Sorry if it took us long, but finally here's our line-up + impressions of the upcoming Fall 2009 season! There are some new series and sequels. Some have been interesting, while some don't seem that appealing. This post consist of our initial impressions on each series, and also those what we may think of blogging.Shin Koihime MusouContinuing the series, the franchise based off the prequel eroge game re-imagines the classic Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sangokushi) as a “moe (fiery), moe (preciously cute) action love comedy” with an almost all-female cast.Sapphire Pyro says:I've seen a few episodes of the prequel and . . . It was okay. Even if it has shoujo-ai stuff. But . . . Hhhmmm . . . It's not the type of series I'll get addicted to. I doubt I would bother to marathon the prequel anytime soon, so I'm not watching this sequel either.xtine06 says:Another series whose prequel I haven't watched so I will skip this one too. ninjovee says:I… do not know anything of this anime except that there's an awesome Kanu figure for sale a while back. LOL ^^; I'll have to watch the prequel first before watching the sequel.Shugo Chara Party!Every child has an egg in their heart, unseen at first, an egg with the would-be self of their dreams. Hinamori Amu, part of a group called the Guardians, protect those eggs from becoming x-eggs, eggs filled with resentment and resignation that gives children troubles. Amu's job is to capture and restore x-eggs to their orginal form. She does this with the help of her three Shugo Chara (guardian characters or her would be selves), Ran, Miki and Su. Thanks to them she can change her character and abilities, and so fight against the mysterious organization Easter which aim is to find a special egg called Embryo using the x-eggs.Sapphire Pyro says:NO WAY!!!! I liked the manga but the anime's rich with ridiculous fillers that I can't stand it anymore!!! END ALREADY DAMN IT!!!! STOP THE MAGICAL GIRL CRAP!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!xtine06 says:I haven't watched the prequel so like the others, I won't bother watching this one.ninjovee says:I haven't read/watched Shugo Chara… but I have a feeling this is like Naruto and Bleach -- all trying to get the most number of anime episodes there is ><;Sora no OtoshimonoBased on Suu Minazuki’s “heartful comedy” manga series Sora no Otoshimono (”Lost Property of the Sky”). The series relays the story of a middle school boy who encounters an attractive female angel that literally falls out of the sky.Sapphire Pyro says:I've read the manga and the story actually had potential but . . . Most of the time the events had been crap. I don't like the stereotypes and ecchi fanservice in this series but I admit that I've found them hilarious. Hehe. And I like my OTP!!! (They don't look that great in their anime versions, damn). I only care about my OTP!!! I will only watch scenes with my OTP!!!! That is all.xtine06 says:Hmm….sound and looks interesting. The plot reminds me of Ah! My Goddess but I think this one would be far from what Ah!My Goddess reached. Anyway, I think this is worth a try. ninjovee says:This looks like a harem anime based from an eroge… is it? y/y? Not interested in following this seriesTentai Senshi Sunred: 2nd SeasonTentai Senshi Sunred is a powerful, battle tested hero of many years. He has sold his super bike, which is seen in the opening credits. Now he smokes a lot, is effectively unemployed, and lives by the grace of his girlfriend, Kayoko Uchida. His arch enemies in the Evil Florsheim Army are still trying to take over the world. Under the direction of their local leader, Vamp, they help members of the community, run a cooking show, assist Kayoko Uchida whenever possible, and try to attack the ever powerful Sunred. All in all, a light parody of the Japanese hero genera.Sapphire Pyro says:I'I saw a few episodes of the previous season, and it was pretty funny . . . But over all dumb/dull/whatever. It's not my kind of gag series, so I don't think I'll bother to watch more of it.xtine06 says:Not really my type plus it's the 2nd season..I haven't watched the first so this another no,no,no.ninjovee says:Uh. Characters in art giving me brain damage. *avoids*The Sacred BlacksmithThe story takes place after an abominable war that foisted a "devil's contract" upon a land. Cecily Campbell, a former noble's daughter who joined a knighthood, encounters a man who dispatches some hoodlums with one sweep of a mysterious sword. The man possesses the power of the same "devil's contract" that has become taboo, now that peace has been restored. Cecily has been searching for a blacksmith who can repair an old sword she inherited from her father, and that mysterious young man happens to be blacksmith named Luke. This encounter launches their adventures together.Sapphire Pyro says:The story seemed interesting . . . And I'm a sucker for fantasy stuff with the devil's contract thing. But I usually don't last long on this kind of fantasy series (like with Tears to Tiara, Druaga, etc.) and only the leading guy's my type here. But well, I'm still checking it out~ xtine06 says:Another fantasy series for the season! I will be checking this one. This looks interesting and worth to watch.ninjovee says:Looking into it… but the plotline sounds too clichéYumeiro PâtissièreAdaptation of Natsumi Matsumoto’s shoujo manga Yumeiro Patissiere (Dream-Colored Pastry Chef). The manga, which premiered in September 2008, tells the story of 14 year old Ichigo Amano, a clumsy girl who dreams of becoming a pastry chef. She draws closer to fulfilling her dream when she enrolls in the St. Mary Academy culinary school and meets a tiny “spirit of sweets.”Sapphire Pyro says:I love baking stuff but . . . This seems to be one of those typical reverse harem shoujo that I despise a lot. And I'm very very very sure that I'm gonna hate the leading girl. Ah well, I might watch out of curiosity. I don't think I'll last long, especially if it is indeed as crappy as it seemed to me at first impression.xtine06 says:Another fantasy series for the season! I will be checking this one. This looks interesting and worth to watch.ninjovee says:Does the spirit of sweets refer to the cute boys in her background? If so..I am checking this one out!Miracle Train: Ouedo-sen e YoukosoAdaptation of the Miracle Train multi-media franchise that depicts stops on Tokyo’s Chou commuter train line as handsome young men.Sapphire Pyro says:II like anthromorphisms (Hetalia's my numero uno after all) but, come on, trains?! I don't know much about Japan's trains so I doubt I can relate. And even if I like bishies, none of them have appealed to me at first impression. But hhhmm . . . I'll watch it out of curiosity though.xtine06 says:I really don't get the summary. What's the relationship of cute guys and train and communting??! I will be checking this one out of curiosity.ninjovee says:Hmm. This is… interesting. I might check this outNatsu no Arashi 2Continuation of the first season of Natsu no Arashi. Thirteen-year-old Yasaka is a boy staying at his grandfather’s house during his summer vacation. One day he entered a store and met Arashi, a beautiful sixteen-year old girl working there. After trying to protect her from a man who claims to have been hired by her family to take her back by force, Yasaka ran away with her and now she stays at his grandpa’s place with him. It didn’t take much time for Yasaka to figure out that his new friend is far from an ordinary girl, as she possesses mysterious powers. The plot thickens when he finds a sixty-year-old picture of Arashi and another girl named Kaja, and to the surprise of all Kaja suddenly appears, and just like Arashi, her appearance hasn’t changed at all since then.Sapphire Pyro says:I didn't like the first few episodes much, but from spoilers it seemed that things got interesting later. I'll marathon the prequel someday, and might watch this sequel if I had liked it.xtine06 says:Again, I missed the prequel so I will be missing this one.ninjovee says:Weird plotline is weird. I need to look at the prequel first thoughNogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: PurezzaA continuation of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu. In the story, Yuuto Ayase is an ordinary boy in an private high school with the usual cliques. Haruka, the school’s most unattainable girl, is so idolized in the school for both her beauty and smarts that her classmates nickname her Nuit Étoile (The Silver Star of the Night) and Lumière du Clavier (The Shining Princess on the Piano). However, in the school’s library, Yūto stumbles across her and her darkest secret — she is a diehard fan of anime, manga, and otaku culture. Sapphire Pyro says: I haven't seen the prequel . . . And the plot's not my type. If I happened to give the prequel a chance and ended up loving it, then I may watch this. But . . . It doesn't seem likely.xtine06 says: I haven't watched the first season so I will pass on this one.ninjovee says: I haven't seen the prequel yet… but this seems interesting. I might take a look at the prequel if there are still any torrents aroundNyan Koi!Junpei Kōsaka is a second-year high school student who despises cats and has an allergy to them. It just so happens that his high school crush is Kaede Mizuno, a girl who adores cats. One day, while walking home from school, Junpei kicks an empty can and unfortunately beans the local neko-jizō-sama (guardian deity of cats). He finds he can now understand what cats are saying, including his family’s own ill-tempered cat, Nyamusasu. However, if he does not grant 100 wishes from cats, he will turn into cat himself. Sapphire Pyro says: I'm more of a dog person . . . And the plot sounded stupid, so I didn't expect myself to appreciate it. But after reading a few chapters of the manga, it turns out to be pretty entertaining~ I like this series and definitely reading more of the manga but . . . I'm not sure about the anime . . . xtine06 says: A very unique plot (again). This series seems to be promising for the fall season so I will give this one a shot.ninjovee says: The plotline sounds entertaining. I think I'm going to take a look into this series Queen's Blade: Heir to the ThroneBased on a game by Hobby Japan (New psp one comes out this year!) Sapphire Pyro says: I didn't bother to watch the prequel because it's just too perverted for me (I see it as hentai damnit!). Such things do not please me so I don't see the point of bothering to watch its sequel. xtine06 says: Hentai + Unwatched prequel = NO NO for the fall season.ninjovee says: QB figures are lovely. The anime sucks -- especially Leina -- I didn't even finish the first season. That's all I have to say. Romance of the Three KingdomsA Chinese-Japanese anime adaptation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel classic. Sapphire Pyro says: I like historical series but this one seems really really boring. And I don't have much background on the original material, so I doubt I can relate. I don't think I'll appreciate this ^^;xtine06 says: Since I had experience on playing this game, I am really interested about this. I know this is another historical plot and might be boring but I do hope that my gaming background is enough for me appreciate this series. ninjovee says: Meh. I've seen the live action version of this (though I didn't understand a thing) I don't really think I'll watch this. Sasameki KotoMurasame Sumika is popular in the high school for her excellence in the marks and sports. However, she has a secret: she is in love with her classmate Kazama Ushio. Ushio also has a liking to the love between girls, but she hasn’t noticed Sumika’s feeling and always been refused by other girls. Sapphire Pyro says: Shoujo-ai isn't my thing. I don't find anything interesting in the plot even if I put that aside. So I doubt I'll even appreciate this. xtine06 says: I realized after watching Aoi Hana that Shoujo-ai is not my type too. So I will drop this from my watchlist. ninjovee says: why does the megane girl look like the megane girl in Aoi Hana? Just wondering… I don't really find it interesting, so I'll most likely skip this Seitokai no IchizonThe members of the student council of Hekiyou Gakuen are chosen by a popularity vote. As a result, all the members are cute girls except for Sugizaki Ken, who studied hard to enter the council. This novel is about the endless chattering of the members with full of parodies of “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”, “Dragon Ball” etc. Sapphire Pyro says: I liI read the first chapter, and it was student council crap with more pervertedness. The leading guy has ecchi and harem fantasies while the girls around him are a bunch of stereotypes. I don't find it funny. I don't think I need to bother watching the anime. xtine06 says: I am actually 50/50 on watching this series. It's Studio Deen and I am interested to the parodies but since Sapphy has already checked the manga and she said that there's ecchi and harem involved, I am not sure about this anymore.ninjovee says: Meh. There are no other words. Asura Cryin' 2The second season of Asura Cryin’. Tomoharu is a normal high school student… except for he’s not alone. Haunted by the ghost of his dead childhood best friend, he moves into a new home in time for the new school year. That becomes a little more difficult than anticipated when his house becomes overrun with various female occult users. Even worse than that he has been pulled into a fight to protect a trunk within the house that others want to steal. Sapphire Pyro says: he prequel was a great disappointment. It had potential but it had become so crappy and fanservicey that I couldn't take it anymore. So nah, I won't bother to watch this sequel. xtine06 says: I skipped the prequel so I cannot watch this one. So pass.ninjovee says: Haven't watched the prequel yet… so I won't be able to follow this one for now. Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Falling StarHei and Yin are now on the run after betraying the Syndicate in the previous season. After leaving Japan, Hei encounters Suou Pavlichenko, a 13 year old Eurasian girl who becomes embroiled in the war and politics of the various factions and Contractors vying for power. Meanwhile, Hell's Gate remains standing in Tokyo, after Hei's efforts to stop the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating. Although Contractors are safe from the danger of having their existences erased, this does not prevent new and old Contractors from abusing their powers. As Misaki Kirihara and her team in the Public Security Bureau deal with the increasing Contractor cases, she also has to keep the Syndicate at bay, who has major positions in the Japanese police and intelligence bureaus around the world. Sapphire Pyro says: I love Darker Than Black but if the sequel's going to focus on that girl (which I don't like already) instead of Hei and Yin, THAT JUST SUCKS!!! I'll only be watching because I think some characters from the previous will definitely show up here 9Hei with long hair, eh? xD). I don't think I'll tune in to this every week though. xtine06 says: This is one the surest parfait that I will be offering this new season!!! I am waiting for this for a very long time and now it has finally come!!! I will be faithfully tuning to this every week.ninjovee says: Haven't watched the prequel yet… so I won't be able to follow this one for now. Fairy TailStory follows a teenaged girl named Lucy Heartfilia who aims to join the world's most notorious mage guild, Fairy Tail. During a daring rescue, Lucy encounters Natsu "Salamander" Dragneel, a quirky Fairy Tail member and a teenaged practitioner of the ancient Dragon Slayer magic. Lucy is eventually welcomed into the Fairy Tail guild as she, Natsu, and other members go on various quests together. Sapphire Pyro says: I love Fairy Tail!!!! I've been hooked to the manga; but I'm no longer updated recently. I really can't keep up on looooooooong mainstream shounen ^^; I'm sure this anime adaptation will have maaaaaaaaany episodes, and I doubt I can tune in to all of them. But I really love the seiyuu cast and the animation seems great! I might not be able to watch all episodes, but I'll certainly check out some of them, especially my favorite arcs~ (Gray and Erza FTW!)xtine06 says: I thought that these would be a girly and shoujo anime. But after checking the picture, I stand corrected. This alone aroused my interest to check out this one ^^ ninjovee says: Haven't watched Fairy Tail yet, might give it a shot. Inuyasha: Final ActIt’s the final chapter of the Inuyasha series titled “InuYasha Kanketsu-hen” and the original staff and cast will animate the manga volumes 36 – 56. Sapphire Pyro says: I like Inuyasha but . . . .I'm no hardcore fan. I've seen the movies but I won't bother to watch all the episodes that have aired and neither will I bother to read all those chapters! I've read the ending though, so I already know what's gonna happen anyway. In short, I like this series but I'm tired of seeing more of it. xtine06 says: Im no hardcore fan of Inuyasha but for the sake of finishing the series..I will be watching this one. This might fall in my 2nd or 3rd or even lower priority though. ninjovee says: I love Inuyasha, but the anime has too many fillers and I'm pretty much lost as to what happened already. I'll try to read the manga instead. 11 eyesSatsuki Kakeru lost his sister by suicide and has been living a dull life ever since then. One day, he is transported into a bizarre world "Red Night" along with his friend Minase Yuka. In order to survive and escape from Red Night, he fights against Dark Spirits (Ralva) and Black Nights. Sapphire Pyro says: It seems awesome and it reminds me of Chaos; Head. I hope the story's decent and there are a lot of bloody stuff. I already like the eyepatched bishie xD Wheeee! Hehe~ xtine06 says: A very interesting plot. I think this is worth my try since the animation looks good and nice. I just hope that the story would be decent and could live up to my expectations. ninjovee says: This seems interesting, although a little cliché as well. I'll look into the first episode and we'll see from there. Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu Sapphire Pyro says: Lolis in animal cosplay? Pass. I'm not fond of lolis anyway. xtine06 says: INot my type. I will be passing this one.ninjovee says: Cute lolis are cute. But cute lolis are not enough for me to watch a series A Certain Scientific RailgunAcademy City. 2.3 million inhabitants. 80% of the students are active in the ‘Brain Development Program’ and out of those only 7 are Level 5s.Meet the civilian protagonist Mikoto and her friend Kuroko, maintainers of peace and order in the University district. Kuroko is a member of ‘Judgement’. Sapphire Pyro says: I liked its prequel but I haven't seen much episodes so I don't think I'll be watching this one. And even if it's just a side story, Mikoto isn't a favorite of mine anyway so I doubt I would bother to hurry in finishing Index to be able to watch this one ^^;xtine06 says: Too bad I dropped Index previously so I am afraid I will have to pass on this one. ninjovee says: I haven't watched the prequel yet, so I'm not going to follow this series this season.Aoi Bungaku Sapphire Pyro says: OHMYGOD! The artists of Death Note, Bleach, and Prince of Tennis are participating in this adaptation! What's more, these are based on LITERARY MASTERPIECES! I spoiled myself of the plot of each novel AND THEY'RE GOOD AND INTERESTING INDEED!!!! Most anticipated anime of this season spotted! xtine06 says: OMG. I am excited to see this one. A lot of big names participated in this anime. What's more is that this is not any simple anime. This is based on literary masterpieces which makes it unique and very, very, very interesting to watch..ninjovee says: This is definitely interesting -- especially since it's a collaboration of some of the mangaka I like ^^ will be watching thisArmed Librarians: Book of BantorraThis series takes place in a world where dead people turn into books and are stored away in the Bantorra Library, which is guarded by the Armed Librarians. Anyone who reads these books learns everything about that dead persons past.The Armed Librarians are elite fighters that wield special weapons and mysterious powers. Their main enemy is a religious group that goes by the name of Sindeki Kyoudan. Sapphire Pyro says: THIS is my type of fantasy series. Ididn't like the character designs much though, but I think I'll get used to that soon (It was also like this with Tytania, and I got used to the art really fast). It's very interesting and promising (and oh I love book stuff~). Animation looks good and I love the seiyuu cast~ I look forward to this~ xtine06 says: Another unique plot. It’s a new concept so I am opening my doors to this new idea. I will be checking this one out since the guys who made Code Geass also did the works for this one. This better be good :)ninjovee says: This seems very interesting… not a fan of the art but interesting plot > art. Will check this out Kaidan Restaurant Sapphire Pyro says: Horror + dishes? If I want that, I'd prefer Ghost Only! This seems to be just a typical kiddie show that has some ghosts around. xtine06 says: I think this is for kids so I will be leaving this for the kids. ninjovee says: I think this anime is geared towards kids. Yeah. Like Element Hunter. Skipping! KampferSenou Natsuru is your normal, everyday high school student. However he´s been chosen to be a Kampfer, who´s objective consists on fighting other Kampfer with either guns, swords or magic, however, there´s catch; first you can´t chose if you´re a Kampfer or not, and second, you must have the body of a girl to use your powers. Sapphire Pyro says: I've read the manga and it was CRAP! The story was nonsense, in my opinion, and it's mostly ecchi with a little shoujo-ai fanservice. Not my kind of thing. No way. I don't care if the seiyuu cast seemed nice. Spare me! xtine06 says: I think this has a little ecchi and fanservice based on the picture. I will be passing this one because of that. ninjovee says: Battle show with school girls. Reminds me of Ikkitousen. Moar show ideas please? ><; Kiddy Girl-andS members Éclair and Lumière once were involved in a battle to decide the fate of the galaxy. They prevailed and peace was restored to the galaxy. Now, 50 years later, the galaxy once again stands on the brink of chaos. This conflict will see the dawn of two new heroines; Ascoeur and Q-feuille. Sapphire Pyro says: Is this a sequel? I'm not familiar with this… and I don't have any idea about it. Hopefully it's not shoujo-ai. It has space stuff though, so I might check it out out of curiosity. xtine06 says: I think this is a sequel of Kiddy Girl, something that I haven't watch so I will be passing this one too. ninjovee says: I haven't watched Kiddy Grade, and I don't think I'll be able to follow this. Kimi ni TodokeKimi ni Todoke is about a girl named Kuronuma Sawako. She is nicknamed Sadako (from the ring) because many people see her as strange and often mistake her for a ghost. A boy called Kazehaya kun becomes her friend and, to her, is “100% refreshness.” Kuronuma Sawako’s one wish in life is to make friends. That’s a difficult proposition when everyone who meets her cowers in terror. She admires her classmate, Kazehaya-kun, a popular, easygoing and 100% refreshing guy who is nice with everyone, even with her. Sapphire Pyro says: I love Kimi ni Todoke! I'm already following the manga and I've already spoiled myself on the latest chapters. Hehe. I'll definitely love this (OMG Namikawa sa Kazehaya~) and I trust Production IG! My problem would be if I'll be able to follow this. Damn. xtine06 says: Now this looks hilarious. Hahahhaa. The fact that Sadako's name was being mentioned already interests me so I will check this out and besides this has an air of comedy, romance and spice and life.ninjovee says: Oh! Sounds like there's a candidate for best new shoujo series right here. Will be watching this. KobatoKobato is sweet and perky girl, but also extremely naive about the world around her. She has a "mission", which is to fill a mysterious bottle of hers with the suffering from people's hearts so her wish to go a certain place that she desires to go can be granted. However, she must not fall in love with a particular boy she works with and whose heart she must heal. Sapphire Pyro says: NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! SPARE ME!!!!! I HATE IT!!!! AND KOBATO'S VOICE MADE HER EVEN MORE DESPICABLE FOR ME!!! AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I DON'T CARE IF IT GIVES OFF CCS NOSTALGIA!!! CCS IS STILL BETTER!!!! DAMNIT!!!! But I might watch the OP and ED themes . . . Maaya's voice is lovely~ xtine06 says: For the love of CLAMP..I will be checking this one out. I wanna see Clamp's new work of art in this season. It's been a while since I watched a CLAMP inspired work. ninjovee says: Have been a CLAMP fan and I love a lot of their stuff. So, I'll be checking this one out tooLetter BeeGauche is a governmental employee, given the task to deliver any letter to it’s destination. Meeting a young boy who is the letter to be delivered, Gauche makes friends with Lag and inspires him to take up the job. Five years later, Lag Seeing finally becomes his dream, that of a Letter Bee. However, the one who inspired him has gone missing and only there does the mystery start. Sapphire Pyro says: Though I haven't caught up yet, I love the Letter Bee manga~ I've seen the special episode, and it was nice~ I don't know if I can tune in to this every week but I'm deifnitely watching it~ FukuJun's voicing my favorite~ Kyaaa~ xtine06 says: Ooohh..mystery..not to mention Jun Fukuyama's there??! I will be checking this out toooo.ninjovee says: Cute art, intriguing plot (since it's in the supernatural genre) and… FUKUJUN :3c kyaa~ Will be watching this ^^ TrapezeIrabu Ichiro is an eccentric psychiatrist. Patients, who visit him to have a counseling, are perplexed with his weird behavior. Sapphire Pyro says: It's from the staff of Mononoke?! And it has neurology and psychiatry stuff? And whoa . . .Oedipus Complex! I sense weirdoes! I love that!!! And it looks really unique and interesting~ I have high expectations and look forward to it~xtine06 says: Errr..the plot is interesting but the plot is something that I am not sure if I will like or not. I am still not sure about this one.ninjovee says: This is quite interesting. I'll look into episode 1 first.White Album: FinalThe second season of White Album (episodes 14-26). Adapted from the Leaf eroge. The White Album game centers around Tōya Fujī, a college student dating a rising idol singer named Yuki Morikawa. The game deals with the challenges to the couple’s relationship from the other people at Fujī’s college, Morikawa’s work, and elsewhere. Sapphire Pyro says: I am not yet done with the previous season, but I liked the ones I've seen so far. However, I've heard many say that the ending of this series was very very disappointing. It's giving me second thoughts if I should even finish the previous season or not. xtine06 says:This is another definite parfait for me. I am already looking forward to watch this since the previous season ended in a cliff hanger. I wanna know to the ending of the lovestories in the series. ninjovee says: I haven't seen the first season yet… so… not following this one ^^; Winter Sonatahe anime is an adaptation of the popular 2002 Korean live action romantic drama Winter Sonata (Gyeoul Yeonga). Original actors Bae Yong Jun and Choi Ji Woo will reprise their roles from the live action drama in the anime adaptation, so it does look like the series will air on Japanese television with Korean dialogue and Japanese subtitles. Sapphire Pyro says: I am very amazed on how similar the animated versions look with the actual people! Unfortunately, I'm not yet done watching and neither am I a fan of the live-action drama, so I don't think I'll tune in to this. I'll go finish the drama instead (we have the complete episodes anyway). I may watch an episode or more of this out of curiosity though.xtine06 says: Now this really made me interested. I have watched the drama version and I really cried. This has the genre of heavy drama but since I loved it, I am watching this one. It's also amusing that the characters look like their live action counterpart plus Bae Yong Jun and Choi Ji Woo will voice the characters. ninjovee says: Haven't watched even a single episode of the original Korean drama… I have a very strong feeling this will be localized in the near future. Might pick it up in the future, but not following it this season. ~~~~===============Overall Thoughts: ===============~~~~ Sapphire Pyro says: There are a lot of series I disliked from this season, but there are ones that have been interesting for me. I don't want to pick up much series to have more time for manga. Maybe I'll only blog 1 to 3 series form this season.I'm pretty sure I'll be blogging Aoi Bungaku (Blue Literature). Everything with the word "blue" fits me. Ohohohoho~ But I'll cover it by arc/novel.Another series that I think I will certainly be blogging as well would be Armed Librarians. Books + Fantasy and I are really meant to be. Haha! As well as Trapeze! It seems very very unique and interesting~So there goes my top three most anticipated Fall 2009 anime this season.I'm gonna be watching Kimi ni Todoke and Letter Bee too, but I'm not that sure if I could blog them. The same goes with Darker Than Black 2 . . . especially that it doesn't seem to be as awesome as the previous season. While with Fairy Tail, even if I love it, blogging it is impossible for me. I'll watch it out of bias though *will just watch favorite arcs*. The same goes to Sora no Otoshimono *will only watch OTP moments*. Maybe I'll do the same for Nyan Koi *only cares about OTP moments too*.These are the ones I'm not sure if I'll like, but I'm checking them out: 11 eyes, Miracle Train, The Sacred Blacksmoth, and Yumeiro Patissiere xtine06 says: I think that the new season is meant for all the sequels of previous anime. A lot of them are sequels. Some of which I haven't watch while some are my most awaited sequels. Though, there are unique series in there too. So I am still excited for this.My life would be busy as ever as I enter another career but even so, I would try my best to take as many anime as my so little time can so that I can bring it all to everybody. After all, this season has some of my most awaited sequels to the series that I really loved! ninjovee says: This season is jam-packed with sequels -- of series that I haven't watched too ><; I do have a list of series that I'll be checking out. As for the parfaits, I know you guys haven't seen much from me ^^; and I apologize. I will do my best to update better this season! If time permits, I'll be able to blog 1-3 series. The series that I'll most likely blog about are: Kimi ni Todoke, Kobato and Nyan Koi. I might just stick to one though. *still has a lot of lined up series to watch*That's it for the preview of the upcoming anime series this season!How about you guys? What Fall 2009 series do you look forward to the most?
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There are more new shows this fall than in any season over the past few years. But I'm not sure the quality -- or at least the appeal to my taste -- will be that high. I don't see any shows I expect to be as good as the great shows of this past summer season, such as Aoi Hana and Bakemonogatari. But I'm ready to be surprised. (click pics to enlarge)We'll certainly have a lot of shows to choose from. But a growing number are OVA episodes or pre-released OPs being used to sell a manga volume, or advertise a future series. I'm not sure what the overall trend is in total production or total profit.I'll give complete details of pretty well all the new shows: staff, cast, dates, times, pics, sub groups, and links to more info in English and Japanese, as well as to the shows' AnimeSuki forums, which have more info and discussion. But first, here are some shows I am looking forward to:Sasameki Koto is a yuri school drama. The manga isn't as subtle and deep as Aoi Hana, but the show stars one of my favorite seiyuus: Takagaki Ayahi.Sora no Otoshimono is a shounen fantasy about a guy who gets a buxom, all-powerful angel as his servant. Ecchi comedy is not everyone's cup of tea, but this stars Hayami Saori, the most beautiful voice in anime, as well as Takagaki Ayahi, and is directed by the director of Bamboo Blade and Kigurumikku.Kimi ni Todoke was voted the top shoujo manga of 2008. I enjoy the manga, and I'm eager to see what Production I.G. can do with it. It stars Noto Mamiko -- the second-most beautiful voice in anime.Winter Sonata may have been the most successful Asian romantic TV drama ever. Now we get a chance to see a Korean animated version, voiced by the original actors.White Album now resumes, giving us the second half of the slowly evolving story of an aspiring idol's romantic and professional life. With Mizuki Nana and Hirano Aya.Miracle Train is the most bizarre show of the season: a comedy in which stations on a Tokyo subway line are personified as bishounen. What makes this so attractive is the fact that it will be directed by Kasai Kenichi, who did a masterful job with Aoi Hana.Darker than Black 2 continues the hard-boiled sci-fi mystery/adventure whose first season I enjoyed. Directed by Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain), and starring Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren in NANA).Koishigure is not so much an anime as an actress reading romance stories over illustrations, but the format and the quality of the stories get my attention.Aoi Bungaku gives us another interesting format: four classic modern Japanese novels animated in three episodes each, with top character designers and artists involved.Tegami Bachi is a charming little fantasy about a girl (played by Sawashiro Miyuki) who is a letter-carrier in a mediaevalesque fantasy world.To is a two-episode OVA based on stories from a famous space-fiction manga and directed by the man who produced Appleseed and directed Vexille.Kuuchuu Buranko is the new offering from the makers of Mononoke, and is based on an award-winning novel about visits of neurotics to their even more neurotic therapist.Denpateki na Kanojo hasn't received much attention, but I loved the first ep of this two-episode OVA starring Hirohashi Ryou, about a weird girl, the boy she adores, and a series of murders.I am also looking forward to the one-episode OVA Aki-Sora, although I hesitate to admit to enjoying the almost-hentai manga, which gets closer to incest than even kissxsis.Yamakan's second music video of the season, Black Rock Shooter pilot edition, is also on my list. His Tonari no 801-chan is growing on me.I'm also looking forward to the big, serious China-Japan co-production of a 52-episode version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.This may not be my season, but it may well be a season for shounen fans. We have the extremely popular shounen comedy adventure manga Fairy Tail being animated, with Hirano Aya in a leading role, along with Kugimiya Rie and Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann).And Inuyasha gets a new season, with all the original cast returning.The fighting fantasy ero-game 11eyes is also being animated, starring Ono Daisuke and Gotou Mai, directed by the director of Someday's Dreamers 1 and Zegapain, and written by the writer of Hell Girl.Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra is another shounen fantasy, based around fighting librarians who guard books that are people's souls. A fabulous cast stars Paku Romi and includes Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Ishida Akira, Hirohashi Ryou and others.The moe fantasy Index also gets a spin-off, in To Aru Kagaku no Railgun.Clamp returns with the anime Kobato, about a girl who must collect in a bottle the suffering from people's hearts, and who must not fall in love with a particular boy.And last but hopefully not least is the yaoi science fiction fantasy Ai no Kusabi, directed by the director of Pumpkin Scissors, and written by the woman who wrote the original novel.Anyway, here is an alphabetical list of all 57 shows, linked to a full preview of each one:||11eyes       ||Ai no Kusabi       ||AIKa ZERO       ||Aki-Sora       ||Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu       ||Aoi Bungaku       ||Asura Cryin' 2       ||Battle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan       ||Black Rock Shooter pilot edition       ||Cheburashka Arere?       ||Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini       ||Denpateki na Kanojo       ||Fairy Tail       ||Gokyoudai Monogatari       ||Hidamari Sketch x 365       ||Inuyasha: The Final Act       ||Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari       ||Kaidan Restaurant       ||Kämpfer       ||Kanokon ~Manatsu no Daishanikusai~       ||Kemono to Chat       ||Kiddy Girl-And       ||Kimi ni Todoke       ||kissxsis       ||Kobato       ||Koishigure       ||Kuuchuu Buranko       ||Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri       ||Mahou Sensei Negima! "Another World"       ||Miracle Train: Ooedo-sen e Youkoso       ||Natsu no Arashi 2       ||Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza       ||Nyan Koi       ||Queen's Blade: Gyokuza no Tsugumono       ||Romance of the Three Kingdoms       ||Sasameki Koto       ||Seiken no Blacksmith       ||Seitokai no Ichizon       ||Shakugan no Shana S       ||Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Ryōran Sangokushi Engi       ||Shoujo Fight       ||Shugo Chara Party!       ||Sora no Otoshimono       ||Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra       ||Tegami Bachi       ||Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA Another Story: Kako to Mirai no Message       ||Tentai Senshi Sunred 2       ||To       ||To Aru Kagaku no Railgun       ||To Love-Ru OVA       ||Today in Class 5-2 -- Takarabako       ||ToHeart2 adplus       ||Tonari no 801-chan R       ||Utsurun Desu       ||White Album part 2       ||Winter Sonata       ||Yumeiro Pâtissière       ||Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Bangaichi       notes:English and Japanese titles link to more info in their respective languages"forum" links to a show's AnimeSuki forumwhere no real trailer is available, "trailer" links to a streamed episode of a previous series of the same showsubs info from the Who Subs What wikistaff, cast, and other info from MoonPhase, official sites, AniDB, and Anime News Networkepisode numbers uncertain; "2/4eps" means "second of four episodes"times and dates may change, and will be updated in the seasonal anime calendar I will post later this monthanimes listed below in order of date of first release: broadcast, rental, or saleTonari no 801-chan R(jp: となりの801ちゃんR)The fourth volume of Kojima Ajiko's Tonari no 801-chan manga shipped in Japan on September 10 with a "Tonari no 801-chan R" anime short on DVD. The manga follows the personal life of a fujoshi (female boys-love otaku) and her otaku boyfriend. Yutaka Yamamoto (Kannagi) directed the production of the 90-second "opening anime" at Aniplex's A-1 Pictures studio (Kannagi, Ookiku Furikabutte). Info from animeanime.jp via ann (Anime News Network).An excellent OP. Not overwhelmingly exciting, but it has grown on me, and seems like something whose appeal will not fade. A good teaser for the coming anime: the characters look interesting. Excellent animation gives the figures a physical presence.director: Yamamoto Yutakaanimation: A1xOrdet. chara-des: Haruna. animation supervisor: Kadowaki Satoshi.music: Nishimura Masatoshi; Slowcurve. theme: Bagyou no Fujoshi.streamed here or here. forum. OP OVA. 1/1eps.thu 10 sepBattle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan(jp: バトルスピリッツ 少年激覇ダン)shounen fighting fantasySecond kids' shounen series based on the trading card game. Great cast, good director, competent lead writer.seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Honda Youko (Ichika/UtaKata, Mana/sola), Oura Fuyuka (Mizuki/Shikabane, Naruki/Regios), Yukino Satsuki, Kawasumi Ayako, Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, Layfon/Regios), Horanai Ai (Lua/YuGiOh 5Ds), Ono Daisuke.director: Nishimori Akira (PetoPeto-san, Hitohira, Zombie Loan)writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Nishi no Yoko Majou, Pumpkin Scissors, Zombie Loan, Inazuma 11).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Yumoto Yoshinori (Growlanser 4, Strait Jacket, some Shounen Toppa).OP Jam Project, ED Oikawa Mitsuhiro.trailer. 13?eps.sun 13 sep 07:00Koishigure(jp: 恋時雨���吉高由里子と6つの恋���)josei love storiesAn illustrated anthology of short stories read aloud by 21-year-old actress Yoshitaka Yuriko. Based on six love stories and their accompanying illustrations from the Koishigure short story series in Media Factory's Da Vinci magazine. A popular music group is contributing a love song to each story. (ann)Music: Mochida Kaori, Koto Ringo, Oohashi Trio, Maekawa Hiroki, Takasugi Satomi, moumoon.Artists: Kishino Makiko, Suwa Sayaka, Nishi Shuhu, Hiramatsu Kei, sioux, MARYCO.This appears to be less anime than reading to pictures, but I'm still eager to see it.seiyuus: Yoshitaka Yuriko (actress; Vanessa in ep13 of Michiko & Hatchin).director: Kamebuchi Hiroshi (? 亀渕裕 )1/6eps.wed 16 sep 26:08Mahou Sensei Negima "Another World" (jp: 魔法先生ネギま������もうひとつの世界���)comedy with magic and moeYet another Shinbou Negima OVA series begins. The OVAs have been following the manga more closely than the TV series did -- perhaps because the mangaka, Akamatsu Ken, is writing the screenplays.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Horie Yui, Inokuchi Yuka, Inoue Marina, Ishige Sawa, Kobayashi Yu, Noto Mamiko, Saitou Chiwa, etc..director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Akamatsu Ken.animation: Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.OP Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Nonaka Ai, Noto Mamiko, Kobayashi Yu. ED Satou Rina, Inoue Marina.trailer. forum.OVA. 1/4eps. sold with v27 of manga; ep2 comes w/v28 on 17nov.tue 17 sepUtsurun Desu(jp: 伝染るんです)bizarre comedyAn anime adaptation of Sensha Yoshida's Utsurun Desu "nonsensical" gag comedy comic-strip manga. The manga uses a stable of off-the-wall characters to tell jokes that defy logic. (anidb)Director Mankyuu is a young filmmaker (just turned 29) who made his name with short flash animations and now has this OVA series.I haven't seen the first episode, and have no idea what to expect. A guest seiyuu (comedian Takayama Takenori) says that the lines he was asked to say were all just onomatopoeic sounds that he shouted out. (ann)seiyuus: Chafurin (Inspector Megure in Detective Conan), Mamiko Noto, Seki Tomokazu, Nakahara Mai, Wakamoto Norio.director: Mankyuuwriter: Yoshida Sensha (orig).trailer.OVA. 2/3eps. ep3 23oct.fri 18 sepIsekai no Seikishi Monogatari(jp: 異世界の聖機師物語)fantasy adventureEpisode 7 of the continuing fantasy adventure based on the mediaevalesque fantasy world of Tenchi Muyo.seiyuus: Nakagawa Rie, Satou Takaya, Kuwatani Natsuko, Tsunematsu Ayumi, Yasumoto Hiroki, Yonezawa Madoka, Shimono Hiro, Saitou Momoko, Sonozaki Mie.director: Yoshikawa Koji (DN Angel, Goshuushousama Ninomiyakun)writer: Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Girl's High).animation: AIC/BeStack. chara-des: Watanabe Hajime (School Rumbles). animation supervisor: Watanabe Hajime (School Rumble 3).music: Tada Akifumi (Tenchi Muyou, Touka Gettan, Skip Beat).trailer. subs: Sora.OVA. 7/13eps.fri 18 sep 04:00 (ep7 preview broadcast)Queen's Blade: Gyokuza no Tsugumono(jp: クイーンズブレイド 玉座を継ぐ者)ecchi fantasy adventureWhat can you say about this terrible but very popular show about large breasts? Oh, yes, there is fantasy and fighting in there, too. And a great cast.One thing you can say is that it is popular enough to get a second season immediately on the heels of the first.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko, Mizuhashi Kaori, Kaida Yuuko, Nabatame Hitomi, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Itou Kanae.director: Yoshimoto Kinji (Plastic Little, Genshiken2, QB1)writer: Yoshioka Takao (Elfen Lied, ZnT, QB1).animation: chara-des: Rin Shin (WordsWorth, Ikkitousen DD, QB1). animation supervisor: Rin Shin, Noguchi Takayuki (Kamichama Karin, QB1).sound director: Aketagawa Jun. OP ENA. ED Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Itou Kanae.trailer. forum.subs: SFW, PZ. 12?eps.thu 24 sep 08:00Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA Another Story: Kako to Mirai no Message(jp: テニスの王子様　OVA ANOTHER STORY ���過去と未来のメッセージ)sports bishounenThe Prince of Tennis Another Story OVA continues.seiyuus: Minagawa Junko, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kondou Nakayuki, Tsuda Kenjirou, Kaida Yuuki, Takahashi Hiroki.director: Tada Shunsukewriter: Hirota Mitsutaka; Sakai Fumiyo (? 坂井史世). Konomi Takeshi (mangaka).animation: chara-des: Ishii Akiharu. animation supervisor: Irie Kenji; Ishii Akiharu.OVA. 3-4 of 6eps.fri 25 sepBlack Rock Shooter pilot edition(jp: BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER -PILOT Edition-)music videoNinety-second music video in advance of next spring's full series based on huke's revisioning of a Hatsune Miku-like character with guns. Stills here.With Tonari no 801-chan, this is the second animated music video that Yamamoto Yutaka and his staff will put out this fall. Perhaps Yamakan has created a new form, based on his OP and ED triumphs for Haruhi, Lucky Star, and Kannagi.But this one is not directed by Yamakan himself, who passes the job to Yoshioka Shinobu and retains the title of "supervising editor," as Shinbou sometimes does. Music by suddenly famous amateur ryo, who wrote the Bakemonogatari ED sung by supercell.director: Yoshioka Shinobuwriter: huke (orig).animation: Ordet. chara-des: Matsui Yuusuke.music: ryo.forum. OP OVA. 1/1eps.wed 30 sepAsura Cryin' 2(jp: アスラクライン)shounen mecha supernaturalFrom a light novel series involving mecha, romance, and supernatural science. The first series was a decent show that never quite captured me. But it did capture the attention of enough people that it is getting a second season.Irino Miyu stars, with Tomatsu Haruka, Nonaka Ai, and Tanaka Rie. And there are some good names in the supporting cast: Yahagi Sayuri, Morikubo Showtarou, and the K-On combination of Satou Satomi, Toyosaki Aki, and Hikasa Youko.This is from the company that did Nanoha and Inukami, and is directed by the man who directed StrikerS, Sekirei, and Inukami.seiyuus: Irino Miyu, Tomatsu Haruka, Nonaka Ai, Tanaka Rie, Morikubo Shoutarou, Satou Satomi, Yahagi Sayuri, Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko.director: Kusakawa Keizou (StrikerS, Inukami, Sekirei)writer: Akao Deko (script work on Natsu no Arashi and Zettai Seigi Love Pheromone). Mikumo Gakuto (orig).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Komori Atsushi (Inukami, Bleach).sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Tajiri Mitsutaka. OPED angela.subs: AllOfThem, Chihiro, AnimeYoshi?. mecha: Oda Hiroyasu13?eps. trailer. forum.thu 01 oct 09:30Kämpfer(jp: けんぷファー)fighting comedy romanceOne day, a normal high school boy wakes up to find himself transformed into a girl. A stuffed tiger comes to life and tells him to fight as a female psychic fighter "Kämpfer". Having no idea about what's going on, Natsuru is involved in the battles against other female Kämpfer. Kämpfer fight each other with guns, swords, and magic. From a series of light novels.Excellent cast includes Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Nazuka Kaori, Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, and Mamiko Noto, with the reappearance of Nakajima Megumi (Ranka in Macross F) as a seiyuu, as well as a singer.The staff is a bit more questionable, featuring the director of Chocotto Sister. But he also did Kyouran Kazoku, so there is hope for some decent comedy. The lead writer did Kamen no Maid Guy, and Hajime no Ippo New Challenger, so he has breadth. The original writer also did both Maburaho and Umi Monogatari.seiyuus: Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Nazuka Kaori, Asumi Kana, Nakajima Megumi, Nomura Michiko, Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, Noto Mamiko.director: Kuroda Yasuhiro (Chocotto Sister, Kyouran Kazoku, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou)writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Hajime no Ippo New Challenger). Tsukiji Toshihiko (creator of Maburaho, Umi Monogatari).animation: Nomad (Rozen Maiden, Yozakura Quartet). chara-des: Senmu (orig), Fujita Mariko (Galaxy Angel, Rosario+Vampire).OP Kuribayashi Megumi, ED Inoue Marina/Nakajima Megumi.subs: Koharubi, SFW. forum. 12?eps.thu 01 oct 25:29Nyan Koi(jp: にゃんこい!)shounen comedy, romanceKousaka Junpei is a second-year high school student who both despises and is allergic to cats. His high school crush, however, is Mizuno Kaede, a girl who adores cats. After a minor accident, he finds he can understand what cats are saying, but if he does not grant 100 wishes from cats, he will turn into a cat himself.Director Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate 1, Zettai Karen, Getsumen) stands a good chance of being able to make something funny out of this set-up. Lead writer Inotsume Shinichi did both Hayate and Ristorante Paradiso.Looks like a normal high-school romantic comedy, but staff and cast make me think there could be something good here.seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Iguchi Yuka, Shiraishi Ryouko, Kobayashi Yuu, Tanaka Atsuko, Fukuyama Jun, Satou Rina, Tomatsu Haruka.director: Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate, Zettai Karen, Getsumen)writer: Inotsume Shinichi (Hayate, Ristorante Paradiso). Fujiwara Sato (mangaka).animation: AIC. chara-des: Morita Kazuaki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred). animation supervisor: Yamane Masahiro, Sako Yukie.sound director: Iida Satoki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred, Ayakashi). music: Miwa Manabu, Ookawa Shigenobu (Tayutama). OP Sakakibara Yui, ED Imai Asami.trailer. forum. subs: AnimeHimitsu?, Yuurisan.12?eps.thu 01 oct 25:5911eyes(jp: 11eyes)fantasy adventure ero-game adaptationKakeru lost his sister to suicide and has been living a dull life since then. One day, he is transported into the bizarre world "Red Night" along with his female friend Yuka. In order to survive and escape from Red Night, he and his companions fight against Dark Spirits and Black Nights. (ann)Adaptation of a popular ero-game. Director Shimoda Masami did Someday's Dreamers 1 and Zegapain, as well as the less successful Polyphonica1. Top writer Kanemaki Kenichi did Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, and Jigoku Shoujo.Ono Daisuke and Gotou Mai star. Supporting seiyuus Asakawa Yuu and Morikubo Showtaro were married in 2007 and divorced this year.This kind of anime isn't really my thing. But this particular staff could make something of it.seiyuus: Ono Daisuke (Yukito/Air, Itsuki/Haruhi, Hosaka/Minamike, Jack Bez./Pandora Hearts), Gotou Mai (Mizuki/ef, Mika/Nogizaka Haruka, Mai/Yoakena), Asakawa Yuu (Motoko/Love Hina, Sakaki/AzuDai, Karen Clavius/Yoakena), Rikimaru Noriko (Nori/Rozen Maiden, Komaki/ToHeart2, Mashiro/Tayutama), Ichimura Oma (Ibuki/Happiness), Morikubo Showtaro (Nara/Naruto), Hagiwara Emiko (Mayu/Elfen Lied, Ilfa/ToHeart2), Mizuhashi Kaori (Taeko/Ai yori Aoshi, Yuuno Scrya/Nanoha, Ai/ARIA, Ogiue/Genshiken), Takahashi Chiaki (Mitsuki/KgNE, Takako/Otoboku).director: Shimoda Masami (Someday's Dreamers, Zegapain, Polyphonica1)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Jigoku Shoujo, Sayonara Zetsubou, Natsume Yuujinchou).animation: DogaKobo (Ryoko's Case File, Myself;Yourself, Koihime Musou). chara-des: Hara Shoji (Sasami Magical Girl). animation supervisor: Hara Shoji (Sasami, Akasaka).OP Ayane, ED Asriel.trailer. forum. subs: SFW.12?eps.thu 01 oct 26:00To(jp: TO���トゥー���)space adventureAfter producing the first computer-animated Appleseed film and directing Vexille, director Sori Fumihiko is now adapting two stories from Yukinobu Hoshino's 2001 Nights (2001 Ya Monotogari) manga. "Symbiotic Planet" and "Elliptical Orbit" are part of a centuries-long narrative about mankind's voyages into space.The two animated stories will be released simultaneously on DVDs which the distributor (Avex) will begin renting in Japanese video stores on October 2. No other release plans have been officially announced yet.Paku Romi, Fukuyama Jun, Ohtsuka Akio, Hirano Aya. Space fiction and a great cast? I'm there.seiyuus: Ohtsuka Akio, Paku Romi, Fukuyama Jun, Hirano Aya.director: Sori Fumihiko (Appleseed, Vexille)writer: Hoshino Yukinobu (mangaka). CG: Miyazaki Hirokazu.sound design: Kasamatsu Kouji (Hellsing, Appleseed).music: Takahashi Tetsuya (Appleseed).trailer. OVA. 1-2 of 2eps.fri 02 octTatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra(jp: 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra)shounen fantasyIn the story of the light novels, all the dead people of the world have been turned into "books" stored in the Bantorra library. A boy named Koria has had his memories erased and his chest embedded with a bomb. He is sent to kill Hamyuttsu Meseta, the world's most powerful armed librarian. However, he falls in love at first sight with this beautiful woman, who is in charge of the "books," and he becomes enveloped in the great war over the library. (ann)Top cast inludes Paku Romi, Ogawa Toru, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka and more big stars. Top writer Okada Mari did true tears, Vampire Knight, and Toradora. But director Shinohara Toshiya did Gunparade Orchestra and Kuroshitsuji, neither of which did much for me. We'll see how this goes. From Studio David Production, animators of Code Geass R2.Not my genre, but could be good.seiyuus: Paku Romi, Ogawa Toru, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ishida Akira, Hirohashi Ryou, Miyake Kenta, Irino Miyu, Kawasumi Ayako.director: Shinohara Toshiya (Gunparade Orchestra, Kuroshitsuji)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Vampire Knight, Toradora, Canaan, Kodomo no Jikan). Yamagata Ishio (novels).animation: David Production (Code Geass R2). chara-des: Yamada Masaki (Appleseed, Magical Kanan).sound director: Motoyama Satoshi (Haibane Renmei, Bartender, Skip Beat). music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Strawberry Panic, Death Note, Real Drive). OP Ali Project, ED Annabel.trailer. forum. subs: AnimeHimitsu?, Enigma Collective. 13?eps.fri 02 oct 22:00To Aru Kagaku no Railgun(jp: とある科学の超電磁砲���レールガン���)seinen superpower comedySidestory from To Aru Majutsu no Index. The story is set in Academy City, where 80% of the 230,000 citizens are students, and deals with the adventures of level-five psychic Misaka Mikoto.The director of Toradora and the writer of Asatte no Houkou bring us the animation of this popular seinen superpower comedy novel. Same studio as Index -- JC Staff -- but the director and writer are new. The novels were both written by Kamachi Kazuma.Interesting cast, with Toyosaki Aki back as the moe voice of the day. She and the wonderful Arai Satomi back up Abe Atsushi, Satou Rina, and Itou Kanae.seiyuus: Abe Atsushi, Satou Rina, Itou Kanae, Arai Satomi, Toyosaki Aki.director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (Honey Clover 2, Toradora, Idolmaster X)writer: Minakami Seishi (Asatte no Houkou, Birdy2, Shigurui). Kamachi Kazuma (creator).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Hajimura Kiyotaka, Tanaka Yuichi (Last Exile).sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo Mashimaro, Aoi Hana, Toradora). music: Iuchi Maiko (Index). OP fripSide, ED Elisa.trailer. forum. subs: Eclipse?. 12?eps.fri 02 oct 25:30White Album part 2(jp: ホワイトアルバム)The second half of the series that aired last winter. We were left with a very inconclusive conclusion. What are Rina and Eiji's real intentions? Will Yuki and Touya really get together?From a game by Aquaplus. The first series developed slowly and unevenly, but had some strong aspects.seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Mizuki Nana, Maeno Tomoaki, Takamoto Megumi, Masu Nozomi, Paku Romi, Tomatsu Haruka, Sakaguchi Daisuke (Keel/Tideline Blue, Sunohara/Clannad), Hayami Shou (Maximilian Jenius/Macross7, Julious/Angelique).director: Yoshimura Akira (new, dir. eps of Planetes, Samurai Champloo, Gundam00, etc.)writer: Satou Hiroaki (dir. Yoshimune).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Yoshinari Kou, Kawata Hisashi.sound director: Shioya Yoku. music: Elements Garden. OP: Mizuki Nana, ED: Suara.trailer. forum. subs: Eclipse?. eps. 14-26.fri 02 oct 25:30Seitokai no Ichizon(jp: 生徒会の一存)comedyA private high school has a student council chosen entirely by popular vote. Ken Sugisaki is the only male on the otherwise all-girl council. Only council members are allowed to enter the "sacred sanctuary" of the council's meeting room. The Council President records the minutes of the meetings, which consist of daily conversations about the students. (adb)A cast largely made up of new or unknown seiyuus is directed by Satou Takuya, who directed Ichigo Mashimaro (a good thing) and Mission-E (not so good). The writer is Hanada Jukki, who did Rozen Maiden and sola. From a series of light novels.seiyuus: Honda Mariko, Saitou Yuka (Lucifer/Umineko), Togashi Misuzu, Horinaka Yuki, Kondo Takashi (Train/Black Cat, Ralph/Strain, Ariabart/Tytania).director: Sato Takuya (Ichigo Mashimaro, Mission-E)writer: Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, Sorakake Girl). Aoi Sekina (creator).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Horii Kumi, Inugami Kira (orig).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu.forum. subs: Nuke.13eps.fri 02 oct 25:58Inuyasha: The Final Act(jp: 犬夜叉 完結編)adventure, comedy, romanceThis series will cover the story in volumes 36 to 56 of the manga. The first series lasted from 2001-2004, with over 160 episodes. Then there have been specials and movies, the last of which was in 2004. But the show continues to be popular in re-run, and there is plenty of excitement at seeing the old cast and staff return.Aoki Yasunao directs, as he has since about halfway through the first series. And what a cast: Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, Kuwashima Houko, Yajima Akiko, Yukana, Cho, Noto Mamiko, et al.seiyuus: Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, Kuwashima Houko, Tsujitani Kouji, Watanabe Kumiko, Yajima Akiko, Yukana, Cho, Noto Mamiko, Morikawa Toshiyuki.director: Aoki Yasunao (Inuyasha 45+, Yakitate Japan)writer: Sumisawa Katsuyuki (Ryu Knight, Gundam Wing, Naruto, Yakitate Japan). Takahashi Rumiko (mangaka).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Hishinuma Yoshihito. animation supervisor: Hishinuma Yoshihito.sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Wada Kaoru (D. Gray Man, Gilgamesh, Inuyasha, Princess Tutu).forum. 13+?eps.sat 03 octSeiken no Blacksmith(jp: 聖剣の刀鍛冶���ブラックスミス���)shounen fantasy adventureAfter a great war, the devils' power was sealed. Later, a young noblewoman knight, Cecily Campbell, is looking for a blacksmith who can repair the sword she inherited from her father. She comes upon a young blacksmith who despatches a gang of hoodlums with one sweep of his own mysterious sword. And their adventure begins. Based on a boys' light novel series by Isao Miura.Good cast: Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Layfon in Regios), Toyoguchi Megumi, Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On). I'm not so sure about the director (Pokemon, Linebarrels) and the writer (Shuffle, Kanokon). Animation by Manglobe (Ergo Proxy, Michiko to Hatchin).Shounen fans are highly optimistic about this one, but the staff makes me pessimistic. To say nothing of the fact that this isn’t a genre I love. Worth a look, however.seiyuus: Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano/Kaze no Stigma, Kyouka/Kyouran Kazoku), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, Layfon/Regios), Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy/Black Lagoon, Klan/MacrossF), Toyosaki Aki (Yui/K-On).director: Hidaka Masamitsu (Pokemon, Linebarrels)writer: Suzuki Masashi (Shuffle, Kanokon, Minami-ke Okawari). Miura Isao (novels).animation: Manglobe (Ergo Proxy, Michiko to Hatchin production). chara-des: Runa (orig), Nakai Jun (Tokyo Majin).sound director: Yano Satoshi (recording engineer RahXephon, Blood+, Shangri-la). music: Terashima Tamiya (Glass Mask, Jyuushin Enbu). OP Gotou Mayumi, ED Toyosaki Aki..trailer. subs: Saikyo, Nuke, Kesenai?,Koharubi. forum. 12?eps.sat 03 oct 09:30Shugo Chara Party!(jp: しゅごキャラパーティー���)The third Shugo Chara series will be part anime and part live-action. The show will contain three elements: the continued anime, known as Shugo Chara DokkiDoki; some anime shorts known as Shugo Chara Pucchi Puchi; and some live-action.The live-action will be interesting, as will the fact that the OP will be sung by the Shugo Chara Egg teen idol group, whose final member is being chosen by open audition.seiyuus: Itou Kanae, Katou Nanae, Toyosaki Aki, Takagi Reiko, Miyake Kaya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Mizuki Nana, Chiba Saeko.director: Yasuda Kenjiwriter: Ohnogi Hiroshi. Peach-Pit (orig).animation: Satellite. chara-des: Sai Fumihide.OP Shugo Chara Egg!subs: Crunchyroll?.sat 03 oct 09:30Tegami Bachi(jp: テガミバチ)heartwarming fantasy dramaLittle-known special from late last year gets an anime series. Outstanding cast stars Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Koshimizu Ami.New director, a writer who did work on Death Note and I"s Pure, animation by Kanbe Mamoru (director of Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo) for Studio Pierrot. From a manga.Last year's special can be seen here. I liked the special and am looking forward to this. Music by Kunihiko Ryou (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku, Emma)seiyuus: Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Koshimizu Ami, Nagasawa Naomi, Nakai Kazuya, Kishio Daisuke, Suganuma Hisayoshi, Mizuki Nana.director: Iwanaga Akira (new, work on I's Pure, Bleach, Gunslinger Girl)writer: Oishi Testsuya (work on Death Note, I's Pure). Asada Hiroyuki (mangaka).animation: Studio Pierrot. chara-des: Shiba Minako (D. Gray Man, Kuroshitsuji, Phantom). animation supervisor: Kanbe Mamoru (dir. Elfen Lied, I's Pure, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Kunihiko Ryou (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku, Emma). OP Suga Shikao, ED Himeka.trailer. forum. subs: Last Impressions, Mochi, Kesenai. 13+eps.sat 03 oct 22:55Tentai Senshi Sunred 2(jp: 天体戦士サンレッド)seinen comedyTentai Senshi Sunred is a powerful, battle tested hero of many years. He has sold his super bike, which is seen in the opening credits. Now he smokes a lot, is effectively unemployed, and lives by the grace of his girlfriend, Kayoko Uchida. His arch enemies in the Evil Florsheim Army are still trying to take over the world. Under the direction of their local leader, Vamp, they help members of the community, run a cooking show, assist Kayoko Uchida whenever possible, and try to attack the ever powerful Sunred. A light parody of the Japanese hero general. (ann)Directed by new director Matsumoto Takehiko, under the supervision of original director Kishi Seji (dir. Seto no Hanayome). I've never watched this show, but it has some strong followers, and the comedy may work for you. I'll give it a go myself.seiyuus: Takagi Shun, Nabei Makiko, Louis LIII Yamada.director: Matsumoto Takehiko (new). chfdir: Kishi Seiji (dir. Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome)writer: Uezu Makoto (Utawarerumono, Seto no Hanayome, School Days, Akasaka).animation: AIC A.S.T.A.. chara-des: Morita Kazuaki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred).music: Kakijima Shinji (Sunred). OP manzo.trailer. forum. subs: ANBU. 13+eps.sat 03 oct 23:30Yumeiro Pâtissière(jp: 夢色パティシエール)family shoujo cookingEarly Sunday morning show about a girl who wants to be the best pâtissière possible. Young Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki in Kure-nai) gets her second starring role of the fall.Director Suzuki Ko has been around a long time, but has only directed one show previously: a 1997 OVA called Princess Rouge. Writer Yamada Takashi, however, did Onegai My Melody and Marie & Gali.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Taketatsu Ayana, Hamazoe Shinya, Yonaga Tsubasa.director: Suzuki Kouwriter: Yamada Takashi (Onegai My Melody, Marie & Gali). Matsumoto Natsumi.animation: Pierrot. chara-des: Akiyama Yukiko.sound director: Tanaka Kazuya.forum. 13?eps.sun 04 oct 07:00Sora no Otoshimono(jp: そらのおとしもの)comic ecchi sci-fi romantic fantasyTomoki loves his peaceful life in a country town, but a strange girl often enters his dreams, asking for his help. One night, a buxom angel suddenly falls on him from the sky. She turns out to be an "entertainment purpose angeloid" -- and his peaceful life is done. I've read some of the manga, and it is ecchi comic fantasy, but with some interesting sci-fi ideas, too, and a bit of romance.Director Saitou Hisashi did Bamboo Blade and the little-known but hilarious Kigurumikku.Great cast features Hayami Saori, Takagaki Ayahi, and Hoshi Souichirou. Hayamin's popularity is growing quickly with her performance in the virally popular new DS dating game Love Plus.Takagaki Ayahi's career seems to be catching up with her talent. She co-stars in this show and stars in Sasameki Koto. Her range of voice and acting keeps growing.This show sounds a lot like Sekirei on the surface, but the manga doesn’t feel at all the same.seiyuus: Hoshi Souichirou (Kei/Onegai Teacher, Kaoru/Ai yori Aoshi, Kira/GundamSD), Hayami Saori, Nomizu Iori, Takagaki Ayahi, Mina, Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War).director: Saitou Hisashi (Bamboo Blade, Kigurumikku v3)writer: Kakihara Yuuko (Kamichama Karin, Stitch!). Minazuki Suu (manga).animation: AIC A.S.T.A.. chara-des: Watanabe Yoshihiro (Yoakena).OP Yoshida Hitomi.trailer. forum. subs: Nekomimi, Hitode/Genjo, Mochi. 12?eps.sun 04 oct 24:00Kanokon ~Manatsu no Daishanikusai~(jp: かのこん ���真夏の大謝肉祭���)ecchi comedy, romance, supernaturalSummertime. More nudity and over-the-top ecchiness. Director Ootsuki Atsushi hit gold with Kanokon as his first directing job, and now gets this new two-episode OVA series. Maybe not the most artistic anime ever, but championship-caliber fanservice.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Takeuchi Miyu (Nozomu, Aldra/Queen's Blade), Miyazaki Ui (Kirino/Gift, Suzuho/Macademi), Saitou Chiwa, Seto Saori (many bit parts since 2005), Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen, Kaname/Umisho).director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon was his debut)writer: Suzuki Masashi (Shuffle, Gift, Minamike Okawari). Nishino Katsumi (manga).animation: Xebec (Fafner, Major, Pandora Hearts, To LoveRu). chara-des: Koin (orig), Takami Akio (Shaman King, Busou Renkin, Kanokon). animation supervisor: Takami Akio (Shaman King, Busou Renkin).sound director: Nakajima Toshihiko (Kemonozume, Rideback). music: Itou Tsuyoshi. OP Sakakibara Yui, ED Miyazaki Ui.trailer. forum. subs: Ayako?. OVA. 1/2eps. TV preview showing 4oct, 11oct; DVD 25nov, 22dec.sun 04 oct 25:00Natsu no Arashi 2(jp: 夏のあらし���春夏冬中)romantic comedy with time travelAnother quality show from Shinbou Akiyuki, but one whose recent first season never quite reeled me in.Sanpei Yuuko does an excellent job as a shounen. Nazuka Kaori is as ethereal as ever as a German girl.Writer Takayama Katsuhiko adapted both ef shows.Worth a look.seiyuus: Shiraishi Ryouko, Sanpei Yuuko, Omigawa Chiaki, Nazuka Kaori, Nabatami Hitomi, Horie Yui, Nonaka Ai, Sugita Tomokazu, Yasumoto Hiroki.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Takayama Katsuhiko (both efs, Hantsuki). Kobayashi Jin (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Ota Kazuhiro (Negima, PaniPoni).OP Yakushimaru Etsuko.trailer. forum. subs: SFW, Crunchyroll?. 13eps.sun 04 oct 25:30Miracle Train: Ooedo-sen e Youkoso(jp: ミラクル☆トレイン���大江戸線へようこそ���)bishounen comedyAnime adaptation of the Miracle Train multimedia franchise, which portrays stops on Tokyo’s Chuo commuter train line as handsome young men.Now, that sounds just weird, except for all the bishounen. But wait a minute: who's the director? Kasai Kenichi, the director of Nodame Cantabile, Honey & Clover, KimiKiss and Aoi Hana? Are you kidding?After the stunningly simple and subtle direction of Aoi Hana, I can’t wait to see what Kasai can do with this odd setup, clearly made possible by the success of Hetalia Axis Powers.seiyuus: Kenn, Sugita Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Ono Daisuke, Kaji Yuuki, Morita Masakazu.director: Kasai Kenichi (Aoi Hana, KimiKiss, Nodame Cantabile, Honey & Clover)writer: Kato Yoichi (script work TM8, Shangri-la).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Corda D'Oro, Harukanaru). chara-des: Kai Tomohisa, Tsunaki Aki. animation supervisor: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Yu-Gi-Oh).sound director: Watanabe Jun (Pumpkin Scissors, KimiAru, Hayate).trailer. forum. 12+eps.sun 04 oct 26:00Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Ryōran Sangokushi Engi(jp: 真・恋姫†無双 ���乙女繚乱☆三国志演義���)ecchi-yuri historical fantasySurprisingly successful yuri parody of Three Kingdoms gets another series. Director Nakanishi Nobuaki did the hilarious Kashimashi and Sumomomomomo. Writer Go Zappa did the rather poor Chocotto Sister and Myself;Yourself. Together they produced a first season that was entertaining for most of its run and which had some hilarious moments, as well as lots of ecchi-yuri ones.The seiyuu are largely game seiyuu, the same ones who voiced the original ero-game.seiyuus: Gotou Mai (Mai/Yoakena, Mizuki/ef), Kurokawa Nami (Raika/Demonbane, Tamaki/DCSS), Nishizawa Hiroka (Asa/Sora no Iro), Narumi Erika (Kagami/Lamune), Motoi Emi (Naoko/CCS), Kobayashi Maki, Amamiya Yuu (Chiharu/KimiAru).director: Nakanishi Nobuaki (Kashimashi, Sumomomo Momomo, Koihime Musou)writer: Go Zappa (Chocotto Sister, Myself;Yourself; Koihime Musou). BaseSon (original game).animation: DogaKobo. chara-des: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Hit wo Nerae, Love Love, Koihime Musou). animation supervisor: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Love Love; Koihime Musou).trailer. forum. subs: Ayako?, AnimeOne/Menclave? 12?eps.mon 05 oct 11:30. ep1 preview broadcast oct1.Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu(jp: あにゃまる探偵 キルミンずぅ)magical girl comedyIn this "heartwarming comedy," three cute sisters come across a mysterious cosmetics compact in an attic. With it, the girls go from cosplay to a magical transformation into real animals. And start solving mysteries.Stars young Yuuki Aoi, who was Murasaki in Kurenai. Project developed by Kawamori Shoji, the creator of Macross. Directed by Masui Soichi, director of Scrapped Princess. As childish as it appears to be, this show may have something going for it.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki/Kurenai), Satou Satomi (Ritsu/K-On), Anzai Chika, Tamura Mutsumi (Toppa/Battle Spirits Shounen Toppa), Ikebe Kumiko, Tange Sakura (Sakura/CCS), Nojima Kenji (Haruhiko/Touka Gettan, Masaki/Eve no Jikan), Neya Michiko (Honey/Cutie Honey, Melissa Mao/FMP, Riza Hawkeye/FMA1).director: Masui Soichi (Scrapped Princess, storyboards for Soul Eater, Edo Rocket, Melody Oblivion)writer: Kawamori Shoji (creator; dir. Macrosses, Aquarion, created Basquash). Matsuda Eriko (Itazura na Kiss eps), Yuuki Yousuke.animation: Hal, Satelight, JM. chara-des: Aizawa Sumie (dir. eps of Kemeko).sound director: Gotou Masahiro. 13?eps.mon 05 oct 17:30Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza(jp: 乃木坂春香の秘密 ぴゅあれっつぁ♪)moe comedyIn the first series, our protagonist discovered that school princess Nogizaka Haruka was actually a secret otaku. He kept her secret and they became boy friend and girl friend. Based on a series of light novels.Good cast stars Noto Mamiko. The first series was funny, moe, and slightly ecchi. I spent a lot of time defending it on AnimeSuki. But it didn’t really have enough to it to last a full season, so I'm not sure it has much to give us in a second season.Director Nawa Munenori did Otome wa Boku ni Koi wo Shiteru. The writer who adapted the novels for anime (Tsuyoshi Tamai) did the same for Inukami.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Hatano Wataru (Shuuichi/Monochrome), Gotou Mai, Satou Rina, Shimizu Kaori, Ueda Kana, Matsuki Miyu, Nabatame Hitomi, Kugimiya Rie.director: Nawa Munenori (DCSS, Otoboku)writer: Tsuyoshi Tamai (Inukami).animation: Diomedea (formerly Studio Barcelona). chara-des: Ishino Satoshi (Puni Puni Poemi); Shaa (orig).OP Milan Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers. ED N's.trailer. forum. subs: m33w, Aquastar? 12?eps.mon 05 oct 26:14Kobato(jp: こばと)young shoujo romantic adventureClamp arrives again, in full regalia, with writing by Ohkawa Nanase and Yokote Michiko. The director of Chi's Sweet Home gets a chance with human characters.Kobato is a sweet and perky girl, but extremely naïve about the world. She has a mission to fill a mysterious bottle with the suffering from people's hearts so her wish to go a certain place can be granted. However, she must not fall in love with a particular boy she works with and whose heart she must heal….Hanazawa Kana sounds perfect for the lead. Sakamoto Maaya does the OP and Nakajima Megumi the ED.seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Inada Tetsu (Kurogane/Tsubasa), Maeno Tomoaki, Orikasa Fumiko, Kuwashima Houko, Nakajima Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, Saitou Chiwa.director: Masuhara Mitsuyuki (Chi's Sweet Home/New Address)writer: Ohkawa Nanase (CCS, Xxxholic). Yokote Michiko (Princess Tutu, Genshiken, Valkyria Chr.).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kato Hiromi (Needless, dir. Beck). animation supervisor: Tazaki Satoshi (Rideback).sound director: Mima Masafumi, Nakajima Toshihiko. music: Hama Takeshi. OP Sakamoto Maaya, ED Nakajima Megumi.forum. subs: ACG/The14th, gg?, Generation NeXt, Yuurisan. 24eps.tue 06 oct 20:00Kimi ni Todoke(jp: 君に届け)shoujo romanceKuronuma Sawako’s one wish in life is to make friends. That’s a difficult proposition when everyone who meets her cowers in terror at her dark expression and strange manner. The class nicknames her Sadako (as in The Ring). She admires her classmate Kazehaya-kun, a popular, easygoing and "100% refreshing" guy who is nice to everyone, even her. (ann)Voted best shoujo manga of 2008. Director Kaburaki Hiro gets his first full anime, after having done episodes of NHK. Writer Kanparu Tomoko has a longer resume: she wrote Nodame Cantabile and Genji Sennenki, among many other shows.Noto Mamiko and Namikawa Daisuke play the leads, and are surrounded with a stunning supporting cast including Sanpei Yuuko, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Hirano Aya.I love the manga, and I’ll be right there for the start of this show.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Namikawa Daisuke (Rock/Black Lagoon), Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami/Xam'd), Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya/Clannad), Hirano Aya.director: Kaburaki Hiro (Welcome to NHK storyboards and epdir)writer: Kanparu Tomoko (Nodame Cantabile, Genji Sennenki). Shiina Karuho (mangaka).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Shibata Yuka (key animator).sound director: Yamada Tomoaki (Death Note, Real Drive).forum. subs: Frostii?, Formula? 12?eps.tue 06 oct 24:59Today in Class 5-2 -- Takarabako(jp: 今日の5の2 宝箱���仮���)ecchi heartwarming grade-school comedyThe ecchi grade-school comedy gets another OVA. Only occasionally funny, for me, and sometimes a bit too loli-ecchi even for my liberal taste.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna/Negima, Mriya/MariaHolic), Shimoda Asami (Ameri/Tayutama), Asumi Kana (Yuno/Hidamari, Marin/Umi Monogatari), Akesaka Satomi (Miho/Suzuka, Nanonano/Galaxy Angelune), Honda Youko (Itsuka/Uta-kata), Takagaki Ayahi (Noe/true tears), Mako (Yurie/Kamichu), Yamato Megumi.director: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi (new)writer: Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi). Sakuraba Koharu (mangaka).animation: Xebec. chara-des: Chikaoka Nao (Minami-ke).sound director: Kameyama Toshiki (Nanoha, Red Garden, MariaHolic). music: Haneoka Kai (Negima, Himawari).trailer. forum. OVA. sold with a special collection of the manga.sun 06 oct 25:30ToHeart2 adplus(jp: ToHeart2 adplus)moe romantic comedyThe second and final episode of another OVA in the perennially just-popular-enough ToHeart franchise. If nothing else, these shows give Ochiai Yurika some work.And I must admit that they can be enjoyable, lame as they may seem. Of course, their main function is to provide a firm foundation for continuing streams of ancillary goods.Director Sakata Junichi is a long-time storyboarder (NANA, Inukami) who directed Kaze no Stigma. This is his first ToHeart show. (Moonphase and jp.Wikipedia say the director is Katou Yasuhisa. My info is from the official site.)seiyuus: Sakurai Hiromi, Yamakawa Kotomi, Hagiwara Emiko, Ochiai Yurika, Itou Shizuka, Honda Chieko, Natsuki Rio, Ono Ryouko, Kogure Ema.director: Sakata Junichi (Kaze no Stigma, storyboards for Nana, Inukami, etc.).writer: Kobayashi Naruo, Kouno Takamitsu, Sakurajima Eki (? 桜島液).animation: Aquaplus/Chaos Project. chara-des: Yanagisawa Masahide, Katsura Keiichirou, Katou Yasuhisa; Mitsumi Miri, Kawata Hisami.. animation supervisor: Yanagisawa Masahide (ToHeart2, Bottle Fairy).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.wed 07 octCheburashka Arere?(jp: チェブラーシカ あれれ���)kidsBased on the Russian "national character" Cheburashka. From Eduard Uspensky's story about a mysterious creature who gets accidentally transported to Russia in a box of oranges.The second production -- after Princess Lover -- for new studio GoHands.Star Oohashi Nozomi is only ten years old. She made her debut at the age of three starring in a drama. At eight, she sang the title theme to Ghibli's Ponyo.Director Kudou Susumu did the underrated ecchi comedy KimiAru. Writer Shimada Michiru did Shugo Chara and Konnichiwa Anne. Good staff gives this show possibilities.seiyuus: Oohashi Nozomi (ten years old), Tsuchida Hiroshi (Yamazaki/Honey & Clover), Chou (Mine's father/Nodame Cantabile).director: Kudou Susumu (Koisuru Tenshi Angelique, KimiAru)writer: Shimada Michiru (Shugo Chara, Konnichiwa Anne). supervising editor: Nakamura Makoto (lead writer Noramimi, Princess Lover).animation: GoHands (Princess Lover). chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Lain, Koi Kaze, Baccano).subs: II-Subs? 26x3mineps.wed 07 oct 07:30Sasameki Koto(jp: ささめきこと)yuri school romanceSumika is in love with her friend Ushio, but Ushio only shows interest in cutesy girls, and Sumika is a tall karate star who helps run her family's dojo. She is forced to watch from the sidelines as Ushio falls for girl after girl, none of them her. So far.Takagaki Ayahi as Sumika is a big draw for me. Takamoto Megumi, Katou Emiri, Saitou Chiwa, and 16-year-old Shimizu Ayaka are also in the cast.Director Suganuma Eiji did a good job with Kodomo no Jikan, and writer Kurata Hideyuki wrote ROD the TV and Kannagi.The manga is not at the level of Aoi Hana, but is still funny and touching.seiyuus: Takagaki Ayahi (Noe/true tears, Ein/Phantom), Takamoto Megumi (Chao Rinshen/Negima, Misaki/White Album), Katou Emiri (Kagami/Lucky Star, Mayoi/Bakemonogatari), Shimizu Ayaka (age 16?), Harada Hitomi, Saitou Chiwa, Makiguchi Mayuki.director: Suganuma Eiji (Kodomo no Jikan)writer: Kurata Hideyuki (ROD the TV, Kannagi). Ikeda Takashi (mangaka).animation: AIC. chara-des: Inomata Masami.sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kanamemo). OPED Kiyoura Natsumi.forum. subs: Chihiro. 12?eps.wed 07 oct 26:20Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini(jp: DARKER THAN BLACK -流星の双子(ジェミニ)-)mystery violence science fictionSecond season of Okamura Tensai's dark sci-fi adventure. I enjoyed the first series, and now Hanazawa Kana and Kuwashima Houko join the cast.Hei and Yin are now on the run after betraying the Syndicate in the previous season. After leaving Japan, Hei encounters Suou Pavlichenko (Hanazawa), a 13-year-old Eurasian girl embroiled in the war and politics of various factions vying for power.Meanwhile, Hell's Gate remains standing in Tokyo, after Hei's efforts to stop the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating. Although Contractors are safe from the danger of having their existences erased, this does not prevent new and old Contractors from abusing their powers.As Misaki Kirihara and her team in the Public Security Bureau deal with increasing numbers of Contractor cases, she also has to keep at bay the Syndicate, which has major positions in the Japanese police and intelligence bureaus around the world. (ann)seiyuus: Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren/NANA), Hanazawa Kana, Kuwashima Houko, Hori Katsunosuke, Matsukaze Masaya, Miyake Kenta, Saiga Mitsuki, Mizuki Nana (not mentioned on official site).director: Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My-Hime, Macross F), Okada Mari (true tears, Canaan). also Onishi Shinsuke (The Third), Suga Shoutarou (scripts GITS:SAC, Eureka 7, etc.).animation: Bones. chara-des: Iwahara Yuji, Komori Takahiro (Angelic Layer, Scrapped Princess). animation supervisor: Komori Takahiro (also RahXephon, Wolf's Rain).sound director: Wakabayashi Kazuhiro (Escaflowne, Princess Mononoke, Eureka 7). music: Ishii Yasunori.trailer. forum. subs: Koharubi, Yoroshi?, Anime-Devils?, FTV?, BSS? 12?eps.thu 08 oct 25:25Gokyoudai Monogatari(jp: ご姉弟物語)comedyFrom the award-winning comic manga (Baka Kyoudai "Idiot Siblings") about twins who are like the mascots of a shopping street in lower Tokyo.Great starring cast of Matsuoka Yuki and Kobayashi Yumiko as the twins, with Ohara Sayaka as the woman who looks after them in the absence of their parents.One season of about 13 weeks. Staff not yet announced. The setup and especially the cast make this intriguing.seiyuus: Matsuoka Yuki, Kobayashi Yumiko, Ohara Sayaka.writer: Adachi Tetsu (mangaka of Baka Kyoudai).one season of about 13 episodes.sat 10 oct 11:20Aoi Bungaku(jp: 青い文学)Anime adaptations of four literary masterpieces: Soseki Natsume's Kokoro (character design by mangaka Obata Takeshi of Death Note), Dazai Osamu's No Longer Human (charades by Obata), Akutagawa Ryunosuke's Hell Screen (charades by Bleach creator Kubo Taito), and Dazai's Run, Melos! (charades by Prince of Tennis mangaka Konomi Takeshi).Good writing is a great foundation. I will definitely be thre to see how they can adapt these classic novels to about three episodes each. No more staff info and no cast info available.12eps.sat 10 oct 25:20Fairy Tail(jp: フェアリーテイル)shounen comic adventureStory follows a teenaged girl named Lucy Heartfilia who aims to join the world's most notorious mage guild, Fairy Tail. During a daring rescue, Lucy encounters Natsu "Salamander" Dragneel, a quirky Fairy Tail member and practitioner of the ancient Dragon Slayer magic. Lucy is eventually welcomed into the Fairy Tail guild as she, Natsu, and other members go on various quests. (ann)Long-running manga could become a long-running anime. Hirano Aya scores her sixth role of the fall, three of them starring. Kugimiya Rie, Kakihara Tetsuya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ohara Sayaka -- what's not to like? We'll see what the director of Tokyo Majin can do with this shounen comic classic.seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon/Gurren Lagann), Hirano Aya (Haruhi), Kugimiya Rie (Shana), Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto/MacrossF), Ohara Sayaka (Alicia/ARIA).director: Ishihira Shinji (Tokyo Majin)writer: Sogo Masashi (Gantz, Bleach, Snow Queen). Mashima Hiro (mangaka).animation: A-1/Satelight. chara-des: Yamamoto Aoi 山本碧 (key animator).forum. subs: Kubu, Kyuubi, Generation NeXt, I Eat Anime, Koharubi, SFW. 13++?eps.mon 12 oct 19:30Kaidan Restaurant(jp: 怪談レストラン)kids supernatural"School horror" show based on a series of kids' books that has sold seven million copies since 1996.Magic, monsters, and versions of stories of the supernatural from Japan and around the world.series dir: Ikeda Youko (eps. of One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh)writer: Yonemura Shoji (Guin Saga, Stitch, Glass Fleet). chief editor: Matsutani Myoko.animation: Toei. "drawing" by: Takai Yoshikazu and Katou Kumiko.tue 13 oct 19:30Kiddy Girl-And(jp: キディーガーランド)space adventure w/moeGotou Keiji is back, with his wife Kadonosono Megumi doing the character design, and Kimura Hidefumi doing the writing, as they did for Kiddy Grade, Uta-Kata, and Gigantic Formula.The story is set in Star Century year 0379, two centuries after the original Kiddy Grade anime and about five centuries from now. The spirited Ascoeur and serious Q-feuille work for the galactic government known as GTO. The two girls are training to become secret agents. (ann)New seiyuus Uchida Aya and Gouda Aya are backed up by Mizuhashi Kaori, Kiddy Grade seiyuus Hirano Aya and Nagata Ryouko, and names like Fukuyama Jun, Yukana, and Matsuoka Yuki.Animation producer Kaneko Fumio did Sketchbook. OP by Chihara Minori.The stories may or may not end up working for me (Uta-kata came closest, for me), but I will always watch the first couple of eps of any Gotoh Keiji show.seiyuus: Uchida Aya (Chikara/Munto2), Gouda Aya, Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken), Takizawa Itsuki, Nagata Ryouko (Éclair), Hirano Aya (Lumiere), Yukana, Matsuoka Yuki, Fukuyama Jun.director: Gotoh Keijiwriter: Kimura Hidefumi, gimik (orig).animation: Satelight. chara-des: Kadonosono Megumi. animation supervisor: Kaneko Fumio (Sketchbook).sound director: Satou Junichi (dir. ARIA). OP Chihara Minori. forum.thu 15 oct 24:40Kuuchuu Buranko(jp: 空中ブランコ)uncategorizable josei/seinen?The team that did Mononoke returns with an anime adaptation of Hideo Okuda’s award-winning 2004 novel. The 17th Noitamina presentation.Features the eccentric psychiatrist Irabu Ichirou and his various patients: the disturbed trapeze artist, the obsessive-compulsive neurologist, the professional baseball player who is incapacitated by nervousness. Their neuroses are matched only by their bewilderment at the therapist's eccentricities.One of the most anticipated shows of the season, for good reason.seiyuus: Paku Romi, Mitsuya Yuji (von Kummel/LoGH), Morikawa Toshiyuki, Sakurai Takahiro, Miki Shinichirou.director: Nakamura Kenji (Ayakashi, Mononoke)writer: Ishikawa Manabu (Mononoke screenplay). Okuda Hideo (orig).animation: Toei. chara-des: Hashimoto Toshifumi. animation supervisor: Hashimoto Toshifumi (Mononoke, Karas).sound director: Nagasaki Yukio (Itazura na Kiss, Dragon Ball Kai). music: Mori Hideharu (Yawara, Ranma).forum. 11eps.thu 15oct 24:45Winter Sonata(jp: 冬のソナタ)shoujo/josei romanceThe huge drama hit gets an anime series. Largely Korean production, with some Japanese input. Most of the original Korean actors do the voices.Get out your handkerchiefs. I know I'll be getting out mine. One of the shows I most look forward to this fall.seiyuus: Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo.director: Yoon Suk-howriter: Kim Hyon-wan (sp?).animation: G&G Entertainment×JM Animation. chara-des: draft by Nakayama Daisuke (studio realthing, ex-Studio 4 degrees C).sound director: Yu He-jyun (sp?).trailer. forum. subs: Koharubi, Saikyo, Live-Evil. 26eps.sat 17 oct 12:00Hidamari Sketch x 365(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×365)slice-of-life comedyThere's a new series coming, but first, here is a two-episode OVA of another of Shinbou's many successful franchises.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyuki.writer: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).sound director: Kameyama Toshiuki (MoonPhase, Red Garden, Nanoha Strikers). music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuu, ED marble.trailer. forum. subs: SoonSubs?, WinD?. OVA. 1/2eps. part 1 oct17, part 2 oct24sat 17 oct 24:30Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri(jp: まほろまてぃっく ただいま◇おかえり)ecchi comedy sci-fi romanceAfter a six-year hiatus, here is a two-episode OVA of the automatic maiden, one of Kawasumi Ayako's signature roles.The staff of the OVAs (but not the original series) returns, with the exception of an interesting new writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko, who wrote Monster, Strawberry Panic, and Saki.Mangaka Ditama Bow also did kissxsis.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Shimizu Ai, Takimoto Fujiko, Kikuchi Yumi, Mizuno Manabi, Sanada Asami, Ogihara Hideki, Kisaichi Atsushi, Koyasu Takehito.director: Saeki Shouji (FLCL, Ugly Beautiful World, He is My Master)writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic, Saki).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Ditama Bow (manga), Takamura Kazuhiko (Mahoromatic, Ugly Beautiful, dir. Strike Witches). animation supervisor: Takamura Kazuhiko (Mahoromatic, Ugly Beautiful, dir. Strike Witches).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kanamemo, etc.). music: Masuda Toshio (Naruto, Mushi-shi, Ai yori Aoshi). OP Kawasumi Ayako, ED seiyuus.forum. OVA. 2eps.sat 17 oct 25:00 ep2 oct24Kemono to Chat(jp: けものとチャット)family comicAdaptation of Takayuki Mizushina's Kemono to Chat ("Chatting with Creatures") comic-strip manga.The story centers on high-school freshman Kenomoto Chacha, a girl who can understand the language of cats and speak with them.Brilliant cast stars Sakamoto Maaya, Ueda Kana, and Yahagi Sayuri. This is the director's first anime, but he is apparently well known for 3DCG design.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Ueda Kana, Yahagi Sayuri.director: Umoto Yuujiwriter: Mizushina Takayuki (creator).animation: Usagi.Ou (founded in April 2008).OVA. 1/1eps.23 octShakugan no Shana S(jp: 灼眼のシャナS)shounen supernatural adventure w/moeThis four-episode OVA will be followed by what is supposed to be one final Shana series. One of the great shounen franchises of the past few years, but I have never liked it much, myself.seiyuus: Kugimiya Rie, Hino Satoshi.director: Watanabe Takashi (Shana)writer: Kobayashi Yasuko (Claymore, Casshern Sins, Shana). Takahashi Yashichirou (novel).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Itou Noizi (orig; Shana, Haruhi, Nanatsuiro Drops), Otsuka Mai (Shana).sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Genshiken, Ichigo mashimaro, Nodame Cantabile). music: Otani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Pumpkin Scissors, Shana). OPED Kawada Mami.trailer. forum. OVA. 1/4eps.23 octShoujo Fight(jp: 少女ファイト)sports, seinen"The story follows Neri Ooishi, a high school girl who is a talented volleyball player. She once was the captain of an elementary school team that went all the way to the national tournament. However, she spent three years as an alternate at a junior high school renowned for its volleyball program. Now she is in high school with new teammates, and she gets a chance to prove herself again. " (ann)Cast not yet announced, but it is supposed to be the same amazing group that did the drama CD: Mizuki Nana, Noto Mamiko, Watanabe Akeno, Kobayashi Yuu, Yukana, Ohara Sayaka, Yuzuki Ryouka, Kuwashima Houko, Nakamura Yuuichi, Suzumura Kenichi, Namikawa Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, et al.writer: Nihonbashi Youko (manga and anime).animation: Production IG. OP BLiSTAR.OVA. 1/1eps. sold with v6 of manga.fri 23 octRomance of the Three Kingdoms(jp: 三國演義)historical adventureChina-Japan co-production is already being shown on Chinese TV. I've seen the first two episodes in Chinese, and it is a big, serious production, following the original novel fairly closely.The other end of the scale from Koihime Musou, and shows Liu Bei in a completely different way from Souten Kouro. Seems like the real thing, even though the approach is a bit old-fashioned.animation: Beijing Glorious Animation x Future Planet.trailer. subs: Huzzah?, FTV?. 52eps.octoberTo Love-Ru OVA(jp: OVA ToLOVEる)ecchi science fiction comedyModerately successful ecchi comedy gets yet another OVA. It appears that they will keep releasing them, one per manga volume, for at least two more volumes.A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Outstanding cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Tomatsu and Yahagi combine for the OP and ED.seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka.director: Kato Takao (Busou Renkin, Rockman.EXE)writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, Simoun).animation: Xebec.sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.trailer. forum.OVA. 4/? eps. comes with v16 of manga. OVA5 w/v17 in feb.wed 04 nov 25:55Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Bangaichi(jp: 懺・さよなら絶望先生)Another successful season begets another OVA series for what is now one of the most successful franchises of recent years. The world's most negative man teaches a class of fairly odd high-school girls. Hilarious, for those who like the style of humor.After his brush with death in a motorcycle accident near the end of recording Honey & Clover, Kamiya Hiroshi has come back to be one of the top male seiyuus of all, having won the award as best leading man of 2008 for this role and that of Natsume in Natsume Yuujinchou.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Marina, Tanii Asuka, Sanada Asami, Kobayashi Yuu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara). Kumeta Kouji (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki (REC, D.Gray-man, Sayonara, MariaHolic).trailer. forum. OVA. 1/2eps. comes with v19 of manga.tue 17 novkissxsis(jp: kiss×sis)ecchi comedy with incestDVD comes with volume 5 of the extremely ecchi manga, about a high-school boy whose two (non-blood-related) sisters are constantly trying to get into his pants. Episode one, while not that well made, was as hilariously over the top as the manga. Borderline hentai.seiyuus: Takeuchi Ken, Taketatsu Ayana, Tatsumi Yuiko.director: Nawa Munenoriwriter: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel. chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard). animation supervisor: Shitaya Tomoyuki; Masuda Kuniaki (Kanamemo).sound director: Kikuta Hiromi.trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 20 novAIKa ZERO(jp: AIKa ZERO)ecchi comedySecond episode of "the return of the legendary low-angle, sexy action anime in an all-new OVA series." In this story, set in a future world (mostly submerged under water), the 19-year-old Aika Sumeragi is going to college while training as an agent. (ann)This show is all legs, boobs and guns, with a bit of plot to hold it all together. But with wonderful voices: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Gotou Yuuko, and Takahashi Mikako, in particular.Lead writer Kanemaki Kenichi was lead writer on Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Jigoku Shoujo, Ai yori Aoshi, etc.Star Koshimzu Ami gets a chance to sing both the OP and the ED.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Fukuen Misato, Gotou Yuuko, Takahashi Mikako, Shimoda Asami, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Yamauchi Noriyasu (new, charades/animator)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou).animation: Studio Fantasia. chara-des: Yamauchi Noriyasu (Stratos 4, Najica Blitz Tactics). animation supervisor: Yamauchi Noriyasu.OPED Koshimizu Ami. trailer. forum. OVA 2/3eps. ep3 22 dec.tue 27 octDenpateki na Kanojo(jp: 電波的な彼女)mystery violence romanceI loved episode one. Hirohashi Ryou gave one of the best performances of 2009 as the weird girl who suddenly shows up and swears allegiance to the protagonist, just as a series of horrific murders is taking place.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and I"s Pure. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did My-HiME and Macross Frontier.One of several OVAs this fall that are being sold with special editions of manga volumes. Sold with v4 of the Kure-nai manga (from a novel by the same author).seiyuus: Hirohashi Ryou, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Kobayashi Yu, Ueda Kana, Yoshizumi Kozue, Kitamura Eri, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Saiga Mitsuki.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My-HiME, Macross Frontier). Katayama Kentarou (novel).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Tanaka Chiyuki (animator), Yamamoto Yamato (orig).sound director: Shimizu Katsunori (Elfen Lied, Kite Liberator).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 04 decAki-Sora(jp: あきそら)ecchi comedy romance with cross-dressing and incestSora has an older sister Aki and a younger twin sister Nami, They have grown up saying "I love you" to each other. But now that they are older, do they still mean it in the same way? Incest happens.The manga is, uh, stimulating, with relationships and ecchiness to the point of hentai. We'll see how the anime works out. If sex sells, this could be a big success.Kitamura Eri is a great start on the cast. Director Takahashi Takeo did the fir
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And here we have the big climax for the Naris Amnelis Marriage. Again, there’s no Guin, Remus, Linda or Istvan whatsoever and instead we’ve got an entire episode of political intrigue. I must say that after watching this arc in Guin Saga, Tytania is looking less and less impressive right now, because Guin Saga has [...]
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  Left to right: Yukio Kikukawa, translator Taku, Noboru Ishiguro  The Important Stuff: - If there's time, Noboru Ishiguro says that they may screen a "tentative English version" of Tytania during their Q&A tomorrow. - The live-action Space Cruiser Yamato film is set to star SMAP's Takuya Kimura as Susumu Kodai. Ishiguro also says that he's heard that the film will focus more on the romance than on the sci-fi (which he is less interested in.) The Detailed Version: With 2-3 guest panels per guest of honor, it's hard to get to all of them at Otakon. But I'm getting to as many of them as I can! Rather than attending Yutaka Yamamoto's second Q&A I'm sitting in on Noboru Ishiguro and Yukio Kikukawa-- a somewhat older generation of anime creators. Artland founder Noboru Ishiguro is an animator best known for directing the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross and Legend of Galactic Heroes, though more recently he worked on the anime series Tytania. Ishiguro was also a musician in his youth, and actually created music for Macross: Do You Remember Love and Legend of Galactic Heroes. As for Kikukawa, he's best known as the producer of Legend of Galactic Heroes and the movie Big Wars, although he also assistant-produced the OVA Battle Royal High School. Now, I've never seen Legend of the Galactic Heroes, so I worry that I won't really get a fair chunk of this panel, but I'm going to do my best! I really wanted to get a shot at some old-school animators to contrast with the young up-and-comers like Yamamoto-sensei. They opened with a heavily truncated five-minute version of Tytania, the 2008 oldschool-style sci-fi series. I never got to watch it, so I was really excited to get a shot. It looks pretty cool, so I'm kind of wondering why no one has licensed it yet-- like Media Blasters, who has put out a fair amount of oldschool stuff and whose fans might really enjoy something like this. Or maybe FUNimation? Nishiguro is asked what it was like, going back to directing anime after so much time out of that side of the biz. Nishiguro says that the show he did last before Tytania was cell-based, not digital, so the procedure was completely different and he had to pick it up from scratch all over again. Nishiguro notes that thanks to computers, very few animators can draw mechs by hand-- which he thinks will be an increasing problem in the future. His impression of modern anime is that they're all getting very elaborate with character designs and mech designs, but he doesn't think there's as much dynamic motion and expression, and he thinks it's a bit stifling to the medium. Haruhiko Mikimoto was the character designer for Tytania and he also did Macross-- he's a manga artist these days (see: Mobile Suit Gundam Ecole du Ciel) so he had to work within the manga schedule to do Tytania, so there were a couple of close calls with deadlines. Ishiguro also realized that he might not have given Mikimoto the best assignment since he's best at girls but most of Tytania's cast is male. The Tytania novel series isn't finished yet, so the toughest part about writing for the series was that the ending was unknown and they weren't in a position to invent something new for it. So they had to be extra careful. This is something they found out after the fact, but the Tytania novelist actually aimed at making the book un-animatable due to not wanting to reproduce his earlier success-- that would be Legend of the Galactic Heroes, of course. It had also been a long time since he'd worked on a weekly production, plus he's older, but deadlines mean you may have to submit episodes before you're totally happy with them, so he thinks there's room for improvement in some places. Kikukawa takes over from here-- he was the one who pitched Tytania as an anime project to the novelist, Yoshiki Tanaka, and got it greenlit...but the production schedule was very tight, hence the difficulty for Nishiguro-sensei. He wants to know how many people here have watched Tytania from any means at all (tacitly acknowledging fansubs, of course), and I think a few more people raised their hands than he expected. He says that since we have thirty minutes left in the panel, he brought some production reference materials, which we'll get to take a look at (awesome!). It's mostly character design artwork for the Tytania family. Kikukawa notes that all four principal Tytania seiyuu all say they watched Legend of the Galactic Heroes as a kid, and it inspired their careers. I didn't catch the names for the four actors, but Kikukawa said the sentiment made him feel old. Every recording session the cast members would bug him to let them say "my lord," so they actually changed a few lines on the spot to incorporate that...but Daisuke Kishio (Jouslain Tytania, as well as Vampire Knight's Kaname Kuran) never got to say it, which reportedly made him sad.   Now we're on to mech designs, they were done by Kazutaka Miyatake (Macross, Gundam SEED). These are the ones I won't know anything about, but they all look pretty cool-- especially Idris' flagship FireBird. It's the only one that was hand-drawn rather than animated in CG. The ship didn't have a name in the novels either, but Kikukawa begged the author to come up with a name for the ship. The crew was about to come up with a few possible names themselves when the author found some of his old production notes and gave them the heads up. Finally. We're told that in the so far unwritten continued adventures of Tytania, Lydia becomes a very important character. We just got shown a classic cell, I believe from Legend of the Galactic Heroes, which will be jan-ken-pon'd off later. But first we get a reminder about the live-action Space Battleship Yamato that's currently in the works. The lead is going to be played Takuya Kimura from SMAP. Kimura is in his thirties and the lead character of Yamato is 18, so that should be interesting, he says. He also says the movie will focus more on romantic drama and less on sci-fi, which makes him less interested in the project himself. There's also another Q&A with Ishiguro and Kikukawa tomorrow, and if they run out of questions they might show "a tentative English version of Tytania." Whoa! I wonder where that's from? Whew, the end. Oh, except that the guy who won the cell is also cosplaying the guy IN it, I think-- Reinhardt von Lohengramm, the guy next to me says. Awesome!
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When Yahagi Sayuri 矢作紗友里 debuted at 19 as Karin, she knocked me out with her liquid, well-inflected voice.Now she has been a professional seiyuu for four years. She still has the strong, supple, quite high voice she started with, but the burbling liquidness has been toned down. She has developed a bit wider vocal and acting range and appears to have become one of the indispensables. She had 2 roles in 2005, 7 in 2006, 15 in 2007, 19 in 2008, and so far this year, she already has 13.Personally I regret her having left some of her unique sound behind, but she is a pro and is making a living by being able to give directors the voice they want.Her only other real starring role since Karin has been as Kuu in Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora in 2007, in which she was passionate but so ethereal as to almost disappear.Now, however, like other real pros she is getting more and more second-rank roles, as a classmate or a sister. And she has staked out some profitable territory in squeaky-animal land, with roles like Kyuupi in Otogijushi Akazukin and Suni in Guin Saga.This summer, you can hear her in Aoi Hana, Fight! Ippatsu Juuden-chan, a ToLoveRu OVA, and the continuing Hayate no Gotoku and Guin Saga.Here is a compendium of Yahagi Sayuri's anime roles, from YouTube:<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kwaQRzfDv8k&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kwaQRzfDv8k&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>I think I hear her expression becoming more natural and her range of convincing emotions and personalities wider. It sounds as if she has worked at her craft.She is far from beautiful. Kind of homely, really. But homely in a cute way. “Busu” means ugly, and it's hard to forget the surname of her character in Busou Renkin: Busujima (a homonym for "ugly island"). She has an outstanding set of crooked teeth, but I doubt she is thinking of fixing them any time soon, since it might affect her sound.She's kind of attractive, anyway, isn't she? Especially in motion, displaying her entertaining personality, as she does in this interview with co-star Konishi Katsuyuki from the Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora DVDs:<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IMwVlmhQE4g&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IMwVlmhQE4g&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Like Kawasumi Ayako, she will have to get by on her skill as a seiyuu and her fun personality, rather than her good looks. She and Hayami Saori did a turn together as the sorcerer sisters Ran and Sumire Midou in Koharu Biyori (Indian Summer). In real life, neither one of them is a raving beauty. But they are both prominent young seiyuus working for major seiyuu agency I"m Enterprise, an agency that was involved in scandal just a couple of years ago, but appears to be recovering.She has also done some dubbing, notably for the Japanese version of Akelah and the Bee.In her agency profile, she says her interests are reading and watching movies, and that her sport is softball. Her high school had no drama club, so her father suggested she join the softball club. I wonder if she still plays.Major roles (mouseover for captions): From Japanese Wikipedia: She comes from Tokyo, but spent part of her childhood up north, in Aomori. Born 86.09.22 -- now age 22. In high school, her friends made fun of her high voice, saying it was like an anime. But she had no idea anything like a seiyuu existed until she heard it from them.A phrase she uses a lot is: "Reawwy?" (maji de ka, a cute mispronunciation of maji desu ka? "really?").Her nickname, oHagi ぉはぎ, was given her by Inokuchi Yuka, Nabatame Hitomi, and Shitaya Noriko, after she said she wished she had one. An ohagi is a kind of Japanese sweet, made with rice flour and red bean paste (right).She's good at sewing, earning praise from her co-stars in Net Ghost PiPoPa, Shiraishi Ryouko and Satou Rina, for being the quickest among them at sewing a little bag.Her seiyuu friends include Satou Rina, Konishi Katsuyuki, Shitaya Noriko, Takahashi Mikako, and Nakao Eri. She was making fun of Satou-san on a radio show, and Satou called her a "grade-school old man." She's a big fan of the Kamen Rider series, has lots of books and goods, and has become friends with the mangaka.She calls herself a "crazy girl seiyuu." She is apt to come out with odd comments ranging from romantic outbursts to dirty jokes. At an aquarium once, her comment was: "Looks tasty." Cast in:(2005) Karin (TV) as Maaka Karin (debut)(2006) Otogi-Jushi Akazukin (TV) as Gretel; Kyupi(2006) Tokimeki Memorial ~Only Love~ (TV) as Fujikawa Yuuka(2006) Buso Renkin (TV) as Busujima Hanaka(2007) Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora (TV) as Shiratori Kuu(2007) Hayate the Combat Butler (TV) as Segawa Izumi(2007) Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula (TV) as Amano Utsumi(2007) Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho (TV) as Nanako Maaya(2007) Shugo Chara! (TV) as Mashiro Rima(2007) Indian Summer (Koharu Biyori, OAV) as Midō Ran(2008) Yotsunoha (OAV) as Yuki Arisa(2008) To Love-Ru (TV) as Sairenji Haruna(2008) Net Ghost PiPoPa (TV) as Sobue Hikaru(2008) Sekirei (TV) as Mitsuha (No.38)(2008) Rosario + Vampire Capu2 (TV) as Oniyama Tonko(2008) Ga-Rei -Zero- (TV) as Izumi Mami(2008) Nodame Cantabile: Paris (TV) as Puririn (ep 1)(2008) Tytania (TV) as Lira Florenz(2009) Sora Kake Girl (TV) as Erika; Satchan(2009) Asura Cryin' (TV) as Ania(2009) Guin Saga (TV) as Suni(2009) Fight Ippatsu! Jūden-chan!! (TV) as Iono(2009) Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana, TV) as Yoko Hon'atsugiStaff in:(2009) Hayate the Combat Butler!! (TV) : Theme Song Performance (ED)(2009) To Love-Ru (OAV) : Theme Song Performance (OP/ED)full list here (English) and here (Japanese). LinksAnime News Network pageWikipedia pageJapanese Wikipedia pageagency home pageYouTube videos 1YouTube videos 2current 2channel thread
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In the mad pre- Expo scramble, Otakon has thrown three press releases into my midst (yeesh!). The first of the new guest announcements is Noboru Ishiguro , the director of the original Macross series, Legend of the Galactic Heroes , and the 2008 series Tytania-- as well as helping out Leiji Matsumoto on Space Battleship Yamato . Next up is Hidenori Matsubara , character designer and animation director extraordinaire. You've seen his design work in everything from Ah! My Goddess and Sakura Taisen to Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo and Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 . He also worked as animation director for both Evangelion 1.0 and 2.0 -- he's been a busy guy!And finally, Yukio Kikukawa-- producer of Legend of Galactic Heroes and the film Big Wars –rounds out the list of guests...for now, anyway.
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While I subscribe more to the hot-blooded type of manliness (i.e. Shin Mazinger, Sengoku Basara), I wholeheartedly approve of Souten Kouro’s angle, too. It’s a lot like LOGH. TBH, I think Souten Kouro is closer to LOGH than Tytania. We have the upstart noble, Cao Cao, who seeks to overthrow the decadent imperial dynasty by amassing [...]
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Tytania is a show that gives high expectations and fails to live up to them. It has so much potential for greatness but ends up squandering them faster than a glue-sniffing MIT grad. If Yoshiki Tanaka, the author of the original novels, were dead, he’d be spinning in his grave right now. But he isn’t, [...]
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Here are the candidates: Akane Tendou(Ranma 1/2) Balsa (Seirei no Moribito) Eineus (Macademi Wasshoi) Falis (aka Alita) (Murder Princess) Grandis Granva (Fushigi no Umi no Nadia) Haruka Urashima (Love Hina) Laetitia (Tytania) Lexshue (Crest/Banner of the Stars) Lina Inverse (Slayers) Mai Kawasumi (Kanon 2006) Meia Gisborn (Vandread) Nausicaä (Nausicaä) Pirotess (Record of Lodoss War) Ryoko Yakushiji (Yakushiji Ryokou no Kaiki Jikenbo) Sachiko Ogasawara (Maria-sama ga Miteru) Setsuna (Shingu) Sharon Apple (Macross Plus) Tsuruko [...]
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The epic space opera, Tytania. A tale of the intergalactic power struggle between the mighty Tytania clan and the unassuming yet charismatic rebel, Fan Hyulick, the universe’s sole beacon of hope against the oppressive Tytania regime. There were space battles aplenty, but the real focus was on character motivations and lots of political maneuvering. The [...]
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