At the time of this writing, the spring anime season is about halfway over. While this spring may not have been as amazing as absolute wonderland of slice of life anime that was this winter, I still, as I always do, find lots and lots to appreciate about this season.
For starters, there's been a decent bit of kids' anime starting up alongside the several shows continuing from past seasons. As I am sure readers will soon learn, I have a big soft spot for these anime, and this season knew just how to push my buttons. Both Aikatsu and the Pretty Rhythm franchise got new series this season and both are winners in my eyes. I particularly like how Kiratto Pri-chan, the Pretty Rhythm series, integrates its use of a youtube or nico nico style website as its main selling point. It really keeps things fresh without feeling forced or out of touch, going alongside the typical idol activities. Speaking of idol activities, Aikatsu Friends feels more in line with its predecessor in terms of plot than Pri-chan does to Pripara, but it still works anyway. I have always enjoyed what I have seen of Aikatsu in the past, and Friends looks like it's continuing that trend of breezy slice of life that makes your heart feel warm as you watch these girls develop together.
Youkai Watch got a surprising continuation in Yokai Watch Shadowside. Set 30 years after the original, the timeskip brings with it a sudden turn in genre. Yokai watch proper worked as a sort of sketch show, with a main plot taking up most of the time while several minutes get devoted to different sketches about Yokai totally unrelated to main character Keita's antics in the A plot. Instead, Shadowside is more focused, having only one plot throughout an episode, as well as becoming somewhat more serious. While the adventures in the original were always comedic romps, the tales here veer more towards horror and action than jokes. In some ways it reminds me of the standout new kids' show (and one of my seasonal favorites), GeGeGe no Kitaro. Kitaro comes back to stamp out yokai once again, but what wasn't expected was its sudden following with otaku who may not otherwise follow other kids anime. This could be credited to its strong episodic storytelling and sharp direction, functioning beautifully as a horror anime. The catgirl, Nekomusume, might also play a part in that attention. There's a new Layton anime this season too, focusing on Layton's daughter, Katrielle. Each case has been super fun to watch, with smooth animation and a very comfy setting.
What could be the most anticipated daytime anime on the air is My Hero Academia, back at it again for season 3. After an impressively strong season 2, season 3 does not disappoint. Season 3 is shaping out to be just as strong as 2. I could really feel the impact of Midoriya using One for All during the newest episodes, my heart racing as he faced off against a villain giving me just as much of an adrenaline rush as Midoriya did and it was all I needed to know that HeroAca will stand out as one of this season's absolute best.
Switching to late night anime, one immediate standout was the arrival of Megalobox. This Ashita no Joe spinoff OOZES style out of every possible corner. The soundtrack is great, from its roaring opening theme to the intense main theme. Its gritty sci-fi setting feels truly realized through the stunning background art to maintain its dark urban atmosphere. The fights are especially slick, and the directing makes your heart pounce as each blow connects. It feels like a no brainer as a potential pickup for Toonami on Adult Swim. It would fit in great. Several big franchises, like Steins;Gate, High school dxd and Full metal panic came back, and none of them disappoint. My favorite first episode of the bunch was the prologue for High school DxD, an attempt to retcon the ending of the previous season. It became one of my favorite first episodes of the season by showing off what High school DxD did best, cool fights and great comedy with some attractive women. Besides, what could top singing a song about a superhero named Oppai Dragon loving boobs to a group of kids?
This season wasn't just about meeting up with old friends, but seeing some promising new faces in the fold as well. Hinamatsuri makes for some delightfully funny anime with great animation and well done, likeable characters. Uma Musume is a suprisingly addictive sports anime with a strange premise, and Comic Girls is just plain cuteness, combining my love for cute anime girls and a dear hobby of mine, manga. The chuunibyou girl Tsubasa especially won my heart. Wotakoi is fantastic, a candidate for anime of the season based off its realistic relationships and somewhat calm conversations compared to other romcoms, not to mention its pleasing, colorful artwork.
All in all, spring is strong! Lots of promising newcomers, absolutely no shortage of promising sequels and reboots, and lots to sink your teeth into. Here's to hoping the rest of the year can hold a candle to this (although Zoids Wild next season points that to a yes.)
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