For me, the best way to guess how good a coming anime will be, is by looking at its staff: the director and writers and animation director and sound director, and so on. People who have made good shows before tend to make good shows again.I sometimes start watching a show for its voice actors, but I can't keep watching unless the staff builds a good show around them. Even genre or story outline or character design do not predict as well as staff.The following previews give highlights of staff and cast for 30 upcoming summer shows, as well as story outlines, pictures, and links to preview videos, where available.Here are the shows, in the order of their first broadcasts. Times are given in Japanese TV listing style: "26:00 Thursday" means Friday morning at 2 a.m. Titles in red are shows I myself find particularly interesting:Ikkitousen - Great Guardians.一騎当千 Great Guardians.A new series of ecchi Ikkitousen. If you don’t like seeing pantsu and breasts, don't watch this one. The story revolves around three schools that fight each other and is loosely based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.A great cast includes Asano Masumi, Kaida Yuko, Horie Yui, Nabatame Hitomi, Inoue Kikuko, and Hino Satoshi.This show has basically the same staff as the first series, but with a new writer, Akaboshi Masanao (Sadamitsu the Destroyer; Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry).Broadcasts have already started. anim: Arms. subs: Arthemis, Chihiro, Nightshade-yesy. forum. preview. 09:30 wed11jun.Telepathy Girl Ranテレパシー少女 蘭.What draws me to this show is Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star, Sakuya in Candy Boy, Blair in Soul Eater) in her first real starring role. Alongside Seki Tomokazu, no less, and supported by Ueda Kana. Maybe that seiyuu award actually meant something. At least it may have got Emirin more good roles."Telepathy Shoujo Ran is a story of personal growth and friendship. Isozaki Ran is an energetic junior high school student who happens to have ESP but doesn't realize it until she meets Naha Midori. Strange events start happening after she learns of her new powers, so she decides to investigate them together with Midori and her childhood friend Ayase Roi." (from Toua, on AnimeSuki) From a series of children's novels.The director is so unknown that I can’t even find the pronunciation of his name. 大宙征基 could be Takahiro Seiki or Hiromichi Seiki. He appears to be a storyboard specialist, having storyboarded episodes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Pani Poni Dash. But this appears to be his first directing job. anim: Tom's Entertainment. subs: Nocturnal/DFC. 18:25 sat21jun.Ultraviolet: Code 044ウルトラヴァイオレットコード044Paku Romi stars in a series directed by famous old-time director Dezaki Osamu, who directed Ashita no Joe, Ace wo Nerae, Rose of Versailles, the AIR and Clannad movies, a number of Lupin III shows and the great yuri melodrama Oniisama-e.The main character '044' is a female warrior who is genetically engineered with high combat skills and ordered by the government to annihilate a vampire army. (from anidb)With production from Sony Pictures, I expect high production values. And I expect Paku Romi to be in her element, aided by Tomokazu Seki and Koyama Rikiya. Madhouse. 12eps. subs: Moetaku? Ureshii? forum. preview. 22:00 tue01jul.Slayers RevolutionスレイヤーズREVOLUTIONThe fourth series in the Slayers franchise, which began in the early 1990s.The big deal here for me is the return of Hayashibara Megumi in the starring role of Lina Inverse, the same starring role she has played in all the other Slayers shows. And as usual, she also sings the OP and ED. Ishida Akira and Midorikawa Hikaru also return, and Kobayashi Yumiko joins the cast.Director Watanabe Takeshi is now even better known for the Shakugan no Shana series than for Slayers. anim: JC Staff. 26?eps. subs: Mishicorp, Toki. forum. preview (OP). 25:20 wed02jul.Mahō Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora魔法遣いに大切なこと ���夏のソラ���One of my picks to click this summer, a new series of the delightful Someday's Dreamers. The story follows a new young mage in training, in a Tokyo where magic is an official public service.The new anime comes with a new director, a new studio, and a new cast, but the same writer: Yamada Norie, who wrote the original manga and anime. That gives me comfort, and the rest of the staff and cast make me optimistic, too.Someday's Dreamers was from JC Staff, this new anime is from Hal Film Maker. It is directed by Kobayashi Osamu, who did BECK and Paradise Kiss, two very good shows, but very different in tone from the original Someday's Dreamers.The new anime stars the wonderful Hanazawa Kana (Sora in Sketchbook), who is in the running for moe-est voice in anime. With her is Maeno Tomoaki, who is very good as Doujou in Library Wars. Inoue Marina, Koyama Rikiya, Namikawa Daisuke, and Takahashi Mikako are also on board. Music by Hakata Takefumi (Someday's Dreamers, Vampire Knight). anim: HAL Film Maker. subs: White Light, Mellow? Formula? forum. preview. 26:40 wed02jul.Strike WitchesストライクウィッチーズI sure hope this show is okay, since it has an outstanding cast: starring the so-far somewhat ordinary Fukuen Misato, but extremely well supported by Chiba Saeko, Nazuka Kaori, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tanaka Rie, Saitou Chiwa, Koshimizu Ami, and Kadowaki Maii. Whew, what a list.On the surface, it looks like a rerun of the 2006 OVA and of Sky Girls: girls flying light mecha in battle. But the staff is completely different, except for the character designer, and this show is by Gonzo rather than JC Staff. I liked Sky Girls, but my hopes for this show are not high.Director Takamura Kazuhiro is new, but did character design and animation for Mahoromatic and This Ugly Yet Beautiful World. Writer Tamai Tsuyoshi did Inukami. Humiane Shimada is the original creator and did character design for both this and Sky Girls. anim: Gonzo. subs: Live-eviL, Moetaku? forum. preview (2006 OVA). thu03jul.Antique Bakery西洋骨董洋菓子店 ���アンティーク���Keiichirou quits his job on a whim and starts a traditional Western-style patisserie. His father hires an expert patissier who turns out to be a gay acquaintance of Keiichirou's from high school.Director Okumura Yoshiaki has nothing more to recommend him than Bakkyuu HIT! Crash Bedaman, but writer Takahashi Natsuko did the adaptations of Moyashimon and Blue Drop.Miyano Mamoru, Miki Shinichirou, and Fujiwara Keiji make a great main cast.The story is from a novel, was a successful TV drama in 2001, and has been made into a film in Korea this year. It's the Noitamina show this season. anim: Nippon Animation, Shirogumi. 12?eps. subs: Yoroshiku. 24:45 thu03jul.Hidamari Sketch x 365ひだまりスケッチ×365Season two of the excellent slice-of-life art-school comedy from Shinbou Akiyuki and Shaft.Kugimiya Rie, Fukuen Misato, and Sawashiro Miyuki are added to the cast, which already included Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, and Matsuki Miyu. anim: Shaft. subs: SpoonSubs. forum. 25:25 thu03jul.Birdy the Mighty - Decode鉄腕バーディー　DECODEA new take on gender-bending, as a hapless shounen is accidentally killed but survives by becoming merged with a glamorous interplanetary agent. Remake of the 1996 OVA.Chiba Saeko proves there is seiyuu work after marriage with the starring role of Birdy the agent. And we get to hear Itou Kanae in her first role since helping make Shugo Chara a hit. Irino Miyu and Fujiwara Keiji round out an attractive main cast.Directed by Akane Kazuki, director of Noein and Escaflowne. Written by Ohnogi Hiroshi, who did Noein and Aquarion. Music by Kanno Yuugo, who did Toshokan Sensou and Hataraki Man. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo Mashimaro, KimiKiss, Genshiken) rounds out a solid staff.I have high hopes for this one. anim: A-1 Pictures (Ookiku Furikabutte, Persona). 13eps. subs: Orange-Side, Infinite-Zero, Moetaku? forum. preview. 25:00 fri04julRyoko's Case File薬師寺涼子の怪奇事件簿Another promising show. Based on a series of light novels written by Tanaka Yoshiki and illustrated by Kakinouchi Narumi. The story revolves around Ryouko Yakushiji, brilliant and madly energetic multilingual investigator with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Ryoko not only has to deal with supernatural beings, but also with her rival Yukiko, another talented and beautiful police investigator. (from anidb)Director Iwasaki Tarou is new, but he has done episodes and storyboards for shows like Fullmetal Alchemist, Ookiku Furikabutte, and Ghost Hound. Writer Kawasaki Hiroyuki is an old hand who wrote The Irresponsible Captain Tylor and Sakura Wars. The original novel is by Tanaka Yoshigi, who wrote Legend of the Galactic Heroes. We have some interesting names writing this show.The cast is also interesting, with Nabatame Hitomi in the lead role, backed up by Kuwashima Houko, Fukuen Misato, Kiuchi Hidenobu, and Nojima Kenji.Japanese title: Yakushiji Ryouko no Kaiki Jikenbo. anim: Dogakobo. 13eps. subs: Hitode-AnimeSS, Infinite-Zero? forum. preview. 24:30 sat05jul.SekireiセキレイPromising fanservice anime (this is not an oxymoron) about a loser on whom one day a busty miko drops from the sky. She moves in with him, in the midst of constant fighting with other similarly well-endowed creatures, all of whom are "sekirei" fighters.Extremely attractive cast stars brilliant 17-year-old Hayami Saori, along with other outstanding young voices such as Inoue Marina, Hanazawa Kana, and Endou Aya. Directed by Kusukawa Keizou, who directed Inukami and the two most recent Nanoha series. Anime adaptation by Yoshioka Takao (DearS, Elfen Lied, Yoshinaga's Gargoyle, Sky Girls).I'll be watching this for Hayamin, who sounds t0 me in the preview as if she has taken another step forward. She and her fellow seiyuu -- all of whom are good singers -- do the OP and ED. Sound director Aketagawa Jin (Genshiken, Ichigo Mashimaro, Honey & Clover, etc.) will make sure we get the best from the cast. anim: Seven Arcs (Nanoha series, Inukami). subs: Moetaku? Tsundere Built My Hotrod. forum. preview. 25:35 sat05jul.Zero no Tsukaima - Princess Rondoゼロの使い魔 ���三美姫の輪舞���ZnT never did much for me, but it did enough for a lot of people that it is now getting its third season.Kou Yuu, who directed the second series, is back again. This time, Hasegawa Nahoko, who adapted Hidamari Sketch, is the lead writer.And we have a similar cast back, featuring Kugimiya Rie and Hino Satoshi as the leads, with Horie Yui as everyone's favorite maid, Siesta. Noto Mamiko joins the main cast, too, as Tiffania Westwood. anim: J.C. Staff. 13eps. subs: Toki. forum. 24:30 sun06jul.Neo Angelique Abyss: Second Ageネオ アンジェリーク Abyss -Second Age-The best Angelique series ever gets an immediate second season. The infusion of new production blood, especially from the staff of Corda D'Oro, gave this series a new lease on life.Endou Aya helped, too, continuing a remarkable year that has also given her starring roles in the new Mai-Otome Sifr OVA and in Macross Frontier. And she will be ably supported here by a bevy of top male seiyuu, likely continuing to include Takahashi Hiroki, Ohkawa Toru, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ono Daisuke, et al. anim: Yumeta. subs: Strawberry-Mint. 26:00 sun06jul.Natsume Yuujin Chou夏目友人帳Natsume Takashi keeps secret his ability to see spirits. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him: a binding contract was formed between the spirits and the owner of the book. Now Natsume is determined to free the spirits and dissolve the contracts. With the help of a spirit cat, his days are filled trying to return the names to these spirits. The show is apparently based on good research into folk mythology.This is one of the most attractive shows of the summer: the director of Koi Kaze, Jigoku Shoujo, and Baccano; the writer of Ai Yori Aoshi, Jigoku Shoujo, and Zetsubou Sensei.The cast of actors includes Kamiya Hiroshi in the lead, with Kobayashi Sanae, Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, and Itou Miki. Inoue Kazuhiko (Gorou in Moonlight Mile) is the cat. anim: Brains Base. subs: Nocturnal/Black Lotus, ainex?. forum. preview. 25:00 mon07julMission-EMission-EA sequel to the charming but awkward and forgettable Code-E. Five years after Code-E, Chinami is in an organization aiming to integrate people with her powers into society.Director Kato Toshiyuki did Full Moon wo Sagashite, as well as Code-E.Voices include Hashimoto Mai, Nazuka Kaori, Mizuno Risa, Momoi Halko, and Kamiya Hiroshi. anim: Studio Deen. subs: Subbers Anonymous. forum. preview. 25:05 mon07julWorld Destruction: Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokuninワールド・デストラクション ���世界撲滅の六人���I've gone off Production IG. Their shows tend to be beautiful but boring. But this show is still one of the most intriguing of the season. A great cast stars Sakamoto Maaya and Miyano Mamoru, with Ono Daisuke and Kobayashi Yu in supporting roles.Director Tada Shunsuke did Prince of Tennis National Tournament and Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations. Writer Yokotani Masahiro did Reideen.Based on a DS RPG by SEGA. The game centers on a youth who secretly possesses the power to destroy the world. He is forced to join a party that aims not to save the world, but to eradicate it and start anew.On a desert planet, a fateful meeting between a good-hearted wandering boy and a positive, determined girl. Then they and a "hard-boiled" mini-bear alien set off to destroy the world, for its own good. anim: Production IG. 13eps. subs: Orange-Side, Nocturnal, Yoroshiku, Toki. forum. preview. 25:30 mon07jul.Koihime†Musou恋姫†無双Get ready for an all-moe retelling of the Romance of the three Kingdoms. It gives me pause that it is written by Go Zappa (Chokotto Sister, Myself;Yourself). And that the chief animator and character designer is Oshima Miwa (Cosmopolitan Prayers, Love Love). But it is directed by Nakanishi Nobuaki (Kasimasi, Sumomo mo Momo mo)The seiyuu are neither young nor well-known, but are experienced game seiyuu. This worked for ef, perhaps it will work here.Not very promising, but anything based on the Three Kingdoms is worth a look. anim: Dogakobou (Myself;Yourself). 12eps. subs: Serin, DFC, Hitode? forum. 26:00 thu08jul.Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu乃木坂春香の秘密Yuko discovers that school princess, Nogizaka Haruka, is actually an otaku. He keeps her secret and they become friends. Based on a series of light novels.Wonderful cast stars Noto Mamiko, with Satou Rina, Shimizu Kaori, Ueda Kana, Matsuki Miyu, Nabatame Hitomi, and Takagi Reiko.Should be funny…and ecchi. Director Nawa Munenori did Otome wa Boku ni Koi wo Shiteru. The writer who adapted the novels (Tsuyoshi Tamai) did the same for Inukami. anim: Studio Barcelona (Kodomo no Jikan). subs: Moetaku. forum. 26:00 thu10julBlade of the Immortal無限の住人"To end his eternal suffering, he must slay one thousand foes!" Manji, a ronin warrior of feudal Japan, has been cursed with immortality. To rid himself of this curse and end his life of misery, he must slay one thousand evil men. His quest begins when a young girl seeks his help in taking revenge on her parents' killers…. Based on a seinen manga by Samura Hiroaki, serialised in Afternoon." (anidb)Bee Train and Mashimo Kouichi (.hack shows, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle) are back with a high-concept samurai show from what appears to be a very strong (and bloody) manga.Seki Tomokazu and Satou Rina will be great as the leads, ably supported by such names as Konishi Katsuyuki, Noto Mamiko, Toyoguchi Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, and Sakamoto Maaya. anim: Bee Train. subs: Live-eviL. forum. preview. 24:00 sun13julMahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~魔法先生ネギま������白き翼 ALA ALBA���Three episodes of summer holidays with Negi and the girls. Directed by the man himself, Shinbou Akiyuki. But this time, for the first time, the lead writer for the anime is Akamatsu Ken, the original mangaka. So I look forward to seeing what differences in tone and story might appear this time.The same cast return, including Satou Rina as Negi and all the rest, but with the addition of Ono Daisuke and Inoue Marina.I'm not perfectly certain of the date this will appear. MoonPhase says July 17, but the official site says ep1 will be 12aug, ep2 17nov, and ep3 17feb of next year. anim: Shaft. OVA, 1of3eps. forum. preview (via Moetron). thu17jul.School Rumble Sangakkiスクールランブル三学期Hirano Aya joins the established cast, which already includes Horie Yui, Noto Mamiko, Koshimizu Ami, and Takahashi Hiroki, among others. Since Ami and Aya are two of my favorite seiyuu, I look forard to hearing them together.Director Takamatsu Shinji has already demonstrated that he is more than a one-hit wonder, with Gintama and Ginban Kaleidoscope.anim: Studio Comet. OVA, 1of2eps. Second ep 17sept. forum. thu17jul.Ponyo on a Cliff崖の上のポニョThis time Miyazaki will tell a story drawn freely in watercolors and pastels about a 5 year old boy Sosuke and the princess goldfish Ponyo who wants to become human.... An extra interesting thing is that the Goro Miyazaki (Hayao's son) of when he was 5 years old has been chosen as the model for the main character Sosuke. This is interesting because in the summer of 2007 Goro Miyazaki made his director’s debut with Studio Ghibli’s Gedo Senki and Miyazaki senior was very critical of it. (from Ghibliworld via anidb)My favorite Ghibli, Whispers of the Heart, was not directed by Hayao Miyazaki. And the old man's most recent work, Howl, was just okay for me. So I'm not as excited about this movie as some people are. anim: Ghibli. movie. forum. sat19jul.Akiba-chanアキバちゃんCG/stop motion animation. Slice of life show following five otaku girls who live in the "Maison de Akiba" apartments. Shimizu Ai, Ishizuka Sayori (Sango in ToHeart2), Fujita Saki (whose voice samples are the basis of Hatsune Miku's voice), and Yuzuki Ryouka. Five ten-minute episodes. anim: Buildup Entertainment. 10x5min eps. preview. 24:00 thu24jul.Amuri in Star Ocean星の海のアムリWeird but enjoyable 3DCG science fiction involving genetically altered lolis in space and lots of beautiful explosions and effects.With Makino Yui, Saitou Momoko and Aizawa Michiru (Furoe in Simoun) in the lead roles, supported by Mamiko Noto, Kaneda Tomoko, and Hirano Aya (after ep1).anim: Studio Hibari. OVA, 2of3eps. ep3 26sept. forum. preview. fri25jul.Lupin III: Sweet Lost Night ~Mahō no Lamp wa Akumu no Yokan~ルパン三世 sweet lost night���魔法のランプは悪夢の予感���Few details are available so far about this new Lupin special. anim: Tokyo Movie. TV special. subs: Froth-Bite. fri25jul.The Sky Crawlersスカイ・クロラLove story with a military science fiction background. Director Oshii Mamoru did the Ghost in the Shell movies.He uses film actors as his stars: Kikuchi Rinko was nominated for an Oscar for her work in Babel. Kase Ryou was Mayama in the Honey & Clover movie.Music by Kenji Kawai (Windy Tales, Death Note, Higurashi). Animation/chara-des by Nishio Tetsuya. Written by dorama writer Itou Chihiro (e.g., Sekai no Chushin de, Ai wo Sakebu).Oshii is a friend and competitor of Miyazaki and did GITS: Innocence. anim: Production IG. movie. forum. preview. sat02aug.Naruto Shippuuden: Kizuna劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝 絆The next Naruto movie. "A mysterious group of ninjas makes a surprise attack on the Konohagakure, which takes great damage. The nightmare of another Shinobi World War could become a reality. Sasuke, who was still a missing nin from Konoha trying to kill his brother, Itachi, appears for the second time in front of Naruto at an unknown location to prevent it from happening." (ANN)Director Kamegaki Hajime did Fushigi Yuugi, Ayashi no Ceres, and Air Gear. Writer Takegami Junki did Gunslinger Girl and Hayate no Gotoku. anim: Pierrot. movie. sat02aug.Detroit Metal Cityデトロイト・メタル・シティSouichi Negishi is a shy young man who comes from the country to Tokyo for college, wanting to become a kindergarten teacher. However, for some reason he becomes the singer and songwriter of a metal band named 'Detroit Metal City.' When he puts on the heavy makeup, Negishi becomes a completely different person, shouting profanities. As the popularity of DMC increases, Negishi starts worrying that his double personality could have negative effects on his (romantic) life off stage. (from ANN)This one is flying a bit under the radar, but it comes from Studio 4°C, and the director did Mushishi, so there is some quality behind it. Character design and animation by Shimamura Hidekazu (Honey & Clover). anim: Studio 4°C. OVA. preview. fri08augKaitou Tenshi Twin Angel快盗天使ツインエンジェルThe twins live an exciting but normal school life, then after school, they become the Thieving Angels.Stars Tamura Yukari and Noto Mamiko.DirectorNagai Tatsuyuki did Honey & Clover II and Idolmaster Xenoglossia. Writer Kurata Hideyuki did Now and Then, Here and There. Animation director Koga Makoto did ARIA and sola.anim: Nomad. OVA. 1of2eps. ep2of2 in sept. fri08augLucky Star OVAらき☆すた OVALucky Star is back for a one-shot OVA. Interesting to see what happens now that fired original director Yamamoto Yutaka is long gone and this is entirely Takemoto Yasuhiro's baby.The seiyuu cast is having a great year, with awards for Hirano Aya (best lead female) and Katou Emiri (best new female seiyuu), and good new roles for both them (Chiko and Kaoru for Aaya; Sakuya and Blair for Emirin) and Endou Aya (Angelique, Sheryl).The release date for this was recently changed from the end of August to the end of September. Speculation is rife that it had to do with changing the plot to remove scenes of violence in Akihabara, after the recent knife incident. Or that the script is late. But this kind of date shift is common, and it may be due to some commercial consideration or other.anim: Kyoto Animation. OVA. 1of1eps. forum. fri26sept.NOTES:-- "forum" is the AnimeSuki forum for each show-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia page, when there is one-- Japanese titles link to the Japanese official site.-- "subs" means sub groups who plan to sub particular shows, based mainly on the current Who Subs What wiki that many sub groups post to before a season starts.-- other information is from ANN, AnimeSuki, anidb, Moonphase, and official sites.
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[Posted @ 3:39 PM]Angst. I like. XD.OZMG. The series's going on full steam now, seems like I've overestimated Takeru lol, it's clear in this episode that he doesn't know Ruka likes Michiru romantically. Well, recapturing from the previous episode, Takeru confessed to Ruka that he likes her but Ruka rejected him and thanked him for his feelings anyways. When Takeru asked Ruka to continue what she was trying to tell him, Ruka tried to cover the awkward situation up by saying it's about Michiru. Ruka told Takeru that she's been impatient with Michiru lately and requested him to treat Michiru gently. Ruka then added that he should go and like Michiru lol, Takeru was like stuttering, 'But, I like her ...', Ruka demanded that Takeru like Michiru even more because she gets ... lonely easily and needs a person's support. Takeru's expression to me was kinda a mixture of reluctance and whiny sort lol. 'The person I like is you, why the hell must I like your friend?', kinda look lol. But I believed that his love for Ruka overcame that and he couldn't bare to refuse a request from the girl he loves. Very very nice scene, especially with the darn background music, it's just so sad that Ruka entrusted that 'protect' responsibility to Takeru instead of taking in herself. Probably she thought that only a man can protect and make Michiru happy and Ruka would rather it be Takeru than any other man since she trusts him. Awww, manz, somehow, I think Ruka's selfish to push everything to Takeru o_o haha, afterall, he didn't really had an obligation heh. Before the pair returned to the sharehouse, Ruka appealed to Takeru that the both of them to remain friends [LoL, Ruka has broken two hearts, first the coach, now Takeru, she's kinda popular ... o_o]. When they entered the living room, the guys were playing ... I think a racing game on Wii? Anyways, Eri announced that she won 6 tickets to the Amusement Park and it was decided that the 5 of them will go together. But there's 1 more ticket [I was thinking, don't tell me Ruka's going to ask the Coach along!?] and I was freaking right LOL. Apparently, Takeru's still not over Ruka's rejection and took it to heart, very bad and he didn't want to burden Ruka by showing his 'sad' expression to her. Meanwhile, Sousuke continued to stalk the gang with his binoculars LOL [That was random].Anyways, Michiru [That moron] then assumed that the coach's the person Ruka had been in love with and the rest were like teasing and Ruka was making a good show of being embarrassed except for Takeru who was ... very very jealous haha. At the destination, the gang were very excited, discussing which rides to take, except for Takeru again but was lagging behind, looking rather heavy. It must be freaking small world because he met his ... elder sister with her husband and son there. After making some sorrow-looking and agonizing expressions lol, Takeru turned and walked off silently. Supporting against a tree trunk, Takeru had a brief flashback of him and his Onee-chan [Oooooh~]. Takeru's departure was only noticed by Michiru who followed him and was surprised at Takeru's stiffness when she tried to lead him to a place for him to sit. As for the rest who then realized the two were missing, Ruka kinda implied that Michiru and Takeru are 'together' and leaded their attention to the rides. While Eri and Ogura were queuing for their rides, we realized that Ruka had asked the Coach to pretend to be her boyfriend for the day. Meanwhile, Michiru and Takeru had returned to the sharehouse and Michiru told Takeru that he could share his troubles with her if he wants to since he's the one who 'saved' her so she wanted to do something in return too. Takeru merely smiled and made excuses lol. Just then, the rest came back and had bought a cake to 'offically' welcome Michiru again ha along with Ruka's coach who bought dinner. LoL, Takeru's face 'fell' when he saw the coach and when Ruka went in the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee for the coach, guess who's cup she used ... lol Takeru's!!!! [OZMG, how ... 'inconsiderate' of Ruka!! o_o how can she do that!!??] Takeru was totally glaring daggers at the coach lol, it's the first time we saw Takeru really pissed. After that, Takeru shut himself from the world by listening to music with his headphones on. As for Ruka, she's ... surfing the net on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ... okay I admit you guys were right lol and was interrupted by Michiru's knock. Apparently, Michiru made up her mind to break up with Sousuke and assured Ruka she's fine with going to tell Sousuke personally alone. The next day, Michiru stood out on Sousuke's apartment and called him. Through the phone, Michiru broke up with Sousuke to his surprise, Sousuke warned her that the 'outsiders' will abandon Michiru sooner or later but he will die before he does that. Michiru said that she lost sense of her being when she's with Sousuke, giving her all only for him but now she wants her own life, not for anyone's sake. When Michiru questioned the reason Sousuke's beatings, Sousuke merely kept quiet, Michiru continued, saying that ... Sousuke had placed himself before others. Sousuke denied that accusation, stating he wants to become one with Michiru [LoL ... random!]. Michiru replied she doesn't understand, apologized, said good bye and hung up LOL. As for Ruka, seemed liks Sousuke had pasted those letters at Ruka's workplace and caused Ruka's coach to raise questions and explanations. Ruka's very ... troubled and agonized by the whole thing and cried in the showers. After the breakup call, Sousuke was staring blankly during duty. The boy who he was supposed to 'look' after came to him asking for bread LOL. The kid was like, 'No bread today?' Hahaha. Anyways the boy brought Sousuke back to his apartment and by the looks of the situation and mess of the place, it's apparent that it's been a while since the mother came back. The boy came running to him, stating that all the food's gone lol. Sousuke then brought the boy to his house and even cooked curry for him. The boy started asking 'innocent' questions, like where's Sousuke's mum, are you married? Sousuke replied that his mum's gone and he had a girlfriend. The boy went on, 'That means, you don't have a girlfriend now?' and 'Aren't you lonely?' [I can almost picture this arrow sign going through Sousuke's chest LOL]. Sousuke replied that he's not because ... she'll return back soon [Ohhhh~].Takeru's still pondering what Ruka was trying to tell him on the confession night and he was acting all out of character by being ... pushy. When Takeru returned to the sharehouse, he was met with noone [Michiru was in her room but he didn't know that yet]. Just then, Ruka still troubled by the letters, returned home, ignored Takeru and hid in her room. Not able to stand the tension any longer, Takeru begged Ruka to tell him her problems. To Takeru's surprise, Ruka slammed her bag against the door and basically told Takeru to piss off lol. Hurt by the outburst, Takeru went back to his room and where he had a flashback of a younger him with his Onee-chan seducing telling him that she has something nice for him and not to tell their father about it [Oh noes! LOL]. When Takeru awoke, he noticed Michiru crying and didn't went to comfort her ... which is kinda OOC cos the old Takeru we know would had gone to her. But because of Ruka's rejection and his recent meeting with his Onee-chan, it probably had stressed him out. The tension was so thick that morning that Eri and Ogura could feel something was wrong lol. When Michiru asked Ruka to share her troubles to everyone, Ruka gave an excuse of being in a slump with her motorcross practices. Ruka then pretended to take a nap in the living room's couch as Michiru announced that she has offically broken up with Sousuke. Ruka then left shortly that the statement, it's obvious that both Takeru and Michiru were hurt by Ruka's distant attitude. As the both of them were cleaning up the dishes, Takeru noticed Ruka left her handphone on the couch but he didn't take any action to return it or what. Anyways, Takeru made up for last night by comforting Michiru who had cried last night over Sousuke. Takeru revealed that he can understand how Michiru felt as he too, once had a person he liked the most became the person he hated the most and assured Michiru that everything will be alright. Apparently, Michiru's so touched by Takeru's novel statement that she leaned against Takeru and asked if she could like him. The scene was witnessed by Ruka who came back at the WORST time to collect her handphone. Ruka was totally emotionless, I guess what she wanted had came true, Takeru had Michiru in his hands but witnessing the real scene was still to raw for Ruka. A flowerpot toppled down as Ruka left the sharehouse and interrupted the lovey-dovey scene. It was then Takeru noticed the missing handphone and realized that Ruka had saw them. Cue to Eri and Ogura as Eri saw Ogura having a pleasant conversation with his ... gasp, wife o_o! Fighting back any emotions, Eri went on her way. Cue to Sousuke and boy, the boy saw his mother across the train barrier and recklessly ran towards and fell on the train tracks. Sousuke yelled danger and ran to save the boy duh. - End of Episode 7 -Btw I think it's the same train barrier from the J-drama, 'LIFE' isn't it? LOL, the scene where Ayumu saved Manami from killing herself when she was standing in front of the tracks LOL. It's so weird to see Michiru suddenly determined and set on her decisions while Takeru and Ruka were breaking apart from their ... personal troubles. It's kinda like a role reversal lol. Maybe this time, Michiru can help save the both of them. It's more complicated and exciting! Everyone and everything's falling apart! Hopefully they are be placed back together again lol. Awww, Ruka looks so sad here, makes me wanna huggie her lol. In the preview, Ruka's ... leaving the sharehouse and Takeru's going to stop her!?You know, I'm kinda interested in the Onee-chan thingy LOL, feels so controversial ... o_o heh. I'm fine with Candy Boy because it's all fluff and sweetness with no sense of direction ... unless I'm proven wrong in one of the 7 episodes LOL. But then, I know the relationship will go no where, either one of the siblings die or both of them dies or best yet they marry someone else, have kids and then have affairs secretly LOL. *gasps* Not going to go there, I can't even get myself to read this rather popular mxf twincest 'Boku wa Imouto ni Koi wo Suru' by Aoki Kotomi. Anyways, I'm kinda interested in the ending, lol, I have this vague memory that I saw the ending that they had eloped and lived happily ever after or something. LOL. Oh I think there's another called Koi Kaze too but I'm not going there, nononononononononono. I'm happy with Candy Boy. Enough said.Oh yeah, changed the Song of the Month to Utada Hikari's 'Prisoner of Love - Quiet Version', hmmm love it.[Signing off @ 4:35 PM]
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Me too. The title of this post is a tribute to another eye-opening post I’ve read on the controversial anime Koi Kaze. The post discussed how Koi Kaze was challenging the viewer’s notion of love-conquers-all and the extend to which we truly believe in it. Surely, if it were just a difference in social [...]
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So a few years ago, I watched a Johnny Depp movie called “The Secret Window.” Really there wasn’t a whole lot special about the movie. It was just another, “Guy on the rocks, has something strange start going on with his life, has to figure it out” type of movie. Even the twist wasn’t really [...]
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On the brink of a new season, here is a look at the new shows, concentrating on staff and cast. The shows I'm looking forward to? As usual, it's hard to tell which shows will work for me, but I'm looking at Code E, Doujin Work, Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho, Moetan, Mononoke, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei, Tetsuko no Tabi, and Zombie Loan, for various reasons.Zetsubo Sensei is by Shinbou Akiyuki, who directed PaniPoni Dash and Negima!? The director of Kenko Zenrakei, Soutome Kouichirou, was involved in directing Bokura ga Ita and did episodes of Mushishi. I hope Nishimori Akira, who directed Hitohira and PetoPeto-san, will infuse the rather different Zombie Loan with his trademark emotional delicacy. Code E has the participation of some staff people from Simoun.Titles of shows of special interest to me are in red. Click pictures to enlarge.Baccano! バッ カーノ！ A large cast of alchemists, Mafia, lunatics, immortals and terrorists seeks a long-lost elixir of immortality in 1930s America. Based on a popular light novel. By the director of Jigoku Shoujo (Omori Takahiko) and the writer of Koi Kaze (Takagi Noboru). Starring Yoshino Hiroyuki (Zed in Kiba), Aoki Sayaka (Sia in Shuffle), with Kobayashi Sanae, Kobayashi Yuu, Gotou Saori, Itou Miki and 0thers. Preview. Brains Base. Starts jul26, thu 24:30.Code E. A transfer student has an uncontrolled ability to disrupt electrical equipment. A boy in her class wants to study her, and a relationship develops. But outside forces are also interested... Director Toshiyuki Kato did Full Moon wo Sagashite and some episodes of Simoun. The director of Simoun, Nishimura Junji, directs some eps of this. The Simoun connections definitely get my attention. I'll be watching episode one.This appears to be the first named role for the star, Hashimoto Mai. She has a blog, with pictures. Nazuka Kaori (Yun in Simoun) and Halko Momoi are also in the cast. Studio DEEN. 12 episodes. Starts jul03, tue 26:43.Devil May Cry. Based on a PS2 game, with a cool lead and lots of fighting. Not my thing. With Morikawa Toshiyuki (Takumi in NANA, Chan in Black Lagoon), Tanaka Atsuko (Kusanagi Motoko in GITS), Orikasa Fumiko, Fukuen Misato (Eve in Black Cat), Ohtsuka Akio (Black Jack). Directed by Itagaki Shin (Black Cat). The first ep was quite bloody. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Started jun14, thu 23:00.Doujin Work ドージンワーク. Based on a 4-koma comic by the well-known doujin mangaka Hiroyuki. The story follows a girl who is a newcomer to the doujin (independent comic) scene.Director Yatani Kenichi did the funny and workmanlike Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn. Stars Asano Masumi (Manatsu in Uta~Kata, Mariya in Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru) and Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister, Solty in Solty Rei). I'll be giving this one a shot. Animation by REMIC (Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn). Starts jul03, tue 25:30.Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai ひぐらしのなく頃に解. Second series of the mysterious, bloody, and well produced anime. More stories from the dangerous world of Oyashiro-sama. Houshi Souichirou, Nakahara Mai, Tamura Yukari, Horie Yui, Kanai Mika (Misato in NANA). Directed by Kon Chiaki, with the same staff as Higurashi 1. Studio Deen. Starts jul06, fri 26:30.Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー. Okimura Kaname joins his school's swimming club in order to learn how to swim. The club is filled with weirdos, but a sunny, happy-go-lucky girl named Ninagawa Amuro , a transfer-student from Okinawa, joins up. Her extraordinary underwater speed and unorthodox swimming style -- and the fact that she likes to swim nude -- rocks the club. She reminds Okimura of a mermaid-like creature he saw once in his early childhood... Based on a shounen manga by Hattori Mitsuru.Directed by Soutome Kouichirou, who was the general director of Bokura ga Ita and directed some eps of Mushishi. This one intrigues me. Add the facts that the lead writer, Ikeda Mamiko, wrote Emma2, and that animation is by Artland and the animator of Now and Then, Here and There, and this could be a sleeper. Starts jul03, tue 26:00.Moetan もえたん. Who would ever have expected the Moetan books -- bizarre Engrish-language textbooks using loli-moe characters -- ever to be animated? But add the director of Hayate and Getsumen to Heiki Mina, and seiyuu Tamura Yukari, Kaori Nazuka and Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and this could be interesting. Animation by Actus. Starts jul08, sun 25:30.Mononoke モノノ怪. Noitamina show for the summer, a sequel to the Bakaneko chapters of Japanese traditional horror animation Ayakashi Ayashi.The staff -- including director Nakamura Kenji and animator Hashimoto Takashi -- is a carry-over from the beautifully animated Bakaneko, which tells of a medicine seller who kills monsters after first discovering the tragedies that gave rise to them. Scriptwriter Chiaki J. Konaka is also involved. He was the lead writer on Lain, Air Gear, and Texhnolyze, and did several episodes each of Rahxephon and Princess Tutu. The only cast member so far announced is Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass). Toei. 12 episodes. Starts jul12, thu 24:45.Mushiuta ムシウタ. These mushi are insect-like creatures that eat people's dreams, sometimes giving their host great powers, but eventually killing the host when all his or her dreams are consumed. Our protagonists are mushi hosts, mushi investigators, or just people who love someone who is host of a mushi.With Hanazawa Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Nabatame Hitomi (Arcueid in Tsukihime), Asanuma Shintarou (Kyo in Zegapain), Takagi Reiko (Hino in Corda d'Oro). Written by Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, KGnE, RomeoxJuliet, etc.). Music by Fujita Junpei of Elements Garden. Previews. Beat Frog. 12 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 24:00.Nanatsuiro Drops ななついろ★ドロップス. Super-cute show about Haru, a shy and clumsy boy who accidentally drinks a potion that turns him into a little stuffed sheep at night. A moe magical girl comes to his aid as he seeks the magic potion that will keep him human. With character designs by Noizi Itou (Shana, Haruhi), written by the writer of Emily of New Moon, Shimada Michiru, and directed by the director of Final Approach, Yamamoto Takashi.Starring the young seiyuu who played Jun in Happiness, Yuimoto Michiru, and Nojima Hirofumi, who is Shuga in Seirei no Moribito. The incredible cuteness of it all may or may not be enough. Studio Barcelona. Starts jul02, mon 25:40.Potemayo ぽてまよ. The magical little creature Potemayo, with her black nekomimi (cat ears) appears from protagonist Moriyama Sunao's refrigerator one day. She becomes a favorite of all the kids at school. Then her rival creature Guchuko emerges from the fridge... Interesting cast, including Hanamura Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Kitamura Eri (Makoto in Touka Gettan), Kawasumi Ayako, Kugimiya Rie, and Inoue Kikuko. But the director, Ikehata Takashi did Daphne in the Brilliant Blue and Tsuyokiss, so I'm worried. JC Staff. Starts jul06, fri 25:30.Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei さよなら絶望先生. It appears that prime-time anime Negima!? -- which was an artistic success but a commercial disaster -- has not blighted Shinbou Akiyuki's career. Here he is again with a late-night anime about a teacher.Hiroshi Kamiya (Takemoto in Honey & Clover) stars as a multi-level marketer who gets into some kind of danger and flees to southern Japan, where he is mistaken for a teacher in a girls' school. The plot involves his class of weird girls foiling his repeated attempts at suicide.I think Shinbou (who also did Tsukuyomi Moon Phase and PaniPoni Dash and oversaw Hidamari Sketch) is a great director, especially visually, so I'll be watching. Outstanding cast includes Kobayashi Yuu (Setsuna in Negima), Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu (the last three all from Hidamari Sketch), and Sanada Asami (Di Gi Charat). Animation by SHAFT. Starts jul07, sat 24:30.School Days スクールデイズ. Based on an animated game that is infamous for its violence. A girl (Sekai) helps a boy (Makoto) get closer to her beautiful friend (Kotonoha). When Makoto finally gets a date with Kotonoha, the compensation Sekai demands is…a kiss.An interesting love-triangle-with-violence premise, but the director and writer did the horrible Amenaideyo and Lovedol, so I'm not hopeful. Animation by TNK. 13 episodes. Starts jul03, fri 26:15.Shigurui シグルイ. Based on a seinen manga by Yamaguchi Takayuki. "An exceptional manga artist decides to tackle the forbidden work by the last giant figure in samurai literature, only to give birth to a colossal period drama filled with unspeakable tragedy and cruelty!" (anidb.info)The director of Texhnolyze (Hamasaki Hirotsugu) and the writer of Asatte no Houkou and co-writer of Paprika (Minakami Seishi) do the anime adaptation, working with Madhouse. This could be good, if you can stand the gore. With Namikawa Daisuke (Rock in Black Lagoon), Kuwashima Houko, Sasahara Emi (Sailor Jupiter, Karin's mother in Karin), Sasaki Nozomu (Yuusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho). Preview episode jul01. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Starts jul19, thu 23:30.Sky Girls スカイガール. Moe young girls in skin-tight suits are integrated with their own individual mecha frames to defend the Earth. The one-episode OVA went nowhere, and now we have 26 episodes? Very moe, but I have my doubts.It has a good director (Iwasaki Yoshiaki: Love Hina, Gokujou Seitokai) and writer (Yoshioka Takao: DearS, Elfen Lied), however, and an outstanding cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Gotou Saori (a strong up-and-coming talent), Itou Shizuka, Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Fujiwara Keiji, Horie Yui, Shiraishi Ryouko, Taniyama Kishou. And music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Asatte no Houkou and Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora. So there is hope. Preview. JCStaff. 26 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 25:28.Tetsuko no Tabi 鉄子の旅. Non-fiction account of editor, mangaka and train otaku travelling Japanese train lines in he 1980s. 4-koma comic is bizarre, low-key, and amusing. Old-school director Nagaoka Akinori did eps of Rose of Versailles and Record of Lodoss War.Cast includes Tomosaka Akira (Kate in Red Garden) and Hiyama Nobuyuki (Madarame in Genshiken). OPED and some music by SUPER BELL ''Z, which specializes in using samples of rail station sounds. Preview. Group TAC (Hantsuki, Futatsu no Spica). 13 episodes. Starts jun24, sun 10:00.Tokyo Majin Gakuen 2 東京魔人學園剣風帖 龍龍 第弐幕. If you liked the first series, you'll probably like the second: shounen supernatural horror, with good animation, good voice actors, lots of fighting and a school setting in a dark world. I tried the first series, but couldn’t get into it. BeStack/AIC. Starts jul27, fri 23:00.Wangan Midnight 湾岸MIDNIGHT. Animation of a popular manga about street racing, which has now reached 36 volumes. The protagonist buys a Nissan S30 Fairlady Z which is about to be scrapped and discovers it is the legendary "Devil Z," a car that was the fastest ever, but ended up killing its owner, because it was so hard to control. This is the story of the protagonist's struggles to restore and tame the Devil Z.Directed by Tominaga Tsuneo (Wind: a Breath of Heart) and adapted by Kishima Nobuaki (Eyeshield 21, Katekyo Hitman Reborn). With film actor Oguri Shun, Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in FMP) and Suhou Reiko (Kousaka Yuri in NANA). Not my thing, but fans are enjoying the early episodes, although the animation by ACGT is reportedly a bit sub-par. Started jun09, sat 21:00.Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi ゼロの使い魔 ～双月の騎士～. New director and chief writer for this second season of Zero no Tsuakima, so it's hard to know what to expect -- except for more of the same from the mistress of tsundere, Kugimiya Rie. Director Kou Yuu and writer Kawahara Yuji did Loveless, so there may be more subtlety involved this time. We can only hope.Also with Satoshi Hino, Horie Yui, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Mikako, Inokuchi Yuka, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Kikuko, et al. Music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Utena, Rozen Maiden, Asatte no Houkou, etc., and is also doing a second show in the new season: Sky Girls. JCStaff. 12 episodes. Starts jul08, sun 24:30.Zombie-Loan ゾンビローン. "When a human is marked to die, a faint gray line that is invisible to most appears around their neck. As time passes, that ring becomes darker and darker, until it is eventually black, and that person dies. Kita Michiru has an unusual gift, she possesses 'Shinigami eyes,' which allow her to see these rings. When Michiru notices that two of the boys in her Class, Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito not only have rings, but that they're jet black, they reveal to her that the were supposed to die in a tragic accident six months ago. With the help of the Zombie Loan loan office, they were given a second chance at life, should they be able to pay for their debt by doing the work of Shinigami and killing malicious zombies. They petition Michiru to assist them in their efforts, and she finds her everyday life changing dramatically." (ANN)Directed by the director of PetoPeto-san and Hitohira, Nishimori Akira, and adapted by the writer of Pumpkin Scissors and Trinity Blood, Tomioka Atsuhiro. With an excellent cast: Kuwashima Houko, Sakurai Takahiro, Suzumura Kenichi, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Saitou Chiwa, Suwabe Junichi, Ueda Kana, Gotou Saori. This is one of my picks to click, based on staff and cast alone, even though it isn’t in a genre I normally like. Based on the manga by PEACH-PIT. Animation by Xebec M2. Starts jul03, tue 26:40.One of the season's more anticipated shows, the loli classic Kodomo no Jikan, has no firm air dates yet, and the main Japanese source, Moon Phase, just has it slated for some time in 2007. The website of the animation studio, Studio Barcelona, makes no mention of it, but emphasizes the new series of Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan, which is due to start 24 August.There are some other interesting OVAs due out this summer: Ghibli's Iblard Jikan on 4 July; the fantasy slice-of-life Miyori no Mori, directed by the art director of Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies and Fantastic Children, who also did background art for Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky (24 August); and an ARIA OVA called Arietta (starts 21 Sept.) And the second season of Moonlight Mile starts in September.There are a number of animated films coming out: Buzzer Beater, Studio 4°C's Genius Party, Gonzo's Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi, Madhouse's Piano no Mori (all July); Naruto Shippuden (August); Rebuild of Evangelion, Kiddy Grade: Truth Dawn, and the Clannad movie (all September).Read more about individual shows in the forums on AnimeSuki, especially the Unaired forum.
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We're now just two weeks away from the new season, so it's time for another preview! This summer is filled with plenty of new adaptations along with several sequels including fan favorites Zero no Tsukaima and Higurashi. In fact, I think the only new show this season that is not based on a manga, game, novel, or previous anime is CODE-E. Anyway, before we get started, a few notes. As usual, I'll watch the first episode of most shows within certain parameters (in other words, not the kiddie shows), and what I list here are the chances of me actually blogging something based on my initial impressions from promotional material. However, even if I list the chances for a show as good or guaranteed, it doesn't necessarily mean I'll stick with it for more than a few episodes. By no means does this list reflect all of the anime that are going to be aired, though I did try to be as comprehensive as I could. Check out MOON PHASE for an entire listing, syoboi's calendar for specific air-times, and AndrewLB's Summer 2007 Wiki for who's tentatively subbing what. Technical Note: All times are given in a 24-hour, relative-day format where times are extended to show which day they belong to. For instance, Friday morning at 1:30AM would become Thursday at 25:30 to show that the episode aired late Thursday night. Moetan http://www.ink-chan.com/ Premieres July 8th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo, syoboi Moetan was originally an English language study aid aimed at teaching otaku by using game and animated related phrases. It included gems like "When I fell in love with the her, I thought that the girl was my stepsister. I bet if I had known she was my real sister, I would not have fallen in love with her." and "My friend found the picture I was hiding, so I tricked him by saying I have a sister that is a primary school student" and "All guys who like small breasts have large ones themselves." Of course, there's no guarantee that phrases like those are going to make it into the anime, but I think this show has the potential to be hilarious in so many different ways if executed correctly. Popular voice actress Tamura Yukari will be taking the lead role, and I've heard her English isn't that bad, so I'm quite excited to see this. Odds I'll Blog This: Guaranteed Baccano! http://www.baccano.jp/ Premieres July 26th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 24:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 11:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo, syoboi Baccano! is a show that intrigues me quite a bit because it has such a wide and diverse cast of characters. Although the back-story involves a group of alchemists who received a liquor of immortality from a demon in the 1700s, the main story takes place in America in the 1930s during Prohibition and involves those alchemists along with mobsters, thieves, terrorists, delinquents, murderers, and even a ghost. Having such a large cast probably wouldn't work so well for a short series, but if this manages to be longer than 13 episodes, I think it could be a lot of fun. The trailer certainly had plenty of energy and music, and interestingly enough, several of the key staff positions (director, character designer, series planner, sound director, and music composer) all worked together in the past on Koi Kaze. In any case, I'm looking forward to this quite a bit. Odds I'll Blog This: Good
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… is not bad at all. Thanks to a certain individual (Blame Mike!~~ Blame Mike!~~ *to the tune of “Blame Canada*), I found myself interested in it. In fact it was particularly engaging, even though 95% of the time I was going “OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIT!”. But don’t worry, I haven’t developed siscon [...]
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This may be from a calendar, but I figured everyone was sick of seeing the same two pictures of Nanoka. Koshiro and Nanoka are siblings, but thanks to their parents’ divorce and twelve year age gap, they haven’t seen each other since Nanoka was a baby. All that is about to change, however, for once she [...]
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WARNING: This post assumes you have watched Koi Kaze. When Koi Kaze finally ended I was quite disappointed at first. I really expected a sad ending after all that was developing in the last episode, but it just didn’t happen. In spite of this, like always, I kept thinking about what was going on and I [...]
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Running time: 23 minutes Number of episodes: 13 Vintage: 2004-04-01 to 2004-06-17 Age rating: Mature (May contain sex, drugs, and extreme graphic violence) Genres: Drama, Psychological, Romance, Slice of Life Animation Production: A.C.G.T. Broadcaster: KIDS STATION, TV Asahi Music Production: Lantis Production: Geneon Entertainment (USA) Inc., Geneon Entertainment, Inc., Rondo Robe, TV Asahi Source: Anime News Network Koi Kaze takes a journey into the mindset [...]
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