Excited? Not really, but this season still has some potential

With many shows from the fall season coming to an end, the winter season is all ready to go into full swing. But whether its because I’ve been getting busier these days, or maybe I’m just not as enthusiastic as before, I’m just not feeling the winter season this time around. Nothing truly jumps out at me, but all the same, I have a gut feeling some of the shows will be big hits. So here are some first impressions, and some quick thoughts on the upcoming winter season.

Must Watch Shows

Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou

Synopsis: The story revolves around Natsume, a boy who has been able to see ghosts since he was little. Unfortunately, humans shun him, and there is not much fondness between him and ghosts either. One day, he inherits a Yujin-Cho from his grandmother. The book is actually full of contracts that his grandmother made to trap ghosts. As one ghost after another shows up, Natsume tries to release or help them — even while many of them seek vengeance on him.

My Two Cents: I haven’t seen the first season of this yet, but it has been highly praised for extremely well crafted story telling. and beautiful character driven plot. PLUS anything that reminds me of Mushishi, is a GOOD thing. I will be watching the first season very soon so I can pick this up.

Shikabane Hime Kuro

Synopsis: Sequel of “Shikabane Hime: Aka”

My Two Cents: Jesus, is this the season of sequels? Sure seems like it. I’m going to have no choice but to watch this since I am following Shikabane Hime at the moment. It’s not a bad show, not great, but it has decent action, although the pacing is a bit off.

Kemono no Soujya Erin

Synopsis: According to NHK web site, Uehashi Nahoko’s (the author of “Seirei no Moribito”) novel “Kemono no Soujya” will be animated. It will be aired from January 10th 2009.
Director: Hamana Takayuki (“Toshokan Sensou”, “Wellber no Monogatari: Sisters of Wellber”)
Character Designer: Goto Takayuki (“Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”, “Seirei no Moribito”)
Series Organizer: Fujisaku Jun-ichi (“Blood+”, “Real Drive”)
Production Company: Production I.G.
Series length: 50 episodes

My Two Cents: Fuck Yes. This show is going to kick ass from here to kingdom come. This is one of the few shows I’m actually excited about, and DAMN, does it look promising. Just LOOK at the staff. I’m getting a stiffy as we speak. I’m expecting GREAT things from this show.

Ride Back

Synopsis: In the year 2020, anti-government student movements are raging again. Having encountered a two-wheeled robot named “Rideback” modeled on a human being, Rin Ogata rides on the “Tetsuma”, and the world’s destiny begins to change!!

My Two Cents: I’m going to call it right now. This show is going to kick ass. A risky gamble? Yeah, but as far as the synopsis goes, it sounds original, clever, and well thought out. It gives of Kino vibes, which is definitely a good thing. Plus the fact that Madhouse is heading the project doesn’t hurt either.

Genji Mongatari Sennenki Genji

Synopsis: Based on the literary work of Shikibu Murasaki, The Tale of Genji is a story of the Emperor`s second son born by a courtier. Made a commoner, he served as a retainer to the court.

My Two Cents: Now whether or not this show is going to be good or not is debatable, but its still worth watching one of the OLDEST existing novels adapted into my favorite medium. Will be good? Like I said, there is no way to tell yet, we’ll just have to see.

White Album

Synopsis: The White Album game centers around Tōya Fujī, a college student dating a rising idol singer named Yuki Morikawa. The game deals with the challenges to the couple’s relationship from the other people at Fujī’s college, Morikawa’s work, and elsewhere.

My Two Cents: I really want to like this show. I FEEL, like this show is going to be great, I can see potential, and the synopsis gives me a very Back, or Solanin feel. But will this show deal with the hardships and the tribulations of being a youth in today’s society? OR just another eroge adaption that will soon be forgotten. If this anime takes it’s self seriously, it has the potential to be a very moving, and emotional ride. But we’ll have to see the direction they take this show. I have never played the eroge, so if there is anyone who has, tell me what the direction of the game is.

Maria+Holic

Synopsis: The story centers on a sophomore named Kanako who enrolls in all-girls school because she has a phobia of men and wants to find her destined yuri partner. She meets a captivating freshman named Mariya who fits her criteria — except her seemingly ideal mate happens to be a cross-dressing sadistic boy.

My Two Cents: It sounds like great fun. Every once in a while you need a show just to have a good laugh. You can’t have angst and emotional stress 24/7. I hope Maria+Holic can be the run away comedy hit of the season, because it sounds HILARIOUS.

Akikan!

Synopsis: The story revolves around a typical high school boy named Kakeru Daichi and the can of melon juice soda that he bought from a vending machine. The can suddenly transforms into a beautiful but standoffish girl that Kakeru nicknames “Melon,” and more “Akikan” (“empty can”) girls appear. However, Akikan girls need to be infused with carbon dioxide from kissing to survive.

My Two Cents: Similar to Maria+Holic, it sounds like good fun. Although the show may not be extraordinary, or a work of art, it’ll definitely be entertaining, and just an overall fun watch.

Asu no Yoichi!

Synopsis: The titular character Yoichi decides to leave his family’s mountainside home after his father tells him there is nothing more he can learn in martial arts there. The teenaged boy ends up in a martial arts dojo in the city with four girls.

My Two Cents: Ugh, it doesn’t sound too great, but I’m going to have to watch it anyway. I’m such a sucker for bishoujo character designs. Fuck.

Minami-ke Okaeri

Synopsis: This is the third season of the anime adaptation of Coharu Sakuraba’s Minami-ke manga series.

My Two Cents: Hey, when has Minami-ke failed us before? I haven’t seen the second season, but the backlash from the new studio and design was a bit too harsh IMO. It’ll be fine, plus more Chiaki is always a GOOD thing.

Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo

Synopsis: The veteran anime studio Sunrise has opened a teaser site for a new project called Sora o Kakeru Shōjo [Sora Kake Girl or "The Girl Who Leapt Through Space (the Heavens)"]. The site provides no other information besides a promise that more details will be given in October 10. On that day, the official homepage will open, and there will be coverage in Kadokawa Shoten’s Newtype, Tokuma Shoten’s Animage, and Gakken Kenkyūsha’s Animedia magazines. The project’s title is an apparent wordplay on Toki o Kakeru Shōjo or The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Yasutaka Tsutsui’s classic novel that was adapted into several live-action television series, live-action films, manga, and an acclaimed anime film.

My Two Cents: Wow, does this show sound promising. It’s going to be a definite watch for me. Lots of big names, and sounds like a big project to undertake.

Munto THE mother fucking TV, naw just kidding: Sora o Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai

Synopsis: A continuation of of Kyoto Animation’s two-episode OVA series Munto. The anime will include an updated director’s cut of the OVA episodes with new animation and footage.

My Two Cents: GO GO KYOTOANIMATION, WHEEEEEEEE.

Axis Powers Hetalia

Synopsis: Think of it like WWII, except every country is a pretty boy instead. A hilariously stereotypical pretty boy. America loves burgers, Russia is into the vodka, and China has pandas and a Wok. It is centered mostly around Italy, who has both a North and South character. The Hetaria portion of the name is probably mocking Italy, as Hetare means ‘Useless’

My Two Cents: This show will be hilarious. It’s clever, original, and looks damn entertaining. Can’t wait for it.

Black God(Kuro Kami)

Synopsis: Wending his way home after a bender one evening, master moocher and game programmer Keita Ibuki decides to satisfy a craving for ramen at a noodle stand. Instead of slurping soup, though, he surrenders his meal to a manic girl who, unbeknownst to Keita, is a Mototsumitama, a guardian of the coexistence equilibrium. When his new acquaintance is attacked, Keita gets caught in the crossfire and loses an arm. Awakening from the shock of his injury, Keita finds himself back in his apartment… arm intact! But just whose arm is it?! Asking the strange girl raiding his refrigerator reveals only that Keita’s life has become a great deal more complicated.

My Two Cents: I have a lot to say about this one, so, fast forward if you don’t wanna hear a pointless long editorial. First off, I am really against Sunrise doing this. Now if the sunrise of olden days were to undertake this, I would have no qualms. But the Sunrise that gave us Gundam SEED, and Destiny, really needs to reevaluate it’s QC department. I dislike the direction Sunrise takes most of their shows, and at often times it feels like Sunrise is losing a grip on good creative direction. Among things I am worried about, the ending of Code Geass R2 was changed because the studio wanted a change. That is a blasphemous on so many levels, it doesn’t matter if it’s better or not, just the fact that Sunrise actually interfered with the directors creative direction is pretty insulting. I would have preferred if Production I.G., Bones, Madhouse, hell, even J.C. Staff would have been a better choice. But being a long time fan of the manhwa, I’m still hoping for great things. I’m glad Korean manhwas are making a big break. Hopefully the animation industry in Korea will find some incentive to grow? We shall see.

Shows I’m Interested In

Tower of Druaga – the Sword of Uruk

Synopsis: Second Season of Tower of Druaga

My Two Cents: I’m not too excited about it. Since I haven’t even seen the first season, I guess I’ll wait and see what the reviews of the first few episodes are. I may pick it up, it DOES look somewhat interesting, although I’m doubtful of how good it can be, since the first season went by with only a modicum of success.

Tetsuwan Birdy DECODE 2nd Season

Synopsis: Tetsuwan Birdy DECODE 2nd Season is an upcoming sequel to the anime remake. Broadcast is set to January 2009, staff will remain the same.

My Two Cents: ANOTHER sequel? Jesus, how many are there this season? Well, I’m actually quite interested in Tetsuwan Birdy DECODE, and I will be picking up the first season too. I’ve heard some good things about this show, and I’m fairly anxious for it. I’m not sure why, but this show seems to have some decent charm, although nothing stands out.

Slayers Evolution-R

Synopsis: Hajime Kanzaka, the author of the original Slayers light novels, had already indicated that the ongoing Slayers Revolution television anime series was conceived as the first part of a storyline that will last half a year.

My Two Cents: You’ll never guess….yes, another sequel. This may be a big factor why I feel a lack of enthusiasm this season. I haven’t even seen the other seasons of Slayers, so it’ll be hard to pick this up, but who knows, it’ll depend on the hype surrounding this show.

Hajime no Ippo New Challenger

Synopsis: Second season of Hajime no Ippo, confirmed to start airing in January 2009.

My Two Cents: lol, I won’t say it. But Hajime no Ippo is one of the series that have gotten absurdly high ratings. The amount of praise it has received has piqued my curiosity BUT 70+ episodes is NOT something I have the patience for. I’ll have to put the second season on the backburnner until I finish the first season, which may take a while.

Maria-sama ga Miteru Season 4

Synopsis: The fourth season of the Maria-sama series.

My Two Cents: Now, I’m not a big fan of yuri-centric anime, BUT the Maria-sama series have always been a shining light of good quality yuri that focuses on relationships over…you know, everything else. There is a wonderfully character driven story, and a believable and often rateable backdrop in which the anime takes place. It’s a good show that has recieved a good amount of praise. I have no qualms about picking this up, that is of course AFTER I finish the other 3 seasons…-_-

Kokaku no Regios

Synopsis: In this school fantasy story set in the distant future, creatures contaminated by pollution have overtaken the land, forcing humanity to live in isolated mobile cities called Regios. One such city named Czerni is a self-contained school in which freshman Reifon Aruseifu has just enrolled. Reifon reluctantly joins the 17th Martial Arts Studies Unit led by the third-year student Nina Antōku and embarks on a series of adventures.

My Two Cents: It SOUNDS good, but I always have to remember just because something SOUNDS good, it never usually is. Shows like this can go two ways. Because the plot is pretty unoriginal, the EXECUTION has to be flawless, or else it’ll turn into another two-bit school.action centered anime, and as we all know, there are too many of those as there are.

Shows I’m not that interested in: Z Mazinger, Afro Samurai, Viper’s Creed, Major 5th Season, Fresh Precure

OVA’s, unconfirmed shows, and the like:

Kiss x Sis: Oh man, why just an OVA? Come on, we need a full series! I’ll have to watch the first episode soon, I’ve heard its quite, how should I say….moe.

Da Capo If Part I: Only one thing matters about this OVA: Kotori Shirakawa. Done, I will watch this.

Kamen No Maid Guy: Was this show even good? Hmmmm….

Ichigo Mashimaro encore: lololol, yayyyyyyy.

Kodomo no Jikan: More loli goodness, I’m not complaining, but come on. I want a full series damn it.

Higurashi REI: Good stuff, and off course they are going to do THAT arc. ^-^

Queen’s Blade: Is it really going to air this winter? I haven’t seen any confirmations. But I can’t wait for when it DOES air.

The overall impression of the season isn’t actually that BAD. It’s pretty good actually, but there is a lack of a draw for me. All in all, the season looks to be a decent one, but not one of the best. I will heartily wait for the shows to start airing, and to post more thoughts on some of the shows.