Last season made me think the anime industry really had collapsed. There were only 19 new shows, compared to almost double that the January before.But spring has sprung and there are 49 anime on the list this season, right up with the 48 last spring and the 49 the spring before.And there are quite a few promising shows in this season's offerings. Here are some of my highlights, followed by a full list with complete details, including staff, cast, an outline of the story, a pic, a few comments, and links to trailers, manga scanlations, and AnimeSuki forums. (click images to enlarge)Highlights:Arakawa Under the Bridge -- The new offering from Shaft director Shinbou Akiyuki is at the top of many lists (image top right). The story seems right up his alley: a proud, high-achieving, somewhat silly young man, in line to become head of a big company, has a principle of never being in debt to anyone. When a young homeless woman who thinks she is a Venusian saves his life, in repayment he winds up becoming her boyfriend and living with her under a bridge in Tokyo, surrounded by weirdos.Angel Beats! -- Game-makers Key/Visual Arts and their writer Maeda Jun (who created Air, Kanon, and Clannad) turn from Kyoto Animation to P.A. Works (true tears, Canaan) to make their latest supernatural weeper. The dead -- who look a lot like the living -- do battle with angels in a school beyond death.Working!! -- We have already seen a preview episode of this show about part-time workers in a Hokkaido family restaurant. The absurd humor had me laughing out loud. Fukuyama Jun at his best, with Asumi Kana at hers.Kaichou wa Maid-sama! -- A highly enjoyable shoujo manga comes to anime. The tough, strait-laced student council president has a secret: she works in a maid cafe after school to support her family. What will happen when the most popular guy in school finds out? The writer of Chrome-Shelled Regios and Hanasakeru Seishounen. The director of Di Gi Charat and Les Miserables. J.C. Staff.Sarai-ya Goyou -- Mochizuki Tomomi (YKK, Zettai Shounen, wrote Touka Gettan) writes and directs this show. That's enough for me. The story of a weak samurai who finds himself unwittingly joining a band of thieves. In the noitaminA timeslot, Thursday nights.Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei -- noitaminA expands to an hour this season, with these tales of student life at Kyoto University. Directed by Yuasa Masaaki (Kaiba, Kemonozume), so expect the unusual.Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan -- In the 1860s, a girl joins bishounen Shinsengumi rebels in search of her father, a doctor who is somehow involved with the appearance of blood-sucking monsters in Edo. Kuwashima Houko and Miki Shinichirou star in this adaptation of a game for girls from Otomate.Senkou no Night Raid -- A Japanese spy organization infiltrates Shanghai in the early 1930s. The director of Persona Trinity Soul and the writer of The Third. Stars Namikawa Daisuke and Yoshino Hiroyuki. The second offering in the Anime no Chikara series, following Sora no Woto.Rainbow - Nisha Rokubou no Shichijin -- A gritty tale of the lives of boys who shared a cell-block in a Tokyo Reformatory in the 1950s, telling what happened to them then and afterwards. The director of Kiba, the writer of Kaiji. Film actor Oguri Shun, Paku Romi, Fujiwara Keiji, et al.Yutori-chan -- Yuuki Aoi stars as a sweet but lazy and incompetent high-school girl working part-time in a company. Working with her is college student Hanazawa Kana. The first four 2-minute episodes were funny and touching.K-On!! -- The second season of this monster hit is certainly at the top of many people's lists. But my own interest in season one petered out about halfway through, even though I like other moe slice-of-life shows.Giant Killing -- A soccer anime! The manga starts well, telling the story of a coach who returns from England to Japan to help his old club defeat the best elevens in the country. The psychology and tactics are interesting. Stars the masterful Seki Tomokazu.Romance of the Three Kingdoms -- A straight interpretation (at last!) of the classic Chinese historical novel. A China-Japan co-production shown on Chinese TV last year and now dubbed into Japanese. 52 episodes. What I've seen of the Chinese version was quick but strong.Heroman -- Bones animates a story by Stan Lee (creator of Spiderman) about a boy on the US West Coast who discovers a toy robot that becomes the invincible Heroman. The trailer looks excellent.Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru -- A yaoi series from the director of Tsukihime and the writer of Blue Drop and Tokyo Magnitude 8. The story of an orphan boy with unusual powers. A man claiming to be his long-lost elder brother suddenly appears. Stars a bevy of great seiyuus including Houshi Souichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Marina, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, etc., etc. Two promising-looking (and more graphic) yaoi OVAs are also slated to go this spring: Sex Pistols and Ai no Kusabi.Black Rock Shooter -- The first anime from fired KyoAni director Yamamoto Yutaka's company ordet. The OP animation came out late last year.Winter Sonata (Japanese voices) -- Moving melodrama based on the smash hit Korean TV drama. The Korean anime is nearing its climax. A Japanese-dubbed version is supposed to start in April.This is only a short partial list of my highlights. Other shows may appeal to you more: the new season of Hetalia Axis Powers. A full series of KissxSis. Or B-gata H-kei, a comedy about a high-school girl who dreams of a hundred sexual encounters. A new show from the director of Shakugan no Shana, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou. New seasons of baseball animes Major and Big Windup (Ookiku Furikabutte).Or one or both of the new series of shows featuring women as the heroes of the Three Kingdoms: Ikkitousen and Koihime Musou. Or the SD Gundam Sangokuden series featuring Gundams in the same roles. And there are kids' shows that might have some adult appeal: Hana Kappa, The Animal Conference on the Environment, Ketsu-inu, or the new season of Marie and Gali.Link to previews of individual shows from the following alphabetical list. Or read through all the previews listed further below in chronological order:● Ai no Kusabi     ● Angel Beats!     ● Arakawa Under the Bridge     ● Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Arc     ● Ashiaraiyashiki no Juunin-tachi     ● B Gata H Kei     ● Black Rock Shooter     ● D.C. ~Da Capo~ Ekusute     ● Giant Killing     ● Haiyoru! Nyaru-Ani     ● Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan     ● Hana Kappa     ● Heroman     ● Hetalia Axis Powers 3     ● Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri     ● Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou     ● Ikkitousen: Xtreme Xecutor     ● Jewelpet 2 --Tinkle     ● Kaichou wa Maid-sama!     ● Ketsu-inu     ● KissXSis (2010)     ● kissxsis OVA episode 3     ● K-On!!     ● Mahou Sensei Negima! - Another World     ● Major 6     ● Marie & Gali 2.0     ● Mayoi Neko Overrun!     ● Metal Fight Beyblade ~Baku~     ● Ookiku Furikabutte 2     ● Rainbow -- Nisha Rokubou no Shichijin     ● Ring ni Kakero 1: Shadow     ● Romance of the Three Kingdoms     ● Sarai-ya Goyou     ● SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors     ● Senkou no Night Raid     ● Sex Pistols     ● Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Tairan     ● Shoka     ● Tales of Symphonia the Animation: Tethe'alla-hen     ● The Animal Conference on the Environment     ● To Love-Ru OVA     ● Tono to Issho     ● Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru     ● Utawarerumono OVA episode 3     ● Winter Sonata (Japanese voices)     ● Working!!     ● xxxHOLIC - Rou     ● Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei     ● Yutori-chanNOTES:-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out around the end of March-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, Who Subs What, et al.-- English titles link to an anime's Anime News Network page, Japanese titles to its official siteFull previews:Yutori-chan(jp: ゆとりちゃん)comedyStreamed two-minute episodes. Yutori-chan (Yuuki Aoi) is a sweet, selfish high school girl doing part-time work in an office. Her main co-worker (Hanazawa Kana), also part-time, is a student at a top university. Directed by Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate)The first four episodes were previewed in December and are amusing and touching. Worth taking a look at, especially for the nice work of the leads. Yuuki-san in particular shows her talent. The two seiyuus are also fairly exciting on the radio show, which you can find from the show's official site.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Hanazawa Kana, Watanabe Akeno.director: Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Getsumen, Hayate, Nyan Koi)writer: Asakawa Miya (Mars Daybreak, Noein eps, Shounen Onmyouji). Tanaka Yutori (creator).animation: Actas (assisted on Chrome-Shelled Regios). chara-des: Nishio Kouhaku (ToHeart2, Moetan); POP (orig; Moetan). animation supervisor: Nishio Kouhaku (ToHeart2, Moetan).music: Kasamatsu Miki (Aishiteruze). OP seiyuus.trailer. subs: Yuurisan. ONA. forum.begins tue 16 marHaiyoru! Nyaru-Ani(jp: 這いよる���ニャルアニ)crazy comedyBased on a a set of "high-tension, chaotic comedy" light novels. The story centers around Nyarlathotep, a formless Cthulhu deity who can take the shape of anyone it wishes, but particularly the shape of a seemingly ordinary silver-haired girl, "Nyaruko." Yasaka Mahiro is a normal high school student who is saved by Nyaruko when he is being chased by aliens one night. (ANN) Ctulhu was created by great horror/fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft.Little-known company (DLE) and director. Character design by the person who did the same for Kanokon. Three good seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Kitamura Eri, and Matsuki Miyu.Flash-animated. Comes with boxed set of v4 of the comic. Simple Flash animation of totally off-the-wall humor.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Kitamura Eri, Matsuki Miyu.director: Tani Azuma ���DLE���writer: Aisora Manta (novel).animation: DLE (Eagle Talon). chara-des: Koin (orig.; Kanokon original charades.).music: Sudou Yuuki ���DLE���. OP Asumi Kana.trailer. OVA. 1eps.17 marThe Animal Conference on the Environment (Doubutsu Kankyou Kaigi)(jp: 動物かんきょう会議)kids educationalEcological education anime, featuring situations that teach a group animals about the world.But there may more to this: the director is Nishimura Junji (Simoun), and the cast includes such names as Yoshino Hiroyuki, Kamiya Hiroshi, and Takahashi Rieko. This is also the first reappearance since his excellent work in Simoun and Touka Gettan of seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji as a sound director.seiyuus: Yoshino Hiroyuki, Chou, Kusao Takeshi, Tachiki Fumihiko, Hidaka Noriko, Kamiya Hiroshi, Takahashi Rieko, Takahashi Hiroki.director: Nishimura Junji (Simoun)writer: Iuchi Masanori.animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Saitou Tetsuhito (Bincho-tan, Code-E). art: Higashi Junichi (Ai yori Aoshi, Rahxephon, Regios).20eps.sat 20 mar 16:30Ashiaraiyashiki no Juunin-tachi(jp: 足洗邸の住人たち)supernatural fighting fantasy comedyOVA comes with v10 of manga. A 'battle fantasy' story involving humans, mythical creatures and demons living together in an apartment called Ashiaraiyashiki. The manga has been running in Monthly Comic Gum for over eight years. The title translates as "Residents of Foot-wash Manor."Inexperienced director. Old-school animator. Second-rank cast (except for Kitamura Eri in a supporting role). But Fukuhara Kaori and Hikasa Youko can both be good, and so can Madono Mitsuaki. We shall see.seiyuus: Madono Mitsuaki, Hikasa Youko, Fukuhara Kaori, Horie Kazuma, Kitamura Eri.director: Ibata Yoshihidewriter: Minagi Tokuichi (manga).animation: Studio NOA (some assisting). animation supervisor: Arai Yutaka (LoGH OVA, Huckleberry Finn Monogatari).OVA. 1/1eps.thu 25 marTales of Symphonia the Animation: Tethe'alla-hen 2(jp: テイルズ オブ シンフォニア THE ANIMATION テセアラ編 第2巻)fantasy adventureBased on the Game Cube and Play Station game, "Tales of Symphonia". Two worlds exist, each unaware of the other. In order for one world to flourish, the other has to perish. On the dying world, a Chosen one is sent on a journey to restore that world's mana by awakening the Spirits and becoming an angel. Colette Brunel, the Chosen of Sylvarant, sets out on her journey accompanied by her best friends Lloyd Irving and Genis Sage. As they travel further they meet more friends and even more enemies, and learn more and more about the truth behind World Regeneration. (ANN)Mizuki Nana does the OP (see preview) and she and Konishi Katsuyuki head the cast., which also includes able voices such as Touma Yumi, Tachiki Fumihiko, Kuwashima Houko, and Ohtsuka Akio. Written by the writer of Manabi Straight. Episode 2 May 26. Eps 3 and 4 summer and fall. This show is apparently more popular outside Japan than at home.seiyuus: Konishi Katsuyuki, Mizuki Nana, Orikasa Ai, Touma Yumi, Tachiki Fumihiko, Onosaka Masaya, Okamura Akemi, Kuwashima Houko, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Sotozaki Haruowriter: Kingetsu Ryunosuke (Futakoi Alternative, Manabi Straight).animation: ufotable. chara-des: Fujishima Kousuke (orig; Sakura Wars), Matsushima Akira (Marimite).OP Mizuki Nana, ED Shikata Akio.trailer. subs: Formula. OVA. 1/4eps. forum.thu 25 marTono to Issho(jp: 殿といっしょ)seinen historical comedyAdaptation of a 4-panel comic strip. The comic parodies the exploits of generals during Japan's violent Sengoku (Warring States) period.Young director Mankyuu (Utsurun Desu) works with a nice cast including up-and-coming Suzuki Tatsuhisa, this year's Seiyuu Award winner Ono Daisuke, Sugita Tomokazu, Noto Mamiko, Kobayashi Yuu, Kuroda Takaya and multitalented singer GACKT.seiyuus: Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Ono Daisuke, Sugita Tomokazu, Noto Mamiko, Tachibana Shinnoisuke, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kobayashi Yuu, Itou Asuka, Kuroda Takaya, GACKT.director: Mankyuu (Utsurun Desu)writer: Mankyuu. Ooba Kai (orig).animation: Gathering.trailer. OVA. forum.thu 25 marArmored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Arc(jp: 装甲騎兵ボトムズ 幻影篇 I)mecha combatNew OVA series of "Armored Trooper Votoms," following last year's Pailsen Files. This six-episode series may mark the end of director/creator Takahashi Ryousuke's "life work." Mecha design by Okawara Kunio, whose credits include many Gundam shows. Described as a "real robot anime.""As seen in the promo video, the first OVA seems to take place at the time of Vanilla's and Coconna's 25th wedding anniversary. They plan to go on a trip to revisit Uoodo, Kummen, Sunsa and Quent, which triggers memories of Chirico Cuvie. They meet up with Gotho (how old is he at this point?!) at some point and begin searching for Chirico. A younger man with the same hair color and dour expression that Chirico had is also shown in the promo as Vanilla's and Coconna's daughter wonders about "that person" -- Chirico." (the.Merines on AnimeSuki)seiyuus: Chiba Shigeru, Kawanami Youko, Tomita Kousei.director: Takahashi Ryousuke (Hi no Tori)writer: Gobu Toshi. Takahashi Ryousuke (orig).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Shioyama Norio; mecha: Okawara Kunio (Gundams). animation supervisor: Takeuchi Kazuyoshi (Votoms Pailsen). art: Nomura Masanobu (Votoms Pailsen, First Squad).trailer. subs: Shinsen-Subs & Formula?. OVA. 1/6eps. forum.fri 26 marSex Pistols(jp: Sex Pistols)yaoi sci-fi fantasy romanceAdaptation of a yaoi manga series. In the 2003 manga, a teenage boy discovers he is one of a select group of humans who evolved from animals other than apes -- leopards or bears, for example. Cat ears, romance, and physical relationships ensue.This may be near-hentai yaoi, but the cast is well-known and using their own names. Definitely worth a look. Ep2 25jun.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru (Yuuto/Nogizaka Haruka), Sugita Tomokazu (Kyon/Haruhi), Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef), Kawahara Yoshihisa (Yasu/NANA), Nojima Hirofumi (Shuga/Moribito, Scarecrowman), Yusa Kouji (Vincent Law/Ergo Proxy).director: 日向 (Hinata?); Yagami Kouichi (asst dir)writer: Kotobuki Tarako (manga).animation: Twilight Town. chara-des: 日向. art: Yoshizawa Kazue.music: Kouichirou Takahashi. OPED Yuuta (from LAZ).trailer (NSFW). manga. OVA. 1/2eps. forum.fri 26 marIkkitousen: Xtreme Xecutor(jp: 一騎当千 XTREME XECUTOR)ecchi fighting fantasyA fourth Ikkitousen series shows the staying power of the franchise.Academy clan wars escalate. Time to unleash the true powers of all the fighters. A new enemy appears, but Hakufu doesn't notice the true and mighty enemies lurking in the shadows, ready to assault what she treasures the most. The fight no longer involves the academies only but the whole world. (ANN)The cast is outstanding: Asano Masumi, Kaida Yuuko, Hino Satoshi, Nabatame Hitomi, Horie Yui, Endou Aya and others.It is interesting to see this show and Koihime Musou, another Three Kingdoms-based show featuring female characters, begin to combine their publicity with shared events and seiyuus appearing on each others' radio shows, under the auspices of Media Factory.seiyuus: Asano Masumi, Kaida Yuuko, Hino Satoshi, Shindou Kei, Nabatame Hitomi, Chihara Minori, Kadowaki Mai, Asakawa Yuu, Horie Yui, Endou Aya.director: Ohata Kouichi (Ikkitousen DD, GG; You're Under Arrest Full Throttle)writer: Ohata Kouichi (Sugar Rune wri/prod). Shiozaki Yuji (orig).animation: TNK (Kyoushirou, School Days). chara-des: Rinshin (I"s Pure, Ikki GG); Gotou Junji (School Days). animation supervisor: Gotou Junji (School Days). art: Kouno Jirou (Hi no Tori, Bakumatsu Kikan., Genji, Cobra).music: Takanashi Yasuharu (Gantz, Mononoke, Jigoku Shoujos).trailer. subs: Ryuumaru, Yuurisan-Subs?. forum.fri 26 mar 10:00Hetalia Axis Powers 3(jp: ヘタリア Axis Powers 第3期)moe bishounen comedyWhat started as a minor show in an unusual format (five-minute episodes) has become a smash hit now entering its third series.Not my cup of tea, but hilarious to many. National stereotypes played out by a bevy of moe bishounen. A fujoshi delicacy.seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kaida Yuki.director: Bob Shirohatawriter: Hiramitsu Takuya. Himaruya Hidekaz (manga).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kannan Masaaki. animation supervisor: Matsuda Keiichi.trailer. manga. forum.fri 26 mar 13:00Shoka(jp: 書家)historical fantasy adventure Production IG animates an original script that was an Animax Award winner in 2008.An action drama set during the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo, where hidden forces are trying to undermine the shogun's power. Shirou Sumiya, the head of the "Drawing-Immortals" school, is summoned to Edo. With the extraordinary power of his secret drawing techniques, he and his giant drawn creatures become part of the conflict.director: Yamada Makoto (key anim)writer: Saidou Kenji (orig).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Kojima Hirokazu (key anim). art: Itou Hiroshi.music: Kawai Kenji (Maison Ikkoku, Gundam00, Eden of the East).TV special. 1/1eps.sat 27 mar 20:00Hana Kappa(jp: はなかっぱ)children's fantasy comedyHanakappa is a little kappa (river monster) with a flower (hana) growing from his head. He lives in a village with his family.Apparently for kids, but with a starry cast including Kiuchi Hidenobu, Yamaguchi Kappei, MAKO, Shishido Rumi, Ueda Kana, et al. Written by the director/writer of the amusing and somewhat adult Gokyoudai Monogatari. And with OP by My Little Lover and ED by new low-teen idol group Tokyo Girls' Style.seiyuus: Nakagawa Rie (Ferro/Gunslinger, Nue/Tayutama), Kiuchi Hidenobu, Ozaki Megumi, Yamaguchi Kappei, MAKO, Ogata Kenichi, Horikoshi Mami, Takagi Wataru, Shishido Rumi, Kurita Erina, Kikuchi Kokoro, Ueda Kana, Yanagihara Tetsuya, Mitani Shouko, Haranai Ai, Hashimoto Mai.director: Nonaka Kazumi (Happy Happy Clover, Mameushi-kun)writer: Yasumi Tetsuo (Gokyoudai Monogatari dir and script). Akiyama Tadashi (manga).animation: Group TAC. chara-des: Hayashi Kazuya, Akiyama Tadashi (orig). animation supervisor: Koyama Shin. art: Matsumiya Yumi.music: Kasamatsu Miki. OP My Little Lover, ED Tokyo Girls' Style.mon 29 mar 07:15Marie & Gali 2.0(jp: マリー���ガリー.2.0)family educationalA second season for the visually interesting five-minute "science" anime. The cast includes old-time pros such as the seiyuus who played Doremi in Ojamajou Doremi and Kitarou in Gegege no Kitarou.The writer who adapted the original idea is Yamada Takashi, who wrote Doremi and Yumeiro Patissiere. No director is named in the staff list, but Okada Shousuke is named as "responsible for production," as he was for several Digimon shows.seiyuus: Chiba Chiemi (Doremi, Nanaka 6/17), Cho (headmaster/Hidamari), Nozawa Masako (Kitarou/Gegege no Kitarou, Son Goku/Dragonball), Sakata Tomoyasu (actor/seiyuu), Kosugi Shurouta (Lance/Tekkaman Blade, Hartmann/Princess Lover).director: Okada Shousuke ("responsible for production"; Digimon Savers)writer: Yamada Takashi (Ojamajo Doremi, Yumeiro Patissiere). Todo Izumi (orig).animation: Toei. chara-des: Umakoshi Yoshihiko (Gokinjo Monogatari, Casshern Sins). art: Masuda Ryuutarou (art design).music: Yoshino Yuuji. OP Swing Mates K.trailer.tue 30 mar 19:25Ketsu-inu(jp: ケツ犬)family comedyBizarre comic manga gets a 13x2.5-minute episode Flash-animated series. The main figure is a dog whose face looks like buttocks. The title translates "Bum Dog."Stars Sugita Tomokazu, comic Ikki, and comic duo Tokyo Tights.Directed and written by Kasugamori Haruki, who did Eagle Talon.seiyuus: Sugita Tomokazu, Tsubuyaki Shirou (comic, Slap-up Party/Wellie), Ikki (Tokyo Tights), Shimizu Satoshi (Tokyo Tights).director: Kasugamori Haruki (Eagle Talon)writer: Lifestyle Tsunoda (creator).animation: Toei.music: 1869-iwarock-.13 x 2.5 min. eps.thu 01 aprShin Koihime†Musou: Otome Tairan(jp: 真・恋姫†無双 ���乙女大乱���)ecchi-yuri historical fantasySurprisingly successful yuri parody of Three Kingdoms gets yet another series. Director Nakanishi Nobuaki did good jobs with Kashimashi and Sumomomomomo. Writer Go Zappa did the rather poor Chocotto Sister and Myself;Yourself. Together they produced a first season that was entertaining for most of its run and which had some hilarious moments, as well as lots of ecchi-yuri ones. I haven’t seen any of the second season, but evidently it was successful enough to spawn a third.The seiyuu are largely game seiyuu, the same ones who voiced the original ero-games. If you're interested in the Three Kingdoms, make a point of checking out the serious 52-episode Chinese version that will also start this season on Japanese TV.Preview airing 26 Mar.seiyuus: Gotou Mai (Mai/Yoakena, Mizuki/ef), Kurokawa Nami (Raika/Demonbane, Tamaki/DCSS), Nishizawa Hiroka (Asa/Sora no Iro), Narumi Erika (Kagami/Lamune), Motoi Emi (Naoko/CCS), Kobayashi Maki, Amamiya Yuu (Chiharu/KimiAru).director: Nakanishi Nobuaki (Kashimashi, Sumomomo Momomo, Koihime Musou)writer: Go Zappa (Chocotto Sister, Myself;Yourself; Koihime Musou). BaseSon (original game).animation: DogaKobo. chara-des: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Hit wo Nerae, Love Love, Koihime Musou). animation supervisor: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Love Love; Koihime Musou).OP Okui Masami, ED seiyuus.trailer. forum.thu 01 apr 09:00Heroman(jp: HEROMAN)robot fantasy adventureBones tries its hand at animating a Stan Lee comic. A young boy on the US west coast finds a toy robot that becomes Heroman, a giant robot the boy pilots against evil.Lee created Spiderman and X-Men. Bones animated FMA, Soul Eater, etc.The trailer looks good. The writer did Simoun and Gintama. This could be a sleeper.seiyuus: Komatsu Mikako (actress/model), Kimura Ryouhei (Akira/Eden of the East), Obata Mayu (dubs, narrates, age 18), Chou (Headmaster/Hidamari, Galileo/Marie & Gali), Shindou Naomi (Cagalli Yula Athha/Gundam Seed), Yasumura Makoto (Matsumaru/REC), Suyama Akio (Hima/Wolf's Rain), Ishizuka Unshou (Jet Black/Cowboy Bebop, Klaus/Sora no Oto).director: Nanba Hitoshi (Anpanman movie)writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Ginban Kaleidoscope, Simoun, Gintama, Soul Eater). Stan Lee (creator); Oota Tamon (manga).animation: Bones. chara-des: Koyama Shigeto. animation supervisor: Kawamoto Toshiro (Gundam 0080, Wolf's Rain) ; Tomioka Takashi. art: Kondou Yumiko (Mnemosyne).OP Tetsuya, ED Flow.trailer. subs: Disney? forum.thu 01 apr 18:00B Gata H Kei(jp: B型H系)ecchi comedyEntering high school, a cute girl has fantasies of a hundred sexual encounters. But in her self-consciousness and inexperience she finds herself pursuing one lonely boy.The director of Keroro Sougun and Welcome to the NHK. The writer of NHK and Needless.I'm not sure what to think of this one. The first few pages of the manga didn’t do much for me, but some people have read and like it. A next level of ecchi humor, but not likely as graphic as Kanokon or KissxSis.Starring Tamura Yukari and Abe Atsushi, with Horie Yui, Noto Mamiko, Hanazawa Kana, Kobayashi Yuu, Gibu Yuuko, and Shishido Rumi. Whatever it is, it will certainly be professional. Music by Elelments Garden.seiyuus: Tamura Yukari, Abe Atsushi, Horie Yui, Noto Mamiko, Hanazawa Kana, Kobayashi Yuu, Shishido Rumi, Shimoda Asami, Gibu Yuuko, Iwasaki Ai.director: Yamamoto Yusuke (Keroro Sougun, Welcome to the NHK)writer: Nishizono Satoru (NHK, Needless, Naruto Shippuuden). Sanri Youko (manga).animation: Hal Film Maker. chara-des: Yahiro Yuuko (key animator). animation supervisor: Yahiro Yuuko. art: Miki Michiyo (Kamisama Kazoku).music: Elements Garden. OP Tamura Yukari.manga. subs: Doki, Ryuumaru. forum.thu 01 apr 25:00Ookiku Furikabutte 2(jp: おおきく振りかぶって セカンドシーズン)shounen sportsSecond season of the popular baseball anime. Widely admired, although I myself loathed the main character so much that I couldn’t get more than a few episodes into the first season.Good cast. Good writer (Kuroda Yousuke, who did Infinite Ryvius and Requiem for the Phantom, as well as Ookiku 1). Animation for A-1 Pictures by Takata Akira, who did both Haibane Renmei and Ookiku 1. This show is also known as Big Windup, which is what the title means.seiyuus: Yonaga Tsubasa, Nakamura Yuuichi, Taniyama Kishou, Shimono Hiro, Satou Yuudai (Hiroki/ChuuBra), Suzuki Chihiro, Yasumura Makoto, Fukuyama Jun, Kimura Ryouhei, Fukuen Misato.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Crayon Shin-chan movies, Dokuro-chan, Ookiku 1, xxxHolic, Kemeko)writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Infinite Ryvius, Ookiku 1, Requiem for the Phantom). Higuchi Asa (manga).animation: A-1 Pictures (FMA1, Kannagi, Sora no Oto). chara-des: Yoshida Takahiko (Ookiku 1 chdes and anidir). animation supervisor: Takata Akira (Haibane Renmei, Ookiku1, Natsume Yuujinchou); Taniguchi Junichirou (eps, Ookiku 1 action).music: Hamaguchi Shiroh (OnePiece, Kiddy Grade, Jewelpet). OP Galileo Galilei, ED CureaL.trailer. manga. subs: Naisu-Pichi. forum.thu 01 apr 25:25Kaichou wa Maid-sama!(jp: 会長はメイド様���)shoujo romantic comedyRomantic comedy centred on student council head Ayuzawa Misaki, who despises the slovenly boys at her school, which was once an all-boys school. She is loathed by the boys and admired by the girls and the staff. However, Misaki's handsomest classmate just discovered her secret — that she works after school at a maid café to support her family.This is one of my picks of the season: a shoujo romantic comedy directed by the director of Les Miserables and Di Gi Charat, written by the writer of Umishou and Hanasakeru Seishounen, and based on a good original manga. Animated by the dependable J.C. Staff.Stars rising seiyuu Fujimura Ayumi (Mafuyu in Qwesar) and Okamoto Nobuhiko (Layfon in Regios), with some great voices behind them: Toyosaki Aki, Ueda Kana, Asumi Kana, Ise Mariya, Hanazawa Kana.seiyuus: Fujimura Ayumi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Igarashi Hiromi, Toyosaki Aki, Asumi Kana, Ueda Kana, Ise Mariya, Hanazawa Kana.director: Sakurai Hiroaki (Di Gi Charat, Les Miserables, GA Geijutsuka)writer: Ikeda Mamiko (Emma2, Umishou, Regios, Hanasakeru Seishounen). Fujiwara Hiro (manga).animation: J.C. Staff. chara-des: Imoto Yuki.trailer. manga. subs: Kaze no Koe Fansubs, Generation NeXt, Chihiro?, Hatsuyuki, Eclipse?. forum.thu 01 apr 25:55Ring ni Kakero 1: Shadow(jp: リングにかけろ1 影道編)shounen sports adventureAfter defeating Black Shaft's Team America, the Golden Japan Jr. team returns to training for the World Tournament that will be held in Tokyo. But during training, the Shadow Clan, which uses boxing as an assasination technique, kidnaps Kiku in order to lure Ryuji and the others into a fight to see who are truly the better representatives of Japan's junior boxers. (ANN)Series director Komura Toshiaki has done Precure 5 as well as the previous Ring ni Kakero 1 series. Writer Kuroda Yousuke is a writing star, having done Infinite Ryvius, Ookiku Furikabutte, Gundam00, and Requiem for the Phantom, as well as the previous Ring ni Kakero 1 series.Morita Masakazu and Tanaka Rie star, ably supported by names like Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kamiya Hiroshi, and Midorikawa Hikaru.seiyuus: Morita Masakazu, Tanaka Rie, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kusao Takeshi, Ishikawa Hideo, Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakurai Takahiro, Kuroda Takaya, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Midorikawa Hikaru.director: Komura Toshiaki (series dir; Ring ni Kakero 1, Precure 5)writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Infinite Ryvius, Big Windup, Requiem for the Phantom). Kurumada Masami (orig; Saint Seiya).animation: Toei. chara-des: Araki Shingo (Rose of Versailles, Saint Seiya, YuGiOh); Himeno Michi (Rose, Seiya, Ring); Inoue Eisaku (Interlude; anidir here). animation supervisor: Inoue Eisaku (OnePiece, Seiya). art: Kurahashi Takashi (Mononoke).music: Ueda Susumu (Re Cutie Honey, Ring ni Kakero).fri 02 aprTo Love-Ru OVA(jp: OVA ToLOVEる)ecchi science fiction comedyFinal episode of the OVA series for this fairly popular ecchi comedy.A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Outstanding cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Comes with special edition of v18 of manga.seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka.director: Kato Takao (Busou Renkin, Rockman.EXE)writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, Simoun).animation: Xebec.OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.trailer. OVA. 6/6?eps. forum.fri 02 aprIchiban Ushiro no Daimaou(jp: いちばんうしろの大魔王)ecchi seinen fantasyThe story of "love, magic, and battles" revolves around Akuto Sai, a boy who aims to become part of his country's highest order of magicians and contribute to society as one of its clergy. But on the day he is admitted into the Constan Magical Academy, his aptitude test predicts his future occupation as "Devil King." Thus begins a difficult school life: resented by his studious female class head, desired by a girl with mysterious powers, and guarded by a beautiful female android (played by Yuuki Aoi). (ANN)The preview shows a lot of pantsu and dissolving clothing. Directed by the director of Shakugan no Shana. Written by the writer of Elfen Lied…and Queen's Blade. From a novel.Fascinating cast includes underrated veterans like Kondou Takashi and Hirohashi Ryou, as well as up-and-coming stars like Yuuki Aoi and Hikasa Youko. Add Itou Shizuka and Yonaga Tsubasa and you've got a cast that bears watching. Here's hoping there's more to the story than it appears.seiyuus: Kondou Takashi, Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko, Yuuki Aoi, Yonaga Tsubasa, Itou Shizuka, Hirohashi Ryou, Takahashi Chiaki.director: Watanabe Takashi (Slayers, Shakugan no Shana)writer: Yoshioka Takao (DearS, Elfen Lied, Sky Girls, Queen's Blade). Mizuki Shoutarou (novel).animation: Artland. chara-des: Itou Souichi (orig), Ozeki Miyabi (Happiness), Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Futakoi Alt., Spice Wolf 2). animation supervisor: Ozeki Miyabi (Happiness), Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Spice Wolf 2, Fate/SN movie). art: Kawaai Shinji (Doraemon movies, Slayers Revolution).OP Sphere, ED Aso Natsuko.trailer. subs: Doki. forum.fri 02 apr 25:30Angel Beats!(jp: エンジェル ビーツ!)seinen romantic fighting fantasyVisual Arts/Key turn from KyoAni to PAWorks (true tears, Canaan) to make their next show. Written by Maeda Jun (AIR, Clannad, Kanon). Expect heart-rending emotional loss in the realms of life and death. Director Kishi Seiji has done comedy (Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome), but also directed Ragnarok.Supernatural school adventure set in an eerily normal-looking world after death, where the newly dead battle angels. The previews have some fairly starry battle scenes.Great names in the cast: Kamiya Hiroshi, Hanazawa Kana, Sawashiro Miyuki, Kimura Ryouhei, Kitamura Eri, Makino Yui, Katou Emiri, Kobayashi Yumiko, Asumi Kana. OP by Lia. Definitely worth a look.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakurai Harumi, Hanazawa Kana, Kitamura Eri, Sawashiro Miyuki, Kimura Ryouhei, Makino Yui, Katou Emiri, Kobayashi Yumiko, Asumi Kana.director: Kishi Seiji (Ragnarok, Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome)writer: Maeda Jun (orig and adapt; AIR, Clannad and Kanon games).animation: PAWorks. chara-des: Hirata Katsuzo (Hand Maid May, Cosplay Complex); Na-Ga (orig., Key designer). animation supervisor: Hirata Katsuzo (Magical? Pokahn, five eps of Gurren Lagann).OP Lia, ED Tada Aoi.trailer 6. trailer 8. subs: I Eat Anime, Ryuumaru, Chihiro, Static-Subs, Mazui. 13eps. forum.fri 02 apr 26:00Jewelpet 2 --Tinkle(jp: ジュエルペット 新シリーズ)kids magic shoujo cute animalsThis marketing tie-in magical stuffed-animal show must have helped sell a lot of toys and games for Sanrio and Sega, since even with fairly poor TV ratings, the show is about to start a second 52-week season.A new director and new writer take over. Sasaki Nanako, who had no previous experience as a director, is replaced by Yamamoto Takashi, who did Final Approach and Nanatsuiro Drops. Writer Maekawa Jun (Wellber, Fresh Precure) is replaced by Shimada Michiru (Emily of New Moon, Shugo Chara). These look like changes for the better, especially on the writing side.Takamori Natsumi plays a new central heroine, and up-and-coming seiyuu Taketatsu Ayana joins the cast.seiyuus: Takamori Natsumi, Saitou Ayaka, Sawashirou Miyuki, Taketatsu Ayana, Hirano Aya, Shimizu Ai, Kataoka Azusa, Sasaki Nozomi, Fukuyama Jun.director: Yamamoto Takashi (Final Approach, Nanatsuiro Drops)writer: Shimada Michiru (Koi Suru Tenshi Angelique, Emily of New Moon, Nanatsuiro Drops, Shugo Chara, Before Green Gables).animation: Studio Comet. chara-des: Ibe Yukiko; Miyakawa Tomoko.trailer. forum.sat 03 apr 09:30SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors(jp: SDガンダム三国伝 Brave Battle Warriors)robot fighting fantasyThe Romance of the Three Kingdoms with the heroes reimagined as gundams.Writer Urahata Tatsuhiko did Monster, Strawberry Panic, and Saki. Directed by the team of Mori Kunihiro (Shounen Onmyouji) and Suzuki Kenichi (Gundam Evolve).Starring Kaji Yuki as SD Gundam Liu Bei (Ryuu Bi).seiyuus: Kaji Yuuki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Katou Masayuki.director: Mori Kunihiro (Shounen Onmyouji), Suzuki Kenichi (Gundam Evolve)writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic, Saki). Yatate Hajime (pseudonym for staff), Tomino Yoshiyuki (franchise creator).animation: Sunrise (planning).sat 03 apr 10:15Major 6(jp: メジャー 第6シリーズ)sports shounenPeople thought season five was the end, but no! Here comes another season of the highly successful baseball anime about a boy aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps and pitch in the major leagues. He got there at the end of season five. Now what?seiyuus: Morikubo Showtaro, Namikawa Daisuke, Ochiai Kouji, Morita Masakazu, Sasamoto Yuuko, Sakuya Shunsuke, Noda Junko.director: Fukushima Toshinori (Major 3-5)writer: Tsuchiya Michihiro (Kaikan Phrase, Major, Chiko, Cross Game). Mitsuda Takuya (orig).animation: Synergy SP.music: Nakagawa Koutarou (Planetes, Major 4-5, Cross Game).trailer. manga. subs: MinorJa Nai. 25eps. forum.sat 03 apr 18:00Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan(jp: 薄桜鬼)supernatural historical adventure Set in the early 1860s. Chizuru is the daughter of a Dutch-trained Japanese doctor who vanishes during a trip to Kyoto. Searching for him, she is attacked by a monster, but saved by members of the Shinsengumi rebels. Because she learns part of their secret, she is held by them and meets more and more of these mysterious men, who end up helping her search for her father and her true past.Directed for Studio Deen by Yamasaki Osamu (Toward the Terra, Itazura na Kiss). The first venture into anime of Otomate, the games-for-girls company. The 2008 PSP game is coming out this year on DS and PS3.Great cast includes Kuwashima Houko, Miki Shinichirou, Morikubo Showtaro, Toriumi Kousuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Usa Kouji, Ohkawa Tohru, et al.seiyuus: Kuwashima Houko, Miki Shinichirou, Morikubo Showtaro, Toriumi Kousuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Usa Kouji, Ohkawa Tohru.director: Yamasaki Osamu (Toward the Terra, Itazura na Kiss)writer: Otomate (original story).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Nakajima Atsuko (Ranma, You're Under Arrest, Trinity Blood); Kazuki Yoko (orig).OP Yoshioka Aika, ED mao.subs: Kesenai. forum.sat 03 apr 24:30Metal Fight Beyblade ~Baku~(jp: メタルファイト ベイブレード)kids shounen comedy adventureSuccessful Sunday morning kids' comedy adventure show rolls over into a new season. No end in sight. The show is based on competitions involving fighting tops, which are sold in real life by Hasbro.Kanada Aki, Hino Satoshi, Katou Emiri, Shindou Kei, Koyasu Takehito.Director Sugishima Kunihisa directed Yu-Gi-Oh, so he knows eactly what to do with a show like this. Writer Hasegawa Kutsumi did Macademi Wasshoi!seiyuus: Hino Satoshi, Katou Emiri, Koyasu Takehito, Shindou Kei, Miyake Kenta, Kanada Aki.director: Sugishima Kunihisa (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Speed Grapher, Nabari no Ou)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Blue Gender, Final Approach, DCSS, Macademi Wasshoi!).chara-des: Nagamori Yoshihiro (Kirarin Revolution, Nijuumensou no Musume anidir).music: Neil Perfitt. OP Yu + Ki.trailer. subs: ZeroPositive & Yuurisan ?sun 04 apr 08:30Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri(jp: ひめチェン���おとぎちっくアイドル リルぷりっ)kids shoujo idolFrom a Sega arcade card game. Involves three girls who can change into idol princesses.OP S/mileage.sun 04 apr 09:00Giant Killing(jp: GIANT KILLING)seinen sports futbolThe first Association Football (i.e., soccer) anime I've seen. From a top-ten manga. Adapted by Kawase Toshifumi, the writer of Higurashi and Umineko. Directed by Kou Yuu, the director of Loveless.East Tokyo United is struggling in Japan's top division. The club is nearing the bottom of the table. Team morale is low, and fans are deserting.But in comes a new coach, a former star player who previously abandoned the club to coach in England. He wants to prove to his club and its fans that they can win against the top clubs in the nation.With a nice professional cast including Seki Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Mizushima Takahiro (Rollo in Code Geass), Ono Daisuke, and Asano Masami.Check out the manga. It's good. But there are rumors of conflict between the mangaka and the anime staff, so we shall see what we shall see.seiyuus: Seki Tomokazu, Mizushima Takahiro (Romeo, Rollo), Okiayu Ryoutarou, Ono Daisuke, Kawashima Tokuyoshi, Asano Masami.director: Kou Yuu (Chrono Crusade, Loveless, Zero no Tsukaima 2-3)writer: Kawase Toshifumi (Higurashi, Umineko). Tsujitomo (manga); Tsunamoto Masaya (concept).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kumatani Tetsuya. animation supervisor: Urasaki Nobumitsu (aniprod.; Umineko). art: Higashi Junichi (City Hunter, Cowboy Bebop, Sekirei).music: Mori Hideharu. OP The Cherry Cokes, ED G.P.S..manga. subs: Saizen, ray=out? 26eps. forum.sun 04 apr 09:25Romance of the Three Kingdoms(jp: 最強武将伝・三国演義)historical adventureChina-Japan co-production has already been shown on Chinese TV. It is a straight, faithful and quite good adaptation of the source, moving quickly through a full telling of the story. But there is an unnerving absence of blood, even in the wildest battles.The Japanese version was slated to come out last fall, but that never happened, and now it is going to be a Sunday morning show on TV Tokyo.seiyuus: Funakoshi Eiichirou, Ishii Masanori, Toda Naho, Tsurumi Shingo, Kaga Takeshi.animation: Beijing Glorious Animation x Future Planet.trailer. 52eps.sun 04 apr 09:30Working!!(jp: Working!!)moe absurd comedyThe comic strip is hilarious: set in a family restaurant in Hokkaido, with part-time teenage workers and a lazy 28-year-old manageress. Fukuyama Jun, Asumi Kana, the tiny voice of Fujita Saki, Watanabe Kumiko (who plays the lead in Keroro Gunso), Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi…the list of good seiyuus goes on and on.The only question is the director/writer, Hiraike Yoshimasa. He did a decent job directing both Solty Rei and Sketchbook, but is he a writer who can adapt this four-panel comic well? We shall see. This could be a sleeper hit, if he can.The first episode is out as a preview. I loved it; some others hated it. Absurd humor with moe and slapstick added. The seiyuus are excellent. Fukuyama Jun at his best.seiyuus: Fukuyama Jun, Asumi Kana, Fujita Saki, Watanabe Kumiko (Keroro Gunsou), Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi, Shiraishi Ryouko, Hikasa Youko, Itou Shizuka, Saitou Momoko.director: Hiraike Yoshimasa (Solty Rei, Sketchbook)writer: Hiraike Yoshimasa. Takatsu Karino (manga).animation: A-1 Pictures. chara-des: Adachi Shingo (Rockman.exe Beast+). animation supervisor: Adachi Shingo (Megaman Star Force). art: Tajiri Kenichi (Princess Tutu, Sketchbook, ARIA).music: MONACA, Inc.. OP Asumi Kana, Fujita Saki, Kitamura Eri. ED Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi.trailer. manga. subs: Chihiro, Himatsubushi, SHiN-gx, Yuurisan/m.3.3.w. forum.sun 04 apr 23:00Arakawa Under the Bridge(jp: 荒川アンダー ザ ブリッジ)seinen romantic comedyA young man who is heir to a large company follows his family's policy of not being in debt to anyone. But he is rescued by a beautiful homeless girl who lives under a bridge over the Arakawa River, and believes she is a Venusian. Not wanting to be in debt to her, he ends up agreeing to become her boyfriend and live with her under the bridge, among the weirdos.Shinbou strikes again. Stars the fascinating combination of Kamiya Hiroshi and Sakamoto Maaya. They are supported by a bevy of voice stars: Sugita Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito, Fujiwara Keiji, Saitou Chiwa, Sawashiro Miyuki, Sanpei Yuuko, Koyama Rikiya, Tanaka Rie, et al.Lead writer Akao Deko wrote Natsu no Arashi 2. She had a career as a singer in the 1990s, as Mieno Hitomi.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, Sugita Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito, Fujiwara Keiji, Saitou Chiwa, Sawashiro Miyuki, Omigawa Chiaki (Maka/Soul Eater, Jun/Natsu no Arashi), Shintani Ryouko, Sanpei Yuuko, Koyama Rikiya, Chou, Tanaka Rie.director: Shinbou Akiyuki; series dir Miyamoto Yukihirowriter: Akao Deko (singer Mieno Hitomi; wrote Natsu no Arashi2). Nakamura Hikaru (manga).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Sugiyama Nobuhiro (ef). animation supervisor: Sugiyama Nobuhiro (ef assistant). art: Azuma Kohji.music: Yokoyama Masaru (KimiKiss, Queen's Blade 2). OP Etsuko Yakushimaru, ED Suneohair.trailer. manga. subs: Kesenai, Formula, Yuurisan? forum.sun 04 apr 25:35KissXSis (2010)(jp: キス×シス (2010))ecchi harem incest comedyThe popularity of the extremely ecchi and quite well-made OVA series has spawned a full TV series.Keita, a third-year junior-high student, is studying for his high school entrance exams. His slightly older twin unrelated stepsisters, Ako and Riko, love him and lust after him and compete for his affection. After initial resistance, Keita begins to become attracted to them, and much ensues.Director Nawa Munenori did Otoboku and Nogizaka Haruka. Manga-writer Ditama Bow did Mahoromatic and Juuden-chan. Anime-writer Hasegawa Katsumi did Final Approach and Otoboku. You get the picture.Listen for Taketatsu Ayana, who plays Ako, and is Azusa in K-On.seiyuus: Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa/K-On), Tatsumi Yuiko, Takeuchi Ken, Nagata Yoriko, Imai Asami, Okame Asuka.director: Nawa Munenori (Otoboku, Nogizaka Haruka)writer: Ditama Bow (manga; also Mahoromatic, Fight Ippatsu Juuden-chan). Hasegawa Katsumi (Final Approach, Otoboku).animation: Feel (DaCapo2, Futakoi Alternative, Otoboku). chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard, Hatsukoi Limited; Railgun chief anidir). animation supervisor: Suzuki Gou (Kanamemo); Tatsuta Shinichi (Kanamemo). art: Kosakabe Naoko.music: Ueki Mizuki. OP Taketatsu Ayana/Tatsumi Yuiko, ED Ogura Yui + Ishihara Kaori.subs: Ayako, Doki, Ryuumaru, Hatsuyuki. 13 eps. forum.mon 05 apr 23:30Senkou no Night Raid(jp: 閃光のナイトレイド)historical action dramaSet in Shanghai in 1931. The story involves a secret Japanese spy organization preparing for Japan's invasion of China. The second offering in the new Anime no Chikara time slot, following Sora no Woto.The director of Persona Trinity Soul and the writer of The Third and Innocent Venus. I liked The Third a lot.I'm a bit worried about how this Japanese staff will portray the situation in China. But I'm eager to find out and enjoy the show if I can.The presence of Namikawa Daisuke and Yoshino Hiroyuki make me think this show, despite some violence, will have a gentle side.Canadian (quebecoise) singer Himeka gets another ED. Music by well-known violinist/composer Hakase Tarou (Space Symphony Maetel; many TV themes; accompanies Celine Dion on To Love You More).seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Hoshino Takanori, Ikuta Yoshiko.director: Matsumoto Jun (Persona Trinity Soul)writer: Onishi Shinsuke (The Third, Innocent Venus).animation: A-1 Pictures. chara-des: Sasaki Keigo (anidir eps of Basara) ; Kamijyou Akamine (mangaka Samurai Deeper Kyo). art: Kanehira Kazushige (art setting; Noein, Ryoko, FMA2).music: Hakase Tarou (Space Symphony Maetel; huge musical figure in Japan). OP Mucc, ED Himeka.trailer. subs: Kaze no Koe, Phuzy. forum.mon 05 apr 25:30Mayoi Neko Overrun!(jp: 迷い猫オーバーラン���)seinen haremThe protagonist is a boy who lives with his older unrelated sister. She manages a run-down patisserie called Stray Cats. One day, she picks up a mysterious beautiful girl off the streets. (Anidb)The preview shows some nice backgrounds, and the cast looks good, from stars Itou Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana, and Okamoto Nobuhiko to a supporting cast including Hocchan and Yukarin, as well as Satou Rina, Arai Satomi, and Yoshino Hiroyuki.No main director. Novelist Matsu Tomohiro is the lead writer.seiyuus: Itou Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana, Satou Satomi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Horie Yui, Tamura Yukari, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Majima Junji, Satou Rina, Arai Satomi.writer: Matsu Tomohiro (novel, lead writer). Kimura Noboru (work on Phantom, DokiDoki School Hours, Amenaideyo, etc.).animation: AIC (Pumpkin Scissors, Sasameki Koto). chara-des: Peco (orig), Nakamoto Naoko (Shrine of Morning Mist).OPED Itou Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana..trailer. subs: Doki, Nekomimi. 12eps. forum.tue 06 apr 23:00Rainbow -- Nisha Rokubou no Shichijin(jp: RAINBOW 二舎六房の七人)seinen drama"The seven in block 2, room 6." From an acclaimed manga about six junior delinquents and their mentor at the Shounan Special Reform School, near Tokyo, in 1955.The story follows the boys' lives during their time in the school andin the years after they get out. The manga won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2006 and has sold over 30 million copies through its first 21 volumes.Koujina Hiroshi (Kiba, Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro) directs for Madhouse. Takayashiki Hideo (Akagi, Kaiji, Maison Ikkoku) is lead writer, and Kikuchi Ai (animation director on Kiba, Nougami Neuro) does character design.Actor Oguri Shun (Gokusen, Hana Yori Dango [2005], Crows Zero, FMA Shamballa movie) will voice his first starring role in a TV anime series. Film and TV actress Kanjiya Shihori co-stars. With Koyama Rikiya, Fujiwara Keiji, Paku Romi, Kuroda Takaya, Hayashibara Megumi and others. Could be the real deal.seiyuus: Oguri Shun (TV/film actor), Kanjiya Shihori (TV/film actress), Koyama Rikiya, Waki Tomohiro, Fujiwara Keiji, Paku Romi, Kuroda Takaya, Hasome Tatsuya (TV/film/anime), Hashi Takaya, Hayashibara Megumi.director: Koujina Hiroshi (Grenadier, Kiba)writer: Takayashiki Hideo (Maison Ikkoku, Akagi, Kaiji, One Outs, Rideback). George Abe (manga story), Kakizaki Masasumi (manga art).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kikuchi Ai (Kiba anidir). animation supervisor: Kikuchi Ai (Kiba), (Grenadier, Nougami Neuro). art: Shimiu Tomoyuki (Top Secret, NANA, Aoi Bungaku 1-4).manga. subs: Saizen. forum.tue 06 apr 24:59K-On!!(jp: けいおん������)moe slice-of-life comedyA second series of the smash-hit moe slice-of-life comedy. The same cast and staff return.Since the first season aired last spring, many of the five lead seiyuus have had plenty of new work. Toyosaki Aki, in particular, has become a moe star, with leading roles in Kanamemo, Railgun, and Seikon no Qwesar, and a "best new seiyuu" award.But Kotobuki Minako (Umi Monogatari), Taketatsu Ayana (Yumeiro Patissiere, Baka to Test), Satou Satomi (Kiruminzuu), and Hikasa Youko (Chu-bra, Seikon no Qwesar) have also had their careers energized. Reminds me of what Suzumiya Haruhi did for its cast.I lost interest in the original series about halfway through, but it certainly hit the right notes for a huge number of fans.seiyuus: Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko, Satou Satomi, Kotobuki Minako, Taketatsu Ayana, Sanada Asami, Yonezawa Madoka, Fujitou Chika.director: Yamada Naokowriter: Yoshida Reiko. kakifly (manga).animation: Kyoto Animation. chara-des: Horiguchi Yukiko. art: Tamura Seiki.OPED seiyuus.trailer. manga. subs: Frostii, Chihiro, CoalGuys. 13?eps. forum.tue 06 apr 25:25Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru(jp: 裏切りは僕の名前を知っている)bishounen yaoi fantasyThe title means: "Betrayal Knows My Name."Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often makes insensitive blunders. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears? (manga description from mangafox)"Uraboku" features an absolutely amazing cast of male seiyuus -- Houshi Souichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Hino Satoshi, Miki Shinichirou, Koyasu Takehito, Ishida Akira -- with some pretty darn good female seiyuus thrown in: Inoue Marina, Yahagi Sayuri, Yukana.Director Sakurabi Katsushi did Tsukihime and Asatte no Houkou. Writer Takahashi Natsuko did Gakuen Heaven, Blue Drop, and Tokyo Magnitude 8.The manga runs in Asuka monthly, which has published manga such as Neo Angelique Abyss, Trinity Blood, Saiunkoku Monogatari, Shounen Onmyouji, and Kyo Kara Maoh. The yaoi aspects are real, but apparently more implied than up-front.Story, cast, and staff will have me right there for this one.seiyuus: Houshi Souichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Marina, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Hino Satoshi, Miki Shinichirou, Narita Ken, Yahagi Sayuri, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Yukana, Koyasu Takehito, Ishida Akira.director: Sakurabi Katsushi (Tsukihime, Asatte no Houkou)writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Gakuen Heaven, Blue Drop, Tokyo Magnitude 8). Odagiri Hotaru (manga).animation: JCStaff. chara-des: Matsuura Mai (key animator), Nakayama Yumi. animation supervisor: Nakayama Yumi (Ai yori Aoshi, Karin). art: Kakoi Hirotsugu (07Ghost, Hatsukoi Limited).music: Kaida Shougo.manga. subs: Yuurisan. forum.sun 11 apr 24:00Sarai-ya Goyou(jp: さらい屋五葉)seinen samurai comedy/dramaAkitsu Masanosuke is a timid ronin on his way to Edo from the countryside when he accidentally encounters a playboy named Yaichi, who asks him to be his bodyguard. But it turns out that Yaichi is actually the leader of a group of bandits called the "Five Leaves," and he's hoping that Masanosuke will join them. Masanosuke is reluctant to help them, but as he grows closer to his eccentric new companions, he learns to relate to them and grow as a person in the process. (ANN)The second weekly anime in an expanded noitaminA timeslot this season, along with Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei.I'm a big fan of director/writer Mochizuki Tomomi (YKK, Zettai Shounen, wrote Touka Gettan and storyboarded Yami to Boushi to Hon). He once again works with a solid cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Oura Fuyuka, Uchida Yuya (Nijuumensou), and Takatsuka Masaya (Blue Dragon).seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Oura Fuyuka, Takatsuka Masaya (Blue Dragon), Uchida Yuya.director: Mochizuki Tomomi (YYK, Zettai Shounen, Touka Gettan)writer: Mochizuki Tomomi (YYK, Touka Gettan). Ono Natsume (manga).animation: Manglobe. chara-des: Nakazawa Kazuto (Starship Girl, Ashita no Najda, Samurai Champloo). animation supervisor: Yamashita Yoshimitsu (Madlax, Bleach, Requiem for Phantom). art: Watanabe Michie (Nagasareta Airandou, Sacred Blacksmith).music: Kondou Yukio (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure); Konishi Kayo (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure). OP immi, ED Rake.trailer. subs: Yuurisan? 12 eps. forum.thu 15 apr 25:15Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei(jp: 四畳半神話大系)seinen comedy dramaKyoto University reminiscences. "Collected Myths of a Four-and-a-Half-Mat Room."Yuasa Makaaki (Kaiba, Kemonozume) tries his unique style on a new kind of story. The undependable Ueda Makoto (School Days, Katanagatari) adapts the novel.Sakamoto Maaya heads a fine cast. OP by Asian Kung-fu Generation.One of two noitaminA shows this season, along with Sarai-ya Goyou, which airs immediately after it on Thursday nights.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Asanuma Shintarou, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Suwabe Junichi, Fujiwara Keiji, Kaida Yuuko.director: Yuasa Masaaki (Kemonozume, Kaiba)writer: Ueda Makoto. Morimi Tomihiko (novel).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nakamura Yuusuke (orig).OP Asian Kung-fu Generation, ED Junji Ishiwatari & Yoshinori Sunahara + Etsuko Yakushimaru.trailer. subs: Frostii. 11eps. forum.thu 22 apr 24:45xxxHOLIC - Rou(jp: xxxHOLiC・籠)fantasy magic seinenMore xxxHOLIC for lovers of the previous series and OVAs. Ohara Sayaka and Fukuyama Jun are a great start for the cast. CLAMP and Production IG. Director Mizushima Tsutomu also did Kujibiki Unbalance, Ookiku Furikabutte, and Dai Mahou Touge.Issued with a special edition of volume 17 of the manga. ED by the wonderful Suga Shikao.seiyuus: Ohara Sayaka, Fukuyama Jun, Nakai Kazuya, Itou Shizuka, Kikuchi Mika.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Kujibiki, Ookiku, Dai Mahou Touge)writer: Ohkawa Nanase (CCS).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Kise Kazuchika (GITS movies, Evangelion 1.0).ED Suga Shikao.trailer. manga. OVA. 1eps.fri 23 aprWinter Sonata (Japanese voices)(jp: 冬のソナタ)shoujo/josei romanceThe huge drama hit gets an anime series. Largely Korean production, with some Japanese input. Most of the original Korean actors did the voices for the Korean version.Get out your handkerchiefs. Mine has had a good workout through 18 episodes of the Korean version (Japanese subbed). Although I can't claim this is a great anime. It's all in the story.The final scene will be live-action. Thirty Japanese fans (all middle-aged women) were injured when a platform collapsed after they had watched the filming, at a Korean resort.No firm date yet announced for the Japanese-dubbed version to start. Just "April 2010."director: Yoon Suk-howriter: Kim Hyon-wan.animation: G&G Entertainment×JM Animation. chara-des: Nakayama Daisuke (draft; studio realthing, ex-Studio 4°C).trailer. 26eps. forum.aprilMahou Sensei Negima! - Another World(jp: 魔法先生ネギま������もうひとつの世界��� 第���話)magic moe comedyThird episode of a four-episode OVA covering the Mahou Sekai story arc. Shinbou is back to direct, and mangaka Akamatsu Ken writes this series as he did the previous OVA series. Also back from the previous OVA series is animator/character designer Jitsuhara Noboru.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Shiratori Yuri, Kimura Madoka, Sasagawa Ayana, Kuwatani Natsuko, Yamakawa Kotomi, Asakura Azumi, Itou Shizuka, Kanda Akemi, Bandou Ai.director: Akiyuki Shinbouwriter: Akamatsu Ken. Akamatsu Ken (manga).animation: Studio Pastorale, Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.OP Satou Rina, Akemi Kanda, Nonaka Ai, Kobayashi Yu,.manga. OVA. 3/4eps. forum.mon 17 maykissxsis OVA episode 3(jp: kiss×sis 第3話)ecchi harem incest comedyDVD comes with volume 6 of the extremely ecchi manga, about a high-school boy whose two older sisters are constantly trying to get into his pants. A full TV series begins in April.This episode is called ep3, but is actually the fourth in the series, since there was an episode zero.seiyuus: Takeuchi Ken, Taketatsu Ayana, Tatsumi Yuiko.director: Nawa Munenoriwriter: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel. chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard), Masuda, Kuniaki. animation supervisor: Masuda, Kuniaki (Kanamemo). art: Kosakabe Naoko (Mahoromatic, Nyan Koi).OP Takahashi Nana, ED Tatsumi Yuiko.subs: Ayako. OVA. 4/4eps. forum.fri 04 junUtawarerumono OVA episode 3(jp: OVA うたわれるもの 第3巻)seinen fantasy adventureThe OVA is based on the popular fantasy adventure game and anime series, but with all new staff and studio. First-time director Katsura Kenichirou did character design on Comic Party Revolution and wrote some of DC Da Capo.The outstanding cast is back, however: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yuki-nee in Candy Boy), Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko.Fans of the TV series are divided on the OVA. Many feel there is a bit too much fanservice. Some feel the characters' personalities have changed.seiyuus: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko, Watanabe Akeno.director: Katsura Kenichirouwriter: Kouno Takamitsu.animation: Chaos Project/Aquaplus. chara-des: Katsura Kenichirou, Amazuyu Tatsuki (orig).OP Suara, ED Uehara Rena.trailer. OVA. 3/3eps. forum.wed 23 junAi no Kusabi(jp: 間の楔)yaoi erotica romanceIntriguing 13-episode OVA remake of the 1990s yaoi sci-fi OVA, from a famous series of yaoi novels. "Heavy story, action, and a twisted relationship," to quote "cheesie"on AnimeSuki. Even if you don’t normally like yaoi, it sounds as if this is a show to check out.On planet Amoi, a great computerized city is ruled by supercomputer Jupiter. The populace is almost entirely male and status is based on hair color: silvers and blondes are the elite, and black-hairs are the dregs of society, often known as "mongrels".Blondes keep young boys as "pets" for a few years, especially for performing sexual acts for the Blondes' voyeuristic pleasure. Blondes aren't suppose to keep pets for long or interact sexually with them, but one blonde named Iason Mink has kept a pet named Rikki for years and is rumored to sleep with him.Iason refuses to let go of Rikki, even with Jupiter's disapproval. Rikki fights with his emotions and society's problems, unable to decide what to do about his old friend/lover Gai (Guy) and their gang. Iason is obsessed with keeping Rikki, and Rikki doesn't know what to do: fight against him or surrender to him. (ANN)Director Akiyama Katsuhito did Pumpkin Scissors and Inazuma Eleven. Yoshihara Reiko does the anime adaptation of her own novel. Conceptual art by one of the designers of Appleseed and Blue Drop. The preview looks great.No date yet, just "spring 2010" -- and that used to be "fall 2009."An event scheduled for 22 March was cancelled a couple of weeks from the date. Looks bad.seiyuus: Itou Kentarou, Ohkawa Tooru, Miki Shinichirou, Toriumi Kousuke (Raven/Pandora).director: Akiyama Katsuhito (Pumpkin Scissors, Inazuma 11)writer: Yoshihara Rieko (orig. novelist and lead writer).animation: AIC. chara-des: Onda Naoyuki (LoGH, Ergo Proxy).trailer. OVA. 1/13eps. forum.conceptual art: Takeuchi Atsushi (I.G. - Appleseed, Blue Drop)Black Rock Shooter(jp: BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER)The first independent animation project by Yamamoto Yutaka's ordet studio.But this is not directed by Yamakan himself, who passes the job to fellow-KyoAni refugee Yoshioka Shinobu and retains the title of "supervising editor," as Shinbou sometimes does.Music by suddenly famous amateur ryo, who wrote the Bakemonogatari ED, and performed in it as part of supercell.No date yet, just "spring 2010." Further announcements scheduled for 24 March.director: Yoshioka Shinobu (eps of Haruhi, Kanon, Lucky Star, Kannagi)writer: huke (orig).animation: Ordet. chara-des: Matsui Yuusuke.music: ryo.trailer. OVA. forum.supervising editor: Yamamoto YutakaD.C. ~Da Capo~ Ekusute(jp: D.C.���ダ・カーポ��� エクステ)magic romance haremThe fifth Da Capo anime series. Rumor has it that it will be a magical girl anime featuring Sakura, but there is no official info yet. That makes it seem less and less likely it will start this spring, as proposed.writer: CIRCUS (orig.).animation: chara-des: Fujioka Maki.subs: SGKK Fansubs and RocketGang?, Doki. forum.
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Just got a press release from Section23 Films, which has announced that they're releasing Gintama on DVD! For those unfamiliar, Gintama is a long ongoing and very quirky shounen comedy/action series. VIZ Media has been putting out the manga for some time, but the anime has remained unlicensed, even though it's really quite huge in Japan-- perhaps VIZ "A-List!" Media didn't think the aforementioned quirkiness would do well with mainstream audiences? (They're probably not wrong.)  Anyway, Section23 is going to release Gintama starting this April 27th-- 13 episodes for an MSRP of $39.99. There is no specific word about dubs, so I am inclined to assume that it will be sub-only.  Also due out in April are Hidamari Sketch x365 Complete Collection, Asatte no Houkou (newly titled Living for the Day After Tomorrow) Complete Collection, live-action Space Rangers Complete Collection, Le Portrait de Petite Cossette (yummy horror movie), and live-action Venus Ranger.  Press release!  Section 23 Announces April Slate
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The characters aside from the voice issues were really well done. Sure there were your annoying parts to some of the characters but those were pretty small. Something that really ticked me off was the constant bickering over Neviril because she was the best and everyone wanted to be chosen by her to be her [...] Related posts:365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 10/365 Mamina Review of 2009 Anime Part 2 ~Summer~ Asatte no Houkou
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I counted roughly 33 pantsu shots in this episode not including the terrible OP, ED, and preview for episode 2. With that said I don't have much more "deep" thoughts to add to this episode. It mainly was about a chick who likes "adult" underwear or just underwear in general. She falls and flashes everyone her [...] Related posts:Ladies versus Butlers! – 01 – PreRelease Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-Chan!! Asatte no Houkou
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Do you know your ABC’s? Meet A Strong, determined, and ready for anything that comes her way. She adapts to strange situations very quickly… which is probably a good thing Meet B Angry rich bitch who wants nothing more than to make C-ko hers… in any way possible by any means necessary. Meet C Your typical bubbling blond air head. [...] Related posts:Asatte no HoukouDivergence Eve
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Also, the respective volume 4's of the Oh, they weren't dropped? Beyond The Beyond (Sono Mukou no Mukougawa) and A Direction The Day After Tomorrow (Asatte no Houkou) and the series finale of Gash Bell. Hachimitsu no Hana © Kiuchi Tatsuya/Hakusensha Theme wa... the distance between us. I know that the top DO WANTs of this m&c! manga release are Electric Daisy volume 4 and Shinobi Life 5. Sugu ni
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There are more new shows this fall than in any season over the past few years. But I'm not sure the quality -- or at least the appeal to my taste -- will be that high. I don't see any shows I expect to be as good as the great shows of this past summer season, such as Aoi Hana and Bakemonogatari. But I'm ready to be surprised. (click pics to enlarge)We'll certainly have a lot of shows to choose from. But a growing number are OVA episodes or pre-released OPs being used to sell a manga volume, or advertise a future series. I'm not sure what the overall trend is in total production or total profit.I'll give complete details of pretty well all the new shows: staff, cast, dates, times, pics, sub groups, and links to more info in English and Japanese, as well as to the shows' AnimeSuki forums, which have more info and discussion. But first, here are some shows I am looking forward to:Sasameki Koto is a yuri school drama. The manga isn't as subtle and deep as Aoi Hana, but the show stars one of my favorite seiyuus: Takagaki Ayahi.Sora no Otoshimono is a shounen fantasy about a guy who gets a buxom, all-powerful angel as his servant. Ecchi comedy is not everyone's cup of tea, but this stars Hayami Saori, the most beautiful voice in anime, as well as Takagaki Ayahi, and is directed by the director of Bamboo Blade and Kigurumikku.Kimi ni Todoke was voted the top shoujo manga of 2008. I enjoy the manga, and I'm eager to see what Production I.G. can do with it. It stars Noto Mamiko -- the second-most beautiful voice in anime.Winter Sonata may have been the most successful Asian romantic TV drama ever. Now we get a chance to see a Korean animated version, voiced by the original actors.White Album now resumes, giving us the second half of the slowly evolving story of an aspiring idol's romantic and professional life. With Mizuki Nana and Hirano Aya.Miracle Train is the most bizarre show of the season: a comedy in which stations on a Tokyo subway line are personified as bishounen. What makes this so attractive is the fact that it will be directed by Kasai Kenichi, who did a masterful job with Aoi Hana.Darker than Black 2 continues the hard-boiled sci-fi mystery/adventure whose first season I enjoyed. Directed by Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain), and starring Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren in NANA).Koishigure is not so much an anime as an actress reading romance stories over illustrations, but the format and the quality of the stories get my attention.Aoi Bungaku gives us another interesting format: four classic modern Japanese novels animated in three episodes each, with top character designers and artists involved.Tegami Bachi is a charming little fantasy about a girl (played by Sawashiro Miyuki) who is a letter-carrier in a mediaevalesque fantasy world.To is a two-episode OVA based on stories from a famous space-fiction manga and directed by the man who produced Appleseed and directed Vexille.Kuuchuu Buranko is the new offering from the makers of Mononoke, and is based on an award-winning novel about visits of neurotics to their even more neurotic therapist.Denpateki na Kanojo hasn't received much attention, but I loved the first ep of this two-episode OVA starring Hirohashi Ryou, about a weird girl, the boy she adores, and a series of murders.I am also looking forward to the one-episode OVA Aki-Sora, although I hesitate to admit to enjoying the almost-hentai manga, which gets closer to incest than even kissxsis.Yamakan's second music video of the season, Black Rock Shooter pilot edition, is also on my list. His Tonari no 801-chan is growing on me.I'm also looking forward to the big, serious China-Japan co-production of a 52-episode version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.This may not be my season, but it may well be a season for shounen fans. We have the extremely popular shounen comedy adventure manga Fairy Tail being animated, with Hirano Aya in a leading role, along with Kugimiya Rie and Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann).And Inuyasha gets a new season, with all the original cast returning.The fighting fantasy ero-game 11eyes is also being animated, starring Ono Daisuke and Gotou Mai, directed by the director of Someday's Dreamers 1 and Zegapain, and written by the writer of Hell Girl.Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra is another shounen fantasy, based around fighting librarians who guard books that are people's souls. A fabulous cast stars Paku Romi and includes Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Ishida Akira, Hirohashi Ryou and others.The moe fantasy Index also gets a spin-off, in To Aru Kagaku no Railgun.Clamp returns with the anime Kobato, about a girl who must collect in a bottle the suffering from people's hearts, and who must not fall in love with a particular boy.And last but hopefully not least is the yaoi science fiction fantasy Ai no Kusabi, directed by the director of Pumpkin Scissors, and written by the woman who wrote the original novel.Anyway, here is an alphabetical list of all 57 shows, linked to a full preview of each one:||11eyes       ||Ai no Kusabi       ||AIKa ZERO       ||Aki-Sora       ||Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu       ||Aoi Bungaku       ||Asura Cryin' 2       ||Battle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan       ||Black Rock Shooter pilot edition       ||Cheburashka Arere?       ||Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini       ||Denpateki na Kanojo       ||Fairy Tail       ||Gokyoudai Monogatari       ||Hidamari Sketch x 365       ||Inuyasha: The Final Act       ||Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari       ||Kaidan Restaurant       ||Kämpfer       ||Kanokon ~Manatsu no Daishanikusai~       ||Kemono to Chat       ||Kiddy Girl-And       ||Kimi ni Todoke       ||kissxsis       ||Kobato       ||Koishigure       ||Kuuchuu Buranko       ||Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri       ||Mahou Sensei Negima! "Another World"       ||Miracle Train: Ooedo-sen e Youkoso       ||Natsu no Arashi 2       ||Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza       ||Nyan Koi       ||Queen's Blade: Gyokuza no Tsugumono       ||Romance of the Three Kingdoms       ||Sasameki Koto       ||Seiken no Blacksmith       ||Seitokai no Ichizon       ||Shakugan no Shana S       ||Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Ryōran Sangokushi Engi       ||Shoujo Fight       ||Shugo Chara Party!       ||Sora no Otoshimono       ||Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra       ||Tegami Bachi       ||Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA Another Story: Kako to Mirai no Message       ||Tentai Senshi Sunred 2       ||To       ||To Aru Kagaku no Railgun       ||To Love-Ru OVA       ||Today in Class 5-2 -- Takarabako       ||ToHeart2 adplus       ||Tonari no 801-chan R       ||Utsurun Desu       ||White Album part 2       ||Winter Sonata       ||Yumeiro Pâtissière       ||Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Bangaichi       notes:English and Japanese titles link to more info in their respective languages"forum" links to a show's AnimeSuki forumwhere no real trailer is available, "trailer" links to a streamed episode of a previous series of the same showsubs info from the Who Subs What wikistaff, cast, and other info from MoonPhase, official sites, AniDB, and Anime News Networkepisode numbers uncertain; "2/4eps" means "second of four episodes"times and dates may change, and will be updated in the seasonal anime calendar I will post later this monthanimes listed below in order of date of first release: broadcast, rental, or saleTonari no 801-chan R(jp: となりの801ちゃんR)The fourth volume of Kojima Ajiko's Tonari no 801-chan manga shipped in Japan on September 10 with a "Tonari no 801-chan R" anime short on DVD. The manga follows the personal life of a fujoshi (female boys-love otaku) and her otaku boyfriend. Yutaka Yamamoto (Kannagi) directed the production of the 90-second "opening anime" at Aniplex's A-1 Pictures studio (Kannagi, Ookiku Furikabutte). Info from animeanime.jp via ann (Anime News Network).An excellent OP. Not overwhelmingly exciting, but it has grown on me, and seems like something whose appeal will not fade. A good teaser for the coming anime: the characters look interesting. Excellent animation gives the figures a physical presence.director: Yamamoto Yutakaanimation: A1xOrdet. chara-des: Haruna. animation supervisor: Kadowaki Satoshi.music: Nishimura Masatoshi; Slowcurve. theme: Bagyou no Fujoshi.streamed here or here. forum. OP OVA. 1/1eps.thu 10 sepBattle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan(jp: バトルスピリッツ 少年激覇ダン)shounen fighting fantasySecond kids' shounen series based on the trading card game. Great cast, good director, competent lead writer.seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Honda Youko (Ichika/UtaKata, Mana/sola), Oura Fuyuka (Mizuki/Shikabane, Naruki/Regios), Yukino Satsuki, Kawasumi Ayako, Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, Layfon/Regios), Horanai Ai (Lua/YuGiOh 5Ds), Ono Daisuke.director: Nishimori Akira (PetoPeto-san, Hitohira, Zombie Loan)writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Nishi no Yoko Majou, Pumpkin Scissors, Zombie Loan, Inazuma 11).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Yumoto Yoshinori (Growlanser 4, Strait Jacket, some Shounen Toppa).OP Jam Project, ED Oikawa Mitsuhiro.trailer. 13?eps.sun 13 sep 07:00Koishigure(jp: 恋時雨���吉高由里子と6つの恋���)josei love storiesAn illustrated anthology of short stories read aloud by 21-year-old actress Yoshitaka Yuriko. Based on six love stories and their accompanying illustrations from the Koishigure short story series in Media Factory's Da Vinci magazine. A popular music group is contributing a love song to each story. (ann)Music: Mochida Kaori, Koto Ringo, Oohashi Trio, Maekawa Hiroki, Takasugi Satomi, moumoon.Artists: Kishino Makiko, Suwa Sayaka, Nishi Shuhu, Hiramatsu Kei, sioux, MARYCO.This appears to be less anime than reading to pictures, but I'm still eager to see it.seiyuus: Yoshitaka Yuriko (actress; Vanessa in ep13 of Michiko & Hatchin).director: Kamebuchi Hiroshi (? 亀渕裕 )1/6eps.wed 16 sep 26:08Mahou Sensei Negima "Another World" (jp: 魔法先生ネギま������もうひとつの世界���)comedy with magic and moeYet another Shinbou Negima OVA series begins. The OVAs have been following the manga more closely than the TV series did -- perhaps because the mangaka, Akamatsu Ken, is writing the screenplays.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Horie Yui, Inokuchi Yuka, Inoue Marina, Ishige Sawa, Kobayashi Yu, Noto Mamiko, Saitou Chiwa, etc..director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Akamatsu Ken.animation: Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.OP Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Nonaka Ai, Noto Mamiko, Kobayashi Yu. ED Satou Rina, Inoue Marina.trailer. forum.OVA. 1/4eps. sold with v27 of manga; ep2 comes w/v28 on 17nov.tue 17 sepUtsurun Desu(jp: 伝染るんです)bizarre comedyAn anime adaptation of Sensha Yoshida's Utsurun Desu "nonsensical" gag comedy comic-strip manga. The manga uses a stable of off-the-wall characters to tell jokes that defy logic. (anidb)Director Mankyuu is a young filmmaker (just turned 29) who made his name with short flash animations and now has this OVA series.I haven't seen the first episode, and have no idea what to expect. A guest seiyuu (comedian Takayama Takenori) says that the lines he was asked to say were all just onomatopoeic sounds that he shouted out. (ann)seiyuus: Chafurin (Inspector Megure in Detective Conan), Mamiko Noto, Seki Tomokazu, Nakahara Mai, Wakamoto Norio.director: Mankyuuwriter: Yoshida Sensha (orig).trailer.OVA. 2/3eps. ep3 23oct.fri 18 sepIsekai no Seikishi Monogatari(jp: 異世界の聖機師物語)fantasy adventureEpisode 7 of the continuing fantasy adventure based on the mediaevalesque fantasy world of Tenchi Muyo.seiyuus: Nakagawa Rie, Satou Takaya, Kuwatani Natsuko, Tsunematsu Ayumi, Yasumoto Hiroki, Yonezawa Madoka, Shimono Hiro, Saitou Momoko, Sonozaki Mie.director: Yoshikawa Koji (DN Angel, Goshuushousama Ninomiyakun)writer: Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Girl's High).animation: AIC/BeStack. chara-des: Watanabe Hajime (School Rumbles). animation supervisor: Watanabe Hajime (School Rumble 3).music: Tada Akifumi (Tenchi Muyou, Touka Gettan, Skip Beat).trailer. subs: Sora.OVA. 7/13eps.fri 18 sep 04:00 (ep7 preview broadcast)Queen's Blade: Gyokuza no Tsugumono(jp: クイーンズブレイド 玉座を継ぐ者)ecchi fantasy adventureWhat can you say about this terrible but very popular show about large breasts? Oh, yes, there is fantasy and fighting in there, too. And a great cast.One thing you can say is that it is popular enough to get a second season immediately on the heels of the first.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko, Mizuhashi Kaori, Kaida Yuuko, Nabatame Hitomi, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Itou Kanae.director: Yoshimoto Kinji (Plastic Little, Genshiken2, QB1)writer: Yoshioka Takao (Elfen Lied, ZnT, QB1).animation: chara-des: Rin Shin (WordsWorth, Ikkitousen DD, QB1). animation supervisor: Rin Shin, Noguchi Takayuki (Kamichama Karin, QB1).sound director: Aketagawa Jun. OP ENA. ED Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Itou Kanae.trailer. forum.subs: SFW, PZ. 12?eps.thu 24 sep 08:00Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA Another Story: Kako to Mirai no Message(jp: テニスの王子様　OVA ANOTHER STORY ���過去と未来のメッセージ)sports bishounenThe Prince of Tennis Another Story OVA continues.seiyuus: Minagawa Junko, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kondou Nakayuki, Tsuda Kenjirou, Kaida Yuuki, Takahashi Hiroki.director: Tada Shunsukewriter: Hirota Mitsutaka; Sakai Fumiyo (? 坂井史世). Konomi Takeshi (mangaka).animation: chara-des: Ishii Akiharu. animation supervisor: Irie Kenji; Ishii Akiharu.OVA. 3-4 of 6eps.fri 25 sepBlack Rock Shooter pilot edition(jp: BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER -PILOT Edition-)music videoNinety-second music video in advance of next spring's full series based on huke's revisioning of a Hatsune Miku-like character with guns. Stills here.With Tonari no 801-chan, this is the second animated music video that Yamamoto Yutaka and his staff will put out this fall. Perhaps Yamakan has created a new form, based on his OP and ED triumphs for Haruhi, Lucky Star, and Kannagi.But this one is not directed by Yamakan himself, who passes the job to Yoshioka Shinobu and retains the title of "supervising editor," as Shinbou sometimes does. Music by suddenly famous amateur ryo, who wrote the Bakemonogatari ED sung by supercell.director: Yoshioka Shinobuwriter: huke (orig).animation: Ordet. chara-des: Matsui Yuusuke.music: ryo.forum. OP OVA. 1/1eps.wed 30 sepAsura Cryin' 2(jp: アスラクライン)shounen mecha supernaturalFrom a light novel series involving mecha, romance, and supernatural science. The first series was a decent show that never quite captured me. But it did capture the attention of enough people that it is getting a second season.Irino Miyu stars, with Tomatsu Haruka, Nonaka Ai, and Tanaka Rie. And there are some good names in the supporting cast: Yahagi Sayuri, Morikubo Showtarou, and the K-On combination of Satou Satomi, Toyosaki Aki, and Hikasa Youko.This is from the company that did Nanoha and Inukami, and is directed by the man who directed StrikerS, Sekirei, and Inukami.seiyuus: Irino Miyu, Tomatsu Haruka, Nonaka Ai, Tanaka Rie, Morikubo Shoutarou, Satou Satomi, Yahagi Sayuri, Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko.director: Kusakawa Keizou (StrikerS, Inukami, Sekirei)writer: Akao Deko (script work on Natsu no Arashi and Zettai Seigi Love Pheromone). Mikumo Gakuto (orig).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Komori Atsushi (Inukami, Bleach).sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Tajiri Mitsutaka. OPED angela.subs: AllOfThem, Chihiro, AnimeYoshi?. mecha: Oda Hiroyasu13?eps. trailer. forum.thu 01 oct 09:30Kämpfer(jp: けんぷファー)fighting comedy romanceOne day, a normal high school boy wakes up to find himself transformed into a girl. A stuffed tiger comes to life and tells him to fight as a female psychic fighter "Kämpfer". Having no idea about what's going on, Natsuru is involved in the battles against other female Kämpfer. Kämpfer fight each other with guns, swords, and magic. From a series of light novels.Excellent cast includes Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Nazuka Kaori, Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, and Mamiko Noto, with the reappearance of Nakajima Megumi (Ranka in Macross F) as a seiyuu, as well as a singer.The staff is a bit more questionable, featuring the director of Chocotto Sister. But he also did Kyouran Kazoku, so there is hope for some decent comedy. The lead writer did Kamen no Maid Guy, and Hajime no Ippo New Challenger, so he has breadth. The original writer also did both Maburaho and Umi Monogatari.seiyuus: Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Nazuka Kaori, Asumi Kana, Nakajima Megumi, Nomura Michiko, Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, Noto Mamiko.director: Kuroda Yasuhiro (Chocotto Sister, Kyouran Kazoku, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou)writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Hajime no Ippo New Challenger). Tsukiji Toshihiko (creator of Maburaho, Umi Monogatari).animation: Nomad (Rozen Maiden, Yozakura Quartet). chara-des: Senmu (orig), Fujita Mariko (Galaxy Angel, Rosario+Vampire).OP Kuribayashi Megumi, ED Inoue Marina/Nakajima Megumi.subs: Koharubi, SFW. forum. 12?eps.thu 01 oct 25:29Nyan Koi(jp: にゃんこい!)shounen comedy, romanceKousaka Junpei is a second-year high school student who both despises and is allergic to cats. His high school crush, however, is Mizuno Kaede, a girl who adores cats. After a minor accident, he finds he can understand what cats are saying, but if he does not grant 100 wishes from cats, he will turn into a cat himself.Director Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate 1, Zettai Karen, Getsumen) stands a good chance of being able to make something funny out of this set-up. Lead writer Inotsume Shinichi did both Hayate and Ristorante Paradiso.Looks like a normal high-school romantic comedy, but staff and cast make me think there could be something good here.seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Iguchi Yuka, Shiraishi Ryouko, Kobayashi Yuu, Tanaka Atsuko, Fukuyama Jun, Satou Rina, Tomatsu Haruka.director: Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate, Zettai Karen, Getsumen)writer: Inotsume Shinichi (Hayate, Ristorante Paradiso). Fujiwara Sato (mangaka).animation: AIC. chara-des: Morita Kazuaki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred). animation supervisor: Yamane Masahiro, Sako Yukie.sound director: Iida Satoki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred, Ayakashi). music: Miwa Manabu, Ookawa Shigenobu (Tayutama). OP Sakakibara Yui, ED Imai Asami.trailer. forum. subs: AnimeHimitsu?, Yuurisan.12?eps.thu 01 oct 25:5911eyes(jp: 11eyes)fantasy adventure ero-game adaptationKakeru lost his sister to suicide and has been living a dull life since then. One day, he is transported into the bizarre world "Red Night" along with his female friend Yuka. In order to survive and escape from Red Night, he and his companions fight against Dark Spirits and Black Nights. (ann)Adaptation of a popular ero-game. Director Shimoda Masami did Someday's Dreamers 1 and Zegapain, as well as the less successful Polyphonica1. Top writer Kanemaki Kenichi did Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, and Jigoku Shoujo.Ono Daisuke and Gotou Mai star. Supporting seiyuus Asakawa Yuu and Morikubo Showtaro were married in 2007 and divorced this year.This kind of anime isn't really my thing. But this particular staff could make something of it.seiyuus: Ono Daisuke (Yukito/Air, Itsuki/Haruhi, Hosaka/Minamike, Jack Bez./Pandora Hearts), Gotou Mai (Mizuki/ef, Mika/Nogizaka Haruka, Mai/Yoakena), Asakawa Yuu (Motoko/Love Hina, Sakaki/AzuDai, Karen Clavius/Yoakena), Rikimaru Noriko (Nori/Rozen Maiden, Komaki/ToHeart2, Mashiro/Tayutama), Ichimura Oma (Ibuki/Happiness), Morikubo Showtaro (Nara/Naruto), Hagiwara Emiko (Mayu/Elfen Lied, Ilfa/ToHeart2), Mizuhashi Kaori (Taeko/Ai yori Aoshi, Yuuno Scrya/Nanoha, Ai/ARIA, Ogiue/Genshiken), Takahashi Chiaki (Mitsuki/KgNE, Takako/Otoboku).director: Shimoda Masami (Someday's Dreamers, Zegapain, Polyphonica1)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Jigoku Shoujo, Sayonara Zetsubou, Natsume Yuujinchou).animation: DogaKobo (Ryoko's Case File, Myself;Yourself, Koihime Musou). chara-des: Hara Shoji (Sasami Magical Girl). animation supervisor: Hara Shoji (Sasami, Akasaka).OP Ayane, ED Asriel.trailer. forum. subs: SFW.12?eps.thu 01 oct 26:00To(jp: TO���トゥー���)space adventureAfter producing the first computer-animated Appleseed film and directing Vexille, director Sori Fumihiko is now adapting two stories from Yukinobu Hoshino's 2001 Nights (2001 Ya Monotogari) manga. "Symbiotic Planet" and "Elliptical Orbit" are part of a centuries-long narrative about mankind's voyages into space.The two animated stories will be released simultaneously on DVDs which the distributor (Avex) will begin renting in Japanese video stores on October 2. No other release plans have been officially announced yet.Paku Romi, Fukuyama Jun, Ohtsuka Akio, Hirano Aya. Space fiction and a great cast? I'm there.seiyuus: Ohtsuka Akio, Paku Romi, Fukuyama Jun, Hirano Aya.director: Sori Fumihiko (Appleseed, Vexille)writer: Hoshino Yukinobu (mangaka). CG: Miyazaki Hirokazu.sound design: Kasamatsu Kouji (Hellsing, Appleseed).music: Takahashi Tetsuya (Appleseed).trailer. OVA. 1-2 of 2eps.fri 02 octTatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra(jp: 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra)shounen fantasyIn the story of the light novels, all the dead people of the world have been turned into "books" stored in the Bantorra library. A boy named Koria has had his memories erased and his chest embedded with a bomb. He is sent to kill Hamyuttsu Meseta, the world's most powerful armed librarian. However, he falls in love at first sight with this beautiful woman, who is in charge of the "books," and he becomes enveloped in the great war over the library. (ann)Top cast inludes Paku Romi, Ogawa Toru, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka and more big stars. Top writer Okada Mari did true tears, Vampire Knight, and Toradora. But director Shinohara Toshiya did Gunparade Orchestra and Kuroshitsuji, neither of which did much for me. We'll see how this goes. From Studio David Production, animators of Code Geass R2.Not my genre, but could be good.seiyuus: Paku Romi, Ogawa Toru, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ishida Akira, Hirohashi Ryou, Miyake Kenta, Irino Miyu, Kawasumi Ayako.director: Shinohara Toshiya (Gunparade Orchestra, Kuroshitsuji)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Vampire Knight, Toradora, Canaan, Kodomo no Jikan). Yamagata Ishio (novels).animation: David Production (Code Geass R2). chara-des: Yamada Masaki (Appleseed, Magical Kanan).sound director: Motoyama Satoshi (Haibane Renmei, Bartender, Skip Beat). music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Strawberry Panic, Death Note, Real Drive). OP Ali Project, ED Annabel.trailer. forum. subs: AnimeHimitsu?, Enigma Collective. 13?eps.fri 02 oct 22:00To Aru Kagaku no Railgun(jp: とある科学の超電磁砲���レールガン���)seinen superpower comedySidestory from To Aru Majutsu no Index. The story is set in Academy City, where 80% of the 230,000 citizens are students, and deals with the adventures of level-five psychic Misaka Mikoto.The director of Toradora and the writer of Asatte no Houkou bring us the animation of this popular seinen superpower comedy novel. Same studio as Index -- JC Staff -- but the director and writer are new. The novels were both written by Kamachi Kazuma.Interesting cast, with Toyosaki Aki back as the moe voice of the day. She and the wonderful Arai Satomi back up Abe Atsushi, Satou Rina, and Itou Kanae.seiyuus: Abe Atsushi, Satou Rina, Itou Kanae, Arai Satomi, Toyosaki Aki.director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (Honey Clover 2, Toradora, Idolmaster X)writer: Minakami Seishi (Asatte no Houkou, Birdy2, Shigurui). Kamachi Kazuma (creator).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Hajimura Kiyotaka, Tanaka Yuichi (Last Exile).sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo Mashimaro, Aoi Hana, Toradora). music: Iuchi Maiko (Index). OP fripSide, ED Elisa.trailer. forum. subs: Eclipse?. 12?eps.fri 02 oct 25:30White Album part 2(jp: ホワイトアルバム)The second half of the series that aired last winter. We were left with a very inconclusive conclusion. What are Rina and Eiji's real intentions? Will Yuki and Touya really get together?From a game by Aquaplus. The first series developed slowly and unevenly, but had some strong aspects.seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Mizuki Nana, Maeno Tomoaki, Takamoto Megumi, Masu Nozomi, Paku Romi, Tomatsu Haruka, Sakaguchi Daisuke (Keel/Tideline Blue, Sunohara/Clannad), Hayami Shou (Maximilian Jenius/Macross7, Julious/Angelique).director: Yoshimura Akira (new, dir. eps of Planetes, Samurai Champloo, Gundam00, etc.)writer: Satou Hiroaki (dir. Yoshimune).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Yoshinari Kou, Kawata Hisashi.sound director: Shioya Yoku. music: Elements Garden. OP: Mizuki Nana, ED: Suara.trailer. forum. subs: Eclipse?. eps. 14-26.fri 02 oct 25:30Seitokai no Ichizon(jp: 生徒会の一存)comedyA private high school has a student council chosen entirely by popular vote. Ken Sugisaki is the only male on the otherwise all-girl council. Only council members are allowed to enter the "sacred sanctuary" of the council's meeting room. The Council President records the minutes of the meetings, which consist of daily conversations about the students. (adb)A cast largely made up of new or unknown seiyuus is directed by Satou Takuya, who directed Ichigo Mashimaro (a good thing) and Mission-E (not so good). The writer is Hanada Jukki, who did Rozen Maiden and sola. From a series of light novels.seiyuus: Honda Mariko, Saitou Yuka (Lucifer/Umineko), Togashi Misuzu, Horinaka Yuki, Kondo Takashi (Train/Black Cat, Ralph/Strain, Ariabart/Tytania).director: Sato Takuya (Ichigo Mashimaro, Mission-E)writer: Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, Sorakake Girl). Aoi Sekina (creator).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Horii Kumi, Inugami Kira (orig).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu.forum. subs: Nuke.13eps.fri 02 oct 25:58Inuyasha: The Final Act(jp: 犬夜叉 完結編)adventure, comedy, romanceThis series will cover the story in volumes 36 to 56 of the manga. The first series lasted from 2001-2004, with over 160 episodes. Then there have been specials and movies, the last of which was in 2004. But the show continues to be popular in re-run, and there is plenty of excitement at seeing the old cast and staff return.Aoki Yasunao directs, as he has since about halfway through the first series. And what a cast: Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, Kuwashima Houko, Yajima Akiko, Yukana, Cho, Noto Mamiko, et al.seiyuus: Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, Kuwashima Houko, Tsujitani Kouji, Watanabe Kumiko, Yajima Akiko, Yukana, Cho, Noto Mamiko, Morikawa Toshiyuki.director: Aoki Yasunao (Inuyasha 45+, Yakitate Japan)writer: Sumisawa Katsuyuki (Ryu Knight, Gundam Wing, Naruto, Yakitate Japan). Takahashi Rumiko (mangaka).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Hishinuma Yoshihito. animation supervisor: Hishinuma Yoshihito.sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Wada Kaoru (D. Gray Man, Gilgamesh, Inuyasha, Princess Tutu).forum. 13+?eps.sat 03 octSeiken no Blacksmith(jp: 聖剣の刀鍛冶���ブラックスミス���)shounen fantasy adventureAfter a great war, the devils' power was sealed. Later, a young noblewoman knight, Cecily Campbell, is looking for a blacksmith who can repair the sword she inherited from her father. She comes upon a young blacksmith who despatches a gang of hoodlums with one sweep of his own mysterious sword. And their adventure begins. Based on a boys' light novel series by Isao Miura.Good cast: Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Layfon in Regios), Toyoguchi Megumi, Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On). I'm not so sure about the director (Pokemon, Linebarrels) and the writer (Shuffle, Kanokon). Animation by Manglobe (Ergo Proxy, Michiko to Hatchin).Shounen fans are highly optimistic about this one, but the staff makes me pessimistic. To say nothing of the fact that this isn’t a genre I love. Worth a look, however.seiyuus: Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano/Kaze no Stigma, Kyouka/Kyouran Kazoku), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, Layfon/Regios), Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy/Black Lagoon, Klan/MacrossF), Toyosaki Aki (Yui/K-On).director: Hidaka Masamitsu (Pokemon, Linebarrels)writer: Suzuki Masashi (Shuffle, Kanokon, Minami-ke Okawari). Miura Isao (novels).animation: Manglobe (Ergo Proxy, Michiko to Hatchin production). chara-des: Runa (orig), Nakai Jun (Tokyo Majin).sound director: Yano Satoshi (recording engineer RahXephon, Blood+, Shangri-la). music: Terashima Tamiya (Glass Mask, Jyuushin Enbu). OP Gotou Mayumi, ED Toyosaki Aki..trailer. subs: Saikyo, Nuke, Kesenai?,Koharubi. forum. 12?eps.sat 03 oct 09:30Shugo Chara Party!(jp: しゅごキャラパーティー���)The third Shugo Chara series will be part anime and part live-action. The show will contain three elements: the continued anime, known as Shugo Chara DokkiDoki; some anime shorts known as Shugo Chara Pucchi Puchi; and some live-action.The live-action will be interesting, as will the fact that the OP will be sung by the Shugo Chara Egg teen idol group, whose final member is being chosen by open audition.seiyuus: Itou Kanae, Katou Nanae, Toyosaki Aki, Takagi Reiko, Miyake Kaya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Mizuki Nana, Chiba Saeko.director: Yasuda Kenjiwriter: Ohnogi Hiroshi. Peach-Pit (orig).animation: Satellite. chara-des: Sai Fumihide.OP Shugo Chara Egg!subs: Crunchyroll?.sat 03 oct 09:30Tegami Bachi(jp: テガミバチ)heartwarming fantasy dramaLittle-known special from late last year gets an anime series. Outstanding cast stars Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Koshimizu Ami.New director, a writer who did work on Death Note and I"s Pure, animation by Kanbe Mamoru (director of Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo) for Studio Pierrot. From a manga.Last year's special can be seen here. I liked the special and am looking forward to this. Music by Kunihiko Ryou (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku, Emma)seiyuus: Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Koshimizu Ami, Nagasawa Naomi, Nakai Kazuya, Kishio Daisuke, Suganuma Hisayoshi, Mizuki Nana.director: Iwanaga Akira (new, work on I's Pure, Bleach, Gunslinger Girl)writer: Oishi Testsuya (work on Death Note, I's Pure). Asada Hiroyuki (mangaka).animation: Studio Pierrot. chara-des: Shiba Minako (D. Gray Man, Kuroshitsuji, Phantom). animation supervisor: Kanbe Mamoru (dir. Elfen Lied, I's Pure, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Kunihiko Ryou (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku, Emma). OP Suga Shikao, ED Himeka.trailer. forum. subs: Last Impressions, Mochi, Kesenai. 13+eps.sat 03 oct 22:55Tentai Senshi Sunred 2(jp: 天体戦士サンレッド)seinen comedyTentai Senshi Sunred is a powerful, battle tested hero of many years. He has sold his super bike, which is seen in the opening credits. Now he smokes a lot, is effectively unemployed, and lives by the grace of his girlfriend, Kayoko Uchida. His arch enemies in the Evil Florsheim Army are still trying to take over the world. Under the direction of their local leader, Vamp, they help members of the community, run a cooking show, assist Kayoko Uchida whenever possible, and try to attack the ever powerful Sunred. A light parody of the Japanese hero general. (ann)Directed by new director Matsumoto Takehiko, under the supervision of original director Kishi Seji (dir. Seto no Hanayome). I've never watched this show, but it has some strong followers, and the comedy may work for you. I'll give it a go myself.seiyuus: Takagi Shun, Nabei Makiko, Louis LIII Yamada.director: Matsumoto Takehiko (new). chfdir: Kishi Seiji (dir. Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome)writer: Uezu Makoto (Utawarerumono, Seto no Hanayome, School Days, Akasaka).animation: AIC A.S.T.A.. chara-des: Morita Kazuaki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred).music: Kakijima Shinji (Sunred). OP manzo.trailer. forum. subs: ANBU. 13+eps.sat 03 oct 23:30Yumeiro Pâtissière(jp: 夢色パティシエール)family shoujo cookingEarly Sunday morning show about a girl who wants to be the best pâtissière possible. Young Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki in Kure-nai) gets her second starring role of the fall.Director Suzuki Ko has been around a long time, but has only directed one show previously: a 1997 OVA called Princess Rouge. Writer Yamada Takashi, however, did Onegai My Melody and Marie & Gali.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Taketatsu Ayana, Hamazoe Shinya, Yonaga Tsubasa.director: Suzuki Kouwriter: Yamada Takashi (Onegai My Melody, Marie & Gali). Matsumoto Natsumi.animation: Pierrot. chara-des: Akiyama Yukiko.sound director: Tanaka Kazuya.forum. 13?eps.sun 04 oct 07:00Sora no Otoshimono(jp: そらのおとしもの)comic ecchi sci-fi romantic fantasyTomoki loves his peaceful life in a country town, but a strange girl often enters his dreams, asking for his help. One night, a buxom angel suddenly falls on him from the sky. She turns out to be an "entertainment purpose angeloid" -- and his peaceful life is done. I've read some of the manga, and it is ecchi comic fantasy, but with some interesting sci-fi ideas, too, and a bit of romance.Director Saitou Hisashi did Bamboo Blade and the little-known but hilarious Kigurumikku.Great cast features Hayami Saori, Takagaki Ayahi, and Hoshi Souichirou. Hayamin's popularity is growing quickly with her performance in the virally popular new DS dating game Love Plus.Takagaki Ayahi's career seems to be catching up with her talent. She co-stars in this show and stars in Sasameki Koto. Her range of voice and acting keeps growing.This show sounds a lot like Sekirei on the surface, but the manga doesn’t feel at all the same.seiyuus: Hoshi Souichirou (Kei/Onegai Teacher, Kaoru/Ai yori Aoshi, Kira/GundamSD), Hayami Saori, Nomizu Iori, Takagaki Ayahi, Mina, Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War).director: Saitou Hisashi (Bamboo Blade, Kigurumikku v3)writer: Kakihara Yuuko (Kamichama Karin, Stitch!). Minazuki Suu (manga).animation: AIC A.S.T.A.. chara-des: Watanabe Yoshihiro (Yoakena).OP Yoshida Hitomi.trailer. forum. subs: Nekomimi, Hitode/Genjo, Mochi. 12?eps.sun 04 oct 24:00Kanokon ~Manatsu no Daishanikusai~(jp: かのこん ���真夏の大謝肉祭���)ecchi comedy, romance, supernaturalSummertime. More nudity and over-the-top ecchiness. Director Ootsuki Atsushi hit gold with Kanokon as his first directing job, and now gets this new two-episode OVA series. Maybe not the most artistic anime ever, but championship-caliber fanservice.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Takeuchi Miyu (Nozomu, Aldra/Queen's Blade), Miyazaki Ui (Kirino/Gift, Suzuho/Macademi), Saitou Chiwa, Seto Saori (many bit parts since 2005), Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen, Kaname/Umisho).director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon was his debut)writer: Suzuki Masashi (Shuffle, Gift, Minamike Okawari). Nishino Katsumi (manga).animation: Xebec (Fafner, Major, Pandora Hearts, To LoveRu). chara-des: Koin (orig), Takami Akio (Shaman King, Busou Renkin, Kanokon). animation supervisor: Takami Akio (Shaman King, Busou Renkin).sound director: Nakajima Toshihiko (Kemonozume, Rideback). music: Itou Tsuyoshi. OP Sakakibara Yui, ED Miyazaki Ui.trailer. forum. subs: Ayako?. OVA. 1/2eps. TV preview showing 4oct, 11oct; DVD 25nov, 22dec.sun 04 oct 25:00Natsu no Arashi 2(jp: 夏のあらし���春夏冬中)romantic comedy with time travelAnother quality show from Shinbou Akiyuki, but one whose recent first season never quite reeled me in.Sanpei Yuuko does an excellent job as a shounen. Nazuka Kaori is as ethereal as ever as a German girl.Writer Takayama Katsuhiko adapted both ef shows.Worth a look.seiyuus: Shiraishi Ryouko, Sanpei Yuuko, Omigawa Chiaki, Nazuka Kaori, Nabatami Hitomi, Horie Yui, Nonaka Ai, Sugita Tomokazu, Yasumoto Hiroki.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Takayama Katsuhiko (both efs, Hantsuki). Kobayashi Jin (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Ota Kazuhiro (Negima, PaniPoni).OP Yakushimaru Etsuko.trailer. forum. subs: SFW, Crunchyroll?. 13eps.sun 04 oct 25:30Miracle Train: Ooedo-sen e Youkoso(jp: ミラクル☆トレイン���大江戸線へようこそ���)bishounen comedyAnime adaptation of the Miracle Train multimedia franchise, which portrays stops on Tokyo’s Chuo commuter train line as handsome young men.Now, that sounds just weird, except for all the bishounen. But wait a minute: who's the director? Kasai Kenichi, the director of Nodame Cantabile, Honey & Clover, KimiKiss and Aoi Hana? Are you kidding?After the stunningly simple and subtle direction of Aoi Hana, I can’t wait to see what Kasai can do with this odd setup, clearly made possible by the success of Hetalia Axis Powers.seiyuus: Kenn, Sugita Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Ono Daisuke, Kaji Yuuki, Morita Masakazu.director: Kasai Kenichi (Aoi Hana, KimiKiss, Nodame Cantabile, Honey & Clover)writer: Kato Yoichi (script work TM8, Shangri-la).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Corda D'Oro, Harukanaru). chara-des: Kai Tomohisa, Tsunaki Aki. animation supervisor: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Yu-Gi-Oh).sound director: Watanabe Jun (Pumpkin Scissors, KimiAru, Hayate).trailer. forum. 12+eps.sun 04 oct 26:00Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Ryōran Sangokushi Engi(jp: 真・恋姫†無双 ���乙女繚乱☆三国志演義���)ecchi-yuri historical fantasySurprisingly successful yuri parody of Three Kingdoms gets another series. Director Nakanishi Nobuaki did the hilarious Kashimashi and Sumomomomomo. Writer Go Zappa did the rather poor Chocotto Sister and Myself;Yourself. Together they produced a first season that was entertaining for most of its run and which had some hilarious moments, as well as lots of ecchi-yuri ones.The seiyuu are largely game seiyuu, the same ones who voiced the original ero-game.seiyuus: Gotou Mai (Mai/Yoakena, Mizuki/ef), Kurokawa Nami (Raika/Demonbane, Tamaki/DCSS), Nishizawa Hiroka (Asa/Sora no Iro), Narumi Erika (Kagami/Lamune), Motoi Emi (Naoko/CCS), Kobayashi Maki, Amamiya Yuu (Chiharu/KimiAru).director: Nakanishi Nobuaki (Kashimashi, Sumomomo Momomo, Koihime Musou)writer: Go Zappa (Chocotto Sister, Myself;Yourself; Koihime Musou). BaseSon (original game).animation: DogaKobo. chara-des: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Hit wo Nerae, Love Love, Koihime Musou). animation supervisor: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Love Love; Koihime Musou).trailer. forum. subs: Ayako?, AnimeOne/Menclave? 12?eps.mon 05 oct 11:30. ep1 preview broadcast oct1.Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu(jp: あにゃまる探偵 キルミンずぅ)magical girl comedyIn this "heartwarming comedy," three cute sisters come across a mysterious cosmetics compact in an attic. With it, the girls go from cosplay to a magical transformation into real animals. And start solving mysteries.Stars young Yuuki Aoi, who was Murasaki in Kurenai. Project developed by Kawamori Shoji, the creator of Macross. Directed by Masui Soichi, director of Scrapped Princess. As childish as it appears to be, this show may have something going for it.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki/Kurenai), Satou Satomi (Ritsu/K-On), Anzai Chika, Tamura Mutsumi (Toppa/Battle Spirits Shounen Toppa), Ikebe Kumiko, Tange Sakura (Sakura/CCS), Nojima Kenji (Haruhiko/Touka Gettan, Masaki/Eve no Jikan), Neya Michiko (Honey/Cutie Honey, Melissa Mao/FMP, Riza Hawkeye/FMA1).director: Masui Soichi (Scrapped Princess, storyboards for Soul Eater, Edo Rocket, Melody Oblivion)writer: Kawamori Shoji (creator; dir. Macrosses, Aquarion, created Basquash). Matsuda Eriko (Itazura na Kiss eps), Yuuki Yousuke.animation: Hal, Satelight, JM. chara-des: Aizawa Sumie (dir. eps of Kemeko).sound director: Gotou Masahiro. 13?eps.mon 05 oct 17:30Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza(jp: 乃木坂春香の秘密 ぴゅあれっつぁ♪)moe comedyIn the first series, our protagonist discovered that school princess Nogizaka Haruka was actually a secret otaku. He kept her secret and they became boy friend and girl friend. Based on a series of light novels.Good cast stars Noto Mamiko. The first series was funny, moe, and slightly ecchi. I spent a lot of time defending it on AnimeSuki. But it didn’t really have enough to it to last a full season, so I'm not sure it has much to give us in a second season.Director Nawa Munenori did Otome wa Boku ni Koi wo Shiteru. The writer who adapted the novels for anime (Tsuyoshi Tamai) did the same for Inukami.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Hatano Wataru (Shuuichi/Monochrome), Gotou Mai, Satou Rina, Shimizu Kaori, Ueda Kana, Matsuki Miyu, Nabatame Hitomi, Kugimiya Rie.director: Nawa Munenori (DCSS, Otoboku)writer: Tsuyoshi Tamai (Inukami).animation: Diomedea (formerly Studio Barcelona). chara-des: Ishino Satoshi (Puni Puni Poemi); Shaa (orig).OP Milan Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers. ED N's.trailer. forum. subs: m33w, Aquastar? 12?eps.mon 05 oct 26:14Kobato(jp: こばと)young shoujo romantic adventureClamp arrives again, in full regalia, with writing by Ohkawa Nanase and Yokote Michiko. The director of Chi's Sweet Home gets a chance with human characters.Kobato is a sweet and perky girl, but extremely naïve about the world. She has a mission to fill a mysterious bottle with the suffering from people's hearts so her wish to go a certain place can be granted. However, she must not fall in love with a particular boy she works with and whose heart she must heal….Hanazawa Kana sounds perfect for the lead. Sakamoto Maaya does the OP and Nakajima Megumi the ED.seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Inada Tetsu (Kurogane/Tsubasa), Maeno Tomoaki, Orikasa Fumiko, Kuwashima Houko, Nakajima Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, Saitou Chiwa.director: Masuhara Mitsuyuki (Chi's Sweet Home/New Address)writer: Ohkawa Nanase (CCS, Xxxholic). Yokote Michiko (Princess Tutu, Genshiken, Valkyria Chr.).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kato Hiromi (Needless, dir. Beck). animation supervisor: Tazaki Satoshi (Rideback).sound director: Mima Masafumi, Nakajima Toshihiko. music: Hama Takeshi. OP Sakamoto Maaya, ED Nakajima Megumi.forum. subs: ACG/The14th, gg?, Generation NeXt, Yuurisan. 24eps.tue 06 oct 20:00Kimi ni Todoke(jp: 君に届け)shoujo romanceKuronuma Sawako’s one wish in life is to make friends. That’s a difficult proposition when everyone who meets her cowers in terror at her dark expression and strange manner. The class nicknames her Sadako (as in The Ring). She admires her classmate Kazehaya-kun, a popular, easygoing and "100% refreshing" guy who is nice to everyone, even her. (ann)Voted best shoujo manga of 2008. Director Kaburaki Hiro gets his first full anime, after having done episodes of NHK. Writer Kanparu Tomoko has a longer resume: she wrote Nodame Cantabile and Genji Sennenki, among many other shows.Noto Mamiko and Namikawa Daisuke play the leads, and are surrounded with a stunning supporting cast including Sanpei Yuuko, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Hirano Aya.I love the manga, and I’ll be right there for the start of this show.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Namikawa Daisuke (Rock/Black Lagoon), Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami/Xam'd), Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya/Clannad), Hirano Aya.director: Kaburaki Hiro (Welcome to NHK storyboards and epdir)writer: Kanparu Tomoko (Nodame Cantabile, Genji Sennenki). Shiina Karuho (mangaka).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Shibata Yuka (key animator).sound director: Yamada Tomoaki (Death Note, Real Drive).forum. subs: Frostii?, Formula? 12?eps.tue 06 oct 24:59Today in Class 5-2 -- Takarabako(jp: 今日の5の2 宝箱���仮���)ecchi heartwarming grade-school comedyThe ecchi grade-school comedy gets another OVA. Only occasionally funny, for me, and sometimes a bit too loli-ecchi even for my liberal taste.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna/Negima, Mriya/MariaHolic), Shimoda Asami (Ameri/Tayutama), Asumi Kana (Yuno/Hidamari, Marin/Umi Monogatari), Akesaka Satomi (Miho/Suzuka, Nanonano/Galaxy Angelune), Honda Youko (Itsuka/Uta-kata), Takagaki Ayahi (Noe/true tears), Mako (Yurie/Kamichu), Yamato Megumi.director: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi (new)writer: Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi). Sakuraba Koharu (mangaka).animation: Xebec. chara-des: Chikaoka Nao (Minami-ke).sound director: Kameyama Toshiki (Nanoha, Red Garden, MariaHolic). music: Haneoka Kai (Negima, Himawari).trailer. forum. OVA. sold with a special collection of the manga.sun 06 oct 25:30ToHeart2 adplus(jp: ToHeart2 adplus)moe romantic comedyThe second and final episode of another OVA in the perennially just-popular-enough ToHeart franchise. If nothing else, these shows give Ochiai Yurika some work.And I must admit that they can be enjoyable, lame as they may seem. Of course, their main function is to provide a firm foundation for continuing streams of ancillary goods.Director Sakata Junichi is a long-time storyboarder (NANA, Inukami) who directed Kaze no Stigma. This is his first ToHeart show. (Moonphase and jp.Wikipedia say the director is Katou Yasuhisa. My info is from the official site.)seiyuus: Sakurai Hiromi, Yamakawa Kotomi, Hagiwara Emiko, Ochiai Yurika, Itou Shizuka, Honda Chieko, Natsuki Rio, Ono Ryouko, Kogure Ema.director: Sakata Junichi (Kaze no Stigma, storyboards for Nana, Inukami, etc.).writer: Kobayashi Naruo, Kouno Takamitsu, Sakurajima Eki (? 桜島液).animation: Aquaplus/Chaos Project. chara-des: Yanagisawa Masahide, Katsura Keiichirou, Katou Yasuhisa; Mitsumi Miri, Kawata Hisami.. animation supervisor: Yanagisawa Masahide (ToHeart2, Bottle Fairy).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.wed 07 octCheburashka Arere?(jp: チェブラーシカ あれれ���)kidsBased on the Russian "national character" Cheburashka. From Eduard Uspensky's story about a mysterious creature who gets accidentally transported to Russia in a box of oranges.The second production -- after Princess Lover -- for new studio GoHands.Star Oohashi Nozomi is only ten years old. She made her debut at the age of three starring in a drama. At eight, she sang the title theme to Ghibli's Ponyo.Director Kudou Susumu did the underrated ecchi comedy KimiAru. Writer Shimada Michiru did Shugo Chara and Konnichiwa Anne. Good staff gives this show possibilities.seiyuus: Oohashi Nozomi (ten years old), Tsuchida Hiroshi (Yamazaki/Honey & Clover), Chou (Mine's father/Nodame Cantabile).director: Kudou Susumu (Koisuru Tenshi Angelique, KimiAru)writer: Shimada Michiru (Shugo Chara, Konnichiwa Anne). supervising editor: Nakamura Makoto (lead writer Noramimi, Princess Lover).animation: GoHands (Princess Lover). chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Lain, Koi Kaze, Baccano).subs: II-Subs? 26x3mineps.wed 07 oct 07:30Sasameki Koto(jp: ささめきこと)yuri school romanceSumika is in love with her friend Ushio, but Ushio only shows interest in cutesy girls, and Sumika is a tall karate star who helps run her family's dojo. She is forced to watch from the sidelines as Ushio falls for girl after girl, none of them her. So far.Takagaki Ayahi as Sumika is a big draw for me. Takamoto Megumi, Katou Emiri, Saitou Chiwa, and 16-year-old Shimizu Ayaka are also in the cast.Director Suganuma Eiji did a good job with Kodomo no Jikan, and writer Kurata Hideyuki wrote ROD the TV and Kannagi.The manga is not at the level of Aoi Hana, but is still funny and touching.seiyuus: Takagaki Ayahi (Noe/true tears, Ein/Phantom), Takamoto Megumi (Chao Rinshen/Negima, Misaki/White Album), Katou Emiri (Kagami/Lucky Star, Mayoi/Bakemonogatari), Shimizu Ayaka (age 16?), Harada Hitomi, Saitou Chiwa, Makiguchi Mayuki.director: Suganuma Eiji (Kodomo no Jikan)writer: Kurata Hideyuki (ROD the TV, Kannagi). Ikeda Takashi (mangaka).animation: AIC. chara-des: Inomata Masami.sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kanamemo). OPED Kiyoura Natsumi.forum. subs: Chihiro. 12?eps.wed 07 oct 26:20Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini(jp: DARKER THAN BLACK -流星の双子(ジェミニ)-)mystery violence science fictionSecond season of Okamura Tensai's dark sci-fi adventure. I enjoyed the first series, and now Hanazawa Kana and Kuwashima Houko join the cast.Hei and Yin are now on the run after betraying the Syndicate in the previous season. After leaving Japan, Hei encounters Suou Pavlichenko (Hanazawa), a 13-year-old Eurasian girl embroiled in the war and politics of various factions vying for power.Meanwhile, Hell's Gate remains standing in Tokyo, after Hei's efforts to stop the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating. Although Contractors are safe from the danger of having their existences erased, this does not prevent new and old Contractors from abusing their powers.As Misaki Kirihara and her team in the Public Security Bureau deal with increasing numbers of Contractor cases, she also has to keep at bay the Syndicate, which has major positions in the Japanese police and intelligence bureaus around the world. (ann)seiyuus: Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren/NANA), Hanazawa Kana, Kuwashima Houko, Hori Katsunosuke, Matsukaze Masaya, Miyake Kenta, Saiga Mitsuki, Mizuki Nana (not mentioned on official site).director: Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My-Hime, Macross F), Okada Mari (true tears, Canaan). also Onishi Shinsuke (The Third), Suga Shoutarou (scripts GITS:SAC, Eureka 7, etc.).animation: Bones. chara-des: Iwahara Yuji, Komori Takahiro (Angelic Layer, Scrapped Princess). animation supervisor: Komori Takahiro (also RahXephon, Wolf's Rain).sound director: Wakabayashi Kazuhiro (Escaflowne, Princess Mononoke, Eureka 7). music: Ishii Yasunori.trailer. forum. subs: Koharubi, Yoroshi?, Anime-Devils?, FTV?, BSS? 12?eps.thu 08 oct 25:25Gokyoudai Monogatari(jp: ご姉弟物語)comedyFrom the award-winning comic manga (Baka Kyoudai "Idiot Siblings") about twins who are like the mascots of a shopping street in lower Tokyo.Great starring cast of Matsuoka Yuki and Kobayashi Yumiko as the twins, with Ohara Sayaka as the woman who looks after them in the absence of their parents.One season of about 13 weeks. Staff not yet announced. The setup and especially the cast make this intriguing.seiyuus: Matsuoka Yuki, Kobayashi Yumiko, Ohara Sayaka.writer: Adachi Tetsu (mangaka of Baka Kyoudai).one season of about 13 episodes.sat 10 oct 11:20Aoi Bungaku(jp: 青い文学)Anime adaptations of four literary masterpieces: Soseki Natsume's Kokoro (character design by mangaka Obata Takeshi of Death Note), Dazai Osamu's No Longer Human (charades by Obata), Akutagawa Ryunosuke's Hell Screen (charades by Bleach creator Kubo Taito), and Dazai's Run, Melos! (charades by Prince of Tennis mangaka Konomi Takeshi).Good writing is a great foundation. I will definitely be thre to see how they can adapt these classic novels to about three episodes each. No more staff info and no cast info available.12eps.sat 10 oct 25:20Fairy Tail(jp: フェアリーテイル)shounen comic adventureStory follows a teenaged girl named Lucy Heartfilia who aims to join the world's most notorious mage guild, Fairy Tail. During a daring rescue, Lucy encounters Natsu "Salamander" Dragneel, a quirky Fairy Tail member and practitioner of the ancient Dragon Slayer magic. Lucy is eventually welcomed into the Fairy Tail guild as she, Natsu, and other members go on various quests. (ann)Long-running manga could become a long-running anime. Hirano Aya scores her sixth role of the fall, three of them starring. Kugimiya Rie, Kakihara Tetsuya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ohara Sayaka -- what's not to like? We'll see what the director of Tokyo Majin can do with this shounen comic classic.seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon/Gurren Lagann), Hirano Aya (Haruhi), Kugimiya Rie (Shana), Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto/MacrossF), Ohara Sayaka (Alicia/ARIA).director: Ishihira Shinji (Tokyo Majin)writer: Sogo Masashi (Gantz, Bleach, Snow Queen). Mashima Hiro (mangaka).animation: A-1/Satelight. chara-des: Yamamoto Aoi 山本碧 (key animator).forum. subs: Kubu, Kyuubi, Generation NeXt, I Eat Anime, Koharubi, SFW. 13++?eps.mon 12 oct 19:30Kaidan Restaurant(jp: 怪談レストラン)kids supernatural"School horror" show based on a series of kids' books that has sold seven million copies since 1996.Magic, monsters, and versions of stories of the supernatural from Japan and around the world.series dir: Ikeda Youko (eps. of One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh)writer: Yonemura Shoji (Guin Saga, Stitch, Glass Fleet). chief editor: Matsutani Myoko.animation: Toei. "drawing" by: Takai Yoshikazu and Katou Kumiko.tue 13 oct 19:30Kiddy Girl-And(jp: キディーガーランド)space adventure w/moeGotou Keiji is back, with his wife Kadonosono Megumi doing the character design, and Kimura Hidefumi doing the writing, as they did for Kiddy Grade, Uta-Kata, and Gigantic Formula.The story is set in Star Century year 0379, two centuries after the original Kiddy Grade anime and about five centuries from now. The spirited Ascoeur and serious Q-feuille work for the galactic government known as GTO. The two girls are training to become secret agents. (ann)New seiyuus Uchida Aya and Gouda Aya are backed up by Mizuhashi Kaori, Kiddy Grade seiyuus Hirano Aya and Nagata Ryouko, and names like Fukuyama Jun, Yukana, and Matsuoka Yuki.Animation producer Kaneko Fumio did Sketchbook. OP by Chihara Minori.The stories may or may not end up working for me (Uta-kata came closest, for me), but I will always watch the first couple of eps of any Gotoh Keiji show.seiyuus: Uchida Aya (Chikara/Munto2), Gouda Aya, Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken), Takizawa Itsuki, Nagata Ryouko (Éclair), Hirano Aya (Lumiere), Yukana, Matsuoka Yuki, Fukuyama Jun.director: Gotoh Keijiwriter: Kimura Hidefumi, gimik (orig).animation: Satelight. chara-des: Kadonosono Megumi. animation supervisor: Kaneko Fumio (Sketchbook).sound director: Satou Junichi (dir. ARIA). OP Chihara Minori. forum.thu 15 oct 24:40Kuuchuu Buranko(jp: 空中ブランコ)uncategorizable josei/seinen?The team that did Mononoke returns with an anime adaptation of Hideo Okuda’s award-winning 2004 novel. The 17th Noitamina presentation.Features the eccentric psychiatrist Irabu Ichirou and his various patients: the disturbed trapeze artist, the obsessive-compulsive neurologist, the professional baseball player who is incapacitated by nervousness. Their neuroses are matched only by their bewilderment at the therapist's eccentricities.One of the most anticipated shows of the season, for good reason.seiyuus: Paku Romi, Mitsuya Yuji (von Kummel/LoGH), Morikawa Toshiyuki, Sakurai Takahiro, Miki Shinichirou.director: Nakamura Kenji (Ayakashi, Mononoke)writer: Ishikawa Manabu (Mononoke screenplay). Okuda Hideo (orig).animation: Toei. chara-des: Hashimoto Toshifumi. animation supervisor: Hashimoto Toshifumi (Mononoke, Karas).sound director: Nagasaki Yukio (Itazura na Kiss, Dragon Ball Kai). music: Mori Hideharu (Yawara, Ranma).forum. 11eps.thu 15oct 24:45Winter Sonata(jp: 冬のソナタ)shoujo/josei romanceThe huge drama hit gets an anime series. Largely Korean production, with some Japanese input. Most of the original Korean actors do the voices.Get out your handkerchiefs. I know I'll be getting out mine. One of the shows I most look forward to this fall.seiyuus: Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo.director: Yoon Suk-howriter: Kim Hyon-wan (sp?).animation: G&G Entertainment×JM Animation. chara-des: draft by Nakayama Daisuke (studio realthing, ex-Studio 4 degrees C).sound director: Yu He-jyun (sp?).trailer. forum. subs: Koharubi, Saikyo, Live-Evil. 26eps.sat 17 oct 12:00Hidamari Sketch x 365(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×365)slice-of-life comedyThere's a new series coming, but first, here is a two-episode OVA of another of Shinbou's many successful franchises.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyuki.writer: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).sound director: Kameyama Toshiuki (MoonPhase, Red Garden, Nanoha Strikers). music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuu, ED marble.trailer. forum. subs: SoonSubs?, WinD?. OVA. 1/2eps. part 1 oct17, part 2 oct24sat 17 oct 24:30Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri(jp: まほろまてぃっく ただいま◇おかえり)ecchi comedy sci-fi romanceAfter a six-year hiatus, here is a two-episode OVA of the automatic maiden, one of Kawasumi Ayako's signature roles.The staff of the OVAs (but not the original series) returns, with the exception of an interesting new writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko, who wrote Monster, Strawberry Panic, and Saki.Mangaka Ditama Bow also did kissxsis.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Shimizu Ai, Takimoto Fujiko, Kikuchi Yumi, Mizuno Manabi, Sanada Asami, Ogihara Hideki, Kisaichi Atsushi, Koyasu Takehito.director: Saeki Shouji (FLCL, Ugly Beautiful World, He is My Master)writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic, Saki).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Ditama Bow (manga), Takamura Kazuhiko (Mahoromatic, Ugly Beautiful, dir. Strike Witches). animation supervisor: Takamura Kazuhiko (Mahoromatic, Ugly Beautiful, dir. Strike Witches).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kanamemo, etc.). music: Masuda Toshio (Naruto, Mushi-shi, Ai yori Aoshi). OP Kawasumi Ayako, ED seiyuus.forum. OVA. 2eps.sat 17 oct 25:00 ep2 oct24Kemono to Chat(jp: けものとチャット)family comicAdaptation of Takayuki Mizushina's Kemono to Chat ("Chatting with Creatures") comic-strip manga.The story centers on high-school freshman Kenomoto Chacha, a girl who can understand the language of cats and speak with them.Brilliant cast stars Sakamoto Maaya, Ueda Kana, and Yahagi Sayuri. This is the director's first anime, but he is apparently well known for 3DCG design.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Ueda Kana, Yahagi Sayuri.director: Umoto Yuujiwriter: Mizushina Takayuki (creator).animation: Usagi.Ou (founded in April 2008).OVA. 1/1eps.23 octShakugan no Shana S(jp: 灼眼のシャナS)shounen supernatural adventure w/moeThis four-episode OVA will be followed by what is supposed to be one final Shana series. One of the great shounen franchises of the past few years, but I have never liked it much, myself.seiyuus: Kugimiya Rie, Hino Satoshi.director: Watanabe Takashi (Shana)writer: Kobayashi Yasuko (Claymore, Casshern Sins, Shana). Takahashi Yashichirou (novel).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Itou Noizi (orig; Shana, Haruhi, Nanatsuiro Drops), Otsuka Mai (Shana).sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Genshiken, Ichigo mashimaro, Nodame Cantabile). music: Otani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Pumpkin Scissors, Shana). OPED Kawada Mami.trailer. forum. OVA. 1/4eps.23 octShoujo Fight(jp: 少女ファイト)sports, seinen"The story follows Neri Ooishi, a high school girl who is a talented volleyball player. She once was the captain of an elementary school team that went all the way to the national tournament. However, she spent three years as an alternate at a junior high school renowned for its volleyball program. Now she is in high school with new teammates, and she gets a chance to prove herself again. " (ann)Cast not yet announced, but it is supposed to be the same amazing group that did the drama CD: Mizuki Nana, Noto Mamiko, Watanabe Akeno, Kobayashi Yuu, Yukana, Ohara Sayaka, Yuzuki Ryouka, Kuwashima Houko, Nakamura Yuuichi, Suzumura Kenichi, Namikawa Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, et al.writer: Nihonbashi Youko (manga and anime).animation: Production IG. OP BLiSTAR.OVA. 1/1eps. sold with v6 of manga.fri 23 octRomance of the Three Kingdoms(jp: 三國演義)historical adventureChina-Japan co-production is already being shown on Chinese TV. I've seen the first two episodes in Chinese, and it is a big, serious production, following the original novel fairly closely.The other end of the scale from Koihime Musou, and shows Liu Bei in a completely different way from Souten Kouro. Seems like the real thing, even though the approach is a bit old-fashioned.animation: Beijing Glorious Animation x Future Planet.trailer. subs: Huzzah?, FTV?. 52eps.octoberTo Love-Ru OVA(jp: OVA ToLOVEる)ecchi science fiction comedyModerately successful ecchi comedy gets yet another OVA. It appears that they will keep releasing them, one per manga volume, for at least two more volumes.A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Outstanding cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Tomatsu and Yahagi combine for the OP and ED.seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka.director: Kato Takao (Busou Renkin, Rockman.EXE)writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, Simoun).animation: Xebec.sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.trailer. forum.OVA. 4/? eps. comes with v16 of manga. OVA5 w/v17 in feb.wed 04 nov 25:55Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Bangaichi(jp: 懺・さよなら絶望先生)Another successful season begets another OVA series for what is now one of the most successful franchises of recent years. The world's most negative man teaches a class of fairly odd high-school girls. Hilarious, for those who like the style of humor.After his brush with death in a motorcycle accident near the end of recording Honey & Clover, Kamiya Hiroshi has come back to be one of the top male seiyuus of all, having won the award as best leading man of 2008 for this role and that of Natsume in Natsume Yuujinchou.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Marina, Tanii Asuka, Sanada Asami, Kobayashi Yuu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara). Kumeta Kouji (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki (REC, D.Gray-man, Sayonara, MariaHolic).trailer. forum. OVA. 1/2eps. comes with v19 of manga.tue 17 novkissxsis(jp: kiss×sis)ecchi comedy with incestDVD comes with volume 5 of the extremely ecchi manga, about a high-school boy whose two (non-blood-related) sisters are constantly trying to get into his pants. Episode one, while not that well made, was as hilariously over the top as the manga. Borderline hentai.seiyuus: Takeuchi Ken, Taketatsu Ayana, Tatsumi Yuiko.director: Nawa Munenoriwriter: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel. chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard). animation supervisor: Shitaya Tomoyuki; Masuda Kuniaki (Kanamemo).sound director: Kikuta Hiromi.trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 20 novAIKa ZERO(jp: AIKa ZERO)ecchi comedySecond episode of "the return of the legendary low-angle, sexy action anime in an all-new OVA series." In this story, set in a future world (mostly submerged under water), the 19-year-old Aika Sumeragi is going to college while training as an agent. (ann)This show is all legs, boobs and guns, with a bit of plot to hold it all together. But with wonderful voices: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Gotou Yuuko, and Takahashi Mikako, in particular.Lead writer Kanemaki Kenichi was lead writer on Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Jigoku Shoujo, Ai yori Aoshi, etc.Star Koshimzu Ami gets a chance to sing both the OP and the ED.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Fukuen Misato, Gotou Yuuko, Takahashi Mikako, Shimoda Asami, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Yamauchi Noriyasu (new, charades/animator)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou).animation: Studio Fantasia. chara-des: Yamauchi Noriyasu (Stratos 4, Najica Blitz Tactics). animation supervisor: Yamauchi Noriyasu.OPED Koshimizu Ami. trailer. forum. OVA 2/3eps. ep3 22 dec.tue 27 octDenpateki na Kanojo(jp: 電波的な彼女)mystery violence romanceI loved episode one. Hirohashi Ryou gave one of the best performances of 2009 as the weird girl who suddenly shows up and swears allegiance to the protagonist, just as a series of horrific murders is taking place.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and I"s Pure. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did My-HiME and Macross Frontier.One of several OVAs this fall that are being sold with special editions of manga volumes. Sold with v4 of the Kure-nai manga (from a novel by the same author).seiyuus: Hirohashi Ryou, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Kobayashi Yu, Ueda Kana, Yoshizumi Kozue, Kitamura Eri, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Saiga Mitsuki.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My-HiME, Macross Frontier). Katayama Kentarou (novel).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Tanaka Chiyuki (animator), Yamamoto Yamato (orig).sound director: Shimizu Katsunori (Elfen Lied, Kite Liberator).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 04 decAki-Sora(jp: あきそら)ecchi comedy romance with cross-dressing and incestSora has an older sister Aki and a younger twin sister Nami, They have grown up saying "I love you" to each other. But now that they are older, do they still mean it in the same way? Incest happens.The manga is, uh, stimulating, with relationships and ecchiness to the point of hentai. We'll see how the anime works out. If sex sells, this could be a big success.Kitamura Eri is a great start on the cast. Director Takahashi Takeo did the fir
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One of the best openings I’ve ever seen in any show There’s things you won’t reach even with outstretched hands; There are things that will fade into the distance once you let it go; People are always seeking these, and before they know it; Become lost. Ever think that life is like sand, in that the tighter you try to [...]
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It appears that I’m the only fan of Iokawa Karada, at least according to Myanimelist. Ioka-who? I don’t blame you. Served without fanservice and mecha, Asatte no houkou had only good drama, pseudo-lolis and strong characterisation to draw viewers. In other words, it wasn’t as popular as it could have been in another genre. [...]
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So you finish watching this heartwarming anime in one sitting the other day and you liked it a lot. So you pay a visit to that one bookmarked website and start reading before noticing something is different here. WTF?! Here is the case of Asatte no Houkou.
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