Most of this information comes from the chart at Denizen’s blog, as well as MAL and ANN. I’m excited because we’ll have three people blogging again, which means more series covered by SS!AB. I might cut my load to 3 new series (depending on episode counts), to leave room for Winter series since I will be picking up all new shows in the Fall. Putting this together was soul-sucking, but less soul-sucking than in the past because I got to read what Epi and Jesus159159159 had to say about the various series.
Which 3 series are you most looking forward to?
Darker than Black 2 (42%, 179 Votes)
Fairy Tail (25%, 106 Votes)
Kimi ni Todoke (24%, 104 Votes)
A Certain Scientific Railgun (22%, 92 Votes)
Kobato. (16%, 70 Votes)
Inuyasha: Kanketsu-hen (11%, 49 Votes)
The Sacred Blacksmith (11%, 45 Votes)
Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza (11%, 45 Votes)
Trapeze (10%, 41 Votes)
Letter Bee (9%, 40 Votes)
Fighting Librarians (9%, 40 Votes)
Kampfer (8%, 35 Votes)
Winter Sonata (7%, 31 Votes)
Nyan Koi! (7%, 30 Votes)
11eyes (7%, 29 Votes)
White Album 2 (6%, 26 Votes)
Natsu no Arashi! 2 (6%, 25 Votes)
Asura Cryin' 2 (5%, 23 Votes)
Romance of the Three Kingdoms (5%, 23 Votes)
Sasameki Koto (5%, 21 Votes)
Queen's Blade 2 (4%, 16 Votes)
Shin Koihime†Musou (4%, 15 Votes)
Sora no Otoshimono (2%, 9 Votes)
Yumeiro Patissiere (2%, 8 Votes)
Seitokai no Ichizon (-158%, 7 Votes)
Total Voters: 427
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Kemeko Deluxe meets Kaleido Star
Title: Kuchu Buranko (Trapeze) Episodes: 11 Air Date: October 15, 2009 Producers: Toei Animation
Summary: In modern Japan, people visit “doctors of neurology,” rather than therapists. Dr. Ichiro Irabu is an eccentric neurologist with an injection fetish, an Oedipus complex, and a green Porsche, known for making patients much worse before they get better.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I don’t usually like these episodic help-people-out shows, unless all the clients end up victims like in Franken-Fran. Nothing I’ve seen so far has enticed me, although the idea of an injection fetish makes me snicker. And how can a little girl have an Oedipus complex? (Won‘t watch | Won‘t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ve heard many good things about the Director’s work, but I really hate that Takashi Murakami-styled art. I’ll definitely give the first 2-3 episodes a try, but hopefully they don’t get too funky with the art. (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Looks like a ridiculously weird show. I don’t know what to think about this. From the website it looks like they might be doing some weird SHAFT-type animation/live action hybrid stuff. I don’t know if I’m interested in that, especially if there’s a lot of talking, puts me to sleep. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Summary: In a world where “Books” are the crystallized forms of the dead, Tonisu has his memory erased and a bomb implanted in his chest. Books are stored in the Bantorra Library where anyone who reads a book can learn their past. Bantorra Library is maintained by Armed Librarians who wield psychic powers and their enemy is a religious society known as Sindeki Kyoudan. Tonisu is ordered to kill the most powerful armed librarian Hamyuttsu Meseta. However, he falls in love and is caught up in the ongoing battle of the library.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I really like the character art, and how much less believable than Toshokan Sensou could this really be? Unfortunately, the trailer looked generic as hell, and I get the feeling that the battle choreography will be a series of flashing lights followed by one fighter falling to the ground. I do, however, like where the latest in librarian fashion trends are heading. (Will Watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction:Having fun isn’t hard WHEN YOU’VE GOT A LIBRARY CARD!!! Wow, glad that’s out of my system! Anyways, the trailer did seem a bit bland, but I like the guy with the hat. Definitely like the hat! Yup… that’s pretty much it. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: The art from the website and the trailer look pretty spectacular, and the character designs are as detailed as hell. Whether or not this will continue throughout the show remains to be seen. Looks like there’s quite a richly detailed fantasy world, and as always if that’s done well I’m game. I just hope it isn’t really hokey. (Will Watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Darker than Black 2 Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 8, 2009 Producers: Bones
Summary: In the sequel, Hei and Yin are now on the run after betraying the Syndicate in the previous season. After leaving Japan, Hei encounters Suou Pavlichenko, a 13 year old Eurasian girl who becomes embroiled in the war and politics of the various factions and Contractors vying for power. Meanwhile, Hell’s Gate remains standing in Tokyo, after Hei’s efforts to stop the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating.
Although Contractors are safe from the danger of having their existences erased, this does not prevent new and old Contractors from abusing their powers. As Misaki Kirihara and her team in the Public Security Bureau deal with the increasing Contractor cases, she also has to keep the Syndicate at bay, who has major positions in the Japanese police and intelligence bureaus around the world. The storyline setting primarily takes place in both Japan and Russia.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: What to say about this sequel… well unfortunately I haven’t watched the first series, and this usually dooms a sequel for me. However, I’ve heard good things about this show and I’ve hoarded all the episodes to watch in the hospital while my wife is giving birth (conveniently before the start of the Fall season). (Will Watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I was very fond of the first season, especially the character designs. I will admit that I completely forgot what happened during the first season, but I’m sure I’ll remember as I watch this one. Since Kabitzin will do White Album 2, and Epi will continue FMA2, it would only make sense that I pick up a sequel as well, no? Plus, all the big-wig Team Blogs will definitely blog this, and we at the Sea Slugs Empire cannot let our fanbase down! True-er Than Tears/Darker Than Black all the way! (Will watch | Will blog)
Epi’s Reaction: I quite liked the first season, even if Amber was a CC clone and Pizza Hut ruled the day. I mean sure, there wasn’t much in the character development segment, and there was literally no ending to the show, but it was FUN dammit. I’m excited that there is going to be a second season because I did not expect this at all. Hopefully they will make a real ending to this show this time around and answer some questions about the contractors and so on. (Will Watch | Might blog)
Summary: Academy City. 2.3 million inhabitants. 80% of the students are active in the ‘Brain Development Program’ and out of those only 7 are Level 5s. Meet the civilian protagonist Mikoto and her friend Kuroko, maintainers of peace and order in the University district. Kuroko is a member of ‘Judgment’. A Certain Scientific Railgun is based on to A Certain Scientific Index, but this side story follows Mikoto.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: The original series got pretty boring, but I remember while reading the manga (which I read quite a bit of) that I found the spin-off to be rather entertaining. I guess it helps that Mikoto is so much more interesting than Index, and of course this show promises plenty of yuri fanservice. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Never seen the first season, so this one will probably be a pass. The characters do seem pretty cute (or cute pretty?…*BOO*) Anyways, if this has absolutely nothing to do with the first season, I guess I can catch a couple of episodes. (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: The girl in the far right looks like Isurugi Noe! I watched the first bunch of episodes of Index and then I got pretty bored of it. Don’t know what to say about this show other than if it has more of Mikoto I’m happy. When I saw the first episode of Index I thought she’d be a main character but up until I stopped the show she was rarely ever seen! Perhaps I’ll finish it someday… (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee) Episodes: 13 Air Date: October 3, 2009 Producers: Studio Pierrot
Summary: Gauche is a governmental employee, given the task to deliver any letter to it’s destination. Meeting a young boy who is the letter to be delivered, Gauche makes friends with Lag and inspires him to take up the job. Five years later, Lag Seeing finally realizes his dream of becoming a Letter Bee, a courier who delivers mail throughout Amber Ground. However, the one who inspired Lag has gone missing and only there does the mystery start.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Personally, my dream is to become a Spelling Bee or an Apple Bee, but to each his own. I can’t help thinking that sending your letter with a courier named “Lag” would be almost as bad as buying an FPS game named “Lag,” but now I’m just being mean. I usually like journey anime series, but the last few I’ve watched have had subpar endings. This letter be good, or I won’t watch it. (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Oh boy, I hope they deliver the liver in BIG PACKAGES, cause if it fits, it ships! *crickets-crickets* I should watch the OVA/special to get the gist of it, but so far it doesn’t interest me at all. That guy reminds me of those .HACK// characters, just sayin’. (also, that’s a pretty weird rat-hat she got there…) (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Miyuki Sawashiro, Jun Fukuyama, Ami Koshimizu and Nana Mizuki? Looks like this show has a pretty awesome cast. It sounds really stupid though but hey you never know. Hard to say at this point. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
In French they call this "Ménage à trois du royaume" since they use the metric system
Title: Sangoku Engi (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) Episodes: 52 Air Date: October 2009 Producers: Beijing Glorious Animation, Future Planet
Summary: Sengoku Engi is a 52-episode adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, depicting the tumultuous warring period of second-century China and the political intrigue between the different factions. It is a joint partnership between Chinese and Japanese animation companies.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I can never think of anything good to say about these straight-up Romance of the Three Kingdoms adaptations. They’re officially banned from future preview lists. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ll assume that the story is good since it’s been adapted so many times, but I’m still not interested. Also, 52 is a big number. Almost as big as 159! (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: This must be the 23,473th adaption of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. I’ll watch the John Woo version instead. I’ll take this time to comment though that for some reason anime with English dubs sound horrible, but anime with Chinese dubs seem to work for some reason. I don’t know why. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Sauron will not have forgotten the sword of Elendil. The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.
Title: The Sacred Blacksmith Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 3, 2009 Producers: Manglobe
Summary: Once upon a time, there was a tragic war, in which the power of the devils was involved. After the war, the devils’ power was banned and the world was restored to peace. Cecily Campbell is a knight, who has been looking for a blacksmith to repair her old sword given by her father. One day, she saw a man fighting with a ruffian who used the tabooed devil’s power. The man defeated him with one blow of his weirdly shaped sword. The man turned out to be a blacksmith called Luke. The fateful encounter was the beginning of the adventure.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: The art looks nice and Manglobe does nice stuff, but the trailer was so terribly generic that it really turned me off this series. The plot reminds me of Lord of the Rings combined with Pirates of the Caribbean, but in a bad way. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Hmm, I found absolutely nothing wrong with the trailer! If you’re gonna be generic, at least do it good, right? So I’m willing to give this show a chance. I’m not a big fan of breast armor though. It doesn’t jiggle. (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: I’m with Kabitzin on this one. While the art looks kind of nice, the trailer looks super generic to me. The story sounds even more generic. I’ll probably see the first episode and decide from there, but it’s not promising! BTW Aria’s outfit reminds me of Naru from the Love Hina Spring Special. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Fairy Tail Episodes: Air Date: October 6, 2009 Producers: A-1 Pictures, Satelight
Summary: Lucy is a 17-year-old girl, who wants to be a full-fledged mage. One day when visiting Harujion Town, she meets Natsu, a young man who gets sick easily by any type of transportation. But Natsu isnt just any ordinary kid, he’s a member of one of the world’s most (in)famous mage guilds: Fairy Tail.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I read this manga series regularly, so I don’t have that much interest in covering the series. Depending on the pace and animation quality, I may tune in for the occasional battle, but I don’t think that Fairy Tail really offers anything that you couldn’t find in another shounen series. Fairy Tail looks and feels like One Piece (since Hiro Mashima and Eiichiro Oda were both influenced heavily by Akira Toriyama), so if you like one you will probably like the other. The execution and art should be pleasing, if the director sticks to the manga and has a decent budget. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Since I don’t follow Fairy Tail or One Piece, I’ll try not to make too many judgments, but seriously, how can you not make any connections between the two? Those characters look exactly like Luffy and Nami (just sexier)! Perhaps they have different personalities, but still. Either way, I did follow One Piece (manga) for awhile, and it was pretty good. If this show is exactly like One Piece, then I’m probably better off continuing One Piece. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Even if Aya Hirano and Rie Kugimiya are in this show I don’t really think I’ll watch it. Not really into Shounen shows at all. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Kobato is obviously a fan of Twitter and blue Peeps
Title: Kobato. Episodes: 24 Air Date: October 6, 2009 Producers: Madhouse Studios
Summary: Kobato is a sweet and perky girl, but also extremely naive about the world around her. She has a “mission”, which is to fill a mysterious bottle of hers with the suffering from people’s hearts so her wish to go a certain place that she desires to go can be granted. However, she must not fall in love with a particular boy she works with and whose heart she must heal.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Now we’re even adding periods to anime titles? And something seems a little off about that dog plushie. Anyway, I usually like CLAMP stuff, but sometimes their series tend to drag a little. This sounds a little like CLAMP does True Tears, but I can see this being a really heartwarming series, and Madhouse usually does good work. If “sweet and perky” really means “sweet and crazy” I will be sure to root against Kobato! (Will Watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ve been wanting to read the manga for a long time, but it was usually never translated and/or I lost interest. I like the hat, definitely like the hat! (Will Watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Madhouse and CLAMP are always good, although Kobato’s limbs are not nearly long enough, so I’m not sure what to make of it all. Sounds like the opposite of Hell Girl. I’ll watch this if it isn’t TOO sweet and moe~~~ (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Ok, Ok, I promise to copy your crappy DS game and distribute it to as many people as possible, so please don't kill me!
Title: Kimi ni Todoke (Reaching You) Episodes: Air Date: October 6, 2009 Producers: Production I.G.
Summary: This story is centered around a girl named Kuronuma Sawako who is nicknamed Sadako (ghost girl from “The Ring”) by her classmates because of her scary face and demeanor. She greatly admires Kazehaya-kun from afar, he is “100% refreshing” and is able to draw in people with his personality. Unlike her facial expressions she yearns to make friends and live as a normal student. Gradually she starts affects those around her, including Kazehaya-kun…
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Noooooooooooo!!! I’ve heard word that this manga is great, but I don’t care. The Ring scared the crap out of me, and there is absolutely no way I will sit through an anime series where the heroine’s main gimmick is looking like Sadako. It’s even worse that they named it “Reaching You.” Mark my words, this will be a 3-part series where part two will be “Haunting You,” and the final part of the trilogy will be “Killing You.” I bet if you play the DS game, Sawako and Sadako both jump out of the dual screens and kill you! (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Wow, the premise sounds like my life story! Alright, finally someone I can relate to! She does look cute in that somewhat-creepy-way, and I love the bow, which is always a plus! Also:
She greatly admires Kazehaya-kun from afar
STALKERS UNITE!!! (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Ringu? Nanako Matsushima = awesome. Scary TV girl? Not so much. Still Production I.G. hasn’t let me down for a long time, so I’ll be watching this for sure. Coupled with my love for high school romance animes this will be a sure winner in my books! (Will watch | Will blog)
You can't spell "yuri anime" without "yu" and "me"
Title: Sasameki Koto Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 7, 2009 Producers: AIC
Summary: Murasame Sumika is popular in the high school for her excellence in the marks and sports. However, she has a secret: she is in love with her classmate Kazama Ushio. Sumika hears that Ushio is like her, “a girl who likes girls,” but Sumika’s feelings have yet to be reciprocated.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: As much as I like to joke about yuri undertones, I usually find full-on yuri to be boring as the main attraction. Maybe if there was more competition and forces keeping their forbidden love apart it’d be more interesting, but I don’t see any of that happening in this show. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: AIC better turn up those AC’s cause it’s gonna get HAWT IN HERE so take off all your clothes! *smacks himself* What? Did I say hawt? Oh no, I must have been drinking again: This show is gonna suck, but probably not fish sticks. Definitely not fish sticks! Perhaps it might smell like fish though *BA DUM PSH*… okay I’ll stop. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Unlike Kabitzin, I actually am quite fond of Yuri. I’m still waiting for a worthy yuri successor to Strawberry Panic so I end up watching all these yuri shows in search for just that one. I’ll probably keep watching this show until it starts to suck (I’m thinking around first commercial break or so). Oneeeeee-sama!!!~~~~!!!!! \(^o^)/ (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Winter Sonata Episodes: 26 Air Date: October 17, 2009 Producers: G&G, JM Animation
Summary: Kang Joon-Sang, a high school boy, has his life tied to that of his classmate, Jung Yu-Jin. The drama follows the two as tragedy befalls them and those around them in the years between high school and young adulthood. This series is based on the Korean drama television series about the love between two childhood friends and was a huge hit in Japan.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: While I don’t like the character designs or the realistic art style, the trailer showcased some really top notch production values. At times I can really get into soapy doramas, but it depends on my mood. I might have to look into the source to see if this is worth the heartbreak that is sure to ensue. (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: As the Bizzaro version of Kabitzin, I actually like the sort-of realistic art style, especially when they have upper-lips! I’ve been hearing constant fanboying over this one, so I might as well give it a look. Who doesn’t like a good soap and true tears water, right? (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: So after hearing so much about Winter Sonata, I finally decided to download it and watch it. I mean it was the #1 show all across the world apparently, even in the Middle East. I must say that those 70 minute episodes are pretty long though and I only got to episode 4 before I gave up so I have no idea how this show ends. I was happily surprised to learn though that modern South Korea really does have more technology than the first few episodes which were apparently set in the past. I might end up watching this just to bypass watching the TV show. Looks like they have the live-action actors reprising their roles as the animated characters. It also looks like the anime is a pretty decent adaptation of the TV show as the camera angles even look similar. I dunno how good this will be though because the real Choi Ji Woo is much better looking than her anime version. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
I like chicken, I like liver, Meow Mix Meow Mix please deliver!
Title: Nyan Koi! Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 1, 2009 Producers: AIC
Summary: Junpei Kosaka is a second-year high school student who despises cats and has an allergy to them. It just so happens that his high school crush is Kaede Mizuno, a girl who adores cats. One day, while walking home from school, Junpei kicks an empty can and unfortunately beans the local neko-jizo-sama (guardian deity of cats). He finds he can now understand what cats are saying, including his family’s own ill-tempered cat, Nyamusasu. However, if he does not grant 100 wishes from cats, he will turn into a cat himself.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I’ve always wanted to know what my cats would say to me if they could speak English. This feels like the feline remix of What Women Want, but the art looks decent and I would probably watch most anime series focused on cats. Also, 100 wishes might sound like a lot, but I bet it wouldn’t take that long to grant my cats 100 wishes. (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: What? This is almost like 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd, but with cats! Interesting! That girl also has some nice Asian beavers K-ON! teeth! The show looks fun, but doing 100 wishes will most likely mean there will be more than 26 episodes (See, I’m good with math!). If they put some Cats in those Hats, I’m sold! (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Even if THE MAJOR is going to be a cat, I don’t know if I’m going to watch this. Not really much of a cat person (don’t tell the gf!). Will watch one episode to see THE MAJOR. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Natsu no Arashi! 2 Episodes: 13 Air Date: October 4, 2009 Producers: SHAFT
Summary: It centers on a boy named Hajime Yasaka who meets an older high school girl named Sayoko “Arashi” Arashiyama in an old town coffee shop. “Arashi” happens to have a secret that Hajime learns one fateful summer vacation. Arashi makes a bond with Hajime, enabling them to travel back through time, sometimes to rescue those who died in WWII.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Oh jeez, the first season was about time travel? I’m still so bitter about School Rumble dragging that I absolutely refuse to watch this show. Plus, the character designs are ugly. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Oh no, not this show again! I did have fun blogging it over at Sufoki, but I received absolutely no comments! It is an okay-show, but I’ll have to finish the first season to go to the next. Also, unlike Kabitzin, I liked the character designs. I was also a big fan of the OP song. It was refreshingly funky-desu! (Will watch eventually | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Saw the first episode of the first season and it… sucked. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Waiting for Yuki to betray the human race and fly off to hang out with the Vajra
Title: White Album 2 Episodes: 13 Air Date: October 2, 2009 Producers: Seven Arcs
Summary: Touya Fuji, a college student, is dating a rising idol singer named Yuki Morikawa. There are numerous challenges to the couple’s relationship from the other people at Fuji’s college, Morikawa’s work, and elsewhere.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I really enjoyed White Album’s first season, in spite of some of the production dips and the occasionally slow pace. I am excited to see how Touya will outdo himself as one of the worst boyfriends in anime history. Kyon-kun, denwa! (Will watch | Will blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: There are so many fond memories I have with White Album that it would be impossible for me to miss this. I definitely liked the whole anime-blogger-atmosphere that the show brought to the community, and it was fun bashing the last episode (btw, they touched-up Yuki’s badly animated performance in the DVD/Blu-Ray… *sniff* WHY?!?!) I also recall this being my first introduction to Nana Mizuki, or rather, the first time being completely fanboy over her! Lets hope for some more Yayoi-Upper-Lip stench! (Will watch | Want to blog but can’tWon’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Well looks like Kabitzin’s got dibs on this one so I won’t be blogging it, but I will for sure be watching! I need my weekly dose of being frustrated by Touya and need more makout sessions with the ice queen Yayoi herself. PLEASE! (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Title: 11eyes Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 1, 2009 Producers: Dogakobo
Summary: Five years ago, Satsuki Kakeru lost his sister by suicide and has been living a dull life ever since then. One day, he is transported into a bizarre world “Red Night” along with his friend Minase Yuka. In order to survive and escape from Red Night, he fights against Dark Spirits (Ralva) and six Black Nights of this alternate world.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: My gut reaction is, “Bleh, eroge Rental Magica,” but hopefully the main character’s sister didn’t commit suicide after sitting through 11eyes. This show seems super generic, but if the production values are decent maybe I will give the show a chance. I’ve sat through both good and bad eroge adaptations, so what’s one more? (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ve counted, and if my math is correct, there are more than 11 eyes in that poster, even if you don’t count the closed eyes or 4-eyes! Not much to say on a show that I will most likely never watch. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Alternate worlds are best experienced by high school female heroines. I dunno what to think of a male character escaping to an alternate world. They are also best done if based on a novel not an EROGE. P.S. TAMAHOME!!! (Might watch | Won’t blog)
After the long wait, we're going to piss the fans off by airing the same episode 8 times
Title: Inuyasha: Kanketsu-hen Episodes: Over 9,000 26 Air Date: October 3, 2009 Producers: Sunrise
Summary: Higurashi Kagome is pulled down a well to Feudal Japan, and learns a powerful jewel is inside her. She awakens the dog-demon Inuyasha and works together with him to find the shards fo the shattered jewel. The anime will cover the final 21 volumes of the manga.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I’ve only ever seen this show with English dubs. That’s how old Inu Yasha is. This is how I picture Zero no Tsukaima season 32 going. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I was a big Inuyasha fan during the Cartoon Network/Adult Swim run, so seeing this makes me squee in joy! IRON-REAVER SOUL STEALER!!! WIND TUNNEL!!! BOOMERANG!!! WIND SCAR!!! BACK-LASH WAVE!!! INU-YASHAaAaAaAAAAAA!!! KAGOMEEEeeeEeeEeeEee!!! (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: I got through the first 4 episodes of Inuyasha, it looked good. But then there were 150 more to go or something. So I guess I won’t be watching this. I do miss Satsuki Yukino though, sad she doesn’t really do many shows anymore. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
I make my ghost girlfriend take off her ghost shoes before getting in my mech
Title: Asura Cryin’ 2 Episodes: 13 Air Date: October 1, 2009 Producers: Seven Arcs
Summary: Tomoharu is a normal high school student… except for he’s not alone. Haunted by the ghost of his dead childhood best friend, he moves into a new home in time for the new school year. That becomes a little more difficult than anticipated when his house becomes overrun with various female occult users. Even worse than that he has been pulled into a fight to protect a trunk within the house that others want to steal.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I never got around to watching this show, and I probably won’t marathon to catch up. There certainly are a lot of unrelated cliches being blended into this series, but it’s good to see that the childhood friend romance buff does not wear off upon death. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Was there supposed to be a pun in the title, cause I always read it as “A-sure-a Cryin’” as in “Those guys are-sure-a-Cryin’ yo!” Anyways, never saw the first one, and not interested in the second. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Ghost girlfriend? High school hijinks? Mecha? Sign me up!! That was my first reaction when I heard about this show last season and I didn’t regret it. Asura Cryin’ was a fun show all around even if it wasn’t very deep. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I’m definitely looking forward to more. (Will watch | Might blog)
Title: Kampfer Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 1, 2009 Producers: Nomad
Summary: Bishoujo battle & school love comedy. Senou Natsuru is a normal high school boy. One day he wakes up to find himself turned into a girl. A stuffed tiger “Harakiri Tora” gains a life and tells him to fight as a female psychic fighter “Kampfer”. Having no idea about what’s going on, Natsuru is involved in the battles against other Kampfers.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Enough of traps going to high school to look for love and/or fulfill a grandparent’s last wishes! It’s time to party like it’s 1987 and bring back fighting traps (with a side of love). Obviously the premise sounds a little stupid, but I might give this show an episode or two to reel me in. I get the feeling, however, that the art will be crappy and if that’s the case I probably won’t stay long. However, I did check out the manga per Mentar’s suggestion and it ended up being pretty entertaining. (Will watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: /facepalm! What is this, the 10th time we have a trap attending what is most likely going to be an all-girl-school? Oh but wait, they are “psychic fighters”, and they have to battle each other for no apparent reason other than to be the best, and they have big breasts (which will be the only thing animated), and somewhere along the way we’ll have the evil corporation and whatnot. Yea, please stop watching this crap so they can finally stop making it. (to each his own of course) (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Sora no Otoshimono (Heaven’s Lost Property) Episodes: 13 Air Date: October 4, 2009 Producers: AIC A.S.T.A.
Summary: Sakurai Tomoki has been having the same strange dream since he was a child and would wake up in tears. He dreams of a strange girl asking for his help, but when he wakes up he can’t remember her face. Sugita, an upperclassmen as his school, believes the dream to be of the new continent. Later that night while waiting under the cherry trees for his Sugita and Sohara, his childhood friend, an angel named Ikaros comes flying down and complicates his life of pacifism.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: It really doesn’t get more generic than heavenly ladies falling from the sky and having some kind of connection to your past/dreams/destiny. The trailer reinforced this feeling, although it added an extra layer of super-annoying static in the dreams. Other than that, expect lots of pantsu, chains between boobs, jiggling, and loser lead male shenanigans. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I noticed that the trailer had a lot of chibi-ness in some scenes, which would totally defeat the purpose of big boobs (unless the chibi versions have big boobs as well). The main character’s voice was a bit annoying too, so I probably won’t handle hearing it for 12+ episodes. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: The trailer looks decently nice, but then again the girls all have impossibly big boobs. Unless this show has the fun charisma of Princess Lover, I can’t see myself watching it.(Might watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Seitokai no Ichizon (It’s Student Council’s Judgment) Episodes: 13 Air Date: October 2, 2009 Producers: Studio DEEN
Summary: The members of the student council of Hekiyou Gakuen are chosen by a popularity vote. As a result, all the members are cute girls except for Sugizaki Ken, who studied hard to enter the council. Ken is the only male allowed to enter the “sacred sanctuary” of the council’s meeting room. The council president records the minutes of the meetings, which consist of daily conversations about the students.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I thought this was supposed to show last season… There aren’t many details about this series, but what I’ve read sounds pretty terrible. I believe this is based off of a series of light novels where the characters chat and parody other anime series. It’s like a light novel version of those horrible mash-and-parody movies that always come out in the US. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I guess this could be good, but I’ll let others check it out for me. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Well I’ve seen S.A.,Gokujo Seitokai, Manabi Straight!, and so many others so I guess if this is a show about the student council I should watch it. That said if what Kabitzin says is true, this could really suck. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Queen’s Blade 2 Episodes: 12 Air Date: September 24, 2009 Producers: ARMS
Summary: A competition to decide the next Queen. The strongest warrior will rule the country and expand it. The contestants need to be older than 12. They need not be human, intelligent or even of that country. The rules for the tournament: murder is allowed. Any weapon can be chosen.
This is based on a series of visual combat books published by Hobby Japan which based on the licensed works from Lost Worlds. First published in 2005, it features only female characters.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Wow, I’m impressed they got another season, but I’m not surprised. You’ll find no hating here; there is a certain niche for (relatively) high budget H-series with lots of peeing. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Oh no, not the breast-armor again! To be honest, I actually like a lot of the character designs (who doesn’t?! :P), but I never got around to finishing the first season. I may catch up some day though. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: LOL they made a sequel to this? If the idea is NEXT queen, I guess this show won’t even benefit from the AYAKO DOCTRINE. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Shin Koihime†Musou Episodes: 12 Air Date: October 5, 2009 Producers: Dogakobo
Summary: The game is spinoff from the Koihime†Musou: Doki—Otome Darake no Sangokushi Engi game, which has already been adapted into a television anime series and a video anime. The franchise re-imagines the classic Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sangokushi) as a “moe (fiery), moe (preciously cute) action love comedy” with an almost all-female cast. The Shin Koihime†Musou game was just released in Japan on December 26.
The same Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel also inspired KOEI’s game franchise of the same name, KOEI’s Dynasty Warriors (Shin Sangoku Musouō) spinoffs, and dozens of anime and manga of varying historical accuracy.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: It’s pretty amazing what you can twist Romance of the Three Kingdoms into. I only watched 1 episode of the first season and I don’t really enjoy RotTK anime all that much anyway. I do like recommending this series to friends of mine who are RotTK fans/purists, however, just to see their reaction after the first episode. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Wow, so this is also based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms? Guess RotTK is pretty big… bigger than those D’s on those B%tches yo! I’ll take the manly-GAR-anime version to this one. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Summary: In the story, Yuuto Ayase is an ordinary boy in an private high school with the usual cliques. Haruka, the school’s most unattainable girl, is so idolized in the school for both her beauty and smarts that her classmates nickname her Nuit Étoile (The Silver Star of the Night) and Lumière du Clavier (The Shining Princess on the Piano). However, in the school’s library, Yuuto stumbles across her and her darkest secret — she is a diehard fan of anime, manga, and otaku culture. This looks to be a sequel of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I had no interest in the first season, so needless to say I won’t be watching the sequel. I don’t really like the art style that much either. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction:wth is up with that caption?! Never even heard of the first season, so this one is a definite no-no. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Well I liked the first season even if it wasn’t that special. I mean it was a pretty generic show although Mamiko Noto really turned up the charm.(Will watch | Won’t blog)
Title: Yumeiro Patissiere Episodes: Air Date: October 4, 2009 Producers: Studio Peirrot
Summary: The story centers on a 14-year-old girl named Ichigo Amano who wants to be a pâtissière (female pastry chef), but she is stymied by her own clumsiness. One day, she enrolls in St. Mary Academy, a culinary school for sweets, and meets a “spirit of sweets.”
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Oh yeah, Shugo Chara patissiere edition! As great as watching X eggs made into cakes would be, I am pretty sure this will be your standard shojou-with-chibi-spirit anime complete with a billion oji-samas and lots of sweets and friendships. Props for having the green-haired guy hold a bunch of flours. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Mmm, she bettah bake me a cake as fast as she can! Mmm-hmmm! Err, I mean: Yum-Merry-Oh Pastries? That’s an interesting title. Btw, I like the hats! Definitely like the hats! (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: So I was reading the author’s ANN profile and it says that the author’s favorites include – Kung Fu stars: Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li.
Back to the show… If there are any BREAD REACTIONS then I’ll watch. Also the character designs remind me of Full Moon o Sagashite which is a definite plus. I’ll at least watch the first episode and then I’ll probably drop this show faster than Queen’s Blade (which I saw the first 2 minutes of). (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Fall 2009
So I heard you like sequels...
Most of this information comes from the chart at Denizen’s blog, as well as MAL and ANN. I’m excited because we’ll have three people blogging again, which means more series covered by SS!AB. I might cut my load to 3 new series (depending on episode counts), to leave room for Winter series since I will be picking up all new shows in the Fall. Putting this together was soul-sucking, but less soul-sucking than in the past because I got to read what Epi and Jesus159159159 had to say about the various series.
Which 3 series are you most looking forward to?
Total Voters: 427
Kemeko Deluxe meets Kaleido Star
Title: Kuchu Buranko (Trapeze)
Episodes: 11
Air Date: October 15, 2009
Producers: Toei Animation
Summary: In modern Japan, people visit “doctors of neurology,” rather than therapists. Dr. Ichiro Irabu is an eccentric neurologist with an injection fetish, an Oedipus complex, and a green Porsche, known for making patients much worse before they get better.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I don’t usually like these episodic help-people-out shows, unless all the clients end up victims like in Franken-Fran. Nothing I’ve seen so far has enticed me, although the idea of an injection fetish makes me snicker. And how can a little girl have an Oedipus complex? (Won‘t watch | Won‘t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ve heard many good things about the Director’s work, but I really hate that Takashi Murakami-styled art. I’ll definitely give the first 2-3 episodes a try, but hopefully they don’t get too funky with the art. (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Looks like a ridiculously weird show. I don’t know what to think about this. From the website it looks like they might be doing some weird SHAFT-type animation/live action hybrid stuff. I don’t know if I’m interested in that, especially if there’s a lot of talking, puts me to sleep. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Prose before hoes
Title: Tatakau Shisho: The Book of Bantorra (Fighting Librarians)
Episodes: 26
Air Date: October 2, 2009
Producers: David Production
Summary: In a world where “Books” are the crystallized forms of the dead, Tonisu has his memory erased and a bomb implanted in his chest. Books are stored in the Bantorra Library where anyone who reads a book can learn their past. Bantorra Library is maintained by Armed Librarians who wield psychic powers and their enemy is a religious society known as Sindeki Kyoudan. Tonisu is ordered to kill the most powerful armed librarian Hamyuttsu Meseta. However, he falls in love and is caught up in the ongoing battle of the library.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I really like the character art, and how much less believable than Toshokan Sensou could this really be? Unfortunately, the trailer looked generic as hell, and I get the feeling that the battle choreography will be a series of flashing lights followed by one fighter falling to the ground. I do, however, like where the latest in librarian fashion trends are heading. (Will Watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Having fun isn’t hard WHEN YOU’VE GOT A LIBRARY CARD!!! Wow, glad that’s out of my system! Anyways, the trailer did seem a bit bland, but I like the guy with the hat. Definitely like the hat! Yup… that’s pretty much it. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: The art from the website and the trailer look pretty spectacular, and the character designs are as detailed as hell. Whether or not this will continue throughout the show remains to be seen. Looks like there’s quite a richly detailed fantasy world, and as always if that’s done well I’m game. I just hope it isn’t really hokey. (Will Watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Darker than Darker than Black
Title: Darker than Black 2
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 8, 2009
Producers: Bones
Summary: In the sequel, Hei and Yin are now on the run after betraying the Syndicate in the previous season. After leaving Japan, Hei encounters Suou Pavlichenko, a 13 year old Eurasian girl who becomes embroiled in the war and politics of the various factions and Contractors vying for power. Meanwhile, Hell’s Gate remains standing in Tokyo, after Hei’s efforts to stop the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating.
Although Contractors are safe from the danger of having their existences erased, this does not prevent new and old Contractors from abusing their powers. As Misaki Kirihara and her team in the Public Security Bureau deal with the increasing Contractor cases, she also has to keep the Syndicate at bay, who has major positions in the Japanese police and intelligence bureaus around the world. The storyline setting primarily takes place in both Japan and Russia.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: What to say about this sequel… well unfortunately I haven’t watched the first series, and this usually dooms a sequel for me. However, I’ve heard good things about this show and I’ve hoarded all the episodes to watch in the hospital while my wife is giving birth (conveniently before the start of the Fall season). (Will Watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I was very fond of the first season, especially the character designs. I will admit that I completely forgot what happened during the first season, but I’m sure I’ll remember as I watch this one. Since Kabitzin will do White Album 2, and Epi will continue FMA2, it would only make sense that I pick up a sequel as well, no? Plus, all the big-wig Team Blogs will definitely blog this, and we at the Sea Slugs Empire cannot let our fanbase down! True-er Than Tears/Darker Than Black all the way! (Will watch | Will blog)
Epi’s Reaction: I quite liked the first season, even if Amber was a CC clone and Pizza Hut ruled the day. I mean sure, there wasn’t much in the character development segment, and there was literally no ending to the show, but it was FUN dammit. I’m excited that there is going to be a second season because I did not expect this at all. Hopefully they will make a real ending to this show this time around and answer some questions about the contractors and so on. (Will Watch | Might blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Your tax dollars at work
Title: A Certain Scientific Railgun
Episodes:
Air Date: October 2, 2009
Producers: J.C. Staff
Summary: Academy City. 2.3 million inhabitants. 80% of the students are active in the ‘Brain Development Program’ and out of those only 7 are Level 5s. Meet the civilian protagonist Mikoto and her friend Kuroko, maintainers of peace and order in the University district. Kuroko is a member of ‘Judgment’. A Certain Scientific Railgun is based on to A Certain Scientific Index, but this side story follows Mikoto.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: The original series got pretty boring, but I remember while reading the manga (which I read quite a bit of) that I found the spin-off to be rather entertaining. I guess it helps that Mikoto is so much more interesting than Index, and of course this show promises plenty of yuri fanservice. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Never seen the first season, so this one will probably be a pass. The characters do seem pretty cute (or cute pretty?…*BOO*) Anyways, if this has absolutely nothing to do with the first season, I guess I can catch a couple of episodes. (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: The girl in the far right looks like Isurugi Noe! I watched the first bunch of episodes of Index and then I got pretty bored of it. Don’t know what to say about this show other than if it has more of Mikoto I’m happy. When I saw the first episode of Index I thought she’d be a main character but up until I stopped the show she was rarely ever seen! Perhaps I’ll finish it someday… (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Isn't that actually a hornet/wasp on his hat?
Title: Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee)
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 3, 2009
Producers: Studio Pierrot
Summary: Gauche is a governmental employee, given the task to deliver any letter to it’s destination. Meeting a young boy who is the letter to be delivered, Gauche makes friends with Lag and inspires him to take up the job. Five years later, Lag Seeing finally realizes his dream of becoming a Letter Bee, a courier who delivers mail throughout Amber Ground. However, the one who inspired Lag has gone missing and only there does the mystery start.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Personally, my dream is to become a Spelling Bee or an Apple Bee, but to each his own. I can’t help thinking that sending your letter with a courier named “Lag” would be almost as bad as buying an FPS game named “Lag,” but now I’m just being mean. I usually like journey anime series, but the last few I’ve watched have had subpar endings. This letter be good, or I won’t watch it. (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Oh boy, I hope they deliver the liver in BIG PACKAGES, cause if it fits, it ships! *crickets-crickets* I should watch the OVA/special to get the gist of it, but so far it doesn’t interest me at all. That guy reminds me of those .HACK// characters, just sayin’. (also, that’s a pretty weird rat-hat she got there…) (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Miyuki Sawashiro, Jun Fukuyama, Ami Koshimizu and Nana Mizuki? Looks like this show has a pretty awesome cast. It sounds really stupid though but hey you never know. Hard to say at this point. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
In French they call this "Ménage à trois du royaume" since they use the metric system
Title: Sangoku Engi (Romance of the Three Kingdoms)
Episodes: 52
Air Date: October 2009
Producers: Beijing Glorious Animation, Future Planet
Summary: Sengoku Engi is a 52-episode adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, depicting the tumultuous warring period of second-century China and the political intrigue between the different factions. It is a joint partnership between Chinese and Japanese animation companies.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I can never think of anything good to say about these straight-up Romance of the Three Kingdoms adaptations. They’re officially banned from future preview lists. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ll assume that the story is good since it’s been adapted so many times, but I’m still not interested. Also, 52 is a big number. Almost as big as 159! (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: This must be the 23,473th adaption of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. I’ll watch the John Woo version instead. I’ll take this time to comment though that for some reason anime with English dubs sound horrible, but anime with Chinese dubs seem to work for some reason. I don’t know why. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Sauron will not have forgotten the sword of Elendil. The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.
Title: The Sacred Blacksmith
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 3, 2009
Producers: Manglobe
Summary: Once upon a time, there was a tragic war, in which the power of the devils was involved. After the war, the devils’ power was banned and the world was restored to peace. Cecily Campbell is a knight, who has been looking for a blacksmith to repair her old sword given by her father. One day, she saw a man fighting with a ruffian who used the tabooed devil’s power. The man defeated him with one blow of his weirdly shaped sword. The man turned out to be a blacksmith called Luke. The fateful encounter was the beginning of the adventure.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: The art looks nice and Manglobe does nice stuff, but the trailer was so terribly generic that it really turned me off this series. The plot reminds me of Lord of the Rings combined with Pirates of the Caribbean, but in a bad way. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Hmm, I found absolutely nothing wrong with the trailer! If you’re gonna be generic, at least do it good, right? So I’m willing to give this show a chance. I’m not a big fan of breast armor though. It doesn’t jiggle. (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: I’m with Kabitzin on this one. While the art looks kind of nice, the trailer looks super generic to me. The story sounds even more generic. I’ll probably see the first episode and decide from there, but it’s not promising! BTW Aria’s outfit reminds me of Naru from the Love Hina Spring Special. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Time for some guild drama
Title: Fairy Tail
Episodes:
Air Date: October 6, 2009
Producers: A-1 Pictures, Satelight
Summary: Lucy is a 17-year-old girl, who wants to be a full-fledged mage. One day when visiting Harujion Town, she meets Natsu, a young man who gets sick easily by any type of transportation. But Natsu isnt just any ordinary kid, he’s a member of one of the world’s most (in)famous mage guilds: Fairy Tail.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I read this manga series regularly, so I don’t have that much interest in covering the series. Depending on the pace and animation quality, I may tune in for the occasional battle, but I don’t think that Fairy Tail really offers anything that you couldn’t find in another shounen series. Fairy Tail looks and feels like One Piece (since Hiro Mashima and Eiichiro Oda were both influenced heavily by Akira Toriyama), so if you like one you will probably like the other. The execution and art should be pleasing, if the director sticks to the manga and has a decent budget. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Since I don’t follow Fairy Tail or One Piece, I’ll try not to make too many judgments, but seriously, how can you not make any connections between the two? Those characters look exactly like Luffy and Nami (just sexier)! Perhaps they have different personalities, but still. Either way, I did follow One Piece (manga) for awhile, and it was pretty good. If this show is exactly like One Piece, then I’m probably better off continuing One Piece. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Even if Aya Hirano and Rie Kugimiya are in this show I don’t really think I’ll watch it. Not really into Shounen shows at all. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Kobato is obviously a fan of Twitter and blue Peeps
Title: Kobato.
Episodes: 24
Air Date: October 6, 2009
Producers: Madhouse Studios
Summary: Kobato is a sweet and perky girl, but also extremely naive about the world around her. She has a “mission”, which is to fill a mysterious bottle of hers with the suffering from people’s hearts so her wish to go a certain place that she desires to go can be granted. However, she must not fall in love with a particular boy she works with and whose heart she must heal.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Now we’re even adding periods to anime titles? And something seems a little off about that dog plushie. Anyway, I usually like CLAMP stuff, but sometimes their series tend to drag a little. This sounds a little like CLAMP does True Tears, but I can see this being a really heartwarming series, and Madhouse usually does good work. If “sweet and perky” really means “sweet and crazy” I will be sure to root against Kobato! (Will Watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ve been wanting to read the manga for a long time, but it was usually never translated and/or I lost interest. I like the hat, definitely like the hat! (Will Watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Madhouse and CLAMP are always good, although Kobato’s limbs are not nearly long enough, so I’m not sure what to make of it all. Sounds like the opposite of Hell Girl. I’ll watch this if it isn’t TOO sweet and moe~~~ (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Ok, Ok, I promise to copy your crappy DS game and distribute it to as many people as possible, so please don't kill me!
Title: Kimi ni Todoke (Reaching You)
Episodes:
Air Date: October 6, 2009
Producers: Production I.G.
Summary: This story is centered around a girl named Kuronuma Sawako who is nicknamed Sadako (ghost girl from “The Ring”) by her classmates because of her scary face and demeanor. She greatly admires Kazehaya-kun from afar, he is “100% refreshing” and is able to draw in people with his personality. Unlike her facial expressions she yearns to make friends and live as a normal student. Gradually she starts affects those around her, including Kazehaya-kun…
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Noooooooooooo!!! I’ve heard word that this manga is great, but I don’t care. The Ring scared the crap out of me, and there is absolutely no way I will sit through an anime series where the heroine’s main gimmick is looking like Sadako. It’s even worse that they named it “Reaching You.” Mark my words, this will be a 3-part series where part two will be “Haunting You,” and the final part of the trilogy will be “Killing You.” I bet if you play the DS game, Sawako and Sadako both jump out of the dual screens and kill you! (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Wow, the premise sounds like my life story! Alright, finally someone I can relate to! She does look cute in that somewhat-creepy-way, and I love the bow, which is always a plus! Also:
STALKERS UNITE!!! (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Ringu? Nanako Matsushima = awesome. Scary TV girl? Not so much. Still Production I.G. hasn’t let me down for a long time, so I’ll be watching this for sure. Coupled with my love for high school romance animes this will be a sure winner in my books! (Will watch | Will blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
You can't spell "yuri anime" without "yu" and "me"
Title: Sasameki Koto
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 7, 2009
Producers: AIC
Summary: Murasame Sumika is popular in the high school for her excellence in the marks and sports. However, she has a secret: she is in love with her classmate Kazama Ushio. Sumika hears that Ushio is like her, “a girl who likes girls,” but Sumika’s feelings have yet to be reciprocated.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: As much as I like to joke about yuri undertones, I usually find full-on yuri to be boring as the main attraction. Maybe if there was more competition and forces keeping their forbidden love apart it’d be more interesting, but I don’t see any of that happening in this show. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: AIC better turn up those AC’s cause it’s gonna get HAWT IN HERE so take off all your clothes! *smacks himself* What? Did I say hawt? Oh no, I must have been drinking again: This show is gonna suck, but probably not fish sticks. Definitely not fish sticks! Perhaps it might smell like fish though *BA DUM PSH*… okay I’ll stop. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Unlike Kabitzin, I actually am quite fond of Yuri. I’m still waiting for a worthy yuri successor to Strawberry Panic so I end up watching all these yuri shows in search for just that one. I’ll probably keep watching this show until it starts to suck (I’m thinking around first commercial break or so). Oneeeeee-sama!!!~~~~!!!!! \(^o^)/ (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Soap, falling from the sky
Title: Winter Sonata
Episodes: 26
Air Date: October 17, 2009
Producers: G&G, JM Animation
Summary: Kang Joon-Sang, a high school boy, has his life tied to that of his classmate, Jung Yu-Jin. The drama follows the two as tragedy befalls them and those around them in the years between high school and young adulthood. This series is based on the Korean drama television series about the love between two childhood friends and was a huge hit in Japan.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: While I don’t like the character designs or the realistic art style, the trailer showcased some really top notch production values. At times I can really get into soapy doramas, but it depends on my mood. I might have to look into the source to see if this is worth the heartbreak that is sure to ensue. (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: As the Bizzaro version of Kabitzin, I actually like the sort-of realistic art style, especially when they have upper-lips! I’ve been hearing constant fanboying over this one, so I might as well give it a look. Who doesn’t like a good soap and true tears water, right? (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: So after hearing so much about Winter Sonata, I finally decided to download it and watch it. I mean it was the #1 show all across the world apparently, even in the Middle East. I must say that those 70 minute episodes are pretty long though and I only got to episode 4 before I gave up so I have no idea how this show ends. I was happily surprised to learn though that modern South Korea really does have more technology than the first few episodes which were apparently set in the past. I might end up watching this just to bypass watching the TV show. Looks like they have the live-action actors reprising their roles as the animated characters. It also looks like the anime is a pretty decent adaptation of the TV show as the camera angles even look similar. I dunno how good this will be though because the real Choi Ji Woo is much better looking than her anime version. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
I like chicken, I like liver, Meow Mix Meow Mix please deliver!
Title: Nyan Koi!
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 1, 2009
Producers: AIC
Summary: Junpei Kosaka is a second-year high school student who despises cats and has an allergy to them. It just so happens that his high school crush is Kaede Mizuno, a girl who adores cats. One day, while walking home from school, Junpei kicks an empty can and unfortunately beans the local neko-jizo-sama (guardian deity of cats). He finds he can now understand what cats are saying, including his family’s own ill-tempered cat, Nyamusasu. However, if he does not grant 100 wishes from cats, he will turn into a cat himself.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I’ve always wanted to know what my cats would say to me if they could speak English. This feels like the feline remix of What Women Want, but the art looks decent and I would probably watch most anime series focused on cats. Also, 100 wishes might sound like a lot, but I bet it wouldn’t take that long to grant my cats 100 wishes. (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: What? This is almost like 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd, but with cats! Interesting! That girl also has some nice Asian beavers K-ON! teeth! The show looks fun, but doing 100 wishes will most likely mean there will be more than 26 episodes (See, I’m good with math!). If they put some Cats in those Hats, I’m sold! (Might watch | Might blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Even if THE MAJOR is going to be a cat, I don’t know if I’m going to watch this. Not really much of a cat person (don’t tell the gf!). Will watch one episode to see THE MAJOR. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
I couldn't find any new pictures so I made one
Title: Natsu no Arashi! 2
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 4, 2009
Producers: SHAFT
Summary: It centers on a boy named Hajime Yasaka who meets an older high school girl named Sayoko “Arashi” Arashiyama in an old town coffee shop. “Arashi” happens to have a secret that Hajime learns one fateful summer vacation. Arashi makes a bond with Hajime, enabling them to travel back through time, sometimes to rescue those who died in WWII.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Oh jeez, the first season was about time travel? I’m still so bitter about School Rumble dragging that I absolutely refuse to watch this show. Plus, the character designs are ugly. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Oh no, not this show again! I did have fun blogging it over at Sufoki, but I received absolutely no comments! It is an okay-show, but I’ll have to finish the first season to go to the next. Also, unlike Kabitzin, I liked the character designs. I was also a big fan of the OP song. It was refreshingly funky-desu! (Will watch eventually | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Saw the first episode of the first season and it… sucked. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Waiting for Yuki to betray the human race and fly off to hang out with the Vajra
Title: White Album 2
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 2, 2009
Producers: Seven Arcs
Summary: Touya Fuji, a college student, is dating a rising idol singer named Yuki Morikawa. There are numerous challenges to the couple’s relationship from the other people at Fuji’s college, Morikawa’s work, and elsewhere.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I really enjoyed White Album’s first season, in spite of some of the production dips and the occasionally slow pace. I am excited to see how Touya will outdo himself as one of the worst boyfriends in anime history. Kyon-kun, denwa! (Will watch | Will blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: There are so many fond memories I have with White Album that it would be impossible for me to miss this. I definitely liked the whole anime-blogger-atmosphere that the show brought to the community, and it was fun bashing the last episode (btw, they touched-up Yuki’s badly animated performance in the DVD/Blu-Ray… *sniff* WHY?!?!) I also recall this being my first introduction to Nana Mizuki, or rather, the first time being completely fanboy over her! Lets hope for some more Yayoi-Upper-Lip stench! (Will watch | Want to blog but can’t Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Well looks like Kabitzin’s got dibs on this one so I won’t be blogging it, but I will for sure be watching! I need my weekly dose of being frustrated by Touya and need more makout sessions with the ice queen Yayoi herself. PLEASE! (Will watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Hey, what's that 4eyes doing in the poster?
Title: 11eyes
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 1, 2009
Producers: Dogakobo
Summary: Five years ago, Satsuki Kakeru lost his sister by suicide and has been living a dull life ever since then. One day, he is transported into a bizarre world “Red Night” along with his friend Minase Yuka. In order to survive and escape from Red Night, he fights against Dark Spirits (Ralva) and six Black Nights of this alternate world.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: My gut reaction is, “Bleh, eroge Rental Magica,” but hopefully the main character’s sister didn’t commit suicide after sitting through 11eyes. This show seems super generic, but if the production values are decent maybe I will give the show a chance. I’ve sat through both good and bad eroge adaptations, so what’s one more? (Might watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I’ve counted, and if my math is correct, there are more than 11 eyes in that poster, even if you don’t count the closed eyes or 4-eyes! Not much to say on a show that I will most likely never watch. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Alternate worlds are best experienced by high school female heroines. I dunno what to think of a male character escaping to an alternate world. They are also best done if based on a novel not an EROGE. P.S. TAMAHOME!!! (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
After the long wait, we're going to piss the fans off by airing the same episode 8 times
Title: Inuyasha: Kanketsu-hen
Episodes:
Over 9,00026Air Date: October 3, 2009
Producers: Sunrise
Summary: Higurashi Kagome is pulled down a well to Feudal Japan, and learns a powerful jewel is inside her. She awakens the dog-demon Inuyasha and works together with him to find the shards fo the shattered jewel. The anime will cover the final 21 volumes of the manga.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I’ve only ever seen this show with English dubs. That’s how old Inu Yasha is. This is how I picture Zero no Tsukaima season 32 going. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I was a big Inuyasha fan during the Cartoon Network/Adult Swim run, so seeing this makes me squee in joy! IRON-REAVER SOUL STEALER!!! WIND TUNNEL!!! BOOMERANG!!! WIND SCAR!!! BACK-LASH WAVE!!! INU-YASHAaAaAaAAAAAA!!! KAGOMEEEeeeEeeEeeEee!!! (Will watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: I got through the first 4 episodes of Inuyasha, it looked good. But then there were 150 more to go or something. So I guess I won’t be watching this. I do miss Satsuki Yukino though, sad she doesn’t really do many shows anymore. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
I make my ghost girlfriend take off her ghost shoes before getting in my mech
Title: Asura Cryin’ 2
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 1, 2009
Producers: Seven Arcs
Summary: Tomoharu is a normal high school student… except for he’s not alone. Haunted by the ghost of his dead childhood best friend, he moves into a new home in time for the new school year. That becomes a little more difficult than anticipated when his house becomes overrun with various female occult users. Even worse than that he has been pulled into a fight to protect a trunk within the house that others want to steal.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I never got around to watching this show, and I probably won’t marathon to catch up. There certainly are a lot of unrelated cliches being blended into this series, but it’s good to see that the childhood friend romance buff does not wear off upon death. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Was there supposed to be a pun in the title, cause I always read it as “A-sure-a Cryin’” as in “Those guys are-sure-a-Cryin’ yo!” Anyways, never saw the first one, and not interested in the second. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Ghost girlfriend? High school hijinks? Mecha? Sign me up!! That was my first reaction when I heard about this show last season and I didn’t regret it. Asura Cryin’ was a fun show all around even if it wasn’t very deep. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I’m definitely looking forward to more. (Will watch | Might blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Phallis
Title: Kampfer
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 1, 2009
Producers: Nomad
Summary: Bishoujo battle & school love comedy. Senou Natsuru is a normal high school boy. One day he wakes up to find himself turned into a girl. A stuffed tiger “Harakiri Tora” gains a life and tells him to fight as a female psychic fighter “Kampfer”. Having no idea about what’s going on, Natsuru is involved in the battles against other Kampfers.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Enough of traps going to high school to look for love and/or fulfill a grandparent’s last wishes! It’s time to party like it’s 1987 and bring back fighting traps (with a side of love). Obviously the premise sounds a little stupid, but I might give this show an episode or two to reel me in. I get the feeling, however, that the art will be crappy and if that’s the case I probably won’t stay long. However, I did check out the manga per Mentar’s suggestion and it ended up being pretty entertaining. (Will watch | Might blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: /facepalm! What is this, the 10th time we have a trap attending what is most likely going to be an all-girl-school? Oh but wait, they are “psychic fighters”, and they have to battle each other for no apparent reason other than to be the best, and they have big breasts (which will be the only thing animated), and somewhere along the way we’ll have the evil corporation and whatnot. Yea, please stop watching this crap so they can finally stop making it. (to each his own of course) (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Marina Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Yui Horie, Yukari Tamura, Mamiko Noto and Megumi Nakajima in the same anime? Guy turning into a girl? Possible yuri situations in a high school setting? How would I not watch this show? (Will watch | Might blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Found this on the back of my milk carton
Title: Sora no Otoshimono (Heaven’s Lost Property)
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 4, 2009
Producers: AIC A.S.T.A.
Summary: Sakurai Tomoki has been having the same strange dream since he was a child and would wake up in tears. He dreams of a strange girl asking for his help, but when he wakes up he can’t remember her face. Sugita, an upperclassmen as his school, believes the dream to be of the new continent. Later that night while waiting under the cherry trees for his Sugita and Sohara, his childhood friend, an angel named Ikaros comes flying down and complicates his life of pacifism.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: It really doesn’t get more generic than heavenly ladies falling from the sky and having some kind of connection to your past/dreams/destiny. The trailer reinforced this feeling, although it added an extra layer of super-annoying static in the dreams. Other than that, expect lots of pantsu, chains between boobs, jiggling, and loser lead male shenanigans. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I noticed that the trailer had a lot of chibi-ness in some scenes, which would totally defeat the purpose of big boobs (unless the chibi versions have big boobs as well). The main character’s voice was a bit annoying too, so I probably won’t handle hearing it for 12+ episodes. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: The trailer looks decently nice, but then again the girls all have impossibly big boobs. Unless this show has the fun charisma of Princess Lover, I can’t see myself watching it. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
You call it theft, I call it parody
Title: Seitokai no Ichizon (It’s Student Council’s Judgment)
Episodes: 13
Air Date: October 2, 2009
Producers: Studio DEEN
Summary: The members of the student council of Hekiyou Gakuen are chosen by a popularity vote. As a result, all the members are cute girls except for Sugizaki Ken, who studied hard to enter the council. Ken is the only male allowed to enter the “sacred sanctuary” of the council’s meeting room. The council president records the minutes of the meetings, which consist of daily conversations about the students.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I thought this was supposed to show last season… There aren’t many details about this series, but what I’ve read sounds pretty terrible. I believe this is based off of a series of light novels where the characters chat and parody other anime series. It’s like a light novel version of those horrible mash-and-parody movies that always come out in the US. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: I guess this could be good, but I’ll let others check it out for me. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Well I’ve seen S.A., Gokujo Seitokai, Manabi Straight!, and so many others so I guess if this is a show about the student council I should watch it. That said if what Kabitzin says is true, this could really suck. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Every queen needs a (ceramic) throne
Title: Queen’s Blade 2
Episodes: 12
Air Date: September 24, 2009
Producers: ARMS
Summary: A competition to decide the next Queen. The strongest warrior will rule the country and expand it. The contestants need to be older than 12. They need not be human, intelligent or even of that country. The rules for the tournament: murder is allowed. Any weapon can be chosen.
This is based on a series of visual combat books published by Hobby Japan which based on the licensed works from Lost Worlds. First published in 2005, it features only female characters.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Wow, I’m impressed they got another season, but I’m not surprised. You’ll find no hating here; there is a certain niche for (relatively) high budget H-series with lots of peeing. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Oh no, not the breast-armor again! To be honest, I actually like a lot of the character designs (who doesn’t?! :P), but I never got around to finishing the first season. I may catch up some day though. (Might watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: LOL they made a sequel to this? If the idea is NEXT queen, I guess this show won’t even benefit from the AYAKO DOCTRINE. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Red Hair!
Title: Shin Koihime†Musou
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 5, 2009
Producers: Dogakobo
Summary: The game is spinoff from the Koihime†Musou: Doki—Otome Darake no Sangokushi Engi game, which has already been adapted into a television anime series and a video anime. The franchise re-imagines the classic Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sangokushi) as a “moe (fiery), moe (preciously cute) action love comedy” with an almost all-female cast. The Shin Koihime†Musou game was just released in Japan on December 26.
The same Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel also inspired KOEI’s game franchise of the same name, KOEI’s Dynasty Warriors (Shin Sangoku Musouō) spinoffs, and dozens of anime and manga of varying historical accuracy.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: It’s pretty amazing what you can twist Romance of the Three Kingdoms into. I only watched 1 episode of the first season and I don’t really enjoy RotTK anime all that much anyway. I do like recommending this series to friends of mine who are RotTK fans/purists, however, just to see their reaction after the first episode. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Wow, so this is also based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms? Guess RotTK is pretty big… bigger than those D’s on those B%tches yo! I’ll take the manly-GAR-anime version to this one. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: LOL? (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
Normally only ugly dumbasses like anime and manga
Title: Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza
Episodes: 12
Air Date: October 5, 2009
Producers: Diomedea
Summary: In the story, Yuuto Ayase is an ordinary boy in an private high school with the usual cliques. Haruka, the school’s most unattainable girl, is so idolized in the school for both her beauty and smarts that her classmates nickname her Nuit Étoile (The Silver Star of the Night) and Lumière du Clavier (The Shining Princess on the Piano). However, in the school’s library, Yuuto stumbles across her and her darkest secret — she is a diehard fan of anime, manga, and otaku culture. This looks to be a sequel of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu.
Kabitzin’s Reaction: I had no interest in the first season, so needless to say I won’t be watching the sequel. I don’t really like the art style that much either. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: wth is up with that caption?! Never even heard of the first season, so this one is a definite no-no. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: Well I liked the first season even if it wasn’t that special. I mean it was a pretty generic show although Mamiko Noto really turned up the charm. (Will watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
I baked you some hontou ni jiBuns
Title: Yumeiro Patissiere
Episodes:
Air Date: October 4, 2009
Producers: Studio Peirrot
Summary: The story centers on a 14-year-old girl named Ichigo Amano who wants to be a pâtissière (female pastry chef), but she is stymied by her own clumsiness. One day, she enrolls in St. Mary Academy, a culinary school for sweets, and meets a “spirit of sweets.”
Kabitzin’s Reaction: Oh yeah, Shugo Chara patissiere edition! As great as watching X eggs made into cakes would be, I am pretty sure this will be your standard shojou-with-chibi-spirit anime complete with a billion oji-samas and lots of sweets and friendships. Props for having the green-haired guy hold a bunch of flours. (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Jesus159159159’s Reaction: Mmm, she bettah bake me a cake as fast as she can! Mmm-hmmm! Err, I mean: Yum-Merry-Oh Pastries? That’s an interesting title. Btw, I like the hats! Definitely like the hats! (Won’t watch | Won’t blog)
Epi’s Reaction: So I was reading the author’s ANN profile and it says that the author’s favorites include – Kung Fu stars: Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li.
Back to the show… If there are any BREAD REACTIONS then I’ll watch. Also the character designs remind me of Full Moon o Sagashite which is a definite plus. I’ll at least watch the first episode and then I’ll probably drop this show faster than Queen’s Blade (which I saw the first 2 minutes of). (Might watch | Won’t blog)
[ MAL | ANN ]
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