Spring 2021 – In Reflection
Much like it was during the winter 2021 season, there were a handful of highly anticipated continuations. While some of these sequels made it onto this list (okay, most of the entries are from part 2s), this spring also saw an impressive collection of stand-alone shows and potential franchise starters.
Of course, the beginning of something doesn’t always equate to that something being good. There were plenty of disappointments this season. However, there were also examples of shows going above and beyond, becoming anime worth remembering.
Spring 2021 brought with it its fair share of surprises. There were scenes this season that will stick with us far into the future.
Now, what constitutes a powerful moment will differ from audience to audience; what elicits an emotion in one person may do nothing for another. The following is by no means a definitive list, but less we forget, we here at Anime Hajime are anime fans too.
This collection of Snapshots are not in a ranked order. Instead, we’ve organized scenes on this list chronologically. To see what Anime Hajime considers the best anime moments of the year, please check out our official ranking during the 4th Annual Anime Hajime Highlights (February 2022).
Notes
When reading through the Spring 2021 Snapshots, please keep the following points in mind:
- SPOILERS are not only possible; they ARE LIKELY. Read on at your own discretion.
- For reference, the following are the anime highlighted in this installment of Snapshots (listed in alphabetical order):
- Fruits Basket The Final
- Godzilla Singular Point
- Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway.
- Moriarty the Patriot 2nd Season
- Nomad Megalo Box 2
- Odd Taxi
- Zombie Land Saga Revenge
- For reference, the following are the anime highlighted in this installment of Snapshots (listed in alphabetical order):
- All scenes on this list are precisely that, scenes. Anime Hajime is not claiming if a particular SERIES is any good. To find out more about a specific anime, please read through its official Anime Hajime review.
- A memorable scene DOES NOT mean it is a happy scene. An entry on this list might be memorable because it is disturbing.
- Feel free to add your own Snapshots in the comments below.
A Pound of Flesh
Moriarty the Patriot 2nd Season
Episode Title: The Merchant of London Episode Number: 7 (18) Original Air Date: May 16, 2021
Moriarty the Patriot’s interpretation of the infamous Napoleon of Crime is far more “heroic” than the character has ever been. Sure, “hero” is a bit of a loaded word, but this Moriarty is not the classic bad guy he has always been. No, William James Moriarty was a man who wanted to change the world and had no problem employing severe brutality when necessary.
And according to this scene, Moriarty had always been that way.
What made “A Pound of Flesh” so engrossing was how far our titular character was willing to go. Had his opponent stood his ground, there is no doubt Moriarty would have taken his contractually obligated compensation.
Godzilla Rises
Godzilla Singular Point
Epiosde Title: Encipher Episode Number: 10 Original Air Date: June 3, 2021
Anime Hajime is pro-Godzilla anything. That said, Godzilla Singular Point was a disappointment. Although this series had the feel of the classic kaiju stories, the human and mecha robot elements tried too hard to overshadow what should have been the true star.
The keyword, of course, being “tried.” After all, you can try to outshine the Sun with a flashlight, but you’ll get the same result.
In one glorious moment, that unmistakable score began to play. From the smoke rose the King of Monsters, and the legend looked badass in anime form. Although this series may fade into obscurity, Godzilla has and will always stand the test of time.
Episode Title: Resolve Episode Number: 11 Original Air Date: June 14, 2021
Higehiro walked a thin line. On more than one occasion, this show came close to becoming exceedingly creepy. No one would blame you if you went into this series, assuming it would be a cheap, run-of-the-mill author’s fantasy story. You would be wrong, but no one would blame you.
No, Higehiro had much more to itself. If you don’t pick up on that earlier in the show, don’t worry, this scene here will clue you in real quick.
The journey of Sayu Ogiwara up to this point had not been an easy one, and it was only a matter of time before something gave way. And visiting the scene where you saw your best friend die by suicide is undoubtedly a moment you won’t get through unfazed.
The Curse Breaks
Fruits Basket the Final
Episode Title: Goodby Episode Number: 11 Original Air Date: June 15, 2021
Who by this point does not know the story of Toru Honda and the Zodiac Curse of the Soumas?
Since the original 2001 Fruits Basket series ended, fans have been waiting twenty years to see this moment come to life in anime. And it was well worth it.
You could not have asked for a more satisfying conclusion. Everything you were hoping would happen, happened. Every one of these unforgettable characters got the finale they deserved.
Naturally, the sheer gravity of this scene was always going to make it memorable. But having it be as good as it was, well, that was simply par for the course for this adaptation of a classic tale.
Revenge
Zombie Land Saga Revenge
Episode Title: The Greatest SAGA in History Episode Number: 12 Original Air Date: June 24, 2021
It is difficult for an idol anime to make a splash; many feel exactly the same. This was not the case for Zombie Land Saga. This series has risen to become the gold standard for its genre; or, at least, that’s what we here at Anime Hajime believe.
And if the first season wasn’t surprising enough, Revenge managed to be equally outstanding.
Unlike so many idol anime finales, Revenge’s climactic concert felt earned. The members of Franchouchou fought tooth, nail, and, yes, even death to beat the very stage that had so soundly defeated them.
No other idol show has reached the heights this one has conquered in a very long time.
Redemption Bout
Nomad Megalo Box 2
Episode Title: Those with wings carry the wingless, Those without wings bless those with wings Episode Number: 13 Original Air Date: June 27, 2021
Much like Zombie Land Saga has done for idol anime, Megalo Box has become a standard-bearer for sports stories.
Nomad took a far different path than its predecessor; at times, it didn’t feel like they were part of the same series. But that is why this franchise has been so powerful. It is much, MUCH more than a boxing anime.
For this season’s final fight, Joe stepping into the ring meant far more than winning fame or a title. Joe was fighting to reclaim the family he lost when he was at his lowest. This was his final chance to remind the world of his legend and pass the torch to the next generation.
Visual Agnosia
Odd Taxi
Episode Title: Where To? Episode Number: 13 Original Air Date: June 29, 2021
Jaw-dropping moments are a rarity here at Anime Hajime; it takes something huge to catch us off guard. Well, not only did Odd Taxi do just that, it made it look easy.
This was such a fantastic twist because: 1) it was a total surprise, and 2) it made perfect sense for this story and its protagonist, Hiroshi Odokawa.
In fact, this was such a good twist; you’re going to have to see it for yourself. The only clue we will give you is the term “Visual Agnosia.” There have been and will most likely be more memorable scenes to come out of 2021, but this will be among the ones that are going to stick around the longest.
Conclusion
And with that, we close the book on another anime season.
Although Anime Hajime is dedicated to providing you the most complete anime content possible, at the moment (September 2021), there is simply not enough time to get to everything. If there is a scene you feel should have been included on this list, be sure to leave us a comment below.
Additionally, if you would like to help Anime Hajime cover more series and topics, we are always looking for guest contributors. Send us a message through our Write For Anime Hajime page: we would love to hear what you have to say.
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This has been Anime Hajime, and we will see you next time.
Check Out More 2021 Snapshots
