The Winter 2011 Anime Season is soon upon us!

• Amagami SS Plus – The first season was highly enjoyable with its innovative short arc format for each girl. I’m highly anticipating what the second season will bring.
• Nisemonogatari – A must-watch for this upcoming season. The larger role that Koyomi’s sisters will play should keep things interesting.
• Senhime Zesshou Symphogear – Two girls fight to save the world from “mysterious” monsters. Not too sure about this one.
• High School DxD – Sounds like a high school comedy with harem and ecchi elements included.
• Kill Me Baby – Another 4-panel manga adaptation. Let’s hope its humor is the real deal.
• Recorder to Randoseru – How is it possible to be almost 6 feet tall when you’re 11 years old…?
• Area no Kishi – I used to follow the manga. Seeing their soccer skills in animated form will be a treat.
• Brave 10 – Looks like an action-packed story revolving around war.
• Moretsu Uchuu Kaizoku – I love futuristic settings, especially when they involve space pirates.
• Rinne no Lagrange – The riding in a robot and fighting aliens part is what I’m assuming is the comedy aspect of it.
• Ano Natsu de Matteru – A romantic comedy by the creators of the Onegai franchise.
• Aquarion Evol – I never watched Sousei no Aquarion, so not sure what to expect here.
• Another – Mystery and horror. The PV seemed scary enough.
• Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou – It’s nice to see more slice of life series based around a group of guys.
• Papa no Iukoto o Kikinasai! – A college freshman that has to take care of his sister’s three daughters? I imagine things will be quite hectic.
• Inu x Boku SS – A mansion where each resident has their own Special Service agent with them.
• Black Rock Shooter (TV) – I did not expect BRS to take off like this.

Other sequels for the Winter season include Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? Jigokuhen, Zero no Tsukaima F, and Natsume Yuujinchou Shi.

Gyo, a movie animated by Ufotable, has a horrifying premise. Berserk is also getting a multi-movie adaptation. I can’t wait to watch .hack//The Movie as well.

Now, how am I supposed to keep up with everything this season? I’ll be watching Amagami SS+ and Nisemonogatari for sure though.

Here’s a last minute preview of the Fall 2011 Anime Season.

• Fate/Zero – My most anticipated series of this upcoming season. The prequel to Fate/stay night is a must watch.
• C3 – Well, I’m curious as to what other surprises the black cube holds.
• Un-Go – It’s hard to go wrong with mystery. Hopefully the cases they solve will be complex ones.
• Guilty Crown – A science fiction series with Production I.G. doing the animation work. One of my favorite combos.
• Hunter x Hunter (2011) – The original Hunter x Hunter was one of the shows that got me into watching anime. I don’t believe it needed a remake, but I hope it turns out good.
• Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon – Wars, parallel worlds, and history reproduction. Looks interesting.
• Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!! – Visual novel adaptation where all the girls are superb fighters…?
• Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle – Puzzle battles! Since the focus is on puzzles, I expect to see some challenging ones.
• Kimi to Boku. – A slice of life series revolving around a group of male friends. It’s usually a female group of friends, so this switch should be interesting.
• Chihayafuru – Watching this should teach me more about karuta.
• Maken-ki! – Ehh, looks like a standard fare high school harem series.
• Mashiro-iro Symphony: The Color of Lovers – Another visual novel adaptation. Looks pretty standard.
• Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai – A club for people with hardly any friends…? Let’s hope they get the comedy part right.
• Persona 4 The Animation – I never got around to playing the game (still sealed in shrink wrap), so at least I’ll see the story this way.
• Shakugan no Shana III (Final) – I still haven’t watched the second season, so I guess I’ll have to marathon it soon before this airs. I wonder how the story is going to end.
• Ben-Tou – Wow, I didn’t know you could make an anime about battling for on sale bento boxes…
• Mirai Nikki (2011) – Interesting premise. I remember reading a few chapters of the manga, which was pretty good.
• Chibi Devi! – This doesn’t look like something that I would like.
• Kidou Senshi Gundam AGE – Instead of making a new Gundam series with younger characters, why couldn’t they make it with older ones?

Yes! I can’t wait to start watching Fate/Zero, especially with what looks to be superb production quality.

Guilty Crown, Un-Go, Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon, and Mirai Nikki are the most interesting picks for me at the moment.

Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle, C3, Kimi to Boku, and Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai have potential, but I’ll have to reserve my judgement for when I actually watch a few episodes.

There’s also the K-ON! Movie where they all go to London, and the Code Geass Gaiden: Boukoku no Akito OVA coming out.

July is rapidly approaching, so here’s a quick preview of the Summer 2011 Anime Season.

• Blood-C – A new series in the Blood franchise (e.g. Blood+) with Clamp’s character designs? This should be good.
• Yuru Yuri – So many series these days based around a school club with four female members.
• Morita-san wa Mukuchi – Four must really be the magic number.
• Mayo Chiki! – A butler that is really a girl. At least there’s no “ecchi” tag.
• No.6 – A sci-fi story set in a futuristic dystopia? I’ll definitely be watching this.
• The Idolmaster – Eh, I’ll probably give it a try since A-1 Pictures is working on it.
• Usagi Drop – I remember reading a few chapters of this manga before. This is worth checking out.
• Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi – Not sure if I’ll find the story interesting enough. I’m leaning towards no.
• Nekogami Yaoyorozu – Looks like a fun series with some popular voice actors as well.
• R-15 – Where do people come up with these stories?!
• Dantalian no Shoka – I’m intrigued by the premise already. Hopefully 13 episodes is enough.
• Blade – I’m not really interested in anime remakes of series from Marvel Comics. *shrug*
• Rou Kyuu Bu! – What? Can’t they just get another club leader?
• Kamisama no Memo-chou – A NEET detective girl solves mysteries. Can’t say no to that.
• Sacred Seven – Sunrise does good battle sequences, so at least there’s that to look forward to.
• Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 1000% – A reverse harem romance game adaptation? I’ll pass.
• Ikoku Meiro no Croisee The Animation – A Japanese girl helps out at an ironwork shop in Paris during the 1800s.
• Kaitou Tenshi Twin Angel: Kyun Kyun Tokimeki Paradise!! – Mahou shoujo? Reminds me of Madoka, except I don’t think it will be anywhere close to being as good.

I know I have stated this multiple times in the past already, but the number of series each season is growing quite quickly with each passing year. The shows I’ll be looking out for are Blood-C, No.6, Dantalian no Shoka, Kamisama no Memo-chou, and Ikoku Meiro no Croisee The Animation. You can probably infer what my preferences are just from that list.

As for OVAs and movies, there’s Carnival Phantasm with tons of TYPE-MOON characters (YES!) along with the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood movie and the Last Exile movie (premieres at AnimeExpo this year).

I’m content as long as there’s 3-4 good series every season. Plus, I can’t wait to see how Carnival Phantasm turns out!

Image Source: Carnival Phantasm

Fate/Zero is scheduled to get an anime adaptation that airs in October of this year!

As an avid TYPE-MOON fan, I’m thrilled that they decided to animate the prequel to Fate/stay night. Ufotable will be the studio doing the animation work, which is an excellent choice considering the superb work they put into Kara no Kyoukai. The official site has also put up a short preview video under the “Movies” section in which their skill and attention to detail is clearly demonstrated. It even shows Tohsaka Rin as a child along with Saber in her black suit!

I have never actually read the Fate/Zero novel. So besides the flashbacks in Fate/stay night, this will all be new to me. I have always wanted to see the complete story behind the 4th Holy Grail War, although my excitement is somewhat dulled by the fact that I already know how it will end. Nevertheless, this is certainly something to look forward to in the coming months.

There’s a ton of new series coming out in April for the Spring 2011 Anime Season. Let’s take a quick look!

• Hidan no Aria – Detective girls wielding dual pistols? That’s enough reason to give it a try already.
• Hana-Saku Iroha – A slice-of-life series about girls working at a hot springs inn. Should be good since it’s an original project to celebrate P.A. Works studio’s 10th anniversary.
• Hen Zemi – Abnormal students taking the Abnormal Physiology Seminar. Yes! A series with university students and not the usual high/middle school kids.
• Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Hakairoku Hen – I loved the original Kaiji anime with all its unique gambling games. Finally there’s a sequel!
• Sket Dance – There seems to be a lot of series that revolve around Haruhi-type clubs nowadays.
• Ao no Exorcist – I’ve seen the commercials for this quite a few times. Looks good.
• Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko – About a girl that thinks she was abducted by an alien.
• Deadman Wonderland – A sci-fi series set in a dystopia. Looks interesting.
• A Channel – I’m assuming this is like Lucky Star.
• Dog Days – A fantasy series where everyone has…dog ears? What?
• C – Another series set in a dystopia. The premise has an Eden of the East feel to it.
• Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. – Original work by A-1 Pictures? Count me in!
• Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi – Eroge adaptation.
• Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai – Another eroge adaptation that follows the relationships of three young men. I wonder how they’re going to structure the series.
• Steins;Gate – I’ve always wondered what this was about when I kept seeing figures/nendos/figmas from it.
• Toriko – The promotional art makes this series look like one of those fun and ridiculous ones.

The majority of these already look like they’ll turn out to be worthwhile shows, especially Deadman Wonderland and C. I’m hoping they contain intricate plots and complex character development. Then there’s Hidan no Aria and Ao no Exorcist to cover the action content, and finally a few slice-of-life and original works to enjoy at a leisurely pace.

This upcoming season should be a great one!

Image Source: AniDB

ALTER

Fate/stay night: Saber Summer ver. [1/8 scale]

My favorite character paired with my favorite manufacturer. I haven’t seen this outfit before in figure form, so this is quite refreshing considering the multitude of armored versions of Saber out there.

Fate/stay night: Tohsaka Rin Summer ver. [1/8 scale]

Her expression is kind of bland here, but it seems like they were made to be displayed as a set.

Xenosaga III: Almecha KOS-MOS Ver. 4 [1/8 scale]

I always wondered when ALTER would decide to jump into jointed figures. This seems exactly like Max Factory’s figmas except at 1/8 scale, which makes it more like their Actsta line I guess.

Good Smile Company

Fractale: Nessa [1/8 scale]

Wow, GSC already has a painted prototype of Nessa? Surprising, considering that Fractale is still airing this season. No complaints here though since the pose and expression matches her personality perfectly.

Kotobukiya

Touhou Project: Kirisame Marisa [1/8 scale]

Touhou Project: Shameimaru Aya [1/8 scale]

Yes! I’m glad Kotobukiya decided to make some Touhou Project figures (even though I was hoping ALTER or GSC would). Marisa and Aya look awesome here, but where’s Reimu?

The first thing that came to mind when I was looking at WonFes 2011 Winter coverage was the absurd amount of Nendoroids and figmas. People must really love buying nendos although I prefer scaled figures myself. It also helps that they’re probably easier to sculpt, kind of like how chibi characters are easier to draw than normal characters. This is just my assumption though.

I also noticed GSC had a Valkyria Chronicles 3 nendoroid up on display, but the game was only released very recently in Japan. This plus the Nessa figure really shows how up to date GSC is with things. Hopefully more manufacturers follow suit since sometimes people lose interest in a figure if it comes out 2-3 years after the anime has aired.

Anyways, this concise preview simply consists of figures that I’m personally interested in. By all means visit the more complete coverage at Wcloudx (kumo)’s Blog.

Image Source: Wcloudx (kumo)’s Blog

By the time I get home from work and eat dinner, I only have a few hours before it’s bed time. In that timespan I check websites, work on side projects, and slip in a few games of SC2.

Thus, in the interest of time comes another “concise” preview. This time around it’s for the Winter 2010 Anime Season.

• Fractale – Another original work by A-1 Pictures. I wonder what a Fractale System is. Definitely something to look forward to.
• Gosick – Mystery series rarely seem to turn out bad. I read a few chapters of the manga and it was pretty good.
• IS: Infinite Stratos – Having at least one mecha series every season is a given. The main character is the only male that can use the IS weapon system. Oh boy.
• Moshidora – A high school girl uses a business book to run a baseball team. Given that this series is aimed at an older audience, it should turn out well.
• Level E – Looks like an interesting sci-fiction series.
• Kore wa Zombie desuka? – Main character is killed and then resurrected as a zombie. He awakens in a world filled with magical girls and zombie ninjas. Sounds like fun.
• Dragon Crisis! -The protagonist rescues a girl from the black market that turns out to be a dragon that ends up following him around everywhere. I can’t wait to see the other characters’ reactions if/when they find out!
• Yumekui Merry – Real World and Dream World with Nightmares to fight against. I hope it doesn’t end up being episodic fights.

The Winter line-up looks to be quite solid. However, I don’t know how many series I’ll end up following since I’m already behind this Fall season. The two main series I keep up with are Amagami SS and Index II, everything else I’m a few episodes behind or I dropped it after the first episode.

Image Source: AniDB

My interest in anime has been dwindling lately, so here’s a short preview of a few series I might be interested in watching next season.

• Toaru Majutsu no Index II – It’s about time they made a sequel; the characters and setting were quite interesting in season 1. I’m sure everyone wishes they had an esper ability.
• Psychic Detective Yakumo – You can’t go wrong with a mystery series. Plus, the manga was pretty good.
• Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai – A high school student has a younger sister who is secretly an otaku. Should be entertaining.
• Bakuman – Two students aspire to be mangaka, but I’m sure the journey won’t be easy.
• Star Driver Kagayaki no Takuto – A mecha series with high school students. Too much mecha anime try to emulate Evangelion or the Gundam series, I want to see something original and thought-provoking.
• Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku – Both Star Driver and this use a school located on an island as their setting. Do any even exist in real life?
• Yosuga no Sora – One of a few visual novel adaptations this upcoming season. Those either turn out to be decent or fail horribly.

There’s also the Gundam 00 movie coming out, but who knows when we’ll be able to see it.

Image Source: http://newgra.blog45.fc2.com/blog-entry-205.html

ALTER

K-ON! Tainaka Ritsu [1/8 Scale]

The final scaled K-ON! figure by ALTER to complete the set. They did an excellent job of adapting the K-ON! characters into figures, especially with the precise details on all their instruments.

Good Smile Company

Fate/stay night: Saber Alter ~Iron Hammer of the Terrible King Vortigern~ [1/7 Scale]

I’m not really a big fan of Saber Alter, but I’ll be getting this to display with my Saber Lily ~Distant Avalon~. The two opposites (white and black) will form a superb contrast.

Fate/stay night ~Unlimited Blade Works~: Tohsaka Rin [1/7 Scale]

Since I’m a fan of Fate/stay night, getting this is a given. She looks to be the best Tohsaka Rin figure to date, especially with the intricate work on the hair. With GSC’s track record, I have no doubt she’ll look amazing in her finished form.

I’m still waiting for the Unlimited Blade Works movie to be released on Blu-ray.

Bakemonogatari: Sengoku Nadeko [1/8 Scale]

Manufacturers keep innovating on the figure bases nowadays, and this is one of the best ones yet. Using the base to make it seem as if Nadeko is standing in water – ingenious.

Angel Beats! Nakamura Yuri [1/8 Scale]

I’m thrilled that GSC decided to make figures for Angel Beats!

Angel Beats! Tenshi [1/8 Scale]

I would have preferred a version of Tenshi/Kanade where she was using Hand Sonic, and maybe even with her angel wings out. Now that would be epic.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Blue-Eyes White Dragon

What a surprise! I did not expect GSC to make Yu-Gi-Oh! figures. It almost looks to be made of metal.

I used to competitively play Yu-Gi-Oh! when it first came out, so this brings back memories. Now around half the cards in my deck are banned from tournament play for being too overpowered.

Max Factory

Miku Hatsune (Tony Taka version) [1/7 Scale]

The best looking Miku figure I have ever seen. I didn’t particularly like Max Factory’s first Miku figure, but this Tony Taka version is amazing. The dynamic pose paired with the way her hair goes from solid color to translucent has me sold on purchasing one.

Kotobukiya

Valkyria Chronicles: Alicia Melchiott [1/8 Scale]

It’s about time someone made a good Alicia figure. Pair her up with ALTER’s Selvaria figure for maximum effect.

Figma

Suzumiya Haruhi (Disappearance version) [Max Factory]

Haruhi with long hair is simply the best.

Nendoroids

Fate/stay night: Saber (Plain clothes version) [Good Smile Company]

Another Saber nendo! Now you’ll be able to display the trifecta: plain clothes, armored, and lily versions.

Ragnarok Online: Arch Bishop [Good Smile Company]

Ragnarok Online sure brings back memories of high school. I didn’t even know that there was an Arch Bishop class now…

Hayate no Gotoku: Katsuragi Hinagiku [Max Factory]

Max Factory following GSC into the lucrative nendoroid business is to be expected. I wouldn’t be surprised to see ALTER and Kotobukiya follow suit.

This is only a small selection of the figures displayed at WonFes 2010 Summer. The manufacturers appear to be ramping up their design and production of figures. I’m guessing business has been good?

For complete coverage of the event, check out Wcloudx (kumo)’s Blog or zotaku. They both have detailed posts if you want to see everything (there’s a ton of figures).

Image Source: Wcloudx (kumo)’s Blog

Is it just me, or does there seem to be more anime series airing every season? Anyways, here’s a last minute preview of the Summer 2010 anime season.

These are only the new series for the season. Movies, OVAs, and sequels are not included.

Title: Seitokai Yakuindomo

Summary: The stage is set at Ousai Private Academy which, due to declining birth rates, has transitioned from an all-girls high school to a co-ed. The current ratio of male to female students is 28:524. Within this paradise, Tsuda Takatoshi is inaugurated as vice-president of the student council. The student council has a strict image. However, there are some members who defy imagination…

Thoughts: Since this is based on a slice of life comedy manga, it makes me think of Seitokai no Ichizon.

Title: Mitsudomoe

Summary: The somewhat precocious and sadistic girl ‘Mitsuba’, the somewhat lecherous muscle girl ‘Futaba’, and the somewhat mysterious girl ‘Hitoha’. Better known as the (mischievous) “Marui Sisters”, this is the story of how these three triplets go about their days in Class 6-3 with their cute yet wild antics.

Thoughts: Eh, I don’t think I’ll find it that funny.

Title: Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu

Summary: In the southern parts of the continent is the Roland Empire. A country in which its people are oppressed by the decadent nobility. By command of King Sion, Ryner and Ferris are sent on a journey.

Ryner is an extremely lethargic person. All he desires is a life of peaceful indolence. However, destiny has other plans and they are soon caught up in a war. What is the future that lies before the light shining from Ryner’s “eyes”?

Thoughts: Fantasy and adventure stories have always been a favorite of mine. At 26 episodes, hopefully it’ll weave an epic tale.

Title: Shukufuku no Campanella

Summary: The story takes place in a city-state enclosed by the sea. Merchants and adventurers alike gather within the city known as the “world’s treasurehouse”. It is a city of endless possibilities and dreams. Here it is that the somewhat odd story of an adventuress and her happy-go-lucky friends unfolds.

Thoughts: Happy-go-lucky friends? Oh boy…

Title: Gakuen Mokushiroku: High School of the Dead

Summary: The world is over taken with a very deadly disease that turns humans into zombies. In Japan, several students of Fujimi High School, and the school nurse, band together to survive the present apocalypse. The story follows Takashi Komuro, one of the students who survived in the initial outbreak.

Thoughts: Why is it always high school students that survive? If the illustration is any indication, it looks like it’ll be quite violent and bloody.

Title: Shiki

Summary: One day, the corpses of 3 persons are found. Although Ozaki Toshio, the village’s lone doctor, feels uncertain, he treats the deaths as normal occurrences. However, in the days following, the villagers die one after the other.

Thoughts: I previously posted about the manga.

Title: Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi

Summary: The story centres around Ookami Ryouko, a high school freshman girl known for her fierce looks, unusual canine teeth when she smiles, and wild demeanour (her family name is homonymous with the Japanese word for “wolf”). Akai Ringo is a short high school freshman girl with seemingly cute, angelic looks but a dark demeanour (her name is a Japanese wordplay on “apple” and “Red Riding Hood”). Together with their odd friends, the two fight to change the world, one issue at a time.

Thoughts: Ryouko looks like an older Taiga from Toradora. This series looks the most interesting so far. Hopefully the male lead doesn’t act like too much of a wimp.

Title: Amagami SS

Summary: Tachibana Junichi always feels depressed around Christmas time due to a certain past experience. Due to his fear of opening his heart to love, his school life is rather lonely. Setting aside his fears, Junichi determines that he will spend the coming Christmas with a girl.

Thoughts: This better actually be romance with an ending and not end up as a harem.

Title: Nurarihyon no Mago

Summary: In the story, Nura Rikuo, a kid who is part human and a quarter youkai (demon), lives in a house full of spirits along with his grandfather. Trying to escape his fate of acting like a demon, he does good deeds in order to avoid becoming one — despite his grandfather’s wish to succeed him as master of the Nurari youkai clan.

Thoughts: Sounds decent enough.

Title: Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin

Summary: It is the year 1999. In Nagano Matsushiro stands the pyramid of Japan, the private Voltstein Academy.

This place is famous for the repeated occurrences of occult phenomenon within its premises. Hence, it is also called the Occult Academy. The dean is committed to studying the occult, while the students are zealous in their everyday schoolwork.

One day, the dean passes away and his occult-hating daughter, Kumashiro Maya, visits the academy. There, she meets a self-proclaimed spoon-bending “time agent” from the year 2012, Uchida Fumiaki. As the two encounters various bizarre phenomenon within the academy, the reason for Fumiaki’s timeslip to 1999 becomes clear.

Thoughts: I love all the original work A-1 Pictures has been doing recently. This latest piece for next season looks promising.

Title: Asobi ni Iku yo!

Summary: The story revolves around Kakazu Kio, an ordinary high school freshman living in Okinawa. A girl with cat ears appears before him during a memorial service for one of his family ancestors. The girl calls herself Eris  and claims she is an alien. Before long, fanatical alien worshippers and a mysterious government agency are in hot pursuit of Eris, but Kio’s childhood friend Manami — who wants to follow in her father’s footsteps in the CIA — captures Eris. Kio finds himself having to protect Eris from everyone.

Thoughts: What a ridiculously random premise.

Summary Source: AniDB
Image Source: AniDB, Safebooru