Impz has made a rough scan of the 70 over series that will be shown in the upcoming spring season and found the few series that have caught my eye. I have found that I really am hopeless at reviewing anything funny, or anything that is of shounen. Hence, my scope of reviewing episodes are greatly reduced. Still, I think I have found some gems within the great amount and these are the top few series that I will highly take a look when it comes out.
The translation of the story gist might be inaccurate but we tried our best since we are all amateurs in translating.
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2nd season
Story gist
A series about Shuurei, a noble girl that has fallen on hard times and her adventures in this Saiunkoku country. In the first season, she has experienced being the companion of the king, Ryuuki as well as her deadly adventures to govern Sa province, a district where chaos and lawlessness reigned. This second season continues on her journey as a governor along with Eigetsu, as well as the increasingly mental dilemma of love and her job as an official of the state.
Thoughts
I love the first season. Any reason why I will not love the second? This is definitely going to be blogged, so all Saiunkoku Monogatari fans can rest easy. There is seemingly some filler for Saiunkoku Monogatari before the second season arrives, so I might fill in with that too.
Likelihood of blogging this at this stage: 100%
Bokurano
Story gist
During school vacation, 15 guys and girls gathered. A grade school student, Ushiru Kanai, was included within the 14 middle school students. A person who calls himself Kokoberi appears suddenly and binds them to an agreement in the pretense of a game. The agreement was that if they lose in the battle/conflict, after the victory, within the time course of 48 hours will come about the destruction of the earth. The entire population as well as every living thing on the surface will be annihilated. the person behind this manipulation, prior to the agreement made selected one from the group to reach. As the manipulator acted alone, he made modification to the thing willfully as the game of death began.
Thoughts
The story seems to be a winner in my opinion, shoving up ironies, moral stories and the likes. I will be likely to blog this unless many people are picking this up simply because this is probably the type of anime that I will be keen to. Even my slight prejudice toward mecha series cannot overlook the fact that this is likely to turn out excellent if they follow the manga carefully. I will be waiting with bated breath on this series and probably be the first anime that I will review once I get my hands on it. A little check on the manga reveals many moral themes, both forbidden and disturbing. Sounds like the exact type of anime that I can do a good review on for episodic summaries.
I do see the similarities of this series with Battle Royale and I like this rather warped plot.
Likelihood of blogging this at this stage: 90%
Seirei no Moribito
Story gist
Based on a fantasy novel by Uehashi Naoko & Futatsugi Saki. Chagumu, the second prince of New Yogo Kingdom, is the person who is chosen once in 100 years to be deposited an egg by a water fairy, and he must become the guardian of fairies. Thinking of him as a nuisance, the king tries to kill him, while the queen asks a female guard, Valsa, to protect him. From then on it’s a continuous life of escape from their persistant pursuers. However, there are also beings called “Nayugu” that coexist in this world, and they too are after Chagum – they want to devour the eggs within his body. What is this sacred water spirit? What are the secrets behind the midsummer festival? A series of mysteries stand before Baruzsa and Chagum…
Thoughts
When I first checked the site, I really like it a lot without even knowing what the whole fricking story is about. That is how impressed I am with the series because I like the character design and it seems that they are from the same animation company that brought Chevalier. Even though my co-blogger, Lupus, totally hate Chevalier for the design, I will take a risk with this one and hope that it does not disappoint me. I just have a hunch that it will be great stuff.
I have additional information that the director, Kenji Kamiyama, is also Ghost in the Shell: SAC’s director, which will be something of a push. With a possibly epic fantasy theme, good fighting scenes (i will apologize ahead of time for bad description) and NHK-BS helming the broadcast, I really find it hard to see how this series can fail, considering it is holding another of my favorite series, Saiunkoku Monogatari.
Likelihood of blogging this at this stage: 85%
Romeo x Juliet
Story gist
this is a love story of 2 young people. However it is also a cruel and oppressive love story. the theatre is in a floating city called Verona. it is under the ruling of the Montague family. This is a mysterious place with strength and often boasted for its splendour. 14 Years ago, the Capulets family revolted. The peace of the day is starting the break. Under the tyrant’s governance, the difference between the rich and the poor widened. The last child carrying the Capulet royal bloodline was left to one person – Juliet, and she survived. Her lover is Romeo. The introduction of the cruel fate between the two people made them pay for falling in love.
Thoughts
I have always been intrigued by this theme ever since I heard that Gonzo is adapting this wonderful Shakespeare’s tale of romance, irony and elite factions. In my opinion, this series can be a surprise hit among the many series that is out of the avalanche of releases. I remember dropping a tear after reading Romeo X Juliet screenplay when I was in a class about theatrical writing, and it’s still possibly in my head. I do not know how this will turn out since there is some mecha involved (I have two fricking mecha shows in my top 5, what in the …) but who knows.
Likelihood of blogging this at this stage: 50%
El Cazador de la Bruja
Story gist
Physicist Haintsu Shonaidai was killed and the suspect was a young girl known as Ellis. The society/public offered a large sum of monetary reward for her capture/description (??). Bounty hunter Nadei found Ellis unexpectedly in a suburban town in Mexico. The story beings when the bounty hunter rescues Ellis from the others. To find out the truth of the affair regarding Ellis, they escaped her pursuers and traveled north. They arrived at a place where she was born “hometown”. Ellis doesn’t know or understand her past. However she is confident that fate will lead the way and …
Thoughts
Made by the same director that brought you Noir and Madlax, this is the last of the trilogy with the guns and gals series. If it is anything good like Noir, we are definitely in for a classic. I remember watching Noir and found myself praising it to no end due to the moral themes in the story. If anything, I will be looking forward to this quite a bit.
Likelihood of blogging this at this stage: 40%
What do you think? Any other series you think will fit the type of series that I have been blogging? Do you want me to really blog something because you think it will be good for Impz to try out?
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28 Comments
From the ones you mentioned , only Bokurano seems to attract me…
I’m pretty much going to watch all of them except for Saiunkoku (haven’t finished the first season yet).
Wow none of these tickle my fancy except maybe a morbid curiosity for Romeo & Juliet o_o
How does Romeo and Juliet get… mecha-ed? *shocked*
But ok, if Romeo can wear Hawaiian shirts in Leonardo Di Caprio’s version, I suppose some mecha is still within the realms of belief…
I will say I’m interested in seeing how R & J turns out. And definitely SaiMono for the Ryuuki eye candy (I’m *hoping* there’s eye candy, seeing as how Shuurei will probably be staying in Sa a lot and hence not together with Ryuuki). Bokurano’s story seems interesting, but I’m not sure about the character design. On the other hand, the art for Seirei no Moribito looks really great, but I can’t make head or tail of its storyline. As for El Cazador de la Bruja… nice character design, but I’m just not a gun toting kind of person.
Definitely looking forward to more SaiMono from you, Impz!
@extrange: Really desu~? Hmm, Bokurano should be a big fan cult favorite and I do hope to write it up when i get the episode. It will be good to delve into the plot deep and I am sure that I can do the series a good favor.
@Leon: way great, can’t wait huh!
@Hinano: Ya, I realize that I am just not good blogging about funny comedy series that seem more like your cup of tea. Not saying that I will not watch it, just that to blog it will be rather difficult since i will have 0 impressions for it. Quite sad huh.
@Briar: Saimono is definitely yes. Bokurano’s character design can be a little weak but the story is definitely very interesting and I have heard that the manga has one of the darkest plots ever from what I read from wiki. If it follows the adaptation faithfully, we will have an extremely dark tale to tell.
Seirei no Moribito is done by production IG and I must say that I have been keen on the series since 2 months ago on the website. It will be a series to watch for sure.
El Cazador de la Bruja is probably on the fringes….but who knows. It might be blogged when I have time. Romeo x Juilet is very very very interesting though, since i love the classic when i studied literature a long time ago. I will want to see how this story will go.
@Briar, I have to agree, its going to be an agonizing wait for more Ryuuki! ^-^. I shall have to rewatch the first season to keep myself going. I’m so glad Impz is going to blog the second season.
Hmm as for the others I just read about R & J in Newtype and I figured I’d give it a go. Maybe next they’ll do my favourite, c’mon Othello is just begging for an anime! ^o^
And Seirei no Moribito, intrigues me.
@Extrange: I love your tastes. Hopefully you won’t be disappointed by Bokurano.
Actually it’s the same for me. If I had to pick out the 5 most interesting anime, I’d say it’s:
1. Bokurano
2. Emma 2nd season
3. Dennou Coil
4. Tetsuko no Tabi
5. Lucky Star
Err, they are all seinen *hrr hrr* Now I wonder why…
Ahaha yea I guess I tend to view most things with a sarcastic eye XD
@impz: Yeah. XD I actually just started Saiunkoku because of your entries. I always wanted to watch it but wanted to see the thoughts of someone who was already watching it. ^^
As for my list, It’s still in the making since I’ve been busy over the past few days but I should have it out before the end of the weekend.
Noir 3’s webpage says the short girl has DNA of a majou (magical woman, witch) from an ancient civilization, and that these magical powers manifest sporadically.
Sounds familiar
@Impz and Sasa: I’ve read the manga version of Bokura No and already knew the style of the mangaka from Narutaru [Shadow Star]. The only trouble is the capability of the studios doing a good adaptation: they were mediocre on Narutaru’s case. Also Impzy, I know you prefer to blog with deep plot analysis, but you should consider Claymore on your list, but that’s just my opinion.
God, it’s a pain in the ass to write from a Wii…
@Extrange: Hell yes, Claymore has been on my list ever since it was announced (I LOVE the manga).
“Hayate”, “Oofuri” and “Gurren-Lagann”. Those are definites for me. I have scratched for now “Blue Dragon” and “Devil May Cry”. “Xenoglossia” is actually giving me a Zenkai Kiaidan. It’s so killing me, it’s not funny.
@Extrange: Claymore might be considered if I can somehow learn how to describe fighting scenes. The thing is that I am pretty awful with it. If there is lesser fighting scenes (like it does not take up 80% of an episode), I will be interested since I am keen on the “Hot armored women holding claymores)….
<– is a big AD&D fan.
Bokurano was made by the same person of Narutaru, I’m a little nervous to see his new work since the trailer for this show has moonlight sonata in teh background and some depressing images, plus narutaru disturbed the heck out of me (shudders after watching episode 12) but I will watch it still since personally i can help but watch something that will no doubt have a good amount of angst and drama!
i like blogging shows i really like, even if they’re hard…bokurano: i should be doing that one as well…
Nah, I don’t like blogging things that I really like if they are hard for me. I mean, I love History’s strongest disciple but I hardly have anything really good to say for each episode. It will just not work to my own favor if I do try, so ya X_X..
You are a different breed, danny. You are…you are….everyman!
Impz, have you seen the trailer for RomeoxJuliet?
http://www.romejuli.jp/g_move640.html
I must say I was impressed. Now, the problem is Gonzo living up to their teaser. They’ve let us down before. But damn that trailer looks good!
Ah, finally. I’m glad to know you’ll be blogging 2-3 of the animes I’ve picked to watch and follow.
Anyway, here is my own list.
*SaiMono
*Koutetsu Sangokushi
*Hayate the Combat Butler
*Seto No Hanayome
*Seirei no Moribito or Romeo x Juliet (I’m still deciding which one though I’m leaning more on Seirei no Morbito. ^^)
And of course, SugarBunnies! What? I couldn’t resist. It has sugar and cute little bunnies in it. I’ve always been fond of sweet nonsense. ^^
@L-chan: You got me there. I actually tried to load the movie at the time that I am doing this preview with no avail. However, today seems to be a lucky day and it seems that the trailer is hell good. It will be a rather tough job to live up to their teaser but I am sure you will read it here first about how good or bad the first episode is going to be ^+^
@13sugars: Hmmm, Koutetsu Sangokushi is one of the series I might blog but that’s under another entry…The tentative title since I have not written is “The Spring series that might replace the top 5!”
Something like that
Arr, I got some other inspiration….”Prove me wrong! The spring season series on the fringes of the pinnacle.”
I’ve been reading your entries on Saiunkoku, but I’d want to watch the first season before going into the second season. Romeo and Juliet I like because I’ve seen the trailer (looks nice) and El Cazador definitely because of the linkage to Bee Train, Noir was a really big win and is one of my favorites.
awesome spring season titles \(^0\)(/0^)/
Darker than black, koutetsu sengokushi, Emma, Saiunkoku (yay~!) …etc Can’t wait~!!!
*there goes my college work*
Impz I think Hayate the Combat Butler and Lucky Star can but pretty good series for you to blog(if they are as good as the manga they are based upon of course:).
@arcanes: The problem is that both are generally comedy and I do admit that I am pretty bad at such stuff. I mean, i will eventually get stuck on what form of impressions i should say.
I want to provide something different, and it’s hard when I have no theories, nothing interesting, nothing funny, nothing inquisitive to say. However, who knows, I might be doing parodies of it but i will be catching those two series since kyoto animation = win for me.
@Kimmie: hahaha, college work? Oh well ^^
@tenkaichi: Yep, R & J seems to be a possible hit unless gonzo screws up big time. I don’t think they will for some strange reason.
Noir was an anime I watched a long time ago and I enjoyed it quite well. You read my saimono entries? Comment more! 
I’m in for Saiungoku Monogatari 2nd season (still at 1st season) and Seirei no Moribito
Briar said: “How does Romeo and Juliet get… mecha-ed? *shocked*”
Same as how they mecha’ed The Count of Monte Cristo in Gankutsuou.
Hmm, I am feeling pretty lukewarm about Gonzo’s offering of R&J – to me, Gankutsuou was nice, but nothing awesome – but I guess there is no harm in giving it a go.
The series I know I will be following, however, are (1) Hayate no Combat Butler and (2) Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS.
hahaha, i still thought that the trailer does make R&J look like a feasible and interesting story…I do wonder about Hayate no Combat Butler. The manga is definitely interesting but I am a bit worried about the production values of the show.
To add, StrikerS will rock no matter what but I will leave it to the fanboys to do the show justice
WOAH. I was just reading the wikipedia entry for Bokurano….CRAZY. WOW. I am totally watching this. Thaaankks.
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[...] Hmm. Everyone seems to be buzzing about their lineup of shows to watch this Spring Season. There seems to be screams of joy, sweats of anticipation, and tears of utter disappointment in the anime blogosphere. I think I mentioned before how the following season will restore my faith in anime, so let’s hope it does so. [...]
[...] I have my first set of series that I felt was going to be my top 5 in terms in blogging. However, any normal, rational and completely sane anime fan/blogger/ranter/commentor (which is by [...]