus
\nKaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
\nKekeroke<\/strong>
\nKen En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki
\nKilling Bites
\nKimi no Matsu Basho e [web anime]
\nKirakira Happy?Hirake! Cocotama
\nKiratto Pri?chan
\nKishuku Gakkou no Juliet
\nKitsune no Koe
\nKoi wa Ameagari no You ni
\nKokkoku
\nKoneko no Chi: Ponponra Dairyokou
\nKuroneko Monroe
\nKyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes
\nLadySpo
\nLast Period: Owarinaki Rasen no Monogatari
\nLayton Mystery Tanteisha: Katri no Nazotoki File
\nLive Animation Heart x Algorhythm 2nd series<\/strong>
\nLord of Vermilion: Guren no Ou
\nLOST SONG [Netflix anime]
\nLostorage conflated WIXOSS
\nLupin the Third: Part 5
\nMahou Shoujo Ore
\nMahou Shoujo Site
\nMAJOR 2nd
\nMame Neko
\nM\u00e4rchen M\u00e4dchen
\nMarvel Future Avengers Season 2
\nMegalo Box
\nMerc Storia: Mukiryoku Shounen to Bin no Naka no Shoujo
\nMiira no Kaikata
\nMitchiri Neko
\nMitsuboshi Colors
\nMuhyo to Roujii no Mahouritsu Soudan Jimusho
\nNanatsu no Bitoku
\nNanatsu no Taizai: Imashime no Fukkatsu
\nNani Iro no Nani [web anime]
\nNil Admirari no Tenbin
\nOkojo to Yamane
\nOkoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
\nOmae wa Mada Gunma wo Shiranai
\nOne Room second season
\nOngaku Shoujo
\nOre ga Suki nano wa Imouto dakedo Imouto ja Nai
\nOre-tacha Youkai Ningen G
\nOshiete Mahou no Pendulum: Rilu Rilu Fairilu
\nOshiri Tantei
\nOtona no Bouguya-san
\nOverlord II
\nOverlord III
\nPERSONA5 the Animation
\nPhantom in the Twilight
\nPiano no Mori
\nPlanet With
\nPochitto Hatsumei: Pikachin-Kit
\nPop Team Epic
\nPuzzle & Dragon
\nRadiant
\nRamen Daisuki Koizumi-san
\nRelease the Sypce
\nRErideD: Tokigoe no Derrida [Netflix anime]
\nRobot Girls Neo<\/strong> [web anime]
\nRokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori
\nRyuuou no Oshigoto!
\nSaiki Kusuo no ?-nan 2nd Season
\nSakura no Chikai ~Marronni ? Yell Higashi no Asuka Shimotsuke-shi o Yell!~
\nSanrio Danshi
\nSaredo Tsumibito wa Ryuu to Odoru
\nSatsuriku no Tenshi
\nSeishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
\nSenjuushi
\nSenran Kagura: Shinovi Master – Tokyo Youma-hen
\nSentai Heroes Sukiyaki Force: Gunma no Heiwa wo Negau Season e, Mata<\/strong>
\nShichisei no Subaru
\nShinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion
\nShinya! Tensai Bakabon
\nShoujo ? Kageki Revue Starlight
\nShuudengo, Capsule Hotel de, Joushi ni Binetsu Utawaru Yoru.
\nSlow Start
\nSNS Police [web anime]
\nSono Toki, Kanojo wa.
\nSora to Umi no Aida
\nSora Yori mo Tooi Basho
\nSouten no Ken: Regenesis
\nSpace Bug
\nSSSS.GRIDMAN
\nSt. Seiya: Saintia Shou
\nSteins;Gate 0
\nSunohara-sou no Kanrinin-san
\nSuper Dragon Ball Heroes [web anime]
\nSword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
\nSword Art Online: Alicization
\nSwordgai The Animation [Netflix anime]
\nTachibana-kan to Lie Angle
\nTada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai
\nTakunomi.
\nTelevi Yarou Nanana
\nTenrou: Sirius the Jaeger
\nTensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken
\nThe iDOLM@STER Side M: Wake atte Mini!
\nThunderbolt Fantasy second season
\nToaru Majutsu no Index III
\nToji no Miko
\nTokyo Ghoul:re
\nTonari no Kyuuketsuki-san
\nTsukumogami Kashimasu
\nTsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudou-bu
\nUchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru!
\nUchi no Oochopus
\nUchuu Senkan Tiramisu
\nUlysses: Jeanne d’Arc to Renkin no Kishi
\nUma Musume: Pretty Derby
\nUsagi no Mathew<\/strong>
\nViolet Evergarden
\nVirtual Buzz Talk
\nWakaokami wa Shougakusei!
\nWotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
\nYagate Kimi ni Naru
\nYakiniku-ten Sengoku
\nYakusoku no Nanaya Matsuri [web anime]
\nYama no Susume 3rd season
\nYami Shibai 6th Season
\nYoukai Watch: Shadow Side
\nYowamushi Pedal: Glory Line
\nYume Oukoku to Nemureru 100 Nin no Ouji-sama
\nYuragi-sou no Yuuna-san
\nYuru Camp
\nZannen na Ikimono Jiten
\nZoids Wild
\nZoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru
\nZombieland Saga<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

2018 will not be remembered as a remarkable year in anime history as the year didn\u2019t produce any television series of historical significance. No avowed masterpieces rose from this year. Even the year\u2019s finest productions are not \u201call time best\u201d caliber shows. Nor did 2018 produce any memorably awful shows that will go down in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":37075,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37065","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-john"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/DTRfEE-VAAAWzFe.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37065","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37065"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37065\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37076,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37065\/revisions\/37076"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37075"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}