Last week, I’ve covered up 3 of the most underrated series that are mostly overshadowed by their popular counterparts. It received mixed reactions from many; mostly due to the fact that the series that I mentioned is not really underrated. Be aware that the list I’ve compiled last week is that of what I noticed during my watching years.
No doubt that the series have a popular following. But are they as much as what the other series in that season garnered? And how about the talk and the discussions? It would seem that it’s not as much as to be rated as brilliant. That’s my opinion, so I hope I didn’t ruffed a few feathers!
Moving on to today’s post. We have already looked into the underrated series that didn’t appeal to many as its counterpart. Well, in my books anyway. Now we will look at series that got surrounded by all the hype and talk but as it progresses, it falls flat and ends up being a disappointment. Here are 3 that I feel are the overrated series ever produced.
The first season really captured the audience, but…
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Destiny
Sometimes it’s hard to emulate the success of a predecessor. It’s even harder when the series is of a popular franchise! In 2002, Sunrise decided to recapture the fading fans and new audiences to its Gundam series. They released Gundam SEED; many compared to it as a remake to the original First Gundam, with some noticeably old Gundam designs and some Zakus to boot. The only difference is the setting (Cosmic Era; First Gundam was Universal Century) and a new type of ability that is comparable to the infamous Newtype (called SEED). The series was a success and left with a perfect ending. It was supposed to mark a new era in the Gundam franchise.
…the second season blew me off steam!
Unfortunately, the second season nearly killed it. With a blatantly copied storyline from the first season (only changing the point of view to another perspective) and then changing the focus of main characters on three occasions (Athrun -> Shinn -> Kira) really turned Gundam SEED: Destiny into a trainwreck. When the series ended, it ended on an open book. There are still some unanswered questions, but the damage has been done. There was talk of a third season, but we all know that was not meant to be. Luckily, the next Gundam series saved its grace…and its franchise.
Macross Frontier
When it was first announced that there will be a new Macross series, everyone was excited. Everybody would want to forget Macross Zero (I don’t know why, but I find the series interesting). Thus, the release of Macross Frontier. A series hyped up because of its astounding graphics, beautiful songs and characters that are to die for.
No doubt the songs and characters are lovable, but that enough couldn’t save the series.
And that’s where it ends. The storyline was good, but it didn’t live up to its momentum well. The ups were there at the beginning, and it was sliding towards the middle, picked itself up for a few episodes and ended with a, “What, that’s it?” expression on my face. It really didn’t kicked in as an awesome series to live up to. Yes, the Macross series has songs (deculture!), triangle-romance and the awesome Valkyries. But if that’s what really makes it good, I’d rather watch Evangelion! Well, minus the triangle-love and songs…
K-ON!
I know some people are going to hate me for saying this; but K-ON! didn’t live up to its expectation as what many are talking about. After the end of CLANNAD ~After Story~, everyone was pumped up on two things: the existence of a second season of Suzumiya Haruhi and K-ON! People are talking about it, people are spreading the love on it. I admit: when the first episode was aired, I loved it. I truly did and declared that this will be a good series to watch last spring. The momentum kept building higher and higher as each episode progress…until the arrival of Azusa-chan.
Fanboyism aside, this series has disappointed me thoroughly at the end.
When Azusa first appeared, we are treated to a new member and (hopefully) some funny skits to follow. But it didn’t. Everything went downhill, and they even repeated the beach episode; with the only difference of placing Azusa there. Episodes spiraled after that and as it ended, it felt a relieve for me. The concert was nothing short of “Yeah, that’s what I expect to have happen.” and the series just lost me.
Final Opinion:
There is but one thing that makes me appreciate the above series. It’s the music and songs covered in it. The Gundam SEED series has some of the best themes in the its franchise, every Macross Frontier song is a good listen, and there are many more catchy tunes on K-ON!
Conclusion: Rant Away!
I can expect a barrage of criticism after you guys read this. But as I have mentioned, these three are the series in my list that have put me up with expectations and hype, but let me down in the end.
Any other series that you think deserves to be mentioned in this list? Any of those three you disagree? Let’s discuss in the comments about it!
This guest post was written by jusuchin85. jusuchin85 has been a lover of anime and manga since 2002. His passion for it easily makes him stand out from the crowd with his chant that “anime is better than regular series”. You can follow him on Twitter or read his blog, Otakuism, Everyday!
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19 Comments
Macross Zero was great. Frontier, not so great. Started out great. Ended up crap. Still had somewhat good songs.
KON is overrated yeah.
Gundam Seed Destiny is overrated by stupid people but otherwise everyone hates it. The original Seed got ruined by it, it was pretty good.
The most overrated show is probably Haruhi. Or Bleach.
tj han´s last blog post: Introducing a New Blogger on Riuva…
I actually loved Haruhi, but when I think back it’s nothing special. It’s just some high school drama with extra unrelated supernatural abilities that deter the direction of the storyline.
Bleach too started off good, but dragged too long for its own. It really tends to stray the focus of the viewer from what they want to see. And talk about the filler episodes as well! >.>
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
I’ve been waiting for UlquiorraxIchigo fights, but they’re like SetsunaxGraham/Bushido. Few and short. They reaally don’t focus on the important ones.
Shion963´s last blog post: lolly thing, I wannit
Yup, that’s where the point lie. When you have a series that span more than 50-odd episodes it’s bound to be less successful since it’s draggy.
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
No Fate Stay/Night? That seemed to be hugely popular for an anime that only really classed as better-than-average.
I do agree with the others though, especially Macross.
Scamp´s last blog post: Hetalia Axis Powers episode 26 (finale..well not really)
I rated Fate/stay night as a relatively good series. Maybe because of the direction that it took from the original game which is an eroge. The direction it took turned out to be a better move than expected; with good action and good storyline.
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
Just glancing over this list, I’d have to put down Lucky Star for being overrated. While enjoyable, it’s not quite as good as it could have been given how it went for long stretches of time where it was boring. Full Metal Panic (the first season) is likewise very much overrated when the story falls apart halfway through. Finally, I’d put Golden Boy on there since I was never one to enjoy the fanservice.
Moonlily´s last blog post: Needless Ep. 2 – Drills, knife fights, and bukkake.
It’s true when you mentioned Lucky Star to be slightly overrated. It is enjoyable nonetheless, but the boredom streams in when there’s less understanding in the references provided. It could also be because of the KyoAni fandom~! >.>
I can’t comment on FMP and Golden Boy, as I have yet to watch those.
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
K-ON! and Haruhi are overrated period.
Seinime´s last blog post: New K-ON! album and your full ver. of “fude pen poo poo”, right here.
These two stirred up fandoms everywhere that it’s almost sick to be in it! >.< p/s: Mikuru will be sad of me saying that… ToT
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
Gundam 00 the saviour!!!
SEED and Destiny (and to a lesser extent, STARGAZER) was good…but could’ve been better. A lot.
I wouldn’t say which anime is overrated, due to not having the
ballsgall to. Either that, or my wide title/genre/suckiness acceptance range.Shion963´s last blog post: lolly thing, I wannit
Well, it sometimes take a brave soul to mention it. It’s just your opinion, so no one can bash you for it. Only disagree with you and discuss with you about it.
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
lol I usually view anime as “WOOOOOOO”, “Really Good”, “good”, or “meh”.
And since I don’t follow hypes much, I wouldn’t know under/overrated when I see it.
Shion963´s last blog post: lolly thing, I wannit
remember that someone told me the gundam series are famous now because of SEED entering. He’s a gundam fan so… he told me that gundam franchise really picked up after SEED. Not sure bout that, but regardless, both anime, SEED/00 has its pros and cons I guess.
zenical´s last blog post: Kanamemo : Yuri and Loli
Yup, it did picked up after SEED, but I’ll admit that Gundam SEED: Destiny is a failure in its own right. That’s just my opinion as I see it as an unnecessary sequel; it’s more like Sunrise is trying to squeeze more money from the people.
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
Don’t you dare say anything about Gundam…
Lol like I mentioned in my previous comment to yours, it’s really my opinion to judge the series. And in my opinion, it’s really a failure.
Unless you can share your views on why it is not…
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Bakemonogatari EP 01
Here’s the thing skip,even at it’s worst,which Destiny was far from,the Gundam franchise is still better than 99.9% of all the other anime being produced.It’s continued popularity bears this out.(ie.Gundam00) Just so you know…you’re in the minority, which is fine.I guess…
Yeah, to each his own opinion. So, I respect yours! ^^
jusuchin85´s last blog post: Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 EP 02