I'm back with part two in this response series. The Crunchyroll Anime Awards are a big deal to the OTAKU community. They inspire us to take a look back at 2016 and ponder what anime worked and what didn't. If you've seen some of these shows, great! Cheer them on. If not, hopefully you'll discover some new favorites to binge watch.
1. Best Animation
Out of the four nominees for best animation, "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress" impressed me with its realism and sharp attention to detail. This series delves into the story of an average man in desperate battle against the viscous, flesh-eating Kabane threatening to devour and destroy humanity.
The setting stands out, as the story takes place during an alternate-world Industrial Revolution. This period in history, tends to be represented by steam powered machine technology. The anime visuals and attractive character designs reflect this, and embody a steam-punk atmosphere heavily reminiscent of "Attack on Titan", which debuted in 2013.
Considering both anime are produced by Wit Studio, who sought to placate fans of the widely popular titan-centric series after failing to deliver a highly anticipated second season. It's no surprise the animation in "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress" is top notch.
That being said, I was struck by the animation in "Mob Psycho 100", brought to us by the Japanese anime studio Bones Inc. This 12-episode anime centers around a naive youth named Mob, who is gifted with psychic abilities. Eager to fit in and live a normal life despite his powers being potentially unstable, he enlists the help of his mentor Arataka Reigen and spends his days trying hard to connect with his peers.
The animation in "Mob Psycho 100" parallels the art style from the web manga, making it a real treat for fans of renowned creator, ONE. The simple, somewhat flat character designs are well suited to the straight forward plot and resonate best with an undemanding audience.
There are some similarities between this anime and ONE's previous project "One Punch Man". For instance, both narratives heavily rely on their colorful, wild visuals to engross viewers into their separate, but equally imaginative settings.
Although "One Punch Man" may appeal more with the refined animation and universally entertaining theme, the studio Bones' decision to stick with the rough lines and heavy shading set forth in the original manga, gives "Mob Psycho 100" an artistic edge, making it stand out from the crowd.
2. Best Fight Scene
As I mentioned in my previous article, Mumei versus Kabane from episode two of "Kabaneri of the Iron fortress" was my favorite action-related scene from 2016. Within this category I’ve chosen a scene that made a bigger impression, as it serves a much higher purpose in regards to plot progression and character development.
For Best Fight Scene of 2016, I'm standing behind Deku versus Kacchan from episode seven of "My Hero Academia".
This scene is not unlike those incorporated into popular Shounen anime genre series such as Naruto versus Sasuke, Natsu versus Grey, etc. What we have in this case, is a scene that allows for both characters (Deku and Kacchan) to let off some steam and simultaneously learn what it means to be a hero. They must always be conscious of the damage their powers can inflict on society even when they are trying to protect and defend the innocent.
The visuals are great, the voice acting on point, and most importantly the scene defines the Deku-Kacchan relationships as it stands in this first season of an ongoing anime.
3. Best Girl
Animated by A-1 Pictures with music by Porter Robinson and Madeon, this short film takes one an emotional journey through the memories of a young girl trapped inside a virtual reality.
I'm sure some might be wondering why Rin, a girl who says little of anything throughout the six-minute film, is deserving of this award. I know her role is a small one, but in those six minutes I was made to feel real heartache for Rin. I couldn't help but imagine how horrible it would be to wake up and realize the only world I've ever known, one of endless possibilities, is actually one of complete isolation.
The futuristic concept, stunning visuals, and breathtaking music make "Shelter" out to be my favorite animated short of 2016. Now, go do yourself a favor and check it out!
4. Best Boy
First off, I want to take a moment to thank Sakurai Takahiro for giving such an excellent performance in "Mob Psycho 100". I squealed when Mob's mentor, Arataka Reigen, was introduced in the series.
At the time I started watching "Mob Pyscho 100", I had just completed the 2015 revival of Osomatsu-san (Yes, it took me a long time to complete that anime, but the journey was worth it) and I was so giddy about not having to part with Sakurai's quirky voice acting.
Arataka Reigen is my new favorite anime character. He is best described as a con man who passes himself off as a professional psychic. Arataka is in the business of eliminating ghosts, combating the supernatural with his gullible and powerful student, Mob. Arataka is as hilarious as he is cunning. He knows how to swindle people into paying for his services and is a pro at getting away with it. He’s a character with many tricks up his sleeve and flinging table salt at the enemy is one he’s especially proud of.
5. Villain of the Year
The villain who haunted my dreams in 2016 was "My Hero Academia" Tomura Shigaraki. Perhaps he’s the cliché choice but I can’t help being in love with his unique character design. The hand placed over his face, his eye peeking through the white gloved fingers, and that gangly body that’s just thin enough to remind me of slender man. Of the villains that debuted in 2016, he was undoubtedly the most eccentric. I can't wait to see more of him in season two!
6. Hero of the Year
My choice for hero of 2016 is none other than Satoru Fujinuma from "Erased".
This stand-out guy deserves a ton of praise for his role as a modern day time jumper. He is self-sacrificing, determined, bold, and seemingly unbreakable. His journey to discover and prevent the despicable actions of his mother's killer speaks volumes of how far he is willing to go to rescue the people who matter to him.
Of the nominees presented by Crunchyroll, Satoru was the most obvious choice for this award, in my opinion. But I still had a hard time choosing a favorite since I also have strong feelings for Mob, Mumei and Deku.
After revisiting "Mob Psycho 100", "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress" and "My Hero Academia", I was reminded of why "Erased" made such a profound impact on me despite its arguable flaws. It wasn't necessarily the story-line or the fantasy element (though I did enjoy those to an extent), but the motivation spurring the main character on throughout each suspenseful episode.
Satoru's strong efforts to change the future and his refusal to back out of the race against time, is what made him shine as a hero in my eyes. Sure, he has a fantastical ability and overall, he's an ordinary man -- but I could not help but connect with him on a very basic, human level.
7. Anime of the Year
"Erased", by A-1 Pictures, is a psychological thriller that explores past regrets, the butterfly effect, and alternate realities. Human relationships are at the core of this anime. The light and dark sides of family, friendship, and love all become entangled in a web of jumping back into the past in order to remake the future.
Now, I've said some nice things about this anime. However, it wasn't enough to sum up how enjoyable it is and why everyone should give it a chance. Like all anime, "Erased" has its flaws (especially with its abrupt ending) but overall the story is engaging as it unravels sucking you in deeper and deeper.
Advertised as a murder mystery that incorporates time travel, this series does a wonderful job of constantly building suspense in every episode toward the uncertain conclusion of the story.
What I enjoyed most about this anime was its proactive main character (Satoru Fujinuma), engaging original soundtrack, and riveting roller coaster adventure. Each new episode unveils a new clue to solve the mystery and due to time travel affecting the story, I was never quite sure which direction it was moving in. Reaching the final episode, I was a bit disappointed by the sudden wrap-up of events. I still felt a sense of closure at the end that satisfied me, though.
If you've heard of this anime and wondered whether you ought to take a chance on it, I recommend that you do. Although "Erased" has its fair share of weaknesses, it also has many strengths that helped push it to the top of the nominee roster for 2016. Looking back, I strongly feel that 12 episodes didn't quite do this complex story justice and more could have been done to flesh out its main antagonist. Overall, "Erased" resonated with my love for mystery-thrillers.
Whether you love it, hate it, or still haven't seen it, it's an anime that certainly left its mark on the OTAKU community.
