Review: If the Media Cleansing Committee were real, Library War would be among the very first anime to be censored. It has extremely rebellious theme that is seldom seen in any anime. It inspires viewers to stand up for their ideals and protect their rightful freedom of expression even if doing so would mean taking [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Before the season started, this was the show I had highest hopes for, because Oonuma Shin (ef memories/melodies) was the director. And the hopes are beginning to be realized. Maybe it just took me a while to get it. Maybe Nabeshin (Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemi) directing episode three was what I needed, lol.In any case, the seiyuu work here is so interesting that I've made a characters/seiyuus page with pics of characters and their seiyuus, and info about the seiyuus. Click here or on the image to go to the full page:There's lots of good work, but I'm particularly struck by two newish names: Harada Hitomi as Himeji and Isomura Tomomi as Shouko. This is great comic character work. Both are a little over the top, but that works here. There are pics and info for both of them on the new page.Harada-san did such a great job with the entirely dissimilar character of Tomoe in Sasameki Koto. She began as a singer and has only recently switched to seiyuu work. Isomura-san is a gamer and game-seiyuu. She says about herself: "Standing, I am a seiyuu. Sitting, I am an otaku. Walking around, I am a cosplayer."It's also great to see two other names who have done good work recently: Miharu (the yuri attacker) is played by Taketatsu Ayane, who is Azusa in K-On, Ako in kissxsis, and Vanilla in Yumeiro Patissiere.And Yuuji is played by Suzuki Tatsuhisa, who did such a nice job as Sugata in Sora no Otoshimono and as Tezuka in Library War.It's always great to hear Mizuhashi Kaori (Minami), who was Ogiue in Genshiken and is Miyako in Hidamari Sketch.And Katou Emiri continues to prove that her "best new seiyuu" award for 2007 was justified. You may or may not think her voice is low enough to be a guy (Hideyoshi), but the tonality and expression are great. She was Kagami in Lucky Star and Mayoi in Bakemonogatari, among other roles.And I like what Shimono Hiro does: here as Aki, as Jin in Kannagi, and as Hiro in ef.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Also, School Rumble 6, Nephylym 2, and Nakayoshi 76 Toshokan Sensou: Love & War © by Yumi Kiiro & Arikawa Hiro/Hakusensha (Serialized in LaLa and LaLa DX) Published in Indonesia as Library War - Love & War by Elex Media Library Task Force member Tezuka Hikaru's hard training menu pays off and he gets promoted. What of fellow book defender Kasahara Iku, the indomitable Task Force recruit
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

This press release highlights a variety of new manga due out from Viz this spring, including the Stan Lee-Hiroyuki Takei collaboration Ultimo, several titles from the SigIKKI online comics site, some teen shoujo titles from the Shojo Beat imprint, and the much-awaited Library Wars. Read on for titles, dates, and descriptions, and watch this space [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

This is the first season to make me really believe the cries of woe that have been coming from the anime industry for years. My list has only 17 new shows coming out in the first three months of next year. That compares with 36 shows in the same period this year.But there are some promising and/or eagerly awaited shows among them:Baka to Test to Shokanjuu is a school comedy based on a top-rated light novel, and it is directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the two ef shows for Shaft. Because of him, this is at the top of my list.Dhurara is by the staff that made the underrated Baccano, and is based on a novel by the same author as that show. Dance in the Vampire Bund is Shinbou Akiyuki's next big thing after Bakemonogatari. It is based on a popular manga in which the loli-looking queen of the vampires pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live.So Ra No Wo To is by the director of Elfen Lied and the writer of Macross Frontier, but appears to be more like ARIA in a Strike Witches setting, and with K-On character design.Nodame Cantabile: Finale ends that great series under the direction of Kon Chiaki, who directed Higurashi and the somewhat disappointing Nodame Paris. But it is written by the well-known playwright and novelist who wrote Gurren-Lagann.Katanagatari is the second of NisiOisiN's novels to be animated, after Bakemonogatari, and is therefore highly anticipated -- but it is done by the same staff that made School Days and Amenaideyo, so I personally have low expectations. Except for the wonderful art and character design you see above.Ookami Kakushi is a new seinen horror thriller from a game by Ryuukishi07, who created Higurashi.And starting in March, fans will have a new Gundam OVA series, Gundam Unicorn, with an interesting new/old look and written and directed by the men who made Chevalier D'Eon.And there are other shows that will appeal to various audiences. The following alphabetical list links to fuller descriptions of each show. The full descriptions are in order of first broadcast. For the first time this year I have included links to online scanlations of mangas. Also included are links to video previews of most shows, along with detailed staff and cast info, a story synopsis, and an image.// Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu     // Chuu Bra!!     // Dance In The Vampire Bund     // Dhurarara!!     // Hanamaru Youchien     // Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei     // Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu     // Kaitou Reinya     // Katanagatari     // Ladies versus Butlers!     // Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn     // Nodame Cantabile: Finale     // Omamori Himari     // Ookami Kakushi     // Seikon no Qwaser     // Sex Pistols     // So Ra No Wo ToNOTES:-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out around the end of the year-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, Who Subs What, et al.-- English titles link to an anime's Anime News Network page, Japanese titles to its official siteHaruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei(jp: 遙かなる時空の中で3 終わりなき運命)reverse harem historical adventure fantasyAnother OVA based on the popular reverse-harem girls' adventure game set about a thousand years ago in Japan. Our heroine is a modern girl thrown back in time and involved in fighting leading up to the great civil war battle of Dan no Ura. But the situation is complicated by the presence of a friend from the present on the other side of the battle.Stars Kawakami Tomoko (Utena, Misuzu in AIR, Amber in Darker than Black, etc.), with a harem including Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, etc.TV special airs 26 Dec.seiyuus: Kawakami Tomoko, Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, Takahashi Naozumi, Miyata Kouki, Nakahara Shigeru, Inoue Kazuhiko, Hoshi Souichirou, Ishida Akira, Kuwashima Houko.director: Kimiya Shigeru (Hand Maid May OVA); chief dir Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru)writer: Takamura Kouji (new).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Miracle Train). chara-des: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Miracle Train); orig Mizuno Touko (manga). art: Shibata Chikako (Rozen Maiden, Honey Clover, NeoAngelique).music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Death Note, Bantorra).manga.sun 03 jan 25:00 (DVD 24mar)Chuu Bra!!(jp: ちゅーぶら!!)seinen ecchi pantsuEducational show (lol) about a junior high school girl who has strong principles regarding underwear. In order to educate other students, she starts the "Underwear Club" at her school.Good cast stars Chihara Minori (Yuki in Haruhi), Yahagi Sayuri (Izumi in Hayate), Kotobuki Minako and Hikasa Youko (Tsumugi and Mio in K-On). The stars sing the OP and ED.Strange staff group for a show of this kind: the director of Gakuen Heaven and the writer of Saiunkoku and RomeoxJuliet.seiyuus: Chihara Minori, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi/K-On), Yahagi Sayuri, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On).director: Hiiro Yukina (Gakuen Heaven, Shikabane eps)writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On). Nakata Yumi (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Yatsu Miyako (Idaten Jump).OPED seiyuus.manga. subs: Hatsuyuki?.mon 04 jan 23:30So Ra No Wo To(jp: ソ・ラ・ノ・ヲ・ト)moe slice-of-lifeSet in a "near distant"future in a land that, after years of war, has settled into decline. Kanata Kumika is a 15-year-old girl who fulfills her dream of enlisting in the army and joins a unit of five girls who protect a fortress that looms over a little village. The girls play music that reverberates across the skies over towns without people and seas without fish. Setting reportedly modelled on the Spanish city of Cuenca and the nearby Alarcón Fortress. (anidb)First in the "Anime no Chikara" series, produced by Aniplex and aired on TV Tokyo, supposedly to televise inventive new series.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and Denpateki na Kanojo. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did Mai-Hime and -Otome, Macross Frontier and Denpateki na Kanojo, as well as this season's Dance in the Vampire Bund.Stars model/actress Aikawa Juri (also known as Kanemoto Hisako). Young Yuuki Aoi gets a second winter show (along with Vampire Bund). Kitamura Eri, Kobayashi Yuu, and Endou Aya also appear.Original character design by Mel Kishida has been simplified to look like K-On, and the situation is reminiscent of Strike Witches, but I don’t think this is like either of them. Has a chance to be quite good: may be more ARIA than K-On. OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki, and performed by Kalafina (OP) and Tomatsu Haruka.seiyuus: Aikawa Juri (aka Kanemoto Hisako, actress/model), Kobayashi Yuu, Kitamura Eri, Yuuki Aoi, Endou Aya, Fukuen Misato, Ishizuka Unshou, Yasokawa Mayuno.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Mai-Otome, Macross F, Denpateki na Kanojo). Paradores (orig).animation: A-1 Pictures (Kannagi, Birdy Decode, Fairy Tail). chara-des: Akai Toshifumi; Mel Kishida. art: Kai Masatoshi; Aoki Tomoyuki.music: Ooshima Michiru (Xamdo, FMA1). OP Kalafina, ED Tomatsu Haruka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).trailer. subs: pwq, Yuurisan-Subs & m.3.3.w, Chihiro, Hatsuyuki.13eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Seikon no Qwaser(jp: 聖痕のクェイサー)ecchi shounen action adventureAt St. Mihailov Academy, a Japanese Eastern Orthodox school, two students encounter many hardships until they find a mysterious silver-haired boy. The boy is a "quasar," a powerful being who derives power from sucking women's breast milk. Thus begins a shounen action adventure story involving lots of oppai fanservice and bloody violence.Stars the capable voice of Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami in Xam'd, Renton in Eureka Seven, Hajime in Natsu no Arashi). Also features two of the K-On girls: Toyosaki Aki and Hikasa Youko, as well as two more seiyuu/singers: Hirano Aya and Chihara Minori. And two top seiyuu actresses: Kawasumi Ayako and Takagaki Ayahi. The creepy voice of Chiba Susumu (Scythe in Phantom) and the deep bell of Ookawa Tooru round out a stellar cast.Writer Uezu Makoto (School Days) is one of my least favorites, however. Director Hiraku Kaneko is doing her first show.seiyuus: Sanpei Yuuko, Fujimura Ayumi, Toyosaki Aki, Chihara Minori, Hirano Aya, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On), Kawasumi Ayako, Takagaki Ayahi, Chiba Susumu (Scythe/Phantom), Ookawa Tooru.director: Kaneko Hirakuwriter: Uezu Makoto. Yoshino Hiroyuki (manga story).animation: Taki (Godannar, Sonic the Hedgehog movie). chara-des: Uno Makoto; Satou Kenetsu (manga art). animation supervisor: Iijima Hiroya, Sugimoto isao.OP Faylan, ED seiyuus.trailer. manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs.24eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Ladies versus Butlers!(jp: れでぃ×ばと!)seinen maids romantic comedyThe director of Kanokon and the writer of Strike Witches and Nogizaka Haruka team up for ecchi shenanigans in a high school that trains butlers and maids.Outstanding cast includes Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, and 15-year-old Hidaka Rina (Last Order in Index).First episode preview 29 Dec.seiyuus: Okitsu Kazuyuki (Izmal/Hanasakeru), Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, Hidaka Rina (age15, Last Order/Index, Anne/Konnichiwa), Itou Mariya, Sakuma Kumi.director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon)writer: Tamai Tsuyoshi (Strike Witches, Nogizaka Haruka).animation: Xebec (Kanokon, Phantom, The Third). chara-des: Takami Akio (Busou Renkin, Kanokon); Munyuu (manga).trailer.tue 05 jan OP seiyuus, ED Nakahara MaiOmamori Himari(jp: おまもりひまり)catgirl romantic comedyOur hero is an orphan living alone, cared for by his childhood friend next door. All he has from any relative is a mamori (good luck charm) left him by his grandparents, but that loses its potency on his 16th birthday. But on that day, a mysterious cat-girl samurai shows up to protect him. Unfortunately, he is allergic to cats.From a popular bishoujo manga. There are complaints from fans about the character design, which is by the person who did charades for Akane Maniax and directed animation for Ranma 1/2. The director and writer seem an odd couple: one directed Strait Jacket, the other wrote Otoboku.Stars the outstanding Koshimizu Ami and Hirakawa Daisuke, with Nomizu Iori (Nymph in Sora no Otoshimono) and Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan).seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Hirakawa Daisuke, Nomizu Iori (Nymph/SoraOto), Shindou Kei (Kuro/KnJ), Okame Asuka (Meishen/Regios), Neya Michiko.director: Ushiro Shinji (Strait Jacket)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Final Approach, Otoboku, DC2SS), Matra Milan (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Isono Satoshi (Ranma anidir, Akane Maniax).OP Sakamoto Aya & Kawada Ruka.trailer. manga. subs: ExSSubs, Mochi Fansubs.wed 06 jan 25:30Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu(jp: バカとテストと召喚獣)shounen comedy school romance fantasyBased on the top-rated novel of the year and directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the excellent ef animes. Not only that, but the writer wrote the ef animes, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, and Natsu no Arashi.This one is definitely on my list.The novel is said to be hilarious. It is set in a school that strictly stratifies students, and the comforts of their classrooms, by test scores. The lowest ranked class uses every means to battle the higher ranked classes. Our hero has the lowest marks in the school. The heroine is a smart girl who missed exams due to illness and was ruthlessly relegated to the bottom class.Talented cast includes Shimono Hiro (Jin in Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe in Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue in Genshiken), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur in Emma), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko in DC2, and the new singer in fripSide), and Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa in K-On).seiyuus: Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef, Jin/Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe/Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken, Miyako/Hidamari), Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War, Sugata/SoraOto), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur/Emma), Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa/K-On, Vanilla/Yumeiro Patissiere, Ako/kissxsis), Terashima Takuma (Teppei/Princess Lover), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko/DC2, Maria/Canaan, fripSide singer).director: Oonuma Shin (ef)writer: Takayama Katsuhiko (Hantsuki, ef, Natsu no Arashi). Inoue Kenji (novels).animation: Silver Link (Tayutama). chara-des: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Saiunkoku, Koihime Musou); Haga Yui (orig). animation supervisor: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Koihime Musou). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).OP Aso Natsuki, ED milktub.trailer. manga. subs: Mochi Fansubs, KazenoKoe-Fansubs & Keishou-Subs.wed 06 jan 26:20Dance In The Vampire Bund(jp: ダンスインザヴァンパイアバンド)vampire action violence fanserviceMina Tepes, Queen of the Vampires, pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live. Akira, a werewolf teen, comes to her service, having been raised from birth to be her bodyguard. In the manga, Mina usually appears to be a loli, but sometimes appears as a beautiful -- and often naked -- young adult woman. As Mina and Akira get to know each other, they must defend themselves and the island from attacks from within and outside.Shinbou Akiyuki gets another title he can really sink his teeth into. Young Yuuki Aoi (age 17, Murasaki in Kurenai) takes the lead, supported by Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto in MacrossF) and Saitou Chiwa -- who was Shinbou's first vampire, in Tsukuyomi Moon Phase.Adapted by the writer who did Mai-HiME, MacrossF, and Denpateki na Kanojo.This should be good.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Nakamura Yuuichi, Saitou Chiwa, Kaida Yuuko, Itou Shizuka.director: Shinbou Akiyuki; series dir Sonoda Masahiro (eps/boards NHK, Gendai Mahou)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, MacrossF, Denpateki). Tamaki Nozomu (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Konno Naoyuki (Kikaider, 009-1). animation supervisor: Konno Naoyuki (009-1, Shina Dark promo). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).music: Dobashi Akio (Wellber, Yozakura). OP Nakano Aiko, ED hibiku.trailer. manga. subs: Kesenai Subtitles?, Yuurisan-Subs, gg, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 09:00Dhurarara!!(jp: デュラララ!!)seinen comedy dramaFrom light novels by the author of Baccano. Produced by many of the same people who made Baccano, including director Omori Takahiro and writer Takagi Noboru (who also did Koi Kaze).Set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, with an amazing ensemble cast including Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae and Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu in Zettai Shounen) playing roles such as street thugs, high school students, a female radio host, an underworld doctor, a young information vendor, and a headless Irish fairy.This show has my full attention.seiyuus: Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen), Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae.director: Omori Takahiro (Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou)writer: Takagi Noboru (Koi Kaze, Baccano); Narita Ryohgo (novels).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Koi Kaze, Noein, Baccano);orig Yasuda Suzuhito (Kamisama Kazoku, Yozakura Quartet). animation supervisor: Takada Akira (new, keyanim GITS:SAC, Samurai Champloo). art: Itou Akira (Elfen Lied, Baccano, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Yoshimori Makoto (Koi Kaze, Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou).trailer. manga. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs?, gg.thu 07 jan 25:25Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×☆☆☆(ほしみっつ))moe slice-of-life comedyA new series of yet another of Shinbou Akiyuki's successful franchises. Two new girls are introduced: Nori and Nazuna. Nori in particular seems to be arousing some excitement on 2channel.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1); Yoguchi Natsue (eps of Hidamari). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuus, ED marble.manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs?.thu 07 jan 25:29Ookami Kakushi(jp: おおかみかくし)seinen horror thrillerSixteen-year-old Kuzumi Hiroshi moves to a town in the mountains. A river divides the town into new and old districts. Class rep Kushinada Nemura gives him a word of advice: “Stay away from the old streets." Set in 1983 -- and centuries before.Based on a PSP mystery adventure game from a concept by Ryuukishi07, who wrote the Higurashi game, and with designs by Peach-Pit.Director Takamoto Nobuhiro did Rakugo Tennyo and Tokimeki Memorial. Lead writer Machida Touko did Muteki Kanban Musume and Lucky Star. She is working from Ryuukishi07's original work this time, though.OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki and performed by Fiction Junction and by Nanri Yuka.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yuu, Fujita Saki, Katou Emiri, Ise Mariya, Gotou Yuuko, Fuchigami Mai.director: Takamoto Nobuhiro (Rakugo Tennyo Oyui, Tokimeki Memorial, 07-Ghost)writer: Machida Touko (Muteki Kanban Musume, Lucky Star, Tears to Tiara). Ryuukishi07 (orig., Higurashi creator), Konami.animation: AIC. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl, GA); orig Peach Pit. animation supervisor: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl).OP Fiction Junction, ED Nanri Yuka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).subs: Formula, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 25:29Kaitou Reinya(jp: 怪盗レーニャ)kids adventure comedyMorning Musume memberTanaka Reina stars, and was the inspiration for this show and for the comic strip on which it is based. Reinya is a convenience store's kanban musume ("signboard girl") by day, and a whimsical thief by night.The story follows her adventures, chased by bumbling cops: a handsome detective and a cool inspector. Joining Reinya on her escapades is her trusty mouse assistant, Chuutarou.seiyuus: Tanaka Reina (Kirara/Onegai My Melody, MoMusu), Youki Sou, Noto Arisa (Hello! Project), Misawa Sachika, Wakabayashi Naomi.director: Iwami Hideaki (key animator Top wo Nerae, Eva); Something Yoshimatsu (chief dir)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Natsume Yuujinchou, 11eyes). Up-Front Style (draft).animation: Stingray. chara-des: Mr. A (draft).12eps.sat 09 jan 24:50Hanamaru Youchien(jp: はなまる幼稚園)seinen slice-of-lifeSlice-of-life comedy featuring kids and teachers in a kindergarten. Nothing ecchi, just cute with a bit of serious.I'm not sure what the director of Gundam00 and FMA1 is doing here. The contrast is intriguing.I'll watch anything starring Takagaki Ayahi (Noe in true tears, Sumi-chan in Sasameki Koto). Also stars Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan), and MAKO (Yurie in Kamichu!).seiyuus: Shindou Kei (Kuro/Kodomo no Jikan), Takagaki Ayahi (Sumi-chan/Sasameki), MAKO (Yurie/Kamichu), Hino Satoshi, Hirota Shimu, Ise Mariya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Honna Youko, Saitou Chiwa, Konishi Katsuyuki.director: Mizushima Seiji (Gundam00, FMA1)writer: Oguro Yuichirou (Zoku/Goku Sayonara Zetsubou). Yuto (manga).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Otsuka Mai (Shakugan no Shana). art: Matsumoto Hiroki.trailer. manga. subs: pwq.sun 10 jan 25:30Nodame Cantabile: Finale(jp: のだめカンタービレ フィナーレ)shoujo/josei music romanceThe conclusion of the popular anime, the first season of which had the highest late-night anime ratings of the past ten years.Kon Chiaki, who directed the second series, returns. But there is a new writer: playwright and novelist Nakashima Kazuki, who wrote Gurren-Lagann. Those of us who were a bit disappointed by Nodame Paris can possibly derive some hope from that.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Nodame Paris, Hanasakeru Shounen)writer: Nakashima Kazuki (playwright, novelist). Ninomiya Tomoko (manga).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Shimamura Shuuichi.OP Sakai Yuu.manga. subs: Frostii, BSS?.thu 14 jan 24:45Katanagatari(jp: 刀語)samurai adventure comedyThe second NisiOisiN novel to be animated, following Bakemonogatari. But that was done by one of the best staff groups around: Shinbou and Shaft. This is done by what I consider one of the worst: the director and writer who did Amenaideyo and School Days.The story involves a young man who is the master of a "swordless" sword technique. He and his sister live alone on an island. He is sent on a quest to gather the twelve best swords made by a great swordsmith.The previews are gorgeous. A screening of the first episode got high praise for the animation -- which is directed by someone new to the staff group -- but there were rumblings of discontent from fans over lines that were changed from the novel.Lead seiyuu Hosoyo Yoshimasa did a fine job as Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki na Kanojo, and he is backed up by some top names: Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.Twelve one-hour episodes broadcast monthly. First ep 25 Jan, second 8 Feb, third 8 Mar. I am apprehensive, but ready to be amazed.seiyuus: Hosoyo Yoshimasa (Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki), Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.director: Motonaga Keitarou (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka)writer: Makoto Uezu (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka). Nishio Ishin (orig; Bakemonogatari).animation: White Fox. chara-des: Kawada Tsuyoshi (Best Student Council), Take (orig). animation supervisor: Kawada Tsuyoshi (HoneyClover2). art: Kudou Tadashi (Mizuiro 2003).music: Iwasaki Taku (Getbackers, Gurren-Lagann).trailer. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs? Gg?.OVA. 12x1hr eps.mon 25 janMobile Suit Gundam Unicorn(jp: 機動戦士ガンダムUC)shounen mecha adventureThe new Gundam OVA adopts the new fashion of six one-hour episodes. Theatrical and Playstation previews of episode one will be released on 20 feb.Interesting new/old-style look. Appropriate music. Promising new cast. Expectations run high among Gundam fans.Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon and Rurouni Kenshin. Writer Muto Yasuyuki did Persona, Basara, and Chevalier D'Eon.Uchiyama Kouki was Soul Eater. Fujimura Ayumi is Niche in Letter Bee and Cecily in Blacksmith. Kaida Yuuko was Mari in Tokyo Magnitude 8. Shimono Hiro was Jin in Kannagi.seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater), Fujimura Ayumi (Cecily/Blacksmith), Shimono Hiro (Jin/Kannagi), Namikawa Daisuke (Kazehaya/Kimi ni Todoke, Benawi/Utawarerumono, Rock/Black Lagoon), Toyoguchi Megumi, Kaida Yuuko, Ikeda Shuuichi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Tezuka Hideaki.director: Furuhashi Kazuhiro (Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon, Rurouni Kenshin)writer: Muto Yasuyuki (Persona, Basara, Chevalier D'Eon). Fukui Harutoshi.animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Takahashi Kumiko (Tokyo Babylon, CCS, Ouran). art: Ikeda Shigemi (Planetes, Gantz, various Gundams). mecha: Ishigaki Gunya, Katoki Hajime.music: Sawano Hiroyuki (Yoakena, Gigantic Formula, Sengoku Basara).trailer.OVA. 6x50mineps.12 marSex Pistols(jp: Sex Pistols)yaoi sci-fi romanceAdaptation of a yaoi manga series. In the 2003 sci-fi manga, a teenage boy discovers he is one of a select group of humans who evolved from animals other than apes -- animals such as leopards and bears. Cat ears, romance, and physical relationships ensue.Staff list not yet published. Ep2 25jun. Preview and manga both NSFW.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru (Yuuto/Nogizaka Haruka), Sugita Tomokazu (Kyon/Haruhi), Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef), Kawahara Yoshihisa (Yasu/NANA), Nojima Hirofumi (Shuga/Moribito, Scarecrowman), Yusa Kouji (Vincent Law/Ergo Proxy).trailer. manga.OVA. 1/2eps.26 mar
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Also, Trigun Maximum 12 and Golden Days 8 of 8. Toshokan Sensou: Love & War © Yumi Kiiro & Arikawa Hiro/Hakusensha Published in Indonesia as Library War - Love & War by Elex Media Komputindo Most Wanted manga this batch—by a hair on Harima Kenji's chinny chin chin—is School Rumble volume 5, which introduces us to Lala Gonzales, an exchange student who kicks a*se in Lucha libre wrestling. She
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

What with one thing and another (flu, a mountain of school work, a flu revisit because of the mountain of work), the November manga, manhua, manhwa, and monthly anthologies list ex-Komikologi was superseded by the weekly schedules. So, I'll just talk about the Elex manga already licensed that have yet to be skedded for distribution (my anal tendencies won't let me off lightly should I neglect
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

The noitaminA anime timeslot began showing on FujiTV in April 2005. It was set up with the intention of expanding late-night anime viewership beyond the typical young male demographic to include girls and women, and young adults. "noitaminA" is "Animation" spelled backwards.By all accounts, noitaminA has been a fair success. In its late Thursday evening timeslot (varying between 11pm and 1am), shows such as Honey & Clover, Nodame Cantabile, and Hataraki Man had audiences that were apparently more balanced between males and females, and ratings have been good to great for almost all shows.One episode of Nodame Cantabile had a rating over 6% of the audience, putting it well within the top ten, which is dominated by "family" (i.e., kids') shows and young-shounen shows.Here is a list of all 17 noitaminA shows, by average TV rating, taken from a post on 2channel. The number at the right is the number of the show in the sequence of noitaminA shows:4.80 Hakaba Kitarou 104.62 Nodame Cantabile Paris 134.56 Moyashimon 94.39 Nodame Cantabile 74.00 Hataraki Man 63.96 Eden of the East 153.56 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 163.50 ~ayakashi~ 33.50 Jyu Oh Sei 43.48 Mononoke 83.47 Library War 113.45 Antique Bakery 123.32 Genji Monogatari Sennenki 143.20 Honey & Clover 2 53.19 Paradise Kiss 23.04 Honey & Clover 12.66 Trapeze 17Hakaba Kitaro, a well-made cartoon in the style of popular family shows, did best of all. But Nodame Cantabile was a huge hit, too. The somewhat educational Moyashimon ("Tales of Agriculture") did very well, as did the wonderful semi-realistic comedy/drama Hataraki Man.Two of this year's shows, Eden of the East and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, did pretty well, coming in just under 4% of the audience. That surprises and pleases me, since I loved both shows.The most recent show, Trapeze (Kuchuu Buranko) may be the most unusual and experimental, and so far has the lowest ratings. It seems to be stabilizing its viewership just under the 3% mark.Honey & Clover, the first show in the series, did okay, but not as well as later shows. Maybe it would have done better if it had been shown more recently, after people got used to watching anime in this timeslot. I'm not sure why such a great show sits so low here.For reference, here is a chronological list of noitaminA shows, from Wikipedia, showing dates, number of episodes, and animation studio:1 Honey and Clover April 14, 2005 - September 26, 2005 24 episodes J.C.Staff2 Paradise Kiss October 13, 2005 - December 30, 2005 12eps Madhouse3 Ayakashi January 13, 2006 - March 24, 2006 11 Toei Animation4 Jyu Oh Sei April 13, 2006 - June 22, 2006 11eps Bones5 Honey and Clover II June 29, 2006 - September 14, 2006 12eps J.C.Staff6 Hataraki Man October 12, 2006 - December 21, 2006 11eps Gallop7 Nodame Cantabile January 11, 2007 - June 28, 2007 23eps J.C.Staff8 Mononoke July 12, 2007 - September 09, 2007 12eps Toei Animation9 Moyashimon October 11, 2007 - December 21, 2007 11eps Shirogumi and Telecom Animation Film10 Hakaba Kitarou January 10, 2008 - March 21, 2008 11eps Toei Animation11 Toshokan Sensou April 12, 2008 - June 26, 2008 12eps Production I.G12 Antique Bakery July 3, 2008 - September 18, 2008 12eps Nippon Animation and Shirogumi13 Nodame Cantabile: Paris October 9, 2008 - December 18, 2008 11eps J.C.Staff14 Genji January 15, 2009 - March 26, 2009 11eps TMS Entertainment and Tezuka Productions15 Eden of the East April 9, 2009 - June 18, 2009 11eps Production I.G16 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 July 9, 2009 - September 17, 2009 11eps Bones, Kinema Citrus17 Trapeze October 2009 - December 2009 11eps Toei AnimationMy own favorites? Honey & Clover, Hataraki Man, Eden, TM8, Genji, and Paradise Kiss. I think the TV drama spoiled me for Nodame Cantabile, lol.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

If there's one way to describe Kimi ni Todoke (aside from 'refreshing'), it would be soothing, like chamomile. In the language of flowers, chamomile stands for "energy and patience in adversity" because of its ability to restore harmony and balance into our lives ((as stated in http://www.floweressenceenergy.com/newsletter.shtml)). That's what Sawako is all about, that's what the Kanto Library Force is all about. I'm not exactly sure if Shiina Karuho thought about this chamomile symbolism beforehand, because since there are no visible signs of chamomiles in the manga (especially not as 'visible' as the one in the anime). Either way it can only mean one thing: P.I.G. is AWESOME *bow* Related posts:Kimi ni Todoke: From Around The ‘Sphere to YouKimi ni Todoke Reached My Soul: Sawako-chan is so SawayaKYAA~Atashi ni Todoke: Revving Up the Engine With a Little Paradigm Shift
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Perhaps my favorite scene in Toshokan Sensou is the Chief Librarian Practical Exam in episode 9, in which our three junior librarians are tasked to read books to kids. Each of them take their own tack, which reveals something about themselves. Shibasaki We already know she’s good at this, but it is a treat to see [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)