So, to start off, here are the two most popular charts cycling around for the coming season (with credits on the charts to the 2 makers):
There's much less anime this season than Spring 2011. That had been in the 40s, while this one is in the 20s (in terms of amount of anime). That's a pretty significant difference - at least it means less work for me to make a preview post. XD It still takes pretty long to make a post like this, since I like to read a chapter of the manga to be better informed to make my thoughts for each anime.
It'll be the same thing as last time: I won't include the description of anything that's Season 2, since anyone that watched it before will already know what it's about. Anyone that hasn't watched it yet will probably look for the first season before watching the second one, anyway.
Appleseed XIII - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Sci-fi
Description:
In the wake of the destruction of a worldwide non-nuclear war, the city Olympus has become the control center of the world. Run by Bioroids (cloned humans made from only the best DNA), it is defended from terrorists by special military forces. Among these are former LAPD SWAT member Deunan Knotts and her multi-purpose cyborg partner Brialeos. They face a challenge from the Human Liberation Front and its terrorist underbelly the Argonauts. The leader of this group, Al Ceides, supposedly died 20 years ago in an attack on Poseidon, but now his shadow emerges once again.
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
This one was supposed to air the last season, but it was delayed due to the earthquake. I'm still pretty interested in this one. The CG graphics and shading looks a bit awkward, but I'm willing to give it a chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
No. Not my thing.
Bern Thoughts:
I probably won't check this out. I'm usually not into post-apocalyptic types.
Natsume Yuujin-Chou San - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Drama, Supernatural
Description:
Sequel to Zoku Natsume Yuujin-Chou
Thoughts:
It seems semi-interesting, if I could ever start watching it from the first season.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm looking forward to it so much~ Natsume is totally up my alley.
Bern Thoughts:
I doubt I'm going to watch it. I've never seen the previous seasons, and I don't think I'll start watching.
No. 6 - based off novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Adventure, Sci-fi
Description:
The story is set in "No. 6", a future model city in 2013. Raised as a top ranking elite since the age of 2, a boy named Shion lives in an exclusive area in No. 6. On the night of his 12th birthday, he rescues a boy who calls himself "Nezumi" (rat). Nezumi ran away from the city's special security area. From that moment on, Shion's life is changed forever...
I noticed that there is a manga adaptation for this, too. Only two chapters have been scanlated, but I read both to see where things were going. The stolen description fails to mention that it seems the story will be about a uncovering the secrets of a "utopian" society. Those usually prove interesting, so I'll give it a chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
Sci-fi is usually hit-or-miss for me. I'll probably check it out after it finishes, if anything.
Bern Thoughts:
After watching the trailer and skimming through the scanlated chapters, I'll probably give this a few episodes to see if it keeps my interest.
This is a definite watch because I enjoyed the first season.
Dantalian no Shoka - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy
Description:
The young man Huey took over the old mansion of his deceased bibliomanic grandfather as well as the book collection that's stored in there. But there was a condition: he also had to inherit the "Bibliotheca".When he inspects the mansion, Huey discovers a cellar filled with piled-up books. In the midst of them, he comes across a black-dressed girl who's silently reading a book. She's called Dalian and has a big lock hanging in front of her. She herself is the entrance to the "Bibliotheca of Dantalian", which contains the prohibited "Phantom Books".
This didn't seem too bad from the description - but when I read the first chapter, I was WTF? The main female character is a tsundere-loli-gothic girl, which was a turn-off. I don't have high hopes for this one...
Aaro Thoughts:
It reminds me of [C], which is a basic proxy battle system with economics-related terms thrown in to make everything look cool. Even if this won't be a proxy battle, it sounds like it might be a simple concept with terms (library-related...?) thrown in to look cool.
Bern Thoughts:
The first thing that this reminded me of was Gosick. I remember reading the few chapters that were scanlated a while back, and I believe I liked it. I'm definitely going to give this a few episodes.
Blood-C - anime original [Trailer]
Genre:
Adventure, Supernatural
Description:
Alternative universe of the Blood franchise.
Thoughts:
The art style looks good and Blood+ wasn't bad. I'll definitely be watching at least the start of this, though I'm not sure if CLAMP might butcher it.
Aaro Thoughts:
Meh. I didn't see Blood+ and CLAMP has been getting on my nerves with some of their stuff. It goes in the "maybe" pile, as in "maybe after I finish all the other stuff I'm going to watch".
Bern Thoughts:
I was never a big CLAMP guy. Anything with vampires in it leaves me skeptical, as well. I'll try a couple of episodes if I hear good things about it once it starts airing.
Mayo Chiki - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Ecchi, Gender Bender, School Life
Description:
Konoe Subaru, 17, has been serving as the butler of Suzutsuki Kanade in school, a classmate of Sakamoto Kinjirou. Due to an accident, Sakamoto discovers Konoe's secret...that he's actually a girl!? Apparently, she will be removed from her position if anyone at school finds out. What will unfold from this chain of events?
Gender bender? Traps? I'm so in. The PV put it out to be pretty funny but, after reading the first chapter, it felt like it wasn't done as well. I will have to see about this one, but the PV definitely scored high points with me.
Aaro Thoughts:
It's ecchi. That's usually a turn-off for legitimate anime for me. (I'm doing OreTsuba only because Pearz didn't want to, if anyone's curious.)
Pearz: By the way, Aaro lies; he does it 'cause he loves it...
Ikoku Meiro no Croisee - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Drama, Historical, Romance, Slice of Life
Description:
During the second half of the 19th century, Europe became intrigued by the Japanese culture. A Japanese girl named Yune travels to France, where she starts working in the lower parts of a town in Paris at a craft store called Enseignes du Roy. She and the store owner named Claude communicate with each other in order to get over their cultural differences. This is the story of Yune's stay in Paris.
This has the same author as Gosick, which I dropped pretty quickly. Add to that being a slice-of-life genre, and it doesn't make me want to watch it more. It's just another anime with pretty low expectations from me.
Aaro Thoughts:
I keep up with Gosick every week, so I'll probably try this one as well. I hope the slice-of-life aspects are able to keep my interest.
The IdolM@ster - based off Xbox 360 game [Trailer (skip to 2min15sec)]
Genre:
Slice of Life
Description:
It will be a Pseudo-omnibus format which will follow all the Idols. It will be 24 Episodes with no male Producer; Ritsuko is the Producer in the anime. It follows the career of a producer who works for a fictional production company that works with pop idols. Jupiter will play the roll of the antagonist with cameo appearances from the DS characters.
Thoughts:
I remember why I first watched K-ON now. It seemed like a mix of anime/music, which was the original reason. Then came that 5th character that I hated, and so I never picked up Season 2. Maybe this will be able to keep my attention.
Aaro Thoughts:
The idea of a producer managing pop masters is pretty interesting, because I'm aware that the entertainment industry is very different in Japan. Moreover, if there's 10 of them, then surely they must have different personalities instead of being run-of-the-mill, right?! I'm interested, but maybe only if Pearz decides she can't take this. I worry that it might become "normal" slice-of-life, losing the premise.
Bern Thoughts:
I rarely watch shows with an all-female cast. I doubt I'll watch this.
Nurarihyon No Mago Season 2 - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy
Thoughts:
I could never start reading the manga due to the art style. Being a second season anime doesn't help me start, either.
Aaro Thoughts:
To be honest, the thought of a person being 3/4 human and 1/4 demon is extremely interesting to me. However, I'd probably prefer it in a more slice-of-life and less of a shounen genre, which this unfortunately isn't. It's serialized in Shounen Jump and was licensed by Viz, and Wiki classified it as Action; all of these are pointing to heavy shounen, which is not really what I do.
Bern Thoughts:
I didn't pick the first season up when it aired, so I doubt I'll watch this either.
Itsuka Tenma No Kuro Usagi - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy, Romance
Description:
Taito has been really sleepy lately, and keeps dreaming of a particular vampire who says she has given him her "poison". Sometimes, he even thinks he hallucinates her voice when he's awake. But after surviving an accident that should have killed him, Taito's world changes drastically and he realizes that his dreams are more real than he thought.
Thoughts:
This seems pretty generic, being a plot that I've seen many times, but I guess it is about execution. I'll give it a passing chance to impress me. It has higher prospects than some of the other anime, at least; it just feels too generic.
Aaro Thoughts:
The Romance tag on this makes me extremely suspicious. I mean, what kind of "romance" are we talking about? And what is "reverse school fantasy"...? It seems like it might quickly turn into things that I don't like; I'm not too fond of supernatural people being in a school setting.
Bern Thoughts:
The author who wrote this also wrote Legend of the Legendary Heroes (lol), which was a series I followed while it was airing. I'm definitely going to give this a few episodes.
R-15 - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
The story centers around a student with a secret: he is a talented pornographic novelist with a newspaper-serialized work. He enrolls in a school that only accepts geniuses and risque trouble ensues.
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
It seems funny enough to give a chance at watching. I'm highly unlikely to blog about any humour-based anime, though, now that I realized how hard it is.
Aaro Thoughts:
I don't know what to make of those genres, and wonder what the ecchi component of this show, if any, would be. Maybe I'll try it, but it's not gripping me so much at this moment.
Bern Thoughts:
The premise seems interesting so I'll give this a try. Although, it seems like it could easily fall into something generic.
Kaitou Tenshi Twin Angel - based off Pachinko [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy, Magic Girl
Description:
Minazuki Haruka and Kannazuki Aoi are two students at St.Cherine academy. Haruka is always filled with bubbly energy while Aoi is more mature and a top student in all her classes - but, despite their differences, the two are the best of friends. The two girls look like any other girls attending the academy, but the truth is they are hiding a little secret that they can't let anybody know about... During the day they really are just students at St.Cherine academy, but by night they become the Twin Angels, and fight against the evils of the town! The lovely Angels are back, and it's time for them to get ready for some action!
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
This seems like the very traditional magic girl show, which doesn't interest me. I know I shouldn't be biased about this, but I kinda see why people hate JC Staff after these last couple of seasons and don't hold this anime in high regards. D:
Aaro Thoughts:
I really don't want to do Magic Girl.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm with Pearz. The only magical girl show I've actually watched is Madoka. I don't think I'll watch this.
Morita-san Wa Mukuchi - based off 4-koma [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
Following the everyday life of Mayu Morita, a girl who is exceedingly gentle and thoughtful, to the point that she does not say much of anything to anyone in high school.
Thoughts:
I don't hold any anime based off 4-koma very highly, due to the lack of both plot and flow. Though, the premise seems decent enough to give it a chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm imagining Tooru from A Channel and her loneliness; will Mayu not speak and therefore be lonely? I don't know if I can take an anime like that again, but we'll see. 4-koma is generally bland enough for me to watch while multi-tasking.
Bern Thoughts:
I skimmed over the bit that was scanlated. I don't think I'll be watching this.
Yuru Yuri - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
The club room of the defunct Tea Ceremony Club has been taken over by a 4-girl group of ne'er-do-wells calling themselves "The Amusement Club". The Student Council, erstwhile allies of justice, finally get off their butts to sweep out these ruffians...
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
Umm... Lucky Stars, A Channel, Nichijou... There seems to be an influx of these 4-girl group anime... I doubt I will like it.
Aaro Thoughts:
Yeah, girls really do seem to come in groups of 4, don't they? I'm wondering if the comedy will be like A Channel or Nichijou (I liked the former a little more, but I think Morita-san wa Mukuchi has that covered for this season). Either way, I really want some gender balance after the girl-fest of A Channel.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm not exactly a fan of comedy, slice-of-life shows in which girls do fun stuff. I doubt I'll watch this.
Nyanpire - based off doujinshi [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
The story follows a black cat who was abandoned and left to starve. Just before the cat's life was to be exinguished, a vampire emerged from the darkness and gave it blood. "Nyanpire" (combining a cat meow and vampire) lives as a seemingly ordinary house cat raised by a human girl.
Thoughts:
Do I really want to follow around a cat's life when I get bored from following a human's slice of life? Probably not.
Aaro Thoughts:
...Hamtaro...? I'm not that into following around creatures...
Bern Thoughts:
After watching the PV, I don't think I'll be following this.
Kamisama Dolls - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Supernatural
Description:
Kyouhei, after moving away to Tokyo from his old town, to get away from the events that happened, is on a goukon with his friends, including his old neighbor, Shiba. After drinking for the entire night, he and Shiba discover a dead and bloody body in the elevator. He is told by his younger sister, Utao (with her Kamisama Doll) that Aki, an old friend, and his Doll are the culprits responsible.
Thoughts:
I looked over the first chapter and it didn't seem too bad. It had the set-up for a much greater story. The description I took isn't that good and the trailer probably shows the anime better. I definitly like my thriller-ish stories.
Aaro Thoughts:
Kamisama Dolls? Interesting... I might wait until the end to watch it in one-go, though.
Bern Thoughts:
This seems quite interesting. I've seen Rozen Maiden, but this reminds me of it for some reason. I'm going to give this a few episodes.
Ro-kyu-Bu! - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Slice of Life
Description:
Hasegawa Subaru entered the basketball club of Nanashiba High School, but the club activities were suspended when the leader fell in love with the 11-year-old daughter of the coach. Subaru then became the coach for a basketball club for elementary school girls when asked by a relative. Being reluctant to teach such small girls at first, Subaru became devoted after learning of their complex circumstances.
[Description by Aaro.]
Thoughts:
Coaching 5 loli elementary girls in basketball? That's just asking for heavy fanservice of jumping and running. I'm not so sure that I can even give an unbiased review of this...
Aaro Thoughts:
I really don't do sports. But I do seem to like children in anime, especially slice-of-life.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm not sure what to think, due to differing descriptions I've found. I'm actually okay with sports, so I'll probably pick up the first episode before I pass any judgement.
Kamisama No Memo-chou - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Drama
Description:
Narumi is an assistant to Detective Alice, a teenage girl who stays in her pajamas and operates within her bedroom. She uses her vast network of people and the Internet to solve cases. Their most recent case is from Meo, a Thai teenage girl whose father goes missing after a phone call tells her to go into hiding. The only clues that Alice has to work with are a bag full of money and the fact that Meo’s father used to be involved with the mob. Will Alice be able to solve Meo’s case in her PJs?
Thoughts:
Well, I'd like to give every detective a chance to prove that they can write a mystery-ish story. Maybe this anime will be able to do what Gosick was suppose to be...
Aaro Thoughts:
Yes. I don't even know where to begin. Yes.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm with Aaro on this one. I've actually read a couple chapters of the manga and I'm liking what I'm seeing thus far.
Sacred Seven - anime original [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Mecha, Shounen
Description:
A "new school battle action" project by anime studio Sunrise.
Thoughts:
The trailer reminds me of Star Driver more than anything. The mystery behind an anime original always entices me enough to watch it for a couple of episodes.
Aaro Thoughts:
No mecha.
Bern Thoughts:
I generally avoid mecha series. If I hear good things about it once it airs, I might give it a shot.
Manyuu Hikenchou - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Ecchi, Fantasy
Description:
In this current era, breasts mean everything. If you have breasts, you are guaranteed wealth and popularity. If you lack them, you are rarely considered "human". Members of the Manyuu Clan help raise the future big breasts. Written on a secret scroll possessed by the clan, there is said to be various techniques on how to grow big and beautiful breasts. Chifusa is to be successor of the clan. However, she takes the secret scroll and runs away with it, hoping to fight against the cruel world that the Manyuu Clan has created...
Thoughts:
Wow, I read a chapter of the manga, hoping that it might redeem itself slightly, like Qwaser; it didn't. It served only to make me hate this anime even more, if that was possible. Zero chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
Ugh. Do I have to pick this up, like OreTsuba, to meet the "ecchi quota"? Dammit.
Bern Thoughts:
Nope. Only in Japan.
Uta no Prince-Sama: Maji Love 1000% - based off PSP game [Trailer (warning: extremely loud)]
Genre:
Shoujo
Description:
Nanami Haruka wants to be a song writer, so she attends an idol training school filled with beautiful bishounen. The school pairs each aspiring songwriter with an aspiring idol, but Haruka finds herself paired with 3 idols! To make things more difficult, Nanami is also not allowed to date any of her beautiful partners!
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
Every season needs an anime for women. Sadly, I'm not interested in these.
Aaro Thoughts:
Even sadder, I kind of am. I enjoy stuff like Ouran, although I don't expect this to be like that. This should be very typical shoujo. I usually tend to wait until the end to see the severity of the love polygon (I can't stand large ones where everyone loves the main character unconditionally).
Bern Thoughts:
I don't think I'll watch this. It's really not my cup of tea.
Tantei Opera Milky Holmes - anime original [Trailer]
Genre:
Detective, Comedy
Description:
Season 2.
Thoughts:
I didn't watch the first season, but it didn't look too bad. Maybe if I can start watching it from the first season...
Aaro Thoughts:
That image is pretty much a turn-off for me. Plus, it's a second season, so...
Genre:
Action, Fantasy
Description:
Thoughts:
Being the last anime on the list, let me tell you a story. Way back in my high school days, I worked at McDonalds for roughly a year. Now, while you work, you get breaks. *surprise* Every shift, during the break, there was only one thing that would ever play on the TV in the break room: Blade 2. At first, it was new and "fresh", but then months rolled by and you learned every line and every scene in the movie. So ends my pointless story of why I will never watch anything from the Blade franchise ever again.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm not into Marvel/DC. On another note, Pearz sounds pretty tortured.
Bern Thoughts:
I've never followed anything from Blade, nor have I watched anime adaptations of western comics. I don't think I'll start now.
Mawaru Penguindrum - anime original [Trailer] (No info yet)
Genre:
Description:
List of things I am looking forward to:
AppleSeed, No. 6, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, Blood-C, Mayo Chiki, R-15, Kamisama Dolls, Kamisama No Memo-chou, Sacred Seven
List of Maybes:
Nekogami Yaoyorozu, Ikoku Meiro no Croisee, The IdolM@ster, Itsuka Tenma No Kuro Usagi, Morita-san Wa Mukuchi
I'll probably do a First Impressions post of all these anime listed, unless Bern or Aaro (not likely) beats me to it.
I'll likely update the info for Mawaru Penguindrum (and the other missing trailers) once it surfaces.
~Pearz
There's much less anime this season than Spring 2011. That had been in the 40s, while this one is in the 20s (in terms of amount of anime). That's a pretty significant difference - at least it means less work for me to make a preview post. XD It still takes pretty long to make a post like this, since I like to read a chapter of the manga to be better informed to make my thoughts for each anime.
It'll be the same thing as last time: I won't include the description of anything that's Season 2, since anyone that watched it before will already know what it's about. Anyone that hasn't watched it yet will probably look for the first season before watching the second one, anyway.
Appleseed XIII - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Sci-fi
Description:
In the wake of the destruction of a worldwide non-nuclear war, the city Olympus has become the control center of the world. Run by Bioroids (cloned humans made from only the best DNA), it is defended from terrorists by special military forces. Among these are former LAPD SWAT member Deunan Knotts and her multi-purpose cyborg partner Brialeos. They face a challenge from the Human Liberation Front and its terrorist underbelly the Argonauts. The leader of this group, Al Ceides, supposedly died 20 years ago in an attack on Poseidon, but now his shadow emerges once again.
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
This one was supposed to air the last season, but it was delayed due to the earthquake. I'm still pretty interested in this one. The CG graphics and shading looks a bit awkward, but I'm willing to give it a chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
No. Not my thing.
Bern Thoughts:
I probably won't check this out. I'm usually not into post-apocalyptic types.
Natsume Yuujin-Chou San - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Drama, Supernatural
Description:
Sequel to Zoku Natsume Yuujin-Chou
Thoughts:
It seems semi-interesting, if I could ever start watching it from the first season.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm looking forward to it so much~ Natsume is totally up my alley.
Bern Thoughts:
I doubt I'm going to watch it. I've never seen the previous seasons, and I don't think I'll start watching.
No. 6 - based off novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Adventure, Sci-fi
Description:
The story is set in "No. 6", a future model city in 2013. Raised as a top ranking elite since the age of 2, a boy named Shion lives in an exclusive area in No. 6. On the night of his 12th birthday, he rescues a boy who calls himself "Nezumi" (rat). Nezumi ran away from the city's special security area. From that moment on, Shion's life is changed forever...
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:I noticed that there is a manga adaptation for this, too. Only two chapters have been scanlated, but I read both to see where things were going. The stolen description fails to mention that it seems the story will be about a uncovering the secrets of a "utopian" society. Those usually prove interesting, so I'll give it a chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
Sci-fi is usually hit-or-miss for me. I'll probably check it out after it finishes, if anything.
Bern Thoughts:
After watching the trailer and skimming through the scanlated chapters, I'll probably give this a few episodes to see if it keeps my interest.
Usagi Drop - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
Going home for his grandfather’s funeral, thirty-year-old bachelor Daikichi is floored to discover that the old man had an illegitimate child with a younger lover! The rest of his family is equally shocked and embarrassed by this surprise development, and not one of them wants anything to do with the silent little girl, Rin. In a fit of angry spontaneity, Daikichi decides to take her in himself! But will living with this overgrown teenager of man help Rin come out of her shell? And hang on, won’t this turn of events spell doom for Daikichi’s love life?! [Description from Yen Press.]
Thoughts
It seems like a very slice-of-life story. Like most anime, I'll probably give it an episode or two to wow or amaze me (maybe both).
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm really into slice-of-life so that's +1. The premise is awesome, so it'll definitely be checked out by me.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm really into slice-of-life so that's +1. The premise is awesome, so it'll definitely be checked out by me.
Bern Thoughts:
I don't fall into the Josei demographic, but I'll give this a few episodes because the premise seems interesting. I've heard good things about the manga as well.
I don't fall into the Josei demographic, but I'll give this a few episodes because the premise seems interesting. I've heard good things about the manga as well.
Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Fantasy, Parody
Description:
Sequel to first season.
Thoughts:
I loved the first season and the OVAs, so I definitely will be watching this one.
Aaro Thoughts:
I didn't see anything Baka to Test before, so probably not. Stuff that Pearz loves is usually not in my palate.
Bern Thoughts:Aaro Thoughts:
I didn't see anything Baka to Test before, so probably not. Stuff that Pearz loves is usually not in my palate.
This is a definite watch because I enjoyed the first season.
Nekogami Yaoyorozu - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural
Description:
Koyama Yuzu is running an antique shop. Mayu, a cat god (nekogami), is living off Yuzu and leads an idle life playing games. Lots of other gods visit Mayu and enjoy merrymaking.
[Description from ANN.]
[Description from ANN.]
Thoughts:
The PV has more talking than showing scenes, so I can't really tell anything about this one. The manga isn't being scanlated by any group, either. All I can base it on is that I don't really like the art style - but, with no info, I can't really make any other opinion on this one.
Aaro Thoughts:
The description sounds like something I'd be interested in, while the art style seems like it's out of some kind of harem. I might watch it for blogging possibilities, but I'm not really pushed to do it for personal reasons.
Bern Thoughts:
I don't really know what to make of this one. It seems to be different animal gods doing fun things. I still don't know whether or not I'll check it out.
Aaro Thoughts:
The description sounds like something I'd be interested in, while the art style seems like it's out of some kind of harem. I might watch it for blogging possibilities, but I'm not really pushed to do it for personal reasons.
Bern Thoughts:
I don't really know what to make of this one. It seems to be different animal gods doing fun things. I still don't know whether or not I'll check it out.
Dantalian no Shoka - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy
Description:
The young man Huey took over the old mansion of his deceased bibliomanic grandfather as well as the book collection that's stored in there. But there was a condition: he also had to inherit the "Bibliotheca".When he inspects the mansion, Huey discovers a cellar filled with piled-up books. In the midst of them, he comes across a black-dressed girl who's silently reading a book. She's called Dalian and has a big lock hanging in front of her. She herself is the entrance to the "Bibliotheca of Dantalian", which contains the prohibited "Phantom Books".
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:This didn't seem too bad from the description - but when I read the first chapter, I was WTF? The main female character is a tsundere-loli-gothic girl, which was a turn-off. I don't have high hopes for this one...
Aaro Thoughts:
It reminds me of [C], which is a basic proxy battle system with economics-related terms thrown in to make everything look cool. Even if this won't be a proxy battle, it sounds like it might be a simple concept with terms (library-related...?) thrown in to look cool.
Bern Thoughts:
The first thing that this reminded me of was Gosick. I remember reading the few chapters that were scanlated a while back, and I believe I liked it. I'm definitely going to give this a few episodes.
Blood-C - anime original [Trailer]
Genre:
Adventure, Supernatural
Description:
Alternative universe of the Blood franchise.
Thoughts:
The art style looks good and Blood+ wasn't bad. I'll definitely be watching at least the start of this, though I'm not sure if CLAMP might butcher it.
Aaro Thoughts:
Meh. I didn't see Blood+ and CLAMP has been getting on my nerves with some of their stuff. It goes in the "maybe" pile, as in "maybe after I finish all the other stuff I'm going to watch".
Bern Thoughts:
I was never a big CLAMP guy. Anything with vampires in it leaves me skeptical, as well. I'll try a couple of episodes if I hear good things about it once it starts airing.
Mayo Chiki - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Ecchi, Gender Bender, School Life
Description:
Konoe Subaru, 17, has been serving as the butler of Suzutsuki Kanade in school, a classmate of Sakamoto Kinjirou. Due to an accident, Sakamoto discovers Konoe's secret...that he's actually a girl!? Apparently, she will be removed from her position if anyone at school finds out. What will unfold from this chain of events?
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:Gender bender? Traps? I'm so in. The PV put it out to be pretty funny but, after reading the first chapter, it felt like it wasn't done as well. I will have to see about this one, but the PV definitely scored high points with me.
Aaro Thoughts:
It's ecchi. That's usually a turn-off for legitimate anime for me. (I'm doing OreTsuba only because Pearz didn't want to, if anyone's curious.)
Pearz: By the way, Aaro lies; he does it 'cause he loves it...
Bern Thoughts:
Yeah, I'm definitely going to watch this. I've read most of the Chinese scans that are out (albeit not understanding 100%); the reverse trap is actually quite cute.
Yeah, I'm definitely going to watch this. I've read most of the Chinese scans that are out (albeit not understanding 100%); the reverse trap is actually quite cute.
Genre:
Drama, Historical, Romance, Slice of Life
Description:
During the second half of the 19th century, Europe became intrigued by the Japanese culture. A Japanese girl named Yune travels to France, where she starts working in the lower parts of a town in Paris at a craft store called Enseignes du Roy. She and the store owner named Claude communicate with each other in order to get over their cultural differences. This is the story of Yune's stay in Paris.
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:This has the same author as Gosick, which I dropped pretty quickly. Add to that being a slice-of-life genre, and it doesn't make me want to watch it more. It's just another anime with pretty low expectations from me.
Aaro Thoughts:
These are all genres I like (except maybe "drama"...). I started keeping up with Gosick a little while ago, and I really love it. I hope this won't be slow, like Emma was; either way, I'll probably watch it.
Bern Thoughts:I keep up with Gosick every week, so I'll probably try this one as well. I hope the slice-of-life aspects are able to keep my interest.
The IdolM@ster - based off Xbox 360 game [Trailer (skip to 2min15sec)]
Genre:
Slice of Life
Description:
It will be a Pseudo-omnibus format which will follow all the Idols. It will be 24 Episodes with no male Producer; Ritsuko is the Producer in the anime. It follows the career of a producer who works for a fictional production company that works with pop idols. Jupiter will play the roll of the antagonist with cameo appearances from the DS characters.
[Description by Pearz.]
I remember why I first watched K-ON now. It seemed like a mix of anime/music, which was the original reason. Then came that 5th character that I hated, and so I never picked up Season 2. Maybe this will be able to keep my attention.
Aaro Thoughts:
The idea of a producer managing pop masters is pretty interesting, because I'm aware that the entertainment industry is very different in Japan. Moreover, if there's 10 of them, then surely they must have different personalities instead of being run-of-the-mill, right?! I'm interested, but maybe only if Pearz decides she can't take this. I worry that it might become "normal" slice-of-life, losing the premise.
Bern Thoughts:
I rarely watch shows with an all-female cast. I doubt I'll watch this.
Nurarihyon No Mago Season 2 - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy
Thoughts:
I could never start reading the manga due to the art style. Being a second season anime doesn't help me start, either.
Aaro Thoughts:
To be honest, the thought of a person being 3/4 human and 1/4 demon is extremely interesting to me. However, I'd probably prefer it in a more slice-of-life and less of a shounen genre, which this unfortunately isn't. It's serialized in Shounen Jump and was licensed by Viz, and Wiki classified it as Action; all of these are pointing to heavy shounen, which is not really what I do.
Bern Thoughts:
I didn't pick the first season up when it aired, so I doubt I'll watch this either.
Itsuka Tenma No Kuro Usagi - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy, Romance
Description:
Taito has been really sleepy lately, and keeps dreaming of a particular vampire who says she has given him her "poison". Sometimes, he even thinks he hallucinates her voice when he's awake. But after surviving an accident that should have killed him, Taito's world changes drastically and he realizes that his dreams are more real than he thought.
[Origins of description unknown.]
This seems pretty generic, being a plot that I've seen many times, but I guess it is about execution. I'll give it a passing chance to impress me. It has higher prospects than some of the other anime, at least; it just feels too generic.
Aaro Thoughts:
The Romance tag on this makes me extremely suspicious. I mean, what kind of "romance" are we talking about? And what is "reverse school fantasy"...? It seems like it might quickly turn into things that I don't like; I'm not too fond of supernatural people being in a school setting.
Bern Thoughts:
The author who wrote this also wrote Legend of the Legendary Heroes (lol), which was a series I followed while it was airing. I'm definitely going to give this a few episodes.
R-15 - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
The story centers around a student with a secret: he is a talented pornographic novelist with a newspaper-serialized work. He enrolls in a school that only accepts geniuses and risque trouble ensues.
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
It seems funny enough to give a chance at watching. I'm highly unlikely to blog about any humour-based anime, though, now that I realized how hard it is.
Aaro Thoughts:
I don't know what to make of those genres, and wonder what the ecchi component of this show, if any, would be. Maybe I'll try it, but it's not gripping me so much at this moment.
Bern Thoughts:
The premise seems interesting so I'll give this a try. Although, it seems like it could easily fall into something generic.
Kaitou Tenshi Twin Angel - based off Pachinko [Trailer]
Genre:
Fantasy, Magic Girl
Description:
Minazuki Haruka and Kannazuki Aoi are two students at St.Cherine academy. Haruka is always filled with bubbly energy while Aoi is more mature and a top student in all her classes - but, despite their differences, the two are the best of friends. The two girls look like any other girls attending the academy, but the truth is they are hiding a little secret that they can't let anybody know about... During the day they really are just students at St.Cherine academy, but by night they become the Twin Angels, and fight against the evils of the town! The lovely Angels are back, and it's time for them to get ready for some action!
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
This seems like the very traditional magic girl show, which doesn't interest me. I know I shouldn't be biased about this, but I kinda see why people hate JC Staff after these last couple of seasons and don't hold this anime in high regards. D:
Aaro Thoughts:
I really don't want to do Magic Girl.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm with Pearz. The only magical girl show I've actually watched is Madoka. I don't think I'll watch this.
Morita-san Wa Mukuchi - based off 4-koma [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
Following the everyday life of Mayu Morita, a girl who is exceedingly gentle and thoughtful, to the point that she does not say much of anything to anyone in high school.
[Origins of description unknown.]
I don't hold any anime based off 4-koma very highly, due to the lack of both plot and flow. Though, the premise seems decent enough to give it a chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm imagining Tooru from A Channel and her loneliness; will Mayu not speak and therefore be lonely? I don't know if I can take an anime like that again, but we'll see. 4-koma is generally bland enough for me to watch while multi-tasking.
Bern Thoughts:
I skimmed over the bit that was scanlated. I don't think I'll be watching this.
Yuru Yuri - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
The club room of the defunct Tea Ceremony Club has been taken over by a 4-girl group of ne'er-do-wells calling themselves "The Amusement Club". The Student Council, erstwhile allies of justice, finally get off their butts to sweep out these ruffians...
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
Umm... Lucky Stars, A Channel, Nichijou... There seems to be an influx of these 4-girl group anime... I doubt I will like it.
Aaro Thoughts:
Yeah, girls really do seem to come in groups of 4, don't they? I'm wondering if the comedy will be like A Channel or Nichijou (I liked the former a little more, but I think Morita-san wa Mukuchi has that covered for this season). Either way, I really want some gender balance after the girl-fest of A Channel.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm not exactly a fan of comedy, slice-of-life shows in which girls do fun stuff. I doubt I'll watch this.
Nyanpire - based off doujinshi [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Description:
The story follows a black cat who was abandoned and left to starve. Just before the cat's life was to be exinguished, a vampire emerged from the darkness and gave it blood. "Nyanpire" (combining a cat meow and vampire) lives as a seemingly ordinary house cat raised by a human girl.
Thoughts:
Do I really want to follow around a cat's life when I get bored from following a human's slice of life? Probably not.
Aaro Thoughts:
...Hamtaro...? I'm not that into following around creatures...
Bern Thoughts:
After watching the PV, I don't think I'll be following this.
Kamisama Dolls - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Supernatural
Description:
Kyouhei, after moving away to Tokyo from his old town, to get away from the events that happened, is on a goukon with his friends, including his old neighbor, Shiba. After drinking for the entire night, he and Shiba discover a dead and bloody body in the elevator. He is told by his younger sister, Utao (with her Kamisama Doll) that Aki, an old friend, and his Doll are the culprits responsible.
Thoughts:
I looked over the first chapter and it didn't seem too bad. It had the set-up for a much greater story. The description I took isn't that good and the trailer probably shows the anime better. I definitly like my thriller-ish stories.
Aaro Thoughts:
Kamisama Dolls? Interesting... I might wait until the end to watch it in one-go, though.
Bern Thoughts:
This seems quite interesting. I've seen Rozen Maiden, but this reminds me of it for some reason. I'm going to give this a few episodes.
Ro-kyu-Bu! - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Slice of Life
Description:
Hasegawa Subaru entered the basketball club of Nanashiba High School, but the club activities were suspended when the leader fell in love with the 11-year-old daughter of the coach. Subaru then became the coach for a basketball club for elementary school girls when asked by a relative. Being reluctant to teach such small girls at first, Subaru became devoted after learning of their complex circumstances.
[Description by Aaro.]
Thoughts:
Coaching 5 loli elementary girls in basketball? That's just asking for heavy fanservice of jumping and running. I'm not so sure that I can even give an unbiased review of this...
Aaro Thoughts:
I really don't do sports. But I do seem to like children in anime, especially slice-of-life.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm not sure what to think, due to differing descriptions I've found. I'm actually okay with sports, so I'll probably pick up the first episode before I pass any judgement.
Kamisama No Memo-chou - based off light novel [Trailer]
Genre:
Comedy, Drama
Description:
Narumi is an assistant to Detective Alice, a teenage girl who stays in her pajamas and operates within her bedroom. She uses her vast network of people and the Internet to solve cases. Their most recent case is from Meo, a Thai teenage girl whose father goes missing after a phone call tells her to go into hiding. The only clues that Alice has to work with are a bag full of money and the fact that Meo’s father used to be involved with the mob. Will Alice be able to solve Meo’s case in her PJs?
[Origins of description unknown.]
Well, I'd like to give every detective a chance to prove that they can write a mystery-ish story. Maybe this anime will be able to do what Gosick was suppose to be...
Aaro Thoughts:
Yes. I don't even know where to begin. Yes.
Bern Thoughts:
I'm with Aaro on this one. I've actually read a couple chapters of the manga and I'm liking what I'm seeing thus far.
Sacred Seven - anime original [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Mecha, Shounen
Description:
A "new school battle action" project by anime studio Sunrise.
Thoughts:
The trailer reminds me of Star Driver more than anything. The mystery behind an anime original always entices me enough to watch it for a couple of episodes.
Aaro Thoughts:
No mecha.
Bern Thoughts:
I generally avoid mecha series. If I hear good things about it once it airs, I might give it a shot.
Manyuu Hikenchou - based off manga [Trailer]
Genre:
Action, Ecchi, Fantasy
Description:
In this current era, breasts mean everything. If you have breasts, you are guaranteed wealth and popularity. If you lack them, you are rarely considered "human". Members of the Manyuu Clan help raise the future big breasts. Written on a secret scroll possessed by the clan, there is said to be various techniques on how to grow big and beautiful breasts. Chifusa is to be successor of the clan. However, she takes the secret scroll and runs away with it, hoping to fight against the cruel world that the Manyuu Clan has created...
[Origins of description unknown.]
Wow, I read a chapter of the manga, hoping that it might redeem itself slightly, like Qwaser; it didn't. It served only to make me hate this anime even more, if that was possible. Zero chance.
Aaro Thoughts:
Ugh. Do I have to pick this up, like OreTsuba, to meet the "ecchi quota"? Dammit.
Bern Thoughts:
Nope. Only in Japan.
Uta no Prince-Sama: Maji Love 1000% - based off PSP game [Trailer (warning: extremely loud)]
Genre:
Shoujo
Description:
Nanami Haruka wants to be a song writer, so she attends an idol training school filled with beautiful bishounen. The school pairs each aspiring songwriter with an aspiring idol, but Haruka finds herself paired with 3 idols! To make things more difficult, Nanami is also not allowed to date any of her beautiful partners!
[Origins of description unknown.]
Thoughts:
Every season needs an anime for women. Sadly, I'm not interested in these.
Aaro Thoughts:
Even sadder, I kind of am. I enjoy stuff like Ouran, although I don't expect this to be like that. This should be very typical shoujo. I usually tend to wait until the end to see the severity of the love polygon (I can't stand large ones where everyone loves the main character unconditionally).
Bern Thoughts:
I don't think I'll watch this. It's really not my cup of tea.
Tantei Opera Milky Holmes - anime original [Trailer]
Genre:
Detective, Comedy
Description:
Season 2.
Thoughts:
I didn't watch the first season, but it didn't look too bad. Maybe if I can start watching it from the first season...
Aaro Thoughts:
That image is pretty much a turn-off for me. Plus, it's a second season, so...
Bern Thoughts:
I doubt I'll be watching this. I didn't watch the first season when it aired; don't think I'll start now.
Action, Fantasy
Description:
Thoughts:
Being the last anime on the list, let me tell you a story. Way back in my high school days, I worked at McDonalds for roughly a year. Now, while you work, you get breaks. *surprise* Every shift, during the break, there was only one thing that would ever play on the TV in the break room: Blade 2. At first, it was new and "fresh", but then months rolled by and you learned every line and every scene in the movie. So ends my pointless story of why I will never watch anything from the Blade franchise ever again.
Aaro Thoughts:
I'm not into Marvel/DC. On another note, Pearz sounds pretty tortured.
Bern Thoughts:
I've never followed anything from Blade, nor have I watched anime adaptations of western comics. I don't think I'll start now.
Mawaru Penguindrum - anime original [Trailer] (No info yet)
Genre:
Description:
Note:
This is not included in the charts by Inumarudashi and Double-J, since it is flash based anime.
Thoughts:List of things I am looking forward to:
AppleSeed, No. 6, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, Blood-C, Mayo Chiki, R-15, Kamisama Dolls, Kamisama No Memo-chou, Sacred Seven
List of Maybes:
Nekogami Yaoyorozu, Ikoku Meiro no Croisee, The IdolM@ster, Itsuka Tenma No Kuro Usagi, Morita-san Wa Mukuchi
I'll probably do a First Impressions post of all these anime listed, unless Bern or Aaro (not likely) beats me to it.
I'll likely update the info for Mawaru Penguindrum (and the other missing trailers) once it surfaces.
