On the cusp: Mirai Nikki, Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka? of the Dead, Sankarea, Aquarion Evol

Last week’s results, about the Anime Power Rankings

 A quirky, surrealist comedy about talking animals and bad puns; a bold, stylized re-imagining of a classic cultural touchstone of adult-oriented anime; the return of one of last year’s most lavishly produced series about mythic heroes entangled in a dark action tale; and an uplifting story about the bonds of family, dreams of childhood, and optimism for the potential of the human race. The first week of the season delivers plenty of shows I can get excited about, and the promise of more to come. It’s a good time to be an anime fan.

kaidan1364 (The Nihon Review)

Uchuu Kyoudai, or Space Bros, takes the top spot in the first set of Anime Power Rankings this season. The first episode received more points this week than any other episode in history (the previous record was episode 7 of Nisemonogatari). Fans loved the well-executed characterization and the vast potential the series possesses.

Uchuu Kyoudai grasped my interest immediately as its protagonist is at a stage of life not so far from my own. “Growing up” isn’t nearly as exciting as I once imagined it would be, and stable careers are extremely difficult to get into and keep. Mutta not only has all the expectations of his family members riding on him, but his pride as well. Rooting for his success has turned into a bit of my own self encouragement.

Marina (Anime B&B)

This show started as a blip on my radar.  Something I might watch a few episodes of, but would eventually drop.  I can safely say if it can keep doing what it has done in the first episode, it might keep me hooked for the season.  All thanks go to Mu-chan.  He seems like a man who tries to do everything all the way, bolting right out of the gate by headbutting his boss while shouting, “Zidane!”  I can’t wait to see what he will do next, or perhaps more pertinently, how he will react next.

Rakuen (Derivative Paradise)

I also apologize for forgetting to put Fate/Zero 2 on the ballot. For some reason I forgot one of the most anticipated shows of the season, durrrr. Another show I forgot to put on the ballot but turned out to be very popular among voters regardless was Shirokuma Cafe, which took 4th this week.

Incredibly amusing in both good and bad ways, Polar Bear Cafe has the potential to be the most fun show this season. While the animal jokes could possibly get old, if they pull more gags that are along the lines of Anteater’s job interview, there’s no way this can go wrong.

Riyoga (Riyoga’s Ramblings)

I’d like to thank everyone for their comments this week, especially some of our new voters. Go ahead an check out some of our fresh meat new participants!