Summer anime

So I’m on a train to London but time for a slight change in pace from all this travelling!!  Yes, as the summer anime season is winding down to a close, and the fall anime season is being rolled out (when you read this, it most likely will have), I thought I would do my top 5 series for this season!! So, if you're not into anime, I would probably leave now...or feel free to stay, and you mind find something that interests you. 

Now then...let us dive right in.  Be warned....there be spoilers lurking in these them hills.

5. Plastic Memories

Set in a world where androids work alongside humans and have their own personality, this is a story of love.  Not exactly the happiest story of love though, as it's the love story between an android and the android collection service (androids memories 'run out' after several tens of thousands of hours, and then they turn violent).  The story follows Tsukasa and Isla as they try and navigate their relationship whilst Isla's time continues to countdown before a 'reset' is required.  Well animated and with an interesting storyline, this really gave a 'blade runner rom-com vibe' that was sadly prone to the odd cliché.

4.  Owari no Seraph

OK, let's get this over with...yes, this is humans vs vampires.  I get it...it's a pretty cliché story.  However, it does mix it up slightly when the vampires are vastly more powerful than the remaining humans (as the majority of the population was wiped out), and the humans are forced to rely on curses and human experimentation.  The story follows two childhood friends (Yuichiro and Mikaela) who are split up: one joins the anti-vampire and the other, whoopsie, becomes a vampire.  Oh, and this is not a happy, light anime either.  This is nice and dark...a tone befitting this kind of story.  Good action and good character growth, that is occasionally let down by the lead character being a brat.

3. Kekkai Sensen

This was one of the most surprising animes of the season, with a light-hearted atmosphere and over-the-top characters, which has a slightly dark undertone.  Set in an over-the-top 40s city with monsters and humans living together, this follows a very secret organisation who keeps balance within the city and more closely, with Leonard...a hapless, youth with the eyes of a god.  Yup, that's right.  The eyes of the god.  However, he also has some of the worst luck in the world and constantly gets caught up in increasingly worse situations.  Be warned though...there are plenty of heartfelt moments that will catch you off guard.

2. My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu Too

This is the second season of it but I love this show.  It genuinely has one of the most down to earth protagonists ever, who is wonderfully pragmatic and can often cut to the heart of the matter quickly.  Hayato joins the 'Service Club' at his school, along with Yui and Yukino, and helps other students with their problems.  However, don't be fooled by the fact this is a comedy...this can be somewhat dark and depressing, especially from Hayoto's point of view, when he analyses other peoples motives and calls them out or helps someone by sacrificing himself and his relationships.  This is a black comedy at its finest, and has some of the best characters in the business.  In addition, it also strives to examine issues in more detail, whereas other animes would gloss over them.

1. Kuroko's Basketball

Now in its third season, this is a spectacular season for the anime.  Based around the winter final, it follows Kuroko and Seren High's basketball team as they battle for the winter cup against all the power player team.  I'm not exactly a fan of basketball but dear god, I'm hooked on every moment of this.  Not only is this the tensest season yet, with multiple rivalries and several twists but it also isn't scared to shy away from the action.  Yes, this season delves a lot more into the characters history and provide additional layers to everyone involved, which helps provides explanation as to why the characters are as they are.  Whilst this will never be true basketball (unless real basketball has 'special abilities'), it is still a fantastic series which has me hooked.

Pick of the Week

Bun Meat Burger - I've had some good burgers in my time, but this tops the lot.  First discovered with John then again with Alison, this is a burger bar that really knows its stuff.  First of all, you are given a paper table mat (that is also your plate), a jar of cutlery and a roll of kitchen towel.  Then, you're served the juiciest and meatiest burger you've ever had.  Topped with cheese and whatever other toppings you order, this is just a well-balanced feast that you just have to respect!  I've also been told the veggie burgers are brilliant as well!  Although the burgers are the main star of the show, the sides are just as good...including 'wings', haggis balls and Thai chilli cheese fries.  Plus, there are weekly specials as well.  Why are you still reading this??  Go eat!!

Music of the Week

Time for some blues from Caro Emerald - Tangled Up.  This is always some nice music for a lazy afternoon or if you're busy at work.  Really, it's great all the time!

See you all next week for my trip to London!