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So what have been our top of everything in 2008?  Read on to find out!


 


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Rich:  Mushishi (Revelation Films)

One of the best anime series I've seen for quite some time, and one of the most original and engaging too.  Ginko's quiet quest to learn about Mushi and aid those afflicted or affected by them is a contemplative masterpiece with beautiful animation and music.  Every episode throws up a different challenge and carries a halcyon air of folk takes and a lost past.  There really is nothing quite like it, and it really is a must see.

Runner Up: Black Lagoon (MVM)
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Tom:  Death Note (Manga Entertainment)

Simply one of the most original and compelling series of the past few years, Death Note relies on suspense rather then action, to keep you glued to the screen.  Strong characters, plot twists galore and moral questions abound as you'll find yourself questioning the actions of the main character.  It really is a must. 

Runner Up:  FLCL (MVM)
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Ami-Chan:  The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Beez)

The hype for this series was massive in 2008; with people cosplaying the cast a year before the anime was even released, large adverts in Neo and a launch at the May Expo 2008.  This anime though was not just hype and nothing else.  It was hard not to fall in love with Haruhi, an unknowing god, who is bored and is looking for the strange and paranormal activity in her daily life.  The story, the art style, the music and even the dance will draw you in to watch this interesting and unique show.

Runner Up: Bleach (Manga Entertainment)
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Rich:  The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Manga Entertainment)

The unexpected highlight of the Sci-Fi London Anime Allnighter earlier this year, a well-told story that has a feel of a classic.  The film is hugely entertaining with everything from comedy to drama and romance combining with great characters and an intriguing premise.  Easily the best film of the year, and made even better because it came from nowhere and had very little hype.

Runner Up: Tales From Earthsea (Optimum Asia)
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Tom:  The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Manga Entertainment)

Despite having a simple title, this is by no means a simple film.  The complex story is told expertly and offers up comedy, romance and drama in equal terms.  It is also a proper feel-good film that is completely non-cheesy with superb animation and music throughout.  A modern anime classic. 

Runner Up: Vexille (Anchor Bay) 

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Rich:  D.Gray-Man (VIZ Media)

After an average start this series has really grabbed me and dragged me into Allen Walker's battle against the Millennium Earl.  There's plenty of action and drama as you'd expect from a Shonen Jump title, but there's also an intriguing story and great characters.  The art is excellent and there is a refreshing horror element to proceedings and an unexpected unpredictability that really draws you in, excellent!

Runner Up: Naruto (VIZ Media)
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Tom:  Dragonball Z (VIZ Media)

It may be old but it got an official UK release in 2008, so it is eligible for this feature.  Dragonball Z has often been imitated but never bettered in my opinion, concentrating purely on solid action throughout as the Z Warriors fight ever-more powerful enemies.  The manga is superior to the anime also, with far less filler.  Classic. 

Runner Up: D.Gray Man (VIZ Media)

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Ami-Chan:  Nana (VIZ Media)

Nana is a fascinating story which is completely different from any other Shojo title I've read previously.  It tells the story of two girls who share the same name and both travel to Tokyo.  However, this is where the similarities end as they both have very different aspirations and dreams.  What made me like this manga was its overall adult feel to it, as you see the characters ups and downs as they try to take steps to achieve their dreams.

Runner Up: The Gentleman's Alliance Cross (VIZ Media)
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Rich:  Alcon

A vast improvement on last year, and, despite some niggles about the size of the dealers room, a near flawlessly run and enjoyable convention.  The general facilities were excellent and the variety of activities and panels was unrivalled by any other event I attended.  The prices were the most reasonable of any anime event in 2008 and it even upstaged the bigger Amecon in my opinion.

Runner Up: Sci-Fi London Anime Allnighter
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Tom:  Alcon

Although Alcon 2007 was hindered by a number of issues, all these issues were solved for Alcon 2008.  Friendly, fun and completely welcoming to newcomers, this convention demonstrated everything a con should be.  Everything ran on time, the committee were always on hand and the bar was always open for partying.  Brilliant. 

Runner Up:  Amecon

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Ami-Chan:  Amecon

This event was good from start to finish, from the opening ceremony on the Friday to the ball on the Sunday.  Amecon was the biggest convention of 2008, and as this was the case it was an excellent opportunity to meet new people.  A variety of events were provided on the weekend from games to cosplay to anime.  The on-site facilities were good and although the cost of the event was higher than conventions such as Alcon it still provided excellent value for money.

Runner Up:  Alcon
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Rich:  Neon Martian

Friendly and knowledgeable, with a huge variety of superb goods on offer, Neon Martian have probably taken more of my hard-earned money than any other UK anime retailer this year.  Their selection of goods has been pretty much unrivalled by any other UK retailer, and they really have their finger on the pulse of what people want.  It was very close-run with Genki Gear, but Neon Martian have Pocky!

Runner Up: Genki Gear
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Tom:  Neon Martian

With the latest figures always to hand, Neon Martian is always guaranteed to have merchandise from your newest favourite series, be it Soul Eater, Lucky Star or Code Geass.  They also stock a great range of One Piece and Hello Kitty products, as well as the most extensive range of Pocky at every event they attend.  They have very reasonable prices, an excellent selling point given the credit crunch! 

Runner Up: Genki Gear
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Ami-Chan:  Genki Gear

What is there not to like about Genki Gear?  Their T-shirts are not only brilliant in design but also in quality.  They are also big supporters of the UK anime industry by trying to attend every event that they can across the country.  Phil and Lydia are friendly faces at events and are happy to talk to people.  Recently they have been supporting many new events, such as becoming one of the sponsors of the Grand International Cosplay Ball.

Runner Up: Neon Martian
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And that's it!  Now we're just getting our con registrations in and steeling ourselves for what 2009 might bring, hopefully it won't be so tumultuous as this year...
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