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.
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Here are just about all the series and OVAs scheduled to start this fall, according to the Japanese site MoonPhase -- 35 series and seven OVAs. I've tried to give a story intro, show a pic, and talk about the staff and cast of each one. Click images to enlarge.Nothing seems like an instant classic, but there are plenty of shows to try, including Kyoto Animation's long-awaited Clannad; a new Gundam; Shion no Ou, starring Kawasumi Ayako and Paku Romi, about a schoolgirl chess prodigy who stopped speaking as a child when her parents were killed before her eyes; Blue Drop, which involves a relationship between a high-school girl and a female alien spy; Nougami Neuro, the detective from hell; DaCapo II; Mokke, about two sisters who see and interact with spirits, starring Kawasumi Ayako and Mizuki Nana; Sketchbook, which is from a 4-panel comic and may have echoes of Lucky Star and Hidamari Sketch; Dragonaut, made by Gonzo but starring VAs associated with KyoAni; Bamboo Blade, seinen school comedy from a popular manga; Genshiken 2; Shakugan no Shana 2; KimiKiss, with its excellent staff and cast; ef - a tale of memories, a game conversion made by Oonuma Shin, working under Shinbou, and with music by Tenmon; a new Tsubasa OVA with a new staff, written by the person who wrote Cardcaptor Sakura; and possibly the most interesting of all: Ghost Hound, Production IG's 20th anniversary production.Shows are listed by day of the week, with OVAs last. English titles are linked to each show's Anime News Network information page. Japanese titles are linked to the show's official site. And there is a link to the informative discussions of each show in the AnimeSuki forums. Everyone will have different preferences, but shows that seem interesting to me are in red.SundayMaple Story メイプルストーリー. Based on a Korean free MMORPG that recently reached 1.6 million registrants. The anime is intriguing for its staff and cast. Director Ishiyama Takaaki did Otogijushi Akazukin, which was beautifully made, and there are hints of a similar world here.Lead writer Inoue Toshiki adapted Death Note and Sumomomo Momomo, as well as doing all or most of the Galaxy Angel series. And we have Kuwashima Houko and Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) in the cast. Madhouse. oct07 sun08:30 AnimeSuki.Pururun Shizuku-chan ぷるるんっ！しずくちゃん. Kids' show starring a raindrop in a beautiful forest that it wants to preserve. The director is directing his first show in seven years.The only seiyuu I recognize is Yuzuki Ryoka (Minagi in AIR, Eruruu in Utawarerumono). Early-morning kids' show. TMS. oct07 sun09:00 AnimeSuki.Mokke もっけ. Fantasy mystery-drama based on a seinen manga. Shizuru and Mizuki are sisters born in a family with spiritual abilities. The elder sister, Shizuru, is able to see spirits; the younger, Mizuki, is easily possessed by them. As their calm and peaceful days of youth progress, the sisters have many encounters which lead them to respect and treasure life and all its beauties and marvels. (anidb.net)With an interesting set-up, animation by Madhouse, and Kawasumi Ayako and Mizuki Nana as the leads, this could be a sleeper — unless it's aimed too young. Directed by Nishida Masayoshi, who did Eyeshield, adapted by Nagatsu Seiko (Splash Star) from the manga. Madhouse. oct07 sun23:30 AnimeSuki.Rental Magica レンタルマギカ. Great cast, decent director. From a shounen novel that has spawned both a shounen and a shoujo manga. About an agency that hires out magicians of all kinds.Kawasaki Itsurou directed Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuko wo and Canvas2. Written by Ikeda Mamiko (Emma2, Keroro Gunso, Umishou). Stars include Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch), Ueda Kana (Yumi from Marimite), Takahashi Mikako (Ayu from Honey & Clover), Suwabe Junichi (Archer from F/SN), Kugimiya Rie (Shana), Itou Shizuka (Wilhelmina from Shana), Ono Daisuke (Kazuya in Kaze no Stigma). The preview shows good animation -- and that this series probably isn't for me. ZEXCS. oct10 sun24:00 AnimeSuki.Prism Ark プリズム・アーク. Fantasy adventure-romance set in an alternative-universe medieval crusades era. Giant flying dragons, school uniforms, and medieval moe included. Based on an ero-game. The game has a very good reputation, particularly for its visuals.Interesting cast: Sakakibara Yui (singer, Haruhi in Happiness), Kakihara Tetsuya, Nabatame Hitomi, Mizuhashi Kaori, Momoi Halko, Asakawa Yuu (Rider in Fate/Stay Night), Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna in Negima!?), Asano Masumi, Gotou Saori (Barasuishou in Rozen Maiden), Koyama Kimiko (Uzuki in Happy Lesson).Director Obari Masami did Angel Blade, the Gravion shows and Dancouga Nova. Writer Hosono Yuuji did Trinity Blood, Ray, and Pumpkin Scissors. Animation by FRONTLINE. oct07 sun24:30 AnimeSuki.Minami-ke みなみけ. Three sisters living alone. A seinen slice-of-life comedy from a manga by the author of Today in Class 2-5. The manga has a bit of that show's fanservice. What worries me is that the animation house, Doumu, had its credibility damaged by the great inconsistency of the animation in Yoake-mae yori Ruri-iro na ~ Crescent Love, and that show's director, Oota Masahijo, is doing this show, too. As with Futakoi (also produced by Starchild), a second series with the same name and a completely different staff -- but maybe the same voice actors -- will begin in January.Great cast includes Satou Rina (Negi in Negima) as the responsible elder sister; Inoue Marina (Yoko in Gurren-Lagann) as the rambunctious middle sister; Chihara Minori (Yuki in Suzumiya Haruhi, in her third starring role this season) as the quiet youngest sister; Mizuki Nana; Morinaga Rika (Mamiina in Simoun); Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann); Ono Daisuke (in his third role of the fall); and Kitamura Eri (also in her third role). oct10 sun25:30 AnimeSuki.Juushin Enbu - Hero Tales 獣神演武　- HERO TALES -. Shounen historical action. Taitou and his sister Laila learn that he is the incarnation of a mysterious star. This gives him great power he has yet fully to master. From a manga drawn (but not written) by Arakawa Hiromu, who did both on FMA. Anime adaptation by Sekijima Mayori (Kaze no Stigma, Zegapain).The preview was a pleasing combination of heroic and comic, and some people are very enthusiastic, but it worries me that this is directed by Sekita Osamu (Ichigo 100%). Good cast includes Suzumura Kenichi (Asuka Shinn in Gundam), Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Yuuki Tai (the Chevalier D'Eon), Hayami Shou (Julious in Angelique), Kanda Akemi, Kaida Yuko and Fukuyama Jun. Studio Flag. oct07 sun26:00 AnimeSuki.MondayBonolon ~Fushigi na Mori no Ii Tsutae ボノロン ～不思議な森のいいつたえ～. Bonoron is a young spirit born from the great trees in a forest. He travels through the forest solving problems and righting wrongs. nov05 mon08:25Chocomimi チョコミミ. Shoujo kids' manga will be presented in a combination of live action and flash animation. Details still unavailable. oct01 mon17:30Bamboo Blade Bamboo Blade (jp). Seinen comedy. High-school kendo instructor Kojirou is broke. He agrees to send his all-girl team to a competition against his senpai's team. If his team can win, he will have free meals for a year! But the problem is that Kojirou can't find five girls to form his "dream team" — and time is running out. (from the Fifay scanlation group via NeoSam's post on AnimeSuki).The cast is highly promising: Hirohashi Ryou, Toyoguchi Megumi, Kuwashima Houko, Satou Rina, Konishi Katsuyuki, Ishida Akira (voted top supporting voice of 2006 for Athrun Zala in Gundam), et al. Director Saitou Hisashi is new, but has done key animation on many good shows: Lodoss, Planetes, F/SN, Tokyo Majin. Writer Kurata Hideyuki did R.O.D., Now & Then and Kamichu. And the manga has a lot of fans. AIC A.S.T.A. oct01 mon25:30 AnimeSuki.Sketchbook ~full color's~ スケッチブック ～full color's～ Promising slice-of-life anime centred on a shy girl who likes sketching. Like Lucky Star and Hidamari Sketch, it comes from a 4-panel comic strip and features "tiny things that happen to anyone, any day...lots of laughs, and just a bit of heartfelt emotion."Lovely cast stars Hanazawa Kana (Shiika in Mushiuta, Ryouko in Zegapain), with Saitou Momoko (Solty Rei), Nakase Asuka (Itsuki in I"s Pure), Hirohashi Ryou, Tamura Yukari, Asano Masumi (Najimi in Doujin Work), Kuwatani Natsuko (Suiseiseki in Rozen Maiden).Director Hiraike Yoshimasa did Solty Rei. The manga was adapted by Okada Mari (Otoboku, many eps of Simoun). Animation by Hal Filmmaker. oct01 mon26:00 AnimeSuki.Kawaii! Jenny Kawaii! ジェニー. This is listed on MoonPhase, but appears to be less an anime than a special effects film, featuring animated dolls. Directed by Kawakita Kouichi, a veteran director who did a number of Godzilla films. Written by Urasawa Yoshio, who did Fushigi Yuugi and Nerima Daikon Brothers. 13eps. sep24 mon26:30TuesdayKaiji カイジ. This promises to be something unusual. Kaiji is a layabout and gambler who is saddled with a friend's huge gambling debt and ends up on a ship where he has to win at gambling to get free. He is far from brilliant, but with his back against the wall, he somehow keeps coming through, despite the presence of some very evil bad guys. He is apparently weak, selfish and stupid, but is nevertheless a rich character liked by fans of both sexes — there is male nudity in the manga, and there are almost no female characters.Stars Hagiwara Masato, who was Akagi in Akagi and Takuya in The Place Promised in Our Early Days. Director Sato Yuzo did Akagi, which was written by the same mangaka, Fukumoto Nobuyuki, and also involved gambling. Madhouse. oct02 tue24:59 AnimeSuki.Suteki Tantei Labyrinth 素敵探偵ラビリンス. Boy detective solves supernatural mysteries in the half-abandoned old capital of Tokyo. From the manga by Manjou Meito and Wakayama Seiji. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki (Shinku in Rozen Maiden).Animation Director Akiyama Yukiko did Black Cat. Lead writer Takahashi Natsuko did Gakuen Heaven and the weird and wonderful Koutetsu Sangokushi. Director Watanabe Hiroshi did Ueki's Law and Shining TearsxWind. This show is not at the top of my list. Studio Deen. oct02 tue25:30Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro 魔人探偵 脳噛ネウロ. Yako's father was murdered in a locked room. She meets a man named Nougami Neuro who turns out to be a demon from Hell who "eats riddles." He forces Yako to act as a detective so he can solve mysteries. Neuro longs to eat the ultimate mystery.Neuro can be "creepy, charismatic, sarcastic, and downright nonchalantly sick."(Nightengale on AnimeSuki). Great leading cast: Koyasu Takehito (Gym Ghingnham in Turn A Gundam) and Ueda Kana. Long-running Shounen Jump manga. I'll be there to see what's up with this one. Madhouse. oct02 tue25:59 AnimeSuki.Blue Drop ~Tenshitachi no Gikyoku~ ＢＬＵＥ ＤＲＯＰ ～天使達の戯曲～. Animation of a prequel story to a sexy yuri shounen manga by the author of Ray and Eat-Man. The story involves intended conquest of the Earth by a race of humanoid aliens who are all female. Against a background of school life, affection grows between a human schoolgirl and an alien spy masquerading as a schoolgirl. The alien starts off instinctively hating the schoolgirl, but eventually comes to doubt her own mission of conquest.The mangas are more Kashimashi than Marimite, but intriguing anyway. They create a world. The trailer is good and promises an artistic approach. Strong cast includes Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan), Sawashiro Miyuki (in her fourth show of the season), Gotou Yuuko (Mikuru in Suzumiya Haruhi, in her fourth show of the season), Yukino Satsuki (Ai in Planetes, in her third), Nonaka Ai (Mikan in Manabi Straight). OPED by Suara/Elements Garden. Director Ohkura Masahiko's second anime, after Yukikaze. Top sound director Tsuruoka Yota did Lucky Star, Rozen Maiden, etc. Animation by Ashi, BeSTACK. 13eps. oct02 tue26:00 AnimeSuki.Night Wizard ナイトウィザード The ANIMATION. From an RPG. Nice character designs. The game involves Wizards fighting against Emulators, creatures immune to physical attack. The director of Welcome to the NHK (Yamamoto Yuusuke) and a writer who did a lot of work on ARIA (Fujisaki Ayuna) make this seem interesting. Starring Satou Rina, Miyazaki Ui (Iroha in Sumomomo) and Gotou Yuuko, as well as the male lead from the Galaxy Railways shows (Yanagi Naoki). HAL Filmmaker. oct02 tue26:00 AnimeSuki.Myself ; Yourself Myself ; Yourself (jp). Potentially interesting high-school romance from the director and the writer of the fanservice anime, Chokotto Sister. Great cast features Koyasu Takehito, Koshimizu Ami (Karen in Code Geass), Tamura Yukari (Nanoha), Kaneda Tomoko (Peach in Powerpuff Z), Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy in Black Lagoon), Nakahara Mai (Mai in Mai-HiME).Tachibana Shinnosuke (Benvolio inRomeo+Juliet) plays the lead, Sana, who returns to his home town after five years during which his family lived in Tokyo. He finds everyone has changed over the years, and love blooms in what the official site describes as a "heartful love story." I like the sound of that. Dogakobo. 13eps. oct02 tue26:15 AnimeSuki.WednesdayD.C. II ~Da Capo II~ D.C.II ～ダ・カーポII～. New life for the successful moe/romance franchise. Joining Horie Yui, who has a new role, Chihara Minori enters the cast, along with her co-star from Venus vs. Virus, Takagaki Ayahi. Also new are Mizuhashi Kaori (Ai in ARIA), Itou Shizuka, Aoki Sayaka (Kyon's sister) and Yamaguchi Kappei (L from Death Note).A capable director is at the helm (Kobayashi Tomoki, who did sola and Utawarerumono). The lead writer, Amiyama Saharu, also did Ai yori Aoshi. And the new character designer, Shimazawa Noriko, should fit right in: she did Final Approach and Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru. This could be a good version of the harem genre. Animation by feel. 13eps. oct17 wed24:00 AnimeSuki.Dragonaut: The Resonance ドラゴノーツ -ザ・レゾナンス-. Space combat on flying armored dragons? Animation by Gonzo (with a first-time director), but starring Ono Daisuke and Chihara Minori from Suzumiya Haruhi as romantic leads. This is Minorin's third starring role of the fall, along with DaCapo II and Minami-ke.The starry cast also includes KyoAni stalwarts Gotou Yuuko, Sugita Tomokazu, and Hirano Aya (in a minor role). Suwabe Junichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Mizuki Nana, the recently married Chiba Saeko (Natsuki in Mai-HiME), and Kobayashi Yu round out a truly outstanding group of seiyuus. And sound director Tsuruoka Yota comes over from KyoAni to guide them.The preview looks good -- highly romantic -- but the fact that no lead writer is credited on the official site worries me. OP by eufonius. GONZO. oct03 wed25:50 AnimeSuki. Kodomo no Jikan こどものじかん. A ten-year-old who lives alone with her doting elder brother and keeps throwing herself at her young male teacher? A manga that is full of ecchi scenes between them? But the manga is funny, serious and humane, nonetheless.An OVA with the same staff and cast as the series was well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri (Saya in Blood+) as Rin and Kadowaki Mai (Behoimi in PaniPoni) and Shindou Kei as her friends. First major directorial job for experienced animator Suganuma Eiji (Pumpkin Scissors, Bincho-tan). Watashiya Kaworu's popular manga is adapted by Okada Mari. Studio Barcelona. oct03 wed26:00 AnimeSuki.Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん. Straight-ahead ecchi harem comedy. The hero is forced by his sexy elder sister to live with a beautiful girl, Mayu, in order to cure her fear of boys: sleep together, bathe together, etc. Then the beautiful tsuntsun student council president enters the household…as a maid.The director's last big show was DN Angel, and the lead writer directed Black Lagoon and wrote Tokimeki Memorial. Tokimeki may be a recommendation to some people, but I disliked that show intensely. However, I look forward to hearing Kadowaki Mai in another major role. Sawashiro Miyuki is the student council pres. The late broadcast time (3am) suggests possible extreme fanservice. AIC Spirits. oct03 wed28:08 AnimeSuki.ThursdayGhost Hound 神霊狩/GHOST HOUND. Written by the writer of Lain (Chiaki J. Konaka) from a concept by the writer of Ghost in the Shell (Shirow Masamune). Directed by the director of REC and Kino no Tabi. VAs include Fukuyama Jun, Houshi Souichirou (Maebara in Higurashi), and Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan)."An eternal spiritual story for adults who have the minds of boys." An ancient electronic brain allows interchange between the open and the hidden world. This could be triumph or travesty, but it's Production IG's "20th anniversary" production, so I have high hopes. The trailer animation is interesting. oct18 thu23:30 AnimeSuki.Moyashimon もやしもん. Also known as "Tales of Agriculture." This is the Noitamina anime for the fall season. It's about a youth who can see and talk to cute chibi bacteria and other microscopic organisms, which gets him into all sorts of trouble. The theme is agriculture - fermenting alcohol, making yogurt, etc. (Robotic anime blog).Directed by Yano Yuichirou (Uninhabited Planet Survive) and adapted from the manga by Takahashi Natsuko (Gakuen Heaven, Koutetsu Sangokushi). The outline is so weird that one doesn’t know what to expect. The manga has fans. There are some interesting names in the cast: Ohara Sayaka (Alicia Florence in ARIA), Noto Mamiko, Konishi Katsuyuki (Sergay Wang in Mai-Otome), Kanda Akemi (Asuna in Negima). Telecom Animation Film. 11eps. oct11 thu24:45 AnimeSuki.You're Under Arrest: Full Throttle 逮捕しちゃうぞ フルスロットル. This is the third series, and they are still using the original cast and staff from the mid-90s. If Tamagawa Sakiko is as good as she was as Onashia in Simoun, she will be wonderful.Police officers Natsumi and Miyuki ended their partnership after their last adventure, but not for long! They’re reuniting after they’ve gone through extensive training: Natsumi with the Special Ops, and Miyuki with the Los Angeles police forensics. This time, they’ll have big responsibilities: they’ll be saving Tokyo City. ("Toua", AnimeSuki). Studio Deen. oct04 thu25:25 AnimeSuki.Shakugan no Shana II 灼眼のシャナII. Second season of the wildly popular Shana. Personally, the only things I liked about the first season were the character design (originally by Itou Noizi) and the voices, Kugimiya Rie's in particular. Monsters don't work for me.Director Watanabe Takashi did Shana, Starship Operators and Ikki Tousen. Lead writer Kobayashi Yasuko did Shana, Claymore, Witchblade, and Yume Tsukai. In the preview, the characters look either a bit older or a bit closer to the original character design from the novels. JCStaff. oct04 thu25:25 AnimeSuki.Clannad CLANNAD (jp). One of the most anticipated shows of the fall. KyoAni animates another visual novel by Visual Art's/Key. Director Ishihara Tetsuya did Kanon, AIR, and Suzumiya Haruhi. Writer Shimo Fumihiko did AIR and Kanon. Glittering cast includes Nakahara Mai, Kanda Akemi, Kuwashima Houko (Shuurei in Saiunkoku), Nonaka Ai (Iriya), Noto Mamiko, Yukino Satsuki, Enomoto Atsuko (starred in KareKano), Inoue Kikuko (Belldandy), Hirohashi Ryou (Alice Carroll in ARIA). The male lead is played by Nakamura Yuuichi (Abe in Ookiku Furikabutte).Okazaki Tomoya is a high-school senior who doesn't take his studies seriously. Always late for class, he's seen as a delinquent by the rest of his classmates, who are busy preparing for their entrance examinations. One day he meets a girl, Furukawa Nagisa, all of whose friends have already graduated. What a clumsy girl, he thinks. But while helping her, he meets some other girls. Although he doesn't care much about them at first, he soon opens his heart to them and they get to know each other better. If this has character, relationship and mood approaching what Kanon had, I'll be watching. Kyoto Animation. oct04 thu25:55 AnimeSuki.FridayGenshiken 2 げんしけん. Second series of the wonderful tale of a college "Modern Visual Culture" club. Director Yoshimoto Kinji is new, having previously done hentai titles (Night Shift Nurses: Experiment, Natural Obsessions 2, etc.) Writer Yokote Michiko did the previous series, as well as Princess Tutu and Kujibiki Unbalance.Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, and Kaida Yuki (Shusuke in Prince of Tennis) join the cast, which already includes Kawasumi Ayako, Yukino Satsuki, Hiyama Nobuyuki (Ri Kouyuu in Saiunkoku), Ishida Akira, Seki Tomokazu (Chiaki in Nodame), etc. Not sure what significance there is in the change of animation companies: from Palm Studio for the first series, to Asiadou for the OVA, to Arms for this series. oct12 fri24:00 AnimeSuki.SaturdaySensei no Chommage ~Sengoku Gakudou Nikki~ 先生のチョンマゲ～戦国学童日記～. Just announced. "Master's Topknot - Diary of a Warring States Student." Appears to be a samurai comedy-drama intended for a younger audience. Slated for a three-season run (~39eps). No details available. oct06 sat07:00.Tensai? Doctor Hamax 天才？Dr.ハマックス. First full directorial job for Fusegi Kazunobu, who worked on ARIA and GITS:SAC. Doctor Hamax solves environmental problems. Nazuka Kaori gets another weekend family anime. Trans-arts w/Production IG. 12eps. oct06 sat08:00Shugo Chara! しゅごキャラ!. Elementary-school princess Amu finds three mysterious little eggs in her bed. Each egg contains a "Guardian Character". These are angel-like beings that can give a human the power to change their abilities. With help from these Guardian Characters, Amu will discover that her true self is even more amazing than she ever dreamed. (ANN)Directed by Yasuda Kenji, who directed several episodes of Noein. Written by Shimada Michiru, who did the adaptations of Emily of New Moon and Nanatsuiro Drops. OP/ED by Buono!, which is made up of members of the young-teen idol groups Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute. Intriguing cast includes newcomer Itou Kanae; young Asumi Kana, who was excellent as Yuno in Hidamari; Kato Nanae, who was Princess Tutu; and the refreshing voice of Toyosaki Aki, who is Amuro in Umishou. Peach-Pit manga animated by Satelight. oct06 sat09:30 AnimeSuki.Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 機動戦士ガンダムOO. Outstanding cast and staff promise an interesting 12th Gundam series. The series takes place 300 years from now, on Earth. The main lead, Setsuna F. Seiei (Miyano Mamoru, Light in Death Note), pilots a mobile suit named Gundam Exia for a mysterious private military organization that is fighting to eradicate the nonstop wars that plague the world. (from "Sety on AnimeSuki).Miyano is joined by Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in FMA), Kamiya Hiroshi (Zetsubou Sensei), Honna Youko (Shizuku in Whisper of the Heart), Irino Miyu (Sena in Eyeshield 21), Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in MoonPhase), Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover), and the surprising Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) in her third show this fall. Director Mizushima Seiji of FMA is at the helm, with Kuroda Yousuke of Madlax and Honey & Clover 2 as lead writer. Music by Kawai Kenji (FS/N, Higurashi), OP by L'Arc-en-Ciel. Sunrise. oct06 sat18:00 AnimeSuki.ef - a tale of memories ef - a tale of memories (jp). Game conversion. Protagonist Hirono Hiro, a poor high school boy, draws shoujo manga for a living. One cold Christmas night after meeting one strange woman in church, his bike is stolen by another strange girl. He runs after her and finds her collapsed on the street. They start hanging out together, enjoying highschool life. Hiro’s life is also strongly influenced by Shindou Kei, his childhood friend. (ANN)Director Oonuma Shin did a good job with the Negima!? OVAs, and Akiyuki Shinbou is overseeing the project for Shaft. The adaptation is by Takayama Katsuhiko, who adapted Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora and edited KGnE. Music by Tenmon, who does the music for Shinkai Makoto's animes. The music in the preview is godly.Voice cast of lesser-known VAs comes over from the game. This may be a weak point, since the excellent trailer is marred by stilted, game-like voices. But the trailer hooked me, so I will definitely start this one. Shaft. 12eps. oct6 sat25:35 AnimeSuki.KimiKiss pure rouge キミキス pure rouge. Fabulous director and cast. Director Kasai Kenichi directed Major, Honey&Clover, and Nodame Cantabile. Writer Tsuchiya Rikei did Major and Kaikan Phrase. Cast includes Koshimizu Ami, Mizuhashi Kaori, Ikezawa Haruna (Yoshino in Marimite), Hirohashi Ryou, Tanaka Rie (Hiro in Hataraki Man), Noto Mamiko, Nogawa Sakura (Nemu in DaCapo), and Nakahara Mai.This is baased on a PS2 love-sim and appears to be a harem anime, with the protagonist coming to school in spring determined to get a first kiss from one of the six cute girls who surround him. But the good staff and interesting character design give me hope for something special. And Koshimizu Ami always gets my attention. JCStaff. oct06 sat26:45 AnimeSuki.Shion no Ou しおんの王 . Subtitle: The Flowers of Hard Blood. Shion's parents were murdered and she was taken in by a neighbor couple of whom the husband was a chess master. From the day she lost her parents, she stopped speaking, and came to communicate by notes. Young Shion becomes a chess prodigy, competing to become a pro against a mysterious cold girl with long blonde hair. The manga is good.Director Kawase Toshifumi did Tenjho Tenge and wrote the adaptation of Higurashi. Add Kawasumi Ayako (in her fourth show of the season) and Paku Romi (rocker Nana in NANA) and this is a must-watch, at least for the first few episodes. Kouda Mariko, who played Nayuki in Kanon, is also in the cast. Studio Deen. oct13 satlate AnimeSuki.OVAKoharu Biyori こはるびより. Set in a near future where robots are common. Takaya Murase has just purchased a maid robot. Maid Yui is ready to live a normal life cleaning, cooking, and serving her owner, But Takaya has other plans for her — like dressing her up to suit his fantasies (from ANN). From a manga running in Dengeki Moeoh.This sounds pretty low, especially considering that it is animated by Doumu, which did Yoake-mae yori Ruri-iro na ~ Crescent Love. The writer, Aoshima Takashi, did that show, and the director did Marginal Prince, which was also a marginal show (but which I liked better than most people). But any show featuring Kitamura Eri has a chance. Music by Watanabe Tsuyoshi (Ichigo Mashimaro). Preview broadcast in October. Doumou. OVA (one episode?) nov21 AnimeSuki.Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations ツバサ TOKYO REVELATIONS. A separate project from the Tsubasa Chronicle anime, this series is handled by Production I.G. and Ohkawa Ageha, CLAMP's scriptwriter. Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations is three 25-minutes OVAs covering the Tokyo Arc, which follows episode 42 of the anime series. The staff and cast make this a promising show.When Sakura, Syaoran, Fye, Kurogane and Mokona arrive in a strange, desolate world and meet a mysterious hooded group, little can they imagine that the inevitable events that will take place in this world will make their journey take a dramatic turn and change their lives forever. (summary by "Kathna/Miyazawa Lulu" from anidb.net)Starring Irino Miyu and Makino Yui (Misaki in Welcome to the NHK). With Kikuchi Mika (Mokona in Tsubasa and XXXHolic), Chiba Saeko, Endou Aya, Miyano Mamoru, Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask), Ohara Sayaka. Directed by Tada Shunsuke, who directed the Prince of Tennis National Tournament OVA. Written by Ohkawa Ageha, who wrote Cardcaptor Sakura. Production IG. OVA 1/3eps. nov16 fri AnimeSuki.Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files 装甲騎兵ボトムズ ペールゼン・ファイルズ. New OVA series of Armored Trooper Votoms, made by the original staff, using newer 3DCG. Mecha fans admire the realistic mecha design of the the classic original series. New story about the end of the 100 year (anidb.net).Stars Gouda Hozumi, from the original cast. Mecha design by Okawara Kunio, whose credits include many Gundam shows, as well as the original Votoms. Sunrise. OVA 1/12eps. oct26 fri AnimeSuki.Kyo Kara Maoh! R 今日からマ王！Ｒ. First of a five-ep OVA following the 78-episode series from 2004-06. Most of the same staff and cast return, including director Nishimura Junji, who also directed Simoun.The story of the new series has not been announced, but the original is about a timid high school boy who suddenly finds himself in another world, which is divided between humans and an enemy race — and he is king of the enemy race. I haven’t seen the original series, but its comic humanity has some strong fans. Studio Deen. OVA 1/5eps. oct26 fri AnimeSuki.Strait 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. Feel. OVA 1/3eps. nov30 AnimeSuki.Hidamari Sketch special ひだまりスケッチ 特別編 前後編. The TV series was a visually outstanding, amusing and "heartful" slice-of-life comedy, with great performances from stars Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Matsuki Miyu (Cordelia in RomeoxJuliet), Gotou Yuuko, and Shintani Ryouko (Rachel in Red Garden).Akiyuki Shinbou (Negima!?, PaniPoni) oversees the project, which is directed by Kamitsubo Ryouki. Two-part DVD special airs on one night. Shaft. OVA 1-2/2eps. oct18 thu24:30 AnimeSuki.Nasu: Migratory Bird with Suitcase 茄子 スーツケースの渡り鳥. Directed and written by Kousaka Kitarou, who was animation director of several great Ghibli titles, including Whispers, Mononoke, Spirited and Howl.This is the sequel to his previous OVA about Pepe, the Spanish cyclist. Star Ooizumi You is mainly a TV actor. Other main seiyuus include Sakamoto Maaya, Yamadera Kouichi (Spike Spiegel, etc.), and Ohtsuki Akio (Black Jack). Madhouse. OVA 1/1eps. oct24 wed AnimeSuki. Tales of Symphonia テイルズ オブ シンフォニア THE ANIMATION. Based on the Game Cube and Play Station game. Two worlds exist, each unaware of the existence of the other. In order for one world to flourish, the other has to perish. On the dying world, a Chosen one is sent on a journey to restore that world's mana by awakening the Spirits and becoming an angel. Colette Brunel, the Chosen of Sylvarant, sets out on her journey accompanied by her best friends Lloyd Irving and Genis Sage. As they travel further they meet more friends and even more enemies, while they learn more and more about the truth behind World Regeneration. (ANN)Mizuki Nana and Konishi Katsuyuki head the cast, with Kuwashima Houko, Touma Yumi (Emma) and others. Written by the writer of Manabi Straight. New director. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin. OVA 3/3eps. oct24 wed AnimeSuki.Information in this post is from: MoonPhase, MoonPhase Notes, official sites, Shoboi Calendar, anidb.net, Anime News Network, AnimeSuki forums, and Japanese Wikipedia. In a few days, I will post a complete calendar of broadcast days and times during the week, including both new shows and continuing shows.
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Now we’ve hit the anime where there seems to be a little bit more depth to the plot, artwork or just something funny or cute that caught my attention… 9. Silk Road Boy Yuto I tentatively place this at number 9, it may turn out to be wonderful, but I can find nothing about this other than [...]
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Somehow I've managed to see the first episodes of almost all the new anime. Here's what I thought of them. As usual, there are far too many watchable shows.Just for reference, my favorite recent shows are Simoun, Honey & Clover, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu, NANA, and Bokura ga Ita. But I've also enjoyed Kashimashi, Lemon Angel Project, NHK ni You Koso, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, Shinigami no Ballad, Saiunkoku Monogatari, and Noein, among others.Here is a trip through the week, day by day. Shows I like most get a screencap. Best show so far? For me, it's Asatte no Houkou. For others, it might be Kanon, Death Note, Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto, or Negima. I also have a calendar of the week, showing days and times the shows are on in Japan, and highlights of staff and cast.Sunday:Gin-iro no Cord ~Primo Passo~ -- Reverse-harem romance in a high school devoted to music. Takagi Reiko does a lovely job communicating the heroine's feelings. The music fairy who is the guardian of the school gives her a magic violin that enables her to compete with the best musicians in the school, most of whom are bishounen. I liked it. So sue me.Galaxy Angelune -- Crazy comic beautiful girls commit crazy violence in good causes. Despite Hirano Aya and Kobayashi Akiko (PuniPuni Poemi), this didn't do much for me.Marginal Prince -- An innocent Japanese boy becomes a student at a grand old school on an island in Europe, where the half-dozen students are all princely bishounen. Uh-oh: I enjoyed this simple, old-fashioned, somewhat cheesy and yaoi-ish bishounen show. Your mileage may vary.Monday:Tokimeki Memorial ~Only Love~ -- School comedy. Beautiful girls. Stupid humor. Some people apparently liked this ero-game conversion. Not me.Rabudoru ~Lovely Idol~ -- Another simple show I enjoyed a lot. Girls becoming idols. Decent music. A nice look. Great voice-acting: Nogawa Sakura, Sakai Kanako (REC), Nakahara Mai (Mai in Mai-HiME), Chihara Minori (Yuki in Suzumiya Haruhi), Gotou Yuuko (Mikuru in Suzumiya Haruhi), Momoi Haruko (Nurse Witch Komugi). (Second episode was not so enjoyable.)Pumpkin Scissors -- Well-made show set in a post-war purgatory of famine and disorder. Decent action. Characters with character, although kind of shallow, for me. Itou Shizuka in one of her two good roles this season (the other being in Asatte no Houkou). Ueda Kana as the humble secretary who knows everything.Tuesday:D. Gray Man -- Monster-of-the-week. Well-made but a bit limp. Set in London circa Jack the Ripper. Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask) is good as the (male) protagonist.Death Note -- Powerful, excellently animated and well-acted descent into megalomaniac madness. For many, this will be the show of the season. Great performance by Miyano Mamoru (Tamaki in Ouran, in a totally different role) as the top student who gets a shinigami's notebook, enabling him to kill whom he pleases. And Hirano Aya and Kudou Haruka will apparently show up in episode 2.Ghost Hunt -- Nicely-made female-oriented story of a girl who becomes part of a group of ghost-hunters led by a (sort of) bishounen. Good voice-acting by Nazuka Kaori (Yun in Simoun). Develops slowly.Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (Perfect Girl Evolution) -- Animation that's completely nuts of a manga that's completely nuts by a director who's completely nuts (Nabeshin, who made PuniPuni Poemi). Four bishounen are given free rent in a mansion if they can convert the owner's niece from a hikikomori, self-conscious, negative horror freak into a charming young lady. (Second episode was hilarious.)Shounen Onmyouji -- Great Heian setting for a monster-of-the-week anime featuring yin-yang magic. Love interest arrives in episode 2. Looks wonderful, has some nice features, including a terrific (and powerful) animal companion, but didn't do much for me. Screenplay by the man who did Wolf's Rain and Turn A Gundam, however, so things may improve. My problem is that monsters bore me.Black Lagoon ~Second Barrage~ (haven't seen it)Red Garden -- Fascinating supernatural mystery featuring amazing realistic animation and pre-recorded voices that really act. Set in New York, centered on four girls at the same school who discover they have all forgotten the evening when a classmate died, and are told that they are dead, too. (Second episode was outstanding.)Wednesday:Negima!? -- Wonderful comic animation directed by Shinbou Akiyuki (Tsukuyomi ~Moon Phase~, PaniPoni Dash!), with a cast that never stops: Kanda Akemi (Kazuki in Tonagura, etc.), Satou Rina (reprising her role as Negima), Nonaka Ai (Iriya, etc.), Kadowaki Mai, Noto Mamiko, Horie Yui, Inokuchi Yuka (Anju in Karin). (Second episode blew me away.)Busou Renkin -- Almost bearable monster show. And that's saying something, coming from me. Hirano Aya as a (platonically) loving imouto is worth the price of admission. Yahagi Sayuri (Karin) will show up soon. (Second episode bored me, descending into real monster-of-the-week. But Hirano Aya was still great.)Super Robot Taisen OG ~Divine Wars~ -- People who like this sort of thing seem to like it. Good mecha. Nice bright look. Takahashi Mikako in a b-role as the brave damsel in distress. For boys.Galaxy Railways ~The Junction Point to Eternity~ -- I find the whole concept of a train flying through space difficult to swallow, and don't like mecha that look as if they were designed in the 19th century. But even that aside, this first episode of the new series seemed pretty lame to me: logic seemed quite absent. I've never watched Galaxy Railways 999, which people say was a good show.Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na Crescent Love -- Cute game-conversion comedy that I actually found funny. Nabatame Hitomi (Shizuma in Strawberry Panic, Nobue in Ichigo Mashimaro) is wonderful as the regal but romantic moon princess who comes to Earth for a homestay with the hero (his onee-san is chief spokesperson for the president of Earth). (Second episode has me hooked.)Souten no Ken -- Appears to be a stupid, cheap, ugly, fighting show. I couldn't stand to watch enough to really find out.Thursday:Sasami Mahou Shoujo Club 2 -- Kid stuff. The main seiyuu are all under 15 and sound like it. Charming, but of little interest to me.Pokemon Diamond & Pearl (haven't seen it)Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuku wo! -- A big surprise. Funny and extreme. The superwoman (and I do mean Superwoman) school idol instantly falls in love with the weak little new boy. Hilarious schtick and well-done fanservice. Takahashi Mikako in a new kind of role.Kanon -- As good as advertised. Fabulous, deeply moving animation. Melancholy supernatural romance featuring sad girls in snow. The largest, most liquid eyes ever. Horie Yui, Tamura Yukari, Sugita Tomokazu, Seki Tomokazu, Kawakami Tomoko, Kawasumi Ayako. Directed by the director of Air, written by the writer of Full Metal Panic, animated by Kyoto Animation. Need I say more?009-1 -- Could become a camp classic. Voluptuous, invincible, cool female James Bond and voluptuous colleagues in a 1960s East Block-West Block cold war setting. Great character design. Well directed, if simple and old-fashioned. Enjoyable fighting and bionic weaponry. Based on a classic late-1960s manga by Shotaro Ishinomori. A sleeper. Feminist bishoujo?CODE GEASS - Lelouch of the Rebellion -- Entertaining enough, but not as gripping as I'd hoped. Area 11 (i.e., Japan) rebels against rule by the Britannia Empire. America/England bad, Japan good. The first of two anti-foreign shows from Sunrise. I want to see and hear more of the intriguing alien (?) played by Yukana.Gin-iro no Olynssis -- A misfire from Artland. Fairly silly, with some nice shots and the potential for a good silent beautiful alien. Second-rate monsters are even worse than first-rate monsters. So far this is a waste of the talents of Nazuka Kaori, Hisakawa Aya and Akemi Kanda.Asatte no Houkou -- The best first episode of the week. Beautifully directed and acted, with an intriguing premise involving a little girl who wants to grow up fast, and a young woman who wants to go back to being a child. We'll see where it goes. Ito Shizuka is marvellous.Happiness -- Made me happy. Appears to involve tension-free romance at a school for magicians. Lamune vibes.Sumomomo Momono -- Hilarious and outrageous. Unique character design. The daughter of one martial arts master is betrothed to the somewhat older son of another so that they can produce a worthy heir. She wants to be his bride (does she ever) and he just wants to become a lawyer. But be warned: the greatest amount of loli fanservice I have ever seen in one episode. Hirano Aya enters the fray starting with episode 2.Gift ~Eternal Rainbow~ -- People love the game, but the first episode didn't do much for me. I didn't like the protagonist, and the "plot" was pretty limp. But the VA cast is nice: Shimizu Ai, Miyazaki Ui, Shintani Ryouko, Koshimizu Ami, Tai Yuuki(Chevalier/D'Eon).Friday:Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto -- Animation at least as good as Kanon, if you can imagine it. So beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. Complex end-of-Edo-period plot involving swordsmanship and magic. Anti-foreign and maybe anti-Chinese vibes, but the animation is so good it doesn't matter.Kujibiki Unbalance -- It's going to take a while to get over the complete dissimilarity from the OVA eps in Genshiken, but I enjoyed it, up to a point. Moe voice-acting and reworked cliches to the max. Nonaka Ai was just fabulous as Tokino, and lots of others were good, too, including Koshimizu Ami as The Chairman and Gotou Yuuko at her most extreme kiddy-moe. The semi-unknown new recruits to the voice-acting cast stepped right up.Saturday:Katekyoshi Hitman Reborn! (haven't seen it)Ayakashi Ayashi -- Another Edo swordsmanship and magic story, like Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto, with simpler (but still very nice) animation and a simpler (but to me more moving) plot. Fujiwara Keiji (Shuuji in Honey & Clover) and Niino Michi (Aaeru in Simoun).Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori -- Great new opening, at least for the first episode. If anything even more beautiful and tormenting that the first series, if this episode is any example. But still repetitive and unsatisfying.Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru -- Kashimashi reborn. Following his grandfather's will, a very pretty boy dresses as a girl and goes to a girls' school, where everyone falls in love with him (I mean her). Lots of Strawberry Panic, too. Horie Yui, Matsuki Miyu (Simoun/Anguras, Strawberry Panic/Hikari), Kanda Akemi (Negima /Asuna, Tonagura /Kazuki), Asano Masumi, Gotou Yuuko, Nogawa Sakura. Plenty of yuri-esque fanservice.History's Strongest Disciple Ken'ichi (haven't seen it)
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Woo! An actually good batch. While Ginga Tesudo Monogatari might’ve turned out mediocre, Marginal Prince and Sasami Mahou Shoujo Club actually turned out to be a big surprise. These anime really show that this series can contain something other than garbage. And yes. I have a strange taste, and I’m proud of it. ^^ Ginga Tesudo [...]
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OP - Hanashitaku wa nai (FLAME) - cheese-tastic bishounen song with one of the worst OP animation’s I’ve seen in a while; it’s all static pans! Bonus point for the demi-cyborg rabbit, though. ED - Look Up Days (Michihiro Kuroda) - ride, silhouetted bishounen! Ride into your shoddily animated future! A boy named Yuuta gets [...]
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Part B of the autumn season previews. Note: the above picture is completely unrelated to any of the previewing shows. Marginal Prince (TV) - low Genres: Shoujo(?), Love-Romance(?) Website: http://www.mpri.jp/ Release: 10/2006 ED: “DAYS” by Michihiro Kuroda I have absolutely no idea what this is about, and I am not expecting much. Tokimeki Memorial (TV) - average Genres: Drama, Harem(?), Love-Romance Website: http://www.konami.jp/visual/tokimemo-anime/ Release: 2/10/2006 This [...]
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In part 2 of my Fall 2006 Anime Preview I take a quick peek at Ghost Hunt, Marginal Prince, Busou Renkin, and Kin-Iro no Chord: Ghost Hunt Ghost Hunt is an anime about a guy who has no interest in normal humans. He’s only interested in ghosts. Follow the adventures of Kazuya Shibuya and his indentured servant [...]
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