Overhated Anime – Investment Policy

As an anime enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the vast landscape of around 150 new anime series that emerge each year. It’s only natural that some shows capture more hearts than others, making them stand out like exceptional gems in a box filled with treasures. Titles such as “Takopi’s Original Sin,” “Cowboy Bebop,” “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood,” “Fruits Basket,” and “Your Lie in April” are just a few examples of the masterpieces that have earned widespread acclaim.

However, it’s important to remember that not every anime can reach such heights. Many series must find their place as seasonal calendar fillers, offering enjoyable entertainment for a couple of months at a time. This is by no means a shortcoming; in fact, the anime industry thrives on these types of releases, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting to look forward to.

Sometimes, an anime emerges that sparks widespread criticism on the internet. These series are frequently seen as public adversaries, and conversations often focus more on their flaws rather than their merits. They might have been excessively hyped, poorly executed, or tackled sensitive subjects inadequately; whatever the case may be, these anime are often heavily criticized. Sometimes, a negative reputation is warranted, but there are instances when a show receives an unduly harsh response. Let’s examine some anime that are unfairly criticized.

To set the record straight, I’m not implying that you’re in error for disliking these anime, nor am I suggesting they are hidden gems. The truth is, many upcoming series tend to polarize opinions, and often, their negative reception can be traced back to certain aspects of their background or specific episodes. Nevertheless, it’s worth pointing out the numerous merits they possess that warrant attention.

Sword Art Online

The Most Hated Isekai Anime Of All Time…But SAO, At Times, Is One Of The Theme’s Best Shows

To put it simply, while I could have referred to all isekai anime in my previous statement, it’s mainly the excessive popularity that tarnishes its image rather than dislike for particular shows. Even acclaimed series like “Re:ZERO” and “Mushoku Tensei” receive more criticism than lesser-known ones. The term ‘isekai’ has taken on a negative or positive connotation, depending on one’s perspective. I’ve watched plenty of isekai anime and found much enjoyment in many of them.

To put it simply, “Sword Art Online” stands out in its own unique way. It wasn’t the initial isekai anime, but it significantly boosted the popularity of this genre, ushering in over a decade of stories featuring protagonists with black hair embarking on fantastic journeys or finding themselves trapped within games. The success of “Sword Art Online” can’t be held accountable for titles like “The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar” and “Endride,” but if its story hadn’t been so commercially successful, those anime likely wouldn’t have been made. On the flip side, if “Sword Art Online” had flopped, we may never have seen the likes of “Reincarnated as a Sword,” “Tsukimichi,” or “KonoSuba.

SAO Wastes Some Of Its Potential, But Not All Of It

The impact of SAO‘s popularity on the entertainment industry has sparked debate, but the series itself often draws criticism and is frequently linked to unfulfilled promise. Despite having one of the most captivating opening episodes ever made, which effectively establishes the high stakes, Aincrad World, and game rules, SAO‘s story gradually shifts into a romantic tale between Kirito and Asuna, infusing daily life aspects as they attempt to create a home within their unchosen reality. Approximately 14 episodes in, the anime concludes its initial arc, freeing the characters from the game they were confined to. Subsequently, SAO explores various other games, with each subsequent saga grappling to meet the expectations set by Aincrad.

Is it possible that Sword Art Online could have been improved? Absolutely, there are several areas where it could have been refined. For instance, the narrative occasionally lacks consistency, and some sensitive topics like assault are perhaps not handled appropriately. The characters Kirito and Asuna could have spent more quality time together following the initial story arc, and the inclusion of a harem for Kirito feels unnecessary. The Fairy Dance arc, which follows Aincrad, is often criticized for slowing down the series’ pace significantly, while season 2’s Phantom Bullet takes some time to find its rhythm (although it may not be as poorly received as people think). By the time Alicization was released, Sword Art Online had lost much of its mainstream popularity, with many viewers being die-hard fans.

In several aspects within the isekai genre, Sword Art Online stands out as one of the finest. Unlike many of its contemporaries, SAO boasts high-quality production values, with fight scenes that, at minimum, deliver consistent entertainment. Despite some flaws and a lack of logical coherence, the games/worlds are engaging and enjoyable to traverse, and they change often to prevent monotony. To top it off, the arc named Alicization is considered the best in the series, and it encompasses roughly half of SAO‘s total run.

Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie

Swallowed By Marin’s All-Consuming Shadow

In essence, excessive hype can be beneficial initially, as it sets a show off to a strong start. However, if the reality fails to meet expectations, the consequences can be harsh and damaging, potentially leading a series to become notorious. The anime “My Deer Friend Nokotan” serves as a recent illustration of this phenomenon. Interestingly, the 2024 series played a significant role in shaping this response by releasing a trailer that didn’t accurately reflect its overall humor content.

In the vibrant world of anime, I found myself observing an interesting phenomenon – the unforeseen consequences of timing and audience preferences. A prime illustration of this effect is the series titled “Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie,” which made its debut in Spring 2022, following closely on the heels of “My Dress-Up Darling.” The latter’s captivating character, Marin, had swept the community off their feet, earning the title of the ultimate waifu.

As the first season of “My Dress-Up Darling” drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The audience yearned for a new protagonist to fill the void left by Marin, and “Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie,” with its leading lady Miyako Shikimori, was thrust into the limelight as the potential savior from Marin withdrawal.

Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie Is Not My Dress-Up Darling, And That Is OK

These anime titles, Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie and My Dress-Up Darling, though they share similarities in their main characters being timid males with confident females, are fundamentally distinct from one another. The personalities of Shikimori and Marin differ significantly, as do those of Izumi and Gojou.

The animated series titled Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie presents a simple narrative about life, focusing on a pre-established couple whose reasons for being together are beautifully emphasized. While Izumi and Shikimori are central characters, their friends form an equally significant part of the ensemble cast. Most episodes lack suspense and instead deliver heartwarming moments that border on the tranquil healing genre, iyashikei.

Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie is a sweet slice-of-life anime about an established couple and their friends. The story often showcases tender moments rather than building tension, creating an overall peaceful and soothing viewing experience.

To put it frankly, I sometimes find Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie a bit lacking in excitement. However, let me clarify that it was never intended to be like My Dress-Up Darling, and it doesn’t deserve criticism for factors outside of its own control.

Future Diary

Are You Not Entertained (By Yuno Gasai)?

In a contrast to other frequently criticized anime, the series “Future Diary” was generally appreciated during its premiere. However, over time, as months turned into years, its positive aspects seemed to diminish, while its drawbacks became more noticeable. At some point, discussions about this show often centered around disappointing anime or characters with frustrating personalities, giving it a reputation tied to its downfalls rather than its merits. Yuno Gasai has generally retained a decent reputation, but she is also recognized as the symbol of the yandere archetype, which can be quite polarizing since there aren’t many outstanding characters in this category.

In simpler terms, Future Diary revolves around a fierce competition where contestants with special abilities vie for the title of a new deity. One of these contenders is Yuki, and he’s frequently aided by a girl who appears to harbor strong feelings for him.

Yuki Sucks, But Future Diary Does Not

I won’t falsely claim that Yuki from Future Diary is a highly underrated male protagonist who isn’t gratingly annoying; quite the contrary, he’s often seen as a weakness of the series. His indecisiveness and lack of charm can indeed make the narrative less engaging. However, Yuki doesn’t single-handedly ruin the show, and his character dynamic with Yuno is intriguing.

Yuno, on the other hand, remains the most captivating yander girl to date, offering far more complexity than what one might expect from this archetype. She’s fragile yet fearsome, scared yet dangerous, yearning for love but masking it with a terrifying exterior. Even after many years, she continues to be enigmatic and chilling.

In addition to Yukiteru’s main character in “Future Diary,” other characters like Aru also deserve recognition for their depth and entertainment value. Aru, in particular, is a standout supporting figure who matches the charm of the yandere queen. Essentially, this anime revolves around a group of overpowered teenagers seeking thrilling supernatural means to outdo each other – isn’t that at least somewhat engaging?

Domestic Girlfriend

Trash Anime Royalty

A Glimpse into ‘Domestic Girlfriend,’ an Anime Known for Treading Controversial Ground”

This 2019 anime series, “Domestic Girlfriend,” is notorious for making viewers squirm with its thought-provoking narrative. It’s seldom missing from discussions about the worst anime out there, and it’s easy to understand why. The plotline is as intriguing as it is scandalous, revolving around Natsuo who finds himself in a complex love triangle with his two sisters-to-be. One of these sisters is also his teacher, while the other has claimed his virginity. As such, “Domestic Girlfriend” can be described as an unapologetic exploration of taboo themes. The characters engage in dates, intimate moments, arguments, and struggles to reach their lowest points.

In a more casual and straightforward tone: “Domestic Girlfriend” isn’t your typical romance series that you can easily take seriously or find relatable. The characters often seem unlikable, but Rui might be the exception. Their actions don’t always align with conventional anime standards, which makes the story feel less predictable and more unconventional. Instead of a traditional romance, “Domestic Girlfriend” is a soap opera-like series that thrives on messy relationships and shock value. If you’re open to a story that delves into the gritty realities of relationships without sugarcoating them, then this anime might just be one of the best for you. It portrays romance not only between idealized characters but also shows its uglier, less flattering sides.

Also, Ditto For School Days

Without a doubt, “School Days” stands out as one of the most disliked anime, second only to “Domestic Girlfriend.” Both share a similar dark reputation. The series delves into dysfunctional relationships that are not only toxic but surpass the level of unhealthiness seen in Natsuo’s love life. The characters, particularly the male lead, are often found repulsive due to their abhorrent behavior. In fact, he might just be one of the most dislikable characters ever created. Moreover, the show’s notorious ending is infamous even among those who haven’t watched it.

To be frank, School Days is a bit too awful to be described as overhated, but it is never boring.

Black Clover

Trust Me, Black Clover Becomes Great… Just Persevere Through The First Few Episodes

To ponder over whether to mention “Black Clover” or not, I find myself torn due to its status as a battle shonen anime that is now widely recognized and anticipated for its sequel in 2026, which could potentially be one of the year’s biggest shows. Although it sometimes faces criticism for being just another battle shonen series, this type of debate surrounds any show that becomes extremely popular. For instance, “Demon Slayer,” “My Hero Academia,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” as well as classic titles like “Dragon Ball Z” and “Naruto” have all been labeled as overrated by some viewers, but they remain among the most beloved shows of all time.

Despite sharing similarities with other shonen series, Black Clover stands out due to its controversial start. When it first aired, many critics found Pierrot’s adaptation to be less than impressive, often criticizing Asta, the main character, for his overly dramatic dialogue delivery. To be fair, this wasn’t the only concern. Upon first glance, Black Clover appears to be a blatant amalgamation of popular shonen stories. Asta aspires to become the Wizard King, similar to One Piece’s Pirate King, and he has a rivalry with the exceptionally gifted Yuno, reminiscent of Naruto’s Sasuke. The setting utilizes a faction system, much like many shows, but particularly Fairy Tail, and the protagonist finds himself in a group of underdogs. The supporting characters are stereotypical to the point of feeling flat and predictable, with Noelle being an example of a typical tsundere character. Moreover, the action sequences were not initially well-received either.

Don’t Judge A Long-Running Anime By Its First Few Episodes

If you found yourself considering to abandon “Black Clover” after just a few initial episodes, I can understand why. The show’s initial impression might seem disappointing. However, it’s important to note that the storyline swiftly improves and eventually leads to one of the most impressive arcs in contemporary shonen manga (Elf Reincarnation Arc). Furthermore, aspects that seemed weak at first often developed into some of its most compelling features.

The relationship between Asta and Yuno turns out to be surprisingly inspiring and optimistic, and they truly become each other’s best friends. Noelle’s tsundere behavior can be annoying at times, but her character development is nothing short of remarkable, outshining many other series. All the main characters possess hidden facets that gradually unfold, despite their tendency to repeat certain jokes excessively. Asta’s voice acting improves over time, and thankfully, he learns to spare our eardrums from excessive volume. The second part of the show is filled with breathtaking battles as well.

2025-08-05 04:37