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« on: January 14, 2012, 02:47:16 am »
Ano Hana: Unique is hard to come by in a society full of stereotypes. Luckily, creativity continues to exist in the world and the animators at A-1 Pictures have delivered whole heatedly. With a full cast of unique and memorable characters to the beautifully drawn world of it's inhabitants, 'We Still Don't Know The Name Of The Flower We Saw That Day' stands as the most memorable series from 2011.
No. 6: The unsettling world of No.6 quickly became one of my favorites. A near barren future world, a happily oppressed people; am I the only one who suddenly thinks of Huxley? Books from the 1930's aside, No. 6 scraped it's way into my heart by doing love right. Not a constant 11 episodes of one character pining for the other, but a slow build towards an exciting and warm climax that stands as the most fulfilling of 2011.
Usagi Drop: A story of a sudden father and a hopeful orphan, Usagi Drop jumped right into my very own heart. It focused on the work and the fun, the excruciating and the joy, a dull moment never passed in this near perfect animation of the original manga. But what stands out, for me, is the watercolor like animation that flowed across the screen. No flashes like those from the overplayed shounen animes, but soft colors that blended and moved in perfect sync. I'll remember the inspiring artwork of Usagi Drop for years to come.
And yes, I think that Usagi Drop had better animation than Guilty Crown. (BUT HOT DAMN THAT GUILTY CROWN.)