With 2022 coming to an end, I should probably do the low-hanging fruit post before doing the most challenging post left, 12 days of Yuri pairings post. Of course, this list should be an easy one, although there were a lot of good shows that aired this year.
1. Lycoris Recoil
When I looked at the premise, you thought it would be a laid-back slice-of-life show of girls working at a café. But, it was something much more. It’s more like girls with guns taking down terrorists.
Sure, the intrigue regarding the Direct Attack, the Allen Institute, Majima, and Yoshi’s romantic relationship with Mika. The plot development, animation, and fighting scenes are great. I think the part that makes the show so enjoyable is, of course, Takina and Chisato. They are complete opposites, as Takina instead uses lethal force while Chisato is more of a pacifist.
As Takina spends more time with her, she loosens up and develops feelings for her. This was especially the case when Yoshi’s assistant ruined Chisato’s artificial heart. Takina does everything she can to save her beloved. Thankfully, Chisato got a new heart, although Mika kept it a secret. Still, how Takina’s and Chisato’s relationship develops is the real highlight of what makes the series enjoyable. Chisato’s cheerful personality is just alluring. Of course, I can relate to Kurumi since she is into tech and a hacker.
2. Machikado Mazoku 2-Choume
After three years in the making, the second season of Machikado Mazoku finally came out, and it didn’t disappoint. The new characters, Shirosawa, Lico, and Ugallu, are nice additions. I enjoy Lico quite a lot since she is a trickster and even uses cooking as mind control.
However, the story is very interesting as we learn more about Momo’s older sister, Sakura and what she did to save Shamiko’s life. Also, we see Momo finally going to the dark side with her Darkness Peach form to save Shamiko. She unconsciously went into that form since she got upset over not eating her lunch. Also, Shamiko finds a way to resolve Mikan’s curse as well.
The relationship between Momo and Shamiko deepens even further as they are basically couples than just best friends. As always, there are a lot of funny and cute moments, like in the first season. Sure, the ending is pretty abrupt compared to the last season, but it shows there is more. Still, it will probably be a while or if there is a third season. It’s because the series has been on hiatus on and off due to the mangaka’s health issues. Regardless, Machikado Mazoku continues to be an exciting and entertaining series.
3. Bocchi the Rock
Bocchi the Rock was the biggest surprise as it enjoyed a lot of popularity. It is because it focuses on girl bands, which do well, but most are because of Hitori. Many people, especially introverts, can relate to Hitori and her social anxieties. I think Cloverworks did a good job conveying her expressions and, of course, her episodes. Also, the other characters are very enjoyable, especially our lovable and drunk shark-girl rocker, Kikuri. Given the series’ popularity from the sale of CDs and Blu-rays, I feel we will see more of this in the future.
4. Shokei Shoujo no Virgin Road
At last, an anti-isekai is finally here with yuri, and this one didn’t disappoint. Seeing Menou take out a genetic male lead isekai character was satisfying. However, it’s interesting to learn more about the otherworlders, the dirty secrets of the church, and Menou’s past of how she became an executioner. Still, I find it fascinating how the archbishop that Menou works for is corrupt and has a dark secret.
Of course, Akari has feelings for Menou since she had many timelines with failed attempts of Menou eliminating her once and for all. I have to admit there are nice Akari and Menou moments as they are with Menou and Akari. Sure, as much as Momo hates Ashuna, they make a good power couple. Not to mention seeing Momo go berserk after Akari burned her hair ribbon secretly. While glorious, this shows how much Menou means to her. Overall, it’s an excellent anti-Sekai yuri story, although I wish it would get a sequel if it happens. At least there is the manga.
5. Akebi-chan no Sailor Fuku
I must admit that this is a nice slice of life as it focuses on Komichi making friends at her new school. After all, it was just her during elementary school.
As expected, she makes a lot of friends, given her outgoing personality. She also becomes best friends with Erika, the first girl she meets. Still, there are a lot of fun moments, such as Riri making that bet for a swimming match to Komichi spending time with Erika fishing. Still, the moments with Erika and Komichi are lovely, especially in the last episode.
Besides the story, the animation for Akebi-chan no Sailor Fuku is probably one of the most gorgeous looking. I think this brings out Komichi’s new middle school life perfectly. This shows that Cloverworks is on a roll regarding production values. This shows how well Bocchi the Rock did along with SpyxFamily, which they worked on with Wit Studio.
Honorable Mentions
- Akiba Maid Sensou
- Do It Yourself
- Luminous Witches
- RPG Fudousan
- Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Second Season
Also, Birdie Wing would make it to the list, but it’s a split cour. So with that, it’s only best to judge it after the second season airs next year. Overall, it’s a solid year for anime, with many good shows. However, the only show that really disappointed me was Doll’s Frontline, given how unsatisfying the ending was. It felt more like an advertisement than anything else.
With that, what are your top shows for this year? Feel free to discuss this in the comments.
We shared some picks in the Top 5. Didn’t know they’re all by the same studio. Neat.
Shamiko 2 didn’t make my Top 5 because I was more invested in ShamiMomo than the rest of the show. It’s pretty good but not enough for a Top 10.
Yeah Girls’ Frontline had an excellent OP but it wasn’t satisfying.
Yes, it’s kind of understandable since Shamiko and Momo were a big focus of the second season, besides finally undoing the curse on Mikan. But hopefully 2023 won’t have any disappointing shows besides that one from 2022.