The 10th annual Crunchyroll anime Awards is underway, continuing a decade of celebrating the best anime series, animations, and storytelling. Since starting in 2017, the awards have become one of the biggest events in the anime community, allowing worldwide fans to vote for their favorite shows and characters. This year’s Anime of the Year nominees include The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2), Dandadan (Season 2), Gachiakuta, My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, Takopi’s Original Sin, and The Summer Hikaru Died. Each anime brought something different to the table, making this year’s competition one of the best ones yet. Here are some of the student’s opinions, along with my own.
The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2) – Toho Animation Studio and OLM
The Apothecary Diaries continued to impress many different viewers with its smart storytelling and setting. The anime follows a girl named Maomao, where she uses her medical knowledge to solve different mysteries inside the imperial palace. Season 2 expanded the drama and relationships between characters, making the story more interesting. Unlike many other action anime though, this series stood out not for the fights, but because of the mysteries.
Dandadan (Season 2) – Science Saru
Dandadan became one of the craziest and most entertaining anime of the year. Combining many different battles, comedy, romance and horror, the series kept viewers surprised. The animation style by Science Saru made every fighting scene feel unique and energetic. This was one of the most unpredictable anime ever, and I personally think this anime will come in second place.
Gachiakuta – Bones Film
Gachiakuta was one of those anime that quickly gained popularity right after being released. It had a darker atmosphere with different kinds of emotional themes. The anime follows a character named Rudo who is a boy thrown into a dangerous wasteland after being falsely accused of murderer. The anime has mixed action with themes like discrimination and survival, standing out from other anime. The fighting scenes were also very intense and visually impressive. I think this show will either come third or fourth in voting. f
My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON – Bones Film
For many longtime fans, My Hero Academia delivered one of the most emotional anime endings in recent years, and in anime history. The Final Season focused on the Final War arc, where heroes and villains faced off in battles that decided the future of the society. Several students at Cresskill High, when asked about their beliefs of the Crunchyroll Anime Award winners, believe the series deserves the Anime of the Year award.
Sophomore Wonha Park explained, “The animation, the plot, the storyline, finalizing the final story just touched my soul. Everything coming into a wrap just felt like a bomb of emotion in my heart.” He also talked about how My Hero Academia has been one of the longer running animes, where fans had time to connect with the different characters, possibly creating bonds.
Another sophomore, Lucas Benhaim stated, “The impact frames along with the crazy storyline, final battles and Final War Arc blew away my mind. I believe the ending of this anime was perfect. Nothing will beat this.” Benhaim also admired Izuku Midoriya’s journey, explaining how his rise from being powerless to a true hero was inspiring.
Takopi’s Original Sin – Enishiya
Although I have personally never watched this series, it shocked many viewers because of how emotional and disturbing this story became. The anime looks very cute at first, but it later shows different things like bullying, loneliness and trauma. This series stood out because of the emotional aspects, making it one of the most talked about anime.
The Summer Hikaru Died – CygamesPictures
Again, I have never watched this show, but it has a lot of horror, mystery and different kinds of drama. The different themes stood out to many fans, and the show also had a slow-building tension, making it unique from the others.
As the 10th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards continues, anime fans everywhere are debating which series deserves Anime of the Year. With the different styles of animations, and different storylines, this year’s award can be given to any of the nominees.
