My Top Anime Of 2021

My Top Anime of 2021

In no particular order:

ODDTAXI

An engaging anthropomorphized animal noir murder mystery with yakuza, idols,and just the right amount of quirkiness. Review here.

The Heike Story

A wonderfully artistic anime adaptation of a Heian period text. Through perspective of a young, lower-class Biwa player with psychic powers, we see of the devastating power struggle between two high ranking clans, illustrating the fruitless cycles of violence while touching on loss, gender role constraints and more. Review here.

Heaven’s Design Team

A pure slice of fun, this anime is a bunch of angels trying to design animals after God outsourced the process to them. It combines zoological nerdery with workplace humor, and has an entertaining cast of characters to follow. Review here.

Shadows House

An intriguing gothic story about “living dolls” who serve their shadow masters in an ominous Victorian mansion, it was a charming little romp. Review here.

And, though it’s not finished yet, I have to give a shout out to…

Ranking of Kings

A wonderful fairytale-like show featuring a small, deaf prince struggling to follow in the footsteps of giants (literally) alongside his strange shadow companion, it’s been a consistent joy to watch and full layered characters and awesome, adorable moments.I hope it keeps up the good quality.  Review here.

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I also really enjoyed the second season of Zombieland Saga, and I have a few this year I’m still planning to watch/am in the midst of watching I’ve heard good things about, like The Aquatope on the White Sand (peep my liveblog here!), Super Cub and…maybe 86? I don’t know, generally military-esque anime bores me but I’ll try to give it a peek. I also might try Megalobox 2 even though I found the first season so dull, I know it’s supposed to touch on some interesting themes.

Here’s hoping for more good anime in 2022, and better conditions for animators and other staff. We can dream, right?