It’s that time again. A time when we look back and reflect on the highs and lows that defined the year that will soon come to a close. As the first year since leaving the Kinjaverse behind us, I had a bit of a difficult time adjusting to new routines here in addition to whatever passes for normal in our post-pandemic world. Though I didn’t spend as much time publishing new content this year as I dealt with personal matters, 2021 certainly wasn’t lacking in new anime – some of which I had a chance to cover as part of AniTAY’s seasonal recommendations. From dysfunctional cells to epic warfare waged by nerds, I wrote about some very odd shows (pun intended). So once again, I’ve compiled all of my collaborative work in one convenient post while I wrap up some stuff I have down the pipeline. Stay tuned for at least one new review in the coming days, the last playlist of the year, and my annual awards posts which should go up sometime between the end of the month and early next year (I’m still deciding!).
Winter
Cells at Work! Code Black
Genre: Biology, Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Spoiler-free Synopsis: The human body plays host to trillions of anthropomorphic cells. Based on the popular series Cells at Work!, this spin off follows a new Red and White Blood Cell as they navigate the chaotic environment of their host. But whereas the original looked at a healthy individual, this story is anything but. In a world of constant stress, disease, and a diminished workforce to meet the body’s demands, everyday is a Code Black for these overworked cells.
Why You Should Be Watching: Like its sibling series, Cells at Work! Code Black follows the hectic work life of a Red and White blood cell, except their host is on the brink of collapse. Delving further into the ugly side of the human body, the cells of this story continuously struggle to do their jobs as their toxic home closes in on them. Excessive smoking, drinking, poor diet and hygiene, and some all-too-real situations for anyone who’s had the displeasure of witnessing a person undergo a critical illness, Code Black is your weekly reminder that every destructive habit has repercussions.
The original Cells at Work was a landmark title in the world of anime “edutainment,” with shows like Dr. Stone and How Heavy are the Dumbbells You Lift? expanding the subgenre and gaining traction. Having to follow up at the same time as its original counterpart returns is a daunting task, yet there is enough substance and style among both series to not only complement each other, but highlight Code Black’s unique appeal. As the subtitle implies, Code Black takes no prisoners in depicting the horrors lurking within this body. Not many shows can lay claim to revolving entire episodes around gonorrhea, erectile dysfunction, and kidney stones and turn them into their own misadventures.
A more cynical person would take the regular occurrence of death and destruction within the body as pure “shock value,” but unlike its predecessor, Code Black takes strides in depicting the cold world of a hostile workplace through some clever commentary. The diminishing number of cells places an unreasonable burden on them to carry out their daily operations. As the stress of the job and reality sinks in, the show becomes a grim look at how this toll affects individual workers as they find ways to cope. Some bury themselves in their work. Others exploit coworkers for self-gain or simply give up. And, for the less fortunate, many find themselves succumbing to their worst impulses, leading to their own self-destruction. It’s in these smaller moments that Code Black reminds us that sympathy can go a long way before someone literally works themselves to death.
Whether you’re a medical professional or a complete novice like myself, Cells at Work! Code Black is another solid entry in the growing medium of anime edutainment. And if that didn’t pique your curiosity, this one has a boner episode!
Spring
Odd Taxi
Written by: Dark Aether
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life, Seinen
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Spoiler-free Synopsis: Hirosho Odokawa is a quiet man living an ordinary routine. Devoid of close relatives and rarely mingling with friends, he keeps to himself most days while working as a taxi driver. In a city that rarely sleeps with people always needing to be somewhere, you meet the oddest of creatures. For Odokowa, it is only the beginning when a series of unrelated conversations all point to a missing girl…
Why You Should Be Watching: From Beastars to BNA: Brand New Animal, animal-themed anime have become a staple in recent years. Rather than oversaturating the medium with the same tired clichés, they’ve helped stretch the imagination of what’s possible by creating new and exciting stories.
As the name implies, Odd Taxi is an unusual beast. It’s an anime original helmed by newcomers Baku Kinoshita (director) and Kazuya Konomoto (writer) stepping into an already stacked lineup of new and returning adaptations. It also has the distinct honor of being the most difficult show to classify, playing something more akin to Netflix and Adult Swim’s offerings than any recognizable anime I know. That’s because despite featuring a heavily inspired animal motif, Odd Taxi trades the whimsical and fantastical stylings of fantasy and action for something a little more down to earth.
While the story centers on walrus-man Odokawa and his nightly drives, he quickly finds himself wrapped up in the lives of his passengers and closest associates as the show teases a deeper, more intricate cover-up. Within the first few episodes, the series regularly places the spotlight on its anthropomorphic citizens, oftentimes spawning entire sub-stories ranging from comedic to bizarre. From an unemployed slacker seeking internet stardom to a comedic duo aiming for the big leagues to a wanted criminal seemingly looking for a lost item, Odd Taxi rarely lingers on one character or idea for too long. Every character’s decisions carry their own set of consequences as they find themselves spiraling downwards into a world they don’t fully comprehend.
You may have noticed by now how little I’ve mentioned the animalistic portion of the show. Oddly enough, the most appealing aspect of Odd Taxi has little to do with its zoological makeup, as it prefers to keep its cards close to its chest by emphasizing the underlying mystery and drama. Though it may appear underutilized, I think it highlights just how well written the central narrative is as I often found myself losing track of time while watching. It’s rare for a show to blend multiple genres, concepts, and points of view into one cohesive storyline, but Odd Taxi’s unique stable of characters continuously introduce new threads that interweave into one another without ever feeling out of place.
Like any good medium, animation has the power to craft different kinds of stories from all walks of life. Odd Taxi is no exception to this, taking the road less traveled and letting its passengers do the talking. Don’t let this taxi pass you by!
Summer
The Duke of Death and His Maid
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery, Drama
Where to Watch: Funimation
Spoiler-free Synopsis: “Can you imagine a life in which you could never touch the one you love?”
Such is the fate of one unfortunate soul who lost everything after being struck by a witch’s curse that kills all he touches. Forced into exile and abandoned by his family, this reclusive Duke finds a second chance in his faithful maid. But as their budding romance blossoms, reality sets in.
In search of a way to break the curse, they embark on a journey together. Will they find their happily ever after? Or will their love be forever out of reach?
Why You Should Be Watching: Though I’m regularly surrounded by a writer’s room filled with fans who have strong opinions on just about every romantic comedy imaginable, I think it’s safe to call it an acquired taste. Despite my lack of insight on the subgenre and its various flavors, some concepts are always universal: memorable characters, dynamic relationships, and compelling storytelling. These are but a few qualities I look for in these summaries, and for The Duke of Death and His Maid, it playfully dashed my expectations — before nearly killing me in the process!
As in many of the more recent romcoms that have been adapted to anime, Duke’s formula is less of a hypothetical “will they, won’t they” and more of a question of “when.” Cursed with the power to end the life of anything he touches, the titular Duke’s circumstances present a unique challenge in the often complex world of love stories — physical affection. Think of the many special moments with your loved ones: a handshake, a hug, a kiss. Now imagine never being able to experience that. Being robbed of the simple pleasures of touch, the Duke spends his days unable to physically reciprocate those tender moments, and it’s where Duke manages to find its own unique combination of chemistry and comedy in the main story.
Now, I should probably move on to the show’s other namesake. Despite the Duke’s gloomy expression and outbursts of doom (voiced by a busy Natsuki Hanae!), his attendant Alice (the spirited Ayumi Mano) plays the devoted servant and passionate-to-a-fault romantic interest. Though some may find the show’s initial flirting on the verge of sexual harassment — and I say this as someone who almost dropped the series — this is counterbalanced by not making it the focus or mean-spirited to the point where one character dominates as in similar titles. By quickly establishing where each party stands in the relationship at the beginning, Duke makes no question of their mutual love for each other as Alice slowly but surely drags the Duke from his reclusive shell into something resembling a genuine relationship.
Is The Duke of Death and His Maid the best non-teasing anime? Only time will tell, but from one grim but dapper individual to the other, there is no reason to fear this reaper’s touch. Plus, they can sing!
Fall
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 2)
Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Shonen, Action, Dark Fantasy, Strand-Type Anime
Why You Should Catch Up: In the wake of one of the biggest anime films of the year, to say Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s sequel has a lot riding on it would be putting it lightly. Let’s be real here: most of you here are probably looking for a release date on your preferred streaming service (or Toonami). But just in case you need a refresher or are new to the series, I’ve got you covered!
Set in the Taishō-era, Demon Slayer follows the young charcoal seller turned demon hunter Tanjiro Kamado and his kid sister Nezuko Kamado after their family is slaughtered and the latter is turned into a demon. Hoping to find a cure and the demons responsible for the murder of their family, they travel together seeking guidance from the mysterious Demon Slayer Corps. But as Tanjiro’s training progresses and Nezuko’s demonic instincts awaken, they get more than they bargained for when deadlier foes block their path. After some setbacks and a brief moment to regroup, they board a train where they meet someone who will light their way forward…
In a year that saw modern Shonen grow beyond mere action-based spectacles, Demon Slayer’s first season came at the right time back in 2019. As someone who spends far too much time waxing poetic on his favorite anime, its traditional format paired with a darker setting, a grounded main character and its distinct sense of style and aesthetic elevated the show beyond the pages of print. To say nothing of Ufotable’s breathtaking animation and its razor-sharp knowledge of the genre, it quickly rose to prominence within a short period.
Though the characters, world building and visuals are often highlighted, it may surprise you to hear Demon Slayer’s greatest strength is not in its redefining of the genre — as some often conflate — but rather its refinement. To that end, I can think of no greater example than the show’s signature expression of empathy. Whether it’s the love and compassion of family or simply grieving for the fallen or eternally damned, Demon Slayer’s first season pivoted its protagonist as kinder, gentler soul after tragedy befell his peaceful days. Looking ahead, it’ll be interesting to see how far season 2 can take this following Mugen Train’s conclusion.
Of course, there will be plenty of action to satiate the most blood-thirsty of fiends! Besides, isn’t that all a sequel really needs?
What You Need to Watch + Time to Catch Up:
· Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 1) — 26 episodes, about 10 hours
· Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train — about 2 hours
Where to Catch Up: Funimation (Season 1 + Mugen Train, Dub/Sub), Crunchyroll (Season 1, Sub only) & Netflix (Season 1)
Rumble Garanndoll
Genre(s): Mecha, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Where to Watch: Funimation
Spoiler-free Synopsis: In an alternate 2019, the once prosperous nation of Japan has been conquered by a parallel militaristic version of itself. Using their advanced tech and colossal “Garrans,” the invaders quickly cement their place as the new government, wiping away the nation’s former history, culture, and identity to install their one “true” Japan.
Ten years after the invasion, Hosomichi Kudō is a male hostess working to climb out of debt. He is seemingly uninterested in the past, the current war being waged, or other people. Kudō wanders aimlessly until the fight shows up at his front door in the form of a rag-tag team of otaku, misfits, and other assorted nerds who have watched far too much mecha anime. Coerced into joining the resistance, can this cynical playboy work past his demons and rekindle his former passion, or will his new comrades push him off the deep end and into greater debt?
When fantasy and truth collide, anything is possible!
Why You Should Be Watching: Since it was announced their next project would be entirely original, I’ve been eagerly waiting to see what Lerche was working on having produced several of my favorite anime in the last few years. Despite knowing next to nothing about their new title, to say this was my most anticipated project this season would be a massive understatement. Friends, I was beyond ecstatic! So much so, that when it finally came time to start writing this preview, only then did the reality of what I had signed up for start to sink in: What the hell is Rumble Garanndoll?
On paper, it’s a concept that should not exist. It pulls ideas from a multitude of shows (mecha, idols, sentai, military, you name it!), yet it’s all held together by much of the same glue found in Lerche’s previous works: strong characters brimming with personality and deep interpersonal relationships. Not unlike the way Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun played with occultic elements and playful romance, or how the latest season of Radiant re-examined the thin line between human and monster/hero and villain, Garanndoll takes the basic idea of “fantasy versus truth” as a starting point before expanding upon it in greater depth with each new character introduction.
Hosomichi, for example, is intentionally misplaced in the world of Garanndoll as the anti-Evangelion protagonist. Realistic to a fault, mature for his age, and unabashed about his views, his involvement in the story is equal parts satire and an introspective look at someone who grew up a little too quickly after falling in with the wrong crowd. Rin Akagi, on the other hand, plays the starry-eyed, superhero-obsessed partner with an equally strong sense of justice. Their initial friction and the inevitable resolution to the interpersonal conflict serve as an introduction for what’s to come later. Their relationship also conveys a surprisingly heartwarming message about pursuing one’s creative passions.
In a season already jam packed with excellent mech shows, Rumble Garanndoll stands out through its over the top self-awareness and lighthearted undertones celebrating the burning creativity of the medium. Sure, it may lack the dark and gritty human drama of 86, the awesome father-daughter dynamics of SAKUGAN, or whatever AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline is supposed to be, but its enthusiasm for all things pop culture, and obsession with the weirder side of fandom, is unrivaled. In today’s post-pandemic world, I think I speak for everyone in saying we could all use a little more fun these days.
Dark Aether is a writer/contributor for TAY and AniTAY. You can check his previous writings on TAY2, Medium, or follow him on Twitter @TheGrimAether. Not Dead Yet.
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