In the past, I used to take the time to watch a show without anything in the background…lights included, but this season’s line-up calls for a different routine: watching tidbits of a show in-between Blazblue matches. Not very exciting, I know. After watching the marvelous Durarara!! I was literally speechless. To say I wanted to raid my dictionary and thesaurus was an understatement.

I won’t divulge much about episode 2, but just know it focuses on the “suspicious,” frizzy-pigtailed girl who was kidnapped in the previous installment. The audience finds out why she was out in the first place, why she didn’t throw up a question-face when being kidnapped, and what happened to her afterward.

For this review, the outstanding theme will be simplicity. However, take note this isn’t the only fold of DRRR!!’s greatness. Not by a long shot. Unlike Ningyo’s wonderfully put reviews (and titles might I add), which point out things I never remotely stop to think about, this review will consist of what makes this show a true magnum opus (greatest work of art). But what makes a great show, let alone a good show? Barely the other day, Scamp and a couple other writers were talking about what makes a “good anime,” and it made me realize I never sat down to think about something as serious as that. When trying to pin associations to good and bad, a bundle of inconsistencies and paradoxes arise.

For example, DragonBallZ and Bleach are a couple of the most successful shows to date for a number of reasons. They immediately draw people in with the first episode, have an insane amount of episodes (more than 35), contain bad guys who are twice as powerful as the main character, and an ever-growing ensemble of characters. But…on the flip-side, one can probably point out twice as many faults such as incredibly stupid filler episodes (technically bad enough), bratty characters who are better left out (Chad/Saado in Bleach or Krillin in DBZ), recycled animation, inconsistent laws of gravity (DBZ & Bleach flying nonsense), and a number of other silly reasons. Despite the blaring imperfections, these two shows have something many don’t. Originality & promise. Even though we all hate sitting down to watch even half of these series, the promise to see something incredibly cool or original is practically garanteed. Who in the hell knew Super Sayan was real, or that there was even a 4th one!? For all the audience knew, KaioKen was the shit, and that was it. In Bleach’s case, witnessing Ichigo’s ability to control hollow abilities was mind-blowing.

In addition, the viewer MUST remember what a series “public” goal is. By that, I mean what genres a specific show falls under. Azumanga Daioh falls under comedy & slice of life, therefore if it fulfills being incredibly funny and relatively true to real life (which it did), then it succeeds with grace. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to experience other things like charm, multi-faceted characters, and the urge to not want to finish for fear of having nothing to do after, then it runs the risk of becoming a true hit. Likable character designs and other things like that factor in too, but before you go and say something about Hanamaru Kindergarten, try not to instantly call upon your biased tastes, but instead keep in mind what & who the series is targeted for.

Now back to Durarara!! Amidst the originality & promise, this show brims with multiple stories. Something I feel goes back to Soul Eater. ALL of the cast was interesting, and had their own little thing going on for them. Durarara!! makes it know in episode 2 that there’s much more to each character, than a name and subtitled past. We’re lucky enough to get an entire episode’s span of the kidnapped girl, nickamed “Miss Magenta,” when most of us probably thought she was didn’t matter much. Blend the previously mentioned with a unique storytelling mechanic known as “3rd person omniscient,” rarely used in anime, and we’re now getting somewhere. In addition, the animation is subtle, but powerful; a nice foil for this winter. This show also has one of the BEST scores I’ve EVER heard in my life. In regards to musical scores and anime, I’m not too keen on soundtracks and only have Elfen Lied, Final Fantasy, and Yume Miru Kusuri (dating sim), but this is top grade.

To conclude this rant, Durarara episode 2 is obviously only the 2nd of many episodes, but has shown itself to be one of the potential BEST anime shows of 2010. I’m not a hardcore conissoir of anime or what EXACTLY makes a great show…well a great show, but I do know DRRR!! certainly isn’t a series you want to sleep on.

Mystery: 9/10
Storyline: 10/10
Animation: 9/10
Character Development: 11/10
Pacing: 10/10

Overall Outlook: 11/10 Wonderful

The two have been best friends for some time and decided it would be a great time to attend school together. Raira Academy in East Ikebukura is the school of choice. After Kida shows Mikado a couple of the sites and mentions a variety of gangs to be wary of. After some brief introductions to other supporting characters, something…silly happens: a kiddnapping.

Kidnapping: When Oblivious Girls Strike

This girl seems like just a normal girl among the other dingy city-folk, even with “color.”

Alright, I don’t know if this is a Japanese thing, and I won’t really bother to look, but since when was it ok to formally meet someone then show them the back of a van….? I mean, I don’t know if some sort of smuggling engagement was talked about prior to, but I’m confused. The poor girl doesn’t seem confused, scared, or anything. As soon as I saw this, instant flag went up.

“Is anyone watching us?” What is that supposed to mean? After hearing that, the female didn’t change expressions, get a worried look or…anything. So I’m thinking (obviously), that she must be in on some crooked deal of some sort. Or waiiitttt, I think she was a foreigner without proper documentation. So maybe that might be it. I’m not in the mood to rewatch at the moment, but still, wtf…?

Oh noes, she’s gonna get kidnapped. -_-” Bleah.

Black Guys in Japan….-_-”

For the most part, I don’t really have issues with portrayals in anime, but every now and then, you see something that really makes you go, “wtf.” The segment in the middle of the shows where Mikado and Kida talk about a black foreigner attracting customers definitely made me shake my head. I know it might seem nitpicky, but it seemed like being black was odd.

lips not overexaggerated

Kind of reminds me of Lenny haha. But again, lips are fine.

A little more defined, but not as simplified as Simon’s.

Just a cool pic of a tanned chick. Nothing to do with anything.

Big Lippu *in Japanese accent*

Ok, how many times have I seen this before. Not very much, but I feel enough. Mr. Popo from Dragon Ball Z I don’t think was black (rather from the east), but had questionable lips. The android or robot from some show called 009 I believe had the same sort of lips. I don’t want to make the whole post about this lips thing, but I’ll just say it’s dumb. Why can’t everyone just have the same sort of lips….?

The Headless Horse…er Motorcycle Ma..Woman

The headless “horseman” is really sweet. I mean, come on! Neko-Helmet! That’s pretty FRIGGIN sweet. Alongside being headless, it appears as though the rider is a female. But for some reason, everyone keeps saying it’s a “him.” Who knows, maybe the rider alternates genders, or maybe isn’t only one “person.”

Overview

I would liken Durarara to a pleasant, surprise tea party – nice to experience, but for only a short time. Fortunately for us, there will be many more. The introduction to the two characters in the beginning was heartfelt and really drew me into the story. Surprisingly, I’m at a loss for words because I was thoroughly impressed with the first episode. The thing probably on most people’s minds is most likely who in the heck is the headless rider.

Non-Cliche Mystery Factor: 10/10

Animation: 7/10

Character Developement: 8/10

Pacing: First Episode exempt from this score

Overall Outlook: 8/10

]]> http://finallyanime.com/2010/01/durarara-episode-1-review/feed/ 10 http://finallyanime.com/2010/01/watch-durarara-episode-1/ http://finallyanime.com/2010/01/watch-durarara-episode-1/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:36:25 +0000 FaS http://finallyanime.com/?p=3420 I just got done uploading DRRR Raw up onto youtube. I’ve already gotten annoying emails saying they might take it down, so I suggest you view them quick unless you’ve other things to do. Oh and did I mention I took the liberty of uploading them in HD? Yeahhh, I thought you’d be interested Hopefully I’ll upload subs sometime soon too. I really don’t care for uploading stuff a lot, especially since that’s AnimeBullet’s (GREAT anime streaming site) niche but I figure maybe a couple of the mainstream shows I could take care of…if Youtube lets me. Anyways, the videos are hot off the press so if for some reason they don’t play in full HD, check back; it takes a couple minutes to encode in the Hi-Def. It’s HDeeeeee Enjoy!

Part 1
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcL_7VRz870

Part 2
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKKKJk9PU4w

Part 3
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3sRB1aFa1k

I really hope he/she appoints an apprentice in the future if they get tired of doing it, or at least pass the torch to someone else worthy of the job. Mmm, I wonder if Chart gets paid for it…? Meh, probably not Anyways, here are the dates you need to be looking out for in a nice, easy to read list so you don’t have to keep looking at the  chart, potentially missing something

Already Out:

• Chu-Bra!!
• So Ra No Wo To
• Ladies & Butlers
• Gag Manga Biyori+
• Cobra: Rokunin no Yuushi

January 7th (Fateful Day 1):

• Omamori Himari (Protective Charm Himari)
• Baka To Test to Shoukanjuu (The Idiot, Test, and Summoned Beast)
• Dance In the Vampire Bund (Vampire Bund)

January 8th (Fateful Day 2):

• Hidamari Sketch
• Durarara!!
• Ookami Kakushi (Hidden God)

January 10th (Fateful Day 3):

• Qwaser of Stigmata (Seikon no Qwaser)
• Unko-san Jun-jou ha

January 11th-25th:

• Hanamaru Kindergarten – 11th
• Nodame Cantabile Finale – 15th
• Fate/Stay Night TV re-production – 22nd
• Katanagatari – 25th
• Boku OtaryMan – don’t know atm

February 7th-whenever:

• Heartcatch Precure (or prettycure) – 7th
• Dante’s Inferno – don’t know atm
• Halo Legends – 9th
• Lupin the 3rd: Last Job – 12th
• The Legend of Koizumi – 26th

Note: It took me 7 hours to do this post, research and writing included and I wanted to post it before 6pm today, so please excuse any errors or anything that doesn’t make sense. I WILL be going over everything again. I can assure you that. But I hope you enjoy the winter 2010 v2 anime preview!

Contents (Use [Ctrl/Apple + F] to Find):

1. Durarara!! -- English Sub Episode 1 Trailer
2. Dance In The Vampire Bund -- English Sub Episode 1 Trailer
3. Gag Manga Biyori+ -- Information
4. So Ra No Wo To -- Trailer English Sub
   
5. Qwaser of Stigmata/Seikon No Qwaser -- Uncensored & Translated Trailer
6. Ladies Vs Butlers!/Redi x Bato -- English Sub Trailer Episode 1
7. Chu-Bra!! -- Episode 1 Review/Episode 2 Preview
8. Ookami Kakushi -- Video Game (psp) Trailer & English Sub Trailer
9. Weis Survive R -- Episode 1 Link
10. Kaito Reinya -- Japanese Trailer
11. Heartcatch Precure -- Slideshows and Information
12. Katanagatari -- New 3 Min Japanese Trailer
13. Aki Sora -- Yuri-inspired OVA 1 Link
14. Boku OtaryMan -- Information
15. Quiz Magic Academy 2 -- Don’t Feel Like Looking (Right now)

Durarara!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AApO-14crt8

Alternate Names: Dhurarara & DRRR!!
Genre: Action, Romance
Airing Schedule: January 7, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Plenty on Youtube
Resources: GogoAnime.com & Youtube
Studio: Brains Base
Music Production: Makoto Yoshimori
Production: not listed -- won’t bother to update
Sound Production: not listed -- won’t bother to update

Summary: The story takes place in a downtown of Tokyo, Ikebukuro. Teenage punks gang up and fight against each other. The gangsters are afraid of an urban legend “Dullahan” headless rider, who rides a black motorcycle without head lights nor sounds of engine. Ryuugamine Mikado is a normal high school boy who seeks peculiar beings. When He moves in to Ikebukuro, a mad scramble for Dullahan’s missing head breaks out.

Additional Thoughts: Suffice it to say, EVERYONE wants to see this show. Even a couple of my ex-roommates have showed a little interest. There hasn’t really been too many “headless horseman” type shows around with the unique atmosphere that DRRR!! exudes. I’m very excited to review episode 1 and will have a post up a.s.a.p. Just a note for all other anime bloggers -- be sure to scope out episode 1 of these winter shows a bit early because it seems a couple subbed shows like Chu-Bra!! are jumping the gun. Just an observation.

Covering in the Future? You know it

Dance In The Vampire Bund

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwZlzA05JLU

UPDATES: Vampire Bund Outlook & Manga Review
Alternate Names: None as of yet
Genres: Action, Supernatural
Airing Schedule: January 7th, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Plenty on Youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork & Trailer uploaded by me
Studio: SHAFT
Music Production: Flying Dog
Production: GENCO
Sound Production: Rakuonsha

Summary: After millennia in hiding, Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants change. Using the vast wealth of the Tepes line, she has paid off the entire gross national debt of Japan and in so doing, gained the authority to create a “special district” off the coast of Japan that is to become the future haven to vampires the world over!
Now, on the eve of the landmark press conference announcing the existence of vampires to the world, terrorists and rival factions are plotting to assassinate Mina Tepes before she has a chance to make her world-changing announcement.
(Seven Seas)

Additional Thoughts: Dance In The Vampire Bund…what a regal title. Ironically, the name fits the theme of the show exactly. Mina Tepes IS the princess of all vampires and has power only few can dream of. After reading the Vampire Bund manga (or what is out at the moment), I couldn’t help but salivate for the anime. If the show follows the manga relatively close, it’ll be a runaway hit for sure. Make sure you catch this lolita war princess as soon as episode 1 is released.

Covering in the Future? uH, yeahhh

Gag Manga Biyori+

No Video I’m confident is This Series

Alternate Names: Gyaga Manga Biyori Plus
Genres: Action, Supernatural
Airing Schedule: January 4th, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Haven’t really found any yet -- don’t think I’ll bother
Resources: Chartfag & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: ArtLand
Music Production: Not sure
Production: Not Sure
Sound Production: Not sure

Summary: Gyagu Manga Biyori is hyperactive, random, and nonsensical, revolving around various plots and characters throughout the series. It makes absolutely no sense. The 1st episode is about stickers included in snacks.

Additional Thoughts: When doing really long posts like this, my mind gets a little tired, but moreso impatient. Each season there’s always a weird offshoot anime like this that is super short, and almost no one really cares about. If anyone does, let me know, I’ll correct the previous statement. But in retrospect, I suppose this show isn’t COMPLETELY off, because this is actually the 3rd or 4th season in existance (even though each “show” is only about 5 minutes). And oh boy, looking for pictures was a pain too. Who knows, maybe we’ll learn more about this odd show later on.

Covering in the Future? Maybe, if it doesn’t take my whole life to find the first episode.

So Ra No Wo To:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyEgt6xfoV8

Alternate Names: Sounds of the Skies (English)
Genres: Not sure yet…slice of life?
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Promo on Youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: A-1 Pictures Inc.
Music: Michiru Oshima
Production: Aniplex
Sound Production: Katsunori Shimizu

Summary: The story takes place in an imaginary town Seize (the model cities are Cuenca and Alarcón Fortress in Spain). A long war brings a gradual decline to the world. People disappear from the town and fishes cease to exist in the sea. In this quiet world, five girls guard a fortress and play brass vividly.

Additional Thoughts: I’m still a little unsure about this show…I might just glance at a couple other bloggers about the show or include it in a round-up if I feel it’s noteworthy. Instruments in the air…going to war…? Unlikely? A little bit

Covering in the Future? First Episode definitely, but not sure about the rest

Qwaser of Stigmata/Seikon no Qwaser

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP3ssDk-Mms

[kaltura-widget wid="zuofqtjrrc" width="400" height="365" addpermission="3" editpermission="3" /]

UPDATES: Seikon no Qwaser ECCHI/UNCENSORED TRAILER!!!
Alternate Names: Seikon no Qwaser/qwaser of Stigmata
Genres: Action, Elemental Thriller,
Airing Schedule: Sometime in January, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: A couple trailers on FinallyAnime
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: Not sure yet (Akita Shoten?)
Music: Tatsuya Katou
Production: Taki Corporation
Sound Production: Jin Aketagawa

Summary: The St. Mikhailov Academy student Oribe Mafuyu comes across a mysterious silver haired boy. He is called a Qwsaer, a being that draws power from Soma and is able to manipulate a specific element. And now, in the 21st century, the mystery revolving around an Icon turns the academy into the battlegrounds for the fight between the Qwaser!
(Source: Mangaupdates)

Additional Thoughts: Recently there has been a lot of hoopla over this show and if it’s a silly fan service show, or a wannabe Full Metal Alchemist. In my honest opinion, I think this show brings something completely new to the table. Full Metal Alchemist is on a level all to itself. No one needs to worry about someone copying it, because it’s basically impossible. What I like about this show is how it actually decided to take a stab at the whole “elemental magic” thing. Of course, the breast milk known as “souma” is going to be fun to look at, but I want to behold battles with maybe a copper (electric powers due to conductivity) and magnesium (explosive powers from being easily ignited). The different combinations are endless. In addition, there’s a GOLD master? Yeah, sign me on.

Covering in the Future? Breastmilk from hot chicks, cool powers, interesting religious element. Very intriguing. I’ll definitely catch this anime.

Ladies Vs Butlers/Redi x Bato:

Link To Episode 1: English Subbed Ladies vs Butlers

Alternate Names: Redi x Bato
Genres: Comedy
Airing Schedule: January 5th, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Episode 1 Subbed is out already on various sites
Resources: Moetron
Studio: Xebec
Music: unknown -- won’t bother to update
Production: unknown atm -- won’t bother to update
Sound Production: unknown atm -- won’t bother to update

Summary: Redi x Bato centers around Akiharu Hino, an ordinary high school student who is a little unfortunate as he has the looks for a juvenile delinquent. By some chance, he gets enrolled into a high class school that was once a school for upper-class ladies and was assigned to the school’s newly established servant training department. The students there learns how to be butlers and maids and Akiharu often finds himself in the middle of the both always arguing professions.

Thoughts: Well I don’t really want to post any thoughts yet, because the first subbed episode is out already, but I will say I expect this show to be funny, raunchy, and shenanigans all over the place. More about what I thought in a review later on.

Covering in the Future? Yup yup yup

Chu-Bra!!

Episode 1 RAW can be found on Youtube

UPDATES: Chu-Bra!! Episode 1 RAW Review Sneak Peak!
Alternate Names: Chu Braa!! Chu-Buraa!! Chu-Bra!!, Chuu Bra!! (Minor Spellings)
Genres: Comedy
Airing Schedule: First subbed episode out now, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: trailers up on youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: ZEXCS
Music: unknown -- won’t bother to update
Production: unknown atm -- won’t bother to update
Sound Production: unknown atm -- won’t bother to update

Summary: Hayama Nayu is a junior high school girl, who has a strong principle in the way of wearing underwear. She is able to see if women around her are wearing fitting underclothes and cannot help pointing out their mistakes. In order to educate the students about the proper knowledge of underwear, she decides to set up “Underwear Club.”

Thoughts: Just check out these posts: This is all you need to see relating to Chu-Bra!! I wrote a whole post about it:  Chu-Bra!! Episode 1 RAW Review.

Covering in the Future? >.> Duh…

Ookami Kakushi/Hidden God:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXLxq3m8Tx4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j5Dfv7uLnQ

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdkriLHVbK8

Alternate Names: Okami Kakushi & Oukamikakushi
Genres: unknown
Airing Schedule: January 7th, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers on youtube
Resources: Moetron
Studio: AIC
Music: unknown -- not updating
Production: Peach Pit
Sound Production: unknown atm -- not updating

Summary: Hiroshi moves into Jogamachi, a serene village with a river that devides old and new, where ancient traditions still remain. Bewildered, he settles in and befriends his classmates, but Nemuru Kushinada’s only words are a warning to stay away from the old part of town. There, terror and mystery awaits.

Thoughts: Still, this anime is pretty cryptic. I haven’t done any additional research or looked at any other trailers besides the English one, but I feel it won’t be necessary especially since all these shows will be coming out in about a week’s time anyways. Hopefully this show will be good. Unfortunately, I don’t have much else to say.

Covering in the Future? I’ll stick around to see what unfolds

Weis Survive R

Link To Weiss Survive Episode 1 English Sub Trailer

Alternate Names: WeiB Survive R
Genres: Card battling, adventure
Airing Schedule: December 4th, 209 (already out), unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers on the net
Resources: GoGoAnime.com
Studio: Didn’t Look
Music: unknown -- not updating
Production: Didn’t Look
Sound Production: unknown atm -- not updating

Summary: The story follows the main characters Takeshi and Michi as they get lost in the Card Battle world and have to win card battles to return home.

Thoughts: After the whole pokemon thing, I’m done with card games. Like simply put…done. I apologize for those who wanted to know more about this show.

Covering in the Future? Noooo…definitely not.

Kaito Reinya/Phantom Theif Reinya

www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zkKVbKpKw

Alternate Names: Kaito Reina, Phantom Thief Reinya
Genres: Comedy
Airing Schedule: January 9th, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers on the net
Resources: AnimeNation.net
Director: Takahiro Yoshimatsu
Chief Director: Something Yoshimatsu
Screenplay: Kenichi Kanemaki
Storyboard: Something Yoshimatsu
Sound director: Seiji Mizushima

Summary: (Summary From AnimeNation Blog) Reinya, a girl who works by day wearing an advertising signboard for the convenience store next to a police station, and works as a cat burgler by night (her name is a pun on “Reina” and “nyaa,” the Japanese sound of a cat’s meow), chased by bumbling police is the same traditional story concept used in anime including Kaito St. Tail and Cat’s Eye. The Reinya character is based on real life Morning Musume member Reina Tanaka, who will provide Reinya’s voice in the 12 episode anime serial.

Black Cat, Jubei-chan, and Oh! Edo Rocket animation director Takahiro Yoshimatsu will serve as chief director for the Kaito Reinya anime. The show will premiere on the KBC network in Japan’s Kyushu region on January 9th before becoming available on the KDDI’s mobile phone video service.

Thoughts: Hmmm…this show is supposed to be a comedy, but judging from the artwork, it doesn’t really look like something too funny…probably a bunch of slap-stick. But then again, Azumanga Daioh’s animation was fairly “run of the mill,” but ended up being a smash (at least for me). I suppose you really can’t judge a book by its cover, so I suppose I’ll give this show a chance. However, if the first episode sucks, I’m done with it for sure.

Covering in the Future? Thinking about it…maybe.

Heartcatch Precure:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHddceIVQg

Alternate Names: Heartcatch Pretty Cure
Genres: Action, Comedy, Magical Girl
Airing Schedule: January 9th, 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers on the net
Resources: AnimeNewsNetwork & Moetron & Pretty Catch Wikia
Theme Song Performance: Aya Ikeda (OP) Mayu Kudou (ED)
Animation Production: Toei Animation
Broadcaster: TV Asahi (2010-02)

Summary: There really isn’t much information out on this show yet, but just know it’s a sequel to an ongoing series that’s relatively popular in Japan. I feel silly to have never heard of it. Anyways, here’s the general synopsis of the whole series from Wikia: One night, the introverted flower lover Tsubomi Hanasaki has a strange and mysterious dream, where the legendary warriors known as Pretty Cure are defeated at the base of the “Great Tree of Hearts”. Because of this, all the beautiful plants are destroyed, and two fairies from the Tree of Hearts take off. It soon turns out to be real, and the fairies appear next to her. They want her to become the legendary warrior Pretty Cure and make the Heart Flower bloom to prevent the Great Tree of Hearts, the source of all human hearts, from dying. However, Tsubomi thinks she is unable to do so and refuses. However, an enemy attacks her classmate Kurumi Erika and takes away her “Heart Seed”. To save Erika’s heart, Tsubomi summons the courage she needs and transforms into a Pretty Cure warrior, Cure Blossom.

Thoughts: Like I was saying earlier, I have never heard of this show in my life. And to think there are 7 episodes…mmmyeahhhh. I don’t know if I would even consider watching Precure because of the bushel of titles coming before it. I might try to find a summary video later or perhaps watch them myself and fill everyone in later on. The art reminds me of Utawaremono (even though I’ve never seen more than 5 seconds of it) & seems really colorful. The “girly” styled title kind of throws me off, but there’s something about this show that draws me in. Hell, it might even be kind of funny or entertaining. I’ll give it a try…if the first episode is good.

Covering in the Future? I think I will.

Katanagatari/Sword Story:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh16mPqfiGM

UPDATES: More Katanagatari Information
Alternate Names: Probably “Sword Story.”
Genres: Action, Romance
Airing Schedule: Sometime January, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers available on Youtube
Resources: AnimeNewsNetwork & Youtube
Studio: WHITE FOX
Music: Taku Iwasaki
Production: Not sure yet -- Won’t bother checking
Sound Production: Yasunori Ebina -- Won’t bother checking

Summary: A swordfight story taking place in Edo era (17th -- 19th century). Yasuri Shichika is the seventh head of the Kyotou school of Japanese sword martial arts and lives in Fushou Island with his sister Nanami. With the order from a female samurai general Togame, he sets out for a trip to collect the twelve treasured swords created by a legendary swordsmith Shikizaki Kiki.

Thoughts: When I saw the art, I instantly thought of a ps2 game called Odin Sphere, and that silly show in the old days called Samurai Jack. From the “trailer,” I don’t have much to go on, but at the moment, it looks pretty interesting. Bakemonogatari (which I haven’t even finished yet) was pretty cool, and had WONDERFUL production value of a movie, so I’m assuming this will too. Hopefully I’m not mistaken. Check out the update above for more information and the pacing of the show.

Covering in the Future? Definitely gonna check it out

Aki Sora:

Aki Sora Episode 1 (OVA)

Alternate Names: None atm
Genres: Harem, Hentai, Incest
Airing Schedule: December 18th, 2009, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers available on Youtube
Resources: AnimeNewsNetwork & Wiki
Director: Takeo Takahashi
Script: Jukki Hanada
Original creator: Masahiro Itosugi
Character Design: Kazuya Kuroda
Production:Akita Shoten | Frontier Works

Summary: Aki-Sora revolves around Aki Aoi and Sora Aoi, a pair of close siblings who have shared an intimate bond since childhood. During their coming of age, they each come to realize the true depth of the love they feel for each other and consummate that love in secret. They keep their younger sister, Nami, Sora’s twin in the dark about their new relationship. Nami, clueless of what is happening in her household aims to set her brother up with her best friend, Kana Sumiya. Despite these relationships Nami seems to have feelings for someone near to her too but keeps them secret.

Thoughts: I think yuri is pretty cool, but often falls into the common trap of being one-dimensional and just too sexual. I haven’t read the manga, so I don’t know what to truly think as of yet, but the premise sounds pretty interesting. Combine Kiss x Sis’s incest along with Aoi Hana’s Yuri plot…could be a combination of greatness. When I think about it, this will be the very first yuri show I’ll have seen all the way through.

Covering in the Future? Definitely.

Boku OtaryMan:

No Trailers at the moment

Alternate Names: Non I can find atm
Genres: Social Office Comedy
Airing Schedule: Sometime January 2010, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Trailers available on Youtube
Resources: AnimeNewsNetwork & Moetron
Story & Art: Yoshitani
Publisher (for manga): Chukei Publishing Company
Character Design: Yoshitani
Production: Not sure atm

Summary: (Summary from Japanprobe.com) Yoshitani’s comic-book series is called “Otaryman.” The title joins “salaryman,” the internationally known word for a loyal, hardworking company employee, with “otaku,” a word often used to describe a socially inept young man obsessed with comics, computers or anime. An otaryman, then, is an oxymoron of the office. His head and his heart are usually elsewhere. He is surrounded by fellow office workers but can’t figure out what to say to them. He stays late at work not because he really wants to, but because everyone else does. Yoshitani concedes he is that otaryman. “We systems engineers often say to each other that even people held in slavery can go home and have dinner with their families,” he said. “We cannot.”

Thoughts: Office Space meets anime. Sounds good to me! I just hope it won’t be stupid like that dumb show called, “The Office.” I don’t see what’s so funny about it and wish everyone else would pipe down about it being so blandly funny. Anyways, I’ll be catching this show…wow…I’m gonna have a lot of work to do -_-”

Covering in the Future? Yup

UPDATE: ALL THIS INFO IS RELATIVELY OLD -- CHECK OUT THE WINTER V2 WINTER PREVIEW/REVIEW: NEW EVERYTHING! CLICK HERE!

UPDATES: New TV Spots of Katanagatari
UPDATES: Seikon no Qwaser ECCHI/UNCENSORED TRAILER!!!
UPDATES: Chu-Bra!! Episode 1 RAW Review Sneak Peak!
UPDATES: Vampire Bund Outlook & Manga Review
Okay, okay, I know it’s been forever since I’ve done this whole posting thing, but I think it’s about time to hook it up. Mind you, I haven’t looked at any new anime for about 3 months, so I’m dangerously behind, so there won’t be much personal writing in this post or anime that released before the current date. However, I should be doing reviews even if they aren’t covered; so lets get down to business! *Remember, all this information is information AT THE MOMENT. I won’t be updating this constantly. It is a preview. Further updates will get their own posts.* In addition, not everrrryyyy title will be covered, such as the Hanamaru Kindergarten…show. Come on…really? Who the hell wants to watch kindergarten anime…pedophiles? Not me readers, not me. But enough of my rambling, here’s the winter 09/10 preview!!!!

Contents:

Durarara!! -- January 7th
Dance in the Vampire Bund -- January 7th
So-Ra-No-Wo-To -- January 4th
Katanagatari -- Sometime January
Qwaser of Stigmata -- Sometime January
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3 -- January 3rd
Hidden God -- January 7th
Omamori Himari -- Sometime January
Ladies vs Butlers! -- January 5th
Chu-Bra!! -- January 4th

Winter 2009-2010 Anime, Can't Wait

DURARARA

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YVNwzhaR78

Alternate Names: Dhurarara & DRRR!!
Genre: Action, Romance
Airing Schedule: 2010-01-07, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Plenty on Youtube
Resources: Thanks to Ganbatte, I found out about a site that basically clumps everything together (NOT like us of course) and give sources vital for us crazy bloggers.
Studio: Brains Base
Music Production: Makoto Yoshimori
Production: not listed
Sound Production: not listed

Summary: The story takes place in a downtown of Tokyo, Ikebukuro. Teenage punks gang up and fight against each other. The gangsters are afraid of an urban legend “Dullahan” headless rider, who rides a black motorcycle without head lights nor sounds of engine. Ryuugamine Mikado is a normal high school boy who seeks peculiar beings. When He moves in to Ikebukuro, a mad scramble for Dullahan’s missing head breaks out.

Thoughts: Honestly, it looks kind of fun. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what this “headless horsemen” type thingy’s about. If you take a gander at the trailer, one of the characters is smashing a chick’s cellphone while they just stare in horror. Come on, you know damn well it’s gonna be a fun ride. Not quite sure if it’ll be super epic, but it does have a catchy one-liner thing going on. Hopefully it’ll be good. I suppose only the future will hold the answer.

Covering in the Future? Hell to the Yerr

Dance In The Vampire Bund

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOEHatpuEA

UPDATES: Vampire Bund Outlook & Manga Review
Alternate Names: None as of yet
Genres: Action, Supernatural
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Plenty on Youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: SHAFT
Music Production: Flying Dog
Production: GENCO
Sound Production: Rakuonsha

Summary: After millennia in hiding, Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants change. Using the vast wealth of the Tepes line, she has paid off the entire gross national debt of Japan and in so doing, gained the authority to create a “special district” off the coast of Japan that is to become the future haven to vampires the world over!
Now, on the eve of the landmark press conference announcing the existence of vampires to the world, terrorists and rival factions are plotting to assassinate Mina Tepes before she has a chance to make her world-changing announcement.
(Seven Seas)

Thoughts: I barely know where to start. What the hell is a “Bund” anyways??? Whatever. If you’re a REAL anime fan and play games on the ps3 or 360, you’d know about a special game dubbed, Blazblue (a 2nd one is being made. I’ll post about it later) and a character named, Rachel Alucard. Just a sidenote: for those super cool history buffs, you know that “Alucard” is actually “Dracula” spelled backwards; cool, I know. Getting back on topic, the vampire in the show looks JUST like the aforementioned video-game character, Rachel! This time, she’s cutting people’s heads, fingers, balls (well maybe not balls) off alllllllll over the place. Blood spilling all over the place, people running for their lives. Seems almost like a newly spun draft of Elfen Lied. I’m definitely digging it. I suppose I’ll write more about it later, but for now, it looks very interesting.

Covering in the Future? uH, yeahhh

So-Ra-No-Wo-To

www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-ebOXDyhTk

Alternate Names: Sounds of the Skies (English)
Genres: Not sure yet…slice of life?
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Promo on Youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: A-1 Pictures Inc.
Music: Michiru Oshima
Production: Aniplex
Sound Production: Katsunori Shimizu

Summary: The story takes place in an imaginary town Seize (the model cities are Cuenca and Alarcón Fortress in Spain). A long war brings a gradual decline to the world. People disappear from the town and fishes cease to exist in the sea. In this quiet world, five girls guard a fortress and play brass vividly.

Thoughts: MMmmm…..yeah…idk my bff Jill. I mean it looks okay, not super crazy cool. I don’t really have much of a response except that maybe there’s a “girl’s gone bad” scenario. However, the “playing brass vividly” part kind of throws me off. I guess we’ll see.

Covering in the Future? First Episode definitely, but not sure about the rest

Katanagatari

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBhOyWWE3MQ

UPDATES: New TV Spots of Katanagatari
Alternate Names: Not sure yet, but “katana” obviously means sword
Genres: Action, Romance
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Promo on Youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: WHITE FOX
Music: Taku Iwasaki
Production: Not sure yet
Sound Production: Yasunori Ebina

Summary: A swordfight story taking place in Edo era (17th -- 19th century). Yasuri Shichika is the seventh head of the Kyotou school of Japanese sword martial arts and lives in Fushou Island with his sister Nanami. With the order from a female samurai general Togame, he sets out for a trip to collect the twelve treasured swords created by a legendary swordsmith Shikizaki Kiki.

Thoughts: When I saw the art, I instantly thought of a ps2 game called Odin Sphere, and that silly show in the old days called Samurai Jack. From the “trailer,” I don’t have much to go on, but at the moment, it looks pretty interesting. Bakemonogatari (which I haven’t even finished yet) was pretty cool, and had WONDERFUL production value of a movie, so I’m assuming this will too. Hopefully I’m not mistaken.

Covering in the Future? Definitely gonna check it out

The Qwaser of Stigmata

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1yZV_QNjSk

UPDATES: Seikon no Qwaser ECCHI/UNCENSORED TRAILER!!!
Alternate Names: Seikon no Qwaser
Genres: Action
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: A couple trailers on Youtube
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: Not sure yet (Akita Shoten?)
Music: Tatsuya Katou
Production: Taki Corporation
Sound Production: Jin Aketagawa

Summary: The St. Mikhailov Academy student Oribe Mafuyu comes across a mysterious silver haired boy. He is called a Qwsaer, a being that draws power from Soma and is able to manipulate a specific element. And now, in the 21st century, the mystery revolving around an Icon turns the academy into the battlegrounds for the fight between the Qwaser!
(Source: Mangaupdates)

Thoughts: Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been interested in space, but black holes/spacetime more than anything. I still get online and look at information about black holes from time to time. All this jibberish about “qwasers,” (wrong spelling btw. In space-jabber, it’s Quasar) is kind of cool. I don’t really know too many anime that touches upon such subject matter. OH YEAH!!! AND PANTY SHOTS LOOK FUN TOO!!! The fanservice is looking mighty good with this one. I’m definitely interested. Case closed.

Covering in the Future? Guys, would you ‘cover’ a pair of boobies with your hands? You already know the answer. Girls…ummm, you all rock btw

Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei

Don’t see any trailers yet

Alternate Names: Haruka of a Distant Time 3
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Harem, Romance
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Can’t Find any atm
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: Yumeta Company
Music: Yoshihisa Hirano
Production: unknown atm
Sound Production: Yasunori Honda

Summary: Akane Motomiya is pulled into another world where she becomes Priestess of the Dragon god, protected by eight men know as the Hachiyou. The people of this world tell her she is the only one who can stop the demons, who mean to claim her power, from taking over.

Thoughts: Judging from the art and sequel number…and how I’ve never heard of it before, I’m not a fan. It really doesn’t help there’s no information or tiny summary out yet. Not too thrilled at the moment.

Covering in the Future? Maybe

Hidden God

Definitely no trailers yet

Alternate Names: Okami Kakushi & Oukamikakushi
Genres: unknown
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: none
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: AIC
Music: unknown
Production: unknown atm
Sound Production: unknown atm

Summary: Hiroshi moves into Jogamachi, a serene village with a river that devides old and new, where ancient traditions still remain. Bewildered, he settles in and befriends his classmates, but Nemuru Kushinada’s only words are a warning to stay away from the old part of town. There, terror and mystery awaits.

Thoughts: Really cryptic right now. Just from the mystery factor, I think I’m going to like this a lot. I’m expecting maybe a Gantz or Gilgamesh feel here. Who knows.

Covering in the Future? I’ll stick around to see what unfolds

Omamori Himari

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LhryQ6hpOc

Alternate Names: Protective Charm Himari
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: none I could find atm. Only manga vids
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: ZEXCS
Music: unknown
Production: unknown atm
Sound Production: unknown atm

Summary: The slapstick romantic comedy centers around an ordinary 16-year-old high school boy named Yuuto Amakawa who is protected by a spirit -- specifically, a beautiful, sword-wielding cat girl spirit named Himari. Yuuto is descended from a family that has subjugated demons since time immemorial. The charm that once protected him is now impotent, but fortunately, at that same moment, Himari appears before him as his new guardian.

Thoughts: Mmmmmehhh. That’s my two cents. Probably your usual happy-go-lucky-feel-good-laugh-a-little kind of anime. That’s cool and all, but I feel that’s getting a bit old. At least the genre where some sort of special object “comes to life.” Who knows, maybe the fanservice mixed with a bit (or rather, a lot) of suggestive themes will make it funny.

Covering in the Future? I suppose

Ladies vs Butlers

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dveC_tLV6w

Alternate Names: Redi x Bato
Genres: Comedy
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: Only home video trailer I saw (which I posted)
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: Xebec
Music: unknown
Production: unknown atm
Sound Production: unknown atm

Summary:

Redi x Bato centers around Akiharu Hino, an ordinary high school student who is a little unfortunate as he has the looks for a juvenile delinquent. By some chance, he gets enrolled into a high class school that was once a school for upper-class ladies and was assigned to the school’s newly established servant training department.

The students there learns how to be butlers and maids and Akiharu often finds himself in the middle of the both always arguing professions.

Thoughts: Where can we get chicks to drill people in the back like my old art teacher??? Japan always gets the good shit, like butlers, maids n’ junk. Then, they take it to a new level: bickering maids and butlers. How can you get any better than that!?!? Naked maids and butlers…? Meehh…maybe only naked maids. Yeah, that’s the only thing I could think of, along with people yelling profanity every other line, along with that one girl who always goes, “that’s what she said.” Besides that, this anime seems like it could be pretty promising. I’ll definitely try to stick with it.

Covering in the Future? Yup yup yup

Chu-Bra!!

No Trailers atm. Sadly.

UPDATES: Chu-Bra!! Episode 1 RAW Review Sneak Peak!
Alternate Names: Chu Braa!! Chu-Buraa!! Chu-Bra!!, Chuu Bra!! (Minor Spellings)
Genres: Comedy
Airing Schedule: 2010-01, unknown episode count atm
Trailers: None atm
Resources: Melative & AnimeNewsNetwork
Studio: ZEXCS
Music: unknown
Production: unknown atm
Sound Production: unknown atm

Summary: Hayama Nayu is a junior high school girl, who has a strong principle in the way of wearing underwear. She is able to see if women around her are wearing fitting underclothes and cannot help pointing out their mistakes. In order to educate the students about the proper knowledge of underwear, she decides to set up “Underwear Club.”

Thoughts: Just check out these posts: Can’t Wait For Chu-Bra!! H-Comedy & ESPECIALLY CHU-BRA!!!!! EXPOSED!!!! Aside from that, I CAN’T FRIGGIN WAIT. I DON’T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS!!!!

Covering in the Future? >.> You really have to ask…?

Allllllllllrrrrrrrrrrrighty. It took me about 3.5 hours to gather all that info, so I think I’m gonna retire for now. Anyways, if there are any errors or anything I should cover or change in the future, let me know! Have a good day/night.