Word on Natalie.mu is that the manga Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru (translates to Betrayal Knows My Name, often shortened to UraBoku) is getting an anime adaptation.The manga, by Hotaru Odagiri (best known in the US for various BL, including art for Only the Ring Finger Knows and Time Lag), revolves around an orphaned boy named Yuki Sakurai who has the ability to feel other people's emotions whenever he touches them. Unfortunately he can't control his powers, which increase at a terrifying rate...until a man who claims to be Yuki's older brother appears.Some cast announcements have already been made: Souichiro Hoshi ( Gundam SEED's Kira Yamato) will play Sakurai, and Marina Inoue ( Gurren Lagann's Yoko, Skip Beat's Kyoko), Jun Fukuyama ( Code Geass's Lelouch), and Daisuke Ono ( The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya's Itsuki Koizumi) are also reportedly on the list.Sounds like it has some possibility-- the premise isn't unlike Night Head Genesis, but hopefully it'll turn out better than that. Anyone else interested?
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You guys have already seen my list of the series in 2009 that were better than I expected -- so let's talk about the ones that were worse . In no particular order...  Sorry, Ed, I...I just think I moved on. 1. Tatakau Shisho: The Book of Bantorra Let me start out by saying first off, Bantorra has great animation, and a really cool premise. But somehow, the show never...clicked. After about four episodes it felt like little was actually happening, and even worse, I didn't care what DID happen to any of the characters I had been interested in. Sure, the lead-- Hamutz Meseta --seems like a pretty badass chick, and the best part is she's a librarian. But her coolness isn't enough to carry a whole show, and nothing else is very interesting. It's a shame, because I feel like there's a lot of potential here. The fantasy-ish world, in which humans become books when they die, is a cool concept. I feel like David Production should have spent a bit more time establishing the world and the characters within it, and then shifted the pacing of the story to be a bit more dynamic, and it might have worked out better. As it is though...meh.   2. Zone-00 I've never read any of the Trinity Blood manga, but I've seen a lot of the covers and art from it by Kiyo Qjo, so I was pretty excited to snatch up the first volume of this manga from TOKYOPOP. I flipped it open and began reading...and I had no clue what was going on. It was, if you will excuse my adding to the overuse of this phrase, a "hot mess." By that I mean the characters are all hot, even the individual panels are pretty smexy, but by and large the rest is just a mess. The plot is confusing, the page layouts are cluttered and overdone as a whole, and the characters are introducted to you rapidfire and sometimes aren't distinctive enough to tell apart ("okay, I know the two witches, but which one has the dog and which has the cat? And which buff guy is which animal's human form? And how many gorgeous blonde girlie-men will there be in this manga?!") That's the best pull quote I can give you, TOKYOPOP. Sorry! 3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood I tried. I really tried. You know I did. I watched through the first episodes, with their repeated footage. And then when we moved into the newer stuff from the manga that never appeared in the anime, I watched a few more. And honestly, it's probably not fair to claim that Brotherhood "sucks." But somehow...the magic was just gone. I don't know exactly what it was; the change in voice actors for most of the characters, the novelty having worn off, maybe issues with the pacing...but somehow, I just couldn't keep the show on my to-do list. I would be ashamed, but I fell off the wagon for the manga some time ago as well (for entirely different reasons)-- but that might also be a factor, since I didn't have the anticipation of seeing my favorite manga scenes animated that might spur some to continue. 4. Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan I LOVED Mahoro-Matic . Bow Ditama's manga and its anime counterpart managed to be bust-a-gut hilarious, with the cougar teacher harassing her student, the unlikely romantic heroine (an ecchi-hating flat-chested robot girl)...it was just a really fun romp.    But I was pretty unimpressed with Ditama's follow-up Juuden-chan, whose characters were flat-- and not just in terms of their busts --and uninteresting. Whatever shock value the much-discussed peeing bits had was definitely not enough to make me want to watch the rest of the series. Or even the rest of the first episode, honestly. I'm all about perversion, but it's only hot if the characters are attractive-- and the characters are only attractive to me if they're interesting.   5. Hero Tales Fullmetal Alchemist mangaka Hiromu Arakawa's follow-up isn't bad. The characters are decent, the art is nice, and the story has some potential. But compared to what you would expect from the creator of FMA-- a manga that grabs you by the collar from the first pages --Hero Tales is a pretty dull manga that pretty much anyone could have put together. Still and all, this one doesn't outright "suck." It's just thoroughly disappointing if you were hoping for something as creative, endearing, and clever as FMA. I'm so sorry to have you on this list twice, Arakawa-san, but... 6. Miracle Train I'm not especially a shoujo manga/anime fan, but I like a lot of titles and I'm always excited to see what companies decide to try and pimp to girls. Sometimes I like what I see-- Shugo Chara!'s first and second seasons, for example --but sometimes the results just make me weep for Japanese females. Miracle Train is one of these. The men are all completely standard archetypes with no interesting backgrounds or traits-- they're train stations already! --and the stories in which they assist young ladies, at least from the two episodes I forced myself through, are completely insipid. The "messages" behind them are sappy and trite. Even the animation and design is mediocre at best, and the color that dominates my image of the show is brown (due to the trains' interior). It's a bit misleading to say I thought this show would "rock," but I was definitely hoping for better. 7. Night Head Genesis Ugh. I watched a little bit of the anime when it first came out a couple of years ago and was thoroughly unimpressed by the two whiney emo brothers and their problems. I had hopes, though, that character designer You Higuri-- a BL mangaka of no small fame, as well as creator of the very attractive and often-intriguing Cantarella --would be able to turn the manga version into something intelligible. Instead I got the opposite. Giant gaping holes about the boys' upbringing and their modern lives-- like how the hell they get the money to buy leather gloves, much less pay their rent --along with conclusions that feel too quick for the first story arc in spite of it being a full volume long leave the manga completely unfulfilling. If you're a die-hard bishounen fan, I'd recommend the manga equivalent of "watching on mute": buy it in Japanese and just look at the pretty pictures.   The End! So now you know all of the series that surprised me, whether by their high level of quality or lack thereof, in 2009. I'm betting that all of you could name series that surprised you in 2009, so let's hear it!
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Brad Rice and David Welsh check out this week’s new manga releases. Sadie Mattox posts a brief gift guide to manga erotica at Extremely Graphic. If you liked ES: Eternal Sabbath (I did!) then David Welsh thinks you may like Night Head Genesis as well. Vol. 1 of Mega Man Megamix isn’t due out until January, but Udon [...]
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  Vital Statistics: Title: Night Head Genesis Story: George Iida Script & Art: You Higuri Original Publisher: Kodansha Genre : Sci-Fi/Supernatural, Drama Release Info: Release Date: 11/24/09 US Publisher: Del Rey Manga Translator: Alethea and Athena Nibley Length: 208 pages MSRP: $10.99 Rating: Older Teen (16+)  The Story  Night Head Genesis: The Anime  Night Head: the J-Drama Naoto and Naoya are brothers whose parents shipped them off to a research facility where they would be cared for until their adulthood. Naoya can see peoples' thoughts when he touches them, and Naoto has a bad habit of getting angry and causing things to smash, explode, or bleed. You can imagine why their folks kicked them out-- more destructive than a puppy! After the death of "old man Misaki," whose spiritual powers kept the boys bound to the facility, the twosome head out into the real world, where they're quickly swept up into trying to save the world from a disaster predicted by a man who sees visions of the future. Night Head Genesis is a manga based on an anime that was based on a live-action television drama called Night Head. The Review  Cantarella I love You Higuri's art. She's better known for her historical drama Cantarella (about the insidious Borgia clan) and her yaoi titles, such as Gorgeous Carat and Gakuen Heaven. I remember being surprised when she did character designs for Night Head Genesis, a seinen supernatural drama, when she's so much more well-known for shoujo and yaoi works. But the art is beautiful and I can't fault it here. Higuri also has a good balance between detailed and less-detailed backgrounds, packing the panels with story and information without overloading them. ...Unfortunately, there's story to deal with. Bishounen fans will probably find something to like between Naoya's meek sweetness and Naoto's constant righteous anger, but I find them both rather whiny. The story's pacing is a little off: the boys are born, kicked out by their parents, kept at the facility, then grown and gone from it within the first chapter. They mysteriously have enough money for a nice apartment, clothes, food, and everything else that they need, as well as a woman on their heels who wants to kill them because she thinks they're the key to the world's destruction. The story is so fast-paced I never felt like I was really grounded in the characters, their powers, or their world before we ran headlong into a world-saving plot, and by the end of the book I still can't tell you anything about either boy except that Naoya is a wuss and Naoto is protective and sometimes a jerk. A very brief spoiler here... The story slammed into this book could easily have been drawn out to two or three volumes. If they wanted to move ahead into whatever comes next that quickly, I would rather they had referred back to this story as a flashback than actually cover it. And actually, I'm a lot more interested in their time at the facility than anything else that happened so far. This is a Del Rey Manga release, so the translation is solid and flows well. There are translation notes, and a word from the original creator (George Iida) and the mangaka (You Higuri) at the beginning and end, respectively. All in all, I'm not very impressed with NHG. But if you like your boys pretty and emo, and your stories simple and dramatic, you could probably kill a half-hour with this book...I just recommend borrowing it from a friend or the library. There are better ways to spend your cash. (Might I suggest a couple of other Del Rey supernatural dramas, like xxxHOLiC or Ghost Hunt ?)
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  Title: Night Head Genesis Vol 1 Story by: George Iida Manga by: You Higuri Publisher: Del Rey ISBN: 9780345516251 May Contain Spoilers Naoto and Naoya are brothers with such powerful psychic powers that everyone, including their parents, are terrified of them.  Confined to a scientific research [...]
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I did a little research yesterday, and according to The Anime Blog there are DVDs on sale now. I list the price for you (Amazon price), so if you're planning to buy, you can plan how you're going to save some money for it ;)(note: this list will be update soon)Baccano: Volume Three $26.99Bleach, Vol. 16 $17.49Case Closed Season 5 Box SetClannad Part 2Claymore: Volume Five, Sisters in Arms $23.99Chance Pop Session: Complete Collection $35.99Darker Than Black: Volume Four $26.99Dojin Work Volume 3 $17.99Dragon Ball Z Movies 12/13: Fusion Reborn/Wrath of the DragonDragon Ball Z Movies 12/13: Fusion Reborn/Wrath of the Dragon - Blu-ray -Dragon Ball Z Season 9 Box SetGad Guard Box SetGilgamesh: Complete Collection $44.99Ghost Slayers Ayashi, Pt. 2 $35.99Gundam Seed Destiny Part 2 (Anime Legends Edition)Gurren Lagann, Pt. 3 $49.49Heroic Age Complete Series Part 1Ikki Tousen: The Complete Series Box Set $36.99Irresponsible Captain Tylor Complete TV Series Remastered DVD Collection $34.99Karin: The Complete Series Box Set $59.99Murder Princess Complete SeriesNight Head Genesis Vol. #5Princess Resurrection: Collection 2 $35.99*The Last Exile - The Complete Series Boxed Set (Vol 1-7) $59.99*Last Exile - The Murata Range Complete Set Edition $60.00The Sky Crawlers [Blu-ray] $22.99The Sky Crawlers $19.99Wolf’s Rain Anime Legends Perfect Collection
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Bleach Vol. #16 Case Closed (Detective Conan) Season 5 Box Set Gilgamesh Complete Collection (2009 edition) Heroic Age Collection Part 1 Murder Princess Complete Collection Night Head Genesis Vol.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Lots of news from New York Comic Con have come my way, so this is not the last manga license related post you’ll see from me today. Unless something happens, of course… Pray to God for my safety, please. ^^; Del Rey, my personal favorite distributor when it comes to manga outside Japan, announced at their New York Comic Con panel during the weekend that they have licensed Four-Eyed Prince by Wataru Mizukami, Night Head Genesis by George Iida, and Only One Wish by Tokyo Mew Mew’s artist Mia Ikumi. Keep ...
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The winter season is usually the least exciting of the year, but there are always surprises. Last year, there were true tears and Spice & Wolf. Here are some of this year's possibilities, followed by a complete preview of almost all the new shows:-- Genji Monogatari Sennenki is a new anime based on one of the greatest novels in the history of the world, The Tale of Genji. It's directed by Dezaki Osamu (Rose of Versailles, Oniisama-e), and written by Konparu Tomoko (NANA, Nodame Cantabile). Read more about it below.-- There's also a new season of Maria-sama ga Miteru. That's the complex and delicate tale of yuri relationships in a Catholic girls' school, starring Ueda Kana and Itou Miki, with many other great seiyuu names, including Koshimizu Ami and Kugimiya Rie.-- Hirano Aya and Nana Mizuki will star together in White Album, the story of a new idol (Aya) and a top idol (Nana). Art imitating life.-- Shinbo Akiyuki (Zetsubou Sensei, Hidamari Sketch, PaniPoni, etc.) tries his hand at a cross-dressing school comedy in Maria Holic. The streamed preview version was vintage Shinbo.-- Beast-Player Erin is too long, at 50 episodes, but the novel was written by the same woman who wrote Seirei no Moribito, and it is directed by the director of Library Wars.-- Two super-moe doujin OVAs will come out over the next few days at Comiket: Kowarekake no Orgol, from POP, the illustrator of Moetan; and Musou Kakyou, from people associated with Touhou games.-- I've enjoyed reading the manga (translated as "Black God") and now there is an anime of Kurokami. The director of Emma and the writer of Marimite add some depth, although whether they can capture the great look of the manga remains to be seen.-- Sora wo Miageru Shoujo is the sequel to KyoAni's Munto. I may not love everything KyoAni does, but I like pretty well all of it, so I'm definitely on board for a couple of episodes of this.-- There's a new two-episode OVA of the funniest anime ever made, Ichigo Mashimaro.-- The director of Mai-HiME gets a new group of girls together in Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo, and the girls include Endou Aya, Makino Yui, Yahagi Sayuri, and Koshimizu Ami. I wasn't a big fan of the Mai- series, and this adds mecha, which is not my thing, but Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola) is writing this, and with the excellent cast, I just have a feeling it is going to work out.-- Fans of some good shows that I never learned to love will be pleased: Minami-ke gets a new season, and so does Natsume Yuujin Chou. There are new seasons of Birdy the Mighty - Decode, and Shikabane Hime. And there's a highly anticipated new five-episode series of Higurashi.-- The hilarious yuri comedy Candy Boy continues, as does the great science fiction mini-drama Eve no Jikan (ep4 will probably come out in early February). Eve is about the humanness of humanoid robots, and is in the running for my choice as best anime of 2008.-- Also continuing are the excellent character comedy Toradora and the unusual road comedy-drama Michiko to Hatchin, as well as One Outs, Kuroshitsuji, Tales of the Abyss, and To Aru Majutsu no Index.And now here is the full meal: previews of 39 new shows. English names are linked to Anime News Network for more info, Japanese names to the official sites. Subs info from Who Subs What. Other info from MoonPhase, Anidb, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, official sites, etc.Just scroll down to the article, or click a name in the block below to go to a specific show. The block is in alphabetical order; the article lists the shows by date. Both lists put OVAs in a separate section at the end.|Akikan!       |Asu no Youichi       |Beast-Player Erin       |Birdy the Mighty - Decode       |Candy Boy       |Chrome-Shelled Regios       |Dokuhaku Suru Universal Yoko Mercator Egg Man       |Fresh Pretty Cure       |Genji Monogatari Sennenki       |Hajime no Ippo - New Challenger       |Hetalia Axis Powers       |Kin-iro no Corda - second passo       |Kurokami The Animation       |MAJOR 5th season       |Maria Holic       |Maria-sama ga Miteru 4th Season       |Minami-ke Okaeri       |Ride Back       |Shikabane Hime Kuro       |Slayers Evolution-R       |Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo       |Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai       |Tower of Druaga - The Sword of Uruk       |Viper's Creed       |White Album       |Zoku Natsume Yuujin Chou       |Abunai Sisters       |Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei       |Ichigo Mashimaro OVA2 Encore       |Kodomo no Jikan 2       |Kowarekake no Orgol       |Kurogane no Vendetta       |Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~       |Seto no Hanayome OVA Gi       |Switch       |Touhou Anime Project - Musou Kakyou       |Tsubasa - Spring Lightning       |xxxHOLIC - Spring Dream       |Zettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~       Candy Boy(jp: Candy Boy)"Nonchalant talk of certain twin sisters in daily life." Surprise hit net OVA spawns a series of seven ten-minute episodes. A great little yuri incest slice-of-life comedy. (New genre, lol.) Twin sisters in love attend college together. With Nabatame Hitomi, Yuzuki Ryoka (Eruruu in Utawarerumono), and Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star). See all four current eps streamed on "Candy Boy Channel."seiyuus: Nabatame Hitomi, Yuzuki Ryoka (Eruruu/Utawarerumono), Katou Emiri (Kagami/Lucky Star).director: Hoshikawa Takafumiwriter: Hoshikawa Takafumianimation: AIC. trailer. subs: Frostii (and others, no doubt). 4/7 eps. ep5: 9 January.mon 29 dec.Shikabane Hime Kuro(jp: 屍姫 玄)The second series about the "Corpse Princess," an undead girl who has to hunt down 108 living corpses in order to go to heaven. There was mixed response to the first series.Writer Aikawa Shou is a top hand. He was series story editor for Fullmetal Alchemist and wrote Oh! Edo Rocket and maybe even Simoun (under a pseudonym). Director Murata Masahiko did Gilgamesh and Night Head Genesis.The lead seiyuu are Akiyama Nana, a young actress, model, and singer; and Nakamura Chise, an actress and gravure idol. Lots of good supporting names, including Fujiwara Keiji and Yuuki Aoi, who played Murasaki in Kurenai.seiyuus: Akiyama Nana, Nakamura Chise, Fujiwara Keiji, Chiba Saeko, Kikuchi Mika, Horie Yui, Sugita Tomokazu, Suwabe Junichirou, Yuuki Aoi.director: Murata Masahiko (Gilgamesh, Night Head Genesis)writer: Aikawa Shou (FMA, Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi, Edo Rocket).animation: Gainax/feel. trailer (first series). subs: Funimation?, Lunar Anime, Tomodachi. 13eps.sun 01 jan 10:30Maria-sama ga Miteru 4th Season(jp: マリア様がみてる 4thシーズン)A full new season of the classic yuri girl's-school drama. New stars join the already glittering cast: Nabatami Hitomi (Aruma Nana), Kawasumi Ayako (Kanako's mother), Koyama Rikiya (her father), and Inoue Marina (Naitou Shouko).The story apparently continues from ep3 of the OVA, following the novels. It seems that Yumi (Ueda Kana) has still not chosen between Kanako (Koshimizu Ami) and Touko (Kugimiya Rie) as her petite soeur.This is a must-watch, for me.seiyuus: Ueda Kana, Itou Miki, Ikezawa Haruna, Itou Shizuka, Noto Mamiko, Kugimiya Rie, Shimizu Kaori, Koshimizu Ami, Satou Rina, Saitou Chiwa.director: Katou Toshiyuki (Marimite, Blue Dragon, Hantsuki)writer: Konno Oyuki (novels).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Hibiki Reine, Matsushima Akira.trailer. subs: Chihiro? 13eps.sat 03 jan 10:30Akikan!(jp: アキカン���)A high-school boy's empty can of melon soda magically transforms into a cute girl. Then more "empty can" (akikan) girls keep appearing. And they all have to be kissed to infuse them with the carbon dioxide they need to live.I am one of the few who admits to finding this premise intriguing. Unfortunately, the staff does not have enough credentials to hope for high quality. The cast, however, has its high points. Fukuyama Jun is good as the randy harem lead. I look forward to hearing Yuuki Aoi again after her triumph as Murasaki in Kurenai. And Noto Mamiko and Toyoguchi Megumi (Klan in Macross F) are both always interesting.The preview version of episode one has already been streamed. It promises a fairly entertaining third-rate show, with some moe potential. I like the website URL: melomelomelon.com.seiyuus: Fukuyama Jun, Narita Sayaka (Mayu/Ai yori Aoshi, Kusukusu/Shugo Chara), Toyosaki Aki (Amuro/Umisho), Noto Mamiko, Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki/Kurenai), Okiayu Ryoutarou, Toyoguchi Megumi.director: Himaki Yuji (Anpanman movie 2006)writer: Koyasu Hideaki (work on Minamike, Yoakena).animation: Brains Base.sound director: Takadera Takeshi (Rosario). OP:Charmmy Queen, ED:Nomiko.trailer. subs: CoalGuys, Corona, Mayu-Genjo, Saikyo Subs?, AnimeYoshi.sat 03 jan 24:00White Album(jp: ホワイトアルバム)From a game by Aquaplus. Hirano Aya plays a girl who gets her big break as an idol just as she has graduated from high school. Will she and her boyfriend Maeno Tomoaki be able to stay together through the ups and downs of her new life? Complicating matters is the top idol played by Mizuki Nana: is she friend or foe?This is one of my most anticipated shows of the season, because I like the bit of manga I've read, and because of Aaya and Nana-chan. Art imitates life.The "trailer" is a radio rip of Nana-chan's OP.seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Mizuki Nana, Maeno Tomoaki, Takamoto Megumi, Masu Nozomi, Paku Romi, Tomatsu Haruka, Sakaguchi Daisuke (Keel/Tideline Blue, Sunohara/Clannad), Hayami Shou (Maximilian Jenius/Macross7, Julious/Angelique).director: Yoshimura Akira (new, dir eps of Planetes, Samurai Champloo, Gundam00, etc.)writer: Satou Hiroaki (dir. Yoshimune).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Yoshinari Kou, Kawata Hisashi.sound director: Shioya Yoku. music: Elements Garden. OP: Mizuki Nana, ED: Suara.trailer. subs: Aero Subs, Osu!, alchie, Eclipse, Menclave-ANBU.sat 03 jan 26:00Maria Holic(jp: まりあ†ほりっく)Directed by Shinbo Akiyuki (MoonPhase, PaniPoni, Negima!? Zetsubou-sensei, Hidamari Sketch). Shinbou's visual extravagance and off-centre comedy are much in evidence in episode one, which is now being streamed. Check official site for details.The story centers on a girl named Kanako who enrolls in all-girls school because she has a phobia of men and wants to find her destined yuri partner. She meets a captivating freshman named Mariya who fits her criteria — except that her seemingly ideal mate happens to be a sadistic, cross-dressing boy.Highly competent cast. I didn't enjoy the manga much, since Maria was so loathsome, but I'm intrigued to see what Shinbo makes of it. Episode one was excellent, with a good performance from Sanada Asami (Di Gi Charat) as the heroine, in particular.seiyuus: Sanada Asami, Kobayashi Yu, Inoue Marina, Sawashiro Miyuki, Matsuki Miyu, Shintani Ryouko, Gotou Saori, Kaida Yuko, Kanda Akemi.director: Shinbo Akiyukiwriter: Yokotani Masahiro (Reideen, World Destruction). Endou Minari (creator).animation: Shaft. animation supervisor: Yamamura Hiroki (Zetsubou).sound director: Kameyama Toshiki (MoonPhase, Nanoha, Red Garden, Zetsubou, etc.). OP: Kobayashi YU, ED: seiyuus.trailer. subs: Corona-Yuurisan Subs, Saikyo Subs?, gg.sun 04 jan 24:30Minami-ke Okaeri(jp: みなみけ おかえり)Season three of the popular comedy features a new director and new writer, although it comes from the same original manga series. The animation company is the same as series two rather than series one.The humor of the earlier series didn’t reach me as much as it did other people, and with the new staff I really have no idea what to expect. But I'll be watching ep1, for sure.The "trailer" I have is a little promo talk by the three main seiyuus: Satou Rina, Inoue Marina, and Chihara Minori.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Inoue Marina, Chihara Minori, Ono Daisuke, Kakihara Tetsuya, Mizuki Nana.director: Oikawa Kei (new, key animator, ep of Coyote Ragtime)writer: Kogomi Rie (小塵りえ pron?, unknown).animation: asread. trailer. subs: Ayako?, Ayu?.sun 04 jan 25:30Zoku Natsume Yuujin Chou(jp: 続 夏目友人帳)A new series of the successful show about giving spirits back their names. Classy anime that bored me.The director of Koi Kaze, Jigoku Shoujo, and Baccano; the writer of Ai Yori Aoshi, Jigoku Shoujo, and Zetsubou Sensei.The cast of actors includes Kamiya Hiroshi in the lead, with Inoue Kazuhiko, Kobayashi Sanae, Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, and Itou Miki. I will be giving myself a third chance to like this.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Inoue Kazuhiko (Hatake/Naruto, Gorou/Moonlight Mile), Kobayashi Sanae, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ishida Akira, Itou Miki, Fujimura Ayumi.director: Omori Takahiro (Koi Kaze, Jigoku Shoujo, Baccano)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai Yori Aoshi, Jigoku Shoujo, PaniPoni, Zetsubou Sensei). Midorikawa Yuki (creator).animation: Brains Base. subs: BSS, ainex?.mon 05 jan 25:00Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo(jp: 宇宙をかける少女)Humanity has migrated to countless colony clusters in space. A girl named Shishidou Akiha (Mako) encounters a malevolent artificial intelligence on her colony. Akiha is joined by an Inter-Colony Police officer named Kannagi Itsuki (Endou Aya), a taciturn young girl named Kawai Honoka (Makino Yui) , and a robot named Imoko "Imo-chan" (anidb)With SoraKake Shoujo, the creator and director of the Mai-HiME series strike again with a team of shoujo fighters in space. This time, well-known writer Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola) joins the team. The cast list is outstanding, with Endou Aya (Sheryl/Macross Frontier), Makino Yui, Fukuyama Jun and many others, including two of my personal favorites, Yahagi Sayuri and Koshimizu Ami. Mako, who played Yurie in Kamichu, is the heroine.seiyuus: Mako (Yurie/Kamichu), Endou Aya (Sheryl), Makino Yui (Misaki/NHK), Fukuyama Jun (Lerouche), Nonaka Ai (Iriya), Tamura Yukari (Nanoha), Yukana (C.C.), Koshimizu Ami (Horo, Kallen), Yahagi Sayuri (Karin), Kitamura Eri (Saiya/Blood+, Rin/KnJ).director: Obara Masakazu (Mai-HiME, My-Otome)writer: Yatate Hajime (creator, also creator of Gundam, Votoms, Escaflowne, Mai-HiME). Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, Yozakura Quartet).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Kabashima Yousuke (work on MSGundamSD, Idolmaster Xenoglossia).OP: Ali Project, ED: seiyuus.trailer. subs: Strike-subs, Shinsen-Subs?, Chihiro?.mon 05 jan 25:30Viper's Creed(jp: VIPER'S CREED)Director Aramaki Shinji directed Appleseed and did mecha work on MS Igloo. The story is set in the mid-21st century, as a private military company helps clean up after a disastrous war and runaway environmental degradation.Stars the outstanding Toyoguchi Megumi (Klan in Macross F), Kuroda Takaya (who, as Renjou in Kurenai, stole scenes from a child) and Fukuyama Jun (Lerouche).seiyuus: Kuroda Takaya (Renjou/Kurenai), Toyoguchi Megumi, Fukuyama Jun, Kawada Shinji, Minagawa Junko, Kaida Yuki.director: Aramaki Shinji (Appleseed director, Igloo and other mecha designs)writer: Akahoshi Masanao (Ikkitousen GG, To Aru Majutsu no Index).animation: AIC Spirits. trailer.tue 06 jan 22:00Hajime no Ippo - New Challenger(jp: はじめの一歩 New Challenger)I'm completely unfamiliar with this popular boxing manga/anime franchise. But a lot of people are eagerly awaiting the new season.The combination of Madhouse with the writer of Kamen no Maid Guy and the director of Saiunkoku is pretty interesting. And you can never go wrong with Fujiwara Keiji and Seki Tomokazu, to say nothing of Koyama Rikiya.seiyuus: Kiyasu Kohei (Ippo, Fukurou/Noein, Kaoru/Prince of Tennis), Fujiwara Keiji, Koyama Rikiya, Seki Tomokazu.director: Shishido Jun (Saiunkoku)writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy). Morikawa Jouji (creator).animation: Madhouse. subs: sMi-INP, Frostii, Saizen.tue 06 jan 25:29Dokuhaku Suru Universal Yoko Mercator Egg Man(jp: 独白するユニバーサル横メルカトル　Egg Man)Monologues of Universal Transverse Mercator. To be released on Crunchyroll.3DCG. A serial killer who leaves an egg at the scene of his crimes is caught and put on death row. And then the story begins.seiyuus: Terasoma Masaki (TV actor, seiyuu).director: Kishi Kaiseiwriter: Hirayama Yumeaki (novelist).animation: T.O.Entertainment. trailer.wed 07 janAsu no Youichi(jp: 明日のよいち!)After seventeen years of martial arts training in the countryside, already-capable fighter Youichi is sent to a special doujou in the city, where he will complete his training in company with four beautiful sisters. What will "Tomorrow's Youichi" be like? Comic, for one thing. The preview looks fairly cliched, but there is some potential here.Writer Kurata Hideyuki adapted Kannagi, and that means something to me. This is the first series for director Kujo Rion, who did the Love Doll OVA, and worked on Xenoglossia.Seiyuu names like Hanazawa Kana, Makino Yui, Nabatame Hitomi, Satou Rina, Tamura Yukari, Tomatsu Haruka, Konishi Katsuyuki, and Yahagi Sayuri are exciting. Lead male Okamoto Nobuhiko was Yorito in sola.seiyuus: Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola), Satou Rina, Hanazawa Kana, Makino Yui, Nabatame Hitomi, Tamura Yukari, Tomatsu Haruka, Konishi Katsuyuki, Yahagi Sayuri.director: Kujo Rion (new, did Love Doll OVA, work on Gunsword, Xenoglossia)writer: Kurata Hideyuki (Kannagi).animation: AIC. animation supervisor: Ishii Yumiko (first series).sound director: Aketagawa Jin. OP:meg rock, ED:Misato Aki.trailer. subs: Aero Subs, Osu!, Saikyo Subs?, AnimeYoshi, Genjo-subs.thu 08 jan 25:28Tower of Druaga - The Sword of Uruk(jp: ドルアーガの塔 ���the Sword of URUK���)What a cast and staff! Why didn't I look at more than half an episode of the first series? One of the few unknowns in a cast of huge names is the star, Kenn. Director Chigira Kouichi did both Full Metal Panic and Last Exile. Sound director Gouda Hozumi is a big-name seiyuu who also did sound direction for shows like Zettai Shounen and Vampire Knight.The protagonist is a strong-willed young champion who is battling his way up the great world-tower toward the treasures above, and the evil lord at the top. A female oracle, a mage, a child, various warriors — this anime fits squarely in its genre. I guess that genre may be why I didn’t take this show seriously before. But I will now.seiyuus: Kenn, Orikasa Fumiko, Sakurai Takahiro, Horie Yui, Hayamizu Risa, Gouda Hozumi, Chihara Minori, Ishida Akira, Yukana, Yajima Akiko.director: Chigira Kouichi (FMP, Last Exile)writer: Gatoh Shouji (FMP creator, FMP:TSR).animation: Gonzo.sound director: Gouda Hozumi (Zettai Shounen, Vampire Knight, seiyuu).trailer. subs: GONZO/Crunchyroll.thu 08 jan 25:30Kurokami The Animation(jp: 黒神　The Animation)Distant echoes of Shakugan no Shana in this show based on a fine but/and bloody manga done in Japanese by two Koreans. Kuro is an innocent power loli from a clan who infiltrate human society to protect or attack humans. She is a protector, and finds herself making a contract of power with a human young man to save his arm, which had been ripped off by one of her enemies. He is the tsundere in the relationship; and he has an oneesan osananajimi who secretly loves him. Kuro herself is an innocent powerful puppy.Strong cast stars Shitaya Noriko, who was Himeko in Kannazuki no Miko, and Namikawa Daisuke, who was Rock in Black Lagoon and Iks in The Third. With Ohara Sayaka, Nakata Jouji, and Tamura Yukari.Director Kobayashi Tsuneo did Emma and Twelve Kingdoms. Top writer Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, RomeoxJuliet) does the adaptation. The OP is by Kuribayashi Minami and the ED by the enjoyable two-member electro-goth group, Yousei Teikoku ("Fairy Empire"), whose lead singer is sometime-seiyuu Itsuki Yui.This could be a good one. Simultaneous dubbed broadcast on iaTV cable in the US. The trailer looks a little too cleaned up compared to the manga. We'll see how this goes. The manga is scanlated as "Black God."seiyuus: Shitaya Noriko (Himeko/Kannazuki), Namikawa Daisuke (Iks/The Third), Ohara Sayaka, Nakata Jouji, Tamura Yukari.director: Kobayashi Tsuneo (Twelve Kingdoms, Emma)writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, Shinigami no Ballad, RomeoxJuliet, etc.).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Nishimura Hiroyuki (Deltora Quest). animation supervisor: Nishimura Hiroyuki.sound director: Kikuta Hiromi. OP: Kuribayashi Minami, ED:Yousei Teikoku. trailer.thu 08 jan 26:40Birdy the Mighty - Decode(jp: 鉄腕バーディー　DECODE)A second season for the successful remake of a 1990s show. I lost interest in season one, but it was definitely well made, and season two is worth a look. A hapless shounen is accidentally killed and merges bodies with a glamorous interplanetary agent.Lots of great voice work: Chiba Saeko, Itou Kanae, Nazuka Kaori, Irino Miyu, Fujiwara Keiji, etc.Directed by Akane Kazuki, director of Noein and Escaflowne. Written by Ohnogi Hiroshi, who wrote Noein and Aquarion. Music by Kanno Yuugo, who did Toshokan Sensou and Hataraki Man. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo Mashimaro, KimiKiss, Genshiken) rounds out a solid staff.seiyuus: Chiba Saeko, Irino Miyu, Fujiwara Keiji, Itou Kanae, Nazuka Kaori, Noto Mamiko, Kawasumi Ayako.director: Akane Kazuki (Noein, Escaflowne)writer: Ohnogi Hiroshi (Noein), Minakami Seishi (Asatte no Houkou, Shigurui). Yuuki Masami (mangaka; Patlabor).animation: A-1 Pictures (Ookiku Furikabutte, Persona).sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Kanno Yuugo.trailer. subs: AoShen, Moetaku-Fansubs, Chihiro.fri 09 jan 26:10MAJOR 5th season(jp: MAJOR 5th season)The fifth season of the perennially popular baseball show. Director Fukushima Riki did season four. The writer is Tsuchiya Rikei (KimiKiss). A seasoned cast.seiyuus: Morikubo Shoutarou, Namikawa Daisuke, Enomoto Atsuko, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Morita Masakazu, Noda Junko, Paku Romi.director: Fukushima Riki (Major 4)writer: Mitsuda Takuya (manga). Tsuchiya Rikei (Kaikan Phrase, KimiKiss).animation: Synergy SP.subs: Minor Ja Nai, INP, sMi.sat 10 jan 18:00Beast-Player Erin(jp: 獣の奏者エリン)Singer-actress Hoshii Nanase has been in eight different TV dramas this year alone, and now she takes the lead in a year-long anime. Stage actress, Hirata Eriko is billed second. Takahashi Mikako and Ishida Akira are the only cast-names that I recognize.The story follows a young girl called Erin who has the power to tame beasts, and gets tangled up in the wars of her time and place.Novel author Uehashi Nahoko wrote Seirei no Moribito. She is a well-known fantasy author, as well as a professor of anthropology in Tokyo.Director Hamana Takayuki did Library Wars. Screenwriter Fujisaku Junichi did Real Drive and Blood+. There is some danger that the story will drag, but the cast, director, and writer capture my interest. The promo has some Miyazaki vibes.seiyuus: Hoshii Nanase (singer, actress), Hirata Eriko (stage actress), Takahashi Mikako, Ishida Akira.director: Hamana Takayuki (Prince of Tennis, Wellber, Library War)writer: Fujisaku Junichi (Real Drive, Blood+). Uehashi Nahoko (creator, creator of Moribito).animation: Production IG, Transarts. chara-des: Goto Takayuki (GiTS). animation supervisor: Takahashi Nariyuki.sound director: Hiramitsu Takuya (Library War, Prince of Tennis). music: Sakamoto Masayuki. OP: Sukima Switch, ED: cossami.trailer. subs: Static-Subs. 50eps.sat 10 Jan 18:25Chrome-Shelled Regios(jp: 鋼殻のレギオス)School fantasy set in the distant future. Creatures contaminated by pollution have taken over the land, forcing humanity to live in isolated mobile cities called Regios. One such city is a self-contained school in which freshman Reifon Aruseifu has just enrolled. Reifon reluctantly joins the 17th Martial Arts Studies Unit, led by third-year student Nina Antouku, and embarks on a series of adventures. (MangaFox)Team of kids fights monsters…. Director of Canvas2…. But the lead girl is played by outstanding young voice actress Takagaki Ayahi (Noe in true tears, Otome in DaCapo2), so I'll be watching a couple of episodes, anyway. The preview shows it has some possibilities.seiyuus: Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, John Brown/Ghost Hunt), Takagaki Ayahi, Nakahara Mai, Taniyama Kishou, Koyasu Takehito, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Takahashi Mikako, Okame Asuka, Sendai Eri, Oura Fuuka.director: Kawasaki Itsurou (Canvas2, Mamoru-kun)writer: Ikeda Mamiko (Keroro Gunsou, Himawari, Umishou). Amagi Shuusuke (novelist).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Miyuu (original), Hashimoto Hideki (adapt).OP: Daisy x Daisy.trailer. subs: AnimeYoshi, Ayako.sat 10 jan 25:00Ride Back(jp: RIDE BACK -ライドバック-)Ride Back tells the story of a girl and her "Iron Horse" robot motorcycle in 2020, a tumultous time of anti-government student protests. (ann)Incredible cast stars Mizuki Nana, who is not one of my favorites, but includes such top talents as Paku Romi, Toyoguchi Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, Hayamizu Risa, Kiuchi Hidenobu, and Kobayashi Sanae.This is the first full show for director Takahashi Atsushi, who worked on Kemonozume, Paranoia Agent, and Spirited Away. Sound director Nakajima Toshihiko is another seiyuu/sound-director, having been a seiyuu since 1985.For the cast alone, as well as the fact it’s from Madhouse, this show deserves a look.seiyuus: Mizuki Nana, Paku Romi, Koyama Rikiya, Toyoguchi Megumi, Ueda Yuuji, Miki Shinichirou, Hayamizu Risa, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Kobayashi Sanae.director: Takahashi Atsushi (new, work on Kemonozume, Paranoia Agent, Sprited Away)writer: Takayashi Hideo (Okusama wa Joshi Kousei, Kaiji, One Outs). Kasahara Tetsurou (creator).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Tazaki Satoshi (Otogijushi Akazukin). animation supervisor: Tazaki Satoshi (FF7 OVA, CCS Movie 2).sound director: Nakajima Toshihiko (Kanokon, Kemonozume). OP: Mell.trailer. subs: Infinite-Zero, Formula?. 12eps.sun 11 jan 24:00Slayers Evolution-R(jp: スレイヤーズEVOLUTION-R)The first revival season of Slayers worked, so here is a second. I didn’t watch past episode two, and I don’t even plan on ep1 this time around. It's just not my kind of fun. But Hayashibara Megumi stars, and director Watanabe Takeshi also did Shakugan no Shana, so the talent is there.seiyuus: Hayashibara Megumi, Kobayashi Yumiko, Midorikawa Hikaru, Matsumoto Yasunori.director: Watanabe Takashi (Shakugan no Shana)writer: Takayama Jirou.animation: JC Staff.trailer (series 1 OP). 13eps.mon 12 jan 09:30Sora o Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai(jp: 空を見上げる少女の瞳に映る世界)Alternate retelling of KyoAni's 2004 Munto: Beyond the Walls of Time, which has been summarized: "Two years have passed since the catastrophic event known as the 'Continent's Dropping.' Yumemi still has not forgotten her ability to see the world above, but now that she's in the last years of middle school, real life takes over. Unknown to the people of the world, the war above rages on. In need of help, Gaz sends Munto down to Earth once more, to find the 'Girl of Destiny' in order to save Heaven from its demise." (ann)The title translates: "What is Reflected in the Eyes of a Girl Looking Up at the Sky." The cast includes seiyuus who have worked for KyoAni before, especially in Lucky Star. Fired whiz-kid Yamamoto Yutaka was assistant director of the previous OVA. Kigami Yoshiji directs again. I haven't seen the original Munto, so I'm looking forward to finding out what this is like.seiyuus: Aizawa Mai (Ayame/Garee Zero, Ayano/Lucky Star, Natsumi/Negima), Ono Daisuke, Konno Hiromi (Akira/Lucky Star, Maria/Skip Beat), Mizuhara Kaoru (Misao/Lucky Star).director: Kigami Yoshiji (Munto)writer: Kigami Yoshiji.animation: KyoAni. animation supervisor: Aratani Tomoe (AIR, Munto).sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Kousaki Satoru (Haruhi, Lucky Star, Kannagi).trailer.tue 13 jan 25:45Genji Monogatari Sennenki(jp: 源氏物語千年紀)Osamu Dezaki (Ace wo Nerae, Rose of Versailles, Oniisama-e, Air movie) tries his hand at an adaptation of the great Tale of Genji, The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), written by a Japanese court lady around 1000 AD, is one of the world's great novels, and possibly the first real novel ever written. It is a tale of forbidden passion and psychological depth set in the bizarre and beautiful world of the aristocracy of Heian Japan.To tell the truth, I love the book so much that I would watch the worst adaptation. This blog is named after characters in the novel. But the staff and cast make it look as if this anime could actually turn out to be a good adaptation. Anything to bring the Genji to a wider audience.Sakurai Takahiro (Fakir in Princess Tutu, the Medicine Seller, Suzaku) has a chance to create a fine version of the brilliant, beautiful, sincere, responsible libertine Prince Genji. Tamagawa Sakiko (Onashia in Simoun) is a cinch as the tragic empress Fujitsubo. And I am eager to hear what rising star Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star, Sheryl in Macross F) can do as Murasaki, the main heroine of the story, whom Genji more or less kidnapped as a ten-year-old and eventually made his wife and helpmeet, the true love of his life.Konparu Tomoko (NANA, Nodame Cantabile) is a good choice to work with Dezaki on the script. Long-time Dezaki collaborators Sugino Akio (animation) and Suzuki Seiji (music) are also here.This is the show I most anticipate this season.seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Tamagawa Sakiko, Endou Aya, Hirata Eriko, Sugita Tomokazu, Fujita Toshiko, Tsuru Hiromi, Horiuchi Kenyuu.director: Osamu Dezaki (Ace wo Nerae, Rose of Versailles, Oniisama-e, etc.)writer: Murasaki Shikibu (creator, 1000 AD). Konparu Tomoko.animation: Tezuka Prod., Tokyo Movie. chara-des: Sugino Akio. animation supervisor: Sugino Akio.music: Suzuki Seiji. subs: Yoroshiku?, Strawberry Mint Subs. 11eps.thu 15 jan 24:45Hetalia Axis Powers(jp: ヘタリア Axis Powers)Based on a popular web manga, this has been described as a "cynical gag" story set in Europe in the years between WW1 and WW2 (1915-1939). It uses exaggerated caricatures of the different nationalities as portrayed by a gaggle of bishounen boys: the Italia Veneziano character is into pasta and women; the Deutsche bishi loves potatoes and sausages; and Nippon is an otaku. Installments of the manga have jumped back and forth in setting from ancient times to modern-day geopolitics. The manga's title comes the Japanese words for "useless" (hetare) and Italy (Italia). (anidb)This show could be a disaster or light up the night. Directed by the director of Gravitation and written by the sound director (!) of Aishiteruze and Library War. Lots of big-name seiyuus. The aarinfantasy sub group clearly expects this to have yaoi aspects, since that is their specialty \nd they plan to sub this show.seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Taniyama Kishou, Kaida Yuki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kugimiya Rie, Neya Michiko, Paku Romi.director: Bob Shirohata (Gravitation)writer: Hiramitsu Takuya (snd dir Aishiteruze, Library War, etc.).animation: Studio Deen. subs: aarinfantasy. 26x5mn eps.sat 24 jan 25:52Fresh Pretty Cure(jp: フレッシュプリキュア���)The sixth season of the perennial favorite early Sunday morning magical girl show. This new Precure series, to follow Precure 5, will feature new characters and new stars. Starts in February.A new movie called "Precure All-Stars DX," featuring many of the stars of former series, will open March 20.animation: Toei Animation.sun 01 feb 08:30Kin-iro no Corda - second passo(jp: 金色のコルダ ���second passo���)A new series of the enjoyable reverse harem show based of a classical music high school,, complete with talented bishounen. Fine cast includes Takagi Reiko, Taniyama Kishou, and Zero and Kaname — I mean Miyano Mamoru and Kishio Daisuke.seiyuus: Takagi Reiko, Taniyama Kishou, Itou Kentarou, Fukuyama Jun, Morita Masakazu, Kishio Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Hino Satoshi, Mizuhashi Kaori.director: Ochi Koujin (first series, Pokemon movies)writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite). Koei (game), Kure Yuki (manga).animation: Yumeta.broadcast begins in March.OVAsKurogane no Vendetta(jp: 鋼鉄のヴァンデッタ)I have very little info about this apparently fan-made girls-with-mechas anime to be released at Comiket.trailer.OVA. 1/1eps.mon 29 decTouhou Anime Project - Musou Kakyou(jp: 東方アニメプロジェクト・夢想夏郷)Doujin anime project based on Touhou games. A shrine maiden, a ghost, a reporter with a nose for disaster, and a magician. And limitless moe. The official English title is: A Summer Day's Dream.A galaxy of seiyuu stars appears in this show: Nakahara Mai and Sawashiro Miyuki head the list.seiyuus: Nakahara Mai, Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Takahashi Mikako, Tanaka Rie, Tsuji Ayumi, Toyosaki Ami, Inoue Kikuko.director: Tokinewriter: Tokine. Zun (creator, from Shanghai Alice).animation: Maikaze. animation supervisor: Tokine.music: Tokine.trailer. OVA. 1/?eps.mon 29 decKowarekake no Orgol(jp: こわれかけのオルゴール)Doujin OVA by POP, the illustrator of Moetan. The advance illustrations on the official site and the trailer all have moe scores that are way off the scale.About a sad musician and a magical little girl. To be released at Comiket in late December. Definitely worth a look, if you like moe. This should be a truer version of POP's work than Moetan was. He is doing it through his own company, ElectromagneticWave.director: POPanimation: ElectromagneticWave.trailer. OVA. 1/1eps.tue 30 decSeto no Hanayome OVA Gi(jp: 瀬戸の花嫁 OVA義)Some people think of the original series as the funniest recent anime. I could never get into it, but if it matches your sense of humor, you are in for some fun. Momoi Halko hasn’t done much anime recently, so it’s good to have a chance to hear her. Kitamura Eri and Morinaga Rika are two other voices I like to hear.The date given below is for a TV preview broadcast of the episode, with DVD release on Jan 30.seiyuus: Momoi Halko, Mizushima Takahiro, Kitamura Eri, Kaneda Tomoko, Morinaga Rika.director: Kishi Seiji (Ragnarokr, Galaxy Angel Rune)writer: Kimura Tahiko (mangaka). Uezu Makoto (School Days, Amenaideyo).animation: Gonzo x AIC. OVA. 2/2eps.sun 01 janxxxHOLIC - Spring Dream(jp: xxxHOLiC　春夢記)More xxxHOLIC for lovers of the first series and the first OVA. Ohara Sayaka and Fukuyama Jun are a great start for the cast. CLAMP and Production IG. Director Mizushima Tsutomu also did Kujibiki Unbalance, Ookiku Furikabutte, and Dai Mahou Touge.Issued with a special edition of volume 14 of the manga.seiyuus: Ohara Sayaka, Fukuyama Jun, Nakai Kazuya, Itou Shizuka, Kikuchi Mika.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Kujibiki, Ookiku, Dai Mahou Touge)writer: Ohkawa Nanase (CCS).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Kise Kazuchika (GITS movies, Evangelion 1.0).OVA. 1/2eps.fri 16 janAbunai Sisters(jp: Abunai Sisters)Campy 3DCG adventure comedy based on the Kano sisters and involving two sisters with large and talented boobs. Ten short episodes on a DVD, simultaneous release in Japanese and English. One episode is being streamed on the website.seiyuus: Kano Kyouko, Kano Mika (I think).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Matsushita Susumu.subs: the version I've seen is in English with Japanese subs.OVA - ten short eps.wed 21 janIchigo Mashimaro OVA2 Encore(jp: 苺ましまろ encore)Two more episodes of the funniest anime I've ever seen, based on Barasui's manga. Humanity in miniature, with all its hypocrisies and failings. Certainly the best comic ensemble cast I've seen, with Nabatame Hitomi and Orikasa Fumiko at their best, ably supported by Chiba Saeko, Noto Mamiko, and Kawasumi Ayako.There may be some slight change in the scripting, as Yokote Michiko is credited alongside the director as lead writers. She wrote some episodes of the earlier series.seiyuus: Nabatame Hitomi, Orikasa Fumiko, Chiba Saeko, Noto Mamiko, Kawasumi Ayako.director: Sato Takuya (NieA7)writer: Barasui (creator). Yokote Michiko (Princess Tutu, Genshiken), Sato Takuya.animation: Doumu. chara-des: Sakai Kyuuta (IchiMash, Higurashi). animation supervisor: Sakai Kyuuta (IchiMash, Higurashi2, Yama to Boushi to Hon).OP: seiyuu, ED: Orikasa Fumiko. OVA. 1/2eps.fri 23 jan. Ep2-25mar.Zettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~(jp: 絶対衝激���プラトニックハート���)The story centers on the Platonic Heart, a jewel that — according to legend — can grant any wish. Only a chosen few are allowed to compete in the Platonic Heart hunt, and high school junior Aya Iseshima is one of 11 girls and women who are taking part. (anidb)Good cast includes Nazuka Kaori, Nonaka Ai, and Koshimizu Ami, among others. The director and writer did Girl's High, unfortunately. A glimpse of ep1 reminded me of the awkwardness of that show, I'm sorry to say. Nice-looking character design, however, by Miyata Naomi, who did the animation for I"s Pure.seiyuus: Nazuka Kaori, Akesaka Satomi, Kanda Akemi, Nonaka Ai, Kaida Yuko, Koshimizu Ami, Shintani Ryouko, Kawaragi Shiho, Miyazaki Ui, Ueda Kana.director: Fujimoto Yoshitaka (Koikoi7, Girl's High)writer: Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Girl's High).animation: Studio Kikan (Naisho no Tsubomi). chara-des: Miyata Naomi (Slayers shows), Happoubi Jin (games). animation supervisor: Miyata Naomi (I"s Pure).OP: Little Non. trailer. OVA. 3/5eps.fri 28 jan. ep4-25 febMahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~(jp: 魔法先生ネギま������白き翼 ALA ALBA���)The third of three more episodes with Negi and the girls. Directed by the man himself, Shinbou Akiyuki. But in this OVA series, for the first time, the lead writer for the anime is Akamatsu Ken, the original mangaka.The same cast also returns, including Satou Rina as Negi, and all the rest, but with the addition of Ono Daisuke and Inoue Marina.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Inoue Marina, Ono Daisuke.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Akamatsu Ken.animation: Shaft.sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Kikuchi Hajime (of eufonius, did true tears).OVA. 3/3eps.tue 17 febKodomo no Jikan 2(jp: こどものじかん)A ten-year-old who lives with her doting elder brother but lusts after her young male teacher? A manga full of ecchi scenes between them? But funny and humane, nonetheless.The OVA and the first series were well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri as Rin and Kadowaki Mai 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 star anime writer Okada Mari (Mamoru-kun, true tears, Toradora, etc.).seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Shindou Kei, Kadowaki Mai, Majima Junji.director: Suganuma Eijiwriter: Okada Mari (Sketchbook, true tears, Toradora, Vampire Knight). Watashiya Kaoru (manga).animation: Studio Barcelona. animation supervisor: Ishikawa Masakazu (Gakuen Alice).music: Nishida Masaru (Karin, Chokotto Sister).trailer. OVA. 1/3eps.fri 20 febHigurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei(jp: ひぐらしのなく頃に礼)New five-episode Higurashi OVA series. If you haven’t seen any of the higurashi shows, be sure to give this one a try: mystery, the supernatural, violence, and moe all rolled up into one attractive package. Not my cup of tea, but definitely a fine drink.seiyuus: Houshi Souichirou, Nakahara Mai, Yukino Satsuki, Kanai Mika, Tamura Yukari, Horie Yui.director: Kawase Toshifumiwriter: Kawase Toshifumi. Seventh Expansion (creator).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Kuroda Kazuya.OP: Eiko Shimamiya, ED: anNina. OVA. 1/5eps.wed 25 feb. Ep2 will be on March 25, with succeeding eps in May, June and August.Switch(jp: Switch)Two newbies at the Narcotic Control Department in Japan, Hal and Kai, struggle against drug dealers, gangs, murderers, psychopaths, mysterious organizations, and mad people in general. The gentle and caring one of the group, Kai, has the tendancy to turn into a lethal killing machine in certain situations, like flipping a "switch."(ann)Good cast. Good writer. Unknown director. Writer Takahashi Natsuko did Blue Drop, Gakuen Heaven, and Moyashimon, among many other things. Director Odaira Naoki (pronunciation? 大平直樹) is new to directing a full show, having done episodes of Kotetsujin Jeeg and Rental Magica. I didn’t see ep1, so I can’t judge how it's going, but there are a few quite positive remarks on AnimeSuki. From a manga.seiyuus: Fukuyama Jun, Sakurai Takahiro, Nakai Kazuka, Suwabe Junichi, Ryohei, Sugita Tomokazu.director: Odaira Naoki (大平直樹) (new)writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Gakuen Heaven, Moyashimon).animation: ACTAS (Tactical Roar, Moetan). chara-des: Itou Takeshi (Tactical Roar).OPED: Miranosand.trailer. OVA. 2/2eps.wed 25 febTsubasa - Spring Lightning(jp: ツバサ 春雷記)New Tsubasa OVA from Clamp and Production IG. Tada Shunsuke (Prince of Tennis) directs.seiyuus: Irino Miyu, Makino Yui, Namikawa Daisuke, Kikuchi Mika.director: Tada Shunsuke (Prince of Tennis)writer: Ohkawa Nanase.animation: Production IG. chara-des: Kikuchi Youko.trailer. OVA. 1/2eps.tue 17 mar
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With just over two weeks to go until the new season starts, it's time to think about what's coming. Tastes differ, but the shows I myself am most looking forward to are:the mysterious moe romances ef - a tale of melodies and Clannad - After Story the absurd comedy Hyakko (with Orikasa Fumiko and Hirano Aya) the bishoujo comedy Kannagi (directed by Yamakan, the original director of Lucky Star) the shoujo romantic comedy-dramas Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter and Skip Beat! the space opera Tytania (directed by the director of Legend of the Galactic Heroes) Vampire Knight - Guilty, which I guess is romantic shoujo horror.However, many other shows look interesting, too: shounen romantic monster-fighting in Ga-rei Zero and Yozakura Quartet; a well-animated female buddy show set in Brazil in Michiko to Hatchin; shounen supernatural mystery in both Kurozuka (directed by the director of Death Note) and Chaos:HEAd (adapted by the writer of Death Note); two real mecha shows in Gundam00 II and Kurogane no Linebarrels; and others. And there are sure to be surprises.Click to go to a preview of each show:Series: |Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka |Casshern Sins |Chaos;HEAd |Clannad After Story |ef - a tale of melodies |Ga-rei Zero |Hakushaku to Yousei |Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden Ten no Haoh |Hyakko |Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae |Junjou Romantika 2 |Kannagi |Kemeko Deluxe |Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 2nd Season |Kurogane no Linebarrels |Kuroshitsuji |Kurozuka |Macademi Wasshoi! |Michiko to Hatchin |Mouryou no Hako (Box of Goblins) |Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter |Noramimi 2 |One Outs |Rosario to Vampire 2 |Shikabane Hime Aka |Shugo Chara! 2 |Skip Beat! |Tales of the Abyss |To Aru Majutsu no Index |Today in Class 5-2 |Toradora |Tytania |Vampire Knight: Guilty |Yozakura QuartetOVAs: |Goku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei |Gunslinger Girl ���IL TEATRINO��� OVA |Ikoku Irokoi Romantan |Initial D Extra Stage 2 |Kamen no Maid Guy OVA |kissxsis |Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~ |Seto no Hanayome OVA |Shoujo Sect ~Innocent Lovers~ |Switch |Zettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~ Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka(jp: あかね色に染まる坂, "A Hillside Dyed Red")In order to protect cute new transfer student Yuuhi Katagiri (Kugimiya Rie), Junichi Nagase is forced to kiss her. She screams, not understanding what is going on, and not knowing that her father has arranged for her to marry him. She doesn’t like him, and his little sister (Hirano Aya) wants her gone. Will they eventually get together?The cast is great -- and the role is apparently perfect for Kugimiya-san to become even more of a tsundere -- but I am worried by the fact that this is being made by the director and writer of that very awkward show School Days. That they did Amenaideyo before that make me even more worried. From an ero-game.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru, Kugimiya Rie, Hirano Aya, Inoue Marina, Katou Emiri, Hirohashi Ryou, Tanaka Rie, Hazuki Erino, Fujiwara Keiji, Koyama Rikiya.director: Motonaga Keitaro (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days)writer: Uezu Makoto (Yumeria, Utawarerumono, School Days).animation: TNK.trailer. forum. subs: Oni-Anime?, Mayu-subs?.thu 02 oct 25:00Casshern Sins(jp: キャシャーン SINS)Casshern is about a cyborg who rises against the robotic armies that have subjugated all of humanity. (ann)Madhouse is doing a total of five shows this season. This one is directed by the director of some Dragonball movies and Xenosaga, which doesn’t seem promising, but written by the writer of Shakugan no Shana, Witchblade, and Claymore. And that does seem promising.A veteran cast includes Furuya Tohru, Chou, and Yajima Akiko. Remake of an older anime.seiyuus: Furuya Tohru, Minaguchi Yuuko, Chou, Yajima Akiko.director: Yamauchi Shigeyasu (Dragonball movies, Xenosaga)writer: Kobayashi Yasuko (Shana, Witchblade, Claymore).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Umakoshi Yoshihiko (Zipang, Mushishi).OP: Color Bottle.trailer. forum. subs: Shinsen-subs.wed 01 oct 25:30Chaos;HEAd(jp: カオスヘッド)Takumi is a high school student who is withdrawn and not interested in anything outside the 2D world. Serial murders have his town in an uproar. One day, when he is chatting on the internet, a man suddenly contacts him and gives him a URL. He finds a blog image at the site that suggests the next murder…which then really happens. (ann)Shounen supernatural mystery adventure from Madhouse, directed by the director of the excellent family show Otogijushi Akazukin, and adapted by the writer who adapted Death Note. Starring KitaEri and Yoshino Hiroyuki, backed by a great supporting cast. From an interactive novel.seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Miyazaki Ui, Nabatame Hitomi, Sakakibara Yui, Takahashi Chiaki, Tsuji Ayumi.director: Ishiyama Takaaki (Otogijushi Akazukin, Viewtiful Joe)writer: Inoue Toshiki (Galaxy Angel, Death Note).animation: Madhouse.trailer. forum. subs: Anomaly-Subs?, Menclave, Mayu-subs?, Chihiro.wed 01 oct 25:30Clannad - After Story(jp: CLANNAD ���AFTER STORY���)More KyoAni/Key goodness. They set the standard for smooth, detailed animation and touching supernatural moe. Events in After Story take place immediately after Tomoya graduates from high school. He declares his love to Nagisa, and their relationship becomes very close. But Nagisa is hiding a secret from Tomoya and the truth of it will change their lives forever. (anidb)seiyuus: Nakahara Mai, Nakamura Yuuichi, Hirohashi Ryou, Kanda Akemi, Kuwashima Houko, Nonaka Ai, Noto Mamiko, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Inoue Kikuko.director: Ishihara Tatsuyawriter: Shimo Fumihiko.animation: Kyoto Animation. chara-des: Hinoue Itaru.OPED: Lia.trailer. forum. subs: AQS & Sprocket-Hole & TWH, Static Subs & Eclipse?.thu 02 oct 25:59ef - a tale of melodies(jp: ef - a tale of melodies)One of the shows I most look forward to. A romantic fantasy drama with great music and great background art. Prequel to last fall's outstanding ef-a tale of memories. As with that show, the seiyuus are direct from minori's ero-game. Only Gotou Mai's name is familiar to me.But the main man is director Oonuma Shin, working under Shinbo Akiyuki. Writer Takayama Katsuhiko did KgNE and Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, as well as ef-a tale of memories. Music, as before, is largely by Tenmon, who does music for Shinkai Makoto's animes. Character designer Sugiyama Nobuhiro also acts as animation supervisor.seiyuus: Nakajima Yumiko, Toochika Kouichi, Gotou Mai.director: Oonuma Shinwriter: Takayama Katsuhiko (KgNE, Hantsuki, ef memories).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Sugiyama Nobuhiro (ef memories). animation supervisor: Sugiyama Nobuhiro.music: Tenmon.trailer. forum. subs: Chihiro, Menclave?, AQS?.mon 06 oct 26:15Ga-rei Zero(jp: 喰霊 -零-)High-school freshman Nimura Kensuke has the ability to see ghosts, and his life changes when he meets Kagura, a girl with the power to summon a "Ga-Rei" ("eating spirit") called Byakuei. The two work together to find evil spirits and devour them with the Ga-Rei. (ann) From a manga.Writer Takayama Katsuhiko adapted both Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora and ef-a tale of memories, so he is the number one draw to this show for me. Kitamura Eri plays the lead, and I look forward to that, too. From a manga.seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Maeno Tomoaki, Fukuen Misato, Kakihara Tetsuya.director: Aoki Ei (Girls Bravo, Kara no Kyoukai ep1)writer: Takayama Katsuhiko (Hantsuki, ef memories).animation: AIC Spirits. chara-des: Horiuchi Osamu (FMP, Hayate). animation supervisor: Horiuchi Osamu (FMP).sound director: Tsuruoka Yota.subs: sMi-Fansubs?.sun 05 oct 24:00Hakushaku to Yousei(jp: 伯爵と妖精, "The Count and the Fairy")The story is set in 19th century England and centres on a "fairy doctor" named Lydia. Her life takes a 180-degree turn when she meets a legendary blue knight count named Edgar and his crew. He hires her as an adviser during his quest to obtain a treasured sword that was supposed to be handed down to him by his family. (ANN)Mizuki Nana surrounded by bishounen. The director did a good job with the amusing Umisho, and worked on a great Artland title, Bokura ga Ita.seiyuus: Midorikawa Hikaru, Mizuki Nana, Sugita Tomokazu, Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyasu Takehito, Yuuki Hiro.director: Soutome Kouichirou (Umisho, work on Bokura ga Ita, Mushishi)writer: Tani Mizue (novel). Nagao Noriko.animation: Artland. animation supervisor: Fujii Maki.sound director: Tanaka Kazuya. ED: Midorikawa Hikaru.trailer. forum. subs: DATS.sun 28 sept 25:15Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden Ten no Haoh(jp: 北斗の拳 ラオウ外伝 天の覇王, "Fist of the North Star, Raoh's Story: King of Heaven")Unlike most of the previous Fist of the North Star animes, this story focuses not on the protagonist Kenshiro, but on the early life of his oldest brother and frequent enemy, Raoh. (ann)The attractions here are writer Ohnogi Hiroshi (Noein, Aquarion, Birdy), who did the adaptation from the manga, and a cast including Nakahara Mai and Suwabe Junichi, with top sound director Aketagawa Jin directing them.seiyuus: Ukaji Takashi, Nakahara Mai, Kimura Akiko, Touchi Hiroki, Suwabe Junichi.director: Abe Masashi (Blue Gender, Magical Kanan)writer: Ohnogi Hiroshi (Aquarion, Noein, Kekkaishi, Birdy Decode).animation: Satelight.sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo mashimaro, sola, Shana, Bokurano, etc.).trailer. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs?.fri 03 oct 22:30Hyakko(jp: ヒャッコ)A funny manga and an excellent cast, with a director and writer who don't have enough of a track record to be predictable. The comic involves four girls, each amusingly loopy in her own way. Director Fukuda Michio did storyboards for everything from Ayakashi Ayashi to PaniPoni Dash. Writer Tomizawa Yoshihiko created Onmyou Taisenki and did the script for Starship Operators.Hirano Aya certainly gets my attention, but so do Orikasa Fumiko, Kuwashima Houko, and Neya Michiko (Riza Hawkeye in FMA). These people could create great characters together. And this show marks a kind of return to the limelight for seiyuu Ochiai Yurika, who is most famous so far for ToHeart2, some nude photo sessions she did as a teen, a heartbreaking personal blog updated several times a day, and an enormous number of posts about her on 2channel.seiyuus: Orikasa Fumiko, Neya Michiko, Ochiai Yurika, Hirano Aya, Kuwashima Houko, Horie Yui, Kaida Yuko.director: Fukuda Michio (storyboard specialist)writer: Tomizawa Yoshihiko (Onmyou Taisenki creator).animation: Nippon Animation.trailer. forum. subs: Strike-Subs?.wed 01 oct 26:35Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae(jp: 地獄少女三鼎, Hell Girl: Third Vessel)The third season of Jigoku Shoujo. At the end of last season Enma Ai became separated from her subordinates. What will happen to Ichimoku Ren, Hone-Onna, and Wanyuudou now? This new season promises to have a newly powered-up Enma Ai and a number of "reunions"…. (official site)The original cast headed by Noto Mamiko is joined by a famous seiyuu whom we have not heard much from recently: Shiina Hekiru. The creator of the show, Watanabe Hiroshi, takes over as director for this third series.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Honda Takako, Matsukaze Masaya, Shiina Hekiru, Sakai Kanako.director: Watanabe Hiroshiwriter: Kanemaki Ken.animation: Studio Deen.forum. subs: Shinsen-subs.sat 04 oct 17:00Junjou Romantika 2(jp: 純情ロマンチカ���, "Pure Heart Romantica")A second season of the popular yaoi show brings back the same staff and cast.seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Canna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Inoue Kazuhiko, Taniyama Kishou, Hanada Hikaru.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi)writer: Nakase Rika (Rocket Girls, Fushigiboshi Futagohime, Junjou1). Nakamura Shungiku (mangaka).animation: Studio Deen.OP: pigstar, ED: Script.forum. subs: aarinfantasy?.sat 11 oct 25:00Kannagi(jp: かんなぎ)A sacred tree has been cut down, and Jin decides to use a piece of it to carve a statue for his middle-school project. But it transforms into a very cute girl. She is Nagi, a Shinto spirit, the guardian of the village. Having no place to live now that her tree is gone, she moves in with Jin. But she has a rival in a little sister guardian deity, who lives in a shrine across the river. Zenga-chan has woken up too and decides to become teen idol of the village, much to Nagi's dismay. (anidb)This show marks the return of Yamakan -- director Yamamoto Yutaka. He was an important force behind the Suzumiya Haruhi anime but was fired by Kyoto Animation after four episodes of directing Lucky Star. I think he may be a comic genius -- he did the SHnY ED and the Lucky Star ED, as well as episode 00 and the concert episode of SHnY -- so I am right there for this show. Especially since the manga is funny and the cast includes Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana and Nakahara Mai.seiyuus: Tomatsu Haruka, Shimono Hiro, Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Kakihara Tetsuya, Nakahara Mai.director: Yamamoto Yutakawriter: Kurata Hideyuki (Now&Then, Here&There; Kamichu).animation: A1 Pictures.OP: Tomatsu Haruka.trailer. forum. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs, Genjo-Subs?, Kirei-no-Tsubasa, Ayako.fri 03 oct 25:15Kemeko Deluxe(jp: ケメコデラックス���)High-school student Sanpeita dreams he is engaged to a beautiful girl. Then one morning, a strange homely girl suddenly breaks through a wall in his bedroom to tell him that she is his bride and that her name is Kemeko. Sanpeita fleees his house and goes to school, but Kemeko follows. And things get stranger when Sanpeita is targeted by something that looks like a rice cooker on the school's rooftop. As Sanpeita and his childhood friend Izumi are being attacked, strange little Kemeko intervenes to save them both. Sanpeita is surprised to learn that Kemeko is really a girl-style powered-combat-suit and that the pilot is a cute girl. A heavily armed and violent cute girl. From a manga.Great cast stars Kitamura Eri as Sanpeita and the underappreciated Saitou Chiwa as Kemeko.Director Mizushima Tsutomu did Genshiken, xxxHolic, and Kujibiki Unbalance. Writer Narita Yoshimi is best known for doing all the Precure shows, which I don't find a big recommendation. I fear the cast may be more interesting than the show, but the trailer has something to it.seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Saitou Chiwa, Tomatsu Haruka, Kugimiya Rie, Takahashi Mikako, Shiraishi Ryouko.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Genshiken, xxxHolic, Kujibiki Unbalance)writer: Narita Yoshimi (Precure, Hakaba Kitarou).animation: Hal Film Maker. chara-des: Sugimoto Isao (Sketchbook, Moonlight Mile).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kara no Kyoukai).trailer. forum.sat 04 oct 26:00Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 2nd Season(jp: 機動戦士ガンダムOO 第2シーズン, "Mobile Warrior Gundam 00")My interest in contemporary Gundam shows is limited, but this is certainly a great cast, with top singers for the OP and ED.seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Miki Shinichirou, Irino Miyu, Nakamura Yuuichi, Paku Romi, Takagaki Ayahi, Honna Youko.director: Mizushima Seijiwriter: Kuroda Yousuke.animation: Sunrise.OP: UVERworld, ED: Ishikawa Chiaki.forum. subs: Nyoro~n Fansubs, Mendoi & Conclave, Shinsen-subs.sun 05 oct 17:00Kurogane no Linebarrels(jp: 鉄のラインバレル, "Iron Linebarrels")An artificial satellite falls to Earth in 2013, seriously injuring Hayase Kouichi. He awakens six months later with strange powers. Three years later, a giant robot called Linebarrel appears and Kouichi joins him to fight for Juda, the largest medical equipment supplier in the world. (annb)Directed by Hidaka Masamitsu, an old hand who did Pokemon and little else of note. The writer who adapted the manga, Yoshimura Kiyoko, did a lot of work on the Gravion shows, Trinity Blood, and Nabari no Ou. This appears to be full-strength mecha with a great cast and competent staff.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Kakihara Tetsuya, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ueda Kana, Kugimiya Rie, Hirano Aya, Nakata Jouji, Saitou Chiwa.director: Hidaka Masamitsu (Pokemon)writer: Yoshimura Kiyoko (Chocolate Underground, Gravion).animation: Gonzo. chara-des: Hirai Hisashi, Suzuki Tsutomu (mecha, ZOE). animation supervisor: Hirai Hisashi (Gundam Seed).sound director: Mima Masafumi. ED: Sakamoto Maaya.trailer. forum. subs: GONZO?, Toki-Fansubs.fri 03 oct 26:25Kuroshitsuji(jp: 黒執事, "Butler Black")Butler Sebastian Michaels has perfect knowledge, manners, talent with materials, martial arts, etc., but is also able to serve a 12-year-old master. Based on a shounen manga set in 19th century England. (ann)This show has a chance to be good, mixing comedy and darkness. Writer Okada Mari did true tears and many episodes of Simoun. Director Shinohara Toshiya did Gunparade Orchestra and four Inuyasha movies, as well as doing storyboards and/or episode direction for Higurashi, Gurren Lagann, Crest of Stars, Oniisama-e, etc. Stars Sakamoto Maaya and Ono Daisuke -- who gets the plum role of the butler -- and has a very strong supporting cast.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Ono Daisuke, Kaji Yuuki, Katou Emiri, Tamura Yukari, Paku Romi, Suwabe Junichi, Fujiwara Keiji.director: Shinohara Toshiyawriter: Okada Mari.animation: A-1 Pictures.OP: SID (debut single).trailer. forum. subs: DATS?, Diffusion.thu 02 oct 25:25Kurozuka(jp: 黒塚 -KUROZUKA-)A story of obsessive love and constant pursuit over a thousand years. Yoshitsune escapes from a brother who has just ascended the throne, He comes across a house in the middle of a desolate mountain. The young woman who lives alone there seems to have a dark and ominous past. Most of the story takes place a few centuries into the future, where Kuro is left without memories. He seeks answers to who he is, why he is unable to die, and who the women is that he is so fascinated by. (Baka-Updates)Director Araki Tetsurou did Death Note. The main cast is outstanding: Miyano Mamoru, Paku Romi, and Nakata Jouji.seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Paku Romi, Nakata Jouji.director: Araki Tetsurou (Death Note)writer: Araki Tetsurou. Yumemakura Baku (mangaka).animation: Madhouse.ED: Shigi.subs: Ureshii, sMi-Fansubs?.12eps.tue 07 oct 22:00Macademi Wasshoi!(jp: まかでみWAっしょい���, "Magicademy Wasshoi")Takuto Hasegawa attends a magic academy that is not marked on any map. During a summoning spell exam, he accidentally creates a girl named Tanarot, who happens to hold enough magical power to destroy his country. Fortunately Tanarot professes undying loyalty to her creator.(ann)Anything starring Koshimizu Ami gets my attention. This appears to be a pantsu-flash magic school comedy. Ise Mariya (Touka in Touka Gettan), Miyazaki Ui and Fukui Yukari are also in the cast, which sings the OP and will doubtless do character CDs.Director Kanasaki Takaomi did School Rumble Nigakki but is mainly a storyboard specialist. Writer Hasegawa Katsumi did Blue Gender, Otoboku and other shows. Hard to know how this one will turn out, but I will be there to hear Amisuke and Ui-ui.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Ise Mariya, Miyazaki Ui, Fukui Yukari.director: Kanasaki Takaomi (School Rumble 2, many storyboards, etc.)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Blue Gender, Otoboku, etc.). Sakaki Ichiro (mangaka, Scrapped Princess).animation: ZEXCS.OP:seiyuus, ED:Murata Ayumi.trailer. forum.sun 05 oct 24:30Michiko to Hatchin(jp: ねぎぼうずのあさたろう, "Michiko and Hatchin")Michiko is a free-willed "sexy diva" who destroys a supposedly inescapable fortress, while Hatchin is a girl fleeing her strict foster parents. The two join forces on an improbable escape to freedom. (ann) Set in Brazil.The cast are basically film and TV actors, although most of them have done some anime. Michiko is played by Maki Youko, who is in the movie Yureru and was in the drama Watashitachi no Kyoukacho. Hatchin is played by Ohgo Suzuka, who has also done numerous films and dramas, but was Sexy Voice in the anime Sexy Voice and Robo.Director Yamamoto Sayo is doing her first full show, but did storyboards and episodes for other manglobe hits, Samurai Champloo and Kemonozume. Writer Ujita Takashi is a screenwriter. This one could fly or fail, but I'm hoping for something special.seiyuus: Maki Youko, Ohgo Suzuka, Kohinata Shie, Sakai Maki, Tsuda Kanji.director: Yamamoto Sayo (new, storyboards and episodes of Samurai Champloo and Kemonozume)writer: Ujita Takashi (film director and scriptwriter).animation: manglobe.trailer. forum. subs: sMi-Fansubs?.wed 15 oct 26:08Mouryou no Hako (Box of Goblins)(jp: 魍魎の匣)The story follows a series of bizarre murders of schoolgirls who have been dismembered and stuffed into boxes. The private investigator hired by a missing daughters mother joins forces with an antique book seller and others to unravel the murder spree.(ann)Director Nakamura Ryousuke and lead writer Murai Sadayuki are both on their first assignments in those roles. But top character designer Nishida Asako did the adaptation of Clamp's original manga designs. An outstanding cast includes Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren in NANA, Hei in Darker than Black) and Hisakawa Aya.seiyuus: Hirata Hiroaki, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Mikako, Tomatsu Haruka, Hisakawa Aya, Honda Youko, Furuya Tohru.director: Nakamura Ryousuke (new, eps of NANA and Death Note)writer: Murai Sadayuki (new, scripts for Fancy Lala, Zegapain, etc.).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nishida Asako (Clamp origs.).OPED: Nightmare.forum.tue 07 oct 25:29Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter(jp: のだめカンタービレ 巴里編)Nodame and Chiaki in Europe. The smash hit Noitamina show returns. This hilarious shoujo anime about romance in the classical music world had among the highest late-night TV ratings in recent memory.But this sequel has a very different staff from the original. It is directed by Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Junjou Romantika), rather than Kasai Kenichi (Honey&Clover2, KimiKiss Pure Rouge). Enokido Youji is lead writer, as he was on Revolutionary Girl Utena and Ouran HS Host Club. Konparu Tomoko did that job on the first series. I don’t see any falling off in quality, but there may be some changes.And Kawasumi Ayako and Seki Tomokazu play their lead roles among a new set of characters, including the voices of Itou Shizuka, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Ohara Sayaka, and Morikawa Toshiyuki.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu, Itou Shizuka, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Matsukaze Masaya.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Junjou Romantika)writer: Ninomiya Tomoko (mangaka).animation: JC Staff.trailer. forum. subs: Osu!, Froth-Bite, C1 Anime.thu 09 oct 24:45Noramimi 2(jp: のらみみ2)Seems like a kids' show, but actually has some emotional depth. Popular enough for a second season.seiyuus: Katou Nanae, Kitamura Eri, Nakao Eri, Shiraishi Minoru.director: Koyama Yoshitakawriter: Nakamura Makoto (Telepathy Girl Ran).animation:forum.wed 01 oct 25:29One Outs(jp: ワンナウツ)A new baseball-themed anime from Madhouse and the director and writer of Kaiji. From a highly popular manga published in Business Jump. Expect something a bit different.seiyuus: Hagiwara Masato (Kaiji).director: Sato Yuzo (Kiba, Kaiji)writer: Takayashiki Hideo (Kaiji, Maison Ikkoku, Okusama wa Joshi Kousei). Kaitani Shinobu (mangaka).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Umehara Takahiro (Akagi, Beyblade).subs: NEET?.tue 07 oct 24:59Rosario to Vampire 2(jp: ロザリオとバンパイア CAPU2, "Rosary and Vampire 2")If you liked the first series, I guess you will like the second. I personally didn’t find it either funny or titillating. Outstanding cast and decent staff. With Nana-chan doing the OP and ED.seiyuus: Mizuki Nana, Kishio Daisuke, Fukuen Misato, Koyama Kimiko, Kugimiya Rie, Saitou Chiwa, Chiba Saeko, Inoue Kikuko, Seki Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito.director: Inagaki Takayuki (Sunabozu, Marginal Prince, Koharu Biyori)writer: Yamaguchi Hiroshi (Sunabozu, Comic Party, ToHeart2).animation: Gonzo.OPED: Mizuki Nana.trailer. forum. subs: Generation NeXt [GX_ST], m33w?, Kesenai&AEN.wed 01 oct 26:25Shikabane Hime Aka(jp: 屍姫 赫, "Corpse Princess Aka")The title "Corpse Princess" belongs to Makina Hoshimura, an undead girl who seeks to hunt down 108 corpses in order to go to heaven. (ann)Another anime it is very hard to predict. Writer Aikawa Shou is a top hand, having been series story editor for Fullmetal Alchemist and having written Oh! Edo Rocket and maybe even Simoun (under a pseudonym). The extremely gory manga has apparently been toned down for TV. Director Murata Masahiko did Gilgamesh and Night Head Genesis.The lead seiyuu are Akiyama Nana, a young actress, model, and singer; and Nakamura Chise, an actress and gravure idol. It will be interesting to hear how actresses not trained as seiyuu do. It worked for the two main guys in Bokura ga Ita. OP by angela.seiyuus: Akiyama Nana, Nakamura Chise.director: Murata Masahiko (Gilgamesh, Night Head Genesis)writer: Aikawa Shou (FMA, Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi, Edo Rocket).animation: Gainax/feel.OP: angelatrailer. forum. subs: Anomaly-Subs?, sMi-Fansubs?.thu 02 oct 10:30Shugo Chara! 2(jp: しゅごキャラ���)The hit Saturday morning shoujo/magical girl show keeps on rolling.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 mid-teen idol groups Berryz Koubou and °C-ute.seiyuus: Itou Kanae (debut), Asumi Kana (Yuno/Hidamari), Kato Nanae (Princess Tutu), Toyosaki Aki (Amuro/Umisho), Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, Takagi Reiko, Yahagi Sayuri, Mizuki Nana.director: Yasuda Kenji (Noein eps)writer: Shimada Michiru (Emily of New Moon, Nanatsuiro Drops). Peach-Pit (manga).animation: Peach Pit.OPED: Buono! (membs of Berryz + °C-ute).forum.sat 04 oct 09:30Skip Beat!(jp: スキップ・ビート���)One of my favorite shoujo manga, involving romance, comedy, and the progress of a young idol/actress. Director Sayama Kiyoko is also doing Vampire Knight. Writer Sekijima Mayori did Tsukuyomi Moon Phase, Zegapain, and Kaze no Stigma.Inoue Marina, Konishi Katsuyuki, and Miyano Mamoru make a highly promising main cast.seiyuus: Inoue Marina, Konishi Katsuyuki, Miyano Mamoru.director: Sayama Kiyoko (Angel Sanctuary, Vampire Knight)writer: Sekijima Mayori (MoonPhase, Zegapain, Kaze no Stigma).animation: Hal Film Maker.OP: the generous, ED: 2BACKKA.forum. subs: Ureshii-Yoroshiku.sun 05 oct 26:00Tales of the Abyss(jp: テイルズ オブ ジ アビス)Luke von Fabre, the son of Duke Fabre of the Kimlasca Kingdom, is 17 years old. He is the Light of the Sacred Flame, destined to bring prosperity to Kimlasca. But since being kidnapped seven years ago by the Malkuth empire, he has been kept confined to the Fabre family mansion. The shock of the kidnapping erased all of Luke's memories prior to the event. But one fateful day, a mysterious woman breaks into the mansion and sets off a chain of events that will change the world forever… Based on the video game of the same name. (anidb)Not my thing, but the trailer is being well received. Made by the director of Kekkaishi, so if you liked that, you might like this. Kodama Kenji is an old-time director who did City Hunter and Conan shows. Writer Omode Akemi did Meine Liebe, Kyou Kara Mao, and Princess Princess. Great cast stars Yukana, along with Suzuki Chihiro, Koyasu Takehito, Momoi Halko, Neya Michiko, and Nakata Jouji. Sound director Kimura Eriko did Kekkaishi and Ghibli's Ponyo on a Cliff.seiyuus: Suzuki Chihiro, Yukana, Koyasu Takehito, Momoi Halko, Neya Michiko, Nakata Jouji.director: Kodama Kenji (City Hunter, Case Closed, Detective Conan OVAs, Kekkaishi)writer: Omode Akemi (Meine Liebe, Kyou Kara Maoh, Princess Princess).animation: Sunrise.sound director: Kimura Eriko (Kekkaishi, Ponyo on a Cliff). OP: Bump of Chickentrailer. forum. subs: Yuurisan-Subs, Shinsen-Subs.26eps.fri 03 oct 21:00To Aru Majutsu no Index(jp: とある魔術の禁書目録, "Forbidden Books of Magic")Set in a city of scientifically advanced superhuman students, but in a world where magic is also real. Toma Kamijo's right hand, the Imagine Breaker, will negate all magic, psychic, or divine powers, but not his own bad luck. One day he finds a young girl hanging on his balcony railing. She turns out to be a nun from the Church of England, and her mind has been implanted with the Index Librorum Prohibitorum - all the magical texts the Church has removed from circulation. (anidb)Director Nishikiori Hiroshi did Azumanga Daioh, Melody of Oblivion, and Jyu Oh Sei. Writer Akaboshi Masanao did Ikkitousen Great Guardians. I don’t have a clue what to expect. Stars wonderful young seiyuu Iguchi Yuka, and Satou Rina (Negi Springfield). From the manga.seiyuus: Iguchi Yuka, Satou Rina, Abe Atsushi.director: Nishikiori Hiroshi (AzuDai, Melody of Oblivion, Jyu Oh Sei, Ayakashi Ayashi)writer: Akaboshi Masanao (Strain, Ikkitousen Great Guardians).animation: JC Staff.music: I've. OP: Kawada Mami, ED: Iku.trailer. forum. subs: DATS?, sMi-Fansubs?.sat 04 oct 25:35Today in Class 5-2(jp: 今日の5の2)The OVA's starry cast is gone, but Kobayashi Yu, Asumi Kana, and especially Takagaki Ayahi are of interest. The staff is gone, too, replaced by newcomer director Nagasawa Tsuyoshi and writer Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi). Will they preserve the outrageous grade-school ecchi comedy of the OVA? Will they improve on it?seiyuus: Kobayashi Yu, Shimoda Asami, Asumi Kana, Akesaka Satomi, Honda Youko, Takagaki Ayahi.director: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi (new)writer: Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi).animation: Xebec.forum. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs, Anomaly-Subs?.sun 05 oct 25:30Toradora(jp: とらドラ���)Despite Ryuuji Takasu's gentle personality, his eyes make him look like an intimidating delinquent so he is utterly hopeless about his chances of getting a girlfriend, and does not have many close friends either. After being greeted by his hung-over mother in the morning, Ryuuji goes to school and is happy to find that he gets to be in the same class as his best friend Yuusaku and crush Minori. However, it is then that he unexpectedly knocks into "the school's most dangerous animal" — Taiga Aisaka — who just happens to also be in his class, and is a good friend of Minori. (ann)Director Nagai Tatsuyuki did Honey & Clover 2 (a plus) and Idolmaster Xenoglossia (a minus). Writer Okada Mari did true tears and Vampire Knight (two pluses). Kugimiya Rie, Horie Yui, and Kitamura Eri give the show some star power. From the novels.seiyuus: Kugimiya Rie, Majima Junji (Kannazuki/Souma, KnJ/Aoki-sensei)), Horie Yui, Kitamura Eri, Mojima Hirofumi (Nanatsuiro/Tsuwabuki).director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (H&C2, Idolmaster Xenog)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Vampire Knight, Kodomo no Jikan).animation: JC Staff.OP: seiyuus.trailer. forum. subs: Mayu-subs?.wed 01 oct 25:20Tytania(jp: タイタニア)Perhaps the most anticipated show of the fall, "The capital of the empire of Euria is attacked by the empire of Tytania, a much more powerful enemy, which controls a large part of the galaxy. The story follows a soldier who flees the Tytanian empire and seeks refuge with a rebel force that has risen up since the battle."(ann)Directed by Ishiguro Noboru, who directed Legend of the Galactic Heroes and was chief director of SDF Macross. Written by Tanaka Yoshiki, who wrote later stories in the LoGH series, as well as Ryoko's Case File. Mechanical design by Miyatake Kazutaka, who did almost all the Macross shows, and by Itou Koji, who did FMP and GSD. Great cast, intriguing staff, and an apparent return to good old space opera.seiyuus: Kishio Daisuke, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kondo Takashi, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Miyake Kenta.director: Ishiguro Noboru (LoGH; SDF Macross chief dir)writer: Tanaka Yoshiki (novelist; LoGH late stories, Ryoko's Case File).animation: Artland (Bokura ga Ita, Mushishi, LoGH OAV). chara-des: Sugimitsu Noboru, Mikimoto Haruhiko.sound director: Aketagawa Susumu.trailer. forum.thu oct 23:32Vampire Knight: Guilty(jp: ヴァンパイア騎士 Guilty)Yuuki wants to know more about her true family and her forgotten past. The secret will be revealed. Yuki, Kaname and Zero will see the beginning of a new mystery and a forbidden love. (ann)If you enjoyed the first series at all, you'll love the second. I've read the blood- and lust-drenched shoujo manga and I was shocked (in a good way) by the part to be covered in the anime. Yes, there is angst. Yes there is fighting. Yes, there is romance. Yes, there is a lot more secret lust and open blood. Great cast. Directed by woman director Sayama Kiyoko, and adapted by Okada Mari (true tears) from the manga.I won’t miss this one.seiyuus: Horie Yui, Kishio Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Suwabe Junichi, Hoshi Souichirou, Fukuyama Jun, Chiba Susumu.director: Sayama Kiyoko (Vampire Knight, Skip Beat)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Sketchbook, eps. of Simoun).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Nishida Asako.trailer. subbed trailer. forum. subs: Osu!, Shoku-dan, Mishicorp?, Yuurisan-Subs.mon 06 oct 25:00Yozakura Quartet(jp: 夜桜四重奏 ���ヨザカルテット���, "Cherry-blossom Night Quartet")The story revolves around a quartet of teenaged heroes: a super-strong girl named Hime, a mind reader named Ao, a conjurer named Kotoha and an ordinary, powerless boy named Akina. The three girls and Akina protect the city of Sakurashin from supernatural threats. (ANN)Good staff and cast make this a promising anime. Kou Matso directed Rozen Maiden and Kurenai. Hanada Jukki wrote Rozen Maiden and sola. Younger seiyuu Fukuen Misato and Fujita Saki are coming into their own, and Sawashiro Miyuki and Ono Daisuke are top pros. Tomatsu Haruka is a newcomer zooming to the top. And Tsuruoka Yota is one of the best sound directors around. Add an OP by Savage Genius and and ED by Round Table and this is a show to watch for.seiyuus: Fukuen Misato, Fujita Saki, Kaji Yuuki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ono Daisuke, Tomatsu Haruka, Seki Tomokazu.director: Kou Matsuo (Rozen Maiden, Red Garden, Kurenai)writer: Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola). Yasuda Suzuhito (manga).animation:sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. OP:Savage Genius, ED:Round Table.forum. subs: Anomaly-Subs?, DATS?.1seasoneps.thu 02 oct 25;29Goku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei(jp: 獄・さよなら絶望先生 上)Two series and now a three-episode OVA. Despair goes rolling on. Shinbo's flagship series. Episode 2 comes out 10dec and ep3 on 2feb.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyasu Takehito, Sugita Tomokazu.director: Shinbo Akiyukiwriter: Oguro Yuichirou.animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki.forum.OVA. 1/3eps.fri 17 octGunslinger Girl ���IL TEATRINO��� OVA(jp: GUNSLINGER GIRL ���IL TEATRINO��� OVA)Staff and voices have not yet been announced, but I have filled them in on the basis of the Teatrino series. Story is from the first two chapters of volume 6 of the manga.seiyuus: Akutsu Kana, Hanazawa Kana, Enomoto Atsuko, Shiono Anri.director: Mano Rei (Ghost Hunt)writer: Aida Yu (mangaka and anime screenplay)).animation:music: Otani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Shana).forum.OVA.fri 24 octIkoku Irokoi Romantan(jp: 異国色恋浪漫譚, "Romantic Tale of a Love Affair in a Foreign Country")The young leader of the Oomi group, Ranmaru, is forced to marry Kaoru, the daughter of the head of another group. The couple go to Italy, and have their wedding on a ship. However, neither of them actually likes the marriage, and Ranmaru is kicked out by his new wife Kaoru on their first night. Al (Alberto), an Italian man on the ship, takes an interest in Ranmaru, and the story revolves around the romance between the two men, Ranmaru and Al. (ann)The director did episodes of Saiunkoku. In this yaoi show, he works with a fine male cast and Kawakami Tomoko. The first episode was released last December.seiyuus: Itou Kentarou, Suwabe Junichi, Kawakami Tomoko, Okiayu Ryoutarou.director: Ohtani Hajimewriter: Yamane Ayano (mangaka).animation: Anik.OVA. 2/2eps.fri 24 octInitial D Extra Stage 2(jp: 頭文字D Extra Stage2 旅立ちのグリーン)Cast and details not yet available. This is the pay-per-view pre-release of a DVD OVA.seiyuus: .director: Tominaga Tsuneowriter: Kishima Nobuaki.animation: ACGT. chara-des: Tanaka Minoru.sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED: m.o.v.e..forum.OVA.03 03 octKamen no Maid Guy OVA(jp: 仮面のメイドガイ OVA, "Masked Maid Guy OVA")DVD issued with volume 9 of the manga. This series lost me at episode one, but its partisans say it is is excellent, really hilarious. Perhaps I’ll have to go back and see. The director did Strawberry Panic and Princess Resurrection.seiyuus: Iguchi Yuka, Koyama Rikiya, Toyoguchi Megumi, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Mugihito.director: Sakoi Masayukiwriter: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki. Akai Maruboro (mangaka).animation:forum.OVA. 1/1eps.mon 22 deckissxsis(jp: kiss×sis)Keita is living many junior high school boys' dream. He has two older step twin sisters who compete for his romantic love in so many ecchi ways: good morning kisses and panty flashing. Their parents openly support the sisters' feelings and advances because they are step-siblings and are not related by blood, in fact they even have a bet going as to which sister Keita will accept. Now, if only the sisters were not so popular, because they have asked their little brother to attend their high school where there are certain to be problems.(anidb)DVD comes with volume 3 of the extremely ecchi manga. Staff and cast not yet announced.writer: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel.forum.OVA. 1/1eps.mon 22 decMahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~(jp: 魔法先生ネギま������白き翼 ALA ALBA���, "Magic Teacher Negima - White Wings Ala Alba")Covers chapters 178-80 of the manga. Mangaka Akamatsu Ken himself is the lead writer on the OVA project. But of course Shinbo is in command.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Noto Mamiko, Matsuoka Yuki, Kobayashi Yu, Horie Yui, Inokuchi Yuka, Inoue Marina, Ishige Sawa, Kuwatani Natsuko.director: Shinbo Akiyukiwriter: Akamatsu Ken (mangaka and lead writer).animation: Shaft.forum.OVA. 2/3eps.mon 17 novSeto no Hanayome OVA(jp: 瀬戸の花嫁 OVA 仁, "Bride of the Inland Sea OVA")Some people think of this as the funniest recent anime. I couldn't get into it, but if it matches your sense of humor, you are in for some fun.seiyuus: Momoi Halko, Mizushima Takahiro, Kitamura Eri, Kaneda Tomoko, Morinaga Rika.director: Kishi Seiji (Ragnarokr, Galaxy Angel Rune)writer: Kimura Tahiko (mangaka). Uezu Makoto (School Days, Amenaideyo).animation:OP: Sun&Lunar, ED: Dekabancho.trailer. forum.OVA. 1/2eps.fri 28 novShoujo Sect ~Innocent Lovers~(jp: 少女セクト ���Innocent Lovers���)Hentai yuri anime that is higher quality than most hentai shows. It is "censored," but still far more explicit than normal anime. A charming predator inveigles girls into situations they did not expect, but perhaps come to enjoy. Strawberry Panic on steroids. Ep2 comes out 25 September.seiyuus: "HokutoMinami" (hitomi), "Yuzuki Kaname" (Kawaragi Shiho), Houjou Asuka, "Kaibara Erena" (Hyousei), Matsuda Risa, Miyashita Ai, Toono Soyogi, Yamazaki Kaede.director: Aoki Ryuusei (pronunciation? 碧岐龍成)writer: Kurogane Kenn (mangaka). Ishida Mayumi (Gilgamesh eps, 009-1 ep).animation: Amarcord, Milky.trailer.OVA. 3/3eps.25 novSwitch(jp: Switch)Two newbies at Japan's Narcotic Control Department, Hal and Kai, struggle against drug dealers, gangs, murderers, psychopaths, mysterious organizations, and mad people in general. The gentle and caring Kai, who has problems of his own, has the tendency to turn into a lethal killing machine in certain scenarios, like flipping a "switch." As the two do their job, answers to what is behind Kai's strange behavior are revealed. (ann)Good cast. Good writer. Unknown director. Writer Takahashi Natsuko did Blue Drop, Gakuen Heaven, and Moyashimon, among many other things. Director Odaira Naoki (pronunciation? 大平直樹) is new to directing a full show, having done episodes of Kotetsujin Jeeg and Rental Magica. But the cast of Fukuyama Jun, Sakurai Takahiro, Suwabe Junichi, and Sugita Tomokazu could carry this show a fair way. From a manga.seiyuus: Fukuyama Jun, Sakurai Takahiro, Nakai Kazuka, Suwabe Junichi, Ryohei, Sugita Tomokazu.director: Odaira Naoki (大平直樹) (new)writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Gakuen Heaven, Moyashimon).animation: ACTAS (Tactical Roar, Moetan). chara-des: Itou Takeshi (Tactical Roar).OPED: Miranosand.forum.OVA. 1/2eps.fri 17 octZettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~(jp: 絶対衝激���プラトニックハート���, "Absolute Impact - Platonic Heart")The story centers on the Platonic Heart, a jewel that — according to an old urban legend — can grant any wish. Only a chosen few are allowed to compete in the hunt for the Platonic Heart, and high school junior Aya Iseshima is one of 11 girls and women who are taking part. (anidb)Fantastic cast includes Nazuka Kaori, Nonaka Ai, and Koshimizu Ami, among others. But the director and writer did Girl's High, which was a poor adaptation of a funny manga. Nice-looking character design, however, by Miyata Naomi, who did the animation for I"s Pure.seiyuus: Nazuka Kaori, Akesaka Satomi, Kanda Akemi, Nonaka Ai, Kaida Yuko, Koshimizu Ami, Shintani Ryouko, Kawaragi Shiho, Miyazaki Ui, Ueda Kana.director: Fujimoto Yoshitaka (Koikoi7, Girl's High)writer: Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Girl's High).animation: Studio Kikan (Naisho no Tsubomi). chara-des: Miyata Naomi (Slayers shows), Happoubi Jin (games). animation supervisor: Miyata Naomi (I"s Pure).OP: Little Non.trailer.OVA. 1/5eps.wed 29 oct (future episodes: 2-27Nov, 3-20dec, 4-28jan, 5-25feb)notes:-- info from Anime News Network, Moonphase, AniDB, and official sites.-- sub-group info from the Who Subs What wiki, where groups post their intention to do a show (as of 12 September)-- titles linked to Anime News Network encyclopedia page, Japanese titles to official sites-- some broadcast dates and times may change before the season starts; I will post a more accurate schedule as the season begins
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