The Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - 2018 (Day 5): The Top Anime of 2018 (10 - 1)

***To see the full rundown of the rules for the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights, please click HERE.***

Introduction

So it has come to this. The absolute best.

If you want to catch yourself up on which series earned the first ten positions, please click HERE.

If you are ready to go, though, let’s not waste any more time.

The year has ended, and these are the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - Top Anime of 2018 (10 to 1):

The Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - 2018 (Day 4): The Top Anime of 2018 (20 - 11)

***To see the full rundown of the rules for the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights, please click HERE.***

Introduction

I had to make this a top twenty. Even after coming to that conclusion, I still debated and toiled over which series were going to make the cut. I hate to imagine what it would have been like had I just limited myself to only ten.

Nevertheless, here we are – Part One.

Out of the many series from 2018, which were the cream of the crop? Which were always meant to make this list, and which turned out to be huge surprises?

Comedy, drama, adventure, fantasy, horror, there were so many stories from so many genres over the last year. These shows couldn’t have been more different. But, there is one crucial factor which links each of the following entries:

They were all fantastic.

These are the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights – Top Anime of 2018 (20 to 11):

The Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - 2018 (Day 3): The Top Ten Best Characters

***To see the full rundown of the rules for the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights, please click HERE.***

Introduction

With any show, it is safe to assume there will be a full cast of characters to get to know.

The same is then true with the next series. Then the next one. And then the one after that. And then so on and so on until your stuck compiling a list of the top ten characters of a given year and you must sift through hundreds of possible contenders.

If you think that sounds daunting, don’t. You would be surprised by how manageable such a task is.

When you have encountered as many characters as I have, only the truly best stand out. Now don’t get me wrong, there were a lot more than ten exceptional characters from 2018, and cuts had to be made.

Thus, my guiding rule was: The closer a character came to absolute excellence, the higher their rank ended up (a flawless system, I know).

Representing the year’s most interesting, engaging, and solid, this is the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - Top Ten Characters of 2018:

The Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - 2018 (Day 2): The Top Ten Best Animation

***To see the full rundown of the rules for the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights, please click HERE.***

Introduction

I have said this on multiple occasions in the past: Animation is NOT what makes an anime good. Stories and characters do that.

However, gorgeous visuals have never hurt anything. Besides, how can we expect to have an anime highlights week without showcasing the medium’s own namesake?

It goes without saying that every category during these highlights is based off one person’s opinion – mine. Nowhere is this more the case than when it comes to ranking art styles. What I might see as gold, you may see as trash.

And if you think that about any of the entries, so be it.

All I can offer is my criteria.

Along with general beauty, I tried taking into account a series’ uniqueness. Did a show stand-alone or did it look like something I have already seen hundreds of times before?

Also, since certain styles – a.k.a., CGI – are becoming more and more prevalent, execution and implementation needed to be considered.

Mix all those factors together, and BOOM, you have the list for the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - Top Ten Animation of 2018:

The Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights - 2018 (Day 1): The Top Ten Best Opening Songs

***To see the full rundown of the rules for the Inaugural LofZOdyssey Highlights, please click HERE.***

Introduction

As a reviewer – and more to the point – as a marathon viewer, I usually must set aside up to SIX HOURS to watch a single series. Then there are the twenty-plus-episode shows that require at least half a day to complete. Therefore, any place where I can chip away at some of that time, I will.

Often the first to go is a series’ opening song.

Not only have I seen shows’ openings completely misrepresent what their stories were about, but they have actually spoiled specific details about the narrative. For example, have you ever wondered about a mysterious character seen in an opening who has yet to make an appearance despite being on episode eight of a twelve-episode show?

Yes, I don’t mind skipping an opening song in favor of just continuing with a story.

HOWEVER, every now and then, an opening will catch my attention. A song plays that fully encapsulates the heart of its series, and most importantly of all, gets you excited to watch.

And for the record, I didn’t realize until I was making this list how many of those types of openings were in 2018. It was far more difficult to pick out the top ten than I expected.

Anime Hajime Review: FLCL Alternative

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for FLCL Alternative. Reader discretion is advised. The following series was watched with the English dubbing.***

Series Synopsis

Kana Koumoto (voiced in Japanese by Karen Miyama and voiced in English by Megan Harvey) isn’t particularly extraordinary. She just lives her life one day at a time. While that could turn boring and lonesome, Kana knows she can always go to her friends if she needs to.

And Kana thinks the best way to return her gratitude is to always be there for her friends as well. Even if that means being a bit pushy.

Then one day, Kana crosses paths with Haruko Haruhara (voiced in Japanese by Mayumi Shintani and voiced in English by Kari Wahlgren), and her once peaceful, no-thrills existence ends.

All around Kana, the world appears to be crumbling. People are leaving in droves, and Kana believes her friends are maturing at a much faster rate than her. It’s almost as if everything is ending. And either not helping in the slightest or helping immensely – it’s hard to tell which – the spirited Haruko ensures that nothing will ever turn boring.

Anime Hajime Review: Boarding School Juliet

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Boarding School Juliet. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Dahlia Academy Boarding School is a prestigious institution which houses students from the rivaling countries The Nation of Touwa and The Principality of West, and it would seem the bad blood is alive and well within these walls of learning.

The Touwa pupils reside within the Black Dog Dormitory and the Westerners in the White Cat Dormitory. The tension between the two sides has persisted for years. Nowhere is the hatred greater than between the leaders of the Black Dog’s and the White Cat’s first-year high school classes, Romio Inuzuka and Juliet Persia (voiced by Yuki Ono and Ai Kayano).

Or so it would appear.

For as long as he can remember, Romio has loved Juliet. In his eyes, Juliet is the definition of strength, grace, and determination. One day, Romio risks everything and finally confesses his feelings. Although taken aback, Juliet has also seen Romio as her most formidable rival and equal, and thus, albeit tentatively, accepts his confession.

Anime Hajime Review: FLCL Progressive

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for FLCL Progressive. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Hidomi Hibajiri (voiced by Inori Minase) has chosen to close herself off from the world. However, in her dreams, Hidomi sees visions of horrific death and destruction. When she wakes, Hidomi thinks nothing of her restless nights. Still, a part of her mind tells her she can’t go anywhere without her beloved pair of headphones for protection.

What Hidomi doesn’t know is what her headphones are protecting her from. Mainly: Herself.

Should her thoughts turn drastic, Hidomi will fall into a state known as overflow; the properties of which are shrouded in mystery. One day, Hidomi discovers her classmate, Ko Ide (voiced by Jun Fukuyama), can also activate overflow. Therefore, how many more can do so as well?

Although hoping to block out the madness residing in her head, Hidomi has attracted the attention of many questionable people. Among the most unusual – and probably the most dangerous – is an energetic woman who rides a yellow vesper: Haruko Haruhara (voiced by Mayumi Shintani).

Anime Hajime Review: Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Out in the frontier, there was once a small village that was the home of three close friends, Fu Yin, Fu Ning, and Pu Zhao (voiced respectively by Nana Mizuki, Rie Kugimiya, and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka). Their lives were happy and peaceful. Then one day, a dark shadow arrived, and with it was the terrifying Taibai Empire as it burned everything the trio had ever loved to ash.

The friends were separated. The Fu sisters escaped to the wilderness and Pu was placed into bondage. Many years passed, but the nightmares have remained.

In the capital of the Taibai Empire, Pu distinguishes himself as a gifted engineer. His skills are so great, the Empire gives Pu a chance to rise through their ranks.

Out on the road, Yin and Ning survive as street performers. Their means are simple, but at least they are together. Then, Yin comes across an ancient scroll which bestows onto her the power that can rival the full might of the Taibai military.

However, destiny, it seems, intends to have the three meet again. Unfortunately, their reunion will take place on opposite sides of the battlefield. Old feelings are to be put to the ultimate test.

Anime Hajime Review: Merc Storia - The Apathetic Boy and the Girl in a Bottle

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Merc Storia: The Apathetic Boy and the Girl in a Bottle. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

In a world where humans and monsters co-exist, Healers are needed to maintain tranquility. In short, a Healer is someone who can calm the rage of a monster, and these exceptional individuals are instrumental in preventing unnecessary violence. One such Healer is a young boy named Yuu (voiced by Mutsumi Tamura).

One day, Yuu’s father, another Healer, went on a journey and never came back. But before leaving, Yuu’s father left his son a special gift – a glass jar filled with a mysterious blue liquid.

To Yuu’s surprise, the liquid turns out to be a small, fairy-like girl who calls herself Merc (voiced by Inori Minase). Unfortunately, Merc has no memories of who she is or where she is from. Nevertheless, Yuu and Merc form an instant and inseparable bond.

Hoping to discover Merc’s origins, the pair decides to follow in Yuu’s father’s footsteps and head off on an adventure. Where they will go and who they might meet is anyone’s guess. If nothing else, though, Yuu and Merc know they can face anything as long as they are facing it together.

Anime Hajime Review: Yagate Kimi ni Naru

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Yagate Kimi ni Naru. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Yuu Koito (voiced by Yuki Takada) has entered high school. In her group of friends, ideas like romance and dating are discussed on a daily basis. However, Yuu thinks she is missing something since she has never once felt the sensation of love. She isn’t even sure if she can feel it.

One day, Yuu believes she has found someone who can finally relate to her, and it is none other than her school’s beloved student council president Touko Nanami (voiced by Minako Kotobuki). Like Yuu, Touko had never met anyone who had moved her heart in a significant way. Or, at least, that was the case until she met Yuu.

Something about her younger schoolmate lights a spark within Touko, and almost instantly, she falls for Yuu. Understandably, Yuu is taken aback by Touko’s sudden deep affection. What is even more mysterious, though, Yuu doesn’t necessarily hate Touko’s feelings towards her.

As these two girls grow closer, their full personalities begin to come out. It would seem they each have a side to themselves they will only show to someone special. And perhaps, they may have just met that person.

Anime Hajime Review: Beelzebub-jou no Okinimesu Mama

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Beelzebub-jou no Okinimesu Mama. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Within the depths of Hell, there is Pandemonium – the home of the demons. Now, don’t go jumping the gun quite yet. Pandemonium is not a realm of tortured souls and satanic evil. Instead, it is a pleasant little town with a handful of quaint shops, cafés, and other creature comforts. In the purest sense of the word, this place is downright lovely.

And ruling it all is the demon of legend, Beelzebub (voiced by Saori Onishi).

To the public, Beelzebub is their stoic, intelligent leader who governs with the fairest logic and reason. While that may actually be the case, it's not the full story. When out of the spotlight, Beelzebub is a bit of a ditz who loves everything cute.

Although she is excellent at her job, to Beelzebub, it’s just that, a job. She will do what she must to fulfill her responsibilities, but if she can weasel her way into five more minutes of sleep, why not? In fact, Beelzebub’s almost childlike personality is a constant headache for her loyal personal assistant Mullin (voiced by Rikuya Yasuda).

Leading people is a full-time position. However, taking care of the leader who leads the people is an even fuller-time role. Nevertheless, Beelzebub and Mullin’s close relationship makes them the most efficient duo around.

Anime Hajime Review: Iroduku - The World in Colors

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Iroduku: The World in Colors. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

The year is 2078, and Hitomi Tsukishiro (voiced by Kaori Ishihara) comes from a long line of powerful witches. Although her family is famous for its mystical abilities, Hitomi despises magic. After all, her own powers have literally robbed her world of its color.

Seeing everything in black and white has caused Hitomi to disconnect with everyone around her. The only person she has any feelings left for is her dear grandmother, Kohaku Tsukishiro (voiced by Sumi Shimamoto).

To rescue her granddaughter from her gloom, Kohaku transports Hitomi back sixty-years. Far and away from everything she has ever known, Hitomi can’t imagine what her grandmother expects her to see – at first.

By chance, Hitomi comes across a phenomenon she had long forgotten: Color. In an instant, Hitomi’s heart opens just a crack. But that small amount is enough to start letting the light shine back in.

Anime Hajime Review: Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudoubu

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudoubu. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery. When he was in junior high school, Minato Narumiya (voiced by Yuto Uemura) was considered one of the event’s most promising rising stars. That all changed after a particularly devastating competition.

Having now entered Kazemi High School, Minato appears to have lost his passion for the bow. Thus, he has no interest when his school restarts its kyudo program. However, certain factors make it impossible for Minato to stay away.

For one, try as he might, Minato cannot bring himself to give up the sport he loves dearly. He may not have fully gotten over what has been holding him down, but he no longer intends to let his fears stop him.

The journey back to where he once was at is daunting. Along the way, though, Minato will come to learn a side of kyudo he never would have imagined.

Anime Hajime Review: Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Throughout history, there have been individuals who have wielded the power to reshape the destinies of countries. These select few have been known as the Ulysses, and the truth behind their abilities has been lost to time.

It is now the 15^th century, and the nations of France and England are entrenched in a conflict which will one day be known as the Hundred Years’ War. The people of France feel as though there is no hope left. With each passing month, the French only experience more hardships. Dreaming of building a utopia free from this violence is amateur alchemist Montmorency (voiced by Ryota Osaka).

Montmorency had been researching the properties of the mysterious Philosopher’s Stone when suddenly an English raiding party attacks the small French village of Domremy. There Montmorency watches in horror as the English strike down a young girl named Jeanne (voiced by Yuko Ono). Wanting to save her life, Montmorency uses his studies to transform Jeanne into the next Ulysses.

Serving as a symbol of hope to her people, Jeanne rallies the French forces against the invading English army. Jeanne’s heroics will thus lead her to become the legendary Jeanne d’Arc.

Anime Hajime Review: Gaikotsu Shotenin Honda-san

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Gaikotsu Shotenin Honda-san. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

As anyone who has done it will tell you, working in retail is unlike anything else. What more those people might say I will leave to their discretion. Whether it be clothes, food, or, yes, even books, products must be put on the shelves, inventory needs to be counted, and customers come in all shapes and sizes.

In Tokyo, the local bookstore is never too far away, and it is the place to go when the newest print releases go on the market. To help those looking for their next read is the veteran bookseller Honda (voiced by Soma Saito).

Even after many years at his position, Honda still runs into unexpected challenges. Sometimes his past experiences help guide him through difficult situations. Other times, he is as puzzled as can be. The ceaseless busy work which goes into keeping a bookstore operating can leave even the most ambitious drained of energy.

Honda would be the first person to tell you that if you think his job sounds right for you, maybe look into it a little more. Despite the challenges, though, Honda leaves every shift knowing he just put in an honest day’s effort.

Anime Hajime Review: Release the Spyce

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Release the Spyce. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Momo Minamoto (voiced by Yukari Anzai) has always had a strong sense of justice. However, she has never had the confidence to back up her convictions; which has been a true shame. Momo possesses amazing eyesight, a keen sense of smell, and is capable of identifying a person’s physical condition with a simple lick. Such amazing talents would have surely gone to waste had Momo not spotted a group of shadowy figures fleeing off into the night.

It isn’t until Momo is confronted by those figures – a.k.a., her very own schoolmates – does she realize she had witnessed the Tsukikage spy organization’s latest espionage mission. The girls of Tsukikage take an immediate interest in Momo’s abilities, and she is placed under the tutelage of the team’s leader Yuki Hanzomon (voiced by Manami Numakura).

From nothing, Momo is transformed into an elite spy, and the once shy, quiet girl who loves her home now has the skills to protect it from evil. The problem is, the evil she and the rest of Tsukikage face has spread its influence far and wide.

Anime Hajime Review: Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

The experiences Sakuta Azusagawa (voiced by Kaito Ishikawa) has had in his life have been odd, to say the least. They’ve been so odd, Sakuta was largely indifferent – although, he was, undoubtedly, a tiny bit surprised – when he saw his beautiful upperclassman, Mai Sakurajima (voiced by Asami Seto) walking around, seemingly unnoticed by everyone, dressed as a bunny girl.

Mai warns Sakuta that he needs to forget about their encounter, and he mustn’t bother getting involved with her. According to Mai, the problem she is facing is far too fantastical for anyone to take seriously. Fortunately for her, Sakuta knows a thing or two about the fantastical.

Sakuta tells Mai she is suffering from Adolescence Syndrome, a phenomenon characterized by an untold number of strange occurrences. And whatever those occurrences may be, they are always more bearable when a person has someone who believes them. Sakuta is more than willing to be that person for Mai.

However, it turns out that what is happening to Mai is only the tip of a looming iceberg. Soon, Sakuta will meet many more individuals suffering from other irregularities.

Anime Hajime Review: Hashiri Tsuzukete Yokattatte

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Hashiri Tsuzukete Yokattatte. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

While attending an anime event, Minato Suyama (voiced by Jun Fukuyama) is struck with awe when he becomes captivated by the performance of several talented voice actors. That illuminating experience drove Minato to enroll in Suidoubashi Animation Academy.

With an inherent talent for vocal work, Minato still finds it difficult to really improve his craft; he struggles to truly portray the characters he plays. Trapped in a deep slump, Minato’s drive is once again awoken when he hears the beautiful voice of Chikako Oomori (voiced by Iori Noguchi).

To Minato’s ears, Chikako has all the charisma and skill he sorely lacks. However, Chikako is far less confident in her abilities.

These two soon form a supportive relationship where both Minato and Chikako help one another unlock their respective potentials. Even when facing so much uncertainty, this pair knows they can rely on each other to break through the toughest of barriers.

Anime Hajime Review: Senran Kagura Shinovi Master: Tokyo Youma-hen

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Senran Kagura Shinovi Master: Tokyo Youma-hen. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

We return to Hanzo Academy, the prestigious school for the secret arts of ninjutsu. Asuka (voiced by Hitomi Harada), the granddaughter of Hanzo Academy, and her friends happily train to become the next generation of ninja.

However, a new enemy is lurking on the horizon. Asuka’s comrades are suddenly captured and held hostage. To ensure their safe release, the top students at the various ninja academies – both good and evil – must compete in the ancient Shinovi Master tournament to determine who is the strongest.

Asuka is desperate to save, not only those who were taken from her but all her friends who now seem to be heading towards a dangerous trap.

Old grudges must be put aside to stop a much larger threat. Unfortunately, everyone’s idea of right and wrong threaten to undo everything before the fight even starts.