Friday
Sep052008
Fall 2008 Preview - What I Want
Friday, September 5, 2008 at 11:24AM
To keep this simple, I'm going to preview series that of interest to me, and not everything. This makes this post of value only to me, a kind of navel gazing blogging that is typical of personal blogs - but screw it, there are so many series every season I can't keep up with every sequel, kids show and remake out there.
So for those of you who are interested in what I'm skipping, you can check my main source of info at THAT Anime blog, as well as whatever come up on the first page of google when you search fall 2008 anime preview. I will give a link-out to Japanophile Isle since they are the first place I saw "The Poster". You'll know it when you see it, it won't be the last time.
On with the show!
Once again, most of this is copied whole cloth from THAT, though they credit their sources when they can. When I get a different source, I'll credit it as well.
A Dr. Suess Production
Details
Genre Guess - Victorian Romance
Japanese Air Date: September 28
Animation Company: Artland (Bokura ga Ita, Mushi-Shi)
Seiyuu: Nana Mizuki, Hikaru Midorikawa and Tomokazu Sugita
Summary
The story is set in 19th century England and centers on a “fairy doctor” named Lydia. Her life takes a 180-degree turn when she meets a legendary blue knight count named Edgar, and his crew. He hires her as an adviser during his quest to obtain a treasured sword that was supposed to be handed down to him by his family. (ANN)
Original Thoughts
Seems like my mind is blanking on previous Victorian fantasy shows. There are to be a few, but I can't think of any, hence the reason this catches my eye. Toss around terms like "fairy doctor" and "blue night" and at least this won't be Emma. Also interested in this crew of his, as the image for this show has a cat in a top hat, always a plus.
Watercolor=DRAMA!
Details
Genre Guess - Space Opera (which is hardly a guess)
Japanese Air Date: October 4
Animation Company: Artland (Bokura ga Ita, Mushi-Shi)
Seiyuu: Daisuke Kishio, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kaori Nazuka
Summary
Based on the novels by Yoshiki Tanaka, original writer of the novels Legend of Galactic Heroes and the currently airing Yakushiji Ryōko no Kaiki Jikenbo.
This space adventure epic is about a soldier who flees the space faring Tytania empire and seeks refuge with a force leading a rebellion. The original story was written between 1988 to 1991, spanning three novels. Yoshiki Tanaka is no stranger to weaving space opera epics, and a new adventure to the galaxy will start.
Original Thoughts
Isn't Tytania a porn star? Regardless, this yells Crest of the Stars at me, but everything vaugly artsy and labeled "Space Opera" screams that, and so far none have lived up to that classic. We'll see what modern sensibilities do to an older than dirt theme.
Details
Genre Guess - Disney
Japanese Air Date: October 8
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Summary
Stitch! (スティッチ!, Sutitchi!?) is the tentative title of a an adaptation of the Lilo & Stitch movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
In the new story, the alien creature Stitch is running off on the mad scientist Jumba’s space scooter when he gets caught in a space storm and has to make an emergency landing at Izayoi Island, the southermost tip of Japan. There, he meets Yūna, a spirited fourth-grade girl who happens to know karate. Yūna tells Stitch about the Stone of Chitama, a mysterious object that can make any wish come true. However, he has to perform 43 good deeds to receive his wish. (ANN)
Original Thoughts
There is a lot of WTF over this, but I have the inside scoop. Thanks to my involvement with Otakon, I have met Masao Murayama-sama, the head of studio Madhouse. The man is a Stitch nut. I think he personally made this happen, so it is not a canned Disney market grab at Japan, it is actually a serious project run by someone who loves the character and wanted to bring it to Japan. With that, it still looks aimed at kids. With luck, we'll see Stitch with a death note and all hell will break loose.
Details
Genre Guess - Slice of Life, High School
Animation Company: Nippon Animation (Antique Bakery, The Wallflower)
Seiyuu: Aya Hirano, Fumiko Orikasani, Michiko Neya, Yurika Ochiai
Summary
Adaptation of Haruaki Katō’s manga serialized on Flex Comix’s free web comic FlexComix Blood.
This slice-of-life slapstick school comedy story follows the antics of four high school freshman girls, after they enroll into a huge private academy that teaches every grade from elementary school to high school.
Original Thoughts
I'm still not convinced anything compared to Lucky Star is going to be good (I'm still getting "just watch one more disk!" e-mails). But normally I would say I like "slice of life" shows (no, I can't think of examples, are you new here?) and the twist of the school being K through 12 may add something. Could suck too, that's why I'm here, to tell you when it does!
Now there are three of them?
Details
Genre Guess - Magic Girl
Animation Company: A-1 Pictures Inc. (Birdy the Mighty Decode, Persona ~Trinity Soul~)
Seiyuu: Kana Hanazawa, Haruka Tomatsu, Mai Nakahara, Hiro Shimono
Summary
This is based on a shounen manga by Takenashi Eri, serialised in Comic REX.
An art student named Jin Mikuriya carves a statue from the wood of the Kannagi tree only to have the statue come to life in the form of a goddess, who has now taken over the statue. He and "Nagi" work together to destroy the impurities that are gathering in the town. (less sarcastic summary from ANN)
Original Thoughts
Could be suck, could be awesome. Never know if these "guy makes a girl" series are going to go for the cheap pervert laughs or serious nature-protecting spiritual show. Somewhere in between would make me happy, to be honest.
Sense - This picture makes none
Details
Genre Guess - F'ed Up
Animation Company: Hal Film Maker (Aria the Animation, Sketchbook)
Seiyuu: Chiwa Saito, Eri Kitamura, Rie Kugimiya
Summary
This is based on a manga by Iwasaki Masakazu serialised in Dengeki Comic Gao.
Ten years ago, high-school student Sanpeita dreamed he was engaged to a beautiful girl. One morning, an unknown homely girl suddenly pressed him for marriage. The homely girl was named Kemeko. In order to escape, Sanpeita left for school where Kemeko followed and showed up with an uproar. A larger disturbance was when Sanpeita was targeted by a rice cooker on the school’s rooftop. As Sanpeita and his childhood friend Izumi were being attacked by the rice cooker, Kemeko saved them both. What is the girl’s true shape!? (From Anidb)
Original Thoughts
Confused? Let's give some credit to The Null Set for a trailer link, and from some research, this is a show about mecha disguised as ugly girls piloted by cute girls. Makes sense to me! Could be a harem show, could be a battle show. Could be meat, could be cake. Gotta watch at least one episode to see if the weirdness goes to 11.
Someone needs to look up the definition of Quartet
Details
Genre Guess - Supernatural Harem
Japanese Air Date: October 2
Animation Company: Nomad (Rozen Maiden series, Kyōran Kazoku Nikki)
Seiyuu: Misato Fukuen, Miyuki Sawashiro, Saki Fujita, Yuuki Kaji
Summary
Adaptation of Suzuhito Yasuda’s manga with the English title Yozakura Quartet.
The Yozakura Quartet manga is the story of three teen girls - super-strong Hime, the mind-reader Ao, the conjurer Kotoha - and the ordinary teen boy Akina who protect their city from supernatural threats. (AnimeNation)
For more info, found this summary which I believe is for the manga, and makes it seem a tad different -
Hime is a superheroine. Ao can read minds. Kotoha can conjure up anything with the right word. And Akina…well, he’s just a regular guy, surrounded by three supergirls! Together, they protect the town of Sakurashin. But that’s not easy, as the town faces demon dogs and other supernatural threats! (from: Baka-Updates Manga)
Original Thoughts
The second summary makes it sound like a harem show, the first makes it sound like Scooby Doo. The character designs reminds me of Kureni, which was fabulous thanks to the mix of odd story line and serious subjects and design. We'll see where this one goes.
What are people who you are not sure if meeting them is a good or bad thing, Alex?
Details
Genre Guess - Supernatural, Bloody
Animation Company: Gainax (Gurren Lagann, Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Feel (Nagasarete Airantou, D.C. II: Da Capo II)
Seiyuu: Nana Akiyama
Summary
Adaptation of Yoshiichi Akahito’s supernatural manga.
The story is about an exorcist girl called “Shikabane Hime” (Corpse Princess). Her name is Makina Hoshimura, an undead girl who hunts down 108 corpses in order to go to heaven.
Original Thoughts
It's Gainax. It will be F'ed up. Think it will have 108 episodes?
A show about walking into walls a lot
Details
Genre Guess - Shoooooooooujou, Ho!
Animation Company: Hal Film Maker (Aria the Animation, Sketchbook)
Seiyuu: Marina Inoue, Katsuyuki Konishi, Mamoru Miyano
Summary
This is a manga adaptation by Yoshiki Nakamura currently serialized in Hakusensha’s shōjo manga magazine Hana To Yume.
Kyoko has devoted her life to Shotaro. When Shotaro came to Tokyo to debut as a singer, she followed him and worked to provide for him. But one day, Kyoko overhears Shota telling his manager that Kyoko means nothing to him. She’s just convenient, a housekeeper. This makes Kyoko furious, and she vows revenge on Shotaro. But Shotaro just laughs at her, saying she won’t be able to touch him because he’s now a popular singer and she’s a nobody. So Kyoko decides to get into showbiz and become even more popular than Shotaro to humiliate him. Unfortunately, Shotaro has destroyed Kyoko’s ability to love, and she discovers that it is a prerequisite for her to debut from her chosen company, LME. The president of LME puts her into a new section made for those who caught his eye but have something missing. It’s name… Section Love Me.
Original Thoughts
In an attempt by my subconcious to maintain a proper level of testosternoe, I initially thought this was a basketball anime. I claim to love Shoujou shows, but this summary reminds me too much of the "girl pines for a jackass" story line that is becoming (or always was?) too common in this genre. We'll see if the first episode catchs my fenimine side or if it inflames my sense of moral rightousness.
Chibi nun!
Details
Genre Guess - Religious Fighting Game
Animation Company: J.C Staff (Zero no Tsukaima, Ghost Hunt)
Seiyuu: Atsushi Abe, Rina Satou, Yuka Iguchi
I like this Summary better: (Undercover)
Set in a city of scientifically advanced superhuman students, but in a world where magic is also real. Toma Kamijo’s right hand, the Imagine Breaker, will negate all magic, psychic, or divine powers, but not his own bad luck. One day he finds a young girl hanging on his balcony railing. She turns out to be a nun from the Church of England, and her mind has been implanted with the Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum - all the magical texts the Church has removed from circulation. (from: Wikipedia)
Original Thoughts
It's got nuns! OK, have no idea where this one will go, but it looks like an outcast finds another outcast and together they form the band Outkast...I mean, they run from their various oppressors seeking a place to call their own. Story. Whatever. Once again, we'll see.
Details
Genre - High School Romance Comedy
Animation Company: J.C Staff (Honey & Clover, Shakugan no Shana)
Seiyuu: Junji Majima, Rie Kugimiya, Eri Kitamura, Yui Horie, Hirofumi Nojima,
Summary
This is based on a light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya, illustrated by Yasu.
In the story, second-year high school student Ryūji Takasu is a sweet, ordinary boy shunned by others because his face looks like a troublemaker’s. He bumps into Taiga Aisaka, a tiny but ferocious girl also shunned — even by her own family — as the “Handheld Tiger.” Their love-hate relationship begins in spite of (or perhaps because of) their shared burden of being ostracized outcasts. (ANN)
Alternate from Underground:
Synopsis: A man with eyes that are so scary, so mean looking, that he’s been isolated by almost everyone he’s ever met. A girl who’s said to be as fierce as a tiger. There is one girl who isn’t afraid of him, the tiger’s best friend, and as a result he’s developed a crush on her. However, his only male friend is the idol of the tiger’s affection. Due to a misplaced love-letter, the two team up in this odd-pair romance to help the other succeed in their love-goals. (from: ANN)
Original Thoughts
Interesting that this is one of the first series on my must watch list, yet in my mind it has the same plotline as the "eh" show I just described, To Aru Majutsu no Index. That is, two outcasts who come together to make it after all. Difference seems to be that Majutsu looks to be an "on the run from the man" type of conflict while this one is a "uncover the real person behind the persona" idea. I love stories where someone is discovered to be a deeper character that what everyone assumes they are, probably due to a low self esteeme fantasy where one finds a similar truth within themselves. I'll be sure to mention this to my therapist.
Details
Genre - Mecha Battle
Animation Company: Gonzo (Bokurano, Romeo x Juliet)
Seiyuu: Mamiko Noto, Jun Fukuyama, Kana Ueda
Summary
Fourteen-year-old Kouichi Hayase’s life has always been a mediocre one, if not dismal. However, those days of being bullied by classmates and escaping to a fantasy of being a hero are put to an end when a certain “accident” which almost claimed his life changes him. 2 years later, Koichi is a diferent guy. He’s stronger, smarter and more violent than he ever could dream off. And then, the thing that affected him that deeply appears again: LINEBARREL, the giant humanoid robot that was the reason for his injuries in the past and has a deeper connection with Koichi than he can imagine. Koichi is thrown into a world of responsabilities and consequences along with other robot pilots, which are known as Factors…
Original Thoughts
The twelve year old in me still has a soft spot for the "boy gets giant robot" story. Based on other sources, this one also has a girl involved somehow, which appeals to the sixteen year old in me. Other sources also suggest something dark - that being the studio that is producing it. Gonzo just can't do anything normal, can they?
I try to cut sugar out of my diet, but ya just can't sometimes
Details
Genre - Eroge (eroge?)
Animation Company:TNK (Lovedol ~Lovely Idol~, Kannazuki no Miko)
Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya, Aya Hirano
Summary
Adaptation of Feng’s 2007 eroge.
The story centers around a boy named Jun-ichi Nagase at a prestigious academy, and a female transfer student named Yuuhi Katagiri — who just happens to be Jun-ichi’s fiancée, as arranged by his family. (ANN)
Original Thoughts
New word of the day - Eroge! A Japanese erotic video game. I realized that many of my favorite series, such as H2O and Comic Party, are eroge adaptations. Naturally, any hardcore stuff is taken out and only the story remains, and for the most part the stories are brilliant. Hence my excitement based on a two line summary. We'll see how nuts I really am.
Joooooooooooooy
Details
Genre - Awesome
Animation Company: SHAFT (Hidamari Sketch, ef ~A tale of memories~)
Seiyuu: Kouichi Toochika, Mai Goto
Summary
This is the sequel to Ef ~ A tale of memories...
and that's all we know. The Wiki on the novels gives some insight, but we can expect the same characters with a new focus. No idea if it will be a retelling, prequal or sequal.
Original Thoughts
SQUWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Ef was billiant, messed up, and mezmorizing. It was the kind of anime that allows me to take people who think anime = perverted cartoons and go SEE?!? Do THAT in the US, mofo! Sure, it's a Kafka story filmed by Ingmar Bergman (a line I wanted to use since I started blogging sortly after the end of Ef) but it works...somehow, it works. Admit you, you cried if you made it to the last episode.
Expectations are a tad high for this one dontcha know?
The innocence of youth
Details
Genre - Ecchi Grade Schoolers (oh lord...)
Japanese Air Date: October 5
Animation Company: XEBEC (Heroic Age, Kanokon)
Seiyuu: Kobayashi Yu, Shimoda Asami, Takagaki Ayahi
Summary
Adaptation of Coharu Sakuraba’s manga that was previously adapted into a 4 part OVA of the same title.
A school-life comedy with anecdotes about fifth-graders focusing on Ryota Satou and his friendships, especially his childhood relationship with Chika Koizumi. It has sexual connotations of various sorts, and can be considered an ecchi show that is unintended. The manga series is short, consisting of only twenty-three eight to ten page chapters and collected together in a single bound volume.
Original Thoughts
I thought this looked familiar - the English name is "Today in Class 5-2". I had no idea it was an ecchi show, but I just watched one or two episodes (as in went to YouTube before typing this) and they ranges from slapstick to, well, kind of creepy. We'll see if they keep it as 5 minute shorts or develop a whole story line for this one.
Details
Genre Guess - Psycho Thriller (Qu'est-ce que c'est?)
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Seiyuu: Eri Kitamuram, Hiroyuki Yoshino
Summary
This is an anime based on a Japanese visual novel developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus with gore, psychology, and science fiction elements .
The game is described by the development team as a “Delusional Science VN.” The game’s premise revolves around a high school student named Takumi Nishijō who unknowingly walks into the scene of a gruesome murder on his way home. More mysterious events starts happening afterwards as more gruesome murders occurs in the area. Takumi struggles to cope with reality and the delusions he experiences as he tries to avoid being getting caught by the perpetrator behind the chain of murders.
Alternate from Undercover:
Takumi is a high school student. He is withdrawn and is not interested in 3D things. In his town, a mysterious serial murder case happens and people get panicked. One day, when he chats on the internet, a man suddenly contacts him and gives him an URL. He goes to the website and finds a blog image that suggests a next murder case…. On the next day, it really happens…. (from: ANN)
Original Thoughts
Let me first point out that neither summary has any indication who the chick in the picture promoting this series is, and in fact she looks way out of place, so take that with a grain of salt. The first summary seems to be for the game this is based on, the second for the anime. Looks like a serial killer hunt to me. In other places, Takumi is described as a Hikikomori, or shut in. A recent trend in Japan, (or so I am led to believe) these are basicly agoraphobic young people who feel there is no point in partisipating in society. The bad side of otaku, in other words. So there will be an interesting psychological game between the killer and the kid, maybe a tad like Death Note, but not so over the top (please?).
Final Thoughts
Once again, there are about a dozen interesting shows, and there will be no way I can keep up and blog them all. What will make the cut and what will languish in the TBD bin? Stay tuned!
So for those of you who are interested in what I'm skipping, you can check my main source of info at THAT Anime blog, as well as whatever come up on the first page of google when you search fall 2008 anime preview. I will give a link-out to Japanophile Isle since they are the first place I saw "The Poster". You'll know it when you see it, it won't be the last time.
On with the show!
Once again, most of this is copied whole cloth from THAT, though they credit their sources when they can. When I get a different source, I'll credit it as well.
Hakushaku to Yousei
A Dr. Suess Production
Details
Genre Guess - Victorian Romance
Japanese Air Date: September 28
Animation Company: Artland (Bokura ga Ita, Mushi-Shi)
Seiyuu: Nana Mizuki, Hikaru Midorikawa and Tomokazu Sugita
Summary
The story is set in 19th century England and centers on a “fairy doctor” named Lydia. Her life takes a 180-degree turn when she meets a legendary blue knight count named Edgar, and his crew. He hires her as an adviser during his quest to obtain a treasured sword that was supposed to be handed down to him by his family. (ANN)
Original Thoughts
Seems like my mind is blanking on previous Victorian fantasy shows. There are to be a few, but I can't think of any, hence the reason this catches my eye. Toss around terms like "fairy doctor" and "blue night" and at least this won't be Emma. Also interested in this crew of his, as the image for this show has a cat in a top hat, always a plus.
Tytania
Watercolor=DRAMA!
Details
Genre Guess - Space Opera (which is hardly a guess)
Japanese Air Date: October 4
Animation Company: Artland (Bokura ga Ita, Mushi-Shi)
Seiyuu: Daisuke Kishio, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kaori Nazuka
Summary
Based on the novels by Yoshiki Tanaka, original writer of the novels Legend of Galactic Heroes and the currently airing Yakushiji Ryōko no Kaiki Jikenbo.
This space adventure epic is about a soldier who flees the space faring Tytania empire and seeks refuge with a force leading a rebellion. The original story was written between 1988 to 1991, spanning three novels. Yoshiki Tanaka is no stranger to weaving space opera epics, and a new adventure to the galaxy will start.
Original Thoughts
Isn't Tytania a porn star? Regardless, this yells Crest of the Stars at me, but everything vaugly artsy and labeled "Space Opera" screams that, and so far none have lived up to that classic. We'll see what modern sensibilities do to an older than dirt theme.
Stitch!
Details
Genre Guess - Disney
Japanese Air Date: October 8
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Summary
Stitch! (スティッチ!, Sutitchi!?) is the tentative title of a an adaptation of the Lilo & Stitch movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
In the new story, the alien creature Stitch is running off on the mad scientist Jumba’s space scooter when he gets caught in a space storm and has to make an emergency landing at Izayoi Island, the southermost tip of Japan. There, he meets Yūna, a spirited fourth-grade girl who happens to know karate. Yūna tells Stitch about the Stone of Chitama, a mysterious object that can make any wish come true. However, he has to perform 43 good deeds to receive his wish. (ANN)
Original Thoughts
There is a lot of WTF over this, but I have the inside scoop. Thanks to my involvement with Otakon, I have met Masao Murayama-sama, the head of studio Madhouse. The man is a Stitch nut. I think he personally made this happen, so it is not a canned Disney market grab at Japan, it is actually a serious project run by someone who loves the character and wanted to bring it to Japan. With that, it still looks aimed at kids. With luck, we'll see Stitch with a death note and all hell will break loose.
Hyakko
Details
Genre Guess - Slice of Life, High School
Animation Company: Nippon Animation (Antique Bakery, The Wallflower)
Seiyuu: Aya Hirano, Fumiko Orikasani, Michiko Neya, Yurika Ochiai
Summary
Adaptation of Haruaki Katō’s manga serialized on Flex Comix’s free web comic FlexComix Blood.
This slice-of-life slapstick school comedy story follows the antics of four high school freshman girls, after they enroll into a huge private academy that teaches every grade from elementary school to high school.
Original Thoughts
I'm still not convinced anything compared to Lucky Star is going to be good (I'm still getting "just watch one more disk!" e-mails). But normally I would say I like "slice of life" shows (no, I can't think of examples, are you new here?) and the twist of the school being K through 12 may add something. Could suck too, that's why I'm here, to tell you when it does!
Kannagi
Now there are three of them?
Details
Genre Guess - Magic Girl
Animation Company: A-1 Pictures Inc. (Birdy the Mighty Decode, Persona ~Trinity Soul~)
Seiyuu: Kana Hanazawa, Haruka Tomatsu, Mai Nakahara, Hiro Shimono
Summary
This is based on a shounen manga by Takenashi Eri, serialised in Comic REX.
An art student named Jin Mikuriya carves a statue from the wood of the Kannagi tree only to have the statue come to life in the form of a goddess, who has now taken over the statue. He and "Nagi" work together to destroy the impurities that are gathering in the town. (less sarcastic summary from ANN)
Original Thoughts
Could be suck, could be awesome. Never know if these "guy makes a girl" series are going to go for the cheap pervert laughs or serious nature-protecting spiritual show. Somewhere in between would make me happy, to be honest.
Kemeko Deluxe
Sense - This picture makes none
Details
Genre Guess - F'ed Up
Animation Company: Hal Film Maker (Aria the Animation, Sketchbook)
Seiyuu: Chiwa Saito, Eri Kitamura, Rie Kugimiya
Summary
This is based on a manga by Iwasaki Masakazu serialised in Dengeki Comic Gao.
Ten years ago, high-school student Sanpeita dreamed he was engaged to a beautiful girl. One morning, an unknown homely girl suddenly pressed him for marriage. The homely girl was named Kemeko. In order to escape, Sanpeita left for school where Kemeko followed and showed up with an uproar. A larger disturbance was when Sanpeita was targeted by a rice cooker on the school’s rooftop. As Sanpeita and his childhood friend Izumi were being attacked by the rice cooker, Kemeko saved them both. What is the girl’s true shape!? (From Anidb)
Original Thoughts
Confused? Let's give some credit to The Null Set for a trailer link, and from some research, this is a show about mecha disguised as ugly girls piloted by cute girls. Makes sense to me! Could be a harem show, could be a battle show. Could be meat, could be cake. Gotta watch at least one episode to see if the weirdness goes to 11.
Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~
Someone needs to look up the definition of Quartet
Details
Genre Guess - Supernatural Harem
Japanese Air Date: October 2
Animation Company: Nomad (Rozen Maiden series, Kyōran Kazoku Nikki)
Seiyuu: Misato Fukuen, Miyuki Sawashiro, Saki Fujita, Yuuki Kaji
Summary
Adaptation of Suzuhito Yasuda’s manga with the English title Yozakura Quartet.
The Yozakura Quartet manga is the story of three teen girls - super-strong Hime, the mind-reader Ao, the conjurer Kotoha - and the ordinary teen boy Akina who protect their city from supernatural threats. (AnimeNation)
For more info, found this summary which I believe is for the manga, and makes it seem a tad different -
Hime is a superheroine. Ao can read minds. Kotoha can conjure up anything with the right word. And Akina…well, he’s just a regular guy, surrounded by three supergirls! Together, they protect the town of Sakurashin. But that’s not easy, as the town faces demon dogs and other supernatural threats! (from: Baka-Updates Manga)
Original Thoughts
The second summary makes it sound like a harem show, the first makes it sound like Scooby Doo. The character designs reminds me of Kureni, which was fabulous thanks to the mix of odd story line and serious subjects and design. We'll see where this one goes.
Shikabane Hime: Aka
What are people who you are not sure if meeting them is a good or bad thing, Alex?
Details
Genre Guess - Supernatural, Bloody
Animation Company: Gainax (Gurren Lagann, Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Feel (Nagasarete Airantou, D.C. II: Da Capo II)
Seiyuu: Nana Akiyama
Summary
Adaptation of Yoshiichi Akahito’s supernatural manga.
The story is about an exorcist girl called “Shikabane Hime” (Corpse Princess). Her name is Makina Hoshimura, an undead girl who hunts down 108 corpses in order to go to heaven.
Original Thoughts
It's Gainax. It will be F'ed up. Think it will have 108 episodes?
Skip Beat
A show about walking into walls a lot
Details
Genre Guess - Shoooooooooujou, Ho!
Animation Company: Hal Film Maker (Aria the Animation, Sketchbook)
Seiyuu: Marina Inoue, Katsuyuki Konishi, Mamoru Miyano
Summary
This is a manga adaptation by Yoshiki Nakamura currently serialized in Hakusensha’s shōjo manga magazine Hana To Yume.
Kyoko has devoted her life to Shotaro. When Shotaro came to Tokyo to debut as a singer, she followed him and worked to provide for him. But one day, Kyoko overhears Shota telling his manager that Kyoko means nothing to him. She’s just convenient, a housekeeper. This makes Kyoko furious, and she vows revenge on Shotaro. But Shotaro just laughs at her, saying she won’t be able to touch him because he’s now a popular singer and she’s a nobody. So Kyoko decides to get into showbiz and become even more popular than Shotaro to humiliate him. Unfortunately, Shotaro has destroyed Kyoko’s ability to love, and she discovers that it is a prerequisite for her to debut from her chosen company, LME. The president of LME puts her into a new section made for those who caught his eye but have something missing. It’s name… Section Love Me.
Original Thoughts
In an attempt by my subconcious to maintain a proper level of testosternoe, I initially thought this was a basketball anime. I claim to love Shoujou shows, but this summary reminds me too much of the "girl pines for a jackass" story line that is becoming (or always was?) too common in this genre. We'll see if the first episode catchs my fenimine side or if it inflames my sense of moral rightousness.
To Aru Majutsu no Index
Chibi nun!
Details
Genre Guess - Religious Fighting Game
Animation Company: J.C Staff (Zero no Tsukaima, Ghost Hunt)
Seiyuu: Atsushi Abe, Rina Satou, Yuka Iguchi
I like this Summary better: (Undercover)
Set in a city of scientifically advanced superhuman students, but in a world where magic is also real. Toma Kamijo’s right hand, the Imagine Breaker, will negate all magic, psychic, or divine powers, but not his own bad luck. One day he finds a young girl hanging on his balcony railing. She turns out to be a nun from the Church of England, and her mind has been implanted with the Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum - all the magical texts the Church has removed from circulation. (from: Wikipedia)
Original Thoughts
It's got nuns! OK, have no idea where this one will go, but it looks like an outcast finds another outcast and together they form the band Outkast...I mean, they run from their various oppressors seeking a place to call their own. Story. Whatever. Once again, we'll see.
Toradora!
Details
Genre - High School Romance Comedy
Animation Company: J.C Staff (Honey & Clover, Shakugan no Shana)
Seiyuu: Junji Majima, Rie Kugimiya, Eri Kitamura, Yui Horie, Hirofumi Nojima,
Summary
This is based on a light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya, illustrated by Yasu.
In the story, second-year high school student Ryūji Takasu is a sweet, ordinary boy shunned by others because his face looks like a troublemaker’s. He bumps into Taiga Aisaka, a tiny but ferocious girl also shunned — even by her own family — as the “Handheld Tiger.” Their love-hate relationship begins in spite of (or perhaps because of) their shared burden of being ostracized outcasts. (ANN)
Alternate from Underground:
Synopsis: A man with eyes that are so scary, so mean looking, that he’s been isolated by almost everyone he’s ever met. A girl who’s said to be as fierce as a tiger. There is one girl who isn’t afraid of him, the tiger’s best friend, and as a result he’s developed a crush on her. However, his only male friend is the idol of the tiger’s affection. Due to a misplaced love-letter, the two team up in this odd-pair romance to help the other succeed in their love-goals. (from: ANN)
Original Thoughts
Interesting that this is one of the first series on my must watch list, yet in my mind it has the same plotline as the "eh" show I just described, To Aru Majutsu no Index. That is, two outcasts who come together to make it after all. Difference seems to be that Majutsu looks to be an "on the run from the man" type of conflict while this one is a "uncover the real person behind the persona" idea. I love stories where someone is discovered to be a deeper character that what everyone assumes they are, probably due to a low self esteeme fantasy where one finds a similar truth within themselves. I'll be sure to mention this to my therapist.
Kurogane no Linebarrel
Details
Genre - Mecha Battle
Animation Company: Gonzo (Bokurano, Romeo x Juliet)
Seiyuu: Mamiko Noto, Jun Fukuyama, Kana Ueda
Summary
Fourteen-year-old Kouichi Hayase’s life has always been a mediocre one, if not dismal. However, those days of being bullied by classmates and escaping to a fantasy of being a hero are put to an end when a certain “accident” which almost claimed his life changes him. 2 years later, Koichi is a diferent guy. He’s stronger, smarter and more violent than he ever could dream off. And then, the thing that affected him that deeply appears again: LINEBARREL, the giant humanoid robot that was the reason for his injuries in the past and has a deeper connection with Koichi than he can imagine. Koichi is thrown into a world of responsabilities and consequences along with other robot pilots, which are known as Factors…
Original Thoughts
The twelve year old in me still has a soft spot for the "boy gets giant robot" story. Based on other sources, this one also has a girl involved somehow, which appeals to the sixteen year old in me. Other sources also suggest something dark - that being the studio that is producing it. Gonzo just can't do anything normal, can they?
Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka
I try to cut sugar out of my diet, but ya just can't sometimes
Details
Genre - Eroge (eroge?)
Animation Company:TNK (Lovedol ~Lovely Idol~, Kannazuki no Miko)
Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya, Aya Hirano
Summary
Adaptation of Feng’s 2007 eroge.
The story centers around a boy named Jun-ichi Nagase at a prestigious academy, and a female transfer student named Yuuhi Katagiri — who just happens to be Jun-ichi’s fiancée, as arranged by his family. (ANN)
Original Thoughts
New word of the day - Eroge! A Japanese erotic video game. I realized that many of my favorite series, such as H2O and Comic Party, are eroge adaptations. Naturally, any hardcore stuff is taken out and only the story remains, and for the most part the stories are brilliant. Hence my excitement based on a two line summary. We'll see how nuts I really am.
Ef ~A tale of melodies~
Joooooooooooooy
Details
Genre - Awesome
Animation Company: SHAFT (Hidamari Sketch, ef ~A tale of memories~)
Seiyuu: Kouichi Toochika, Mai Goto
Summary
This is the sequel to Ef ~ A tale of memories...
and that's all we know. The Wiki on the novels gives some insight, but we can expect the same characters with a new focus. No idea if it will be a retelling, prequal or sequal.
Original Thoughts
SQUWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Ef was billiant, messed up, and mezmorizing. It was the kind of anime that allows me to take people who think anime = perverted cartoons and go SEE?!? Do THAT in the US, mofo! Sure, it's a Kafka story filmed by Ingmar Bergman (a line I wanted to use since I started blogging sortly after the end of Ef) but it works...somehow, it works. Admit you, you cried if you made it to the last episode.
Expectations are a tad high for this one dontcha know?
Kyou no Go no Ni
The innocence of youth
Details
Genre - Ecchi Grade Schoolers (oh lord...)
Japanese Air Date: October 5
Animation Company: XEBEC (Heroic Age, Kanokon)
Seiyuu: Kobayashi Yu, Shimoda Asami, Takagaki Ayahi
Summary
Adaptation of Coharu Sakuraba’s manga that was previously adapted into a 4 part OVA of the same title.
A school-life comedy with anecdotes about fifth-graders focusing on Ryota Satou and his friendships, especially his childhood relationship with Chika Koizumi. It has sexual connotations of various sorts, and can be considered an ecchi show that is unintended. The manga series is short, consisting of only twenty-three eight to ten page chapters and collected together in a single bound volume.
Original Thoughts
I thought this looked familiar - the English name is "Today in Class 5-2". I had no idea it was an ecchi show, but I just watched one or two episodes (as in went to YouTube before typing this) and they ranges from slapstick to, well, kind of creepy. We'll see if they keep it as 5 minute shorts or develop a whole story line for this one.
CHAOS;HEAD
Details
Genre Guess - Psycho Thriller (Qu'est-ce que c'est?)
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Seiyuu: Eri Kitamuram, Hiroyuki Yoshino
Summary
This is an anime based on a Japanese visual novel developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus with gore, psychology, and science fiction elements .
The game is described by the development team as a “Delusional Science VN.” The game’s premise revolves around a high school student named Takumi Nishijō who unknowingly walks into the scene of a gruesome murder on his way home. More mysterious events starts happening afterwards as more gruesome murders occurs in the area. Takumi struggles to cope with reality and the delusions he experiences as he tries to avoid being getting caught by the perpetrator behind the chain of murders.
Alternate from Undercover:
Takumi is a high school student. He is withdrawn and is not interested in 3D things. In his town, a mysterious serial murder case happens and people get panicked. One day, when he chats on the internet, a man suddenly contacts him and gives him an URL. He goes to the website and finds a blog image that suggests a next murder case…. On the next day, it really happens…. (from: ANN)
Original Thoughts
Let me first point out that neither summary has any indication who the chick in the picture promoting this series is, and in fact she looks way out of place, so take that with a grain of salt. The first summary seems to be for the game this is based on, the second for the anime. Looks like a serial killer hunt to me. In other places, Takumi is described as a Hikikomori, or shut in. A recent trend in Japan, (or so I am led to believe) these are basicly agoraphobic young people who feel there is no point in partisipating in society. The bad side of otaku, in other words. So there will be an interesting psychological game between the killer and the kid, maybe a tad like Death Note, but not so over the top (please?).
Final Thoughts
Once again, there are about a dozen interesting shows, and there will be no way I can keep up and blog them all. What will make the cut and what will languish in the TBD bin? Stay tuned!
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