Winter 2012 Anime Season Roundup

by 47 Comments

For the previous anime season (Fall 2011) I put out a post entitled Fall 2011 Anime Season Roundup. Since that went over so well with you guys we’ve decided to make it a regular thing. There are a lot of new shows this season and I’ve checked out the majority of them so you guys can get a good idea of what’s worth checking out this time around. There’s a few silly ones, a few bad ones, and a few that just might be worth watching until the end. Which ones are they you ask? Well let’s find out.

Mouretsu Pirates

In Mouretsu Pirates the story centers around a spirited high school girl named Marika. She keeps herself busy with space yacht club and her part-time job at a high-class maid cafe. One day, two men suddenly appear and claim to be subordinates of her dead father. They demand that she assume command of the space pirate ship Benten Maru and Marika soon finds herself embarking on her new life as a space pirate.

I have mixed feelings about this anime. I wanted to like it, and I think the premise is cool, but the show itself didn’t do much for me. The animation was good though, I really enjoyed that. There was little to no fanservice or nonsense like that (which is surprising given that the English translation of the title is Bodacious Space Pirates). This one might turn out okay but there was not enough interest in the first episode for me to continue. I don’t think I’ll continue watching it unless it becomes really popular and people start telling me to check it out.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joJtGwraajA']

Who should watch this show: People who like space pirates and pretty anime gals.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: Not too high. It didn’t really grab me from the first episode. Perhaps I will watch more if it starts getting rave reviews.

Aquarion EVOL

In Aquarion EVOL the story takes place 12,000 years after the first Aquarion television series (I actually didn’t know this was a sequel until I looked up the synopsis online. Apparently it’s not too important to have seen the first season). A new cast of characters pilots a new Aquarion mech, and fights off enemies from another dimension in this action packed mecha anime.

There’s definitely a lot of stuff going on in this anime. Having so many unanswered questions makes it interesting in the fact that it makes me want to watch more to see where things are going. All these unanswered questions might have something to do with me not seeing the first season, but who knows. I might watch one or two more episodes just to see what happens. The show has promise but I can’t say for sure if I’ll be watching this one until the end.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1onzPrdTac']

Who should watch this show: People who like mecha anime and crazy super powers.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: Pretty good. I’m definitely interested in it enough to check out another episode or two.

Senki Zesshou Symphogear

In Senki Zesshou Symphogear, humans are menaced by mysterious monsters called “Designated Aberrant Disaster: Noise”. Yes, that is actually what they are called. Tsubasa and Kanade are a popular vocal group known as Zwei Wing and they wear a weapon known as Symphogear to fight the Noise and save Earth. I’m not making this up. Basically the show is about J-Pop stars battling computer generated monsters from the 80s with catchy tunes. It’s pretty weird. And no, this anime has nothing to do with Vocaloids.

Half of the time this show seems serious and the other half it just seems outright ridiculous. I didn’t really like it because it didn’t grab my attention and I didn’t really care for the characters. About halfway through I was just waiting for it to be over so I could start something else. I didn’t plan on watching any more of this one – or at least that’s what I was thinking until I got to the very end of the episode where I witnessed the most wtf moment of this anime season. Looks like I’ve been roped into watching another episode of this one whether I like it or not.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsgdVwp0HTk']

Who should watch this show: People who like generic J-Pop tunes and wacky premises for their anime.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: I’d like to say zero, but unfortunately I will probably watch another episode just to figure out what the heck was going on at the end of the previous episode. Damn you, Symphogear. Damn youuuuu.

Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou

In Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou (The Daily Lives of High School Boys) the story follows the humorous everyday life of Tadakuni, Hidenori, Yoshitake, and other students at an all boys’ high school. Each episode tells a handful of humorous shorts meant to entertain and amuse. It’s very much a slice-of-life anime.

Okay, so the show is definitely funny and I was laughing throughout the episode. The only thing that I don’t like is how the episodes are broken down into about five 5 minute stand alone shorts. While each of them were pretty funny on their own, I just wish that the show had more of a cohesive storyline. Because of this, I would gladly watch the show as I think it is quite humorous, but there are no cliffhangers or any unresolved questions that would really get me excited for the next episode. It’s humorous fluff – enjoyable, but nothing deep.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds6r3IUnHjk']

Who should watch this show: People who like anime about high school boys getting into shenanigans and silly situations.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: I’ll probably lazily watch some more if I have time to kill and I’m looking for a laugh.

Lagrange – The Flower of Rin-ne -

In Lagrange, Madoka Kyouno, an energetic and passionate girl, is the proud and only member of the Kamogawa Girls’ High School Jersey Club. Her duties are to go around town and help out people in need. However, Madoka’s life is turned upside down when she is suddenly asked by a mysterious girl named Lan to pilot a giant robot and save the world. Motivated by her desire to protect the people of Kamogawa, Madoka agrees to pilot the resurrected Vox robot and fight some aliens.

This show seems like it could be pretty cool. It reminds me a bit of Xam’d for some reason and I really liked Xam’d. I’m not exactly sure why it reminds me of it though. The show is funny, action packed, and has enough mystery in it to really make me want to watch the next episode. This is one of the few series I’m actually a little bit excited about this season. Hopefully it doesn’t let me down.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu-M_uX_ULw']

Who should watch this show: People who like quality animation, cool action, and a neat story.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: I’m definitely watching the next episode. It just seems really cool so far and I really like the animation.

Brave 10

In Brave 10, a young ninja/samurai named Saizo is trying to find meaning and direction in his life when he encounters Isanami, who is fleeing from assassins. He manages to save her life and then gets roped into being her personal bodyguard. When they arrive in the protected territory of Sanada, they realize that Sanada has gathered bold and talented ninjas together in order to bring an end to Japan’s era of war. Meanwhile, Isanami’s mysterious hidden power becomes revealed. Sounds pretty generic to me!

The animation is fine here, but the story seems nothing but average. I can’t see the show getting much more exciting than it already is which isn’t very. I don’t plan on watching any more of this show. It’s just not my thing. There are much better options to check out this season so you won’t be doing any harm skipping this one.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivfeVWKWLpc']

Who should watch this show: People who like samurai era anime and pretty boys battling it out with swords.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: Zero. Can’t see any reason to continue this one.

Ano Natsu de Matteru

Ano Natsu de Matteru: When a group of friends decide to make a movie over a long summer holiday, they end up learning a little about film making and a lot more about themselves. What begins as a simple way pass the summer holiday turns into something much more complex, intimate, and revealing. This show is going to be good. I’m calling it now.

I really, really like this show. I can definitely see myself watching the entire series here. The story seems like it could turn into something very interesting and I really like all of the characters. They’re all varied and interesting and well developed. This anime is just really well done. I’m excited just to see what happens with all of the characters and even more so to see what that story will develop into. Before I watched this show, Lagrange was my top pick for this season, but now – Ano Natsu de Matteru is definitely in the top position. This show is full of surprises and I love it. Very cool.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYnz_UN1Vnw']

Who should watch this show: People who like interesting character driven anime.
Likelihood of me watching another episode: Definitely. I really like this show and can’t wait for the next episode.

Additional Shows


I tried watching Kill Me Baby which was adapted from a 4 panel manga (it definitely shows), like Lucky Star and whatever, but nowhere near as good as Azumanga Daioh- I got bored and stopped watching after about 5 minutes. There was at least one other show that I didn’t check out because it didn’t sound very interesting. (If there’s a show I didn’t cover that you were looking forward to, just let me know about it in the comments.) And also, Black Rock Shooter doesn’t come out until February so I couldn’t include it here.

Amagami SS+, The Familiar of Zero F, Natsume Yuujin-Cho 4, and Nisemonogatari all aired this season but they are sequels to shows I never got around to watching. Nisemonogatari was the sequel to Bakemonogatari which I think ended up becoming popular but I’m not positive. I watched the first episode of Bakemonogatari and it didn’t grip me enough to continue watching the show back when it was airing. Did I make a mistake? Have any of you watched Bakemonogatari? Was it any good?

So tell me – what’s your most anticipated new show this season? Ano Natsu de Matteru, or something else? What series are you most looking forward to?

P.S. Think this is the best season of anime yet? Let us know over on our Twitter page.
P.P.S. Think all these shows suck? Come see what else Tofugu has to offer over on our Facebook and Google+ pages.

  • Anonymous

    Zero no tsukaima is a nice serie, you should check it out.
    And, Natsume yuujinchou, is just the best thing around.
    It’s not only my favourite anime, but something really great.
    This is the 3rd sequel, and it’s always going better. I believe it’s the first anime which goes like that for so long.
    You should definetly give Natsume a chance ;)

  • Foozlesprite

    Natsume is definitely my favorite this season.  There’s something to be said for action-packed exciting anime, but relaxing stuff like Natsume makes life’s stresses easier to bear.  I have a stuffed Nyanko-sensei that I hug while watching the show (and yes, sometimes I even sleep with it).  He’s フワフワとでっかい!

    Here’s what I’m watching right now (for your readership viewing-survey needs):
    Mirai Nikki (may drop it)
    Natsume Shi
    Ano Natsu de Matteru (may drop if it doesn’t get much better…)
    Last Exile
    Bakuman 2
    Kill Me Baby (may drop)
    Thermae Romae (classical Roman gets transported to modern Japan and back, good random laughs)
    Mouretsu Pirates (can’t explain why I like this so much, seems a bit old school to me)
    Danshi Koukousei (lawlll, it’s like Azumanga+Nichijou+maybe Kimi to Boku?)

    Interested in Nisemonogatari but have got to finish Bakemonogatari first.  I’m also watching an older gem or two when I get time between work and school and…all that other new anime.  Zettai Shounen is reallllly slow paced but pretty good, rewatching Toradora!, and I just discovered Mushishi.

    The point of this post is that if you haven’t watched Mushishi, you should try it out.  There’s a wanderer who helps people with their problems that are caused by Mushi (sort of youkai-insect hybrids).  It’s somewhat slow paced because there’s no overarcing plot, but if you like Natsume Yuujinchou or slice of life anime, give it a whirl.

    I know, TL;DR

  • Foozlesprite

    Natsume is definitely my favorite this season.  There’s something to be said for action-packed exciting anime, but relaxing stuff like Natsume makes life’s stresses easier to bear.  I have a stuffed Nyanko-sensei that I hug while watching the show (and yes, sometimes I even sleep with it).  He’s フワフワとでっかい!

    Here’s what I’m watching right now (for your readership viewing-survey needs):
    Mirai Nikki (may drop it)
    Natsume Shi
    Ano Natsu de Matteru (may drop if it doesn’t get much better…)
    Last Exile
    Bakuman 2
    Kill Me Baby (may drop)
    Thermae Romae (classical Roman gets transported to modern Japan and back, good random laughs)
    Mouretsu Pirates (can’t explain why I like this so much, seems a bit old school to me)
    Danshi Koukousei (lawlll, it’s like Azumanga+Nichijou+maybe Kimi to Boku?)

    Interested in Nisemonogatari but have got to finish Bakemonogatari first.  I’m also watching an older gem or two when I get time between work and school and…all that other new anime.  Zettai Shounen is reallllly slow paced but pretty good, rewatching Toradora!, and I just discovered Mushishi.

    The point of this post is that if you haven’t watched Mushishi, you should try it out.  There’s a wanderer who helps people with their problems that are caused by Mushi (sort of youkai-insect hybrids).  It’s somewhat slow paced because there’s no overarcing plot, but if you like Natsume Yuujinchou or slice of life anime, give it a whirl.

    I know, TL;DR

  • Jon

    I loved Bakemonogatari. I like to think that it’s Shaft’s second best work (their best being Madoka).

  • https://plus.google.com/103745199495728142728/posts Takizawa Akira

    You really, really should watch Bakemonogatari. It’s a series of small stories with a touching and exciting ending. I became a huge fan and I didn’t quite liked it at the beginning because it was boring, I admit.

  • John

    Yeah I’m starting to think I should give the show another chance. Thanks!

  • John

    Cool, I’ll have to dig up the first season of Natsume. Thanks for the recommendation! 

  • http://twitter.com/ltsiros Luciano Tsiros

    And here I am, rewatching the 80′s トップをねらえ！ :)

  • larisa

    Definitely Natsume ( Or more so, Nyanko Sensei ! ) ! I love it. Also just finished watching Ben-To from your last list and thought it was awesome. Can’t wait for more round up posts <3

  • Gangster301

    Amagami SS plus, Nisemonogatari and Natsume Yuujinchou Shi are my main anime this season. All are sequels, and all the prequels are GREAT shows. ^^

  • http://thejrt.com/ JRT

    Is Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou a spinoff of Nichijou? Sounds like same premise, different gender.

  • http://kennydude.me Joe Simpson

    Mouretsu Pirates is great! I’ve been watching it on Crunchyroll!

  • robersora

    Interesting, that you did not include the Horror-Anime Another here. Even if you don’t like it, I have a feeling, that it could work out quite decent…

  • John

    Yeah I’ve never really been into horror-type anime and nothing from reading about it or watching clips on YouTube really interested me. If you watch it though, let us know how it is!

  • John

    Can’t say for sure as I didn’t check out Nichijou. Hmm..

  • franciscobc84

    As always, nice article!

    I also checked many of these new animes and I have almost the same opinions you have.  Didn’t watch Lagrange, though. I’ll give it a chance.

    I just have to say it kinda surprised me you didn’t mention Another (www.another-anime.jp). It’s a horror anime, based on a light novel. I’m not sure yet if it will have enough to keep me interested, but the first episode was REALLY well directed (gorgeous photography, good animation, great job at creating an uneasy and creepy feeling without becoming too forced or campy).Oh, and I also recommend Bakemonogatari. It starts slowly, but it’s really worth it.

  • http://twitter.com/sushimanster hoshiro-

    Natsume Yuujinchou is a very touching story, you really have to watch it.

  • http://twitter.com/sushimanster hoshiro-

    John, did you check out Another , Inu x Boku SS, and Papa no iu koto o kikinasai? They all seemed interesting.

  • http://twitter.com/sushimanster hoshiro-

    It was amazing, nice characters, great animation, interesting plot line, and it was just so mysterious. I recommend you watch it.

  • Davidicus

    Nisemonogatari is easily the best anime of the season. Possibly one of the best of the year. Kizumonogatari is supposed to come out in the summer sometime too. The series sometimes can go over peoples heads and speed reading was a necessity for Bakemonogatari as it often quoted the novel with long passages in a single seconds time. By far Studio Shaft’s best work imo and ranks within my top 3 favorite animes of all time. Considering I’ve seen over 100 titles over the years that is really impressive. Read the novels, watch the anime & future movie of the past(lol) and enjoy life.

  • John

    I didn’t check them out because they didn’t seem interesting to me xD If any of them start to get some hype I’ll probably start to look into them.

  • John

    I guess I’ll have to check out Another then (the first episode at least for now) and yeah I’m thinking I’ll have to get back to Bakemonogatari and give it another shot.

  • robersora

    Opinions differ, though :)
    But even if someone does not like Horror-Anime, Shiki is a must-watch!

  • Keleja

    Bakemonogatari has a unique style of how it was directed. You need to invest in it in order to get anything out of it I’d say watch about a 1/4 of the season before you decide. 
    As far as Mouretsu Pirates goes, I’d say stick around until the next episode. I think it’s well paced so far and am betting that it will pay off in watching it. I’m hoping for a slow and steady start that blows up in to awesome

  • gorghurt

    hmm, i just cant go to like your anime reviews… not sure why…, well nothing against you, its just your taste missmatching mine ^^

    well i give every anime that seems interessting at least 3 episodes…
    its a good rule i think. remember madoka, it changed dramaticaly in episode 3.

    symphogear seems nice, but well, dont know if it will be this great.

    episode 2 of moretsu pirates did impress me in a way, i didnt expect, and normaly it would be a sure drop, but… it somehow ctached me.

    kill me baby: great manga, great anime….!!!!

    another seems interesting, but creepy.
    aditional nigthmare material, besides the fucked up paranoid  mirai nikki^^

    but actually dont know whats worth trying, so thanks for the summarys^^

  • http://profiles.google.com/l4ndst4nder Josh Yagley

    Another and Nisemonogatari are the two stand out shows for me this season. Granted I haven’t watched the couple shows you enjoyed so I look forward to checking those out tonight.
    Bakemonogatari was a show about style over function. The show doesn’t seemed too concerned if or if not it’s making sense, and far more interested in creating an interesting atmosphere and aesthetically stunning visuals. If I had to relate it to something it’s like the anime equivalent of The Fall but with lots of fanservice. Obviously, it’s a love it or hate it show, but I would wait until you finish the first arc, maybe two, to form a solid opinion.If you approach the show similarly  to a work of visual art, it maybe more palatable. 

  • John

    I watched the second episode and still feel really meh about it. Perhaps it will turn into something awesome eventually but I don’t like it when shows take too long to get to awesome, haha.

  • John

    Ooh, I really liked The Fall.

  • Lharheiy

    How about Another? :)

  • John

    I’m gonna check it out now and post a comment once I finish it.

  • コーチじゃない

    GunBuster is always an option.

  • John

    Okay! So I watched the first episode of Another and here are my thoughts:

    Obviously it is a very well done anime. The shots and music and animation are all top notch. Great stuff here. The show is very mysterious and slowly introduces you to things that make you wonder what’s really going on and what’s going to happen as the show moves along. I normally don’t care for horror/mystery anime because while I do prefer my anime to be deep, I do enjoy the instant gratification that action and comedy have to offer. You’ll not find any action or comedy in Another.

    So, what it boils down to for me is this: I think that Another will be a good solid show, it’s just not really my kind of genre. I really do want to find out what’s going on with the story and everything I just don’t like how slow-paced it is because I know I’m going to get impatient and want to be told all the answers to the mysteries faster tan they are revealed, lol.

    But bottom line, anyone who likes horror/mystery anime with very creepy and atmospheric settings should check Another out – if you’re already a fan of the genre, you won’t be disappointed.

    I might watch another episode or two to see how things develop and how much additional information is revealed, but my other top anime picks from this season are definitely taking precedence. 

  • Foozlesprite

    I’m not into horror at all…anime or live action.  But somehow I ended up watching Shiki, and I couldn’t bring myself to drop it.  Quite compelling, with lots of cliffhangers that make you go “next episode, stat!”  The ending felt a little unfinished…but then again, the way it ended definitely leaves sequel possibility in there.

  • John

    Just watched a trailer for Shiki – looks pretty intense. Thanks for the rec, guys.

  • Anonymous

    Lately I’ve been watching more drama than anime, but I’m going to have to watch natsume and nisemonogatari. And new prince of tennis just cause at one point I was REALLY into it.

    Hmm I guess I’ll watch another too. I still have a really long list of anime I’ve been meaning to get around to finishing/starting. Oh well, no time for much more now.

  • Gigatron

    It more or less occupies the same genre, but it’s not a spinoff. I haven’t seen Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou, but it doesn’t seem nearly as surrealist as Nichijou. Different art styles too.

  • http://twitter.com/maxdrivekun francis miguel bal

    another, zero no tsukaima F,  highschool dxd,  poyopoyo are nice series..  

  • chacharealsmooth

    I just know that is Durarara has a second season,
    my ovaries will explode

  • Afoofoo

    Thank you! I appreciate the time you took out to try all of them and write your thoughts in detail. I’ll pick a series from this to watch when I get my freedom; most probably Lagrange~

    I don’t particularly look forward to anime (interest died down..? D:) but new Prince of Tennis started this month and that’s all I’m looking forward too ^_^ Oh, happy days~

  • ホレイショ・ケインじゃない

    Even if you don’t watch another episode, you’ve already watched…

    *sunglasses*

    …Another episode.

  • Anonymous

    Lagrange kind of reminds me of Line barrels of Iron and as for Bakemonogatari yes, yes.
    It does take a little while to get going and there is a bit of fan service but, I believe it all blends together well. Plus it’s not too long so, even if you don’t like you won’t waste too much time finding out.

  • http://twitter.com/shollum Shollum

    Kill Me Baby was definitely better as a 4-koma than an anime… and the opening is terrible… and creepy.

    Haven’t gotten around to watching Nisemonogatari; but I really liked Bakemonogatari, so I’ll probably end up watching it.

    Mouretsu Pirates… Depending on what happens in the future I might watch it. I didn’t even make it through the whole first episode, though, so I doubt it. It started off terribly and historically inaccurate (for some reason that really bothered me). They just throw you in at the beginning and then change their minds and pull out the Supa-Ignant-MC card to explain things (poorly).

    Natsume Yuujinchou is really good in my opinion. Though I’m only on the second season, so I can’t say much about the more recent ones.

    Haven’t watched Another yet, but I’ve read some of the manga and it was fairly interesting, so I might end up watching the anime.

    Rinne no Lagrange is looking good so far. Hopefully they’ll keep it up.

    That’s about all I have right now. But I’m looking forward to this season, it’s looking better than Fall 2011 did. Spring is also looking to be a good season and I’m looking forward to it too.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_S6OKYO2QITDJECIFG2HAMFT6H4 Martha

    Finally a new season!!! I’ve been looking forward to Shin Prince of Tennis and Natsume Yuujinchou Shi for so long! I’m also loving Ano Natsu de Matteru, definitely going to keep watching it. 

  • Sarah

    I’ve heard of Ano Natsu de Matteru and I was considering it, now I’ll definatley check it out! Your first round-up was fantastic, it really helped find great shows!

    I also just finished watching Un-Go which I thought was very good, if a bit too short and slow in some places. It was produced by Bones who also did No. 6 (which is the same length and the same odd combination of really great moments and utter crap).

    I’m currently watching Natsume Yuujinchou and loving it to bits, I’m trying to get caught up with the new season and the manga (I see you’ve already got that recommended its SO worth it!). Its so emotionally charged I just love it! I’d recommened it to everyone who want a laid-back anime with good story and characters, even the action/mecha fans could love it. ♥

  • http://twitter.com/0LovelyMadness0 Emily

    You should try watching “Another.” Ghost story with great characters.

  • Anonymous

    Tofugu’s Anime Season Roundup is far better than Anime News Network’s. Tofugu FTW!!!

  • kiss sis

    i like kiss sis its a short series but its pretty good