Top 10 anime series to watch in 2014

The latest batch of new anime series of 2014 from Japan has hit the airwaves, and there are lots of new shows to choose from. From action and comedy to sci-fi and psychological drama, anime fans are spoilt for choice. Here are the top 10 anime series of Spring 2014 that I'll be watching this season.

Black Bullet

Animation: Kinema Citrus

Genre: Action, adventure, supernatural

Synopsis: In the near future, the world has been ravaged by a deadly and contagious virus known as Gastrea, which transforms its host into mutant beast. But mankind has managed to keep the virus at bay by using Civil Security Companies that contract a Promoter/Initiator combo: the Promoter oversees battle logistics, while the Initiator fights the mutated Gastrea monsters.

Why it’s awesome: Infected superhuman young girls who are also tasked with saving humanity in a post-apocalyptic world? Now that’s a show I’m willing to watch. The action in Black Bullet is fast and frantic, and I like the dynamic between the two main characters, especially the young Initiator girl Enju who manages to be adorable without being annoying.

Mekaku City Actors

Animation: SHAFT

Genre: Action, supernatural

Synopsis: An 18-year-old unemployed loner finds himself joining a group of teenagers with unusual eye-related powers after successfully thwarting a terrorist attack with his cyber companion.

Why it’s awesome: Mekaku City Actors is based on a Vocaloid song series but even if you don’t know anything about its original source (like me), there’s still a lot of appeal with the series’ cinematography and striking usage of different art styles. Even if you’re not a fan of studio SHAFT’s visual flairs, Mekaku City Actors still manages to intrigue with its cool-looking cast of characters and great music.

Isshuukan Friends

Animation: Brains Base

Genre: Romance, school-life

Synopsis: High schooler Yuki Hase wants to befriend his classmate, Kaori Fujimiya. However, he finds out that she loses her memories of her friends each Monday. Nonetheless, he remains undaunted by her condition, and still attempts to be her friend every week.

Why it’s awesome: I love the warm color palettes and character designs in this show; it reminds me a lot of the equally adorable series Usagi Drop. The gentle humor and amusing interaction between its characters lightens the series’ otherwise sad premise, and I’m a sucker for good drama. This is one series I’ll definitely be watching every week.

Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou

Animation: Brains Base

Genre: School-life, romance

Synopsis: A young high school student moves into a boarding house, only to find that it is not only populated by eccentric and perverted characters but also a quiet, literature-loving girl who he happens to have a crush on.

Why it’s awesome: I’m a sucker for a good romance-comedy series, and Kawaisou nicely fits the bill. You have a house filled with whacky characters, and a guy trying to win the heart of an emotionally closed off girl. Throw in great comedy timing and beautiful animation, and you have a winning combination with Kawaisou.

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Animation: Madhouse

Genre: Sci-fi, supernatural

Synopsis: Several years after the end of World War III, the world has become a place where magic is common and learned in schools. Magic users are divided into two groups: honor students and underachievers. Students Shiba Miyuki and Shiba Tatsuya have been designated accordingly, and must now navigate their new life.

Why it’s awesome: Admittedly, the first couple episodes of Rettousei felt a little slow but at the same time, it still manages to capture my interest because of its main character, who is stoic and a lot more powerful than he lets on. The inequality in treatment between the two groups are setting up for a juicy confrontation, while the main character’s war-torn background hints that larger things may be at stake here.

Selector Infected WIXOSS

Animation: J.C. Staff

Genre: Psychological

Synopsis: A new card game called WIXOSS is sweeping the nation among teenagers and celebrities. Among them are a group of people known as “Selectors”, who are able to use special cards that have a will of their own. As the Selectors do battle in an alternate dimension with their cards in order to fulfil their deepest desires, the game starts to take a dangerous turn.

Why it’s awesome: Young girls engaging in card battles that may or may not grant their deepest, darkest desires? Yeap, this new series sounds as twisted as it seems. There’s a slight undercurrent of darkness throughout WIXOSS, which will likely come to surface once we become more invested in the main characters.

No Game No Life

Animation: Madhouse

Genre: Adventure, fantasy

Synopsis: A pair of NEET siblings highly proficient at games find themselves transported to a world where everything is decided by games - even national borders.

Why it’s awesome: The first thing that grabs you in No Game No Life is just how colorful it is, from its character designs and world. The first episode did a great job in introducing the world and the siblings’ amazing gaming skills, and it was a lot of fun watching them win when they turned the tables on a cheater. Gorgeous animation and an intriguing premise seals the deal.

Captain Earth

Animation: BONES

Genre: Adventure, sci-fi, mecha

Synopsis: During his summer vacation, a young high school student named Daichi finds himself drawn towards the island of Tanegashima after seeing a mysterious rainbow over the skies. His summer vacation is interrupted when he finds himself in front of a giant robot known as the “Earth Engine”, and is forced to battle against mysterious mechanical life forms threatening his home planet.

Why it’s awesome: The early episodes of Captain Earth is a throwback to many classic mecha anime TV series - a young boy is thrust into a piloting a powerful mecha because of a desperate situation, and he is possibly the only hope that Earth has to protect itself from invaders. Studio BONES’ quality animation shines through once more in Captain Earth, and the main character’s optimistic and plucky attitude towards his friends are strangely appealing.

Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin

Animation: A-1 Pictures

Genre: Mystery, supernatural

Synopsis: High school student Yama Juugo transfers to a high school on an artificial island. But when he moved into his apartment, he finds that he has an unwanted occupant - a ghost named Nanana. In order to find her murderer, Juugo decides to help her find pieces of the “Nanana Collection”, items with mysterious powers now scattered around the island. But he soon discovers that he isn’t the only one looking for the Nanana’s treasures.

Why it’s awesome: This was easily one of the most anticipated series of this season and it’s not hard to see why. Fluid animation, beautiful character designs (Nanana has really lovely eyes), quirky characters, and an intriguing plot that combines adventure with a treasure hunt and a murder mystery. Imagine a light-hearted Indiana Jones, along with a dash of the supernatural and you get Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin.

Sidonia no Kishi

Animation: Polygon Pictures

Genre: Action, adventure, sci-fi

Synopsis: In the distant future, humanity now live on ships following the solar system’s destruction by the aliens known as Gauna. Some members of the genetically engineered population are drafted into the military. Sidonia focuses on a new pilot named Tanikaze Nagate, who must now fight against the Guana threat with a legendary mecha.

Why it’s awesome: Don’t like Captain Earth’s colorful and cheery disposition? Prefer a sci-fi series that’s more gritty and mature? Then you might want to take a look at Sidonia. Don’t let Sidonia’s 3D CG animation put you off - the battle animation is excellent, and the 3D CG befits the mature-looking character and mecha designs.

Don't agree with my list? Think there are other anime shows that we should have included? Shout out in the comments below and prove me wrong!

This article was first published on IGN Asia.