j1m0ne's blog

Skipped covering the summer season for various reasons, but I’m back with a watered-down guide to the autumn (or fall, depending which side of the globe you live in) anime season. The aim is not to help you decide what to watch, but will instead serve as a quick, to-the-point guide listing miscellaneous information (staff, music etc).

For other more constructive guides from people who actually actively watch/blog anime, refer to: T.H.A.T Anime Blog | Subculture Anime Blog | Tenka Seiha | Hashihime

In alphabetical order this time. No OVAs, Disney shows or crappy flash anime included. Blanks mean no information is currently available & or I made a mistake (gomen). Updates will be made as information becomes available, so hopefully everything will still be accurate 6 months from now. Please point out any mistakes if you see them D;

Note: 1-cour = 3 months/12-14 episodes therefore 2-cour = 6 months/ 24-26 episodes

Quick Jump: Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka | Battle Spirits Shonen Toppa Bashin | Bihada Ichizoku | Casshern Sins | Chaos;HEAd | CLANNAD ~AFTER STORY~ | ef -tale of melodies- | GaRei-Zero- | Hakushaku to Yosei | Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden – Ten no Haoh | Hyakko | Inazuma Eleven | Jigoku Shojo Mitsuganae | Junjo Romantica 2 | Kannagi | Kemeko Deluxe! | Kido Senshi Gundam 00 Second Season | Kurogane no Linebarrels | Kuroshitsuji | Kurozuka | Kyo no 5 no 2 | Live On CARDLIVER Kakeru | Macademi WAsshoi! | Michiko to Hatchin | Moryo no Hako | Negibozu no Asataro | Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen | Noramimi 2 | One Outs | Rosario + Vampire CAPU2 | Shikabane Hime Aka | Shugo Chara!! Doki | Skip Beat! | Tales of the Abyss | Tentai Tenshi Sunred | To Aru Majutsu no Index | Toradora! | Tytania | Vampire Knight Guilty | Yozakura Quartet | Zettai Yareru Grecia Shinwa

Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka [あかね色に染まる坂]

Nutshelled: Tsundere girl transfers to new school, meets fiancee. Expect catfights, angst & tears.
Source: Adult visual novel by Feng
Studio: TNK
Staff: Directed by Murata Masahiko
Episode count: ?
Music: Suehiro Kenichiro
-First time composing for an anime, he has written songs for Ono Daisuke & Yuki Aira
Opening Theme: Hatsukoi Parachute by Hashimoto Miyuki
Ending Theme: Multiple ending themes by the female seiyuu
Seiyuu: The cast from the recent non-ero game version are retained, with Hatano Wataru & Kugimiya Rie as the leads. Others include Hirano Aya, Inoue Marina, Tanaka Rie, Tanaka Atsuko, Ishida Akira & Hazuki Erino.

Radio Show: Akaraji, which is actually in support of the game rather than the anime, is hosted on Nico Nico Douga by Hirohashi Ryo & Koyama Rikiya. Most of the cast has already guested on the show, which often ends up descending into chaos with very bizarre ad-libs & skits – I get the impression that the cast are all drunk during recording. The show was supposed to have a limited run, but has been extended due to overwhelming popularity.

Battle Spirits Shonen Toppa Bashin [バトルスピリッツ 少年突破バシン]

Nutshelled: Kids’ show, presumably includes lots of fighting and special move-name shouting
Source: Bandai Carddas (trading card) series.
Studio: Sunrise
Staff: Directed by Hongo Mitsuru (Igpx)
Episode count: ?
Music: Otani Ko
Opening Theme: GO AHEAD!! by Oikawa Mitsuhiro
-Oikawa is better known as a pretty boy (but rather old) actor, appearing in various dorama such as Nodame Cantabile etc
Ending Theme: Boken Kiroku by Little Non
Seiyuu: Tamura Mutsumi (one of I’m Enterprise’s new recruits) and Miyake Kaya head the cast.
Radio Show: No
Comments: I tried watching the first episode on Youtube but my brain had already folded in before the 10-minute mark.

Bihada Ichizoku [美肌一族]

Nutshelled: 7-minute shots of an annual quest to find the woman with the most beautiful skin, or something inane like that
Source: Cosmetics line by Love Labo. Yes, really. Anime is actually based on the manga spawned from it
Studio: Omnibus Japan
Staff: Directed by Kato Naoya (Oden-kun)
Episode count: 12
Music: ?
Opening Theme: JET☆GIRL by Li’l B
-They sang the second to last Naruto ending theme Orange.
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: ?
Radio Show: No

Casshern Sins [キャシャーン Sins]

Nutshelled: A modern-day version of a 70s superhero/cyborg anime.
Source: A 1973 anime by Tatsunoko Productions
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: Directed by Yamauchi Shigeyasu (Mushiking), scripted by Kobayashi Yasuko
Episode count: 24
Music: Wada Kaoru
Opening Theme: Aoi Hana by Color Bottle
Ending Theme: reason by K∧N∧

Seiyuu: Cho and Yajima Akiko will also feature
Radio Show: No

CHAOS;HEAD [カオスヘッド]

Nutshelled: Mysterious gruesome murders in downtown Shibuya
Source: Recent visual novel by NITROPLUS & 5pb.
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: Directed by Ishiyama Takaaki (Maple Story, Otogi Jushi Akazukin), scripted by Inoue Toshiki (DEATH NOTE)
Episode count: 12
Music: tOkyO
Opening Theme: F.D.D. by Ito Kanako
Ending Theme: Super Special by Kagami Seira
Seiyuu: Same as the game – Yoshino Hiroyuki and Kitamura Eri lead supported by Nabatame Hitomi, Takahashi Chiaki, Tsuji Ayumi, Sakakibara Yui etc
Radio Show: There used to be one for the visual novel hosted by Yoshino Hiroyuki & Kitamura Eri but no news yet on whether it’ll be revived.
Comment: I’m actually surprised that this has gotten an anime adaptation so quickly ahead of say, Fortune Arterial. This is one of the few shows I’m vaguely interested in, mainly because it’s 1-cour and there’s likely to be blood & gore. Although the promo pic above doesn’t seem to hint as much.

CLANNAD ~AFTER STORY~

Nutshelled: Continuation of CLANNAD
Source: Visual novel by Key
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Staff: Ishihara Tatsuya is in charge again
Episode count: 24
Music: Key Sounds
Opening Theme: Toki o Kizamu Uta by Lia
Ending Theme: TORCH by Lia
-Who killed the dangos?
Seiyuu: Nakamura Yuichi and Nakahara Mai headline again, with the same supporting cast of Nonaka Ai, Kuwashima Houko, Inoue Kikuko, Hirohashi Ryo etc etc
Radio Show: Nagisa to Sanae no Omae ni Rainbow, hosted by Nakahara Mai and Inoue Kikuko although episode 50 had a special featuring Kuwashima Houko & Sakaguchi Daisuke instead

ef –tale of melodies–

Nutshelled: Sequel to a de-eroticised ’serious’ harem anime
Source: Adult visual novels by Minori
Studio: Shaft
Staff: Director Onuma Shin (Pani Poni Dash!, Negima!?) returns
Episode count: 12
Music: Tenmon
Opening Theme: ebullient future by Elisa
-The first time I’ve heard/seen the word ebullient used in a song title. Do these Japanese try to make song names sound grander by picking the most ridiculous sounding word in the dictionary?
Ending Theme: Ending Theme by various seiyuu
Seiyuu: Ito Shizuka & Furusawa Tohru are the new additions to the anime cast, which includes Nakajima Yumiko, Tochika Koichi & Goto Mai
Radio Show: A rebranded version of the earlier radio show hosted on Onsen.ag started airing in July. Yumiko & Yuna no ef-melo Radio is hosted by Nakajima Yumiko & Nekoneko Tenshi Yuna.

Garei –Zero- [喰霊 -零-]

Nutshelled: A complete reworking of a shonen manga about people seeing evil spirits
Source: Manga by Takenashi Eri (TYPE-MOON staff)
Studio: asread & AIC Spirits
Staff: Directed by Aoki Ei (Girls Bravo), scripted by Takayama Katsuhiko (ef)
Episode count: ?
Music: Agematsu Noriyasu
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: Maeno Tomoaki (Dojo from Toshokan Senso) and Kitamura Eri are the leads, supported by Kakihara Tetsuya, Koyama Rikiya & Fukuen Misato
Radio Show: No
Comments: The promo pic reminds me of Pumpkin Scissors. I wonder if the manga was really so bad that they chose to use original stories, setting and characters?

Hakushaku to Yosei [伯爵と妖精]

Nutshelled: Historical fantasy show about a Victorian-era girl obsessed with fairies.
Source: Light novels by Tani Mizue
Studio: Artland
Staff: Directed by Sohtome Koichiro
Episode count: ?
Music: Gokita Takehiko
Opening Theme: FEELING by AciD FLavoR
Ending Theme: my fairy by Midorikawa Hikaru

Seiyuu: Koyasu Takehito, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ohara Sayaka, Miyano Mamoru & Chafurin not pictured.
Radio Show: Niko no Yosei Ochakai hosted by Hiro Yuki, with regular guest appearances

Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden Ten no Haoh [北斗の拳 ラオウ外伝 天の覇王]

Nutshelled: Side story told from the viewpoint of antagonist Raoh
Source: Manga by Buronson & Hara Tetsuo
Studio: Satelight
Staff: Directed by Abe Masashi (Blue Gender)
Episode count: ?
Music: KAZSIN
Opening Theme: Nageki no Endless by jealkb
Ending Theme: Namida no Kawa by mina☆muse
-This will be her debut single. Sample can be heard on her official site, and I’m loving it already.
Seiyuu: Actor Ukaji Takashi is cast as Raoh, backed by established talents like Matsukaze Masaya, Nakahara Mai, Seki Toshihiko and Touchi Hiroki
Radio Show: No

Hyakko [ヒャッコ]

Nutshelled: Yet another slapstick high school comedy, this time focusing on four female misfits.
Source: Manga by Kato Haruaki
Studio: Nippon Animation
Staff: First time steering the whole ship for animator/illustrator Fukuda Michio. He has worked on things like Hachikuro, Ouran and Pani Poni Dash but we’ll see if he can make the step up
Episode count: 13
Music: Takanashi Yasuharu, Mizutani Hiromi & Fujisawa Kenji
Opening Theme: Suppin Rock by Ogawa Mana
Ending Theme: Namida NAMIDA Namida (涙 NAMIDA ナミダ) by Hirano Aya
-Both songs are produced by Tsunku♂, who’s capable of writing good and dreadful songs in equal measure.

Seiyuu: Complemented by the likes of Horie Yui, Kaida Yuko, Kuwashima Houko & Nakase Asuka
Radio Show: No

Inazuma Eleven [イナズマイレブン]

Nutshelled: Football (soccer) anime
Source: Nintendo DS game of the same name
Studio: OLM
Staff: Akiyama Katsuhito (Dual!, Pumpkin Scissors) directs
Episode count: ?
Music: Mitsuda Yasunori
-Yes, he of Chrono Trigger and Xenosaga fame
Opening Theme: Tachi Agari yo. T-Pistonz
Ending Theme: Seishun Oden. twe’lv
Seiyuu: Same as the ones in the game – Takeuchi Junko (Naruto), Orikasa Fumiko, Kobayashi Sanae, Nojima Hirofumi & Yoshino Hiroyuki. Kids’ anime always get good cast members…
Radio Show: No

Jigoku Shojo Mitsuganae [地獄少女 三鼎]

Nutshelled: Yay threequel. Ippen shinde miru?
Source: Original
Studio: Studio DEEN
Staff: Watanabe Hiroshi directs again
Episode count: 26
Music: Takanashi Yasuharu & Mizutani Hiromi
Opening Theme: Tsukihana by Kitade Nana
Ending Theme: Ichinuke by Noto Mamiko
-Why must they persist with making her sing?
Seiyuu: Shiina Hekiru crawls out of her cocoon to rejoin the voice acting world
Radio Show: No

Junjo Romantica 2 [純情ロマンチカ2]

Nutshelled: Buttsecks! Yaoi! Wooh!
Source: Manga by Nakamura Shungiku
Studio: Studio DEEN
Staff: Directed by a flock of seagulls Kon Chiaki
Episode count: ?
Music: MOKA☆
Opening Theme: Shodo by Pigstar
Ending Theme: Aioi by JUNED
Seiyuu: Sakurai Takahiro, Hanada Hikaru, Toriumi Kosuke etc etc etc
Radio Show: Junjo Triangle~Iza, Junjo ni Shobu!!~ hosted by Hanada, Ito Kentaro & Kishio Daisuke

Kannagi [かんなぎ]

Nutshelled: Some female deity is pissed off at a hapless teenage dude for wrecking her tree
Source: Manga by Takenashi Eri (TYPE-MOON staff)
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Staff: Directed by Yamamoto Yutaka (aka Yamakan) & scripted by Kurata Hideyuki (ROD)
Episode count: 13
Music: Kosaki Satoru (Haruhi)
Opening Theme: Motto Hade ni ne! by Tomatsu Haruka
Ending Theme: Musuhi no Toki by Tomatsu Haruka

Seiyuu: Hoshino Mitsuaki, Nakahara Mai & Hayamizu Risa are also involved.
Radio Show: Kannagi Radio hosted by Tomatsu Haruka & Hanazawa Kana
Comments: Like others, my interest in Kannagi is fueled by Yamakan’s involvement. He’s still pissed off about being fired from Lucky Star, so it’ll be interesting to see if he channels his anger productively.

Kemeko Deluxe! [ケメコデラックス！]

Nutshelled: A high-school boy is perpetually bothered by a green-haired robot thing that sprouts a beautiful pink-haired girl
Source: Manga by Iwasaki Masakazu
Studio: HAL Film Maker
Staff: Directed by Mizushima Tsutomu (Hale+Guu, Dokuro), scripted by Narita Yoshimi (Precure)
Episode count: ?
Music: Takagi Ryuji
-who is one half of INVOICE, who did the El-Hazard song ILLUSION many moons ago
Opening Theme: Kemeko Deluxe! by Saito Chiwa, Tomatsu Haruka, Takahashi Mikako, Kugimiya Rie, Shiraishi Ryoko, Kawasumi Ayako & Goto Mai
-The full version has already been played on radio shows and I hate it. Sounds like the Baccano! theme mashed together with Motteke! Sailor Fuku. As you can imagine, having 7 people (most of whom can’t hold a tune) singing on a song does not produce pretty results – no wonder the staff had a difficult time recording it.
Ending Theme: Purippurin Taiso by Saito Chiwa

Seiyuu: Kitamura Eri is the high-school kid, Saito Chiwa is the green weirdo & Tomatsu Haruka is the pink beauty. Others not pictured include Endo Aya & Mitsuishi Kotono.
Radio Show: The Kemeko staff blog has promised one, but no news yet on who, when and where.
Comments: I’m counting on Kemeko to fill the comedy slot soon to be vacated by Kyoran in my schedule.

Kido Senshi Gundam 00 Season 2 [機動戦士ガンダム00 セカンドシーズン]

Nutshelled: Manly mecha fights interspersed with yaoireflective moments
Source: Gundam, the visual anime bible
Studio: Sunrise
Staff: Directed by Mizushima Seiji, scripted by Kuroda Yosuke
Episode count: 25
Music: Kawai Kenji
Opening Theme: Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi by UVERWorld
Ending Theme: Prototype by Ishikawa Chiaki
Seiyuu: Tomatsu Haruka, Kawashima Tokuyoshi, Yao Kazuki, Shiratori Tetsu, Paku Romi, Saiga Mitsuki, Okiayu Ryotaro, Egawa Hisao, Inada Tetsu, Hayamizu Risa, Shiraishi Ryoko & Ohtomo Ryuzaburo join an already oversaturated cast.
Radio Show: Celestial Station 00 has been on Radio Osaka since 2007, hosted by Miyano Mamoru & Irino Miyu, assisted by Sato Arise & Takagaki Ayahi and featuring a variety of guests.

Kurogane no Linebarrels [鉄のラインバレル]

Nutshelled: Kid wakes up with superpowers, uses mecha to save the world.
Source: Manga by Shimizu Eiichi & Shimoguchi Tomohiro
Studio: GONZO
Staff: Directed by Hidaka Masamitsu, produced by Taniguchi Goro, designs by Hirai Hisashi
Episode count: 24
Music: Corniche
Opening Theme: Kitei no Tsurugi by Ali Project
Ending Theme: Ame ga Furu by Sakamoto Maaya
Seiyuu: All star cast featuring the likes of Kakihara Tetsuya, Noto Mamiko, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ueda Kana, Kugimiya Rie… the list goes on & on.
Radio Show: Kurogane no Linebarrels~Countdown no Hoso hosted by Kakihara Tetsuya & Noto Mamiko
Comments: Hisashi Hirai’s designs are terrible as always. Everyone looks like Kira Yamato.

Kuroshitsuji [黒執事]

Nutshelled: Butler anime featuring a perfect being serving a noble English family. With the surname Phantomhive…
Source: Manga by Toboso Yana
Studio: A-1 Pictures Inc.
Staff: Directed by Shinohara Toshiya (Inuyasha movies, Gunparade Orchestra), scripted by Okada Mari (true tears, Simoun)
Episode count: ?
Music: Iwasaki Taku
Opening Theme: Monochrome Kiss by Sid
Ending Theme: I’m Alive by Becca

Seiyuu: Not pictured: Paku Romi, Suwabe Junichi, Touchi Hiroki & Tamura Yukari.
Radio Show: Phantom Midnight Radio hosted by Kaji Yuki & Ono Daisuke.
Comments: How come I never met any Phantomhives during my years in the UK? It was always Joneses and Smiths and Robinsons…

KUROZUKA [黒塚-KUROZUKA-]

Nutshelled: A 12th century shogun wannabe meets woman, falls in love with woman and somehow ends up being immortal.
Source: Manga by Noguchi Takashi
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: Directed by Araki Tetsuro (Death Note)
Episode count: 12
Music: ?
Opening Theme: SYSTEMATIC PEOPLE by WAGDUG FUTURISTIC UNITY feat. Maximum Ryo-kun
-WFU is the side project of Mad Capsule Markets frontman Kyono and this song is a collaboration with Max Ryo-kun from MAXIMUM THE HORMONE.
Ending Theme: Hanarebanare by Shigi

Seiyuu: The lead is Miyano Mamoru. Also part of the cast are Nakata Jouji, Fujiwara Keiji, Miki Shinichiro, Irino Miyu, Inoue Kazuhiko, Okawa Toru, Ginga Banjo, Fujita Toshiko etc
Radio Show: No

Kyo no 5 no 2 [今日の5の2]

Nutshelled: A TV version of the popular toilet humour filled OVA
Source: Manga by Sakuraba Coharu (Minami-ke)
Studio: XEBEC replaces Doumu
Staff: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi (長澤 剛) is a first time director
Episode count: 13
Music: Haneoka Kei (Negima!?)
Opening Theme: Nisemono by Friends
Ending Theme: ? by Friends
-Friends is a temp seiyuu unit featuring 6 of the cast members.

Seiyuu: Entire OVA cast has been replaced – no Mamiko, Kana or Minorin. Instead we get a bunch of promising young seiyuu (Shimoda, Akesaka, Takagaki Ayahi), an unknown (Yamato Megumi) and a gorilla (Kobayashi). I’m not as pissed off as others about the changes because I like Shimoda, Akesaka and Kobayashi.
Radio Show: No
Comments: Most retarded character designs of the season.

Live On CARDLIVER Kakeru [ライブオン CARDLIVER 翔]

Nutshelled: Looks like another kids’ show featuring card battles
Source: Manga by Aiyah Ball
Studio:
Staff: Directed by Tsuji Hatsuki (Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Masters GX)
Episode count: ?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: Ishikawa Shizuka, Suzuki Masami, Orikasa Fumiko, Kawada Shinji & Matsuno Taiki have been confirmed.
Radio Show: No

Macademi WAsshoi! [まかでみWAっしょい！]

Nutshelled: Kid attends magic academy, accidentally summons mega powerful goddess
Source: Light novels by Sakaki Ichiro (Scrapped Princess)
Studio: ZEXCS
Staff: Directed by Kanesaki Takaomi
Episode count: ?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: M☆O☆S☆O Ranbu by MAchuRI (Ise Mariya, Miyazaki Ui & Fukui Yukari)
Ending Theme: Pastel by Murata Ayumi

Seiyuu: Not pictured – Kawasumi Ayako, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Sato Rina, Suwabe Junichi & Matsuki Miyu
Radio Show: Ui to Yukari no Macademi Radio, hosted at Anista.tv or Media Factory by Miyazaki & Fukui.

Michiko to Hatchin [ミチコとハッチン]

Nutshelled: Travelogues of a ’sexy prison escapee’ and a runaway teenage girl
Source: Original
Studio: manglobe (Samurai Champloo, ergo proxy)
Staff: Directed by Yamamoto Sayo, who has previously only done storyboards etc for Kemonozume & Samurai Champloo
Episode count: ?
Music: Kassin
Opening Theme: ? by SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS
-OMG, hardcore jazz – can’t wait to hear what song they’ll be coming up with.
Ending Theme: ? by Karutetto
Seiyuu: Mostly drama/theatre actors, including Maki Yoko & Ohgo Suzuka, who was in the just ended Shibatora dorama with Koike Teppei.
Radio Show: No

Moryo no Hako [魍魎の匣]

Nutshelled: Private investigator attempts to unravel a series of grisly murders of schoolgirls who end up dismembered and boxed.
Source: Novel by Kyogoku Natsuhiko
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: Designs by CLAMP, directed by Nakamura Ryosuke (Death Note)
Episode count: 13
Music:
Opening Theme: Lost in Blue by Nightmare
Ending Theme: NAKED LOVE by Nightmare

Seiyuu: Hirata Hiroaki’s first lead role in ages, and a huge support cast including Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Namikawa Daisuke, Kuwashima Houko, Hisakawa Aya and the list stretches on for a mile
Radio Show: No
Comments: Will be interesting to see how this compares to the movie version starring Tsutsumi Shinichi.

Negibozu no Asataro [ねぎぼうずのあさたろう]

Nutshelled: Travel tales of an onion-headed hero
Source: Picture books by Iino Kazuyoshi
Studio: Toei
Staff: Directed by Ikeda Yoko
Episode count: ?
Music: Maruyama Kazunori
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?

Radio Show: No
Comments: There have already been 7 volumes of the books published, so I guess someone out there must be reading them.

Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen [のだめカンタービレ 巴里編]

Nutshelled: Chiaki-senpai goes to France in a sequel to the popular anime that aired last year
Source: Manga by Ninomiya Tomoko
Studio: J.C.Staff
Staff: Same staff as the first – Kon Chiaki directs.
Episode count: 11
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Sky High by Gospellers
-I hate Gospellers. Their a capella singing is fine, but their songs are awful.
Ending Theme: Tokyo et Paris by Miyamoto Emiri x solita
Seiyuu: Ohara Sayaka, Ito Shizuka, Asanuma Shintaro, Hino Satoshi, Morikawa Toshiyuki & Kiyokawa join Seki Tomokazu and Kawasumi Ayako.
Radio Show: No

Noramimi 2 [のらみみ2]

Nutshelled: Yet another sequel, to some kids’ show that nobody watched
Source: Manga by Hara Kazuo
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Staff: Directed by Koyama Yoshitaka (Louie the Rune Soldier)
Episode count: ?
Music: Nakagawa Ko
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?

Radio Show: No

One Outs [ワンナウツ]

Nutshelled: Baseball anime, with a gambling twist
Source: Manga by Kaitani Shinobu
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: Directed by Sato Yuzo (Kaiji, Akagi)
Episode count: ?
Music: Matsumoto Akihiko (Bayside Shakedown OST, Resident Evil Outbreak)
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: Hagiwara Masato (Kaiji, Akagi) is in the lead role again.
Radio Show: No

Rosario to Vampire CAPU2 [ロザリオとバンパイア CAPU2]

Nutshelled: There were pants and nosebleeds in the first season. What are the chances of the pattern being repeated this time round?
Source: Manga by Ikeda Akihisa
Studio: GONZO
Staff: Space aliens Directed by Inagaki Takayuki once again.
Episode count: 1-cour
Music: Tanaka Kohei
Opening Theme: DISCOTHEQUE by Mizuki Nana
Ending Theme: Trinity Cross by Mizuki Nana
Seiyuu: Same cast – Kishio Daisuke, Mizuki Nana, Kugimiya Rie & Koyama Kimiko joined by Saito Chiwa.
Radio Show: The first season had one hosted by Fukuen Misato & Koyama Kimiko at Onsen.ag, no news on a second one

Shikabane-hime Aka [屍姫 赫]

Nutshelled: Undead girl bids to reach heaven by killing people.
Source: Manga by Akahito Yoshiichi
Studio: GAINAX & feel.
Staff: Directed by Murata Masahiko (Gilgamesh)
Episode count: 13
Music: Sumitomo Norihito
-First time composing for anime, mainly works on dorama and film soundtracks
Opening Theme: Beautiful fighter by angela
Ending Theme: My story by angela
Seiyuu: Gravure idol/talent Akiyama Nana has been cast as lead character Hoshimura Makina… let’s hope she’s gotten some intense voice acting lessons. She does have more experienced seiyuu like Chiba Saeko, Suwabe Junichi & Fujiwara Keiji backing her though.
Radio Show: No
Comments: Aka is only the first part of the Shikabane Hime tale and will be followed by Kuro in 2009.

Shugo Chara!! Dokki [しゅごキャラ！！どきっ]

Nutshelled: Magical girls, eggs, crazy fangirls…
Source: Manga by Peach Pit
Studio: Satelight
Staff: Directed by Yasuda Kenji
Episode count: ?
Music: Di’LL
Opening Theme: Minna no Tamago by Shugo Chara Egg
-New unit featuring members of Hello! Pro Egg.
Ending Theme: ?

Seiyuu: The cast from the first season return, which means more Mizuki Nana too, I guess.
Radio Show: Kikeba iijan! Shugo ChaRadio hosted on official site by Ito, Asumi Kana, Kato & Toyosaki

Skip Beat! [スキップ・ビート!,]

Nutshelled: A typical shojo tale featuring lots of angst, pop idols and daikon peeling.
Source: Manga by Nakamura Yoshiki
Studio: Hal Film Maker
Staff: Directed by Sayama Kiyoko (Vampire Knight)
Episode count: ?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Dream Star by the generous
-the generous have been generating quite a bit of buzz in the Jpop scene, being rocker Yazawa Eikichi’s daughter Yoko’s project with musician Ohnishi Katsumi (who has worked with Hotei Tomoyasu). A demo song has been posted on their official site, and it’s all sounding good so far.
Ending Theme: Namida by 2BACKKA
-Rap trio who have collaborated with the likes of Bennie K. Namida is produced by GReeeeN producer Jin

Seiyuu: Kawanago Masahito & Hayamizu Risa also involved
Radio Show: No

Tales of the Abyss [テイルズ オブ ジ アビス]

Nutshelled: Game to anime adaptation. Does that format ever work?
Source: PS2 game of the same name
Studio: Sunrise
Staff: Directed by Kodama Kenji (Conan, City Hunter, Kekkaishi)
Episode count: 26
Music: Sakuraba Motoi
-Also composed for the game, has extensive list of credits including most Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile games.
Opening Theme: Karma by BUMP OF CHICKEN
-Boo, old song. Karma was also the theme for the game – BoC frontman Fujiwara Motoo also composed some songs for the soundtrack.
Ending Theme: Boken Suisei by Enomoto Kurumi
-Talented singer-songwriter who has had very little mainstream success. Boken Suisei is written by Fujiwara Motoo, and the Tales association may bring her a little more attention.
Seiyuu: The game cast is retained, which means more Suzuki Chihiro, Yukana, Koyasu Takehito, Momoi Halko etc etc
Radio Show: No

Tentai Tenshi Sunred [天体戦士サンレッド]

Nutshelled: Superhero spoof.
Source: Manga by Kubota Makoto which runs in Young Gangan
Studio: AIC Asta
Staff: Seto no Hanayome staff members, including director Kishi Seiji.
Episode count: 26
Music: Kakijima Shinji
Opening Theme: Mizonoguchi Taiyozoku by Manzo
-This is the same Manzo that sang opening themes for Genshiken.
Ending Theme: Tori Tango Nabe by Morino Kumahachi
Seiyuu: Lesser known people like Takagi Shun [one half of SMILY☆SPIKY with Miyano Mamoru] & Nabei Makiko, as well as manzai combis Hige Danshaku & Tokyo Tights.
Radio Show: No

To Aru Majutsu no Index [とある魔術の禁書目録]

Nutshelled: Heavenly mix of nuns and the supernatural
Source: Light novel series by Kamachi Kazuma
Studio: J.C.Staff
Staff: Directed by Nishikori Hiroshi (Azumanga Daioh)
Episode count: ?
Music: I’ve sound
Opening Theme: PSI-missing by Kawada Mami
Ending Theme: Rimless~Fuchinashi no Sekai~ by IKU
-WTF is up with those weird song titles.

Seiyuu: What is that crappy small picture *mumble* Anyway, others who will feature include Okamoto Nobuhiko, Koyami Kimiko & Katsu Anri.
Radio Show: To Aru Radio no Index is hosted by Iguchi Yuka & Sato Rina

Toradora! [とらドラ！]

Nutshelled: Two bad-tempered twits find joy in abusing each other
Source: Manga by Takemiya Yuyuko
Studio: J.C.Staff
Staff: Directed by Nishikori Hiroshi (Azumanga Daioh)
Episode count: ?
Music: Hashimoto Yukari
-First time composing an anime soundtrack but is a very prolific anison writer
Opening Theme: Preparade by Kugimiya Rie, Horie Yui & Kitamura Eri
Ending Theme: Vanilla Salt by Horie Yui

Seiyuu: Kitamura Eri & Tanaka Rie not in picture
Radio Show: Toradoradio! hosted by Majima Junji & Kitamura Eri

Tytania [タイタニア]

Nutshelled: Epic space opera
Source: Novels by Tanaka Yoshiki (Legend of the Galactic Heroes)
Studio: Artland
Staff: Directed by the legendary (and very old) Ishiguro Noboru, though he’s probably just going to sit back in his armchair and bark orders at chief director Ito Koji
Episode count: 26
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Ano sora o, Yuke by Nishikiori Ken
-Oh god, opera to go with a space opera. I’m having Akikawa Masafumi-related nightmares already.
Ending Theme: LOST IN SPACE by Psychic Lover
-And opera is being countered by… Psychic Lover? A real WTF OP-ED combination if I ever saw one.

Seiyuu: Strong cast also features Hoshi Soichiro, Ono Atsushi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Yahagi Sayuri & Kusao Takeshi.
Radio Show: No

Vampire Knight Guilty [ヴァンパイア騎士 Guilty]

Nutshelled: Unlike the other vampire anime, this will feature less blood coming out from the nose and more from other body orifices. I think.
Source: Manga by Hino Matsuri
Studio: Studio Deen
Staff: Sayama Kiyoko takes the reins again.
Episode count: 13?
Music: Haketa Takefumi
Opening Theme: Rondo by ON/OFF
Ending Theme: Suna no Oshiro by Wakeshima Kanon

Seiyuu: Lol Fukuyama sexy legs
Radio Show: Cross Gakuen Hosobu is hosted by a selection of male cast members

Yozakura Quartet [夜桜四重奏]

Nutshelled: Superhero teens protect the city from supernatural threats
Source: Manga by Yasuda Suzuhito
Studio: Nomad
Staff: Directed by Matsuo Ko (Rozen Maiden, RED GARDEN, kure-nai)
Episode count: 12
Music: Dobashi Akio & Ivan Kral
Opening Theme: JUST TUNE by savage genius
Ending Theme: Nagareboshi by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino

Seiyuu: Ono Daisuke also features. Director Matsuo favours pre-scoring (recording voice actors’ lines before any animation has been done), which isn’t something that happens very often & can produce interesting results (refer to kure-nai). Half of the ‘quartet’ have worked with Matsuo before – Sawashiro Miyuki has in fact been in every anime that he’s been the chief director of, whilst Fukuen was in RED GARDEN. The other two had never done puresuko prior to this. Hopefully Fujita can prove there’s more to her than being Hatsune Miku.
Radio Show: Sakurashin-cho Chonai Hoso hosted by Kaji Yuki & Fukuen Misato
Comments: I’m following this mainly because of director Matsuo’s track record – I wonder how he’ll do with a more conventional (for anime) plot & setting than he usually does.

Zettai Yareru Grecia Shinwa [絶対やれるギリシャ神話]

Nutshelled: Live-action/animation hybrid exploring male-female relationships via Greek mythology, ecchi style
Source: Original
Studio: Hoichoi Productions
Staff: ?
Episode count: ?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: The live-action portion features actor Watanabe Ikkei and gravure idol Iwasa Mayuko
Radio Show: No chance in hell
Comments: This has got to be the show with the best description this season. Really.

Useless statistics:
No. of shows covered in this guide: 41
No. of shows with an exclamation mark in the title: 5
No. of sequels, sidestories, prequels, remakes, blah: 13
No. of original shows not based on a manga, game, novels or random gimmick (& not including sequels): 2
No. of shows with a theme song by one of the seiyuu: 10

Stuff I have to say:
-I see Madhouse are adopting J.C.Staff’s ‘I like to stick my fingers into too many puddings’ mentality
-Kemeko DX!, Chaos;HEAd & Yozakura Quartet are my current picks but I’m sure at least one of them will turn out to suck, and I know there’ll be the one or two hidden gems in the rough a la true tears & kure-nai
-In fact I am already looking ahead to the winter season where Marimite & Natsume Yujincho 2 await
-Where’s my iyashikei anime
-My seiyuu face recognition skills are deteriorating
-Once again, the theme songs are offering up a surprising selection of artists & bands I’d never have pegged as doing anime songs (Color Bottle, Enomoto Kurumi,SOIL&PIMP)
-I am starting to hate fluid width layouts, I had a hard time fixing everything so it wouldn’t look too stupid in 1280x**** screen resolutions
-It seems everyone and his monkey are doing season guides/previews these days – I will gracefully retire from the scene after this

There is a separate post focusing on the seiyuu side coming up very soon.