Here's a list from 2channel of "common-knowledge seiyuu couples." Almost completely without evidence, but fun to contemplate. Just to make this even more like a tabloid rag, I've included photos.Kamiya Hiroshi (34) and Saitou Chiwa (28). The story is that after a difficult divorce (from a mangaka), and then a devastating motorcycle accident, Kamiya found Chiwa was his true friend. Some of the detailed indications on this 2channel page make at least a bit of sense: he gave his girl friend a watch and Chiwa likes watches, etc. The two have worked together quite a bit, particularly as Kouhei and Hazuki in Tsukuyomi Moonphase and as Araragi and Senjougahara in Bakemonogatari. Nakamura Yuuichi (29) and Inoue Marina (25). She is a capable and serious ojou-sama. His motto is "never be late" -- but he is apparently also highly sociable and the last to leave a drinking party. Taniyama Kishou (34) and Tomatsu Haruka (20). Well-known rocker Taniyama was previously (and probably spuriously) linked with Hirano Aya. At least the stories are consistent: the old satyr and the slim and genki young entertainer. Hino Satoshi (31) and Nakajima Saki (31). Shana's foil and Saki from Hayate. Ono Daisuke (31) and Tamura Yukari (33). Two mature, capable, and successful seiyuu. Terashima Takuma (26) and Itou Kanae (23). Teppei from Princess Lover and Amu from Shugo Chara. Okamoto Nobuhiko (23) and Hikasa Youko (24). Layfon from Chrome-shelled Regios and Mio from K-On. Irino Miyu (21) and Sanpei Yuuko (23). I think YuuYuu would wear the pants in this family. This match-up makes an interesting contradiction with the supposed yuri pairing between Sanpei and her old friend Koshimizu Ami. In fact, they have been showing up in each others' blogs somewhat less often in recent months. Suzuki Tatsuhisa (26) and Katou Emiri (26). Yuuji and Hideyoshi in Baka to Test. Or Sugata in Sora no Otoshimono and Kagami in Lucky Star. Suzumura Kenichi (35) and Sakamoto Maaya (29). Two of the beautiful people. Washizaki Takeshi (36) and Iguchi Yuka (21). The smart radio/TV host and the young veteran who plays moe roles like Index. Yoshino Hiroyuki (35) and Ueda Kana (29). Allelujah Haptism in Gundam00 and Saki in Saki. Kana-chan is a lot more mature as a person than are the moe characters she tends to play. Sakurai Takahiro (35) and Mizuki Nana (30). If this is true, it's huge. The wildly popular Nana-chan and a star seiyuu who remains under a bit of cloud for plagiarizing a live drama he helped produce a couple of years ago. Tachibana Shinnosuke (31) and Sakuno Airi (25). Not so well known, but they both work for big agency Production Baobab. She plays mainly unnamed roles. He was Minato in Sekirei. Nabatame Hitomi (33) and Itou Shizuka (29). At least there's one yuri couple that may actually be a couple. Two strong women who are top professional voices. Morikubo Shoutarou (35) and Nakahara Mai (28). Shou-chan is one of the foremost boys-love seiyuus. Mai-sama -- who just seems to get better and better at what she does -- was formerly linked with Shimizu Ai in a (fake) yuri relationship. Just to repeat: I have no knowledge that any of these relationships actually exists. This post is just for fun. My only basis is an otaku's post on 2channel.
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 We cost...how much now?... Word over at Anime on DVD is that FUNimation is dropping the prices on a few of its titles: Shigurui's complete series box set is now $44.98 on both DVD and the same price on Blu-Ray, though I continue to hear iffy reports on some of FUNi's Blu-Ray releases, so do your research before you run with it. Also available on the cheap: Case Closed seasons 1 and 2 are $29.98 each, formerly $34.98, as is Tsukuyomi Moon Phase. These are MSRP, too, so your prices will be even lower at online retailers like Right Stuf and Amazon. (Actually, Amazon hasn't gotten the memo yet, but I'm sure it will in short order.)Good times! Hopefully there'll be more price drops soon. Hey FUNi, isn't Soul Eater coming out soon?
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The conclusion to Danzo vs. Sasuke (?).Congratulations to Sasuke for graduating from "emo" to "nut-job" status.Summary:Danzo and Sasuke appear to have pierced each other with their respective chakra blades. Danzo claims victory first because he had one eye left for Izanagi, but he quickly realizes that it was Sasuke who landed the blow. Sasuke used Tsukuyomi to fool Danzo into thinking he had one eye left whereas in reality Danzo's supply was spent. Sasuke starts gloating but he falls to ground due to over-exertion, prompting Karin to offer up her arm for biting. Despite being seriously injured and out of chakra, Danzo refuses to give up, but first he loses control of the 1st Hokage’s wood jutsu and loses his right arm in the process. Danzo pulls off his bandages to reveal his remaining Sharingan, and since Sasuke has overused his eyes, Danzo manages to get around Sasuke and grab Karin. However, instead of trying to rescue Karin, Sasuke stabs through both Karin and Danzo with an arrow of chakra. From the sidelines, Madara looks on with approval.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ha, I was right about Sasuke using Tsukuyomi on Danzo, but then again most people would have guessed it. Looks like Sasuke is on his way to becoming an insane super villain of the series. That was a nice deranged crazy face he made near the end of the chapter. I'm not sure if Sasuke's new personality is an upgrade or downgrade from the previous emo state. We'll have to see what he does from this point. Sasuke is getting closer to beyond redemption (if he isn't already), so the chances of Naruto turning him back to the light is now slim to none which is probably a good thing. I'd prefer those two take each other out at the end (instead of taking each other out on a date). It seems that both Danzo and Karin are done for now that Sasuke stabbed them both through the heart, but you can never be sure when there are Sharingans and Danzo involved. Maybe Danzo will turn into a liquid or something (a la Kurotsuchi from Bleach) and escape, since I have trouble believing that a mastermind like Danzo would be killed on the road and not as a part of a climatic showdown. Given that Danzo played a major part in a lot of Konoha's history, you'd think he'd stay alive until his secrets were all revealed, but who knows. This is Sasuke's show after all.
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Sasuke vs. Danzo continued.The vacuum cleaner from hell.Summary:Sasuke pierces Danzo with another arrow but Danzo survives using Izanagi, and Sasuke is having trouble maintaining Susanoo. Watching from the sidelines, Madara thinks about the Izanagi technique. Izanagi is the ultimate illusion that allows the user to control their personal reality for a moment, but it comes at the cost of permanently blindness. With five open Sharingans left on his arm, Danzo decides to take a chance and summons a huge chimera called a baku which tries to vacuum Sasuke into its mouth. Sasuke and his Susanoo are unable to move under the vortex, allowing Danzo to sneak behind. Danzo creates a gap in Susanoo by hitting it with a wind blade attack, but Sasuke manages to take out the baku with a fire blast and then uses Susanoo to punch Danzo away. On the sidelines, Karin has been keeping track of time and realizes that every minute one of the eyes on Danzo's arm closes. Karin tells this to Sasuke, and Sasuke reacts by immediately smashing Danzo with Susanoo, leaving Danzo with three open Sharingans on his arm. The fight continues and Sasuke lets go of Susanoo and forms his chakra into a blade, while Danzo, now with only one open eye on his arm, puts his chakra onto a kunai. The two fighters charge and impale each other with their respective weapons.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I'm surprised. Looks like Danzo doesn't have any other improbable powers. His only move of note in this chapter (other than Izanagi) was to summon the giant vacuum beast, which exploded when Sasuke fed it hot air. I'm not quite sure why Danzo's Sharingans started closing really quickly near the end of the chapter even though Sasuke didn't land any major blows, but I suppose it could be just Danzo running out of chakra. Danzo probably dodged Sasuke's stab with Izanagi, but Sasuke went nuclear eyes at the end so he may have hit Danzo with Tsukuyomi. Despite ridiculous powers from both Sasuke and Danzo, this has been a pretty entertaining battle, and I'm looking forward to see how it'll end (supposedly next issue). I want to see if Danzo actually dies or not.
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There often seems to be one new show that most people despise, but I think is outstanding.A couple of summers ago, it was Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto, which it seems only I thought was one of the best shows of 2008. Last fall, it was the hilarious and deep Seitokai no Ichizon, which was derided by its early reviewers. This season, the show in question is Dance in the Vampire Bund. (click images to enlarge)Posters on the show's AnimeSuki forum, and also many bloggers, have been enraged at the way the first episode bears no relation to the manga. They find the TV game show that is used to introduce the story quite stupid. They rail against the fuzzy drawing in the two episodes that have been aired so far. They repeat the common criticism of Shaft and director Shinbou Akiyuki that there are too many still frames and not enough actual animation. They ridicule the use of monsters and amnesia in the plot. They say the show is boring and trite.But after watching episode two, I consider this by far the most promising show of the season, with great visual art, excellent voice-acting, unusual story-telling, fascinating rhythms in the direction, interesting characters, and a romantic story with strong elements of myth.Japanese comments have been mixed, but nowhere near as negative as those in the West. Posters on the Japanese discussion board 2channel have compared the look of the show to shows of the 1980s and earlier. To me, it has echoes of the great German "proto-postmodern" artist Joseph Beuys and his school: dry, unemphatic, strange. The dramatic visual patterns of Shinbou's Bakemonogatari are still there, but muted and more complex. For me, Bakemonogatari took Shinbou to a new level, and this show -- or at least episode two -- is yet another step up.The rhythms of the scenes are brilliant. The deft interplay of sound and silence, image and blank screen in an early classroom scene in episode two is a masterpiece in itself, embodying the protagonist's unsettled state of mind in a way that moves like music.The basic situations are mythical: a queen of the vampires who looks like a child. A vampire island in Tokyo Harbor. A young man who has forgotten his true nature and his life's purpose. A spider/vampire who restrains the queen from crossing the water to her home, but whose attack on the hero releases him from his amnesia and launches him on his true path. The monster spider is like the guardian who blocks the start of the Hero's Journey in classic myth.And mythic images keep appearing: the head poking out of a tiny window in a school wall is like some subterranean or subconscious god. The little queen's face peeking out of the shrubbery shows her integration with the power of the natural world.There is a sequence in episode two where the queen, Mina Tepes, wears the Noh mask of a woman's vengeful ghost and gives a brief Noh-like performance introducing her real vampire nature: "First, drink the lifeblood of humans. Second, live a free life in an immortal body. Third, destroy anyone who interferes with my world." For me, this is a memorable 20 seconds of animation: script, image, and voice.Vampires have always embodied forbidden sexuality. The queen is really the age of an adult, but appears so far in the form of a pre-pubescent child. The scene in which the hero rubs protective gel on her half-naked body is forbidden sexuality for our time, a time when most other forms of sexuality are considered perfectly okay.This aspect of the anime is one that does justify people in shutting it off in horrified disapproval, if that is what they feel.Her apparent age aside, the love story between the queen and her hero is already quite moving: she is searching for the boy who comforted her years ago and promised to protect her. When she comes to him, he has lost his memory. But at a time of crisis, he instinctively tries to protect her and suddenly remembers everything, and they are reunited in joyful tears. Meanwhile, the human girl who also loves him says, in a voiceover: "This is the story of a promise, a fairy tale about a great demon queen and the young man who offered her everything. A story of love, both beautiful and evanescent."People who came to this expecting a shounen anime featuring vampires and fighting may find the emphasis on romantic myth less than ideal. Even if they just expected a faithful adaptation of the manga, they will be justifiably disappointed. The mangaka himself, Tamaki Nozomu, has approved the re-imagining of his manga and is working closely with the director, Shinbou Akiyuki (Tsukuyomi Moonphase, PaniPoni Dash, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Bakemonogatari, etc.), and the lead writer, Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Macross Frontier, Denpateki na Kanojo, So·Ra·No·Wo·To).Realism plays little part here. We have attack helicopters strafing the streets of Tokyo with no apparent response from the authorities. We have a hero being dashed against a building with great force and surviving. And so on. But this is myth, not reality. I have always believed that anime does myth best.The voice-acting is really outstanding. Seventeen-year-old Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki in Kurenai) as Mina Tepes demonstrates why she is getting so many and such varied roles. She can be commanding and distraught in equal measure. She can scream and she can whisper. It is amusing to hear her in the totally different role of Ichigo, the aspiring young pastry-maker in the excellent little girls' anime Yumeiro Patissière. Mina is about the most varied character imaginable, ranging from vulnerable child to romantic heroine to confident queen to vicious and athletic vampire.The hero, Akira, is played with a beautiful gentle strength by Nakamura Yuuichi, who was Alto in Macross Frontier and Graham Akers in Gundam00.And Saitou Chiwa, who gave last year's best seiyuu performance, as Senjougahara in Bakemonogatari, returns as Yuki, the girl whom Akira leaves behind. And also in the important role of narrator.But what most strikes me about this show is the ironic but powerful way the story is being told. There is a lightness that makes it seem as if some things are just being tossed off. Drama is not artificially induced. But somehow the feelings of the characters come through vividly.The first episode -- which many are now calling "episode 00" -- introduced the situation by way of a cheesy Japanese TV panel show discussing whether vampires were real. The show was thrown in chaos by the revelation that one of the panelists was a vampire himself. He transformed into a ludicrous reptilian monster and then was killed by a glance from the tiny queen, who had been pretending to be an audience member. Serious events happen, but surrounded by bizarre humor.The story is told with great economy. Each sequence has a meaning, and the links are brief and not explicit. Instead, there can be a punctuation of short scenes from elsewhere in the narrative: such as when we see a series of still scenes around the school, informing us that the afternoon has passed.The still scenes work wonderfully well for me. But many people hate it when the screen is still, and say it is not real animation. For me, the still scenes can be drawn with more art and care than an animated sequence, and that has a force of its own. They are certainly a way for the director to save money in the production, which for me is a good thing, since it allows him to make money and therefore more shows.The music is by Dobashi Akio, who was the keyboardist for the group Rebeccca in the 1980s, is a well-known music producer and DJ in Japan, and did music for the Wellber shows and Yozakura Quartet. The music is quite odd, and often used to undercut the message of a scene, either by trivializing it or working directly against it. This is a technique I usually find quite effective, to keep a scene from being too heavy or blunt.The OP song is enjoyable, a cover by Nakano Aiko of the song "Friends," a big hit for Dobashi and Rebecca in the 1980s, used here apparently by special request of the mangaka. The visual rhythms are excellent in the OP animation, which was storyboarded and directed by assistant director ("series director") Sonoda Masahiro. He is a veteran key animator and episode director who has directed many episodes of various animes, including Welcome to the NHK, Di Gi Charat Nyo, Scrapped Princess, and some Galaxy Angel shows. He also storyboarded and directed episode 2.The OP includes a passionate dance at faster than human speed by Mina Tepes, wearing next to nothing. It is an index the "dangerousness" (to quote the Moonphase blog) of the animation that I will not post it here. Look it up on YouTube, if you want. Some posters on the Japanese discussion board 2channel think it is the best OP of the season. So do I.The art director is Azuma Kouji, who got his start in hentai, as art director in a couple of Bible Black anime, but has recently become a close collaborator of Shinbou and Oonuma Shin, having done many episodes of ef melodies, as well as being art director of both Natsu no Arashi series and the current Baka to Test.The overall animation director is Konno Naoyuki, the director and animation director of 009-1, a fanservicey adventure show that looked great, whatever else it lacked.A note about the title: bund in German means an association or league. But that is not its meaning here. In the period around a hundred years ago when Britain occupied Shanghai, the main waterfront area there was known as "The Bund." This comes from the Urdu word band, which means an embankment or dam. The connection to this show is that an artificial island rising from Tokyo Harbour is occupied by the vampire nation.Will the show continue to impress me? We shall see. But since one writer is doing all the episodes, and the director/storyboarder of episode two is the man who will direct more episodes than anyone else, I expect the quality to keep coming. At least for me.
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Sasuke and Danzo both start pulling tricks out of their...You are not suppose to wheeze and pant after letting out a battle cry. Summary:Danzo spots Itachi behind him and is apparently hit by Amateratsu, but it all turns out to be Sasuke's Tsukuyomi illusion. As Danzo is distracted, Sasuke sneaks behind and tries to stab Danzo with his chakra blade, but suddenly he is frozen in place by a paralyzing seal that Danzo had put on him (when Danzo choked him in the previous chapter). Karin jumps in to save Sasuke, but Danzo kicks her away. Danzo turns back and tries to decapitate Sasuke with Sasuke's own blade, but suddenly Sasuke summons the Susanoo which forces to leap back. Unlike the previous iterations, this time Sasuke's Susanoo completely forms and Sasuke commands it to shoot an arrow at Danzo. Having no time to make seals, Danzo unleashed yet another hidden power and manages to deflect the arrow by growing trees. From the sidelines, Madara realizes that Danzo probably worked with Orochimaru and had all the Sharingans and the First Hokage's DNA implanted into his body. Meanwhile, Karin figures out that Danzo is now vulnerable to attack and tells Sasuke to shoot another arrow. Sasuke follows Karin's instruction and fires another arrow, but Danzo is able to reactivated his previous technique in time and survives despite being pierced by the arrow. Back on the sidelines, Karin sense that Danzo's chakra took another dip and realizes Danzo's technique uses a lot of chakra. Meanwhile, Madara realizes that Danzo must be using Izanagi, an eye technique that even the Uchiha clan had declared forbidden.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~How many hidden powers does Danzo have? First one Sharingan, then an arm full of Sharingans, and then the First's wood jutsu? Next thing we know, Danzo will use the bloodline techniques of every clan in Konoha... except he probably doesn't have enough chakra at this point. Danzo suddenly using wood jutsu actually made Sasuke's complete Susanoo look rather tame and sensible in comparison lol. Danzo probably still has more tricks up his sleeve, but I'll give Sasuke the edge since he has combat support from Karin and also Madara watching from the sidelines. Sasuke is probably out of new tricks unless he somehow gets access to the sacred sword that Itachi had. Anyways, the good news about this is that this fight has not devolved into a genjutsu battle... yet. Yes, Danzo is revealing one unlikely power after another, but at least for now Kishimoto is keeping the fight interesting.
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Sasuke vs. Danzo continued.An eye for a life.Summary:Sasuke smashes Danzo ago with Susanoo and also burns Danzo with Amateratsu, but Danzo somehow survives each attack. On the sidelines, Karin wonders how Danzo's doing this since Danzo doesn't seem to be using clones or genjutsu, while Madara notes that Sasuke is going run out of chakra if he keeps using Susanoo and Amateratsu. In a change of strategy, Sasuke summons a large eagle as his mount. While Sasuke readies to attack, Karin watches Danzo from behind and notices one of the eyes on Danzo's arm closing. Sasuke charges at Danzo, and Danzo forces Sasuke to jump off the eagle with a fuuton. Sasuke and Danzo collide into each other with Danzo grabbing Sasuke's neck, but Sasuke uses his chakra blade to sever Danzo's left arm. The arm falls to the ground and another one of the Sharingans closes before the arm completely disappears, and Danzo quickly reappears on a nearby column. Switching strategies once again, Sasuke hits Danzo with Tsukuyomi and Danzo sees Itachi appearing behind him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A few of us was expecting that this fight devolve into a genjutsu showdown, but that didn't happen in this chapter (until perhaps the end). With Karin and Madara around, it's probably difficult for Danzo to use genjutsu or clones without being noticed, so good ol' Danzo is using some other technique that keeps him alive despite being burned and crushed by Sasuke. The number of open eyes on Danzo's left arm seem to indicate how many "lives" Danzo has left, so Sasuke will probably win if he can kill Danzo enough times. Danzo probably has some other attack up his sleeve though (other than using kunais and fuutons).At the end, Sasuke has laid down the gauntlet and (I presumed) called upon Tsukuyomi. Let see if now this fight will devolve into a genjutsu match. Is it better to have a pair of really sharp of eyes, or lots of not as sharp eyes?
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The roulette wheel of fortune is a fickle beast. It can choose to see you go home a winner or it can clean you out without remorse. We had to choose between Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase, Millennium Actress, and Texhnolyze. There was no force on Earth that was going to make Narutaki casually watch Moon Phase; [...]
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This is the first season to make me really believe the cries of woe that have been coming from the anime industry for years. My list has only 17 new shows coming out in the first three months of next year. That compares with 36 shows in the same period this year.But there are some promising and/or eagerly awaited shows among them:Baka to Test to Shokanjuu is a school comedy based on a top-rated light novel, and it is directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the two ef shows for Shaft. Because of him, this is at the top of my list.Dhurara is by the staff that made the underrated Baccano, and is based on a novel by the same author as that show. Dance in the Vampire Bund is Shinbou Akiyuki's next big thing after Bakemonogatari. It is based on a popular manga in which the loli-looking queen of the vampires pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live.So Ra No Wo To is by the director of Elfen Lied and the writer of Macross Frontier, but appears to be more like ARIA in a Strike Witches setting, and with K-On character design.Nodame Cantabile: Finale ends that great series under the direction of Kon Chiaki, who directed Higurashi and the somewhat disappointing Nodame Paris. But it is written by the well-known playwright and novelist who wrote Gurren-Lagann.Katanagatari is the second of NisiOisiN's novels to be animated, after Bakemonogatari, and is therefore highly anticipated -- but it is done by the same staff that made School Days and Amenaideyo, so I personally have low expectations. Except for the wonderful art and character design you see above.Ookami Kakushi is a new seinen horror thriller from a game by Ryuukishi07, who created Higurashi.And starting in March, fans will have a new Gundam OVA series, Gundam Unicorn, with an interesting new/old look and written and directed by the men who made Chevalier D'Eon.And there are other shows that will appeal to various audiences. The following alphabetical list links to fuller descriptions of each show. The full descriptions are in order of first broadcast. For the first time this year I have included links to online scanlations of mangas. Also included are links to video previews of most shows, along with detailed staff and cast info, a story synopsis, and an image.// Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu     // Chuu Bra!!     // Dance In The Vampire Bund     // Dhurarara!!     // Hanamaru Youchien     // Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei     // Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu     // Kaitou Reinya     // Katanagatari     // Ladies versus Butlers!     // Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn     // Nodame Cantabile: Finale     // Omamori Himari     // Ookami Kakushi     // Seikon no Qwaser     // Sex Pistols     // So Ra No Wo ToNOTES:-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out around the end of the year-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, Who Subs What, et al.-- English titles link to an anime's Anime News Network page, Japanese titles to its official siteHaruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei(jp: 遙かなる時空の中で3 終わりなき運命)reverse harem historical adventure fantasyAnother OVA based on the popular reverse-harem girls' adventure game set about a thousand years ago in Japan. Our heroine is a modern girl thrown back in time and involved in fighting leading up to the great civil war battle of Dan no Ura. But the situation is complicated by the presence of a friend from the present on the other side of the battle.Stars Kawakami Tomoko (Utena, Misuzu in AIR, Amber in Darker than Black, etc.), with a harem including Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, etc.TV special airs 26 Dec.seiyuus: Kawakami Tomoko, Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, Takahashi Naozumi, Miyata Kouki, Nakahara Shigeru, Inoue Kazuhiko, Hoshi Souichirou, Ishida Akira, Kuwashima Houko.director: Kimiya Shigeru (Hand Maid May OVA); chief dir Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru)writer: Takamura Kouji (new).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Miracle Train). chara-des: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Miracle Train); orig Mizuno Touko (manga). art: Shibata Chikako (Rozen Maiden, Honey Clover, NeoAngelique).music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Death Note, Bantorra).manga.sun 03 jan 25:00 (DVD 24mar)Chuu Bra!!(jp: ちゅーぶら!!)seinen ecchi pantsuEducational show (lol) about a junior high school girl who has strong principles regarding underwear. In order to educate other students, she starts the "Underwear Club" at her school.Good cast stars Chihara Minori (Yuki in Haruhi), Yahagi Sayuri (Izumi in Hayate), Kotobuki Minako and Hikasa Youko (Tsumugi and Mio in K-On). The stars sing the OP and ED.Strange staff group for a show of this kind: the director of Gakuen Heaven and the writer of Saiunkoku and RomeoxJuliet.seiyuus: Chihara Minori, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi/K-On), Yahagi Sayuri, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On).director: Hiiro Yukina (Gakuen Heaven, Shikabane eps)writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On). Nakata Yumi (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Yatsu Miyako (Idaten Jump).OPED seiyuus.manga. subs: Hatsuyuki?.mon 04 jan 23:30So Ra No Wo To(jp: ソ・ラ・ノ・ヲ・ト)moe slice-of-lifeSet in a "near distant"future in a land that, after years of war, has settled into decline. Kanata Kumika is a 15-year-old girl who fulfills her dream of enlisting in the army and joins a unit of five girls who protect a fortress that looms over a little village. The girls play music that reverberates across the skies over towns without people and seas without fish. Setting reportedly modelled on the Spanish city of Cuenca and the nearby Alarcón Fortress. (anidb)First in the "Anime no Chikara" series, produced by Aniplex and aired on TV Tokyo, supposedly to televise inventive new series.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and Denpateki na Kanojo. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did Mai-Hime and -Otome, Macross Frontier and Denpateki na Kanojo, as well as this season's Dance in the Vampire Bund.Stars model/actress Aikawa Juri (also known as Kanemoto Hisako). Young Yuuki Aoi gets a second winter show (along with Vampire Bund). Kitamura Eri, Kobayashi Yuu, and Endou Aya also appear.Original character design by Mel Kishida has been simplified to look like K-On, and the situation is reminiscent of Strike Witches, but I don’t think this is like either of them. Has a chance to be quite good: may be more ARIA than K-On. OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki, and performed by Kalafina (OP) and Tomatsu Haruka.seiyuus: Aikawa Juri (aka Kanemoto Hisako, actress/model), Kobayashi Yuu, Kitamura Eri, Yuuki Aoi, Endou Aya, Fukuen Misato, Ishizuka Unshou, Yasokawa Mayuno.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Mai-Otome, Macross F, Denpateki na Kanojo). Paradores (orig).animation: A-1 Pictures (Kannagi, Birdy Decode, Fairy Tail). chara-des: Akai Toshifumi; Mel Kishida. art: Kai Masatoshi; Aoki Tomoyuki.music: Ooshima Michiru (Xamdo, FMA1). OP Kalafina, ED Tomatsu Haruka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).trailer. subs: pwq, Yuurisan-Subs & m.3.3.w, Chihiro, Hatsuyuki.13eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Seikon no Qwaser(jp: 聖痕のクェイサー)ecchi shounen action adventureAt St. Mihailov Academy, a Japanese Eastern Orthodox school, two students encounter many hardships until they find a mysterious silver-haired boy. The boy is a "quasar," a powerful being who derives power from sucking women's breast milk. Thus begins a shounen action adventure story involving lots of oppai fanservice and bloody violence.Stars the capable voice of Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami in Xam'd, Renton in Eureka Seven, Hajime in Natsu no Arashi). Also features two of the K-On girls: Toyosaki Aki and Hikasa Youko, as well as two more seiyuu/singers: Hirano Aya and Chihara Minori. And two top seiyuu actresses: Kawasumi Ayako and Takagaki Ayahi. The creepy voice of Chiba Susumu (Scythe in Phantom) and the deep bell of Ookawa Tooru round out a stellar cast.Writer Uezu Makoto (School Days) is one of my least favorites, however. Director Hiraku Kaneko is doing her first show.seiyuus: Sanpei Yuuko, Fujimura Ayumi, Toyosaki Aki, Chihara Minori, Hirano Aya, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On), Kawasumi Ayako, Takagaki Ayahi, Chiba Susumu (Scythe/Phantom), Ookawa Tooru.director: Kaneko Hirakuwriter: Uezu Makoto. Yoshino Hiroyuki (manga story).animation: Taki (Godannar, Sonic the Hedgehog movie). chara-des: Uno Makoto; Satou Kenetsu (manga art). animation supervisor: Iijima Hiroya, Sugimoto isao.OP Faylan, ED seiyuus.trailer. manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs.24eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Ladies versus Butlers!(jp: れでぃ×ばと!)seinen maids romantic comedyThe director of Kanokon and the writer of Strike Witches and Nogizaka Haruka team up for ecchi shenanigans in a high school that trains butlers and maids.Outstanding cast includes Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, and 15-year-old Hidaka Rina (Last Order in Index).First episode preview 29 Dec.seiyuus: Okitsu Kazuyuki (Izmal/Hanasakeru), Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, Hidaka Rina (age15, Last Order/Index, Anne/Konnichiwa), Itou Mariya, Sakuma Kumi.director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon)writer: Tamai Tsuyoshi (Strike Witches, Nogizaka Haruka).animation: Xebec (Kanokon, Phantom, The Third). chara-des: Takami Akio (Busou Renkin, Kanokon); Munyuu (manga).trailer.tue 05 jan OP seiyuus, ED Nakahara MaiOmamori Himari(jp: おまもりひまり)catgirl romantic comedyOur hero is an orphan living alone, cared for by his childhood friend next door. All he has from any relative is a mamori (good luck charm) left him by his grandparents, but that loses its potency on his 16th birthday. But on that day, a mysterious cat-girl samurai shows up to protect him. Unfortunately, he is allergic to cats.From a popular bishoujo manga. There are complaints from fans about the character design, which is by the person who did charades for Akane Maniax and directed animation for Ranma 1/2. The director and writer seem an odd couple: one directed Strait Jacket, the other wrote Otoboku.Stars the outstanding Koshimizu Ami and Hirakawa Daisuke, with Nomizu Iori (Nymph in Sora no Otoshimono) and Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan).seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Hirakawa Daisuke, Nomizu Iori (Nymph/SoraOto), Shindou Kei (Kuro/KnJ), Okame Asuka (Meishen/Regios), Neya Michiko.director: Ushiro Shinji (Strait Jacket)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Final Approach, Otoboku, DC2SS), Matra Milan (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Isono Satoshi (Ranma anidir, Akane Maniax).OP Sakamoto Aya & Kawada Ruka.trailer. manga. subs: ExSSubs, Mochi Fansubs.wed 06 jan 25:30Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu(jp: バカとテストと召喚獣)shounen comedy school romance fantasyBased on the top-rated novel of the year and directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the excellent ef animes. Not only that, but the writer wrote the ef animes, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, and Natsu no Arashi.This one is definitely on my list.The novel is said to be hilarious. It is set in a school that strictly stratifies students, and the comforts of their classrooms, by test scores. The lowest ranked class uses every means to battle the higher ranked classes. Our hero has the lowest marks in the school. The heroine is a smart girl who missed exams due to illness and was ruthlessly relegated to the bottom class.Talented cast includes Shimono Hiro (Jin in Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe in Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue in Genshiken), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur in Emma), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko in DC2, and the new singer in fripSide), and Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa in K-On).seiyuus: Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef, Jin/Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe/Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken, Miyako/Hidamari), Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War, Sugata/SoraOto), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur/Emma), Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa/K-On, Vanilla/Yumeiro Patissiere, Ako/kissxsis), Terashima Takuma (Teppei/Princess Lover), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko/DC2, Maria/Canaan, fripSide singer).director: Oonuma Shin (ef)writer: Takayama Katsuhiko (Hantsuki, ef, Natsu no Arashi). Inoue Kenji (novels).animation: Silver Link (Tayutama). chara-des: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Saiunkoku, Koihime Musou); Haga Yui (orig). animation supervisor: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Koihime Musou). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).OP Aso Natsuki, ED milktub.trailer. manga. subs: Mochi Fansubs, KazenoKoe-Fansubs & Keishou-Subs.wed 06 jan 26:20Dance In The Vampire Bund(jp: ダンスインザヴァンパイアバンド)vampire action violence fanserviceMina Tepes, Queen of the Vampires, pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live. Akira, a werewolf teen, comes to her service, having been raised from birth to be her bodyguard. In the manga, Mina usually appears to be a loli, but sometimes appears as a beautiful -- and often naked -- young adult woman. As Mina and Akira get to know each other, they must defend themselves and the island from attacks from within and outside.Shinbou Akiyuki gets another title he can really sink his teeth into. Young Yuuki Aoi (age 17, Murasaki in Kurenai) takes the lead, supported by Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto in MacrossF) and Saitou Chiwa -- who was Shinbou's first vampire, in Tsukuyomi Moon Phase.Adapted by the writer who did Mai-HiME, MacrossF, and Denpateki na Kanojo.This should be good.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Nakamura Yuuichi, Saitou Chiwa, Kaida Yuuko, Itou Shizuka.director: Shinbou Akiyuki; series dir Sonoda Masahiro (eps/boards NHK, Gendai Mahou)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, MacrossF, Denpateki). Tamaki Nozomu (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Konno Naoyuki (Kikaider, 009-1). animation supervisor: Konno Naoyuki (009-1, Shina Dark promo). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).music: Dobashi Akio (Wellber, Yozakura). OP Nakano Aiko, ED hibiku.trailer. manga. subs: Kesenai Subtitles?, Yuurisan-Subs, gg, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 09:00Dhurarara!!(jp: デュラララ!!)seinen comedy dramaFrom light novels by the author of Baccano. Produced by many of the same people who made Baccano, including director Omori Takahiro and writer Takagi Noboru (who also did Koi Kaze).Set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, with an amazing ensemble cast including Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae and Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu in Zettai Shounen) playing roles such as street thugs, high school students, a female radio host, an underworld doctor, a young information vendor, and a headless Irish fairy.This show has my full attention.seiyuus: Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen), Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae.director: Omori Takahiro (Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou)writer: Takagi Noboru (Koi Kaze, Baccano); Narita Ryohgo (novels).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Koi Kaze, Noein, Baccano);orig Yasuda Suzuhito (Kamisama Kazoku, Yozakura Quartet). animation supervisor: Takada Akira (new, keyanim GITS:SAC, Samurai Champloo). art: Itou Akira (Elfen Lied, Baccano, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Yoshimori Makoto (Koi Kaze, Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou).trailer. manga. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs?, gg.thu 07 jan 25:25Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×☆☆☆(ほしみっつ))moe slice-of-life comedyA new series of yet another of Shinbou Akiyuki's successful franchises. Two new girls are introduced: Nori and Nazuna. Nori in particular seems to be arousing some excitement on 2channel.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1); Yoguchi Natsue (eps of Hidamari). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuus, ED marble.manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs?.thu 07 jan 25:29Ookami Kakushi(jp: おおかみかくし)seinen horror thrillerSixteen-year-old Kuzumi Hiroshi moves to a town in the mountains. A river divides the town into new and old districts. Class rep Kushinada Nemura gives him a word of advice: “Stay away from the old streets." Set in 1983 -- and centuries before.Based on a PSP mystery adventure game from a concept by Ryuukishi07, who wrote the Higurashi game, and with designs by Peach-Pit.Director Takamoto Nobuhiro did Rakugo Tennyo and Tokimeki Memorial. Lead writer Machida Touko did Muteki Kanban Musume and Lucky Star. She is working from Ryuukishi07's original work this time, though.OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki and performed by Fiction Junction and by Nanri Yuka.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yuu, Fujita Saki, Katou Emiri, Ise Mariya, Gotou Yuuko, Fuchigami Mai.director: Takamoto Nobuhiro (Rakugo Tennyo Oyui, Tokimeki Memorial, 07-Ghost)writer: Machida Touko (Muteki Kanban Musume, Lucky Star, Tears to Tiara). Ryuukishi07 (orig., Higurashi creator), Konami.animation: AIC. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl, GA); orig Peach Pit. animation supervisor: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl).OP Fiction Junction, ED Nanri Yuka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).subs: Formula, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 25:29Kaitou Reinya(jp: 怪盗レーニャ)kids adventure comedyMorning Musume memberTanaka Reina stars, and was the inspiration for this show and for the comic strip on which it is based. Reinya is a convenience store's kanban musume ("signboard girl") by day, and a whimsical thief by night.The story follows her adventures, chased by bumbling cops: a handsome detective and a cool inspector. Joining Reinya on her escapades is her trusty mouse assistant, Chuutarou.seiyuus: Tanaka Reina (Kirara/Onegai My Melody, MoMusu), Youki Sou, Noto Arisa (Hello! Project), Misawa Sachika, Wakabayashi Naomi.director: Iwami Hideaki (key animator Top wo Nerae, Eva); Something Yoshimatsu (chief dir)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Natsume Yuujinchou, 11eyes). Up-Front Style (draft).animation: Stingray. chara-des: Mr. A (draft).12eps.sat 09 jan 24:50Hanamaru Youchien(jp: はなまる幼稚園)seinen slice-of-lifeSlice-of-life comedy featuring kids and teachers in a kindergarten. Nothing ecchi, just cute with a bit of serious.I'm not sure what the director of Gundam00 and FMA1 is doing here. The contrast is intriguing.I'll watch anything starring Takagaki Ayahi (Noe in true tears, Sumi-chan in Sasameki Koto). Also stars Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan), and MAKO (Yurie in Kamichu!).seiyuus: Shindou Kei (Kuro/Kodomo no Jikan), Takagaki Ayahi (Sumi-chan/Sasameki), MAKO (Yurie/Kamichu), Hino Satoshi, Hirota Shimu, Ise Mariya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Honna Youko, Saitou Chiwa, Konishi Katsuyuki.director: Mizushima Seiji (Gundam00, FMA1)writer: Oguro Yuichirou (Zoku/Goku Sayonara Zetsubou). Yuto (manga).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Otsuka Mai (Shakugan no Shana). art: Matsumoto Hiroki.trailer. manga. subs: pwq.sun 10 jan 25:30Nodame Cantabile: Finale(jp: のだめカンタービレ フィナーレ)shoujo/josei music romanceThe conclusion of the popular anime, the first season of which had the highest late-night anime ratings of the past ten years.Kon Chiaki, who directed the second series, returns. But there is a new writer: playwright and novelist Nakashima Kazuki, who wrote Gurren-Lagann. Those of us who were a bit disappointed by Nodame Paris can possibly derive some hope from that.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Nodame Paris, Hanasakeru Shounen)writer: Nakashima Kazuki (playwright, novelist). Ninomiya Tomoko (manga).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Shimamura Shuuichi.OP Sakai Yuu.manga. subs: Frostii, BSS?.thu 14 jan 24:45Katanagatari(jp: 刀語)samurai adventure comedyThe second NisiOisiN novel to be animated, following Bakemonogatari. But that was done by one of the best staff groups around: Shinbou and Shaft. This is done by what I consider one of the worst: the director and writer who did Amenaideyo and School Days.The story involves a young man who is the master of a "swordless" sword technique. He and his sister live alone on an island. He is sent on a quest to gather the twelve best swords made by a great swordsmith.The previews are gorgeous. A screening of the first episode got high praise for the animation -- which is directed by someone new to the staff group -- but there were rumblings of discontent from fans over lines that were changed from the novel.Lead seiyuu Hosoyo Yoshimasa did a fine job as Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki na Kanojo, and he is backed up by some top names: Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.Twelve one-hour episodes broadcast monthly. First ep 25 Jan, second 8 Feb, third 8 Mar. I am apprehensive, but ready to be amazed.seiyuus: Hosoyo Yoshimasa (Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki), Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.director: Motonaga Keitarou (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka)writer: Makoto Uezu (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka). Nishio Ishin (orig; Bakemonogatari).animation: White Fox. chara-des: Kawada Tsuyoshi (Best Student Council), Take (orig). animation supervisor: Kawada Tsuyoshi (HoneyClover2). art: Kudou Tadashi (Mizuiro 2003).music: Iwasaki Taku (Getbackers, Gurren-Lagann).trailer. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs? Gg?.OVA. 12x1hr eps.mon 25 janMobile Suit Gundam Unicorn(jp: 機動戦士ガンダムUC)shounen mecha adventureThe new Gundam OVA adopts the new fashion of six one-hour episodes. Theatrical and Playstation previews of episode one will be released on 20 feb.Interesting new/old-style look. Appropriate music. Promising new cast. Expectations run high among Gundam fans.Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon and Rurouni Kenshin. Writer Muto Yasuyuki did Persona, Basara, and Chevalier D'Eon.Uchiyama Kouki was Soul Eater. Fujimura Ayumi is Niche in Letter Bee and Cecily in Blacksmith. Kaida Yuuko was Mari in Tokyo Magnitude 8. Shimono Hiro was Jin in Kannagi.seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater), Fujimura Ayumi (Cecily/Blacksmith), Shimono Hiro (Jin/Kannagi), Namikawa Daisuke (Kazehaya/Kimi ni Todoke, Benawi/Utawarerumono, Rock/Black Lagoon), Toyoguchi Megumi, Kaida Yuuko, Ikeda Shuuichi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Tezuka Hideaki.director: Furuhashi Kazuhiro (Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon, Rurouni Kenshin)writer: Muto Yasuyuki (Persona, Basara, Chevalier D'Eon). Fukui Harutoshi.animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Takahashi Kumiko (Tokyo Babylon, CCS, Ouran). art: Ikeda Shigemi (Planetes, Gantz, various Gundams). mecha: Ishigaki Gunya, Katoki Hajime.music: Sawano Hiroyuki (Yoakena, Gigantic Formula, Sengoku Basara).trailer.OVA. 6x50mineps.12 marSex Pistols(jp: Sex Pistols)yaoi sci-fi romanceAdaptation of a yaoi manga series. In the 2003 sci-fi manga, a teenage boy discovers he is one of a select group of humans who evolved from animals other than apes -- animals such as leopards and bears. Cat ears, romance, and physical relationships ensue.Staff list not yet published. Ep2 25jun. Preview and manga both NSFW.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru (Yuuto/Nogizaka Haruka), Sugita Tomokazu (Kyon/Haruhi), Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef), Kawahara Yoshihisa (Yasu/NANA), Nojima Hirofumi (Shuga/Moribito, Scarecrowman), Yusa Kouji (Vincent Law/Ergo Proxy).trailer. manga.OVA. 1/2eps.26 mar
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In volume 7 of XBlade (chapter 26-29), both Haru and Mana's groups are confronted by the forces of Tokisada.Summary:Inside the 13th District, Haru's group are waiting for Mana's group to arrive at the subway station, but instead they are approached by a strange girl. The group is then confronted by Seven Sheathes members Suou and Mizumi who have come to kidnap Haru under Tokisada's orders. While Ruru is being held off by Mizumi, Suou overwhelms Yaegaki and Haru can only watch helplessly. When it looks like Yaegaki is going to lose, the strange girl summons a ninja who is dressed like "The Invisible Man" (can't translate his name) who drives Suou away by throwing kunais. Haru doesn't understand what is going on anymore, and the girl (can't translate her name either, but she's referred to as "Hime" by the Seven Sheathes) explains that she is the former ruler of Yamata and the ninja is her personal bodyguard. Suou and the ninja appear to have some history with each other and the ninja summons his own guardian blade from the shadows to battle Suou. The two engage in a vicious sword fight in which Suou appears to gain the advantage, but the ninja reverses the situation and smashes his knee into Suou's face, downing the Seven Sheathes leader. Just as the ninja was to finish Suou off, Tokisada suddenly appears from the skies and whisks Suou and Mizumi away. Haru once again wonder what's going on, and suddenly the phone in a nearby phone booth starts ringing.I didn't know the Invisible Man was a such great sword fighter.Some time before the developments on Haru's side, Mana's group has arrived at a subway station but Haru's group is nowhere in sight. While waiting around for the other group, Mana asks Alex about what the Crusaders are really up to, and Alex states that the Crusaders' goal is to retrieve the three sacred treasures (Amateratsu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo) for safekeeping. At this moment the Hollyhock agent informs the group that they have arrived at the wrong station, and upon stepping outside the group is confronted by Tokisada who had come to kidnap Mana. Alex immediately attacks Tokisada due to Tokisada's betrayal of the Crusaders and he appears to have sliced Tokisada in half, but Tokisada recovers and uses kido to seal Alex in a block of crystal. Alex powers out of the seal but is then blown up by Tokisada's enchanted tags. Refusing to let Mana fall into Tokisada's hands, Alex stabs himself with a knife and uses a special spell to teleport Mana and the Hollyhock agent to another location. Seeing that Alex is near death, Tokisada leaves the scene to retrieve the defeated Suou. Alex uses his last ounce of strength to make the phone call to tell Haru that Mana is at "Babel". The big Crusader then passes away.Alex is one man who won't be frozen into a popsicle.Back at the other subway station, Haru wonders where "Babel" is. Hime states that Babel is Yamata's headquarters before the disaster and agrees to lead Haru's group to it. After the ninja makes his exit, Haru asks Hime for an explanation of the whole thing about Yamata and the metamorphosing blade. Hime explains that everything started four years ago when her organization tried to resurrect the island of Yamata by summoning metamorphosing blades and their wielders to a tournament, and at the end there were four wielders left including the ninja. The plan was supposed to be for the combatants to fight until one wielder and his blade is left, and this would activates the three treasures and allow the island to be resurrected. For some reason, three of the wielders remained and so the island ended up being resurrected upside down. Soon after the disaster Tokisada swooped in and took over Yamata. Hime reveals that her goal is to save her older sister who is being held by Tokisada. Hime then asks what Haru's goal is, and Haru states that he wants Mana to become his blade.Elsewhere in the 13th District, Suou blames his loss to the ninja to the fact that he only has a prototype metamorphosing blade instead of a real one, and in response Tokisada offers to turn Suou's blade Kanna into a real metamorphosing blade.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The story of XBlade continues to move along in this volume. We have two new important characters, and the principle villains have shown themselves. I thought Mana and Haru would reunite in this volume, but they are now more separated than before. I also didn't think Alex would go down so quickly, but he was up against the main villain. So for now Haru's group is traveling with this Hime who supposedly wants to free her sister from Tokisada's clutches, but being the former leader of Yamata she probably has some other things in mind as well. As for Haru, his intentions of stealing Mana away from Kuushirou is not surprising at all. Everyone wants a pretty girl who can turn into a powerful sword, right? In addition to that, Haru probably wants to find out the truth about what happened inside the 13th District and in particular about that strange girl who looks like his little sister.Even though this volume was good, I still liked volume 6 better, mainly because that volume had the sick monsters whereas this volume didn't. The two fight in this volume (Suou vs. the ninja, Alex vs. Tokisada) were very nice, but they weren't as cool as the scene when Haru's group were entering the district and attacked by monsters. In addition, I'm also a bit confused about Yamata and its resurrection. You can probably see from summary that I didn't really get it, and this is partly attributed to by my poor Chinese skills (since I was reading the Hong Kong version of the volume). I don't get why the resurrection went ahead when there were three participants left in the tournament. Hopefully the story will explain why there were three participants left at the end instead of one and why Hime didn't stop the resurrection when she knew the conditions weren't met. I also want to know about Tokisada's history with the Crusaders as well. There is still a lot of unexplained stuff in XBlade, and it could be long time before I find out the answers given the irregular releases for this series. Last irrelevant note: if you are wondering how got the names of some of the characters but not others, there is a character sheet at the end of this volume, but it doesn't include some of the new characters like the ninja and "Hime".
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