Top 10 Summer 2015 Anime Impressions ⋆ Anime & Manga

It is once again time for a new season of anime series and we have a large batch of brand new shows to watch! The large majority of these can be watched online on sites such as Funimation, Crunchyroll or Daisuki. This list does include sequel series although it does not feature leftovers, so shows like Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma or Ore Monogatari will not be counted.

#10 | GATE – A-1 Pictures

Ever wonder what would happen if modern and fantasy armies fought each other in a dramatic war between worlds? Me neither, but GATE has peaked my curiosity. When a gate to a fantasy world appears in Tokyo, Japan is given the opportunity to claim a brand new world of landmass and resources. However, it’s how the show switches perspective to the inhabitants of this world that makes it fascinating in terms of how they view these strange machines and powerful weapons. It’s a brilliant premise and thus far it has been executed effectively and I’m looking forward to more.

#9 | Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers – Passione

Adventure anime offer a unique structure that focuses on heavy world exploration and multiple character arcs and Rokka is no exception. Exploring a fantasy world inspired by South American history and mythology, it’s definitely something different in terms of world design. The premise and how it creates conflict is definitely something interesting and it’s looking to be an intriguing series.

#8 | Overlord – Madhouse

No, it has nothing to do with the Codemasters game. Overlord takes the increasingly common premise of having a character stuck in a video game and expands on it to give our protagonist the unique position of being the villain within this world, whilst being a normal human person at heart. By giving the protagonist a huge amount of power straight up, it offers opportunities for expansion and I’m looking forward to see how it evolves.

#7 | Gangsta – Manglobe

Manglobe is back from their 2 year hiatus and they’re debuting with Gangsta, a mature show set in an Italian town full of mafia, corrupt police and prostitutes. It strives to present a darker story and this is all heavily incorporated within the setting itself with conflicts constantly arising between rival gangs. It’s how our main characters approach the situation with their own motivations that makes it interesting in this case.

#6 | School-Live! – Lerche

School-Live! is that one lovely slice of life that you need to check out. Whilst there isn’t any conflict to speak of, it is compelling just due to its charming cast of characters and everyday life.

#5 | Ushio and Tora – MAPPA/Studio VOLN

Many long time anime fans like to cry out for the return of the classic writing styles of anime we saw in the 80s and 90s. Ushio and Tora is a monster of the week anime with corny humor, exaggeration and aesthetic. It’s a great call back with some great battles and mysteries that play into Japanese mythology in an effective way. Working alongside Studio VOLN for this longer running series, MAPPA is back and are bringing their talent with them for a new exciting show.

#4 | Snow White with the Red Hair – Bones

Silly name aside, Snow White with the Red Hair is a great series about capturing your own fate. It plays out like a Disney film, but without the classic tropes with our protagonist, Shirayuki getting herself out of situations in her own creative ways and never relying on a prince to save her. It has strong atmosphere with lovable characters that draw you in from start to finish.

#3 | Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace – Lerche

Every once in a while we get something unique within the anime medium. Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace is a callback to the classic novels of mystery author, Edogawa Rampo and perfectly captures his style of writing and use of heavy themes. With ideas based within the concept of “ero guro,” Game of Laplace offers itself as a niche involving insane sociopathic characters, absurd plotlines and creative presentation. It’s definitely not something for everyone but should be given a watch just due to the pure spectacle of it all.

#2 | Gatchaman Crowds: insight – Tatsunoko Productions

In 2013, Gatchaman Crowds amazed us with its bright aesthetics and cynical, yet accurate portrayal of human nature through the medium of a superhero story. It showed us how we could all become heroes rather than relying on the select few and showed the inherent selfishness of humanity and how it could be overcome. Gatchaman Crowds is now back with Gatchaman Crowds insight, effectively bringing us back up to speed in this near future world. Introducing new characters, its new conflict doubts humanity in a new way and asks us whether life without human conflict is one that we truly need. Make sure you check out the first season so that you can catch up on this second season as it’s a series like no other.

#1 | Non Non Biyori Repeat – Silver Link

Non Non Biyori is happiness, charm and comfort compressed down into a simple anime series about a group of girls living in the country. As one of the best anime comedies, it welcomes us to a beautiful yet simple landscape far from the city. It is genuine in everything that it does and portrays this life in intense detail. Non Non Biyori Repeat is exactly what it sounds like. Starting from the beginning of Non Non Biyori, it repeats these events in a new way. Either series can be watched in any order and there is no better time to jump in on Non Non Biyori. You will regret not watching it earlier.