Animeph

The story is set in a world inhabited by humanoid titans that hunt and devour humans without reason or remorse. For more than one hundred years humanity could only survive within a country surrounded by thick concentric walls. One day an especially tall titan called the Colossus mysteriously appears and breaches the outermost wall, Wall Maria, enabling smaller titans to invade. Many lives are lost and the whole area has to be evacuated behind Wall Rose, the middle wall. Young Eren Yeager and his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman lose their mother on that day and join the military to pursue their revenge on the titans.

Attack on Titan is arguably the best anime of 2013. The tense and hopeless situation of the people living in this ruthless world portrays an astonishing dark atmosphere. As even the military is no match for the titans, even many main characters die after being introduced, which makes for an unpredictable story. As it unfolds, many mysteries regarding the titans, the walls and this world are revealed and keep viewers interested. Action-filled, dark and bloody animes with solid plots tend to be popular especially among international anime fans. Still, Attack on Titan is not only successful because it fits perfectly into this slot, but also because it does so well in animation and its implementation. Therefore I think this anime deserves its hype.
Rating: 10/10

On Sunday, god forsook the world. It happened 15 years ago and since then children stopped being born and humans stopped dying. God sent to this world one final miracle: the gravekeepers. Only burials by gravekeepers can grant a peaceful slumber for the restless dead. In this world 12 year old Ai-chan leads a peaceful life in a small rural village. She has taken over the role of gravekeeper from her deceased mother. Her small world is shaken when a wondering man who calls himself Hampnie Hambart, the man-eating toy, comes to her village and slaughters everyone. From there on her journey beginns.

Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi tells a very unique and original story. It is the story of bright and innocent Ai-chan, who journeys a dark and lonely word in a quest to “save the world”. It is especially this innocence and optimism that is a beacon of hope to the troubled people she meets and helps along the way. As she visits different places, the viewer slowly gets to know more about this interesting world and the hardships of its people. Together with beautiful animations, it creates a breathtaking atmosphere. However, contrary to early impressions many get from the first episode, this anime’s focus is not on fighting and action within a zombie apocalypse. This caused disappointment for many viewers. I however, am quite pleased with the way this anime unfolds and its original take to an end-time story.
Rating: 9/10