Violence & Horror Makes a Comeback

The new anime season has begun (summer 2010), and it is looking miles more promising than the previous season (spring 2010). Thus far I'd say while summer 2010 has half as many shows, it has many more worth watching.

Anime Worth Noting (in no certain order)

High School of the Dead

Genre: Horror, Ecchi

Themes: Zombies

The Good: (A) Zombies finally get some anime love! Here's hoping this is a trend! (B) No doubt this show is toned-down, but it is still plenty violent.

The Bad: (A) Ecchi and super-violence...at the same time...WTF (B) Weak female lead

Available: The Anime Network Online (first two episodes free, every other episode subscriber only)

Occult Academy

Genre: Action, Horror

Themes: Demons

The Good: (A) Kickass female lead (B) satisfying violence

The Bad: (A) Horror and humor...at the same time...WTF (B) is that a catchphrase? Please God no.

Available: Crunchyroll (free)

Shiki

Genre: Mystery, Horror

Themes: Vampires (spoiler?)

The Good: (A) Everyone seems to like it but me. (B) Not shojo. Not Twilight-related.

The Bad: (A) An irritating main character (B) boring side characters (C) a little slow paced

Available: Funimation (free)

Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail

Genre: Action

Themes: Mercenaries, Guns

The Good: (A) Super-fun over-the-top gun violence!

The Bad: (A) A plot that gives 2-bit side characters the best parts (B) I've read the manga, it gets crappy not long after this. A low in the Black Lagoon series.

Available: Illegally!

Digimon Xros Wars

Genre: Adventure, Kids

Themes: f-ing Digimon

The Good: (A) extremely flashy animated-effects (B) enemies universally use a darker pallet (C) already better than last few seasons

The Bad: (A) show's pace feels rushed (B) smells like a plot hole...already. (C) slightly boring digi-destines

Available: Illegally!