Posts Tagged ‘shaft’

How much is too much? Years ago when I first started watching new anime episodes as they aired in Japan, one of the things that surprised me the most was learning that the first airings of anime weren’t the finished products. It shocked me actually to think that what was being put on television wasn’t the final product and additional changes were made before it went out onto DVD or Blu ray. Why would anyone put a product on television only to make revisions to it later? I’ve since grown a little wiser and stopped asking that question but now I’m left with another question, how much change is too much?

The reason why I’m asking this question is due to changes I’ve seen from the Madoka Magica Blu ray release (which admittedly has gone on to sell record numbers). It’s also worth admitting that probably the only reason why I’m bringing this up now and asking the question is because of how much I loved the series. The series itself I considered an incredible work that deserves all of its success and only goes to solidify how I feel about the work of Akiyuki Shinbo right now.

However, with the release of the first volume I’m seeing a number of comparison images pop up that are making me question how I will react whenever I see the series again on DVD. In these images, it’s clear that Shaft has fixed plenty of the lower quality animation but have also made changes that could completely alter how one views the characters.

For example, in the series, I really connected with Mami partly because of how she lived. When Madoka and Sayaka appear at her place for tea and cake, Mami is living in a sparsely decorated apartment on her own. There are hardly any pieces around that indicate someone is even living there beyond the simple cups and plates. If she were take those away, there would be hardly any reason to think that anyone had lived there at all. To me, this indicated that Mami was so dedicated to what she does that she didn’t have time to decorate. She was the character who would go to school, do her job and then come home to nothing. An empty dull life that was completely different from all of the magical girls we’ve seen trying to live normal lives at the same time.

In the new animation however, Mami’s apartment is filled with little decorations and treats. She has a lovely apartment that has plenty of personality behind it. Now my image of her has changed, is she the lonely girl who wanted Madoka to become like her just so that she can have a friend? Maybe instead she’s actually an exciting life filled with danger but doesn’t get in the way of her real life that much at all.

For me, part of what made Mami so sympathetic and moe was that feeling of loneliness and vulnerability that she was barely letting show. On the surface she was trying to train Madoka to become the most powerful of magical girls but deeper down, you knew there was an ulterior motive. Perhaps a part of her that only wanted a new friend to go on missions with and share the hardships of her life. Someone that she could take under wing. Now she’s one of the ones who is romanticizing the hardships of war the girls that take on Kyubey’s contract must face. When I watch this again, will her cold words still have that same impact they once did?

It’s entirely possible that by the time I get to watch this series on DVD these concerns will have long passed and I’ll have forgotten about the ways that the early part of this series made me feel. What about those who are seeing the series for the first time? Will they feel that same way when they watch Mami throughout the first 3 episodes? Will there be a sense of apathy when she meets her cruel fate in episode 3 since that’s the life that she chose to lead? It’s hard to imagine that something so simple as knick knacks on the shelf could make that much of a difference to my viewing experience but I know that in the future, I’m always going to wonder how my perceptions would have been had I watched the series before and after it got all of its DVD changes.

Maho Shoujo Madoka Magica
Magical Girl Madoka Magica
Studio: Shaft
Premiere Date: 1/6/11
Reviewed: 1/8/11
Genre: Magical Girl

 

First Impression: Imagine a magical girl series with the artwork of Hidamari Sketch and the dark, twisted visuals of Bakemonogatari.

One night a girl named Madoka has a dream of a twisted world being destroyed. Amongst the ruin a single girl fighting back (and losing) against an unknown enemy. When that girl appears the next day in her school and confronts her right away, Madoka’s anxiety rises as she remembers the girl from her dream. It only gets worse when, while out with a friend, Madoka is summoned to a restricted area to rescue a strange creature who offers her the chance to become a magical girl.

Good and the Bad

I admit it, I’ve been looking forward to this series for months and was absolutely thrilled when I finally got to watch it. For the most part, this premiere episode functions just like any other magical girl series. There is a weird dream, a strange creature and one major event which ties them all together. Now, with such a basic premise in mind you have to wonder what could make someone knowingly get into something so standard? Because in the right hands even the simplest of ideas can become something extraordinary.

The first episode of Madoka Magica gives fans a very clear, defining image of what happens when talented people are brought together for something new. Animated by Shaft and using character designs from Umi Aoki (Hidamari Sketch), the look of the series shifts back and forth between an excellent looking CG world being torn apart and a much gentler real world. For the world they live in, the characters match the very shiny and polished animation throughout the episode which creates a sharp contrast to the darker scenes that open and close the episode.

And its those dark moments and scenes that truly set this premiere apart from other magical girl series that have surfaced over the last couple of years. Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo (Bakemonogatari), from the first few moments it’s obvious that this is not going to be typical in any sense. Opening with a dark and flooring action sequence, Madoka Magica shows little resistance towards steering towards darker moods and tones. Whereas some series would spend their time creating a safe world for the characters to establish their relationships in, this series spends its time creating something dark and mysterious that shatters expectations.

 

Music

At this point I need to remind my readers that I am an admitted Yuki Kajiura fanboy and want to just heap a ton of praise onto the score attached to this series… but I can’t. In most scenes, the music attached to the scenes aids in creating a real sense of heavy emotion. Ranging from gentle piano melodies to dark choral themes, the influences used throughout are, as usual, varied and mesmerizing. While not every theme or background piece is starkly original or a standout piece, there were few moments when I ever felt the music wasn’t providing exactly what was needed for the moment.

Overall

Stellar visuals mixed with a darker tone has made for a premiere unlike anything else I’ve seen in recent memory. I wanted to like this series and, from my standpoint, was given every reason to do so. Even I can admit though that this premiere may not necessarily be for everyone. Once you push past the very shiny surface, not a lot actually happens here. This is certain to change in the next couple of episodes but beyond the look of the series, there isn’t a lot to instantly pull the audience in: stick with it anyway, this series is going somewhere!

January is a really important month for me because there is just so much going on! Oh right, yeah there’s the new year I guess but if you have your priorities in order, you’d actually be referring to the first new anime season of the year! It’s a really small season this year though. I only have 21 new series (down from 29 last year) on this year’s preview, not including the OVAs/OADs that will be listed in part 2. This is just not a season for studios to be multitasking it seems. A quarter ago, JC Staff were the busy ones but this season they’re quietly working on one (Yumekui Merry). Instead, Studio Deen are the busy ones this season with three different series premiering (Starry Sky, Kore wa Zombie desu ka and Dragon Crisis). Studio Pierrot is right behind them with two (Beelzebub and Level E) though that’s only technically since they’re only co-producing one of them.

So there’s a lot to cover to let’s get into it already. Part 1 of this season’s review covers everything up until 1/8, which is roughly half the season. Don’t forget that I’ll be spending the entire month getting my early impressions up as I am able to view the new episodes. Feel free to chime in with your own opinions along the way.

Haiyoru! Nyaruani: Remember My Mr. Lovecraft
Studio: DLE Inc.
Premiere Date: 12/10
Genre: Comedy
Adapted From: ONA/Light Novel

What It’s About

A Cthulhu deity has taken the form of a seemingly harmless silver haired girl. While wandering around, she comes across a high school boy, Mahiro Yasaka, being attacked by aliens and saves him. For those unaware, that’s never just the end of it when it comes to Cthulhu.

Why You Should Care

I haven’t looked at this one yet but I already know it’s going to make for interesting viewing. The most experienced people on the cast are the voice cast and character designer, Koin (Kanokon). But come on… it’s anime and Cthulhu! Are you really going to tell me that you’re not the least bit curious?

Starry Sky
Studio: Studio DEEN
Premiere Date: 12/23
Genre: Shoujo Romance
Adapted From: PSP Games

What It’s About

Yahisa Tsukiko is the first female to enroll in what was formerly an all boys school. While making her way through the school and meeting her classmates, she bumps into 12 different boys. Not so coincidentally, they all have personalities that match the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Why You Should Care

Studio DEEN is producing three series this season so if you don’t like this one, there are still two more chances down the road.

Cast and crew for this series include fan favorites Jun Fukuyama  and Daisuke Ono playing Azusa (Mr. Sagittarius) and Suzuya (Mr. Cancer) respectively; music is being composed by Tomoki Kikuya (Squid Girl, Kyouran Kazoku Nikki, Hidamari Sketch, Asu no Yoichi, Da Capo II) and the bishies are safe in the hands of Maki Fujii (07-Ghost).

Rio – Rainbow Gate!
Studio: XEBEC
Premiere Date: 1/4
Genre: Ecchi Comedy
Adapted From: Slot Machine
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

Originally a popular slot machine character (don’t laugh, anyone remember pachinko based series Umi Monogatari?), Rio Rollins Tachibana makes her debut working in a casino where she is known as the ‘Goddess of Victory’. What she really wants is to get closer to her mother who was also known as one of the best card dealers ever and to do this she must collect 13 special cards called ‘gates’.

Why You Should Care

I’m not saying that this is absolutely going to be an ecchi series but it does have the same studio (Xebec) and director (Takao Kato) as To Love Ru. It’s also premiering on acid nipple satellite network AT-X. Draw your conclusions here.

Kimi ni Todoke Season 2
Studio: Production I.G
Premiere Date: 1/4
Genre: Romance
Sequel

What It’s About

The continuing stories of shy girl Sawako making friends in her class. In the first season, she was able to strike up a relationship with the most popular boy in class among others.

Why You Should Care

All of the cast and crew remain the same; Production I.G is still handling the animation and Hiro Kaburaki remains in the directors chair. The only change is the addition of Mamoru Miyano playing Kento.

This is one the series from this year that I would love to sit down and give another chance someday. It didn’t grab me the first time but there is still something special to this series.

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica
Magical Girl Madoka Magica
Studio: Shaft
Premiere Date: 1/6
Genre: Magical Girl
Trailers

What It’s About

After days of research and watching all 10 trailers here’s what I’ve put together about this series: there are magical girls and they grant wishes.

Why You Should Care

This is the first series of the season that I’ve given up all hope of being able to resist based solely on the crew: animation from Shaft (Bakemonogatari, Maria Holic, Hidamari Sketch), director Akiyuki Shinbo (Bakemonogatari, Hidamari Sketch), music composed by Yuki Kajiura (Madlax, Noir, Aquarian Age, Pandora Hearts, Mai Hime), theme songs from ClariS (OreImo) and Kalafina (Sora no Woto) and character designs from Umi Aoki (Hidamari Sketch).

So psyched to see this it’s not even funny. Alright, maybe a little.

IS: Infinite Stratos
Studio: 8-Bit
Premiere Date: 1/6
Genre: Sci-Fi School Comedy
Adapted From: Light Novels
Trailers

What It’s About

In the future, wars are fought with exoskeletons called Infinite Stratos and are almost exclusively piloted by females. When 15 year old Ichika discovers that he is one of the few exceptions, he is given a full scholarship to an all female school that trains IS pilots.

Why You Should Care

There are a couple of reasons to get optimistic about this one. Director Yasuhito Kikichi has done giant mechs (Macross Frontier) and one of the writers, Fumihiko Shimo, has done school romance (Clannad, Full Metal Panic, Kanon [2006]). Additionally music is being composed by Hikaru Nanase (Chrno Crusade, Canaan, Da Capo, Scrapped Princess, Super Gals).

However, it’s still a school comedy with giant mechs and this is the first time studio 8-Bit has been credited for animation production. Keep your expectations reasonable.

Yumekui Merry
Studio: J.C. Staff
Premiere Date: 1/6
Genre: Action Comedy
Adapted From: Manga
Trailers

What It’s About

Fujiwara is a completely normal boy beyond the fact that earlier in his life he discovered a power to see the auras surrounding people while additionally having constant dreams about cats fighting a war. Not surprisingly, while walking around one day an odd cat girl falls on top of him and drags him into the middle of a war being fought by cats.

Why You Should Care

Early looks at the animation from JC Staff make me want to care about this release but it’s already becoming a struggle.

Director Shigeyasu Yamauchi has the most impressive resume out the cast and crew with having worked on 5 different Saint Seiya releases.

Wolverine
Studio: Madhouse
Premiere Date: 1/7
Genre: Action
Adapted From: Marvel Comic
Trailer

What It’s About

Wolverine, the tough mutant with superhuman healing, senses and retractable claws travels to Japan to investigate Advanced Idea Mechanics. While there he’ll run into familiar figures from his past.

Why You Should Care

Iron Man wasn’t really received that well so it’ll be curious to see how the second of four Marvel anime adaptations (Blade and X-Men are still to come) sits with fans.

Just like with Iron Man, the pilot will be directed by a veteran, in this case famed director Rintaro (a whole host of Leiji Matsumoto titles). Starting with episode 2, the series will be directed by Hiroshi Aoyama (Rocket Girls). As a side note, how lame is that? “Alright guy, Rintaro has done his thing. Now make the rest of the series just as good.”

Wolverine will be played by Rikiya Koyama who has done other tough guys like Emonzaemon in Katanagatari, Jubei in Ninja Scroll and Reiji in Witchblade.

Gosick
Studio: Bones
Premiere Date: 1/7
Genre: Mystery
Adapted From: Light Novels
Trailer
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

Taking place at the St. Marguerite Academy in the fictional European country Sauville during 1924, a boy named Kazuya Kujo transfers into the school. Eventually he meets and befriends a girl named Victorique who is only interested in solving mysteries (including some that even the local detectives can’t figure out). Throughout the series, Kazuya and Victorique will make their way around solving cases and forming bonds with those who need help.

Why You Should Care

Beyond animation from Studio Bones (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, Ouran High School Host Club, Fullmetal Alchemist) it’s hard to come up with reasons to be genuinely excited about this one. Director Hitoshi Nanba worked on Heroman and Kotaro Nakagawa composed the music for Code Geass and Hayate the Combat Butler but other than that… eh.

Cardfight!! Vanguard
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Premiere Date: 1/8
Genre: Card Fighting
Trailer
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

Again, after careful research this is what I’ve come up with: the main character is a third year middle schooler and becomes really good with a new card game. But someone else comes along who says they are better and so the two must duel. Probably repeatedly.

Why You Should Care

Yet another series about dueling cards but this one was put together by YuGiOh mangaka Akira Ito, Duelmasters technical advisor Satoshi Nakamura and Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani and they really want you to like this series. So much so that JAM Project has been acquired to sing the OP.

Other interesting names attached to the crew include director Tsuji Hatsuki (Rurouni Kenshin, Samurai X, YuGiOh Duel Monster GX) and Tsubasa Yonaga (Ren in Big Windup!) as the lead card dueler.

Freezing
Studio: A.C.G.T.
Premiere Date: 1/8
Genre: Sci-Fi Action
Adapted From: Manga
Trailer

What It’s About

In an alternate future where Earth has been invaded by aliens, Aoi Kazuya enrolls to fight in the resistance. Entering a school that’s training genetically modified women called Pandoras to fight and men to be their partners, Aoi ends up meeting the most powerful and popular girl named Bridgette. Despite being warned of her unique personality, Aoi teams up with her to fight together.

Why You Should Care

At first I thought this was going to just like Infinite Stratos. Now I see that the primary difference is that this series will be darker, bloodier and more ecchi.

This is another series premiering on AT-X and features not only the director of IkkiTousen (Season 1), Takashi Watanabe, but also two writers who have worked on the franchise.

Animation is being produced by A.C.G.T who you might remember from Koi Kaze, Seven of Seven (I’m trying not to hold that one against them) and Human Crossing.

Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!!
Because For Some Reason My Big Brother Doesn’t Like Me At All
Studio: ZEXCS
Premiere Date: 1/8
Genre: Sibling Complex Comedy
Adapted From: Manga
Trailer

What It’s About

Nao is in love with her brother Shusuke but contains her feelings because those types of relationships are still illegal. However, once she finds out that she isn’t actually a blood relative but rather adopted after her real parents died all bets are off! With no laws to stand in her way, Nao begins her quest for a real relationship with her brother despite his ex constantly standing in her way.

Why You Should Care

Tired of sibling complex series yet? Seems like this is a trend that’s going to be around for awhile longer.

This one will be broadcasting on normal television so keep your ecchi expectations a bit lower.

The cast and crew behind this series is impressive at least: ZEXCS (Da Capo, Chu Bra, Canvas2, H20 Footprints in the Sand) is handling animation, Keitaro Motonaga (Akane Iro Somaru Saka, Katanagatari, School Days, Princess Princess) is directing and Tomoki Kikuya is composing his second score of the season (Starry Sky being the other).  The cast includes Eri Kitamura (Yui in Angel Beats, Saya in High School of the Dead) as Nao, Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Tayura in Kanokon) as Shusuke and Marina Inoue (Kiryuu in Akane Iro Somaru Saka, Natsuru in Kampfer) as Iroha.

Mitsudomoe Zouryouchuu!
Studio: Bridge
Premiere Date: 1/8
Genre: Comedy
Sequel
Available via Crunchyroll

What It’s About

The continued adventures of the Marui triplets making life miserable for their teacher as he tries to hook up with the bumbling school nurse.

Why You Should Care

No crew announcements but the animation studio is staying the same so I’m assuming this means all or most of the cast and crew will be returning.

Whew, that’s it for now. Later this week I’ll be posting the second half which covers the rest of January, February and all of the OVAs and OADs that are starting to be released this season. So, got any picks on what looks good this season?

Oh but trust me, you’ll want to stick around for the details.

 

After days (and days!) of being left wondering, Shaft has revealed the details behind their new series. The title of the new series will be Magical Girl Madoka Magica. Absolutely no idea what the story behind the series is going to be but I’m going out on a limb with a girl is going to get magical powers which she uses to fight off an ultimate enemy while finding herself in the process. Don’t quote me on that though.

Along with the announcement in Megami Magazine, Shaft has also opened up an official website (which is worth visiting just to see the flashy commercial announcement), Twitter account and have started making crew announcements. Already known to be serving as director will be Akiyuki Shinbo (Bakemonogatari, Hidamari Sketch, Arakawa Under the Bridge, Maria Holic) with Umi Aoki (Hidamari Sketch) doing character designs and Gen Urobuchi (Blassreiter, Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~) writing the scripts. New names added to the crew include Yuki Kajiura composing the soundtrack (*fanboy swoon!*) and Takahiro Kishida (Durarara) adapting the character designs.

Sorry but I’m going to need a moment to fanboy. This was already a project that I was very interested in seeing. But truthfully, you had me at Yuki Kajiura. If you know me, you probably know how much I adore music composed by her. Now that I know she’s composing the music for this series, this has instantly become a ‘must watch’ series. They could announce that this series will be about a magical ant girl fighting evil humans and I’d still watch. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this series in the coming months so keep checking back for updates as they become available.

 

<Via Yunakiti, ANN>

Great news everyone! Maria Holic is getting a second season!

Based off the manga, the first season aired in late 2008 and follows a girl as she enters an all girl high school in search of her true love (because she’s allergically afraid of men). When she gets there she meets the beautiful Maria who is hiding a secret: she’s a he and must keep that secret until he graduates. If you haven’t seen it yet, I can only describe the humor as surreal and off the wall. It also holds the distinction of having the best final 10 seconds of any anime series I’ve ever seen. Cast and crew details are nonexistent right now but Akiyuki Shinbou (Bakemonogatari, Negima) will be returning to direct the second season.

Speaking of Shaft and Akiyuki Shinbou, a new original anime project has also been revealed. Details will be revealed each week during the broadcast of Togainu no Chi but so far it’s known that Shinbou will be directing and Umi Aoki (creator of Hidamari Sketch) will be handling character design.

TWO new anime from Shaft and Akiyuki Shinbou? I am very pleased with this. Tickled even. If I’m asleep right now, DO NOT wake me up. Though if this is a dream this is around the time that Eliza Dushku walks in to confess her love to me. You might want to turn away at that point.

<Via Moetron, ANN>

Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru
Studio: Shaft
Premiere Date: 10/7

First Impression: Wow, I didn’t know maids could be THIS boring.

Hotori “works” in the Seaside Maid Cafe as a waitress that usually only serves one customer; a classmate named Sanada who has a secret crush on her. When her friends learn that she is working as a maid, they insist upon visiting only to have their dreams dashed by seeing just how lazy their friend is. After seeing no choice (though finding out Sanada is a regular doesn’t hurt), Hotori’s best friend Toshiko joins the staff as the newest maid in order to teach Hotori how to actually do her job.

Good and the Bad

So yeah, this is supposed to be a maid comedy but from here on out I’ll be using the word comedy very loosely. In this episode, Hotori and her world are introduced very quickly. She is a high school student but works as a maid in order to get by and fill her time. She just doesn’t actually know how to do her job which is what leads her friends into joining the fun (also a word I’m using loosely).

And that’s the main point to take away from this first episode: not funny. There’s a lead who can’t actually do her job, she’s constantly speaking in a nasally whine and when someone tries to show her how to do her job she whines even more. Great, so she’s a clumsy maid who doesn’t want to do her job? Well why should I care about her any longer?

Amongst her friends are the glasses girl Toshiko and the hideously designed, Shizuka. Toshiko, I have to admit, stood out as a bright spot of the episode. Her personality is likeable, she feels like a natural fit in the cafe setting and is even willing to smack around Hotori a little (which probably earned her more points than anything else). On the other side is Shizuka who is designed so horribly that I actually averted my eyes from the screen to avoid looking at her. I know that not every character can be cute and charming but they don’t have to be that ugly either.

Music

For the most part, the music in this episode wasn’t terrible. It’s not even close to the bottom of the list in terms of music quality this season. In the beginning, the fantasy sequence has a very classy feel to it before making way for a very dinner theater sounding opening theme. Through the end, the background music was much like the characters: bland and underwhelming. While occasionally it would catch my attention with a simple string background melody it was difficult to feel like the music was ever doing anything to capture an emotion. Even in the scenes that were supposed to be funny, there was very little in way of the music to capture the moment.

Overall

This is a maid comedy, it’s just not a good one. Boring due to mostly unlikeable characters, this premiere does not bode well for the rest of the series. There is still a chance that the introduction of new characters might save this one but the outlook isn’t good. If you desperately need a new maid comedy than I suppose you can go with this but there are so many other, better things that you could be doing instead such as anything at all.

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!

Alright so over the weekend I did say on Twitter that I was going to step back for a bit in order to focus on some personal issues/DVD reviews for awhile but this is different. Why? Um, let me get back to you on that and leave it at this is different.

Regardless, last night the news broke that the light novel Kizumonogatari by NisiOishi (Bakemonogatari, Katanagatari) will be getting an anime adaptation! The information is coming via a promotional flyer included with another of NisiOishi’s light novels, Nekomonogatari, and so details are still limited. It is known that the story serves as a prequel to Bakemonogatari and Shaft will be returning to do the animation. Earlier this year, an anime adaptation for the sequel novel titled Nisemonogatari was also listed on Amazon Japan but was quickly scrubbed from existence once people started to notice it. Conspiracy? Probably not but let’s make with the additional announcements here! I’m not going to be able to waste my life away watching foreign cartoons forever ya know!

On a related note, it was also noted alongside the flyer that there will be five additional light novels published in the series with the final being Koimonogatari in December of 2011.

If you couldn’t tell, I’m really excited about this. I have absolutely adored both Bakemonogatari and Katanagatari since their premieres so more NisiOishi anime makes for one happy little anime geek! So now begins the not so patient waiting game. Is it out yet? Is it out yet? Is it out yet? Is it out yet? Is it out yet?

<Via MyAnimeList, ANN>

July 1st; usually known as the day that I’m up early and waiting for news to start filtering out of Anime Expo. A quick note that this year I am going to be at the day job for most of the weekend so there won’t be any (or hardly any) live coverage of the event. I will try to get news up as soon as I can but it’ll likely be in the form of nightly wrap up posts.

But alright, let’s get this game of Catch Up done so that I can get back to waiting for Google Reader to light up with updates!

NEW ANIME

Arakawa Under the Bridge Season 2: At the close of the Arakawa season 1, an announcement went up for a second season. – Yay I guess. Really didn’t like this one.

Beelzebub Special Episodes: Two special anime episodes will be made based off the manga Beelzebub. The two episodes will be shown at major cities around Japan in September as part of the Jump Super Anime Tour. – MyAnimeList notes that premieres of this nature are usually followed by online premieres to stay tuned for further updates.

ToHeart2 Bonus OVA: The first release of ToHeart2 is now scheduled to include a special bonus episode which will focus on the character Manaka. The disc will be released on September 23rd and will also have a special edition which includes other goods such as a pillow cover and drama/character song CD. – Are they STILL making ToHeart???

Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi ~Onodera Ritsu no Baai~ OAD: The last anime announcement to squeak out this week is for the boys love manga Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi. In the announcement, it was revealed that the fifth volume would be bundled with a 20 minute anime episode when it is released next year. – Two male shoujo editors becoming romantically entangled? Is this as common a theme in BL as it sounds?

Getting away from new anime and into the news that slipped through the cracks this week, we see some new DVD releases and a delay that can’t be blamed on Bandai!

Black Butler DVD Release Date: Like last week, Funimation has sneakily opened another official website with a brand new DVD announcement. According to the new official site, Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) will be released January 11th 2011. – I’m curious to know why Funimation hasn’t been announcing these with a bit more fanfare.

Gainax Working on Dantalian no Shoka: Originally announced at the beginning of June, it’s finally been revealed that Gainax will be the studio working on the anime adaptation of Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian. The light novel series takes place in 1920’s London when a man meets a girl in charge of protecting the forbidden books of demonic wisdom.

Future Diary (Mirai Nikki) Delayed: The DVD release of Mirai Nikki has been delayed from September to December for an unknown reason. – Disappointing after they released a cool trailer only a few days ago.

Lightning Warrior Raidy 2 and Moero Downhill Night 2 Shipping: In a quick dip into the eroge news, the newest localized eroge from JAST USA are now shipping from J-List. Physical copies of Lightning Warrior Raidy 2 and Moero Downhill Night 2 are heading out to everyone who preordered first with download versions being made available to everyone next week. – Really want to play both of these games!

Six Ghost in the Shell Features at Viz Cinema: Stuck in No. California this weekend? Viz Cinema is offering something for you as well by showing six different Ghost in the Shell movies from July 3rd to July 8th. – Wow, can you imagine what kind of shape your brain would be in after watching 6 GitS movies over 5 days??

So how is everyone? It’s been kind of a slow week and I thought it was going to stay that way all the way through today. Course, then Crunchyroll and Sentai shook things up a little and that idea kind of faded away into nothing. So what have I missed this week? More zombies, rumors and fans get the Shaft treatment one more time.

New Anime of the Week:

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka: A boy is killed by a serial killer but is later resurrected as a zombie and ordered to fight for a magical girl named Haruna. Right… on that note, this series started as a light novel last year. New details were expected to be announced in the special One Heart With You net broadcast yesterday but apparently not so much.

To aru Majutsu no Index 2? : This one is still firmly in the rumor column but a store in Japan has reportedly let it leak that a second season of the JC Staff action series A Certain Magical Index is on its way. The first season aired in 2008 and was followed by the spinoff To aru Kagaku no Railgun (A Certain Scientific Railgun) a few months ago. – If this is true than this is awesome news for those of us who enjoyed the first season so let’s just hope that it’s true for now. Confirmed yet? How about now?

Yosuga no Sora; in solitude, where we are least alone: An anime adaptation has been announced for the eroge that I seriously hope gets a shorter title when it premieres. The melodrama revolves around twins who must move in with their grandfather after losing their parents in an accident. After arriving back in the remote village the twins remember why they chose to come back and the promise they made to each other as children. No details on a premiere date or who will be producing it but I’ll keep you informed. – I don’t care if it’s an eroge adaptation, this one has potential so let me hang onto that faint hope before seeing the trailer and having it shattered.

In other news that doesn’t involve me wishing that studios would just release all their info at once…

Tales from Earthsea Gets US Theatrical Premiere: In an interesting twist this week, Disney has announced this week that Tales from Earthsea from Studio Ghibli will hit US theaters on August 13th. The movie was the directorial debut of Goro Miyazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki) and was first released to Japanese theaters in 2006. After that it’s kind of a blur of everyone including the author of the source novel saying how terrible it was. The release indicates the settlement of a dispute between Disney and SyFy over a series they created based on the same source material. – At last, America can see a “new” Ghibli movie knowing ahead of time that it’s terrible?

Bakemonogatari Delayed Again… Naturally: Who didn’t see this coming? Shaft has announced that the final volume of Bakemonogatari will not be available until July 28th after first being pushed back from March to June. The final episode is still expected to stream on the official website in June but I would take that with a grain of salt at this point.  – You know what Shaft? If you can’t get me Senjougahara on time than forget you! Hmph!… I’m just kidding, can we please have the last episode now???

Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ED Theme Contest: This is only going to apply to those of you with a NicoNico Douga account but since that might be a few of you, here’s some info you’ll want to know. A new contest has been opened to find the 12 songs that will be used as ending themes in the series Ore no Imouto. Users can submit original song entries to NicoNico from June 1st to July 31st in any genre. The winning songwriters will get to record their songs with the series seiyuus and a small cash prize.