Best Supernatural Anime of 2008

In the shadowy corners of Victorian England, Ciel Phantomhive, known as "the Queen's Guard Dog," tackles the disturbing cases that endanger the realm on behalf of the monarchy. Guided by Sebastian Michaelis, a butler whose capabilities surpass human limits, Ciel employs every method necessary to complete his duties. However, deeper mysteries may lurk behind Sebastian's enigmatic presence. Tragic events from Ciel's past cast a dark shadow over him, prompting a pact with Sebastian, a demon, to exact revenge on those who wronged him in exchange for his soul. In the present, Sebastian excels not merely as a butler but as a flawless executor of Ciel's desires, while impatiently awaiting the day he can feast on Ciel's soul. As they unravel the riddles surrounding Ciel's misfortunes, an unbreakable bond forms between them, defying both heaven and hell.

In the tranquil village of Pasloe, Holo, a powerful wolf deity, was once honored for bestowing blessings upon the yearly harvest. However, as the locals became more self-sufficient, Holo's influence dwindled until she was remembered only as a legend. When the traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence visits the village, Holo suggests a deal: she will aid him in return for his assistance in returning her to her homeland, Yoitsu. Acknowledging Holo's unique ability to perceive the true intentions of others, Lawrence accepts the proposal. Combining his shrewd business acumen with Holo's captivating companionship, Lawrence draws nearer to his ambition of establishing his own shop. Nevertheless, as they traverse the countryside in search of lucrative ventures, Lawrence finds his original objectives evolving in unforeseen directions.

At Cross Academy, which is split between a Day Class and a Night Class, Yuuki Cross and the stoic Zero Kiryuu serve on the disciplinary committee to oversee the transition between the two groups. While the Day Class remains unaware, the Night Class students are actually vampires. Ten years prior, Yuuki was saved from a vampire attack by Kaname Kuran, a Pureblood who currently leads the Night Class. As Yuuki encounters Kaname more often, her feelings toward him become increasingly tangled. In contrast, Zero holds a deep hatred for vampires, firmly believing that humans and vampires can never coexist in peace. However, secrets regarding Zero's past begin to surface, threatening the delicate stability of the academy and paving the way for significant turmoil.

In Natsume's Book of Friends, Takashi Natsume has long felt isolated because of his unique ability to see youkai. After being passed between various foster homes, he grew up in loneliness, learning to distance himself from others since he realized they would never accept his experiences. His life changes when he accidentally breaks a spiritual seal, releasing Madara, a powerful spirit who takes the form of a beckoning cat. Madara notices that Natsume strongly resembles his grandmother, Reiko Natsume, who was shunned for creating the Book of Friends—a tome capable of summoning the youkai whose names she had taken. Now holding this book, Natsume has no desire for its power; he simply wants to keep it as a memento of his grandmother and protect it from malicious youkai. He strikes a deal with Madara: once Natsume's life ends, Madara will claim the book, but until then, Madara will serve as Natsume's unofficial guardian, known as Nyanko-sensei. Determined to release the youkai that Reiko trapped, Natsume begins building connections between the human and youkai worlds, strengthening his bonds with both realms.

Upon returning to Cross Academy, Zero Kiryuu is met with overwhelming relief from Yuuki Cross, though she observes that he has changed considerably. Tormented by visions connected to his past choices, Zero struggles to discover where they come from, unaware that the answers are closer than he realizes. Meanwhile, Yuuki deals with troubling hallucinations and turns to Kaname Kuran, the Pureblood vampire she holds most dear, for help in uncovering her hidden past. As the story moves toward a crucial revelation, it examines the fallout of exposing the truth.

In Shibuya, a series of murders known as the "New Generation Madness" are generating growing local buzz due to their notoriety. Nonetheless, these "New Gen" killings barely impact Takumi Nishijou, a high school otaku prone to delusions and a persistent sense of being watched by unseen eyes. Apathetic toward the outside world, Takumi spends his time on online games and anime. His routine is abruptly disrupted when he receives a graphic image of a man impaled on a wall from a user named Shogun. After recovering his composure at an internet café, Takumi unexpectedly encounters the very crime scene from the image, along with a blood-splattered pink-haired girl calling out to him. As Takumi struggles with the boundaries of reality, he finds himself increasingly entangled in the "New Gen" murders, believing the perpetrator is targeting him.

In "Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox," Kouta finds himself caught up in supernatural romantic entanglements. Despite his bewilderment, he repeatedly draws the attention and affection of various animal spirits. Having grown up in a rural area, Kouta feels considerable unease as he moves to the city to live with his grandmother and begin attending a new high school. Hoping to make a good first impression, he instead ends up with Chizuru, an attractive fox spirit, clinging to him. However, she is not the only spirit showing interest; Nozomu, a wolf spirit, and others among the youkai community also have their sights set on the confused young man from the countryside.

In "Fade to Black," Rukia Kuchiki is attacked by a mysterious pair in Seireitei, causing her to lose all her memories. Ichigo Kurosaki, the Substitute Soul Reaper, briefly forgets about Rukia but is reminded of her by Kon, an Underpod Mod-Soul. Seeking answers, Ichigo heads to Kisuke Urahara's candy shop, where he receives assistance to reach Seireitei. Upon arrival, he discovers that his fellow Shinigami from the Soul Society no longer remember him. The film is packed with action as Ichigo and Kon fight against their former allies while trying to locate the vanished Rukia and identify her attackers before another assault occurs.

In Japan, the government operates a secret unit called the Supernatural Disaster Countermeasures Division (SDCD), which works to protect the public from hidden threats. The team handles these dangers quietly, avoiding any public awareness. Their efforts are put at risk when a member betrays them. Kagura Tsuchimiya, who lost her mother years ago, finds a new home with the Isayama family and develops a deep, sisterly bond with their daughter, Yomi. As they grow older, both join the SDCD as skilled exorcists. Despite their early closeness, the growing demands of their sacred duty and unresolved family problems create a divide between them. One fully commits to her path as an exorcist, while the other falls into darkness, heading toward a journey with no hope of return.

Rin Asogi is an immortal private detective who has a fondness for vodka and a knack for attracting supernatural horrors. Across a series of nightmarish episodes spanning sixty-five years, Rin's voluptuous body is brutally pierced, exploded, and shredded into a bloody mess. The entity responsible for her endless suffering is Apos, an eternal being fixated on sacrificing Rin to Yggdrasil, the tree that sustains all life. As Rin struggles to uncover the truth behind her perpetual torment, Apos lurks in the shadows, eager to tear into her ripe form and devour the memories of her countless lifetimes. Rin is no stranger to the world of the dead, but her next journey there might be eternal.

After Ladd Russo chose not to kill Graham Specter in 1929, Graham became fiercely devoted to him. Three years later, Graham learns that Ladd was thrown from a train during the Flying Pussyfoot incident, which enrages him. To make his point, Graham intends to abduct Eve Genoard and Jacuzzi Splot, who resides at the Genoard mansion with his gang. Meanwhile, Jacuzzi's group takes in a mysterious woman, Elmer C. Albatross visits an old acquaintance in prison, and Czeslaw Meyer encounters someone they desperately wanted to avoid. These seemingly separate narratives gradually converge, revealing the full account of the strange events that occurred aboard the Advena Avis in 1711.

During a childhood expedition to capture bugs, Jin Mikuriya stumbled upon a divine being, an event that later inspired his latest artistic endeavor: a wooden carving called The Tree Spirit. Planning to bring this sculpture to school and simply appreciate his handiwork for the rest of the day, Jin is taken aback when the figure suddenly draws in surrounding soil and transforms into a lively young girl. Introducing herself as Nagi, an earth guardian, she explains to Jin that they must join forces to eliminate the "impurities" tainting the land. Since her original tree has been cut down and her powers are nearly depleted, she can now only purify these contaminants using a magical wand. As their fates become intertwined, Jin and Nagi navigate their evolving bond through a series of everyday escapades.

In "Nabari no Ou," Miharu Rokujou is a quiet and aloof 14-year-old with a subtle mischievous streak who possesses the highly sought-after ninja technique called "Shinrabanshou." This ability makes him a target for numerous ninja clans seeking to control the hidden world of Nabari. Protecting him are his classmate Kouichi Aizawa and his English teacher Thobari Durandal Kumohira, both members of the Banten ninja clan tasked with guarding Miharu. Despite his apparent indifference, Miharu initially refuses their invitation to join their ninja organization. But as the threats against him escalate, he comes to accept the necessity of their protection. As the story unfolds, Miharu becomes increasingly drawn into the conflict over who will rule Nabari.

In the past, Himura Yuu was a dedicated student who focused solely on maintaining his position at the top of Otowa Academy. One day, he encountered a mysterious girl named Amamiya Yuuko, who somehow recognized him. This encounter stirs up long-buried childhood memories that are better left forgotten. Meeting Yuuko again forces Yuu to confront their shared past and the regret and sorrow that still linger in the present. In the current timeline, Kuze Shuuichi appears to be a playboy on the surface, but closer observation reveals that he prefers solitude. However, Hayama Mizuki is not the kind of girl who gives up easily, especially after hearing his beautiful violin performance. When Mizuki tries to get closer to him, Kuze struggles to push her away, and the development of their relationship is overshadowed by an impending tragedy.

Kimihiro Watanuki lives an uncommon existence, gifted with a rare talent for perceiving spirits. In this follow-up to xxxHOLiC, he persists in laboring for Yuuko, the eccentric proprietor of a mysterious store, who vowed to rid him of his supernatural vision. Yet Yuuko can fulfill that promise only after Watanuki has sufficiently proven himself through his actions. This rule applies to every visitor who comes to the shop wanting a wish fulfilled: the cost must equal the desire. Operating in a realm that connects the living world and the afterlife, Watanuki spends his days performing household tasks for Yuuko and her associates, as well as aiding other clients. He faces these trials together with his schoolmates—Shizuka Doumeki, his supposed love rival, and Himawari Kunogi, for whom he has romantic feelings—all while contending with the numerous issues brought by Yuuko’s customers and the ongoing problems that trouble him and his friends.

Set in 19th century Scotland, Lydia Carlton makes her living as a fairy doctor, possessing the unique ability to see and speak with fairies. Despite her gift, most people dismiss her claims. Edgar, seeking an expert in fairy lore, finds Lydia to be the perfect candidate. After rescuing her, he hires her as his assistant. However, Edgar, who claims to be the Earl of the Blue Knight, carries many secrets and has complicated emotions.

Ouri Kagami lives at a shrine among other orphans and is used to handling corpses. Yet he is utterly stunned when he sees the shrine's patron, Keisei Tagami, seemingly bring back to life the mutilated body of schoolgirl Makina Hoshimura. Fascinated by the strange circumstances surrounding Makina, Ouri discovers she is a Shikabane Hime—an undead being tasked with destroying others of her kind that threaten society. As Ouri goes about his daily routine, his interactions with Makina grow increasingly unusual. Each encounter intensifies, pulling them closer together and possibly revealing the secrets of the Shikabane world.

After the events of *Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori*, Ai Enma, the Hell Girl, vanishes. Her former allies attempt to resume ordinary lives, but are confronted when she suddenly returns, accompanied by a new partner. Yuzuki Mikage, a regular student, becomes deeply entangled with the Hell Girl. While in a dreamlike state during a bath, Ai kisses Yuzuki and takes control of her body. When Yuzuki's friend submits their teacher's name on the Hell Communication website, Ai uses Yuzuki's form to carry out her duty of sending the teacher's soul to the underworld. Troubled by this new situation, Yuzuki questions why she was chosen to continue Ai's mission. Yet, as the Hell Girl and her assistants restart the Hell Communication activities, Yuzuki is inevitably pulled into the proceedings that lead toward the depths of hell.

Takuma Hirose, a young male high school student, is blind, though the reason for his loss of sight is a mystery. Seeking a cure, he is sent to stay with his uncle in a rural village. There, he comes across several girls, three of whom leave a particularly strong impression: Hayami Kohinata, Hinata Kangura, and Otoha. When Otoha temporarily restores his vision, Hirose puts his recovered sight to use in helping the people around him. He soon learns that, for reasons unknown, Hayami Kohinata is ostracized by the villagers, and he does all he can to lend her a hand. Meanwhile, the village harbors many sorrowful secrets that gradually come to light...

The story is set in Ayanagi City, a futuristic metropolis located near the Japan Sea. It was constructed to facilitate recovery from the calamity triggered by the "Apathy Syndrome" a decade earlier. Ten years later, high school student Shin Kanzato and his younger brother Jun reunite with their elder brother Ryō, who now serves as the chief of the Ayanagi City Police. Around the same time, a series of strange incidents unfold in the city: the crew of a submarine suddenly vanishes while inside the vessel, a spiritless symptom resurfaces and disturbs the world after ten years, and a student is found dead with a horrifyingly distorted appearance—the "inside out corpse" case. Ryō pursues the organization behind these events, and as Shin becomes drawn into the incidents, he awakens his "Persona."

Manji is an amoral swordsman burdened with the curse of eternal life. Tired of living with the slaughter he has caused, and possessing only the skills of a killer, he decides on a way to regain his mortality: he must slay one hundred evildoers for every good person he has killed. The old witch who placed the curse upon Manji agrees to his plan, and Manji sets out to kill one thousand wicked men in all. Along the way, he meets a young girl named Rin, who seeks vengeance against the sword school whose members slaughtered her family. Rin and Manji travel together, each in search of some measure of peace. Countless enemies stand before them, and the two are nearly always under attack, forced to learn how to go on living without being consumed by their desire for revenge.

Yoriko Kusumoto, a clumsy high school student, holds deep affection for Kanako Yuzuki. As they prepare for summer vacation, their plans are shattered by a tragic incident: Kanako is found critically injured on railway tracks, while Yoriko collapses in tears on the station platform. Detective Shuutarou Kiba, a passenger on the train involved in the collision, takes charge of the investigation. His inquiries reveal a tangled web of deceit surrounding the Yuzuki family, particularly Youko Yuzuki, Kanako's sister and a famous actress. After Kanako's successful surgery, her precarious condition prompts Youko to entrust her care to Dr. Koushirou Mimasaka at an unusual, box-shaped facility deep in the forest for experimental treatment. The situation worsens when Kanako mysteriously disappears during a visit from Kiba and Yoriko. Kiba's pursuit of the truth intensifies as he uncovers horrifying evidence, including the dismembered bodies of young girls stored in boxes. A colleague suggests these grisly findings are linked to Kanako's disappearance and her sister's enigmatic past. With support from his colleagues Tatsumi Sekiguchi and Akihiko Chuuzenji, Kiba races against time to find Kanako and uncover the chilling reality behind these horrors.

The plot centers on Akira Nikaido, an ordinary high-school slacker whose everyday routine is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a mysterious man named Shirogane, who claims the two share a destiny. Akira is taken aback and dismisses the notion entirely. Later that night, his friend Aya realizes she left something at school and asks Akira to accompany her to retrieve it. He agrees, but once there, he is attacked by a shadow monster. Shirogane then persuades Akira that the harmony between the human realm and the shadow world has been thrown out of balance, and that Akira must transform into a "shin"—a being of the shadow world—to help set things right. Notably, the anime incorporates shonen-ai themes that are entirely absent from the manga.

In Amatsuki, Tokidoki Rikugou is a student who despises history and fails his Japanese History course. To improve his grade, his school forces him to attend a special lecture at a museum. The museum provides an immersive Edo Period exhibit known as the Edo Bakumatsu Walking Tour and Exhibition, intended to help students like Tokidoki comprehend the Tokugawa Shogunate. Having little knowledge of samurai life and the era, Tokidoki is startled by the superstitious nature of 1600s Japan. He initially dismisses the existence of gods and demons, but his disbelief shatters when a demon attacks him on a bridge. A mysterious swordsman named Kuchiha saves him and explains that Tokidoki is now trapped within the museum's simulation. Tokidoki also encounters Kon Shinonome, another swordsman already caught in the simulation. As Tokidoki grows accustomed to his new surroundings, he must help defend the village from demon attacks while simultaneously uncovering the secrets behind the simulation and the corporation that created it.

The OVAs present new standalone shorts featuring characters from the series, along with the introduction of two additional ones. It is now the third year of school, and San and Luna's fathers remain overly protective. Meanwhile, Nagasumi struggles to keep everyone around him in check while rescuing damsels in distress.

The Mizuchi bloodline has been pursued by Yokai, or monsters, for ages. Toru and Noboru Takagami are descendants of this family, and on their grandmother's authority, they are entrusted with a secret tool to fight these creatures. That tool is Tenko Kugen, an fox deity able to assume the form of either a man or a woman at will. This playful god is accompanied by a shrine maiden, Ko, and the two move into the Takagami brothers' home. Life just got a lot more complicated.

The series was initially intended to run for more than twenty episodes, but it was unexpectedly cut short without any disclosed explanation. The extra episodes included on the seventh DVD volume serve to continue the narrative beyond the original broadcast.

Based on a series of light novels written by Tanaka Yoshiki and illustrated by Kakinouchi Narumi. The narrative centers on Ryouko Yakushiji, a 27-year-old multilingual investigator who graduated from Tokyo University's elite Department of Law. While working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Yakushiji confronts a variety of bizarre cases. Her duties involve not only dealing with supernatural beings but also facing off against her rival, Yukiko Muromachi, another police investigator who is equally talented and beautiful.

A dozen years after the final OVA and the manga's conclusion, a fresh Ranma ½ animated short was created for the "It's a Rumic World" exhibit showcasing Rumiko Takahashi's art. This 30‑minute special adapts the "Nightmare! Incense of Spring Sleep" story from the manga's 34th volume, and it screened on odd‑numbered days at the "It's a Rumic World" exhibition in Tokyo from July 30th through August 11th.

Kitarou is a youkai boy born in a cemetery, and aside from his mostly-decomposed father, the last living member of the Ghost tribe. He is missing his left eye, but his hair usually covers the empty socket. He fights for peace between humans and youkai, which generally involves protecting the former from the misdeeds of the latter. This version of the Kitarou story is based on the original Hakaba Kitarou manga, the manga that inspired the popular Gegege no Kitarou series in the late 1960s.

Within the mansion, Flandre has disappeared, and Reiri, Riza, Hiro, and Hime are left powerless. After exposing an illusion by setting a curtain on fire, they quickly realize they are trapped inside a nightmare. They must work together to find a way out of the nightmare while battling formidable opponents.

The Hakushaku to Yousei Specials center on Chibi-Earl and Chibi-Fairy. Each episode highlights a different character, who recites a Shakespearean poem that they believe best represents their life.

Special episodes included in the 1st and 5th DVD volumes, as included: 1. Toorikaze (Passing Wind) 2. Mitsua Shigaeru

Movie based on the 2007 TV anime with an original plot.