Alpha’s Picks of the Year:
Best Action - Area 88
Area 88 hit me swiftly, it was a great series the moment you see that flying unicorn on the screen. The memories brought back to me of the days I used to play the SNES game U.N. Squadron (Area 88 in Japan). But it is not just for that reason that Area 88 is the best action of my list this year, the dog fighting, jets flying and the various things and obstacles these pilots pull out and have to deal with in each mission they are assigned to are just breathtaking, and worth every bit you spent or will spend on it.
Best Drama - Salaryman Kintaro
There are not a large group of fans that I know of that have heard of Salaryman Kintaro, but ArtsmagicDVD pulled a quickie on us and delivered this tight, cool, and amazing drama. It is like TokyoPOP’s Great Teacher Onizuka, but without the students. This show conveys such great messages to the audience that sometimes I get goosebumps just realizing how power the message conveyed is. It is definitely worth a look.
Best Comedy - Full Metal Panic: fumoffu
Full Metal Panic: fumoffu is just one of those shows that are funny. Sousuke’s incompetence to everything that is of the normal living habits of a person living in Japan is just to crack up about. The entire cast of characters worked extremely well together to create such an amusing experience. Props.
Most Emotional - Shadow Star Narutaru
I am sure I will be flamed for selecting this title, but hey, guess what? It is Alpha’s list and not yours so read what I have to say ^_^; please?. Okay, anyways, Narutaru does not look all too impressive, but boy, I was one of those people that assumed that it was a series that was going nowhere. But once I have checked out the entire show, I cannot possibility detail you how many times I felt angered, sad and just flat out emotional. Yes, the show works your emotions and when Narutaru comes to the end, you will know why I stated what I have stated here.
Most Ecchi Humor - Girls Bravo
Well, let us see. A dude with a strange allergic reaction to females is suddenly transported from Earth to Seiren, another world to meet a girl that does not give him the allergic reactions. But oh, I cannot forget to mention that Seiren is a world that is dominated by females so when Yukinari was sighted you can pretty much guess a big commotion was created. By the time he gets back to Earth, Miharu, the girl, is also transported back with him. This of course, begins the whole show, as Kirie, Yukinari’s childhood friend comes in and a bunch of other girls come in later on and plus, we cannot forget the super pervert Fukuyama, who does all sorts of things you would expect of a super perv.
Weirdest - Ghost Stories
Improvisation is the main feature of this ADV Films title. The voice actors and actresses can run their mouths and say all sorts of crazy things in the English dub. If that is not the weirdest, I really do not know what else could be… as the dub does become quite hilarious due to the fact that this is not something you will see on a daily basis or should I say… often.
Worst Anime - Time Bokan
Do not ask me, I’m wondering why too. Okay, what we have here is an evil villains get-together competition thingy that attempts to be funny, but fails miserably at it.
Best Kiddy Anime - Panda-Z
This show is just too cute. Although contains no voices, it will sure please a lot of children.
Best Manga - Get Backers
Holy cow, this is a serious case of the manga is better than the anime. In the manga you get more ’stuff.’ And man I enjoy reading it every time. If you liked the anime, do not forget to pick up the manga!!! There will be things in it that you will go ‘wow.’
Best DVD Covers - Samurai 7
FUNimation really put their efforts in their Samurai 7 releases. They have the special limited edition DVD or the regular ones. The limited edition DVDs come with the box and some extra cool features in it, while the regular DVD is just the DVD and a little handbook. If you are the collector’s type, I do not see you getting the regular edition at all. I on the other hand, just saved like a few bucks, buying the regular edition.
Best Shoujo - Piano
A story about a girl who is growing up and pursuing her dreams; hurdles arises and we are put into a situation where we will see how she will work herself through issues and still maintain her cute and kind personality.
Best Shounen - Maburaho
MABURAHO!!! Finally, one of my favorite shows of all time. This series is a series that I will never ever get bored of. I have watched it many many times and dang, it is still fresh and fun to me. Oh boy, if you are a sucker for shounen titles and you have not seen this? You do not know what you are missing. Go out, go grab a volume or some volumes and thank me later.
Favorite Voice Actor/Actress - Hilary Haag
This was a hard one for me. I usually do not watch dubs, but when I do watch dubs, Hilary Haag is the only voice actress I can remember, maybe it is because umm she is nice at her job? Well of course she is hehehe.
Most Kawaii Character - Jonathan (Kaleido Star)
Best Anime Site - Everyone!
I know my choice is not the best there is. But to tell you the truth, I am certain that all of us (anime webmasters) have busted our behinds to bring you, the fans, everything we could. So this year, I will stop this who is better than who thing. We are all of one community. Let us all take credit for being the best at what we do. Alright, cool.
Best New Series - The Mars Daybreak
Kenran Butoh Sai: The Mars Daybreak is a great new series that is being distributed here in the United States. This mecha, submarine, mixed with some drama and slight comedy really works well with me, and therefore it is the best new series.
Best Animation - Ghost in the Shell SAC 2nd GIG
Production I.G, you cannot say enough about the people over there. Their works are detailed and is just eyecandy. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: 2nd GIG’s animation is unbelievable. You guys are great!
Movie of the Year - The Place Promised in Our Early Days
At first when I saw the advanced screening of this movie, I was asking myself, I know Makoto Shinkai did not create this crap. Yes I did say crap. But when I got the advanced screener DVD and watched it alone, instead of with a crowd, I appreciated the show more and my thought of it being crap, was no longer the issue. The Place Promised in Our Early Days, is a fast, yet slow paced anime (oxymoron eh?). The story is remarkable. Makoto Shinkai is the man!
Sleeper Hits - Salaryman Kintaro
Salaryman Kintaro is just a great show that might be stomped over by some other shows with bigger names. I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with this show the moment you watch it. Kintaro’s character attracts you and it just makes you want to continue until the end. Big thanks to ArtsmagicDVD for bringing it to the States.
Must Have - Gantz
If I have to explain why, you obviously have not been watching this show. But, since not everyone has had the luxury to watch this show, I guess I will just say, Gantz has a bit of everything you want. It is twisted, action filled, nudity filled, bloody and gory that runs along with a superbly addictive story. Man this is a must have.
A Look to the Future - Negima
What does Ken Akamatsu have under his sleeves? What we have in Negima is story about a kid who becomes the homeroom teacher for one of the most interesting classes there are in the whole academy. Oh, by the way, it is an all girls school, so there definitely will be some things going on… if you get my drift (I hope your mind is not in the gutter).