Although many mainstream anime debuted in the 1990s and after 2000, it would be unwise to say that there weren't any extraordinary shows coming out in 2010. For example, the genre-changing series of magical girls Puella Magi Madoka Magica has completely deconstructed the genre itself as fans know it, and every fan has been dreading any seemingly sweet magical girl series since its premiere. Meanwhile, various popular shōnen such as My Hero Academiathey still remain very popular due to their overall heritage.
Naturally, anime of all genres debuted during the 2010s, though not all of them would maintain the same popularity they had during their debut. For example, shows like K-He! indeed helped popularize shows revolving around the energetic yet cozy adventures of groups of friends, but the show has since lost some of its glory. Meanwhile, it turns out to be Squid Girl they remained rather underrated during their run, but actually covered even more popular franchises that even the staunchest of video game fans may never have heard of.
K-He! He's goofy, funny and sweet
A group of girls decided to start their own band
Easy-going Yui Hirasawa tends to focus on one thing in particular for a while before getting distracted by something else. A fan of anything cute and fun, she is intrigued by the idea of joining the Light Music Club at her new high school, even though the only instrument she can play is the castanets. Fortunately, two other new members, student bassist Mio Akiyama and passionate drummer Ritsu Tainaka, support the aspiring musician as she works hard to play her new electric guitar correctly, a display of passion that surprises her childhood friend and sister. Much to the shock of the more experienced musicians in the club (especially serious guitarist Azusa Nakano), Yui actually has perfect pitch.
During their time at school, the Light Music Club (later known by the band name “Ho-kago Tea Time”) became better known for their upbeat and upbeat music. Girls don't always focus on their music because they tend to get distracted by other things going on in their lives. Regardless of what the members of Ho-kago Tea Time choose to focus on, however, audiences are sure to laugh at their misadventures and boundless energy. 2010's popular feel-good show, K-He! is still popular among slice-of-life anime fans.
Squid Girl used to work with Splatoon
An alien living in the ocean can't scare humanity
Disturbed by how humanity has polluted her beloved ocean home, an unusual girl with tentacles instead of hair emerges from the sea and finds herself on a popular beach. In revenge for humanity's pollution of the sea, this ocean-dwelling girl who calls herself “Squid Girl” attempts to take over the world. Unfortunately for the protagonist, he damages the Lemon Beach House seaside restaurant instead. Fearful of the usually calm manager's menacing aura, Squid Girl finds herself working as a waitress to pay for the restaurant's damages.
Much to the surprise of her new co-workers, Squid Girl has many other awesome superpowers, from the ability to glow in the dark to the ability to regenerate lost tentacles (as well as the rather awkward ability to spit ink). Unfortunately for Squid Girl, her next attempts to try to take over the world usually result in chaos, much to the anger of co-manager Eiko Aizawa. Although it was a rather lesser known series during its debut, Squid Girl is still a very funny and very entertaining slice of life with a unique fantasy twist. In fact, the Squid Girl inspired costume brand was once available in the original Splatoon game.
The Tatami Galaxy is one of Masaaki Yuasa's best anime
A college student navigates the what-ifs of his life
Famous anime director Masaaki Yuasa is known for a number of high-energy anime series from passionate Hands off Eizouken! to the extraordinary Inu-Oh. However, the work that remains a cult classic among many anime fans is Tatami Galaxyseries based on the novel of the same name by Tomihiko Morimi. In the anime, an unnamed college student at Kyoto University gains the ability to travel through parallel universes. With this ability, he is able to see what would have become of his last two years of school if he had joined different social circles.
In these parallel universes, a mysterious student named Akashi often appears, with whom the protagonist often falls in love. However, she is often cold towards him in return, yet seems to be attracted to her classmate at the same time. With mind-blowing style and extraordinary animation, Tatami Galaxy is both an introspective character study and a unique fantasy story. Sequel Series, The Tatami Time Machine Bluesis available to stream on Hulu.
Snow White with Red Hair deconstructs the classic fairy tale
A young herbalist sets out to create her own destiny
Everyone knows the classic fairy tale Snow Whiterevolving around the titular princess, a poisoned apple that nearly ends her life, and a prince who arrives to save her from a spell. Shojo anime though Snow White with red hair takes a different approach, mainly because its narrative is only loosely based on the original fairy tale. Thoughtful herbalist Shirayuki is famous in her kingdom for her extraordinary bright red hair, so much so that the king of the kingdom wants her to be his newest concubine. Repulsed, Shirayuki cuts her hair and travels to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines, hoping to continue her studies as an herbalist in her new home.
During her journey, Shirayuki meets a friendly but mysterious young man named Zen, who turns out to be the second Prince Clarines. After the first episode, Snow White with Red Hair becomes independent from the original Snow White fairy tale and instead becomes a story about two good friends who support each other with their dreams no matter what. However, as time passes, a sweet romance begins to blossom between Shirayuki and Zen. With a beautiful soundtrack and stunning animation by Bones, Snow White with red hair is an amazing romance anime for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the medium.
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HeartCatch PreCure! It is one of the most visually stunning Pretty Cure Shows
Yoshihiko Umakoshi served as lead character designer
Since the early 2000s, quite cute franchise has spawned several beloved magical girls, adorable mascots, and just plain fun animated seasons revolving around a group of superheroines known as the Pretty Cures (or PreCures). However, their most visually unique season remains HeartCatch PreCurewith flowers, fashion and music as the main themes. Hoping to make the most of her new school life, shy Tsubomi Hanasaki meets her opposite in the endlessly energetic Erika Kurumi, who makes her join the Fashion Club instead of the Gardening Club she intended to join. The two girls are soon chosen to become the newest PreCures, Cure Blossom and Cure Marine, after meeting the fairies Chypre and Coffret.
According to their new adorable mascot friends, the magical heart tree has weakened thanks to the desert apostles defeating the powerful Cure Moonlight. If Cure Blossom and Cure Marine don't race against time, the Heart Tree may dry up for good and the Desert Apostles will continue to turn people into monsters. HeartCatch PreCure remained widely discussed in the PreCure fandom not only due to the designs done by Yoshihiko Umakoshi and the overall energy of the show, but also the surprisingly dark narrative. Like the others PreCure season, HeartCatch PreCure remains underappreciated compared to other magical girl anime, but for a long time PreCure fans, it's a series worth celebrating even today.
Durarara!! It is a supernatural story with intertwined destinies
The legend of the “Black Rider” follows the newcomers of the town
Across a variety of mediums, the urban fantasy genre is one that many creators love to work with, as well as many fans love to learn more about. The genre often revolves around a world with prominent supernatural themes, all in a city similar to real-world locations. Action series Durarara!! it is also part of the urban fantasy genre as well as the thriller/suspense genre for its engaging story. At the beginning of the anime, it begins with the protagonist Mikado Ryūgamine moving to Ikebukuro with his childhood friend Masaomi Kidou after dreaming of living in the big city.
Soon Mikado learns about the “Black Rider”, a mysterious woman who is actually a dullahan named Celty Sturluson. Because her head was stolen, she now works as a courier in Ikebukuro, seeing the lives of people around the city. Durarara!! focuses on several different characters besides Celty and Mikado, each with their own goal of staying in the city even as violent events become more common. Fans and critics alike adored the series when it first aired, praising it for its twists and turns that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Noragami has a truly memorable cast of characters
Anime fans definitely need to continue with the manga
Based on the wonderful manga by Adachitoka, noragami takes place in the town where teenager Hiyori Iki lives with her family. Hailing from a well-to-do family, Hiyori tries to look like a lady, so she hides her secret love for martial arts from her parents. However, her bravery changes her life forever after she saves a mysterious young man from being hit by a bus. As a result of the accident, Hiyori becomes half-human, half-ghost, with her soul often “falling out” of her body at random times, causing her to fall asleep.
Hiyori later learns that the young man she saved is actually the minor god Yato, who will take on any task for five yen. After paying five yen herself, Yato vows to find a way to cure Hiyori's dilemma, but their mission is often thwarted by the many supernatural events that occur in the city, especially with the existence of corrupted spirits that pose a threat to both the living and the dead. Meanwhile, the discovery of a young ghost named Yukine complicates things, while Hiyori learns about Yato's checkered past. noragami is truly something special, with beautiful animation from Bones, an unforgettable soundtrack, and an energetic cast of characters. As the manga goes far beyond the anime and becomes even more intense, those who loved the anime will surely be left in awe of the following chapters.
