Anime Winter 2018 First Impressions(So Far)

This year just started and I think we’re already seeing contenders for the number one anime of 2018. Like Holy shit. I’m just so surprised with the level quality in anime we’re getting this early. Granted, I did feel the same way about ACCA last year. I thought the OP for that anime was probably going to be one of the best of 2017 even though it was only winter. Boy, did I not expect the level of anime OPs and EDs we got last year. Well, I’m going off track. I just wanted to share some of my initial impressions of the anime I’ve seen so far. I’m only on episodes 1-2 with them so this can change vastly. Let’s jump right in!

Kokkoku

Geno Studio

Synopsis

Juri Yukawa lives with her NEET father and brother, her retired grandfather, her sister (a single mother) and her young nephew. One day, her nephew and brother are kidnapped for ransom. Having only 30 minutes to meet the demands of the kidnappers, Juri, who realizes there is not enough time to prepare the money, decides to head for their rescue by herself with knife in hand when her grandfather uses a mysterious stone passed on in the Yukawa family to stop time.(Source MAL)

In a world where everyone and everything are inert, Juri and her father and grandfather run to rescue the two. But at the kidnappers’ hideout, they soon realize they are not the only ones who can move about in this still world…

Thoughts

As much as I haven’t been a fan of CG all of my life, I’m starting to warm up to it. This series wasn’t CG heavy until they had to and I really appreciated it. The ending of episode one made me feel like I just watched half a season with how much shit happened but that’s a great thing. Especially when it felt super short. The ED is super pleasant to watch for no specific reason *cough* *cough*. If you were someone that had Amazon Prime that didn’t have the funds to get Anime Strike, this series is the first simulcast on Amazon Prime after Anime Strike ended. Check it out!

Streaming on Amazon Prime

Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles

Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ

Synopsis

Koizumi is a mysterious and attractive high school student. But what most people don’t know about her is that she’s a ramen master who is always on the lookout for great ramen restaurants. Everyday, she goes hunting for real-life places serving the best ramen dishes and delightfully eats the delicious noodles. The way Koizumi downs a giant bowl of ramen–more adeptly than any large man—will amaze and delight you!(Source MAL)

Thoughts

If you have a deep obsession with ramen and want to know more about it, this show is for you. As much as it seems like a yuri anime at first, it seems that this aspect is constantly shut down. It overall really insightful about different kinds of ramen and their bases. As much as the characters don’t interest me, I love me some ramen!

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Junji Ito: Collection

Studio Deen

Synopsis:

a horror anime anthology series adapted from the works of manga artist Junji Ito. Animated by Studio Deen, the anime adapts stories from several of Ito’s collections.

Thoughts:

I had very highs hopes going in since this may be the first real horror anime to actually spook me. Junji Ito’s work haunted me for years just seeing scans of the manga he created. I expected this adaption of his stories to send chills up and down my spine but we aren’t quite there. It just started so I feel like the level of intensity will rise soon enough but right now it’s okay. I do find some of it creepy but the first episode was meh. I also feel that Junji Ito’s work must be incredibly hard to adapt. I feel that Studio Deen is doing well but I feel that the manga can’t be topped.

Streaming on Crunchyroll

 

Laid-Back Camp

Studio C-Station

Synopsis

Nadeshiko, a high school student who had moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, decides to see the famous, 1000 yen-bill-featured Mount Fuji. Even though she manages to bike all the way to Motosu, she’s forced to turn back because of worsening weather. Unable to set her eyes on her goal, she faints partway to her destination. When she wakes up, it’s night, in a place she’s never been before, with no way of knowing how to get home. Nadeshiko is saved when she encounters Rin, a girl who is out camping by herself. This outdoorsy girls story begins with this first encounter between Nadeshiko and Rin.(Source MAL)

Thoughts

Every season of anime always teaches me that anime can somehow make me find something I find no interest in… INTERESTING. Never would I have thought that an anime about camping can be so enjoyable. I also think this series is a perfect remedy for a bad day. If you aren’t watching this show, give it a shot!

Streaming on Crunchyroll

So this will end part 1 of my first impressions of the winter anime season. The next article will mostly cover Violet Evergarden, A Place Further Than the Universe and any other anime I’m watching that I haven’t mentioned here. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please let me know what you are watching! I’d also love any recommendations of anime that I should be watching this season.