THAT Animeblog

You know that this will be a great season when I do not even know whether I will be blogging EF.

Since poor Calawain wrote the previous summer season, it might seem reasonable that he has the invaluable experience to continue on this feature of T.H.A.T. Nonetheless, to relieve him of his pain and his troubles, I have taken back the responsibility to set up this painful post that will probably make me lose a few strands of my hair while I write on it. This follows the previous Summer season’s format. I think that it is more than comprehensive, and will not add any new sections to it.

Much of this info is pulled from Fansub Wiki, AniDB, AnimeSuki, ANN, Wikipedia and random blogs. So thanks to those fine sites for their databases. And since I am a crying little girl, Calawain did most of the editing, and will be adding any additional information as it becomes available. Calawain will also do his best to not change the title image because he has a great distaste for ef.

Click on link to jump to the series: Battle Spirits Shounen Toppa Version | Hakushaku to Yousei | Tytania | Nodame Cantabile Paris-hen | Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae | Stitch! | Tales of the Abyss | Gundam 00 Second Season | Vampire Knight Guilty | Hyakko | Noramimi2 | Rosario to Vampire CAPU2 | Kannagi | Kemeko Deluxe | Michiko To Hatchin | Yozakura Shiusou ~Yozakura Quartet~ | Clannad ~After Story~ | Shikabane Hime: Aka | Skip Beat | To Aru Majutsu no Index | Toradora! | Kurogane no Linebarrel | Ga-rei-zero- | Macademi Wasshoi! | Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka | Ef ~A tale of melodies~ | Casshern SINS | Kuroshitsuji | Kyou no 5 no 2 | Bihada Ichizoku | Chaos;Head | Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden: Ten no Haoh | Tentai Senshi Sunred | Junjou Romantica 2 | Kurozuka | One Outs

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Battle Spirits Shounen Toppa Bashin

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://battlespirits.com/
Japanese Air Date: September 7
Animation Company: Toei Animation (Sailor Moon, Lovely Complex)
Seiyuu:

Summary

Based on the Bandai’s highly popular card game, this anime is set up in collaboration for the 20th anniversary of Bandai card games. It is reputed to have fast game play and immediate turnarounds. The animators plan to incorporate computer graphics to portray the battles from the card game. (ANN)

Thoughts

Calawain: Card games? Oh the agony. This one’s for kids.

Impz: Have you watched Yu-gi-oh? I actually did with my nephews. Guess what? I was actually mildly interested in it for a while before I completely gave up. No go for me. This is just for kids into the card games.

Shokkeru: Nope, we’re all grown up now kiddies.

Extrange: Well, it’s true there is a niche for card battle animes, but the main problem is the inherent kiddy factor. Yu-Gi-Oh 5D’s was a nice step towards an anime genre with actual plot, but this Battle Spirits burns down like a moth in a flame. (Mind you that I’m a ex TCG player but even so, these animes plain suck)

Crusader: Ah another overly long toy commercial, I’ll pass.

Reverse Vampire: Nope. I never, ever touched a deck of YGO or similar series of cards in my entire life. It’s a thumbs down for me, nono.

Maipeisu: No-name Bandai card game + 20th anniversary = Hell no. End of story.

Phuzy: Ew. No.

Jiff: I don’t know, Toei did such a great job with Digimon…

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Hakushaku to Yousei

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.myfairy.tv/
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)

Thoughts

Impz: I must say that whenever it comes to such romance in medieval England times, my eyes will just open and look forward to it. Everything looks in good order until I realize it is Artland animating it. Graphical quality will not be high, as I have a personal bias against Artland in general. I will watch it nonetheless, since everyone here should know I am a sucker for romance.

Shokkeru: Judging based off the preview image and short summary, I can’t say that I’m that interested in this one. However, it may be worth taking a peek at. That cat in a suit is more than enough to capture my attention though.

Extrange: Hmm, this is a simple thing: it’s Artland, therefore, it will plainly suck. Story may be good and all, but I don’t trust the guys who’ve butchered Gunslinger Girls 2.

Crusader: Oh 19th Century is it? Well Impz will probably be blogging but I might just watch assuming the old Blighty Empire is all fine and well.

Maipeisu: Nineteenth centery England has its appeal, and I like the artwork, but the inexcusably stupid look on Lydia’s face makes me a tad suspicious. To be fair, Artland DID produce Mushishi and Megazone 23. Extrange, just remember that Bee Train *shudder* is in charge of Blade of the Immortal. Maybe I’ll scope it out. Maybe.

Phuzy: Maybe…Maybe not.

Jiff: You had me at Victorian England. The cat in the top hat just sweetens the deal. I’ll give the first one a watch for sure, we’ll see how it goes.

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Tytania

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.tytania.jp/
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.

Thoughts

Calawain: Artland made Mushi-shi and seemed to use any talent they ever had on that show alone, since everything else has been trash for the most part. I’m not much on space opera shows so this one’s doubtful.

Impz: Space opera epic? Meh, I do not care much about this. I wonder if this fits Crusader but he already has Gundam 00 second season on his wings. I am putting a ten foot pole away from this, simply because I don’t like this genre. Yes, I am evil. Bite me.

Shokkeru: I know it’s just cover art, but the art style doesn’t really attract me. Probably a pass on this one.

Extrange: … Why Artland??? Dammit, I just hope the space opera style overcomes the lower animation quality.

Crusader: Oh space opera eh? Sounds fun… Hopefully it will come somewhat close to the greatness that was LOGH.

Maipeisu: Have to agree with Shokkeru, the cover art is a BIG turnoff. The characters look chody. I’ll bet its a deliberate throwback to the 80s, though; this is the same author that wrote LOGH after all. We must consider here, that Tanaka-sensei is an author of novels. Not light novels, novels. He also did Arslan. For the plot-obsessed, this may be well worth the time. Artland just needs to play their cards right…

Phuzy: Do you pronounce it like “titanium”?

Jiff: I am also worried about the animation and character designs, but the fact that it’s based on a novel is enough to get me past my dislike for space settings and give it a try.

Possible bloggers: Maipeisu

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Nodame Cantabile Paris-hen

Details

Number of episodes: 11
Website: http://www.nodame-anime.com/
Japanese Air Date: October 9
Animation Company: J.C Staff (Honey & Clover, Shakugan no Shana)
Seiyuu: Ayako Kawasumi, Tomokazu Seki

Summary

The 2nd season of Nodame Cantabile, based on the manga drawn by Tomoko Ninomiya.

This is the sequel to Nodame Cantabile, focusing on the Paris chapters where they continued to improve their musical artistry. The original series is based on two characters, Chiaki and Nodame. At a top music academy in Japan, Shinichi Chiaki’s arrogance is matched only by his top-notch piano playing. But when Chiaki and the teacher get into a fight, he’s demoted to the reject class. Chiaki is left to pursue his dream of being a conductor while surrounded by a bunch of loser musicians and one annoying girl, Noda, who has proclaimed herself Chiaki’s girlfriend. It doesn’t help that Noda, who insists on being called Nodame, lives right next door to him. (ANN first season summary)

Thoughts

Impz: I am embarrassed to say that I lost interest in the original Nodame Cantabile anime after mid way through the season. I got bored by the recurring and boring antics of the two and I started losing any empathy with the characters. I am not sure if I will be picking this up, even for a first episode.

Shokkeru: More sequels… meh. Not enough time and interest for this one despite how good it may be sadly.

Extrange: This sequel was a logic step, since they only did the Japan arc in the previous season. Trouble is, it’s an anime about music….I love and read Nodame Cantabile but the conversion to anime brings some issues since the plot doesn’t have the dynamism to prevent stale, boring periods of the story sequence.

Crusader: I will be watching this one, but as for blogging we shall see.

Maipeisu: If I decide to watch the original, I’ll probably check this out. I read some positive reviews. As for blogging, probably not, what with the juicy selection.

Phuzy: Piano? Okay, no.

Jiff: Although the music theme interests me, I missed the first season and am going to have to hear what others are saying before I watch any of this one.

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Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.jigokushoujo.com/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Studio Deen (Vampire Knight, Hatenkou Yuugi)
Seiyuu: Mamiko Noto, Masaya Matsukaze

Summary

Third season of Jigoku Shoujo, an original production.

Somewhere in the vast sea of the Internet, there’s a website that can only be accessed at the stroke of midnight. Known as the Jigoku Tsushin, rumor has it that if you post a grudge there, the Jigoku Shoujo will appear and drag whoever torments you into the inferno. Very little is known about the girl – all we know for sure is that she lives with her equally enigmatic grandmother, that three magical straw dolls accompany and serve her, and that whenever a posting on the Jigoku Tsushin moves her, she becomes the Jigoku Shoujo. (ANN first season summary)

Thoughts

Impz: I procrastinated over the first, procrastinated over the second and will hit a turkey/hat-trick with a third procrastination over this series. No watch.

Shokkeru: No, thanks.

Extrange:It’s not that I don’t like the genre, but the series doesn’t attract me…

Crusader: Never got into it. Bypassing.

Maipeisu: I heard it was meh. And third season? Definitely a no.

Phuzy: I watched the first and second seasons during my first year in uni…might as well watch the third for my second year!

Jiff: Another creepy, pale little girl? Yawn.

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Stitch!

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.disneychannel.jp/dc/program/anime/stitch/
Japanese Air Date: October 8
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Seiyuu:

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)

Thoughts

Calawain: When I was a kid I dug Disney movies like crazy, The Brave Little Toaster and Aladdin were the freaking bomb. But not anymore, happens when you are 24 without any kids.

Impz: LoL. Only reaction I can have. Seriously.

Shokkeru: I didn’t watch it when Disney did it. Making it into an anime won’t get me to watch it this time either.

Extrange: … We had Powerpuff Girls Z before, and now Stitch? When they will pick cartoons WHO would make good animes, like The Grim Adventures of Bill and Mandy? Better yet, just hire Bleedman…

Crusader: Didn’t care much for Lilo and Stitch back then don’t care now.

Maipeisu: This is a joke, right? Not blogging, but I’m watching this at the very least. For an explanation, see my brief comments on Maruyama-sensei.

Phuzy: This has to be a joke.

Jiff: Never watched the Disney, never watching this.

Possible bloggers:

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Tales of the Abyss

Details

Number of episodes: 26
Website: http://www.tv-toa.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Sunrise
Seiyuu: Chihiro Suzuki, Yukana

Summary

This is based on a game by Namco.

The anime takes place in the world of Auldrant, a planet composed of “Fonons”. It is a material energy found in all things. Long ago, a new kind of Fonon was discovered, but great chaos was brought with the finding. By using this newest Seventh Fonons, one could read the future. Luke von Fabre is the son of Duke Fabre of the Kimlasca Kingdom at 17 years old. Naive and impulsive, he is forbidden to go out of the house. This is due to a kidnapping seven years ago where he lost his memories. However, Tear Grants, a mysterious girl, suddenly appeared in Luke’s mansion to kill her brother Van Grants for a reason unknown. As she stumbled unto Luke, they reacted with a magic explosion and they were transported out of the mansion. This is the start of the journey as Luke discovered many uncomfortable truths of his existence and the world…

Thoughts

Calawain: I have yet to see a video game adaptation that didn’t suck, the only one that I was able to partially watch was Persona and I couldn’t even finish that.

Impz: I played this game. If that can make this half as awesome as the game, I will be bowled over in supreme ectasy. In addition, Tear compels me to watch the first episode. She’s just about the hottest “I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME RAWR” type of girl in the Japanese RPG genre. Luke will probably annoy the shit out of me like in the game, but Tear, Guy and Jade will definitely be win if they retain their characters. Count me in, I might just blog this. What the hell did I just say to a RPG-themed anime?

Shokkeru: It’s still on my “To eventually play” list, but not on my “To watch” list.

Extrange: Er, Persona: Trinity Soul wasn’t a game adaptation, it was BASED ONLY on the Persona games… Anyway, ToA is part of the “Tales of…” series of RPG games from NAMCO. Tales games always had a decent plot and since the PS1 version of the games, they were always filled with anime cutscenes. I’m actually surprised why an anime of Tales wasn’t made earlier.

Crusader:The only RPG I care about is the kind that fires rockets.

Maipeisu: As much as I like fantasy stuff, RPG anime can be dangerous. I’m getting some serious ‘boring’ vibes from this one. I think I’ll pass.

Phuzy: I’ll give it a try. Persona was slow paced for sure. Way too slow, but if you made it through, the last few episodes definitely did not disappoint.

Jiff: Quit with the crappy, generic RPG plots and make a FF XII anime already! It’s guaranteed to be awesome!

Possible bloggers: Impz

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Gundam 00 Second Season

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.gundam00.net/
Japanese Air Date: October 5
Animation Company: Sunrise
Seiyuu: Mamoru Miyano, Hiroshi Kamiya

Summary

The sequel to Gundam 00. Here’s the synopsis for the first season.

2312 A.D. Four years have passed since the final battle between Celestial Being and the UN Forces. Humanity, after having established the Earth Sphere Federation, forms an independent security force, Arrows, separate from the formal Federation army to further unify nations and the will of mankind. But the reality is the inhumane oppression of anti-government powers, doctrines, and ideologies in the name of unity. Setsuna F. Seiei, after surviving the battle four years ago, has decided to once again fight with his Gundam. (ANN)

Thoughts

Calawain: Once the first season stopped tried to pretend like they knew something about political science and history (which by the way, they didn’t, and it was pathetic) the show was really enjoyable. It’s relatively low on angst and romance for a mecha show, but has enough silly clichés and funny characters to keep it entertaining. Plus, it’s got a huge budget and looks amazing in HD. I plan on commenting on Crusader’s posts on this similar to the way he comments on my Code Geass entries, although with less rant.

Impz: Crusader is doing this. For me, I will be gladly reading his entries for a good laugh. Screw mecha. What is with the many sequels lately?

Shokkeru: Not a fan of 00. Besides, Crusader would probably shoot me if I got near his claim.

Extrange: FELDT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Worth seeing just for her.

Crusader:Yes, I have been told by Impz that I will be blogging this. Expect more controversy and more madness. Just so you all know every post will be Pro-Ali, Pro-Patrick, Pro-Katie, Pro-Soma, and Pro-Wild Bear. Graham is on a maybe list given how his last appearance was so damn late, hopefully with is mask upgrade he can give Prince Ali a good run on the leader board. I will be anti-CB all the way because I hate terrorists, and any one who sympathizes with them should join al Qaeda so I can personally frag them for their insolence at supporting Lockon Mk II stealing Feldt’s Gundam and Haro. I can already hear the whines of the Setsuna fags, all I have is one question for those aspiring terrorists; Why so serious?

Maipeisu: Duh, it’s Gundam, so of course I’ll be watching it. And following Crusader’s bellicose rants with great enthusiasm.

Phuzy: I’m into mecha but never got into Gundam…I has a weird.

Jiff: I don’t really like mecha, and I’ve never been into Gundam. Pass.

Possible bloggers: Crusader, Calawain

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Vampire Knight Guilty

Details

Number of episodes: 13
Website: http://www.vampire-knight.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Studio Deen (Fate/Stay Night, Simoun>
Seiyuu: Mamoru Miyano, Yui Horie

Summary

Second season of Vampire Knight.

After the death of Shizuka Hio in the first season, Yuuki, Zero and Kiryuu will be faced with a greater threat to their life. Read THAT’s Vampire Knight entries if you are interested to know more.

Yuki’s earliest memory is of a stormy night in winter, wherein she was attacked by a vampire… And then rescued by another. Now 10 years later, Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, has grown up and become a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her savior, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school. But also at her side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend who’s hatred for the creatures that destroyed everything he held dear, is now determined never to trust them. This coexisting arrangement seems all well and good, but have the vampires truly renounced their murderous ways, or is there a darker truth behind their actions. Is Kaname’s infatuation with Yuki the beginning of a forbidden romance, or is it something in her forgotten past that draws him to her. Because in this world of secrets, nothing is as it seems. And the price of misplaced trust may even be worse than death. (AniDB first season summary)

Thoughts

Calawain: Hahahaha, another season of angsty bishounen vampires? The first season blew chunks and I have no intention of watching the second. Hocchan can’t save this one.

Impz: The first season starts out promisingly, before annoying the shit out of me for the utter sheer emoness that every single character has. I am giving this up, and Reverse Vampire can write it if she wants. There’s just too many good anime for fall to waste my time on VK.

Shokkeru: Nope.

Crusader: Pass.

Reverse Vampire: I’ll see if the series improved. If it’s worse, then I’ll drop it after watching something VERY unbearable. But I’ll shall see (And hope there is no more emo-Zero anymore, or else I’ll drop it and never touched on the anime series again!)

Maipeisu: No.

Phuzy: Nope.

Jiff: I thought the premise was worth checking out last time around. Burn me once…

Possible bloggers: Reverse Vampire

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Hyakko

Details

Number of episodes: 13
Website: http://hyakko.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
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.

Thoughts

Calawain: I didn’t know this show existed until working on this preview, but I’m really excited about the possibilities. I dig slice-of-life comedies, and this one is starting out on a good foot with an all-star (Aya Hirano) and two seasoned veterans (Fumiko Orikasani, Michiko Neya). The animation studio is nothing, but unless you are trying to reach Lucky Star levels you can survive with a weaker animation team. Possible blogging candidate here if I find it has enough to talk about.

Impz: Ok, it has Aya Hirano. This feels like another Minami Ke, if you ask me what I feel about reading the first chapter of the manga. With the huge number of series I am picking up this season, I think I will leave this to Shokkeru (who likes such series) and just watch the first episode to see if it makes me laugh.

Extrange: Another adaptation from light humor mangas…. Too much is too much.

Shokkeru: Yeah, I’ll try to see how this one goes. The character designs are kind of iffy for me, but it might be worthwhile. Plus, it’s Hirano Aya! How could you resist??

Crusader: Shokkeru and Calawain got this, but it might end up being good.

Maipeisu: The character designs are sketchy, no pun intended. And that hairstyle is so prog o.O

Phuzy: I have a new respect for slice of life type animes after watching Kure-nai. Maybe I’ll check this out.

Jiff: Those orange and black uniforms are super cute! I like slice of life, and as long as the comedy doesn’t venture far into the slapstick range, I will be watching this.

Possible Bloggers: Calawain

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Noramimi2

Details
Number of episodes: 13
Website: http://noramimi-anime.jp/
Japanese Air Date:
Animation Company:
Seiyuu: Nanae Katou, Chie Koujiro

Summary
It is the sequel to Noramimi, a series during the winter season of 2007.

A world where mascots aren’t just marketing tools. Families contact mascot agencies, to find a suitable one for their children. This story focuses on one such agency, which has its very own mascot: Noramimi, the syrup-stirring Kaminari Kozo.

Thoughts

Shokkeru: Big head means big no.

Extrange: *Extrange will spawn as a Sniper next round*

Crusader: I’ll watch if there is a Dancing Homer.

Maipeisu: …m-kay.

Phuzy: WTF?!

Jiff: Wow! My favorite clover-nosed janitor finally gets his own show. Guess all those letters I wrote to the Prime Minister finally payed off.

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Rosario to Vampire CAPU2

Details

Number of episodes: 13
Website: http://www.rosa-vam.com/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Gonzo (Last Exile, Witchblade)
Seiyuu: Daisuke Kishio, Rie Kugimiya, Nana Mizuki

Summary

It’s the sequel of Rosario + Vampire, based on a shounen manga by Ikeda Akihisa, serialised in Monthly Shounen Jump.

By a bizzare coincidence, Aono Tsukune has accidentally gotten himself admitted to a youkai acadamy, a school attended by monsters. Just when he thinks he’ll run away from there, he meets the beautiful girl Moka and his mood turns ultra happy. However, she transforms into her true form when the rosary on her chest is taken off, she’s a super vampire! (AniDB first season summary)

Thoughts

Calawain: I blogged the first couple of episodes of the first season, but couldn’t motivate myself to write anything past that. Gonzo pretty much trashed a decently amusing manga so it was difficult for me. I’ll be watching the second season to see if they recover, and because I love Rie Kugimiya’s low and slow voice playing Mizori the ice girl. Not blogging this though.

Impz: Boobs, panties, boobs, panties. No. Can we stop having such crap fanservice series anymore?

Extrange: I refrain from commenting according with the Fifth Amendment.

Shokkeru: Jeez, even the preview image is bad. My conscience won’t let me get near this one.

Crusader: Hey Calawain you’re up!

Maipeisu: Sorry, this goes against my principles. Youkai are cool, but not cool enough to make me endure this debauchery. I feel stupider after looking at the preview image.

Phuzy: No thanks.

Jiff: The first episode last season was kind of cute, but not enough to make me want to sit through all those panty shots again. No way.

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Kannagi

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.nagisama-fc.com/anime/index.html
Japanese Air Date: October
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.

Our unlucky protagonist, Jin, uses the trunk of a sacred tree to carve a statue for a school project. When he takes it outside, to his surprise it begins absorbing the surrounding earth and transforms into, hold your breath on this one, a girl! So like all similar setups this guardian deity is pretty pissed that her tree was cut down and lives with Jin while she takes out her anger on squashing bugs….er, cleaning the “Impurities”. (from Anidb)

Thoughts

Calawain: Story setup really doesn’t do anything for me, and the only seiyuu in the cast that I really dig is Mai Nakahara, so I’ll probably pass on this one unless everyone says it’s hilarious.

Impz: This is so damn quirky that I will watch the first episode for the fun of it. It doesn’t really intrigue me a lot, but you never know about how things work. Wagaya didn’t impress me that much initially, but it surprised me and I am eagerly waiting for the next episode of Wagaya all the time.

Shokkeru: This one looks interesting despite the very clique “loser finds a magical girl” sort of deal. The character designs are nice as well. I’ll be looking forward to this one.

Extrange: Hmm, A-1 Pictures is doing it? That’s a good sign, but this is the kind of anime you can’t really make a judgement before seeing the first eps.

Crusader: Shounen is not me cup of tea.

Phuzy: I might watch it for fun!

Maipeisu: Haven’t we all been down this road a million times before? Random Average Guy A stumbles upon →Insert Magical Descriptor Here← Girl. Random Average Guy A somehow upsets the balance of →Insert Magical Descriptor Here← Girl’s life. →Insert Magical Descriptor Here← Girl decides she ‘needs’ to live with Random Guy A. Voila! Another PIPING-HOT SLICE OF LIFE WITH EXTRA CHEESE! …I’ll check out the first few eps, but I’m skeptical.

Jiff: For a slice of life to be interesting, the protagonist’s life has to be interesting. I fell asleep just reading the intro, but I may give it a shot if I hear it’s any good.

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Kemeko Deluxe

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://kemeko.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
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)

Thoughts

Extrange:…Yeah, I know this is hard to understand from the summary, so let me use pics. This is Kemeko. This is the girl riding Kemeko. Yes…..it’s a hawt girl riding a steel fat girl suit called Kemeko (the suit’s name, not the girl’s). Funny manga and I hope funny anime too.

Calawain: The summary is either poorly translated or poorly written, so I’m really not sure what the hell is going on here. The voice cast is top notch though, and I’ve had Eri Kitamura’s new single “Realize” on loop for a couple of days, so we’ll see.

Impz: It feels somewhat like a love comedy with some science fiction mashed into it. I might be very wrong on this, but I am making my deduction from the style of the manga. Due to the likely strong line up of anime coming this season, this will be out of the radar, but I got a feeling that someone in THAT might just pick it up. We do have quite a few authors who enjoy love-comedy after all. The strong voice cast might help shift sentiments too.

Shokkeru: More mecha-musume? At least they wear pants in this one… right?

Crusader: Extrange says it might be good, and hopefully it is.

Phuzy: What? Hot girl in a fat suit?! BUT WHY?!!

Maipeisu: ROFL, I can’t get over the fat girl suit. A mecha/romance comedy syncretism could be quite interesting. Since it has Extrange’s stamp of approval, I’m in.

Jiff: Wow, I owe it to myself to watch the first few episodes. I didn’t understand much of the summary, but I have these crazy images of sexy rice cookers in my brain for some reason, and I like the way that sounds.

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Michiko To Hatchin

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.michikotohatchin.com/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Manglobe (Samurai Champloo, Ergo Proxy)
Seiyuu:

Summary
An original production from Manglobe.

The title’s Michiko is a free-willed “sexy diva” who destroys a supposedly inescapable prison fortress, while Hatchin is a girl fleeing her strict foster parents. The two join forces on an improbable escape to freedom.

Thoughts

Impz: Prison break, Japanese version! Just kidding, I don’t think any prison allows such gauchy clothing. It seems somewhat interesting, but I know for certain this is not high on my to-blog list.

Shokkeru: I don’t get it.

Crusader: Oh so its a crime spree adventure?

Extrange:Silly co-workers, what’s hard to understand? it’s a Thelma and Louise with a hawt foxy chick and a tomboy loli. Don’t forget manglobe studios is behind Samurai Champloo and Ergo Proxy, so non-mainstream animes is with them.

Phuzy: I still don’t get it.

Maipeisu: How can “inescapable prison fortress” and “strict foster parents” even inhabit the same sentence? I’m like, beyond confused.

Jiff: The character designs aren’t really calling my name, but if this looks as slick as the other stuff this studio has done, it might be worth the ride. Doubt there will be much for me to blog about, though.

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Yozakura Shijuusou ~Yozakura Quartet~

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/yozakura/
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)

Thoughts

Calawain: I can get into supernatural comedies at times, especially ones with great looking character designs like this one. I really enjoy the pleasing features and vibrant colors they used, hopefully the material is just as good.

Impz: This seems like an extremely quirky anime series that might either bomb or do well. From the reflections of this blogger, it seems that it is not a series that should be taken too seriously. I guess I will watch it, but blogging is as usual a different pool of fish.

Shokkeru: This style for this one looks really good. This will be another one that I’ll be anticipating. (P.S. The other image looked better. =\)

Extrange: The style sold me out.

Reverse Vampire: Probably I’ll give this a shot. Looks promising. Will have a consideration to blog this too if Vampire Knight Guilty disappoints me further.

Crusader: Go Shokkeru!

Phuzy: I’m with Shokkeru, Extrange, Reverse Vampire, and Crusader!!! Ye Ye.

Maipeisu: Style, yes. Look-sees are in order.

Jiff: I’m jumping on the bandwagon, gonna go ahead and check this one out.

Possible bloggers: Reverse Vampire

Clannad ~After Story~

Details

Number of episodes: 13
Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/clannad/
Japanese Air Date: October 6
Animation Company: Kyoto Animation (Air, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Lucky Star)
Seiyuu: Mai Nakahara, Yuuichi Nakamura, Houko Kuwashima

Summary
The sequel of Clannad, based on the visual novel by Key.

This is the after story after the graduation of Tomoya and Nagisa, where he lives his life with Nagisa as the two are finally attached. What will happen to their lives?

Thoughts

Calawain: I’ll buy a box of tissues for this one, that’s for sure. I knew what was going to happen before I played the VN and I still cried like a girl so I have no doubt history will repeat itself. Clannad is an amazing story that’s beautifully animated and voiced by the entire cast. Nobody should miss this one, I sure won’t. I may even blog this one.

Impz: This is a show that your anime buddy, your fellow blogger, your auntie, your uncle and even your mom will be watching. Hence, it’s really futile to make any comments since you will be watching this Kyoto Animation series anyway. No more Fuuko though, I hate retarded moe with a passion.

Shokkeru: Like Impz has said, this will be a show everyone and their moms will be watching. I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I’ll be obligated to watch this one.

Extrange: The ero sequel of Clannad wasn’t about Tomoyo and Tomoya? Oh well, a Nagisa is fine too.

Crusader: Have a starfish, dozo!

Phuzy: Didn’t watch Clannad…so it wouldn’t make sense to watch this? Would it?

Maipeisu: I’d better hurry up and finish Clannad!

Jiff: I tried to watch the first few episodes of Clannad several times, but it felt like there was some inside joke I was missing out on. I eventually forced myself to watch it, and by the end of the Fuuko arc I was getting into it. When the Kotomi arc started, I couldn’t stop watching and stayed up all night marathoning the rest of the series. I laughed, I cried, I did all the things I thought this show would never make me do. I cannot gush enough about how wonderful this show is, or explain how excited I am about After Story! I agree with Impz though, no more Fuuko. So come on, KyoAni, win my heart all over again. Then do a few OVAs for Kyou and Ryou, and next season, do the Tomoyo After! Hell, give me a new season of this every year for the rest of time. Congratulations, Clannad, you have reduced me from a grown man to a squealing fangirl, and I love you for it.

Possible Bloggers: Calawain, Maipeisu

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Shikabane Hime: Aka

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/shikabanehime/
Japanese Air Date: October
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.

Thoughts

Calawain: I’m hardly a Gainax fanboy, and in fact I find their productions to be vastly overrated. Despite that, I do like the character design for this one, and the concept is somewhat interesting. The lead character’s seiyuu is pretty much brand new so who knows how that will turn out.

Impz: I don’t know what to make of this. To be honest, when I read Gainax, I was not as interested compared to some other people. Maybe it is just me, but action series just never seems to hype me up at all. I am a shoujo/romance/slice of life type of anime viewer. So, in essence, kthxbye?

Shokkeru: If it’s Gainax then it has to be full of awesome… I hope.

Crusader: Does she dispose of dead bodies? Will do force recon.

Phuzy: She has a gun! Teh buny will gladly watch.

Maipeisu: Gurren Lagann fans are probably aware that Takami Akai stepped down from the Gainax board after the 2ch incident, but I don’t think it will really impact the quality of Gainax’s work. I still have faith in them. Oh, and FEEL produced Trinity Blood, which had some stunning visuals. I think I’m in on this one. Possibly blogging if it has a brain.

Jiff: I like what I see so far, definitely checking this one out. I’ve got a soft spot for awesomely animated action scenes.

Possible Bloggers: Maipeisu

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Skip Beat

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.presepe.jp/m44/show/id/Mz6X0-tGnBU%3D
Japanese Air Date: October
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.

Thoughts

Calawain: I burst out into laughter while reading this summary. Wow, I’d have to be geass’d into going anywhere near this stuff. Impz can handle all of this shoujo, stuff makes me nauseous.

Impz: Kyoko-sama! Kyoko-sama! *goes into delirious fanboy fit*. If someone in THAT does not understand what my previous sentence means, it means “DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH THIS SHOW!”. IT’S MINE, MINE, MINE! ~goes into delirious mode~

Shokkeru: Don’t worry Impz, we’ll stay far away from this one.

Extrange: …. Get your shoujo, I’ll get my manlier stuff….

Crusader: Impz called.

Lupus: FUCK YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES FUCK YES *asplodes*

Phuzy: Shoujo, no.

Maipeisu: Impz tells me its required viewing since I’m hanyan over Itazura, so I’m on it. Don’t want to get bitten by rabid Impz tho, so no blogging.

Jiff: I really don’t know what to think about this one, guess I’ll just wait to hear what Impz has to say when he starts blogging it.

Possible bloggers: Impz

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To Aru Majutsu no Index

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://project-index.net/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: J.C Staff (Zero no Tsukaima, Ghost Hunt)
Seiyuu: Atsushi Abe, Rina Satou, Yuka Iguchi

Summary
This series is based on a light novel series by Kamachi Kazuma, illustrated by Haimura Kiyotaka.

In a world where science clarifies supernatural powers. In a huge college that has power development in its curriculum. To a resident high school student, Kamijou Touma, a pure white sister appears. She calls herself “Index” and says that sorcerers are chasing her. Thus, Kamijou Touma enters the world of the occult. (ANN)

Thoughts

Calawain: JC Staff has recently been absolutely destroying my faith in them through horrid jobs adapting light novels. They significantly depart from the original material and not in a good way. This concept looks somewhat interesting, but I’m going to wait until the word is out before I touch it.

Impz: Ok, this caught my attention immediately with the rather bizarre yet familiar plot exposition. I think I will have to watch the first episode first since I have absolutely no background information of the light novel series. Someone else on this team might read it (looks at Extrange).

Shokkeru: Eh, looks normal. I think I’ll pass.

Extrange:Er…Impz, why are you looking at me? Yes, I’ve read it. Nice shounen manga with Roman Catholic Church against Russian Orthodox Church. Lot’s of magic PEW PEW’s between them. The fights are more based on strategy and wits than your regular shounen though. Maybe it’s worth seeing.

Crusader: Do hear hear a Crusade calling?

Phuzy: Teh buny will take a look-see.

Maipeisu: *Yawn*

Jiff: Sounds too generic for me, but if they don’t leave out all this strategy I hear about, then maybe.

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Toradora!

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/toradora/
Japanese Air Date:
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)

Thoughts

Calawain: I love the light novels for this show. While it has a standard set of competing love triangles and unrequited love, the primary characters are all quite complex, more so then you could surmise at first glance. However, like I mentioned above JC Staff has a bad track record with light novels, and they didn’t get off to a good start with a really predictable and uncreative seiyuu casting. I mean I enjoy Hocchan and Rie as much as the next guy, but they are in everything. I wish we could find another seiyuu who could do an aggressive, tsundere loli.

Impz: I actually like this quite a bit. This sounds like a love comedy that should not have that much ecchi (hopefully). If so, I am on the bandwagon to watch this right now. Actually, I might as well put my name into the mix as a possible blogger for this series. The graphics are not typical shoujo style, but I think I might just put this as my fourth choice.

After reading the manga (10 chapters in), screw that impression I made earlier. I wasted my time reading the manga. It’s nice but not the type of show that will hold my interest beyond 3 episodes. No go.

Shokkeru: Sounds interesting enough.

Extrange: TAIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGAAAAAAA! Dammit, this is the ultimate Tsun girl. All about her makes me want to hug her till she drops down. I would prolly get kicked a lot, but who cares, she’s MOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crusader: Sounds interesting…

Lupus: I like the light novels. Hopefully this will be good, though seeing that it’s going to be animated by Sunrise, I probably won’t be holding my breath. Impz made a mistake. Silly Impz. J.C. Staff = Win.

Phuzy: There’s a lot of talk about this…maybe I’ll hop on the bandwagon for a bit…

Maipeisu: J.C. Staff animates a high-school love dorama about a highest-risk level tsundere ohimesama and her boyslave? I’m sold. Looking forward to some serious character exploration.

Jiff: Tsun loli and spineless boy slave? Everything I hate about anime all wrapped up in a neat little package!

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Kurogane no Linebarrel

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.linebarrels.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
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…

Thoughts

Calawain: Gonzo is betting the farm on stuff like this, because if you don’t remember, they are on the verge of going kaput. It could possibly be interesting, and I think I’ll give it a chance, but they better hope it’s amazing. They certainly roped in a top-of-the-line seiyuu cast for it though, giving it some extra awesome points.

Impz: I do not know about this manga to be honest, but Extrange told me it’s a mecha anime. Macross Frontier is one of the few anime that I will watch that is focused on the mecha genre, but don’t count me on watching this.

Shokkeru: Yes! More mecha for your mama. I’ll be watching this one… maybe.

Extrange: Urgh….this is a tough one. You know how hard can Gonzo fail with mecha animes (PLEASE NO CG MECHS! Do it by hand you fucking lazy animators!). But Kurogane no Linebarrel is a great manga, with charismatic characters and very unique mecha design. Well, I hope this become a swan song for Gonzo, or even better a revival.

Crusader: Oh Gonzo…hopefully it will be a good one.

Phuzy: I’m a sucker for these types, hence, TEH BUNY SHALL WATCH!!!

Maipeisu: Linebarrel may very well determine Gonzo’s future in the production business. Any CG robots, and I’m turning this off. Jun Fukuyama is an incredible seiyuu though, it would be nice to see something with him again. The manga looks good, too… I’ll give this a shot.

Jiff: Mecha? Pass.

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Ga-rei-zero

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.ga-rei.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: AIC Spirits (Girls Bravo, Tokko and asread (Shuffle!, Minami-ke: Okawari)
Seiyuu: Eri Kitamura, Tomoaki Maeno

Summary
Very loose adaptation of Hajime Segawa’s manga. Judging by preview information and the character art, the characters and story will depart from the manga. For your information though, the manga summary is as follows:

Life is slightly depressing and normal for high-schooler Kensuke Nimura – except that he can see ghosts. This ability generally hinders him more than it helps him, until he encounters Kagura Tsuchimiya while being pursued by evil spirits. They accidentally kiss and fight off the spirits together. The next day, she transfers into his class.

Kagura is an agent of a government agency that defends the public against supernatural enemies. She wields a Ga-rei, a spirit beast that kills these spirits. Kensuke’s spiritual awareness and his attraction to Kagura forces him to follow her to the agency, where he is recruited to fight the supernatural.

Thoughts

Calawain: I started reading this manga, but dropped it after the first couple of volumes because it just keeps on plodding along as generic shounen. It just really didn’t have anything unique to separate itself from everything else, the characters were all cliché as were the situations. Plus, it looks like they significantly changed the character design from the manga, and not for the better. Neither of the studios on this are particularly good either, with both having some stinkers and some ok jobs done.

Impz: Ok, this feels somewhat like a similar plot to Ghost Hunt. Needless to say, I will watch this to see how this spans out.

Shokkeru: Looks like Ghostbusters the anime. Even their uniforms say so.

Extrange: Ga-rei manga is nice, but too bland for anime (but then again I was mistaken with Kekkaishi…). So, I kind of understand why create a new plot for the anime version. I have no idea if it will be parallel to the manga or totally dissociated with it, but I expect a focus on supernatural weapons, kinda like Flame of Recca.

Crusader: When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? Ghost Busters, so who gets to be Egon?

Phuzy: iLike.

Maipeisu: Don’t know anything about this, doubt I’ll have time to investigate.

Jiff: The summary was going fine, till all of a sudden “They accidentally kiss and fight off the spirits together.” I see where this is going. No thanks!

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Macademi Wasshoi!

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.macademi.tv/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: ZEXCS (Wagaya no Oinarisama, H2O ~Footprints in the Sand~)
Seiyuu:

Summary

Adaptation of Ichiro Sakaki’s The Magician’s Academy light novels. Said writer also wrote the Scrapped Princess series.

This is a school setting comedy, with students going to a magical school.

Thoughts

Calawain: Here be some lolicon bait. Count me out.

Impz: This show looks as interesting as Koihime. Actually, that will be an insult to Koihime. NO!

Shokkeru: What the hell is this?

Extrange: LOLIS!

Crusader: No.

Phuzy: Ahahaha, no.

Maipeisu: Oh dear God no. Absolutely not.

Jiff: Nope.

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Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/akasaka/
Japanese Air Date: October
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)

Thoughts

Calawain: Can you believe it’s been like a few months since the last eroge adaptation aired? Story looks pretty bland like most such games, but the voice cast is top notch with heavy hitting all-stars like Aya Hirano and Rie Kugimiya, but also starring some real talent in the side characters such as Emiri Katou, Rie Tanaka, Maria Inoue, and Ryou Hirohashi. Might watch it just for all of the seiyuu.

Impz: Eroge adaptation huh? Calawain?

Shokkeru: More eroge. More passing.

Extrange: It’s eroge with Aya Hirano. Seeing it for the faps.

Crusader: Eroge? No.

Phuzy: *passing makes buny dizzy and he faints*

Maipeisu: Aya Hirano? Big yes. Another eroge adaptation? Even bigger NO.

Jiff: Non-H eroge adaptation? Who watches this stuff?

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Ef ~A tale of melodies~

Details

Number of episodes: 13
Website: http://www.ef-melo.com/top.html
Japanese Air Date: October
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 ~. This is likely to focus more on Yu and Mizuki, and their life. Following this will be a recap of the first season syponsis.

The anime revolves around two protagonists, Hirono Hiro and Asou Renji. On Christmas Eve, Hirono Hiro meets a girl named Miyamura Miyako who was chasing a purse snatcher. Hiro later finds out that Miyako also goes to the same school as he does and they start hanging out together. This made Hiro’s childhood friend, Shindou Kei, feel left out. Kei then tries to compete with Miyako for Hiro’s affection and a love triangle ensues. The anime also tells the story of Asou Renji. Renji meets a girl named Shindou Chihiro at an abandoned train station. He soon learns that Chihiro suffers from a type of amnesia where her memory span only lasts for 13 hours. He also discovers Chihiro’s dream of writing a novel, but she has never been able to fulfill that dream due to her condition. Renji then decides to help her fulfill that dream.

Thoughts

Calawain: I found the first season pretty mediocre, with only one storyline vaguely holding my interest, and I would have been content to leave it at that. But with the leagues of pretentious, elitist douchebags (read anime bloggers, not naming names but they know who they are) acting as if it’s the second coming of Shakespeare rather than the reality of Photoshop filters and cost-cutting animation techniques I decided I would rather flame it instead. I think I’ll continue flaming it this season if it gets the same treatment.

Impz: As expected of Shaft, the first season of EF was a roaring success for me. It hit the tear bud and had powerful symbolism that hits the spot in the emotional factor. Expectations for the second season will be sky high and I wonder if it will be the downfall of this series. Nonetheless, this is one to blog on at least. As you notice, there’s many possible Impz series, so I might have to drop quite a few series.

Shokkeru: I’m only watching this because it’s SHAFT… and I actually watched the first season. (._.)

Extrange: I was totally not expecting a sequel but it gives us a chance to see the priest and the nun’s story explained in detail. What’s almost guaranteed is the return of the weaboos crying “OMG CRAP PHOTOSHOP FILTERS!…which I’ll be happy to shoot them down with my sawed-off shotgun.

Crusader: I liked Ef ~ A tale of memories ~ hopefully it will be as enjoyable as the first.

Maipeisu: I still need to watch the first season…

Jiff: I missed the first season of this, but I’m hearing good things, so I’ll probably check this one out.

Possible bloggers: Impz

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Casshern SINS

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.casshern-sins.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Madhouse Studios (Shigurui: Death Frenzy, Black Lagoon)
Seiyuu: Furuya Tohru, Minaguchi Yuko, Miyahara Nami

Summary

This is an adaptation/remake of the 1973 series “Shinzo Ningen Casshan.”

In the original series, a group of robots created by Dr. Azuma go out of control when they determine that humans are harmful to the earth’s ecosystem. After the robots have gained control of Earth, the doctor’s son, Tetsuya, decides to have himself turned into a cyborg for the purpose of defeating these robots and freeing mankind from their rule.

Thoughts

Impz: Wow, old school science fiction. I do not know why action/science fiction never gasps my attention. I tend to feel bored after a while. You know my response.

Shokkeru: The preview image looks almost badass enough to grab my attention. Possible peeking into once the fall season starts.

Extrange: WTF? I’m a sucker for tokusatsu shows, and Casshern is a classic. The best way to describe is is Bomberman x Megaman (check this scene from the live action movie). Let me also mention that Casshern has it’s origins on Tatsunoko Production Co. which is like the father for most of the current anime production studios and which gave us pearls like Evangelion. Another funny fact to add is that a Tatsunoko vs. Capcom game is being made, with characters like Cassern and Gatchaman in the Tasunoko side and Ryu and Chun-Li on the Capcom side. Here’s a small trailer.

Crusader: Better have adaptive shielding…

Phuzy: HELLZ YEAH!!!

Maipeisu: Tetsuya sounds like Megaman. Definitely mark me down for this one — I love old-school sci-fi/tokusatsu (takes me back to the good old days.) The summary is a winner too, enough of these Daedalian plots! Cyborgs go nuts, time to kick some cyborg ass. Simple good fun.

Jiff: Old school sci-fi? Color me intrigued.

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Kuroshitsuji

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gfantasy/story/kuroshitsuzi/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: A-1 Pictures Inc. (Birdy the Mighty Decode, Persona ~Trinity Soul~)
Seiyuu: Ono Daisuke, Sakamoto Maaya

Summary

One of the noble families of England: Phantomhive’s butler: Sebastian Michaels has got unquestionably perfect knowledge, manners, talent with materials, martial arts, et cetera: but is also able to serve a 12 year old master.

Wearing a grey tailcoat, gracefully brewing the worlds strongest red tea, please read on to see how such a perfect butler copes with such a master…

Thoughts

Calawain: All butlers must be named Sebastian, right? I’ll do without the somewhat yaoi and less funny version of Hayate.

Impz: If you are wondering where I got the image from, I stole from this livejournal community (NSFW). Don’t ask me why I went there, but I cannot find a nice image that I can put up here. Anyway, on the series itself, it feels like a more interesting version of Hayate no Gotoku. I cannot deny that my girlfriend is once again the catalysis for this viewing. I might do a joint post with her for this, but I am already over-burdened by too many commitments.

Shokkeru: Eww.

Extrange: ….Impz forgot several details…. slight shota yaoi undertones, the devilish side of the butler and the extra clumsy staff of the mansion. Read it and I will probably watching it, just to see Sebastian destroying a mafia family by itself.

Crusader: I want sugar in my tea!

Phuzy: I once had a large tea with 5 sugars and 5 creams.

Maipeisu: Sebastian gets furikuri with waka-sama, hmm… Wait. Ohshiat. Maaya Sakamoto??? (I LOVE her.) Maybe I’ll take a peek, just to see what character she is voicing.

Jiff: Shota yaoi? I think I’ll pass on this one too.

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Kyou no Go no Ni

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.avexmovie.jp/lineup/5-2/
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.

Thoughts

Calawain: I often found the sexuality of these kids to be somewhat disturbing, but it was usually much more focused on being funny then sexual. This version has a completely new animation studio and seiyuu cast, so it’s going to be a bit different. But I’ll most likely follow this one along for the laughs.

Impz: Is this series trying to kill me? This has an awesome OVA, and now they have a series. All ecchi shows should learn from this OVA. It’s fricking crazy batshit fun, and it is impossible for me to avoid this at all. They better do it good.

Shokkeru: Everyone into the pool!

Extrange: Kids will be kids….now, who wants to play doctors with me?

Crusader: Oh kids they do the darnest things…

Phuzy: Wtf is with the brown thing in the middle? Is that what I think it is?! YES! IT IS!! IT’S A SAKE BOTTLE!!!

Maipeisu: Repeat after me: there is no such thing as “unintended ecchi” in Japanese animation. Nevertheless, I’ll do it for the lulz.

Jiff: I lol’d at the OVA, but I feel bad about it.

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Bihada Ichizoku

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.lovelabo.co.jp/about/
Japanese Air Date:
Animation Company:
Seiyuu:

Summary

The Bihada Ichizoku concept was created by cosmetics company Love Labo and Bandai as a promotional tool for Love Labo’s line of Bihada Ichizoku cosmetics. The concept debuted as advertising imagery and developed into a manga story about an annual “World Beautiful-Skin Competition.” The Bihada Ichizoku manga series debuted in November 2007 as a bonus premium with packages of beauty masks. The first beauty mask skin care product with bonus manga volume sold 120,000 copies. (taken from AnimeNation blog)

Thoughts

Calawain: Let them eat cake!

Impz: An anime about cosmetics? What in the holy fuck? Seriously, I am like … now. I might watch this just to know what is going on. Seriously, an anime about cosmetics?

Shokkeru: Ehh?

Extrange:0.o Well, if there is an anime about talking sushi…..

Crusader: I don’t wear makeup, I am not even remotley curious. Good grief they look like French Aristocrats, makes me want to storm the Bastille.

Phuzy: I had a french prof. He talked phunny.

Maipeisu: I HAVE to see this.

Jiff: This is totally going to suck, and I am totally watching the first ep.

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CHAOS;HEAD

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.chaoshead.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
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.

Thoughts

Calawain: Holy crap, Eri Kitamura is in a ton of shows this season, which is awesome by the way. I’m not big on horror material, but if the VN finishes getting translated I may watch it after I play that. I dig the character designs too.

Impz: Holy jesus christ. This is not true. Chaos Head is actually getting a freaky anime for the fall season? This is rather batshit crazy stuff, and I might just want to watch it for my curiosity. I hope curiosity does not kill the Impz.

Phuzy: Student?! Murder??!! DELUSIONS???!!! Teh buny is intruiged…

Maipeisu: Gore, psychology and science fiction? Did somebody call my name?

Crusader: I hope this will be a bloody good show.

Shokkeru: Not a big fan of gore and horror type stuff. Unless, of course, it’s done in style.

Jiff: Damn, this sounds AWESOME! I can’t wait for this show to come out! I will watch this with the lights out, for sure.

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Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden: Ten no Haoh

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.haoh.tv/
Japanese Air Date: October 3
Animation Company: Satelight (Aquarion, Macross Frontier)
Seiyuu: Takashi Ukaji, Mai Nakahara

Summary

The latest in the Fist of the North Star series, originally created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson and serialized in the 1980s.

This adaptation (Fist of the North Star: Raoh Side Story ~ King of Heaven in English) will be based on Youkow Osada’s 2006 manga series spin-off from Buronson and Tetsuo Hara’s original Hokuto no Ken manga. Ten no Haoh details the early life of popular Fist of the North Star antagonist Raoh. (AnimeNation)

Thoughts

Impz: I am not an old school anime elitist. Maipeisu might know more. Plus, I hate GAR stuff with a passion.

Calawain: I have not watched much of any any of the previous reincarnations of Fist of the North Star, I’m not old school like that. I would figure fans of the series would enjoy it.

Crusader: Never got into Fist of the North Star, not about to start now…

Shokkeru: Not really interested in watching a bunch of big brawny guys blow each other up.

Maipeisu: *Sigh* looks like I’m alone on this one. I do love and appreciate old school anime, so I will probably check this out. But let’s get something straight first — Fist of the North Star is absolute garbage. I don’t care if it was a groundbreaking exploration of animated violence and I don’t care that it is considered a classic. At the end of the day, it was another one of Toei’s crappy 500-episode marathons. The reason I am interested is because Satelight is in charge of this one. Satelight has been involved with some extremely visually appealing anime, like the Hellsing OVA, Macross F, Metropolis, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust… So yea. Probably not blogging material though. And if I catch a single frame of CG, I’m turning it off.

Jiff: Never got into Fist of the North Star either, pass for me.

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Tentai Senshi Sunred

Details

Number of episodes: 26
Website: http://www.sunred.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: AIC A.S.T.A. (Bamboo Blade, Tokimeki Memorial)
Seiyuu:

Summary

Adaptation of Makoto Kubota’s comedy manga serialized in Young Gangan.

The story revolves around the hero Sunred’s battles against General Vamp and his shadowy group of minions in a spoof of classic Japanese anime and live-action special-effects shows.

Thoughts

Impz: When I chatted with Calawain, he was like “WTF”. I also went “WTF” and then forgot about it. No.

Crusader: If the comedy is good I will watch, but probably not going to blog it.

Shokkeru: Looks a bit too obscure for me, but may be worth checking out.

Jiff: I have a feeling this “spoof” is going to degenerate quite rapidly into unwatchable camp.

Maipeisu: This strikes me as the sort of thing where you would need to have seen the original to get a kick out of it. I am attracted to the offbeat, so I’ll give it a few views, but unfortunately it’s waaaaaaaay down my list.

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Junjou Romantica 2

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.suzukisan.info/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Studio Deen (Vampire Knight, Hatenkou Yuugi)
Seiyuu: Daisuke Kishio, Hikaru Hanada, Kazuhiko Inoue

Summary

Second season of the adaptation of Shungiku Nakamura’s yaoi manga.

Misaki is suddenly having some unexpected and odd problems. What started as a need for some college entrance exam tutoring has somehow led him to being romanced by a suave older man who also happens to be his big brother’s best friend. Confused by all of his brand new emotions, Misaki struggles to deal with his suddenly very odd life. And if that wasn’t enough, his suitor, Usami, has plenty of issues of his own. A man-child who decorates his room in giant teddy bears and toys, Usami is a famous novelist who also writes steamy boys’ love novels on the side. When Misaki cracks open one of these books and reads sentences like “Misaki licks every inch of Usami’s hot body”…well, let’s just say that all hell breaks loose. (ANN first season summary)

Thoughts

Calawain: Don’t you just love the smell of napalm in the morning? It would be best to use it here. Look for whipped sissy-boy Impz to be posting about this.

Crusader: I don’t ask, but I can tell…This one isn’t for me.

Shokkeru: I’m nice, but not that nice.

Impz: Huh, I stopped watching it after Episode 2. In fact, I only watched this as a challenge. Since Calawain and me have an agreement to blog a series for 1 episode out of our viewing habits, should this be it? Maybe not, he might just go into Crusader-mode. That, I tell you, will NOT be cool. No go for me, by the way.

Jiff: I weep for the world that can produce something like this.

Maipeisu: Ever heard the expression ‘morbid curiosity’? …Even if I happen to *glance* at it (see previous sentence), I would never, EVER blog this. It definitely doesn’t improve yaoi’s dubious reputation.

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Kurozuka

Details

Number of episodes:
Website: http://www.animax.co.jp/
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Seiyuu:

Summary

Adaptation of Takashi Noguchi’s manga, which itself adapts Baku Yumemakura’s supernatural romance novel.

The original novel is about a 12th-century man named Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Kurō). Kurō flees into the mountains after losing to his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo — the first Shogun to rule all of Japan. History records that he committed suicide, but instead, Kurō meets a strange, beautiful woman named Kuromitsu in her mountain hermitage. Eventually, Kurō falls in love with Kuromitsu, but then realizes she conceals a dark secret. He learns that he is unable to die and continues to live for a thousand years as Japan evolves into a future society. (ANN)

Thoughts

Crusader: Strange premise, if there are subs I will do recon, but not much else.

Shokkeru: Think I’ll pass on this one as well.

Impz: Yay for fighting. No shounen for Impz.

Jiff: Highlander: Kurozuka. Sounds cool enough, I’ll check it out.

Maipeisu: The story sounds like it could be really cool. I tend to enjoy stories that span many, many years.

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One Outs

Details

Number of episodes:
Website:
Japanese Air Date: October
Animation Company: Madhouse (Death Note, Saiunkoku Monogatari)
Seiyuu:

Summary

Adaptation of Shinobu Kaitani’s baseball manga. Kaitani drew the manga in Shueisha’s Business Jump magazine from 1998 to 2006.

The story begins when Hiromichi Kojima, the star batter of the fictional Lycaons in Japan’s Pacific League, heads to the southern Japanese island of Okinawa to train and bring himself out of a slump. There, he meet Tōa Tokuchi, a 134-kmph (83 miles per hour) pitcher and the undisputed king of a gambling form of baseball called “One Out.” At Kojima’s urging, Tokuchi signs up with the Lycaons under an unusual contract: he gets 5,000,000 yen (about US$46,000) for every out he pitches, but loses 50,000,000 yen (US$460,000) for every point he gives up. (ANN)

Thoughts

Calawain: I don’t do sports anime, if I want sports I watch ESPN.

Crusader: I prefer ESPN.

Shokkeru: Make an anime based on dodgeball and maybe I’ll watch it.

Impz: What is with you guys and baseball anime? I don’t know about this story, but I actually like baseball anime as I am a late-developer in the love of baseball. This will be a fun story, since this is going to combine baseball with gambling odds. Cute, I might even blog it, but that is very uncertain.

Jiff: Perhaps if they did this in real life I would watch sports. No sports for me, and that includes anime!

Maipeisu: (WARNING: brief stream of consciousness follows) UGH, I HATE baseball with a purple passion. But the Japanese are so fond of yakyuu… If I recall correctly, 83 mph is not very fast for a pitch. Don’t some pitchers push 95 mph? So, ‘One Out’ is not about speed, its about skill… Hmm… Gambling, eh? This could be interesting. Alright, I’ll watch it.

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