Anime Summer 2024 Weekly Ranking September 13th to September 19th
These rankings are as of the episodes premiering September 13th to September 19th
S: Must Watch
Episodes I believe you must watch or are missing out on.
1. NieR:Automata Ver1.1a (Cour 2). Ep 22
It can’t get sadder than this, right? Right?! Learning of Devola and Popola was a great reveal. I was already interested in them overall, but never expected what they are. It also makes the ending heart breaking, the tears are never ending the last couple of episodes. 9S learning about 2B was well done as well, but his mental takes another hit because of it. I wonder what the machines end game is here, or whoever is orchestrating it all. This show is such a great watch, so many secrets I wish to learn about, so many twists that I keep me interested, and such great story telling that keeps me wanting for me. Oh how I hope to write as well as this one day. Fantastic episode once again. I’ve said this before, but this anime has long since been the best of the season; I believe it is time to talk about it for contention of best of the year as well. If the final two episodes are as good, if not better, than the episodes of season 2 then it will be difficult to argue for anything better than this despite the great shows we have had the year.
3. The Elusive Samurai. Ep. 10
Yorishige is one kinky person. Fun episode after a week without this show, but Takauji stole the show. Having so much confidence and ego that even gods become like prey to a person is such an excellent way to characterize a character. Takauji, by the words of his own partner, is transcending levels unthought of, so I do wonder if he can even be defeated. We’ve seen him in battle, we’ve seen him manipulate the masses. I must say, as the writing has done great to make him a frightening and intriguing character.
2. Oshi No Ko. Ep. 11
No, Aqua, that is not right! I’m sorry, but losing Akane is major L. I hope, in the far far future, he marries her because she is a catch. Before then however, as conveyed by the ending, Aqua will continue onto the path of hatred. The reveal of the father was well done, right after Akane conveys the realization of the loophole as well. As much as I wish for Aqua to just enjoy himself, fate has other plans with the reveal of two characters the last two episodes. I wonder how much this will affect him as well. It could also be the opposite, with him yearning to remain in the peace he now knows of. Or, as I believe will happen, he will plummet even further into the path of hatred, far worse than we’ve ever seen him. Heartbreaking, but I look forward to it.
A: Very Good
Good episodes, anime I would recommend to someone looking for something to watch.
4. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Ep. 10
Great episode, glad the event well for the club. Komari is such a likable character and I’m glad that everyone shows care for her as they understand that she needs the support given her personality. The other events in school were fun to watch and if anyone else wants a chance at Lemon they’ll need to practice their running. Most of all, I like how they handled Komari’s crush. Yes, it may have ended with her losing, but it is still something that she holds dear and a time which she cherishes. As she said, she is happy she liked him, and I’m glad she find herself looking at it that way. Very nice, very nice indeed.
6. Days with my stepsister. Ep. 12. FINAL
This was a special one. The often used step sibling trope had most of the audience prepared for the usual style of perverted love, but we are gifted with a mature take on two people developing emotions because of their circumstances and care for each other. Of course, it is left ambiguous for now and their relationship will develop more over time which will allow them to understand what they really feel for each other and what they want they want to do with those feeling. I really enjoyed how the writing took this concept and conveyed the nature of developing emotions and the struggles the youth have with it. For Yuuta and Saki to develop some emotions is not surprising. Both of them were in need of support that each could provide for each other without expecting much in return. Unlike other anime that focus on this concept and simply use physical attraction and other tropes to establish feelings, using natural progression and acts of care for each other is what made this stand and out and very enjoyable to watch. 8/10, Fujinami end game.
8. The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies. Ep. 11
I want Mira and Byukuya to get married and live happily ever after, that’s something I can’t say for some other couples. In a world of the supernatural, it makes sense that ghost exist, but it only gave best boy of the season to spend time with best girl of the season. Mira’s care for Byakuya is just great and his weakness to her cuteness is always a joy to watch. Without a doubt one of my favorite romances of the year.
10. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. Ep. 12. FINAL.
The speeches this episode were well done, I believe the war between siblings will only ramp up from here on. Masachik’a plan was great, i have to give it to him. Bringing the former debate rivals was an excellent ace, paired with the cold water drop on the audience it made for an effective way to draw them in. Overall, I enjoyed this anime but still have my reservations about it. Mmmmmmmmmm, 7/10. Not bad, would recommend.
5. No Longer Allowed in Another World. Ep. 11
All the homies hate Yuriko’s and Hikari’s dad! Very glad the sisters got to reconcile in the end. Yuriko’s emotions are understandable, and Hikari wished to somehow give back some of what she took. For half of the episode I believed I wasn’t going to like Yuriko, but I’m not surprised that the writing of the show made her very easy to sympathize with, while also creating a good connection of the story lined with the story of regret and greed. Sensei steals the show once again however, he’s such a good character. “Such a beautiful story shouldn’t be completed by my hand.” This is a great line that shows how kind and humble Sensei is. I’ve said this elsewhere, but I believe he means that the beautiful story is up for the girls to finish now, that he is not someone that should interfere. I must say, Sensei must have some special skill that lets him see into a person’s true character. It’s often we’ve seen him deduce true emotions and character. Perhaps it’s because he is a write that he can dive seep into a person’s true character. Whatever it may be, he and Mira are fighting for best boy of the season right now and I love them both.
7. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf. Ep. 23
One more episode :(. Holo’s anger surprised me in this episode, but it is understandable. The regret of certain decisions, even when knowing that the other choice may not have had the desired outcome, is overwhelming considering the fate Yoitsu may have faced. The juxtaposition of having the village face a similar fate is nice, and we have our new duo who will do their best to save it. Of course, that will be difficult. Holo and Lawrence are here to help however and they are sure to be successful.
9. Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest. Ep. 11
Natsu is so kind, my jaw dropped when we were in his unconsciousness. Despite what he went through with Zeref he still has a desire for him to be happy and that was so nice to see. The other battles are moving forward as well and Lucy might have a way to save everyone. Also liked Laxus here, guys always been a threat and I believe a battle with him would have ended in a death.
B: Good/Solid
11. My Wife Has No Emotion. Ep. 12. Final.
Mina holding Mamoru the end melted my heart my man. This anime is so sweet, I really enjoy Mina and Takuma make a great couple. The idea of a robot having emotions is often explored and used as a tool for conflict, but in this one it’s just for romance, as strange as it may seem. Personally, I like to think the show just wishes to convey that love can be found in unlikely places, even in a robot. If that relationship is healthy then it can help both parties as we see in this anime. From Mina’s antics, to Takuma’s showing of love and care, and Mamoru just being adorable, this was a great watch that a recommend for just a nice little romance. Mmmmm, 8/10.
13. The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses Season 2. Ep. 24. FINAL
A very unexpected kiss from Ouka. While I did like her character I’ve never once thought of her as an actual contender compared to the other girls. Looking to the future, the girls have their minds set on goals and that makes me happy for them. Hayato has also made his decision to focus on the cafe and I wish him the best. Overall, this season was enjoyable. They focused on lot on the cute girls but that is the draw of the show anyway. I would have liked more focus on an actual winner, but maybe that will come in the future. Final ranking, hmmmm, 7/10 for the cute girls!
12. Atri -My Dear Moments- Ep. 10
This was a fantastic episode. Atri’s backstory is heartbreaking but also understandable given Shina’s youth and the many changes and stress that come at that age. Atri watching over her shows her love and proof of her heart. The reveal that Shina wished to see her again was nice. Although it will never happen, it is something that Atri needed to know and hopefully enough for her to forgive herself. Natsuki has really come around as well, great development overall for him. From distant and lost to understanding and caring, a wonderful arc. On a final note, immediate expulsion for all those students who pushed Shina to the edge, that punch wasn’t hard enough in my opinion.
14. 2.5 Dimensional Seduction. Ep. 11
Nice little resolution to this arc though the ending of the episode was foreboding. I do like how this anime addresses some common issue in the real world. Cyber bullying and allowing the droves of negativity to affect oneself is a common thing but this episode addresses that well. Overall very nice, but I sure hope the next episode doesn’t make me mad. We do have 24 episodes for this season and I’ll say it’s worth the watch so far.
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. Bye, Bye Earth. Ep. 10 FINAL
Ok, this is a hard one. I was lost for most episodes, wondering what it is I’m not following or understanding about this show. The mysteries of it are nice, and the ideas this anime and source have are great. For example, the crows that give messages of death and the whole concept of swords in this world are great. Very cool, interesting ideas. But after that, I’m often left confused. Many explanations that still leave me confused, the confusing style of battle, and, most of all, the main mystery behind the gods and Belle herself. While I liked many of the ideas, it is frustrating to be left wondering what it is the anime was missing and what it is I’m missing. Just what is Belle? The girl of reason? But what is that? Many stories give similar concepts, the boy of destiny for example, but supplement it with enough context to understand that. Naruto, is a child of destiny and from the very start we know that he is going to strive to become a great ninja, possibly even a hero. But with this anime, I’m not sure what Belle’s purpose, so I can’t say I connect with or support her. Her story is nice, realizing that she' can’t become a nomad as there is something she needs to learn about herself was a good arc, but then what? What is the endgame here? Is Adonis her polar opposite fated to clash with her, but then what? I scratched my head for a long time wondering what it is I’m missing, but then it hit me. It’s left out deliberately. These are mysteries left out to be told later, which could work for an effective reveal; however, the lead up to that has been done poorly. In short, I believe we have a lot of fluff with little substance so far. Many clues without a way to connect them, a lot of whipped cream with little cake. Nice, but it has left me, and many others, confused about a lot. I think revealing more about Belle would have worked, especially given that the final episodes focuses on the perception others have of her. But I, as an audience member, have no idea what to think of her because I know so little of her and her purpose. Would I watch season 2? I’m not sure. I may let it drop and decide based on reviews. Overall, it’s nice but needed more. 6.2/10
D: Do Not Recommend
Shows I do not recommend you not watch for various issues.
That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime
Phew, I almost thought the final fight would be exciting, glad slime anime never fails to disappoint. Other than that, the hero now works for Rimuru because, yea. Is Gobta a fan favorite? He must be. Meh 2/10.
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!
