By Sophia Milla ('20)
Purasu Urutora! Or in English, Plus Ultra! The universal catchphrase in the anime world comes from the famous anime series My Hero Academia, which was a star in the 2019 Anime Awards. The awards are hosted annually by CrunchyRoll. Every year since 2017, anime fans, or “otakus” are given an opportunity to cast votes for their favorite animes, which are split into multiple categories, such as characters, music and design.
On the other hand, some animes are nominated just for the show as a whole. The winning “Anime of the Year” went to Science SARU’s “Devilman Crybaby.” The intriguing series released its first episode just in the beginning of 2018, which links a world of demons with the earth.
Devilman Crybaby also won this year’s “Best Director” award. Masaaki Yuasa, who directed this year’s favored anime, also took initiative in Lu Over the Wall and helped with the art of Adventure Time.
Another figure, who was recognized as the industry icon of the year, was Masahiko Minami. Minami, who is the president and producer in Bones studio, produced famous animes such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop.
Those animes are not the only influential animes produced by Bones. In fact, the iconic My Hero Academia was also borne from the program, which won multiple awards in the anime awards. The show focuses in on the progress of protagonist Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, who makes his way up to being a hero while inspired by the powerful All Might.
Several character awards were given to characters from the My Hero Academia series.
Deku himself, received the “Best Boy” award. Each year, he has won an award, receiving the “Best Hero” award in 2017 and 2018.
Not only did the protagonist of My Hero Academia receive an award, but one of the antagonists as well. All for One, a villain that steals quirks, or powers, to use them against people received the “Best Antagonist” award for 2019.
All for One was part of another award, but he wasn't’ the only one. The brawl between All for One and All Might later in the series gave the “Best Fight Scene” award to My Hero Academia. The action-packed fight All Might had to save aspiring hero Katsuki Bakugou required trying to bring down All for One. All Might won an award for the best English voice actor, also known as Christopher R. Sabat.
My Hero Academia also won an award for its recent film that came out. The new movie, “Two Heroes” received the “Best Film” award, where the characters travel to another island.
Junior Abid Azad said, “Although fictional, [My Hero Academia] can be relatable. You see Deku in a hopeless situation, but yet he still follows up through his dream. Seeing him train and persevere inspires me to do hard tasks myself!”
Even though My Hero Academia dominated almost a third of the awards, Multiple other animes were recognized for their qualities as well.For example, Dragon Ball Super was recognized for being the “Best Continuing Series”.
The Dragon Ball franchise was first created in 1984, and was made into adaptations such as Dragon Ball Z, and also Dragon Ball Super.
While the show itself matters when it comes to anime awards, it wasn’t the only consideration when it came to the awards. The music mattered, too. This year’s best opening went to “Kiss of Death” from the anime Darling in the Franxx. With its eye-catching, unique aesthetic flow and beat, there was no doubt its opening was up there.
This year’s best ending went to Part 1 of Attack on Titans season three. The bloody anime has already gave itself a stage with its music and action-packed animation. Even after its long hiatus, the anime still made a comeback with its deep ending.
On terms of animation, Violet Evergarden won the “Best Animation” award. The color and form of the anime is an allure to viewers, along with its detail. For character design, nothing beats Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, which won the “Best Character Design” award. The clear emotion and detail put into the appearance of the characters gives the show flavor and appeals to its vast audience.
What also won the hearts of the audience was the character of Rimuru Tempest, the protagonist of the anime “The Time I Got Reincarnated as Slime.” Tempest, who is an androgynous man, was given the “Best Protagonist” award, which is a success for the 2018 anime.
Another character who took home an award was Mai Sakurajima from the anime “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.” Sakurajima, who is a girl who enjoys dressing up in bunny costumes received the “Best Girl” award.
The Japanese origin of each anime makes giving a Japanese voice actor award inevitable. Mamoru Miyano, the voice actor for Koutarou Tatsumi from “Zombieland SAGA” took the “Best VA: Japanese” award.
The world of anime is a vast one, and the anime awards this year was a great opportunity for new animes to come into the spotlight. The Crunchyroll anime awards plan to continue in 2020.