Liminality

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou

2010-05-03T16:34:00.025+02:00

Since I caught a cold and had to stay home for some days, here are some images from the best new show of the spring season ...

Unfortunately, very few with Eiko and Lily, but that's life. Anyway, most images are from the novels (which you must read) and the rest are either scans from magazines or edited screencaps from the anime.

Isumi won Nagi?

2009-09-22T21:00:00.008+02:00

OMG! Isumi won against Nagi ... not her childhood friend, but the used incarnate spirit from Kannagi ;)

Mandatory image appreciation follows for my favourite Hayate no Gotoku! character :p

Seems japanese otaku really have a fixation on virgins, unlike europeans ;)

Bakemonogatari

2009-07-15T00:51:00.020+02:00

Bakemonogatari (化物語, lit. Ghostory, a portmanteau of ghost and story) is a Japanese light novel series written by Japanese novelist NisiOisiN and illustrated by Taiwanese illustrator VOFan; the series is published by Kodansha under the Kodansha Box imprint. The story centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who has recently survived a vampire attack, and finds himself mixed up with all kinds of apparitions; gods, ghosts, myths, and spirits. The series is made into an anime in July 2009.

Bakemonogatari, volume one 化物語(上) 11.2006		Hitagi Crab (ひたぎクラブ), episodes 1, 2 Mayoi Snail (まよいマイマイ), episodes 3 Suruga Monkey (するがモンキー)
Bakemonogatari, volume two 化物語(下) 12.2006		Nadeko Snake (なでこスネイク) Tsubasa Cat (つばさキャット)
Kizumonogatari 傷物語 07.2008		Koyomi Vamp (こよみヴァンプ)
Nisemonogatari, volume one 偽物語(上) 09.2008		Karen Bee (かれんビー)
Nisemonogatari, volume two 偽物語(下) 06.2009		Tsukihi Phoenix (つきひフェニックス)
Kabukimonogatari 傾物語 ??.2010
Nekomonogatari 猫物語 ??.2010

The anime series was announced in April 2008 and started broadcasting in July 3, 2009 on Tokyo MX. The series is part of Kodansha's Nisio Isin Anime Project and is produced by SHAFT, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo with an assistant of Tatsuya Oishi, written by Fuyashi Tou and featuring a character designs by Akio Watanabe based on VOFan's original concepts. The music for the series is produced by Satoru Kousaki under the supervision of Yota Tsuruoka. The theme song for the series, titled "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" (君の知らない物語, lit. The Story You Don't Know) is produced by Supercell with a scheduled release in August 12, 2009. The series is scheduled to be 15 episodes long but will broadcast only the first 12 episodes. The remaining episodes will be distributed on the official website.

Bakemonogatari centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, a classmate named Hitagi Senjougahara, who infamously never talks to anyone, falls down the stairs into Koyomi's arms. He discovers that Hitagi weighs next to nothing, in defiance of physics. After being threatened by her, Koyomi offers his help by introducing her to Meme Oshino, a middle-aged homeless man who helped him stop being a vampire.

The series tends to introduce only one new heroine per chapter, each involved with a different "apparition". The events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series primarily focuses on conversations between characters; it contains a fair number of parodies of other series, as well as NisiOisiN's trademark wordplay and metahumor.

阿良々木・暦 (Araragi Koyomi): VA: Kamiya Hiroshi
Koyomi, the main character of the story, is a third year high school student who is close to failing every class except math. Shortly before the novel begins, he was attacked by vampire during spring break, and became a vampire himself. Although Meme Oshino helped him become human again, there are a few lingering side effects; he can see in the dark, and he heals faster than the average human. He is still scared of morning sunlight even though it no longer has any effect on him. He started dating Hitagi at the end of Mayoi Snail.
戦場ヶ原・ひたぎ (Senjougahara Hitagi): VA: Saito Chiwa
Hitagi, the main character of Hitagi Crab, is a weak-looking girl with an "incurable disease". She is in the same class as Koyomi, but he has almost never heard her speak. When she was in the first year of high school, she encountered a mysterious crab, after which she became weightless. Ever since, she has avoided contact with everyone else, threatening everyone who discovers her secret. She called herself a tsundere and always speak in abusive style. At the end of Mayoi Snail, she admitted she has feelings for Koyomi.
八九寺・真宵 (Hachikuji Mayoi): VA: Katou Emiri
Mayoi, the main character of Mayoi Snail, is a fifth-grade elementary school girl. She always carries around a big backpack, wears a hair-band, and has her hair in ponytails. Koyomi met her in a park on Mother's Day and offered to help her find her mother's home. She later reveals that, due to a Snail, they can never reach their destination and will always be lost. She makes a lot of spelling mistakes and has a habit of misspelling Koyomi's name. Her family name before their parents got divorce was Tsunade (綱手).
神原・駿河 (Kanbaru Suruga): VA: Sawashiro Miyuki
Suruga, the main character of Suruga Monkey, is Koyomi's underclassman, ace of the school's basketball team and one of Hitagi's acquaintances from back in junior high school. Immediately after she entered senior high school, she became aware of Hitagi's secret and was threatened by her, just like Koyomi was. She's an admitted lesbian, fujoshi, lolicon and masochist. Back in elementary school, she inherited the Monkey's Paw from her mother. She started stalking Koyomi after she discovered he was dating Hitagi.
千石・撫子 (Sengoku Nadeko): VA: Hanezawa Kana
Nadeko, the main character of Nadeko Snake, is Koyomi’s sister’s friend back in elementary school. She always wears a waist pouch; always cast her eyes downward, have her bangs covering her eyes, not talk much and can be easily amused. Koyomi plays with her a lot whenever she visited his house after being invited by his sisters. Her friend put a curse on her over a love affair, and was going to die until Koyomi found out and offers her his help.
羽川・翼 (Hanekawa Tsubasa): VA: Horie Yui
Tsubasa, the main character of Tsubasa Cat, is Koyomi's classmate and the class president. Koyomi describe her as "the class president of all class presidents". Prior to the novel begins; she was possessed by bakeneko during a Golden Week due to stress over her family. Although it has since been resolved with the help of Shinobu at a cost of her memories, the problems emerged again right before the school festival because of different stress.
忍野・メメ (Oshino Meme): VA: Takahiro Sakurai
Meme is a middle-aged man who lives in an abandoned building. Koyomi calls him "psychedelic aloha guy". Being an expert in apparitions field, he solves Koyomi and others' problems, although with compensation.
忍野・忍 (Oshino Shinobu): VA: Hirano Aya
Shinobu is a girl who lives with Meme in the abolished building. She appears to be an eight year old girl, but she was originally a beautiful vampire who had lived for more than 500 years. After the events at the end of Koyomi Vamp, she was left in a weakened condition with no powers or traces of her original personality and therefore have to abandon her "Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade" (キスショット・アセロラオリオン・ハートアンダーブレード) name. She was named Shinobu by Meme at the beginning of Hitagi Crab, suggesting her kanji name Shinobu (忍), having "heart" (心) under "blade" (刃), matches with her original personality.
阿良々木・火憐 (Araragi Karen): VA: Kitamura Eri
Karen, the main character of Karen Bee, is one of Koyomi's sisters. She's older than Tsukihi and always doing outdoor activities.
阿良々木・月火 (Araragi Tsukihi): VA: Iguchi Yuka
Tsukihi, the main character of Tsukihi Phoenix, is one of Koyomi's sisters. She's the youngest of Araragi family. Unlike her sister, Karen, she is always doing indoor activities.

Since I am tired of transcoding and processing the images, the write-up is basically copy-past from wikipedia; I'll add more info as the series unfolds and then when I go through the novels in autumn, hopefully ;) For now enjoy the show on your iPhone XD

[iPhone-Raws] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
[iPhone-Subs] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
A/V Source: Zero-Raws, Subs Source: TBA

CANAAN

2009-07-12T10:05:00.012+02:00

I bet that almost everyone is not anymore oblivious about the new work from TYPE-MOON. CANAAN is based on an extra animated scenario (well ... sort of) that Takeuchi/Nasu team worked on for the "live-action" visual novel 428. If you're also not familiar with the game, no worries the series can be enjoyed without knowing anything, but you can spoil yourself at Akihabara Channel, where EvoSpace has generously provided a detailed summary of both the game and the extra scenario on Canaan and Alphard ... well the rest is quite spoilerish ;) Interested? Read, watch & listen more on:

CANAAN
aka 428
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview
Studio: P.A. Works
Directed by: Ando Masahiro
Character Designs by: Sekiguchi Kanami
Original Character Designs by: Takeuchi Takashi (of TYPE-MOON)
Original Game by: Chunsoft, Sega (just in case you've never heard of it)
Original Scenario by: Nasu Kinoko (of TYPE-MOON)
Series Composition by: Okada Mari
Sawashiro Miyuki (Canaan), Sakamoto Maaya (Alphard), Nanjou Yoshino (Maria)
Tanaka Rie (Liang-Qi), Tomatsu Haruka (Yun²), Minagawa Junko (Natsume), Noto Mamiko (Hakkoo)
Hamada Kenji (Minoru), Oukawa Toru (Kamingusu), Hirata Hiroaki (Sentana)

Background & Development

The series was known in its initial planning stages as 428 The Animation when it was first announced in Newtype's October 2008 issue and by Sega at the 2008 Tokyo Games Show, where a trailer for the series was aired and announced as an adaptation of Type-Moon's original scenario for the game. The title was subsequently changed in December of the same year to CANAAN, with Sega also announcing that they would host a booth for the series in the 2008 Winter Comiket, where DVDs featuring specials and trailers for the show, packaged with a booklet featuring original character designs by Takashi Takeuchi and completed animation designs by animator Kanami Sekiguchi would be featured, along with CDs of the theme song, "Arousing Soul", performed by Faylan. [From wikipedia, but I can assure you it is fairly accurate for a change]

Art & Animation

Judging from the first couple of episodes, animation is top quality, even challenging Rakkyo, despite one being a TV show and the other a series of movies. Especially, the action scenes are fluid, well directed and choreographed, something quite rare even for action anime. The character designs are beautiful, very detailed and distict. Also with the exception of Canaan, they are quite different from what Takenuchi usually draws, though still very distinctive of his style. Another amazing feature is the atention to detail on background art, which depicts Shanghai very realistically, as well as the animation of crowds and the fluid integration of 3D CG.

VAs, BGM & OP/ED

Voice acting is also well done, but this is expected considering the names involved. Also I must applaud the inclusion of Chinese and English in many occasions which adds to the suspension of disbelief, especially for non-Japanese viewers. Finally, apart from the three theme songs, the BGM is very fitting and varies scene from scene.

Comiket Promo: "Arousing Soul" by Faylan

Opening Theme: "Mind as Judgement" by Faylan

Ending Theme: "My heaven" by Annabel

Characters & Plot

The atmosphere of the show is somewhat bleak, it will remind to many Black Lagoon, though because of the brighter pallette used and due to the philosophical stance of certain characters, it acts as an offset and balances the mood. The characters themselves are interesting and the main cast seems to have a lot of potential, but with only 13 episodes planned, do not expect a lot (if any at all) development. Putting that aside, the psychology of the main cast is explored through the events and interractive dialog instead of blatant and dull exposition.

iPhone Torrents
[iPhone-Raws] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
[iPhone-Subs] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
A/V Source: Zero-Raws, Subs Source: gg
Note that only when they become available internationally, I will kill the links ;)

The Degeneration of Haruhi Suzumiya

2009-07-10T20:01:00.015+02:00

No, it's not a new novel and certainly not a new episode ending finally the Endless Eight. What follows is a point of view on a studio and a publishing house that have no respect for their customers, a recurring theme these days.

So what's the deal here ... for those that are blissful but want to get enlightened on what Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu is I suggest wikipedia, but in short it is/was (past tense explained below) a light novel series published by Kadokawa and adapted into an anime by KyoAni. Both were very successful breaking away from the otaku fringe market into mainstream both in Japan and abroad.

That was up to the glorious year 2006. What followed is the focus of this post. First of all, the last novel that concludes the series is in limbo since the spring of 2007, with its publishing date being constantly pushed and finally ending in TBA status. Also the last published volume ended in a cliffhanger aggravating more the situation.

On the anime front the owner of the franchise and publisher launched ambiguous advertisements indicating that a second season would air soon and based on the fourth volume. They were careful enough to create a lot of anticipation but offer no definite dates which the company used as an excuse to do nothing after the marketing stunt became viral.

Finally, in 2009 after another attempt, they used a doujinshi for a couple of web-casts that appeased many (me included). And finally, they animated new material that indicated that the fourth volume will finally be on the air by the end of the summer.

But as the saying goes: "Hope die last, but certainly dies non-the-less". The tombstone was put when we entered an endless repetition of the same episode plot, The Endless Eight, for no less then a month already and possibly for a second one, eliminating almost all hope that volume four will be part of this re-airing, re-run, re-launch or whatever you want to call it.

Now let me move to the studio's sins. Let me first clear out that any adaption can not be 1:1 because of the differences between media, but in my book as long as it preserves the feel of the original I consider it loyal. But just being loyal does not cut it, it has also to be good considering the medium itself. For example Tsukihime is an excellent game, with a disloyal adaption that I found good. On the other hand, Kurokami, was not loyal and in addition sucked by itself ... and so on.

Original Novel

The original artwork from the novels by Ito Noizi was OK. Still the first season was very loyal and both lead director and character designer improved upon the novels artwork, without altering the it's feel.

2006 airing

Unfortunately, though the studio fired a lot of it's most talented stuff, with the most known example that of Yamamoto Yutaka (Hare-Hare director) and in the three years that followed animated two 4-koma moe-blod shows and two Key moe-blob shows, all four of which share one important detail ... they need no competent writers.

2009 airing

This led to the abominable stills and amorphous animation, resulting in single-cellular organism instead of anthropomorphic characters. To indicate this influence Just compare the screenshots above from Haruhi to K-On! below and the 2006 airing. Haruhi (2009) ended up looking more like Yui than herself from three years ago XD

The culprit, K-On!

So what now, the optimistic rumor say that pressure from sponsors and the threat of DVD sales will either cut short the Endless Eight or force a rushed Disappearance by the end of the season. A more realistic rumor speculates either a back-to-back second season or at spring/summer 2010 with Disappearance and stories from latter volumes. Worse case scenario and most likely is that The Endless Eight iteration continue for either 6 or 8 episodes or even the end of August, then Sigh with or without a cliffhanger for Disappearance, with no deadline on air date.

So what can we do? Frankly, nothing! There are so many fanatics of Kadokawa, KyoAni, Haruhi, that we seem like annoying whiners and they act like rabid hounds to silence us in forums, IRC, etc. On the other side, they suddenly disappear when ignorant red-necks and jaded feminist twist reality. I just hope that in time, humans will become intelligent, managers competent, investors humane, animators talented, writers paid, ... and in other fairy-tales ;)

Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody

2009-05-21T22:56:00.009+02:00

For the first time in almost three years, Kodokawa/KyoAni did not troll us and actually episode 8 of the infamous re-run was new, covering the only chapters from volume 2 that did not get animated.

Here is the new ED.

Timeline	2009 Airing	2006 Airing	Title	Volume	Chapter(s)
April & May	1-6	2, 3, 5, 10, 13, 14	涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱 The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi	1	Prologue, 1-7, Epilogue (all)
June	7	4	涼宮ハルヒの退屈 The Boredom of Suzumiya Haruhi	3	1
July	8		笹の葉ラプソディ Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody	3	2
	9*	7	ミステリックサイン Mystérique Sign	3	3
	10-11*	6, 8	孤島症候群 Remote Island Syndrome	3	4
August	12*		エンドレスエイト Endless Eight	5	1
November	13-15**		涼宮ハルヒの溜息 The Sigh of Suzumiya Haruhi	2	Prologue, 1-5, Epilogue (all)
	16**	1	朝比奈ミクルの冒険 Episode 00 Asahina Mikuru's Adventure Episode 00	6	2
	17**	12	ライブアライブ Live A Live	6	1
	18**	11	射手座の日 The Day of Sagittarius	5	2
	19**	9	サムデイインザレイン Someday in the Rain	anime original	anime original
December	20-25**		涼宮ハルヒの消失 The Dissappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi	4	Prologue, 1-6, Epilogue (all)
	26***		ヒトメボレLOVER Charmed at First Sight Lover	6	2
	27***		雪山症候群 Snow Mountain Syndrome	5	3
	28***		猫はどこに行った？ Where did the Cat Go?	6	4
January	29***		朝比奈みくるの憂鬱 The Melancholy of Asahina Mikuru	6	5
February	30-35***		涼宮ハルヒの陰謀 The Intrigues of Suzumiya Haruhi	7	Prologue, 1-7, Epilogue (all)
March	36-37***		編集長★一直線！ Editor in Chief Straight Ahead!	8	1
	38-39***		ワンダリング・シャドウ Wandering Shadow	8	2
April	40-42***		涼宮ハルヒの分裂 The Dissociation of Suzumiya Haruhi	9	Prologue, 1-3 (all)
	43-?***		涼宮ハルヒの驚愕 The Surprise of Suzumiya Haruhi	10	TBA

* Speculation as of 22.5 (after the first new episode aired).
** Highly speculative, based on previous chapter to episode ratios.
*** Unlikely to air during the current run of the series.

screen-caps at the end of the post.

Hoping that this is not just a extra and that new episodes will air chronologically, we should expect The Endless Eight in four weeks, after Mysterique Sign and Lone Island Syndrome (originally episodes 6-8). Afterwards follows The Sigh, which has to do with the filming of Mikuru's Adventures, then the festival episodes (originally episodes 1 & 11-12) to finally reached The Disappearance, which was advertised a couple of years ago.

The episode itself was a welcome surprise, but it has some issues. First the art took a hit as all of KyoAni's latest productions. Animation was also minimal, compared with the treat of the first season. Especially the character designs of Mikuru and to a lesser extend of Haruhi, seem influenced heavily by 4-coma styles. Also the VAs seemed to struggle at parts to get back to their original characterization, but this is expected since three years have elapsed. Plot-wise, the episode was loyal to the novel, at least as far as I can remember since it's been quite some time since I read it.

All in all, if they continue to show new material, I am willing to forgive all this trolling and moe-crap they threw at us during the last three years, but both companies have a very bad record, so better don't get your hopes up.

Winter '09 Short Reviews

2009-05-21T19:29:00.023+02:00

Only a couple of months late, but the new semester's schedule is really tough. Anyway, winter had a couple of good one-cour series and another couple of two-cour also concluded.

Excellent:

Maria Holic

Good:

Ride Back, To aru Majutsu no Index, Toradora

OK:

Akikan, Shikabane Hime, Zettai Karen Children

Watchable:

Asu no Yoichi, Clannad, Tales of the Abyss

Avoid:

Druaga 2

Maria + Holic
まりあ†ほりっく
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions
Studio: SHAFT
Directed by: Miyamoto Yukihiro, Shinbo Akiyuki
Character Designs by: Morioka Hideyuki
Original Manga by: Endo Minari
Series Composition by: Yokotani Masahiro
Sanada Asami (Kanako), Inoue Maria (Matsurika), Kobayashi Yu (Mariya)

SHAFT again delivered a hilarious series loaded with references and absurdity. Animation was typical of the studio, as well as the BGM and OP/ED. The cast of characters was quite large, but all got at least a centric episode, which helped characterization.

Ride Back
ライドバック
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions
Studio: MADHOUSE
Directed by: Takahashi Atsushi
Character Designs by: Tazaki Satoshi
Original Manga by: Kasahara Tetsuro
Screenplay/Series Composition by: Takayashiki Hideo
VA? (role?), ...?

Excellent animation and incorporation of 3D mech design. The theme was also a little heavier then the anime norm, but was well handled and avoided childish over-simplifications. What IMHO hurted the series was its short length, especially when one takes into account the 10+ volumes of the novels it was based on.

To aru no Majutsu no Index
とある魔術の禁書目録
aka A Certain Magical Index
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions (1st cour), Impressions (2nd cour)
Studio: J.C.Staff
Directed by: Nishikiori Hiroshi
Character Designs by: Tanaka Yuichi
Original Character Designs by: Haimura Kiyotaka
Original Novel by: Kamachi Kazuma
Series Composition/Screenplay by: Akahoshi Masanao
VAs: Abe Achushi (Touma), Iguchi Yuka (Index), Satou Rina (Mikoto), Koyama Kimiko (Komoe), Taniyama Kishou (Styil), Noto Mamiko (Aisha), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Accelarator), Arai Satomi (Kumoko), Itou Shizuka (Kaori), Seki Tshihiko (Alister Crowly)

A typical JCStaff action show. In all categories it had its ups and downs depending on the arc, but overall it was fairly enjoyable.

Toradora!
とらドラ！
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Forum@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions (1st cour), Impressions (2nd cour)
Studio: J.C.Staff
Directed by: Nagai Tatsuyuki
Character Designs by: Tanaka Masayoshi
Original Character Designs by: Yasu
Original Manga by: Takemiya Yuyuko
Series Composition by: Okada Mari
VAs: Hugimiya Rie (Taiga), Majima Junji (Ryuuji), Kitamura Eri (Ami), Nojima Hirofumi (Kitamura), Horie Yui (Minori)

Lovcom at its prime. Normally I found these shows boring, but this one is a shining exception. My only gripe was the rushed (and somewhat irrational) ending, but otherwise the show was very nice.

Shikabane Hime: Kuro
屍姫玄
aka Corpse Princess: Black
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Impressions (Aka), Impressions (Kuro)
Studio: feel. & GAINAX
Directed by: Murata Masahiko
Character Designs by: Kubota Chikashi, Sadakata Kikuto
Original Managa by: Akahito Yoshiichi
Screenplay/Script by: Aikawa Shou
VAs: Akiyama Nana (Makina), Hosome Tatsuya (Ouri)

Plot-wise the second season was better then the first, actually "meatier" since there was resolution. What the season lacked was Keisei's character. Anyway, the annoying VAs improved a little, with the exception of Ouri. Action was OK, especially during the last episode. In general a good action show.

Akikan!
アキカン！
aka Empty Can
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions
Studio: Brains Base
Directed by: Himaki Yuji
Character Designs by: Tanaka Ryo
Original Character Designs by: Suzuhira Hiro
Original Manga by: Ranjo Riku
Series Composition by: Koyasu Hideaki
VAs: Fukuyama Jun (Daichi), Narita Sayaka (Meron)

The first half featured some of the worst animation I have seen recently, but this improved to average during the latter half. What I liked in the show was the innuendo, probably due to age category of the novels. Save for that the show would have entered my avoid list.

Zettai Karen Children
絶対可憐チルドレン
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions
Studio: Synergy
Directed by: Kawaguchi Keichiiro
Character Designs by: Kagami Takahiro
Original Manga by: Shiina Takashi
Series Composition by: Noshizono Satoru
VAs: Tomatsu Haruka (Shiho), Shiraishi Ryoko (Aoi), Hirano Aya (Kaoru), Nakamura Yuuichi (Minamoto)

Pulling out 50+ episodes is a terrible difficult feat and Synergy managed it for a second year. Otherwise, animation and especially art varied wildly, especially when GONZO got involved. As for story and characters, it was enjoyable, but I never really got into it as with other shows.

Clannad ~After Story~
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Forum@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions (1st cour), Impressions (2nd cour)
Studio: KyoAni
Directed by: Ishihara Tatsuya
Character Designs by: Ikeda Kazumi
Original Character Designs by: Hinoue Itaru
Original Game by: Key
Series Composition/Script by: Shimo Fumihiko
VAs: Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya), Nakahara Mai (Nagisa), Kawashima Houko (Tomoyo), Mamiko Noto (Kotomi), Hirohashi Ryou (Kyou), Kanda Akemi (Ryou), Tamura Yukari (Mei)

As I have said before what KyoAni/Key lack is originality, this is their third show which reshuffled the same plot and characterization. And also the visuals took a heavy hit during this season, though still are by far above average.

Asu no Yoichi!
明日のよいち!
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions
Studio: AIC
Directed by: Kujo Rion
Character Designs by: ???
Original Manga by: Minato You
Screenplay by: Kurata Hideyuki
VAs: Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yoichi), Satou Rina (Ibuki)

Purely fan-service, with average animation at best. The only shining point was Chihaya and unfortunately she got only one centric episode.

Tales of the Abyss
テイルズオブジアビス
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions
Studio: Sunrise
Directed by: Kodama Kenji
Character Designs by: Hishinuma Yoshihito
Original Character Designs by: Fujishima Kousuke
Original Game by: NAMCO
Series Composition by: Omode Akemi
VAs: Suzuki Chihiro (Luke), Yukana (Tear)

Too much exposition and at times horrible writting. Otherwise standard J-RPG chaos.

Druaga no Tou: Sword of Uruk
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions
Studio: GONZO
Directed by: Chigira Koichi
Character Designs by: Hakua Ugetsu
Screenplay/Series Composition by: Gatou Shoji
VAs: VA (role), VA (role)

If Tales had at times horrible writting, Druaga 2 as its predecessor had ONLY rediculous writting. Couple that with GONZO's animation and you get a recipie for certain failure.

Spice and Wolf

2009-05-03T04:44:00.007+02:00

I had a really hard week, so my solace lays with Horo ;)

I strongly recommend that you check out the OVA, it has some excellent dream sequences and an alternate look on Horo's POV ;)

Spring '09 Previews

2009-03-29T20:50:00.038+02:00

There are several interesting facts about this spring season. First with the exception of FMA, Hayate and Polyphonica, all other series are new. Another noteworthy fact is that all series are adaptions from manga, novels or games with Eden and Basquash as the only exceptions! As for my expectations ... mediocre, traditionally spring has been the season for the masses (aka male, chaste, teenager geeks). The thing is that the only shows I am watching from winter and continue are Regios and SoraKake, so I guess I'll try everything (even hardcore shoujo, mecha basketball and noitaminA).

contiued

Koukaku no Regios

Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo

1.4

2.4

3.4

4.4

5.4

Hanasakeru Seishounen

6.4

8.4

9.4

11.4

Apart from the links I provided, check also the blogs of the pessimist, the optimist (from where I re-stole almost all the trailers) and the snobs.

Hagane no Renkinjutsushi
鋼の錬金術師
a.k.a. Full Metal Alchemist
AniDB, ANN, Official, Forum@AnimeSuki
Studio: BONES (Xamdou, Soul Eater, Darker than Black, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi, Kurau)
Directed by Irie Yasuhiro (Kurau)
Character Designs by Kanno Hiroki
Original Manga by Arakawa Hiromu
Series Composition by Ounogi Hiroshi (Aquarion, Arjuna, Birdy, Kekkaishi, Noein)
VAs: Kugimiya Rie (Alphonse), Paku Romi (Edward)

After losing their mother, Alphonse and Edward Elric attempt to bring her back using the forbidden science of human alchemy. However, alchemy operates on the theory of equivalent trade, and breaking the human alchemy taboo carries a heavy price. Ed loses his leg, and Al loses his body. Ed is able to seal Al's soul inside of a huge suit of armor, at the cost of his arm. Years later, Ed (now with two mechanical limbs) and Al (still trapped in the armor) leave their childhood home, each brother concerned with the other's happiness. Ed, who has a natural talent and skill for alchemy, becomes nationally certified and is soon known everywhere as the "Fullmetal Alchemist." Their true objective is to search for any information on the fabled Philosopher's Stone, hoping it will allow them to regain their old bodies. All of their hopes rest with this mythical stone, which may not even exist at all. However, the brothers soon learn that they are not the only ones after the powerful stone.

Five years after the original ended BONES decides to remake it, probably because the manga is about to end (which is an unverified rumor). Anyway, almost all the technical stuff is different, but given the popularity and extent of the source plot-wise it shouldn't diverge too much. I expect top quality animation as was the case with most of the studio's projects, but I am really worried with the storytelling, since the person responsible has several fails in the past. Finally, I should admit that I liked the previous adaption, despite being a shounen ... at least at some points it certainly made me forget it!

Hayate no Gotoku!!
ハヤテのごとく!!
a.k.a. Hayate, the Combat Buttler
AniDB, ANN, Official, Forum@AnimeSuki
Studio: J.C.Staff (Slayers, Index, Toradora, Zero no Tsukaima, Shigofumi, Shana, KimiKiss, Nodame Cantabile, Asatte no Houko)
Directed by Iwasaki Yoshiki (Love Hina, Sky Girls, Wagaya no Oinarisama)
Character Designs by Fujii Masahiro (Eiken, Zero no Tsukaima, Mahoraba)
Original Manga by Hata Kenjirou
Series Composition by Kuroda Yousuke (Hayate no Gotoku, Demonbane, Honey and Clover, Madlax, Gungrave, Yumeria)
VAs: Shiraishi Ryoko (Hayate), Kugimiya Rie (Nagi), Tanaka Rie (Maria)

16-year-old Hayate is really down on his luck. Because his unemployed parents are good-for-nothings who waste what money they have on gambling, Hayate had to start working at a young age to help out his family. Although such experience has made him inhumanly fast and tough and skilled at things boys aren't normally skilled it, it has also left him in an awkward position, as his parents have racked up such a huge gambling debt that they have sold Hayate to the yakuza for the value of his organs. In a desperate attempt to avoid that fate, Hayate decides to become a “bad guy” and kidnap someone to be held for ransom, but his efforts to do so are mistaken as a confession of love by the girl he targets. When he helps save the (as it turns out) ultra-wealthy 13-year-old Nagi from real kidnappers, she takes him in and gives him a job as her new personal butler (and love interest) until he can pay off his debt. But Hayate is more attracted to Nagi's beautiful teenage maid Maria, and head butler Klaus is initially disapproving of the boy with such a poor look. And then there's Nagi's pet Tama, who is also a force to be reckoned with.

For a better insight just go and download the the OVA! I really loved the first season, if for no other reason because the fillers were very well thought of and the pacing was quite successful (not an easy task with 50 episodes). But now with a new studio, which has a shameful reputation for its failure at fillers, things look somewhat alarming. Fortunately series composition is at the hands of the same person with the first season; as for the rest of the staff, they have done quite a lot of good shows. The OVA or episode S2E0, is a good indication of what the show has to offer.

Hatsukoi Limited
初恋限定。
a.k.a. First Love Limited
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: J.C.Staff (Slayers, Index, Toradora, Zero no Tsukaima, Shigofumi, Shana, KimiKiss, Nodame Cantabile, Asatte no Houko)
Directed by Yamakawa Yoshiki
Character Designs by Sataya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard)
Original Manga by Kawashita Mizuki (Ichigo 100%)
Screenplay & Series Composition by Kunisawa Mariko
VAs: Ise Mariya (Ayumi)

The manga features a series of short stories about eight girls in middle school and high school, plus their classmates and relatives. Each chapter focuses on a different main characters. These stories are entertwined and eventually lead to a main story involving most of the cast.

The second show this season from J.C.Staff, this time a romance from the author of hated Ichigo 100% (which personally I do not find it that bad, rather mediocre ... probably because of the related NishiMIDI doujinshi). Now given that all stuff have next to zero track record, I have no idea what to expect.

Shangri-La
シャングリ・ラ
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: GONZO (Druaga, Linebarrels, Rosario+Vampire, Strike Witches, Special A, Blassreiter, Dragonaut)
Directed by Bessho Makoto
Character Designs by Murata Range
Original Character Designs by Yoshida Ken'ichi
Original Novel by Ikegami Eiichi
Series Composition by Ounogi Hiroshi (Aquarion, Arjuna, Birdy, Kekkaishi, Noein)
VAs: Takahashi Mikako (Kuniko), Ariga Yui (Mikuni), Igushi Yuka (Karin)

The story is set in a neo-futuristic age, in which Tokyo has turned into the world’s largest “jungle-polis” that absorbs carbon dioxide. A tower city called Atlas houses the rich and privileged, and is the object of yearning of all that are not allowed to enter. But Atlas also has ancient secrets which cause a sudden whirl of events. Festooned by colorful characters such as a riotous teenage girl, a child genius, a juvenile princess, a drag queen, a female doctor, an army major, and an elderly gentleman and lady, SHANGRI-LA’s hard-core world view plays out as an anime action saga.

Now let me proceed to the GONZO shows, starting with their green-left rip-off! What to expect from the worst japanese studio about to fire 75% of its personnel, a stuff composed of a group of newbies, except from Ounogi, who failed several time to pace properly a show?

Unfortunately, I could not locate a promo!

Saki
咲-Saki-
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: GONZO (Druaga, Linebarrels, Rosario+Vampire, Strike Witches, Special A, Blassreiter, Dragonaut)
Directed by Ono Manabu (Dragonaut)
Character Designs by Sasaki Masakatsu (Erotic Torture Chamber;)
Original Manga by Kobayashi Ritz
Screenplay & Series Composition by Urahata Tatsuhiko (Gunslinger Girl 2, Monster, Murder Princess, Strawberry Panic, Ichigo 100%)
VAs: Fukuyama Jun (Kyoutarou), Ueda Kana (Saki), Koshimizu Ami (Nodoka), Kugimiya Rie (Yuuki), Shiraishi Ryoko (Mako), Itou Shizuka (Hisa)

Saki Miyanagi, a high school freshman, hates mahjong because her family would always force her to play it and punish her regardless of if she won or lost. Because of this, she learned how to keep her score at zero, neither winning nor losing. However, her friend from middle school convinces her to join the school's Mahjong Club. After the Club discovers her ability, they recruit her and convince her to win instead of breaking even. She easily does so with her skill, so the team enters a mahjong tournament so that its members may reach the national competitions.

Mahjong meets Pokemon ?!?!? in a harem version? from the director of Dragonaut and character designer of Erotic Torture Chamber !?!?! No thanks!!!

Slap Up Party: Arad Senki
スラップアップパーティ −アラド戦記−
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: GONZO (Druaga, Linebarrels, Rosario+Vampire, Strike Witches, Special A, Blassreiter, Dragonaut)
Directed by Ikezoe Takahiro
Character Designs by Nagasaku Tomokatsu
Series Composition by Yamanobe Kazuki
VAs: Watanabe Akeno (Roxy), Kondo Takashi (Baron)

Adapted from the MMORPG Arad Senki originally developed in South Korea under the name Dungeon & Fighter. The anime will follow the adventures of Baron, a man living on continent of Arad in the year 981 after "the cursed light of Kazan" has fallen across the land. Thanks to the curse, one of his arms has become possessed. After finding a sword that has been possessed by the spirit Roxy, he embarks on a quest to unravel the secret of the curse and meets various people who also join his party.

And since the previous two GONZO shows will rape a novel and a manga, to complete things this show will have its way with a game (the worst kind of ... a MMORPG). Again pretty much unknown stuff under GONZO is a recipe for failure.

Queens Blade: Rurou no Senshi
クイーンズブレイド流浪の戦士
a.k.a. Queen’s Blade: Wandering Warriors
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: ARMS (Ikkitousen GG/DD, Genshiken 2, Himawari, Elvenlied ... several hentai)
Directed by Yoshimoto Kinji (Genshiken 2 ... several hentai)
Character Designs by Shin Rin (Ikkitousen GG, I"s ... several hentai)
Original Game by Hobby Japan
Series Composition by Yoshimoto Kinji
VAs: Kawasumi Ayako (Reina), Noto Mamiko (Tomoe), Hirono Aya (Nanael), Tanaka Atsuko (Claudette)

In 4 years time the competition that will decide who the next Queen shall be will start. The strongest warrior will continue to rule the country according to tradition and expand it. The contestants need only be older than 12 years. They need not be human, intelligent or even of that country. The rules for the tournament are simple: murder is allowed. Any weapon can be chosen. The winner is decided when one of the participants flees or can't move anymore. Such event is broadcasted trough a crystal sphere by the court's magic teacher to all population to see and enjoy.

Probably the best studio and stuff for this kind of show! Check my previous entry for more in-depth information.

Senjou no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles
戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles-
a.k.a. Battlefield Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles (Valkyria Chronicles)
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: A-1 Pictures (Birdy, Kannagi, Persona)
Directed by Yamamoto Yasutaka
Character Designs by Watanabe Atsuko
Original Game by SEGA
Series Composition by Yokote Michiko (Genshiken, Nabari no Ou, xxxHOLiC)
VAs: Inoue Marina (Alicia), Chiba Susumu (Welkin)

In the 1930's EC, Europa is split by the Empire and the Federation, the two dominant military powers that divide the continent. The two powers struggled for ultimate supremacy, inevitably starting the E.W.II (Second Europan War) involving all of Europa. Gallia, a small independent nation situated between the two super powers now faces attacks from the Imperial Army due to its availability of Ragnite. The Gallian Army is overmatched by the Imperial forces and must retreat quickly. But just when the nation was about to surrender its capital city, one squad leader's unusual strategy defeats the Imperial Army. The name of that young lieutenant was Welkin Gunther and this is his story.

After the MMO- and TT- RPG, let's move to an adaption of a S-RPG, which has a long track of failures, including one from this studio (Persona). Animation and character designs look very good though and the responsibility for pacing falls to a person that has pulled out the job successfully in the past. On the other hand, the story itself does not look very promising.

Sengoku BASARA
戦国BASARA
a.k.a. Warring Era Basara (Devil Kings)
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Production I.G (Toshokan Sensou, Seirei no Moribito, xxxHOLiC)
Directed by Kawasaki Itsuro (Arc the Lad, Canvas2, Regios, Mamoru-kun, Rental Magica)
Character Designs by Ookubo Tooru
Original Character Designs by Tsuchibayashi Makoto
Original Game by CAPCOM
Series Composition by Muto Yasuyuki (Persona)
VAs: Nakai Kazuya (Date Masamune), Wakamoto Norio (Oda Nobunaga), Hoshi Souichiro (Sanada Yukimura)

In the age of the Warring Countries, Japan was fragmented in semi-independent provinces, governed by feudal lords or daimyo, who confronted each other in an endless struggle for power. Ambitious daimyos from every corner of the Archipelago had shouted their battle cry. Those were days of unrest and chaos. As war spread throughout the country, the map of power underwent rapid and dramatic changes. In this never-ending conflict, one man finally seemed to be just one step from establishing total control over the country. He was the lord of Owari, the Sixth Heavenly Devil King. His name was Oda Nobunaga. But now, a young general clad in azure makes his unexpected appearance in this confused scenario, heading a huge army of cavalrymen from the Northern provinces. He is known as Date Masamune, the One-Eyed Dragon. And he is coming for Oda Nobunaga's head, and for ultimate supremacy!

The game is CAPCOM's rip-off of Dynasty Warriors, basically changing from Chinese history to Japanese. Anyway, not my thing ... the adaption looks too shounen for me and the stuff is certainly uninspiring.

Tears to Tiara
ティアーズ・トゥ・ティアラ
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Oriental Light and Magic (Deltora, Gift, Utawarerumono, Disgaea, Berserk)
Directed by Kobayashi Tomoki (Utawarerumono, Ichigo 100%)
Character Designs by Nakata Masahiko (Utawarerumono)
Original Game by AQUAPLUS
Series Composition by Machida Doko (Allison to Lillia, Lucky Star)
VAs: Ishii Makoto (Arthur), Oukawa Toru (Arawn), Goto Yuko (Riannon)

After a Demon King named Arawn who was sealed away for 1,000 years is being relaesed by girl named Rhiannon (who is made for sacrifice for his ressurection) releases him, they start to travel together and she becomes emotionally attached to him.

From the Utawarerumono team we get yet another RPGish show (actually the game was a VN with some impossibly stupid battle system). Anyway, for what concerns the game everyone finds it boring, plot-wise, myself included. Hence I do not expect anything more from its adaption.

Guin Saga
グイン・サーガ
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Satelight (Macross F, Shugo Chara, Galaxy Angel Rune, Noein)
Directed by Wakabayashi Atsushi
Character Designs by Murata Toshiharu (Burn Up! Scramble, Hellsing, Mouse)
Original Character Designs by Sumeragi Natsuki
Original Novel by Kurimoto Kaoru
Screenplay & Series Composition by Yonemura Shoji (Pokemon)
VAs: Horiuchi Kenyuu (Guin), Nakahara Mai (Linda), Yonaga Tsubasa (Remus)

In the land of Nospherus, four heroes embark on a patch of destiny that will weave a new legend. The story follows Guin, a powerful swordsman with a leopard head, the adolescent royal twins Remus and Rinda, and the young and ambitious mercenary named Istvan.

Based on a novel series spanning more than 100 volumes, that begun publishing in 1979! Produced by the studio that spawned abominations like Macross and the adaption is overseen by the writer of Pokemon. Not to mention the the tiger-headed dude looks gay!

K-ON!
けいおん！
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Kyoto Animation (Munto, Clannad, Lucky Star, Kanon, Haruhi, FMP: 2nd Raid, Air)
Directed by Yamada Hisako
Character Designs by Horiguchi Yukiko (Lucky Star)
Original Manga by kakifly
Series Composition by Yoshida Reiko (Canvas 2, Jyu Ou Sei, Kurokami, Marimite, Mushi Uta, REC, Shinigami no Ballad, Wagaya no Oinarisama)
VAs: Toyosaki Aki (Yui)

The story about four high school girls that try to sustain their school’s popular music club despite being unable to read music or play instruments.

The only show that KyoAni has produced and I can safely suggest is Haruhi, probably I got tired from a 50 episode series that focused for a third time around the same characters and what worse each time they double the episode count [1st][2nd][3rd]. Now, back on topic. the manga has only a couple of volumes out and the pacing is handled by that idiot who butchered Kurokami last season with three (maybe four) times the source material to work with. On the other hand, it can end up so bad that it becomes good, like Sucky Star and Munto ;)

Tayutama -Kiss on my Deity-
タユタマ -Kiss on my Deity-
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: SILVER LINK
Directed by Motonaga Keitaro (Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka, School Days, Amaenaideyo, Yumeria)
Character Designs by Ogawara Haruo (a couple of hentai)
Original Character Designs by Moegihara Fumitake
Original Game by Lump of Sugar
Series Composition by Uezo Makoto (Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka, School Days, Amaenaideyo Yumeria, Seto no Hanayome, Utawarerumono)
VAs: Hino Satoshi (Yuuri), Shimoda Asami (Ameri), Mizuhashi Kaori (Yumina), Rikimaru Noriko (Mashiro), Itou Shizuka (Mifuyu)

The harem story revolves around schoolboy Yuuri Mito, who discovers a mysterious religious relic shortly before equally mysterious girls (who are actually the area’s forgotten gods) begin turning up.

Based on an silly and sarcastic eroge and animated by the team of Akane-iro, Amaenaideyo and School Days now in a new studio seems ... fitting. Dunno I like this kind of shows as long as they stay at the extremes (either silliness or depression and decadance).

Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S
神曲奏界ポリフォニカクリムゾンS
a.k.a. Players of the Divine Song Polyphonica crimson S
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Diomedea,formerly Studio Barcelona (Kodomo no Jikan, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu)
Directed by Suzuki Toshimasa (Heroic Age)
Character Designs by Ohara Mitsuru (Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, Peach Girl)
Original Game by Sakaki Ichiro (CODE/Mission-E, Macademi, Scrapped Princess)
Series Composition by Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai Yori Aoshi, Jigoku Shoujo, Negima, Pani Poni Dash)
VAs: TomatsuHaruka (Corticarte), Kamiya Hiroshi (Tatara)

The new series will again focus on Corticarte, but it will tie into Ichiro Sakaki and Noboru Kannatsuki's Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica crimson S light novel adaptation, which are set during the Academy years of the storyline.

Apart from the fact that is based on a popular VN series with which I am unfamiliar and that the summary sounds very silly; I have no idea what to expect. I heard that the previous season was quite boring, but then again it shares next to zero stuff with this one.

Natsu no Arashi!
夏のあらし！
a.k.a. Summer Storm!
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: SHAFT (Maria Holic, ef, Hidamari, Zetsubou Sensei, Negima, Pani Poni, Tsukuyomi)
Directed by Oonuma Shin (ef)
Character Designs by Ota kazuhiro (Negima, Pani Poni)
Original Manga by Kobayashi Jin (School Rumble)
Series Composition by Takayama Katsuhiko (Ga-Rei, ef, HanTsuki)
VAs: Sanpei Yuko (Yasaka), Shiraishi Ryoko (Arashi), Nazuka Kaori (Kaja)

Thirteen-year-old Yasaka is a boy staying at his grandfather's house during his summer vacation. One day he entered a store and met Arashi, a beautiful sixteen-year old girl working there. After trying to protect her from a man who claims to have been hired by her family to take her back by force, Yasaka ran away with her and now she stays at his grandpa's place with him. It didn't take much time for Yasaka to figure out that his new friend is far from an ordinary girl, as she possesses mysterious powers. The plot thickens when he finds a sixty-year-old picture of Arashi and another girl named Kaja, and to the surprise of all Kaja suddenly appears, and just like Arashi, her appearance hasn't changed at all since then.

SHAFT's show this season is based on the new manga of Kobayashi Jin, who gave us School Rumble, which I hated since in 20+ volumes it managed to go absolutely nowhere, but loved because of the loveable characters. Source aside, the chief director is Oonuma of ef, with Shinbo on the side-watch. Also noteworthy is Takayama's involvement who managed to create an excellent adaption out of a mediocre manga (Ga-Rei), which will probably come into play considering the minimal amount of source material to work with.

Higashi no Eden
東のエデン
a.k.a. Eden of the East
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Production I.G (Toshokan Sensou, Seirei no Moribito, xxxHOLiC)
Directed & Screenplay by Kamiyama Kenji (Seirei no Moribito, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex)
Character Designs by Morikawa Satoko
Original Character Designs by Umino Chika (Honey & Clover)

On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike Japan. However, this unprecedented terrorist act, later to be called as "Careless Monday," does not result in any apparent victims, and is soon forgotten by almost everyone. Then, 3 months later... Saki Morimi is a young woman currently in the United States of America on her graduation trip. But just when she is in front of the White House, Washington DC, she gets into trouble, and only the unexpected intervention of one of her fellow countrymen saves her. However, this man, who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, is a complete mystery. He appears to have lost his memory. and he is stark naked, except for the gun he holds in one hand, and the mobile phone he's holding with the other hand. A phone that is charged with 8,200,000,000 yen in digital cash.

Another noitaminA show ... which with a couple of exceptions I found them impossible to watch. Then again studio and stuff are quite promising as was also the trailer.

Pandora Hearts
パンドラハーツ
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: XEBEC (Kyou no Go no Ni, Kanokon, ToLOVE-ru, Buso Renkin, Mnemosyne, The Third)
Directed by Kato Takao (Buso Renkin, To LOVE-ru ... and a lot of mecha)
Character Designs by Kobayashi Chizuru, Yamaoka Shinichi (The Third, Mizuiro Jidai, D.N.Angel)
Original Manga by Mochizuki Jun
Series Composition by Sekijima Mayori (Kaze no Stigma, Tsukuyomi, Saber Marionette J, Angel Sanctuary)
VAs: Kawasumi Ayako (Alice), Minagawa Junko (Oz), Toriumi Kousuke (Raven)

Oz Bezarius, heir to one of the duke houses, has just turned fifteen. His life is rich and carefree, darkened only by the constant absence of his father. At his coming-of-age ceremony, however, everything changes. For no reason that he can discern, he's cast into the prison known as the "Abyss", only to be saved by a "chain" known as Alice, the bloodstained black rabbit. Why was he cast into Abyss, how does Alice factor into it all, and what does the organization known as "Pandora" want with him...

The plot certainly has potential and is not something I would expect from this studio. It's important to note that the music is done by Kajiura Yuki (Rakyo, Noir, ...)!

Phantom: Requiem of Phantom
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Bee Train (Mugen no Juunin, El Cazador, Madlax, Noir, .hack)
Directed by Mashimo Koichi (Mugen no Juunin, El Cazador, Madlax, Noir, .hack)
Original Game by Urobuchi Gen
Series Composition by Kuroda Yousuke (Hayate no Gotoku, Demonbane, Honey and Clover, Madlax, Gungrave, Yumeria)
VAs: Takagaki Ayahi (Ein), Irino Miyu (Zwei)

In the American underworld, Mafia leaders are being killed one after another, with rumours of “Inferno” and the organisation’s top assasssin “Phantom” circulating around them. A boy, traveling alone in America becomes involved in one of these incidents and unexpectedly encounters Phantom

Quoting Arudoc: "Bee Train doing a show about girls and guns. Now where have I seen that before?" I do not mind the studio's slow pacing or obsession with the theme ... actually I liked most of their series.

Asura Cryin'
アスラクライン
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Seven Arcs (White Album, Sekirei, Inukami, Nanoha)
Directed by Kusakawa Keizou (Sekirei, Inukami, Nanoha StrikerS)
Character Designs by Komori Atsushi
Original Character Designs by Watanuki Nao
Original Novel by Mikumo Gakuto
Series Composition by Koide Katsuhiko (Shaman King)
VAs: Irino Miyu (Tomoharu), ...

The semi-serious school action story revolves around Tomoharu Natsume, a boy who has been haunted by a ghosty girl who was a childhood friend.

The keyword of the summary is semi-serious ... does this imply another Inukami or would it be more shoujo like Ghost Hunt ... though both might be very optimistic expectations ;)

07-Ghost
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio DEEN (Vampire Knight, Jigoku Shoujo, Higurashi, YamiBou, MariMite, Hatenkou Yugi, Suteki Tantei Labyrinth, You're Under Arrest: Full Throttle)
Directed by Takamoto Nobuhiro (Hatenkou Yugi, Tokimeki Memorial)
Character Designs by Fujii Maki (Hakushaku to Yousei, Kanazuki no Miko, UFO Princess Valkyrie)
Original Manga by Amemiya Yuki, Ichihara Yukino
Series Composition by Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Suteki Tantei Labyrinth, You're Under Arrest: Full Throttle)
VAs: Mitsuki Saiga (Teito), Hayami Sho (Ayanami)

Set in a gothic fantasy world, this is the story of Teito Klein, an orphaned slave who became the top military academy student. However, an unexpected turn of events left him pursued by the forces of the Barsburg Empire. Now an escaping convict, Teito's sheltered by the church and it’s law of sanctuary. Here, he discovered many mysteries surrounding himself, the church, and the Empire itself. The fact that he might be connected to a dethroned king and the mystical stone of god, 'The Eye of Mikhael' made him the target of the empire more than ever. Fortunately the church is under the mythical 7 Ghost protection. But who are the Ghosts really. Will Teito be free from the military's clutch, And what of his said mission to uncover the history. And who is the military's Chief-of-Staff Ayanami exactly. Teito's future seems to have spiraled into an unexpectedly perilous path.

Studio and stuff just work on anything, so they offer no indication of what to expect. My fears come from the summary and trailer which reminded me of that gay-fest, Kyou Kara Maou!

Ristorante Paradiso
リストランテ・パラディーゾ
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: David Production
Directed by Kase Mitsuko (Crystal Blaze, SaiKano)
Character Designs by Takeda Itsuko (Blue Drop, Honoo no Mirage)
Original Manga by Ono Natsume
Screenplay & Series Composition by Inotsume Shinichi (Hayate no Gotoku!)
VAs: Orikasa Fumiko (Nicoletta), Terada Haruhi (Olga), Nomura Kenji (Lorenzo)

It's the second anime series broadcast in the Fuji TV network’s late night “NOISE” time slot, following the end of the current Michiko to Hatchin television series. The manga, originally serialized from 2005-2006, illustrates the life of Nicoletta, a young woman that becomes an apprentice in a restaurant in Rome owned by her father in law.

Seinen for girls, 'nough said

Hanasakeru Seishounen
花咲ける青少年
a.k.a.
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Studio Pierrot (Midori no Hibi, Naruto, Juuni Kokuki)
Directed by Kon Chiaki (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, Junnjou Romantica, Nodame Cantabile 2)
Character Designs by Kusumoto Yuko (Midori no Hibi, Juuni Kokuki)
Original Character Designs by
Original Manga by Itsuki Natsumi (Jyu Ou Sei)
Series Composition by Ikeda Mamiko (Regios, Himawari, Kagihime, Umisho, Kyouran Kazoku Nikki, Rental Magica)
VAs: Endo Aya (Kajika Louisa), Namikawa Daisuke (Rumati), Ono Daisuke (Eugene), Fukuyama Jun (Karl), Morikawa Toshiyuki (Ren)

Hanasakeru Seishonen is the story of a half-Japanese heiress transplanted from her ordinary high school days in Japan to a life in America filled with intrigue involving international oil and wealth distribution. The manga was originally published as a two part story in 1987, then expanded into a longer series published from 1989 to 1994. Natsumi Itsuki is the creator of manga series including Jyu Oh Sei, Yakumo Tatsu (Eight Clouds Rising), and OZ, which have previously been adapted into anime.

Hardcore harem shoujo!

Basquash!
バスカッシュ！
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Satelight (Macross F, Shugo Chara, Galaxy Angel Rune, Noein)
Directed by Itagaki Shin (Black Cat)
Character Designs by Kazuhiro Soeta (Itazura na Kiss), Yoshimatsu Takahiro (Sunabozu, Jubei-chan, Kiba, Ninja Scroll, Slayers, Trigun)
Screenplay/Series Composition by Sato Tatsuo (Ninja Scroll)
VAs: Shimono Hiro (Dan)

On the planet Earthdash, its inhabitants gaze on its moon and the technologically advanced lunar city of Mooneyes with awe. Dan JD, a boy living in Rollingtown on Earthdash’s surface, gets caught up in Bigfoot Basketball — a fast-paced sport played with giant Bigfoot robots.

...and mecha playing basketball, maybe people some should just trash their aspirations at originality ;)

Koukaku no Regios
鋼殻のレギオス
aka Chrome Shelled Regios
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions
Studio: ZEXCS
Directed by Kawasaki Itsuro
Character Designs by Hashimoto Hideki
Original Character Designs by Miyuu
Original Novel by Amagi Shuusuke
Series Composition by: Ikeda Mamiko
Okamoto Nobuhiko (Lei-Fong Alseif)

In the distant future, a polluted world has been overtaken by havoc-wreaking creatures called filth monsters. Humanity, having been forced to relocate itself, must live in isolated mobile cities called Regios. A mysteriously skilled fighter named Layfon Alseif enrolls in the Academy city of Zuellni and is immediately noticed by Nina Antalk, leader of the 17th Military Arts Unit. He then reluctantly joins her squad, uncertain of what future awaits him and his new teammates within the city as well as the impending dangers in the midst of a plagued world.

The first half was unexpectedly both interesting and watchable, despite the Dune/Third rip-off. Certainly a watch if not an exciting one for the spring season ;-)

Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo
宇宙をかける少女
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions
Studio: Sunrise
Directed by Obara Masakazu
Character Designs by Kobashima Yousuke
Original Character Designs by Yoshizumi Kazuyuki
Original Work by Yatate Hajime
Series Composition by Hanada Jukki
Endo Aya (Itsuki), Mako (Akiha), Makino Yui (Honoka)

The story is set in the year 311 of the Orbital Calendar, when humanity has migrated to countless colony clusters in space. A space colony girl named Akiha Shishidou encounters a malevolent artificial intelligence named Leopard that has been installed on a colony. Akiha is joined by an Inter-Colony Police officer named Itsuki Kannagi, a taciturn young girl named Honoka Kawai, and a robot named Imoko "Imo-chan" Shishidou.

Sunrise was redeemed through SoraKake for butchering Kurokami; and if this show is not enough reason, consider that they were self-sarcastic about the Code Gaess, Mai-Otome, etc. rip-off!

Queen's Blade

2009-02-04T21:13:00.066+01:00

Queen's Blade is a series of visual combat books published by Hobby Japan, based on the licensed works from Lost Worlds. First published in 2005, it features only female characters. Hide&Seek is a comic first serialized in 2007-12 issue of Monthly Comp Ace. Finally, a television series set to start in April 2009.

Character Index

レイナ (Leina)	リスティ (Listy)	ノワ (Nora)	イルマ (Irma)
トモエ (Tomoe)	エキドナ (Echidna)	メナス (Menace)	エリナ (Elina)
アイリ (Airi)	ナナエル (Nanael)	カトレア (Cattleya)	メルファ (Melfa)
ニクス (Nyx)	メローナ (Melona)	クローデット (Claudette)	ユーミル (Ymir)
アレイン (Allean)	アルドラ (Aldora)	アンネロッテ (Annelotte)	シズカ (Shizuka)

クイーンズブレイド流浪の戦士
Queen`s Blade: Rurou no Senshi
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview, Impressions, Review
Studio: ARMS
Directed by Yoshimoto Kinji
Character Designs by Shin Rin
Original Game by Hobby Japan
Series Composition by Yoshimoto Kinji

高貴なる戦士
レイナ
Leina/Reina
Height: 170 cm.
Measurements: 88/60/85 cm.
Occupation: Adventurer
Weapon: Sword
Protection: Bronze armor, shield and circlet
Likes: Grape Wine
Hates: Corsets
Hobbies: Sword Practice
VA: Kawasumi Ayako

She's a nomadic warrior who travels from place to place, eliminating monsters and bandits that are around. She doesn't do it for money or fame, but due to her high sense of justice and the will to become stronger. In reality, she's next in line in a noble family, but adventure called out for her to run away from home. She heard about Queen's Blade and decides to enter to test her skills against others. She met Listy once and they crossed swords with each other. The two share a difference of opinion, in regards to justice. She is also Elina's older sister as well as Claudette's younger half-sister.

武者巫女
トモエ
Tomoe
Height: 160 cm.
Measurements: 87/57/85 cm.
Occupation: Miko Warrior Priestess
Weapon: Katana Sword
Protection: God's Seal
Likes: Cake (Leina taught her that.)
Hates: Vulgar and indecent people
Hobbies: Reciting Poetry
VA: Noto Mamiko

A miko priestess from the Eastern country of Hinomoto, where she and was trained along with Shizuka and the rest of the priestesses. Her duties included the exorcism of malign spirits and fighting against the enemies of her country. Well-respected and admired by her people, Tomoe fights, while avoiding vitals whenever she can with her special powers. She's in Queen's Blade, due to a vision from a Shinto priest who told her to travel and compete.

光明の天使
ナナエル
Nanael/Nanaeru
Height: 162 cm.
Measurements: 84/57/82 cm.
Occupation: Angel from Heaven
Weapon: Celestial Saber
Protection: None
Likes: Earthling men
Hates: Earthling women
Hobbies: Looking for men on Earth
VA: Hirono Aya

A winged messenger from Heaven, working as an artist on Earth. However, the only customers she accept are men. She hates Earth women and refuses to tend to them. The truth is that Nanaelle is extremely full of herself and she is also a dunce who constantly causes trouble in her homeland and so she was banished to Earth by the higher ups. Though she claims to be a literal angel who descended to Earth with the task to restore holy order across the land, Nanael is actually scheming to create a country of her own, exile the women, and fill it with men to act as her servants! She carries a vial of 'holy milk' which she must not allow even one drop to be spilled throughout the course of the tournament. Unwilling to treat dwellers of the "lower world" as equals, her combat technique involves the telekinetic manipulation of her celestial saber to keep opponents at bay.

雷雲の将
クローデット
Claudette/Kuroudutu
Height: 172 cm
Measurements: 89/60/87
Occupation: General
Weapon: Two handed sword, "Thunderclap"
Protection: Helmet
Likes: Cute things (especially her sister, Elina.)
Hates: Irresponsibility
Hobbies: A variation of chess
VA: Tanaka Atsuko

Leina's and Elina's half sister, she's the oldest of the trio of siblings. She's known as the Thunder Cloud general (due to her magic sword) and is one of the most noble individuals knwon by many. Due to her mother being a commoner, she isn't allowed to become the next leader but serve more as a vassal at the borders of her family's lands. Regarding her relationship with her half-sisters, she hates Leina for what she did but she loves Elina greatly.

古代の王女
メナス
Menace/Menasu
Height: 157 cm.
Measurements: 90/58/85 cm.
Occupation: Princess
Weapon: Living Scepter Setra
Protection: Crown
Likes: Oil Massages
Hates: Words from those who don't listen
Hobbies: Practicing her martial arts
VA: Goto Yuko

An ancient princess of the land of Amara, Menace was betrayed by her advisers and died trapped in her palace as her kingdom fell into ruin. Centuries later, the powerful Swamp Witch ressurected her to become part of her army. However, she left the witch after bickering, due to Menace' royal background and inability to serve under another because of that. On her travels, Menace met a suspicious merchant who told her about the tournament. Her fighting technique is hand-to-hand combat passed down in her lineage and especially useful in assassination. Her plan is to revive her lost nation by becoming Queen.

千変の刺客
メローナ
Melona/Merouna
Height: Can't be determined/Inconsistent
Measurements: Can be/whatever/she likes
Occupation: Close accomplice of the Marshland Witch (Intelligence and assassination)
Weapon: Can changer her appearance
Protection: None
Likes: Crustaceans
Hates: Unresponsive folks
Hobbies: Pulling practical jokes and tricks
VA: Kugimiya Rie

A close associate of the "Marshland Witch" and an expert at shapeshifting and assassination. She's in the tournament to cause mayhem and destruction, as part of her orders. A bit of a brat, she loves to cause mischief and situations for others whenever she feels like it. Due to her body composition, she can go soft or hard, depending on the situation in combat. Based on that composition of hers, she can even absorb any living creature around her to increase her own strength.

鋼鉄姫
ユーミル
Ymir/Yuumiru
Height: 120cm
Measurements: 61/52/66
Occupation: Blacksmith at the steel mines.
Weapon: Giant Ax
Protection: Head Cloth and Dwarf dress
Likes: Blast Furnace
Hates: Snakes
Hobbies: Making accessories
VA: Saito Ayaka

A warrior from the Dwarven tribes, who live in the iron producing mountains. She's the daughterof the Dwarven King, Ymir has entered the competition as a means of P.R. and to promote the quality of the products of her own people. However, her tribe had laws opposing to such things but she refused to back down.

シズカ
Shizuka
Height： 166cm
Measurements: 86/55/83
Likes: Money
Hates: Exerting oneself
Hobbies: Tending to her nails
VA: Nabatame Hitomi

A ninja greatly feared by many in Hinomoto. She's in the tournament as a simple means of training further in her fighting style. Her life runs in parallel with Tomoe's.

冥土へ誘うもの
アイリ
Airi
Height: 161 cm.
Measurements: 86/56/83 cm.
Occupation: Maid
Weapon: Scythe
Protection: None in particular
Likes: The life force of beautiful women
Hates: Vanishing from this world
Hobbies: Dancing
VA: Itou Kanae

A scythe-wielding ghost girl in a maid costume, Airi was given human form by the evil Swamp Witch, revived only to serve her mistress' quest for domination. Airi serves every whim of her mistress quite willingly. Used primarily for assassinations, she can literally suck the vitality of her enemies simply by touching them. She was sent to the tournament by the witch, as a mean to get a foothold as the new Queen.

近衛隊長
エリナ
Elina/Erina
Height: 168 cm.
Measurements: 85/54/84 cm.
Occupation: Captain of the Imperial Guards
Weapon: Spear
Protection: None in particular
Likes: Leina
Hates: Dogs
Hobbies: Having numerous fantasies about Leina.
VA: Mituhashi Kaori

The daughter of Count Vance, half-siter of Claudette and younger sister of Leina, captain of the Imperial Guards of her noble family and a prominent Queen's Blade competitor. She yearns and respects Leina much more then what could be considered as sisterly love. Her father forbod her and her sisters from participating in the Queen's Blade tournament due to their political differences to the current Queen. However with Leina running away from home and various failed attempts at bringing her back, Elina was given permission to participate and was ordered to capture and bring her older sister back.

武器屋
カトレア
Cattleya/Katoria
Height: 175 cm.
Measurements: 120/68/99 cm.
Occupation: Weapons shop owner
Weapon: All purpose javelin, the great sword "The Giant Killer"
Protection: None
Likes: Family
Hates: Roaches
Hobbies: Making flower beds
VA: Yuzuki Ryoka

A former adventurer, Cattleya settled down with her fellow adventurer and blacksmith husband Owen. They ran a weapons shop and had a son named Rana. She was famous for being a fair merchant who sold goods at a reasonable price. Their happiness was destroyed when Own disappeared. Cattleya now travels to find him, with her son Rana by her side. She fights with the enormous two-handed sword called the "Giant-Killer". Her combat ability is hampered by her son constantly clinging about her knees. She decided to join the tournament for any potential clues on the whereabouts of her husband.

歴戦の傭兵
エキドナ
Echidna/Ekidona
Height: 162 cm.
Measurements: 94/63/86 cm.
Occupation: Mercenary
Weapon: Sword and dagger
Protection: Buckler Shield
Likes: Snakes, particularly the magic snake around her waist, Keltan-kun.
Hates: Sermons coming from elves.
Hobbies: Traveling by herself
VA: Kaida Yuki

She's member of an ancient and rare elven tribe which is over 500 years old and is well-adapt in many fighting styles. Known to be really strong and quick, she's works as a mercenary. Deep down though, she's bit of an emotional individual and very clumsy in her relations with the opposite gender, a weakness that her tribemate Allean often pin-points. In the past she led the Assassins of the Fang and trained Irma. She is considered a favorite to win the Queen's Blade tournament, but her current employer is unknown - all that is certain is that she herself has no interest in the throne.

荒野の義賊
リスティ
Listy/Risuti
Height: 179 cm.
Measurements: 90/66/85 cm.
Occupation: Leader of bandits
Weapon: Mace
Protection: Breastplate and shield
Likes: Meat and booze
Hates: Monkeys
Hobbies: Baths
VA: Kaida Yuko

A woman who considers herself a chivalrous thief and the leader of a band of rogues who reside in the Marshlands. Her goals were centered on stealing and eliminating corrupt nobels, merchants, and other members of the higher classes and redistribute their wealth to the poor. She lost her parents when she was a kid to war and was raised by a band of theives. The man she considered her father was killed by a rival and the band was destoryed, so she built a new one. She entered Queen's Blade, in hope to win and become Queen. That way, she can rid the world of all vice. In the past, she has crossed swords once with Leina.

牙の暗殺者
イルマ
Irma/Iruma
Height: 167 cm.
Measurements: 85/58/83 cm.
Occupation: Garbage man, but is really an assassin
Weapon: Sword and dagger
Protection: None
Likes: Silence
Hates: Interacting with people
Hobbies: Helping and looking after stray cats
VA: ?

She's a member of an assassination squad who follows orders from the present Queen. She's known as being a cold-blooded killer, a loner and a perfectionist. In fact, nobody to date has escaped her assassination attempts. Her mentor was the previous leader of the Assassins of the Fang, Echidna. The reason for entering the Queen's Blade was due to the Queen's order to eliminate other aspiring fighters from the competition.

帝都の聖女
メルファ
Melfa/Merufa
Height：166cm
Measurements: 96/67/88
Weapon： High ranking nun
Weapon: Flail
Protection: Buckler Shield
Likes: Seeing the smiling faces of many people
Hates: Sacred poses
Hobbies: Singing
VA: ?

A high-ranked priestess in a fundamentalist sect, Merfa is widely respected by her followers as a holy woman. Compared to the other competitors her fighting ability is minimal, but she possesses the ability to heal her own wounds and inflict divine punishment on her opponents through the use of provocative "holy poses". She is more of a pacifist who hates the idea of fighting and conflict. However, she was chosen to represent the church in the Queen's Blade Tournament.

森の番人
ノワ
Nora/Nowa
Height: 158 cm.
Measurements: 78/55/81 cm.
Occupation: Forest watchman
Weapon: Staff
Protection: None (Her monkey Ruu protects her.)
Likes: Animals
Hates: Loneliness
Hobbies: Collecting pretty stones
VA: ?

A half-elf who was found and raised by humans. Due to her strengths, she was hated by others at first, but no longer. She spend her days playing with the animals of the forest, helping those who lost their way and protecting the forest from harm under the guidence of Allean, her benefactress. Her goal in entering Queen's Blade is to pave the way for better relationships between humans and elves.

炎の使い手
ニクス
Nyx/Nikusu
Height： 165cm
Measurements: 86/56/83
Occupation： Magician (Fire is her specialty.)
Weapon： Staff (Her treasured Funikura)
Protection: None
Likes: Funikura
Hates: Those who poke fun at the former her.
Hobbies: Cooking (Can make rough ingredient into something delicious.)
VA: ?

Nyx' mother was a lowly servant of the house that Leina and Elina come from. One day, she came across a forbidden staff, Funikura, a sentient staff that granted her immeasurable magical powers - but she is unable to control it. Now, as a wandering fire mage, she is hooked up on the idea of justice that she goes overboard and ending up torching the homes of supposed villains. Nyx continues to fight and joining the tournament, in fear that she'll lose this power and the need to crush all.

逢魔の女王
アルドラ
Aldora
Height： 145cm
Measurements: 75/53/77
VA: ?

Aldora is the victor of the past two Queen's Blade tournaments and reigning Queen. As the child of a priestess and the lord of the underworld, she is a cursed half-demon. She has the powers of "petrifying gaze" and "flesh-rending secret blades".

戦闘教官
アレイン
Allean
Height： 160cm
Measurements: 80/54/80
VA: ?

One of the oldest and most seasoned veteran warriors of a tribe of forest elves, Allean is taciturn and blunt in her dealings with others. She's had a long relationship with Echidna, who she often chastises for her loose ways but is mocked in return for her inexperience with men. The appearance of the half-elf Nora in the forest elf community marked a turning point for Allean, who appointed her "guardian of the forest". The elf village elders did not approve however, and drove her from the village with the excuse that she must join the Queen's Blade tournament. Distraught, Allean secretly set out for the tournament as well, to protect the girl whose sudden appearance had awoken feelings long dormant in the veteran elven warrior.

叛乱の騎士姫
アンネロッテ
Annelotte
Height： 159cm
Measurements: 86/57/82
VA: ?

The charismatic leader of a new faction, the Rebel Brigade. Formerly a member of the knight corps of Margrave Creutz (her father), her sense of justice compelled her to split off and form a new unit with similarly fated women warriors. She fights on horseback with the aid of her spectral steed Ambrosius and wields a sword that can be converted to a lance at will.

Winter '09 First Impressions

2009-01-25T17:12:00.032+01:00

Not a bad season at all, a couple of interesting shows continued[1][2], SHAFT returned with a satire, MADHOUSE with action & plot and then we also got Regios. I must admit though that the show that I anticipated the most was a huge let down. Also there is plenty of fan-service around to fight against boredom ;)

Good:

Maria Holic, Ride Back, Regios, Toradora, Index

Watchable:

Shikabane Hime, ZKC, Minami-ke 3, Clannad, Kurokami, Tales of the Abyss, Birdy

Just for the fun-service

Asu no Yoichi, Akikan, Sora wo Kakeru Shoujou, Druaga 2

Dropped

Kemono no Souja Erin, White Album, Viper's Creed, Munto TV, Genji Monogatari Senneki

Wednesday

... Toradora

Thursday

Shikabane Hime, Index ... Asu no Yoichi, Druaga no Tou, Clannad, Kurokami

Friday

Tales of the Abyss ... Tetsuwan Birdy Decode

Saturday

... Akikan, Regios

Sunday

ZKC ... Ride Back, Maria Holic, Minami-ke: Okaeri

Monday

... Sora wo Kakeru Shoujou

Maria + Holic
まりあ†ほりっく
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview
Studio: SHAFT
Directed by: Miyamoto Yukihiro, Shinbo Akiyuki
Character Designs by: Morioka Hideyuki
Original Manga by: Endo Minari
Series Composition by: Yokotani Masahiro
Sanada Asami (Kanako), Inoue Maria (Matsurika), Kobayashi Yu (Mariya)

SHAFT did it again! Art is excellent and fairly close to the manga, but the direction follows the distinct style of the studio that I adore. The story is also quite interesting, basically ridiculing marimite and its ilk. Finally, I should also make a special note on the characters, from Mariya, the trap; to her insulting maid, Matsurika; to Kanako, who is just not in touch with reality; there is even a 10-year old nekomimi dorm-supervisor, called GOD!?! Certainly, the source is just surreal and this is the right studio to animate it.

Ride Back
ライドバック
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview
Studio: MADHOUSE
Directed by: Takahashi Atsushi
Character Designs by: Tazaki Satoshi
Original Manga by: Kasahara Tetsuro
Screenplay/Series Composition by: Takayashiki Hideo
VA? (role?), ...?

MADHOUSE finally decided to do a show that actually has a story for change and not just beautiful visuals. Though it might seem shallow at first by the second episode we got more character development then one season of any KyoAni show ;) I should also note that the 3D mecha fit seamlessly with the 2D characters and the background, no more those weird looking action scenes I got fed up with from GONZO and Sunrise.

Koukaku no Regios
鋼殻のレギオス
aka Chrome Shelled Regios
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, Preview
Studio: ZEXCS
Directed by: Kawasaki Itsuro
Character Designs by: Hashimoto Hideki
Original Character Designs by: Miyuu
Original Novels by: Amagi Shuusuke
Series Composition by: Ikeda Mamiko
Okamoto Nobuhiko (Lei-Fong Alseif)

The RPG of the season? Hm, three episodes in certainly it gives me strong RPG-vibes, but I rather focus your attention to the character development and the existence of a story, which has become rather rare lately. Aesthetically, it reminds me a lot of The Third, which in turn was heavily influenced by Dune. In any case, animation and art are pretty good, with interesting characters a story to boot.

Toradora!
とらドラ！
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Forum@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions
Studio: J.C.Staff
Directed by: Nagai Tatsuyuki
Character Designs by: Tanaka Masayoshi
Original Character Designs by: Yasu
Original Manga by: Takemiya Yuyuko
Series Composition by: Okada Mari
Hugimiya Rie (Taiga), Majima Junji (Ryuuji), Kitamura Eri (Ami), Nojima Hirofumi (Kitamura), Horie Yui (Minori)

I don't want to sound like a broken record by repeating the strong points of this show. Though I should complain a little bit that there is during the last story arcs a significant divergence from the novels by toning down Ami's role; and being my personal favorite it somewhat hurts. Still, Toradora is one of the best shows this season with or without Ami.

To aru no Majutsu no Index
とある魔術の禁書目録
aka A Certain Magical Index
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions
Studio: J.C.Staff
Directed by: Nishikiori Hiroshi
Character Designs by: Tanaka Yuichi
Original Character Designs by: Haimura Kiyotaka
Original Novel by: Kamachi Kazuma
Series Composition/Screenplay by: Akahoshi Masanao
Abe Achushi (Touma), Iguchi Yuka (Index), Satou Rina (Mikoto), Koyama Kimiko (Komoe), Taniyama Kishou (Styil), Noto Mamiko (Aisha), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Accelarator), Arai Satomi (Kumoko), Itou Shizuka (Kaori), Seki Tshihiko (Alister Crowly)

After the first two underwhelming story arcs (Index[ep.1-6] & Himegami[ep.7-9]) we moved to the action-packed biri-biri cloning story, which was as expected quite good. But nothing compared to the insanity of the current arc (beginning from ep.15); which begun quite innocently as beach episode and by its end everyone swarmed the forums trying to figure out what had just happened ;)

Shikabane Hime: Kuro
屍姫玄
aka Corpse Princess: Black
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes
Studio: feel. & GAINAX
Directed by: Murata Masahiko
Character Designs by: Kubota Chikashi, Sadakata Kikuto
Original Managa by: Akahito Yoshiichi
Screenplay/Script by: Aikawa Shou
Akiyama Nana (Makina), Hosome Tatsuya (Ouri)

VAs are slowly improving, but the story got a serious downgrade in quality. Not to mention the insane amount of fan-service during this season. Also the absence of GAINAX is evident in the reduction of animated action. I just hope with the current arc (ep.4+) they will get back on track.

Zettai Karen Children
絶対可憐チルドレン
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview
Studio: Synergy
Directed by: Kawaguchi Keichiiro
Character Designs by: Kagami Takahiro
Original Manga by: Shiina Takashi
Series Composition by: Noshizono Satoru
Tomatsu Haruka (Shiho), Shiraishi Ryoko (Aoi), Hirano Aya (Kaoru), Nakamura Yuuichi (Minamoto)

I don't really have a lot to say on this show; with the exception of a couple of atrocious episodes (which had GONZO's stench all over them) this show is solid, if not mindless, entertainment.

Minami-ke Okaeri
みなみけおかえり
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, 1st & 2nd Season's Reviews
Studio: asread
Directed by: Oikawa Kei
Character Designs by: Tanaka Seiki
Original Manga by: Sakuraba Coharu
Series Composition by: ???
Inoue Marina (Kana), Chihara Minori (Chiaki), Satou Rina (Haruka)

Art and animation are significantly better then the 2nd season, but still the studio can not reach the standard that Doumu set with the first season. Also the humor after two seasons seems to me somewhat dry.

Clannad ~After Story~
AniDB, AnimePlanet, ANN, Official, Forum@AnimeSuki, TV-Tropes, Preview, Impressions
Studio: KyoAni
Directed by: Ishihara Tatsuya
Character Designs by: Ikeda Kazumi
Original Character Designs by: Hinoue Itaru
Original Game by: Key
Series Composition/Script by: Shimo Fumihiko
Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya), Nakahara Mai (Nagisa), Kawashima Houko (Tomoyo), Mamiko Noto (Kotomi), Hirohashi Ryou (Kyou), Kanda Akemi (Ryou), Tamura Yukari (Mei)

Since we moved to the adult life of Toyama & Nagisa, the show is becoming somewhat more interesting; but don't get your hopes up ... IMHO this can not go much further then the old Key/KyoAni recipe.

Kurokami: The Animation
黒神
aka Black God
AniDB, ANN, Official, Thread@AnimeSuki
Studio: Sunrise, Preview
Directed by: Kobayashi Tsuneo
Character Designs by: Nishimura Hiroyuki
Original Character Designs by: Sang-Woo Park
Original Manga by: Dall-Young Lim
Series Composition by: Yoshida Reiko
Shitaya Noriko (Kuro), Namikawa Daisuke (Keita)

This was such a let down. Keita turned into an emo-high-schooler, Akane into a stupid chick and we got a lot of new characters without any background just to die in a couple of episodes! What happened to my beloved manga? How could they just remove every funny panel and replace it with a kid angsting over his dead mother?

Complains aside, the action scenes are very well animated, you get the chance to watch a hilarious dubbing with the usual failures of american actors (airs only hours after the japanese version) and at least you can see Akane's rack gainaxing. Really sad replacement for one of my favorite manga, which turned from seinen to shounen.

This show just moves from endless exposition to techno-bubble ... enough, at least during the first episodes we got some nicely animated 2D action, which is now replaced with 3D-vehicles and continents moving around! At least Luke cut his hair and stopped being a stupid brat, though on the other hand he passed the stupidity to Tear, which has voiced some of the most ridiculous lines in RPG history.

Tetsuwan Birdy DECODE:D
鉄腕バーディ DECODE:2
aka Birdy the Mighty DECODE:D
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Studio: ???
Directed by: Kazuki Akane
Character Designs by: Sawa Ryousuke
Original Manga by: Masami Yuuki
Series Composition by: Ounogi Hiroshi, Minakami Seishi
Chiba Saeko (Birdy), Irino Miyo (Senkawa Tsutomu)

Arita Shion is back, the emo chick that ruined the 2nd half of the first season permantly away and done with and a childhood friend appears to stir Birdy's heart ... sounds stupid, right? Well, it is, but hopefully also funny.

Asu no Yoichi!
明日のよいち!
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Studio: AIC
Directed by: Kujo Rion
Character Designs by: ???
Original Manga by: Minato You
Screenplay by: Kurata Hideyuki
Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yoichi), Satou Rina (Ibuki)

Shameless harem X martial arts! Though this time it's not completely mindless fan-service, given the constrains of the genre. Though from what I hear from the manga readers the ecchi-ness is very toned downed in the animated version.

Akikan!
アキカン！
aka Empty Can
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Studio: Brains Base
Directed by: Himaki Yuji
Character Designs by: Tanaka Ryo
Original Character Designs by: Suzuhira Hiro
Original Manga by: Ranjo Riku
Series Composition by: Koyasu Hideaki
Fukuyama Jun (Daichi), Narita Sayaka (Meron)

If Yoichi is not utterly mindless, Akikan is! And as if that was not enough art and animation are simply atrocious! The only reason I stick with this is that it is so bad it actually becomes funny.

Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo
宇宙をかける少女
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Studio: Sunrise
Directed by: Obara Masakazu
Character Designs by: Kobashima Yousuke
Original Character Designs by: Yoshizumi Kazuyuki
Original ??? by: Yatate Hajime
Series Composition by: Hanada Jukki
Endo Aya (Itsuki), Mako (Akiha), Makino Yui (Honoka)

I am absolutely certain that this show is just a sarcastic self-reference to the storytelling atrocities this studio has committed with Code Geass. However you look at it the story is the same, a spoiled brat (in this case Lelouch has turned into an AI) gathers a harem in order to rule the world! Even the protagonist's VA is the same!

Druaga no Tou: Sword of Uruk
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Studio: GONZO
Directed by: Chigira Koichi
Character Designs by: Hakua Ugetsu
Screenplay/Series Composition by: Gatou Shoji
VA (role), VA (role)

Another proof of the studio's dire financial status. How can we get the sales up? Why not put a cute loli stuff a spoon up to Fatina's a*s? What could be more interesting I wonder?

Kemono no Souja Erin
獣の奏者エリン
aka Beast-master Erin
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Studio: Production I.G, TransArts
Directed by: Hamana Takayuki
Character Designs by: Goto Takayuki
Original Manga by: Uehashi Nahoko
Series Composition by: Fujisaku Jun'ichi
Hoshii Nanase (Erin)

My high expectations from the writter of Moribito went down the drain when I realized that the target audience this time is ... elementary school kids.

WHITE ALBUM
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Studio: Seven Arcs
Directed by: Sato Hiroaki
Character Designs by: Yoshinori Kou
Original Character Designs by: Kawata Hisashi
Original Game by: AquaPlus
Series Composition by: ???
Hirono Aya (Yuki), Mizuki Nana (Rina)

80s pop-idols and love polygons are just not my kind of thing!

Viper's Creed
ヴァイパーズ・クリード
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Studio: AIC Spirits
Directed by: Aramaki Shinki
Character Designs by: ???
Series Composition by: Akahoshi Masanao
Toyoguchi Megumi (Sakurako), Kuroda Takaya (Saiki)

The story revolves around the members of a private military company (PMC), and the uneasy tension between them and the regular military after a war that caused massive environmental destruction.

I found Appleseed horrible, so this one too!

Sora o Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai
空を見上げる少女の瞳に映る世界
aka Munto 2
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Studio: KyoAni
Directed by: Kigami Yoshiji
Character Designs by: Aratani Tomoe
Series Composition by: Kigami Yoshiji
Ono Daisuke (Munto), Aizawa Mai (Hidaka)

The first original work from the studio, ended up being an extensive summary of their own outdated OVA, with next to zero rework on the visuals and dialogue. I know begin to wonder if I still want them to work in a new season of Haruhi ... however unlikely that may be.

Genji Monogatari Sennenki
源氏物語千年紀
aka Tale of Genji
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Studio: Tezuka Productions, Tokyo Movie
Directed by: Dezaki Osamu
Character Designs by: Sugino Akio
Series Composition by: Konparu Tomoko
Endo Aya (Murasaki), Tamagawa Sakiko (Fujitsubo), Sakurai Takahiro (Hikaru)

Androgynous nobles in ancient Japan!? Why did I hope that they would focus on the struggle between the Genji and Taira, instead of their deviating sexuality. Maybe the fact that it occupied the Noitamina slot should have given me a clue.

Liminality

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou

Isumi won Nagi?

Bakemonogatari

阿良々木・暦 (Araragi Koyomi)

戦場ヶ原・ひたぎ (Senjougahara Hitagi)

八九寺・真宵 (Hachikuji Mayoi)

神原・駿河 (Kanbaru Suruga)

千石・撫子 (Sengoku Nadeko)

羽川・翼 (Hanekawa Tsubasa)

忍野・メメ (Oshino Meme)

忍野・忍 (Oshino Shinobu)

阿良々木・火憐 (Araragi Karen)

阿良々木・月火 (Araragi Tsukihi)