Winter 09-10 Anime Preview

I know I haven't got a chance to post my winter preview last January so here it is a couple of months late but at least I've posted it. As usual I've only included here shows that have caught my attention. As you can see there are a small number of shows than last year and only one or two shows have intrigued me. I think I won't be able to blog them even if I want to since I plan to spend my vacation watching series that I have put on hold and there are a LOT of it.

COBRA THE ANIMATION

Animation Production: Magic Bus

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 2, 2010

Episodes: 13

Summary:

It follows the story of a once infamous pirate who erased his memories in order to escape his past but he eventually starts to remember it again.

Impression:

One of the things that I look in anime shows is the art style so if I don't like the character design or even the animation there's a reason not to watch the series. Since the art style in this series is so old school and it looks like a shonen show I won't be watching this one. It seems that this series is action oriented and I think people who like action and could tolerate the old school design should give this series a try but as for me nah, next show please.

Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei

Animation Production: Yumeta Company

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 3, 2010

Episodes: 1

Summary:

The continuation of the Haruka series. It involves a girl who got transported in a Heian period world where she became a priestess who is needed to save that world. Of course she's being surrounded by a bunch of gorgeous guys as her protectors.

Impression:

Yes, I do like shojo shows with hot guys but if the story or the characters are not that good then it's better if I ignore them or else I'll just waste my precious time. I've watched the original Haruka series and some of it's OVA but all I could say is it's mediocre. It does share some similarities with Fushigi Yuugi like a girl being transported in another world and becomes a priestess etc…but I still prefer Fushigi Yuugi over this one because Fushigi was able to utilize the character relationship and the story was very unique. If you like shows like this or have enjoyed Neo Angelique Abyss or even like shows with ridiculously handsome guys then there's no one stopping you to watch this.

Chu-Bra!!

Animation Production: ZEXCS

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 4, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

The series is about an underwear obsessed middle school girl who even establish an underwear club.

Impression:

Uh, no too ecchi for me since it's being aired in AT-X and when I see that station, Queen's Blade just pops in my mind and also the plot seems ridiculous. But hey if you like ecchi anime and is willing to spend your time watching mindless shows like this then be my guest and try watching this show.

Sora No Woto

Animation Production: A-1 Production

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 4, 2010

Episodes: 13

Summary:

After a cease-fire during a long war. A second-class Bugler soldier, Kanata Sorami, is reasigned to her new outpost to a stronghold Fortress in the little city of Seize, where other female soldiers reside to serve in a multi purpose task, 1st: maintain the fortress, 2nd: contribute to the traditions of the city since all are young females and the folklore tales that the young maidens keept a demon under control, and 3rd: also to be prepared in case of a non probable attack due to the isolation of the city.

(ANN)

Impression:

This anime is part of the Anime no Chikara project which is aimed to produce anime shows that are not based on manga, games or light novels. I'm looking forward to this series since original series like this is usually hard to predict what's gonna happen and I like to guess what will happen. Another reason to watch this series is the character design was done by the mangaka of K-ON and they just look adorable. I just hope that this series won't be a rip off of K-ON.

Ladies versus Butlers!

Animation Production: ZEXCS

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 5, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

Hino Akiharu lost his parents when he was small and was adopted into his uncle's family. But he noticed his uncle is after the inheritance of his parents, so he decides to enter a boarding school, Hakureiryou high school. However his delinquent boy-like appearance frightens the girls, who make up the majority of the students. Being unable to get along with the classmates, Akiharu meets his childhood girlfriend Saikyou Tomomi.

(ANN)

Impression:

Eh…..looks mediocre and from the looks of the team behind this series, it seems that it's inclined to more fanservice. That's a pass for me but to those who enjoys series that probably has a lot of fanservice then you could check out this show.

Omamori Himari

Animation Production: ZEXCS

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 6, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

Seven years ago, Amakawa Yuuto's parents died leaving him behind to live alone without a single relative. Ever since then, his childhood friend, Kuzaki Rinko, has woken him up, cooked for him and generally taken care of him. The only thing he has from a relative is a mysterious charm, a red ball, given to him by his grandparents as a good luck charm (an omamori).

From the day of his 16th birthday, his charm is said to not be able to protect him from evil spirits anymore, and into Yuuto's life walksHimari. A cat spirit-samurai girl and demon huntress who, aside from wanting to copulate with him madly, swears to protect Yuuto. Unfortunately, Yuuto has a severe allergic reaction to cats.

(AniDB)

Impression:

Hmmm…..the plot looks decent enough but I don't like the art style used. I think I won't watch this even if I'm finished watching all my on-hold shows mainly because it didn't get my attention.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu

Animation Production: Silver Link

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 6, 2010

Episodes: 13

Summary:

Advanced placement into a school of higher grade proof-reading is determined by the results of the Promotion Test strictly for class type. Ranging from A class with the best facilities anyone can offer all the way down to F Class which is composed of low dining tables, rotten tatami mats and other worn out facilities. Students can change classes by competing using the Examination Summons Battle system or ESB. Students summon characters with their equivalent test mark scores and use them to compete with other classes.

(ANN)

Impression:

UH…what the is this about I just don't know. I've tried watching the trailer in order to get some idea on what this show is about and well I'm still confused. It look like a rpg show I don't know :)) but I think the trailer was quiet funny. I'll try watching this when I have finished my on-hold shows. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Dance In The Vampire Bund

Animation Production: SHAFT

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 7, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants her race to stop hiding from the humans. Using her vast wealth, she has paid off Japan's entire national debt and by doing so, gained the right to create a district off Japan's coast that is to become the future haven to vampires worldwide. But when she finally attemps to make public the existence of vampires to the world some politicians, terrorists and rival factions are plotting to assassinate Mina before she has a chance to get Japan's and International recognition for the Vampire Bund. Now she must rely on her strength, cruelty and those closest to her, while trying to make a normal life.

(ANN)

Impression:

Ohhh….this looks interesting but the staff behind this series is SHAFT and Shinbo. Sure Bakemonogatari was really awesome in Shinbo's hands but still I'm not a fan of his style because it seems that it hinder the flow of the story and for newbie anime fans out there would be alienated with his style. I think this will be a sure watch if I could finish the shows I've put on hold. Oh btw, why does Mina is almost naked?? Wth?? Why does loli characters like her like to be naked even though they have nothing to show :)). If you like anime with vampires like me then I think you should try watching this series.

Durarara!!

Animation Production: Brains Base

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 7, 2010

Episodes: 24

Summary:

Ryuugamine Mikado is a boy who longs for the exciting life of the big city. At the invitation of his childhood friend Masaomi, he transfers to a school in Ikebukuro. Masaomi has warned him about people he doesn't want to cross in the city: a champion fighter, an informant, and a mysterious gang called "Dollars." Nervous from Masaomi's stories, Mikado witnesses an urban legend on his first day in the city, the Headless Rider astride a black motorcycle. From then on, the existence of supernatural cases and a gang called the Yellow Turbans will rise to the surface, and Ikebukuro will pushed to the breaking point.

(ANN)

Impression:

The OP song, the character design and the animation looks cool wow!!! It looks like a shonen show but I think I'll try this series since the reception of this series on the net is quite good though if I'll base my opinion solely on the summary it looks boring. I'll surely check this out.

Hidamari Sketch x ☆☆☆ (Hoshi Mittsu)

Animation Production: SHAFT

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 7, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

The continuing stories of the daily life of the students of the Hidamari Apartments at Yamabuki High School. This time, a year has passed since the first season. Yuno and Miyako are second years, Sae and Hiro are third years, and two new students, Nori and Nazuna, move into the Hidamari Apartments.

(ANN)

Impression:

I haven’t watched the first two season of this series so nope I'm not interested in watching this one.

Ookami Kakushi

Animation Production: AIC

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 7, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

Kuzumi Hiroshi moves with his crippled sister and his father to the remote city of Jouga, which is famous for its hassaku citrus and the rumors that a species of enormous wolves once lived in the area. While some of the residents are more than friendly, when people begin to vanish suddenly, it becomes apparent that something sinister is afoot... (ANN)

Impression:

This was based from a PSP game which featured Ryukishi07 (Higurashi, Umineko) and Peach-Pit (Shugo Chara and Rozen Maiden) and I really thought that this series was going to be animated by Studio DEEN but no it's being animated by AIC which is a surprise. The main draw for me is probably Peach-Pit, they are the one who designed the characters and I just love their work but for Ryukishi07 I don't know, I haven't had a chance to watch Higurashi yet. I think I'll skip this but if you're a fan of a Ryukishi's work or even thriller oriented anime then you should try watching this one.

Seikon no Qwaser

Animation Production: Taki Corporation, Hoods Entertainment

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 9, 2010

Episodes: 13

Summary:

In St. Mikhailov Academy, Oribe Mafuyu meets a silver haired boy called Alexander. He is a Qwaser, a being who can manipulate iron and draws his power from breast milk. A mystery surrounding an Icon transforms the academy into the setting for conflict between the various different Qwaser.

(ANN)

Impression:

WTF?? When I watched the trailer and that was my reaction. So damn ecchi too bad I like the character design. I tried reading the manga but I just can't take it it's full of breast even if it's only the first chapter. It's a pass for me.

Hanamaru Youchien

Animation Production: GAINAX

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 10, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

Anzu goes to a preschool with her friends, the shy Koume and the eccentric Hiiragi. Together they try to attract attention from their caretaker Tsuchida. However, he is clearly more interested in the pretty Yamamoto who supervises the class next door.

Anzu, Hiiragi, and Koume have lots of adventures at the lively Hanamaru Kindergarten, place where Naozomi Tsuchida has just started working as a teacher fresh out of school.

Impression:

I'm not really a fan of slice-of-life shows but if it's as good as ARIA then count me in I'll try watching this but it doesn't seems like the case so pass, pass.

Nodame Cantabile Finale

Animation Production: J.C. Staff

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 14, 2010

Episodes: 11

Summary:

The series continues the relationship between two aspiring classical musicians, Megumi "Nodame" Noda and Shinichi Chiaki, as students and after graduation.

Impression:

WOW!!! At last it's here. I just love this series and I've been following the manga but wth the manga ended and it feels anti climatic. Of course I would love to watch this one and I can't wait to watch Nodame's debut wooot!!!

Katanagatari

Animation Production: White Fox

Release Date (in Japan): Jan 25, 2010

Episodes: 12

Summary:

This story teakes place in the Edo era where Yasuri Shichika is the seventh head of the Kyotou school of Japanese sword martial arts living in Fushou Island with his sister Nanami. With the order from a female samurai general Togame, he sets out for a trip to collect the twelve treasured swords created by a legendary swordsmith Shikizaki Kiki

Impression:

The character design look unique and it seems that it has a good production quality. I'm a fan of Bakemonogatari and since the author of Bakemonogatari and this series are the same I think it's worth checking out also, the summary looks interesting.

Well that's it for last season's shows and probably most of them are already finished but hey at least I managed to post this. This was suppose to be posted yesterday but I got a bad cold and terrible headache. The Spring preview would be posted tomorrow I'm not finished with it yet.

I hope this post is still useful…

Until then…

~ja