My Favourite One Season Anime

I think of the day before I started watching anime, when I had a life, and I can't fathom how I was completely oblivious to so many amazing series. The amount of anime selection is practically limitless, there is something for EVERYONE. 

Recently, I've started watching one season anime- at first I was hesitant, knowing that I'd probably get borderline obsessed and be pretty upset at whatever ending I get. Nonetheless, I gave it a shot and I was right...it sucks when the story ends, most of the time it's not a concrete ending and I'm left trying to find OVAs, movies or spinoffs to find closure. 

In my attempt to binge watch as many shows as possible, I've found some pretty great gems that I think are worth a watch and re-watch. Here are my five favourite one season anime: 

1. Future Diary (2012) |  Creepy, intense, gory and explicit- this is probably the most adult anime I have watched to date. The characters have really interesting and depressing back stories, the plot is crazy and thrilling, and you'll never know what's going to happen next. If you enjoy watching messed up love, psychological thrillers and loss of morality- you'll enjoy this 26 episode anime. 
2. In Search of the Lost Future (2014) | Captivating, romantic and sad- this anime almost made me cry. The story begins slow and appears lacking, but as the show progresses it develops into something so sweet and interesting. This is the only show that ended right- no strings left untied and all questions answered. If you enjoy watching time travel, mystery and tear-jerkers- you'll enjoy this 12 episode anime. 
3. Guilty Crown (2011) | Thought provoking, sweet, futuristic and romantic- this anime had me hooked by the intro alone. The character development is outstanding and the fight scenes are spectacular- you are on an emotional rollercoaster most of the time, loving and hating characters in the blink of an eye. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic, sci-fi and futuristic adventures- you'll enjoy this 22 episode anime. 
4. Beyond the Boundary (2013) | Cute, supernatural and silly- this anime had many "aww" moments. It was very interesting to watch the mix of badass fight scenes with witty flirting and humour, it made the story line light while keeping it engaging. If you enjoy sacrificial love, demons and girl power- you'll enjoy this 12 episode anime. 
5. Ouran Host Club (2006) | Adorable, humorous and refreshing- this is one of the shows that I ended up re-watching because it's so good. There is romance, love triangles, flirting and regular harem stuff but the story is so much more- each character has a unique back story, the episodes are pretty much standalone and the female lead is groundbreaking. If you enjoy hilarious outfits, satyrs and strong female characters- you'll love this 26 episode anime. 

What are your favourite one season anime? Did any make my list? What should I watch next? Comment below with your top picks and suggestions. 

xo, 

Natalie 

The Power of Labels

Assigning labels and stereotypes is harmful in so many ways; it makes a person loose sight of who they strive to be and in turn, are moulded as others wish to see them. We try so hard to live up to these expectation and fit these labels, forgetting that it doesn't really matter how outsiders see you- people who are truly close to you, will know that you are much more than just intelligent, charming, sarcastic, fit, geeky, beautiful. You are not just ONE thing. 

Labelling starts during our pre-teens; young children don't care about how you look, they play and talk to everyone the same. The exclusion develops as we are exposed to media, the underrepresentation of certain groups and the bullying that arises from it. It's easier to fit a certain mould and stay stuck, than trying to step out of it and suffer alienation.

We tell kids that they should be inclusive, not judge others by how they look, but stereotyping is very much present in adulthood. Most of us don't fully understand what it means to be kind, regardless of there being something in it for us. We forget that we are allowed and can have more than one layer to our being. Those moments of ignorance, that's what the young adolescent mind hears and the cycle begins again. 

To me, it's simple. People are different. I, for example, would be described as a girly girl: likes getting dolled up, cares about their appearance and may not be the brightest or most athletic girl around. WRONG, as I may fit into some of those descriptions- I, like everyone else, am so much more. 

I do not like sports, I hated most of grade nine gym. I do care about my appearance, not because I'll get complimented but because getting dolled up and doing my hair nicely is something I do for myself. I don't need my "other face" to go out, because I feel just as confident without it. I dislike romantic movies, I enjoy a good horror film and anything Tim Burton, Superhero, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars -esque. I watch anime, Doctor Who, Jane the Virgin, Shadowhunters and How to get Away with Murder. I love reading, writing, dancing and learning new things. I am and like many things- some may fit with how I look, others may really surprise you but it doesn't matter. I strive to be a good person, I try to spread kindness and that's all anyone should care about. 

Labels are unnecessary, they have no use in our society. We should care about people's actions toward becoming a good human being. We should look for and encourage random acts of kindness and empathy- how you look, talk or do things don't matter. 

You are an intricate being, don't limit yourself to please others.

xo,

Natalie