Anime Summer 2024 Weekly Ranking August 23rd to August 29th
These rankings are as of the episodes premiering August 23rd to August 29th
S: Must Watch
Episodes I believe you must watch or are missing out on.
1. NieR:Automata Ver1.1a (Cour 2). Ep 7
Juxtaposing A2 and 9S makes for a masterclass of writing. Watching 9S massacre the peaceful machines made me sick, not only for the cruelty of it all, but for 9S losing himself in the process. We also get to watch the opposite happening with A2 accepting peaceful machine lifeforms and even defending. I would watch this show just to stare at A2, but I’m being served top tier levels of writing at the same time. Yes please, I’ll have as much as you can bring me. Oshi No Ko gets better with every episode, I admire it. But NeiR is simply the pinnacle of what animation can be, of what draws me to it. Watch this show, you deserve it. Also, each death, including the one in this episode feels impactful because of the effect it has on 9S. For anime only watches it won’t be as emotional as those playing the games, but I am impressed but how much of an effect it still has because we see it all from the perspective of 9S and how it affects him. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
2. Oshi No Ko. Ep. 9
First half was painful to watch. Drawing from such a traumatic experience would damage to anyone and Aqua isn’t holding back. The guilt building and torturing him, the desire of making an impossible dream reality. Painful watch, but it allowed Aqua to give a great performance that even Akane was stunned by. Don’t want to say anything about the second but it was a really good twist. Great episode, this show continues to impress.
A: Very Good
Good episodes, anime I would recommend to someone looking for something to watch.
3. No Longer Allowed in Another World. Ep. 8
The line between righteousness and evil is hazy. This may have been my favorite episode so far, the mayor asking to help selling the leaves made my jaw drop. The ending was also super bittersweet, although she gave him infinite pills which was awesome. In only one episode, Esche became an incredibly likable and tragic character. Attempting to protect the innocence and peace of the village only for them to fall to greed. Saddening, and, with that, she is gone. As for the right choice, as Sensei said, who knows. The other worlders were going to break their promise to Esche, but getting rid of them may have ruined the village. In a sense there was no right choice, at least not without each having grave consequences. They made their choice and the results are what they are. Many, what an enjoyable episode.
5. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Ep. 7
The maturity around relationships is rare for anime and for young kids as well, but I’m glad the writing takes this approach. Lemon does well to accept that Ayano is best off with Chihaya even if it means breaking her own heart. She has accepted however, and that’s something to be proud of. This arc is wrapping up so I wonder what will happen next. the ending made me slam my head against my keyboard, Yanami seems oblivious to the effects of asking a man such a question, but it’s funny nonetheless.
7. The Elusive Samurai. Ep. 8
War has begun. The changes in art style and eccentric characters are so much fun to watch, I wonder what we’ll get in the future with the final boss. With each individual battle setting off, I look forward to them as each fight as been very well animated so far, though I do wonder if someone will suffer injuries given the level of enemies they are fighting against.
9. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. Ep. 9
We got a bigger look into the home life of Yuki. I too like to motorboat to release my frustrations, works every time. The middle section of the episode showed Masachika’s kinder side, but I’m very distracted by the last fourth of this episode. Oh by, all I can say is watch and hope Masachika’s reset leaves him functional.
4. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf. Ep. 21
Holo is merry drunk with great skill at it as well. Lawrence understanding the secrets being withheld and the possible danger is nice to see, even if it means giving up on finding the abbey. Holo asking him to join her across the dangerous bridge is also understandable, it’s difficult to say no to such a cute companion. Together, I have no doubt the two will succeed.
6. Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest. Ep. 7
That was a really good twist at the end, well done. Juvia’s appearance did raise questions but the end gave some hints, seems Grey has more reasons to be in love now but I understand why he wants to become stronger first. It seems we’re going the not so evil route this time, but I do wonder how they will win against a dragon of this size, and if it’s even safe to do so. Looking forward to it though, the twist was just great.
8. The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies. Ep. 8
Shun has some fans! I get it, I’m also a fan of the guy. I will say he makes us guys look worse by comparison so I do resent him for that. As usual Byakuya is a joy to watch; Hibana’s change between only able to express her excitement through crude language while also being the best at speaking when it comes to deeper topics is one of my favorite tropes as well. Byakuya running in her bunny suit was hilarious and I now look forward to their dinner date on Christmas. If this anime had full 20 minute episodes I would watch every single one, it’s simply a very enjoyable watch.
10. Days with my stepsister. Ep. 9
She cut her hair! It’s obvious how these two feel about each other, but repressing it seems their best choice as they don’t want to ruin what they have now. It’s difficult to say what the right choice is, I believe they’re so caring of each other and help each other grow as well. I don’t believe hiding everything within herself will be healthy for Ayase however. Given the quality of writing I look forward to the resolution as we only have a few episodes left.
B: Good/Solid
11. My Wife Has No Emotion. Ep. 8
Nice twist about Mina’s former owner Otani. Heartbreaking how he had to go and the sacrifice he made knowing Mina wouldn’t want him to go. Takuma isn’t a genius, but he’s exactly what Otani wanted for Mina, maybe even more. As sad as it may be, I believe Mina is in a great place now. Very nice episode.
13. The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses Season 2. Ep. 21
A very heavy episode. Riho’s past hurts to see. The struggle of making it as an actress is difficult enough, but her parents falling out because of it makes it surprising that she wants anything to do with it now. Her acting in the hospital room was good as well, hope she’s ok after the slap however. Overall I enjoyed this episode, it was more tame than usual but I believe that is good since we are focused on Riho and the severity of the topics in the episode.
12. Atri -My Dear Moments- Ep. 7
OH MY GAWWWD! I’ve watched over 400 anime but very few romantic scenes have made my jaw drop. Atri having emotions is an interesting concept, so far all signs point to her having them. As for the emotions building between our main duo, well we have a culmination of it today. I wonder where this goes, there is clearly a group after Atri, and we also have to explore their relationship. Ahem, once again, OH MY GAWWWWWWWD!
14. 2.5 Dimensional Seduction. Ep. 8
A fateful encounter that felt like meeting a high level boss at the start, akin to Zoro meeting Mihawk for the first time. I hope Ririsa can find her confidence as she is a good cosplayer. Personally, I believe both side can be good cosplayers; however, I believe loving the character will do more for the cosplay itself than loving cosplay alone. The girl next to Ririsa did take her stuff by accident and the next episode title makes me wonder if we are getting a new cosplay. Look forward to the next episode, though I believe Lilia would work here best, we may get another good one.
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.
15. Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? Ep. 7
I believe if this show had a much slower pace it could be interesting, but the break neck speed we are going makes it lose luster. The mystery behind the overwritten world still stands and the machine creature does have my interest though I doubt we’ll ever see what they are and their motivations. If nothing else, I think the music was good this episode.
D: Do Not Recommend
Shows I do not recommend you not watch for various issues.
That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime
Lots of talking about food in this one. We also see Rimuru apologize which is a sign of a good leader and maturity. Still, overall boring episode. Another one at that. The tournament should start soon and I hope it will give this season a saving grace. But do I expect it? No.
F: Bad
Anime with glaring issues that make them not only difficult to watch, but the watcher angry at times.
Some words
More to come soon!
