No actual ranking this time, I’m afraid. Sadly, there wasn’t much time for anime this summer, so we’re not watching many shows, but here’s the list. I can tell you each of these anime (except Love All Play) took turns impressing me and also not impressing me. Ultimately, I cannot pick any clear favourites among them.

THE NEW SHOWS

Engage Kiss

Really wasn’t impressed with the deadbeat hero, Shu, at first, but the characters grew on me and the love that went into the writing of the show was clearly apparent. Engage Kiss recognizes how ridiculous it is, and really brings out the comedy of its setup.

Can’t call it love, but out of these summer shows, this one is the most likely to leave a lasting impression.

Streaming at Crunchyroll

Lycoris Recoil

Streaming at Crunchyroll

CALL OF THE NIGHT

Started out strong, loads of charisma, plus I like vampire stories. I didn’t even care that all the characters are cross-eyed. But then hanging out at night, every night, started to lose its novelty.

THE SEQUELS / CONTINUING SHOWS

Summer Time Rendering (Summertime Render)

SHADOWS HOUSE S2

I was a bit bored and overwhelmed by all the new characters at first, but once Kate took the helm, the mystery aspect came to the forefront, and the show had no trouble holding my attention since then.

Streaming at Crunchyroll

Classroom of the Elite II

Streaming at Crunchyroll

Love All Play

Streaming at Crunchyroll

We also started BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (on Netflix).  The 80s metal references and self-aware chuunibyou-ness clicked with me.  But I haven’t found time to follow up with it beyond the first 2 episodes.

Made in Abyss season 2 aired as well. I would have watched, but I’ve been feeling exhausted and fragile lately, and if it’s anything near as heavy as the first season, I don’t think I could handle that right now.