The anime is Genshiken (2004), I picked it up on a whim. It’s alright so far. Very “by weebs, for weebs”. The manga is from 2002.
The 80s and 90s being a pass of the baton from veterans of the early days to more modern staff, which already grew up with anime, and the success of Evangelion and merchandising had some awful long-term consequences even if it was probably unavoidable under capitalism.
Mushishi is seriously an absolute masterpiece. It actually upsets me how good it is, because it so meticulously highlights how unbearably trope-ridden and artistically bankrupt more or less all other anime is (yes even the good ones, yes even your personal fave thats “good actually i promise”)
Yuki Urushibara is a goddamn treasure and you should check out her other manga; they’re all great. I also really like Chica Umino’s work which is more slice of life but really wholesome and cozy.