[caraniel]

So I’m late with this once again (this is becoming a bad habit) and same excuse as last time – still not well; it’s a never-ending circle of fun in Cara’s life~!

Anyway, Winter preview time; as usual I’ll give you the rundown of what’s airing in the next few weeks along with my personal take on the shows – time to rant like I know what I’m talking about!

For previous Season Summaries click here

Autumn 2011
Summer 2011
Spring 2011
Winter 2011
Autumn 2010
Summer 2010
Spring 2010
Winter 2010
Autumn 2009
Summer 2009
Spring 2009
Winter 2008/9
Autumn 2008
Summer 2008
Spring 2008
Winter 2007/8

Onwards!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Natsume Yuujinchou Shi

Website: http://www.nasinc.co.jp/jp/natsume-anime/
Animation Studio: Brains Base
Japanese Airdate: 2nd January 2012
Seiyuu: Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuhiko Inoue, Akira Ishida, Junichi Suwabe, Kazuma Horie
Director: Takehiro Omori (Baccano!, Jigoku Shoujo, Kuragehime)
PV:

(Original post by Summary:)
Fourth season of the anime adaptation of Yuki Midorikawa’s manga series.
Natsume Takashi has the ability to see spirits, which he has long kept secret. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, Reiko, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him. Containing the names of these spirits, a binding contract was formed between the spirits and the owner of the book. Now, Natsume is determined to free the spirits and dissolve the contracts. With the help of a spirit cat, his days are filled trying to return the names to these spirits.

Definitely watching this and am pretty hyped for it – I love Natsume. If you’ve seen the previous three seasons you’re well informed as to how this will go – lovely little atmospheric series.

The New Prince of Tennis

Website: http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/shin-tenipri/
Animation Studio: Production I.G.
Japanese Airdate: 4th January 2012
Seiyuu: Junko Minagawa, Akira Nakagawa, Daichi Endo, Daisuke Ono
Director: Hideyo Yamamoto
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skucezj9Y9s

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Takeshi Konomi’s sports manga series.
This continues what happened in the "Prince of Tennis ", after the end of the tournament. In "The New Prince of Tennis," Ryoma and the others (team members and teams they faced) begin a new adventure when they are the only 50 middle school students to be invited to the Japanese High School Representatives Selection Camp where only the top potentials in the Japanese tennis world train.

I never did finish the original PoT anime – think I made it to episode 70 before getting very bored. Still if you liked PoT I’m sure this is a welcome return; however I shall be passing.

Tantei Opera Milky Holmes Dai-Ni-Maku

Website: http://milky-holmes.com/
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Japanese Airdate: 5th January 2012
Seiyuu: Izumi Kitta, Mikoi Sasaki, Shuta Morishima, Sora Tokui, Suzuko Mimori
Director:
PV:

(Original post by Summary:)
Second series.
In the future world, people use ‘Toys’ that grant them superhuman abilities like ESP and telekinesis. This has led to a boom in both minor crimes and the need for Toy-using detectives to track down the offenders and bring them to justice. Opera Koyabashi runs the detective agency, Milky Holmes, staffed by four cheerful and energetic girls..

I was roped into watching season one by A Day Without Me, and I accepted that challenge with aplomb by watching the entire thing in one day – without the aid of alcohol. Needless to say I lost many brain cells that day. Still Milky Holmes was bat**** insane enough to be entertaining; perhaps I’ll be less traumatised if I watch the show weekly this time??

Recorder to Randoseru (Recorder & Satchel)

Website: http://www.takeshobo.co.jp/sp/tv_rikoran/
Animation Studio: Seven
Japanese Airdate: 5th January 2012
Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya, Ryotaro Okiayu, Aya Gouda, Aya Hirano
Director: Hiroshi Kimura
PV:

(Original post by Summary:)
Adaptation of the 4-koma manga series by Meme Higashiya.
Miyagawa Atsushi is an 11-year-old boy. Since he is 180 centimeters tall and has a grown-up looking build, he has always been running into troubles. On the other hand, his 17-year-old elder sister Atsumi is only 137 centimeters tall and has a childish looking build. Atsumi takes good care of Atsushi, who acts his true age.

Took brief glance at promo art, thought it was an Usagi Drop clone – mildly interested. Read the summary and thought it was a touch too similar to Toradora – interest waning. Saw it was a 4-koma manga adaptation animated by Seven with Rie Kugimiya…….killed all anticipation.

Baby, Please Kill Me! (Kill Me Baby)

Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/kmb/
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Japanese Airdate: 5th January 2012
Seiyuu: Chinatsu Akasaki, Mutsumi Tamura, Ai Takabe
Director: Yoshiki Yamakawa (Hatsukoi Limited)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQuKyffXa6g

(Original post by Summary:)
Adaptation of Kaduho‘s 4-koma manga series.
Sonya is an assassin attending a normal school. Yasuna is a hyper airhead who follows Sonya around, unaware of how dangerous she is, and Agiri is a ninja with highly questionable skills. The series focuses on the adorable ultra-violence that erupts when they try to get along.

This looks like the kind of show I’ll be amused by for about 2-3 episodes and then I’ll get bored and not bother with it anymore. I’ve experienced this many, many times with 4-koma comedies – I like them for a while, but get tired extremely quickly. The PV is demented so I do think this has potential to be fun for a bit, but don’t think the current JC Staff have enough creativity to keep this formula interesting week in week out.

Amagami-SS+ plus

Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/amagami/
Animation Studio: AIC
Japanese Airdate: 5th January 2012
Seiyuu: Tomoaki Maeno, Yukana, Shizuka Itou, Rina Satou, Kaori Nazuka
Director: Tomoki Kobayashi (Tears to Tiara, Utawarerumono)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cajK0u-egNM

(Original post by Summary:)
Second season of the anime based on the Enterbrain VN.
A second-year high school boy finds himself uneasy during Christmas time due to an experience in the past. However, this year at Christmas, he gets his last chance to ask out a graduating female senior named Haruka Morishima—or one of several other classmates.

I though season one covered all the girls routes so have no notion why the show needs another season. Probably won’t be bothering with this – I didn’t even watch all the routes of the 1st season so really don’t think I can be arsed watching even more.

High School DxD

Website: http://www.haremking.tv/
Animation Studio: TNK
Japanese Airdate: 6th January 2012
Seiyuu: Youko Hikasa, Yuuki Kaiji, Kenji Nojima, Shizuka Itou
Director: Tetsuya Yanagisawa (Sora no Otoshimono, Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RafWQXFWMwM

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Ichiei Ishibumi’s light novel series.
The story follows Issei Hyodo, a dim-witted, lecherous second-year high school student who is killed by a girl on his first date ever. Issei is reincarnated as a devil, and from that day forward, he serves as an underling of Riasu, a high-level devil who is also the prettiest girl on Issei's campus.

Horrible generic horribleness! Can we stop with these dull light novel adaptations already!?

Senhime Zesshou Symphogear

Website: http://www.symphogear.com/
Animation Studio: Encourage Films
Japanese Airdate: 6th January 2012
Seiyuu: Aoi Yuki, Minami Takayama, Nana Mizuki, Yuka Iguchi
Director: Tatsufumi Itou (Shugo Chara! Party, Negima! OVA)
PV:

(Original post by Summary:)
Humans have been menaced by mysterious monsters called "Designated Aberrant Disaster: Noise". Tsubasa and Kanade are a popular vocal unit "Twei Wing". They wear the new weapon "Symphogear" and fight against Noise to save the earth.

I have no fecking idea if this is going to be interesting or awful. Seems like some sort of singing battle series – could go either way, but I’m going with my gut reaction of ‘avoid’.

Area no Kishi (The Knight in the Area)

Website: http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/knight/
Animation Studio: Shin-ei Animation
Japanese Airdate: 7th January 2012
Seiyuu: Jun Fukuyama, Shizuka Itou, Yuko Sanpei
Director: Hirofumi Ogura (Kuro****suji S2)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhbl6GP2Zb4

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Hiroaki Igano & Kaya Tsukiyama’s sports manga.
Believing himself to be useless at football, Aizawa Kakeru opts to become the manager of his school's football team, while his brother Suguru is its ace, and is even good enough to represent Japan. However, Kakeru may be harbouring a strong talent within himself that only Suguru can see, and the two often get into arguments over Kakeru's denial of his skills. Things are made more complicated with the return of Seven, an old playmate of theirs that Kakeru has a crush on. Join the brothers in their journey to the national and even international championships!

I get a bit twitchy when it comes to sports anime – it’s a kneejerk reaction that stems from a distaste for sports IRL. However when I do get over myself and sit through a sports series I usually enjoy it (Giant Killing, Oofuri, Cross Game) so I’m willing to give this show a fair go (I swear the presence of FukuJun in the cast has nothing to do with this……really!).

Zero no Tsukaima F

Website: http://www.zero-tsukaima.com/
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Japanese Airdate: 7th January 2012
Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya, Satoshi Hino, Ayako Kawasumi, Yui Horie
Director: Yoshiaki Iwasaki (Bottle Fairy, Hayate no Gotoku, Love Hina)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiftFv72jrc

(Original post by Summary:)
Fourth anime adaptation of Noboru Yamaguchi’s light novel series.
Louise is a magician at the Tristein Academy, dubbed with the nickname “Zero Louise” due to her inability to effectively use her magic properly, resulting in zero successes. An upcoming test at her academy requires her to summon a familiar, a servant and partner to support her as a magician. Despite desiring a familiar that would be superior to her constantly mocking classmates, Louise ends up summoning Hiraga Saito, your average Japanese boy. Even with Louise and Saito both unwilling to accept each other, they have no choice. Louise cannot attempt another summoning and Saito cannot return to Japan, and so their life together begins.

Why is there another season of this? Why do I feel obligated to watch it when I know I’ll hate it? Why do you do this Japan!? Ah well, it’s somewhat fun to hate on a show I’ve been watching for years (doing that with Shana at the moment~!) if only so see just how much worse the series can actually get. However if you are one of those rare people that actually liked the awful third season go ZnT, good for you, here’s another season!

Nisemonogatari

Website: http://www.nisemonogatari-anime.com/
Animation Studio: SHAFT
Japanese Airdate: 7th January 2012
Seiyuu: Eri Kitamura, Yuka Iguchi, Hiroshi Kamiya, Chiwa Saito
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo (Arakawa Under the Bridge, ef: A Tale of Memories)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV6cbd3NLaU

(Original post by Summary:)
Sequel to NisiOisin’s Bakemonogatari series of light novels.
The black swindler Kaiki Deishu, who once deceived Hitagi, returns to town and spreads the incantation which cursed Nadeko before. The story centres on ‘The Fire Sisters’, Karen and Tsukihi Araragi.

So more from the Bakemonogatari characters, this time Araragi’s sisters get their time in the limelight. I loved Bakemonogatari – it was fantastically written, and I’m one of those people that really like Shinbo/SHAFT being Shinbo/SHAFT with the animation – more of this is definitely a good thing in my books. I’m slightly put off by the fact they’ve changed the character designs for the Bakemono characters though – not liking a short-haired Hitagi at all, but that’s a fairly minor quibble – so long as they keep the dialogue and personality of the original series I’ll be more than happy.

Mouretsu Uchuu Kaizoku (Miniskirt Space Pirates)

Website: http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/mo-retsu/
Animation Studio: Satelight
Japanese Airdate: 7th January 2012
Seiyuu: Kana Hanazawa, Mikako Komatsu, Ai Kayano, Atsushi Nishi
Director: Tatsuo Sato (Cat Soup, Martian Successor Nadesico)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmBbRCIx1Rs

(Original post by Summary:)
Adaptation of Yuuichi Sasamoto’s novel.
Marika is a first year high school student living in a far away galaxy known as Uminoakeboshi. One day she finds out that her recently deceased father was once the captain of the space pirate ship called the Bentenmaru. More importantly, the only one to inherit the captain's title has to be a direct descendant - meaning that Marika is next in line to become the captain of the ship.

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this show. On one hand I find the concept & title of the show fecking hilarious and am very curious to see just how for they’ll run with the randomness, and on the other hand, it’s Space Pirates……in mini-skirts. Will probably watch for the lulz if it’s mad enough.

Brave 10

Website: http://www.brave10.com/
Animation Studio: Studio Sakimakura
Japanese Airdate: 7th January 2012
Seiyuu: Daisuke Ono, Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuya Nakai, Rina Satou, Takehito Koyasu
Director: Kiyoko Sayama (Angel Sanctuary, Pretear, Skip Beat)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivfeVWKWLpc

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Kairi Shimotsuki‘s manga series.
A year before the battle of Sekigahara that ended the Sengoku Period, the ninja Saizou Kirigakure meets the miko Nami Isa as she's attacked by assassins. Her shrine was destroyed by Tokugawa Ieyasu for siding with Yukimura Sanada. Meanwhile, Sanada has been gathering ten warriors known as Sanada's Brave 10, who have the power to change history. As they gather one by one, Nami's own mysterious power awakens.

Just what we need, more Sengoku bishies! I am so all over this – loving the voice cast & the character designs are pretty nice too (why yes I am completely shallow). This will probably go towards filling my annual trashy multi-coloured bishie series quota – if it has anything resembling a plot, that’s an unexpected bonus in my book.

Rinne no Lagrange: Flower Declaration of Your Heart

Website: http://lag-rin.com/
Animation Studio: XEBEC
Japanese Airdate: 8th January 2012
Seiyuu: Kaori Ishihara, Ai Kayano, Asami Seto, Ayumi Fujimura, Hiroyuki Yoshino
Director: Tatsuo Sato (Cat Soup, Martian Successor Nadesico)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9shXjkCXsUE

(Original post by Summary:)
Madoka is the lone member of her school's Jersey Club. She is one day recruited by a mysterious girl named Lan to pilot the robot "Vox" and protect her city from space invaders. They are joined by a third girl, Muginami, who has a different goal than Ran. Meanwhile, they still don't know their enemies' true goal, or what "Rinne" might be.

I’m actually pretty interested in this – the PV was pretty decent (although random pantyshots why?) and the staff seems pretty solid. XEBEC occasionally produce ambitious shows in between runs of extremely generic ecchi romcoms, so maybe Lagrange will prove to be one of those rarities? Only time will actually tell, but I am hopeful here.

Aquarion Evol

Website: http://aqevol.com/
Animation Studio: Satelight
Japanese Airdate: 8th January 2012
Seiyuu: Ai Kayano, Yuuki Kaiji, Kana Hanazawa, Kouki Uchiyama, Jun Fukuyama
Director: Shoji Kawamori (Basquash, Macross, Escaflowne)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1onzPrdTac

(Original post by Summary:)
Sequel to the Genesis of Aquarion (2005) anime.
The story will take place 12,000 years after the first Aquarion television series at a city modeled after Hong Kong. A new cast of characters, piloting a new Aquarion robot, will fight enemies from another dimension.

Haven’t seen Aquarion so I have no notion if it was good – I always here mixed things, mainly veering to the side of ‘crap’ which never really made me think ‘must add Aquarion to my watch list’. Still looking at the cast and staff makes me want to give this sequel a chance – after all it’s set 12,000 years later so I doubt we’d have to be too familiar with the original series. Think I’ll give this a look to see for myself.

Ano Natsu de Matteru

Website: http://www.ichika-ichika.com/
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Japanese Airdate: 9th January 2012
Seiyuu: Haruka Tomatsu, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Kana Asumi, Hideki Ogihara
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai (AnoHana, Toaru Kagaku no Railgun, Toradora)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ug5J2whFvY

(Original post by Summary:)
Onegai Teacher/Onegai Twins story creator Yousuke Kuroda and Onegai franchise character designer Taraku Uon are collaborating on a new original anime called Ano Natsu de Matteru. The anime will be an adolescent romantic comedy.
The three main characters are the two girls Ichika Takatsuki and Remon Yamano, and the boy Kaito Kirishima.

Behold the pinnacle of originality folks – nothing else will come close this season! Urgh, everything about this makes me irritated……JC Staff on autopilot, AnoHana’s director (cry! damn you cry!), the generic character designs, the boring PV – nothing here in anyway makes me want to sit through another ‘adolescent romantic comedy’. Come on people, this genre is about as overbloated as a week old drowned corpse, can we please try something different??

Another

Website: http://www.another-anime.jp/
Animation Studio: P.A. Works
Japanese Airdate: 9th January 2012
Seiyuu: Atsushi Abe, Natsumi Takamori, Ai Nonaka, Hiroaki Hirata
Director: Tsutomu Mizushima (Oofuri, Blood-C, Ika Musume, xxxHOLiC)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIcP6Ghl-IQ

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Yukito Ayatsuji & Hiro Kiyohara‘s horror manga series.
Horror novel reader Kouichi Sakakibara moves to his grandparents home after his father went abroad, but soon after turning 15 he's hospitalized by a sudden pneumothorax, missing his first day of school. In the hospital he meets a mysterious girl called Mei Misaki. After recovery he joins the 3rd year 3-Class at North Yomiyama Middle School. Kouichi finds Mei Misaki is in the same class, but notice that the rest of his classmates don't see her and avoid speaking about it. He later hears from his aunt the story of a girl in the same class from 26 years before who died in an accident. Refusing to accept her death, her classmates kept pretending she was still alive. In that year's graduation commemorative photograph, the girl who wasn’t meant to be there, was. Her name was Mei Misaki.

Now here’s one of the show’s I’m very interested in – I really enjoy horror anime, and Another seems to have that traditional Japanese horror feel of everything being just a bit off. P.A. Works are handling the animation – so far they haven’t really produced anything truly amazing, but their shows are always beautifully put together and they at least try to do something different with each show they make. The director is extremely experienced, and even though his comedies are better than his horrors, I don’t think it will be possible for him to turn out a show that is worse than Blood-C (hopefully he’s learned from the myriad mistakes made on that show). Quite excited about this series actually.

Daily Lives of High School Boys

Website: http://www.danshinichijyo.net/
Animation Studio: Sunrise
Japanese Airdate: 9th January 2012
Seiyuu: Tomokazu Sugita, Kenichi Suzumura, Miyu Irino
Director: Shinji Takamatsu (Gintama, School Rumble, Sora no Manimani)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGSrjojDWRM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2PXgK4uMKI

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Yasunobu Yamauchi’s gag manga.
High school boys are really simple and curious creatures. They want one and only one thing: girls. But they haven’t got a clue about them. Male teenagers are dumbfounded by the girls’ thought process, actions, appearance and everything in between. They spend countless hours amongst themselves discussing and arguing their theories which are usually completely off base. If only they had the courage to ask them instead of screwing around and talking about nonsensical things, they might get somewhere.

Originally I was completely unexcited by this thinking that it would be another foray into the ‘cute girls do cute things, except with boys instead’ genre. But then I watched the previews. I cannot wait for this show. The director is best known for Gintama and School Rumble, and you can really tell – the humour is extremely reminiscent of Gintama, and I was laughing my arse off through most of the skits. This looks like it’s going to be a really fun, well written comedy show – very much looking forward to this.

Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai! (Listen to me girls, I am your Father!)

Website: http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/papakiki/
Animation Studio: Feel
Japanese Airdate: 10th January 2012
Seiyuu: Eri Kitamura, Hiromi Igarashi, Sumire Uesaka, Wataru Hatano, Daisuke Ono
Director: Itsuro Kawasaki (Bungaku Shoujo, Legend of the Legendary Heroes, Rental Magica)
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5YfnrWX1R4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYMXHq7d2o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E0-fnVyfu8

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Tomohiro Matsu‘s light novel series.
The story explains the day-to-day of a college freshman just starting a new life in the School of Literature Department of Tama University. While he grew up with his sister, he left and lived by himself when she got married with a man who had two daughters from previous marriages. He tried to distance himself from that family and so he moved out to live on his own. About 3 years later he was asked by his sister to visit and babysit the girls which suddenly turned his life upside down when the girls' parents went missing. He now has to live with the three daughters of his sister; of which two (from a previous marriage) are not related by blood: a tsundere (14 years), a little demon (10 years) and a small girl (3 years). In a six tatami mat size room.

This is going to be all kinds of wrong. The fact the synopsis goes out of its way to mention that two of the girls aren’t actually related to the protagonist by blood rang all sorts of alarm bells, as did the horrendous moe artwork. Then there are the creepy PVs that are already pushing the character songs for the three girls – classy this show will not be. Avoiding like the plague~!

Thermae Romae

Website: http://thermae-anime.jp/
Animation Studio: DLE Inc.
Japanese Airdate: 12th January 2012
Seiyuu:
Director:
PV: http://youtu.be/oTgKc4F06V8 (flash PV) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0eqHjKlNYY (live action movie PV)

(Original post by Summary:)
Three episode flash animation adaptation of Mari Yamazaki’s manga series, airing in the noitaminA timeslot.
In Hadrian Rome, Lucius was a Roman architect whose designs often got rejected by builders. To cheer him up a friend of his invited him to relax at a thermae (public bath). Inside the bath Lucius was accidentally trapped in an underwater hole by suction; when he finally managed to emerge on the surface he found himself in a very different bath: in 20th century Japan.

Not entirely sure what to think of this. Looks very random, but has somehow got itself a live action film, so there must be something more to it than just people in baths………and a time travelling roman. I’ll be checking it out purely because I’m curious about the concept – plus it’s only three episodes and I want to see how the flash animation is handled for noitaminA.

Inu X Boku SS

Website: http://www.inuboku.tv/
Animation Studio: David Production
Japanese Airdate: 12th January 2012
Seiyuu: Rina Hidaka, Kana Hanazawa, Mamoru Miyano, Tomokazu Sugita, Yuichi Nakamura
Director: Naokatsu Tsuda
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZfdrEiNBfI

(Original post by Summary:)
Anime adaptation of Cocoa Fujiwara’s manga series.
The Shirakiin house's daughter, Shirakiin Ririchiyo, who has a complex about being unable to live independently and unprotected, feels the need to move out and live on her own under the condition of residing in the mansion named "Ayakashi Kan." In this mansion, only those who have cleared a very strict examination could reside in it, and for each resident, they are accompanied with one agent of the Secret Service (S.S.). Although Ririchiyo has rejected the company of the S.S., while residing in the mansion she finds out that the agent dedicated to protecting her is actually the Fox Spirit whom she previously rescued.

First glance – Ooh bishies, looks like its shoujo time. Looking into things a bit more this manga actually runs in a shounen magazine…..now confused. Putting that aside, Inu x Boku SS still seems like your run-of-the-mill reverse harem show with a supernatural element added in……which automatically means I’ll probably watch this; I am such a sucker for these things. I’m really liking the cast list, and the studio is another reason to look forward to the show. David Production have consistently put out really rather interesting shows (Ben-to, Level E, Book of Bantorra, Restaurante Paradiso) . Their animation quality may not be top drawer, but they make up for that with creative direction & a willingness to try new things. I’m checking this out.

Black★Rock Shooter TV

Website: http://www.noitamina-brs.jp/
Animation Studio: Ordet / Sanzigen
Japanese Airdate: 2nd February 2012
Seiyuu: Kana Asumi, Kana Hanazawa, Miyuki Sawashiro, Eri Kitamura, Mamiko Noto
Director: Shinobu Yoshioka
PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfuKl2GaRQc

(Original post by Summary:)
Eight episode sequel(?) to the OVA of the same name. Airing in the noitaminA timeslot.
Series is inspired by the supercell song originally performed by the Vocaloid Hatsune Miku and its accompanying artwork by huke.

Cannot find it in me to be interested in this after that dull as dishwater OVA. Maybe if this TV series spends the majority of the time in the alternate world with Black Rock Shooter, rather than in the boring s’life world like the OVA did, this may be worth watching. There is no denying that this show has style, but all style and no real substance (or worse, really fecking dull substance) does not make a show fun to watch. Hopefully the creators will have learned from their mistakes on the OVA, but I won’t hold my breath……..why is this in noitaminA?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~

Okay that’s that. Not bothering with OVAs this time because I can’t be bothered (woo!). As usual all the information here has been taken from a mixture of ANN, The Fansub Wiki, MAL, the official sites, and Animu Charts (plus a few other random places).

First Impressions will probably happen as planned in January (because it’s an ingrained reflex for me now). As ever the first post will be updated with a list of what’s available through legal streaming on Crunchyroll & Anime on Demand.

‘Til then~!

~*Caraniel*~

Simulcasts!

Mouretsu Pirates (Miniskirt Space Pirates) - Crunchyroll
The New Prince of Tennis - Crunchyroll
Natsume Yuujinchou Shi - Crunchyroll
Recorder & Randoseru - Crunchyroll
Nisemonogatari - Crunchyroll
Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki - Crunchyroll
Knight in the Area - Crunchyroll
Inu x Boku SS - Crunchyroll
Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai! (Listen to me girls, I am your Father!) - Crunchyroll
Rinne no Lagrange - Anime on Demand

[AngryJellyfish]

Awesome preview as always! I’ll be continuing my usual habits into the new year, picking up one new show for everything that finishes… which *I think* means I’ll pick up 8 new series. Based on the info currently available, I’m thinking:


Picked up:

Amagami SS+ – Great start to the only sequel I actually looked forward to.

Mouretsu Pirates – This could go either way... but space pirates are awesome.

Senhime Zesshou Symphogear - Chaotic, but gripping first episode. Could be a surprise hit.

Another – A promising first episode, chillingly creepy if nothing else!

Rinne no Lagrange - The characters were fun, if not overly original.

Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou – Had some pretty hilarious sketches, I'm sold.

Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai! - Meh, I've watched worse.

Inu X Boku SS - Great fun, didn't see that ending coming.


Didn't pick up:

Kill Me Baby – …One day I’ll learn to leave J.C. well alone…

Nisemonogatari - Gave it another chance, but no, it still sucks.

Area no Kishi – Wasn't bad, but wasn't exactly Giant Killing either.

High School DxD - Wasn't awful, but wasn't Queen's Blade either.

Ano Natsu de Matteru - Didn't do much for me.

Thermae Romae – Didn't make me laugh.

Brave 10 - Yet again, I've seen similar but better before.

Zero no Tsukaima F – I'll inevitably come back to it in the future anyway, but right now I'd rather watch something new.

[Truered]

Found slightly more than the "nothing" I originally had from the chart

Mouretsu Uchuu Kaizoku (Miniskirt Space Pirates)- purely due to the title

Rinne no Lagrange: Flower Declaration of Your Heart- I've forgotten why already

Another- I think Shiki was the last "horror" anime I saw

Daily Lives of High School Boys (due to director)


Popular ones I have no interest in:
Bakemaonogatari sequel- god that was one of the most tedious shows I ever watched first time around (but better than the one that was the same talky thing but with duvet girl)

Black rock shooter- I can remember after watching the OVA my first thought was: "That was it? This is the series that inspired a buttload of figures?"

[Tabris]

Looking forward to BRS, Amagami, Niseimonogatari and Kill Me Baby.

I don't expect KMB to be that good.

Not really too fussed about this season.

[skipp]

Inu x boku looks like my kind of show

And at the other end of the scale...

Anything with the word papa in should immediately not be anyone's kind of show

Another also looks like it could be a great one...and I would like to see Rinne no Lagrange just to find out what a Jersey club is also intrigued by miniskirt space pirates...because I like miniskirts, space & pirates

All depends what cr pick up though

[The Cornerstone]

Like I said in the Tentacles thread, the only ones that interest me are Brave 10 and Another the rest are either generic/dull sounding series or follow ups of other series that I cannot be bothered to watch. Not really a good season but oh well

[AngryJellyfish]

(Original post by The Cornerstone)
...Brave 10... the rest are... generic

Funny you should say that - I'm less than enthusiastic about Brave 10 because anime set in the Sengoku Period have become pretty damn generic themselves, whether its the bishonen type or the gender bender type.

[vin]

Hmmm not many Im interested in here.

Another, that bakemonogatari sequel not sure what else. Will have to see.

(Original post by AngryJellyfish)
Funny you should say that - I'm less than enthusiastic about Brave 10 because anime set in the Sengoku Period have become pretty damn generic themselves, whether its the bishonen type or the gender bender type.

Did find it funny when cara condemned some series for being generic moe then jumped all over the bishi series.

[caraniel]

(Original post by vin)
Hmmm not many Im interested in here.

Another, that bakemonogatari sequel not sure what else. Will have to see.


Did find it funny when cara condemned some series for being generic moe then jumped all over the bishi series.

I am fantastically biased! Go me!

[The Cornerstone]

(Original post by AngryJellyfish)
Funny you should say that - I'm less than enthusiastic about Brave 10 because anime set in the Sengoku Period have become pretty damn generic themselves, whether its the bishonen type or the gender bender type.

I actually didn't notice the text saying it was a bishonen type, I just looked at the picture and saw swords and samurais and thought "yeah that looks interesting". (plus I haven't watched those types much )

[Phalanges]

Stuck and turned green.

[QHF]

Well, I'm looking forward to, um, Smile Precure.

[Aiko]

As always, it's a pleasure to read your impressions, Cara.

For me, I'll probably give Amagami SS+ a miss weekly but will probably get around to it at some point in the future, even if it means in a few years time.

I'll give Ano Natsu De Matteru a whirl as it's a prerequisite of sorts that I have an anime involving romance in my weekly list.

Another is pretty much a given as I like the mystery genre (regarding it's done well) and I've read the light novel it's a part of, which I enjoyed.

As I've watched Aquarion, I'll probably pick up Aquarion Evol.

Yay, finally another sports anime in Area no Kishi that I can get my teeth into (along with the new Prince of Tennis). I've always enjoyed watching sport anime, even if it's subpar, and many of my favourite anime and manga are of this genre.

As for Black Rock Shooter, I'm not 100% certain I'll follow this weekly, but I'll give it a chance to convince me.

The same goes for Brave 10. I can't say I've been overly impressed with some of the more recent Sengoku era based anime that we've been given of late, so we'll see how this one goes. Either way, I'll probably end up watching it in its entirely eventually, regardless of whether I follow it weekly or not.

I'll give Danshi Koukousei No Nichijou a miss as I can't be bothered to watch a slice of life about teenage high school boys (now if only they offered a josei equivalent about working men...).

My guilty pleasure of the season will probably be Highschool DxD. I just know that I'll end up watching this.

Not sure about Inu x Boku SS, it seems mildly interesting based upon what I've seen of it. Will watch the first episode for sure.

Kill Me Baby is not the sort of thing I generally pick up weekly, as I prefer to watch something like this in full while travelling on a plane or something, but I'll give the first episode a go and decide from there.

Moretsu Uchuu Kaizoku... Not sure what to think of this. I suppose, inline with much of the above, I'll allow the first episode to convince me.

Natsume Yuujinchou Shi, not much needs to be said here, I'll be picking this up as I enjoyed its prequels.

As mentioned above, Prince of Tennis, while not the best of its genre (and a tad repetitive), it's a definite pick up for me.

Similarly, I really enjoyed Bakemonogatari. As a fan of Nisio Isin and Shaft/Shinbo, I'm looking forward to watching Nisemonogatari, almost definitely.

Papa No Iu Koto Wo Kikinasai seems like something I'll enjoy, but again it's dependant on the opening episode. It's probable, though, knowing me, that I'll end up watching this weekly.

Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki is a bit of a weird one, but given its departure from the usual offerings, I may end up watching this.

As I've read the manga for Recorder To Randoseru and found it mildly enjoyable, I'll be picking up this adaptation.

I think it's safe to say that I'll be picking up Rinne No Lagrange. It's the type of thing that I tend to end up following weekly.

Senhime Zesshou Symphogear is, hmm... I'll give the first episode a try at least.

Smile Pretty Cure... This is one I know for certain I won't be picking up. Have never been a fan of the Pretty Cure series.

Tantei Opera Milky Holmes Dai-Ni-Maku... As someone who is not overly keen on the whole magical girl genre (barring some exceptions), it's very unlikely I'll be watching this.

Thermae Romae seems hilarious and something that could very much be a hit or miss... Given it's only three episodes, I'll probably watch this regardless.

Zero no Tsukaima F... First season was moderately enjoyable, but it got progressively worse with each subsequent sequel. As I'm struggling to watch the infinitely better Shana, it's difficult to say whether I can digest this for another season. Will give the first episode a go, with the likelihood that I'll end up watching it in full at some point.

[caraniel]

Simulcast announcements are starting~!

First off is Moretsu Pirates (Miniskirt Space Pirates) which has been snapped up by Crunchyroll.

[caraniel]

Another Crunchyroll announcement.

Seems they've managed to get The New Prince of Tennis series - still going after those shounen shows then!

[Nirgilis]

(Original post by caraniel)
Another Crunchyroll announcement.

Seems they've managed to get The New Prince of Tennis series - still going after those shounen shows then!

That's the only show I'm interested this season . I've been waiting for it since watching the nationals a few years ago . I've got plenty to watch from last season too, so I'm not bothered about what CR picks up from now on

[caraniel]

Unsurprisingly Crunchyroll will be showing the fourth season of Natsume Yuujinchou~!
http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-new...yujincho-anime

[caraniel]

New Crunchyroll announcement

They'll be simulcasting Recorder to Randoseru (which they're calling Recorder & Randsell).

EDIT:

Crunchyroll also managed to get Nisemonogatari, which is a surprise! Wonder how they'll cope with the massive amount of typesetting a SHAFT show requires........

[caraniel]

Another new show on Crunchyroll - Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki (which I didn't even bother previewing )

[AngryJellyfish]

So Recorder to Randosell is a short... damn, that was top of my Plan B list in case any of the shows I've picked out disappoint.

*starts drawing up a Plan C list*