Top 3 Bishoujos of Winter 2013

3. Hibari (Senran Kagura)

I know, she had a fairly useless role in a fan-service anime, and is a fairly incompetent ninja that summons a giant rabbit to fight for her. So much for stealth and quick kills. Well, I'm not really judging her as a character in an anime, but for her design in the whole Senran Kagura franchise. Franchises like these banks almost entirely on character designs (and breasts sizes, for this one), and although I hate to admit it, I'm often sold. Hibari simply scored insanely high on the HHHNNNGGHHH factor.

Despite the franchise and her appearance, she only had a very modest size of B85! For an anime character, anyway.

2. Maou (Maoyuu Maou Yuusha)

Just look at the mass of fanart that came pouring out after Maoyuu started airing. I have no doubt it's because of her oversized pair of "useless meat" that kept bouncing and swinging around first episode, but I'll say it's also largely attributed to gap moé. What supposed to be a ugly, evil and powerful demon king turns out to be a voluptuous, intelligent and elegant lady. And she had a not-so-much-hidden flustered, shy and innocent side to her as well!

Now if she would stop wearing those ridiculous maternity dresses...

1. Kitashirakawa Tamako (Tamako Market)

Kyoani strikes again. Their characters dominate my list so much that it's almost unfair... but they're just doing what they do best. And they really had a knack at producing talent as well (Hirasawa Yui, Takanashi Rikka and Tamako's VA are all fairly inexperienced when assuming their role). Tamako's also proof that Kyoani can still be pretty creative when creating their moéblobs. Keep 'em coming!

Series Review: Tamako Market (10/10)

Instant Summary: A girl lives in a mochi shop in a shopping arcade.

Everyone knows what to expect from Tamako Market even before it aired. Kyoto Animation's on a roll and churning out the cute-girls-doing-cute-things anime ever since K-ON became a smashing success and that their moéblobs literally oozes money. Plus, Tamako Market is an original; meaning they had free reign to stuff moé into the show in any way and every way possible.

So is it a cheap strategy that banks on a recycled stereotype? Shockingly, not at all. The gargantuan budget allowed superb production quality and a fair amount of creativity as well; the moéblob of the season, Tamako, proved that there still could be something new for this archetype. She's bubbly, but not clumsy. She's energetic, but not loud. She's mellow, but not air-headed. She's friendly, but not insensitive. She could have carried the whole show by herself.

Not that she has to. There's also the ridiculous obese talking bird of royal heritage, which is half of what made the show so funny. There's also the friendliness and homeliness of the shopping arcade, Tamako's quirky friends, the childhood friend that has a crush on her, and the tsundere dad. I ended most episodes knowing that nothing important has actually happened, but those factors made sure I never had a boring time.

And while endings has always been a weakness of these plot-less titles, Tamako Market has managed to end things on a surprisingly enjoyable high note. If I had to complain about something, it would be that their pinafore-styled uniform made then look like elementary students. Maybe that's actually the intention?

Once again, KyoAni delivered. Damn it, man. They're setting the bar too high for me to enjoy the other stuff. Giving something like this a full score makes me look stupid, man, but even if I try, I can't see it deserves any lower.

Plot/Concept: KyoAni + Moéblob = Peanut Butter & Jelly.
Story Style: Energetic, bubbly, and fun.
Audio/Visual: Excellent
Value: 10

First Impressions: Tamako Market

Instant Summary: A girl lives in a mochi shop in a shopping arcade.

Every now and then, there's a title that will entertain you even without knowing what it's really about. And it usually only comes from Shaft or Kyoani. That's what Tamako Market feels like on first glance. And this isn't like K-On (not on first glance, anyway) where you will never expect a real plot. What should I expect in the next few episodes? Will I see some form of conflict arise within the shopping arcade, the school, or the characters? Or will it simply be a different kind of plot-less slice-of-life?

But I don't need answers, because Kyoani perfected the art of making you feel warm and fuzzy inside with 40 episodes + 1 movie of K-on. And being an anime original means they got free rein to exploit that ability as much as possible. In short, if you like the trend Kyoani is moving into lately, this is the best that it can get.

Or maybe it really isn't even that hard? Tamako always seems absurdly cutely no matter when you pause the anime. Maybe it's just about making character appealing 100% of the time.

Interestingly, Kyoani seems to have a knack at producing fresh VA talent. It happened with K-On, it happened with Chuunibyou, and now this? Maybe the end product of the voice acting relies more heavily on the studio than I thought?

Tamako Market easily became the most likable show, just like that. There aren't much I can tell you what the show is about, but I can tell you it'll be enjoyable.

Outlook: Mochi Umai!