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The 2006 Anime Awards have been finalized (finally) after a month of 2007-ness. Along with these awards, I have also included my own personal favourites for the year 2006. Also, please don’t bash me for choosing ‘over-hyped’ series. A series is actually only ‘over-hyped’ for those who do not like it as much to call it their favourites. Those who DO like these shows a lot will obviously not call it over-hyped (probably a few exceptions though). Also, the reason something might be so-called ‘over-hyped’, is because the show IS actually GOOD. Sure, those who disagree with such shows being good are in the minority. Ok, with that out of the way (and I’m sure someone is gonna flame me for saying the above things), let’s move on the awards!

(wow not one picture huh? yeah i’m super lazy…)

1. Most ‘I want a sequel’ show -

#3 – Shakugan no Shana

Votes obtained: 25
Percentage of total votes: 13%

#2 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 31
Percentage of total votes: 16%

#1 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 60
Percentage of total votes: 31%

2. Most ‘The manga is soo much better’ show –

#3 – NHK ni Youkoso

Votes obtained: 21
Percentage of total votes: 16%

#2 – Black Cat

Votes obtained: 22
Percentage of total votes: 17%

#1 – Air Gear

Votes obtained: 28
Percentage of total votes: 22%

3. Most rewatchable show –

#3 – Honey and Clover

Votes obtained: 24
Percentage of total votes: 11%

#2 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 59
Percentage of total votes: 27%

#1 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 82
Percentage of total votes: 36%

4. Most unexpectedly good show –

#3 – Simoun

Votes obtained: 16
Percentage of total votes: 8%

#2 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 34
Percentage of total votes: 18%

#1 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 51
Percentage of total votes: 27%

5. Most ‘I wanna cosplay this’ show –

#3 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 25
Percentage of total votes: 13%

#2 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 26
Percentage of total votes: 13%

#1 – Fate/Stay Night

Votes obtained: 50
Percentage of total votes: 26%

6. Most ‘Started well but turned out shit’ show –

#3 – Ergo Proxy

Votes obtained: 15
Percentage of total votes: 8%

#3 – Utawarerumono

Votes obtained: 15
Percentage of total votes: 8%

#2 – Coyote Ragtime Show

Votes obtained: 34
Percentage of total votes: 18%

#1 – Yoake Mae Yori Ruriiro na Crescent Love

Votes obtained: 48
Percentage of total votes: 26%

7. Most ‘I wanna be in this anime’ show –

#3 – Zegapain

Votes obtained: 28
Percentage of total votes: 11%

#2 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 49
Percentage of total votes: 20%

#1 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 60
Percentage of total votes: 24%

8. Most ‘I want a remake’ show –

#3 – Tsubasa Chronicles

Votes obtained: 29
Percentage of total votes: 11%

#3 – Air Gear

Votes obtained: 29
Percentage of total votes: 11%

#2 – Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Votes obtained: 42
Percentage of total votes: 16%

#1 – Fate/Stay Night

Votes obtained: 76
Percentage of total votes: 28%

9. Show with best character design style –

#3 – Blood+

Votes obtained: 20
Percentage of total votes: 9%

#3 – Shakugan no Shana

Votes obtained: 20
Percentage of total votes: 9%

#2 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 43
Percentage of total votes: 18%

#1 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 52
Percentage of total votes: 22%

10. Show with best character personalities –

#3 – Black Lagoon

Votes obtained: 18
Percentage of total votes: 8%

#2 – Honey and Clover

Votes obtained: 27
Percentage of total votes: 12%

#1 – Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Votes obtained: 55
Percentage of total votes: 24%

#1 – Ouran High School Host Club

Votes obtained: 55
Percentage of total votes: 24%

Favourite 5:

5. Blood+

I actually marathoned this series month ago, and I’m not sure whether that has a negative or positive effect. What makes Blood+ special is certainly the plot. It is highly engaging and extremely captivating. The fact that it has some scientific principles to back it up made it a lot more realistic and enjoyable. The action is awesome as well, though in this respect, it didn’t hold out for me at the end. I was quite annoyed at how much stronger Diva is compared to Saya, yet the final battle ends in both stabbing each other. Let’s compare shall we? Saya is obviously no match for a Chevalier. A Chevalier, namely Solomon, was utterly destroyed by Diva. And yet, Diva fights on equal grounds with Saya? It’s unbelievable how Diva never used her extreme speed against Saya. The very first time Saya ever used the familiar ‘extreme-speed-with-blue-motion-depictive-aura-trail’ is AFTER the battle, which is such a disappointment. Story-wise though, the ending couldn’t have been better. As I said before, for me it is the story that stands out.

4. Mai Otome

A very entertaining series with an awesome main character, who is energetic, courageous and very naive as well. But that’s what makes her personality and endeavours so fun! Still, if Mai Hime was a 2006 series, I would probably replace this with that. Mai Hime’s plot presented a much more interesting scenario, with the HiMEs forced to attack each other. Nevertheless, Mai Otome delivered an awesome experience, and right now I am still eagerly anticipating the next episode in Mai Otome Zwei! The series is certainly very flashy as well with the extreme powerups and the costumes. On top of that, the number of characters is amazing. And the fact that by the end of the series, I was familiar with all of them indicates that the show did a terrific job in character development. I adore shows with a large number of characters, since it prevents the feeling of isolation and loneliness if only a few characters are involved. It also allows for more interaction between characters, and the formation of ever intricate relationships.

3. Ouran High School Host Club

Definitely the funniest show I’ve seen this year, and the top-notch quality is absolutely beautiful. The character design is also magnificent, and Maaya Sakamoto did a wonderful job of voicing Haruhi. She’s actually quite ambiguous, unlike the traps of this season: Jun and Mizuho, who are definitely 100% female. Well, that’s just my personal opinion anyway. The characters in Ouran are rather unique as well, but of course in all comedies, the characters are severely exaggerated. You get the overly prince-like leader, the overly childish shouta, the overly quite and inexpressive ‘guard’ figure, the overly smart and scheming mastermind, and the overly normal main character! Perfect, now I’m overly using the word overly and it’s making my brain overly sore…Anywaaay, awesome characters + awesome comedy + awesome quality + awesome execution = perfection! But then again, I’m not such a comedy fan, which is why this isn’t first or second on this list. Oh and the bishounen and shoujo genre have no affect on me if that’s what you’re thinking is the cause of this not being in 1st or 2nd place, as I love shoujo and the character design is great anyway.

2. Shakugan no Shana (overall favourite series #4)

I could not believe how obsessed with the possibility of a sequel when this show ended. It simply made me feel so good that the end basically killed me. But at least, as the ending clearly leaves craploads of unfinished miniplots and such, a sequel would surely come. And now it’s in the form of a movie, which I can’t wait to see. I had hoped it would be a second series, though that is still a possibility. Also, falling in love with Shana heightened my experienced greatly. Not only that, but a Shana x Yuuji pairing feels so…perfect! That’s also why I despise Yoshida and wish she would just sacrifice her life for Yuuji or something, for a noble but convenient death. Action-wise, Shakugan no Shana is pretty good, though not the best. Neither is the story, though it certainly isn’t boring at any stage. The characters and school-setting is also a plus for me, while the fantastical accompaniment made it that much more interesting.

1. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (overall favourite series #3)

Well what can I say? If I were to explain this show to someone who hasn’t seen it, I’d be like…”Well, a show about this girl who has godlike powers, meets a guy and decides to make a club to search for weird stuff, plus they recruit an alien, time traveller and ESP user. Oh and there’s this really cute moe blob, a lifeless, emotionless bookworm who looks really young, a guy who always smiles and seems to be gay, with an extremely pushy girl as well as a guy with no guts, makes witty remarks and spends his day doing nothing but fantasising about the moe blob…” And yeah, I’m pretty sure not many people would be attracted by such a description, but it’s all the truth. So what makes me love Suzumiya Haruhi? The characters which are highly generic are certainly very lovable as well, and generic doesn’t always mean bad. The lead, Haruhi, is an insanely fun character to watch as she goes crazy with her ideas, while the other lead, Kyon, is a perfect opposite of such an energetic girl (and his remarks are hilarious!) The story is fairly interesting, while the quality cannot get any higher. And since I couldn’t wait for the second season, I went ahead and read the novels, and I can assure you the sequel will be awesome. To say the truth, the first season simply picked the random single-episoders from the novels which don’t really fit in anywhere. So basically, season 1 is a compilation of the scraps, while the real deal has all been left for season 2. I can’t wait!

Other Notables:

The shows which didn’t make my top 5, but nonetheless managed to engrave their names in my relative short memory.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

I’ve never seen such a freaky yet extremely entertaining show before. The mystery makes a big part of the show, while the cast and setting (students in school) gives it that wonderful aura which resonates freakishness. And since I love blood and everything gory (you may have noticed since I often indicate my hope for death and blood at the start of a series which is only remotely action). The quality is not up to par, and the ending leaves a few too many untie knots, though with the news of a second series, both those problems could be solved. I am guessing it will be a remake, and if so, perhaps the producers can fit in the last two arcs from the game this time. Ah…I still remember when I read 70 or so pages of tips and discussion in the animesuki forums all at once…yes I was that desperate to be more informed. At least now I know what the hell everything was about.

Asatte no Houkou

Although this series hasn’t finished being subbed yet, I can say the 11 episodes I have watched are absolutely amazing. It might not be as strong as some of the other 2006 series, but it definitely leaves a strong emotional impact and is extremely enjoyable to watch. I didn’t like the washy backgrounds or character designs at the start, but I have grown to love them in the end. A drama series like this is best done with such techniques in my opinion. The supernatural aspect of course provides the material for all the emotional angst and frustration, and is not considered fantasy in many respects. If you like shows such as Honey and Clover, with the drama/shoujo/slice-of-lice feel, please try this show if you haven’t already. It really is a marvel!

Fate/Stay Night

Well, there are heaps of things wrong with this show, and I’m not talking about which route(s) it uses from the game, since I haven’t played it and so cannot comment on that. What I DO mean is the fluctuating quality, the bad ending (IMO) and poorly set out fight scenes. The concept and premise are excellent, and that’s what gets you started and keeps you watching. The notion of many somewhat equally powered superbeings is fun to watch and speculate about as well. I didn’t like the ending though, and I hear there won’t be a sequel, so the only thing that might make up for it is a remake. A remake would be excellent and I would definitely watch it.

Black Lagoon

This show is just awesome from beginning to end, and I’m talking about second barrage as well. Although the animation is not always as good as it should be, the shootouts, sword slinging and crazy bombings would satisfy any action-crazy man (or woman). I guess the usual candidate for a male lead in such a show would be a skilled gunman, though in Black Lagoon, he is actually just an ordinary Japanese officer worker who winds up in the hands of the Lagoon Company, where he ends up staying with. The story is rather meaningless as it just combines a series of escapades and tasks for the heroes to complete, with no underlying plot or goal. This is the reason why the ending isn’t so great either. It does utilise a slightly longer series of episodes for an operation, though it is nothing that big. I would have also preferred it if Rock learned some shooting skills during the year he is part of the group, but unfortunately he stays clean until the end. However, the bad ending also allows for a sequel, which will hopefully have a better plot and ending.

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