Needs more Marvel
With more writers on the team, I’ve changed up the format just a bit. We do a snaking fantasy sports style draft, so that list will be provided. This way there is no incentive to tank to get a high pick, and readers can second-guess our picks with the power of hindsight. Also, I’ve streamlined the lists of who will probably watch and/or blog each series.
Draft Order
- Zyl
- Halfadeckshort
- Hellomotto
- Jesus159159159
- Epi
- Kabitzin
As usual, series aimed at little kids or fans of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, as well as series that are past their second season have been left off. Most of this information comes from the chart at Denizen’s blog, as well as MAL and ANN.
Which 3 spring series are you most looking forward to?
- Angel Beats (42%, 117 Votes)
- K-ON!! (33%, 91 Votes)
- Arakawa Under the Bridge (25%, 70 Votes)
- Kaichou wa Maid Sama (22%, 60 Votes)
- Senko no Night Raid (21%, 59 Votes)
- Working!! (15%, 41 Votes)
- Saraiya Goyou (13%, 36 Votes)
- Hakuouki (9%, 26 Votes)
- Rainbow (9%, 25 Votes)
- Yojo-han Shinwa Taikei (9%, 24 Votes)
- Giant Killing (8%, 23 Votes)
- Iron Man (8%, 23 Votes)
- Kiss X Sis (8%, 21 Votes)
- Ookiku Furikabutte 2 (7%, 20 Votes)
- Mayoi Neko Overrun! (7%, 19 Votes)
- Heroman (6%, 18 Votes)
- Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou (6%, 17 Votes)
- Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru (6%, 16 Votes)
- B Gata H Kei (5%, 14 Votes)
- Ring ni Kakero (0%, 1 Votes)
Total Voters: 279
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They call us the lighning god, cause we're raidin'
Title: Senko no Night Raid
Episodes: 13
Air Date: April 5, 2010
Producers: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex
Summary: The story is set in Shanghai in 1931, when the Imperial Japanese Army has been dispatched to mainland China due to the relatively recent First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. In this cosmopolitan city of intrigue, there is a special military spy organization called “Sakurai Kikan” that has since been buried in history.
Zyl: Whenever Scientist/Engineer-types complain about bad science in sci-fi series, my response tends to run along the lines of: LOL, it’s just entertainment. I’m all for alternate histories and counterfactuals in my animu but Senko no Night Raid’s setting is a tad too close to, and the story too far from, a very bitter and bloody period of Sino-Japanese history that I’ve spent far too much time studying. Not much entertainment here for me.
Hellomotto: The picture caught my eye, but the summary was only so-so. It just seems like a better-handled version of Canaan: great art and animation, with everything else being meh-worthy.
Jesus159159159: Love the hat! Definitely love the hat, and I like what I’m seeing in the trailer. A-1 and Aniplex are an interesting combo, but where are the K-ON TEETH?! Guess their budget wasn’t too high, but either way, I’ll definitely give it a try!
Epi: This has historical inaccuracy trainwreck written all over it. Might be fun just to poke fun at it.
Kabitzin: This sounds like something I would normally be interested in blogging. It’s only one cour and it has some nice stylish character designs. The trailer even showed some action. I only pause because I’ll have Durarara!! still and that series has about as much thinking as I can handle right now.
Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Epi, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Epi
Iron Man is defeated by a cheap Chinese knock-off, The End
Title: Iron Man
Episodes: 12
Air Date:
Producers: Madhouse
Summary: The first of a four-part project between Marvel and Madhouse. Each season will see Madhouse take a famous comic book character and re-imagine him in a bid to bring the character to a Japanese audience. This season’s character is Iron Man, and Wolverine will be featured in the summer.
Zyl: When it comes to the super hero genre, I always prefer super bishoujo heroines. Pass.
Halfadeckshort: If this features Tony Stark in alcoholic mode punching lolis, then I’m sure J159 is going to be blogging it. As for me, I’m holding out on American comic book ventures until someone gets with DC for a serious adaptation of The New Teen Titans.
Jesus159159159: That Iron Man never has to iron his clothes, and that makes me really sad. Also, not to sound like a troll, but what part does “Marvel Animation” play in here? I’m just curious if they will animate anything, aka: I would like one of the commenters to answer this question so I don’t have to look it up. Thanks in advance!
Epi: I collected Marvel cards as a kid and I think I had an Iron Man hologram card. Anyway that was the last I heard of it until the Iron Man movie which was excellent. I can’t imagine this being any better.
Kabitzin: Iron Man was never one of my favorite comic book characters, and so I really don’t have that much interest in the series. Plus, I already know his story, and I’m sure we will only get a very shallow look at Tony Stark. The trailer didn’t show me anything special, and it was the typical “mysterious bad guy who also gets a suit” Iron Man plot.
Potential Watchers: Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers:
[ MAL | ANN ]
This picture makes me think of Twitter
Title: Yojo-han Shinwa Taikei
Episodes: 11
Air Date: April 22, 2010
Producers: Madhouse
Summary: The story follows a nameless protagonist who is a third-year college student. The protagonist looks back at the earlier years of his college life and his adventures with a particular club.
Halfadeckshort: I’m somewhat drawn toward this one due to college nostalgia fueled by my recent watching of Honey and Clover, but the art in the trailer was really distracting. I’ll give the first episode a shot to see if there’s any substance to be had.
Hellomotto: This seems like my type of show. I usually hate the weird art, but I don’t mind this type. Even though I’m not in college [yet?], I’ll definitely be checking it out.
Jesus159159159: Third year college student? Funky art work? TWITTER?!?! I’M SOOOO THERE!!! With a combination like that, how could you go wrong!
Epi: If it’s all about ugly art, then forget it. I hate those type of shows. Unless his early college years consisted of looking at microbes, a cross-dressing best friend and lesbian intrigue, I can’t see myself watching this.
Kabitzin: This one’s directed by Yuasa Masaaki and looks to be in that ugly art + confusing philosophy style that I hate so much.
Potential Watchers: Halfadeckshort, Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Under the bridge Arakawa / Is where I drew some blood
Title: Arakawa Under the Bridge
Episodes:
Air Date: April 4, 2010
Producers: SHAFT
Summary: The story is about the strange courtship of a successful executive in life called Kou and a mysterious woman called Nino who lives under a bridge. It all begins when Kou almost drowns in a river but is saved by Nino. For saving his life, Kou fulfills Nino’s desire to have a boyfriend. Thus, Kou becomes her boyfriend, but has to live with her under the bridge, alongside the Arakawa River where many of Tokyo’s most unusual residents live.
Zyl: I’m partial to SHAFT style but I just couldn’t get into last season’s Dance of the Loli Tits at the Vampire Bund. Reserving judgment on this until it starts airing.
Halfadeckshort: I read the first few chapters of the manga and though it has a strong “fish out of water learns that everyone has value despite their differences” feel, it’s got potential for good comedy. I hope that the live action stuff isn’t an indication that SHAFT’s animators were still overbooked though.
Hellomotto: Seems interesting, especially the picture: What the hell is that guy with the star head doing there?! The summary was only so-so, though it reminds me of a romanced-version of Kino’s Journey, about which I’ve only heard good comments.
Jesus159159159: Nice tah Hoshimittsu, Hoshi-Mister! *cricket cricket*…
Epi: I wish I were a successful executive in life!
Kabitzin: Those wacky side characters immediately turn me off, but SHAFT usually does the wacky stuff pretty well. This summary makes me feel like Valentine’s Day should be in summer, so that all those lonely singles can grab jobs as lifeguards and score some guaranteed dates. Also, I really hope the terrible live action stuff is confined to the trailer…
Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Halfadeckshort, Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin, Hellomotto
I CAN BREAK THESE CUFFS!!!
Title: Rainbow
Episodes:
Air Date: April 6, 2010
Producers: Madhouse
Summary: Seven teenagers in 1955 have to learn to live together in the same hold in the reformatory of Shio. Confined in a hall where suffering and humiliation are daily, they are waiting for a ray of hope in a dark, incarcerating world. The story follows their life together and how they move on afterwards.
Zyl: I might watch this if there was a cross-dressing trap. No, sorry, I lied.
Halfadeckshort: If none of the characters turn out to be brilliant psychotic manipulators a step away from global domination, then I’m not really interested.
Hellomotto: I actually think this’ll be an interesting series, so I’ll be doin’ some recon. Here’s to hoping that Madhouse won’t make it maudlin…wait, no one else agrees with me?…Me so ronery…
Jesus159159159: “1955″ <– This is relevant to my interests! “Rainbow” <– Nevermind!
Epi: I feel without any historical backing to this, I’d be totally lost in this show. Not interested.
Kabitzin: This show looks depressing as hell, and I don’t watch anime to be depressed. Besides, I think it’s clear to everyone that Golgo 13 in the back there is going to bust everyone out and sex all the women like they’ve never been sexed before.
Potential Watchers: Hellomotto
Potential Bloggers: Hellomotto
Eats, shoots, and leaves
Title: Saraiya Goyou (House of Five Leaves)
Episodes: 12
Air Date: April 15, 2010
Producers: Manglobe
Summary: Masterless samurai Akitsu Masanosuke is a skilled and loyal swordsman, but his naïve, diffident nature has time and again caused him to be let go by the lords who have employed him. Hungry and desperate, he becomes a bodyguard for Yaichi, the charismatic leader of a gang called “Five Leaves.” Although disturbed by the gang’s sinister activities, Masa begins to suspect that Yaichi’s motivations are not what they seem. And despite his misgivings, the deeper he’s drawn into the world of the Five Leaves, the more he finds himself fascinated by these devious, mysterious outlaws.
Zyl: I don’t think I’ve watched a samurai flick since Champloo. Sounds interesting but the ghostliness of the chara designs are offputting.
Halfadeckshort: The description makes it sound like Yaichi is secretly giving all of the gang’s proceeds to an orphanage, but I’m intrigued anyway.
Hellomotto: Hmm, interesting art style, and it’s being produced by Manglobe. I’m not one to absolutely love samurai shows, but I’ll be looking at this one, despite it’s flimsy premise.
Jesus159159159: You don’t mess with Natsume Ono I’ll finish blogging Ristorante Paradiso I promise!!, so I’d say this is a sure-fire-hit (whatever that means)!
Epi: I like these sword fantasy shows as long as they are high on the fighting and low on being too weird.
Potential Watchers: Epi, Halfadeckshort, Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Epi, Jesus159159159:
Hey Americans, Bones wants you to know that Madhouse and Iron Man are Communists!
Title: Heroman
Episodes:
Air Date: April 1, 2010
Producers: Bones
Summary: A collaboration between Studio Bones and Stan Lee, the story centers on a boy named Joey who discovers a toy robot near the west coast of the United States. Joey has always wanted to become a hero. Unfortunately he’s just an orphan working part time to support his grandma and himself. After he watches a toy commercial about a new robot action figure, Joey believes he’ll gain strength if he obtains one. The only robot toy he can get his hands on is a broken one that was abandoned by a rich school bully. Feeling pity for the trashed action figure, Joey takes it home to repair it; little did he know that once he repairs the toy, it’ll make his hero dream become a reality.
Zyl: Given that he is an orphan who works part-time to support his grandma and himself, doesn’t that already make him a hero?
Halfadeckshort: I like my wish fulfillment fantasies with a side of busty meganekko. Pass.
Epi: Errr… okay. Sadly this is the only mecha show of the season. It better not suck or else it’s another long while until Gundam Unicorn episode 2 
Kabitzin: The Stan Lee thing seems weird since the rest of Marvel is working with Madhouse, but oh well. This pretty much sounds like one big long commercial. I’d be more inclined to watch this show if the rich school bully was too smart for Joey and fixed the robot himself before taking over the school and making Joey’s life miserable for many more years. Don’t hate the playa, hate the game.
Potential Watchers: Epi (will watch first episode to see if it sucks or not)
Potential Bloggers:
When did the U.N. get a baseball team?
Title: Ookiku Furikabutte ~Natsu no Taikai Hen~ (Big Windup! 2)
Episodes:
Air Date: April 1, 2010
Producers: A-1 Pictures
Summary: Season 2 of Ookiku Furikabutte; Mihashi Ren moves on to high school convinced he is a lousy baseball pitcher. Once there, he meets the catcher Abe and the team manager Momoe who together, work to make Mihashi overcome his shyness and fear of being a terrible ace.
Zyl: I generally avoid male-bonding sports anime unless it’s really about something else, e.g. Suzuka for the romance and Battle Athletes for the yuri. Plus I do not understand baseball.
Hellomotto: The first season caught my eye, but then my ADD kicked in and I started noticing the planes in the air…
Epi: Never saw season 1 so I dunno.
Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:
Endless 8
Title: Angel Beats
Episodes: 13
Air Date: April 2, 2010
Producers: PA Works
Summary: In a world after death, angels fight for their fate and their future. Yuri, the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen, rebels against the god who destined her to have an unreasonable life. On the other hand, Tenshi, the chairperson of the student council for the world after death, battles against the SSS members. SSS members utilize armed weaponry to battle it out against the angels harnessing supernatural powers.
Zyl: Might be interesting to see how PA Works does Key stuff differently from KyoAni. Plus the SSS leader is called Yuri… But I’ll wait and see what others say about it around the midway point before deciding whether to pick it up.
Halfadeckshort: From the trailer it looks like PA Works is definitely trying to one-up KyoAni when it comes to Key adaptations. I really enjoyed Kanon and Clannad, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens when they throw blasphemy and bombs into the mix.
Hellomotto: Mmmmkay, so here’s the thing about PA Works: True tears was good, but Canaan just failed everyone of my expectations with the exception of animation. Yes, I do realize that PA Works didn’t produce the story. But I have a feeling that PA works will just put so much of their time and budget into a series that I believe is not as deserving as others. I mean, c’mon: SSS members? Killing Angels? It’s not just a rip-off of the beloved Suzumiya; it’s a Key-derived rip-off. Wake me up when PA Works produces something worthy. I rest my case.
Jesus159159159: Angel Beats this, Angel Beats that! Am I the only one who hasn’t heard of this show?
Epi: Reminds me of the preview statement for Sora No Otoshimono. I thought that show would suck, but it ended up being absolutely brilliant. I dunno about this show though, looks like it may suck cause it doesn’t seem funny at all.
Kabitzin: This looks like the kind of dumb fun I am looking for next season. At 1-cour, it’s perfect, even though I’m sure the plot will be shallow. There’s some action, music, and even some amnesia. This could be the first Key anime I watch. Oh yeah, BTW, if Haibane Renmei had been like this, maybe it wouldn’t have been so damn boring. Yeah, I said it, don’t hate.
Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Halfadeckshort, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin, Halfadeckshort
Gold-digger scouting starts at an early age
Title: Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou
Episodes: 12
Air Date: April 2, 2010
Producers: Marvelous Entertainment, Artland
Summary: The story of “love, magic, and battles” revolves around Akuto Sai, a boy who aims to become part of his country’s highest order of magicians and contribute to society as one of its clergy. On the day he is admitted into the Constan Magical Academy, his aptitude test predicts the following: “Future Occupation … Devil King.” Thus begins his severe school life in which he is resented by his studious female class head, desired by a girl with mysterious powers, and guarded by a beautiful female android.
Zyl: This might be so bad that it’s good. I’m committed to giving it a go on the basis of the Shizuka Itou Doctrine.
Halfadeckshort: The trailer makes this look ridiculously bad, which means that it will be awesome. Or terrible. Either way, I’m watching it.
Epi: Ever since Someday’s Dreamers (Mahō Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto) there’s been a magic high school show every season. Except they usually suck. The only show in this entire genre that was actually any good was Magic User’s Club (Maho Tsukai Tai!) which seems to have garnered low ratings on ANN.
Kabitzin: The trailer showed that this will be chock-full of fanservice with a lot of cliche stuff like explosions and tattered clothing. However, I did find the rope underwear low angle shot to be rather original (and odd).
Potential Watchers: Zyl, Halfadeckshort
Potential Bloggers: Zyl, Halfadeckshort
Get back to work you slackers!!
Title: Working!!
Episodes:
Air Date: March 6, 2010
Producers: A-1 Pictures
Summary: Set in a family restaurant in Hokkaido, the northern prefecture of Japan, 16 year old high school student Takanashi Souta works part-time along with his strange co-workers: Taneshima Popura, a high school girl who’s a year older than Souta who’s easily mistaken for a elementary/middle school student, and Shirafuji Kyoko, the 28-year old store manager who doesn’t bother to do any work at all.
Zyl: I enjoyed the first episode’s introduction of the oddball cast and look forward to more of their interactions.
Hellomotto: I’ll be leaving this one up to Zyl. Doesn’t interest me that much anyways.
Jesus159159159: Another A-1 Pictures? At least they got the K-ON TEETH down.
Kabitzin: You know, if you are 16 then you are not really that far removed from middle school… Also, being a manager is all about delegating the work that you don’t want to do, i.e. all of it.
Potential Watchers: Zyl, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Zyl
Watch out Eli
Title: Giant Killing
Episodes: 26
Air Date: April 4, 2010
Producers: DEEN
Summary: In Giant Killing a ragtag bunch from East Tokyo are struggling in Japan’s top football league. The team is going through an abysmal spell right now where they are nearing the bottom of the table and have lost 5 matches in a row. The loses haven’t done much to team moral, because it was already low. Fan support, on the other hand, is looking bleak. In the world of football, once the fans turn on a team the end is near. Teams don’t recover. Coaches are fired, players are sold, and teams drop to smaller divisions where profits often prevent them from ever being successful against even mediocre top division programs. East Tokyo United, ETU, can only blame their coach right now. And Coach is ready to give up this next game to prove to his team and fans, that against the biggest club in the nation he can make this team win.
Hellomotto: Okay, so when I first read the summary, I thought it was the American football, to which I cheered. However, it was the European football (to me, soccer), which kind of let me down. Still, I’ll be checking this one out, though I’ll probably be dropping it soon.
Epi: This sounds like it may be good. I don’t usually watch sports anime (and in fact I don’t think I have since I was eight) but hey why not? I fear though that this won’t really have much in terms of translation.
Potential Watchers: Epi, Hellomotto
Potential Bloggers:
This may be the only way to get Mayweather to accept the bout
Title: Ring ni Kakero 1: Kage Dou Hen (Put It All in The Ring 1: Shadow Road)
Episodes:
Air Date: April 2, 2010
Producers: Toei
Summary: After defeating Black Shaft’s makeshift Team America, the Golden Japan Jr. team returns to training for the World Tournament that will be held in Tokyo. But during training the Shadow Clan, which uses boxing as an assassination technique, kidnaps Kiku in order to lure Ryuji and the others into a fight to see who’s truly the better representative of Japan’s junior boxers.
Zyl: Even if this series took a DeLorean back to the 1980s, I still wouldn’t have watched it; the premise is just completely WHAT.
Halfadeckshort: Despite the tremendous potential for badness (seriously, boxing assassins?) I fear that this will run the mediocre route. Pass.
Kabitzin: Oh god, so retro. The dated art alone is more than enough for a technical knock out. Also, the idea of boxing as an assassination technique is ridiculous. Most of the time, especially at the lighter weights, you have to punch a guy hundreds of times in the head just to knock him out. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these assassins out of work in a few months.
Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:
Alright, who turned on the ceiling boob magnet?
Title: B Gata H Kei
Episodes: 12
Air Date: April 1, 2010
Producers: Hal Film Maker
Summary: Yamada is a virgin high school student who dreams of having 100 casual sex partners. However, she ends up targeting and pursuing only one boy.
Zyl: Should aim for 300.
Halfadeckshort: On the surface this sounds like it could be really trashy, but it also sounds like Yamada is just plain lazy. If this actually gets subbed (watch it show up on Crunchyroll) I’ll check out the first couple of episodes because Hal Film Maker has a lot of credit with me. Hopefully this one won’t set them to 0.
Hellomotto: Meh, I got enough sluts at my school potential shows to blog this season, so I’ll be sitting this one out.
Kabitzin: Do it for the aging population of Japan! Sounds like she wusses out of what could have been the reverse School Days of the season, and this is almost certainly going to degenerate into your typical ‘shy girl having blushing fits and over-steamed head because she doesn’t go on the internet enough’ story.
Potential Watchers: Halfadeckshort
Potential Bloggers: Halfadeckshort (if subbed and trashy)
No eating while you're Working!!
Title: Kaichou wa Maid Sama
Episodes:
Air Date: April 1, 2010
Producers: J.C. Staff
Summary: A romantic comedy that centers on the student council head named Misaki Ayuzawa who despises the mostly male, slovenly population at her school, which was once an all-boys school. H owever, Misaki’s most handsome schoolmate just discovered her secret — that she works after school at a maid café.
Zyl: Let her do what she likes, she’s pretty. Immortal words of wisdom from Sei Satou.
Halfadeckshort: From the manga it looks like this one might be pretty decent in the drama and possible meido blackmail departments. I want to read more, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Hellomotto: I read some of the manga, and it was kinda interesting, albeit generic. I’ll probably get bored of it soon enough, but I’ll try it out.
Jesus159159159: Man, maids are soooooooo overrated, but I can’t deny the buzz. Will watch for 3 eps, then I’ll decide.
Epi: Must watch all student council related anime. End communication.
Kabitzin: I like the character designs, and the plot doesn’t sound terrible. I read a little of the manga and it seemed alright, though nothing too different from your typical shoujo manga.
Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Epi, Zyl, Halfadeckshort, Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin, Epi, Halfadeckshort
Her father must be Dr. Love
Title: Hakuouki
Episodes:
Air Date: April 4, 2010
Producers: Studio DEEN
Summary: The protagonist, Yukimura Chizuru is the daughter of a doctor who works in Edo. The father leaves Edo to work as a volunteer doctor and moves to Kyoto without his daughter. As time passes by, Chizuru starts worrying about losing contact with her father, so she decides to go to Kyoto in search of him. On the way, Chizuru is attacked by few criminals and witnesses a fight between an oni and the Shinsengumi. Taking her into custody and saving her, the Shinsengumi debate on what to do with Chizuru when they discover that she is the daughter of the doctor they are also looking for. So they decide to become Chizuru’s protectors and help her look for her father. Lots of events happen while she stays with the Shingensumi, as they discover mysterious secrets and also fight against the Bakumatsu group.
Epi: This sounds like it could potentally be really cool. But this review gives me the Yaoi creeps: “The TV anime series Hakuoki is based on a series of yaoi’ish games released by Idea Factory for the PlayStation 2 and PSP. The first game’s story centers around a female protagonist and the historical Shinsengumi samurai group in Kyoto during the 19th century.”
Kabitzin: The art looks good, and this can’t be more annoying than Peacemaker Kurogane, right?
Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Epi
Potential Bloggers: Epi (if it proves to be not Yaoi)
Omigosh I'm sorry, the door was open and... I'll let you two get back to what you were doing...
Title: Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru (Betrayal Knows My Name)
Episodes:
Air Date: April 11, 2010
Producers: J.C. Staff
Summary: Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears?
Zyl: The abbreviated series title, UraBoku, could possibly translate into Back Alley Me.
Kabitzin: BeGAYal knows my name, amirite?
Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:
I updated this poster for you
Title: K-ON!!
Episodes:
Air Date: April 6, 2010
Producers: Kyoto Animation
Summary: The second season of K-ON; It’s Yui Hirasawa’s first year in high school, and she’s eagerly searching for a club to join. At the same time, Ritsu Tainaka, a drummer, and her friend Mio Akiyama, a bass player, are desperately trying to save the school’s light music club, which is about to be disbanded due to lack of members. They manage to recruit Tsumugi Kotobuki to play the keyboard, meaning they only need one more member to get the club running again. Yui joins, thinking it will be an easy experience for her to play the castanets, the only instrument she knows. However, the other members think their new addition is actually a guitar prodigy…
Zyl: Did they even bother to update the synopsis from the first season? Other than that, MOE BLOB BANZAI! BANZAI!! BANZAAAAAAIIIIIII!!!!1
Halfadeckshort: Though I wished that the girls would have taken the metal route, I admit that I occasionally get the chorus of “Fuwa Fuwa Time” stuck in my head. Because of that I probably shouldn’t watch season two, but will most likely end up watching anyway. Somewhat guiltily.
Hellomotto: …Well I…Well…Oh, just forget it; I won’t be able to go through so much torture again.
Jesus159159159: WHERE DA HOOD WHERE DA HOOD WHERE DA HOOD AT?!?! *KA-CHING KA-CHING* Mmmm, hmmmmmm!! Oh my, oh my! I’ve been waiting for this all my life! You best believe I’m gonna blog this! This one’s for you, Super Forshizzle Kitten ;_; (R.I.P. x159)
Epi: Never finished the first series, can’t see myself watching this.
Potential Watchers: Zyl, Halfadeckshort, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Jesus159159159
Can I keep them?
Title: Mayoi Neko Overrun!
Episodes: 12
Air Date: April 6, 2010
Producers: AIC
Summary: The story revolves around Takumi Tsuzuki, a boy who lives with his older “sister” Otome, although the two have no blood ties between them. Otome manages a run-down confectionery store called Stray Cats. One day, Otome picks up a mysterious beautiful girl off the streets.
Zyl: Depends on how much screen-time the non-blood-related older sister has.
Jesus159159159: I’ll watch anything with cats in them! (and by in them, I mean my penis)
Kabitzin: It looks cute and simple, and I like the art. Hey, when you have last pick, you have to have a safety series. I checked out a little of the manga, and while there is fanservice, it’s mostly cutesy. I wouldn’t say this series pushes the envelope very much.
Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin
Good thing he's their brother from another mother
Title: Kiss X Sis
Episodes: 13
Air Date: April 5, 2010
Producers: Feel
Summary: Keita has two older step-sisters, Ako and Riko, but since they aren’t related by blood, they love him in a lustful way. After a mishap at school, Ako and Riko finally confess their love to him. Keita dislikes the thought of seeing them as anything other than brother and sisters, but as he tries to enter the same school as his sisters, he slowly becomes attracted to them.
Zyl: Falls under the jurisdiction of the Holy Empire of Hontounia so my Evil Blogging Overlord wrt this series will be Stripey rather than Kabitzin.
Halfadeckshort: I’m curious about what they’re going to do with this one given the just-shy-of-hentai nature of the manga and OVAs. If it’s going to be a retread of the source material with watered-down ecchi then I’ll pass.
Hellomotto: I’m a growing fan of yuri, but this doesn’t quite seem like my type of show, so I’ll pass.
Jesus159159159: Haha, that girl looks like she taped a squirrel’s ass on her forehead… I’m game!
Kabitzin: At least they won’t have to change their last name when they get married, right? Plus they can have polygamy and no one will really ever be sure of what’s going on. What an elegant solution, Q.E.D.
Potential Watchers: Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Jesus159159159 (maybe…)
This post was written by...
Kabitzin – who has written 1971 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the founders of Sea Slugs, I handle most of the blog admin tasks while wearing my I AM BOSS shirt. I like my action series well choreographed, and my romance series extra trashy. I also have a soft spot for puns.
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J159 said I didn’t have to leave a comment, so this is me not leaving a comment!
Really, I don’t even have much to say about the Spring season. I plan on watching one series, really. o.0;; I mean…it’s yaoi and sports and fanservice, oh my!
(For the record, she is referring to this tweet, so no hard feelings! ;3)
Really?!? I’m actually very excited for this season, and you can probably guess why (TEETH). Give Saraiya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) a try. It’s gonna be a hit! I can feel it!!
I’m just not in the mood for anything serious, really.
I want some candy anime! So, I’ll watch K-on! and maybe try to finish some older shows.
*puts a LOSER sticker on your head*
Haha, you think Stripey will make a comeback for KissxSis, eh, Zyl? :p
Man, the only thing I’m really interested in (as in not just as something to watch to pass the time) is Angel Beats, and even that I’m very wary of. Light-haired loli with a gun is great and all, but I really don’t like Hanazawa Kana when she’s doing a soft-spoken character. Well, we’ll see.
The neko show gets an automatic watch, because, well, I luv them nekochans~
Dai Maoh might be something I pick up just to giggle at and not take seriously. Need to figure out where all these trailers are so I can see if it’ll even be worth that much.
You can usually just search on youtube for some trailer one-stop shopping.
Aha, yeah, Dai Maoh looks pretty fanservicey, maybe I’ll save it for finals week when I’m really desperately trying to put off studying.
Just looked at the cast list for Kaichou wa Maid-sama and pretty much sold myself on that one. Okamoto Nobuhiko (Layfon from Regios) is one of my favorite people for playing a male lead. And since I just very recently watched Kaze no Stigma, I found out how awesome Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano) is at the super tsundere, so I’m hoping for awesome in this one. There’s also Ueda Kana (Rin in FSN) and Asumi Kana (Yuno). If nothing else, there’ll be WONDERFUL ear candy.
Oh my, speak of the devil, Okamoto Nobuhiko is the male lead in Mayoi Neko Overrun too, and Itou Kanae (Amu from Shugo Chara), oh man Mayoi Neko Overrun is just packed with talent too. Nekos + voices I love = epic win
Naz, I doubt so – given that both girls are high schoolers, they are much too old to spark his interest.
Like on-sale, day-after Christmas cakes
What happen to Stripy anyway? Did he forget V-day and is serving some sort penance in a under dungeon?
Maybe the Mounties have finally caught their man and he is waltzing with them at the Blue Oyster.
So in addition to being a Lolicon and Siscon, Stripey will now be a Shotacon as well?
No, even Stripey wouldn’t go that far. I hope.
I think I’m going to try out The House of Five Leaves. I’ve been looking forward to some swordfighting action. What I don’t want to happen is if turns out to be some kind of mystery drama as opposed to being a more straightforward swordplay story. I’m already watching a quirky sword show in Katanamonogatari.
Other than that, inertia tells me to keep watching K-ON!
uhh… yea… it’ll definitely have that… No doubt…
Also, yes, believe in your inertia!
I’m not the only one who is going to watch the artsy-fartsy shows, right? Right??
Also, I don’t remember ever seeing that boxing assassins anime in any other season preview. How did I miss this every time??
Quite a few of the sea-bloggers (except for Kabitzin. ALWAYS EXCEPT FOR KABITZIN) seem interested in the artsy-fartsy show, so no worries there! I can assure you that these Sluggies will indeed blog some artsy-fartsy shows that are to your liking!
Yea, I never know what’s going to air until I see the Sea Slugs Season Preview. (since I’m the last one to edit the post, I get to “cheat” and read their comments before making my decision! HAHA!!!)
It’s not really a secret…
I dd the poll, and clicked, B Gata H Kei, Ironman, and Angle Beats (as all COOL people WOULD do), and then I viewed the results, and killed myself when I saw that K-ON was first.
I never really gave Saraiya Goyou a chance, but after looking at it closer, it might actually kick a lot of ass.
GAHH!! Because of your peer-pressured comment, I think some people didn’t vote for K-ON!! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS?! “Cause Eye Sedso!” *BA DUM PSH* Thank you! I’ll be here all week!
Saraiya Goyou?! What the hell is that?
OHHH!!! That show! (You’ll have to excuse me. I usually prefer my DUBBZ!) Of course it’s gonna kick ass!!! CAUSE EYE SEDSO!!! *cricket cricket* OKAY… yeah… do watch it!
I’m really really looking forward to Senko no Night Raid. It was among the very first to grab my attention and I can’t help but feel excited for it.
The art is alluring, and full of excitement. But I get this weird feeling that its going to be…naw couldn’t be.
I bet you were thinking exactly what I was thinking…
I’m definitely watching “K-ON!!” and “Shin Koihime Musou: Otome Tairan”. ^^
Will check out “Angel Beats” and “Working!!”.
Didn’t “Iron Man” get scratched/postponed by the way?
Yea, we don’t know what’s happening with Iron Man, but at least we can copy/paste our comments if it does become postponed. ;P
Yeah Ironman got kicked back to Autumn (not Fall, because real men say Autumn!) which means the only mecha this season is bloody Heroman…ah well, I got to see those EVA movies so that will do me for a long time now.
BTW, I just realised by the lack of interest in the bishie shows: Is Sea Slugs an all-male team?
Yeah, even though I would really like to add some diversity, it’s important to pick the best applicants and so far they have all been male.
And does it count as mecha still if it’s just a suit and not a full robot that you ride in?
So…sausage fest?
…
…
…
If I can’t have mecha at least I can have bishies and yaoi – I’m quite looking forward to Spring.
Interested in Rainbow as it looks like it could be dark and gritty (regardless of the name), and think I’ll need something like that to balance to amount of bishie fluff and artsy stuff I’m bound to pick up.
Arakawa is SHAFT so gets an automatic trial run, hope they get their mojo back for it though.
Saraiya Goyou looks like it could be a hit – Manglobe, Noitamina, great music and cast = definately interested.
Very crafty puns!! You can go places with that free-style!
I voted for the only 3 I had heard of (KissxSis, K-On and Angel Beats), but after reviewing this post, we seem to have a fairly robust lineup. I have high hopes.
This is what we call, “The Sea Slug Effect”. Ya see, for the countless other bloggers who post their Season Previews, no one is as robust, witty, and informational as THE SLUGZ!!! T to da S to da S to da S to da S!! THE SIX SILLY SEA SLUGS!!! UNITE!!! *pew pew pow pow*!
A lot of potential shows, but I’ll wait a bit for some of them. K-on, Angel Beats, and Mayoi Neko Overrun! are definitely going to be watched, and I’m interested in Hakuouki, Senko no Night Raid, and B Gata H Kei.
I want to see how Studio Deen handles Hakuoki, Senko no Night Raid I hope does not disappoint, and for B Gata H Kei, what can I say, I”m a fan of romance comedies.
Nice preview. I’ll probably check out Angel Beat. Might watch Heroman for the lulz. On the other hand, maybe I should marathon some finished series or pick up something from last season
On another note,the layout in this page looks messed up on my computer, and ajax comment edit is acting funny too..
Haha, Hellomotto didn’t use the quicktag buttons to form his ASCII face, and since he is a writer he is allowed to use extra HTML tags in his comments. Unfortunately, WP thought his ASCII face was the start of an HTML tag and so had a fit.
:O GOMENNASAI!
With great power comes great responsibility :blank:
Night Raid, Arakawa Under the Bridge, Kaichou wa Maid Sama and Angel Beats all seem worth a go this season. The art of Arakawa is especially up my street and the Angel Beats trailer looked very promising. K-on!! is a definate for me even if almost everyone else seems to hate it! I’m new and unjaded to moe so i’ll defend it to the hilt!
Saraiya Goyou, Hakuouki and Rainbow look interesting but are probably gonna be (in the same order) too ugly, yaoi and depressing to get any enjoyment out of.
Nothings particulary caught my attention this season, but then I said the same thing last time and was made to eat my words with Durarara!! Hope i’m surprised again.
Moto, I am totally with you on Rainbow. I just hope it falls in the awesome pile and doesn’t immediately train-wreck itself.
On the subject of Giant Killing, I’d suggest you check out the first chapter of the manga and see if it’s for you. I’m not much of a sports person period, but I saw Tomokazu has the lead role. You know, hotblooded Domon Kasshu. I checked out the manga and it sold me. Now JC Staff just has to do a decent job with it.
Yeah, I’m really hoping so, though Madhouse usually does shows well. Then again, I haven’t really seen them do a show like this before (Aoi Bungaku doesn’t count).
I’ll be looking at the Giant Killing manga. I’m hoping it’s good, though if it is that awesome, i might not be able to stop reading the manga…if so, will you restrain and incarcerate me? Please? Pretty please?
Great previews of spring shows cant wait to see some of them, but most don’t sound as interesting guess I need to see at least one episode of each show maybe 2. Looking forward to Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou looks like a fun show, and Angel Beats mostly due to the animation looks really nice.
Ahh, thank you so much for this. |DD
Awww you missed Shiki :<
To be honest thats the only anime series I am looking forward to :<
Im really surprised. There are just two harem series this season, which feature the trope “sisters, who arent related by blood to their beloved brother” in their brief description.
Now the only trope, which im still missing this season, is a “magical girlfriend, who is forced by a contract or a promise to stay at the male leads side”. But it will definitely appear somewhere soon, maybe as a cute childhood friend. Yes, Im looking at you Himarichan!
At the very least this season more interesting animes will be aired than in the last season, so Im still looking forward to it. Hopefully my expections about my favourite shows wont be disappointed by an overuse of those tropes again :X
P.s. Im very sorry for my bad and crude English. I really should practice it more.
Actually my impression is that siscon shows have been rather few and far between lately…
Hmmmm if you like American Football, I’m guessin that you’ve read Eyeshield 21, Hellomotto?
Actually, I have not. I’ll be putting that onto my to-read/to-watch list, though!
You totally should
http://sekijitsu.com/2010/03/09/recommendation-eyeshield-21/
My black horse recommendation for this season is definitely Kaichou wa Maid-sama.
Imagine a cross between Kare Kano (Misaki as Yukino) and Special A (Usui as Takishima) and you’re pretty close. However, thankfully Misaki isn’t as dense as Hikari, and Usui is a bit more devious than Arima. It has a pretty good start, a slightly so-so middle, and it’s currently getting reeeeally strong. For lovers of strong character-driven stories like me, the progress of the Misaki-Usui relationship is a delicacy.
Adding that Fujimura Ayumi sounds like the _perfect_ match for hothead powergirl Misaki and that J.C.Staff ensures excellent animation, I’m all in for this one.
Random: I think my favorite thing about Angel Beats is that there is a student council. Even after dying, you can’t escape the student body president. Only in anime.
Angel Beats is cool… can’t wait for the next issue.
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