Posts Tagged ‘aic’

Wandering Son
Studio: AIC
Premiere Date: 1/13/11
Reviewed: 1/18/11
Genre: Transgender Coming of Age
Available via Crunchyroll

First Impression: My fears were unfounded and I couldn’t be happier about being proven wrong.

In grade school, Shuichi and Yoshino grew close because they both shared the same secret of being transgendered. Before they entered junior high, Shuichi confessed to Yoshino but she turned him down and a rift grew between them. Now entering junior high, the two lonely preteens enter one of the most difficult parts of their lives both wishing they could have their friend back as they continue to find confidence in who they are.

Good and the Bad

I admit it, I was really worried about this series before it premiered. I was really nervous at the thought that this story would somehow be skewed in its transition to television. I am so very glad to have been wrong.

There are still a couple of premieres to get through but unless I see something amazing, this is going to be considered the best looking series of the season. Presented in a modest and gentle way, the artwork in this series is filled with soft drawing that look closer to watercolor or pastels. The lines are light and the details are soft leaving the characters and backgrounds to come together in one natural image. Nothing ever looked layered or unnatural, just smooth looking transitions from one image to the next.

Wandering Son is the unique standout of the season for more than just its artwork. Taking a very slow approach to everything, the episode begins with drawn out introductions of just about everyone in Shuichi’s class. Before long though, the story shifts from this setting to seeing the leads trying to live their lives and take steps forward. Yoshino is struggling to find her confidence but Shuichi is finding the confidence to crossdress in public.

And that’s the best way to describe just about everything in this first episode. Produced by AIC, Wandering Son is unique to the season in its very slow approach to introducing the series. After spending a few minutes introducing at least half of their homeroom, the series shifts its focus onto Shuichi and Yoshino. The way things move forward however never feels like one point after another being rolled out for the audience. Instead, this episode feels like I spent 25 minutes privately viewing the lives of two kids who just want to be themselves. It’s emotional, quiet and never tries to force anything on its audience.

Initially my complaint was that this episode was just a little hard to follow. A lot of details are mentioned in casual passing conversation and sometimes it was a little frustrating figuring out what I should try to remember for later. The introductions in the classroom proved to be an additional pain; of all the people to be introduced how many of them do I really need to even vaguely remember? As things start to fall into place in the second half, these complaints seemed to just fade away though. I was still having some problems keeping track of everyone and what their relationships were but it didn’t matter as much. I was too busy watching and hoping to see something good happen to the lead characters.

Music

Composed by Satoru Kousaki and Keiichi Okabe, the music throughout this episode was some of the lightest I’ve heard within in a very long time. Very rarely was the music in this episode ever more than one instrument and instead was almost always it was a simple piano melody or an acoustic guitar just playing along softly in the background. The mood it creates is very relaxing which only aids the series as it slowly moves forward.

Overall

I couldn’t help but just be captivated by this piece. It was sweet, emotional and dramatic within one shot and introduced two characters that were instantly sympathetic. I stand by my opinion that this will be the most important series of the season. Even if it’s not a huge breakout hit or is followed by everyone to the very end, there is nothing in this first episode that shouldn’t be viewed by everyone at least once. Sit down in front of this one, it deserves at least that much.

Yesterday was one big blur of activity that started around 5:30am and ended sometime around 1am so sorry that I wasn’t able to get this up sooner. Crunchyroll has been pretty busy this week with the announcement of 4 more simulcasts (which brings the total up to 9 I believe): Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas, Kore wa Zombie Desu ka, Hourou Musuko and the ‘we already knew that’ pick, Mitsudomoe Zoryuuchi. Four series to cover and not enough time to do it in so here’s the rundown (in order of which ones I’m most excited to watch):

Kore wa Zombie desu ka (Is That a Zombie?): Produced by Studio Deen and based off the light novels, this series involves a high school boy being murdered by a serial killer and brought back to life as a zombie by a necromancer. The series premieres on Monday January 10th for users in North and South America, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, the Middle East, Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Brazil and Portugal. The series will also be available to paid users in the UK and Ireland.

As much as I love that Crunchyroll is bringing this series overseas I have to admit there are two things that I’m a bit bummed about. First, I agree with everyone who has said that the title for this series really should’ve been translated to English but that’s a tiny nitpick that doesn’t actually matters. What does matter is that Crunchyroll is only able to offer the series until June 30th so if you plan on watching this series, be careful about procrastination or you might miss your chance.

Hourou Musuko (Wandering Son): Hourou Musuko is notable for multiple reasons. First, it’s arguably the most important series of the season for dealing with such a serious topic. Second, this is the title airing in the noitaminA television block this season which indicates that Funimation’s deal has expired (or is currently not active for whatever reason I’m not privy to) freeing up the titles to be picked up by other streaming sites. It will be interesting to see if Crunchyroll is able to pick up the other series slotted for the noitaminA block, Fractale.

As for the series itself, the AIC produced drama follows two transgender elementary school students (a boy named Shuichi and a girl named Yoshino) as they slowly begin to realize who they are. Finally finding friends who accept them, the two deal with the harshness of growing up. It premieres next Thursday the 13th for users in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Portugal. I urge everyone to watch at least a couple episodes of this title after it premieres.

Saint Seiya The Lost Canvas: So this one actually isn’t a simulcast but it’s an interesting addition regardless. Announced yesterday, Crunchyroll has revealed they will be adding all 15 episodes of the OVA series Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas. Based on the manga, this series had its first 13 episodes released starting in 2009 and will soon be getting two additional episodes released on DVD next month. The press release for this one was pretty vague but it does indicate that the first 13 episodes will be added to the site in the near future while episodes 14 and 15 will be uploaded next month to coincide with the Japanese release. The streams will be available to users in United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Finally wrapping things up, we have the announcement that pretty much everyone knew about a few days ago; Mitsudomoe Season 2. This one gets to be at the bottom of the list for multiple reasons though which makes it special. The first reason is the obvious everyone heard about this a few days ago. Second, it’s a terrible series that I’m glad is only getting 8 episodes. For the many of you out there who do like this series however (I’m pretty sure my opinion is the minority actually), the series will be available on Saturday the 8th for users in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Portugal.

Alright, that’s it for Crunchyroll streams up to this point. There are still a couple of blank slots left to fill before the end of the week. Anyone want to take any guesses on what the final announcements are going to be? I’m still holding out hope for Fractale and Freezing myself since I’m pretty sure that Madoka Magica is now a long shot to be picked up.

 

Full press releases below the cut

Read the rest of this entry »

Well, we’re now a couple of days into the primary part of the new season and I’m already exhausted (for various reasons on top of the new anime)! But there are still a ton of new titles to talk about plus more simulcasts from Crunchyroll! Whew, it’s going to be a busy month!

Beelzebub
Studio: Pierrot
Premiere Date: 1/9
Genre: Action Comedy
Adapted From: Manga
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

Considered to be the strongest juvenile delinquent, first year high school student Oga Tatsumi is constantly being targeted by other gangs. While beating up one gang by the river, he sees a man floating down river. After pulling him to shore, the man splits in half and reveals a baby boy who is the son of a demon. Seems that Oga has been chosen (as the baddest and most evil) to raise the baby along with his personal nurse.

Why You Should Care

This actually has a slightly interesting concept and, from what I understand, is told from Oga’s perspective which will make for a slightly different narrative than usual.

This is the second series this season for director Nobuhiro Takamoto (Starry Sky is the other), Miyuki Sawashiro (also playing Ayane in Kimi ni Todoke 2) as Beelzebub and Studio Pierrot (Level E).

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka
Is It a Zombie?
Studio: Studio DEEN
Premiere Date: 1/10
Genre: Comedy
Adapted From: Light Novels
Trailer
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

So one day high school student Aikawa Ayumu is killed by a serial killer (don’t you hate when that happens?). Luckily for him, he is brought back by the necromancer Eucilwood Hellscythe. When he wakes up however, he finds that he is a zombie in a new world filled with magical girls and vampire ninjas doing battle. Finding that his existence is a drain on the magical girl Haruna, he is ordered to join the ranks of the magical girls to fight in her stead against the evil Magalo system.

Why You Should Care

Beyond Studio DEEN (by the way, this is series two for them this season), I don’t recognize hardly anyone amongst the cast and crew. Director Takaomi Kanesaki has only directed one other title (Magician’s Academy in 2008) although writers Shigeru Morita (Linebarrels of Iron, Seikon no Qwaser) and Touko Machida (Amagami SS, Lucky Star, Jellyfish Princess) have a healthy mix of drama, action and ecchi in their work histories.

Dragon Crisis!
Studio: Studio DEEN
Premiere Date: 1/10
Genre: Action
Adapted From: Light Novels
Trailer
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

While out  with his second cousin Eriko, Ryuji acquires a box from a black market dealer. Inside he finds a young, blue eyed red dragon girl named Rose. Instantly taking a liking to Ryuji, she starts to follow him around which leads him into the role of de facto bodyguard that must protect her from the black market dealers who want her back and others.

Why You Should Care

For those keeping score, this is the third (and last) series from Studio Deen this season.

Kurata Hideyuki is writing this series and has been writing great scripts for years: Battle Athletes, Magical Witchland, most of OreImo, The World God Only Knows and Kamichu just to name a few. Plus character designs from Masashi Ishihama (Kite, Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Honey and Clover, Welcome to the NHK, Welcome to the Space Show). PLUS Rose the dragon girl is played by Rie “Tsundere Queen” Kugimiya, Yukana will be the second cousin Eriko and Yui Horie will be in the supporting cast as Maruga and singing the OP theme.

I know the temptation is there but don’t write this one off too quickly.

Level E
Studio: Pierrot/David Production
Premiere Date: 1/10
Genre: Alien Slice of Life
Adapted From: Manga
Trailer
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

First year high school student Tsutsui Yukitata finally convinces his parents to let him move into his own apartment. When he gets there, he finds a beautiful man already there who claims to be an alien with a lost memory. It turns out that the man is actually Prince Baka from the planet Dogra and he lost his memory by crashing into Earth… and there are thousands more just like him all over the world. What follows is Tsutsui quickly losing his normal life as Baka moves in.

Why You Should Care

Lots of good reasons to check this series out but we’ll start with it’s based on the manga from Yoshihiro Togashi whom you might know better as the creator of Yu Yu Hakusho and Hunter x Hunter.

As for the rest of the crew; director Toshiyuki Kato has done a bit of everything ranging from Code-E (supernatural romantic comedy) to Full Moon (shoujo) to Maria Watches Over Us Season 4 (Slice of Life Yuri). The music is coming from the very talented Ryo Kunihiko (Victorian Romance Emma, Letter Bee, Story of Saiunkoku, Twelve Kingdoms) and character designs from Itsuko Takeda (Galaxy Railways, Mirage of Blaze, Ristorante Paradiso) means angles so sharp you could cut yourself.

As for the cast, the leads will be an interesting pair to listen to as Daisuke Namikawa (resume a mile long but Rock in Black Lagoon, Kei in Gantz, Shota in Kimi ni Todoke) is the prince and Yoshimasa Hosoya (Shichika in Katanagatari) will be opposite him as Tsutsui.

Fractale
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Premiere Date: 1/13
Genre: Drama
Trailers

What It’s About

Taking place on a distant island, the mysterious “Fractale system” is on the verge of collapsing. While exploring one night, a boy named Crane finds a girl named Phryne under a cliff. After she eventually disappears, she leaves behind a pendant which Crane decides to take along with a girl shaped avatar named Nessa on a journey to find Phryne. Along the way, he discovers the secrets behind the Fractale system and why it is collapsing.

Why You Should Care

This would be the first of two new series are joining the Noitamina time block this season.

Another really strong cast and crew are behind this series including A-1 Pictures (Black Butler, Sora no Woto) and Studio Ordet producing animation, a story created by otaku scholar Hiroki Azuma, and Yutaka Yamamoto (Haruhi Suzumiya, Kannagi, Lucky Star… up to ep 4) as director. In the cast there’s Yu Kobayakawa (Nice in Baccano, Setsuna in Negima, Maria in Maria Holic) as Crane and Kana Hanazawa (Angelica in Gunslinger Girl, Nadeko in Bakemonogatari, Lana in this season’s Freezing, Mikan in To Love Ru) as Nessa.

Hourou Musuko
Wandering Son
Studio: AIC
Premiere Date: 1/13
Genre: Coming of Age/Drama
Adapted From: Manga
Trailers
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

Starting the story in grade school, the story centers on Shuichi, a transgender boy, who meets a girl named Yoshino who is also transgender. Finally finding friends that accept them, the series follows the pair as they begin to enter puberty and discover who they really are.

Why You Should Care

Even if this series isn’t the best of the season, it’s already the most important for openly bringing up such an important subject.

This is the other series which will be appearing in the Noitamina block.

I have concerns that I’m hoping are unfounded. The man who directed Ga Rei Zero and Girls Bravo is helming this one. I’m hoping that all my fears will be proven wrong.

There is one place that I have full confidence in: the music. Background score is being composed by Satoru Kousaki (OreImo, Lucky Star, Kannagi, Bakemonogatari) and the ending theme is the new single from Rie Fu titled ‘For You’.

Suite Precure
Studio: Toei Animation
Premiere Date: 2/6
Genre: Magical Girl
Sequel

What It’s About

In season 8 (!) of the magic girl series, two new cures named Cure Melody (Minamino Kanade) and Cure Rhythm (Houjou Hikibi). While initially polar opposites, over the course of the series the two will have to learn how to bring their hearts into harmony.

Why You Should Care

Seriously, it’s up to season 8 which is the main reason why I haven’t tried to catch up to this one. Oh and by the way, the 10th Precure movie is being released to theaters in Japan next March.

Houkago no Pleiades
Afterschool Pleiades
Studio: GAINAX
Premiere Date: 1/2011
Genre: Magical Girls with Cars?
Trailer

What It’s About

I’ll be honest, I’ve yet to find someone who can figure out what this series is supposed to be about. Five cute magical girls? With cars perhaps?

Why You Should Care

The character designs from Mai Otsuka (Shakugan no Shana) and the fact that Gainax and Subaru have teamed up for a streaming anime has me way too curious. I’ll be watching if for no other reason than to find what it’s about and what it has to do with the cars or stars even.

Mai no Mahou to Katei no Hi
Mai’s Magic and Family Day
Studio: PA Works
Premiere Date: 2/2011
Genre: Family

What It’s About

In this short anime, an eight year old girl uses magical powers in order to understand the feelings of her family members.

Why You Should Care

PA Works is producing this 30 minute release for the Toyama government to raise awareness of how important family bonds are. It sounds rivit…. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

OVAs

Kaibutsu Oujo OAD
Princess Resurrection OAD
Studio: Tasunoko
Premiere Date: 12/9
Genre: Supernatural Comedy
Adapted From: Manga

Why You Should Care

I’m not sure if this is a sign of how bad the TV series was but every single cast and crew member from the TV series has been replaced for this release.

Mirai Nikki OVA
Future Diary
Studio: asread
Premiere Date: 12/9
Genre: Fantasy
Adapted From: Manga
Trailer

What It’s About

Middle school student Yukiteru is content to watch life pass by and write in his cell phone diary. He even imagines a friend named Deus Ex Machina who is the lord of time and space which is fine until his friend comes to life. Giving Yukiteru the power to write events in his diary that will happen in the near future, he’s also forced to participate in a game to determine a successor for Deus Ex Machina.

Why You Should Care

It’s 7 minutes long so it’s easy to knock out when you just have a few minutes to spare.

Interesting names that stand out from the crew include Naoto Hosoda (Koe de Oshigoto, Shuffle) is directing, Katsuhiko Takayama (Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi, Demonbane) is doing the screen play,

Isshoni Training 026: Bathtime with Hinako and Hiyoko OVA
Studio: Primesta
Premiere Date: 12/24
Genre: Bathing?

What It’s About

Hinako and friend show viewers how to stretch in the tub.

Why You Should Care

Really?

Armored Trooper Votoms: Koei Futatabi OVA
Studio: Sunrise
Premiere Date: 1/8
Genre: Mecha

What It’s About

After 32 years, Chirico will reunite with characters that he was once separated from at an oasis.

Why You Should Care

This is a complete OVA retelling of the original novel. Author Ryousuke Takahashi will be returning as director along with original character designer Norio Shioyama and original cast members.

Ah! My Goddess OAD
Studio: AIC
Premiere Date: 2/23
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Sequel

What It’s About

Belldandy and Keiichi head to an amusement park for a date but Urd and Skuld have other plans in mind for them.

Why You Should Care

AIC returns to do a second OAD. All of the crew and cast remain the same as previous series.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu: Matsuri OVA
Studio: Silver Link
Premiere Date: 2/23
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Sequel

What It’s About

The school is supposed to be in the middle of a festival but summoning wars are getting in the way.

Why You Should Care

Silver Link returns to deliver this before the second season later this year. Funimation simulcast the first season so keep this one on your radar.

Morita san wa Mukuchi
Studio: Studio Gram
Premiere Date: 2/26
Genre: Slice of Life
Adapted From: Manga

What It’s About

Based off the slice of life manga, the story centers on Mayu Morita who is a misunderstood turtle character. It’s not that she doesn’t want to speak up, she just spends such a long time thinking on her words that she always loses the opportunity.

Why You Should Care

The cast includes fan favorites Kana Hanazawa (in her third role this season) as Miyu and Haruka Tomatsu (Nagi in Kannagi, Lala in To Love Ru) as Miki.

Negima! Ariadone-hen
Studio: Studio Pastoral/Shaft
Premiere Date:
Genre: Magical Harem
Sequel

Why You Should Care

Yet another fun filled Negima release filled with all the characters that you’ve grown to love (or tolerate in some cases).

And that’s it for another season! As always, keep checking back as I watch as many of these new series as I can possibly manage in one month! If you miss something along the way don’t worry because the end of the season wrap up is fast approaching as well… well, at least a wrap up written by what’s left of my pale body by the time February rolls around.

Available via Anime News Network

Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute Premiered: 10/3/10 Simulcast: 11/8/10 Reviewed: 12/31/10 Rated: 15+

For most of his life, Kyousuke’s relationship with his beautiful, professional model, younger sister Kirino has been non existent. Other than to exchange occasional pleasantries or fight, they rarely even speak to each other. After accidently bumping into her one night, Kirino drops a moe DVD from her bag. That little bump is enough to change their relationship entirely as later she reveals herself to be a closeted otaku with a fetish for little sister eroge and magical girls.

With no one else to turn to, Kyousuke must now help his sister as their relationship continues to change and evolve into something entirely new. From taking a stand against their father for her sake, helping her make friends (named Saori and Kuroneko) to waiting in line at midnight sales, there is no length that he won’t (be forced to) go for his sister.

Good and the Bad

Usually when a new season comes around, I can always count on there being at least one series that really catches my attention. Last season it was OreImo. For the last couple of months, this has been my ‘go to’ series every week. No matter how stressed I got in the middle of the week, I knew that the week was going to end on a high note because there would be a new episode of OreImo waiting. I can barely even remember the last time a series made me feel that excited (Code Geass if you’re curious).

One of the primary standouts of last season, for me, there was no better reason than just how many different levels it worked to create a story to pull in its audience. On the very shiny surface, this is a moe series with a skill level just below K-ON. From the cute, tsundere, little sister heroine through to the supporting cast, there were few characters in this series that couldn’t inspire some level of moe from those watching. Though, depending on who you ask, Kirino could be the exception to this.

Kirino is a tsundere lead in the very truest sense. Not content with writing her as a brash otaku, this is another truly violent tsundere. Just about every episode will include her being rude, abusive or arrogant towards someone (usually her brother) and she will never be apologetic about it. If you can’t find a way to be charmed by her, this can be a difficult heroine to like. Which raises the question on if she’s so irritating and violent, what’s the point in watching?

Once you get past the shiny layer, OreImo shows where it works as a parody comedy. Kirino may be violent and loud but she is a true otaku in every sense of the word. In the first episode, fans were shocked (eroge producers and government were shocked for other reasons) at the mountain of eroge, anime and figures that Kirino had managed to collect despite being in middle school. From there it is only a matter of time before Kirino comes completely out of the closet and we see just how hardcore she is.

Over the next few episodes, I watched Kirino display her otaku side and could not stop laughing for a second as I recognized and empathized with all of her troubles and habits: the impatient waiting for a package to arrive, desiring that one coveted fan item that no other person will get to have, collecting something for no other reason than just to have them, having a close friend who just doesn’t get it… the list goes on. And for many other people watching around the world, I can imagine that the feelings were largely the same. The otaku compulsions were a fun poke that never felt mean spirited and, for a certain target demographic, made her possibly the most relatable female character in years.

This does create a snag along the way for all of the people watching who aren’t otaku. Jabbing just a bit further, these people are represented by Kirino’s non-otaku best friend, Ayase. After being introduced to Kirino’s hobby, her reaction starts negatively before eventually winding into confusion and mild acceptance. For people who don’t regularly watch anime, play eroge or generally partake in otaku culture there will be many scenes and episodes which will leave you in a confused Ayase state. This isn’t a series that is going to wait for anyone to keep up.

More than just a simple parody comedy, viewers can dig deeper still and find the layer that works on an emotional level. At its core, OreImo is a story about siblings finding a connection after years of ignoring each other. Despite all of the punches, kicks and insults hurled between the two, there is a genuine subtext to read all the way to the end. The feelings that develop between these two aren’t of that nature (though the series will sneak a few jokes in about it) but rather are of two teenagers who feel alienated within their own home; Kirino can’t share her passion and Kyousuke can’t relate to anyone he lives with. Finally finding the smallest of threads to hold onto, both characters are giving each other something they’ve never had; a new level of support they didn’t know they wanted.

Music

There were sad moments that had soft ballads in the background. I can remember this much but sadly this is another series where the music played a much more subdued role in the story. However, even if the primary background music didn’t particularly stand out, there was one place where Satoru Kousaki really stood out: this man can compose some very nicely done eroge themes. The audience will never have to wait long for Kirino to get into a new game but when she plays the games, there are some nice theme songs attached to them.

Where OreImo really shines musically however is in its theme songs. While I don’t usually talk about theme songs as much, the opening theme (Irony sung by ClariS) is easily one of the best of the year for me. A catchy pop tune (which would bother Kuroneko), the lyrics were some of the more fitting that I’ve seen recently that could even feel insightful at times.

Overall

I cannot hide it, I have loved this series with a very excited passion. There will even be quite a few people that I tell to drop everything so that they can also watch this series and love it as much as I do. Not everyone is going to love OreImo with this kind of excitement however. Almost feeling like one big inside joke, there are numerous moments that I can imagine leaving people with a confused Ayase face. Barring that, I consider this one of the best otaku comedies since Lucky Star. If you aren’t afraid to have some laughs at the expense of otaku culture and a not always easy to love tsundere, this is easily one of the best comedies of the year. I eagerly await the DVD only episodes! Very recommended!

To get everyone caught up: At the end of September, Aniplex USA announced that they would be simulcasting Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Na and Togainu no Chi and I was stoked. About a week later, Anime News Network revealed that they would be the streaming portal for these two series (still stoked).

A few days after that, the first episode of OreImo went live while I was at work (still stoked to watch it when I got home). Before long however, the site was exploited through a small hole in security which allowed someone to get access to the second episode and leak it onto the internet before it had aired in Japan. This led to the removal of the episodes before I could watch them (no longer stoked) and left fans high and dry.

For the last few days, fans have been waiting patiently for an official announcement from ANN regarding the fate of these series and finally got one yesterday. In an official statement released by ANN CEO Christopher Macdonald, it was confirmed that these particular simulcasts would not be returning to the site in the foreseeable future. He also stated that anyone who paid for premium access to these series would be given a full refund within the next few days.

In a follow up news post, ANN confirmed that the site isn’t leaving the simulcasting game entirely. They plan to use this experience to learn how to not let it happen again and plan to have new simulcasts in place come January when the new season starts.

This is certainly one of the lamest possible outcomes for this entire situation though. I understand that these things happen but I was really looking forward to watching these series streaming. Hopefully this all gets worked out and future attempts at this will be at least slightly more successful for them.

Over the weekend, my big exciting news was hearing Aniplex USA say that they were going to simulcast OreImouto (Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai) this season. Of course then the long wait on WHEN this was going to happen began until today when Anime News Network put out a press release to announce that their site would be the streaming portal making this happen.

This makes sense and naturally I’m all for it. But can we get a when? Please? It’s already begun airing in Japan so maybe we can get some news on when the rest of us in the US who consider this to be the most anticipated new show of the season (all six of us) will finally get to watch it? No? Alright fine, I’ll just sit here. Waiting patiently for a bone to thrown my direction.

So, is there an answer now? How about now?

Full press release below the cut

Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone recovered from the summer? Good because it’s time for another couple dozen titles to start premiering. While AIC has been busy this year, this season it’s JC Staff that is blowing everyone away with five different titles premiering made up of four TV series and one OVA (Otome Youkai Zakuro, Tantei Milky Opera Holmes, Bakuman, A Certain Magical Index S2, A Certain Scientific Railgun OVA). Staying busy themselves, Studio Deen, Studio Pierrot, Xebec and AIC are busy with two series each of their own while a number of others are contributing one each to the new season.

As for the spread, there’s no one genre that seems to be dominating. There are still a healthy number of moe titles proving that even if the genre is dying it’s not going down quietly. A couple of eroge adaptations are certain to catch the attention of a few (including the yaoi shippers who will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Toaigu no Chi).

All of the information, images, credits, etc have been gathered from various sources including Anime News Network, My Anime List, AniDB, official websites and more. All information and images retain original copyrights and I claim no ownership over anything on this page but the words I typed. But enough with this long drawn out introduction, let’s get into the breakdown!

Note: A few series were purposely excluded from this list for various reasons: Shaun the Sheep, You Are Umasou TV, Tachi Yumaru Gekijou, Pocket Monster: Best Wishes and Agriculture Girl

Hetalia Axis Powers Fourth Season
Studio: Studio Deen
Premiere Date: 9/10
Genre: Comedy

Story

The countries are back and I bet Italy is still yelling about pasta every once in awhile too.

Why You Should Care

The new season features two new characters joining the cast: Norway and Denmark.

Battle Spirits: Brave
Studio: Sunrise
Premiere Date: 9/12
Genre: Action
Adapted From: Card Game
Sequel

Story

The return of the action card battle game which only lasts for 13 episodes this time around.

Why You Should Care

This series marks the first appearance of Daisuke Ono as Clackey and singing the ending theme.

Super Robot Wars OG: The Inspector
Studio: Asahi Production
Premiere Date: 10/1
Genre: Mecha
Available via Crunchyroll
Trailer

Story

The DC War starts again as aliens from space arrive to finish the job. With a new war breaking out, characters will be forced to choose loyalties and fight for their survival once again.

Why You Should Care

Masami Obari has never worked on the Super Robot Wars franchise but he has directed other decent mech series like Gravion.

Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Studio: GAINAX
Premiere Date: 10/1
Genre: Ecchi Action/Comedy
Available via Crunchyroll
Trailer

Story

A city is invaded by weird ghosts and so heaven sends down two angels, Panty (the blonde idol) and Stocking (the gothic lolita) to exterminate them. What they (and the world) don’t realize is that they were actually kicked out of heaven for being bad.

Why You Should Care

Believe it or not, the same man who directed Gurren Lagann, Hiroyuki Imaishi, will be sitting in the director’s chair for this one as well.

Sora no Otoshimono: Forte
Heaven’s Lost Property: Forte
Studio: AIC ASTA
Premiere Date: 10/1
Genre: Harem Comedy
Sequel
Available via Crunchyroll
Trailer

Story

A new season of ecchi comedy featuring a perverted, pacifist boy, the pet class angelroid living with him and the various other females in his life creating misunderstandings.

Why You Should Care

For the most part the cast and crew remain the same. Two new animation directors are joining the crew along with two new characters; Daidalos (Asuka Ogame – Lizleat in Omamori Himari) and Astrea (Kaori Fukuhara – Tsukasa in Lucky Star).

Second change from season 1 is that there will be only 1 OP/ED theme performed by Hitomi Yoshida and Saori Hayami (Ikaros). Hopefully that doesn’t completely eliminate the chances of a second flying panty sequence since that was one of the few highlights of the first season.

Iron Man
Studio: Madhouse
Premiere Date: 10/1
Genre: Action
Adapted From: American Comic
Trailer

Story

Tony Stark comes to Japan to attend the opening of a new peace station. During the ceremony, he is attacked by a mysterious organization called the Zodiac and he must don the iron suit.

Why You Should Care

The first of four Marvel anime adaptations, this one could will set an interesting tone for what fans should expect from the next three as well.

It’s not quite a simulcast but the series will be airing next year on G4.

The animation is being produced by Madhouse but the script is being created by award winning writer Warren Ellis who worked on the Iron Man comic in 2005-2006 but has been with Marvel since the mid 90′s.

Bakuman
Studio: J.C. Staff
Premiere Date: 10/2
Genre: Comedy
Adapted From: Manga
Trailer

Story

A junior high school student named Mashiro is pursued by his best friend to start a manga together. After his famous mangaka uncle died from overwork, Mashiro is hesitant to follow in those footsteps. After getting some friends together who agree to also create an anime once the manga is finished (including his crush who also agrees get married and live together with Mashiro once it’s done) he begins his trek to becoming a famous mangaka like his uncle.

Why You Should Care

I am REALLY intrigued by this concept!

One of the directors, Kenichi Kasai, directed Kimikiss pure rogue, Honey and Clover, Aoi Hana and Nodame Cantabile (he also directed Miracle Train but try not to hold that against him).

Tegami Bachi Season 2
Letter Bee Season 2
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Premiere Date: 10/2
Genre: Action/Drama
Sequel
Available via Crunchyroll
Trailer

Story

At the close of the first season, Lag Seeing thought that he had found the one he was searching for. In the second season, Lag’s search for answers regarding his hero and his mother continues as he delivers more letters across dangerous terrain.

Why You Should Care

Letter Bee season 1 was surprisingly well done in terms of writing, story and animation making this worth picking up if you haven’t already.

For the most part, the cast and crew are completely the same beyond a new face in charge of series composition, Masanao Akahoshi.

Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan Season 2
Studio: Studio DEEN
Premiere Date: 10/2
Genre: Historical Action
Sequel

Story

The return Chizuru and her reverse harem made up of the Shinsengumi during the Edo period as they search for answers and battle evil oni within the city.

Why You Should Care

Studio DEEN is only producing 2 shows this season; this and Hetalia Season 4. This makes me sad.

Only a few crew members have been revealed but so far it’s all the same as season 1.

MM!
Studio: Xebec
Premiere Date: 10/2
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Adapted From: Light Novels

Story

A high school boy named Taro Sado discovers that he’s a masochist but must keep this a secret from the girl he has a crush on. To get help, he joins the 2^nd Volunteer Club at school which consists of a girl who thinks she’s god and another who caused Sado’s masochism in the first place.

Why You Should Care

The second of 4 roles this season for Jun Fukuyama playing the role of Taro Sado (other roles are in Battle Spirits, Togainu no Chi and Tegami Bachi Reverse) and the first of 2 for Sayaka Ohara (Tamayura) and Rie Tanaka (Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge).

Amongst key crew members; this is only the second series Tsuyoshi Nagasawa has directed with the other being Kyo no Go no ni. The writers, Naoko Marukawa and Rie Oga, have written D.I.C.E., Kanokon OVA and The Sacred Blacksmith (or 3 episodes of it) which suddenly fills me with a little less confidence.

Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai
My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute
Studio: AIC
Premiere Date: 10/3
Genre: Comedy
Adapted From: Light Novel
Availabie via Aniplex USA
Trailer

Story

A high school boy has a very strained relationship with his professional model little sister that involves little more than exchanging pleasantries even though they live together. After he finds a moe anime DVD in her bag, she eventually reveals that she’s actually a closet otaku which changes their relationship dynamically.

Why You Should Care

This is the first series of the season that I’m already thinking will be impossible to resist once it starts.

Interesting to note: The director, Hiroyuki Kanbe, has only directed one other series, Viper’s Creed. Writer Hideyuki Kurata, on the other hand, has written everything from classics (Battle Athletes, Excel Saga) to more recent hits (Bamboo Blade, Read or Die, Sasameki Koto).

Additionally, this is one of three series with music composed by Satoru Kousaki (Bakemonogatari, Haruhi Suzumiya). Dude is popular this season.

If the leads sound a little familiar you might be recognizing Ayana Taketatsu as Azusu in K-ON or Yuuichi Nakamura as Akira in Dance in the Vampire Bund or Tomoya in Clannad.

Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls
Studio: ARMS
Premiere Date: 10/3
Genre: Ecchi Action
Adapted From: Novel
Available via The Anime Network
Trailer

Story

In an alternative Japan where the Tokugawa shogunate remained in power, schools are now places where students are deeply oppressed. In an act of rebellion, a high school boy named Yagyuu teams up with a team of female students who were all named for famous samurai and swordsmen to take on the student council.

Why You Should Care

Trailers and an early first episode preview have confirmed that this series is going to be this season’s Queen’s Blade. No shock since it’s from the same studio, ARMS.

The first of only 2 series this season for Aki Tokosaki (she’s also performing in Otome Yokai Zakuro) and the only appearance this season from Rie “Tsundere Queen” Kugimiya.

Best news (?) is that the opening theme is sung by Faylan (CANAAN, Seikon no Qwaser).

Shinrei Tantei Yakumo
Psychic Detective Yakumo
Studio: Bee Train
Premiere Date: 10/3
Genre: Supernatural Mystery
Adapted From: Novel
Trailer

Story

A college student said to psychic powers is enlisted by a girl to help a friend who is possessed by a spirit. After dealing with that, the psychic named Yakumo will solve other mysteries related to ghosts in the city.

Why You Should Care

Not everyone is a fan of theirs but anytime Bee Train puts out something new, I always encourage people to check them out.

Hiroyuki Kawasaki has some duds in his past but he also has some hits including Sakura Taisen, Hell Girl season 2 and Irresponsible Captain Tylor.

Fan favorite Daisuke Ono makes his first appearance of the season here as Yakumo while also singing the opening theme.

Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto
Studio: Bones
Premiere Date: 10/3
Genre: Mecha
Trailer

Story

On an island, a giant robot called a ‘Cybuddy’ (kind of like My Buddy?) is found buried deep underground. A mysterious group kidnaps a girl determined to be the key to activating the robot when a young boy named Takuto arrives with his own Cybuddy to rescue her and prevent war from breaking out.

Why You Should Care

Studio Bones can do giant mech series and to prove it you only need to look at Eureka Seven, Heroman and RahXephon.

The writer for this series is Yoji Enokido who penned FLCL and Redline (one of which I know is bat shit insane and the other I’ve heard as much). Backing that up is music composed by Satoru Kousaki (second series this season for him).

Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge
Studio: Shaft
Premiere Date: 10/3
Genre: Comedy
Sequel

Story

The very weird stories continue about Riku who now lives under the bridge with his fiance Nino and the very weird people they call neighbors.

Why You Should Care

Cast and crew are remaining entirely the same from the first season.

Yumeiro Patissiere Professional
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Premiere Date: 10/3
Genre: Shoujo Cooking
Sequel
Available via Crunchyroll

Story

This sequel picks up 2 years after the first season left off. Ichigo is now in high school and making new friends while still pursuing her dream of being an amazing pastry chef.

Why You Should Care

The writing staff has decreased by one but other than that, everything remains the same for the second season.

Yosuga no Sora
Studio: feel
Premiere Date: 10/4
Genre: Romance
Adapted From: Eroge
Trailer

Story

After losing their parents to an accident, two siblings go to live with their grandfather. As the two start to remember things from their childhoods and the summers they spent there, the pair’s ulterior motives for moving start to surface.

Why You Should Care

“Quick, we’re producing a sibling romance… get the Aki Sora guy!” – yeah, same director: Takeo Takahashi.

This one will be premiering on Satellite station AT-X, a mostly safe haven for perverted. This doesn’t necessarily guarantee an ecchi series… but it is an eroge adaptation so yeah, draw your conclusion here.

Shinryaku! Ika Musume
Squid Girl
Studio: Diomedea
Premiere Date: 10/4
Genre: Comedy
Adapted From: Manga
Available via Crunchyroll
Trailer

Story

A squid girl from the ocean comes onto land to take over the world but wrecks the first headquarters she moves into. Now indebted to the sisters who own the house, she has to start working to pay it off.

Why You Should Care

The second series this season that I’ve largely given up hope of being able to resist once it premieres.

Squid Girl is directed by Tsutomu Mizushima who has done lots of cute comedies such as xxxHolic, Magical Witch Punie Chan, Hare+Guu, and Genshiken.

The cast is led by Ayumi Fujimura (Misaki in Kaichou wa Maid sama, Cecily in The Sacred Blacksmith), Rie Tanaka (Minna-Dietlinde in Strike Witches, Nyx in Queen’s Blade) and Hisako Kanemoto (Kanata in Sora no Woto) as Squid Girl.

Otome Youkai Zakuro
Studio: J.C. Staff
Premiere Date: 10/4
Genre: Alternative History
Adapted From: Manga
Available via Crunchyroll
Trailer

Story

In an alternative version of the Meiji era, humans and yokai live side by side but not entirely harmoniously. To combat this, a group of young, fox eared, female yokai are recruited to work with young human soldiers to create a peaceful coexistence.

Why You Should Care

Directing this series will be Chiaki Kon. You might already be familiar with her style without even realizing it since she directed Junjo Romantica, Nodame Cantabile: Paris and the first season of Higurashi: When They Cry.

Names like Mai Nakahara (Nagisa in Clannad, Rena in Higurashi: When They Cry) as Zakuro, Aki Toyosaki (Yui in K-ON) as Hozuki and Yui Horie (Tsubasa in Bakemonogatari, Yuki in Vampire Knight) as Bonbori will make this a fun cast to listen to.

Watching the trailer makes me feel like this series is going to be a cross between Strike Witches and Moeyo Ken.

Motto To Love Ru
More To Love Ru
Studio: Xebec
Premiere Date: 10/5
Genre: Fantasy Harem Comedy
Sequel
Trailer

Story

More adventures with Rito and his fiancé from the planet Deviluke, Princess Lala.

Why You Should Care

The popular harem comedy returns with a new director (Atsushi Ootsuki – Kanokon, Ladies vs. Butlers), an entirely new set of writers and a new voice for Peke (Aki Toyosaki – Yui in K-ON). Everything else is staying the same.

Opening theme is sung by veteran singer KOTOKO!

Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru
Studio: Shaft
Premiere Date: 10/7
Genre: Maid Comedy/Slice of Life
Adapted From: Manga
Trailer

Story

A series about the happenings within the Seaside Maid Cafe which features one worker who wants to be a detective, one who is a super perfectionist and one who is an old woman that just enjoys maid cosplay.

Why You Should Care

The opening theme is being performed by Maaya Sakamoto which means watching just the opening animation is worth your time.

There’s an entirely good chance that you’ve already enjoyed one series from director Akiyuki Shinbo already: Arakawa Under the Bridge, Bakemonogatari, Hidamari Sketch, Negima or Sayonara Zetsubou sensei just to name a few.

Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
Studio: J.C. Staff
Premiere Date: 10/7
Genre: Fantasy
Adapted From: Card Game
Trailer

Story

In a fantasy city where world class private detectives battle evil phantom thieves, four young girls work hard to catch thieves. Collectively they work for the agency Milky Holmes and seek to solve their own cases and mysteries.

Why You Should Care

Cute girls with special powers solving cute mysteries.

Want to know just how cute this series might actually get? It’s being directed by Makoto Moriwaki who also directed LilPri, Onegai My Melody and a 1999 series of shorts about a hamster titled Oruchuban Ebichu.

Togainu no Chi
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Premiere Date: 10/7
Genre: Action
Adapted From: Manga/Yaoi Eroge
Available via Aniplex USA
Trailer

Story

At the close of a war, the city of Toshima (formally Tokyo) is taken over by Viscio crime syndicate. In another area, a man named Akira has been falsely accused of a crime and the only way for him to regain his freedom is to go to Toshima and destroy the crime syndicate

Why You Should Care

A dark action series produced produced by A-1 Pictures? Already sounds like fun.

Bishounen alert: the series may be adapted from a manga but it was originally a yaoi eroge created by Nitroplus.

Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch in Code Geass) is staying busy this season with the lead role here along with appearances in MM! and Tegami Bachi Reverse.

As always, I’ve double and triple checked this list to make sure that I’ve corrected any errors. I’m not perfect though and so if you notice any, feel free to point them out so that I can make the fix. Be sure to keep checking back over the course of the month as I post up my early impressions from as many new series as I can squeeze into my schedule and next week when I post up Part 2 of the season preview which covers the second week, OVAs and beyond!

This was unexpected but honestly has absolutely made my night! Aniplex USA announced via Twitter tonight that they will be simulcasting two series this season. First to be announced was the AIC produced moe comedy OreImouto (please don’t make me type the full title). This was followed up by the dark action produced by A-1 Pictures that was originally a yaoi eroge by Nitro+, Togainu no Chi. Details will be announced later regarding a time and a site but for this I will wait however long it takes. The first series will be premiering on Japanese television on October 3rd while Togainu no Chi won’t premiere until October 7th.

The good news (for me at least) is that Togainu no Chi was a series that I was going to recommend to a couple of friends already BECAUSE it was originally a yaoi eroge. I foresee bishounen in this series, lots of them. Certain people will want to see this. The better news is that OreImouto is the series that I’ve been hoping for the most to be simulcast by someone. Anyone would do.

Happy anime geek. I am one.

Edited: Incorrectly identified Sphere as creator of Togainu no Chi

Well, since I’ve talked about upcoming releases once today let’s dip into that well once again. Sentai Filmworks has just sent out their latest press release to announce their December slate and included is the license of Nyan Koi.

Produced by AIC and originally airing last October, Nyan Koi is another cat series (anyone else notice a big cat theme for the last year or so?) featuring a high school boy who gets on the wrong side of a cat god. Junpei is actually deathly allergic to cats and so he hates to be around them. After accidently breaking a statue dedicated to the local kitty guardian deity (cats have guardian deities?), he is immediately punished. Now he can understand everything that cats are thinking and must grant them 100 wishes or else he’ll turn into one himself. The series will be released as 1 complete collection on December 14th.

Beyond that new license, the rest of December looks like this:

KimiKiss: Pure Rouge Collection 2 – 12/7 (49.98)
Eyeshield 21 Collection 3 – 12/21 (49.98)
Gintama Collection 3 – 12/28 (49.98)

<Image via Pixiv>

Full press release below the cut

Read the rest of this entry »

Wow, these Trailer Roundups are SOOO much easier to write when I put them together once a week or so rather than once a month. I’m sad to not have as many hours at the day job to you know, pay bills and eat with but I am glad to have more time to put together things like this for everyone. Ok, enough of that… let’s watch trailers!

Psychic Detective Yakumo (Shinrei Tantei Yakumo): The first trailer has gone live on the official homepage for Psychic Detective Yakumo. Based on the novel series, the new trailer introduces some main characters and the mysterious world that they inhabit filled with ghosts and spirits. Even better, it actually looks pretty decent. The Bee Train produced series premieres on October 3rd.

My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute (Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai!): 3 new TV trailers have gone live on the official homepage for OreImouto… well, they say 3 trailers but they’re all either 15 or 30 seconds and basically show the same footage so it’s hard to call them 3 separate trailers. Anyways, cute series about straight laced older brother dealing with cute younger sister who works as a model but secretly loves eroge and moe. Animation is being produced by AIC and premieres October 3rd. – It’s probably going to be terrible but I have a weakness for little sister stories.

Yosuga no Sora: Also getting a first look today, the new trailer for Yosuga no Sora has gone live on the its official site. The series adapts the eroge of the same name as two siblings go to live with the grandfather after losing their parents to an accident. The series is being put together by feel and premieres on October 4th. – Eh, nothing about this trailer is really grabbing me as something special. Is anyone looking forward to this?

Redline: Wrapping things up, a special video is being hosted on Pia Eiga Seikatsu in anticipation for the Japanese premiere of the movie Redline. The movie about the deadliest race in the galaxy has been making the rounds at film festivals around the world and will finally see its theatrical premiere in Japan on October 9th. I’ll be curious to see how this one does in its home turf and how audiences take to its extremely off beat animation style.

<Image via Pixiv>