Rank	Anime (First Place Votes)	Studio	Episode	Change
1	Chihayafuru 2 (11)	Madhouse	1	–
2	JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (6)	David Productions	14	–
3	Kotoura-san (7)	AIC	1	–
4	Maoyuu Maou Yuusha (2)	Arms	2	–
5	Sasami-san@Ganbaranai (5)	SHAFT	1	–

On the cusp: Psycho-pass, Tamako Market, Shin Sekai Yori, Uchuu Kyoudai, Love Live! School Idol Project

About the Anime Power Rankings

So the Winter Season’s about kicked off…and it seems to have turned out to be what we expected: somewhat unmemorable. Not a lot of the new anime have gotten me waiting for the next episode excitedly, but a few (like Senyuu, Maoyuu, OreShura, and Kotoura-San) may require some time for it to be really memorable.

But with Fall continuations (JoJo, Ixion Saga DT, and the NoitaminA shows), Space Brothers, and the return of Chihayafuru, I think I’m mostly pleased with what I have to watch so far.

Justin (Organization of Anti-Social Geniuses)

Welcome to 2013 as we kick off the winter season. Chihayafuru follows up on its selection as the best anime in 2012 with a brilliant first episode. It looks like it’s going to be another great season of Chihayafuru.

A week of surprises wrt new offerings – had not even considered trying the top two picks until my blog team mates expressed their own surprise and enthusiasm. Perhaps keenly anticipated offerings such as Vividred and Tamako Market have felt a little slow getting into the core of their narrative because they can count on their loyal followings and marketing hype.

Zyl (Sea Slugs!)

I am definitely surprised by Kotoura-san, a show whose art style seemed to preclude it from having any substance. I definitely did not expect the kind of Series of Unfortunate Events-esque melodrama. It’s grueling to watch, but a curiously fresh take.

From its heart draining depression to its heart warming friendship and hints of romance, Kotoura-san took my heart away. JoJo was as awesome as always and Tomako Market was adorable, so very adorable. Senyuu is one of the finest RPG parodies I have seen. It is not terribly original, but it is still hilarious and well done. Maoyuu has done well building momentum in the second episode.

Reising (ToxicMuffin)

 

What a season! Chihaya might as well have never stopped airing with how natural her return was. AKB0048′s Chieri showed us her precedent of success. The Unlimited threw in a spin-off that did not for one second feel as if it owed anything to the main series. Yama no Susume actually told a story in three minutes. And I loved Tamako Market to bits, but the amount of win all around it left it just outside the top 5, and there are still more good shows out there ready to compete! But my #1 spot this week goes to a show which might have peaked in its very first week. While objectively not as polished as some of the other offerings of the season, Kotoura-san took everyone by surprise with its double blast of drama and comedy. It well deserves a moment in the limelight.

Cytrus (Yaranakya)

Other new shows topping the rankings include Maoyuu Maou Yuusha and Sasami-san@Ganbaranai. The former being the first show so featured by the animation studio Arms.

AKB0048 Next Stage is of course the sequel to one of my favorite shows of 2012, and Next Stage got off to a rocking start with its kidnap/rescue arc. In addition to delivering the greatest battle ever, it let Chieri be a total badass.

Vividred is, of course, a fusion of basically everything I love. Magical Girls, Super Robots and Lesbians. I’d love this show regardless, but episode 1 was pretty much perfect. Akane is awesome, the visuals are great, and the story is fun, if rather absurd.

Love Live! continues Idol Fest 2013, and while it lacks miscsabers and the like, it makes up for it with some of Sunrise’s best character animation, by far the best CG of all the Idol shows, and a group of really fun characters.

While Maoyuu isn’t quite up to the standards of Spice and Wolf, I’ve found myself becoming more and more interested in their world. Definitely looking forward to where Maou’s journey ends up taking them.

Finally, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai is just nuts. Fun, but nuts. Really eager to find out what is up with the sisters especially.

Fencedude (Sea Slugs!)

It’s a new season and a new year! We are always looking for more people to join the Anime Power Rankings! If you write for an anime blog and you’re interested, send an email to animepowerrankings@gmail.com.

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