Winter Anime 2011 Overview: The Failures and Masterpieces of This Season

And thus, the Winter Season 2011 has ended. Was it good? Was it bad? Well, no matter, because we have 4 bloggers here ready to comment on it. Enjoy to your heart’s content this post discussing the best and the worst turns of anime this season. Feel free to comment and put down your own thoughts (We won’t bite!)!

*Please Note: Very frequent Occasional biases will may occur in this post since we are human and cannot watch all the anime shows from this season a.k.a. We have a life. Moreover, many shows are may be frequently repeated. Please also note that this is just for fun.*

Overall thoughts

Eva: I watched about maybe five to six series this season so I found it rather dull. The only animes that I was actually craving for every week were Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Level E, and Stardriver, Kimi ni Todoke and Yu Gi Oh 5Ds. Most shows I ended up dropping such as Dragon Crisis or are still on my waiting list such as Gosick and Beelzebub, so it’s a shame that I didn’t feel like I had much to watch. Overall I think that this was rather a weak winter season that had limited variety.
Myst: To be honest, I wasn’t impressed that much with this season. Although there were a couple of good shows,  I apparently missed them all, because from what I’ve seen I didn’t really find anything that completely blew me away just like last season. Sure, Beelzebub was funny, Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka was very original, however in the end there’s not really any show that I believe will seriously stand out from the rest. I was a little bit deceived… Then again, maybe it’s just me shrugs I still have yet to start Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika though… feels Eva’s glare on her I should…
Zero: This season felt quite lacking in term of awesome show, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka and Gosick were all really good show, but none of them really made it into the “MUST WATCH! THIS SHIT IS AWESOME” category.  They were all missing a little something here and there, always this spark of awesomeness missing at the right place to make anything more than a regular good anime.
Oki: Nothing this season caught me. I KNOW YOU’RE GOING WUT? Well here’s the thing, I am actually a prick. I think I have given 3 manga ever a 10, several a 9, a good few an 8 and a fairly big number a 7. not to say nothing this season was good- hell yes some shit was good. I loved Freezing even though I really had trouble talking about it. DEAR LORD THE BOOBIES AND BOOBIES AND FIGHTS AND BOOBIES and more boobies. bvfkjgkljdklgjdfglkjfdlkgjdfkgj But then you had some REAL good stuff like Gosick, which is good but just not ME. So not a bad season overall, just nothing I was particularly drawn to.
Most Memorable Plot
Eva: Hm… That’s a tough one. I’ll go with Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica because it’s a masterpiece! It’s so unique and mind blowing!!! DAMN YOU SHAFT FOR MAKING US WAIT TILL APRIL 21st!!! MAKE SURE OUR WAIT HAS BEEN WORTH A WHILE!!!! ;A;
Myst: Uhh… I dunno… Nothing? The only show that had an actual great plot was probably Gosick, except that it’s not over so even that would be pushing it…
Zero: that’s a tough one since they all sucked…oh wait, that’s not constructive. Let me try again. That’s a tough one since I believe they all sucked because they had no memorable story. Oh now this is much better isn’t? Otherwise I would say Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica had the best story, but the worst ending to this story.

Oki: Mahou. Shoujo. Madoka. Magica. SERIOUSLY GUYS THAT SHIT WAS COOL INTENSE AND ACTUALLY INTERESTING NOTHING ELSE SANS FREEZING CAN BOAST THIS TRULY AND EVEN FREEZING STRUGGLES
Crack of the Season
Eva: Oh god, definitely Level E, but at the same time, it’s one of the best.
Myst: Beelzebub, hands down. Whether it’s the ridiculous plot settings, awesome character reactions or priceless facial expressions which you might have figured out by now that I absolutely love them, this show made me laugh so much every Sunday it came out.
Zero: Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? was an absolute masterpiece when it comes down to satire humour, the show is always unexpected and funny.
Oki: Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka? Definitely XD
Biggest Fail
Eva: Yumekui Merry had so much potential, but every episode made it feel like I had to force myself to watch it. By episode five, I dropped it for good. It’s a real shame. Then again we’re talking about the real failure of this season, so without a doubt Haiyoru! Nyaruani: Remember my Mr. Lovecraft is the winner for that one. I mean seriously, it was the stupidest thing I ever seen.
Myst: Haiyoru! Nyaruani: Remember my Mr. Lovecraft was pretty bad. As soon as we were told this was going to be a flash anime this show went down the drain. Then again, I thought “Let’s give it another try, maybe the humour’ll be great!”
…Nope. Moreover, what’s with the ENDING?! I thought episode 11 was weird with the whole “serious ending with a battle that’ll decide the world’s fate” and everything, but then another episode came out… Trust me, it’s better for your mental health not to watch it -_-‘.
Zero: The Lovecraft anime adaptation was a big disappointment, I saw the first episode and I was convinced I would not watch another.
Oki: Wolverine. 😐
Unexpected Favorite!

Eva: Hands down, Level E. Nobody knew what to expect from this hilarious gag fest anime. I don’t think anyone saw this coming when they first heard about it before actually watching it.
Myst: Well, from what I’ve watched, nothing, really. But, from what I’ve heard, I’d definitely put down Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. The producers totally trolled everyone, and from what I’ve heard it’s absolutely and incredibly epic I’ll have to watch it… One day… *EVA ECHOS IN THE BACKGROUND: DO IT, DO IT NOW, DO IT!!!*
Zero: I was seriously not expecting Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? to be this awesome, I was ready to watch another boring harem show, turns out I was oh so wrong.
Oki: Freezing, which turned out pretty good.

Characters

Cutest
Eva: … Out of all the characters this season, I will have to go with Kyubey from Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. As much as I despise that manipulative little evil creature, he is definitely the cutest one of all.
Myst: Victorique from Gosick. Her mannerisms were awesome! Same for her clothes, her face, her size, everything about her made me want to have her as my little sister :).
Zero: I will have to go with Victorique, she is the incarnation of cuteness, with her silly manners and her princess-like attitude, she really easily win this category over.
Oki: Cecilia Alcott~~ oh my loooooove
Biggest Exhibitionist
Eva: Cecilia from Infinite Stratos. Nothing more is needed to be said.
Myst: Cecilia from Infinite Stratos should win this. I mean, okay, there were a lot of exhibitionists this season more than enough but I think Cecilia’s kinky underwear and her bare breasts won this title over -_-‘.
Zero: Haruna from Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka? the girl never wears anything but a jacket, she spend her time half naked or completely naked.
Oki: FUCK GANESSA ROLAND INTO THE PITS OF HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Most Charming
Eva: I’m going to go with Takuto from Star Driver. He is such a likable and positive character.
Myst: Kujo from Gosick. His manliness totally won me over, moreover he’s really sweet and cares about Victorique 🙂 Ok, to be honest his manly statements are the only reason he’s there… It’s even funnier because he’s really short and looks like a wimp, Teehee.
Zero: I will have to go with Eucliwood, since she looks so fragile yet she is so strong. Also mute girls can’t say no…*Myst slaps Zero* Don’t you dare!

Oki: Ichika. I REALLY LIKED IS OKAY
Most Hated

Eva: //(◕‿‿◕)\ KYUBEY END OF STORY, from Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica
Myst: There wasn’t really any character I hated this season, but let’s put down Kazehaya from the second season of Kimi ni Todoke. Come on, I mean during half the show his slow actions and stupid thoughts made me rage sooo many times!!! -.-
Zero: Rin from Infinite Stratos, I never liked her attitude and I always felt like she was the least interesting choice for the harem in IS.
Oki: GANESSA MOTHER FUCKIN ROLAND god I hate that bitch. I’m going to finish Freezing sometime this summer and jesus, my hatred. MY HATRED
Season Favourite

Eva: To be honest I really don’t have a favorite. :\ It’s Yusei from Yu Gi Oh 5Ds >//w//<
Myst: That random Natsume guy from Beelzebub, for some reason I really like him and yet he’s really random right now… I’m sure he’ll become important, though!
Zero: I really like Eucliwood Hellscythes’ Character from Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka?, her background, her way of life, the difficulty she must endures, I really enjoy her character.
Oki: Oh Geez see Bleach and 5ds are longer running than this season, but you just technically gave me the option to pick my favorites. Uhm, I’d say yusei from Yu-gi-oh 5Ds. I LOVE YUSEI FGFHLDFHG and Nnoi’s episodes weren’t on this season.

Production techniques

Best OP
Eva: I think IS: Infinite Stratos and Kimi ni Todoke S2, both have gorgeous Openings. IS: Infinite Stratos has more technical creativity, while Kimi ni Todoke S2 goes for the more artistic, sketch style. But when it all comes down to it, it’s definitely Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica because it has both the technical creativity as well as the artistic, sketch style.
Myst: The OP for Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka was awesome. I loved the way they presented the characters and everything, moreover the song was amazing and matched the show really well. The animation, the sound, the presentation… It was great and definitely stood out from the rest right from the bat.
Zero: Wait, we need to watch the opening and not just do something else while it play? Dam it, I’ve been doing it wrong for so long.
Oki: Freezing. Everything this season was pretty generic but Freezing’s was the only one I didn’t skip through xD
Best ED
Eva: I liked Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica ED because of how creepy and dark the mood was. It sends chills down my spine every time. It’s so eerie on so many levels.
Myst: I really liked the Gosick ED because, for once, it seemed as though the producers put some effort into an ending, which is usually pretty rare. I mean, usually endings are totally unoriginal and BLEH I can’t describe it any other way. This one, though, was really pretty and actually made me want to stay an extra 2 minutes to watch it :).
Zero: Gosick wins for that category, the song is beautiful and the animation that goes with it is amazing, It is the only show I actually watched the ending repeatedly because it is a real piece of art in my opinion
Oki: Oh geez I don’t even watch Bleach or 5ds endings. Endings fail.
Best OST
Eva: I would have to choose between Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica and Star Driver! <3
Myst: Ugh… OST’s… I never pay attention to them unless they’re noticeable, and not one of them did this season… so too bad, I’m not putting in anything this season -_-‘.
Zero: Soundtracks? Oh wait we need to listen to what is going on DURING the episode too? WTF!
Oki: Freezing. I actually noticed it..lol
Most Stunning Animation
Eva: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, every episode is breathtaking. The techniques, the color, the shading, lighting, everything played such a huge role in this show. Forget the character designs, as we know they aren’t exactly the kind we see now days often or the kind we like in particular, – the most important factors lies within the quality and techniques.
Myst: Rather than talk about the art, I have to say I was really amazed by the animation of the second season of Kimi ni Todoke. The art was still a little weird, but we all like it that way, and I found that the scenes requiring a lot of work (like the hugging scene) were so incredibly well done and looked real despite them being anime. The movement of the characters and the techniques used simply made everything beautiful, and made me fangirl like a maniac in the last few episodes.
Zero: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica has some quite unique and interesting animation, but I don’t really like the style, on the other hand I really loved Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka?‘s animation and art.
Oki: Most anime this season had lapses that as an art major I found pretty bad, but Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica was the most original and consistent.

Masterpieces

Recommendation of the Season
Eva: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: If you haven’t watched it, do it. DO IT NOW. EYES MYST IN PARTICULAR AND YOU SAID IT WAS TOO CHILDISH. UHUH. Righhhht…
Myst: Kore wa Zombie Desu ka, definitely. Why? Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a serious parody before. It’s hilarious, it stands out, it makes fun of other Mahou Shoujos and harems, and yet its main plot is incredibly serious and I can’t get enough of it. WIN.
Zero: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, It was the least lackluster anime of the bunch, it is no masterpiece, but there is less boring episode than any of the other ones.
Oki: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. The only one I think will remain memorable for the point it reached in the season.
Top 3
Eva:
1. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica – //(◕‿‿◕)\ What is there not to like? //(◕‿‿◕)\
2. Star Driver – Okay so maybe I didn’t blog this through, but it doesn’t change the fact that thus turned out to be an unbelievably epic series. BONES did a fabulous job, not to mention a mind blowing finale!
3. Level E – There is nothing to think about, just watch it – NOW IF YOU HAVEN’T!!!!!!!
Myst:
1. Gosick – Cute, funny, sweet plotlines, nice art, shows based on good mangas and made with good money are always great, and I particularly loved this one for the relationship between the 2 main characters well, in the first half of the show, anyways.
2. Kore wa Zombie Desu ka – Reasons explained during the previous question.
3. Beelzebub – ULTIMATE LOLZ If you want a good laugh, watch this show.
Zero:
1. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica – Solid overall anime, entertaining to watch, just the set of characters I didn’t particularily liked
2. Kore wa Zombie desu ka? – As some of the best episode of this season, One amazing Satire.
3. Gosick – The story is solid, the characters are well done, the mystery might just be a little overdone
Oki:
1. Infinite Stratos, simply because I watched it every time and enjoyed it. It was good fun for me.
2. Freezing. BOOBS AND A FUCKING AMAZING PLOTNghfkghfdjlghdfkjlghfjgh but the boobs kinda took off points at times. And god the lack of believable characterization…
3. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica

AngryAnimeBitches’ Choice

Alright, I’ll be honest. At first, this category was supposed to be taken off, simply because us bloggers did not want to have an intense debate for over a couple of days in order to figure out which show was going to be the big winner. However, after I re-read what everyone wrote down, I decided to bring back this category and put down the best choice according to almost everyone. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika is definitely the show that comes back the most often in this, and so I thought it deserved a little bit of praise and should be mentioned elsewhere. I bow down to the greatness of this show that I still haven’t watched… But that’s just details...