I’ll only list shows that have caught my attention and of course as usual, I’ll try watching most of the shows but I can’t guarantee that I can blog them. I’ll try covering most of the first episodes but like I said I can’t guarantee that I’ll continue blogging them.
La Corda D’Oro ~second passo~Animation Production: Yumeta Company
Release Date (in Japan): March 26
Summary:
Following the intraschool competition at Seiso Academy, budding music student Kahoko meets brusque boy Eto, the new school board director Akihiko Kira, and the mysterious transfer student Aoi Kaji. (AniDB)
Impression:
I’ve watched the series and the OVA and I found it ok, it’s neither good nor bad. Since I’ve watched the series I’ll try watching this, 1 OVA wouldn’t hurt me right but I’m sure I won’t be blogging this. Sigh, I really do like a reverse harem series even though it’s not that good.
Sengoku BasaraAnimation Production: Production I.G.
Release Date (in Japan): April 1
Summary:
In the age of the Warring Countries, Japan was fragmented in semi-independent provinces, governed by feudal lords or daimyo, who confronted each other in an endless struggle for power. Ambitious daimyos from every corner of the Archipelago had shouted their battle cry. They were Takeda Shingen from Kai, Sanada Yukimura, Uesugi Kenshin from Echigo, Azai Nagamasa from Omi, Tokugawa Ieyasu from Mikawa, and many more...
Those were days of unrest and chaos. As war spread throughout the country, the map of power underwent rapid and dramatic changes.In this never-ending conflict, one man finally seemed to be just one step from establishing total control over the country. He was the lord of Owari, the Sixth Heavenly Devil King. His name was Oda Nobunaga.
But now, a young general clad in azure makes his unexpected appearance in this confused scenario, heading a huge army of cavalrymen from the Northern provinces. He is known as Date Masamune, the One-Eyed Dragon. And he is coming for Oda Nobunaga's head, and for ultimate supremacy! (AniDB)
Impression:
This looks like a shonen show and by reading the summary, I’m not so interested. Hmmm…it’s produced by Production I.G. though. Oh well I’ll try a couple of episode before judging it but if the first episode is crappy then it’s considered dropped.
Queen’s Blade: Rurou no SenshiAnimation Production: ARMS
Release Date (in Japan): April 2
Summary:
In 4 years time the competition that will decide who the next Queen shall be will start. The strongest warrior will continue to rule the country according to tradition and expand it. The contestants need only be older than 12 years. They need not be human, intelligent or even of that country. The rules for the tournament are simple: murder is allowed. Any weapon can be chosen. The winner is decided when one of the participants flees or can't move anymore. Such event is broadcasted trough a crystal sphere by the court's magic teacher to all population to see and enjoy. (ANN)
Impression:
Well, the girls looks cool and even the summary too. I just noticed that the works of the animation studio are quite porn but Elfen Lied is quite good, I haven’t watched Ikkitousen though, but their works are really full of fan service that can be considered porn. Well, let’s just see what this series can do.
Asura Cryin’Animation Production: Seven Arc
Release Date (in Japan): April 2
Summary:
Adaptation of Gakuto Mikumo and Nao Watanuki’s light novel series. The novel series relates the story of a high school boy haunted by the ghost of a childhood girl friend. (AniDB)
Impression:
Is this a love story about a boy and a ghost girl? Well it looks like it but I find this kind of plot to be over rated. The only anime from Seven Arc that I’ve watched was White Album and I dropped that since I don’t quite like the direction of the series and even some of the characters. I heard from a friend that Itzura na Kiss was quite good and that was also animated by the same studio so maybe there’s hope for this series. Oh well since I like series with love stories, of course I’ll watch it.
Basquash!Animation Production: Satelight
Release Date (in Japan): April 2
Summary:
On the planet Earthdash, its inhabitants gaze on its moon and the technologically advanced lunar city of Mooneyes with awe. Dan JD, a boy living in Rollingtown on Earthdash’s surface, gets caught up in Bigfoot Basketball — a fast-paced sport played with giant Bigfoot robots. (AniDB)
Impression:
To be honest I liked the PV of this anime, it looks cool, stylish and the bgm used is suitable. I may not like sports themed anime but I’ll try this one since the PV quite impressed me. See what a good PV could do, it makes you want to watch a series. By the way the idea was unique too, mecha playing basketball wow can’t wait to see what it’s all about.
Pandora HeartsAnimation Production: Xebec
Release Date (in Japan): April 2
Summary:
Oz Bezarius, heir to one of the duke houses, has turned fifteen. At his coming of age ceremony, however, he is cast into a prison “Abyss”, only to be saved by a “chain”, Alice, a bloodstained black rabbit. He seeks to explain what happened and what the organization known as Pandora wants with him.
Impression:
I’ve gotta praise the song in the PV of this anime I think it was really good. The series looked decent but I’m not sure yet...
K-ON!Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
Release Date (in Japan): April 2
Summary:
A story follows four girlswho try to rescue their high school’s light music club, but they are all novices who cannot even play instruments or play music.
Impression:
I found KyoAni’s anime quite good but I admit that I’ve been disappointed with some but this looks promising. KyoAni has already shown us how they could handle a concert scene like what happened in the episode 12 of Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. I hope they won’t screw this up unlike what they did in Munto. That series was quite good but it didn’t have a good character and plot development. Since I really love KyoAni, I’ll surely watch this.
Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~Animation Production: Bee Train
Release Date (in Japan): April 2
Summary:
A spate of mafia assasinations occurs in America, the work of the mysterious organization named Inferno. "Phantom" is their most strongest and capable assassin, however a lone tourist witnesses Phantom's latest act of murder. He unwittingly exposes the top assassin's true identity, a young girl named Ein. Witnesses are usually killed, but the man is captured and taken to be brainwashed into "Zwei", Inferno's newest assassin, with no memory of who he is. From this point on, Zwei is drawn into a world of conspiracy, deceit and violence. (ANN)
Impression:
The PV looks good and the summary seems interesting but the animation studio is…..hmmm. I hope they won’t screw this one because the plot intrigues me. My only rant is the title, it’s weird.
Slap Up Party : Arad SenkiAnimation Production: GONZO
Release Date (in Japan): April 3
Summary:
The anime will follow the adventures of Baron, a man living on continent of Arad in the year 981 after "the cursed light of Kazan" has fallen across the land. Thanks to the curse, one of his arms has become possessed. After finding a sword that has been possessed by the spirit Roxy, he embarks on a quest to unravel the secret of the curse and meets various people who also join his party. (AniDB)
Impression:
A MMORPG game that will get an anime and will be animated by GONZO. The PV was ok and it seem interesting but I’m a bit hesitant in picking this show because its GONZO and I don’t like the character design and animation based from the PV. It’s not that I hate GONZO but I’ve been a bit disappointed in their shows lately. What the heck I’m judging a show before I even watched it…of course I’ll try a couple of episodes then I’ll decide whether it’s worth to watch or not.
Shin Mazinger Impact! Z-ChapterAnimation Production: Bee Media & CODE
Release Date (in Japan): April 4
Summary:
More of Mazinger. Koji’s grandfather is killed, but not before bequeathing unto him a giant robot to fight the evil armies of Dr Hell. (Tenka Seiha)
Impression:
I haven’t got a chance to watch the Mazinger series and I’m not planning to watch it. Since, I’m not interested in watching the original series I’ll pass on this one.
Senjou no Valkyria: Gallian ChroniclesAnimation Production: A1 Pictures
Release Date (in Japan): April 4
Summary:
In a fictitious continent reminiscent of 1930s Europe divided in two by the Empire and The Federation, the Empire has set it sights on invading a small neutral country called Gallia, situated in between the two great empires. Welkin and his fellow soldiers of the Federation’s 7th platoon are engage in the battle.
Impression:
The PV looks good and the plot seems interesting so count me in! I kind of feel exited to watch this even though I didn’t even played the game where this is based on. By the way the girl in the PV looks cute.
Cross GameAnimation Production: Synergy SP
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
Koh is a genius hitter, but has no knowledge of any other aspect of baseball. Aoba, a younger girl is an adept pitcher and hitter. As he plays baseball, he tries to live up to the expectations of those who know his true talent, and cope with the tragedies and relationships he must deal with.
Impression:
Ugh, a sports themed anime but with a touch of romance. I don’t know if I can handle the baseball part so let’s just see after I’ve watched a couple of episodes.
Full Metal Alchemist: BrotherhoodAnimation Production: BONES
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
A faithful adaptation of the famous Full Metal Alchemist anime.
After losing their mother, Alphonse and Edward Elric attempt to bring her back using the forbidden science of human alchemy. However, alchemy operates on the theory of equivalent trade, and breaking the human alchemy taboo carries a heavy price. Ed loses his leg, and Al loses his body. Ed is able to seal Al's soul inside of a huge suit of armor, at the cost of his arm. Years later, Ed (now with two mechanical limbs) and Al (still trapped in the armor) leave their childhood home, each brother concerned with the other's happiness. Ed, who has a natural talent and skill for alchemy, becomes nationally certified and is soon known everywhere as the "Fullmetal Alchemist." Their true objective is to search for any information on the fabled Philosopher's Stone, hoping it will allow them to regain their old bodies. All of their hopes rest with this mythical stone, which may not even exist at all. However, the brothers soon learn that they are not the only ones after the powerful stone. (ANN)
Impression:
Wow a remake of the one of the famous anime around, I haven’t got a chance to watch the first season so of course I’ll watch this and see what made other people love this show.
Hanasakeru SeishounenAnimation Production: Studio Pierrot
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
Hanasakeru Seishonen is the story of a half-Japanese heiress transplanted from her ordinary high school days in Japan to a life in America filled with intrigue involving international oil and wealth distribution. (AniDB)
Impression:
A reverse harem and romance story so surely I’ll watch this one. I hope Studio Pierrot would make a good shoujo series again. Oh did I mention that the guys in the poster are so handsome, come on I can’t resist series like this.
Guin SagaAnimation Production: Satelight
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
Somewhere in the Middle Country,there roams Guin,a mysterious warrior who is revered by the people. Wearing a leopard's mask,he has lost all the memories he held except his combat instincts and the word "Aurra". When the people of the Middle Country is attacked by demonic creatures,it is up to Guin to save them.
The ancient kingdom of Parro has been invaded by the armies of Mongaul, and its king and queen have been slain. But the "twin pearls of Parro," the princess Rinda and the prince Remus, escape using a strange device hidden in the palace. Lost in the Forest of Rood, they are rescued from Mongaul soldiers by a strange leopard-headed man named Guin, who has no memories except for the word "Aurra." (ANN)
Impression:
I can’t find any PV of this series in youtube so I’m basing my impression on the plot summary. I don’t know about this but the summary and character design from the poster doesn’t interest me. Let’s just watch and see if it’s good.
Shangri-laAnimation Production: GONZO
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
The story is set in a neo-futuristic age, in which Tokyo has turned into the world’s largest “jungle-polis” that absorbs carbon dioxide. A tower city called Atlas houses the rich and privileged, and is the object of yearning of all that are not allowed to enter. But Atlas also has ancient secrets which cause a sudden whirl of events. Festooned by colorful characters such as a riotous teenage girl, a child genius, a juvenile princess, a drag queen, a female doctor, an army major, and an elderly gentleman and lady, SHANGRI-LA’s hard-core world view plays out as an anime action saga.A striking vision of Earth's future from some of Japan's foremost creative talents, SHANGRI-LA is a tale of greed and division vs. bravery and the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of a Tokyo cityscape turned into a teeming jungle by runaway global warming, with the elite living in the comfort of the tower city, Atlas, and the less-privileged masses struggling in the squalor in the jungle – only one girl, Kuniko Hojo, and her band of guerrillas can find a way to preserve the future for everyone.. (AniDB)
Impression:
I’m not interested period…but I might try watching the first episode.
Tayutama-Kiss on my Diety-Animation Production: Silver Link
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
There is a legend of a guardian deity named Tayutayu who has been lost over time. Mito and his friends discover a mysterious pattern relic on the school grounds and at the new year opening ceremony, a mysterious girl, Mashiro, appears before Mito. Mashiro is somehow tied to the relic and Tayutayu legend.
Impression:
Hmmm…I think this will be ecchi, harem and mediocre. A boy meets a mysterious girl etc2x….I’ll try the first episode then if it sucks then its considered drop.
Tears to TiaraAnimation Production: Oriental light and Magic & WHITE FOX
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
Riannon is set to be sacrificed to appease the resurrected demon lord, Arawn. As her brother Arthur attempts to rescue her, Arawn defies those who resurrected him and frees Riannon from her captors, leading to her admiration for him. Arawn acts as the leader and assembles a party of companions.
Impression:
Isn’t there a lot of RPG spin-off this season. I’m not really into games so I don’t know if the games where these anime are base on are good or crappy. The only RPG sin-off I’m looking forward to watch is Senjou no Valkyria. I don’t know about this one but still I’ll watch the first episode.
Saki
Animation Production: GONZO
Release Date (in Japan): April 5
Summary:
The story centers around Saki Miyanaga, a timid freshman girl who has never enjoyed the Asian tile game of mahjong. However, another freshman brings her into their high school’s mahjong club and into the competitive world of mahjong tournaments.
Impression:
Like I said, I’m weary of picking GONZO titles because I admit most of their anime sucks but this is quite interesting. I also don’t know how to play mahjong so maybe I could relate to this series.
07-GhostAnimation Production: Studio DEEN
Release Date (in Japan): April 6
Summary:
Set in a gothic fantasy world, this is the story of Teito Klein, an orphaned slave who became the top military academy student. However, an unexpected turn of events left him pursued by the forces of the Barsburg Empire. Now an escaping convict, Teito's sheltered by the church and it’s law of sanctuary. Here, he discovered many mysteries surrounding himself, the church, and the Empire itself. The fact that he might be connected to a dethroned king and the mystical stone of god, 'The Eye of Mikhael' made him the target of the empire more than ever. Fortunately the church is under the mythical 7 Ghost protection. But who are the Ghosts really. Will Teito be free from the military's clutch, And what of his said mission to uncover the history. And who is the military's Chief-of-Staff Ayanami exactly. Teito's future seems to have spiraled into an unexpectedly perilous path. (ANN)
Impression:
Teito Klein reminds me of Suzaku from Geass ‘cause he looks like him in the PV. The studio who will animate this produces decent anime so I hope they would entertain me this time.
Souten KouroAnimation Production: MADHOUSE
Release Date (in Japan): April 7
Summary:
Adaptation of the award winning historical manga Soten Koro. The story of Chinese warlord Cao Cao, authored by King Gonta and Li Hagin, appeared in Kodansha’s Morning magazine from 1994 to 2005 and won the Kodansha Manga Prize in 1998. (AniDB)Top of Form
Impression:
I’m not really into ancient China or Japan setting anime but I’ve watched some and I doubt I’ll watch this one even if this is being animated by MADHOUSE.
Ristorante ParadisoAnimation Production: David Production
Release Date (in Japan): April 8
Summary:
The RisPara manga, originally serialized from 2005-2006, illustrates the life of Nicoletta, a young woman that becomes an apprentice in a restaurant in Rome owned by her father in law. (AniDB)
Impression:
I’m not interested because all the guys in the poster are all old men... -_-
Eden of the EastAnimation Production: Production I.G.
Release Date (in Japan): April 9
Summary:
On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike Japan. However, this unprecedented terrorist act, later to be called as "Careless Monday," does not result in any apparent victims, and is soon forgotten by almost everyone. Then, 3 months later... Saki Morimi is a young woman currently in the United States of America on her graduation trip. But just when she is in front of the White House, Washington DC, she gets into trouble, and only the unexpected intervention of one of her fellow countrymen saves her. However, this man, who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, is a complete mystery. He appears to have lost his memory. and he is stark naked, except for the gun he holds in one hand, and the mobile phone he's holding with the other hand. A phone that is charged with 8,200,000,000 yen in digital cash. (ANN)
Impression:
Ok that was an interesting plot summary but Production I.G.s recent anime are quite crappy but I hope they won’t disappoint me in this one. The director of Ghost in the Shell will be the one directing this so it might be good and the character design is done by Chika Umino, the creator of Honey and Clover. I’m having a good vibes with this anime. Oh I forgot to mention that the PV was good and that added a factor to my excitement.
Hatsukoi LimitedAnimation Production: J.C. Staff
Release Date (in Japan): April 11
Summary:
The story begins when middle-schooler Arihara Ayumi receives a love letter from a very large and intimidating high-schooler, Zaitsu Misao, asking her out. It also follows the stories and everyday lives of the other high and junior high school girls in her life.
Impression:
The genre according to AniDB is comedy, romance, school-life etc. I think I could trust J.C. Staff with this kind of show unlike the shonen anime they’ve produced, it’s really horrid. The PV didn’t impress me nor the summary but I really love shows with love story (of course…cause I’m a girl).
Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!Animation Production: Studio Hibari
Release Date (in Japan): May
Summary:
The story revolves around Puragu or Juden –chan, a mysterious office lady who came to our world from a parallel world to “charge” up dejected people.
Impression:
The series doesn’t interest because the plot isn’t interesting and even the character design and studio.
Natsu no ArashiAnimation Production: SHAFT
Release Date(in Japan): April 5
Summary:
Thirteen-year-old Yasaka is a boy staying at his grandfather's house during his summer vacation. One day he entered a store and met Arashi, a beautiful sixteen-year old girl working there. After trying to protect her from a man who claims to have been hired by her family to take her back by force, Yasaka ran away with her and now she stays at his grandpa's place with him. It didn't take much time for Yasaka to figure out that his new friend is far from an ordinary girl, as she possesses mysterious powers. The plot thickens when he finds a sixty-year-old picture of Arashi and another girl named Kaja, and to the surprise of all Kaja suddenly appears, and just like Arashi, her appearance hasn't changed at all since then.Two other characters introduced so far are the place's owner, a woman whose name is still unrevealed and rumored to be a high level con artist, and Kamigamo, a student of Yasaka's age who he met at the store, and works there with him since then. Despite being a girl, she keeps dressing and addressing herself as a boy to the other characters. So far only Kaja knows her secret. (AniDB)
Impression:
Looks interesting and Shaft will be the one to animate it, so it’ll either be good or bad but let’s see…Oh did I mention that the author of the manga where this is based on is the same who made School Rumble and I heard that the ending of School Rumble sucked but let’s the series a chance.
We have a good line up of shows this season and most of them are spin-off of some RPG games. I'm having difficulty in choosing what to watch but I think I could make up my mind after watching the first episodes of the shows listed above.
until then...
~ja
