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Kiss x Sis – OVA 2 & 3 Review

bluedrakon — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:59:55 +0000

When you REALLY should keep it in the family Who 2 pick, who 2 prick – hummmm

I am sure you have caught wind of this series. If not, you perverts are missing one of the funniest and down right perverted series around right now.

Kiss X Sis is about a boy and his two “sisters”. I seems that Keita is a bit younger than his older twin stepsisters, Ako and Riko. Now I am not one to hope, but this turns into a “Family Affair” that I wish I could of had. Hell, even Dad has approved of the hi-jinks of the girls, but poor Keita must only choose one.

This started as a once shot Seinen Manga back in November of 2004 by Bow Ditama. It has blossomed into an anime sensation. I have only seen the OVA’s, but that is enough to keep me quite happy . . . for now. I jumped past the first OVA as I heard it was stupid., but the 2nd and 3rd are down right fun to watch.

In OVA 2 , there is a great scene where Keita has had a bit too much to drink in the karaoke room and tries to get busy with Ako while his other Riko is past out. What really kills me about this also is that he has no recollection of what he did to Ako the next day – classic.

Now in OVA 3 (which just rocks of lesbian incest), we have both Ako and Riko getting a little closer. It seems that they have setup a little exercise station using Keita’s Futon, a black marker and a Teddy Bear – on my. You just have to watch this it really get the “full” picture.

If you want to catch the show – check out AniLinkz.

Drop me a line an let us know what you think of the episodes – after you clean up the mess

Anime PC Dating-Sim Report: Issue 2 March

FaS — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:56:31 +0000

If you’re reading this and you haven’t already took a gander at the 1st issue, then you should be ashamed of yourself. I had decided to name this segment the “H-Game Report,” but made it my goal to change the title this time to make it more Google friendly. Furthermore, I was planning to do one of these reports every month, but to be quite frank, there aren’t really too many developements that occur in the span of only one month there aren’t too many English games each month. Of course, there are countless games one might discover from a while ago which SEEM new, but nothing that’s NEW…as in actually just made.

After waiting around for some new productions, it seems a couple new games have dropped and I gotta say the word, “interesting,” is an understatement. Finding out that a new Japanese dating sim is coming out is equivilant to a new hit game like Bayonetta coming out. Oh and if people find out the simulation is actually GOOD, holy moly donut shop…it’s the same as a new Final Fantasy releasing. I think I speak for a number of anime dating sim fans when I say that.

In case you were too lazy to check out the last hentai-game issue…then check it out now! For this post, I’ll be covering quite a few interesting titles; probably 4 or 5 brand new ones I’ve never seen. I’ll be looking for some reliable sources in the future too, so I can keep updating everyone. Also note that most if not all the eroge titles I cover are available in English for convenience. So if I don’t cover a great title, let me know. Some are listed on J-List and some from other sources, but in any case, feast your eyes for this month’s Anime PC Dating-Sim Report!

Heartwork -- The Game

Price: $34.95
Type: Bishoujo
Format: DVD-ROM for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7
Availability: Already Out
Minimum System Requirements: Windows 95/98/2000/Me/XP or later, Pentium 66 MHZ, 16 MB RAM, 1 MB or more HDD Space, 2X CDROM, 640x480 with 256 Colors or higher, 16-bit Sound Card, Mouse, Keyboard, or Joystick.

Summary: Yuu Asakura was a mild mannered university student until he found a mysterious duffle bag with a gun and orders for an assassination. He was terrified at first, but when he held the smooth metal of the pistol in his hand, he started to become someone else. Capable of anything, Yuu takes the assassination job and enters a world of nonstop sex, blood and guns. When he returns to school with his newfound abilities, he finds it no trouble at all to get any girl he wants. The syndicate and the police want a piece of the new guy, but the one Yuu has to worry about is the gun’s original owner. A classic “eroge” game release by Sei Shojo, the famous artist who created Bible Black and Discipline, and an excellent game for fans to play!

Written by the same author of the original “Bible Black,” this game is a sultry adaptation from the DVD version. 19 different endings and a special “Sex Mode” allow you to relive your favorite scenes at a moments notice. Thirty plus sex scenes in all! In its original Japanese dialog with English subtitles.

Thoughts/Words: I’ve never played (or seen) Bible Black, so I don’t quite know the creator’s history, but the premise of this story sounds really interesting. Right off the bat, I’m just going to say I strongly believe the original assassin might end up being a girl, or most likely a love interest between Yuu and some girl he starts seeing. Oh and gee-wiz, it’d be even crazier if she has to kill anyone who meddles in her affairs. Sex, blood, and guns huh…reminds me of a movie. Anyways, I’ve never really been into guns, but for some reason, I feel like a robbery sex scene might come into play.

I guess I could keep trying to guess what’s in this game, but the thing I find really fascinating is how this Asakura guy “returns to school with his newfound abilities, [then] he finds it no trouble at all to get any girl he wants.” How does someone automatically get girls from shooting someone? I don’t really know.

Do I Want To Play It? I have actually played Discipline (a VERY good game) and knowing the same person who made Discipline and Bible Black is comforting to know. I don’t really like murder in my games or bodily harm (not sure if they will play a strong part), but I’d probably give this game a try.

Real Kanojo (Real Girlfriend)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlYafZE3llc

Price: $108.00
Type: PC Realistic Simulation
Format: DVD-ROM for Windows XP/Vista/7 (Not sure about other systems yet)
Availability: Already Out
Minimum System Requirements: CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo Family, AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+, AMD Phenom or better RAM: 2 GB VGA: 512 MB DirectX 10.0-compliant video card or DirectX 9.0-compliant card DX: DirectX 9.0, DirectX 10 OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 HDD: 6 GB Sound: DirectX 9.0-compliant 5.1 sound card

Summary: Game maker Illusion combines years of 3D polygon wizardy to bring their expertise to this newest interactive bishoujo game title, Real Kanojo. Interact with the near-photorealistic cast of beautiful Japanese girls, go on dates, and have intimate encounters in a wide variety of settings. Choose from among three girls -- Ai, Aya, and Kaori -- improve your friendship through interacting with them and finally gain access to the detailed real-time love simulation! Please note that a robust video card is required to play this game at full resolution, and Illusion’s restrictions on international play may require additional switching to Japanese settings on your PC. Below are some really wonderful features (collected by me )

Though already mentioned above, this program supports Windows 7 right off the bat!

If you have dual or quad-core, then you’re in luck, and moreso if you have the new i7 cores. Game on!

Oh and for all you widescreen freaks, they have wide-screen! Of course, those who don’t are cool too

Ok, get this, this game has face recognition! So when you shake your head or something like that, it picks up on it and responds accordingly. I don’t really know what else it could be used for since facial recognition for small stuff is really hard, but if you have a good webcam, hook it up.

Last, but certainly not least, you get some pimp 3D glasses…well ok, maybe not pimp. I’d keep them for resale value, but I’d just go to a local movie theatre and pick up some 3D goggles from there. Less prone to break or bend and they’re really durable.

About this software product: This is a standard Windows PC game made for the Japanese market. It is compatible with most Windows operating systems regardless of language; however you may need to adjust some settings or install optional language files for the game to load and display text properly. Note that the game itself and game manual are in Japanese. Some game images may be censored in accordance with Japanese regulations. This product is recommended for users with some Japanese language knowledge as well as a familiarity with the Windows operating system.

Tips To Install: Go to Control Panel --> Region and Language --> Change system locale to Japanese (Japan) -- Mount the ISO (mds.mds), and the installation should runs -- After the installation completes, copy the No DVD Patch into your installed game
folder, then launch it -- ENJOY

Thoughts/Words: I remember the virtual game Cyber Figure ARis was pretty advanced, but that didn’t have half the sophistication as this game does. I mean jeez, one forum said that system specs needed to be near-Crysis worthy. Insaneeeeeeee. Luckily I can run it if I wanted to, but my laptop would turn into a furnace. Running the Continuum Shift…ummm demos* on my PC gets it hot enough unfortunately (still run @ 60fps though ). When it comes to stuff to say, I guess there really isn’t much I CAN say about this game(?). It’s a top-class 3D program and would probably make Dead Or Alive Beach Volleyball look tame. I haven’t really heard about anything relating to story, so I wouldn’t really expect much in that area.

Do I Want To Play It? Mmmmm, maybe if I had a firm grasp on Japanese and a patch was made along with me physically having the disc. I hate waiting for downloads and sometimes my wifi shuts off for no reason (HP HDX16 inherent flaw), and with my luck, I’d probably have 90% downloaded, then my wifi disconnect. I’m not much for sandbox games be they violent or sexual, but I suppose if everything were set up for me so I could just pick up and play, I wouldn’t mind. However, I doubt I’ll be going out of my way to install a 2.5-6 gig game like this anytime soon. Oh and did I mention it’s 108 dollars!!!???

Zettai Maou

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k1ZkNiOBfM

Price: $115.00
Type: PC Erotic RPG
Format: DVD-ROM for Windows XP/Vista/7 (Not sure about other systems yet)
Availability: Already Out
Minimum System Requirements: Unsure atm

Summary: The latest epic eroge from Nexton’s Score brand, Zettai Maou is the story of a boy who wakes up one day to discover that his mother is a fantasy heroine and his father is the demon she vanquished -- and that it’s his fate to inherit his father’s legacy as the demon king! He finds himself whisked away to a fantasy kingdom in another dimension, where he enters a magical school full of pretty girls there to help him grow into a proper prince. With a huge cast of characters reminiscent of BaseSon’s Koihime Musou, and complete with RPG battle elements as well, Zettai Maou is sure to be the epic school-life fantasy dating sim game of the year!

Thoughts/Words: I’ve played a LOT of dating sims, but never got around to the games with actual RPG elements within them. Partly because I’m a very hard critic regarding RPGs and hate things that feel “tacked on,” or sloppily done. I do have Princess Waltz, which uses cards/strategy to battle every now and then (still haven’t gotten to that part yet), so I retain a fairly open mind at the moment. However, the price point is simply outrageous. There’s no way in hell I’d pay that much for a game I couldn’t try out. It’d be great if there were a demo of some sort…and an English one at that. Boy, I’m really gonna have to get on Dating Sim translation software like for real. Because I see a slew of great titles out, most of which I can’t even play. Oh and don’t even get me started about installation -_-”

Besides all that, this game really intrigues me. The few hcg pics I saw were really nice, the colors looked good, along with a wonderful cover and trailer. I think what I’m really curious about is why the boy wasn’t killed in addition to his father. Like it just seems like a paradox how the son’s basically trying to be what his dad was…yeah I don’t quite get that.

Do I Want To Play It? The price point’s hella scary, and I’m a little weary of the RPG element, but I’m sure the price merely serves to stand for how great a game this is. I think I might just look into it!

Starless

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW-hzUbc-MM

Price: $110.00
Type: Onesan, Hitozuma, Maid
Format: DVD-ROM for Windows XP/Vista/7 (Not sure about other systems yet)
Availability: Must Pre-order
Minimum System Requirements: Unsure atm

Summary: From the creator of Bible Black, Discipline, Heart Work, and Cleavage, comes the long awaited magnum opus STARLESS. Years in the making, eroge wizard Sei Shoujo lends his unique artistic talents to all aspects of the production, from the voluptuous character design to the deviant, erotic story. The setup: you play a young man in search of a part time job during summer vacation. A high-paying one catches your eye -- working as hired help at a mansion up in the mountains. You call and the position hasn’t been filled, so off you go for an interview -- only to find that the mansion is full of beautiful, kinky and inevitably sex-starved women eager to use you as their plaything. Will you be able to withstand the sweet torment of their advances and survive your time at the mansion long enough to collect your paycheck? Released in April 2010, from maker Empress.

Thoughts/Words: Ok, another potential hit from the creator of Bible Black and Discipline They must be good to keep dropping these titles like this…along with these crazy prices. I mean jeez, no wonder why people like wrongfully downloading these games…-_-” because they cost an arm and a leg. Now mind you, I obviously haven’t played it (yet), but I’m sure it’s probably good enough. I tried finding more info on it, but couldn’t really come up with anything.

On to the actual thoughts about the game. Many already know, but people often love dating sims because of the realism or the exact opposite. This is definitely one of those “dare to dream” type games and something that kind of catches my eye. Ok, even getting a job in this terrible economy is great, but when you get to do it in a sweet mansion full of hot chicks who want it, it’s even better. And from what it sounds like, you might have to say no more than once to collect your paycheck. From what I’m guessing, I figure you might use your checks to buy cool stuff like outfits, new scenes, paths, etc. Or maybe, if you fuck with the wrong person (literally and/or figuratively), you piss off who you’re working for. I also have a leering feeling that the person the protagonist works for is a bitchy old woman. But then again, maybe they’re the one the protagonist likes the most. Maybe it’s just up to you to sneak around quietly, while still trying to snag her. *sigh* But then again, many games have it so you only focus on one girl. That can be annoying sometimes, but I wouldn’t really change it overall. Cheating’s bad, don’t do it.

Oh wait, I just got this other short summary and it says, “One day, he finds a part-time job. It’s a live-in servant. But he is surprised when he first visits the house…. It’s a huge house deep in the mountains. Also, there are beautiful owner and her daughters…. However, they are all peculiar…. He gradually gets involved in an odd game…. Will he be able to get out of the house safely…?” Wow, that almost negates half the stuff I’ve been thinking about. Now I’m REALLLLY interested!

Do I Want To Play It? This game REALLY reminds me of Ladies v. Butlers, except the way it SHOULD be. Something about it really draws me in. I think I’ll be trying to install this very soon.

Devil Make Love

Price: $48.00
Type: Adventure
Format: DVD-ROM for Windows XP/Vista/7 (Not sure about other systems yet)
Availability: Already Out
Minimum System Requirements: Unsure atm

Summary: When your grandfather dies and you’re going through his things, you find a mysterious book that you can’t resist taking with you when you leave… it turns out to be an occult book of spells, that summons your own personal demon! With her by your side (and in your bed), you set your sights on your classmate who you’ve had your eye on for a long time, and use your newfound magic to make her yours. This doujin game from circle Red Zone has it all -- sex with cute demon girls, oral, anal, 69, exhibitionism, paizuri, bondage, and more, fully voiced by professional Japanese actresses and with dozens of high quality erotic CG images.

About this software product: This is a standard Windows PC ‘doujin’ game made for the Japanese market. It is compatible with most Windows operating systems regardless of language; however you may need to adjust some settings or install optional language files for the game to load and display text properly. Note that the game itself and game manual are in Japanese. Some game images may be censored in accordance with Japanese regulations. This product is recommended for users with some Japanese language knowledge as well as a familiarity with the Windows operating system.

Thoughts/Words: Hmm, usually by this point of the h-game summary, I have a game that I immediately abhor, but I must say the various stories I’ve been encountering seem really fun and new in the h-game genre. At least new to me. I’m wondering if you’ll have to choose which spell to use when, and if unexpected results occur from them more than often. That’d be really cool in my opinion. Jeez, using magic to make someone yours??? I’m already sold, nuff’ said!

Do I Want To Play It? Yes, definitely. With the variety of sexual situations mentioned, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

Final Thoughts/Last Words

Overall, the outlook for H-Games (a.k.a. Japanese Dating Sims) is looking very good right now. Having played Gibo, most of Cosplay Fetish Academy, some of Princess Waltz, Horny Bunnies, and a myriad of other semi-mainstream titles, I’m actually really impressed with the ideas these companies are coming up with. It’s just so refreshing. But still, the prices are just insane. So with that said, it’ll probably be a while until I play most of these, but you can bet a couple reviews are in the works! Happy gaming!

Vampire Bund Ep1: 10 Ways 2 Suck 10X More Than Bleach

FaS — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:38:26 +0000

I almost feel ashamed to even put the word, “review,” in this article because reviewing connotes a discussion regarding something relatively important. Vampire Bund was so atrocious, I would have rather watched the fucking Avatar. Yes, the PearBender. As an animeblogger I should know much more about studios, producers, and airing stations, but definitely know SHAFT was on acid before making this first episode at least. No, I retract the previous statement; it probably would have had loli Mina Tepes tearing up hoes left and right, then ripping off her clothes and tea-bagging some helpless 5-year old. Whatever, let’s get to these 10 reasons why Dance In The Vampire Bund episode 1 sucked, so I can masturbate and stuff. I’ll be listing these in chronological order of appearance, not ranking.

1. No Opening OP:

I remember on Toonami, Dragon Ball Z almost never had an OP after a while, but it was cool. This show however, skipped the whole thing in order to squeeze in some time they’d lose anyways. I had to keep asking myself if I wasn’t paying attention and/or missed something…

2. Start With A Gameshow…>.>

Remember the ficticious gameshow introduced duringg the first season of Bleach? It was loony, but didn’t take up majority of the episode in that it actually introduced certain characters (such as the silly host) in a way which couldn’t have been done any other way. However, Vampire Bund had it’s fair pick of “introduction” scenes, but picked a gameshow…? Everyone wants to see Mina ripping people’s head’s off…not a gameshow; which leads me to my next point.

3. Gameshow Is Entire Episode:

Clear as blood on the sidewalk, here displays a readout of the Flashplayer I used. Already halfway into the show and all we see is some chick sitting down with her boobs…which agaaaiinnnn leads me to another point.

4. 3 Seconds of Boob Bounce:

Yeah, the reason the relaives brance is thinning out their blood is because you’re taking it all with your damn sweet boobs…which is cool but yeah….anyways, if you watch, her boobs defy gravity for a GOOD 3 FULL seconds. You all know I like boobs, but you gotta be semi-real with it.

5. Tokyo GodFather Rejects: Unleashed

I’ve never seen all of Tokyo GodFathers, but I know this gameshow panelist could be in there. Nose structure is all wrong, looks like the mouth as been somewhere it shouldn’t have been, shoulder pads still installed from the 80s…just too much to list. OH! This leads me to yet ANOTHER point!

6. Cheap Laughs:

One thing I certainly did not expect in a highly anticipated show such as this was a cheap laugh. Miss Tokyo GodFather reject tries to be funny, along with the reporter and other stupid stuff I don’t remember at the moment. In addition, the audience was shown animated only 1 time the whole show. Weaksauce.

7. Widdle Girl Starts Crying About Nothing:

Just in case you don’t already know, the male questioned about vampires existing or not is the love interest in the series. In the manga, he would undoubtedly have said yes. As you will probably find out later, Akira is a werewolf who has a VERY good sense of smell. This was an epic cry fail.

8. Epic Bite Fail:

As stated in the captions, the dummy should have bitten deh booby. Simple.

9. Power To Control Vampires:

I don’t know how you all feel, but being able to control ANY vampire is ludacris. Even if you ARE the Queen of all vampires, it’s dumb you can control them all. I’m sure more powerful beings will be immune, but that’s not the point. SHAFT took the easy way out (that’s what she said) and decided to end things with a stupid spurt of blood. MEGA WEAK.

10. Ending With A STUPID Cliche:

-_-” Do I even need to say anything here?

Final Verdict:

Dance In The Vampire Bund, the manga was one of the best pieces of literature I’ve ever read, but this show strayed so far from the source. I know animes are supposed to be different from the literature, but this has got to stop. Seriously. I don’t want to drop this show, but seeing something like this puts Ladies Versus Butlers at the very top of my list. At least Redi x Bato has their priorities right. No deep conclusions for today because this show doesn’t deserve it. I’ll just look for some Vampire Bund Ecchi/Hentai…maybe that’ll make the show better. Yeah, stay positive!

Action: 1/10

Animation: 6.5/10

Character Developement: 2/10

Pacing: First Episode exempt from this score

Overall Outlook: 3/10

Winter V3 Anime Chart: ALL Dates Revealed

FaS — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:18:34 +0000

This really isn’t worth making a post over especially since all the “new” material I have already covered in the Winter V2 Anime Preview post and how most of the material left over has already started in December…and that most of these shows only start in a day or two. But that still doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the fine work of ChartFag. Honestly, I don’t know where in the world the anime community would be without that individual.

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

Winter 2010 V2 New Shows/Subbed Trailers

FaS — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:02:03 +0000

Not very long after the first Winter 2010 V1 Anime Preview post, a new chart from chartfag.wordpress.com was released. I had meant to do a little writing about the new content, but never really got around to it because of miscellaneous reasons such as time, school, and videogames. Since I was a little curious about some of the updates, I made it my goal to just do a little mini-update myself. There won’t be a terrible amount of new shows and the sort to talk about, so to supplement that, I’ll be providing some more updates regarding the shows we already know about like Hidden God (Ookami Kakushi), Durarara!!, Vampire Bund, etc. Oh, and I hope everyone likes the picture, gotta stay warm! Well lets begin!

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):

Durarara!! -- English Sub Episode 1 Trailer
Dance In The Vampire Bund -- English Sub Episode 1 Trailer
Gag Manga Biyori+ -- Information
So Ra No Wo To -- Trailer English Sub
Qwaser of Stigmata/Seikon No Qwaser -- Uncensored & Translated Trailer
Ladies Vs Butlers!/Redi x Bato -- English Sub Trailer Episode 1
Chu-Bra!! -- Episode 1 Review/Episode 2 Preview
Ookami Kakushi -- Video Game (psp) Trailer & English Sub Trailer
Weis Survive R -- Episode 1 Link
Kaito Reinya -- Japanese Trailer
Heartcatch Precure -- Slideshows and Information
Katanagatari -- New 3 Min Japanese Trailer
Aki Sora -- Yuri-inspired OVA 1 Link
Boku OtaryMan -- Information
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

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

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…?

Chu-Bra!! Episode 1: OMFG, MORE

FaS — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:02:22 +0000

Earlier this summer, I was blessed enough to have my eyes glance at a news release on the AnimeNewsNetwork that read something like, “Chu-bra!! panty manga being adapted into anime.” Do you know how happy I was? I don’t think so. It is really odd because I’ve never explicitly thought to myself that I wanted to see an anime basically revolving around the frivolities of lacy women’s undergarments, but someone must have knew it was what I needed. Needless to say, I vowed I would watch it no matter what. Naturally, I thought everyone else would be as happy as I was too, but I was sorely mistaken. To my dismay, many animebloggers and even blogging friends talked about how they thought an anime like this was silly and a waste of time. Thought it might seem a little misplaced, my feelings were kind of hurt, and I say that with a pinch of truthfulness. We finally have a show that seems like it could be Azumanga Daioh x10…but no one wants to see it. Meh, it’s cool, more ratings for me. On with the raw review of episode 1!

Note: While I make a summary and review, keep in mind I’m keeping a minimal note of the Japanese being exchanged. I might pay more attention for later RAW episodes, but for right now, it is my mission to keep a log of the action. Furthermore, keep in mind I don’t care much for names. I might update it later. Also, the Chu bra anime trailer can be viewed at the end of the post.

Frontal Nudity, meet Full Backside Pantidy: In the beginning of Chu-Bra!!, an assembly is taking place. One of the “panty girls,” is to be called to the front, and when she is, a clumsy trip follows. She leaps forward, and there you have it, Vicky Secrets there for the whole assembly (and me) to see. I can tell this is going to be a crazy ride…and I’m captivated. Prepare for a bunch of panty shots obviously. The only thing I don’t like is how this is middle school…like jeez. Way to make everyone feel like a true pervert -_-” But it can’t be helped I suppose. From what I’ve gathered, one of the main character’s is uncomfortable in the skin, or rather underwear they’re in and want to bring about a revolution every girl can experience. In addition, one of the sensei’s got it going on too. Mmmm, definitely feeling her attire. Apparently, it seems a lot of guys in the show are feeling it too.

Squeeze Me, Squeeze Me! One of the girls is so into this underwear thing until she’s even making fun sketches in class and almost gets embarrased in class. Oh and the pink-haired girl has some hypnotizing hooters…like literally. It makes you want to reach out and grab them. Lucky for us though, we don’t have to because one of her poor classmates are hypnotized and grabs them! No no no, I should say squeeze. Yes, definitely squeeze. Say it with me, ssssssssqqqqquuuuueeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzeeeeee. Very nice. Boy, I’m liking this show already! I really don’t know why everyone’s been bagging on it so hard. And not just for the fan service, but the atmosphere of the comedy. This seems like a really nice, light show to relax to and perhaps laugh at. Meh, maybe it’s just me. And again, I’m not paying ANY attention to the Japanese.

Voyeur & Karma Are a Mofo: Anyways, rewind to probably like 1st or 2nd grade (flashback), okay get a load of this, this girl’s wearing a thong AND some stockings complete with garter. Later on, the girl trips outside with a skirt on (of course) in front of the P.E. teacher and fellow students…scandalous. At first, it seems like the P.E. teacher might be a d-bag, but he makes sure to promptly help her up and send her on her way. What an upstanding guy Now back to present-day. While one of the dark-haired girls tries to get some naughtly voyeur upskirt pics, hilarity ensues. Not long after, the 3 girls come to find out each other have “cute undies” and decide it’s time to make a fellowship. But this time, no rings will be involved. I must say, I think some girls in the real world should take note. Some very classy pieces. So classy in fact, one of the girl’s boobies feel like this:

Remember me talking about this being a crazy ride? Well sign me up right now, I’ll have 3 tickets all for me. All aboard I might put up some hentai later if I can morally bring myself to it. But here’s the trailer for now.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOmoNWSwjwA

Vampire Bund Outlook & Manga Review

FaS — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:08:43 +0000

Title: Dance In The Vampire Bund
Genre/s: Adult, Comedy, Ecchi, Action/Adventure, Mature, Romance, Vampires
Chapters: 31& still ongoing
Author: Tamaki Nozomu
Color or Black&White: Black & White

PAINT THE CITY RED. This motto is what Dance In The Vampire Bund (DIVB)embodies. This series hits readers hard, then kisses them softly, leaving viewers wanting more. To quickly elaborate, action sequences are interesting and unpredictable, while the emotional segments are well developed, genuine, engaging. Although I wouldn’t call myself a “true” manga reader, I was fortunate enough to appreciate the intricacies of DIVB of which I’m sure you will too. In this manga review, I’ll go through a relatively spoiler free look at what Vampire Bund’s REALLY about and explain what the gibbons is going on in the cool trailer.

First off, I’ll have you know sora no otoshimono and this series has one thing sorely in common: Flying undergarments. In fact, every other chapter of the manga has the Lolita vampire princess, Hime-San running around in a scandalous thong or…thong pretty much. In spite of knowing this, just remember it’s a different type of fan service apart from the usual boob-jiggling many have grown to love. Besides, Hime looks like a little girl, so there’s nothing really to be desired. But before we move on, numerous readers (including myself) have asked, “what in the world is a ‘bund?’” lucky for us, the manga explains in the middle of the story and gives a nice little description:

Vampire Bund: Bund refers to an embankment or embanked quay, and comes from the Urdu word, “band,” which in turn in related to the German word bund (“federation” or “union”) and the English words bind and band. A famous waterfront area in Shanghai, China is also named, “The Bund.” In all cases, bund is a term used to describe some sort of colony or collective and as such a Bampire Bund would be an area (in this case a man-made island) set aside for vampires to live on [and stay segregated away from humans permanently. An island for vampires only]. (DIVB Manga)

So in short, the bund is the VIP for vampires. But before we can even delve into the vampire thing, we must go back to where almost every other anime show starts: high school. Enter Akira Kaburagi. The last name isn’t particularly important, but this individual’s first name ends up being the topic of discussion nearly half the time, but not in a bad way. Let us just say Akira has his fair share of haters early on in the story. Akira for the most part is sort of a slacker, but doesn’t prevent most of the student body from liking his friendly personality. A cute girl named Yuki is no exception and puts herself way out there by asking him out, a bit of a taboo. Unfortunately, Akira can’t acquiesce to her request. You see, Akira comes from an extensive lineage of unique “servants.” These servants just so happen to be werewolves, and so does Kaburagi. Kind of contrary to the usual thing often seen in the media, werewolves serve vampires and have a special relationship with whom they serve. Akira just so happens to serve the most badass lolita vampire in existance and I gotta say it’s a wonderful combination. It’s time to meet Mina Tepes, also known as “Hime” (princess). Being one of the final pure blood (and female) vampires around, she’s DEFINITELY powerful, but can’t do everything herself.

The funny thing is Akira and Mina met when they were little and made a pact to always be together -- emotionally and physically. During the first couple chapters, Akira and the princess get reacquainted, followed by some comical bickering (which happens all through the story). Now being the big wig she is, Hime’s life is constantly “in danger” since many people want her killed. The first chapter consists of Akira trying to cover Hime while she does some dirty work of her own. It’s definitely a small treat. After getting out of danger’s eye, it’s time to go to the bund. I bet by now you’re half wondering, “how was the bund built…?” I’ll tell you! I forget the exact number, but to summarize, Hime decided to ball harder than Lil Wayne and toss in some chump change to cover Japan’s debt (or as a loan, I forget). No biggy, just a mere 1,000 TRILLION yen…or 8.2 TRILLION U.S. Dollars. After throwing Japan its bone, she gained the right to basically do whatever she wanted, including build her own district.

Mina-san even interviews with the human race to let everyone know whats going on. But will everyone REALLY find out she’s a vampire along with the people who’ll be on the island? It seems like it would be easy enough to figure out, but the manga holds a very interesting surprise regarding it. Deviating a little from the storyline, one thing I enjoyed about this read was that it has a nice “bleach element” to it. By that, I mean what you see is NOT what you get. It’s just so entertaining to me because there are quite a few bad guys (and hot bad girls) who have a second form. Yeah, blondes aren’t the only ones who know how to have fun. After various attempts on Hime’s life, the subject of her and Akira’s romantic life comes up. It’s painfully apparent they care for and arguably love each other, but supposedly, this is “against the rules.” Fact is, Mina Tepes, the princess of ALL vampires needs to marry another male vampire of pure blood. Sadly, the vampiric race has slowly been dying out and the need to keep the legacy going is absolutely necessary. Both parties know this, but don’t really know what to do about their feelings. The whole situation is so troubling, it’s palpable.

Later on, after various miscellaneous antics of evil vampires with their own agendas (which I’ll let you read or watch later), the moment of truth comes when Mina must choose a suitor. As I’m sure you can guess, she is conflicted beyond belief. To fix the emotional standstill, the three suitors make a friendly bet of which the terms you’ll have to figure out. The only hint I’ll give you is that it involves Akira. Who will emerge victorious and win Hime’s hand…? Only time will tell since the manga is ongoing. If you want to dive in, be prepared for 31 long chapters of a great story.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOEHatpuEA

Outlook: When I see the trailer, EVERYTHING from the manga I also see. The only difference is in the comic, a maid rips off that soldier’s head instead of Hime herself. But the whole point of an anime is to deviate a little bit. Unless we’re doing a show like Full Metal Achemist: Brotherhood…which I need to catch up on like rrrriiiiggghhttttt now. Dance in the Vampire Bund will most likely have a couple important characters die that didn’t die in the manga along with maybe one or two extra characters I really wanted to get to know. Mind you, these are stipulations, but things I sincerely think will happen. Oh, by the way, there’s a character who changes into a wolf, is good with shotguns, from the U.S. AND HAS A BELT EXACTLY LIKE AN X-MEN BELT. Honestly, I don’t know what the artist was trying to pull, but it looked like The Beast snuck into Vampire Bund. But that aside, prepare for oodles of action, a lot of VERY annoying villains and some emotionally engaging scenarios. I promise you won’t be disappointed. When a new trailer or online episode comes out near the 7 or 8th of January, I’ll be sure to review the first episode even if it’s raw.

Story: 10/10
Art: 10/10
Pacing: 10/10
Length: 10/10
Unpredictability: 9.5/10
Ending: (still ongoing, but I’m liking the direction so far)

Total Grade: A+ or 10/10

Read Dance In The Vampire Bund @ MangaFox.Com

Anime Previews: Winter 2010

FaS — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:44:21 +0000

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!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

http://finallyanime.com/2009/12/vampire-bund-outlook-manga-review/

Anime Previews: Summer July 2009

FaS — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:06:50 +0000

Ok, I’ve seen all the search stats and things are definitely ramping up this summer. It seems like a new series is coming out almost everyday >.>…but I’ve a small solution, if you can call it that. “Keeping Up’s A Bit Tough,” is a post series to help everyone (as well as myself) basically keep up with the new series that are out @ the moment. I might not mention all of them, but I should mention damn near almost all of them. Just remember, ongoing episodes well into their 10th episode won’t be covered, but I’m sure you already know about them. Anyways, enjoy!

Aoi Hana

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlR488aQEeU

Genre: School, mild drama, light comedy.

In case you didn’t know, aoi is the color for “blue” in Japan, as well as hana being the noun for “flower.” I’m not quite sure what importance “blue flowers” have in Japanese culture as of yet, but I think in regards to this series, it should be given a chance. Being an adaption from the original manga & shoujo @ that, it looks like this show has a little promise under it’s cover. Here’s a little info from ANN:

In the original manga’s story, Fumi and Akira were close childhood friends until Fumi had to move away. Ten years after losing touch with each other, the two girls meet again as high school freshmen. The two struggle to reconnect after so much has changed, and both deal with the trials and tribulations of high school — sometimes independently and sometimes with each other’s help.

I’ve seen the first episode & the production quality seems spot on. I don’t really subscribe to much shoujo, but as someone who can (or @ least thinks he can) enjoy art, I don’t think it to be wise to judge this show quite yet, even if you don’t like it.

Release Date: Already Out wed 01 jul 26:08

Bakemonogatari

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9M0xsvSxEQ

Genre: Adventure, brute force magic, comedy, possibly ecchi…? Yeah, definitely

It’s funny because I’ve actually watched about a third of this show on my computer, but when I downloaded it to my iPod from a different source, it wasn’t subbed…but wow, I’ve been really tempted to just watch it raw. I haven’t due to the feeling it might be might be important to understand everything from the beginning. In all my time watching anime, the opening of the actual series (not the beginning credits) is probably one of the most grabbing intros I have EVER seen. It’s witty in an undercover way, a little random, and extremely colorful.

The production value to this show is also the best I’ve seen thus far too. Even eclipsing Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (ZSZS). Here’s a little info from Wiki:

Bakemonogatari centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, a classmate named Hitagi Senj?gahara, who infamously never talks to anyone, falls down the stairs into Koyomi’s arms. He discovers that Hitagi weighs next to nothing, in defiance of physics. After being threatened by her, Koyomi offers his help, and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a middle-aged homeless man who helped him stop being a vampire.

The series tends to introduce only one new heroine per chapter, each involved with a different “apparition”. The events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series primarily focuses on conversations between characters; it contains a fair number of parodies of other series, as well as Nisio Isin’s trademark wordplay and metahumor.

Release Date: Already Out fri 03 jul 23:00

CANAAN

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZMZbUAXnAc

Genre: Adventure, Mystery & violence(?)

I haven’t watched a single episode of this yet, but…why in the world is it spelled with all capitals? Who knows. I don’t know, I guess it does kind of have that ominous-kind-of sounding name huh? I’m feeling like it might invoke feelings similar to Ghost In a Shell: SAC -- 1st Gig. Here’s a little info from ANN:

The modern-day story centers on a present-day story about a detective, a young man, a virus researcher, a, and a cat mascot character who are brought together in the Tokyo neighborhood of Shibuya by bizarre events with worldwide implications.

Originally, I believe the series was to be named after a Wii visual novel with “428″ in the name, but they eschewed that idea and decided to give it a unique name of its own. I’m glad they did. Judging from the basic premise of the story, it could turn out really well. In addition, this show only has 13 episodes.

Release Date: Already Out sat 04 jul 22:30

Fight Ippatsu! Juuden Chan!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu6fgy89qjY

Genre: VERY ecchi/moe light-hearted comedy

I could go on & on about this show, but you’ll have to read my other reviews to see what I think. In addition to light-hearted, this show’s definitely heartwarming. I recommend this show to nearly everyone.

Release Date: Already Out thu 25 jun 08:00

GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAznQpr-lVY

Genre: Comedy, just doing nothing kind-of-thing

Again, I haven’t really seen this episode or read the manga as of yet, but it looks like this shows going to be one of those shows where there isn’t really a driving story, but at the same time, you don’t feel like the cast is worthless. I look forward to seeing what it’s about. Not having seen K-on!, I feel this alternative anime show will be much better than what I’ve read.

Release Date: Already Out mon 06 jul 26:14

Kanamemo

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eV5udBrjpY

Genre: Doing nothing comedy

Jeez, going through all this makes me realize how much anime I have to catch up on Anyways, here’s a little info from ANN:

The story centers on Kana Nakamichi, a middle-school girl who had already lost her parents and just recently lost her only remaining relative, her grandmother. As a result, she ends up living and working at a newspaper delivery office. Everyone else living at the office are all charming, self-assertive bish?jo. The manga follows Kana’s daily life in the fast-paced yet joyous environment.

After looking at the description…I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up, but on the other hand, shows are really shaping up this summer. Anything could happen

Release Date: Already Out tue 07 jul 10:30

Spice and Wolf 2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plle67SzqN4

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy/lore, not quite ecchi, but noticeable fanservice

Since I already reviewed the first episode, I won’t get into what I think too much, but in short, this series looks like it might have a couple aces from under its sleeves. I predict a sleeper hit.

Release Date: Already Out thu 09 jul 24:45

Taishou Yakyuu Musume

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYyzPFyukXc

Genre: comedy

Again, I haven’t really gotten a chance to watch this series & I’m not quite sure if I’ll keep up with it, but I’ll definitely give it a try. AnimeNewsNetwork says:

In 1925 (year 14 of the Taisho period), after being told by a baseball player that women should become housewives instead of going to school, two 14-year-old Japanese high school girls named Koume and Akiko decide to start a baseball team in order to prove him wrong. During this time, when even running was considered too vulgar for women, baseball is known as “what the boys do” and they face many difficulties when searching members, getting permission from their parents and when learning about the sport itself.

The novels are set in 1925 when two 14-year-old Japanese high school girls named Koume and Sh?ko decide to start a baseball team in Japan where few baseball teams — male or female — exist at the time. First though, the two girls have no clue where to find nine players, how to use the equipment, and what even the rules are.

Release Date: Already Out thu 02 jul 25:59

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTjpjnrhSp4

Genre: Apocalyptic Adventure

Along with Shangri-La & Eden of East, this seems to be another film that has to do with the pseudo-realism in our future. I know pseudo-realism is a contradictory word, but I say that because these ideas aren’t real to us now, but could be. I look forward to watching this, and should have a while ago, but when you’re @ home for the summer w/parents who HATE it when you’re on the computer…let’s just say they don’t let you on as much. Anywho, here’s some info from ANN & Wiki:

The series is set in Tokyo after an earthquake measuring a magnitude 8.0 on the Richter scale shakes the city’s foundations and landscape, resulting in the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and other noted landmarks falling.^[1]^[2] It will follow siblings Mirai and Y?ki, who were visiting a robot exhibition in Odaiba at the beginning of their summer vacation, as they struggle to reach their mother in their house in Setagaya assisted by a female motorcycle courier named Mari.^[1]^[2] Newscaster Christel Takigawa makes an appearance as herself, reporting on the earthquake and assuming the role of a “navigator” during the series. ^[3]

The series was first announced at the 2009 Tokyo Anime Fair, denoting that it would replace Eden of the East in Fuji TV‘s noitaminA well-rated anime timeblock and would be co-produced by Bones and Kinema Citrus.^[1]^[2] The series’ setting is based upon the prediction that there is 70% or higher chance of an earthquake measuring 7.0 magnitude on the Richter scale hitting Tokyo in the next 30 years, with the series illustrating the consequences of a 8.0 scale earthquake affecting the city.^[1]^[2] Bones stated that it would try to realistically depict the after-effects of such a situation and that it would collect and tabulate research on previous earthquakes and interview individuals who were affected by them.

Release Date: Already Out thu 09 jul 24:45

Umi Monogatari Anata Ga Kureta Koto
(Sea Story)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPLiKYuB9U0

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure & some boobs

I had planned to watch this a long time ago, but I’m sure you know the story by now…I haven’t had the chance. In lieu of a review, for now I’ll just give you some background info from ANN:

The story centers on Marin and Urin, two “pure” sisters who live alongside the fish in the sea, but yearn to be in the world beyond the water and above ground. One day, a beautiful ring falls in the middle of the sea, and Marin and Urin retrieve it. The two decide to leave their waterbound world for the first time to deliver the ring. After an arduous journey, they come across an isolated island where a high school girl named Kanon lives. The encounter between Marin and Kanon — the maiden of the sea and the maiden of the skies — awakens a hidden power as the world is threatened by an enveloping darkness.

Umineko No Naku Koro Ni
(When They Cry)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeI6fiXOtKs

Genre: Mystery & violence(?)

Wow, I can’t believe I forgot about this anime! Highly anticipated by myself, and undoubtedly many others, this show was adopted from a famous pc-game series. I can’t remember if it has/had a manga, but it has a solid following at any rate. Here is a post containing more information.

Release Date: Already Out wed 01 jul 25:30

Kawa no Hikari

No video yet.

Genre: Kid-oriented Adventure

I don’t know if this is the most important thing, but for anyone who knows me, you know I love Azumanga Daioh dearly. So dearly in fact I have every single episode on my iPod. After I get my iPhone, I’ll be sure to permanently embed every episode into the circuits. Anyways, the guy who made the lovely recorder-inspired music of the aforesaid show will be doing it on this one! This definitely excites me….but I really doubt it’s enough to make me watch this Hopefully I’m proven wrong…I suppose we shall see.

Hirano will play a puppy in the anime, which the NHK public broadcaster will air on June 20. The story centers on a family of common rats who lost their home to human construction. The rats go upstream on a river in search of a new peaceful home (ANN).

Release Date: Might be out, but I can’t find it at the moment - sat 20 jun 19:30

Kowarekake no Orgol

www.youtube.com/watch?v=atRud5Rd5S4

Genre: Moe

From what I’m seeing (and mind you, right now I’m only looking for about 20 seconds max), I see a couple contradictions. Of course it’s an anime show, but is it a movie too? Also, I see it’s coming out this summer, but I don’t see a date yet either. I’ll keep looking, but from what I’ve gathered so far, this anime/show/movie’s about a female musician.

Element Hunters

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNmUjFgmQbQ

Genre: Hi-Tech, chemistry, kid-oriented

Japan-Korea co-production of an anime intended to teach kids about the chemical elements. In 2029, various chemical elements begin to disappear, making life much more difficult. Later, a group of kids under 13 is formed to go to the other dimension where it has been determined the elements went, and recover them (Wiki). I’ll just say it now…I’m reallllly skeptical of this show and don’t think I’ll be holding on to it…

Release Date: Already Out sat 04 jul 18:00

Hetalia Axis Powers 2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=84ur_LmPVtg

Genre: Comedy

Based on a web comic series, this show apparently has entered its second iteration. I haven’t seen the first series or the web comic, but from what it looks like, there’s a lot of satire going on. I suppose I’ll have to check it out

Release Date: fri 03 jul 16:00 4 Days from now

Kuruneko

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFYkL7gh3dU

Genre: Comedy

“Based on an extremely popular manga blog about cats…” (HashiHime) Need I say more………jeez…that just pisses me off. Dropped from this day forward.

Release Date: sun 05 jul 08:55

Needless

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocLmKWaK5HE

Genre: Brute Force Powers, ecchi

In 2130, Japan go boom, people go “owwiieee, Charrllieeee, it hurts!!!!” Then some other people go, “hey, we don’t need them because of their super powers.” Yup…that’s basically the story. Action sequences look pretty good, but for some reason, when I saw the artwork…I just thought…run-of-the-mill anime…nothing more. And when I read the name for the first time…I thought the same thing. However, the first episode was really interesting. I just hope I’m wrong.

Release Date: Already Out thu 02 jul 25:30

Princess Lover

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_VgJxeoJxg

Genre: Definitely a harem h-comedy

Check out my review on the first episode. This show does a great job in regards to the first episode. It was so jam-packed, I thought a 15 minute episode would have sufficed, even including the slow part in the beginning. Definitely a show you’ll want to keep up with even if you hate harem (which I actually do hate).

Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou
(Properly Learned Modern Magic)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0WD7UuF7YY

Genre: magic, adventure, comedy

So yeahhhhh….when I went to go look this up…I was on the first page results of google for “properly learned modern magic.” Yeah…..I haven’t really said too much about it until now…so I don’t know why it has me in the top listings….mmm, whatever though, not a bad thing Here’s some info from Wiki:

The story revolves around Koyomi Morishita, a clumsy high school freshman girl who is often mistaken for a grade-schooler because of her shortness. Koyomi becomes a disciple of Misa Anehara, a 25-year-old graduate student who happens to be one of the most powerful modern-day magicians.

I suppose I’ll check it out. I’ve always liked the magic anime genre thing, especially the dynamic in the magical harem, Maburaho. I wonder if this will be related in any way?

Release Date: Already Out sat 11 jul 24:00

Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD-MhVgDxiQ

Genre: Satirical & just plain weird comedy

I don’t know why I’ve never heard about this series before, but apparently it’s friggin sweet. In my review/outlook of the first episode, you can see what I think. I won’t say too much, so you’ll just have to read my review for a complete look.

Release Date: Already Out sat 04 jul 24:30

AIKa ZERO

www.youtube.com/watch?v=saTUoq3iWrk

Genre: ecchi action/comedy

So I’ve never heard of this show….or at least I don’t think so…but for some reason it sounds reallllly familiar. Hmmm. Anyways, people are telling me there are a lot of breasts and leg shots. I suppose that has it’s place, but if there’s no story, there’s no point. Yet, from first impressions, it looks pretty popular, so I’ll give it a chance.

Release Date: Not Out Yet tue 25 aug. Ep2 27oct.

Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka Hard Core

Can’t find right now

Genre: harem & ecchi

Yeah, I got really confused covering this at one point. Apparently (like half of anime in general) there were previous series. This one adds the “hardcore” on the end of it, kind of like Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu. An easy mistake, but one that had me going for a good hour. Finally, a buddy of mine straightened me out. He said it was alright so I think I’ll stay tuned and watch a couple episodes and see how it goes. Ohhh, and btw, for you h-game fanatics, this was originally an h-game! A very nice one @ that. At the moment, I’m working on getting it, but I’ve come across some obstacles. Don’t worry, hopefully I’ll get it soon Refer to my post here, which talks about this more in depth, along with another ecchi game.

Release date: Supposedly Out…? Still checking…should be out if not in a couple days. fri 26 jun

Kodomo no Jikan 2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-099EZMKyw

Genre: ecchi/loli(?) comedy

Wow, it seems a LOT of sequals have been coming out this summer, but I guess it’s no surprise This anime has an uncanny premise: a 9 year-old girl having a crush on her 23 year-old teacher! That’s just crazy…with pedophile written all over it, BUT I’ve been reading that it’s nothing like that. Apparently it’s a relatively tasteful anime with some great comedy. Honestly, I’m interested in seeing how the teacher handles it & what silly/stupid lines this elementary-school girl’s gonna come up with. It has risque written alllll over it, but it seems pretty funny. I’ll definitely give this one a go.

Release Date: Not Out Yet fri 24 jul

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hsWCqFrVSg

Genre: fighting fantasy adventure

The Goddess Athena and the god Hades have fought against each other repeatedly over the centuries. This story takes place in 18th century Europe, 243 years prior to the original “Saint Seiya.”

Three small children, Tenma, Alone, and Sasha have all shared a very happy childhood together. Tenma, who is aggressive but upstanding, has moved to Sanctuary to become a saint. There he is reunited with Sasha, who learns that she is the reincarnation of Goddess Athena. Alone, who is kind, gentle and loves painting was chosen for the body of her enemy, King Hades. Tenma eventually becomes a saint of Pegasus and engages in a fierce battle with his best friend Alone, the King of Hades. (anidb)

Hirano Aya gets my attention here, in the lead female role. The other voices are fairly starry, too. Director Nabeshima Osamu has been fully occupied with the long-running D. Gray-man. Animation director Iwasa Yuko did D. Gray-man and some episodes of Mushi-shi. Writer Suga Yoshiyuki could be a weak link, however, having done Fighting Beauty Wulong and Kenichi the Mighiest Disciple. (HashiHime)

Release Date: Already Out wed 24 jun

To Love-Ru OVA

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc7IQUiaqkE

Genre: Ecchi Comedy

Yeah, you know the whole, “hey you, you saved my life…I appear out of no where, but you’re gonna be my husband routine?” Yeah…here we go again. In other news, I’m looking AGAIN, and I already see episodes even though it’s not due until another week….okaaaayyyyyy. Weeeirrrd…..actually I’ve been looking at the h-pics & I think I change my mind, I’ll look it up -- very happily look it up

Release Date: I have no damn clue tue 04 aug 25:55

Parting Words

Hey, thanks for looking over the list and in case there were some I’ve missed, I’m sorry, but most likely, I just didn’t feel like covering them. I tried to cover the most important shows I think viewers of this blog would watch. OH, I DID forget Chu-Bra!! the ecchi comedy about a girl who starts a lingerie club. I know it sounds dumb, but I read a couple manga scans & it looks tooooo funny. Anyways, besides that, did you like our little rundown? If so, then vote on our poll & COMMENT!!!!

Aoi Hana
(jp: ???)yuri, comedy-drama, school life
A wonderful shoujo-ai manga by Shimura Takako finds its way to anime, directed by the director of Honey & Clover, and adapted by the writer of Rescue Wings. I’m all over this one.

High-school freshman Akira is surprised when her childhood friend Fumi moves back into the neighborhood. Fumi is tall and shy. Akira is a little live-wire. The manga follows their lives and subtly shows the affection they feel for each other and for various fellow students in the two separate girls’ schools they attend.

Fumi is played by Takabe Ai, who is a 20-year-old actress, TV personality and photo idol with no anime experience. A little awkwardness will suit Fumi’s voice. The three rather inexperienced leads are backed up by a fine supporting cast: Horie Yui, Iguchi Yuka, Toyosaki Aki, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai, Yahagi Sayuri.

This is the third show in Fuji TV’s new “Noise” timeslot on Wednesday nights, aimed at a more mature, mixed-gender audience. Michiko to Hatchin and Ristorante Paradiso was the first two Noise shows.

seiyuus: Gibu Yuuko, Takabe Ai (photo idol, actress), Ishimatsu Chiemi, Horie Yui, Iguchi Yuka, Yahagi Sayuri, Toyosaki Aki, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai.
director: Kasai Kenichi (Honey & Clover, Nodame Cantabile, KimiKiss)
writer: Takayama Fumihiko (Rescue Wings). Shimura Takako (orig).
animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Onchi Masayuki.
music: Haketa Takefumi (Antique Bakery, Vampire Knight). OP Kukikodan, ED Ceui.
trailer. forum. subs: Jade Fansubs, SHiN-gx & Genjo-Subs, Yuurisan-Subs
wed 01 jul 26:08

Bakemonogatari
(jp: ???)

fantasy adventure, supernatural, comedy, fanservice
Shinbou plus plot. Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student, is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. In each chapter of the series, he helps a different heroine, each involved with a different “apparition”. In the first chapter, Saitou Chiwa plays a girl whom our hero discovers weighs almost nothing….

But the show is not totally episodic, since events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series focuses on conversations between characters, and contains parodies of other series, as well as Nishio Ishin’s trademark wordplay and metahumor. (anidb)

Seems ideal for Shinbou to do his thing on. And it is appropriate that his original vampire, Saitou Chiwa, returns. Oishi Tatsuya steps into the role of “series director” (i.e., executive assistant to the director, and director of some episodes).

Kamiya Hiroshi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Horie Yui, Katou Emiri — I look forward to hearing them all.

The character design and drawing look great. Charades and animation supervision are by Watanabe Akio (SoulTaker, Magical Kanan, Akiba-chan)

seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi (Zetsubou sensei), Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in MoonPhase), Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Horie Yui, Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star).
director: Shinbou Akiyuki
writer: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou). Nisio Ishin (orig).
animation: Shaft. chara-des: Watanabe Akio (SoulTaker, Magical Kanan, Akiba-chan), VOFAN (orig). animation supervisor: Watanabe Akio.
sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Kousaki Satoru (Haruhi, Lucky Star, Kannagi).
trailer. forum. subs: Sora Subs, ainex, AnimeYoshi?.
fri 03 jul 23:00

Canaan
(jp: CANAAN)

adventure, violence
In the Asian digital world capital, Shanghai, the streets are like a festival every day: angry shouts, lovely voices, and music all merge together in primal chaos. Alone atop a building, a young woman with the lithe movements of a leopardess looks out over it all. Her name is Canaan. She holds a sniper rifle. She pulls the trigger. (official site)

Sawashiro Miyuki as the main star (billed first) means a lot to me. She’s one of the real actresses. Add Sakamoto Maaya as the other star, and I see a lot of possibilties for strong acting by highly professional voices. Oh, and also Tanaka Rie. Oh, yes, plus Tomatsu Haruka. Mamiko Noto as an afterthought. And I forgot Minagawa Junko, who is doing such a great job as Oz in Pandora Hearts. And did I mention the old master, Ohkawa Tohru? They even have one of the top sound directors, Aketagawa Jin.

Writer Okada Mari did true tears (for the same studio, PA Works), Red Garden, Vampire Knight, and many episodes of Simoun. The story is based on a side-story written by the co-founders of Type-Moon for the Wii visual novel called 428.

The director is the only question mark. It’s his first TV series. In 2007, he directed a movie called Sword of the Stranger. Before that, he directed episodes of FMA and RahXephon, among others, after emerging from the ranks of key animators.

But this remains one of the summer shows that most interest me, mainly because of the writer and the cast. The preview makes the drawing, animation and visual direction look pretty good, though.

seiyuus: Sawashiro Miyuki, Sakamoto Maaya, Nanjou Yoshino, Tanaka Rie, Tomatsu Haruka, Hamada Kenji, Minagawa Junko, Noto Mamiko, Ohkawa Tohru.
director: Andou Masahiro (new, dir. Many eps of FMA)
writer: Okada Mari (true tears, many eps of Simoun). Sega and Chunsoft (orig), Nasu Kinoko (scenario draft).
animation: PA Works. chara-des: Sekiguchi Kanami (true tears), Takeuchi Takashi (draft). animation supervisor: Sekiguchi Kanami (Solid State Society, true tears, eps of FMA).
sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Nanase Hikaru. OP Faylan, ED Annabel.
trailer. forum. subs: Formula, Mochi Fansubs, Enigma Collective & Atelier-Thryst?. 13eps.
sat 04 jul 22:30

Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!
(jp: ????????????!!)

ecchi moe comedy
Fukuhara Kaori, who played Tsukasa in Lucky Star, gets her first starring role. Will Kaorin become the last of the four stars of LS to get an award at the Seiyuu Awards?

She is supported by two of my favorite young seiyuus, Takagaki Ayahi and Yahagi Sayuri. Miyazaki Ui, the great Kawasumi Ayako, and Shimizu Ai are involved, too.

The story, from a popular ecchi comedy manga by KissxSis illustrator Ditama Bow, involves special office girls whose secret work is to charge up dejected people, with electricity. Our heroine is new at her job….

Kimura Shinichirou (Karin, Mahoraba) knows how to direct heartwarming moe. However, the trailer is all graphic representations of parts of the female anatomy. Can Kimura-sensei make heartwarming Queen’s-Blade-level ecchi, too?

seiyuus: Fukuhara Kaori, Takagaki Ayahi, Yahagi Sayuri, Miyazaki Ui, Shimizu Ai, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Hiroki.
director: Kimura Shinichirou (Mahoraba, Karin, PiPoPa)
writer: Yamada Yasutomo (Tsuyokiss, Potemayo, PiPoPa). Ditama Bow (creator, KissxSis).
animation: Studio Hibari. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (animator).
OP Fukuhara Kaori, Takagaki Ayahi, ED Fukuhara kaori.
trailer. forum. subs: mflatischler subs, Saikyo Fansubs.
thu 25 jun 08:00

GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class
(jp: GA ?????????????)

comedy, slice of life
Anime adaptation of Satoko Kiyuzuki’s slice-of-life manga series GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class. The ongoing GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class manga series premiered in 2004, illustrating the daily lives of five freshman girls in a high school art class. (anidb)

Great cast — Tomatsu Haruka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Horie Yui, and the return of Tokunaga Ai, who last worked in 2007. But it will all depend on the staff and the original manga. Have we run out of funny 4koma comic strips about girl students yet?

Experienced director Sakurai Hiroaki did the World Masterpiece Theatre version of Les Miserables. Writer Machida Touko did Lucky Star, but also the less successful (in my opinion) Allison and Lillia and Tears to Tiara.

seiyuus: Tomatsu Haruka, Tokunaga Ai, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Horie Yui.
director: Sakurai Hiroaki (Cromartie High School, Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette)
writer: Machida Toukou (Lucky Star, Allison & Lillia, Tears to Tiara). Kiyuzuki Satoko (orig).
animation: AICPLUS+. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria Chronicles).
trailer. forum. subs: SubsFckingWhere.
mon 06 jul 26:14

Kanamemo
(jp: ????)

yuri moe slice-of-life comedy
Adaptation of Shouko Iwami’s Kanamemo four-panel manga. The story revolves around the daily life of Kana Nakamichi, an orphaned middle-school girl who begins living and working at a newspaper delivery office staffed exclusively by cute young girls. (ann)

Great cast includes Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On), Mizuhara Kaoru (Misao in Lucky Star), and a number of big names. The staff is more of a question. Director Takayanagi Shigehito did some Galaxy Angel series and Himesama Goyoujin. Writer Nakase Rika did Fushigiboshi no Futagohime, Rocket Girls, and Junjou Romatica.

“Yuri moe slice-of-life comedy” sounds good to me, so I’ll be there to see how this one gets going.

seiyuus: Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Hirohashi Ryou, Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Horie Yui, Kugimiya Rie.
director: Takayanagi Shigehito (Galaxy Angel A, S, X; Himesama Goyoujin)
writer: Nakase Rika (Fushigiboshi no Futago Hime, Rocket Girls, Junjou Romatica). Iwami Shouko (orig).
animation: feel. chara-des: Tatsuta Shinichi.
music: Hashimoto Yukari (ToraDora). OP Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Kugimiya Rie. ED Horie Yui.
trailer. forum. subs: Chihiro, Saikyo Fansubs.
sun 05 jul 25:30

Sora no Manima ni
(jp: ??????)

comedy, school life, romance?
Saku returns to his old hometown after seven years and is shocked to meet his childhood tormentor, the boisterous Mihoshi. But she remembers them being the best of friends, and sets about inveigling him into her astronomy club. Hilarious and touching manga has a chance to be a good anime.

The seiyuu line-up takes my breath away, with two of my favorite voices: Koshimizu Ami and Hayami Saori. To say nothing of Tomatsu Haruka and Itou Kanae. Wow. Some of the best young voices in anime.

And director Takamatsu Shinji is a solid top hand, having done School Rumble, Gintama, and the underrated Ginban Kaleidoscope. But no lead writer is credited, so I don’t have a handle on how the manga will be adapted. But I will certainly be there to find out.

OP by Sphere (Tomatsu Haruka, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako).

seiyuus: Maeno Tomoaki, Itou Kanae, Tomatsu Haruka, Koshimizu Ami, Hayami Saori, Takagi Reiko, Majima Junji.
director: Takamatsu Shinji (Gintama, School Rumble, Ginban Kaleidoscope)
writer: Kashiwabara Mami (orig).
animation: Studio Comet. chara-des: Watanabe Hajime (Kaleidostar, School Rumble, Les Miserables). animation supervisor: Watanabe Hajime (Kaleidostar, School Rumble 3).
OP Sphere (Tomatsu Haruka, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako).
trailer. forum. subs: Chibi, DATS.
tue 07 jul 10:30

Spice and Wolf 2
(jp: ?????II)

fantasy adventure w/ economics and fanservice
I thought Koshimizu Ami’s turn as Horo in the first series was the best seiyuu performance of 2008. She and Fukuyama Jun are back, and Paku Romi joins the cast. Not bad.

The same main staff returns, too, but now the studio is listed as Brains Base, with the previous studio, Imagin, listed only as part of the production committee. The first episode has already appeared, and the look is subtly different form the first series.

The story follows the travels of a mediaeval trader and a wolf-goddess who takes the form of a beautiful teen-aged maiden.

seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Fukuyama Jun, Paku Romi, Koyama Rikiya, Watanabe Akeno.
director: Takahashi Takeo
writer: Arakawa Naruhisa. Hasekura Isuna (orig).
animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Futakoi Alt), Ayakura Juu (orig).
forum. subs: BSS, Frostii, ASR:Kurou.
thu 09 jul 24:45

Taishou Yakyuu Musume
(jp: ?????)

comedy
Anime adaptation of a light novel series featuring the antics of a group of baseball-playing schoolgirls in 1925. “By the way, what’s baseball?”

Great cast features Itou Kanae (Amu in Shugo Chara) supported by a long list of top names. Director Ikehata Takashi did Genshiken and the hilarious Potemayo.

seiyuus: Itou Kanae (Amu in Shugo Chara), Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko, Kaida Yuuko, Kitamura Eri, Hirohashi Ryou, Makino Yui, Gotou Saori, Fujimura Ayumi.
director: Ikehata Takashi (Genshiken, Potemayo)
writer: Ikehata Takashi. Kagurazaka Atsushi (orig), Ikehata Atsushi, Amagawa Nobuhiko, Shiraishi Masahiko (script).
animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Kamimoto Kanetoshi, Koike Sadaji (orig), Koutaro (anime draft).
OP Itou Kanae, Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko.
trailer. forum. subs: Kattehoudai, Saizen.
thu 02 jul 25:59

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
(jp: ?????????8.0)

sci-fi adventure
A magnitude 8 earthquake (that’s a big one) hits Tokyo. We follow the story of Mirai, a high school freshman, as she lives through the aftermath.

From Bones, with new director Tachibana Masaki at the helm. He did much work on GITS:SAC and on Noir. Competent writer Takahashi Natsuko did Blue Drop, Tales of Agriculture, and 07-Ghost.

The concept makes this one intriguing. That and the involvement of Bones.

seiyuus: Hanamura Satomi (Miki/Windy Tales, Anise Azeat/Galaxy Angel Rune), Kaida Yuuko, Kobayashi Yumiko, Kitamura Eri, Toyosaki Ami, Endou Aya, Takahira Narumi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Kikuko.
director: Tachibana Masaki
writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Moyashimon).
animation: Bones/Cinema Citrus. chara-des: Nozaki Atsuko.
music: Ootani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Shana). OP abingdon boys school, ED Tsuji Shion.
trailer. forum. subs: Jade Fansubs?, Frostii.
thu 09 jul 24:45

Umi Monogatari -- Anata ga Itekureta Koto
(jp: ????????????????????)

fantasy adventure w/fanservice
This “transforming magical girl action story” centers on Marin and Urin, two pure sisters who live with the fish in the sea, but yearn to be in the world beyond the water.

One day, a beautiful ring falls into the sea, and Marin and Urin retrieve it. The two decide to leave their waterbound world for the first time to deliver the ring.

On an isolated island, they find a high school girl named Kanon. The encounter between Marin and Kanon — the maiden of the sea and the maiden of the skies — awakens a hidden power, as the world is threatened by an enveloping darkness. (anidb)

Based on a pachinko game, but there is some promise in the mythical story and in a good anime staff. Director Satou Junichi did ARIA, and was the creator and chief director of Princess Tutu. The lead writer is up-and-coming Yamada Yuka, who wrote Tideline Blue and the underrated Neo-Angelique Abyss, as well as working on shows such as Mushishi, Bokura ga Ita, and Hataraki Man. Character designer Iizuka Haruko did Sisters of Wellber and was animation director of Karin.

The three leads are played by interesting seiyuus: Asumi Kana was Yuno in Hidamari Sketch and is very popular with Japanese otaku. Kotobuki Minako plays Tsumugi in K-On. And Horie Yui is Horie Yui. Sawashiro Miyuki and Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On) are also here.

seiyuus: Asumi Kana (Yuno in Hidamari), Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi in K-On), Horie Yui, Sawashiro Miyuki, Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On), Majima Junji, Fukui Yukari.
director: Satou Junichi (ARIA)
writer: Yamada Yuka. Tsukiji Toshihiko (draft), Yokotani Masahiro & Yoshida Reiko (script).
animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Iizuka Haruko.
music: Muramatsu Ken (Kurenai, Sketchbook). OP marble, ED Itou Masumi.
trailer. forum. subs: imuR88, Wasurenai. 12eps.
wed 24 jun 25:29

Umineko no Naku Koro ni
(jp: ?????????)

mystery moe violence
More from the director and writer of Higurashi. Umineko no Naku Koro ni takes place on October 4-5 1986, on a secluded island. The head of a wealthy family lives on and owns the island and is near death. Eight of his family members arrive to discuss how his assets will be divided once he is dead. Also on the island are three family members who live there, five servants, and a doctor. After the eight family members arrive, a typhoon traps them on the island and people start to be mysteriously murdered. (ann)

This show is so highly anticipated that it has already got its own forum on AnimeSuki, three weeks before the first episode airs. Strong cast includes Horie Yui, Inoue Marina, Ohara Sayaka, Kugimiya Rie, and Ono Daisuke (those first two aren’t favorites of mine, but I respect their popularity among the cognoscenti). ED by Jimang of Sound Horizon.

seiyuus: Ono Daisuke, Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Suzumura Kenichi, Kugimiya Rie, Kobayashi Yuu, Ohara Sayaka, Mugihito, Itou Miki, Koshimizu Ami.
director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Hanasakeru Shounen)
writer: Kawase Toshifumi (Higurashi). 07th Expansion (orig).
animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kikuchi Youko (KgNE, Junjou Romantica).
ED Jimang.
trailer. forum. subs: ainex, WinD.
13eps.
wed 01 jul 25:30

Kawa no Hikari
(jp: ???)

family ecological fantasy adventure
NHK’s adaptation of Hisaki Matsuura’s novel Kawa no Hikari (River’s Light). Environmental awareness story about a family of rats that set off in search of a new home after losing their habitat to human construction. Serialized in the Yomiuri Newspaper since July 2006. (anidb)

Key animator Hirakawa Tetsuo (Crayon Shin-chan, Kannagi, Afro Samurai, XXXholic, etc.) gets his first directing job. With assistance from long-time director Hara Keiichi (Crayon Shin-chan).

Orikasa Fumiko heads a mature and capable cast. She, Kaneda Tomoko, and Yamadera Kouichi are a family of rats. Tanaka Atsuko is a nice cat and Hirano Aya is a friendly dog. The character designer did key animation on Dog of Flanders and Nausicaa. The stills and preview make the animation look like Miyazaki. We’ll see.

seiyuus: Orikasa Fumiko, Kaneda Tomoko, Yamadera Kouichi, Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko.
director: Hirakawa Tetsuo
writer: Yoshioka Takao (Elfen Lied, Sky Girls). Matsuura Hisaki (novels).
animation: Gallop (Hataraki Man, Kaa-san -- Mom’s Life). chara-des: Tannai Tsukasa (key anim Dog of Flanders, Nausicaa).
music: Kurihara Masaki (Petopeto-san, Azumanga Daioh).
trailer. OVA.
sat 20 jun 19:30

Kowarekake no Orgol
(jp: ???????????)

moe
Doujin OVA by POP, the illustrator of Moetan. The moe scores are off the scale for the advance illustrations on the official site and for the trailer.

About a sad musician and a magical little girl. Originally to be released at Comiket in late 2008. Definitely worth a look, if you like moe. This should be a truer version of POP’s work than Moetan was.

More samples of POP’s work here.

director: POP
animation: ElectromagneticWave.
trailer.
OVA. 1/1eps.
summer. date not yet set.

Elementhunters
(jp: ?????????)

sci-fi, education, adventure, kids
Japan-Korea co-production of an anime intended to teach kids about the chemical elements. In 2029, various chemical elements begin to disappear, making life much more difficult. Later, a group of kids under 13 is formed to go to the other dimension where it has been determined the elements went, and recover them.

Some great voices: Kuwashima Houko and Kobayashi Sanae, among others. I hope the script is up to them. Writer Arakawa Naruhisa did Elemental Gelade, Lovege Chu, and the much better Naisho no Tsubomi. Director Okukura Yoshiaki did Antique Bakery and little else. I look forward to hearing the music, which will be by Sahashi Toshihiko, who did the powerful music for Simoun. OP by Ishikawa Chiaki (who also did the Simoun OP).

seiyuus: Motoshiro Yuutarou, Enomoto Atsuko, Kuwashima Houko, Kobayashi Sanae, Sasaki Nozomu, Koyama Rikiya.
director: Okumura Yoshiaki (Antique Bakery) & Hon Honpyo
writer: Arakawa Naruhisa (Elemental Gelade, Lovege Chu, Naisho no Tsubomi). Itou Kazumori (orig).
animation: NHK Enterprises & Hee Won Entertainment. chara-des: Okumura Daigo (orig).
music: Sahashi Toshihiko (Simoun). OP Ishikawa Chiaki.
trailer. subs: Eclipse?.
sat 04 jul 18:00

Hellsing
(jp: HELLSING)

supernatural violence drama
The sixth and final episode of the Hellsing OVA series that has taken so many years to roll out. Directed by the director of Claymore, Tanaka Hiroyuki, and written by Kuroda Yousuke (Phantom, Gundam00, etc.). Continuing to star Nakata Jouji and Orikasa Fumiko. Worth a look.

seiyuus: Nakata Jouji, Orikasa Fumiko, Sakakibara Yoshiko, Hirata Hiroaki, Hayami Shou, Wakamoto Norio, Saiga Mitsuki, Kaida Yuuko.
director: Tanaka Hiroyuki (Claymore)
writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Hayate, Phantom, Gundam00, etc.). Hirano Kouta (manga).
animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nakamura Ryouji. animation supervisor: Nakamura Ryouji (Great Teacher Onizuka).
sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Matsuo Hayato.
forum. 6/6eps. OVA
24 jul

Hetalia Axis Powers 2
(jp: ???? Axis Powers)

comedy, implied yaoi
Surprise hit based on a popular web manga gets a second season. It has been described as a “cynical gag” story set in Europe in the years between WW1 and WW2 (1915-1939). Bishonen boys play exaggerated caricatures of various nationalities: the Italian character is into pasta and women. The German bishi loves potatoes and sausages. And Japan is an otaku.

Directed by the director of Gravitation and written by the sound director (!) of Aishteruze and Library Wars. Lots of big-name seiyuus. 26x5min episodes. Some people love this show. Give it a look.

seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Taniyama Kishou, Kaida Yuki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kugimiya Rie, Neya Michiko, Paku Romi.
director: Bob Shirohata (Gravitation)
writer: Hiramitsu Takuya (snd dir Aishteruze, Library War, etc.). Himaruya Hidekazu (orig).
animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Kannan Masaaki. animation supervisor: Matsuda Keiichi.
trailer. forum. subs: gg. 26x5mneps.
fri 03 jul 16:00

Kuruneko
(jp: ????)

family comedy
Based on an extremely popular manga blog about cats. Directed by Akitarou Daichi (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita, Gag Manga Biyori). One seiyuu plays all the roles: Kobayashi Satomi, a well-known TV and film actress.

seiyuus: Kobayashi Satomi.
director: Akitarou Daichi (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita)
writer: Kuruneko-Yamato (manga blog).
animation: Dax, Studio DEEN. animation supervisor: Ooshima Rie.
13?eps.
sun 05 jul 08:55

Needless
(jp: NEEDLESS)

science fiction adventure, gar, moe
Year 2130 — after the third world war, large contaminated areas known as “Blackspots” formed all over Japan. Large Walls were used to quarantine off these “Blackspots.” Among the survivors who had been abandoned inside the Blackspots, labeled as “those who were unneeded,” were possessors of uncanny abilities: fire, wind, brute strength. Others, fearful of their powers, expelled them and named them the “Needless.”

This appears to be gar men and moe girls. I’m afraid it might end up as generic shounen, which is not my thing. The director seems to be more of a comedy director, however (Strawberry Panic and Kamen no Maid Guy) so we could be in for some surprises. The writer did Welcome to the NHK, which seemed a second-rate adaptation to me, and Zettai Karen Children, which I couldn’t bear to watch despite the presence of Hirano Aya.

The cast here, however, is wonderful. Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Koyasu Takehito, Makino Yui, Taniyama Kishou, Gotou Saori, Ise Mariya, Itou Kentarou. I think Endou Aya is brilliant in everything she is doing now. Her starring role in Hanasakeru Shounen is one of the best performances of the year, for me. And Koyasu Takehito may be my favorite male seiyuu.

seiyuus: Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Koyasu Takehito, Makino Yui, Taniyama Kishou, Gotou Saori, Ise Mariya, Itou Kentarou.
director: Sakoi Masayuki (Strawberry Panic, Kamen no Maid Guy)
writer: Nishizono Satoru (Digimon Adventure, Welcome to the NHK, Zettai Karen Children). Imai Kami (orig).
animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kato Hiromi (Beck anidir).
OP Granrodeo.
forum. subs: Last Impressions Fansub.
thu 02 jul 25:30

Penelope tete en l’air 2
(jp: ???????? ?2????)

family
From the children’s novels by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. Five-minute episodes, Monday-Friday.

writer: Shimada Michiru.
animation: Nippon Animation.
26eps.
wed 29 jun 07:40

Princess Lover
(jp: ?????????)

ecchi comedy
Teppei Arima is a second-year high school student who loses both of his parents in a traffic accident. His grandfather, Isshin Arima, who wields the puppet strings in Japan’s vast economy, takes him in, but demands that Teppei becomes his successor as the head of the Arima Group.

To prepare for his debut into high society, Teppei enrolls in an elite academy for the scions of the rich and powerful, suddenly jumping from ordinary life to life among the beautiful people. (anidb)

One again, some nice voices, but doubts about the staff. I particularly look forward to Yuzuki Ryouka here, following her charming peformance as Yukino in Candy Boy. And I don’t get to hear enough of Toyoguchi Megumi. But with a first-time director and animation director, I don’t know what to expect. And writer Nakamura Makoto did the slow and predictable Telepathy Girl Ran.

But this is the debut production of an ambitous new Osaka studio called GoHands, so they will be going all out to make something good.

seiyuus: Terashima Takuma, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yukino in Candy Boy), Toyoguchi Megumi, Katou Emiri, Matsuoka Yuki, Miyake Kaya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Koyasu Takehito, Shiraishi Minoru, Wakamoto Norio.
director: Kanazawa Hiromitsu (new, eps of Shugo Chara and Macross F)
writer: Nakamura Makoto (Noramimi, Telepathy Girl Ran).
animation: GoHands. chara-des: Suzuki Shingo (new). animation supervisor: Suzuki Shingo (new).
OP Hashimoto Miyuki, ED yozuca.
trailer. forum. subs: Saikyo Fansubs, AQS-Anime?.
sun 05 jul 24:30

Suzu Santarou
(jp: ?3??)

comedy
Series of two-minute episodes starring three bells in a Shinto shrine. Mon, Thu.

animation: Avex x DoCoMo.
24x2mineps.
01 jun

Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou
(jp: ?????????)

magic adventure comedy
The story revolves around Koyomi Morishta, a clumsy high school freshman who is so sort that she is often mistaken for a grade-schooler. Koyomi becomes a disciple of Misa Anehara, a 25-year-old graduate student who happens to be one of the most powerful modern-day magicians. Based on a light novel series. (ann)

I hope director Kuroda Yasuhiro is in his Kyouran Kazoku Nikki mode, rather than the halting Chokotto Sister mode. I look forward to the work of character designer Koga Makoto, who did Aria and Kyouran Kazoku.

Nonaka Ai and Nabatame Hitomi headline a cast with the ubiquutous Tomatsu Haruka and, fresh from her role as Mugi-chan in K-On, Kotobuki Minako.

seiyuus: Nonaka Ai, Nabatame Hitomi, Tomatsu Haruka, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi in K-On), Asanuma Shintarou.
director: Kuroda Yasuhiro (Chocotto Sister, Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)
writer: Kuroda Yasuhiro, Monda Yuuichi.
animation: Nomad. chara-des: Koga Makoto (Aria, Kyouran Kazoku).
music: Hashimoto Yukari (Toradora). OP Asou Natsuko, ED Misato Aki.
trailer. forum. subs: SubsFckingWhere, Chihiro, Eclipse?, Chibi-Formula.
sat 11 jul 24:00

Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
(jp: ??????????)

comedy
Yet another season of what is now one of the most successful franchises of recent years. The world’s most negative man teaches a class of fairly odd high-school girls. Hilarious, for those who like the style of humor.

After his brush with death in a motorcycle accident near the end of recording Honey & Clover, Kamiya Hiroshi has come back to be one of the top male seiyuus of all, having won the award as best leading man of 2008 for this role and that of Natsume in Natsume Yuujinchou.

seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Marina, Tanii Asuka, Sanada Asami, Kobayashi Yuu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu.
director: Shinbou Akiyuki
writer: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara). Kumeta Kouji (orig).
animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki (REC, D.Gray-man, Sayonara, MariaHolic).
forum.
sat 04 jul 24:30

AIKa ZERO
(jp: AIKa ZERO)

ecchi fighting adventure
Bandai Visual describes the project as “the return of the legendary low-angle, sexy action anime in an all-new OVA series.” In this story, set in a future world (mostly submerged under water), the 19-year-old Aika Sumeragi is going to college while training as an agent. (ann)

If this is like previous Aika series, it will be all legs, breasts and guns, with a rather banal plot to hold it all together. But with wonderful voices: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Gotou Yuuko, and Takahashi Mikako, in particular.

The director is new, but the presence of lead writer Kanemaki Kenichi promises something: he was lead writer on Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Jigoku Shoujo, Aoi yori Aoshi, etc.

seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Fukuen Misato, Gotou Yuuko, Takahashi Mikako, Shimoda Asami, Ohtsuka Akio.
director: Yamauchi Noriyasu (new, charades/animator)
writer: Kanemaki Kenichi.
animation: Studio Fantasia. chara-des: Yamauchi Noriyasu (Stratos 4, Najica Blitz Tactics). animation supervisor: Yamauchi Noriyasu.
OVA. 1/3eps. forum.
tue 25 aug. Ep2 27oct.

Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka Hard Core
(jp: ????????? ?????)

harem, romance
I guess the first six DVDs must have sold sufficiently well, so they are producing an OVA episode for this watchable but unsatisfactory series.

We ended season one with the hero choosing between his (unrelated by blood) sister (Hirano Aya) and his fiancee (Kugimiya Rie). But the loser was still around….

seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Kugimiya Rie, Hatano Wataru.
director: Motonaga Keitarou
writer: Uezu Makoto.
animation: TNK. chara-des: Hirayama Madoka, Horii Kumi. animation supervisor: Hara Shoji.
forum. subs: Jade Fansubs, SHiN-gx & Genjo-Subs, Yuurisan-Subs.
OVA. 1eps.
fri 26 jun

Cobra The Animation: Time Drive
(jp: COBRA THE ANIMATION ????????????)

fighting, fanservice
Continued revival of an old series featuring macho, muscle and mammaries. This is the second “Cobra the Space Pirate” OVA series. The preview is for last year’s first series. There is also a full TV series planned.

seiyuus: Nozawa Machi, Sakakibara Yoshiko.
director: Maeshima Kenichi (Patalliro Saiyuki)
writer: Suenaga Mitsuyo (Patalliro Saiyuki).
animation: chara-des: Shimizu Keizo (Emily of New Moon, Legend of Basara).
sound director: Miyoshi Keiichirou (Saikano, Ray). music: Ike Yoshihiro (Kamichu, Flag, Telepathy Girl Ran).
trailer.
OVA. 2/2eps.
fri 26 jun

Dogs, Bullets and Carnage
(jp: Dogs, Bullets and Carnage)

guns drama carnage
Sometime in the future, somewhere in Europe, Mihai is a retired assassin who has returned home to settle a vendetta and start a new life as a restaurant owner. Haine was genetically experimented on as a child, which led to him possesing dog-like attributes. Badou is the clumsy chain smoking partner who becomes deranged when denied cigarettes. Naoto was orphaned as a child and has amnesia; she was trained to wield the sword. Their pasts are somehow connected to the secret underground and the organization that controls it. (ann)

The director has no track record, and the writer did Kurogane no Linebarrels. But the show was made “with assistance from” Taniguchi Goro. And the cast is professional: Ohtsuka Akio, Ishida Akira, Itou Shizuka, Ohara Sayaka, Shiraishi Ryouko, et al.

I’ve seen ep1, and it was entertainingly dark, with second-rate animation but much well-placed “bullets and carnage.” Both eps are already in cyberspace.

seiyuus: Ishida Akira, Itou Shizuka, Ohara Sayaka, Shiraishi Ryouko, Ohtsuka Akio.
director: Abe Tatsuya (animator)
writer: Yoshimura Kiyoko (Linebarrels).
animation: david production. chara-des: Kanbe Hiroyuki (mecha designer, animator).
trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.
fri 17 jul

Jungle Emperor
(jp: ???????)

family environmental fantasy adventure
Remake of the 1965 anime Jungle Emperor (aka, Jungle Taitei, Kimba the White Lion), based on the manga by Tezuka Osamu. Celebrates the 50th anniversary of Fuji Television and Tezuka’s 80th birthday.

Directed by Taniguchi Goro (Planetes, Code Geass), and written by Suzuki Osamu, who writes the SMAPxSMAP TV variety show and wrote the live-action version of Lovely Complex.

“The new project will be the first Jungle Emperor story set in the 21st century, although it will still deal with familiar Tezuka themes such as family, friendship, and environmental issues. In this future story, mankind is plagued by the environmental destruction it did little to prevent. The United Nations entrusts a company called Eternal Earth to create ‘Neo Jungle,’ an artificial environment for the wildlife that faces extinction. Within this thriving miniature ecosystem, a young white lion named Leo is born. While the cub lacks bravery at first, he vows to ‘become the Jungle Emperor like my father someday!’ One day, Leo encounters Ken’ichi, the son of the head of Eternal Earth.” (ann)

director: Taniguchi Goro (Planetes, Code Geass)
writer: Suzuki Osamu (SMAPxSMAP TV, Lovely Complex live action). Tezuka Osamu (manga).
animation: Tezuka Productions. chara-des: Amano Yoshtaka.
OVA. summer, date not yet set.

Kodomo no Jikan 2
(jp: ???????)

ecchi comedy
A ten-year-old who lives with her doting elder brother but lusts after her young male teacher? A manga full of ecchi scenes between them? But funny and humane, nonetheless.

The previous OVA episodes and the first series were well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri as Rin and Kadowaki Mai and Shindou Kei as her friends.

First major directorial job for experienced animator Suganuma Eiji (Pumpkin Scissors, Bincho-tan). Watashiya Kaworu’s popular manga is adapted by star anime writer Okada Mari (Mamoru-kun, true tears, Toradora, etc.).

seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Shindou Kei, Kadowaki Mai, Majima Junji.
director: Suganuma Eiji
writer: Okada Mari (Sketchbook, true tears, Toradora, Vampire Knight). Watashiya Kaoru (manga).
animation: Studio Barcelona. animation supervisor: Ishikawa Masakazu (Gakuen Alice).
music: Nishida Masaru (Karin, Chokotto Sister).
trailer. forum. OVA. 3/3eps.
fri 24 jul

Mahou Sensei Negima! -- Another World
(jp: ?????????????????? ?1?)

fantasy comedy drama
Will cover the Mahou Sekai story arc. Shinbou is back to direct, and mangaka Akamatsu Ken writes this series as he did the previous OVA series. Also back from the previous OVA series is animator/character designer Jitsuhara Noboru.

seiyuus: Satou Rina, Shiratori Yuri, Kimura Madoka, Sasagawa Ayana, Kuwatani Natsuko, Yamakawa Kotomi, Asakura Azumi, Itou Shizuka, Kanda Akemi, Bandou Ai.
director: Akiyuki Shinbou
writer: Akamatsu Ken. Akamatsu Ken (manga).
animation: Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.
OP Satou Rina, Akemi Kanda, Nonaka Ai, Kobayashi Yu.
OVA. 1/4eps. forum.
thu 17 sep

Nodame Cantabile OVA
(jp: OAD ?????????)

shoujo/josei comedy
Special OVA included with limited edition of volume 22 of the manga. This probably has the same staff and cast as the Paris-hen series, but I can’t find direct confirmation of that. A second Paris-hen series is due in the fall.

seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.
forum. OVA. 1/1eps.
mon 10 aug

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas -- Mei? Shinwa
(jp: ????? THE LOST CANVAS ????)

fighting fantasy adventure
The Goddess Athena and the god Hades have fought against each other repeatedly over the centuries. This story takes place in 18th century Europe, 243 years prior to the original “Saint Seiya.”

Three small children, Tenma, Alone, and Sasha have all shared a very happy childhood together. Tenma, who is aggressive but upstanding, has moved to Sanctuary to become a saint. There he is reunited with Sasha, who learns that she is the reincarnation of Goddess Athena. Alone, who is kind, gentle and loves painting was chosen for the body of her enemy, King Hades. Tenma eventually becomes a saint of Pegasus and engages in a fierce battle with his best friend Alone, the King of Hades. (anidb)

Hirano Aya gets my attention here, in the lead female role. The other voices are fairly starry, too. Director Nabeshima Osamu has been fully occupied with the long-running D. Gray-man. Animation director Iwasa Yuko did D. Gray-man and some episodes of Mushi-shi. Writer Suga Yoshiyuki could be a weak link, however, having done Fighting Beauty Wulong and Kenichi the Mighiest Disciple.

seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann, Fujioka in Minamike), Shimono Hiro (Hiro in ef, Jin in Kannagi), Hirano Aya, Abe Atsushi, Mizuki Nana, Fukuyama Jun, Kobayashi Sanae, Miki Shinichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Houshi Souichirou.
director: Nabeshima Osamu (D. Gray-man)
writer: Suga Yoshiyuki. Teshirogi Shiori (manga).
animation: Tom’s Entertainment. chara-des: Iwasa Yuko. animation supervisor: Iwasa Yuko.
music: Wada Kaoru.
trailer. forum. OVA. 1/13eps.
wed 24 jun

To Love-Ru OVA
(jp: OVA To LOVE?)

ecchi romantic comedy
Moderately successful ecchi comedy gets an OVA, released with volume 15 of the manga.

A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy’s room and decides he is to be her husband. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.

Good cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Tomatsu and Yahagi combine for the OP and ED.

oHagi is also involved in the ED for the new Hayate. I guess she has been working on her singing, as well as her voice-acting. A slowly rising star. Three roles this season.

seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka, Yoshino Hiroyuki.
director: Kato Takao (Busou Renkin, Rockman.EXE)
writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, Simoun).
animation: Xebec.
sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.
forum. OVA. 3/3eps.
tue 04 aug 25:55

Utawarerumono OVA
(jp: OVA ???????)

fantasy adventure
The OVA is based on the popular fantasy adventure game and anime series, but all new staff and studio make this one a crap-shoot. First-time director Katsura Kenichirou did character design on Comic Party Revolution and wrote some of DC Da Capo.

The outstanding cast is back, however: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yuki-nee in Candy Boy), Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko.

seiyuus: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko, Watanabe Akeno.
director: Katsura Kenichirou
writer:
animation: Chaos Project/Aquaplus. chara-des: Katsura Kenichirou.
OP Suara, ED Uehara Rena.
trailer. forum. OVA. 1/3eps.
24 jun

Utsurun Desu
(jp: ??????)

bizarre comedy
An anime adaptation of Sensha Yoshida’s Utsurun Desu “nonsensical” gag comedy comic-strip manga. The manga uses a stable of off-the-wall characters to tell jokes that defy logic. (anidb)

Director Mankyuu is a young filmmaker (just turned 29) who made his name with short flash animations and now has this OVA series.

I have no idea what to expect. A guest seiyuu (comedian Takayama Takenori) says that the lines he was asked to say were all just onomatopoeic sounds that he shouted out. (ann)

seiyuus: Chafurin (Inspector Megure in Detective Conan), Mamiko Noto, Seki Tomokazu, Nakahara Mai, Wakamoto Norio.
director: Mankyuu
writer: Yoshida Sensha (orig).
trailer. OVA. 1/3eps.
fri 21 aug. ep2 18sep, ep3 23oct

Anime Preview: Early Summer 2009 (ALL info-images in this post from GigaZine)

FaS — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:31:38 +0000

SUMMER 2009 ANIME (ALL info&images in this post from GigaZine)

?TV(Terrestrial, BS, CS) and Webcast
?Weis Survive

Synopsis:
Lost in The World of Card Battle, Takeshi and Michi must win their way through card battles to get back to their own world. More about upcoming releases….

Airing:
TBS: Fri. 5, June 25:25-

?Umimonogatari: Anata ga ite kureta Koto(Sea Story)

Synopsis:
Marin and her sister Ullin live under the sea. One day, a beautiful ring came falling down from the land above. They go out of the sea for the first time to return the ring to its owner. The ring belonged to Kanon, a highschool girl. Recently dumped by her boyfriend, Kanon was on the verge of breaking down. When she meets Marin, the chemical between them ignite their hidden power. Together, they must fight the evil “Sedona” as the “priestess of the sea” and “priestess of the sky”.

Airing:
CBC: Wed. 24 June 25:29-
TBS: Fri. 26 June 26:25-
MBS: Mon. 06 July 26:35-

A “Magical Miko Fantasy” by director Junichi Sato of ARIA series and Sailor Moon. Originated from the characters of popular pachinko machine “Umimonogatari” series.

?Faito Ippatsu! Juden chan!!(Show some spirit! Charger Girl!!)

Synopsis:
“Juden” means battery charge in Japanese. Charger Girls are girls with special ability to charge “spirit” to tired people and get them going. One day a pretty girl named Plug enters the ordinary life of college student Sento Ohmi. Plug is one of the Charger Girls.

Airing:
AT-X: Thu. 25 June 08:00- / Reruns: (Thu)20:00- (Mon)14:00-, 26:00-

Anime adaption of the comedy manga by Bow Ditama currently serialized in Monthly Comic Gum. Bow Ditama started his career by adult mangas with explicit sexual content, focused especially on pissing. He gained popularity among mainstream readers as the illustrator of Mahoromatic serialized in Comic Gum since 1999.

?Ukkari Penelope 2nd Series(Penelope tete en l’air)

Synopsis:
Drawing pictures at her nursery, helping her mom bake, playing in the snow, helping the farm, three-year-old Penelope’s everyday life is full of fun and adventure.

Airing:
NHK-Educational: Weekday morning 07:40- , starts on June 29 (Mon)

2nd season of anime adaption of Ann Gutman and Georg Hallensleben’s Penelope picture books. 26 episodes.

?Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Synopsis:
Once a year, the priviledged Ushiromiyas’ gather on a small, secluded island for the annual family conference. This year, a typhoon traps 8 family members and 10 servants on the island, and shortly after, strange things start to happen and people start dying, reminding them of a legendary witch called Beatrice.

Airing:
Chiba TV: Wed. 01 July 25:30-
TV Aichi: Wed. 01 July 25:58-
KBS Kyoto: Thu. 02 July 25:15- (25:00 for the 5th episode and on)
Teletama: Thu. 02 July 25:30-
tvk: Sat. 04 July 25:30-
SUN-TV: Mon. 06 July 25:40-
AT-X: Sat. 11 July 9:00-, 23:00-

?NEEDLESS

Synopsis:
Japan, 2130, aftermath of WWIII. Polluted area called “BS(Black Spot)” appear throughout the country. BS’s are isolated by walls but people start to inhabit there. Residents of the City write off residents of BS as “Needless”, but some of those “Needless” possess mysterious power.

Airing:
Tokyo MX: Thu. 02 July 25:30-
MBS: Sat. 04 July 26:58-
Teletama: Mon. 06 July 25:30-
tvk: Wed. 08 July 26:15-
Tokai TV: July
AT-X: Tue. 18 August 8:00-, 20:00- / Fri. 14:00-, 26:00-

Based on the ongoing manga “NEEDLESS” by Kami Imai serialized in Ultra Jump.

?Element Hunters

Synopsis:
Massive ground sinkage that occured on mediterranean coast in 2029 was due to the sudden disappearance of oxygen in the earth crust. From there on, elements vanished rapidly; oxygen, carbon, gold, molybdenum, cobalt…..causing forest, field, buildings and lives to cease.
60 years later, “Nega Earth” was discovered to be where the elements went. Only children under 13 with pliable brain tissue can access the “Nega Earth” beyond the border of dimension. Thus, “Element Hunters” organized by children must retrieve the elements to save the world.

Airing:
NHK Educational: Sat. 04 July 18:00-

?Zan – Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

Despairing for the 3rd time, the new series of “Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei” announced – GIGAZINE

Synopsis:
Cynical and pessimistic to extreme, highschool teacher Nozomu Itoshiki (nicknamed “Zetsubou Sensei” since his name in Chinese character can be read “zetsubou” which means despair in Japanese) can only see the most unfavorable side of things. In the 11th grade class he teaches is the “Little Miss Brightside” Kafuka Fuura and other peculiar specimens. Their absurd schooldays are full of dry humour.

Airing:
tvk: Sat. 04 July 24:30-
Chiba TV: Sun. 05 July 23:30-
Teletama: Sun. 05 July 25:00-
SUN-TV:Mon. 06 July 24:00-
Tokyo MX:Mon. 06 July 25:30-
TV Aichi:Tue. 07 July 25:28-
KBS Kyoto: Wed. 08 July 25:00-
BS11:Fri. 10 July 24:30-

?Princess Lover!

Trailer(Windows Media player)

Synopsis:
At the sudden death of his parents, Teppei Arima is adopted to his billionaire grandfather. Transferred to the prestigious private school Shuho Academy, he gets to know some exquisite young ladies.

Airing:
Chiba TV:Sun. 05 July 24:30-
tvk: Sun. 05 July 25:30-
Chukyo TV: Mon. 06 July 27:15-
Anime One, Animate.TV, Mobile Animate: Tue 07, July-
Tokyo MX: Tue. 07 July 25:30-
SUN-TV: Wed. 08 July 26:10-
Teletama: Fri. 10 July 25:00-

?Kanamemo

Synopsis:
When her grandmother pass away, Kana Nakamachi becomes a complete orphan. Running away from her now empty house, she finds lodging and job as a newspaper carrier.

Airing:
TV Tokyo: Sun. 05 July 25:30-
TVQ Kyushu: Mon. 06 July 26:53-
TV Osaka: Tue. 07 July 26:05-
TV Aichi: Wed. 08 July 25:28-
TV Setouchi: Thu. 09 July 25:58-

?GA Geijutsuka Art Design Class

Synopsis:
Comedy depicting the everyday life of five highshool girls majoring art and design; hard working but absent-minded Kisaragi Yamaguchi, overachiever Miyabi Ohmichi nicknamed “Kyoju (Professor)”, tomboy Tomokane whose firstname is unknown, hyper-active Miki Noda and cool observer Namiko Nozaki with witty remarks.

Airing:
Yomiuri TV: Mon. 06 July 26:14-
FBC: Wed. 08 July 25:35-
Chiba TV: Wed. 08 July 26:30-
Gunma TV: Sat. 11 July 24:00-
tvk: Sat. 11 July 25:00-
Teletama: Mon. 13 July 23:00-
Tochigi TV: Mon. 13 July 25:45-
Gifu Broadcasting System: Tue. 14 July 25:45-
Mie TV: Tue. 14 July 26:50
AT-X: Thu. 23 July 11:00-, 23:00- / Mon. 17:00-, 29:00-

?Sora no Manimani

Synopsis:
A highschool stargazer rom-com. Saku Oyagi moves back to a town where he used to live. Entering highschool, he encounters his childhood archenemy Mihoshi Akeno who coerces him to join the Astronomy Club.

Airing:
Chiba TV: Tue. 07 July 25:00-
TV Aichi: Tue. 07 July 25:58-
Tokyo MX: Tue. 07 July 26:00-
SUN-TV: Tue. 07 July 26:10-
Teletama: Sat. 11 July 25:30-
AT-X: Tue. 07 July 10:30-, 22:30- / Fri. 16:30-, 28:30-

?Yoku Wakaru Gendai Maho(Properly Learned Modern Magic)

Synopsis:
Koyomi Morishita finds a brochure of a magic academy in her closet and decides to give it a go. Unfortunately, the school was closed down but Koyori manages to become apprenticed to Misa Anehara, one of the most powerful sorceresses in the modern world.

Airing:
BS11: Sat. 11 July 24:00-
BANDAICHANNEL(Streaming): Mon. 13 July

?Spice and Wolf II

Sneak Preview of “Spice and Wolf II”, the second anime season of Spice and Wolf starting this July – GIGAZINE

Synopsis:
Pedler Craft Lawrenc and wolf deity Horo are traveling to Horo’s homeland Yoitsu. On their way, they meet a young fish broker Fermi Amati who instantly falls head over heels for Horo.

Airing:
July

?CANAAN

Synopsis:
Canaan was raised as a soldier. She goes to Shanghai in the pursuit of Alfad, the leader of crime syndicate “Snake”. There she reunites with her only friend Maria Osawa. And all hell breaks out.

Airing:
Tokyo MX: Sat. 04 July 22:30-
tvk
Chiba TV
Teletama
Tokai TV
Kansai TV

Note:
Anime adaption of adventure video game 428: Fusasareta Shibuya de for Wii. There are several storylines in the game but the anime is based on the bonus scenario created by Type-Moon.

?TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0

Synopsis:
Summer holiday just started and 13-year-old Mirai Onozawa was obliged to take her little brother Yuuki to a robot exhibition. So when an earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude on the Richter scale strikes Tokyo, they have to find their way from Odaiba to their home in Setagaya with the help of Mari Kusakabe, a motorbike-riding messenger and a single parent who’s worried sick about her 5-year-old daughter.

Airing:
Fuji TV: Thu. 24:45- (July)
Kansai TV: Tue. 25:35- (July)
Tokai TV:Thu. 26:05- (July)
TV Nishinippon: Wed. 26:15- (July)
Saga TV: Wed. 24:35- (July)
Niigata Sogo TV: Thu. 25:55- (July)
Kochi Sun Sun Broadcasting: Wed. 15:30- (July)
TV Nagasaki: Fri. 26:15- (August)
TV Kumamoto: Tue. 26:05- (August)
Sakuranbo TV: Sat. 25:05- (August)
UHB: Sun. 25:40- (September)
Fuji TV TWO: Sat. 24:00- / Wed. 16:00-

?Aoi Hana (Blue Flower)

Synopsis:
“What would you do if I was in love with a girl?”
Fumi and Akira were best friends when they were little, with Akira always looking after the crybaby Fumi, but Fumi’s family moved away ten years ago. Now attending a prestigious all-girls highschool, Akira bumps into Fumi who just moved back to Kamakura. Fumi goes to another all-girls school and starts dating an upperclassman. Akira is supportive and their friendship grow. Gradually, Fumi comes to the fact that Akira was her first crush.

Airing:
Must still look

?Taisho Baseball Girls

Synopsis:
July, Taisho 14 (1925). Koume is a 14-year-old daughter of a Western-style restaurant owner who attends an all-girls academy. One day, out of the blue her best friend Akiko Ogasawara asks her to play baseball. Caught off guard, Koume nods agreement on reflex. But what kind of sport is baseball? What equipments does it need? What are the rules? To start with, how many teammates do they need?

Airing:
July

?Bakemonogatari

Teaser Trailer

Synopsis:
Koyomi Araragi is a highschool senior who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, he accidentally discovers the secret of his classmate Hitagi Senjogahara. Hitagi violently threats him to confidentiality sticking box cutter and stapler in his mouth.

Airing:
Fri. 03 July 23:00-

?Kimba the White Lion

TAF 2009: Osamu Tezuka’s “Kimba the White Lion” to be renewed in summer 2009 – GIGAZINE

Synopsis:
20XX. Artificial jungle project started as an effort to counter the destruction of environment. Animals are forced to leave their jungle home for the artificial “Neo Jungle”. There, Leo(Kimba), the son of Panja the White Lion meets Kenichi, the son of the developer of Neo Jungle.

Airing:
Fuji TV: Summer 2009

?Kuruneko

Synopsis:
Manga author Yamato Kuruneko has a passion for booze, samurai-novels and baseball. He lives with five cats, the “Kuruneko Gang”.

Airing:
July

?Hetalia: Axis Powers 2nd Series

Synopsis:
Comedy starring countries personified as human characters: the carefree, cowardly and lackadaisical Italy: strict and rigid Germany working under a crazy boss: hard-working and serious but awkwardly naive Japan. Set around the period between WWI and WWII.

Airing:
Animate. TV(webcast): Mon. 16:00-
Mobile Animate: Fri. 16:00-

?Movies
?Asylum Session

Synopsis:
Hiyoko is a highschool student willing to proceed to art college. She run away from her home in revolt againt her father clearing off her departed mother’s paintings. On her run, she meets Akira, the leader of the street children at the “Asylum Stadium”. As police seeks to knock down the stadium, residents of the stadium plan “Asylum Session”, a street culture event to protest the act.

Opening Date:
Theatre Umeda: June 6(Sat.)
Theatre Shinjyuku: July
Century Cinema: July

It’s a refined version of “Haruwo”, the one-man made full 3DCG animation by musician Takuto Aoki. The original story, video, musics and so on are produced by Aoki and background arts are done by college students learning CG art. Here’s the link to the trailer shown on Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009.

?Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai

Synopsis:

Opening Date:
Theatre Shinjyuku,Theatre Umeda?Gold Gekijyou?6/13(?)

Synopsis:
Follows the life of Musashi Miyamoto, master swordsman of Edo era.

Famous film maker Mamori Oshii depicts Musashi Miyamoto from the new aspect based on “The Book of Five Rings”

?Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Synopsis:
14 year old boy Shinji Ikari pilots “Evangelion”, the human shaped weapon and fights the “Angels”, unknown enemies.

Opening Date:
June 27(Sat.)

The second of the “Rebuild of Evangelion” tetralogy. While the 1st followed the synopsis of former series, the story will start to show totally new development from this movie on with an appearance of Asuka whose name has changed, Mari Illustrious Makinami the new character and the makeshift “Unit-05″.

?Summer Wars

Synopsis:
Highschool junior Kenji Koiso spends his summer holiday in countryside of Nagano invited by senior girl Natsuki Shinohara, who is a member of ancient Jinnai clan continuing from Muromachi era. One day, Kenji triggers a catastrophy by accident.

Opening Date:
Aug. 1(Sat.)

?Naruto the Movie – Hurricane Chronicles – The one who inherit the spirit of flame

Synopsis:
Four ninjas of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure and Sunagakure has disappeared. For Konohagakure was not harmed, they are doubted by other countries. To avoid the 4th Ninja War to occur, Konohagakure is ordered by Land of Fire to investigate the matter. But then, it became clear that Kakashi had escaped from Konohagakure village.

Opening Date:
Aug. 1st.

Original comic has been serealized in Weekly Shone Jump for ten years. This movie is the adaption from the second season of TV anime. You can get plastic paper folder with a purchase of advance ticket.

?Karano Kyokai the Movie: Chapter 7 “Murder Speculation(last half)”

Synopsis:
“Shiki, I will not let you go, forever”
Four years after chapter 2 “Murder Speculation(first half)”. The repeated serial killing reminds Mikiya Kurokiri of Shiki’s desire for murdering, the disappearance of “Ori”, and especially the connection between Shiki and the murder of 4 years ago. Just then, Mikiya meets someone whom he used to be close with in highschool.

Opening Date:
Theatre Shinjyuku: In August

Note:
Limited advance tickets with a B2 size poster will be sold at Theatre Shinjyuku from June 20 (Sat.)

?OVA
?OVA Utawarerumono

Synopsis:
Hakuoro and Ultry found an abandoned baby in the town and named him Fumiruiru. While searching for his parents, Ultry takes care of him like his real mother. At last his real parents are found but by the time Ultry’s got so attached to the baby that she tries to run away with him.

Release Date:
Vol.1: June 24(Wed)

“Utawarerumono” which was adapted to TV anime in 2006 is going to become OVA this time. It was originally an adult game by Leaf and became a non-rated game for PS2. Spin-out radio streaming program “Utawarerumono Radio” has gained popularity for funny conversations between Rikiya Koyama and Ryoka Yuzuki.

?Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas- Hades Mythology

Synopsis:
As Tenma is given the Cloth of Pegasus, Pandora appeared in front of Alone again. At last Tenma and Pandora are divided into friends and enemies and Sacred War is to break out.

Relase Date:
Vol.1 June 24(Wed)

OVA adaption of the comic serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion. There will be 13 episodes released.

?Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

Synopsis:
Rika has been brought to Hinamizawa in another world, where no tragedy occur. Rika found the key to return to the real world in her mother, but then, Hanyu told her that in this world everybody can be happy. Rika has to choose wheter to kill her mother and return to the real world, or to stay in this world.

Relase Date:
Vol.4 Sai Goroshi Hen 3rd.
DVD edition: June 24(Thurs.)
Blu-ray Edition: July 24(Fri.)

It gives the conclusion to Sai Goroshi Hen, depicting Rika in another world since volume 2. From next volume, Hirukowashi Hen, the sidestory-like chapter begin.

OP: Eiko Shimamiya “Super scription of data”
ED?anNina “Gentle Gaze”

?Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka Hardcore

Synopsis:
Yuhi and her friends visit private island owned by Ayanokojis. But by-effect of a sunscreen sampler titillated them and brought about the mess.

Release Date:
June 26(Fri.)

Originally released as PC game by feng. In Oct. 2008 it has become TV anime and now it’s going to be OVA. There will be newly-drawn jacket and CD of “Akane Iro Ni Somaru Saka Radio” in the limited edition.

?AIKa ZERO

Synopsis:
Girls of Saint Aero Academy have somehow disappeared. While more than 30 students have disappeared, some returned losing their memory. Aika, demanded by Karen and Eri, starts investigating undercover as a student. In the academy Aika finds mysterious group of girls “White Knights”

?Koware Kake No Orgel

Synopsis:
A story of Keiichiro, a man with sad past and android Flower, the abandoned.

Relase Date:
2009 Summer.

It's Finally Anime! » Anime Previews

Kiss x Sis – OVA 2 & 3 Review

When you REALLY should keep it in the family Who 2 pick, who 2 prick – hummmm

Anime PC Dating-Sim Report: Issue 2 March

Contents:

Heartwork -- The Game

Real Kanojo (Real Girlfriend)

Zettai Maou

Starless

Devil Make Love

Final Thoughts/Last Words

Vampire Bund Ep1: 10 Ways 2 Suck 10X More Than Bleach

1. No Opening OP:

2. Start With A Gameshow…>.>

3. Gameshow Is Entire Episode:

4. 3 Seconds of Boob Bounce:

5. Tokyo GodFather Rejects: Unleashed

6. Cheap Laughs:

7. Widdle Girl Starts Crying About Nothing:

8. Epic Bite Fail:

9. Power To Control Vampires:

10. Ending With A STUPID Cliche:

Final Verdict:

Action: 1/10

Animation: 6.5/10

Character Developement: 2/10

Pacing: First Episode exempt from this score

Overall Outlook: 3/10

Winter V3 Anime Chart: ALL Dates Revealed

Winter 2010 V2 New Shows/Subbed Trailers

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

Durarara!!

Dance In The Vampire Bund

Gag Manga Biyori+

So Ra No Wo To:

Qwaser of Stigmata/Seikon no Qwaser

Ladies Vs Butlers/Redi x Bato:

Chu-Bra!!

Ookami Kakushi/Hidden God:

Weis Survive R

Kaito Reinya/Phantom Theif Reinya

Heartcatch Precure:

Katanagatari/Sword Story:

Aki Sora:

Boku OtaryMan:

Chu-Bra!! Episode 1: OMFG, MORE

Vampire Bund Outlook & Manga Review

Total Grade: A+ or 10/10

Read Dance In The Vampire Bund @ MangaFox.Com

Anime Previews: Winter 2010

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

Contents:

DURARARA

Dance In The Vampire Bund

So-Ra-No-Wo-To

Katanagatari

The Qwaser of Stigmata

Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei

Hidden God

Omamori Himari

Ladies vs Butlers

Chu-Bra!!

Anime Previews: Summer July 2009

Anime Preview: Early Summer 2009 (ALL info-images in this post from GigaZine)

SUMMER 2009 ANIME (ALL info&images in this post from GigaZine)