Not everything is known yet due to an incomplete story mode, but I’ll do my best to fill you in. Mind you, I will be assuming you already know the basics regarding the storyline. V-13 from Calamity Trigger has finally been destroyed by Ragna, and has now been replaced by Lambda-11. Lambda is Kokonoe’s cobbled together version of V-13 and has been designed to go after Hazama (who’s possessed by Terumi, an evil ghost). Just a sidenote, from what I understand, each Nu-like android is a type of “Murakumo unit.” When Lambda (or anyone else in the game) goes after Terumi in Arcade Mode, he unveils the true form of Noel Vermillion after inheriting the most powerful Azure Grimoire and combining with a customized Murakumo Unit.

At the moment, there aren’t really any solid move-lists available for Mu-12, but it is publically known she will use a giant sword as her weapon. More specifically, the sword behind her which is reminiscant of the encasement in which V-13 uses to store her armor. Though Mu-12 is another murakumo unit, i seriously doubt her play-style will be remotely close to Nu. I think Aksys knows better than to make replica characters. Hopefully her playstyle will be unique enough. At any rate though, concept art is certainly accessible, which I took the liberty of putting in the post. For any seiyuu geeks, the same person who does the voice work for Lambda and Nu, will also be doing Mu. According to 30Ninjas, “Kondou herself will also be voicing Lambda-11, Nu-13’s replacement in Continuum Shift, whose basic move-list is similar to her previous incarnation, although how the movies themselves operate have vastly changed in terms of speed, power, and overall mechanics.”

30Ninjas also stated how, “Many fans believe that Mu-12’s confirmation is a partial response to the recent leak of the arcade version.” Personally, I highly doubt that. I didn’t really go back to check into the comments section to see if the author retracted any statements, so remember the following could potentially be null & void. Yes, the new version of Blazblue: Continuum Shift WAS leaked and has been out for some time now, but people are missing a gigantic picture here.

1. Majority of the people who know about the leak are people who are HEAVILY into the Blazblue scene in the first place
2. People have downloaded BBCS have downloaded it NOT to serve as a game, but for early practice until the console version comes out
3. Sparring mode for a maximum of 14 minutes per session
4. Only certain people can run the game on his or her PC – MUST have a good computer w/a great graphics card
5. Mac users are exempt from BBCS
6. Actually performing commands is another thing. Getting a controller to work is a REAL chore. Whoever has a TE fight-stick though
7. Arcade mode can only be fought on Normal mode
8. There’s no “true” training mode where the CPU stands still to let you really practice
9. Probably the second biggest problem…NO STORY MODE…>.>
10. The first biggest issue: NO ONLINE CAPABILITY O.O

With that said, as someone who plays Blazblue all the time and has candid conversation with a healthy amount of the BB community, I can confidently say everyone who downloads the “pirated version” WILL be buying it. We were going to in the first place, and still plan to. The notion how some critics think this leak has caused “the death of arcades” is incredibly dumb. I don’t particularly like arcades that much, but still know a lot of people love the feel of an arcade stick over a controller or keyboard any day. You’ll have to read the rest of 30Ninjas article regarding the supposed downfall of arcades and such.

Continuum Shift will be releasing for the PS3/Xbox360 in Japan over the Summer, and in the U.S. around the same time the first game was released. A new Legion and Tutorial mode will become available along with a new story mode. Until it actually comes out, feast your eyes on the Mu-12 pics below

Regarding release dates and such, analysts seem to be all over the place. Play.Tm projects 2010 will be the Playstation 4′s entry into the videogame world, while others such as GamesIndustry.biz foretells the iconic system being released later, in 2011-2012. And as if that weren’t bad enough, the new system would probably be here now if it weren’t for development of its processor:

Yerli, giving a talk on “The Future of Gaming Graphics”, also explained Crytek’s plans for a new version of its in-house engine to be released in 2012, but stated his belief that the effective current gaming maximums would remain at resolutions of 1920×1080 and 60 frames per second until that time.

He also added that he believed GPUs and CPUs were on a collision course, with the former becoming more effective at general computing, and the latter more effective at parallel tasks – and that software such as DirectX 11 would help that collision to happen towards the end of 2009.

The first title to use Crytek’s current development technology, CryEngine2, was last year’s Crysis, with a new title – Crysis: Warhead – to be released in a few weeks. CryEngine 2 took 25 engineers four years to put together, and used the original CryEngine as a base – which itself took an average of 20 engineers three years to build. (GamesIndustry.Biz)

In other words, Sony’s still considering whether to scrap the infamously hard to program, “cell” processor, or move on to some different PC hardware. The web is flooded…and I mean FLOODED with Playstation 4 madness. I mean for goodness sakes, again, I JUST got my Playstation 3 earlier this year. Blazblue: Continuum Shift hasn’t even come out yet.

However, I was doing a bit more research on the subject beyond the boring stuff like energy usage, and stumbled upon a site talking about the Playstation 4′s backwards compatibility. “Hmmmm,” I thought. It only seems logical to keep compatibility with the PS3 especially since this will probably be the smallest margin between 2 console releases. And I was right for the most part. It appears Sony might to us one-better – COMPLETE backwards compatibility. Yup, you read right. Basically, by implementing emulation software for PS1, PS2, PSP and PS3 games on all formats. There’s even word that a ps2 emulation “patch” is in the works for the PS3 soon.

As far as price range goes, the quotes are looking mighty morbid. Various forums believe pricing for the Playstation 4 will begin at a hefty $1,000. Taking into account the initial price of the Playstation 3, some are thinking 600-800 dollars might even be the magic number. If one thing is for certain, the Playstation 4 will have to set its price to keep good competition with other potential consoles such as the Wii HD. We all know how terrible sales were in the beginning for the PS4 and we also know Sony simply cannot afford a large loss like that ever again.

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

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

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

Durarara!!

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

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? You know it

Dance In The Vampire Bund

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwZlzA05JLU

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? uH, yeahhh

Gag Manga Biyori+

No Video I’m confident is This Series

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

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

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

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

So Ra No Wo To:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyEgt6xfoV8

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

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

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

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

Qwaser of Stigmata/Seikon no Qwaser

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies Vs Butlers/Redi x Bato:

Link To Episode 1: English Subbed Ladies vs Butlers

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Yup yup yup

Chu-Bra!!

Episode 1 RAW can be found on Youtube

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? >.> Duh…

Ookami Kakushi/Hidden God:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXLxq3m8Tx4

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

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdkriLHVbK8

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

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

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

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

Weis Survive R

Link To Weiss Survive Episode 1 English Sub Trailer

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Noooo…definitely not.

Kaito Reinya/Phantom Theif Reinya

www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zkKVbKpKw

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

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Thinking about it…maybe.

Heartcatch Precure:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHddceIVQg

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? I think I will.

Katanagatari/Sword Story:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh16mPqfiGM

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Definitely gonna check it out

Aki Sora:

Aki Sora Episode 1 (OVA)

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Definitely.

Boku OtaryMan:

No Trailers at the moment

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Yup

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

Hi Matthew,

As you probably aware, here at Just Host we proactively monitor all our servers
to ensure that our clients websites are loading as fast as possible at all
times. During this routine monitoring we
have found that your account is utilizing an excessive amount of system
resources, and we have been forced to suspend your site as per our terms and
conditions ’10% CPU Policy’

For your reference, here is a copy of your usage report:

Top Process     %CPU 82.0       [php]
Top Process     %CPU 72.0       [php]
Top Process     %CPU 54.0       /usr/bin/php /home/finally1/public_html/

index.php

Just Host offer unlimited hosting space and unlimited bandwidth, but as per our
terms we will suspend any website which exceeds our 10% CPU policy. We hope that
you understand our position in
ensuring that we provide the best possible service. In order to continue to
provide this high quality service, you will need to upgrade to a dedicated
server, which will give you an abundance of
additional resources and speed up your website.

As a loyal Just Host customer we have arranged for you to receive a special
deal on a dedicated server with SingleHop, (our trusted dedicated partner) who
will assist you with everything you need
to make your switch a smooth transaction.

Please visit this link to upgrade to a dedicated server:
http://www.justhost.com/godedicated

Sorry for any inconvenience, and we hope you understand our decision. Once you
have made the switch to dedicated, feel free to contact us at
billing@justhost.com for a refund of your current Just
Host account. On behalf of everyone here at Just Host, we wish you all the best
with your online ventures.

Please let me know if you need more help.
Thank you.

Q) I understand how there’s a problem…but how in the world am I supposed to know what caused something like this to your server….? I can’t fix what
I don’t know. But you seem to have an idea. If you could fill me in, that’d be great. Because I don’t know if this has to do with traffic…certain script in my theme…I am completely at a loss.
A) Unfortunately, we do not provide technical support for the 3rd party software. I believe, you should install some plugin which will optimize your script queries and help to use less memory and CPU sources.
I believe, following link will help you in future:

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/

Q) And also, since you change the I.P. address, is there something I will also have to change for an FTP uploading program?

A) You should use your domain name as FTP hostname or server IP 99.198.108.66. You can also use server hostname to connect your server via FTP.
The server hostname is load1.justhost.com

Q) My question about payment was never answer unfortunately. When is the next pay-period where I’ll have to pay something? I don’t know if this server you moved me to temporary or anything like that.

A) We will be able to transfer your account back once you optimize your scripts and they won’t cause server overload. As for the next payment period, so I will forward this ticket to our billing dept. for the better assistance. Please wait for the ticket response. Our billing will contact you as soon as possible.

Q) I don’t want my site to be taken down again; is there any other hosters that you affiliate with that don’t have this limitation?

A) You can upgrade your account to the dedicated server. In this case you will be only once customer on it and it will be under your full control. You will have ROOT/Administrator permissions on it.

5) Last question: If I did have to move hosting, what will happen to the domains I have registered with you all? Will I get to keep it or no? And if not, is there a buyback fee.

Our billing dept. will answer this question.

Baka-Raptor did me a gigantic favor and provided some good detective work about their terms of services and it looks like my operations are just a bit too big I mean even though I’m still a bit on edge, I won’t complain, I’ll just try to go somewhere else. So in light of this, I’m telling everyone who might be under fire from something like this: check your stats and get a “wordpress caching” plugin to reduce usage. I just put one in and it seems like it’s helped a little bit. Oh, and also, take out all the plugins you don’t really use. If you don’t use it and it’s active, then deactivate or delete it. Here’s another email containing a list of things you can’t do. CHECK YOUR TERMS OF SERVICES TO MAKE SURE NONE OF THIS IS ON THERE – OR THAT YOU’LL NEVER DO ANY OF IT.

Hi Danny,

Nope, this is not true.
We have suspended policy: http://www.justhost.com/terms and there you can find the following:
–
User may not:

Use 25% or more of system resources for longer than 90 seconds. There are numerous activities that could cause such problems; these include: CGI scripts, FTP, PHP, HTTP, etc.
Run stand-alone, unattended server-side processes at any point in time on the server. This includes any and all daemons, such as IRCD.
Run any type of web spider or indexer (including Google Cash / AdSpy) on shared servers.
Run any software that interfaces with an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) network.
Run any bit torrent application, tracker, or client. You may link to legal torrents off-site, but may not host or store them on our shared servers.
Participate in any file-sharing/peer-to-peer activities
Run any gaming servers such as counter-strike, half-life, battlefield1942, etc
Run cron entries with intervals of less than 15 minutes
When using PHP include functions for including a local file, include the local file rather than the URL. Instead of include(“http://yourdomain.com/include.php”) use include(“include.php”)
While our shared services are suitable for the bulk of our customers, there comes a time for some websites when they are better suited for a larger plan, which allows for more dedicated CPU and memory resources. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to discontinue service to any customer with a website or other hosted data that takes up more than 10% of the server resources and/or 10% of the server’s CPU. This means that if your website is found to be utilizing more than 10% of the CPU and memory of the service, we reserve the right to take your site offline. If this becomes necessary, you can either upgrade your hosting package, or request a pro-rated refund of the amounts you have paid in advance for the services. Due to the severity of this, and our ability to act quickly to correct these situations to avoid server issues, we will do everything reasonably feasible to provide you with a warning prior to taking your site offline, but we accept no obligation to do so!
.
–
Kind regards,
Jordon Watts
Just Host
www.justhost.com
View our online Video Tutorials here: http://www.justhost.com/video-tutorials
Introduce a Friend to Just Host and receive $60! http://www.justhost.com/affiliates

Anyways, I hope you learned something from this. If you’re in question or are always moving, look into it and if anyone knows ANY good hosting solutions that don’t worry about limits too often for a good price, please tell me ASAP. I don’t know how much longer this site will be up…AND BACKUP YOUR DATA!!!

Click here if you want to make sure you’re backing up ALL your data. My post will explain it all.

Ok, it isn’t realllllyyyy an incest anime, but a bit “close.” Basically the story is as follows for the new show, Kiss×sis (image courtesy of Courtesy of http://otakuartist.wordpress.com/2009/01/03/kissxsis:

The story follows the “forbidden” love between a boy and his two stepsisters. The manga has already inspired three original anime DVD volumes that are bundled with the limited first editions of the third, fourth, and fifth manga volumes. (The fifth manga volume will ship in Japan on November 20.) AnimeNewsNetwork

Apparently, the manga from which this show was adapted from has been in  Kodansha’s weekly Young Magazine since 2004.  For those of you who are a bit skeptical about the pedigree of a show such as this, I’m sure you’d be glad to know the same person (Bow Ditama) who made, Fight Ippatsu! Juuden Chan!!, is the individual working on this series. In other news, A television anime adaptation of Bow Ditama‘s Kiss×sis romance manga has been green-lit for next spring.

SIDENOTE: so looking at the post I put in the picture’s link, this other blogger says he saw some OVAs earlier in the year of it. I don’t know if I’m super slow or stupid, but I think I’m still not grasping the difference between OVAs, OAVs, and regular anime episodes…I feel like I’m an epic fail. Someone help me out lol.

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

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

Contents:

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

Winter 2009-2010 Anime, Can't Wait

DURARARA

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

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Hell to the Yerr

Dance In The Vampire Bund

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOEHatpuEA

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? uH, yeahhh

So-Ra-No-Wo-To

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

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

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

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

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

Katanagatari

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBhOyWWE3MQ

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Definitely gonna check it out

The Qwaser of Stigmata

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1yZV_QNjSk

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

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

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

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

Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei

Don’t see any trailers yet

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Maybe

Hidden God

Definitely no trailers yet

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

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

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

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

Omamori Himari

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

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? I suppose

Ladies vs Butlers

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

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

Summary:

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

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

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

Covering in the Future? Yup yup yup

Chu-Bra!!

No Trailers atm. Sadly.

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!!

So ever since I read the description for the this show, I’ve been looking forward to this show for quite a while. Adding to that, I never even watched the 2 previous series preceding this specific iteration. Would I understand, or let alone, appreciate a show like this? After watching the first 21 minutes on ZOMGanime, I came to a simple conclusion: “meh…”

Meh? Why meh? Actually, I’m asking myself the same question. Unlike many of the other review/outlooks, I’ll try to be short this go-round. Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (ZSZS) is just a weird fucking show. That’s almost all I can think to say at the moment. It’s like Azumanga Daioh + Samurai Champloo + Cowboy Bebop + Soul Eater + Couple Other Shows = ZSZS. The humor is definitely quirky and there are a number of funny exploits you’d love to hear about. However, I think it’s best just to watch it yourself. I wouldn’t be doing you or myself justice by merely rattling something off much funnier seen than heard.

Here’s a little background from Wiki, since I don’t feel like summarizing myself:

Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei revolves around a very pessimistic high school teacher named Nozomu Itoshiki who, at the very beginning of the series, tries to hang himself on a sakura tree. Despite this effort of self-destruction, he is saved by an extremely optimistic girl known only as Kafuka Fuura (though in her effort to save his life, she almost kills him). She explains to him that it is simply unimaginable that he would hang himself on such a nice day, especially in front of such beautiful trees. She decides to nickname Nozomu “Pink Supervisor” (????, Momoiro Kakarich?^?), and offers to pay him fifty yen to call him by that nickname. After having enough of the strange girl, Nozomu bolts to the school and starts his homeroom class, but the attempt to escape was in vain as he finds that the girl is one of his students. Not only that, but Kafuka is just the tip of the iceberg: each and every student in his class represents a new personality quirk or bizarre obsession, posing challenges that the suicidally-inclined teacher must overcome in spite of himself.

Each chapter or episode of the series revolves around a particular aspect of life, Japanese culture, or a common phrase in the Japanese language. Typically, this involves the subject being taken either to its most logical extreme (a discussion of amakudari, the practice of “descending” from the public to the private sector, results in Nozomu “descending” until he reaches his previous life), or taken literally (in Nozomu’s family, omiai, normally a meeting between a potential match in an arranged marriage, is instead a marriage concluded by eye-contact). On other occasions, Nozomu challenges his students to think about the negative aspects of something usually considered positive. These in-depth, off-kilter analyses (along with the reactions of the students according to their own personality quirks) are usually brought to a head with a punchline based on the overall premise, or more rarely, a non-sequitur gag or piece of fan service.

What I will talk about, however, is something that kind of bothered me a little bit. In spite of the great artistry and off-the-wall humor. Near the end of the show, I started asking myself when it was gonna end…and not in the good way. Usually the first episode to a new series is supposed to be funny or sad or whatever leaving the viewer wanting more, but I didn’t feel that. Since I haven’t seen the series prior to this, I suppose I can’t be too hard on it considering this show might take off immediately from the 2nd season’s last episode. But (yeah, another “but”) something just wasn’t right.

You know when you watch a comedian, and they say something funny and the audience laughs a lot? Yeah, that’s good. The show definitely did that. But on the other hand, you know when a comedian notices the laughs and tries to run with it as long as he can? Yeahh….this show did exactly that. It was not good. Ok fine, I guess when I think about it, there is definitely some things that just never get old or not funny, but again, this episode didn’t seem to grasp the aforementioned concept.

Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t to say the show sucked or anything, but it is something that can bring down the show if it keeps up. The art was great, the character design seemed pretty unique, but if something doesn’t change with the humor thing…I might have to drop this show. For now, I’ll keep watching it since I think it has a lot of potential.

Production Value: 10/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
Innovation: 8/10
Pacing: 7/10
Mushyness: 2/10
Main Character Traits: Logical, dry, satirical, suicidal, caring, weird
Overall Score so far: 5/10 – I’ve looked forward to the show for quite a while & everything’s on point, but the humor seems to get a bit old after a while. Such a unique show, but something’s missing. I want to give it chance, so I’ll keep watching.

Just to let you all know. I’ve never seen or heard of the original “Spice & Wolf,” so this is completely new to me. Judging from pictures I’ve seen around the net and other photos, I thought it would be kind of sappy without any real story attached. This year, I’m trying to be more open and appreciate the nuances of the anime I watch…along with many others. But anyways, on with the review/outlook.

Spice & Wolf………rrriiightt. This first episode definitely seemed to continue from a prior episode rather than being a standalone such as other series. As noted in previous reviews, I’m super terrible with names, so I looked up some information on the show & come to find out, (not super surprising though) it was originally a well-to-do manga. In fact, the main characters don’t even seem to have the names Spice or Wolf. That kind of annoys me….so to clear that up, the man traveling with the “wolf,” is dubbed, “Kraft.” Yes…like the damn fake…I mean healthy American cheese product. To be quite frank, he seems just as cheesy…but whatever. The girl, or wolf is named, “Holo,” as in hologram and seems to be an interesting sprite. Her eyes are a nice red color & apparently (but not surprisingly) she has the power to turn into a wolf. Go figure. 4 for you Glen Cocoe…you go Glen Cocoe.

Here’s some background from Wiki:

Kraft Lawrence, who chiefly goes by his surname, is a twenty-five-year-old traveling peddler who goes from town to town buying and selling various things in order to make a living. When he was twelve, he became an apprentice to a merchant relative, and set out on his own at eighteen. His goal in life is to gather enough money to start his own shop, and he has already been traveling for seven years while gaining experience in the trade. He meets Holo one night and eventually agrees to her traveling with him. She helps him by providing her wisdom which helps to increase his profits and get him out of jams. As the series progresses, both Lawrence and Holo demonstrate a growing affection toward each other. Lawrence mentions he has been attacked by wolves eight times.

Holo is a wolf harvest deity originally from a land in the north known as Yoitsu. She made a promise with men from a town called Pasroe where she would ensure the town would have good wheat harvests year after year. However, as time went on, the townspeople slowly started to forsake Holo and did not rely on her as they once did. As such, Holo escapes from town in Lawrence’s wagon and started traveling with him to see how much the world has changed since she has been in Pasroe. Holo has chosen the form of a girl younger than Lawrence, though she still retains her large white-tipped wolf tail, and ears. Her true form is that of a very large wolf which many people revered and feared.

She refers to herself as the “Wise Wolf of Yoitsu” (??????, Yoitsu no Kenr?^?). She is typically very haughty and self-sufficient, though due to her isolation for hundreds of years in Pasroe, she came to feel very lonely, and sometimes shows a more fragile side of her. She relies on Lawrence for company as she fears loneliness, which is something that Lawrence is very aware of and tries to comfort her in his own way. Holo is also very aware of the different time spans that she and Lawrence have, as a human lifespan is like a blink of an eye for her kind. Holo is shown to be quite scared of that fact but hides it with jokes. She has a peculiar way of speaking, modeled after that of the oiran high-class courtesans.^[10] She is fond of delicious food and alcohol, but especially loves apples. She takes pride in her tail and takes special care of it, constantly maintaining it.

You’ll probably hear me reference Azumanga Daioh a lot in relation to how laidback a show is, and I think I’ll borrow it again. This show begins with a calm, laidback feel and though no one’s really acting like a dunce or spewing out hilarious lines, there are a couple mild laughs thrown in for good measure. These laughs come a little after the opening of the show when Kraft & Holo are on a wagon pulling into town. While pulling in, Kraft explains the next town doesn’t allow Christian/Religious symbols and to be careful. Luckily, they run into someone who seems to be in the same religious group and find a nice room in the nearby hotel. Kraft, being a seller goes out to sell a couple things and meets an old friend to discuss some business while Holo does her own thing. Oh, btw, I know this sounds really stupid…but Holo does seem pretty “spicy.” She often makes sly remarks @ Kraft, and seems ever so mildly sexually ambiguous…if that makes sense.

Near the middle of the show, the whole laidback atmosphere kind of fades into a serious one. Conversation drives the plot, not action or special effects. With the addition of dulled colors, it really forces you to focus on what’s going on in the story. Eschewing a cliche, “lets save the world!” or “I want to be the very best!” storyline, Spice & Wolf II is about Holo returning back to her hometown of Yoitsu – for the time being. That in itself seems really quite boring, but I get the feeling there’s something below the surface that’s a little more interesting. Near the end of the show, while drinking some ale/wine, the 2 protagonists get a little sentimental & recall how long a trip like that would take.

For the most part, I’m not really into these type of shows, but for some reason, I feel like there’s something I’m missing or something waiting to be revealed. With that in mind, even though the first episode was a bit boring, I think I’ll just wait for subsequent episodes & keep watching.

Production Value: 8/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
Innovation: 5/10
Pacing: 3/10
Mushyness: 4/10
Main Character Traits: Horo – Feisty, caring, independent, strong, but vulnerable. Kraft – Knows what he wants, tough and sensitive.
Overall Score so far: 5/10 – I wouldn’t watch the show initially, but I feel it will pick up.