Spring 2008 Preview
This spring seems to have fewer shows than most springs…I’ve only included 31 of the 40+ which are airing, as the ones which I have excluded are mostly children’s shows. I haven’t included any OAVs or ONAs either. You might notice that my jurisdictions for most of the shows are rather low. This is due to my increasing workload, which doesn’t allow for many shows for me to blog. I am definitely going to blog Code Geas and Macross Frontier, but I will probably only add a few more onto that. I’m even having trouble keeping up with the shows that have been airing for the past season, so adding more isn’t going to help.
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Kyou Kara Maou! 3rd Season Japanese Title: 今日からマ王！ 第3シリーズ Probability of watching this: Very Low I really don’t like talking about sequels to shows I haven’t seen, because there’s never anything to talk about. Those who’ve seen the first two seasons would probably want to watch the third. I haven’t seen any under this title, so I can hardly say I’m going to watch the show. The only other piece of information I have is that this series will only be half the length of the first—that is, 39 episodes (which is already quite lengthy if you ask me). |
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Allison to Lillia Japanese Title: Probability of watching this: Above Average The title immediately reminds me of an old European setting, with perhaps some orphans and country life. In reality though, it’s a little different. If the anime stays true to the manga, the story would go something like this: In a somewhat alternate world, where technology has advanced to an equivalent of early 20th century technology, an air force pilot by the name of Allison, and her childhood friend, steal an aeroplane and attempt to run down some criminals. This all happens in the midst of a large-scale war between two countries. This reminds me a lot of Last Exile (which I loved), so if it’s anything like that, I will be sure to watch it. |
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Macross FRONTIER Japanese Title: マクロスF Probability of watching this: Very High This is the show I’ve been waiting for, ever since seeing the first episode. If the rest of the show is anything like the first, then this will definitely be a smash hit. I can even say I’m looking forward to this more than Code Geass R2. And another, unrelated thing, I’m in love with the ED of the first episode (the modern version of Ai, Oboete Imasu Ka). Anyway, fans of the Macross franchise will most likely know that Macross F follows a different colonisation fleet in a highly advanced world. Apparently, song idols are extremely important here. If you have no idea what this show is about, just know that it’s mecha and sci-fi, and we’re all betting on it to turn out great. |
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xxxHOLiC Kei Japanese Title: xxxHOLiC 継 Probability of watching this: Very Low The sequel to the series, XXXHOLiC, which I haven’t seen (but wish to). If I’m not mistaken, it’s quite a popular series, so I’m going to guess that quite a few people will be watching the sequel. Again, being a sequel, you would only watch it if you’ve seen the first, so no summary required (and no research required of me either xD). Likewise, since I haven’t seen the first series, I won’t be watching the second. |
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To Love-Ru Japanese Title: To LOVEる -とらぶる- Probability of watching this: High I love the manga of this show. Why? Because of the awesome art. Other than that, it’s just another generic love comedy, that definitely won’t deliver unless the animation quality is awesome. Honestly, that doesn’t sound too promising does it. If it turns out like Rosario to Vampire…then…yeah. Anyway, To Love Ru is about a love triangle involving the common high school boy Rito, his crush, Haruna, and the hot alien princess of the universe, Lala, who happens to pop by Earth after getting bored of her home planet (or something like that). |
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Kure-nai Japanese Title: 紅 Probability of watching this: Above Average The title is probably a pun on the verb ‘kurenai’ which means, to not give, which is also the name of the main character (which means crimson), but whatever, that doesn’t even matter. Anyhow, Kure-nai is about a 16-year-old boy who works as a mediator of disputes, and ends up meeting a 7-year-old girl (and you can let your imagination run wild from there). The show is really just about the misadventures of this boy, and I can see it turning into a harem down the road somewhere. Again, I hope the quality will be high…I’m just a bit worried about how Kurenai’s seiyuu is a woman… |
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The Tower of Druaga ~the Aegis of URUK~ Japanese Title: ドルアーガの塔 〜the Aegis of URUK〜 Probability of watching this: Above Average At the top of a cosmic, mysterious tower called Druaga, lies treasure that could (probably) hold unfathomable power. After wars and other events (that require too much text to explain, so I will refrain from doing so), the kingdom of Uruk manages to settle on the first floor of the tower. From here, adventurers and power seekers decide to make for the treasure at the top, who, being in a fantasy anime would allow, all would seem to possess great power. The show revolves around one such youth called Gil (Jiru) in his quest to obtain the treasure. Sounds all nice and epic to me, but I will have to see how it turns out. It seems to have been licensed already, which may be a problem… |
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Itazura na Kiss Japanese Title: イタズラなKiss Probability of watching this: Above Average The title means ‘Naughty Kiss’. Immediately, shoujo warnings start flashing in my brain. I’m not saying I dislike shoujo, but like shounen, a lot of it is the same, and hardly any really stand out as good productions. But we’ll have to see. The story goes like this: Kotoko (girl) likes Naoki (boy). After two years of admiration from afar, Kotoko decides to hand Naoki a love letter, but is immediately rejected. By a highly NONgeneric twist of fate, she ends up living with him, and the rest is history. Or not, since technically it hasn’t happened yet, but oh well. Notice how it’s highly similar to shounen romances, except the POV is from the girl. I like how Kotoko is voiced by Nana Mizuki (Hinata from Naruto, Fate from Nanoha etc). |
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Amatsuki Japanese Title: あまつき Probability of watching this: Average This one sounds like the .hack series to me. Tokidoki loses an eye while playing a virtual reality game, and finds himself trapped from thereon after. I can’t say I find this very appealing, but it looks alright (from the PV and few images I’ve seen of it). If it’s anything like a normal historical/adventure show, it should be too bad. It really depends on the level of maturity of the show. You should note that the seiyuu for the main character is Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch from Geass). |
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Kanokon Japanese Title: かのこん Probability of watching this: Below Average Another seemingly generic shounen romance/comedy, involving another ‘average’ high school boy and two cute girls. The catch is, the girls are actuall fox deities. I don’t know if this will even affect the show in the slightest, but hopefully it will make things more interesting. I can see this turning into another Rosario to Vampire, but if it becomes True Tears v2, I would be utterly shocked and amazed. Actually no, it’s a morning show so that can’t happen…Wait morning show? How can that be? Oh well…Character design is quite attractive though. The seiyuu for one of the girls is Ayako Kawasumi, who you might know as the person behind Yoshida from Shana and Kaori from Kanon. |
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D.C. II S.S.~Da Capo II Second Season~ Japanese Title: D.C.II S.S. ～ダ・カーポII セカンドシーズン～ Probability of watching this: Very Low There has been so many Da Capo series that I don’t know what’s what anymore. If you’re a fan of the series, I daresay you know more about it than me, and if you’re new, I suggest you go watch the first series. In any case, no I won’t be watching this or blogging this show as I haven’t seen the previous seasons (although I have seen about half of the very first season…but I don’t plan on following that up any time soon). |
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Kamen no Maid Guy Japanese Title: 仮面のメイドガイ Probability of watching this: Low It’s these kinds of shows I tend to stay away from. The low production, wannabe comedy shows that always end up failing. But hey, who knows, it might end up being great! The show is essentially about a maid and maid guy (butler? >_>) who have been assigned to protect a 17 year old girl’s position as the heiress to a massive fortune. Oh and apparently it’s ecchi as well, but that wouldn’t be too hard to discover, knowing that there is a ‘maid guy’ in the show. Oh well. I think I’ve read a bit of the manga as well… |
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BLASSREITER Japanese Title: ブラスレイター Probability of watching this: Below Average The first thing I noticed about this show was: very ugly CG. And a lot of it at that. My immediate verdict: stay away. But if you’re interested, Blassreiter is set in Germany, with dead people coming alive and fighting each other in some massive battle royal. If all other aspects of the show turn out to be rather high, I might be able to overlook the CG, but for now, it’s not looking good. (It’s by Gonzo as well, which isn’t a very good sign). |
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Zettai Karen Children Japanese Title: 絶対可憐チルドレン Probability of watching this: Low In a world where ESP is common, three 10-year-old girls with powerful ESP capabilities are hired for some organisation involving ESP…this show is slotted in the mornings, and the fact that it stars a group of ten year old girls does put me off. I don’t think I’ll be trying this show at all. Maybe if you’re curious after watching Koizumi Itsuki from Suzumiya Haruhi…One other thing, Aya Hirano is voicing one of the girls in the show. |
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Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Japanese Title: コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2 Probability of watching this: Very High I don’t know about you but I have absolutely no interest in this show. Well. That was meant to be a lame April Fool’s joke but whatever. The long awaited second season of Code Geass is finally here, but will it deliver like the first? Most of you will probably know all there is to know about it already, and seen all the previews and whatnot, so I’ll just go ahead and let you know, yes I am definitely going to blog this show. That’s about it. =D |
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Wagaya no Oinari-sama Japanese Title: 我が家のお稲荷さま Probability of watching this: Above Averagee There’s a fox girl. Quite apparently. Which reminds me of Horo from Spice and Wolf. Except that this fox can turn into a man. Well, aside from that, you should know that the fox deity, Kuugen, is voiced by Yukana Nogami (zomg CC from Geass!) when it’s in its female form of course. The story goes something along the lines of, the descendent of some family appears to be surrounded by evil spirits, and so the family guardian diety, Kuugen, is released to protect the boy. Sounds like a highly generic storyline to me, but the PV does look rather interesting. If the quality stays high, there’s a good chance of me watching this show. Btw, Oinari means fox diety. |
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Nabari no Ou Japanese Title: 隠の王 Probability of watching this: Above Average Put simply, Miharu is a high school kid who possesses some hidden ninja technique, and soon finds himself in the midst of a large ninja war, between those who want his power, and those who want to protect him. And no I’m not trying to make it sound lame. It actually sounds quite interesting to me. I don’t especially like the character design, but that should be fine as long as everything else is ok. JC is doing the animating, so there should be little problem there. I guess I’ll try out the first few episodes and see how it goes. |
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S-A ~Special-A~ Japanese Title: スペシャル・エー Probability of watching this: Below Average I remember reading the manga for this, and aside from the generic shoujo-ness, it’s actually quite spunky. The setting is this: Hikari, through hours on hours of hardcore studying, is the second smartest student in her school. The top student though, is a bishi who remembers anything after seeing it once. The two find themselves in your (ab)normal school situations, and being a shoujo anime, you can imagine the rest. I did say I like the manga, though the anime is something I have some doubts in. The CM already shows a LOT of animation shortcuts, which are never a good sign…Oh, it’s by Gonzo. No wonder…Yuko Goto fans note: she is voicing Hikari. |
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Neo Angelique Abyss Japanese Title: Probability of watching this: Very Low I remember some time ago, I wrote up a preview about another show called Angelique. Well, apparently they’re remotely related, and the only other thing you need to know is that this show is full of bishounen. This is usually a bad thing (for me anyways), so I’m going to be avoiding this show. |
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Soul Eater Japanese Title: ソウルイーター Probability of watching this: Below Average I’m quite sure I’ve read the manga before. IIRC, there were unattractive drawings and a lot of fanservice. But might be thinking of something completely different. The show is about a group of Shinigami (death gods, as you mostly know), who are trying to collect souls of 99 evil humans and a witch, in order to create a death scythe. It’s based on a shounen manga, so I’m foreseeing a lot of attempted humour in this. Hopefully it will be fun. It’s being animated by BONES, so my expectations of this show are a fair bit higher than they would be, but they’re still quite low. |
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Vampire Knight Japanese Title: ヴァンパイア騎士 Probability of watching this: Above Average This show actually has an interesting storyline. There are shows that have summaries which trail off to nothing, but this one lays everything out rather nicely. Yuki is a high school girl who was attacked by a vampire ten years ago, but subsequently saved by a vampire as well. Now, she acts as the secret keeper of the group of vampires at her school, as they have renounced their vampiric ways. However, her childhood friend hates vampires, as they had taken everything from him. Hmm, so what happens if these coexisting relationships were to collide? Btw, Yui Horie is voicing Yuki. |
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Monochrome Factor Japanese Title: モノクローム・ファクター Probability of watching this: Low Akira is a ‘normal’ high school boy (why do all shounens start this way?), until a fateful turn of events throws him into a world of demons and whatnot. Well, the summary of the manga says the guy turns into a spirit of the shadow world in order to restore the balance between the shadow and human worlds. It’s not everyday that a new Bleach comes out, so I’m going to have to automatically dismiss this show for now, even though I don’t like doing that. >_> |
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Real Drive Japanese Title: ＲＤ 潜脳調査室 Probability of watching this: Above Average In the near future, humankind have entered an age where cyber reality networks are an everyday thing for people to access. Real Drive is about the cyber ‘police’, called cyber divers, who must handle those who decide to ‘experiment’ in virtual reality. The story sounds reasonable, and the quality would seem to be at a stable and relatively high position (well, judging by the preview anyway). I think this show has a good chance. |
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Crystal Blaze Japanese Title: クリスタル ブレイズ Probability of watching this: Average This looks like a show that tries too hard to be serious, and ends up failing. It also reminds me of Devil May Cry. It’s about some detective who meets a girl and goes off investigating some case, with all these extra happenings occurring around him. Yeah, it sounds pretty generic. The PV looks decent, but I have my doubts on the storyline, especially as there seems to be a connection with single season series and detective shows… |
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Himitsu ~Top Secret~ The Revelation Japanese Title: 秘密 トップ・シークレット Probability of watching this: Average In the future, technology has given detectives access to reproduced footage of what human brains see before death. Apparently it has quite a bit of substance, and isn’t just blood and chase scenes, but having not seen anything apart from a picture or two, I can’t be sure what to make of it. I will give it a chance at least, though I doubt I will be blogging it. |
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Kaiba Japanese Title: カイバ Probability of watching this: Above Average In this world, brains can be digitalised. In other words, death is meaningless. Kaiba is set in a surreal world, starring ‘Kaiba’, who has lost all his memories, and has to set off to regain them. I guess you can sorta tell what this anime will be like from the picture. With only 12 episodes, things should move quite speedily, so I’m quite eager to have a look at this series. |
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Toshokan Sensou Japanese Title: 図書館戦争 Probability of watching this: Above Average The title, ‘Library Wars’. Gotta say, probably the corniest title this season. I think the person in the picture is actually a girl, but that’s quite irrelevant. Toshokan Sensou is set in a future where corruption has led to controlling of the media and worldwide information. Opposing this is a library group, thus the name Library Wars. It sounds rather epic actually, though I have no idea how serious this show will be. If all goes well, this might become a rather large hit. The main character is voiced by Marina Inoue btw (Yoko from Gurren Lagann). |
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Junjou Romantica Japanese Title: 純情ロマンチカ Probability of watching this: Low Shounen-ai. Nothing more to say. For the guys at least. If you’re interested, it’s about a guy who gets tudoring from his older brother’s best friend (or something like that, not that the PLOT matters at all…>_>) and then off they go in a wacky ‘boy-love’ relationship. Actually, from the brief preview I’ve seen, it looks like the more explicit scenes are probably going to be ‘degraded’ (or upgraded) to humour instead, for the…more light-hearted members of the audience. Of course, I won’t be watching this. |
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Golgo 13 Japanese Title: ゴルゴ13 Probability of watching this: Low Based on a detective manga that has been going on for decades, this year long anime doesn’t look like the anime for me. It’s really just about the missions of an assassin, which would get pretty boring eventually in my opinion. I don’t think I’ll try this anime unless it turns out to be pretty popular. |
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Kyouran Kazoku Nikki Japanese Title: 狂乱家族日記 Probability of watching this: Above Average Surprisingly, I really like the sound of this show, perhaps due to its outrageousness alone. A thousand years ago, an ominous creature called Enka devastated the world and brought humans close to extinction. Before its death, it announced that in a thousand years time, a reincarnation of itself would be born. In the present, through DNA testing, several possible reincarnations of Enka have been discovered. The plan to deal with this though, involves putting them all together and creating a ‘happy family’ so that the reincarnation will refrain from destroying the world. |
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Nijuu-Mensou no Musume Japanese Title: 二十面相の娘 Probability of watching this: Above Average I guess the big thing about this series is that Hirano Aya is voicing the lead, Chiko, who apparently is the ’spiritual successor’ to a phantom thief. Chiko herself is a thief, as she becomes one after joining a gang that kidnaps her. With BONES as the animator, I’m expecting this show to be quite the action thriller. The character designs seem ok as well. I hope it doesn’t disappoint. |
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Hmm, plenty of new series this spring but there aren’t much that really interests me, aside from Code Geass. I’m not a huge mecha fan, but I guess I’ll check out Macross as well since every blog site I go to praises the hell out of it. And I guess it doesn’t hurt to check out all the Aya Hirano anime… @.@
And why are the harem anime getting worse and worse and worse each season? Come on, fox deities? And two of them in the same season… sigh.
FINALLY CODE GEASS, the wait is almost over.
=D
Did you watch Bus Gamer?
!list is looong. Ah, I’m undecided with a great many of these. Whatever I’ll watch I’ll probably mela-reflection on, but dunno. Yes to Geass, I think that is a general consensus
Awesome compilation.
Code Geass … Code Geass … Code Geass …
I seriously can’t wait for Code Geass r2 lols
counting down to code geass !
OT: I can’t say the previews of the new shows are good. You only picked 1 for your blog sofar ;p
There’s quite a few shows I am excited to watch, but not as many that I am looking forward to blogging about. Especially with shounen shows, they tend to be fun but long and draggy, and often not worth the commitment.
to kabitzin:
*cough* bleach and naruto*cough*
The only ones i see worth it is macross FRONTIER and golgo 13 @_@
it looks like that naruto is going 2 make fillers -.- that means its more boring and more bad animetions
How the hell there are so many new series and only two can be ranked as “watchable” (though code geass is a must, I hate it that I’ve waited for it for so long and now I’ve got no time to watch it T-T). Da Capo is another one that I actually could watch, after watching the other dozens of Da Capo sequels…
Thank you so much for giving me a heads up to the new anime that are getting released. I’m interested in some of the action, drama and some romance/harem animes that were listed there.
Hopefully, I won’t be disappointed >_
goddamn it man, write your Gundam review already. I’ve been coming here for the past week, everyday to see it and nothing yet
>:(
wtf i am looking code geass 1 because of the sequel and i think that code geass is just like death note. some hyper intelligent boy gets an incredible power and tries 2 rescue the world.
Too much shows and so low creativity. They are drinking too much from the same water.
And I was hoping some show for a target audience above 16 years.
CODE GEASS WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
FUCK DAMN IT, THIS SPRING ‘LL BE NEEDING A PAIR OF 1TB HDDD, A LOT OF INTERESTING ANIMES
And by the way, give golgo13 a chance and look at it, the nintendo games are pretty sweet, and by the image, the anime promise a lot
This guy is the james bond of the anime!!!!
i saw the 1st episode and the 1st 4 chapters of kurenai and i really like it.
Kyouran Kazoku Nikki (frenzied family diary) is wonderfully funny and cute!
gg I watched code geass ending of season 2 and I can’t find a blog but the ending was great but it was so sad I hated it (you get the feeling). Anyway if any of you can email me a good anime to watch at halomn@yahoo.com it would be nice. I’m currently watching bleach and naruto series I’m waiting for dtb season 2 rumor. Also I’ve watched wolf’s rain and it is a very good anime in my opinion but has a very similar end like code geass.
Thx
Your anime fan
i recommend SOUL EATER one hundred times!!!!!!!!!!!
is by far one of the best animes i’ve seen and i have seen a lot ^_^
also if u like random comedy watch the tower of druaga!!! yes RANDOM COMEDY xD!!!