Fall 2010 Preview

Draft Order

1. Hellomotto
2. Jesus159159159
3. Epi
4. Kabitzin
5. Zyl
6. Halfadeckshort

No updates at Denizen’s blog, so some of these series are unconfirmed.  As usual, OVAs and shows aimed at young children have been left off.  Most information taken from Zana’s chart, as well as MAL and ANN.

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Title: Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls
Episodes: 12
Air Date: September 26, 2010
Producers: Arms

Summary: The story takes place in Japan in the early 21st century, in an alternate reality where the Tokugawa Shogunate has remained in power. In this reality, student councils are tasked with oppressing schools. Yagyuu Muneakira is a high school student who rebels against his student council with the help of girls who’ve had the names of famous samurai heroes passed on to them.

• Hellomotto: Eh, not the biggest fan of samurai girls. To be honest, anything that has samurai girls is, well, a turnoff. Hell, when I think of battling females, the first thing that comes to mind is Queen Blade, even though there have been countless of great female warriors (Balsa from Moribito comes to mind). Dunno why though; I just guess it isn’t my fetish or something…
• Kabitzin: OMG, this has guilty pleasure written all over it!  I like the character art a lot, even though the plot is another bastardized history lesson.  Then again, if history had been like this…  The trailer was completely absurd, or course, with exploding outfits and naked girls falling out of the sky like meteors, but the animation looked nice and I’ll watch almost anything with good battle choreography.  The ink blot censorship was also very funny, like Street Fighter IV gone ecchi.
• Zyl: One male lead (Muneakira), a whole host of beauties and an albino student council president (Tokugawa Yoshihiko) who is presumably the bad guy; the combination of the first two parts sounds like there’s rich harem potential. The website is already pimping its figures, dakimakura covers, oppai mousepads and light novels – as such, I’m not expecting much from the story but hopefully, being an advertisement for the franchise, the production values will be solid and the voice cast (no information at this time) will be respectable. I also can’t help but think that this series would have been awesome if instead of Hyakka Ryouran (百花繚乱), it was Yuri Ryouran (百合繚乱) – Japanese samurai history needs to be mangled Ikkitousen-style!
• Halfadeckshort: I opened up the link, saw Hobby Japan in the bottom corner, and was sold… not that the promo art and trailer don’t totally win for best use of rope in recent memory. Hopefully this “tie-in” gets the same caliber of voice talent that helped make Queen’s Blade so much fun.
• Epi: I may just be an idiot, but I can’t find the trailer anywhere. Anyway judging from the story (STUDENT COUNCIL IS INVOLVED) and the flashy character designs, I’m sure I’ll watch this one.
• Jesus159159159: Watch out Steam! There’s a new censorship in town and his name is INK! The trailer was off the chain despite the Street Fighter IV similarities. I love the slightly thicker lines in the trailer, but the thin lines used in the promotional art above make me a bit worried. Fan service with action is alright with me, just don’t add any moe!

Potential Watchers: Kabitzin, Halfadeckshort, Epi, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin, Halfadeckshort

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto
Episodes: 25
Air Date: October 10, 2010
Producers: Bones

Summary: To the south of Japan, there lies a lush green island called Southern Cross Isle. One night, a boy by the name of Takuto Tsunashi washes up on the shore of the island alone. Having swum from the mainland alone and without any possessions, this boy enrolls in the senior high level in the school on the island – Southern Cross High School.  With his bright and positive personality, he starts to mix with various students in the school and builds relationships with many of them, including Wako Agemaki and Sugata Shindou. But this school hides a deep secret. There are sleeping giants hidden under the ground called “Cybuddies”.

There are about 20 of these giants, and they are just some of the various secrets kept by everyone on the island: The secret movements of the mysterious organization known as “Kirahoshi Juujidan”. The songs of the shrine maidens. And even Takuto himself will soon come to embrace a great secret… This island in the southern territories surrounded by the blue sea and the blue skies is the stage where the “Eulogy of Youth” filled with love, dreams and friendships, will begin.

• Hellomotto: Well, well, this series seems quite the mix of mecha and cheesy teenage bonding–both of which I’m not a huge fan, might I add. Still, this could be a good watch; probably not the best blogging material from where I stand, however.
• Kabitzin: So this is why Michael Phelps trains so hard… Bones has a good reputation and goodness it’s been a long time since I watched a show with mecha. “Cybuddies” sounds like someone you cyber with all the time.
• Zyl: The masks and combat costumes seem to be based on a Harlequin theme; the only possible hook for me here is that Maaya Sakamoto voices Endou Sarina, president of the intriguingly named drama club, The Night Flyers.
• Halfadeckshort: Though it looks like at least one of the designs is inspired by Sorcerer Hunters, the name “Cybuddies” sounds like it would be more appropriate for an animatronic toy line (i.e. Teddy Ruxpin‘s friends). It’s Bones though, so I’ll check it out to see if the first episode holds my attention.
• Epi: BONES? Only mecha show of the season? All-star cast (Maaaaaaaya)? The director Takuya Igarashi who was also the production manager for TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE?!?!??! Must watch, even though it has weirdo mecha designs (sigh where’s the more traditional roboty designs that I love these days?). I just hope it isn’t only mildly good but for some reason 52 episodes.
• Jesus159159159: Do you C what I C? ♫ A SONG, A SOOOONG!! HIGH ABOVE THE TREE!!! ♫ … It’s our friend The Creative Commons License!… That’s really all I have to say.

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto, Halfadeckshort, Kabitzin, Epi
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin, Epi

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: MM!
Episodes: 12
Air Date: September 26, 2010
Producers: XEBEC

Summary: Sado Tarou suffers from sexual masochism; he experiences sexual pleasure from pain. He feels he won’t ever have a normal relationship with his condition and decides to visit the Voluntary Club, a place that grants students’ wishes, for a cure. At the club, he finds Isurugi Mio, a girl who thinks she is a god, and Yuuno Arashiko, the girl who caused his condition in the first place…

• Hellomotto: Hot damn, a series about sexual fetishes? Well, if it’s something similar to the first episode of B Gata H Kei, I guess it shouldn’t be too bad. On a somewhat-relevant topic: although the blogger from 2D-Teleidoscope mentioned a similar series in his most recent post, the aforementioned series seems to be much different; more specifically, the series he recommended seemed to actually explore the “sexuality studies,” as well as the characters, moreso than this series would. Alas, I guess I’ll try it out.
• Zyl: It’s a supreme irony that someone with a name like Sado is a maso but the school context, mixed with the premise, makes me uncomfortable. If it had been about working age adults (like Aria’s parents from Seitokai Yakuindomo), it might be more appealing to me. I also getting bad Zero no Tsukaima Louise vibes from the screencap and the website homepage.
• Halfadeckshort: I’d check this out if the promo art didn’t feature a generic tsundere type and a bunch of chibis, but as it is I can’t take it seriously. This one is a pass for now.
• Epi: I agree with Zyl. If this were some weird underground club for adults (Speed Grapher I’m looking at you) it may have been more interesting… but a high school sexual fantasy club? Also, stupid Media Factory decided to put the trailer on YouTube and ban it from my country. Pfft.
• Jesus159159159: I searched MM! on youtube and got this. Asians? In my anime?!? PASS!!

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Yosuga no Sora
Episodes:
Air Date: October 4, 2010
Producers: feel.

Summary: The story is set in the distant mountain village of Okukozome-chou. Haruka Kazugano and his twin sister Sora have fond childhood memories of going to the village to visit their grandfather during their summer vacations. However, after losing their parents in an accident, the two must move in with their grandfather.

The twins get reacquainted with their old childhood friend Nao Yorihime, their new classmate Ryouhei Nakazato, the shrine maiden Akira Amatsume, and Akira’s friend Kazuha Migawa. All seems peaceful and familiar. However, beneath the surface is a secret promise that the twins made with each other long ago, the whereabouts of an important lost item, and the real reason they chose to come back here.

• Hellomotto: A tragedy-twined anime focusing on twins? Eh, I could go for better. The artwork also doesn’t seem that impressive; so are the character designs. Even so, it’s piqued my interest, and I’ll keep it on the radar; I’ll watch it if people say it’s good.
• Zyl: I like the feel of the character designs and artwork but I suspect that my enjoyment of this series will depend a lot on the development of the hidden aspects of the premise, or lack thereof.
• Kabitzin: It’s hard to get a handle on if this will be a nice story that takes advantage of the source’s excellent art or if this will be a crappy conversion that focuses on twincest and generic harem antics.
• Epi: That one picture features some very clean character designs. This show could go either way… either have a nice heartwarming story, have a crazy horror bent (crazy secret) or just be plain crappy.
• Jesus159159159: Eroges turned anime have always been a pet peeve of mine, but the trailer seemed pretty cool in that “I’m drinking cold lemonade on a hot summer day” sort of way. I could ignore the minor (and D major! *BA DUM PSH*) boob bouncing and standard violin. Plus, I loved the pocky-snatching and hair-sniffin’. Snuff is TOTALLY in this season!

Potential Watchers: Zyl, Kabitzin, Epi, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Togainu no Chi
Episodes:
Air Date: October 7, 2010
Producers: A-1 Pictures

Summary: After being devastated in the third World War (known as The Third Division), Japan was divided in two. Several years after the end of the war, a crime organization called Vischio has taken control of the destroyed city of Toshima (formerly Tokyo, Japan’s capital city), where they are holding a battle game known as “Igura”. The main character is a young man named Akira, the champion of a street fighting tournament called Bl@ster,  who is falsely accused of a crime. Once arrested, a mysterious woman appears before him, offering him freedom if he agrees to participate in Igura and defeat Igura’s strongest man: the king, or “Il-re”. The story follows Akira’s life in the harsh, lawless Toshima as he fights both to survive and to unravel the mysteries developing around him.

• Hellomotto: From what I’ve heard, it’s a game adaptation; and knowing that, I expect nothing but action… which means, of course, good animation. Any angst, unless played out VERY well, would likely kill any potential this series has. Thus, my wishes can be summed up into three words: excellent animation, please! EDIT: After seeing this image, I’m actually getting a bit interested… I still have no idea how that picture relates to the series though.
• Kabitzin: Contrary to what young naive Hellomotto thinks, this is not a typical action show, unless you only watch action shows with lots of BL!  No doubt the “mysterious woman” was a fujoshi and “defeat” is code for “play tummy sticks with.”  I giggle at the thought of unsuspecting dudes watching this for the cool art and finding out what kind of game this anime is adapted from.  This is why you must do at least a little half-hearted researching!
• Epi: I was thinking this would be cool until I read Kabitzin’s blurb. Maybe I’ll watch an episode and not tell anyone just to see how it is… oh wait.

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai (The World God Only Knows)
Episodes:
Air Date: October 6, 2010
Producers: Manglobe

Summary: Keima Katsuragi, a second-year high school student, is an avid dating sim gamer. He is known on the Internet as “The Capturing God” for his legendary skills to be able to “capture” any 2D girl in games. However, in his actual school life, Keima is known as otamegane, a derogatory portmanteau of the two words otaku (オタク) and megane (メガネ-”glasses”).

At the start of the series, Keima receives an e-mail offering him a contract to “capture” girls. He accepts what is thought to be a challenge, and a demon from Hell nicknamed Elsee appears. She asks for his cooperation to help her in catching the runaway spirits. These spirits hide themselves inside the girl’s heart, and Elsee suggests that the only method to force the spirits out is by “capturing” their hearts—making them fall in love. Appalled by the idea, Keima refuses after clarifying to Elsee that he is only interested in “capturing” 2D girls and that he detests reality. Nevertheless, with the contract already accepted, Keima would have to help Elsee no matter what; if they fail, both Elsee and Keima would lose their heads.

• Hellomotto: Oh please. I read the first chapter and perpetually facepalmed. Their attempts at “comedy” just fell flat on its face every time. And that’s not the worst of it: the series implies that “capturing” 2D girls has similar elements to start and maintain an actual relationship. Translated: Skip. (Sorry for the rant; I…just couldn’t help myself.)
• Zyl: This sounds like otaku wish-fulfillment and this has the potential to go very badly wrong if the otaku in question is not an endearing character. One of the greatest challenges for me to be able to tolerate this is whether he will be able to be decent to the girls whose hearts he captures.  However I am really curious to see what anibloggers who have a lot of experience with both dating sims and dating RL girls think of this series.
• Halfadeckshort: Watching Sekirei has got my interest piqued in this whole Pokemon business that I apparently missed out on. Plus it’s got Kanae Itou. Will check it out to see if bishoujo gaming really is the path to salvation.
• Kabitzin: While it sounds like it’d be fun to flip through the various best strategies for bagging the most popular female archetypes, this sounds a little too chick-of-the-week for me. Plus, I need a break from blogging so many romance series!
• Epi: Jason‘s been pimping this show forever and unlike HoTD he never stopped liking it. Just for that I’ll give it a try and see how it goes. Plus it’s got Shigehito Takayanagi directing, and he directed 4 seasons of Galaxy Angel, so it can’t be all that bad right? Deshou?!
• Jesus159159159: In true Hellomotto fashion, I’ll also be a tad bit blatant: Those character designs SUCK. Do people seriously fap to this? It would make sense to put those heads on a Gerber Baby! Other than that, I can’t ignore the legion of manga-fans out there so I’ll give it the 3-Ep test.

Potential Watchers: Halfadeckshort, Epi, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru (Yet the Town Keeps Going)
Episodes:
Air Date: October 7, 2010
Producers: SHAFT

Summary: Clumsy Arashiyama is a girl with a love for mysteries and a knack for getting into trouble. She works for an old lady’s lackluster maid café in a small shopping district. The cafe is largely unsuccessful in attracting customers aside from Sanada, a regular and one of Arashiyama’s classmates (who has a secret crush on her). One day Arashiyama’s clever friend Tatsuno is invited to the café, and, upon seeing the miserable state of things (and Sanada, whom she has a secret crush on), decides to work there. Don’t miss the crazy antics of Arashiyama and friends, mismatched love stories, and all the hilarity that is created as a result, in Sore Machi.

• Hellomotto: According to one of the charts, the series contains “slice-of-life adventures.” Did someone just call my name? Granted, the series falters with the mention of a secret crush and mismatched love stories; but I do see some potential here. (And to think that I detested any anime with maid cafés!)
• Kabitzin: Although SHAFT can be a bit much sometimes, the preview was encouraging. It didn’t look nearly as SHAFT-esque and the show looks well-animated and funny.
• Epi: I think I’m done with SHAFT shows… too much for me.

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto, Kabitzin
Potential Bloggers: Hellomotto

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai (My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute)
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 3, 2010
Producers: AIC

Summary: Kyousuke Kousaka, a normal seventeen-year-old high school student, hasn’t gotten along with his younger sister, Kirino, in years. For longer than he can remember, Kirino has ignored his comings and goings and looked at him with spurning eyes. It seemed as if the relationship between Kyousuke and his sister, now fourteen, would continue this way forever.

One day, however, Kyousuke finds a DVD case of a magical girl anime entitled Hoshikuzu Witch Merle (Stardust Witch Merle), which had fallen into the entranceway of his house. To Kyousuke’s surprise, inside the case is a hidden adult video game titled Imouto to Koishiyo! (Love with Little Sister!). Kyousuke attempts to fish out the culprit who dropped the case by bringing up the topic of magical girl anime at the family dinner table. All that comes out is a strong negative reaction from his parents, especially his anti-otaku policeman father.

That night, Kirino bursts into Kyousuke’s room and, in perhaps the first conversation she has initiated with him in years, says they “have things to talk about.” Kirino brings Kyousuke to her room and shows him an extensive collection of moe anime and lolicon bishoujo games she has been collecting in secret.

• Hellomotto: Awww, such a good bonding opportunity between two siblings! Just kidding; this doesn’t fit my taste at all. Next, please!
• Zyl: I have been looking forward to this ever since I read the first chapter (h/t Washi). Also keen to see if this role will continue to propel Taketatsu Ayana‘s meteoric career (Azunyan of K-ON!) to even greater heights.
• Kabitzin: Hopefully this can be funny instead of just pandering to people want to see some incest (and probably don’t have an annoying little sister of their own). I like the character designs, and the anime art looks better than the manga art.
• Epi: She kind of looks like Yamada. Anyway, this could be good or bad, but I dunno how a Nogizaka Haruka clone except it’s the dude’s sister could be any good considering how crappy that show turned out.

Potential Watchers: Zyl, Kabitzin, Epi
Potential Bloggers: Zyl

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 1, 2010
Producers: Gainax

Summary: The Upper Region sends two angels “Panty” and “Stocking” to Earth.  Panty, a blond woman in teen-celebrity-style clothes, and Stocking, a black haired woman in gothic lolita fashion, fight against peculiar ghosts on Earth.

• Hellomotto: At first, I thought this was another excuse for ecchi and moe. Then I looked at the picture, which reminded me a bit of Kaiba, except more…distorted, I guess? Either way, it captivated me. I’m still not sure what to expect out of the series, but it’s worth a shot.
• Zyl: Evirus is interested in this. Might be worth a peek.
• Epi: Thought this was Powerpuff Girls
• Jesus159159159: Thought the green dog in the middle was Gir… Y’know, searching for the trailer on youtube was probably a bad idea… (if you hate 3D-Girls, that is)

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Hellomotto

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Shinryaku! Ika Musume (The Invader Comes From the Bottom of the Sea!)
Episodes:
Air Date: October 4, 2010
Producers: Diomedea

Summary: The sea in our world has been polluted. All sorts of trash were thrown into the sea, making it unpleasant deep under the sea. One of the inhabitants of the sea, Ika Musume (Squid Girl) seeks to exact revenge on humanity for throwing trash into the sea. Clueless about the surface, she seeks to invade humanity alone, trying to rule over the world, only to find herself slaving away at one of the nearest beach-houses for breaking a side of its wall.

• Hellomotto: Well, I guess that they’re trying to imbue an environmental message through anime–an admirable attempt, no doubt. But I just can’t see myself watching this show. Nope.
• Kabitzin: Fufufu, humanity wins again. The trailer was a little too cutesy and heartwarming for my tastes.
• Zyl: The Nomura jellyfish are already striking back though they should be targeting China rather than Japan. I suppose that’s one of those problems that arise when you go with the flow.
• Jesus159159159: I love Squid Girl(see? It’s better to put a label on girls, like Red-Glasses-Girl, Sex-Hair Girl, Brown-Bagger Girl, etc.)’s hair. If Nama-ko had a Squid buddy, I’d bet she’d look just like that. She better play the clarinet or I’m dropping this!

Potential Watchers: Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku
Episodes:
Air Date: October 8, 2010
Producers: ZEXCS, feel.

Summary: Fortune Arterial’s story revolves around the male protagonist Kohei Hasekura, who transfers into a prestigious public school in the style of an English six-year school encompassing junior-high and high school students. The school is on an island named Tamatsu Island off-shore from mainland Japan, and the only way to get there is by boat. Soon after transferring, he discovers that one of the student in the class next door to his, Sendo Erika, is in fact a type of vampire.

• Hellomotto: If I may: what the hell?! I really don’t see the point of this series. True, not all series need a “purpose,” if you will; but I have a horrible feeling that this will play out atrociously. I mean, c’mon: vampires? Can one possibly beat a dead horse even more? I can see why some people would want to see this; but not me. Nope, not me.
• Zyl: I haven’t watched an adult visual novel/game conversion in a while. May pick this up if it gets Stripey‘s tanuki paw print of approval.
• Halfadeckshort: Shades of Evangeline from Negima!? prompt me to give this one a shot for a couple of episodes.
• Epi: I liked it better when it was called Karin.

Potential Watchers: Halfadeckshort
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Otome Youkai Zakuro (Girl Demon Zakuro)
Episodes:
Air Date: October 4, 2010
Producers: J.C. Staff

Summary: It’s the Meiji Era in a slightly alternate Japan, and the Gregorian calendar has just come into effect. The fox-eared girls living in the youkai part of town are about to be put to work together with a delegation of young human soldiers, to promote interracial understanding. So what will happen when Zakuro’s strong personality collides with human sensibilities?

• Kabitzin: In spite of how poor the Yozakura Quartet conversion was, I kinda like shows about yokai and humans living together, especially when the yokai are treated like illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, the trailer for this looked really boring and genteel.
• Zyl: I was initially excited by Nakahara Mai voicing the title character but am having reservations given how I haven’t seen that many of series directed by Chiaki Kon. With respect to those I have seen, I thought Nodame Paris was iffy (though it might have more to do with the source material) and while I do acknowledge Higurashi as a classic but I was completely put off the franchise and did not pick up the sequels. Mari Okada, seems to have a more impressive CV, having done series composition for ToraDora (and though I’ve not watched them, I have also heard good things said about the series composition of True Tears and Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuku wo!). I’m not sure CANAAN is a plus story-wise but it did provide much unintended yuri-infused hilarity. Will wait and see.
• Epi: The trailer makes it look like this is a late 1990s show.
• Jesus159159159: I’ll try my best to ignore the Digimon character and concentrate solely on the hot dame with the luscious lips. YEAH, SEE?!?! Though, like Kabitzin, I did find the trailer boring. When ya can’t decide, ya give it da 3-Ep Test, SEE?! Yeah, SEE?!

Potential Watchers: Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Kuragehime
Episodes: 11
Air Date: October 14, 2010
Producers: Brains Base

Summary: The story centers around Tsukimi Kurashita, a huge fan of jellyfish (kurage, a wordplay on the “kura/mi” and “tsuki/ge” in her name) and a girl who moves to Tokyo to become an illustrator. She moves into “Amamizukan,” an apartment complex that is full of fujoshi (diehard female otaku) with a no-men-allowed rule. However, one day, Tsukimi invites a stylishly fashionable woman to stay at her room at Amamizukan — only to discover that the guest is not who “she” seems to be.

• Hellomotto: Woah there, trap ahoy! Anyways, it has an interesting concept, but I’m not sure how it’ll play out. Still, seeing as though this is a josei (or so I’m told), this might be one of my niche animes. I’ll definitely be checking this one out.
• Jesus159159159: More Sea Critters (Jellyfish Princess) with a dash of upper-lip? Winner of the Kodansha Manga Award for best Shōjo manga in 2010? Airing in the Noitamina Animation Block? Count me in! The art is absolute Stank-Beaver (in a good way) and that premise is totally down under! (the sea…)

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Hellomotto

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Bakuman
Episodes: 25
Air Date: October 2, 2010
Producers: J.C. Staff

Summary: Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi are pretty much foils of each other. Mashiro, an average 9th grade student but talented artist, and Takagi, an overall advanced 9th grader and aspiring writer. After great convincing, Takagi convinces Mashiro to join him in becoming the greatest mangakas Japan has ever seen. Takagi, with his gift of writing, hopes to become a successful mangaka, and Mashiro, with his gift of art, hopes to marry the girl of his dreams, Azuki Miho.

• Hellomotto: Well, everybody who follows the manga knows that this is a sure hit. That being said, I’ve been reading the manga, but it hasn’t quite captivated me the way others have. Still, I’ll check this out to see if my experience improves. (Of course, I won’t be blogging it because, well, we already know J159′s gonna do unspeakable things to me and my dead body if I do.)
• Epi: Written by the guy who wrote Death Note. Directed by the guy who directed Honey and Clover and Nodame Cantabile. And under the aegis of the AYAKO DOCTRINE. I believe this is a must watch.
• Jesus159159159: Being an avid reader of the manga, I can say I’m both excited and scared of this adaptation. In this limited brain of mine, there are three paths an anime adaptation can take: 1. Surpass the manga, 2. Take no risks / become an exact copy of the manga, or 3. F*ck it up. I’m going with the 2nd, which is not a bad thing at all, but I recall Death Note as a Category 2 anime which I slightly preferred to the manga. To put it bluntly, the anime version is basically the manga with color and tiny segments of animation. I can’t say this is a bad thing either, especially when Death Note’s story is impossible to alter without destroying the original creator’s intention. Will Bakuman also take this path? Will it be fluid enough (like the manga) to keep me interested? Will it focus mainly on the romance of the characters since that would be a safe bet in the anime industry? I don’t know, but OH BABY OH BABY I’m about to find out! This show is under my belt!! (btw, the anime art is sorta… well, uninspiring)

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto, Epi, Jesus159159159
Potential Bloggers: Jesus159159159

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Shinrei Tantei Yakumo (Psychic Detective Yakumo)
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 3, 2010
Producers: Bee Train

Summary: Shinrei Tantei Yakumo tells a story about a college student, Saitou Yakumo who is born with different eye colors. His red left eye gives him a special ability to see ghosts and spirits. He believes ghosts and spirits are bound to earth because of a certain “cause,” and simply eliminating that “cause” will let those spirits rest in peace. Being asked for help by Ozawa Haruka, they begin the investigation together.

• Hellomotto: YES. OH GOD YES. YES. Oh wait…this isn’t Natsume Yuujinchou, is it? Still, it’s definitely the top contender for me in terms of previews; I’ll definitely be watching this series. Seeing as though I’ll have limited time in the future (college apps, folks!), I’ll leave this show to a more worthy blogger who will do the series justice.
• Kabitzin: Bee Train with no girls + guns?  I am curious.  Hopefully the production values will be decent.

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto, Kabitzin
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 7, 2010
Producers: J.C. Staff

Summary: The anime adaptation of the PSP game, the story takes place in an imaginary world in “the Age of Detectives”, where private detectives and phantom thieves overwhelm the cities. It’s about four girls who aim to be great detectives.

• Halfadeckshort: In before Media Blasters swipes the tit-le for an udderly inappropriate hentai localization. This looks a bit too cutesy to take seriously, so it’s a pass for now.

Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Arakawa Under the Bridge 2
Episodes:
Air Date: October 3, 2010
Producers: SHAFT

Summary: This is the sequel to Arakawa Under the Bridge.

• Hellomotto: I would want to watch it, but I’ve got a lot of anime to catch up on–including the first season of Arakawa. And that’s all I have to say ’bout that…
• Zyl: My experience with the first season was very uneven – I liked some of the weird characters and their interactions but disliked others intensely. I was also disappointed by the lack of substantial Recruit x Nino progress. As such, I’ll probably follow this via aniblogs and then pick up only those episodes that focus on Maria (Sawashiro Miyuki), Stella (Saitou Chiwa) and The Amazoness (Kobayashi Yuu).
• Halfadeckshort: I enjoyed the first season (I’ll write up the last episode… soon) and I hope that season two will actually deliver on the potential of the first. And more Maria is never a bad thing. If I do blog this one I may have to change my format a bit (no ads though, promise).

Potential Watchers: Halfadeckshort
Potential Bloggers: Halfadeckshort

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Hakuouki Hekketsuroku
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 2, 2010
Producers: Studio DEEN

Summary: This is the sequel to Hakuouki.

• Halfadeckshort: Despite the fact that the second word in the title looks like an engrish-y version of “heterosexual,” I’m not buying it. The first season’s bishie designs didn’t do anything for me, and they still don’t. Pass.

Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Tegami Bachi Reverse
Episodes:
Air Date: October 2, 2010
Producers: Studio Pierrot

Summary: This series is the sequel to Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee).

• Epi: Only saw the first few episodes of Letter Bee… seemed interesting but never got into it.

Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Sora no Otoshimono: Forte (Heaven’s Lost Property: Forte)
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 1, 2010
Producers: AIC A.S.T.A.

Summary: This series is the sequel to Sora no Otoshimono.

• Hellomotto: Woah, more female body parts that every otaku wants! Every otaku but me, that is.
• Epi: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why doesn’t anyone else care about this?!?!? MUST WATCH. The first season was an absolute riot, how could I possibly pass this up?

Potential Watchers: Epi
Potential Bloggers: Epi

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Motto To Love-Ru
Episodes:
Air Date: October 5, 2010
Producers: XEBEC

Summary: A new anime adaptation of Saki Hasemi and Kentaro Yabuki’s To Love-Ru -Trouble- manga.

• Hellomotto: OH HEY, I SEE PART OF MY NAME IN THE TITLE! That’s about all I have to contribute.
• Zyl: Since it has been predicted that I am destined to marry Konjiki no Yami on December 2, 2011, might just read up on what anibloggers have to say about this series when it airs.

Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Toaru Majutsu no Index II (A Certain Magical Index 2)
Episodes: 24
Air Date: October 9, 2010
Producers: J.C. Staff

Summary: This series is the sequel of Toaru Majutsu no Index.

• Hellomotto: I know for certain that Raph over at Borderline Hikikomori is going to go crazy over this. I haven’t seen the first series, however, so this is a no-go for me. Given its popularity, maybe I should put the first season on my to-watch list…
• Zyl: I hated Touma’s speechifying and was disappointed by Kaori’s angst overdrive but I’m coming back for the spark of Biri Biri as well as Kuroko’s antics and That Voice.
• Halfadeckshort: I enjoyed the first season (and am working my way through Railgun), but I think it worked better when marathoned. Will watch the first few episodes to see if I want to stick with it weekly.
• Epi: Was hoping for a second season of Railgun… still have to finish the first season of Index.

Potential Watchers: Zyl, Halfadeckshort, Kabitzin
Potential Bloggers: Kabitzin

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Nougyou Musume (Agriculture Girl)
Episodes:
Air Date: October 7, 2010
Producers: Toei

Summary: The story centers around two sisters, Koshino Hikari and Hikaru, who take care of the paddy they inherited from their parents. Together the sisters grow rice and hang out with their friends in the local area.

• Hellomotto: Well, the character designs (or lack thereof) don’t really reflect upon the seriousness in anime that I usually like…BUT THEY’RE SO DAMN CUTE. It seems like it’ll be rather childish, and again, since I don’t have much time on my hands, I’ll skip this one for now and put it on the back burner.
• Zyl: The cuteness is actually off-putting maybe because it brings back bad memories being bored and horrified at the same time by Binchou-tan.

Potential Watchers:
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Deadman Wonderland
Episodes:
Air Date: April 2011 (Left in this preview since it was rumored for Fall 2010)
Producers: Manglobe

Summary: Ganta Igarashi has been convicted of a crime that he hasn’t committed, and sent to a new, privately owned and operated prison, where the inmates are the main attraction in a modern day twist to the gladiatorial coliseums of ancient times. Throw in a healthy dose of weird little girl, some new-found super powers, and a little conspiracy theory, and you have Deadman Wonderland.

• Hellomotto: I saw the picture and immediately thought of Eureka Seven. However, I’m sure that it will not be the same, as the plot is completely different. Even still, the concept is interesting: dark and twisted with a touch of magic. I don’t know enough about it, but I’ll check it out.
• Kabitzin: I have read a lot of this manga, and I’m not a fan.  It was interesting at first, feeling like a shounen Highschool of the Dead with less boobage and more distorted faces.  Unfortunately, it starts to drag like your typical shounen series and the fights are really uninspired.  Basically the good guy will have a flashback or epiphany and then power up for a one-shot victory.  Plus, Ganta is generally a little bitch and Shiro annoys the hell out of me.  I guess the series is very anticipated since the creator also did Eureka Seven (which I never finished), but I wasn’t impressed.
• Epi: Well it could be good or it could be bad… might watch a few episodes and decide then.

Potential Watchers: Hellomotto
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Title: Goulart Knights
Episodes:
Air Date: December 2010
Producers: Lantis

Summary: Unidentified creatures “Archon” suddenly appear and bring the human beings to a crisis of extinction. A special corps “Goulart Knights” is formed to counter attack Archon. The knights have supernatural power to generate “Holy Grail” from their spirits and battle against Archon.

• Zyl: After much agonizing, I have decided not to get Star Craft II: The Wings of Liberty until the expansion set is released.
• Halfadeckshort: LOLKILTS. So is this what happened to the girls who didn’t make the cut in the Seikon no Qwaser casting line? Will watch soma that to see if there’s any terribawesome potential.
• Epi: This show has LOLZ written all over it… except the sucky kind.
• Jesus159159159: No no no! Not Kilt-a-fish! It’s Gefilte Fish! GEHH-FILL-TAHH FIIIIiIIiISSSHH!! Okay, I’m done.

Potential Watchers: Halfadeckshort
Potential Bloggers:

[ MAL | ANN ]

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Related posts:

1. Summer 2010 Preview
2. Spring 2010 Preview
3. Fall 2011 Anime Preview

Tagged as: Poll