Day 16: “Anime with the Best Animation”

I’ve watched close to 12,000 episodes of anime and I still believe that Free! reigns supreme.  Of course, there are a couple of different anime that have stunning scenes from time to time, but I hold my ground.  I was impressed with the animation of the water and the characters in Free! since the first episode aired.  While I admit that the anime is not a favorite of mine, I do find it to entertaining and pleasing to watch.

Synopsis: Haruka Nanase has a love for water and a passion for swimming. In elementary school, he competed in and won a relay race with his three friends Rin Matsuoka, Nagisa Hazuki, and Makoto Tachibana. After claiming victory at the tournament, the four friends went their separate ways. Years later, they reunite as high school students; however, Rin couldn’t care less about returning to the way things used to be. Not only does he attend a different school, but the sole thing important to him is proving that he is a better swimmer than Haruka.

After the bitter reunion, Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto decide to form the Iwatobi High School Swim Club, but they will need a fourth member if they hope to take part in the upcoming tournament. Enter Rei Ryuugazaki, a former member of the track team whom Nagisa recruits. As the time to compete draws near, the four develop a close bond while training intensely to come out on top and settle things between Haruka and Rin once and for all.

Source: MAL

It looks like a lot of time was spent to make sure that the boys and the water were perfectly drawn.  It blows my mind with how realistic the water looks…and the six packs, of course.  I am currently enrolled in an art class and I am absolutely horrible at drawing, so lately I have a newfound appreciation for others’ drawings and art work.

What are your thoughts on Free?  What other anime have outstanding animations?