Time for a new series on the best of the rest. I have taken a look at anime from the past five years and chosen a singular title from each year. This anime will not be the best of that year, that is a whole other can of worms. No, this will be about the best anime that are overlooked. Often not because they are particularly bad, but because there are better, more exciting anime out around the same time. I'm not saying the anime I choose are must watch material and you should see it immediately. Just if you don't see much that interests you right now, go and give it a try.
So, my pick for Best of the Rest '09 is...
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun aka A Certain Scientific Railgun
This series is a spin-off of the "A Certain Magical Index" series and by J.C. Staff.
The show is set in Academy City. A City where there is a high population of "Espers". An Esper is someone who has a special ability ranking from level 0-5. The main character Makoto Misaka is a level 5 and has control over electricity. Espers only have the one ability, but that one ability can be used in creative ways depending on the person. It feels like a slice of life, just with the Esper thing for some drama and action throughout. They imply they develop their powers at the school they attend, but never(or rarely) show them actually going to class.
Why choose this? Well, I considered Bakemonogatari but I think most know about it by now, if not go see it. Seriously, this can wait...
...Now where was I... ah, I remember. I also considered Corpse Princess, but the show is hard to recommend. Good fights and good ideas, but bad execution and some in your face fan service kill it. Since Railgun is a spin-off some might write it off as not worth the watch. Perhaps even watch the main series instead and skip this. I'd say that would be a mistake. Railgun is better than the main series and it's not even close. The characters and the plot are well balanced between action, comedy, and emotion. I name it the Best of the Rest '09.
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