As usual, what looked like a poor season is actually shaping up to have a number of interesting shows. Nothing so far looks like an instant classic, but there are always surprises. And with 49 shows (including OVAs), there could be plenty of surprises.Hirano Aya returns to anime in a big way, starring in two series (Chico, Heiress of the Phantom Thief and Zettai Karen Children) and appearing in two OVAs (a Lupin III OVA and a Fist of the North Star OVA).I'll be watching Wagaya no O-inari-sama to hear 16-year-old Hayami Saori in her first role since bursting onto the scene at 15 with a wonderful performance as Momoka in Touka Gettan. Yukana in the starring role is also a big plus. What a voice.Kaiba, by the maker of Kemonozume, is a love story set in a future dystopia where bodies die and minds are transplanted, but some memories are lost.... Stars the great talent of Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, and Paku Romi.If you've never seen a yaoi (gay male) show, you might take a look at Junjou Romantica, directed by the director of Higurashi, and with a great cast: Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Kanna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou.On the yuri (Lesbian) side, there is the series based on the surprise hit romantic comedy ONA Candy Boy, with Nabatame Hitomi. Seven ten-minute episodes broadcast on the Net.Macross Frontier may be the most anticipated series of the season, extending that franchise. Or the most anticipated might be the new season of Code Geass. The first interests me more than the second.Vampire Knight is written by the writer of true tears, gives a female director who did eps of Princess Tutu her first full show, and character design is by the great Nishida Asako (Simoun, Touka Gettan). Horie Yui is surounded by a bevy of bishies: Miyano Mamoru, Kishio Daisuke, Chiba Susumu, Fukuyama Jun, Suwabe Junichirou, Houshi Souichirou, Koyasu Takehito.Real Drive involves a future dystopia and is done by Production IG based on a concept from Shirow Masamune (Ghost in the Shell, Ghost Hound).ToLoveRu is a top-class ecchi comic that should translate well to anime. Great cast includes Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori.Kurenai stars Sawashiro Miyuki and is directed by the director of Red Garden and Rozen Traumend. The story involves a 16-year-old bodyguard and a seven-year-old tsundere.In any case, here are the shows, by day of the week. Titles I am going to make a special point of looking at myself are in red. English titles link to Anime News Network entry. Japanese titles link to official sites. Click photos to enlarge.SundayNet Ghost Pipopa ネットゴースト PIPOPA Yuta (Satou Rina) moves to a highly technological city, and when he logs in to his computer is sucked into the world of the Net. He is rescued by three Net Ghosts, Pit, Pot, and Pat, and their adventures together in the two worlds begin.An early Sunday-morning show, but director Kimura Shinichro did Mahoraba and Karin, and writer Yamada Ysutomo did Tsuyokiss and Potemayo. Satou-san (Negi Springfield) is joined by Arai Satomi (Kozue in Mahoraba), Shiraishi Ryoko, and one of my favorite young seiyuus, Yahagi Sayuri (Karin). Studio Hibari. 08:30 apr 06Zettai Karen Children 絶対可憐チルドレン Hirano Aya gets a new starring role, her first since Lucky Star. Mangaka Shiina Takashi says he was thrilled when he heard the producers had chosen her as the lead. The story revolves around three girls with superpowers -- telekinesis, teleportation, and sensitive touch -- and bad attitudes.Aya's compatriots will also be played by excellent seiyuu: Shiraishi Ryoko (Hayate) and 18-year-old Tomatsu Haruka (Corticarte in Polyphonica, Sumi in Moetan). Add to them a male lead played by Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya in Clannad) and you have a cast to conjure with.Even more important is the director: he is Kawaguchi Keiichiro, the fast-rising talent behind Getsumen to Heiki Miina and Hayate the Combat Butler. This show takes over in Hayate's Sunday-morning time-slot on TV Tokyo. The manga has been adapted by Nishizono Satoru, who did the same for Welcome to the NHK. Animation by Synergy SP (Hayate, Kirarin, Major). 10:00 apr 06Code Geass R2 コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2 The most anticipated show of the spring is one I personally don’t anticipate much at all. I thought the great cast (Fukuyama Jun, Koshimizu Ami, Sakurai Takahiro, Yukana, Orikasa Fumiko, Midorikawa Hikaru, etc.) was wasted on the pointless and confused first series. Animated by Sunrise, with character design by Clamp. Director Taniguchi Goro did Planetes and Infinite Ryvius. 17:00 apr 06Wagaya no O-inari-sama 我が家のお稲荷さま Based on novels about a family that is protected by a beautiful fox goddess. I'll be watching mainly to hear young Hayami Saori again. She was outstanding in her first role as Momoka in Touka Gettan. I'm also eager to hear Yukana in the lead role. Also with Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya in Clannad), Mizushima Takahiro (Romeo, Kazuki in KimiKiss), Itou Shizuka, Kano Yui (in her first role since Momoko in Sumomomo), Ono Daisuke, and Mizuhashi Kaori. Lovely character design. Written by Yoshida Reiko (Saiunkoku, RomeoxJuliet, Canvas2). Directed by Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Sky Girls). Animation by ZEXCS. 24:00 apr 06Nabari no Ou 隠の王 Kugimiya Rie and Hino Satoshi (Shana and Yuji) team up again -- but in this case, they both play boys. Saiga Mitsuki, Namikawa Daisuke, and Fujimura Ayumi round out a nice core cast, with help from big names such as Suwabe Junichi, Nakata Jouji, and Okiayu Ryoutarou."Rokujou Miharu (Kugimiya) is a boy who has a hijutsu (hidden technique) living inside of him. This hijutsu is the power of creation. Many ninja clans are seeking it as the one who posesses it becomes the ruler of the ninja world. Rokujou's classmate Kouichi (Hino) started a nindou ('Way of the Ninja') club at school with Kumohira, his English teacher. Both Kouichi and Kumohira are secretly ninjas. They tried to persuade Rokujou to join the ninjutsu club. At first, he was reluctant, but after being attacked by group of ninjas trying to get his hijutsu, he joins. He must become the Ruler of Nabari in order to survive." (ann)Director Sugishima Kunihisa did Speed Grapher. Writer Yokote Michiko did Genshiken, xxxholic, and Princess Tutu. J.C. Staff 13 episodes? 25:30 apr 06SA - Special A S・A ～スペシャル・エー～ Hikari Hanazono (Gotou Yuuko), the main character, has always been second to Kei Takishima (Fukuyama Jun). While Hikari considers Kei a rival and somewhat of a friend, Kei loves Hikari. Everyone knows this, but she is too dense to notice.Their wrestling-loving fathers first introduced them to one another when they were 6 years old. Assuming that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in school grades, sports - anything. To do this she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary school. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei holding firmly to that number one position. (ann)With Yonaga Tsubasa, Takagaki Ayahi, Shimono Hiro, and Nabatame Hiromi. Based on a shoujo manga by Maki Minami serialised in Hana to Yume. Written by Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, H2O). Animation by AIC and Gonzo. OP by Gotou Yuuko.I'll be watching for the stars and Takagaki Ayahi. Director Miyao Yoshikazu is new to directing. After H2O, Hanada Jukki has to earn back his status as a top writer. 25:30 apr 06Neo-Angelique: Abyss ネオアンジェリーク Abyss Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) gets her second big role this spring (along with Macross) as the new voice of Angie. Or is it her third? She is also starring in the new Mai-Otome OVA. With the glamorous new character design, she has a chance to make this role count. Another series of the quietly popular girls' reverse-harem supernatural adventure franchise. With Takahashi Hiroki, Hirakawa Daisuke, Irino Miyu, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Ono Daisuke as the surrounding bishies. Animation by Yumeta. 26:00 apr 06Onegai My Melody Kirara おねがいマイメロディ きららっ☆ Onegai My Melody enters its fourth year. Studio Comet. 9:30 apr 06MondayChi's Sweet Home チーズスイートホーム Lead writer Konparu Tomoko did both NANA and Nodame Cantabile. But this isn't them: it's a five-minute kids' show about a cat. Madhouse 06:40 mar 31Ikuze! Gen-san いくぜっ！源さん Nice character design in a GyaO net animation for kids. Stars Yamaguchi Kappei. Written by the writer of Otoboku and DCSS. Director did Crash Hit Bedaman. Nippon Animation 24 eps. 12:00 mar 24Soul Eater ソウルイーター To make their weapons, students in a school for shinigami weapons technicians must collect the souls of 99 bad people and a witch. Director Igarashi Takuya did Ouran HS Host Club. Writer Yamatoya Akatsuki did Simoun, Gintama, and Busou Renkin.The cast includes Miyano Mamoru, Kobayashi Yumiko, Katou Emiri, Koyama Rikiya, Koyasu Takehito, Kuwashima Houko, Nazuka Kaori, and Watanabe Akeno. Animation by Bones. 18:00 apr 07Gag Manga Biyori 3 ギャグマンガ日和３ Directed by Daichi Akitaro, director of Fruits Basket and Bokura ga Ita. With Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and Nazuka Kaori. "Gyagu Manga Biyori is hyperactive, random, and nonsensical, revolving around various plots and characters throughout the series. It makes absolutely no sense. The 1st episode is about stickers included in snacks." (ann) Artland. 23:00 mar 17Vampire Knight ヴァンパイア騎士 "Yuki's earliest memory is of a stormy night in winter, when she was attacked by one vampire and then rescued by another. Now, 10 years later, Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, has become a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her savior, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school.But also at her side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend who hates the creatures. Is Kaname's infatuation with Yuki the beginning of a forbidden romance, or is it something in her forgotten past that draws him to her? In this world of secrets, nothing is as it seems." (anidb)Outstanding constellation of male seiyuus surrounds Horie Yui: Miyano Mamoru, Kishio Daisuke, Chiba Susumu, Fukuyama Jun, Suwabe Junichirou, Houshi Souichirou, Koyasu Takehito. Director Sayama Kiyoko gets her first full show, having done episodes of Princess Tutu and Blood+. Writer Okada Mari did true tears, Sketchbook, and episodes of Simoun. Outstanding character designer Nishida Asako did Simoun, Touka Gettan, and Fate/Stay Night. Studio DEEN. 25:00 apr 07Monochrome Factor モノクローム・ファクター "Akira Nikaido is a typical slacker high school student who thinks he has a normal life -- until a mysterious man called Shirogane appears and tells him to meet him at the school that night. He is skeptical but goes anyway…and gets attacked by a shadow monster! Shirogane convinces him that the balance between the human world and the shadow world has been distorted, and that Akira must become a shin--a creature of the shadow world--in order to help restore the balance." (anidb)Fine cast includes Ono Daisuke, Suwabe Junichi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Asano Masumi, Saiga Mitsuki, Konishi katsuyuki, Tamura Yukari, and Okiayu Ryoutarou. The director and the writer did Loveless and Zero no Tsukaima. Animated by ACGT. 26:00 apr 08TuesdaySugar Bunnies 2 シュガーバニーズ 第2シリーズ Cute-looking early-morning kids' show featuring cute bunnies and the cute voices of Horie Yui and Ueda Kana. From Sanrio (Hello Kitty). Even the official site doesn’t give info about the staff. Or about the start date. 07:30Uchi no San Shimai うちの3姉妹 Animation of an overwhelmingly popular blog (75 million hits) and book (800,000 copies sold) about rearing three daughters. ACGT . 17:30 apr 08Real Drive ＲＤ 潜脳調査室 "The story takes place in 2061, 50 years after humanity developed the Net Society that depended on information networks, despite their security issues. To improve security, a new network called Metal was developed. People's personal memories were reduced to information and placed online. The result was a virtual explosion of creative freedom as people felt safe enough explore instincts and desires on Metal that they would not otherwise explore in real life. This friction between the Metal's alluring lack of restrictions and rules-bound reality led to trouble and incidents that investigators known as Cyber Divers must handle. Masamichi Haru is one such cyber diver." (anidb)I hardly know what to expect, except for Production IG animation. Veteran seiyuu Mori Katsuji plays the lead, with inexperienced Oki Kanae billed second. But they are followed by a strong list including Takahashi Hiroki, Kawasumi Ayako, Fujiwara Keiji, Watanabe Akeno, and Nonaka Ai. Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Bincho-tan and Chevalier D'Eon. The concept is from Shirow Masamune, and writer Fujisaku Junichi did Blood+. Production IG 24:59 apr 08Crystal Blaze クリスタル ブレイズ aka Glass Maiden. An outstanding cast, including Ueda Yuuji in his best role since Morita in Honey & Clover. The (woman) director did Saikano. Guns and sex in a near-future Asian dystopia. With Miki Shinichirou, Arai Satomi, Takahashi Mikako, Kobayashi Yu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Itou Miki, Chiba Saeko (married but still working) and Takahashi Hiroki. Animation by Studio Fantasia. Could be a good one. 25:15 apr 08Himitsu: Top Secret 秘密 -トップ・シークレット- Psychological thriller starring Seki Tomokazu, Namikawa Daisuke, and Nonaka Ai. Don't ask me why, but I have a good feeling about this one.The director of Rocket Girls doesn’t inspire confidence, so that can’t be it. Madhouse. 25:29 apr 08WednesdayLupin III - Green vs Red ルパン三世 GREEN VS RED 40th anniversary Lupin III OVA gives Hirano Aya her second OVA and fourth show of the spring. 1 episode. apr 02Fist of theNorth Star: The Legend of Toki 真救世主伝説 北斗の拳 トキ伝 Abe Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, and Hirano Aya in the latest Hokuto no Ken OVA. Trailer on official site. Animation by Tom's Entertainment OVA ep 1 of 1. mar 26Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's 遊戯王5D's At least 13 new epsiodes of Yu-Gi-Oh! 18:00 apr 02Strait Jacket ストレイト・ジャケット "Leon the Professional meets Blade Runner…but steampunk." In a world where industry and sorcery coexist, people can suddenly turn into Malevolents, the enemies of all mankind, and even a young boy has had to kill someone he loved. A "gun action fantasy." Already licensed for R1 release.From a popular series of novels by Sakaki Ichirou (Scrapped Princess). Director Ushirou Jinji was assistant director of Otoboku. Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber) leads the cast, with Shindou Kei, Maeda Ai, and Asano Mayumi. Animation by Feel. OVA 3 of 3. apr 30ThursdayKyou Kara Mao 3 今日からマ王！第3シリーズ Ready for 39 more episodes of a modern boy as king of a medieval race? Directed by the masterful Nishimura Junji (Simoun, true tears). Animation by Studio DEEN. With Sakurai Takahiro, Morikawa Toshiyuki, and Saiga Mitsuki. 39eps. 23:02 apr 03Allison and Lillia アリソンとリリア Intriguing show set in early 20th century fictional world, featuring war, adventure and friendship. Mizuki Nana, Kumai Motoko (Goro in Major), Yamadera Kouichi, and Noto Mamiko. Based on shounen light novels, adapted by Machida Doko (Lucky Star, Kanban Musume). Directed by Nishida Masayori (Mokke, Eyeshield21). Animation by Madhouse. 26 eps. 23:32 mar 03Kaiba カイバ One of the most promising shows of the season. Original series directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Mind Game, Kemonozume), and animated by MADHOUSE. Outstanding cast: Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, Paku Romi."A sci-fi love story set in a world where digitization of memory made physical death obsolete. A world where memories can be stolen and altered, and replaced in a new human body. Kaiba wakes up in a room wthout knowing who he is. He has a pendant with the photograph of a woman he does not remember. After being attacked all of a sudden, he has to flee to space, meet various people, and rediscover the world. 'Even without my memories, I love you…'"(anidb) 12eps. 24:00 apr 10Library War (Toshokan Sensou) 図書館戦争 "In the year 2019, the explosion of information and misinformation had become a direct threat to society. A new government agency dedicated solely to information management is created. Now, some thirty years later, the government still monitors and controls information, suppressing anything they find undesirable, but standing against their abuses of power are the libraries, with their special agents, 'the book soldiers.'" (anidb)The director of Sisters of Wellber doesn’t attract me, but Production IG does, and so do Inoue Marina, Sawashiro Miyuki, and Ishida Akira. Based on a light novel series by Arikawa Hiro, illustrated by Adabana Sukumo. Production IG (Studio 9). 24:25 apr 10Junjou Romanchika 純情ロマンチカ Good-looking yaoi series from Studio DEEN. Directed by Kon Chiaki, director of Higurashi. With Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Kanna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou, and Hanada Hikaru (Creed in Ergo Proxy). Studio DEEN. 24 episodes. 25:20 apr 10Macross Frontier マクロス FRONTIER Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) gets the lead role in a new Macross series. Written by the lead writer of Mai-HiME and My-Otome. Music by Kanno Yoko. Also with Nakamura Yuuichi, Fukuyama Jun, Kamiya Hiroshi, Kobayashi Sanae, Tanaka Rie, Inoue Kikuko, and Sugita Tomokazu. The cast is up to it, that's for sure. "Love, friendship, and the fate of planets intertwined. An intergalactic Love Story." Animation by Satelight (Macross, Aquarion, Shugo Chara). 25:25 apr 03xxxHOLIC: Tsugi xxxHOLiC◆継 More xxxHOLIC for lovers of the first series. 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. 25:25 apr 03To Love-Ru To LOVEる A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. She runs him ragged, while befriending the human girl he really loves. The manga makes the most of a hackneyed concept. Let's hope the anime can, too. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Outstanding cast includes Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri (yes!), Arai Satomi (her third role of the spring), Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka, Yoshino Hiroyuki. Animation by Xebec. 26eps. 25:55 apr 03Kure-nai 紅 "16-year-old Shintaro Kurenai is a Mediator. Then one day, he is approached by the daughter of a rich and powerful family asking him to be her bodyguard. This somehow ends up with him living in a run-down tenement with Murasaki Kuhouin, his new 7-year-old apprentice, landlord, self-proclaimed fiance, and all-around tsundere, and several other eccentric ladies." (anidb)Promising show directed by Matsuo Kou, director of Red Garden and Rozen Traumend. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki as the male lead, with Ishige Sawa (the twins in PaniPoni), Sanada Asami and Shintani Ryouko. Animation by Brains Base. From the novels. 26:00 apr 03FridayNaisho no Tsubomi ないしょのつぼみ "Naisho no Tsubomi tells the story of Tsubomi Tachibana, a fifth grader dealing with issues such as her mother's pregnancy, her first period and the strange feelings she has started to get when she has been around boys. Based on a shoujo manga by Yabuuchi Yuu, serialised in Ciao." (anidb)Stars the wonderful tiny voice of big Nazuka Kaori. With a stunning supporting cast: Koshimizu Ami, Kanda Akemi, Kobayashi Sanae, Shiraishi Ryouko, Miyata Kouki, Saiga Mitsuki. Written by the writer of Lovege Chu, Cosmopolitan Prayers, and Elemental Gelade, however…. Studio Kikan OVA, ep 1 of 3. apr 25Amuri in Star Ocean 星の海のアムリ Delayed from December, the first ep of this interesting 3DCG space-loli OVA will be released 23 May. With Makino Yui (Misaki in Welcome to the NHK), Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister) and Aizawa Michiru (Furoe in Simoun) in the lead roles, supported by Mamiko Noto and Kaneda Tomoko. Studio Hibari. ep 1 of 3. may 23Candy Boy Candy☆Boy "Nonchalant talk of the certain twin sisters in daily life." Surprising hit net OVA gets a brief series of seven ten-minute episodes. Yuri tales of twin sisters. With Nabatame Hitomi, Yuzuki Ryoka (Eruruu in Utawarerumono), and Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star). The original ONA was wonderful -- very romantic and very yuri. AIC. 7x10min. 12:00 may 02Kirarin Revolution 3 きらりん☆レボリューション 第3期 I watched the first thirty or so episodes of season one, and found them a lot more entertaining than the average shoujo wannabe-idol show. But I had no idea the show would become so popular that it kept going to episode 100 (which aired 14 March) and beyond, to season three.Star Kusumi Koharu came straight from Morning Musume. She has a lot more seiyuu experience now than she did in April 2006, when this all began. New director Fujimoto Yoshitaka did Girl's High and KoiKoi7, neither of which bodes well. Writer Tsuchiya Rikei has some depth: she did Major and KimiKiss. Animation by Synergy SP. 18:00 apr 04The Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk ドルアーガの塔 ～the Aegis of URUK～ Directed by Chigira Koichi (Full Metal Panic, Last Exile). Animated by Gonzo. Orikasa Fumiko stars, with Chihara Minori, Horie Yui, Ishida Akira, Sakurai Takahiro. Features Yukana as a succubus (type-casting). Writer Gatoh Soji created FMP and worked on Suzumiya Haruhi and Lucky Star."In a summer once every five years, demons in the mysterious Tower of Druaga lose their powers due to the magic spell cast by a god named Anu. King Gilgamesh, ruler of the kingdom of Uruk, uses the appearance of demons as an excuse to invade the tower and find out its secrets. As 80 years passed, the Uruk army managed to fight back the demons and build a fortress city and safe haven on the very first floor of Druaga, Metz Kier. Thus begins the story of a warrior named Gil who, finding companions along the way, embarks on a quest for the fabled Blue Crystal Rod, a powerful artifact rumored to be in the highest floor of Druaga. However, other competitors, including the kingdom of Uruk itself, want the treasure." (anidb) Gonzo 25:15 apr 04Golgo13 ゴルゴ13 Little is known about this new show based on an ultra-violent hard-core old-style manga. Something for fans of the genre to look forward to. Animated by The Answer Studio, which did the underrated Flag. 25:23 apr 11Itazura na Kiss イタズラなKiss "It was love at first sight for Aihara Kotoko as top student Irie Naoki delivers a speech on the first day of high school. After 2 years of secret admiration, 'I don't want it' is the rejection she gets when she plucks up enough courage to hand him a love letter. Dejected, Kotoko vows to give him up. By a twist of fate, Kotoko's house collapses; her dad and she put up at a friend's place, who happens to be Naoki's father. And thus, life with Naoki begins and Kotoko's love for Naoki rekindles again. Much laughter ensues when scatterbrain Kotoko makes her countless advances (supported by Naoki's wacky mum) on ice-cold Naoki who hates girls and is a genius at practically everything from studies to sports." (anidb)Animated by the director of Toward the Terra. With Mizuki Nana, Hirakawa Daisuke, and Paku Romi. Promising shoujo. Tom's Entertainment 26eps. 26:25 apr 04Amatsuki あまつき "History isn't Tokidoki's strong subject. He`s even forced to do make-up work at a high-tech history museum to bring up his failing grades. After losing an eye to a virtual reality monster in an Edo-period simulation, he finds himself unable to leave the game. Could it be real? Based on the shoujo manga by Takayama Shinobu." (anidb)Stars the ubiquitous Fukuyama Jun and the glorious Paku Romi. Directed by the director of Chevalier D'Eon. Studio DEEN. I'll watch at least an ep for Paku-san. 26:30 apr 04Bus Gamer Bus Gamer "When three complete strangers, Mishiba Toki, Nakajyo Nobuto and Saitoh Kazuo, are hired by a corporation to compete in the Bus Game, an illegal dog-fight conducted in strict secrecy, they are given the team code of "Team AAA" (Triple Anonymous). This group of three who differ entirely from their living environments to their personalities have to work together effectively, but without mutually wiping out their mistrust of each other or prying into each other's privacy. They only have one point in common - each of them need a large amount of money for their individual circumstances. To get the money, they must play in the game despite their very own lives being at stake." (ann)Star seiyuus Suzumura Kenichi, Suwabe Junichi, and Takahashi Hiroki star in this three-episode series. Based on a cult manga by Minekura Kazuya (Saiyuki). Animation by Anipro. 26:30 mar 14SaturdayBlue Dragon: Seven Dragons of the Heavens BLUE DRAGON 天界の七竜 Quality Saturday-morning kids' adventure show Blue Dragon continues. With Paku Romi, Hazuki Erino, Namikawa Daiusuke and others. Studio Pierrot 09:00 apr 05Kanokon かのこん Intriguing ecchi comedy from Xebec with a number of good seiyuus. Kawasumi Ayako in a leading role is always promising. So are Noto Mamiko and the underused Saitou Chiwa and Itsuki Yui (I love her techno-core band Yousei Teikoku). Add two of my favorite seiyuu personalities, Miyazaki Ui and Kadowaki Mai, as well as the excellent Kondou Takashi, and I will certainly take a peek at this one."On Kouta's first day at a new school, a beautiful second-year female student named Chizuru Minamoto asks him to meet her alone in the music room. When he arrives, she reveals her that she is in fact a fox deity (see also Wagaya no Inari-sama) and from that day on the two hang out together. Nozomu is a first year female student at Kouta's school, she is in fact a wolf deity and in love with Kouta, and a rival of Chizuru for Kouta's affections." (anidb) Xebec 12eps. 10:30 apr 05D.C. II ~Da Capo II~ Second Season D.C.II S.S. ～ダ・カーポII セカンドシーズン～ Continues from the first season, which aired last fall. This time, I expect Takagaki Ayahi (Yume here, Noe in true tears) to play a larger role. With Horie Yui, Chihara Minori, Itou Shizuka, Asakawa Yuu, Yamaguchi Kappei, Kishio Daisuke. Animation by feel. Directed by the director of Utawarerumono and sola. I'll watch it for Aya-hime (Takagaki). Animation by feel. 13 eps. 24:30 apr 05Kyouran Kazoku Nikki 狂乱家族日記 A thousand years after a monster almost destroyed the Earth, human children are identified, one of whom may be its successor. The children are brought together in a single family in hopes that a happy family life in a human family may make them unwilling to destroy humans. Directed by Kuroda Yasuhiro (Guardian Hearts, Chocotto Sister), with Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Hanazawa Kana, Hirohashi Ryou, Tomatsu Haruka, Satou Rina. Animation by Nomad (Rozen Maiden, sola). 25:00 apr 12Kamen no Maid Guy 仮面のメイドガイ "Fujiwara Naeka is a typical 17 year-old high school student. Or so it apears. Shes really one of two surviving heirs of a tycoon and has the right to inherit his fortune when she turns 18 in half a year. Fubuki, a young and beautiful maid, and Kogarashi, a big burly maid guy with a mask, have been assigned to keep Naeka and her brother Kousuke safe from those who would plot their demise and steal the fortune she would inherit." (anidb)With the up-and-coming Iguchi Yuka in what I think is her first lead role. Also starring Toyoguchi Megumi, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Katou Emiri (who won a best new seiyuu award for Kagami in Lucky Star), Mugihito, Fujita Saki, Kanda Akemi, Kobayashi Yu, Kaido Yuko. I'll be watching ep1 for Iguchi-san (Ai in true tears), if nothing else. Animation by Madhouse. 25:35 apr 05Blassreiter Blassreiter Future fiction with motorcycles, highly athletic mecha, and Gonzo. Preview. Directed by Itano Ichirou, who directed Gantz, and written by the writer of Shana and Witchblade. Character designer did Gantz and Ergo Proxy. Mecha by Niθ. Voices by Itou Shizuka, Matsukaze Masaya, Hanazawa Kana, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Miyake Kenta. As long as the preview's resemblance to Dragonaut is only skin deep, this could be good. 24eps. 26:00 apr 05Chiko, Heiress of the Phantom Thief (Nijuu-mensou Musume) 二十面相の娘 One of two series in which Hirano Aya will star this spring. The story revolves around a female thief named Chico, who is the spiritual successor to the Kaijin Nijū-Mensō ("The Fiend with 20 Faces"), a thief character created by famed suspense and detective novelist Ranpo Edogawa, who considered himself the spiritual successor of Edgar Allan Poe. (info from anidb). Directed by the director of Kanban Musume, which is a plus, and Futakoi I, which is a bit of a minus. Adaptation by Tsuchiya Rikei, who did both Major and KimiKiss. Those are both pluses. Animation by Bones. Also with Arai Satomi (Kozue in Mahoraba) and Satou Rina (Negima). 26:05 apr 12
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Ah, Wellber no Monogatari. The show that scared away almost all its viewers in the first episode due to the talking tank. Still, this is another gem from Production IG, although it’s way rougher than series as Seirei no Moribito and Chevalier. The biggest problem with this series is definitely that the first couple of [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

About the Mangaka This is a collaboration work between Ubukata Tou, who wrote the original story, and Yumeji Kiriko who drew the art. This appears to be Yumeji-sensei’s first foray into manga, and she did a mind blowing job on the art. Ubukata-sensei however is no stranger, being the mind behind some large productions, including Heroic [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Okay, so I've been watching about five series at the same time. Which is really odd for me, since I used to watch one series all the way through and then move onto the next one. But lately, I've found that I don't enjoy marathoning series as much, and when I do I end up disliking it. So I thought I'd give a quick blurb on what I've been watching and my impressions.Persona ~trinity soul~: Wow spiritual giant robots that pop out of people and steal souls. I mean what's not to love about this show. It's got everything. And it's got a snazzy OP. Definitely more fun than a box of rocks.Claymore: My jury's still out on this one. It's definitely wins the "really pretty" award. But I've only gotten about four episodes into it and mostly it's kind of become the show I watch when I don't feel like watching anything else. But the fight scenes are good. The sword is totally badass. The male lead is pretty cool. And yeah Clare is a bit tsundere, but not too too bad. At least she's understandable.Le Chevalier D'Eon: Okay, I'm not sure what to say about this show. On the one hand, it has the Comte St. Germain, who is my favorite occult character of all time. Or at least ever since I read Umberto Eco's Focault's Pendulum. On the other hand, it makes all of my history sensors go off. It's like watching the dub of a foriegn movie. I know the words they're saying aren't the words that are coming out of the screen and their mouth is off just enough to aggravate me. Overall, it's enjoyable and it does have some good scenes and some great betrayals. Honestly worth a second view.Monster: Oh my God... this show rocks. Granted, I'm only seven episodes in, but it's already raised the "Hitler Question" (if you had the chance to kill Hitler as a child, would you? Assuming that you knew what he would do when he grew up.) I really enjoyed it in the Dead Zone. And I really enjoy it here. Although, I really don't know how they're going to stretch it out across 74 episodes. That will be a bit of a stretch, but so far, so good.Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Yang Wen-li is the man. The more I watch this show, the more I enjoy it. And that's after watching 50 or so episodes of a 110 episode series. It's got epic space battles, political intrigue, fanatics and two larger than life heroes with drastically different world views. The only failing is that I don't like the Empire as much as the Alliance. The characters are interesting, but it doesn't have the same kind of tension after the first season ends. But it's still a great series even after 30 or so years.And that's what I've been watching. I also got the first couple disks of ROD TV from Netflix. But I haven't watched them yet.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Amazon.com Widgets Title:  Le Chevalier d'Eon Vol 1 Story by: Tou Ubukata Manga by: Kiriko Yumeji Publisher: Del Rey ISBN:  9780345496225 May Contain Spoilers As beautiful girls are being slaughtered and their blood drained from their bodies, the French police are frantically trying to hunt down the killers.  A cult [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Le Chevalier D’Eon scored well with me on a lot of notes in the beginning. The story borrows the setting of pre French Revolution Europe, uses the history and historical figures, twists them up, throws in zombies and wizards called poets in an intrigue filled plot. Sounds like it could be interesting, but [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

The Le Chevalier D'Eon anime premieres this 25 January 2008 at 9PM WIB (10PM Singapore) on Animax Asia, while Jyu-Oh-Sei starts its broadcast run on Animax Philippines from 13 January at 7PM. Le Chevalier D'Eon (シェヴァリエ) by TOW UBUKATA - Production I.G/Project Chevalier 2006 Airs weekdays starting 25 January 2008, 9PM WIB, Animax Asia The story begins in Paris 1742, when the body of a woman
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

A normal day at Azure Flame. It’s been a year of ups and downs, of anime gems and utter disappointments- a year when I’ve alternated between craving more and feeling utterly fed up with the continuing deluge of episodes that take no account of the fact that people might have other things to do than stay [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

The new season is coming up fast. The first new show, Ayakashi, has already begun, and the season gets fully under way exactly two weeks from today. As with most winter seasons, there are not a huge number of new shows. The Spring and Fall 2007 seasons had almost 40 new shows each. This winter season has around 20. I don't see anything potentially classic here, but you never know.I myself am looking forward to the new show from the director of Simoun, Nishimura Junji. True Tears looks like a standard harem romance, but his presence, along with that of writer Okada Mari, who wrote many episodes of Simoun, gives me hope for something a bit special. Spice and Wolf (Ookami to Koshinryou) is based on an award-winning novel about a young travelling merchant and a wolf-goddess, who are played in the anime by Fukuyama Jun and Koshimizu Ami. The wolf-goddess's character is entrancing: playful and bold. I keep wanting Ami to get better roles, and I think this might be a big one for her.Even though it is too long for my taste (52 episodes) Porfy no Nagai Tabi could be interesting, made as it is by Mochizuki Tomomi, who did both Zettai Shounen and YKK. Rosario+Vampire has an amazing cast, headed by Mizuki Nana, and an intriguing vampire+school life plot. And the "second helping" of the enjoyable Minami-ke will be interesting, since it is made by a completely new staff (but with the same cast). H2O～Footprints in the Sand～ is another harem romance, but it has Koshimizu Ami in it and was written by Hanada Jukki, who wrote sola. A new season of ARIA, a new season of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, a new season of Gunslinger Girl.The list below is in the order the new shows will air. English titles link to a show's Anime News Network encyclopedia page, which has more staff/cast info. Japanese titles link to official sites. Clicking "forum" will take you to the AnimeSuki forum for each show, where people post even more info about the show. Times are in Japanese TV-listing style: 26:30 Monday means 2:30 am Tuesday (midnight is 24:00, plus 2:30 makes 26:30).The list includes only series. I'll cover OVAs separately, time permitting. A couple of big OVAs are actually coming this Friday, 21 December, with the first episode of a four-ep Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien OVA and the first episode of Amuri in Star Ocean, starring Makino Yui, Noto Mamiko, Saitou Momoko, Kaneda Tomoko, and Aizawa Michiru (Furoe in Simoun).Ayakashi. アヤカシ. "Adapted from an adult superhuman battle action visual novel. Ayakashi is a parasitic force that gives superpowers to its host, taking in return the host's entire life force. Kusaka Yuu is a student that lost his will to live after the death of a dear childhood friend, until the day a mysterious girl appears. Hunted by Ayakashi and their hosts, the power within Yuu awakens and a never-ending battle begins." (ANN) Director and writer Takada Jun and Kouno Takemitsu did the totally different show Lamune. Stars Mizuki Nana, Kishio Daisuke, Matsuki Miyu, Sugita Tomokazu, Yukino Satsuki, et al. Preview broadcast of eps 1-2 on 8 Dec 07. Starts 11:00 wed dec12. forum. Sisters of Wellber 2. ウエルベールの物語 第二部. Three episodes of the first series was all I could take. I think it was the talking tank that got me. The cast is great: Takahashi Mikako, Takeuchi Junko (Naruto), Sendai Eri, Namikawa Daisuke, Sugita Tomokazu. And the basic set-up is good: a princess flees arrest for murder, under the protection of a female thief. Time to take another look? Director Hamana Takayuki did Prince of Tennis. Production I.G., TransArts. Starts 26:30 tue jan01. forum.Rosario to Vampire. ロザリオとバンパイア. One of the more anticipated shows of the season, with an outstanding cast: Mizuki Nana, Chiba Saeko, Kugimiya Rie, Inoue Kikuko, Fukuen Misato, Kishio Daisuke, Seki Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito. "Tsukune Aono (Kishio Daisuke) is not a good student. The only school he can get into turns out to be a school attended by youkai ("monsters"), disguised as humans. Fearing for his life, he attempts to escape. But he meets Moka Akashiya (Mizuki Nana), a beautiful girl who just happens to be a vampire. He decides to stay at the academy, hiding his human nature from students and teachers. But Tsukune discovers that when the rosary around Moka's neck is removed, her true vampire nature emerges." (Anime News Network)Director Inagaki Takayuki directed Sunabouzu, Marginal Prince, and Koharu Biyori. Lead writer Yamaguchi Hiroshi did Argento Soma, Comic Party, Sunabouzu, and ToHeart2. Could become just a moe monster-of-the-week anime, but has promise. Gonzo. 13eps. Starts 23:30 thu jan03. forumH2O ～Footprints in the Sand～. H2O ～FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND～. Koshimizu Ami in yet another harem romance. Adapted from an ero-game. People say the game is slow and makes poor use of some good ideas. But the anime adaptation is written by Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola). Perhaps he can make better use of the material. Starts 25:20 thu jan03. forum.Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de. 君が主で執事が俺で. Although it's being broadcast at 6:30 Friday evenings, this appears to be a full-on harem show with tsunderes. It has a fantastic cast: Seki Tomokazu, Itou Shizuka, Tanaka Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Hiyama Nobuyuki. "...in the game, the player’s character is a butler who must serve a demanding wealthy heiress. The Kuonji family is a very old and very rich one with three daughters (Itou and Gotou play two of them), each of whom has her own staff. It’s a Kuonji family tradition for the staff to swear absolute loyalty to their masters, so when teenage runaway Ren Uesugi (Seki Tomokazu) and his sister Mihato (hitomi) are desperate for the money, they agree to make the pledge." (jcdranzer, AnimeSuki) A.C.G.T. Starts 18:30 fri jan04. forum Hatenkou Yuugi. 破天荒遊戯. Kobayashi Sanae, Sakurai Takahiro, and Miki Shinichirou are an excellent main cast. A young girl named Rahzel is booted out of her house one day by her father with the instructions to 'see the world.' And so her journey begins. However, she won’t be doing it alone. She befriends a stoic young man named Alzeido seeking revenge for his father's murder. Alzeido and Rahzel are like oil and water, but they feel strangely drawn to one another. This could be either the result of an underlying attraction — or their shared powers with magic... (Baka-updates) The outstanding Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask) means I have to watch at least one episode. Miki Shinichirou and Sakurai Takahiro are more reasons to watch. Studio Deen. Starts 26:30 fri jan04. forum. Zenryoku Usagi. 全力ウサギ. "Full-power Bunnies." Saturday-morning anime featuring construction-worker rabbits. When an official site doesn’t give the names of the staff, I worry about quality. TMS Entertainment. Starts 08:30 sat jan05. MAJOR 4th season. MAJOR 4th season. The fourth season of the perennially popular baseball anime. Director Kasai Kenichi has branched off from here to do Honey & Clover 2 and KimiKiss ~pure rouge~. Starts 18:00 sat jan05. forum. PERSONA -trinity soul-. PERSONA -trinity soul-. Set in another futuristic city ten years after the events of Persona 3, the anime revolves around the undead known as "reverse," who disguise themselves as humans. It will be a supernatural story like the Persona series and will involve 3 brothers. Not my thing, but the preview has a quality look about it. Director Matsumoto Jun is new, but lead writer Muto Yasutuki wrote many episodes of Chevalier D'Eon. Cast includes Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito in sola), Koyasu Takehito, Sawashiro Miyuki, Asumi Kana, and Nakahara Mai. A-1 Pictures (Ookiku Furikabutte). Starts 22:30 sat jan05. forum. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei season 2. 俗・さよなら絶望先生. After the comparatively poor ratings for Negima, director Shinbou Akiyuki only got 13 episodes for Zetsubou Sensei. But the success of the first season got him a second season. A unique show with a terrific cast. Kamiya Hiroshi is great as the sensei, and he is surrounded with fine performances: Nonaka Ai, Sawashiro Miyuki, Matsuki Miyu, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Sanada Asami, etc., etc. 13eps. Starts 24:30 sat jan05. forum true tears. true tears. Looks on the surface like a standard harem anime, but the preview has a very nice feel. A cast starring Nazuka Kaori, Iguchi Yuka, and Takagaki Ayahi is promising. Add Nishimura Junji, the director of Simoun, and Okada Mari, who wrote many episodes of that show, and you've got my attention for sure. P.A.Works. 13eps. Starts 25:00 sat jan05. forum.Shigofumi. シゴフミ. "A story about a miracle, involving Fumika, a quiet but hard working girl who wears a uniform that of a mail carrier, and her talkative staff and partner Mayama. The Shigofumi is a posthumous letter, the last resort of relaying a deceased person's last message to his/her loved ones: family, friends, and significant other." (Dengeki Bunko newsletter, via eggplant on AnimeSuki.) Directed by Satou Tatsuo (Stellvia) and starring Ueda Kana and Matsuoka Yuki. JCStaff. 12eps. Starts 25:35 sat jan05. forum. Porfy no Nagai Tabi. ポルフィの長い旅. A Sunday prime-time family show slated for 52 episodes. Stars Kaida Yuki, Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Inoue Kazuhiko (Gorou in Moonlight Mile), and Shimamoto Sumi (Kyoko in Maison Ikkoku, Kanata in Lucky Star). The story revolves around a Greek boy who loses touch with his sister after an earthquake and travels around Europe looking for her. Directed by Mochizuki Tomomi, who did the excellent Zettai Shounen and YKK. Nippon Animation. 52eps. Starts 19:30 sun jan06. Minami-ke O-kawari. みなみけ～おかわり（仮）. Another helping of Minami-ke, but from a different set of cooks: the same cast for ingredients, but a different studio and staff to prepare the meal, including the director of Shuffle!, Hosoda Naoto. Satou Rina, Inoue Marina, and Chihara Minori have all been good in the first helping, so I'm looking forward to seeing this new version. Reminds me of Futakoi and Futakoi Alternative. asread. Starts 25:30 sun jan06. Aria The Origination. Aria The Origination. Third season of the show that defines "slice of life." No details yet available, but I expect to hear the same great cast, including Hazuki Erino, Ohara Sayaka, Hirohashi Ryou, Saitou Chiwa, Kawakami Tomoko, Minagawa Junko, Mizuhashi Kaori, and Watanabe Akeno. Hal Filmmaker. Starts 26:00 mon jan07. forum. Gunslinger Girl -Il Teatrino-. GUNSLINGER GIRL -IL TEATRINO-. When the Social Welfare Agency investigates the disappearance of an operative, their inquiry leads them right into the lair of their rival, the Five Republics. The assassin Triela infiltrates the hostile organization, but her search is cut short when she finds herself staring down the barrel of a gun... (ANN) Many changes in the voice cast from the first series. The new series features Mizuno Risa, Shiono Anri, Enomoto Atsuko, Hanazawa Kana, Koyasu Takehito, Kishio Daisuke, and Shiraishi Minoru. And it has a new director: Mano Rei, the woman who directed Ghost Hunt. Artland. Starts 27:00 mon jan07. forum. Spice and Wolf (Ookami to Koshinryou). 狼と香辛料. From a prize-winning novel set in a fictional version of medieval Europe. The main character is a 25-year-old traveling merchant, Lawrence. He meets Horo, a pretty but unpredictable centuries-old wolf and harvest-goddess. She has left the village she's supposed to watch over because she believes the people there have forsaken her. She wants to go north, back to her homeland, and also to travel and see the world, which she knows has changed since she came to the village. (with info from Tangowr, AnimeSuki) Stars Koshimizu Ami, Fukuyama Jun, Kaori Nazuka, Nakahara Mai. I think this role could be a great one for the talented Koshimizu Ami. Unfortunately, the staff makes me worry: director Takahashi Takeo and lead writer Arakawa Naruhisa made the ecchi comedy Cosmoplitan Prayers together. IMAGIN. Starts 25:30 tue jan08. forum. Noramimi. のらみみ. Seinen comedy. Cast includes Katou Nanae, who played Princess Tutu, as well as rising star Kitamura Eri, and Shiraishi Minoru in what appears to be a minor role. TMS Entertainment. Starts 25:45 wed jan09. forum Hakaba Kitarou. 墓場鬼太郎. "Graveyard Kitarou." Spin-off from Gegege no Kitarou. Director Chioka Kimitoshi did a good job with Kamisama Kazoku. Toei. Starts 24:45 thu jan10. Yatterman 2008. ヤッターマン 新シリーズ. Revives a successful 1970s kids/family franchise. Starring Yoshino Hiroyuki (Zed in Kiba), Itou Shizuka, Takahashi Chiaki, Yamadera Kouichi. Directed by original directior Sasagawa Hiroshi, written by Takahashi Natsuko, who did Blue Drop, Moyashimon, and Gakuen Heaven. Tatsunoko. 70eps. Starts 19:00 mon jan14.Yes! Precure 5 Go Go! Yes！プリキュア5 GoGo! The new Precure 5 series will be directed by the director of the previous Precure 5 series. Cast details are not yet available, but I expect to hear the wonderful Sanpei Yuuko back as Cure Dream, along with Ise mariya, Maeda Ai, Nagano Ai, and Takeuchi Junko. Starts 08:30 sun feb02.Mnemosyne. Mnemosyne -ムネモシュネの娘たち-. This won't start until sometime in February, but it should be worth waiting for. "In this sexy, hardboiled science fiction action anime, Tanaka Rie voices Yamanobe Sayara, head of Aoyama Pharmaceutical Company's Sayama Laboratory. The haughty, quite sadistic Sayara conducts illegal experiments at the laboratory." (Siegel Clyne, AnimeSuki) Add Noto Mamiko, Kugimiya Rie, and Ohara Sayaka and we may really have something here. If we can take it. The preview video includes nudity and violence. Director Ueda Shigeru did Elemental Gelade and episodes of FMA and Lain.There will also be a couple of very short shows notable mainly for their stars. Tanaka Rie will star as on-chan, Hokkaido TV's popular mascot character, in a weekly six-minute show called on-chan onちゃん. Also in the show will be Konno Hiromi, who was Akira on Lucky Channel, and Kaneda Tomoko. Fridays at 19:54, starting fri 18jan.And Hirano Aya will star in Moegaku 5 もえがく★5, a daily 15-minute show that has both a live-action and an animated part. She will be the host of the live-action part and will voice a charcter in the anime. The show teaches languages, one language for each day of the week (English, Korean, Spanish, Chinese and French, Monday through Friday). The animation is by the director and the writer of Tokimeki Memorial, Takamoto Nobuhiro and Watanabe Akira. Starts 17:00 mon jan14.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)