Butterfly Dreams

This is the first time I’ve ever complied a pre-season list. I never have before because others usually do it before me, or it takes me too long that the season has already started by the time I’m done xDD But I managed to do it for the big anime season coming up, with about 31 titles under the cut, not including some of the really childish series (though I can add it if it’s really wanted) and any OVAs I might’ve missed or something. They appear  in the order as listed on MOON PHASE, and links to trailers are provided where available. The list of who’s subbing what could be found on the 2008 Spring Fansub Wiki.

Compared to the lackluster Winter Season, I’m looking forward to this one, especially with the return of CODE GEASS. Speaking of which, I dub this the season of Fukuyama Jun (who voices Lelouch), since he’s cast in almost every other series this season. What’re your thoughts of the upcoming season and what do you plan to watch?

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s

Premiere Date: Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Wednesday @ 18:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Wednesday @ 5 A.M., EST
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
OP Theme: 「Kizuna」 by Kra
ED Theme: 「Start」 by Nakagauchi Masataka
[ Commercial ]

Takes place several decades after the adventures of Mutou Yuugi, the protagonist of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! story. It will center around Fudou Yuusei, a duelist who operates a red motorcycle-like D-Wheel in a new stadium game called Riding Duel. Same old Yu-Gi-Oh! storyline. I stopped being into Yu-Gi-Oh after the second or so season of the original series. I bet all my Duel Cards are prehistoric by now. Do they even call it Duel Cards anymore? In any case, the only thing that grabs my interest is that Kra’s doing the OP theme. I might pop a glance just to watch the OP sequence but that’s about it. Unsurprisingly, it’s already picked up by 4Kids Entertainment before it even started airing, so if you’re genuninely interested and no one’s subbing it, wait a few months and you’ll get it complete with significant name changes and ridiculous editing.
Odds I’ll watch it: Poor (just for the OP Song)
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Kyou Kara Maou! 3rd Season

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 23:02, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 10:02 A.M., EST
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen-ai
Animation Studio: Studio DEEN
Notable Cast: Sakurai Takahiro, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Saiga Mitsuki

I never thought there’d be a 3rd season! I was going to force to content myself with the OVA, but I’m excited we’re getting another 39 episodes. I’m not sure what the story is, as the official site doesn’t have the 3rd season section open yet, but hopefully it won’t immediately follow the events of the OVA for I haven’t finished watching it yet >_>; For those unaware, KKM! is, as basic as I can put it without spoiling anything, about a high school kid who gets sucked into a toilet into another world where he learns he’s the King of a country there. It’s shounen-ai, but it’s one of the lightest BL series you’ll ever come across.
Odds I’ll watch it: Guaranteed
Odds I’ll blog it: Good

Allison and Lillia

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 23:32, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 10:32 A.M., EST
Genre: Adventure
OP Theme: 「溜め息の橋」 Tameiki no Hashi by Kuricorder Quartet and Yukawa Shione
ED Theme: 「サヨナラのおまじない」 Sayonara no Omajinai by Kuricorder Quartet and Matsumoto Sou
Animation Studio: Madhouse Studios
Notable Cast: Mizuki Nana, Yamadera Kouichi, Noto Mamiko, Kumai Motoko
[ Trailer ]

Based on two light novels series called Allison and Lillia and Treize by Shigusawa Keiichi, creator of Kino’s Journey. The first half of the 26-episode series will cover the Allision novels, where Allison and her childhood friend Will go on a journey to find a treasure that could end a war between cultures in their one-continent world. The second half will go into Lillia and Treize, the sequel novels based on the chilren of the characters from Allison, most likely going another adventure similiar to their parents. It sounds decent, and you won’t have wait for a sequel since they got it all in one. I loved the BGM music in the PV, but I got a ‘Castles in the Sky’ feeling from the atmosphere of it. The only Miyazaki film I liked was Spirited Away, so it’s not a big plus for me.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

MACROSS FRONTIER

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 25:25, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 12:25 P.M., EST
Genre: Mecha, Science Fiction, Drama
OP Theme: 「Triangular」 by Sakamoto Maaya
ED Theme: 「愛・おぼえていますか」 Ai, Oboete imasu ka by Nakajima Megumi
Animation Studio: Satelight
Notable Cast: Hirano Aya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Fukuyama Jun, Kuwashima Houko
[ Trailer ]

Marking the 25th anniversary of the franchise, FRONTIER is a sequel to the original Macross series and Macross 7. It follows the lives of Alto Saotome, Ranka Lee and a pop idol named Sheryl Nome on board the Macross Frontier colonization fleet. After the war against the Zentradi aliens, Humankind has spread across the universe in order to ensure its survival. The Macross Frontier fleet is part of a effort to spread and maintain the culture of humanity. The first episode already aired last year on December 23. Despite being a mecha fan, I never began the series and as such have no desire to watch its sequel, even if I love Sakamoto Maaya and would love to hear Nakamura Yuuichi with the upcoming end of CLANNAD (Tomoya).
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

×××HOLiC: Kei

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 25:25, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 12:25 P.M., EST
Genre: Fantasy, supernatural
OP Theme: 「NOBODY KNOWS」 by Suga Shikao
ED Theme: 「Honey Honey」 by SEAMO feat. AYUSE KOZUE
Animation Studio: Production I.G
Notable Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Ohara Sayaka, Nakai Kazuya
[ Commercial ]

Fukuyama Jun’s going to be busy this season, ne? Kei is the second season of the xxxHOLiC series. I never got into the manga, and such never watched the anime, but if it’s anything like how Tsubasa Chronciles went (which I dropped four episodes in, minus the wonderful OVA), I’m not missing much. Going by what I know about the series from its half in Tsubasa, xxxHOLiC is about a witch, Yuuko, who grants wishes within her ability if the person is willing to pay the price, and her ‘trusty sidekick’, Watanuki. If you enjoyed the first season, I’m sure this season won’t disappoint.
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

To LOVE-ru

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 25:55, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 12:55 P.M., EST
Genre: Comedy, Bishoujo, Ecchi, Sci-Fi, Romance
OP Theme: 「forever we can make it!」 by THYME
ED Theme: 「ラッキーチューン」 Lucky Tune by SANTOS ANNA
Animation Studio: Xebec
Notable Cast: Watanabe Akeno, Nazuka Kaori
[ Trailer ]

Title is a play on the word ‘trouble’. While sulking in his bathtub due to being unable to confess to the girl of his dreams, Yuuki Rito encounters a nude girl (Lala) from another planet. Hijinks were predictably ensue with love triangles, angry fathers and jealous fiances as Lala falls in love with Rito and wants to marry him. Just reading about the nude girls makes me think this will be one of the fanservice shows of the season.  I’m not sure I can handle ecchi at the moment (or at all), but the story sounds decent, if not generic.
Odds I’ll watch it: Poor
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

Kure-nai

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 26:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 1:00 P.M., EST
Genre: Comedy, Drama
OP Theme: 「Love Jump」 by Kuribayashi Minami
ED Theme: 「Crossing Days」 by Shintani Ryoko
Animation Studio: Brains Base
[ Trailer ]

Based on a series of light novels by Katayama Kentarou, Kure-nai is about the adventures and misadventures of 16-year-old Kurenai Shintaro. Shintaro is an dispute mediator and is one day approached by Kuhouin Murasaki, the daughter of a powerful wealthy family, asking him to be her bodyguard. The illustrations for the novel look lovely, but I’m not feeling the animation. Probably because I’m not familiar with Brains Base, who also worked on projects like Innocent Venus…which I never watched. The series has a number of Di Gi Charat seiyuus on its cast.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

Kirarin Revolution Season 3

Premiere Date: Friday, April 4th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Friday @ 18:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 5:00 A.M., EST
Animation Studio: G&G Entertainment and Synergy SP
Notable Cast: Hoshi Souichiro, Nozawa Masako, Nyea Michiko

While the world worships idols, 14-year-old Tsukishima Kirari worships food. She then meets and falls in love with popular idol Hiwatari Seiji, Kirari decides to become an idol herself in order to be with him. During her journey she learns about how different their ‘worlds’ are but decides not to give up. I never heard of this series, am not aware it’s still on-going, and thus have no interest in it. Unsurprisingly, for being a glutton, Kirari doesn’t look fat at all.
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

The Tower of Druaga - Aegis of Uruk

Premiere Date: Friday, April 4th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Friday @ 25:25, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 12:25 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Swinging」 by Muramasa☆
ED Theme: 「塔頂者たち」 Touchousha-tachi by KENN
Animation Studio: GONZO
Notable Cast: Orika Fumiko, Ishida Akira, Chihara Minori, Sakurai Takahiro, Horie Yui
[ Teaser Trailer ]

Every five years in the summer, demons in the Tower of Druaga lose their powers due to a spell cast by a god named Anu. By disgusing himself as a demon, King Gilgamesh, the ruler of the kingdom of Uruk, inflitrates the Tower to discover the secret behind it. 80 years later, the Uruk army manage to fight the demons away and create Metz Kier, a fortress city on the very first floor of Druaga. The story begins with a warrior named Gil who embarks on a quest for the Blue Crystal Rod, a powerful artifact rumoured to be on the highest floor of Druaga. Along the way, he encounters companions that join him, but there are others, including the kingdom of Uruk itself, who want to treasure for their own desires.

It’s based on an old video game of the same name by Namco in 1984. Backed by well-known company GONZO and with a powerful seiyuu cast, the series looks quite promising. That, and I love RPGs. It’s also interesting that the singer for the ED theme also voices a main character. Hopefully the story will continue keep its watchers interested for its 13 episode run, unlike the uncreative name for the powerful artifact. I mean really, “Blue Crystal Rod”? Weak. I know this is from the 1980’s, but upgrade something, guys.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Amatsuki

Premiere Date: Friday, April 4th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Friday @ 26:30, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 1:30 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Casting Dice」 by Kanno Yuuki
ED Theme: 「名まえのない道」 Namae no nai michi by Hikita Kaori
Animation Studio: Studio DEEN
Notable Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Paku Romi, Suzumura Kenichi
[ Teaser Trailer ]

In order to make up for his failing grade on his last history test, Tokidoki Rikugou has to study at a museum that uses state of the art virtual technology to place you right in the middle of the Edo period. While there, though, he runs into an Ayakashi and a Nue and loses sight in his left eye. When he awakens, he finds himself trapped in Amatsuki, a world which is similiar to the Edo period but one where Ayakashi and humans exist. Here he meets Shinonome Kon, another student stranded in Amatsuki, and Kuchiha, a female samurai.

It sounds great and all, but if it’s heavy on the history, I’ll take a pass. Riku reminds me a lot of Al from FMA, though. And Kuchiha of Rukia xD Once again, Fukuyama Jun’s name pops up again. Can he make that many different sounding characters? Guess we’ll see, if you’re watching more than two of the series he’s starring in.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Itazura na Kiss

Premiere Date: Friday, April 4th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Friday @ 26:25, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 1:25 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「キミ、メグル、ボク」Kimi, Meguru, Boku by Hata Motohiro
ED Theme: 「片思いファイター」 Kata-omoi Fighter by GO!GO!7188
Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment
Notable Cast: Hirakawa Daisuke, Mizuki Nana, Paku Romi
[ Commercial ]

After her house was destroyed in an earthquake, Aihara Kotoko and her father decide to live with her father’s best friend, who happens to be the father of Irie Naoki, the boy she has a crush on. Naoki had rejected her, but now she sees her chance to make countless advances towards him while they’re under the same roof. Will she be able to get through the cold-hearted, girl-hating genius? The manga of which the anime series is based on also had a live-action drama to it way back in 1996. It’ll be interesting to see how the story progresses, since the manga is unfinished due to the untimely death of the author, Tada Kaoru.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

BLUE DRAGON: Tenkou no Shichi Ryuu

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 09:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 8:00 P.M., EST
Animation Studio: Studio Pierrot
Notable Cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Paku Romi

The second (or third?) season of BLUE DRAGON. Like many other series this season that are sequels, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you started it, or are familiar with the game on which the series is based. Unlike many of the other sequels, though, I’m glad it’s creative in the name instead of putting ‘3rd Season’ somewhere in the title n__n If you still wish to look into it, it’s about a kid and his friends who decide to protect their home from an unknown enemy, where the main dude receives one of the most powerful monsters in which to protect everyone, Blue Dragon. Even if I should disregard the fact that it’s a sequel, the animation is a huge turn off. Anything DBZ disgusts me.
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Kanokon

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 10:30, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 9:30 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「PHOSPHOR」by Miyazaki Ui
ED Theme: 「恋の炎」 Koi no Honou by Sakakibara Yui
Animation Studio: Xebec
Notable Cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Miyazaki Ui
[ Trailer ]

Kanokon’s story revolves around Oyamada Kouta, a young first-year high school student who moves from the country to the city and thus transfers to Kunpou High School. On his first day at his new school, a beautiful second-year female student named Minamoto Chizuru asks him to meet her alone in the music room. When he arrives, she reveals her that she is in fact a fox deity and from that day on the two hang out together. However, Ezomori Nozomu, also a first year, she is a wolf deity and is in love with Kouta, becoming a rival of Chizuru for Kouta’s affections. Another ecchi series. I don’t know why deities are all over Kouta, or why he moved, and the impending fanservice overload doesn’t make me too keen to find out. Love the art, though.
Odds I’ll watch it: Poor
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

D.C.II S.S. ~Da Capo II Second Season~

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 24:30, JST
Air Time in Canada: Saturday @ 11:30 A.M., EST
OP Theme: 「サクラアマネクセカイ」 Sakura Amaneku Sekai by yozuca*
ED Theme: 「僕たちの行方」 Bokutachi no Yukue by CooRie
Animation Studio: Feel
Notable Cast: Takagaki Ayahi, Asanuma Shintaro, Chihara Minori, Horie Yui

Sequel to D.C. II: Da Capo II, which was about Yoshiyuki Sakurai being born when Yoshino Sakura wished upon a prototype artificial wish-granting magical sakura tree. The original story (which was like three sequels ago) sounds great, but I missed three freaking sequels xD I won’t be picking it up, but those who love the Da Capo-ness, or dating sims in general, should go for it. All I gotta say is Takagaki Ayahi forever! (Noe PWNs Hiromi anyday.)
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Kamen no Maid Guy

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 25:35, JST
Air Time in Canada: Saturday @ 12:35 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Special Life!」by KOTOKO
ED Theme: 「ワクガイ！！」 Wakugai!! by Fukuyama Yoshiki
Animation Studio: Madhouse Studios
Notable Cast: Toyoguchi Megumi
[ Teaser Trailer ]

Fumiwara Naeka is a granddaughter of a billionaire and the heir to his fortune. She is pursued by those who desire her inheritance. In order to protect her from them, an agent is dispatched in the form of a male maid, who looks like a masculine samurai wearing a mask and has teeth like a shark’s. Wearing a maid uniform, Kogarashi gives his best effort to serve Naeka. His noisy and pushy services make her daily life exciting. The only thing this really has going for it is KOTOKO singing the OP (like Hayate). Males in a maid uniform could be hot (think Hayate) but this guy in one isn’t. Whoa, I got major Hayate vibes. Anyway, I’m kinda sick of the whole maid thing.
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

BLASSREITER

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 26:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Saturday @ 1:00 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「デタラメな残像」Detarame na Zanzou by GRANRODEO
ED Theme: 「sad rain」 by Misato Aki
Animation Studio: GONZO
Notable Cast: Itou Shizuka, Tachiki Fumihiko, Hanazawa Kana
[ Teaser Trailer ]

The story takes place in a city in Germany sometime in the near future. A puzzling incident occurs where a corpse rises up in the form of a strange creature and attacks people. The appearance of the monstrous undead shakes the nation as horrified people look on the incident as a sign of “the coming of demons.” The city also witnesses the rise of those who can incarnate into demons at will. Each and every bearer of this special ability, while being condemned as demons, uses his/her power for different ends, be it justice, revenge, abuse it or use it to realize their ambitions. However, all are eventually burdened with the same overpowering fate: to fight in a Battle Royale in which the lives of all “demons” are ultimately jeopardized. Each uses their powers to survive, and to fulfill their individual purposes. However, using the special power comes with a price: their human minds gradually begin to debilitate.

I’m getting some PERSONA-esque vibes, which I like, coupled with decent art, which is another plus. They do seem to use CG for some of the fights, and as we’ve seen with Dragonaut, that can be both good and bad. I’d give it a try hoping the story won’t be battle-central for 13 episodes.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Zettai Karen Children

Premiere Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Sunday @ 10:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Saturday @ 9:00 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Over The Future」by Hirano Aya, Shiraishi Ryoko and Tomatsu Haruka
ED Theme: 「絶対love×love宣言！！」 Zettai love x love Sengen !! by Hirano Aya, Shiraishi Ryoko and Tomatsu Haruka
Animation Studio: Synergy SP
Notable Cast: Hirano Aya, Shiraishi Ryoko, Nakamura Yuuichi
[ Commercial ]

In the future, people with ESP are becoming more widespread. The Japanese government has hired three of the most powerful espers in Japan to work for B.A.B.E.L. (Base of Backing ESP Laboratory), but all three are ten year old girls with questionable attitudes. I’m not sure what to think of this series. It looks and sounds a bit kiddy, and there’s no real plotline, but Hirano Aya and Nakamura Yuuichi starring in it has me intrigued.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

CODE GEASS: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

Premiere Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Sunday @ 17:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Sunday @ 4:00 A.M., EST
OP Theme: 「02~オー・ツー~」02 (ou tsuu) by ORANGE RANGE
ED Theme: 「シアワセネイロ」 Shiawase Neiro by ORANGE RANGE
Animation Studio: Sunrise
Notable Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Sakurai Takahiro, Yukana, Koshimizu Ami
[ Trailer ]

Easily one of the most, if not THE most, anticpated series of the Spring 2008 season, in both sequel or entirely new series. For all those hoping to avoid spoilers, all I’ll say about R2 is that it’s the sequel to the heavily underhyped series CODE GEASS: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and takes place one year after the cliffhanger ending on Episode 25. Oh, and Nina actually looks hot. And Rollo’s like the fanfiction character people make up to insert their own take into the series. I can’t believe they’re sticking this guy in now. Yep, that’s it. If you don’t know anything about CODE GEASS, I suggest you watch it. Seriously. Or you fail immmensely. I can only hope that whatever might go down between Lelouch and Suzaku is handled a million times better than the Kazuki x Jin of Dragonaut. And I will never support C.C. and Lelouch. Yeah, C.C.’s the man of that so called relationship. Pisses me off more since I like her R2 outfit. I’ll stop here before I start ranting for another ten pages.
Odds I’ll watch it: Guaranteed
Odds I’ll blog it: Guaranteed

Wagaya no Oinari-sama.

Premiere Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Sunday @ 24:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Sunday @ 11:00 A.M., EST
Animation Studio: ZEXCS
Notable Cast: Nogami Yukana, Nakaura Yuuichi
[ Trailer ]

Long time ago, a scared fox was deified as the guardian of Mizuchi Family. Kugen, the fox, was so wise that it could use various magic. However because it was too mischievous, it was sealed into a small shrine in the hill behind their house by a priest. In the present day, Takagami Toru, the descendant of Mizuchi, often dreams of a woman who seems like a monster. The head of Mizuchi notices that a danger is looming over Toru, and she releases the sealed Kugen to protect him. Different from what he imaged from the legend, “Ku-chan” can turn into a woman of great beauty and can also turn into a man. If you’re reminded of Rental Magica due to the art, it’s because they’re both done by ZEXECS. Since it’s based on a shounen novel, I’m guess it’ll stick to its female form if and when it must choose one. I’m interested enough to find out.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Nabari no Ou

Premiere Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Sunday @ 25:30, JST
Air Time in Canada: Sunday @ 12:30 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Crawl」 by VELTPUNCH
ED Theme: 「Hikari」by ELISA
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Notable Cast: Kugimiya Rie, Namikawa Daisuke, Saiga Mitsuki, Hino Satoshi
[ Trailer ]

Rokujo Miharu is a boy who has a hijutsu, or hidden technique, living inside of him. This hijutsu is the power of creation. Many ninja clans are seeking it as the one who possesses it becomes the ruler of the ninja world, Nabari. Rokujo’s classmate, Kouichi Aizawa, started a Nindou (”Way of the Ninja”) Club at school with Kumohira, his English teacher. Both Kouichi and Kumohira are secretly ninjas. They try to persuade Rokujo to join the Ninjutsu Club, and though he was reluctant at first, he joins after being attacked by a group of ninjas trying to get his hijutsu. Now, he must become the “Ruler of Nabari” in order to survive. It sounds terribly generic, but I love the art, and we need a fresh new ninja series since NARUTO is well…being NARUTO. I’m also getting Shiki Tsukai vibes, which is a plus for me.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Good

S.A. ~Special.A~

Premiere Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Sunday @ 25:30, JST
Air Time in Canada: Sunday @ 12:30 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Special Days」 by Goto Yuko
ED Theme: 「陽だまりのゲート」Hidamari no Gate by Fukuyama Jun, Shimono Hiro, Yonaga Tsubasa and Horie Kazuma
Animation Studio: AIC and GONZO
Notable Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Goto Yuko, Takagaki Ayahi, Shimono Hiro

Hanazono Hikari has always been second to Takishima Kei. Ever since losing to Kei in a wrestling match when they were six, she swore to beat Kei in anything and everything. In order to do this, Hikari enrolled in the same school as him since elementary, causing her to follow him to Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, despite the fact that it costs her carpenter father a lot of money. While Hikari is to busy viewing Kei as a rival, she doesn’t realize Kei is actually in love with her. As cliche as the story sounds, I’m in love with it. It has the story, animation, and the seiyuu cast to make a very promising, albeit short, series. I wonder how she got into the school when she’s so poor. I wonder if Kei will lose once just to win Hikari over. -dreamy sigh- They’re like Tamaki and Haruhi, only Kei’s not all “DAUGHTER!” on Hikari and Hikari’s a more asertive Haruhi.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Neo Angelique Abyss

Premiere Date: Sunday, April 6th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Sunday @ 26:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Sunday @ 1:00 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Joy to the World」 by Takahashi Hiroki, Oukawa Toru, Onosaka Masaya and Ono Daisuke
Animation Studio: Yumeta Company
Notable Cast: Oukawa Toru, Hirakawa Daisuke, Ono Daisuke, Yamaguchi Kappei
[ Teaser Trailer ]

Based on the romance RPG for female gamers entitled Neo Angelique, this series follows Angelique as she joins four handsome male Orb Hunters in battles against Tanatos, mysterious demonlike creatures threatening the land of Arcadia. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a male harem. That alone is enough to make me watch the first episode so I can get a better grasp on the story. I mean, what girl wouldn’t want to watch bishounen for 25 minutes?
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

Soul Eater

Premiere Date: Monday, April 7th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Monday @ 18:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Monday @ 5:00 A.M., EST
OP Theme: 「resonance」 by T.M.Revolution
ED Theme: 「I Wanna Be」by STANCE PUNKS
Animation Studio: BONES
Notable Cast: Watanabe Akeno, Kuwashima Houko, Sakamoto Maaya, Miyano Mamoru
[ Trailer ]

Set in the Shinigami technical school for weapon meisters, the series revolves around 3 groups of weapon meisters and their humanoid weapon (a weapon that could transform into a human and back into a weapon). Trying to make their humanoid weapon a “Death Scythe”, the weapon used by  Shinigami, they must collect the souls of 99 evil humans and 1 witch. This will apparently air with two different versions: the regular Monday 18:00 version and a late-night “Soul Eater Late Show” version with added special footage, which first airs on Thursday, April 10 at 26:15 JPT (Thursday, April 10 at 1:15 P.M. CDN EST). At first glance I’m not too into the art, but with T.M.Revolution singing the OP, a great seiyuu cast and BONES in production, it’s worth a chance. I also got a D.Gray-man vibe from the trailer, which is a plus.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Vampire Knight

Premiere Date: Monday, April 7th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Monday @ 25:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Monday @ 12:00 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi」 by ON/OFF
ED Theme: 「still doll」by MANA
Animation Studio: Studio DEEN
Notable Cast: Miyano Mamoru, Horie Yui, Suwabe Junichi, Fukuyama Jun
[ Teaser Trailer ]

Yuki was attacked by a vampire when she was little, only to be saved by another vampire by the name of Kaname Clan. 10 years later, Yuki is adopted by the headmaster of Cross Academy, a school which teaches humans during the day and vampires at night. She now acts as a guardian for the school, protecting Kaname, and the rest of the vampires, from discovery as he leads the night school, as well as protecting the humans attending day school from the vampire’s bite. However, also at Yuki’s side is Kiryuu Zero, a childhood friend who hates vampires because they destroyed everything he held dear and is now determined to kill them all and never trust them. Standing in the middle, which side will Yuki choose?

I’ve heard of the manga of which this series is based on but haven’t had the chance to read it. So carrying on my interest of the manga onto the anime, I will give it a shot. It’s shoujo, and there’s not enough of them out there that I watch (none that aren’t full out romance without the supernatural genre to it, anyway). That, and I am a Miyano Mamoru and Fukuyama Jun fangirl.
Odds I’ll watch it: Good
Odds I’ll blog it: Decent

Monochrome Factor

Premiere Date: Monday, April 7th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Monday @ 26:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Monday @ 1:00 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Metamorphose」 by Asriel
ED Theme: 「Awake ~my everything~」by Ono Daisuke and Kamiya Hiroshi
Animation Studio: A.C.G.T.
Notable Cast: Ono Daisuke, Suwabe Junichi, Kamiya Hiroshi
[ Teaser Trailer ]

Nikaido Akira is a typical slacker with a normal life– that is, until he meets Shirogane, who changes him from a slacker high school student to a ’shin’, a creature of the shadow world, in order to help restore balance of the human and shadow world and keep shadow monsters from attacking humans. The manga isn’t listed as shounen-ai, but the cover alone suggest there’ll at least be hints of it. It’s that factor (haha, pun)  plus a handful of some of my favourite male seiyuu’s that make me consider giving this series a shot. The storyline is a little plain, IMO.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

RD (Real Drive) Sennou Chousashitsu

Premiere Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Tuesday @ 24:59, JST
Air Time in Canada: Tuesday @ 11:59 A.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Wanderland」 by 9mm Parabellum Bullet
ED Theme: 「片膝の汚れ」by Last Alliance
Animation Studio: Production I.G
Notable Cast: Nonaka Ai, Watanabe Akeno, Kawasumi Ayako, Fujiwara Kenji
[ Trailer ]

It’s the year 2061 AD. Fifty years have passed since mankind developed the Network society, a society where people connect with each other through their minds. Although problems such as personal data leaks and manipulated information began to surface, people still relied on the Network to exchange information, unable to abandon it. To counter these problems, the Meta Real Network, abbreviated as “the Metal”, was created. The Metal accommodated personal memory data within protected virtual stand-alone organic cyber enclaves called bubble shells. With the security granted by the Metal, people gradually began to really let loose and release their thoughts, something that’s not realizable in the real world. Thus, strange friction between the two worlds began to manifest themselves as deviations, and experts called cyber divers began to investigate these deviations.

It feels almost too science fiction to me. I can’t even fully grasp the storyline. It makes me want to watch it just to get it xD It’s great that it’s an original story and all, but I can bet it will lose people if it’s too much with the terms and such. Or maybe not. LOTR had its own Elfin language that diehard fans actually learned. Though that and a mere anime series are different. We’ll see. The trailer didn’t blow me away at all, though. It’s like a low-budget, old-school video.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

Crystal Blaze (Glass Maiden)

Premiere Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Tuesday @ 25:15, JST
Air Time in Canada: Tuesday @ 12:15 P.M., EST
Animation Studio: Studio Fantasia
Notable Cast: Miki Shinichiro, Takahashi Mikako, Sawashiro Miyuki
[ Trailer ]

The stage is the corner of Asia in a not-so-far-away future. It is a world where freedom and equality are manipulated by the government. Rags Town, aka “The Trash City”, is where ‘the scum of society gathers, people of various races. Within this town, there is a Jack-of-all-trades group known as “S&A Detective Agency”, whose members consist of Shu, who stands against the government even though it has forced him out of society, Akira, a complicated and good-looking young man, and young detectives-in-training, high school girls Manami and Ayaka. Unfulfilled, Shu lives day-to-day as a detective– that is, until he meets Sara, a beautiful, mysterious girl who has lost her memory. Shu begins to investiage an incident that will rock Rags Town, taking steps forwards with friends who accept his past. This tale is a near-future detective story which emphasizes gun action and sexy atmosphere.

The only that that really caught my eye during the trailer was the woman that looked to be made of glass– or rather, crystal, since they changed the name of the series from “Glass Maiden” to “Crystal Blaze”. I’m not sure why, but I’m guess it’s because it might sound too much like Rozen Maiden. The story sounds kind of like a western, and I’m not a big fan of that genre. The art isn’t anything special, and while the seiyuu cast isn’t bad, it doesn’t consist of people I’m dying to see in action again.
Odds I’ll watch it: Poor
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Himitsu ~Top Secret~

Premiere Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Tuesday @ 25:59, JST
Air Time in Canada: Tuesday @ 12:59 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「ココロフィルム」 Kokoro Film by ALvino
ED Theme: 「煙」Kemuri by Last Alliance
Animation Studio: Madhouse Studios
Notable Cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Seki Tomokazu, Nonaka Ai

The ninth forensic lab of the National Research Institute of Police Science, called Dai Ku (the 9th), uses technology to reproduce images of when the victim was alive from memories residing in the brain to solve difficult cases– but at what cost? Is there no privacy for the dead? What are the effects on those who go through psychotic murderers’ minds and experience whatever emotions and feelings these murderers felt as they skin and disembowel their victims? This is the story of Maki, the leader of Dai Ku, and Aoki, a newcomer. While I absolutely love the story, I cringe everytime I look at the art. It’s very old school. I’ll give the first episode a shot, though, for I always value story over art.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Poor

Kaiba

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 24:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 11:00 A.M., EST
OP Theme: 「Never」 by Seira
ED Theme: 「Carry Me Away」 by Seira
Animation Studio: Madhouse Studios
Notable Cast: Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, Paku Romi
[ Commercial ]

It is now possible to store memory as data, so that you don’t really ‘die’. Memories can be transferred to a new body, but this has also led to theft of memories and illegal alterations of such memories. Society has fallen apart. Admist this chaotic world, a man awakens in a ruined room one day. He has no memories but his name, Kaiba, and a pendant with a picture of a woman he does not know. The series has a great premise to it, but the art doesn’t match it. At all. It’s not even about bad quality– the art takes away from the seriousness and mature feeling of the story. The art reminds me of that anime featured in Nodame Cantabile whose name escapes me. I wonder if there’s a reason why it’s drawn the way it is.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Toshokan Sensou (Library War)

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 24:25, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 11:25 A.M., EST
OP Theme: 「あたしの街、明日の街」 Atashi no Machi, Ashita no Machi by Takahashi Hitomi
ED Theme: 「changes」 by Base Ball Bear
Animation Studio: Production I.G
Notable Cast: Ishida Akira, Sawashiro Miyuki

In the year 2019, it’s been 30 years since the Media Purification Law, which cracks down on articles that incite public disorder or infringes human rights, was enacted, taking away people’s freedom of expression. This is the beginning of a dispute between the Special Organization for Purification and the Library Corps, who step up for an uprising to take back what they have lost. Kasahara Iku is recruited as voluntary Librarian for Library Corps, but wishes to be a Defense Member. When she was in high school, the Special Organization for Purification had taken a book from her, and she was saved by a Library Corps member, though she can’t remember who it was. For some reason, I’m getting Read or Die vibes. I think it’s the whole library thing. If the slow beginning of Gundam 00 was any indication, I can’t handle too much political stuff unless there’s another element to compliment it. Going by the manga, there seems to be some romance in it, so we’ll see how it goes. I think Iku will be a hit with the guys.
Odds I’ll watch it: Decent
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Junjou Romantica

Premiere Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Thursday @ 25:20, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 12:20 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「君＝花」 Kimi = Hana by pigstar
ED Theme: 「ベイビーロマンチカ」 Baby Romantica by SCRIPT
Animation Studio: Studio DEEN
Notable Cast: Inoue Kazuhiko, Itou Kentarou, Sakurai Takahiro
[ Commercial ]

If Kyou Kara Maou! is too shounen-ai for you, stay away from this series, for this is much more hardcore. Takahashi Misaki is suddenly having some unexpected and odd problems. What started as a need for some college entrance exam tutoring has somehow led him to being romanced by a suave older man who also happens to be his big brother’s best friend. Confused by all of his brand new emotions, Misaki struggles to deal with his suddenly very odd life. And if that wasn’t enough, his suitor, Usami Akihiko, has plenty of issues of his own. A man-child who decorates his room in giant teddy bears and toys, Usami is a famous novelist who also writes steamy boys’ love novels on the side. When Misaki cracks open one of these books and reads sentences like “Misaki licks every inch of Usami’s hot body”…well, let’s just say that all hell breaks loose. The series title sounds familiar, but I don’t think I’ve read it. In any case, yaoi = I’m there.
Odds I’ll watch it: Guaranteed
Odds I’ll blog it: Good

Golgo 13

Premiere Date: Friday, April 11th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Friday @ 25:23, JST
Air Time in Canada: Friday @ 12:23 P.M., EST
Animation Studio: The Answer Studio

Duke Togo, or as he is more widely known, “Golgo 13″, is a M16 bearing assassin who will take on any job for the right price. Anyone can hire him, including private citizens and world governments. If he’s not bedding women he’s infiltrating a hostile country, waiting hours for the perfect shot in the most extreme conditions. Golgo 13 is just as adept in the urban jungle. Those who deal with him must make sure not to cross the Duke or they might find themselves the target of his rifle. Often referred to as the Japanese James Bond, there’s so many versions of this title that I can’t follow it. I was never into James Bond, so I’m not too interested in this. Seems almost too adult for me xD
Odds I’ll watch it: Zero
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Kyouran Kazoku Nikki

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 25:00, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 12:00 P.M., EST
OP Theme: 「超妻賢母宣言」 Chouai Kenbo Sengen by MOSAIC.WAV
ED Theme: 「狂乱戦記 ～日常ノ神サマ～」 Kyouran Senki~Nichijou no Kamisama~ by Fujimura Ayumi
Animation Studio: Nomad
Notable Cast: Kondou Takayuki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Fujita Yoshinori
[ Commercial ]

A thousand years ago, Enka, the God of Destruction, dies, promising that its child will destroy the world. A thousand years later, some people, and others who are non-human, are found to have the potential of being Enka’s children. Thus, they participate in the Peaceful Family Project in order to find out who the real child of Enka is so that they can teach him/her about the love of family to stop it from destroying the world. Seems a little childish to me, but I laughed my ass off when a twincest-esque person + background came up on the screen during the trailer. I bet that character’s voiced by Fujita Yoshinori (aka Hitachiin Kaoru of Ouran) xDD I keep thinking the girl with a cat ears is a guy. I need a catboy fix. -searches for Loveless-
Odds I’ll watch it: Poor
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

Nijuu (20) Mensou no Musume

Premiere Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2008
Air Time in Japan: Saturday @ 26:05, JST
Air Time in Canada: Thursday @ 1:05 P.M., EST
ED Theme: 「unnamed world」 by Hirano Aya
Animation Studio: BONES and Telecom Animation Film
Notable Cast: Hirano Aya
[ Teaser Trailer ]

The story revolves a female thief named Chico, who is the spiritual successor to the Kaijin Nijuu Mensou (The Fiend with 20 Faces) thief character created by famed suspense and detective novelist Ranpo Edogawa. The police, private detectives, and treasure hunters are after Chiko to obtain the inheritance of the Phantom Thief. A little triva for you: Edogawa is a pen name for Tarou Hirai; when written in Japanese family-name-first order, it spells out a Japanese pun for the name of the American suspense and detective author “Edgar Allen Poe.” I thought the name pun was awesome. Other than BONES producing it and high-profile seiyuu Hirano Aya part of the cast, it doesn’t have much going for it.
Odds I’ll watch it: Poor
Odds I’ll blog it: Zero

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