2008 Anime: Year in Review Ramble (Part 1)

It is a bit late, but here's the long-awaited Anime: Year in Review Ramble for 2008. There is no set criteria, other than I started watching it in 2008. (I'm including links to Anime News Network's encyclopedia pages.)

Spice and Wolf

Genre(s):
drama, fantasy, trading/economics/bartering (is there such a genre?)

Synopsis:
Set in a European Middle Ages period, this is the story of a traveling merchant and a 250 year wolf-god/deity who appears in the form of a 15 year old girl. (13 episodes)

OP/ED impressions:
The ED is quite catchy (broken engrish and all), and the drawings during the ED are nice too. It took me awhile to warm up to the OP. I rarely skipped through either when I watched the episodes.

Ramble:
I wasn't sure what to expect of this series, but certainly the chemistry/banter between Lawrence and Horo was quite entertaining. There were elements of intrigue (the influence of the Church in society), and a mild dose of bartering, but it never went too deep. I really liked Horo's character design. A sequel is coming up.

Favorite character:
Horo

Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes

True Tears

Genre(s):
slice of life, comedy, drama, romance

Synopsis:
Slice of life piece, centering on the life of Shinichiro, and his relationships with Hiromi, a girl living in his house, and a new strange girl, Noe who can't seem to cry.

OP/ED impressions:
The OP, Reflectia is definitely still a favorite of mine. I don't remember the ED too well.

Ramble:
I am quite a sucker for slice of life series, and this one did not disappoint at all. The characterizations were strong and consistent, and I was quite pleased with how the story ended. The animation quality was wonderful, including their computer generated stuff.

Favorite character:
No favorite in particular, since I did like most of the major characters, but if I had to choose I'd probably choose Noe.

Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
No, but I'd probably watch this one from start to finish after some time away from it.

Itazura Na Kiss

Genre(s):
slice of life, comedy, drama, romance

Synopsis:
The story of 3rd-year high school student Kotoko, who finally tries to confess to fellow 3rd year student Irie Naoki (ultra-smart, ultra-athletic, ultra-handsome) only to get her confession letter soundly ignored and rejected. In a twist of fate, her home is destroyed by a small earthquake, and her dad moves them in with a close childhood friend...Irie's dad. (25 episodes)

OP/ED impressions:
The OP is lively and fun, much like the base tone of the series. The OP animation also adjusted as the series timeline moved forward. I didn't care so much for the first ED, but definitely liked the second ED a lot more.

Ramble:
The anime was based on a popular manga that started back in the 80s (hence the 80s character designs). The manga was close to completion when the mangaka passed away. The anime is supposed to incorporate her notes on how the series was supposed to end. Going into the series, and given the tone, to a certain degree you already figure to know how the series will play out. That being said, the series is quite hilarious and heartwarming, given the fact that Kotoko (despite her various character flaws) is a likeable kind character.

Favorite character:
Kotoko, of course. (And to a degree, Irie Naoki, because I've been similarly mean to girls I've liked when I was his age...haha!)

Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes (and probably more than I should be!)

Special A

Genre(s):
comedy, drama, romance

Synopsis:
The story of two eternal childhood rivals, Takishima Kei and Hanazono Hikari, and their 5 friends in a special elite school group called Special A. Hikari is always trying to, but can never seem to beat Kei in any challenge, and hence is teased by Kei, being called Ni-san. (Miss Number Two).

OP/ED impressions:
I liked the OP, and the second EP. I generally watched through both since they're equally catchy.

Ramble:
A pretty light-hearted comedy of sorts, especially when it comes to the ridiculous nature of the contests between Hikari and Kei, or the over the top idea of a special elite class containing the top 7 students of the elite school, who don't seem to do anything more than sit in a garden conservatory eating snacks and drinking tea. Surprisingly, when some of the more dramatic/romance portions came up, they were done quite well. Also, when it comes to large casts, usually the supporting characters don't really get their stories or characters flushed out very well, but that wasn't the case here as we got decent back story, and solo stories as well.

Favorite character:
Hikari. I'm a sucker for the energetic, well-meaning, and sometimes clueless heroines.

Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Yes

Kamen no Maid Guy

Genre(s):
comedy, ecchi

Synopsis:
Naeka is a granddaugther and heir to a large inheritance which she'll receive when she turns a particular age. For her protection, she is assigned a ultra-aggressive male maid, Kogarashi who despite Naeka's wishes will do anything for the well-being of his master. (12 episodes)

OP/ED impressions:
The OP is okay, but not catchy enough to listen outside of watching the series. I could do without the ED.

Ramble:
Comedic elements aside, most of this series is intended to generate major fanservice for its male viewers, since most of the moe/ecchi elements are represented by the various female characters. The comedy is quite over-the-top, but if you have watched enough action flicks, you may get a kick out of Kogarashi's antics to do the right thing for his master. Obviously, if you are a fan of ecchi, there's an ample amount for you to enjoy here.

Favorite character:
Kogarashi. Who knew that if you understood the language of computers/printers, you could stick a USB printer cable into your ear/head, and directly print out your memories?

Have I rewatched episodes since completing?:
Not really. I haven't quite finished the series either, but the math tutoring episode is funny.