EDIT: This is for April- June. If you want to see the preview for the June- Sept 2010, click this below:
Summer/Autumn 2010 Anime Season
This is for the period of April – June, so I call it the Spring/Summer season in the same way that the previous season was Winter/Spring.
I’m little bit later this time (or, more like, only two weeks early, LOL). Spring is usually moderate in terms of new shows, and my early estimations put 10 new shows out there. This is discounting the usual kids stuff and the sequel and spinoff series. I’ve also discounted three baseball shows… since there’s always alot of those.
As usual the Format is: Title, Promo Image, Description, My Thoughts/ Enthusiasm Scale. Let’s get this started, eh?
B Gata H Kei
Well, here’s something stupid to start the report with. This apparently covers a girl called Yamada whom is strangely like a typical lonely otaku: that is to say, sexually inexperienced and full of ridiculous ideas for sexual fantasies. A whole 100 of them, in fact. So much so that has a proverbial ‘devil on the shoulder’ (an erogami-sama, so to speak).
The plot revolves around these strange ecchi desires of hers, and also branches out in a apparent real life romance with a plain looking boy whom she falls for, Takashi. Whether or not she forces her lewdness on him is yet to be seen.
In other words, another Harem show that verges on softcore porn, by the sounds of it. Which begs the question of why so many would watch this rather than going out and actually getting laid. But such is the strangeness of the Anime Industry.
Anticipation: You might have One Hundred Sexual Fantasies, but I only need one, baby.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
‘Oh no, not more maids!’, I hear you scream (well, maybe you don’t, but I certainly do). Fortunately, this is not an oblivious harem comedy again (though there are plenty of those this season), but rather a Romantic Comedy show based on a Shoujo manga. It follows Misaki, the student council head who fancies herself a bit of superior girl and despises most men, especially the slovenly, foolish and foppish examples set at the school where she attends, which was once an all-male academy until recent years. This even extends to the local bishie, Takumi.
Nevertheless, she has a ‘shameful’ secret. She works at a Maid-Cafe afterschool! This secret, as you might imagine, is somehow stumbled upon by hapless Takumi, and the anime follows the backlash.
It’s a silly premise, but I’ve heard that manga is very good. Since Kimi no Todoke looks to finishing now as well, this may satisfy my fix for romantic comedies in the meantime, if it turns out well.
Anticipation: Five out of five frilly aprons of fun.
Angel Beats!
Purple haired Haruhi with a silver Berreta, anyone? That silliness in character design aside, I can’t actually decide from my notes whether this is some kind of fantasy world with angels or actually some interpretation of heaven. In any case, it seems that all of the characters are some kind of angels; whom are apparently forced to fight to determine what is going to happen to them.
Some Angels are aghast of this apparent scheme by the almighty, and form a society called the Shinda Sekai Sensen, who rebel against god. Our purple haired girl is Yuri, the leader of said organisation of Rebel Angels. It appears that the rebels are (sensibly) denied the ability to use angelic powers, and instead of forced to resort to firearms and such to battle against the order (which has no such issue in causing devastation with supernatural magics). And so the anime details the gun-toting angels vs. Magic angels, I’d imagine.
What is perhaps most interesting is the mix of prolific crew on this: the director of Seto no Hanayome, the animators of CANAAN, and character designs by the ever famous KEY. Quite a set, eh? No doubt it’ll be full of screwed up theology too, so that’s always a plus.
Anticipation: Eight Glowing Halo’s, two unloaded shotguns.
Hakuouki
Another day, another samurai with heterochromia. I think every season needs a character with mismatching eye colours in there somewhere, eh? (damn you, Asuna, for starting this trend!). This is based on a PS2 visual novel from a couple of years back that seems to have been of a dark shoujo theme. That is to say, told from the pespective of a girl, Chizuru, whom becomes involved in the ever famous Shinsengumi in the 19th century.
In case you were guessing, by the way, that is a guy in the picture, Toshizou. Definately being a trapworthy bishie. If you thought it was a girl, go back and brush up on your trap detection skills.
Being a Shoujo base, there is the usual one girl for an armada of pretty guys, but I hesitate to call it a reverse harem comedy, since it seems too dark for that. We’ll see, I guess.
Anticipation: Six sharp katanas, four dull blades.
Arakawa: Under the Bridge
Another strange tale of lunatics and snobs forced into a blender for no apparent reason other than entertainment. Basically, it follows a lovely and beautiful homeless girl called Nino (which is a contradiction in terms, really). She lives under a bridge over the River Arakawa (hence the anime’s namesake) and thinks that she is a martian abandoned on earth. Oh dear.
One day, a young upper class man called Kou (or is it Riku, seems to be different info around or is it a nickname?) is saved by Nino of the bridge, presumably from commiting suicide, but this isn’t too clear. Apparently, however, it is his policy to not owe a debt to anyone. As a result, he decides to shun his prior ways and live under the bridge with Nino.
Well, it’s a weird concept, as I’m not quite sure how you can base either a Romantic comedy or a slice of life on this, but then, I dunno. I suppose there’s some potential there for a watch, at least.
Anticipation: Seven stable girders, three rickety planks.
Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou
Sai lives in a world ruled by magicians whom also form part of their countries clergy (A Theocratic Magiocracy?!? Marx would have a heart attack!). He is a young man who aspires to join his countries elite Wizard Saints and contribute to society. To do that, he studies hard and is admitted into the Constan Magical Academy. However, his future aptitude test suddenly predicts ‘Lord of Darkness’ as being his career of choice! Thus begins his difficult school life in which he is equally resented, desired, hunted and guarded by a bevy of peculiar girls (the usual, you know).
Basically, another magical harem comedy along the lines of Rosario to Vampire or Maburaho, by the sounds of it. However, it is based on a light novel, which to me has a better than usual track record, so we shall have to see whether it can overcome the cliches and actually provide some entertainment. I’m not holding my breath, though.
Anticipation: Six crazy succubi, four laughing devils.
Kiss x Sis
Apparently not convinced with the throughly ridiculous OVA of late, they actually decided to give the green light to making a full series of Kiss x Sis. Which really kind of puzzles me, since I seriously doubt there’s enough plot to make a series of it.
In any case, this series is pretty much ‘how close can we make a show to hentai without it actually being hentai’. Guy lives with sisters, sisters are retarded and totally smitten for him (and of course, are not blood related. We can’t have that; it might actually provoke some controversy! Wait what?). Cue insane close to hentai scenarios.
As you might tell, I’m nearly downright hostile with this. Apologies, but I highly doubt it can redeem itself easily given its source material. I guess we shall just have to see.
Anticipation: For the last time, I’m not bathing with you now you’re grown up.
Senkou no Night Raid
Another one with suprisingly artsy animation (similar to Bantorra, I guess), this one is a historical action/thriller. It’s set in China in the 1930’s and follows the exploits of a military spy organisation (presumably the Japanese spying on the Chinese, in this case). In case you’ve forgotten your history, this period is following alot of wars (the Imperial Japanese Army fight alot of people in the period between WWI and WWII!).
By the sounds of things, this is going to be intrigue and conspiracy heaven (though I guess it could equally possess infiltration and actiony parts too, who knows…). It might be interesting as its actually a period of history rarely covered by Anime and Japanese entertainment in general. For obvious contraversial reasons they often try to forget about the Imperial period. Also has a semi-unique distinction of being an original anime work rather than being based upon something.
Anticipation: Seven Cheongsams, three loose neckties.
Mayoi Neko Overrun!
Takumi (lots of Takumi’s this season, eh?) lives with his elder sister Otome (whom is, of course, totally unrelated by blood…[headdesk]…) in their dodgy somewhat run-down sweet shop, which for no apparent reason is called ‘Stray Cats’. Why you’d want to buy sweets that promised being made of delicious kitten is beyond me, but whatever. Of course, a strange homeless catgirl gets adopted into this scenario whilst wondering the local streets. Cue the, err, plot?
Considering the vastly vacant amount of information about this, one assumes they’re trying to sell it based upon the cute loli’s acting like kitties, and perhaps trying for a cash in on the popularity of Nyan Koi, whilst simultaneously completely forgetting what actually made that one pretty good.
Due to my absurd love for cat related plotlines, I guess I shall have to watch an episode, but I can’t say I wait with baited breath.
Anticipation: Four purring kittens, six hissing alley cats.
Working!
Technically, this has already started: the first episode has already aired, and I believe it then continues on the 4th of April.
It’s based on another 4koma, so much like Lucky Star or Azumanga Daioh, the skits come on thick and fast. The focus this time is a family resturant in Hokkaido called Wagnaria. Souta is recruited to work part time at this place by his sempai, Popura (Poplar, like the tree, is her actual namesake). Despite being named after a tree with the pretense of her growing taller, she is actually a 17 year old with body of a 12 year old (go lolicon bait). Apparently Souta likes small cute things (oh dear) and so takes the offer.
We then subsequently see his various silly exploits at work and interactions with the other eclectic employees. The boss has a no-nonsense attitude, and the other girls besides Popura seem inclined to violence (of course). They’re joined by two mysterious male chefs.
Having looked at the first ep, it made me chuckle a couple of times (though not roar in laughter like my first K-ON viewing) so it might have some potential. We shall see how it shapes up.
Anticipation: Eight Scoops of Ice Cream Sundae, Two violent waitresses.
Although I’m not normally here to discuss sequels, speaking of K-ON, yes, we have a second season starting to air on the 7th of April, in case you were interested. Of course, this is sometimes a mixed blessing, as second seasons can occassionally wear out their welcome. Nevertheless, I’ve heard they still have plenty of the manga to cover, so we’ll see.
And, phew, I think that’s about it. As usual, there might be sudden surprise announcements and extra shows creeping into the schedule. I of course have no control over this, and if one does show up that warrents my attention, I may or may not do an additional post about it.
With several things finishing, I imagine my schedule is going to be completely empty except perhaps Fairy Tail (which I’d imagine, being a Shounen type thing, will likely break the usual 26 episode limit).
Anyway, hope this post helps you with your selection this season. Enjoy, and stay tuned!
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Detarame 
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama and Arakawa: Under The Bridge- First Impressions
Posted in Anime, First Impressions, tagged Anime, Arakawa, Commentary, Kaichou wa Maid-Sama, Kappa, Previews, Romance, Slice of Life, Special A, Thoughts, Truth and Conflict, Weirdness on April 6, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Please excuse the delay, I was distracted by Pokemon Soul Silver again (up to Elite Four now).
Anyway, we’ll start with Arakawa this time.
Arakawa: Under The Bridge
Not too far off my estimations. Our protagonist is a rich guy called Kou. He has a family motto of: “Never be indebted to anyone”.
I suppose it’s a weird, if sound choice for a motto. Anyhow, one day, he is crossing a bridge, and somehow has his trousers stolen by some errant kids, who pin them on top of a girder.
Whilst attempting to retrieve them, the dodgy girder falls, and he plummets into the river only to be saved by a strange girl called Nino.
This of course generates a problem: the whole ‘cannot be indebted’ thing is so deeply ingrained in his psyche that he starts to have panic attacks now he owes someone his life and cannot repay them. Seeing that she lives under the bridge, he tries to get out of the situation by offering her a house. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem to want this, and he questions her sanity since she claims to be from Venus.
Instead, there is one thing she wants. Someone to fall in love with her. And so the scene is set for a comedy of short skits where Kou is exposed to the very strange events under this bridge with Nino. This includes meeting the village chief, whom is a Kappa:
Though in fact it’s just a guy in a suit…
And Kou discovering that Nino is really quite extraordinarily strange, with an apparently quite short-term memory (she nearly forgets who he is after a day) and a penchant for sleeping in the drawer of an antique bed:
In general, pretty damn weird, I’d have to say. Its following the style of the manga it is based on, by having short sub-episodes or skits making up each main episode (this first one has 8 seperate subdivisions, though they’re fairly pointless due to being fairly contiguous).
Though the animation is quite pretty; I can’t actually say that I really enjoyed the first episode that much. It has a ‘slice-of-life’ base to it with an extra layer of eccentricity, but I’m not entirely sure just what they’re trying to do with it, as it didn’t feel like it was trying to be funny nor dramatic. In fact, it has the same sort of deadpan humour exhibited by Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. Which, considering it is by the same animation studio, shouldn’t really be a surprise. Still, I know I’m not normally compatible with the type, so perhaps that has a bearing on why I can’t get into it. I guess I’ll see if Episode 2 somehow ‘clicks’ with me, but at the moment I’m not sold. Nevertheless, I’m sure it will appeal to others, so don’t take my word for gospel.
Kaichou wa Maid Sama
Nigh on spot on with the initial thoughts, this follows Misaki in her interactions with Takumi after he discovers her secret side job in a maid cafe. The one thing I did miss in my early translation of what was going on is that she does this is because her family is ridiculously poor due to a father that leaves them in debt. The first episode is really the pitch: we see a slice of happenings, motivations, and such. Takumi discovers Misaki’s secret side career, but never tells anyone due to actually having some feelings for her. Nevertheless, she nearly worries herself to death over the matter, working into a frenzy that leaves her weakened at the worst time; when some other guys also discover her secret. Fortunately, she is saved from a fate worse than death by Takumi’s coincidental appearance. He merely wonders if she can be his personal maid… oh dear…
Misaki is quite a lawful nutcase in her job as Student Council President, especially in her persecution of the baka trio.
And Takumi is such a Bishie, isn’t he?
I sometimes wish there were Maid Cafe’s outside of Japan, but then, I guess that’s revealing a strange fetish, eh? Oh well…
Misaki probably got into power due to that ever useful ability to summon sparklies.
Of course, everyone else can spot the obvious, except the female lead.
Normally, she’d Aikido your ass, but she’s weakened at this point in time (cliche? of course…)
Convienient rescue attempt is convienient.
Her view of Takumi is the usual: Rival that cannot be caught.
For most of this episode, I had continual pangs of familiarity. When the scene in the final above screenshot was shown, it clicked: this show seems to borrow alot from Special A. Clueless, ridiculously hardworking heroine from a impoverished background? Check. Apparently well off bishie guy who effortlessly achieves greatness without trying? Check. Relationship where girl sees rivalry and guy sees love? Check. Misaki is even remarkably like Hikari in looks and demenor.
Sure, the toppings differ, but the central cake is essentially the same. The only real difference lies in the maid cafe theme. Now, I know that alot of Shoujo based shows have elements in common as a rule, but even so…
Of course, I could be wrong in my initial assumptions and this could swerve off in a completely different direction (and I certainly hope that it does), but at this point in time I’m not especially glued to my screen. We shall see.
Anyhow, thats all for today. I’ll be back again with a third preview post soon, so stay tuned, yes?
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