Yeap, yet another bloated autumn/fall anime preview. Much to my dismay, just when I think I’m catching up with all my backlogged anime another season comes along…. And it looks like mostly harem anime, game conversions and shonen rubbish. Still, there’s bound to be a few gems in the rough and for all the people who watch anime for reasons other than plot, it’s my job to cover the mundane things.

Actually come to think of it, most of the summer shows turned out to be pretty dismal and only Sayonara Zetsubo-sensei is on my MUST WATCH list whilst a bunch of others are on the ‘I’ll watch it if there’s nothing but curling on the TV’ list (Baccano!, Moetan, Doujin Work). Blame it on the spring season hangover.

For more comprehensive season previews that actually talk about the content of the anime itself, I direct you here and here. Me? Seiyuu and music are my motivation, and it also helps if the visuals and character designs are nice. Yeah, I’m shallow like that.

Shows listed by air date (correct AFAIK at this point in time) and time. I’m likely to update this post sometime next week with radio show and seiyuu news as I hear of them (Damn you Starchild for being slow to release info).

(1st October) EDIT: Updated some bits and pieces, fixed a few errors and added a couple of afureko report photos. Today’s the day the season really kicks off, so I don’t think I’ll be updating this post any further - time to sit back, kick off the shoes and enjoy the show(s).

24th September
Kawaii Jenny (Promo)

In a nutshell: …….Sentai! With dolls! Presumably they fight evil robots to save the universe. Oh, and creepy teddy bears appear to be part of the equation too.
Source material: Jenny dolls.
Animation studio: Dream Planet Japan - they specialise in sentai movies.
Music: Who cares.
Opening theme: Rumika by Momoi Halko
Ending theme: High Energy by Nogawa Sakura & Momoi Halko

L-R:Kobayashi Yu,Kuwatani Natsuko,Nogawa Sakura,Momoi Halko
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-For such a strange show, it’s managed to get a pretty good cast - it reunites the Seto no Hanayome duo of Nogawa Sakura & Momoi plus Kuwatani Natsuko & Kobayashi Yu step up to the plate to voice other plastic thingies.
Most likely to watch: Sentai fans/dirty middle-aged men with Barbie fetishes.
Comment: I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw the trailer. Who’d want to be caught dead watching this? Probably won’t stop me from seeking it out, if only for a few giggles.

1st October
D.C.II - Da Capo II-

In a nutshell: More D.C. That must bring a lot of people joy.
Source material: PC game by Circus
Animation studio: Feel (Da Capo series, Nagasarete Airantou)
Music: Unknown. I’m thinking Nanase Hikaru will be involved again.
Opening Theme: Sakura Kimi ni Emu by yozuca*
Ending Theme: Yasashisa wa Ame no Youni by CooRie
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Only a few changes from the game, including the leads; Asanuma Shintaro & Takagaki Ayahi take over from Tachibana Shinnosuke & Miruno June. Or should I say, Koutei and Hinaki Aoi; since the game’s seiyuu credits are all a bunch of stupid-sounding pseudonyms masking the real identities of people like Ito Shizuka, Asakawa Yuu, Mizuhashi Kaori and Kishio Daisuke.
Radio Show?: There’s one for the game, but none yet announced for the anime. Surely there’ll be one?
Most likely to watch: Fans of season 1. I don’t know if anyone liked D.C.S.S., from what I recall there was a lot of Nemu hate.
Comment: I watched the first season and skipped the second, but D.C.II’s scheduled for only 13 episodes so I may stick with it if Prism Ark, Night Wizard and Clannad suck balls.

Bamboo Blade(Promo)

In a nutshell: Kendo harem anime.
Source material: Manga by Igarashi Aguri & Totsuka Masahiro
Animation Studio: AIC A.S.T.A. (Godannar, Magical Canan, Tokimeki Memorial)
Music: Senba Kiyohiko
-Legendary percussionist. What’s he doing on an anime?
Opening Theme: BAMBOO BEAT by Hirohashi Ryo, Toyoguchi Megumi, Kojima Sachiko, Kuwashima Houko & Satou Rina
Ending Theme: STAR RISE by Hirohashi Ryo, Toyoguchi Megumi, Kojima Sachiko, Kuwashima Houko & Satou Rina
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-No superstar idol seiyuu or anything, just a very solid, versatile cast. This is the 3rd time Kojima Sachiko and Kuwashima Houko are leads in an anime (after Mahou Shojo Tai Arusu & Denno Coil). Hirohashi Ryo was also in Arusu with the two of them - I remember pretty well the seiyuu specials from one of the DVDs where Kuwashima & Kojima repeatedly made fun of the not-so-bright Hirohashi, whose desired superpower is to be able to henshin into a sheep.
Radio Show?: Yeah, over at Onsen.ag. Hasn’t been announced who’ll be hosting it yet, but I’m taking a wild guess at Hirohashi & Kojima. It’d be even better if Kuwashima did it too, I love hearing her do radio.
Most likely to watch: Guys who like their girls dominant, with stick in hand (ドMですね？)
Comment: I’m skeptical. Heard good things about the manga but…. kendo? About as interesting as croquet. Good cast though - I’ll give it 3-4 episodes.

Sketchbook ~ full color’s~ (Promo)

In a nutshell: Plotless anime with cute schoolgirls.
Source material: Manga by Kobako Totan
Animation Studio: Hal Film Maker (ARIA series, Fushigiboshi)
Music: Muramatsu Ken
-a pianist & sanshin player, composes/arranges music for CMs, TV shows and radio spots. Never done any anime or game related stuff before.
Opening Theme: Kaze Sagashi by Kiyoura Natsumi, an actress.
Ending Theme: Sketchbook o motta mama by Makino Yui

L-R(back):Ito Shizuka,Shimono Hiro,Ohara Sayaka,Asano Masumi,Koshimizu Ami,?
L-R(middle):Oumi Tomoe,Kuwatani Natsuko,Kaneda Tomoko,Hirohashi Ryo
L-R(front):Tamura Yukari,Nakase Asuka,Hiraike Yoshimasa (director),Hanazawa Kana,Makino Yui,Saito Momoko
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★★
-Apart from relative unknown Nakase Asuka, the rest of the cast is excellent with a mix of fresh young talents (Hanazawa Kana, Makino Yui, Saito Momoko) and old heads (Asano Masumi, Tamura Yukari, Kuwatani Natsuko). I mean, when you can afford to hire the likes of Ito Shizuka, Nakata Jouji & Ohara Sayaka to voice animals…..
Radio Show?: Coming soon at animate.tv. Hosted by the lead trio of Hanazawa Kana, Nakase Asuka and Makino Yui.
Most likely to watch: 4-koma/slice-of-life/ARIA fans
Comment: I reckon if I could only watch one show this season, Sketchbook would be it. I don’t represent the majority of the otaku demograph anyway, so I guess nobody else feels the same way ^^;;

BLUE DROP~Tenshitachi no Gikyoku~ (Promo)

In a nutshell: Yuri. Yuri. Yuri. And erm…. aliens, robots and wars.
Source material: Manga by Yoshitomi Akihito (Eat-man, Ray)
Animation studio: Ashi Productions (Minky Momo, Blue Seed) & BeSTACK (Tokyo Majin)
Music: THE Kintsuru (I haven’t a clue who they are)
Opening Theme: BLUE by Suara
Ending Theme: Tsubomi -blue dreams- by Suara

L-R(back):Nakata Jouji, Watanabe Akeno, Goto Yuko, Yamada Miho, Orikasa Ai
L-R(Front):Yukino Satsuki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohkura Masahiko (director), Yajima Akiko, Asagami Yoko
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Wow, Asagami Yoko @_@ Anyone remember Star Blazers (aka Uchuu Senkan Yamato)? Well, she was the voice of the main heroine Mori Yuki (or Nova in SB). That was more than 30 years ago now…. a couple other veterans like Orikasa Ai in the cast too.
Radio Show: I’m not sure the show’s material makes for good radio. But if Simoun can get one….
Most likely to watch: Yuri fanboys hoping for a bit of action.
Comment: I like yuri, but not with aliens, robots and wars in the mix ^^; Not fond of the designs either, but we’ll see what they do with the license. Manga had a bit of smex in it IIRC.

2nd October
Kaiji

In a nutshell: Gambling anime. Presumably kids shouldn’t watch this….
Source material: Manga by Fukumoto Nobuyuki (Akagi)
Animation Studio: Madhouse (Akagi)
Music: Taniuchi Hideki (DEATH NOTE, Akagi)
Opening Theme: Mirai wa Bokura no Te no Naka by Hagiwara Masato with Red Bonchirizu (??)
Ending Theme: Makeinutachi no Requiem by Hakuryu
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★☆☆☆
-And guess what? They hired the voice of Akagi, Hagiwara Masato to do the voice of Kaiji.
Radio Show?: I bloody hope not.
Most likely to watch: Anyone who liked Akagi.
Comment: Well……….it’s obvious that Kaiji is by the same dude who did Akagi, cos it’s fugly as hell. Add to that the fact that most of the anime staff of both are the same, from the studio to the director to the music composer to the scriptwriter - way to go for trying to differentiate them eh? Plus I have zero interest in gambling which makes this an automatic NO-GO. The designs have completely put me off this, a bit like the next show…..

Majin Tantei Nogami Neuro

In a nutshell: Demons + detectives.
Source material: Manga by Matsui Yusei, runs in Shonen Jump.
Animation Studio: Madhouse
Music: ?
Opening Theme: DIRTY by Nightmare
Ending Theme: Kodoku no Hikari by Kagami Seira
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Drama CD cast is retained which means the likes of Koyasu Takehito, Ueda Kana & Yusa Koji return.
Radio Show?: Don’t think Koyasu does internet shows these days.
Most likely to watch: Shonen Jump nerds.
Comment: I think they’re aiming for a DEATH NOTE vibe here, they’ve even got dire VK band Nightmare to do the opening. I only know Neuro from playing Jump Ultimate Stars & boy, does he suck in that. He also resembles a demonized Shindo Hikaru complete with shitty hairstyle in reverse. Yeah, I’m superficial that way; looks do mean a lot to me.

Suteki Tantei Labyrinth (TV Spot)

In a nutshell: 11-year old detective extraordinaire Mayuki sets out to save the world from heinous criminals! Or maybe not.
Source material: Manga by Manjo Meito & Wakayama Seiji
Animation Studio: Studio DEEN
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Monochrome by kannivalism
Ending Theme: ? by Theta

L-R(back):Konishi Katsuyuki,Ohara Sayaka,Horie Yui,Satou Satomi,Inoue Nana,Yuzuki Ryoka
L-R(front):Inoue Marina,Paku Romi,Watanabe Hiroshi(director),Sawashiro Miyuki,Ueda Kana
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★★
-All star cast, for a pretty sad show.
Radio Show?: I seriously doubt it.
Most likely to watch: Fans of Tantei Gakuen Q. If they exist.
Comment: I hate Hata Shoji, Watanabe Hiroshi, Studio Deen etc. I had no intention of watching this at all but then they go & cast Marina, Konishi, Paku Romi & Ueda Kana. Designs are horrible, but I’m intending to give it a go and see how long I last.

Night Wizard (promo)

In a nutshell: Battle of good vs evil with wizards, sorcery and fairies (maybe).
Source material: TRPG (table top) game by Enter Brain.
Animation Studio: Hal Film Maker
Music: TAMAYO
Opening Theme: KURENAI by Miyazaki Ui (written by Okui Masami)
Ending Theme: Erinyes by BETTA FLASH

L-R(back): Do.Not.Know.
L-R(front):Yuzuki Ryoko,Goto Yuko,Miyazaki Ui,Yanagi Naoki,Satou Rina,Kogure Ema
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Somebody called Yanagi Naoki is the lead character (never ‘eard of ‘im). But there’s Yuzuki Ryoka, Satou Rina, Miyazaki Ui and Goto Yuko.
Radio Show?: Yeap, hosted by Miyazaki Ui at Anista.tv.
Most likely to watch: I wonder if the games even have any fans at all….
Comment: It’s Hal Film Maker, so I’ll give Night Wizard a go but I’m keeping my expectations low.

myself;yourself

In a nutshell: Dating sim —> Harem anime.
Source material: PS2 game by Yetigames.
Animation studio: Dogakobo
-Their first major production, mainly been doing key and in-between animation for stuff like Blood+, Planetes & Haibane Renmei.
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Tears Infection by KAORI
Ending Theme: Kimi to Yozora to Sakamichi to by Ito Kanako

L-R(back):Tachibana Shinnosuke, Koyasu Takehito
L-R(front):Tamura Yukari, Koshimizu Ami, Kaneda Tomoko, Toyoguchi Megumi
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-No changes from the game. Also features Nakahara Mai and singer Murata Ayumi.
Radio Show?: Not yet.
Most likely to watch: People whose watch list includes D.C.II, ef & KimiKiss.
Comment: I don’t care if the cast is good. I’m up to my eyeballs with game conversions and romance stories this season and myself;yourself is the first to get the chop.

Mokke (Promo)

In a nutshell: Sisters see ghosts.
Source material: Manga by Kamakura Takatoshi
Animation Studio: Madhouse
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Kokoro no Ato by Kosaka Riyu (from Be4U)
Ending Theme: Panorama by Hashimoto Mai
-Voiced the lead in CODE-E. Wonder if she can sing…..

L-R(back): I cannot recognise any of these people’s faces orz.
L-R(front):Hori Katsunosuke, Mizuki Nana, Kawasumi Ayako
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-It’s got Kawasumi Ayako & Mizuki Nana voice the sisters. Plus, Mitsuishi Kotono voices their mother.
Radio Show?: Unlikely. Definitely not with Nana anyway, her schedule is packed to the brim already.
Most likely to watch: People hoping for something a little different, that doesn’t involve one guy and 20,000 girls.
Comment: I cannot remember Mizuki Nana ever doing so many major roles in a year…. Mokke sounds promising and with some touting (or maybe secretly hoping) it to be as good as Mushishi. Heck, if it’s even half as good as that I’ll be on board.

3rd October
Dragonaut The Resonance (Promo)

In a nutshell: Gonzo’s SOS-dan reunion.
Source material: Original
Animation Studio: Gonzo
Music: Yamashita Kosuke (Xenosaga The Animation, Getsumen to Heiki Mina)
Opening Theme: perfect blue by Jazzin’ Park
Ending Theme: Rain Of Love by Fukui Yukari
-Good heavens. Couldn’t they get Minorin to sing?

L-R(top):Miyashita Eiji, Goda Hozumi, Kusunoki Taiten, Sugita Tomokazu, Maruyama Eiji
L-R(middle):Kobayashi Yu, Fukari Yukui, Sendai Eri, Sawashiro Miyuki, Goto Yuko, Asano Mayumi, Nakamura Chise
L-R(front):Nakata Jouji, Kakihara Tetsuya, Chihara Minori, Ono Daisuke, Mizuki Nana, Takewaka Takuma
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★★
-Loads and loads of big names. And it’s the first time that idol seiyuu queen Mizuki Nana and pretender to the throne Hirano Aya work together in an anime series. The pic above isn’t even complete as Hirano, Suwabe Junichi, Chiba Saeko & Chou are missing.
Radio Show?: Yeah, over at Onsen.ag. Hosted by the bumbling trio of (from left to right) Kobayashi Yu, Fukui Yukari & Nakamura Chise and dubbed a ‘Space Fantasy Adventure Radio Program’ (duh). It was overall, a very painful listening experience -_- low on content and high on chaos.
Most likely to watch: I think it’s got widespread appeal; a bit of action, fanservice, romance and half-decent animation. So, most people except mecha and Gonzo haters.
Comment: I’m getting Kiddy Grade vibes from Dragonaut, and I don’t think that’s a good thing. Nevertheless, this is on my TO-TRY list purely for the seiyuu cast.

Goshusho-sama Ninomiya-kun

In a nutshell: Yet.Another.Harem.Anime.
Source material: Light novels by Suzuki Daisuke
Animation Studio: AIC Spirits (Tokyo Majin series, Girls Bravo, Tokko)
Music: ?
Opening theme: Yubikiri by Kadowaki Mai & Sawashiro Miyuki
Ending theme: Furefurepponpon by Kadowaki Mai & Sawashiro Miyuki
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Reliable cast with a mix of youngsters (Akesaka Satomi, Sawashiro Miyuki) and old heads (Neya Michiko, Narita Ken) plus the minor annoyance of Hoshi Soichiro. Also features Kadowaki Mai, who I can’t quite decide if I love or hate.
Radio Show?: Surprisingly no.
Most likely to watch: Loser fanboys hungry for maids, panty shots and bouncing bits.
Comment: The plot has already left me flat out uninterested, reeking of all the bad bits from Onegai Twins, Girls Bravo and DearS. I think I’ll only watch this when hell freezes over.

4th October
Taiho Shichauzo: Full Throttle

In a nutshell: Yet another adaptation/sequel/spin-off of the popular policewoman series.
Source material: Manga by Fujishima Kosuke
Animation Studio: Studio DEEN
Music: Fukasawa Hideyuki (Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto) & Nishida Masara (Bakuretsu Tenshi, Karin)
Opening Theme: Mighty Buddy by AA-CHINO
-No idea who CHINO is, but AA is one half of savage genius
Ending Theme: 1/2 by Ishikawa Chiaki
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
Radio Show?: Nope.
Most likely to watch: Whoever watched any of the others in the series.
Comment: For some reason I never got around to watching any YUA. And I don’t think this is a good point to start either…….

CLANNAD (promo)

In a nutshell: KyoAni does Key. Again.
Source material: Game by Key.
Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation (y’know…. the gods who did Haruhi)
Music: Key Sounds, I expect.
Opening Theme: Megumeru~cuckool mix 2007~ by eufonius
-Yet another recycled song for a Key series. I don’t know why eufonius had to go and remix it, the original is fine as it is…. actually, those hideous beats make it sound absolutely hideous :/
Ending Theme: Dango Daikazoku by Chata
-No, it’s apparently not a new song either. It’s just Chiisana Tenohira disguised with a different singer/lyrics.
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Changing the lead from Nojima Kenji to Nakamura Yuuichi (movie to anime) is depressing. Otherwise it’s the same cast; Nakahara Mai, Noto Mamiko, Inoue Kikuko etc etc. And Acchan!! (Enomoto Atsuko - Yukinon in Karekano) She’s hardly in anything these days, and it makes me weep.
Radio Show?: Not likely to happen, Kanon and Air didn’t have one IIRC. Well obviously I’m talking out of my arse cos there will be one at Onsen.ag, hosted by the rather odd pairing of Nakahara Mai & Inoue Kikuko. Sorry, it conjures up unwanted mental images of a Mizuho-sensei/Mina (from the Onegai series) yuri situation ^^;
Most likely to watch: All the rabid KyoAni fanboys.
Comment: Yeah, I’m gonna give it a go. But I fear the sappiness of it all will put me into a Kanon-like induced sleep.

Shakugan no Shana II (Short promo)

In a nutshell: Urusai! x3
Source material: Novels by Takahashi Yashichiro
Animation Studio: J.C.Staff
Music: Otani Ko
Opening Theme: JOINT by Kawada Mami
Ending Theme: triangle by Kawada Mami
-What happened to Takahashi Yoko and Ishida Yoko?

L-R(back):Noto Mamiko,?,?,Nojima Kenji,Kondo Takayuki,Nojima Hirofumi,Kobayashi Yumiko,Ohara Sayaka
L-R(front):Ebara Masashi,Kawasumi Ayako,Hino Satoshi,Kugimiya Rie,Nabatame Hitomi,Iwata Mitsuo
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-No cast changes, which means more Kugimiya Rie goodness. Yay?
Radio Show?: The first season never had a radio show, so I’d say it’s highly unlikely there’ll be one this time.
Most likely to watch: I’m sure Shana and Hecate have millions of fans out there….
Comment: I liked the first season even if my uni’s anime society didn’t (they voted to drop it from the screenings cos it apparently sucked >_>). I remember marathoning the first half of the show after uhm-ing & ahh-ing over whether to give it a go….. as long as they don’t bring back those incestuous twins, I’m up for more Shana. And more Margery Daw would be nice too, as long as Marchosius shuts the hell up.

6th October
Tensai? Dr. Hamax

In a nutshell: A kids’ show about a ‘genius’ doctor who sets out to solve the world’s environmental problems.
Source material: Original.
Animation studio: Trans Arts (Prince of Tennis, Wellber, Idaten Jump)
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★☆☆☆
-Apart from Nazuka Kaori, I’m struggling to recognise any of this lot. From the looks of it, a bunch of comedians and actors.
Radio Show?: NO.
Most likely to watch: People who need to be told what sort of rubbish goes into what colour bins.
Comment: I didn’t have a clue what this was about so I visited the website…. and there was furigana everywhere ^^; Which means that most people above 12 shouldn’t bother with Dr. Hamax.

Shugo Chara (TV CM)

In a nutshell: Girl meets tiny cute things and gains magical powers.
Source material: Manga by Peach-Pit (Rozen Maiden, DearS)
Animation Studio: Satelight (Noein, KissDum)
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Kokoro no Tamago by Buono!
Ending Theme: Honto no Jibun by Buono!
-Biggest WARNING sign: The themesongs are done by three Hello! Project Kids members (2 from Berryz Kobo, 1 from °C-ute) with ages ranging from 13 to 15. Heaven help us all.
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Lead chara Amu is voiced by newcomer Ito Kanae, some other young talent like Asumi Kana & Toyosaki Aki and a bunch of seasoned pros in Chiba Saeko, Sawashiro Miyuki and Takagi Reiko.
Most likely to watch: Girls, or guys who like cute things but are afraid to admit it.
Radio Show?: Again, no. I wonder why this season seems to have a lack of them.
Comment: Maybe I’m getting old and grumpy, but cute shows do nothing for me these days. Somebody tell me if it’s anything like Pretear, and maybe I’ll give it a go.

Gundam 00 (Trailer #1, #2, #3)

In a nutshell: It’s Gundam!
Source material: Original.
Animation Studio: Sunrise
Music: Kawai Kenji
Opening Theme: DAYBREAK’S BELL by L’arc~en~ciel
Ending Theme: Wana by THE BACK HORN
-There goes whatever little credibility TBH had left - doing a Gundam theme will turn the hardcore crowd off and welcome in the fairweather fans. Oh well, at least it’s not Tamaki Nami or T.M. Revolution…..

L-R(back):Azuma Masataka,Satou Arise,Tsunematsu Ayumi,Nakamura Yuuichi,Hamada Kenji
L-R(middle):Takagaki Ayahi,Furuya Tohru,Shindou Kei,Honna Youko,Irino Miyu,Saito Chiwa
L-R(front):Yoshino Hiroyuki, Miyano Mamoru, Mizushima Seiji (director), Miki Shinichiro, Kamiya Hiroshi
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Young, hip cast. Miyano Mamoru, Endo Aya, Takagaki Ayahi, Shindou Kei, Nakamura Yuuichi, Irino Miyu… and oldie Miki Shinichiro.
Radio Show?: Nope.
Most likely to watch: Everybody except me.
Comment: I have a general apathy towards mecha anime, and it gets worse the longer the show runs. Best thing about Gundam 00? The wretched Hirai Hisashi is not involved, woo.

ef - a tale of memories- (Prologue)

In a nutshell: Mystery romance with pretty visuals.
Source material: Game by minori.
Animation Studio: SHAFT (Pani!Poni!, Tsukuyomi Moonphase)
Music: Tenmon
Opening Theme: OPENING THEME by Tenmon
Ending Theme: Adagio by Taguchi Hiroko
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-I guess I’m a wee bit disappointed they didn’t get Shindou Kei (真堂圭 - it isn’t her real name anyway) to voice Shindou Kei (新藤景). They do have Shimono Hiro voicing Hirono Hiro though ^^;; The rest of the female cast specialise in doing (ero)game voices while the guys are more experienced, if less well known anime seiyuu.
Radio Show?: Not yet. I’m expecting one though.
Most likely to watch: People who want less toilet humour & more drama in their harem anime.
Comment: Wonder how much liberties SHAFT will take with the license - I don’t think that random Motsu appearances and nonsensical blackboard scribbling will be part of the package. This appears to be heavy on the story/romance bits and I’m not sure that’s my kind of thing.

kimikiss -pure rouge-

In a nutshell: So which of those six girls would you like to give your first kiss to?
Source material: PS2 game by Enterbrain
Animation Studio: J.C.Staff
Music: Iwadare Noriyuki. Same composer as the game’s.
Opening Theme: Aozora Loop by marble
Ending Theme: Negaiboshi by Snow* (fills me with dread, because I don’t like her - not even when she was recording under her Ohtake Yuki name)

L-R: Tanaka Rie, Ikezawa Haruna, Mizuhashi Kaori, Hirohashi Ryo (I still can’t get used to your damn afro after 2 months. Get a grade 1 or something)
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★★
-The same cast as the game, plenty of heavyweights - Tanaka Rie, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai, Mizuhashi Kaori, Koshimizu Ami, Ikezawa Haruna, Nogawa Sakura & Hirohashi Ryo. I’ve been collecting the radio and image song CDs from the game and so far; the voice acting & songs are pretty good.
Radio Show?: The one for the game has been running for over a year now, used to be hosted by Koshimizu & Mizuhashi but now it’s Kaorin & Ryo. Looks set to continue on with the anime broadcast (marble were recent guests).
Most likely to watch: Anyone who hasn’t passed out form the onslaught of dating sim/harem stuff from the previous 5 days.
Comment: I’ve been listening to the radio show on & off for a while, but I’m not convinced KimiKiss is worth a go. The cast is a plus point, and it’s directed by Kasai Kenichi (Hachikuro, Nodame) though so I may give it a shot.

7th October
Hatara Kids Maiham Gumi

In a nutshell: Meister Hamsters - ‘abnormal’ hamsters who, upon passing some sort of test are bestowed with the power of human speech! Doesn’t that fill you with joy?
Source material: Original
Animation studio: Toei
Music: Inomata Yoshichika (Nope, no clue. I don’t even know if it’s the correct romanization)
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?

L-R(back):Kawata Taeko,Maeda Ai,Suzuki Masami,Kikuchi Masami,Yukino Satsuki
L-R(front):Komatsu Yuka,Chiba Chiemi,Nozawa Masako,Nagata Akira,Fukkin Zennosuke
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Full of Toei favourites, including Nozawa Masako (Son Goku), Kawata Taeko (Arale in Dr.Slump) and Chiba Chiemi (Doremi in Ojamajo Doremi). Other cast members include Yukino Satsuki, Okiayu Ryotaro, Inoue Kikuko and RUN&GUN vocalist Nagata Akira, whose seiyuu debut was in Lovely Complex which was made by…. yeap, Toei.
Radio Show?: I don’t want to know.
Most likely to watch: Kids.
Comment: As soon as I read the word ‘hamster’ in the blurb I crossed it off my list.

MapleStory

In a nutshell: MMORPG to anime conversion.
Source material: Korean game by Wizet/Nexon.
Animation studio: Madhouse
Music: Sogawa Tomoji (Jpop arranger & producer)
Opening Theme: Scratch On My Heart by Younha
Ending Theme: Kokoro no Kagayaki by Orikasa Fumiko
-Wait, does that mean Fumiko’s going to be in the anime? I don’t think she’s ever performed a theme song for something she’s not been in yet.

L-R: Ishiyama Takaaki (director), Kuwashima Houko, Endo Aya
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Sigh. Why do mediocre series always get such good seiyuu? Apart from the two girls in the pic above, there’s a strong cast including Matsumoto Rica, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Namikawa Daisuke, Mizuki Nana and Kusao Takeshi.
Radio Show?: No. Just. No.
Most likely to watch: People who play the game.
Comment: The last time I attempted to watch a MMORPG to anime conversion (Ragnarok), I fell asleep. The designs look like the work of a 3-year old, but director Ishiyama did handle kids’ show Otogijushi Akazukin well so I’ll give this a try.

Rental Magica (Promo)

In a nutshell: Magicians for hire.
Source material: Novels by Sanda Makoto.
Animation studio: ZEXCS (Sister Princess series, Mamoru-kun)
Music: Eguchi Takahito (D.N.Angel, Trinity Blood)
Opening theme: Sora ni saku by Komine Lisa
-Otherwise known as the Lisa who sang Melody of Oblivion’s Will and GSD Special Edition’s tears.
Ending theme: Aruite ikou. by Yoshida Jungo (No idea who he is)
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Strong cast including four of the main girls from Hayate no Gotoku! - Kugimiya Rie (Nagi), Ito Shizuka (Hinagiku), Ueda Kana (Sakuya) and Takahashi Mikako (Ayumu). Also features the increasingly popular Ono Daisuke and fangirl faves Fukuyama Jun & Suwabe Junichi.
Radio Show?: The one for the manga & drama CDs was hosted by Suwabe & Fukuyama at JVC Music, but the anime one is now hosted by Jun and Ueda Kana on the Kadokawa site.
Most likely to watch: Shonen action fans.
Comment: This was announced quite a while back and I’d completely forgotten about it. The show is giving me Zombie Loan vibes. Is that a good thing? Oh, and the guy on the far left reminds me of both Gin from Bleach and Gin-san from Gintama ^^; I need something to fill my shonen quota for this season so I’m placing my bets on Rental Magica.

Prism Ark (Promo)

In a nutshell: Fantasy, action, adventure, moe and girls.
Source material: PC eroge by Pajamasoft
Animation studio: Front Line
-This is the first time the studio is in charge of full production of an anime. Mostly been doing in-between animation and colouring on tons of shows including Planetes, Blood+ & Aquarion.
Music: Endou Seiki & Miwa Manabu
-Both appear to be doujin musicians. Loved the music in the promo.
Opening Theme: Soshite Boku wa… by Sakakibara Yui
Ending Theme: Yuen no Amulet by momo-i

L-R(back): Asakawa Yuu, Asumi Kana, Matsui Naoko
L-R(front): Mizuhashi Kaori, Sakakibara Yui, Kakihara Tetsuya
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Only few changes from the game’s cast (Suzumura Kenichi→Kakihara, Koyasu Takehito→Hayami Sho etc) plus a bunch of new characters. Thank God, I was praying they wouldn’t ditch Sakakibara for somebody more ‘famous’ ^^; The seiyuu actually know each other pretty well, having worked together on both the game and drama CDs. Expect a few other familiar voices like Asano Masumi, Goto Saori, Momoi Halko, Kobayashi Yu and Nabatame Hitomi to pop up further down the line. There’s also 8 character CDs already lined up, starting with Priecia and Kagura.
Radio Show?: Yeah, at Media Factory. Hosted by Sakakibara Yui & Koyama Kimiko. At the show’s live recording during Comiket, Yui-nyan was telling Kimikimi about recording for the first episode (Koyama isn’t in it) and it made her depressed ^^;
Most likely to watch: Fans who like a few dragons and nuns in their moe hotpot.
Comment: Okay so it’s a moe/harem anime of sorts but as long as they keep it action-oriented I’ll be watching.

Minami-ke

In a nutshell: The first of the one anime, two studios a-la Futakoi project.
Source material: 4-koma manga about three sisters, by Sakuraba Coharu (Kyo no 5 no 2)
Animation Studio: Doumu (Onegai series, Ichigo Mashimaro)
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Keikenchi Joshochu☆ by Minamike 3-Shimai
Ending Theme: Colorful Days by Minamike 3-Shimai

Clockwise from top: Inoue Marina, Satou Rina, Chihara Minori
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★★
-The three sisters are voiced by (from oldest sister to youngest) Satou Rina, Inoue Marina & Chihara Minori. The likes of Morinaga Rika, Chiba Saeko, Mizuki Nana, Ono Daisuke, Kakihara Tetsuya, Kitamura Eri, Yoshino Hiroyuki etc. voice an assortment of family members, friends and classmates.
Radio Show?: Yes, at Animate.tv. Hosted by the three sisters. Waiiii, three of my faves together. Yeah, I do like Minorin…. I swear it’s for her singing ability ^_^
Most likely to watch: Tis the season for 4-koma fans….
Comment: Oh eff. I know I won’t be able to resist these sort of shows…….

Jyushin Enbu: Hero Tales (Promo)

In a nutshell: It’s one of those fantasy, hero-with-destiny fights against evil type stories.
Source material: Manga by Huang Jin Zhou & Arakawa Hiromu (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Animation Studio: Studio Flag
-Whose only previous animation production is KoiKoi7. Joy……
Music: Terashima Tamiya (Gedo Senki, Yume Tsukai)
Opening Theme: WINTERLONG by BEAT CRUSADERS
Ending Theme: Kakegae no nai Hito e by Hoshimura Mai

L-R(back): Futamata Issei, Fukuyama Jun, Kaida Yuki, Hayami Sho, Tai Yuuki
L-r(front): Sakurai Takahiro, Ginga Banjo, Suzumura Kenichi, Kanda Akemi
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Well, here’s one anime that has a higher male to female seiyuu ratio. Which hopefully doesn’t mean that there’ll be some BL bits down the line………
Radio Show?: Yes, hosted by Suzumura Kenichi & Koyama Rikiya at Media Factory.
Most likely to watch: The Sakurai, Fukuyama and Suzumur fangirls.
Comment: There’s been a fair bit of publicity for Jyushin Enbu, the promo looked entertaining, and it’s got a pretty top notch cast. But…. it reminds me of shonen stuff like Ueki & MAR that dragged on for ages and outstayed their welcome.

9th October
Genshiken 2 (Promo)

In a nutshell: Sequel to the otaku favourite.
Source material: Manga by Kio Shimoku
Animation studio: ARMS (Elfen Lied, Ikkitousen:DD)
Music: ?
Opening Theme: disarm dreamer by Misato Aki
Ending Theme: Club House Sandwich by Yuumao
-I’m not sure why they did away with manzo & Atsumi Saori, not that I’m complaining really. I hated My Pace Daioh anyway.

L-R(back):Nomura Kenji,Seki Tomokazu,Kawasumi Ayako,Mizuhashi Kaori,Ishida Akira
L-R(front):Hiyama Nobuyuki,Oyama Takanori,Saiga Mitsuki, Yukino Satsuki
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-The gang returns, with the addition of Kaida Yuki and Goto Yuko as Ohno’s two gaijin friends.
Radio Show?: No.
Most likely to watch: Otaku.
Comment: The studio and director for all three installments of Genshiken are different :/ This time we have Yoshimoto Kinji, who directed Night Shift Nurses and a bunch of other hentai titles ^^; Can’t see him changing Genshiken to some porn series so as long as he sticks to the manga it’ll be alright.

Kodomo no Jikan

In a nutshell: The loli series that was deemed too dangerous for the youth of America.
Source material: Manga by Watashiya Kaworu
Animation Studio: Studio Barcelona (Dai Mahou Touge, Nanatsuiro Drops)
-Ergh, I’m not too hyped up about that. Also it’s the first time director Suganuma Eiji has control of a whole anime series.
Music: Nishida Masara (Karin, Bakuretsu Tenshi)
Opening Theme: Rettsu! Ohime-sama Dakko by Kitamura Eri, Shindou Kei & Kadowaki Mai
Ending Theme: Hanamaru☆Sensation by Little Non

Kojika OVA cast
L-R(back): Nagano Yoshikazu, Shigematsu Tomo, Miyagawa Miho, Ogane Noriko
L-R(front): Majima Junji, Kadowaki Mai, Kitamura Eri, Shindou Kei, Tanaka Ryoko
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Features mostly young talent. And KitaEri does something completely different from anything she’s ever done.
Radio Show?: Yeah, at both the official site and Lantis. Hosted by Maita, KitaEri & Shindou Kei (L-R in the pic above). Pretty entertaining - helps that Mai & Eri are really good friends so the talks are interesting & flow well. In episode 00 Mai was talking bout how Eri spent so much time in her house she practically lived there - despite having mountains of manga (like a manga cafe according to KitaEri) and no air conditioning.
Most likely to watch: Naughty lolicons & non-manga readers wanting to see what all the fuss is about.
Comment: Watched the OVA, which was amusing but rather tame. Or maybe watching Moetan has desensitised me to flat boobies and sexual innuendo. Let’s see how many of the episodes avoid being censored, cancelled or replaced with broadcasts of lovely scenery.

11th October
Moyashimon (Aniten Special)

In a nutshell: An anime about bacteria, just what the doctor needed.
Source material: Manga by Ishikawa Masayuki
Animation studio: Shirogumi
-First TV animation feature for the company, who mainly do SFX movies and have also done some work for games including GENJI, Baten Kaitos and Tales of Destiny.
Music: Sato Naoki (Eureka 7, X TV)
Opening Theme: Curriculum by Ifu Sarasa (daughter of Inoue Yosui)
Ending Theme: Rocket by POLYSICS

L-R(back):Nishimura Tomomichi,Noto Mamiko,Konishi Katsuyuki,Sugiyama Noriaki
L-R(front):Ohara Sayaka,Sakaguchi Daisuke,Saiga Mitsuki
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-You’ll be surprised how such bizarre-sounding anime can get some big names on board. Look forward to hearing Sakaguchi Daisuke, Konishi Katsuyuki, Noto Mamiko, Ohara Sayaka and Sugiyama Noriaki. Sadly, they voice humans and not E.coli or influenza viruses.
Radio Show?: Nope.
Most likely to watch: Folks longing for something unconventional that doesn’t have a single girl featured in its promo images.
Comment: The show with the strangest premise this season. But hey, the weirder it gets the more likely it is I’m going to watch it.

13th October
Shion no Ou

In a nutshell: We’ve had Go, we’ve had mahjong, now it’s Shogi’s turn. It’s actually not entirely about Shogi, but more a mystery tale.
Source material: Manga by Katori Masaru and Ando Jiro.
Animation studio: Studio DEEN
Music: ?
Opening theme: LADY LOVE by RIZE
-Hmm, interesting. Their rap-rock style never struck me as being particularly suited for anime.
Ending theme: My dear friend by Aoyama Thelma

L-R(back): Have not a clue.
L-R(front): Goda Hozumi, Paku Romi, Kawasumi Ayako, Mizuno Risa
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Kawasumi as the lead, plus a few others not in the pic above - Matsukaze Masaya (Kyoya in Ouran, Ren in Jigoku Shojo) and Kouda Mariko (Miki in Marmalade Boy, Nayuki in Kanon) included.
Radio Show?: NOOOOO. I’m starting to get bored of saying No Radio Show now….
Most likely to watch: Manga readers, mystery fans.
Comment: Shogi + mystery seems like an odd mix but I’m intrigued enough to want to try it out. As long as it doesn’t descend to Spiral-like laws of logic.

14th October
Koharu Biyori (OVA)

In a nutshell: A robot maid and a teenage boy with cosplay fetishes. Fanservice guaranteed.
Source material: Manga by Mizuki Takehito
Animation studio: Doumu
Music: Watanabe Takeshi (Ichigo Mashimaro, KonoMini)
Opening Theme: Apron dake wa Toranaide! by Kitamura Eri
Ending Theme: Love Song kamo shirenai by Kitamura Eri & Akesaka Satomi

L-R(back): Yahagi Sayuri, Hayami Saori, Miyake Kenta, Miyake Kaya
L-R(front): Iguchi Yuka, Akesaka Satomi, Kondo Takayuki, Kitamura Eri, Yuzuki Ryoka
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★★☆
-Full of young, up & coming seiyuu. Plus the giant huggable teddy bear that is Miyake Kenta ^^;
Most likely to watch: Teenage boys with hormones in overdrive.
Comment: KitaEri as a maid? I’m sold. Anyhow, the first episode will be broadcast on AT-X and the 3 DVDs are on sale every 2 months starting November 21st.

18th October
GHOST HOUND (Promo #1, #2)

In a nutshell: Production I.G.’s 20th anniversary project. Dubbed a ’spiritual animation’, whatever that may mean.
Source material: Original
Animation studio: Production I.G.
Music: ?
Opening theme: Poltergeist by Kojima Mayumi
Ending theme: Call My Name~Kazenari no Oka~ by Yucca

back row: a bunch of staff members I have no hope of recognising….
L-R(front):Hoshi Soichiro, Ono Kensho, Yajima Akiko, Fukuyama Jun
Seiyuu Power Rating: ★★★☆☆
-Teenager Ono Kensho is primarily an actor, but is also the Japanese dub voice of Harry Potter & has had bit parts in various anime - the most recent one being a cameo as Yassam (the one who challenges Chagum to a fight) in Seirei no Moribito. This is his first time headlining any sort of show, so we’ll see how he does alongside the three accomplished seiyuu.
Radio Show?: Highly unlikely.
Most likely to watch: GitS fans.
Comment: All the fuss is about Shirow Masamune writing the story but actual details are sketchy and the trailer serves up nothing incredibly exciting. It’s also directed by Nakamura Ryutaro who was in charge of Kino no Tabi and Serial Experiments Lain so Ghost Hound has good pedigree if nothing else.

20th October
Ichigo Ichie Koibana Tomobana

In a nutshell: 5-minute tales of love, friendship and girly angst. Wooh.
Source material: Based on a bunch of stationery illustrations. As in, all that corny crap that adorns notebooks, pencil cases and stuff that only your kid sister would collect.
Seiyuu Power Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
-As if it wasn’t depressing enough that we have Kusumi Koharu assaulting our eardrums in Kirarin Revolution, now we get a bunch 0f 13-14 year old Peach Lemon (fashion magazine) models bleating and screeching.
Most likely to watch: Nobody. Not intentionally anyway.
Comment: Blank. Zip. Zilch. Yuck. Urgh. Bleagh.

—————————————————————————————–

Tentative schedule (ongoing shows in italics, priority shows underlined)
Sunday: Hayate no Gotoku!, Rental Magica, Prism Ark, Minami-ke
Monday: Bamboo Blade, Sketchbook, D.C. II
Tuesday: Suteki Tantei Labyrinth, Genshiken 2, Night Wizard, Gintama, Mokke,
Wednesday: Dragonaut, Kodomo no Jikan
Thursday: CLANNAD, Shana II, Moyashimon, GHOST HOUND
Friday:
Saturday: Denno Coil, ef, KimiKiss, Shion no Ou

I’m doomed. Thank God for Fridays?