Saw a comment on the Journal with Witch episode discussion to this effect… what other anime had that effect on you?

For me, as soon as I watched the OP of Girls und Panzer: Das Finale Part 4, I know I’m in to something great. Everything about it was an elevated experience from the past entries. Same with Rose of Versailles (2025) (OP) and The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (teaser visual and from awareness of staff and studio)

  • Endmaker@ani.socialEnglish
    5·
    2 days ago

    There are two main categories of being special to me.

    The first is when characters show some maturity - or just a lack of stupidity - in their thoughts and behaviour in the first episode. Some examples include:

    • Thors from Vinland Saga
    • multiple characters from Frieren
    • now that I think about it, plenty of anime from my Peak Drama list fits this criterion

    These anime would end up having stories, characters and writing that are top-notch, clearly a cut above the rest.

    The other is when the show subverts expectation by not following stupid tropes from the start; these are usually parodies. Some examples include:

    • Cautious Hero - dude who got isekai-ed isn’t some loser to begin with (i.e. no wish-fulfillment)
    • Konosuba - dude who got isekai-ed did not get cheats (i.e. no power fantasy)
    • 100 Girlfriends - dude with a harem is not a wimp who can’t handle girls (i.e. no self-insert for losers)

    These anime are special by virtue of being different from peers of the same genres / subgenres.