This episode was pretty damn funny in my eyes!!! hahaha The gang starts off as is they’re on a mission – looking gakkoi and all but OBVIOUSLY it’s just a practice!! Aaaaah!! I loved how Filicia managed to slip in afternoon tea into the episode!! Suddenly it made me think of Marimite and Strawberry Panic!! [...]
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WAVE is going to release the Treasure Figure Collection Shizuru Viloa ( シズル・ヴィオーラ ) Limited White Swimwear Ver. ( 限定・白水着ver. ) 1/10 PVC figure from the anime series “Mai-Otome” ( 舞-乙HiME ). Will be released in June 2010. Around 170mm tall, 4,200 yen. Isn’t WAVE pretty smart? They... **This is a content summary only. Please visit Nekomagic for full content!**
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WAVE is going to re-release the Treasure Figure Collection Shizuru Viloa ( シズル・ヴィオーラ ) 1/10 PVC figure from the anime series “Mai-Otome” ( 舞-乙HiME ). Will be re-released in June 2010. Around 170mm tall, 4,200 yen. This is a re-release of the old Shizuru Viloa figure that was released in... **This is a content summary only. Please visit Nekomagic for full content!**
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About the Mangaka Abeno Chako is a member of the doujin group Kappa Kurieito. And has worked in both the manga and visual novel field. Some of her more notable works are Mai-Otome Zwei, Sola and White Album. About the Manga   Sadly, this volume has done little to improve my thoughts on it, despite another good cover. The [...]
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With a premise reminiscent of My-Otome and championing the current trend of snotty faux-aristocrats, Ladies versus Butlers starts as it intends to continue: copious, pointless fanservice. The frantic first episode is chase across palatial school grounds which sees girls of an acutely fair disposition faint at the very sight of a teenage [...]
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After three episodes of most new shows, the time has come to say something about them.For me, Dance in the Vampire Bund is clearly the best new show. I know no-one else agrees, but that's okay. So far (up to episode 3) I think it is real visual, filmic, and dramatic art. More later in this post.And although it didn't look like this was going to be much of a season, there are actually several more good and/or watchable shows. (click images to enlarge)Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu was my pre-season pick. It has taken three episodes for me to really get it, but it is now clicking for me in a big way. Director Oonuma Shin was my reason for picking this show, and we can clearly see his touch in its look.But one of the best things he did was pick crazy auteur Nabeshin (Watanabe Shinichi, director of Excel Saga and PuniPuni Poemi) to storyboard and direct episode three -- which was totally crazy and utterly hilarious.On the Japanese discussion board 2channel, the most popular new show is Sora no Oto, the moe slice-of-life anime featuring a platoon of five girls who are the guard in a postwar guardpost in an alternative-universe Euro/Japanese town. Their main function seems to be to play reveille every morning on a bugle from the ramparts.The animation, voice-acting, and especially the backgrounds are excellent. As are the gentle and humane atmosphere and characters.The next most popular new show on 2channel is Durarara!, which also features an ensemble cast, good animation, and a vivid setting. This time, the setting is the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo. Life swirls around and through the many characters in a wonderful way.The characters seem fairly thin to me so far, and I'm not a huge fan of shounen fighting. But the characters bear watching, there is some mystery lurking, and the fights are certainly entertaining: one guy throws a trashcan a block through the air, and in another scene someone loses all his clothing as he is propelled up and across an intersection.The big surprise for me is the comedy Hanamaru Kindergarten. So far, the show is highly enjoyable, which seemed unlikely in a show featuring kindergarteners and their insecure new male teacher. Another surprise is that the show is directed by the director of Gundam00 and FMA1, Mizushima Seiji.This is not Kodomo no Jikan, which I think of as a show based on loli appeal that had a serious side, too. This is an innocent show, with delightful characters and its own kind of depth. However, it does star Shindou Kei, who was Kuro in KnJ.The most striking character is the childish genius played by Takagaki Ayahi, who continues to cement her position in the upper ranks of seiyuus. Last year, she performed in the ninth-highest number of episodes of any seiyuu.Nodame Cantabile Finale is having trouble getting going, through two episodes. Nodame's craziness seems less endearing; there is too little behind Chiaki's actions; and as in the second series, the music is not getting its due.But I continue to have high hopes, and am following the story closely.TV ratings started at 2.5%, a far cry from those of the first series, which doubled that; but episode two jumped to a highly respectable 3.7%Katanagatari just aired its first episode and was both good to look at and quite enjoyable to watch -- although it doesn't seem to me to be anywhere near the show Bakemonogatari was, which was also based on a novel by NisiOisiN. The character design and backgrounds are excellent, and the animation good.But somehow, director Motonaga Keitarou (Amaenaideyo, School Days) just doesn't seem to me to make the most of the material. There isn't much rhythm in the directing, and he doesn't get the best from a decent main cast: Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, and Hosoya Yoshimasa (Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki na Kanojo).It's hard to know how popular the new Hidamari Sketch is, since there is no separate thread for it on 2channel, and TV ratings are not available. But this seems a worthy continuation of the series. It's beautiful and well-acted, but unfortunately it bores me. This season, we get a new character, called Nori, played by Harada Hitomi, an interesting new voice who played Tomoe in Sasameki Koto and is Himeji in Baka to Test.Actually, maybe Ladies versus Butlers is the most surprising show. It makes no pretense of being anything but a bishoujo fanservice comedy, and is by the staff that made Kanokon. But it is actually funny. The look and colors are delightful, the animation good, and the character design -- if you don't mind the absence of noses -- is excellent.And I find myself laughing out loud during every episode. They take common memes and do them well, pushing the humor just one stage further. Like the innocent clumsy maid (voiced by Koshimizu Ami) who comes into the shower to apologize for something by scrubbing the protagonist's back, and shows not the slightest embarrassment at all, advancing step by step as he contorts his body to hide. And we have a bit of mystery and some interesting human relations.Seikon no Qwaser fascinated me at the start, with its pseudo-Christian mythology and good voice-acting (Sanpei Yuuko, Fujimura Ayumi, Toyosaki Aki, Chihara Minori, Hirano Aya, Hikasa Youko, Kawasumi Ayako, Ookawa Tooru). But the censored version is so censored as to be incoherent, and the way they combine sex and violence in the uncensored version I find hard to take.The story involves a magical boy who gains power to fight by sucking "soma" from a virgin's breasts. But that's not the problem, really. It's a strong concept, if you just accept it as myth and don't hate it for being fanservice.Chuu-bra is the most unlikely show of all: about a girl who wants to help other girls wear the bras and panties that are right for their bodies, and starts an underwear club in her school. It's clear what the appeal is meant to be, lol. But in fact, the girl herself, and the situation, are interesting and quite well portrayed. I'm not a big fan of Chihara Minori's seiyuu work, but I think she does a good job here as the main girl. She makes her innocent and almost real. The show reminds me of Naishou no Tsubomi, overlaying its fanservice with some actual life-education.Ookamikakushi is the latest offering based on a story by Ryuukishi07, the creator of Higurashi. Strange town in the countryside -- check. Mysterious secret activities -- check. Dangerous-seeming loli -- check. Creepy male character caressing the young male protagonist's leg -- hey, wait, that's something new. It does seem like other Ryuukishi07 tales, but as with them, the story might actually have some interest. And there is something to the characters. Too bad the drawing, animation, and story-telling are so lame.Omamori Himari at first sight seems to have nothing at all going for it, and yet even it is amusing, if you like fanservice and moe. Shindou Kei reappears as the magic loli. Koshimizu Ami is a warrior cat-spirit speaking old Japanese. And Nomizu Iori (Nymph in Sora no Otoshimono) does a nice job as the childhood friend. But Hirakawa Daisuke is unbearable as the wimpy, excitable lead. The humor feels stale to me. And the drawing and animation are second-rate.Now for a few more words about Dance in the Vampire Bund. I can understand why some manga-readers wish it had followed the manga more closely. I can understand why some people object to a show its loli appeal. And I can understand why some people find Shinbou Akiyuki's direction too busy.But if you can speed yourself up to the Shaft/Shinbou visual pace, this show is just outstandingly well put together. The first episode was pretty outlandish, and I wasn't totally convinced myself. But the idea was to create a light environment as a background for the serious events that will come. And the tone of voice Yuuki Aoi used in her first appearance in the show was just riveting: slow, childish, uncertain, arch. Then she came forth as the powerful vampire queen. These contrasts were the point of the episode.Episode two, as I've written before, was amazing. The opening sequence was a classic, with its colorful vague images, the butterfly and flowers, the crying eye, rushing up the red carpet, the music, the voices. The way the boy's voice was timed to the butterfly landing on the flower, and the way Nakamura Yuuichi repeated exactly the same tone the second time he spoke. It was symphonic. All the timing was sharp and strong, penetrating the heart like music. And we ended with a clear feeling of the memories of the queen, her sadness and love for the kind little boy, and her present confidence, pre-eminence and strength.Throughout the episode, we had timing and images that worked like these, if less powerfully. The very next sequence, in the classroom, is another example, working rhythms with the music, images, and voices. And creating a wistful feeling with Saitou Chiwa's voiceover, Yuki's gaze, and the "high and distant" Ennico Morricone-like music in the background.An important part of the aesthetic here is irony. Using contrasts of seriousness and humor to keep us just a little distant from the action. So that we learn to accept dramatic scenes like the finale of episode two, with its emotional crescendos, and not feel that they are overdone. For some people, this apparently doesn't work. It's a fine line, I admit. But the show walks it well for me.And I like the strength of the mythic situations. The mythic contradictions of the powerful child-queen who is not a child. Her knight-errant fated from birth to serve her. His forgetting his own nature -- and then remembering it in response to her cry of despair. The queen who is a part of nature (her face in the shrubbery), but who is vulnerable to the sun (the protective gel). Mina Tepes the direct descendant of the original Dracula, Vlad Tepes. And by episode three, we have the terrifying mythic situation of monsters among us.There are many mesmerizing images, works of art in themselves. These tableaux can emphasize something about a situation or a character and give us a chance to feel them, or get a sense of immediacy by focusing on a small detail. Here are some examples:I'm a fan of Shinbou Akiyuki's work, although I haven't been able to finish many of his series. I loved Bakemonogatari, but Natsu no Arashi left me pretty cold. The gentle moe of Hidamari Sketch didn't sustain my interest long, and the humor of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei isn't mine.What's the difference? The original material makes a big difference, and I did like this manga, at least into volume four. But I think the main difference may be the staff Shinbou has to help him here: he has a new assistant director (Sonoda Masahiro), a new animation director (Konno Naoyuki), a new writer (Yoshino Hiroyuki, who wrote Macross Frontier, Mai-HiME and My-Otome, and was assistant chief writer on Code Geass), and a new music director (Dobashi Akio). As far as I can tell, none of those have worked with him before, except for Sonoda, who worked on a couple of episodes of ef melodies, which Shinbou just supervised and didn't direct.I've gone on too long. In part, I'm trying to justify the show and my opinion of it to the many people who doubt its excellence. In part, I'm trying to understand why I like it, and convince myself. In that at least, I have succeeded.
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Yay, it's 2010! ^^ Whether you kicked off the new year with a jump-start on one of your resolutions, a hangover, a hatsumode, or all three, I hope everybody's having a good start to the new year/decade. Here's a list of my top 10 yuri anime of 2009, followed by a list of my top 10 yuri anime of the past decade. My Top 10 of 2009: 10) A tie between Ikki Tousen (Funi's re-release of the first season and Media Blasters' release of Dragon Destiny) and Nanoha (Funi's release)- Once I gave Ikki Tousen a shot, it turned out to be stupid fun (with yuri!). Nanoha season 1 (that's all that I've watched up to this point) deserves mention for how much it improved by the end, with some cute subtext to boot. 9) Saki (streaming on Crunchyroll)- What began as a boring high school comedy/drama quickly developed into a fun tournament-style title with a likeable, yuri-riffic cast of characters. My top couples are still Momo x Yumi, Nodoka x Saki, and Hisa x...uhh, Mako or Mihoko (whichever ^^;;). 8) Maria-sama ga Miteru Season 3 (RightStuf's release): I absolutely love Marimite. And RightStuf, for licensing it. :-) 7) Blue Drop- A very good, low-key sci-fi romantic drama that I didn't expect to see released in English on DVD. Go, go Sentai! 6) CANAAN: I know, I know. Besides Liang, the only yuri in this series is subtext/wishful thinking. But what yummy subtext it is. Plus, yay for having another good seinen action series revolving around an primarily female, non-school aged cast that doesn't moe-fy or "Queen's Blade"-out its characters. 5) Maria-sama ga Miteru Season 4- The fourth, possibly (imo, probably) final season for one of my all-time favorite shows. More wonderful subtext (and friendships) between wonderful characters in a wonderful story. 4) To Aru Kagaku no Railgun: For simply being a fun sci-fi action title with a canon yuri lead. (Although Saten's skirt-flipping ways and Uiharu's fascination with Tokiwadai have both pinged my gaydar as well.) 3) El Cazador de la Bruja (Funi's English DVD release): The final, most yuriful series in Bee Train's "girls-with-guns" trilogy, finally available in English! XD Yay, Nadie x Ellis! 2) Sasameki Koto (streaming on Crunchyroll): It didn't have the budget or, frankly, the same level of direction as Aoi Hana's adaptation, but it was a joy to see Sumi, Ushio, and the rest of the Joshibu finally animated, and it was simply a fun show. Plus, it was cool to not only see this series stream on AE, but also get picked up by other lesbian media sites. 1) Aoi Hana (streaming on Crunchyroll): Surprise. ^^; From the opening episode, I loved this series. The characters, the story, the art, the music, everything, pulled together by Kenichi Kasai's brilliant direction, with Ikuhara Kunihiko's beautiful OP as the cherry on top. I couldn't have been happier with this adaptation- aside from the fact that it needs a second season (like so many other shows on this list). Plus, it was very cool to see a yuri anime streamed on Afterellen for the first time. Honorable mention goes to Shin Koihime Musou (for the sheer number of yuri characters) and Kanamemo (for Yume and Yuuki, even if Haruka...well, everybody who reads this blog already knows how I feel about Haruka). My Top 10 of the Past Decade: 10) Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito: This is a crappy title with a crappy, tear-your-heart-out-and-stomp-on-it ending (although I've heard that the manga and game both have yuri-friendly endings). But it was the earliest yuri-centric title to air during the past decade. For helping to get the yuri ball rolling, Yamibou deserves a spot here. (Plus, I like Hazuki. She deserves a better series.) 9) Magical Girl Lyrical  Nanoha- I've only seen the first season, but since I know that StrikerS features Nanoha and Fate living together as adults, sharing a bed (when they could easily sleep in separate beds), and raising a kid who calls them both "mama", I'm listing it. 8) Mai-Hime- For being a popular action title that gave rise to a popular yuri couple, among numerous other potential pairs. It spawned even more yuri in its spin-off, Mai-Otome, and in the two OVAs that branched from Mai-Otome. Not to mention Mai-Hime Destiny, Mao-Hime (I think that's what it's called...I haven't really bothered with reading it), and the upcoming Mai-Hime EXA. (I'm trying to forget the first Mai-Hime manga.) 7) Strawberry Panic- For further cementing Marimite's influence and the pervasive "all-girls' school" trope in yuri, for better or for worse. Plus, it's a fun show. 6) Simoun: An absolutely excellent fantasy title from beginning to end that any anime fan would do well to try. Plus, the plot is wrapped up very satisfyingly (but not too neatly or happily) within its 26(!) episode span. 5) Noir: Subtext only but worth listing for its influence on the subtext-rich "girl-with-guns" subgenre, including Madlax, El Cazador, and (probably) CANAAN, among other titles. 5) Sasameki Koto- Just an enjoyable yuri-centric title that gently pokes fun at (and at times, subverts) yuri tropes and stars a likeable cast. Mega-points for not taking place at an all-girls' school (and for pointing out that Ushio tried her darndest to get into one), and continuing the trend of featuring characters who aren't simply "in love with this particular, exceptional person who happens to be a girl." 3) Kannazuki no Miko- First anime title centered around a canon yuri couple with a happy ending. (At least, I see it as a happy ending.) I'll admit my bias- even though I'm not fond of the angsty moping that makes up a sizeable chunk of this series anymore, this was the first title that I recognized as "yuri", and I was head-over-heels in love with it for quite a while. Plus, thanks to the enduring popularity of Chimeko (and Kaishaku's perennial fondness for them), we can likely expect a new yuri action anime- an adaptation of Kaishaku's Zettai Shoujo Seiiki Amnesian- within the next few years. :-) 2) Aoi Hana- Simultaneously the best and most realistic title centered around a canon yuri protagonist in the past decade. 1) Maria-sama ga Miteru: Because no other yuri title that aired from 2000 through 2009 has been as influential or as heavily-referenced as Marimite. And that's it. ^^
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This is the first season to make me really believe the cries of woe that have been coming from the anime industry for years. My list has only 17 new shows coming out in the first three months of next year. That compares with 36 shows in the same period this year.But there are some promising and/or eagerly awaited shows among them:Baka to Test to Shokanjuu is a school comedy based on a top-rated light novel, and it is directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the two ef shows for Shaft. Because of him, this is at the top of my list.Dhurara is by the staff that made the underrated Baccano, and is based on a novel by the same author as that show. Dance in the Vampire Bund is Shinbou Akiyuki's next big thing after Bakemonogatari. It is based on a popular manga in which the loli-looking queen of the vampires pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live.So Ra No Wo To is by the director of Elfen Lied and the writer of Macross Frontier, but appears to be more like ARIA in a Strike Witches setting, and with K-On character design.Nodame Cantabile: Finale ends that great series under the direction of Kon Chiaki, who directed Higurashi and the somewhat disappointing Nodame Paris. But it is written by the well-known playwright and novelist who wrote Gurren-Lagann.Katanagatari is the second of NisiOisiN's novels to be animated, after Bakemonogatari, and is therefore highly anticipated -- but it is done by the same staff that made School Days and Amenaideyo, so I personally have low expectations. Except for the wonderful art and character design you see above.Ookami Kakushi is a new seinen horror thriller from a game by Ryuukishi07, who created Higurashi.And starting in March, fans will have a new Gundam OVA series, Gundam Unicorn, with an interesting new/old look and written and directed by the men who made Chevalier D'Eon.And there are other shows that will appeal to various audiences. The following alphabetical list links to fuller descriptions of each show. The full descriptions are in order of first broadcast. For the first time this year I have included links to online scanlations of mangas. Also included are links to video previews of most shows, along with detailed staff and cast info, a story synopsis, and an image.// Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu     // Chuu Bra!!     // Dance In The Vampire Bund     // Dhurarara!!     // Hanamaru Youchien     // Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei     // Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu     // Kaitou Reinya     // Katanagatari     // Ladies versus Butlers!     // Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn     // Nodame Cantabile: Finale     // Omamori Himari     // Ookami Kakushi     // Seikon no Qwaser     // Sex Pistols     // So Ra No Wo ToNOTES:-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out around the end of the year-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, Who Subs What, et al.-- English titles link to an anime's Anime News Network page, Japanese titles to its official siteHaruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei(jp: 遙かなる時空の中で3 終わりなき運命)reverse harem historical adventure fantasyAnother OVA based on the popular reverse-harem girls' adventure game set about a thousand years ago in Japan. Our heroine is a modern girl thrown back in time and involved in fighting leading up to the great civil war battle of Dan no Ura. But the situation is complicated by the presence of a friend from the present on the other side of the battle.Stars Kawakami Tomoko (Utena, Misuzu in AIR, Amber in Darker than Black, etc.), with a harem including Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, etc.TV special airs 26 Dec.seiyuus: Kawakami Tomoko, Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, Takahashi Naozumi, Miyata Kouki, Nakahara Shigeru, Inoue Kazuhiko, Hoshi Souichirou, Ishida Akira, Kuwashima Houko.director: Kimiya Shigeru (Hand Maid May OVA); chief dir Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru)writer: Takamura Kouji (new).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Miracle Train). chara-des: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Miracle Train); orig Mizuno Touko (manga). art: Shibata Chikako (Rozen Maiden, Honey Clover, NeoAngelique).music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Death Note, Bantorra).manga.sun 03 jan 25:00 (DVD 24mar)Chuu Bra!!(jp: ちゅーぶら!!)seinen ecchi pantsuEducational show (lol) about a junior high school girl who has strong principles regarding underwear. In order to educate other students, she starts the "Underwear Club" at her school.Good cast stars Chihara Minori (Yuki in Haruhi), Yahagi Sayuri (Izumi in Hayate), Kotobuki Minako and Hikasa Youko (Tsumugi and Mio in K-On). The stars sing the OP and ED.Strange staff group for a show of this kind: the director of Gakuen Heaven and the writer of Saiunkoku and RomeoxJuliet.seiyuus: Chihara Minori, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi/K-On), Yahagi Sayuri, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On).director: Hiiro Yukina (Gakuen Heaven, Shikabane eps)writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On). Nakata Yumi (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Yatsu Miyako (Idaten Jump).OPED seiyuus.manga. subs: Hatsuyuki?.mon 04 jan 23:30So Ra No Wo To(jp: ソ・ラ・ノ・ヲ・ト)moe slice-of-lifeSet in a "near distant"future in a land that, after years of war, has settled into decline. Kanata Kumika is a 15-year-old girl who fulfills her dream of enlisting in the army and joins a unit of five girls who protect a fortress that looms over a little village. The girls play music that reverberates across the skies over towns without people and seas without fish. Setting reportedly modelled on the Spanish city of Cuenca and the nearby Alarcón Fortress. (anidb)First in the "Anime no Chikara" series, produced by Aniplex and aired on TV Tokyo, supposedly to televise inventive new series.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and Denpateki na Kanojo. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did Mai-Hime and -Otome, Macross Frontier and Denpateki na Kanojo, as well as this season's Dance in the Vampire Bund.Stars model/actress Aikawa Juri (also known as Kanemoto Hisako). Young Yuuki Aoi gets a second winter show (along with Vampire Bund). Kitamura Eri, Kobayashi Yuu, and Endou Aya also appear.Original character design by Mel Kishida has been simplified to look like K-On, and the situation is reminiscent of Strike Witches, but I don’t think this is like either of them. Has a chance to be quite good: may be more ARIA than K-On. OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki, and performed by Kalafina (OP) and Tomatsu Haruka.seiyuus: Aikawa Juri (aka Kanemoto Hisako, actress/model), Kobayashi Yuu, Kitamura Eri, Yuuki Aoi, Endou Aya, Fukuen Misato, Ishizuka Unshou, Yasokawa Mayuno.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Mai-Otome, Macross F, Denpateki na Kanojo). Paradores (orig).animation: A-1 Pictures (Kannagi, Birdy Decode, Fairy Tail). chara-des: Akai Toshifumi; Mel Kishida. art: Kai Masatoshi; Aoki Tomoyuki.music: Ooshima Michiru (Xamdo, FMA1). OP Kalafina, ED Tomatsu Haruka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).trailer. subs: pwq, Yuurisan-Subs & m.3.3.w, Chihiro, Hatsuyuki.13eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Seikon no Qwaser(jp: 聖痕のクェイサー)ecchi shounen action adventureAt St. Mihailov Academy, a Japanese Eastern Orthodox school, two students encounter many hardships until they find a mysterious silver-haired boy. The boy is a "quasar," a powerful being who derives power from sucking women's breast milk. Thus begins a shounen action adventure story involving lots of oppai fanservice and bloody violence.Stars the capable voice of Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami in Xam'd, Renton in Eureka Seven, Hajime in Natsu no Arashi). Also features two of the K-On girls: Toyosaki Aki and Hikasa Youko, as well as two more seiyuu/singers: Hirano Aya and Chihara Minori. And two top seiyuu actresses: Kawasumi Ayako and Takagaki Ayahi. The creepy voice of Chiba Susumu (Scythe in Phantom) and the deep bell of Ookawa Tooru round out a stellar cast.Writer Uezu Makoto (School Days) is one of my least favorites, however. Director Hiraku Kaneko is doing her first show.seiyuus: Sanpei Yuuko, Fujimura Ayumi, Toyosaki Aki, Chihara Minori, Hirano Aya, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On), Kawasumi Ayako, Takagaki Ayahi, Chiba Susumu (Scythe/Phantom), Ookawa Tooru.director: Kaneko Hirakuwriter: Uezu Makoto. Yoshino Hiroyuki (manga story).animation: Taki (Godannar, Sonic the Hedgehog movie). chara-des: Uno Makoto; Satou Kenetsu (manga art). animation supervisor: Iijima Hiroya, Sugimoto isao.OP Faylan, ED seiyuus.trailer. manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs.24eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Ladies versus Butlers!(jp: れでぃ×ばと!)seinen maids romantic comedyThe director of Kanokon and the writer of Strike Witches and Nogizaka Haruka team up for ecchi shenanigans in a high school that trains butlers and maids.Outstanding cast includes Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, and 15-year-old Hidaka Rina (Last Order in Index).First episode preview 29 Dec.seiyuus: Okitsu Kazuyuki (Izmal/Hanasakeru), Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, Hidaka Rina (age15, Last Order/Index, Anne/Konnichiwa), Itou Mariya, Sakuma Kumi.director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon)writer: Tamai Tsuyoshi (Strike Witches, Nogizaka Haruka).animation: Xebec (Kanokon, Phantom, The Third). chara-des: Takami Akio (Busou Renkin, Kanokon); Munyuu (manga).trailer.tue 05 jan OP seiyuus, ED Nakahara MaiOmamori Himari(jp: おまもりひまり)catgirl romantic comedyOur hero is an orphan living alone, cared for by his childhood friend next door. All he has from any relative is a mamori (good luck charm) left him by his grandparents, but that loses its potency on his 16th birthday. But on that day, a mysterious cat-girl samurai shows up to protect him. Unfortunately, he is allergic to cats.From a popular bishoujo manga. There are complaints from fans about the character design, which is by the person who did charades for Akane Maniax and directed animation for Ranma 1/2. The director and writer seem an odd couple: one directed Strait Jacket, the other wrote Otoboku.Stars the outstanding Koshimizu Ami and Hirakawa Daisuke, with Nomizu Iori (Nymph in Sora no Otoshimono) and Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan).seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Hirakawa Daisuke, Nomizu Iori (Nymph/SoraOto), Shindou Kei (Kuro/KnJ), Okame Asuka (Meishen/Regios), Neya Michiko.director: Ushiro Shinji (Strait Jacket)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Final Approach, Otoboku, DC2SS), Matra Milan (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Isono Satoshi (Ranma anidir, Akane Maniax).OP Sakamoto Aya & Kawada Ruka.trailer. manga. subs: ExSSubs, Mochi Fansubs.wed 06 jan 25:30Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu(jp: バカとテストと召喚獣)shounen comedy school romance fantasyBased on the top-rated novel of the year and directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the excellent ef animes. Not only that, but the writer wrote the ef animes, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, and Natsu no Arashi.This one is definitely on my list.The novel is said to be hilarious. It is set in a school that strictly stratifies students, and the comforts of their classrooms, by test scores. The lowest ranked class uses every means to battle the higher ranked classes. Our hero has the lowest marks in the school. The heroine is a smart girl who missed exams due to illness and was ruthlessly relegated to the bottom class.Talented cast includes Shimono Hiro (Jin in Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe in Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue in Genshiken), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur in Emma), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko in DC2, and the new singer in fripSide), and Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa in K-On).seiyuus: Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef, Jin/Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe/Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken, Miyako/Hidamari), Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War, Sugata/SoraOto), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur/Emma), Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa/K-On, Vanilla/Yumeiro Patissiere, Ako/kissxsis), Terashima Takuma (Teppei/Princess Lover), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko/DC2, Maria/Canaan, fripSide singer).director: Oonuma Shin (ef)writer: Takayama Katsuhiko (Hantsuki, ef, Natsu no Arashi). Inoue Kenji (novels).animation: Silver Link (Tayutama). chara-des: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Saiunkoku, Koihime Musou); Haga Yui (orig). animation supervisor: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Koihime Musou). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).OP Aso Natsuki, ED milktub.trailer. manga. subs: Mochi Fansubs, KazenoKoe-Fansubs & Keishou-Subs.wed 06 jan 26:20Dance In The Vampire Bund(jp: ダンスインザヴァンパイアバンド)vampire action violence fanserviceMina Tepes, Queen of the Vampires, pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live. Akira, a werewolf teen, comes to her service, having been raised from birth to be her bodyguard. In the manga, Mina usually appears to be a loli, but sometimes appears as a beautiful -- and often naked -- young adult woman. As Mina and Akira get to know each other, they must defend themselves and the island from attacks from within and outside.Shinbou Akiyuki gets another title he can really sink his teeth into. Young Yuuki Aoi (age 17, Murasaki in Kurenai) takes the lead, supported by Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto in MacrossF) and Saitou Chiwa -- who was Shinbou's first vampire, in Tsukuyomi Moon Phase.Adapted by the writer who did Mai-HiME, MacrossF, and Denpateki na Kanojo.This should be good.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Nakamura Yuuichi, Saitou Chiwa, Kaida Yuuko, Itou Shizuka.director: Shinbou Akiyuki; series dir Sonoda Masahiro (eps/boards NHK, Gendai Mahou)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, MacrossF, Denpateki). Tamaki Nozomu (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Konno Naoyuki (Kikaider, 009-1). animation supervisor: Konno Naoyuki (009-1, Shina Dark promo). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).music: Dobashi Akio (Wellber, Yozakura). OP Nakano Aiko, ED hibiku.trailer. manga. subs: Kesenai Subtitles?, Yuurisan-Subs, gg, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 09:00Dhurarara!!(jp: デュラララ!!)seinen comedy dramaFrom light novels by the author of Baccano. Produced by many of the same people who made Baccano, including director Omori Takahiro and writer Takagi Noboru (who also did Koi Kaze).Set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, with an amazing ensemble cast including Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae and Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu in Zettai Shounen) playing roles such as street thugs, high school students, a female radio host, an underworld doctor, a young information vendor, and a headless Irish fairy.This show has my full attention.seiyuus: Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen), Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae.director: Omori Takahiro (Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou)writer: Takagi Noboru (Koi Kaze, Baccano); Narita Ryohgo (novels).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Koi Kaze, Noein, Baccano);orig Yasuda Suzuhito (Kamisama Kazoku, Yozakura Quartet). animation supervisor: Takada Akira (new, keyanim GITS:SAC, Samurai Champloo). art: Itou Akira (Elfen Lied, Baccano, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Yoshimori Makoto (Koi Kaze, Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou).trailer. manga. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs?, gg.thu 07 jan 25:25Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×☆☆☆(ほしみっつ))moe slice-of-life comedyA new series of yet another of Shinbou Akiyuki's successful franchises. Two new girls are introduced: Nori and Nazuna. Nori in particular seems to be arousing some excitement on 2channel.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1); Yoguchi Natsue (eps of Hidamari). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuus, ED marble.manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs?.thu 07 jan 25:29Ookami Kakushi(jp: おおかみかくし)seinen horror thrillerSixteen-year-old Kuzumi Hiroshi moves to a town in the mountains. A river divides the town into new and old districts. Class rep Kushinada Nemura gives him a word of advice: “Stay away from the old streets." Set in 1983 -- and centuries before.Based on a PSP mystery adventure game from a concept by Ryuukishi07, who wrote the Higurashi game, and with designs by Peach-Pit.Director Takamoto Nobuhiro did Rakugo Tennyo and Tokimeki Memorial. Lead writer Machida Touko did Muteki Kanban Musume and Lucky Star. She is working from Ryuukishi07's original work this time, though.OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki and performed by Fiction Junction and by Nanri Yuka.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yuu, Fujita Saki, Katou Emiri, Ise Mariya, Gotou Yuuko, Fuchigami Mai.director: Takamoto Nobuhiro (Rakugo Tennyo Oyui, Tokimeki Memorial, 07-Ghost)writer: Machida Touko (Muteki Kanban Musume, Lucky Star, Tears to Tiara). Ryuukishi07 (orig., Higurashi creator), Konami.animation: AIC. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl, GA); orig Peach Pit. animation supervisor: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl).OP Fiction Junction, ED Nanri Yuka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).subs: Formula, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 25:29Kaitou Reinya(jp: 怪盗レーニャ)kids adventure comedyMorning Musume memberTanaka Reina stars, and was the inspiration for this show and for the comic strip on which it is based. Reinya is a convenience store's kanban musume ("signboard girl") by day, and a whimsical thief by night.The story follows her adventures, chased by bumbling cops: a handsome detective and a cool inspector. Joining Reinya on her escapades is her trusty mouse assistant, Chuutarou.seiyuus: Tanaka Reina (Kirara/Onegai My Melody, MoMusu), Youki Sou, Noto Arisa (Hello! Project), Misawa Sachika, Wakabayashi Naomi.director: Iwami Hideaki (key animator Top wo Nerae, Eva); Something Yoshimatsu (chief dir)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Natsume Yuujinchou, 11eyes). Up-Front Style (draft).animation: Stingray. chara-des: Mr. A (draft).12eps.sat 09 jan 24:50Hanamaru Youchien(jp: はなまる幼稚園)seinen slice-of-lifeSlice-of-life comedy featuring kids and teachers in a kindergarten. Nothing ecchi, just cute with a bit of serious.I'm not sure what the director of Gundam00 and FMA1 is doing here. The contrast is intriguing.I'll watch anything starring Takagaki Ayahi (Noe in true tears, Sumi-chan in Sasameki Koto). Also stars Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan), and MAKO (Yurie in Kamichu!).seiyuus: Shindou Kei (Kuro/Kodomo no Jikan), Takagaki Ayahi (Sumi-chan/Sasameki), MAKO (Yurie/Kamichu), Hino Satoshi, Hirota Shimu, Ise Mariya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Honna Youko, Saitou Chiwa, Konishi Katsuyuki.director: Mizushima Seiji (Gundam00, FMA1)writer: Oguro Yuichirou (Zoku/Goku Sayonara Zetsubou). Yuto (manga).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Otsuka Mai (Shakugan no Shana). art: Matsumoto Hiroki.trailer. manga. subs: pwq.sun 10 jan 25:30Nodame Cantabile: Finale(jp: のだめカンタービレ フィナーレ)shoujo/josei music romanceThe conclusion of the popular anime, the first season of which had the highest late-night anime ratings of the past ten years.Kon Chiaki, who directed the second series, returns. But there is a new writer: playwright and novelist Nakashima Kazuki, who wrote Gurren-Lagann. Those of us who were a bit disappointed by Nodame Paris can possibly derive some hope from that.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Nodame Paris, Hanasakeru Shounen)writer: Nakashima Kazuki (playwright, novelist). Ninomiya Tomoko (manga).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Shimamura Shuuichi.OP Sakai Yuu.manga. subs: Frostii, BSS?.thu 14 jan 24:45Katanagatari(jp: 刀語)samurai adventure comedyThe second NisiOisiN novel to be animated, following Bakemonogatari. But that was done by one of the best staff groups around: Shinbou and Shaft. This is done by what I consider one of the worst: the director and writer who did Amenaideyo and School Days.The story involves a young man who is the master of a "swordless" sword technique. He and his sister live alone on an island. He is sent on a quest to gather the twelve best swords made by a great swordsmith.The previews are gorgeous. A screening of the first episode got high praise for the animation -- which is directed by someone new to the staff group -- but there were rumblings of discontent from fans over lines that were changed from the novel.Lead seiyuu Hosoyo Yoshimasa did a fine job as Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki na Kanojo, and he is backed up by some top names: Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.Twelve one-hour episodes broadcast monthly. First ep 25 Jan, second 8 Feb, third 8 Mar. I am apprehensive, but ready to be amazed.seiyuus: Hosoyo Yoshimasa (Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki), Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.director: Motonaga Keitarou (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka)writer: Makoto Uezu (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka). Nishio Ishin (orig; Bakemonogatari).animation: White Fox. chara-des: Kawada Tsuyoshi (Best Student Council), Take (orig). animation supervisor: Kawada Tsuyoshi (HoneyClover2). art: Kudou Tadashi (Mizuiro 2003).music: Iwasaki Taku (Getbackers, Gurren-Lagann).trailer. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs? Gg?.OVA. 12x1hr eps.mon 25 janMobile Suit Gundam Unicorn(jp: 機動戦士ガンダムUC)shounen mecha adventureThe new Gundam OVA adopts the new fashion of six one-hour episodes. Theatrical and Playstation previews of episode one will be released on 20 feb.Interesting new/old-style look. Appropriate music. Promising new cast. Expectations run high among Gundam fans.Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon and Rurouni Kenshin. Writer Muto Yasuyuki did Persona, Basara, and Chevalier D'Eon.Uchiyama Kouki was Soul Eater. Fujimura Ayumi is Niche in Letter Bee and Cecily in Blacksmith. Kaida Yuuko was Mari in Tokyo Magnitude 8. Shimono Hiro was Jin in Kannagi.seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater), Fujimura Ayumi (Cecily/Blacksmith), Shimono Hiro (Jin/Kannagi), Namikawa Daisuke (Kazehaya/Kimi ni Todoke, Benawi/Utawarerumono, Rock/Black Lagoon), Toyoguchi Megumi, Kaida Yuuko, Ikeda Shuuichi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Tezuka Hideaki.director: Furuhashi Kazuhiro (Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon, Rurouni Kenshin)writer: Muto Yasuyuki (Persona, Basara, Chevalier D'Eon). Fukui Harutoshi.animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Takahashi Kumiko (Tokyo Babylon, CCS, Ouran). art: Ikeda Shigemi (Planetes, Gantz, various Gundams). mecha: Ishigaki Gunya, Katoki Hajime.music: Sawano Hiroyuki (Yoakena, Gigantic Formula, Sengoku Basara).trailer.OVA. 6x50mineps.12 marSex Pistols(jp: Sex Pistols)yaoi sci-fi romanceAdaptation of a yaoi manga series. In the 2003 sci-fi manga, a teenage boy discovers he is one of a select group of humans who evolved from animals other than apes -- animals such as leopards and bears. Cat ears, romance, and physical relationships ensue.Staff list not yet published. Ep2 25jun. Preview and manga both NSFW.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru (Yuuto/Nogizaka Haruka), Sugita Tomokazu (Kyon/Haruhi), Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef), Kawahara Yoshihisa (Yasu/NANA), Nojima Hirofumi (Shuga/Moribito, Scarecrowman), Yusa Kouji (Vincent Law/Ergo Proxy).trailer. manga.OVA. 1/2eps.26 mar
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So it looks like we can revive the discussion about whether Lelouch is dead or alive. According to a graphic on the mobile phone site for Code Geass, a new Geass project has been green-lit. Somehow, I'm not too shocked that this is happening, and really it was only a matter of time before Sunrise came back to this successful franchise. Two of the possibilities that came to mind are that it could be a direct sequel to R2, or it could be a completely different take, like Mai-Otome was to Mai-HiME. Astute observers will note that this announcement coincides with Lelouch's birthday. There's no word yet either whether it'll be an OVA or full series or what, but apparently there'll be more news in the new year.
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Once again, for fun, I'll try to predict the good, the bad, and the ugly for next season. It doesn't look like there will be anything new of yuri interest- although Railgun will be airing through the winter season, with its 24 episode run (yay!)-, but there are some promising-looking new shows. Here's the run-down for winter 2010, in alphabetical order: Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu:  high school students summon chibi versions of themselves to fight one another, drawing battle lines based on who belongs to which class. Even though it's based on a light novel series, it feels like a cheap ero-game adaptation (judging from the trailer), with a bland male lead and an assortment of bishoujo game stereotypes passing for a female cast. Pass. Chu-Bra!!: a series about underwear. It should please its intended audience. Definite pass. Dance in the Vampire Bund: SHAFT's newest offering, with Shinbo Akiyuki at the helm (how many series has SHAFT animated without him?). The trailer looks kind of cool, but also potentially creepy (not in a good way). Here's hoping that Shinbo Akiyuki steers this series towards the former, and minimizes the latter. (Otherwise, pass for me.) Two of the characters are being played by Saito Chiwa (Miyako in Sasameki Koto, Senjougahara in Bakemonogatari, Aika in Aria, Chiyo in Strawberry Panic, Mami in Marimite, etc) and Itou Shizuka (Nadie in El Cazador, Rei in Marimite, Hisa in Saki, etc). Durarara!!: The plot for the one is difficult to summarize in one to two lines (which is why I'm being lazy and linking to the ANN encyclopedia above). By the original creator and studio behind Baccano! The trailer looks pretty cool (with slick animation), and the plot sounds intriguing. The one negative is that one of the character designs reaaaally bothers me. It's a problem that I've noticed in other series as well- some anime and manga artists really can't draw black characters to save their lives. Tagaki Ayaki (Sumi in Sasameki Koto, Nene in CANAAN, and Ein in Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~), Ono Daisuke (Sebastian in Kuroshitsuji, Yukito in Air, Battler in Umineko no Naku Koro ni), Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch in Code Geass, Rikuo in Eve no Jikan, Grell in Kuroshitsuji, Kyou in Saki, Albert in Gankutsuou), and Miyano Mamoru (Tamaki in Ouran, Eiji in Antique Bakery, Light in Death Note, Zero in Vampire Knight) have roles.  Hanamaru Kindergarten: A slice-of-life comedy about a group of kindergarteners and their teachers. The art is cute, but it sounds pretty dull. Gainax is animating it, though, so I'll probably still check out an episode. Takagaki Ayaki is also playing one of the leads; nice to see her getting more work. Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Like the earlier HaruToki series, about a high school girl being transported to another world, made the priestess of a beast-god (this time it's Hakuryū, the White Dragon), and tasked with saving that world with a bevy of bishonen. What I saw of the original Harukanaru was okay for what it was, despite its plot having been lifted straight from a certain other famous shoujo series. I'll check this one out because Kawakami Tomoko (Utena in Shoujo Kakumei Utena, Athena in Aria, Sayuri in Kanon, etc) is playing the lead. Hidamari Sketchx☆☆☆: More fun with the residents of Hidamari Sou. ^^ I still need to finish the second and third seasons, though. @_@ With Goto Yuko (Mikuru in Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, Tsubael in Blue Drop, Anya in Code Geass) as Hiro, Shintani Ryoko (Aoi in Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome, Jan Puu in Kashimashi, Nami in Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Kaori in Saki) as Sae, Sawashiro Miyuki (Canaan in CANAAN, Hagino in Blue Drop, Suruga in Bakemonogatari, Chie in Eve no Jikan, Shinku in Rozen Maiden, Ayane in Kimi ni Todoke, Lag Seeing in Tegami Bachi) as the Landlady, and Kugimiya Rie (Touko in Marimite, Al in FMA, Yuuki in Saki, Shana in Shakugan no Shana) as Chika. Katanagatari: About the seventh-generation head of a medieval school of martial arts; he embarks on a journey with his sister to find the last twelve swords forged by a legendary swordsmith. The plot sounds like it could quickly grow banal, but it's based on a light novel series by Ishin Nishio (same guy who wrote the Bakemonogatari light novels) and the art style looks pretty interesting, so it's worth checking out. ^^ Trailers can be viewed here. Ladies versus Butlers: about a high school student who enrolls into a prestigious academy, but is placed in the school's servant-training department (ouch). The students there are trained to be maids or butlers, and the protagonist finds himself caught in the bickering between them. Based on the art alone, I was completely ready to pass on this show...but...but...Kawasumi Ayako (Chikane in KnM, Osaka in Azumanga Daioh, Ohno in Genshiken, Saber in Fate/stay night, Nodame in Nodame Cantabile, Matsuri in Ichigo Mashimaro) is playing one of the leads! > < *sob* I'll see how long I last with this one... Oh, and Nakahara Mai (Nagisa in Strawberry Panic, Mai in Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome, Rena in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, Nagisa in Clannad, Sugimoto Kuri in Aoi Hana), Koshimizu Ami (Kanako in Marimite, Nodoka in Saki, Horo in Spice and Wolf, Tenma in School Rumble), and Kugimiya Rie have roles also. Nodame Cantabile Finale: Omg, the final season!!! *squeals* You already know if you want to see it. ^_^ *raises hand* Plus, as always, Kawasumi Ayako❤ plays Nodame as the icing on this delectable (Kasai Kenichi-directed♡) cake. Trailer found here. Ōkamikakushi: About a high school boy who moves to a small town in the mountains that is separated into new and old streets by a river. The only person who keeps her distance from him is a member of his class committee, who warns him to "stay away from the old streets." It's based on a new game by Ryukishi07 (of Higurashi and Umineko fame, so automatic must-watch for me XD), with character designs by Peach-Pit. The plot sounds intriguing, although reminiscent of Higurashi. It may not necessarily be good, but it'll almost definitely be weird and entertaining. :) Plus, Kobayashi Yuu (Yumi in Saki, Satoshi in Higurashi, Kanon in Umineko, Setsuna in all of the Negima series), Katou Emiri (Kiyori in Sasameki Koto, Kagami in Lucky Star, Meirin in Kuroshitsuji, Mayoi in Bakemonogatari), and Goto Yuko have roles. Omamori Himari: About a high school boy who's protected by a sword-wielding cat girl spirit named Himari. Protected from what, I have no idea. The ANN encyclopedia entry labels this one as a "harem" title, and the promo art point in that direction, so guess more girls will fall for our hapless lead. Koshimizu Ami is playing Himari, but I don't have enough love for her to force myself to watch a crappy show. Rose O'Neill Kewpie: a series of 26 episodes, each spanning 5 minutes. Made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American artist Rose O'Neill's Kewpie doll character. The episodes will be narrated by pop idol and actress Hirosue Ryoko, and models Sasaki Nozomi and Anne. Yeah...I don't get it either. I'll check out an episode (hey, 5 minutes) for the novelty. Seikon no Qwaser: The promo art looks kind of cool, but be forewarned. It's about a high school boy attending an elite school in which students fight one another, and derive power through...breast milk. Based on a manga written by Yoshino Hiroyuki (who wrote the terrible Mai-Otome manga; although to be fair, he did do the series composition for Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome, both of which I love) and drawn by Satou Kenetsu (who did the art for the crappy Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome manga series). Includes Shimizu Ai (Mikoto in Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome, Tamao and Kizuna in Strawberry Panic, Hajime in Saki, Ellis in El Cazador), Hirano Aya (Haruhi in Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, Konata in Lucky Star, Reira in NANA, Shinobu in Bakemonogatari), Takagaki Ayahi, and...Kawasumi Ayako. > < I don't want to associate Kawasumi with searing pain, so I'll probably still pass on this. So-Ra-No-Wo-To: Set in the future in a land that is in decline as a result of long-lasting war. A 15 year-old girl realizes her dream of signing up for the military, and joins a unit of five that is put in charge of protecting a fortress. Together, the girls "play music that reverberate across the skies over towns without people and seas without fish" (according to the description in an ANN article). It kind of sounds like a dystopian K-ON! (even has similar character designs). lol But I like K-ON!, so it works. It could be good. ^^ Plus, Kobayashi Yuu has another role in it. A trailer and more promo pics can be seen here. And that's it. Here's hoping for a good winter anime season! ^^
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