For the final discussion thread of the year, I think it makes sense to talk about the year in review. 2023 brought us many things from the actual, final, for real this time, finale of Attack on Titan, to a long-anticpated anime adaptation of the Pluto manga. I want to hear what your favorite and least favorite shows of the year were. Here are the seasonal lists of shows in case you need to jog your memory:
As always, remember to be mindful of spoilers. If you want to know more about how to handle spoilers in this community, check the guide here.
My personal AOTY was Oshi no Ko. There is a lot going on in that show, even just tonally between drama, suspense, and humor; but it balances everything so well, and it has some really well-written, complex women characters, which was awesome to see.
spoiler
Aqua is kind of an incel, but I think the parallels drawn between him and Ai’s stalker are intentional, or at least that’s the impression that I get after S1. Even so, his strange and convoluted relationship to Ai makes for a really interesting psychological dilemma, and he is a very interesting protagonist. While some of his actions are well-intentioned, he is also capable of some pretty abhorrent stuff. I hope to see something of a redemption arc for him, but wherever it goes, I think it will be a fun watch.
Beyond some excellent characterization and great writing, the music is amazing, the art direction and animation are gorgeous, and the overarching mystery and supernatural twist make it extremely compelling.
Season 2 is one of my most anticipated upcoming anime.