#21 A Centaur's Life!

     A Centaur's Life could fall under a few different genres, school life being the most prominent. It could also fall under comedy, slice of life, and monster girls. It focuses on our main character Himeno, or Hime, who's a centaur. We get to meet characters of different races and see how their society functions 'without prejudice.'

     A Centaur's Life has some subtle political undertones that we get to see in the first episode. The politics mostly focus on how the government pushes the equality between races and avoid 'hate crimes.' I'm glad that it's only addressed every once and awhile, otherwise it might alter the fun slice of life feel the show has going for it. (At the same time though, the undertones keep it from being just another monster girl school life anime.) If you want to check out some of the other undertones and or themes that both the manga and anime include, click here. (It's actually pretty cool to look at)

(just a side note I've also seen it translated to Centaur's Worries so if you're looking for that you're in the right place)


     One of the cool things about this show is how they address evolution and why their world ended up the way it is. Just like I said in the Made in Abyss post, I love learning about new worlds that stories introduce. It's awesome when the writers and animators take the time to explain the world the story takes place in. Although, I think A Centaur's Life takes place on an earth that's just evolved differently. (If you're confused this is all explained in the first episode.)

     Another great thing about this anime is that it shows you how the characters, who are different races, live depending on their differing sizes and limitations. For example, there are specific desks and cars made for centaurs. And there's a robot walking device made for mermaids. Usually in a monster girl anime or any anime that includes fantastical characters, it's never addressed how the society has to change in order to accommodate things like extra limbs or tails.

      One of the only problems I have with A Centaur's Life is the mermaids structure. As you can see, the tail starts much lower on the legs than a normal mermaid. I personally think it's disturbing to have a weird slit between the legs and then a tail. All of the other races look the way you would expect them to, except the mermaids. (Coincidence? I think not) 

     Another really great facet about the show is that the mermaids internal structure gets explained. There are a few other times where the structures of the different races are explained and we get to really understand the races themselves, instead of just accepting the characters as being fantastical. For example, in one of the episodes Hime explains why centaurs have to stay at a certain weight. (You're going to have to watch it to find out why)

     

     A Centaur's Life also includes a gay couple, which is fantastic! Especially since they're given actual personalities and aren't just there for extra fluff. When you think about it, on the surface A Centaur's Life looks like any other monster girl, school life anime but when you start watching it you begin to see all these little details that make it so much more interesting.

     If you want to watch A Centaur's Life click here.

     I've actually written a review about this one on anime planet if you want to check it out! (Click here.)

I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy 

#7 Adventure Time!

          "Adventure Time, C'mon grab your friends, we'll go to very distant lands, with Jake the dog and Finn the human, the fun will never end, it's Adventure Time!"

          When I first watched Adventure Time I wasn't really impressed by what I was watching. It seemed like a very crude and weird cartoon. A couple of years later I tried it again and was surprised that I liked it. Adventure Time has it's disturbing episodes but it also has it's relatable and sweet ones. Even though it says that it's rated for ages 10+ it probably appeals more to teenagers than anyone else. But I feel like you're never too old for cartoons, and I know a lot of college students who LOVE Adventure Time.
         
         The setting for Adventure Time is the land of Ooo, it looks like a fantasy world including abrupt climate changes, specific territories and large castles.

          Our two main characters; Finn and Jake, are best friends and brothers. Finn is the only human in Ooo. As a viewer I didn't even notice this until it was brought up in the episodes. Jake is a magical dog and is able to change his shape and size at will. This unlikely duo consider themselves the hero's of Ooo. This mainly consists of saving princesses from the Ice king and any other problem that comes their way. 
          
          Adventure Time has so many unique characters that most people can find at least one to relate to. From Marceline the Vampire Queen, to Tree Trunks, they each have their own personality and views of the world. None of these characters are perfect either, even our heroes have problems. The fact that not everything is happy-go-lucky is something that you can also see in Steven Universe. 
          
          Adventure Time could be considered comedy, fantasy, adventure, and sci-fi, you could also say (in some episodes) there is a weird psychological element to it as well. The episodes are short, only 10 minutes long, and don't usually carry over into the next one unless it's the finale or a more in depth story line. 

          Adventure Time has also won many awards which you can find here. 

(If you want to read more about Adventure Time click here.)

I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy

#2 Steven Universe!

         "We are the crystal gems, we'll always save the day. And if you think we can't, we'll always find a way. That's why the people of this world, believe in; Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, and Steven!"

           Let's be honest, if you've seen Steven Universe you know that it will forever hold a spot in your heart for being one of the cutest cartoons ever. It revolves around family, friendship, and saving the world (or at least your home town). Steven, along with Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, put themselves in danger in order to protect each other, their friends, and their home.

 

Steven Universe has gorgeous background scenery and an amazing musical score. If you want to specifically check out the background artists click here. Aivi and Surasshu are the composers for many of the Steven Universe songs. Their music is happy, sweet, and can contain a hint of melancholy. When listening to it you can clearly hear the chiptune and piano influence in many of their songs. 

       Steven Universe is so beautiful, and if you're looking for a fun, quirky, but sometimes deep cartoon this one's for you.

(P.S if you want to make your own gemsona click here)

         I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy