Anime Spring 2024 Weekly Ranking June 21st to June 27th

These rankings are as of the episodes premiering June 21st to June 27th

S: Must Watch

Episodes I believe you must watch or are missing out on.

1. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation 2 Part 2. Ep. 22

Wow, I did not expect the events of this episode. It’s heartbreaking to see Rudeus distraught over the loss of his father. As disconnected as he may have felt during extended time periods, they did have a connection and mourning is only natural, but also a great way to convey his growth from his previous life. Now, Roxy. I’ve seen some discussion bashing Roxy, I have to disagree with it. Roxy did want she needed to comfort Rudeus. Of course, there are many ways to do this, but at times words and a person to cry to are not enough. It’s clear how desperate she was to help him if she was willing to do what she did and I have respect her because of it. Now, there are many complaints about certain scenes being removed, but whether the decision was Roxy’s or spurred by other people, she was still the one who decided to do it and her reasoning for doing is to help Rudeus. As such, the scenes aren’t necessary and don’t paint Roxy in a negative way. A much slower episode overall, but it was one of the heaviest hitting. The words from Lilia, the internal struggle of Rudeus’s emotions, his decision at the end, all of them will have major effects on the story going forward and should not be overlooked. Wonderful as usual. A final note, Roxy made her decision knowing about Sylphy. The debate around this is understandable, but Rudeus’s mental weakness must not be overlooked. As much as he has improved as a person, as much as he has grown mentally and emotionally, it’s clear that one of his greatest weaknesses is his mental fortitude. Had Roxy not helped when she did, Rudeus may not have recovered as well before returning home. It very well could have led him to a similar state as his former life, or a very young Rudeus. He had to understand that there are others there for him, that he has support at his side, Roxy did just that. Lastly, Roxy made her decision believing Rudeus would likely not reciprocate her feelings for him. In conclusion, I’m not listening to any Roxy slander a she willing to sacrifice herself to help him recover. Next week is the last episode, I really hope we get a season 3 announcement.

2. Kaiju No. 8. Ep. 11

I did not expect this show to continue to improve. Kafka remains Kafka who is my personal draw to the show. A wonderful moment between him and Mina and good to see his squad believing in him. Now, the final scenes are incredible and what I mean when I say I didn’t expect this show to improve. The fight is amazing, and the final scene with Kaiju No. 8 having a change in animation style as he runs is perfect to convey his loss of control and horror something like him is supposed to convey. Very, very good and would have taken the top spot were it not for Mushoku Tensei being a narrative wonder.

A: Very Good

Good episodes, anime I would recommend to someone looking for something to watch.

3. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf. Ep. 13

For an episode contained to a handful of settings, this was entertaining. The dreams with Holo narrating were great, and Lawrence using questionable healing practices was great. As usual, the dialogue caries the the show, it never loses quality and it is always a joy to watch our main characters banter. We also see something very interesting at the end that calls back to the first episode so make sure to stick around for that.

4. Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night. Ep 12

A very nice conclusion to this anime original. Seeing Kano and Mahiru was great, the scenes of Kano singing and the aquarium and Shibuya was beautiful. I wish the best for the girls in their future as they’re all graduating now. If you didn’t pick this show up I would recommend it for anyone looking for a music focused anime with great character development.

5. WIND BREAKER. Ep. 11

A nice final episode with a very much wanted announcement of a new season. The chasing down the stairs was incredible to watch and a statement by the animation team after a season full of well animated fights. Looking forward to the next season in 2025.

7. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3. Ep. 11

I’ve been very vocal about my issues with this anime, but I’m also going to sing it’s praise where it is due. This episode was a great step in the right direction if we’re going to have another batch of meeting episodes. Animation, as a medium, must be stimulating. It’s the advantage animation has over novels or manga, the culmination of sound and visuals that can enhance a series to greater heights. The first batch of meeting episodes this season did not do that. We saw simple panning between character and their reactions with little else. Paired with the decent writing of Slime, it made for a very disappointing viewing experience. This episode, however, did a great job at making the meeting interesting. We see examples of what they are planning, the fishing and guided tours, or just simple visuals to enhance the scene that is otherwise just a simple meeting. Furthermore, we have various scene transitions where Rimuru must walk from one place to another, or the moments with Shuna making food - which got some incredible care from the artist - which is already more entertaining than we got before. This was great, this should have been done for the first batch as well. While I can continue to complain, I’ll leave it there. Rumors say we’re in for another batch of meeting episodes, so long as they are taken in the direction of this episode I won’t mind.

6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc. Ep.7

That final scenes are unbelievable work from Ufotable, it’s perfect in conveying the dread around Muzan. Gyomei is also just a great guy. Overall nice episode with some visual spectacle as I expect from Demon Slayer.

B: Good/Solid

8. Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers. Ep 12

They did the thing! As a manga reader I knew what to expect for the most part and got what I believed to a good adaption overall. Fenrys is absolutely the draw of the show and I believe we need more of her. Also, though it may be a hot take, I’m more interested in the false hero’s journey than Flio at this point. Flio suffers from the not wanting to be too involved syndrome, which is fine as he wishes to live a life of peace, but it does lead to it being boring following him around. If we get a season 2, I’d like a redemption arc for the false hero and some arc with Tsuya. Maybe a rescue arc where he learns to use his strength, why not. Overall, enjoyable, watch for the opening song alone.

C: It’s ok/Fine

These are shows I happen to pick up but struggle to finish. Still watchable, but not without a good break in between episodes.

D: Do Not Recommend

Shows I do not recommend you not watch for various issues.

F: Bad

Anime with glaring issues that make them not only difficult to watch, but the watcher angry at times.

Some words

As this season comes to an end, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to some wonderful anime this season. This is always my least favorite time of the year, but there is anime to look forward to in summer 2024. Looking forward it!