About the Author Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything about Sakaki Ichiro, if anyone has any info click the contact me page Azumi Yukinobu is a different matter. What’s unusual is that he normally does dojinshi rather than novel or manga illustration. He’s famous for his Ayanami Rei dojins, as well as his unique art style. As [...]
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About the Author Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything about Sakaki Ichiro, if anyone has any info click the contact me page Azumi Yukinobu is a different matter. What’s unusual is that he normally does dojinshi rather than novel or manga illustration. He’s famous for his Ayanami Rei dojins, as well as his unique art style. [...]
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Tiamat’s Disciple reports on a TOKYOPOP event in the UK, and notes that Kino no Tabi– which was in limbo during Sakura Con –has officially been dropped due to licensing issues. Sorry, folks. In happier news, two previously-suspended titles are back: Slayers and Scrapped Princess! T-pop is surely hoping that the new Slayers Revolution anime will [...]
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In an earlier post I made I said Scrapped Princess was on hold for a while. However that seems to have sparked some outrage with people emailing me saying it wasn’t put on hold. So, off I went to Tokyopop to get the story from the horses mouth, so to speak. Once again Peter Ahlstrom cam up [...]
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Lately there’s been more and more light novels to be put on hold by publishers. The latest being from Tokyopop’s catalogue. Scrapped Princess, Good Witch, Slayers, and others have apparently suffered from lack of sales. Though so far only Scrapped Princess and Good Witch have been put on hold. However other titles have been marked [...]
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As usual, what looked like a poor season is actually shaping up to have a number of interesting shows. Nothing so far looks like an instant classic, but there are always surprises. And with 49 shows (including OVAs), there could be plenty of surprises.Hirano Aya returns to anime in a big way, starring in two series (Chico, Heiress of the Phantom Thief and Zettai Karen Children) and appearing in two OVAs (a Lupin III OVA and a Fist of the North Star OVA).I'll be watching Wagaya no O-inari-sama to hear 16-year-old Hayami Saori in her first role since bursting onto the scene at 15 with a wonderful performance as Momoka in Touka Gettan. Yukana in the starring role is also a big plus. What a voice.Kaiba, by the maker of Kemonozume, is a love story set in a future dystopia where bodies die and minds are transplanted, but some memories are lost.... Stars the great talent of Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, and Paku Romi.If you've never seen a yaoi (gay male) show, you might take a look at Junjou Romantica, directed by the director of Higurashi, and with a great cast: Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Kanna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou.On the yuri (Lesbian) side, there is the series based on the surprise hit romantic comedy ONA Candy Boy, with Nabatame Hitomi. Seven ten-minute episodes broadcast on the Net.Macross Frontier may be the most anticipated series of the season, extending that franchise. Or the most anticipated might be the new season of Code Geass. The first interests me more than the second.Vampire Knight is written by the writer of true tears, gives a female director who did eps of Princess Tutu her first full show, and character design is by the great Nishida Asako (Simoun, Touka Gettan). Horie Yui is surounded by a bevy of bishies: Miyano Mamoru, Kishio Daisuke, Chiba Susumu, Fukuyama Jun, Suwabe Junichirou, Houshi Souichirou, Koyasu Takehito.Real Drive involves a future dystopia and is done by Production IG based on a concept from Shirow Masamune (Ghost in the Shell, Ghost Hound).ToLoveRu is a top-class ecchi comic that should translate well to anime. Great cast includes Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori.Kurenai stars Sawashiro Miyuki and is directed by the director of Red Garden and Rozen Traumend. The story involves a 16-year-old bodyguard and a seven-year-old tsundere.In any case, here are the shows, by day of the week. Titles I am going to make a special point of looking at myself are in red. English titles link to Anime News Network entry. Japanese titles link to official sites. Click photos to enlarge.SundayNet Ghost Pipopa ネットゴースト PIPOPA Yuta (Satou Rina) moves to a highly technological city, and when he logs in to his computer is sucked into the world of the Net. He is rescued by three Net Ghosts, Pit, Pot, and Pat, and their adventures together in the two worlds begin.An early Sunday-morning show, but director Kimura Shinichro did Mahoraba and Karin, and writer Yamada Ysutomo did Tsuyokiss and Potemayo. Satou-san (Negi Springfield) is joined by Arai Satomi (Kozue in Mahoraba), Shiraishi Ryoko, and one of my favorite young seiyuus, Yahagi Sayuri (Karin). Studio Hibari. 08:30 apr 06Zettai Karen Children 絶対可憐チルドレン Hirano Aya gets a new starring role, her first since Lucky Star. Mangaka Shiina Takashi says he was thrilled when he heard the producers had chosen her as the lead. The story revolves around three girls with superpowers -- telekinesis, teleportation, and sensitive touch -- and bad attitudes.Aya's compatriots will also be played by excellent seiyuu: Shiraishi Ryoko (Hayate) and 18-year-old Tomatsu Haruka (Corticarte in Polyphonica, Sumi in Moetan). Add to them a male lead played by Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya in Clannad) and you have a cast to conjure with.Even more important is the director: he is Kawaguchi Keiichiro, the fast-rising talent behind Getsumen to Heiki Miina and Hayate the Combat Butler. This show takes over in Hayate's Sunday-morning time-slot on TV Tokyo. The manga has been adapted by Nishizono Satoru, who did the same for Welcome to the NHK. Animation by Synergy SP (Hayate, Kirarin, Major). 10:00 apr 06Code Geass R2 コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2 The most anticipated show of the spring is one I personally don’t anticipate much at all. I thought the great cast (Fukuyama Jun, Koshimizu Ami, Sakurai Takahiro, Yukana, Orikasa Fumiko, Midorikawa Hikaru, etc.) was wasted on the pointless and confused first series. Animated by Sunrise, with character design by Clamp. Director Taniguchi Goro did Planetes and Infinite Ryvius. 17:00 apr 06Wagaya no O-inari-sama 我が家のお稲荷さま Based on novels about a family that is protected by a beautiful fox goddess. I'll be watching mainly to hear young Hayami Saori again. She was outstanding in her first role as Momoka in Touka Gettan. I'm also eager to hear Yukana in the lead role. Also with Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya in Clannad), Mizushima Takahiro (Romeo, Kazuki in KimiKiss), Itou Shizuka, Kano Yui (in her first role since Momoko in Sumomomo), Ono Daisuke, and Mizuhashi Kaori. Lovely character design. Written by Yoshida Reiko (Saiunkoku, RomeoxJuliet, Canvas2). Directed by Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Sky Girls). Animation by ZEXCS. 24:00 apr 06Nabari no Ou 隠の王 Kugimiya Rie and Hino Satoshi (Shana and Yuji) team up again -- but in this case, they both play boys. Saiga Mitsuki, Namikawa Daisuke, and Fujimura Ayumi round out a nice core cast, with help from big names such as Suwabe Junichi, Nakata Jouji, and Okiayu Ryoutarou."Rokujou Miharu (Kugimiya) is a boy who has a hijutsu (hidden technique) living inside of him. This hijutsu is the power of creation. Many ninja clans are seeking it as the one who posesses it becomes the ruler of the ninja world. Rokujou's classmate Kouichi (Hino) started a nindou ('Way of the Ninja') club at school with Kumohira, his English teacher. Both Kouichi and Kumohira are secretly ninjas. They tried to persuade Rokujou to join the ninjutsu club. At first, he was reluctant, but after being attacked by group of ninjas trying to get his hijutsu, he joins. He must become the Ruler of Nabari in order to survive." (ann)Director Sugishima Kunihisa did Speed Grapher. Writer Yokote Michiko did Genshiken, xxxholic, and Princess Tutu. J.C. Staff 13 episodes? 25:30 apr 06SA - Special A S・A ～スペシャル・エー～ Hikari Hanazono (Gotou Yuuko), the main character, has always been second to Kei Takishima (Fukuyama Jun). While Hikari considers Kei a rival and somewhat of a friend, Kei loves Hikari. Everyone knows this, but she is too dense to notice.Their wrestling-loving fathers first introduced them to one another when they were 6 years old. Assuming that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in school grades, sports - anything. To do this she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary school. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei holding firmly to that number one position. (ann)With Yonaga Tsubasa, Takagaki Ayahi, Shimono Hiro, and Nabatame Hiromi. Based on a shoujo manga by Maki Minami serialised in Hana to Yume. Written by Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, H2O). Animation by AIC and Gonzo. OP by Gotou Yuuko.I'll be watching for the stars and Takagaki Ayahi. Director Miyao Yoshikazu is new to directing. After H2O, Hanada Jukki has to earn back his status as a top writer. 25:30 apr 06Neo-Angelique: Abyss ネオアンジェリーク Abyss Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) gets her second big role this spring (along with Macross) as the new voice of Angie. Or is it her third? She is also starring in the new Mai-Otome OVA. With the glamorous new character design, she has a chance to make this role count. Another series of the quietly popular girls' reverse-harem supernatural adventure franchise. With Takahashi Hiroki, Hirakawa Daisuke, Irino Miyu, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Ono Daisuke as the surrounding bishies. Animation by Yumeta. 26:00 apr 06Onegai My Melody Kirara おねがいマイメロディ きららっ☆ Onegai My Melody enters its fourth year. Studio Comet. 9:30 apr 06MondayChi's Sweet Home チーズスイートホーム Lead writer Konparu Tomoko did both NANA and Nodame Cantabile. But this isn't them: it's a five-minute kids' show about a cat. Madhouse 06:40 mar 31Ikuze! Gen-san いくぜっ！源さん Nice character design in a GyaO net animation for kids. Stars Yamaguchi Kappei. Written by the writer of Otoboku and DCSS. Director did Crash Hit Bedaman. Nippon Animation 24 eps. 12:00 mar 24Soul Eater ソウルイーター To make their weapons, students in a school for shinigami weapons technicians must collect the souls of 99 bad people and a witch. Director Igarashi Takuya did Ouran HS Host Club. Writer Yamatoya Akatsuki did Simoun, Gintama, and Busou Renkin.The cast includes Miyano Mamoru, Kobayashi Yumiko, Katou Emiri, Koyama Rikiya, Koyasu Takehito, Kuwashima Houko, Nazuka Kaori, and Watanabe Akeno. Animation by Bones. 18:00 apr 07Gag Manga Biyori 3 ギャグマンガ日和３ Directed by Daichi Akitaro, director of Fruits Basket and Bokura ga Ita. With Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and Nazuka Kaori. "Gyagu Manga Biyori is hyperactive, random, and nonsensical, revolving around various plots and characters throughout the series. It makes absolutely no sense. The 1st episode is about stickers included in snacks." (ann) Artland. 23:00 mar 17Vampire Knight ヴァンパイア騎士 "Yuki's earliest memory is of a stormy night in winter, when she was attacked by one vampire and then rescued by another. Now, 10 years later, Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, has become a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her savior, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school.But also at her side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend who hates the creatures. Is Kaname's infatuation with Yuki the beginning of a forbidden romance, or is it something in her forgotten past that draws him to her? In this world of secrets, nothing is as it seems." (anidb)Outstanding constellation of male seiyuus surrounds Horie Yui: Miyano Mamoru, Kishio Daisuke, Chiba Susumu, Fukuyama Jun, Suwabe Junichirou, Houshi Souichirou, Koyasu Takehito. Director Sayama Kiyoko gets her first full show, having done episodes of Princess Tutu and Blood+. Writer Okada Mari did true tears, Sketchbook, and episodes of Simoun. Outstanding character designer Nishida Asako did Simoun, Touka Gettan, and Fate/Stay Night. Studio DEEN. 25:00 apr 07Monochrome Factor モノクローム・ファクター "Akira Nikaido is a typical slacker high school student who thinks he has a normal life -- until a mysterious man called Shirogane appears and tells him to meet him at the school that night. He is skeptical but goes anyway…and gets attacked by a shadow monster! Shirogane convinces him that the balance between the human world and the shadow world has been distorted, and that Akira must become a shin--a creature of the shadow world--in order to help restore the balance." (anidb)Fine cast includes Ono Daisuke, Suwabe Junichi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Asano Masumi, Saiga Mitsuki, Konishi katsuyuki, Tamura Yukari, and Okiayu Ryoutarou. The director and the writer did Loveless and Zero no Tsukaima. Animated by ACGT. 26:00 apr 08TuesdaySugar Bunnies 2 シュガーバニーズ 第2シリーズ Cute-looking early-morning kids' show featuring cute bunnies and the cute voices of Horie Yui and Ueda Kana. From Sanrio (Hello Kitty). Even the official site doesn’t give info about the staff. Or about the start date. 07:30Uchi no San Shimai うちの3姉妹 Animation of an overwhelmingly popular blog (75 million hits) and book (800,000 copies sold) about rearing three daughters. ACGT . 17:30 apr 08Real Drive ＲＤ 潜脳調査室 "The story takes place in 2061, 50 years after humanity developed the Net Society that depended on information networks, despite their security issues. To improve security, a new network called Metal was developed. People's personal memories were reduced to information and placed online. The result was a virtual explosion of creative freedom as people felt safe enough explore instincts and desires on Metal that they would not otherwise explore in real life. This friction between the Metal's alluring lack of restrictions and rules-bound reality led to trouble and incidents that investigators known as Cyber Divers must handle. Masamichi Haru is one such cyber diver." (anidb)I hardly know what to expect, except for Production IG animation. Veteran seiyuu Mori Katsuji plays the lead, with inexperienced Oki Kanae billed second. But they are followed by a strong list including Takahashi Hiroki, Kawasumi Ayako, Fujiwara Keiji, Watanabe Akeno, and Nonaka Ai. Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Bincho-tan and Chevalier D'Eon. The concept is from Shirow Masamune, and writer Fujisaku Junichi did Blood+. Production IG 24:59 apr 08Crystal Blaze クリスタル ブレイズ aka Glass Maiden. An outstanding cast, including Ueda Yuuji in his best role since Morita in Honey & Clover. The (woman) director did Saikano. Guns and sex in a near-future Asian dystopia. With Miki Shinichirou, Arai Satomi, Takahashi Mikako, Kobayashi Yu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Itou Miki, Chiba Saeko (married but still working) and Takahashi Hiroki. Animation by Studio Fantasia. Could be a good one. 25:15 apr 08Himitsu: Top Secret 秘密 -トップ・シークレット- Psychological thriller starring Seki Tomokazu, Namikawa Daisuke, and Nonaka Ai. Don't ask me why, but I have a good feeling about this one.The director of Rocket Girls doesn’t inspire confidence, so that can’t be it. Madhouse. 25:29 apr 08WednesdayLupin III - Green vs Red ルパン三世 GREEN VS RED 40th anniversary Lupin III OVA gives Hirano Aya her second OVA and fourth show of the spring. 1 episode. apr 02Fist of theNorth Star: The Legend of Toki 真救世主伝説 北斗の拳 トキ伝 Abe Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, and Hirano Aya in the latest Hokuto no Ken OVA. Trailer on official site. Animation by Tom's Entertainment OVA ep 1 of 1. mar 26Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's 遊戯王5D's At least 13 new epsiodes of Yu-Gi-Oh! 18:00 apr 02Strait Jacket ストレイト・ジャケット "Leon the Professional meets Blade Runner…but steampunk." In a world where industry and sorcery coexist, people can suddenly turn into Malevolents, the enemies of all mankind, and even a young boy has had to kill someone he loved. A "gun action fantasy." Already licensed for R1 release.From a popular series of novels by Sakaki Ichirou (Scrapped Princess). Director Ushirou Jinji was assistant director of Otoboku. Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber) leads the cast, with Shindou Kei, Maeda Ai, and Asano Mayumi. Animation by Feel. OVA 3 of 3. apr 30ThursdayKyou Kara Mao 3 今日からマ王！第3シリーズ Ready for 39 more episodes of a modern boy as king of a medieval race? Directed by the masterful Nishimura Junji (Simoun, true tears). Animation by Studio DEEN. With Sakurai Takahiro, Morikawa Toshiyuki, and Saiga Mitsuki. 39eps. 23:02 apr 03Allison and Lillia アリソンとリリア Intriguing show set in early 20th century fictional world, featuring war, adventure and friendship. Mizuki Nana, Kumai Motoko (Goro in Major), Yamadera Kouichi, and Noto Mamiko. Based on shounen light novels, adapted by Machida Doko (Lucky Star, Kanban Musume). Directed by Nishida Masayori (Mokke, Eyeshield21). Animation by Madhouse. 26 eps. 23:32 mar 03Kaiba カイバ One of the most promising shows of the season. Original series directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Mind Game, Kemonozume), and animated by MADHOUSE. Outstanding cast: Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, Paku Romi."A sci-fi love story set in a world where digitization of memory made physical death obsolete. A world where memories can be stolen and altered, and replaced in a new human body. Kaiba wakes up in a room wthout knowing who he is. He has a pendant with the photograph of a woman he does not remember. After being attacked all of a sudden, he has to flee to space, meet various people, and rediscover the world. 'Even without my memories, I love you…'"(anidb) 12eps. 24:00 apr 10Library War (Toshokan Sensou) 図書館戦争 "In the year 2019, the explosion of information and misinformation had become a direct threat to society. A new government agency dedicated solely to information management is created. Now, some thirty years later, the government still monitors and controls information, suppressing anything they find undesirable, but standing against their abuses of power are the libraries, with their special agents, 'the book soldiers.'" (anidb)The director of Sisters of Wellber doesn’t attract me, but Production IG does, and so do Inoue Marina, Sawashiro Miyuki, and Ishida Akira. Based on a light novel series by Arikawa Hiro, illustrated by Adabana Sukumo. Production IG (Studio 9). 24:25 apr 10Junjou Romanchika 純情ロマンチカ Good-looking yaoi series from Studio DEEN. Directed by Kon Chiaki, director of Higurashi. With Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Kanna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou, and Hanada Hikaru (Creed in Ergo Proxy). Studio DEEN. 24 episodes. 25:20 apr 10Macross Frontier マクロス FRONTIER Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) gets the lead role in a new Macross series. Written by the lead writer of Mai-HiME and My-Otome. Music by Kanno Yoko. Also with Nakamura Yuuichi, Fukuyama Jun, Kamiya Hiroshi, Kobayashi Sanae, Tanaka Rie, Inoue Kikuko, and Sugita Tomokazu. The cast is up to it, that's for sure. "Love, friendship, and the fate of planets intertwined. An intergalactic Love Story." Animation by Satelight (Macross, Aquarion, Shugo Chara). 25:25 apr 03xxxHOLIC: Tsugi xxxHOLiC◆継 More xxxHOLIC for lovers of the first series. Ohara Sayaka and Fukuyama Jun are a great start for the cast. CLAMP and Production IG. Director Mizushima Tsutomu also did Kujibiki Unbalance, Ookiku Furikabutte, and Dai Mahou Touge. 25:25 apr 03To Love-Ru To LOVEる A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. She runs him ragged, while befriending the human girl he really loves. The manga makes the most of a hackneyed concept. Let's hope the anime can, too. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Outstanding cast includes Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri (yes!), Arai Satomi (her third role of the spring), Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka, Yoshino Hiroyuki. Animation by Xebec. 26eps. 25:55 apr 03Kure-nai 紅 "16-year-old Shintaro Kurenai is a Mediator. Then one day, he is approached by the daughter of a rich and powerful family asking him to be her bodyguard. This somehow ends up with him living in a run-down tenement with Murasaki Kuhouin, his new 7-year-old apprentice, landlord, self-proclaimed fiance, and all-around tsundere, and several other eccentric ladies." (anidb)Promising show directed by Matsuo Kou, director of Red Garden and Rozen Traumend. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki as the male lead, with Ishige Sawa (the twins in PaniPoni), Sanada Asami and Shintani Ryouko. Animation by Brains Base. From the novels. 26:00 apr 03FridayNaisho no Tsubomi ないしょのつぼみ "Naisho no Tsubomi tells the story of Tsubomi Tachibana, a fifth grader dealing with issues such as her mother's pregnancy, her first period and the strange feelings she has started to get when she has been around boys. Based on a shoujo manga by Yabuuchi Yuu, serialised in Ciao." (anidb)Stars the wonderful tiny voice of big Nazuka Kaori. With a stunning supporting cast: Koshimizu Ami, Kanda Akemi, Kobayashi Sanae, Shiraishi Ryouko, Miyata Kouki, Saiga Mitsuki. Written by the writer of Lovege Chu, Cosmopolitan Prayers, and Elemental Gelade, however…. Studio Kikan OVA, ep 1 of 3. apr 25Amuri in Star Ocean 星の海のアムリ Delayed from December, the first ep of this interesting 3DCG space-loli OVA will be released 23 May. With Makino Yui (Misaki in Welcome to the NHK), Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister) and Aizawa Michiru (Furoe in Simoun) in the lead roles, supported by Mamiko Noto and Kaneda Tomoko. Studio Hibari. ep 1 of 3. may 23Candy Boy Candy☆Boy "Nonchalant talk of the certain twin sisters in daily life." Surprising hit net OVA gets a brief series of seven ten-minute episodes. Yuri tales of twin sisters. With Nabatame Hitomi, Yuzuki Ryoka (Eruruu in Utawarerumono), and Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star). The original ONA was wonderful -- very romantic and very yuri. AIC. 7x10min. 12:00 may 02Kirarin Revolution 3 きらりん☆レボリューション 第3期 I watched the first thirty or so episodes of season one, and found them a lot more entertaining than the average shoujo wannabe-idol show. But I had no idea the show would become so popular that it kept going to episode 100 (which aired 14 March) and beyond, to season three.Star Kusumi Koharu came straight from Morning Musume. She has a lot more seiyuu experience now than she did in April 2006, when this all began. New director Fujimoto Yoshitaka did Girl's High and KoiKoi7, neither of which bodes well. Writer Tsuchiya Rikei has some depth: she did Major and KimiKiss. Animation by Synergy SP. 18:00 apr 04The Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk ドルアーガの塔 ～the Aegis of URUK～ Directed by Chigira Koichi (Full Metal Panic, Last Exile). Animated by Gonzo. Orikasa Fumiko stars, with Chihara Minori, Horie Yui, Ishida Akira, Sakurai Takahiro. Features Yukana as a succubus (type-casting). Writer Gatoh Soji created FMP and worked on Suzumiya Haruhi and Lucky Star."In a summer once every five years, demons in the mysterious Tower of Druaga lose their powers due to the magic spell cast by a god named Anu. King Gilgamesh, ruler of the kingdom of Uruk, uses the appearance of demons as an excuse to invade the tower and find out its secrets. As 80 years passed, the Uruk army managed to fight back the demons and build a fortress city and safe haven on the very first floor of Druaga, Metz Kier. Thus begins the story of a warrior named Gil who, finding companions along the way, embarks on a quest for the fabled Blue Crystal Rod, a powerful artifact rumored to be in the highest floor of Druaga. However, other competitors, including the kingdom of Uruk itself, want the treasure." (anidb) Gonzo 25:15 apr 04Golgo13 ゴルゴ13 Little is known about this new show based on an ultra-violent hard-core old-style manga. Something for fans of the genre to look forward to. Animated by The Answer Studio, which did the underrated Flag. 25:23 apr 11Itazura na Kiss イタズラなKiss "It was love at first sight for Aihara Kotoko as top student Irie Naoki delivers a speech on the first day of high school. After 2 years of secret admiration, 'I don't want it' is the rejection she gets when she plucks up enough courage to hand him a love letter. Dejected, Kotoko vows to give him up. By a twist of fate, Kotoko's house collapses; her dad and she put up at a friend's place, who happens to be Naoki's father. And thus, life with Naoki begins and Kotoko's love for Naoki rekindles again. Much laughter ensues when scatterbrain Kotoko makes her countless advances (supported by Naoki's wacky mum) on ice-cold Naoki who hates girls and is a genius at practically everything from studies to sports." (anidb)Animated by the director of Toward the Terra. With Mizuki Nana, Hirakawa Daisuke, and Paku Romi. Promising shoujo. Tom's Entertainment 26eps. 26:25 apr 04Amatsuki あまつき "History isn't Tokidoki's strong subject. He`s even forced to do make-up work at a high-tech history museum to bring up his failing grades. After losing an eye to a virtual reality monster in an Edo-period simulation, he finds himself unable to leave the game. Could it be real? Based on the shoujo manga by Takayama Shinobu." (anidb)Stars the ubiquitous Fukuyama Jun and the glorious Paku Romi. Directed by the director of Chevalier D'Eon. Studio DEEN. I'll watch at least an ep for Paku-san. 26:30 apr 04Bus Gamer Bus Gamer "When three complete strangers, Mishiba Toki, Nakajyo Nobuto and Saitoh Kazuo, are hired by a corporation to compete in the Bus Game, an illegal dog-fight conducted in strict secrecy, they are given the team code of "Team AAA" (Triple Anonymous). This group of three who differ entirely from their living environments to their personalities have to work together effectively, but without mutually wiping out their mistrust of each other or prying into each other's privacy. They only have one point in common - each of them need a large amount of money for their individual circumstances. To get the money, they must play in the game despite their very own lives being at stake." (ann)Star seiyuus Suzumura Kenichi, Suwabe Junichi, and Takahashi Hiroki star in this three-episode series. Based on a cult manga by Minekura Kazuya (Saiyuki). Animation by Anipro. 26:30 mar 14SaturdayBlue Dragon: Seven Dragons of the Heavens BLUE DRAGON 天界の七竜 Quality Saturday-morning kids' adventure show Blue Dragon continues. With Paku Romi, Hazuki Erino, Namikawa Daiusuke and others. Studio Pierrot 09:00 apr 05Kanokon かのこん Intriguing ecchi comedy from Xebec with a number of good seiyuus. Kawasumi Ayako in a leading role is always promising. So are Noto Mamiko and the underused Saitou Chiwa and Itsuki Yui (I love her techno-core band Yousei Teikoku). Add two of my favorite seiyuu personalities, Miyazaki Ui and Kadowaki Mai, as well as the excellent Kondou Takashi, and I will certainly take a peek at this one."On Kouta's first day at a new school, a beautiful second-year female student named Chizuru Minamoto asks him to meet her alone in the music room. When he arrives, she reveals her that she is in fact a fox deity (see also Wagaya no Inari-sama) and from that day on the two hang out together. Nozomu is a first year female student at Kouta's school, she is in fact a wolf deity and in love with Kouta, and a rival of Chizuru for Kouta's affections." (anidb) Xebec 12eps. 10:30 apr 05D.C. II ~Da Capo II~ Second Season D.C.II S.S. ～ダ・カーポII セカンドシーズン～ Continues from the first season, which aired last fall. This time, I expect Takagaki Ayahi (Yume here, Noe in true tears) to play a larger role. With Horie Yui, Chihara Minori, Itou Shizuka, Asakawa Yuu, Yamaguchi Kappei, Kishio Daisuke. Animation by feel. Directed by the director of Utawarerumono and sola. I'll watch it for Aya-hime (Takagaki). Animation by feel. 13 eps. 24:30 apr 05Kyouran Kazoku Nikki 狂乱家族日記 A thousand years after a monster almost destroyed the Earth, human children are identified, one of whom may be its successor. The children are brought together in a single family in hopes that a happy family life in a human family may make them unwilling to destroy humans. Directed by Kuroda Yasuhiro (Guardian Hearts, Chocotto Sister), with Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Hanazawa Kana, Hirohashi Ryou, Tomatsu Haruka, Satou Rina. Animation by Nomad (Rozen Maiden, sola). 25:00 apr 12Kamen no Maid Guy 仮面のメイドガイ "Fujiwara Naeka is a typical 17 year-old high school student. Or so it apears. Shes really one of two surviving heirs of a tycoon and has the right to inherit his fortune when she turns 18 in half a year. Fubuki, a young and beautiful maid, and Kogarashi, a big burly maid guy with a mask, have been assigned to keep Naeka and her brother Kousuke safe from those who would plot their demise and steal the fortune she would inherit." (anidb)With the up-and-coming Iguchi Yuka in what I think is her first lead role. Also starring Toyoguchi Megumi, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Katou Emiri (who won a best new seiyuu award for Kagami in Lucky Star), Mugihito, Fujita Saki, Kanda Akemi, Kobayashi Yu, Kaido Yuko. I'll be watching ep1 for Iguchi-san (Ai in true tears), if nothing else. Animation by Madhouse. 25:35 apr 05Blassreiter Blassreiter Future fiction with motorcycles, highly athletic mecha, and Gonzo. Preview. Directed by Itano Ichirou, who directed Gantz, and written by the writer of Shana and Witchblade. Character designer did Gantz and Ergo Proxy. Mecha by Niθ. Voices by Itou Shizuka, Matsukaze Masaya, Hanazawa Kana, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Miyake Kenta. As long as the preview's resemblance to Dragonaut is only skin deep, this could be good. 24eps. 26:00 apr 05Chiko, Heiress of the Phantom Thief (Nijuu-mensou Musume) 二十面相の娘 One of two series in which Hirano Aya will star this spring. The story revolves around a female thief named Chico, who is the spiritual successor to the Kaijin Nijū-Mensō ("The Fiend with 20 Faces"), a thief character created by famed suspense and detective novelist Ranpo Edogawa, who considered himself the spiritual successor of Edgar Allan Poe. (info from anidb). Directed by the director of Kanban Musume, which is a plus, and Futakoi I, which is a bit of a minus. Adaptation by Tsuchiya Rikei, who did both Major and KimiKiss. Those are both pluses. Animation by Bones. Also with Arai Satomi (Kozue in Mahoraba) and Satou Rina (Negima). 26:05 apr 12
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For me, it really is the best of times and the worst of times. It isn't Madhouse or manglobe or even Production I.G. that epitomize anime for me. I realize that they're all good production companies, but when I pick up one of their boxes I don't know what I'm going to get. Each of their series are too divergent from each other. I don't see any central vision to their stories. No similarities between their series. They are all good studios, but to me there are only two studios that will make me buy a series without thinking about it: Bones and Gonzo.The funny thing is that no two studios could be more disimiliar. Bones focuses on telling an intricate story, revolving around a central theme or two. The characters are all rich and tend to walk on that moral tightrope between good and evil. I've never watched a Bones series with a true villian. Even Darcia at his most insane is completely understandable in Wolf's Rain. The Peacekeepers in Scrapped Princess defend their positions with a cold logic that is both understandable and actually empathetic.The animation and artwork seems to focus on this. Generally the characters remain central to the story. It's rare that we get and epic scene of ships approaching each other in a Bones series. Even in the establishing shots, we see the characters moving through the landscape, whether it's a city street or a snowy wasteland. Armies never stand face to face, milling over a muddy hillside, instead we see the generals agonizing over their decisions, hoping that they were the right ones. No matter how epic the series should be, the directors will find a way to make it intensely personal.Of course, that's why Bones sucks at epics. Their style simply can't capture the vastness of the struggle. It's one of the reasons why Scrapped Princess was good but not great. Instead of focusing on this monumental struggle between man and their alien occupiers, it shows that struggle through Shannon and CZ. The war is too personalized to really feel that the stakes are high enough for it to be truly epic.Gonzo on the other hand, up and to recently, could do an epic like no other. Mostly it's due to how beautiful their animation is. I still get chills thinking about Vincent standing on the bridge of the Urbanis as it's pinned to Exile. The snow blowing in as he shouts up at the Sylvana to "give them hell." The villians are truly atrocious. The good guys may be flawed, but are generally noble and heroic (or at least fighting on the side of good and right).Even their more personal shows, like Gantz, Kiddy Grade and even Shana manage to capture that sense of epic so well that it causes a visceral response in me. The heroes seem like they're in real danger. The stakes seem like they could be the end of the world. Even the establishing shots in The Count of Monte Cristo move away from the main characters, showing the grand vistas and the true immensity of it all. They're more inclined to show the thousands of soliders on the muddy hill shuffling around rather than the generals. They will show dozens of ships squaring off, rather than one or two piloted by a particular character.But even a show like Last Exile has soft spots when it comes to characters. In most Gonzo shows, the characters tend to be more flat. They're pretty divided into good and evil. Even a show like Gantz, with its social commentary, is a show about epic characters doing epic things.The problem is that one of them knows what they're good at and the other studio doesn't. Bones seems to always comes out with projects that are suited for their style. Even Scrapped Princess fits their style in a way, since the majority of the story focuses on Pacifica, Shannon and Raquel's journey rather than any epic war. There are a few exceptions like Mars Daybreak, but generally they produce solid character driven shows.But for Gonzo, they seem to be forgetting what makes them good (epic shows about epic people) and trying to diversify. The problem is that the work comes out uneven. Granted both Speed Grapher and Solty Rei had their high points and overall were good series. But they weren't as good as they could have been.On top of that, Gonzo seems to be losing their edge when it comes to artwork. While some of their shows are still good, a lot more of them are just okay and a few of them are really bad. I don't know if their losing their talent pool, or if they just have been bringing in new directors. But it seems like they're becoming just another studio.And if you'll pardon another literary reference, is enough to try my soul.
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Scrapped Princess, Volume 1 Publisher: Tokyopop Author: Ichiro Sakaki Synopsis: In the Kingdom of Lineven, the 5111th Oracle of Saint Grendel, of the Mauser church, has just concluded the most odd and distrubing prophecy. An infant girl - the royal heir, no less - must be killed, lest the world fall to the Apocolypse. Before the act can be [...]
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Famous for his fantastic renderings of Ayanami Rei as well as his designs for Scrapped Princess and Brave Soul, doujin artist and illustrator Mogudan opened a new official site earlier today. He had closed his old location some time ago and was operating out of a temporary site for the past several months; hopefully the more robust content at the new site means that he's found a permanent home. Notably lacking at the new site are any references to his Ayanami doujin line (aside from the site address itself), instead his "works" lineup includes illustrations for Toranoana's recently scooped doujin compilation as well as his eromanga cover work (primarily for Comic Unreal) and Orchid Seed's Feane PVC figure based on one such illustration. Here's hoping this new site migration marks a resurgence in productivity for this bastion of iconic 2D erotica, and thanks to Faust for the scoop! (no more)
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Here are just about all the series and OVAs scheduled to start this fall, according to the Japanese site MoonPhase -- 35 series and seven OVAs. I've tried to give a story intro, show a pic, and talk about the staff and cast of each one. Click images to enlarge.Nothing seems like an instant classic, but there are plenty of shows to try, including Kyoto Animation's long-awaited Clannad; a new Gundam; Shion no Ou, starring Kawasumi Ayako and Paku Romi, about a schoolgirl chess prodigy who stopped speaking as a child when her parents were killed before her eyes; Blue Drop, which involves a relationship between a high-school girl and a female alien spy; Nougami Neuro, the detective from hell; DaCapo II; Mokke, about two sisters who see and interact with spirits, starring Kawasumi Ayako and Mizuki Nana; Sketchbook, which is from a 4-panel comic and may have echoes of Lucky Star and Hidamari Sketch; Dragonaut, made by Gonzo but starring VAs associated with KyoAni; Bamboo Blade, seinen school comedy from a popular manga; Genshiken 2; Shakugan no Shana 2; KimiKiss, with its excellent staff and cast; ef - a tale of memories, a game conversion made by Oonuma Shin, working under Shinbou, and with music by Tenmon; a new Tsubasa OVA with a new staff, written by the person who wrote Cardcaptor Sakura; and possibly the most interesting of all: Ghost Hound, Production IG's 20th anniversary production.Shows are listed by day of the week, with OVAs last. English titles are linked to each show's Anime News Network information page. Japanese titles are linked to the show's official site. And there is a link to the informative discussions of each show in the AnimeSuki forums. Everyone will have different preferences, but shows that seem interesting to me are in red.SundayMaple Story メイプルストーリー. Based on a Korean free MMORPG that recently reached 1.6 million registrants. The anime is intriguing for its staff and cast. Director Ishiyama Takaaki did Otogijushi Akazukin, which was beautifully made, and there are hints of a similar world here.Lead writer Inoue Toshiki adapted Death Note and Sumomomo Momomo, as well as doing all or most of the Galaxy Angel series. And we have Kuwashima Houko and Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) in the cast. Madhouse. oct07 sun08:30 AnimeSuki.Pururun Shizuku-chan ぷるるんっ！しずくちゃん. Kids' show starring a raindrop in a beautiful forest that it wants to preserve. The director is directing his first show in seven years.The only seiyuu I recognize is Yuzuki Ryoka (Minagi in AIR, Eruruu in Utawarerumono). Early-morning kids' show. TMS. oct07 sun09:00 AnimeSuki.Mokke もっけ. Fantasy mystery-drama based on a seinen manga. Shizuru and Mizuki are sisters born in a family with spiritual abilities. The elder sister, Shizuru, is able to see spirits; the younger, Mizuki, is easily possessed by them. As their calm and peaceful days of youth progress, the sisters have many encounters which lead them to respect and treasure life and all its beauties and marvels. (anidb.net)With an interesting set-up, animation by Madhouse, and Kawasumi Ayako and Mizuki Nana as the leads, this could be a sleeper — unless it's aimed too young. Directed by Nishida Masayoshi, who did Eyeshield, adapted by Nagatsu Seiko (Splash Star) from the manga. Madhouse. oct07 sun23:30 AnimeSuki.Rental Magica レンタルマギカ. Great cast, decent director. From a shounen novel that has spawned both a shounen and a shoujo manga. About an agency that hires out magicians of all kinds.Kawasaki Itsurou directed Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuko wo and Canvas2. Written by Ikeda Mamiko (Emma2, Keroro Gunso, Umishou). Stars include Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch), Ueda Kana (Yumi from Marimite), Takahashi Mikako (Ayu from Honey & Clover), Suwabe Junichi (Archer from F/SN), Kugimiya Rie (Shana), Itou Shizuka (Wilhelmina from Shana), Ono Daisuke (Kazuya in Kaze no Stigma). The preview shows good animation -- and that this series probably isn't for me. ZEXCS. oct10 sun24:00 AnimeSuki.Prism Ark プリズム・アーク. Fantasy adventure-romance set in an alternative-universe medieval crusades era. Giant flying dragons, school uniforms, and medieval moe included. Based on an ero-game. The game has a very good reputation, particularly for its visuals.Interesting cast: Sakakibara Yui (singer, Haruhi in Happiness), Kakihara Tetsuya, Nabatame Hitomi, Mizuhashi Kaori, Momoi Halko, Asakawa Yuu (Rider in Fate/Stay Night), Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna in Negima!?), Asano Masumi, Gotou Saori (Barasuishou in Rozen Maiden), Koyama Kimiko (Uzuki in Happy Lesson).Director Obari Masami did Angel Blade, the Gravion shows and Dancouga Nova. Writer Hosono Yuuji did Trinity Blood, Ray, and Pumpkin Scissors. Animation by FRONTLINE. oct07 sun24:30 AnimeSuki.Minami-ke みなみけ. Three sisters living alone. A seinen slice-of-life comedy from a manga by the author of Today in Class 2-5. The manga has a bit of that show's fanservice. What worries me is that the animation house, Doumu, had its credibility damaged by the great inconsistency of the animation in Yoake-mae yori Ruri-iro na ~ Crescent Love, and that show's director, Oota Masahijo, is doing this show, too. As with Futakoi (also produced by Starchild), a second series with the same name and a completely different staff -- but maybe the same voice actors -- will begin in January.Great cast includes Satou Rina (Negi in Negima) as the responsible elder sister; Inoue Marina (Yoko in Gurren-Lagann) as the rambunctious middle sister; Chihara Minori (Yuki in Suzumiya Haruhi, in her third starring role this season) as the quiet youngest sister; Mizuki Nana; Morinaga Rika (Mamiina in Simoun); Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann); Ono Daisuke (in his third role of the fall); and Kitamura Eri (also in her third role). oct10 sun25:30 AnimeSuki.Juushin Enbu - Hero Tales 獣神演武　- HERO TALES -. Shounen historical action. Taitou and his sister Laila learn that he is the incarnation of a mysterious star. This gives him great power he has yet fully to master. From a manga drawn (but not written) by Arakawa Hiromu, who did both on FMA. Anime adaptation by Sekijima Mayori (Kaze no Stigma, Zegapain).The preview was a pleasing combination of heroic and comic, and some people are very enthusiastic, but it worries me that this is directed by Sekita Osamu (Ichigo 100%). Good cast includes Suzumura Kenichi (Asuka Shinn in Gundam), Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Yuuki Tai (the Chevalier D'Eon), Hayami Shou (Julious in Angelique), Kanda Akemi, Kaida Yuko and Fukuyama Jun. Studio Flag. oct07 sun26:00 AnimeSuki.MondayBonolon ~Fushigi na Mori no Ii Tsutae ボノロン ～不思議な森のいいつたえ～. Bonoron is a young spirit born from the great trees in a forest. He travels through the forest solving problems and righting wrongs. nov05 mon08:25Chocomimi チョコミミ. Shoujo kids' manga will be presented in a combination of live action and flash animation. Details still unavailable. oct01 mon17:30Bamboo Blade Bamboo Blade (jp). Seinen comedy. High-school kendo instructor Kojirou is broke. He agrees to send his all-girl team to a competition against his senpai's team. If his team can win, he will have free meals for a year! But the problem is that Kojirou can't find five girls to form his "dream team" — and time is running out. (from the Fifay scanlation group via NeoSam's post on AnimeSuki).The cast is highly promising: Hirohashi Ryou, Toyoguchi Megumi, Kuwashima Houko, Satou Rina, Konishi Katsuyuki, Ishida Akira (voted top supporting voice of 2006 for Athrun Zala in Gundam), et al. Director Saitou Hisashi is new, but has done key animation on many good shows: Lodoss, Planetes, F/SN, Tokyo Majin. Writer Kurata Hideyuki did R.O.D., Now & Then and Kamichu. And the manga has a lot of fans. AIC A.S.T.A. oct01 mon25:30 AnimeSuki.Sketchbook ~full color's~ スケッチブック ～full color's～ Promising slice-of-life anime centred on a shy girl who likes sketching. Like Lucky Star and Hidamari Sketch, it comes from a 4-panel comic strip and features "tiny things that happen to anyone, any day...lots of laughs, and just a bit of heartfelt emotion."Lovely cast stars Hanazawa Kana (Shiika in Mushiuta, Ryouko in Zegapain), with Saitou Momoko (Solty Rei), Nakase Asuka (Itsuki in I"s Pure), Hirohashi Ryou, Tamura Yukari, Asano Masumi (Najimi in Doujin Work), Kuwatani Natsuko (Suiseiseki in Rozen Maiden).Director Hiraike Yoshimasa did Solty Rei. The manga was adapted by Okada Mari (Otoboku, many eps of Simoun). Animation by Hal Filmmaker. oct01 mon26:00 AnimeSuki.Kawaii! Jenny Kawaii! ジェニー. This is listed on MoonPhase, but appears to be less an anime than a special effects film, featuring animated dolls. Directed by Kawakita Kouichi, a veteran director who did a number of Godzilla films. Written by Urasawa Yoshio, who did Fushigi Yuugi and Nerima Daikon Brothers. 13eps. sep24 mon26:30TuesdayKaiji カイジ. This promises to be something unusual. Kaiji is a layabout and gambler who is saddled with a friend's huge gambling debt and ends up on a ship where he has to win at gambling to get free. He is far from brilliant, but with his back against the wall, he somehow keeps coming through, despite the presence of some very evil bad guys. He is apparently weak, selfish and stupid, but is nevertheless a rich character liked by fans of both sexes — there is male nudity in the manga, and there are almost no female characters.Stars Hagiwara Masato, who was Akagi in Akagi and Takuya in The Place Promised in Our Early Days. Director Sato Yuzo did Akagi, which was written by the same mangaka, Fukumoto Nobuyuki, and also involved gambling. Madhouse. oct02 tue24:59 AnimeSuki.Suteki Tantei Labyrinth 素敵探偵ラビリンス. Boy detective solves supernatural mysteries in the half-abandoned old capital of Tokyo. From the manga by Manjou Meito and Wakayama Seiji. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki (Shinku in Rozen Maiden).Animation Director Akiyama Yukiko did Black Cat. Lead writer Takahashi Natsuko did Gakuen Heaven and the weird and wonderful Koutetsu Sangokushi. Director Watanabe Hiroshi did Ueki's Law and Shining TearsxWind. This show is not at the top of my list. Studio Deen. oct02 tue25:30Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro 魔人探偵 脳噛ネウロ. Yako's father was murdered in a locked room. She meets a man named Nougami Neuro who turns out to be a demon from Hell who "eats riddles." He forces Yako to act as a detective so he can solve mysteries. Neuro longs to eat the ultimate mystery.Neuro can be "creepy, charismatic, sarcastic, and downright nonchalantly sick."(Nightengale on AnimeSuki). Great leading cast: Koyasu Takehito (Gym Ghingnham in Turn A Gundam) and Ueda Kana. Long-running Shounen Jump manga. I'll be there to see what's up with this one. Madhouse. oct02 tue25:59 AnimeSuki.Blue Drop ~Tenshitachi no Gikyoku~ ＢＬＵＥ ＤＲＯＰ ～天使達の戯曲～. Animation of a prequel story to a sexy yuri shounen manga by the author of Ray and Eat-Man. The story involves intended conquest of the Earth by a race of humanoid aliens who are all female. Against a background of school life, affection grows between a human schoolgirl and an alien spy masquerading as a schoolgirl. The alien starts off instinctively hating the schoolgirl, but eventually comes to doubt her own mission of conquest.The mangas are more Kashimashi than Marimite, but intriguing anyway. They create a world. The trailer is good and promises an artistic approach. Strong cast includes Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan), Sawashiro Miyuki (in her fourth show of the season), Gotou Yuuko (Mikuru in Suzumiya Haruhi, in her fourth show of the season), Yukino Satsuki (Ai in Planetes, in her third), Nonaka Ai (Mikan in Manabi Straight). OPED by Suara/Elements Garden. Director Ohkura Masahiko's second anime, after Yukikaze. Top sound director Tsuruoka Yota did Lucky Star, Rozen Maiden, etc. Animation by Ashi, BeSTACK. 13eps. oct02 tue26:00 AnimeSuki.Night Wizard ナイトウィザード The ANIMATION. From an RPG. Nice character designs. The game involves Wizards fighting against Emulators, creatures immune to physical attack. The director of Welcome to the NHK (Yamamoto Yuusuke) and a writer who did a lot of work on ARIA (Fujisaki Ayuna) make this seem interesting. Starring Satou Rina, Miyazaki Ui (Iroha in Sumomomo) and Gotou Yuuko, as well as the male lead from the Galaxy Railways shows (Yanagi Naoki). HAL Filmmaker. oct02 tue26:00 AnimeSuki.Myself ; Yourself Myself ; Yourself (jp). Potentially interesting high-school romance from the director and the writer of the fanservice anime, Chokotto Sister. Great cast features Koyasu Takehito, Koshimizu Ami (Karen in Code Geass), Tamura Yukari (Nanoha), Kaneda Tomoko (Peach in Powerpuff Z), Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy in Black Lagoon), Nakahara Mai (Mai in Mai-HiME).Tachibana Shinnosuke (Benvolio inRomeo+Juliet) plays the lead, Sana, who returns to his home town after five years during which his family lived in Tokyo. He finds everyone has changed over the years, and love blooms in what the official site describes as a "heartful love story." I like the sound of that. Dogakobo. 13eps. oct02 tue26:15 AnimeSuki.WednesdayD.C. II ~Da Capo II~ D.C.II ～ダ・カーポII～. New life for the successful moe/romance franchise. Joining Horie Yui, who has a new role, Chihara Minori enters the cast, along with her co-star from Venus vs. Virus, Takagaki Ayahi. Also new are Mizuhashi Kaori (Ai in ARIA), Itou Shizuka, Aoki Sayaka (Kyon's sister) and Yamaguchi Kappei (L from Death Note).A capable director is at the helm (Kobayashi Tomoki, who did sola and Utawarerumono). The lead writer, Amiyama Saharu, also did Ai yori Aoshi. And the new character designer, Shimazawa Noriko, should fit right in: she did Final Approach and Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru. This could be a good version of the harem genre. Animation by feel. 13eps. oct17 wed24:00 AnimeSuki.Dragonaut: The Resonance ドラゴノーツ -ザ・レゾナンス-. Space combat on flying armored dragons? Animation by Gonzo (with a first-time director), but starring Ono Daisuke and Chihara Minori from Suzumiya Haruhi as romantic leads. This is Minorin's third starring role of the fall, along with DaCapo II and Minami-ke.The starry cast also includes KyoAni stalwarts Gotou Yuuko, Sugita Tomokazu, and Hirano Aya (in a minor role). Suwabe Junichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Mizuki Nana, the recently married Chiba Saeko (Natsuki in Mai-HiME), and Kobayashi Yu round out a truly outstanding group of seiyuus. And sound director Tsuruoka Yota comes over from KyoAni to guide them.The preview looks good -- highly romantic -- but the fact that no lead writer is credited on the official site worries me. OP by eufonius. GONZO. oct03 wed25:50 AnimeSuki. Kodomo no Jikan こどものじかん. A ten-year-old who lives alone with her doting elder brother and keeps throwing herself at her young male teacher? A manga that is full of ecchi scenes between them? But the manga is funny, serious and humane, nonetheless.An OVA with the same staff and cast as the series was well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri (Saya in Blood+) as Rin and Kadowaki Mai (Behoimi in PaniPoni) and Shindou Kei as her friends. First major directorial job for experienced animator Suganuma Eiji (Pumpkin Scissors, Bincho-tan). Watashiya Kaworu's popular manga is adapted by Okada Mari. Studio Barcelona. oct03 wed26:00 AnimeSuki.Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん. Straight-ahead ecchi harem comedy. The hero is forced by his sexy elder sister to live with a beautiful girl, Mayu, in order to cure her fear of boys: sleep together, bathe together, etc. Then the beautiful tsuntsun student council president enters the household…as a maid.The director's last big show was DN Angel, and the lead writer directed Black Lagoon and wrote Tokimeki Memorial. Tokimeki may be a recommendation to some people, but I disliked that show intensely. However, I look forward to hearing Kadowaki Mai in another major role. Sawashiro Miyuki is the student council pres. The late broadcast time (3am) suggests possible extreme fanservice. AIC Spirits. oct03 wed28:08 AnimeSuki.ThursdayGhost Hound 神霊狩/GHOST HOUND. Written by the writer of Lain (Chiaki J. Konaka) from a concept by the writer of Ghost in the Shell (Shirow Masamune). Directed by the director of REC and Kino no Tabi. VAs include Fukuyama Jun, Houshi Souichirou (Maebara in Higurashi), and Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan)."An eternal spiritual story for adults who have the minds of boys." An ancient electronic brain allows interchange between the open and the hidden world. This could be triumph or travesty, but it's Production IG's "20th anniversary" production, so I have high hopes. The trailer animation is interesting. oct18 thu23:30 AnimeSuki.Moyashimon もやしもん. Also known as "Tales of Agriculture." This is the Noitamina anime for the fall season. It's about a youth who can see and talk to cute chibi bacteria and other microscopic organisms, which gets him into all sorts of trouble. The theme is agriculture - fermenting alcohol, making yogurt, etc. (Robotic anime blog).Directed by Yano Yuichirou (Uninhabited Planet Survive) and adapted from the manga by Takahashi Natsuko (Gakuen Heaven, Koutetsu Sangokushi). The outline is so weird that one doesn’t know what to expect. The manga has fans. There are some interesting names in the cast: Ohara Sayaka (Alicia Florence in ARIA), Noto Mamiko, Konishi Katsuyuki (Sergay Wang in Mai-Otome), Kanda Akemi (Asuna in Negima). Telecom Animation Film. 11eps. oct11 thu24:45 AnimeSuki.You're Under Arrest: Full Throttle 逮捕しちゃうぞ フルスロットル. This is the third series, and they are still using the original cast and staff from the mid-90s. If Tamagawa Sakiko is as good as she was as Onashia in Simoun, she will be wonderful.Police officers Natsumi and Miyuki ended their partnership after their last adventure, but not for long! They’re reuniting after they’ve gone through extensive training: Natsumi with the Special Ops, and Miyuki with the Los Angeles police forensics. This time, they’ll have big responsibilities: they’ll be saving Tokyo City. ("Toua", AnimeSuki). Studio Deen. oct04 thu25:25 AnimeSuki.Shakugan no Shana II 灼眼のシャナII. Second season of the wildly popular Shana. Personally, the only things I liked about the first season were the character design (originally by Itou Noizi) and the voices, Kugimiya Rie's in particular. Monsters don't work for me.Director Watanabe Takashi did Shana, Starship Operators and Ikki Tousen. Lead writer Kobayashi Yasuko did Shana, Claymore, Witchblade, and Yume Tsukai. In the preview, the characters look either a bit older or a bit closer to the original character design from the novels. JCStaff. oct04 thu25:25 AnimeSuki.Clannad CLANNAD (jp). One of the most anticipated shows of the fall. KyoAni animates another visual novel by Visual Art's/Key. Director Ishihara Tetsuya did Kanon, AIR, and Suzumiya Haruhi. Writer Shimo Fumihiko did AIR and Kanon. Glittering cast includes Nakahara Mai, Kanda Akemi, Kuwashima Houko (Shuurei in Saiunkoku), Nonaka Ai (Iriya), Noto Mamiko, Yukino Satsuki, Enomoto Atsuko (starred in KareKano), Inoue Kikuko (Belldandy), Hirohashi Ryou (Alice Carroll in ARIA). The male lead is played by Nakamura Yuuichi (Abe in Ookiku Furikabutte).Okazaki Tomoya is a high-school senior who doesn't take his studies seriously. Always late for class, he's seen as a delinquent by the rest of his classmates, who are busy preparing for their entrance examinations. One day he meets a girl, Furukawa Nagisa, all of whose friends have already graduated. What a clumsy girl, he thinks. But while helping her, he meets some other girls. Although he doesn't care much about them at first, he soon opens his heart to them and they get to know each other better. If this has character, relationship and mood approaching what Kanon had, I'll be watching. Kyoto Animation. oct04 thu25:55 AnimeSuki.FridayGenshiken 2 げんしけん. Second series of the wonderful tale of a college "Modern Visual Culture" club. Director Yoshimoto Kinji is new, having previously done hentai titles (Night Shift Nurses: Experiment, Natural Obsessions 2, etc.) Writer Yokote Michiko did the previous series, as well as Princess Tutu and Kujibiki Unbalance.Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, and Kaida Yuki (Shusuke in Prince of Tennis) join the cast, which already includes Kawasumi Ayako, Yukino Satsuki, Hiyama Nobuyuki (Ri Kouyuu in Saiunkoku), Ishida Akira, Seki Tomokazu (Chiaki in Nodame), etc. Not sure what significance there is in the change of animation companies: from Palm Studio for the first series, to Asiadou for the OVA, to Arms for this series. oct12 fri24:00 AnimeSuki.SaturdaySensei no Chommage ~Sengoku Gakudou Nikki~ 先生のチョンマゲ～戦国学童日記～. Just announced. "Master's Topknot - Diary of a Warring States Student." Appears to be a samurai comedy-drama intended for a younger audience. Slated for a three-season run (~39eps). No details available. oct06 sat07:00.Tensai? Doctor Hamax 天才？Dr.ハマックス. First full directorial job for Fusegi Kazunobu, who worked on ARIA and GITS:SAC. Doctor Hamax solves environmental problems. Nazuka Kaori gets another weekend family anime. Trans-arts w/Production IG. 12eps. oct06 sat08:00Shugo Chara! しゅごキャラ!. Elementary-school princess Amu finds three mysterious little eggs in her bed. Each egg contains a "Guardian Character". These are angel-like beings that can give a human the power to change their abilities. With help from these Guardian Characters, Amu will discover that her true self is even more amazing than she ever dreamed. (ANN)Directed by Yasuda Kenji, who directed several episodes of Noein. Written by Shimada Michiru, who did the adaptations of Emily of New Moon and Nanatsuiro Drops. OP/ED by Buono!, which is made up of members of the young-teen idol groups Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute. Intriguing cast includes newcomer Itou Kanae; young Asumi Kana, who was excellent as Yuno in Hidamari; Kato Nanae, who was Princess Tutu; and the refreshing voice of Toyosaki Aki, who is Amuro in Umishou. Peach-Pit manga animated by Satelight. oct06 sat09:30 AnimeSuki.Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 機動戦士ガンダムOO. Outstanding cast and staff promise an interesting 12th Gundam series. The series takes place 300 years from now, on Earth. The main lead, Setsuna F. Seiei (Miyano Mamoru, Light in Death Note), pilots a mobile suit named Gundam Exia for a mysterious private military organization that is fighting to eradicate the nonstop wars that plague the world. (from "Sety on AnimeSuki).Miyano is joined by Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in FMA), Kamiya Hiroshi (Zetsubou Sensei), Honna Youko (Shizuku in Whisper of the Heart), Irino Miyu (Sena in Eyeshield 21), Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in MoonPhase), Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover), and the surprising Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) in her third show this fall. Director Mizushima Seiji of FMA is at the helm, with Kuroda Yousuke of Madlax and Honey & Clover 2 as lead writer. Music by Kawai Kenji (FS/N, Higurashi), OP by L'Arc-en-Ciel. Sunrise. oct06 sat18:00 AnimeSuki.ef - a tale of memories ef - a tale of memories (jp). Game conversion. Protagonist Hirono Hiro, a poor high school boy, draws shoujo manga for a living. One cold Christmas night after meeting one strange woman in church, his bike is stolen by another strange girl. He runs after her and finds her collapsed on the street. They start hanging out together, enjoying highschool life. Hiro’s life is also strongly influenced by Shindou Kei, his childhood friend. (ANN)Director Oonuma Shin did a good job with the Negima!? OVAs, and Akiyuki Shinbou is overseeing the project for Shaft. The adaptation is by Takayama Katsuhiko, who adapted Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora and edited KGnE. Music by Tenmon, who does the music for Shinkai Makoto's animes. The music in the preview is godly.Voice cast of lesser-known VAs comes over from the game. This may be a weak point, since the excellent trailer is marred by stilted, game-like voices. But the trailer hooked me, so I will definitely start this one. Shaft. 12eps. oct6 sat25:35 AnimeSuki.KimiKiss pure rouge キミキス pure rouge. Fabulous director and cast. Director Kasai Kenichi directed Major, Honey&Clover, and Nodame Cantabile. Writer Tsuchiya Rikei did Major and Kaikan Phrase. Cast includes Koshimizu Ami, Mizuhashi Kaori, Ikezawa Haruna (Yoshino in Marimite), Hirohashi Ryou, Tanaka Rie (Hiro in Hataraki Man), Noto Mamiko, Nogawa Sakura (Nemu in DaCapo), and Nakahara Mai.This is baased on a PS2 love-sim and appears to be a harem anime, with the protagonist coming to school in spring determined to get a first kiss from one of the six cute girls who surround him. But the good staff and interesting character design give me hope for something special. And Koshimizu Ami always gets my attention. JCStaff. oct06 sat26:45 AnimeSuki.Shion no Ou しおんの王 . Subtitle: The Flowers of Hard Blood. Shion's parents were murdered and she was taken in by a neighbor couple of whom the husband was a chess master. From the day she lost her parents, she stopped speaking, and came to communicate by notes. Young Shion becomes a chess prodigy, competing to become a pro against a mysterious cold girl with long blonde hair. The manga is good.Director Kawase Toshifumi did Tenjho Tenge and wrote the adaptation of Higurashi. Add Kawasumi Ayako (in her fourth show of the season) and Paku Romi (rocker Nana in NANA) and this is a must-watch, at least for the first few episodes. Kouda Mariko, who played Nayuki in Kanon, is also in the cast. Studio Deen. oct13 satlate AnimeSuki.OVAKoharu Biyori こはるびより. Set in a near future where robots are common. Takaya Murase has just purchased a maid robot. Maid Yui is ready to live a normal life cleaning, cooking, and serving her owner, But Takaya has other plans for her — like dressing her up to suit his fantasies (from ANN). From a manga running in Dengeki Moeoh.This sounds pretty low, especially considering that it is animated by Doumu, which did Yoake-mae yori Ruri-iro na ~ Crescent Love. The writer, Aoshima Takashi, did that show, and the director did Marginal Prince, which was also a marginal show (but which I liked better than most people). But any show featuring Kitamura Eri has a chance. Music by Watanabe Tsuyoshi (Ichigo Mashimaro). Preview broadcast in October. Doumou. OVA (one episode?) nov21 AnimeSuki.Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations ツバサ TOKYO REVELATIONS. A separate project from the Tsubasa Chronicle anime, this series is handled by Production I.G. and Ohkawa Ageha, CLAMP's scriptwriter. Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations is three 25-minutes OVAs covering the Tokyo Arc, which follows episode 42 of the anime series. The staff and cast make this a promising show.When Sakura, Syaoran, Fye, Kurogane and Mokona arrive in a strange, desolate world and meet a mysterious hooded group, little can they imagine that the inevitable events that will take place in this world will make their journey take a dramatic turn and change their lives forever. (summary by "Kathna/Miyazawa Lulu" from anidb.net)Starring Irino Miyu and Makino Yui (Misaki in Welcome to the NHK). With Kikuchi Mika (Mokona in Tsubasa and XXXHolic), Chiba Saeko, Endou Aya, Miyano Mamoru, Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask), Ohara Sayaka. Directed by Tada Shunsuke, who directed the Prince of Tennis National Tournament OVA. Written by Ohkawa Ageha, who wrote Cardcaptor Sakura. Production IG. OVA 1/3eps. nov16 fri AnimeSuki.Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files 装甲騎兵ボトムズ ペールゼン・ファイルズ. New OVA series of Armored Trooper Votoms, made by the original staff, using newer 3DCG. Mecha fans admire the realistic mecha design of the the classic original series. New story about the end of the 100 year (anidb.net).Stars Gouda Hozumi, from the original cast. Mecha design by Okawara Kunio, whose credits include many Gundam shows, as well as the original Votoms. Sunrise. OVA 1/12eps. oct26 fri AnimeSuki.Kyo Kara Maoh! R 今日からマ王！Ｒ. First of a five-ep OVA following the 78-episode series from 2004-06. Most of the same staff and cast return, including director Nishimura Junji, who also directed Simoun.The story of the new series has not been announced, but the original is about a timid high school boy who suddenly finds himself in another world, which is divided between humans and an enemy race — and he is king of the enemy race. I haven’t seen the original series, but its comic humanity has some strong fans. Studio Deen. OVA 1/5eps. oct26 fri AnimeSuki.Strait Jacket ストレイト・ジャケット. "Leon the Professional meets Blade Runner…but steampunk." In a world where industry and sorcery coexist, people can suddenly turn into Malevolents, the enemies of all mankind, and even a young boy has had to kill someone he loved. A "gun action fantasy." Already licensed for R1 release.From a popular series of novels by Sakaki Ichirou (Scrapped Princess). Director Ushirou Jinji was assistant director of Otoboku. Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber) leads the cast. Feel. OVA 1/3eps. nov30 AnimeSuki.Hidamari Sketch special ひだまりスケッチ 特別編 前後編. The TV series was a visually outstanding, amusing and "heartful" slice-of-life comedy, with great performances from stars Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Matsuki Miyu (Cordelia in RomeoxJuliet), Gotou Yuuko, and Shintani Ryouko (Rachel in Red Garden).Akiyuki Shinbou (Negima!?, PaniPoni) oversees the project, which is directed by Kamitsubo Ryouki. Two-part DVD special airs on one night. Shaft. OVA 1-2/2eps. oct18 thu24:30 AnimeSuki.Nasu: Migratory Bird with Suitcase 茄子 スーツケースの渡り鳥. Directed and written by Kousaka Kitarou, who was animation director of several great Ghibli titles, including Whispers, Mononoke, Spirited and Howl.This is the sequel to his previous OVA about Pepe, the Spanish cyclist. Star Ooizumi You is mainly a TV actor. Other main seiyuus include Sakamoto Maaya, Yamadera Kouichi (Spike Spiegel, etc.), and Ohtsuki Akio (Black Jack). Madhouse. OVA 1/1eps. oct24 wed AnimeSuki. Tales of Symphonia テイルズ オブ シンフォニア THE ANIMATION. Based on the Game Cube and Play Station game. Two worlds exist, each unaware of the existence of the other. In order for one world to flourish, the other has to perish. On the dying world, a Chosen one is sent on a journey to restore that world's mana by awakening the Spirits and becoming an angel. Colette Brunel, the Chosen of Sylvarant, sets out on her journey accompanied by her best friends Lloyd Irving and Genis Sage. As they travel further they meet more friends and even more enemies, while they learn more and more about the truth behind World Regeneration. (ANN)Mizuki Nana and Konishi Katsuyuki head the cast, with Kuwashima Houko, Touma Yumi (Emma) and others. Written by the writer of Manabi Straight. New director. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin. OVA 3/3eps. oct24 wed AnimeSuki.Information in this post is from: MoonPhase, MoonPhase Notes, official sites, Shoboi Calendar, anidb.net, Anime News Network, AnimeSuki forums, and Japanese Wikipedia. In a few days, I will post a complete calendar of broadcast days and times during the week, including both new shows and continuing shows.
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