Dark Aether
@thegrimaether.bsky.social
Freelance writer, essayist, pop culture fiend covering strange, obscure and interesting curios. Morbidly curious. Not Dead Yet. Contributor: http://theuglymonster.com
Home: https://medium.com/@thegrimaether
Home: https://medium.com/@thegrimaether
118) Skate Story
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
118) Skate Story
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
A visceral joy to behold, a truly bizarre pot of ideas and one of the best game soundtracks of the year, this is the type of experience I most value in between new releases and my current games in queue.
And that's not including any films that might have passed me by that year. So in conclusion, I guess my work isn't done!
OK, thank you all for coming to this random Thursday ramble. Here's a little something if you made it this far.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJZh...
OK, thank you all for coming to this random Thursday ramble. Here's a little something if you made it this far.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJZh...
Moon
YouTube video by Blood Cultures - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:03 PM
And that's not including any films that might have passed me by that year. So in conclusion, I guess my work isn't done!
OK, thank you all for coming to this random Thursday ramble. Here's a little something if you made it this far.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJZh...
OK, thank you all for coming to this random Thursday ramble. Here's a little something if you made it this far.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJZh...
I think I can make an exception now that we're several years after the fact and no one cares about the minutia.
10. Hi Score Girl S2 (free space)
Actually, let's put a pin on this. On this new pass, there were a few titles up for reconsideration: Boogiepop & Others, Aggretsuko S2, Stars Align...
10. Hi Score Girl S2 (free space)
Actually, let's put a pin on this. On this new pass, there were a few titles up for reconsideration: Boogiepop & Others, Aggretsuko S2, Stars Align...
December 18, 2025 at 2:57 PM
I think I can make an exception now that we're several years after the fact and no one cares about the minutia.
10. Hi Score Girl S2 (free space)
Actually, let's put a pin on this. On this new pass, there were a few titles up for reconsideration: Boogiepop & Others, Aggretsuko S2, Stars Align...
10. Hi Score Girl S2 (free space)
Actually, let's put a pin on this. On this new pass, there were a few titles up for reconsideration: Boogiepop & Others, Aggretsuko S2, Stars Align...
9. Weathering with You
See the Promare entry. I'm slightly cheating with this one because this premiered in North America after the original list was published. Logically, this would be a 2020 title, but knowing how I procrastinate with these lists and it was early enough in the year-
See the Promare entry. I'm slightly cheating with this one because this premiered in North America after the original list was published. Logically, this would be a 2020 title, but knowing how I procrastinate with these lists and it was early enough in the year-
December 18, 2025 at 2:48 PM
9. Weathering with You
See the Promare entry. I'm slightly cheating with this one because this premiered in North America after the original list was published. Logically, this would be a 2020 title, but knowing how I procrastinate with these lists and it was early enough in the year-
See the Promare entry. I'm slightly cheating with this one because this premiered in North America after the original list was published. Logically, this would be a 2020 title, but knowing how I procrastinate with these lists and it was early enough in the year-
7 - 8. Dororo/Carole & Tuesday
No significant change, although I did flip their original positions. Of the two, I'd say Dororo aged better. At the very least, I'm more likely to revisit it down the road. And this is coming from someone who distinctly remembers binging the last part of C&T!
No significant change, although I did flip their original positions. Of the two, I'd say Dororo aged better. At the very least, I'm more likely to revisit it down the road. And this is coming from someone who distinctly remembers binging the last part of C&T!
December 18, 2025 at 2:41 PM
7 - 8. Dororo/Carole & Tuesday
No significant change, although I did flip their original positions. Of the two, I'd say Dororo aged better. At the very least, I'm more likely to revisit it down the road. And this is coming from someone who distinctly remembers binging the last part of C&T!
No significant change, although I did flip their original positions. Of the two, I'd say Dororo aged better. At the very least, I'm more likely to revisit it down the road. And this is coming from someone who distinctly remembers binging the last part of C&T!
And before anyone goes, "well season 1 isn't a real ending, so it wouldn't have qualified under my rule of completion at the end of the year," I say "yeah, well Dandadan did the same thing last year. I think I can give NGL the benefit of the doubt."
December 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
And before anyone goes, "well season 1 isn't a real ending, so it wouldn't have qualified under my rule of completion at the end of the year," I say "yeah, well Dandadan did the same thing last year. I think I can give NGL the benefit of the doubt."
My original logic being "well, it's not really finished, so I'll put it up next year." What I did not realize at the time was that the show had in fact concluded at the end of 2019 because "Part II" was actually the official Season 2. Hence this is a long overdue addition and correction.
December 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
My original logic being "well, it's not really finished, so I'll put it up next year." What I did not realize at the time was that the show had in fact concluded at the end of 2019 because "Part II" was actually the official Season 2. Hence this is a long overdue addition and correction.
No Guns Life S1, I should explain in detail. It was originally planned to be on the list at the time of the original publication, but I ended up saving it for the following year since it was clearly continuing in "Part 2" (I combined the two in 2020's list).
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
No Guns Life S1, I should explain in detail. It was originally planned to be on the list at the time of the original publication, but I ended up saving it for the following year since it was clearly continuing in "Part 2" (I combined the two in 2020's list).
5 - 6. Radiant/No Guns Life (season 1)
The next major change. Revisiting the entry for Radiant S1, its previous placement didn't make sense compared to what I had written, so this is a small addendum to the original by bumping it up to top 5. (I'm surprised it wasn't there to begin with!)
The next major change. Revisiting the entry for Radiant S1, its previous placement didn't make sense compared to what I had written, so this is a small addendum to the original by bumping it up to top 5. (I'm surprised it wasn't there to begin with!)
December 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
5 - 6. Radiant/No Guns Life (season 1)
The next major change. Revisiting the entry for Radiant S1, its previous placement didn't make sense compared to what I had written, so this is a small addendum to the original by bumping it up to top 5. (I'm surprised it wasn't there to begin with!)
The next major change. Revisiting the entry for Radiant S1, its previous placement didn't make sense compared to what I had written, so this is a small addendum to the original by bumping it up to top 5. (I'm surprised it wasn't there to begin with!)
Everytime I compiled this list, Astra would always land in the top 3, and that has not changed in the time since. Mob II did extremely well each time as well, although it was a close call. It had a lot going for it at the time, so I'll leave this with it was always going to crack top 5 at minimum.
December 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Everytime I compiled this list, Astra would always land in the top 3, and that has not changed in the time since. Mob II did extremely well each time as well, although it was a close call. It had a lot going for it at the time, so I'll leave this with it was always going to crack top 5 at minimum.
-AOTY material; it's just that with time, I think I prefer Promare a teensy bit more; especially in current day context.
3 - 4. Astra & Mob (no change). Here's a small secret about how I compile these: The top 3 are almost always the frontrunners or the titles I most consider for best of the year.
3 - 4. Astra & Mob (no change). Here's a small secret about how I compile these: The top 3 are almost always the frontrunners or the titles I most consider for best of the year.
December 18, 2025 at 2:03 PM
-AOTY material; it's just that with time, I think I prefer Promare a teensy bit more; especially in current day context.
3 - 4. Astra & Mob (no change). Here's a small secret about how I compile these: The top 3 are almost always the frontrunners or the titles I most consider for best of the year.
3 - 4. Astra & Mob (no change). Here's a small secret about how I compile these: The top 3 are almost always the frontrunners or the titles I most consider for best of the year.
TL;DR; I readjusted my rules from that point on to include films. And if you've seen it before, you'll know why it was highly regarded at the time.
2. Vinland Saga: I debated having two "#1s" (much like this year actually), but my policy is to not be a coward, so one had to move to 2. Again, still-
2. Vinland Saga: I debated having two "#1s" (much like this year actually), but my policy is to not be a coward, so one had to move to 2. Again, still-
December 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
TL;DR; I readjusted my rules from that point on to include films. And if you've seen it before, you'll know why it was highly regarded at the time.
2. Vinland Saga: I debated having two "#1s" (much like this year actually), but my policy is to not be a coward, so one had to move to 2. Again, still-
2. Vinland Saga: I debated having two "#1s" (much like this year actually), but my policy is to not be a coward, so one had to move to 2. Again, still-
1. Promare.
The main reason I wanted to do over this list. My logic at the time of initial writing was keeping film and television as separate categories with the naive idea that I would do a 2nd list.
That of course, did not happen, and by the following year I was reconsidering that rule.
The main reason I wanted to do over this list. My logic at the time of initial writing was keeping film and television as separate categories with the naive idea that I would do a 2nd list.
That of course, did not happen, and by the following year I was reconsidering that rule.
December 18, 2025 at 1:52 PM
1. Promare.
The main reason I wanted to do over this list. My logic at the time of initial writing was keeping film and television as separate categories with the naive idea that I would do a 2nd list.
That of course, did not happen, and by the following year I was reconsidering that rule.
The main reason I wanted to do over this list. My logic at the time of initial writing was keeping film and television as separate categories with the naive idea that I would do a 2nd list.
That of course, did not happen, and by the following year I was reconsidering that rule.
That covers the cuts. Now, what about the new additions and reordered entries?
Which is what I would say except my lunch hour is approaching. Might do a part two down the road, but for now, something to think about with award season in full swing.
What best of the year list would you redo?
Which is what I would say except my lunch hour is approaching. Might do a part two down the road, but for now, something to think about with award season in full swing.
What best of the year list would you redo?
December 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
That covers the cuts. Now, what about the new additions and reordered entries?
Which is what I would say except my lunch hour is approaching. Might do a part two down the road, but for now, something to think about with award season in full swing.
What best of the year list would you redo?
Which is what I would say except my lunch hour is approaching. Might do a part two down the road, but for now, something to think about with award season in full swing.
What best of the year list would you redo?
Fruits Basket S1, hmm. While still excellent, looking at its original placement, I don't think my words there justify its ranking, especially top 5. My indifference to the following seasons aside, it's probably the show I'm likely to revisit less out of the 1st list. Let's go with honorable mention.
December 17, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Fruits Basket S1, hmm. While still excellent, looking at its original placement, I don't think my words there justify its ranking, especially top 5. My indifference to the following seasons aside, it's probably the show I'm likely to revisit less out of the 1st list. Let's go with honorable mention.
The Promised Neverland S1. Oh dear, that is tough one. Even if we erase S2 from existence, I can't in good conscious keep it in my recommendations. It's got too much baggage at this point that's just a pain to talk about these days.
December 17, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The Promised Neverland S1. Oh dear, that is tough one. Even if we erase S2 from existence, I can't in good conscious keep it in my recommendations. It's got too much baggage at this point that's just a pain to talk about these days.
Demon Slayer was the 1st to go. I don't think I have to explain that cut. Psycho-Pass 3, while enjoyable, I don't have enough of an attachment to warrant keeping it on the list.
December 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Demon Slayer was the 1st to go. I don't think I have to explain that cut. Psycho-Pass 3, while enjoyable, I don't have enough of an attachment to warrant keeping it on the list.
Basically, I made it more in line with my current ruleset which now includes film (the main reason for this redo). Naturally, this brought me to "how likely would I rewatch this?" which brings us to everyone's favorite segment: the cuts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSc...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSc...
Simpsons Homer Your Cut
YouTube video by Dean Zanutig
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Basically, I made it more in line with my current ruleset which now includes film (the main reason for this redo). Naturally, this brought me to "how likely would I rewatch this?" which brings us to everyone's favorite segment: the cuts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSc...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSc...
Here is my working list atm. My Top 10 2019 Anime (in 2025):
1. Promare*
2. Vinland Saga S1
3. Astra Lost in Space
4. Mob Psycho 100 II
5. Radiant S1
6. No Guns Life S1*
7. Dororo
8. Carole & Tuesday
9. Weathering with You*
10. Hi Score Girl S2*
*New additions
1. Promare*
2. Vinland Saga S1
3. Astra Lost in Space
4. Mob Psycho 100 II
5. Radiant S1
6. No Guns Life S1*
7. Dororo
8. Carole & Tuesday
9. Weathering with You*
10. Hi Score Girl S2*
*New additions
December 17, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Here is my working list atm. My Top 10 2019 Anime (in 2025):
1. Promare*
2. Vinland Saga S1
3. Astra Lost in Space
4. Mob Psycho 100 II
5. Radiant S1
6. No Guns Life S1*
7. Dororo
8. Carole & Tuesday
9. Weathering with You*
10. Hi Score Girl S2*
*New additions
1. Promare*
2. Vinland Saga S1
3. Astra Lost in Space
4. Mob Psycho 100 II
5. Radiant S1
6. No Guns Life S1*
7. Dororo
8. Carole & Tuesday
9. Weathering with You*
10. Hi Score Girl S2*
*New additions
Now, how I would I redo this list in 2025 with my current experience and mindset? If we include movies, which I did not at the time (another mistake on my part), the big question I asked myself is "how likely am I to revisit these titles?"
Simple question, but now that changes things quite a bit...
Simple question, but now that changes things quite a bit...
December 17, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Now, how I would I redo this list in 2025 with my current experience and mindset? If we include movies, which I did not at the time (another mistake on my part), the big question I asked myself is "how likely am I to revisit these titles?"
Simple question, but now that changes things quite a bit...
Simple question, but now that changes things quite a bit...
And that would be my very first AOTY for 2019. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with it at a glance, but looking back, it has aged poorly for a number of reasons:
- Being the 1st AOTY list
- Was still green as a writer and the blog it went up on
- Self-consciousness
- Peer influences
- Being the 1st AOTY list
- Was still green as a writer and the blog it went up on
- Self-consciousness
- Peer influences
archive.ph
December 17, 2025 at 2:39 PM
And that would be my very first AOTY for 2019. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with it at a glance, but looking back, it has aged poorly for a number of reasons:
- Being the 1st AOTY list
- Was still green as a writer and the blog it went up on
- Self-consciousness
- Peer influences
- Being the 1st AOTY list
- Was still green as a writer and the blog it went up on
- Self-consciousness
- Peer influences