Here are just about all the series and OVAs scheduled to start this fall, according to the Japanese site
MoonPhase -- 35 series and seven OVAs. I've tried to give a story intro, show a pic, and talk about the staff and cast of each one. Click images to enlarge.
Nothing seems like an instant classic, but there are plenty of shows to try, including Kyoto Animation's long-awaited
Clannad; a new
Gundam;
Shion no Ou, starring Kawasumi Ayako and Paku Romi, about a schoolgirl chess prodigy who stopped speaking as a child when her parents were killed before her eyes;
Blue Drop, which involves a relationship between a high-school girl and a female alien spy;
Nougami Neuro, the detective from hell;
DaCapo II;
Mokke, about two sisters who see and interact with spirits, starring
Kawasumi Ayako and
Mizuki Nana; Sketchbook, which is from a 4-panel comic and may have echoes of Lucky Star and Hidamari Sketch; Dragonaut, made by Gonzo but starring VAs associated with KyoAni;
Bamboo Blade, seinen school comedy from a popular manga;
Genshiken 2;
Shakugan no Shana 2;
KimiKiss, with its excellent staff and cast;
ef - a tale of memories, a game conversion made by Oonuma Shin, working under Shinbou, and with music by Tenmon; a new
Tsubasa OVA with a new staff, written by the person who wrote
Cardcaptor Sakura; and possibly the most interesting of all:
Ghost Hound, Production IG's 20th anniversary production, written by the writer of
Lain.
Shows are listed by day of the week, with OVAs last. English titles are linked to each show's Anime News Network information page. Japanese titles are linked to the show's official site. And there is a link to the informative discussions of each show in the AnimeSuki forums. Everyone will have different preferences, but shows that seem interesting to me
are in
red.
Sunday
Maple Story メイプルストーリー. Based on a Korean free MMORPG that recently reached 1.6 million registrants. The anime is intriguing for its staff and cast. Director Ishiyama Takaaki did
Otogijushi Akazukin, which was beautifully made, and there are hints of a similar world here.
Lead writer Inoue Toshiki adapted
Death Note and
Sumomomo Momomo, as well as doing all or most of the
Galaxy Angel series. And we have Kuwashima Houko and Endou Aya (Miyuki in
Lucky Star) in the cast. Madhouse. oct07 sun08:30
AnimeSuki.
Pururun Shizuku-chan ぷるるんっ！しずくちゃん. Early-morning kids' show starring a raindrop in a beautiful forest that it wants to preserve. The director is directing his first show in seven years.
The only
seiyuu I recognize is Yuzuki Ryoka (Minagi in
AIR, Eruruu in
Utawarerumono). TMS. oct07 sun09:00 AnimeSuki.
Mokke もっけ. Fantasy mystery-drama based on a
seinen manga. Shizuru and Mizuki are sisters born in a family with spiritual abilities. The elder sister, Shizuru, is able to see spirits; the younger, Mizuki, is easily possessed by them. As their calm and peaceful days of youth progress, the sisters have many encounters which lead them to respect and treasure life and all its beauties and marvels. (
anidb.net)
With an interesting set-up, animation by Madhouse, and Kawasumi Ayako and Mizuki Nana as the leads, this could be a sleeper — unless it's aimed too young. Directed by Nishida Masayoshi, who did
Eyeshield, adapted by Nagatsu Seiko (
Splash Star) from the manga. Madhouse. oct07 sun23:30
AnimeSuki.
Rental Magica レンタルマギカ. Great cast, decent director. From a
shounen novel that has spawned both a
shounen and a
shoujo manga. About an agency that hires out magicians of all kinds.
Kawasaki Itsurou directed
Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuko wo and
Canvas2. Written by Ikeda Mamiko (
Emma2, Keroro Gunso, Umishou). Stars include Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch), Ueda Kana (Yumi from
Marimite), Takahashi Mikako (Ayu from
Honey & Clover), Suwabe Junichi (Archer from
F/SN), Kugimiya Rie (Shana), Itou Shizuka (Wilhelmina from
Shana), Ono Daisuke (Kazuya in
Kaze no Stigma). The preview shows good animation -- and that this series probably isn't for me. ZEXCS. oct10 sun24:00
AnimeSuki.
Prism Ark プリズム・アーク. Fantasy adventure-romance set in an alternative-universe medieval crusades era. Giant flying dragons, school uniforms, and medieval moe included. Based on an ero-game. The game has a very good reputation, particularly for its visuals.
Interesting cast: Sakakibara Yui (singer, Haruhi in
Happiness), Kakihara Tetsuya, Nabatame Hitomi, Mizuhashi Kaori, Momoi Halko, Asakawa Yuu (Rider in
Fate/Stay Night), Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna in
Negima!?), Asano Masumi, Gotou Saori (Barasuishou in
Rozen Maiden), Koyama Kimiko (Uzuki in
Happy Lesson).
Director Obari Masami did
Angel Blade, the
Gravion shows and
Dancouga Nova. Writer Hosono Yuuji did
Trinity Blood, Ray, and
Pumpkin Scissors. Animation by FRONTLINE. oct07 sun24:30
AnimeSuki.
Minami-ke みなみけ. Three sisters living alone. A
seinen slice-of-life comedy from a manga by the author of
Today in Class 2-5. The manga has a bit of that show's fanservice. What worries me is that the animation house, Doumu, had its credibility damaged by the great inconsistency of the animation in
Yoake-mae yori Ruri-iro na ~ Crescent Love, and that show's director, Oota Masahijo, is doing this show, too. As with
Futakoi (also produced by Starchild), a second series with the same name and a completely different staff -- but maybe the same voice actors -- will begin in January.
Great cast includes Satou Rina (Negi in
Negima) as the responsible elder sister; Inoue Marina (Yoko in
Gurren-Lagann) as the rambunctious middle sister; Chihara Minori (Yuki in
Suzumiya Haruhi, in her third starring role this season) as the quiet youngest sister; Mizuki Nana; Morinaga Rika (Mamiina in
Simoun); Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in
Gurren-Lagann); Ono Daisuke (in his third role of the fall); and Kitamura Eri (also in her third role). oct10 sun25:30
AnimeSuki.
Juushin Enbu - Hero Tales 獣神演武 - HERO TALES -. Shounen historical action. Taitou and his sister Laila learn that he is the incarnation of a mysterious star. This gives him great power he has yet fully to master. From a manga drawn (but not written) by Arakawa Hiromu, who did both on
FMA. Anime adaptation by Sekijima Mayori (
Kaze no Stigma, Zegapain).
The preview was a pleasing combination of heroic and comic, and some people are very enthusiastic, but it worries me that this is directed by Sekita Osamu (
Ichigo 100%). Good cast includes Suzumura Kenichi (Asuka Shinn in
Gundam), Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Yuuki Tai (the Chevalier D'Eon), Hayami Shou (Julious in
Angelique), Kanda Akemi, Kaida Yuko and Fukuyama Jun. Studio Flag. oct07 sun26:00
AnimeSuki.
Monday
Bonolon ~Fushigi na Mori no Ii Tsutae ボノロン ～不思議な森のいいつたえ～. Bonoron is a young spirit born from the great trees in a forest. He travels through the forest solving problems and righting wrongs. nov05 mon08:25
Chocomimi チョコミミ.
Shoujo kids' manga will be presented in a combination of live action and flash animation. Details still unavailable. oct01 mon17:30
Bamboo Blade Bamboo Blade (jp).
Seinen comedy. High-school
kendo instructor Kojirou is broke. He agrees to send his all-girl team to a competition against his
senpai's team. If his team can win, he will have free meals for a year! But the problem is that Kojirou can't find five girls to form his "dream team" — and time is running out. (from the
Fifay scanlation group via NeoSam's post on AnimeSuki).
The cast is highly promising: Hirohashi Ryou, Toyoguchi Megumi, Kuwashima Houko, Satou Rina, Konishi Katsuyuki, Ishida Akira (voted top supporting voice of 2006 for Athrun Zala in
Gundam), et al. Director Saitou Hisashi is new, but has done key animation on many good shows:
Lodoss, Planetes, F/SN, Tokyo Majin. Writer Kurata Hideyuki did
R.O.D., Now & Then and
Kamichu. And the manga has a lot of fans.
AIC A.S.T.A. oct01 mon25:30
AnimeSuki.
Sketchbook ~full color's~ スケッチブック ～full color's～ Promising slice-of-life anime centred on a shy girl who likes sketching. Like
Lucky Star and
Hidamari Sketch, it comes from a 4-panel comic strip and features "tiny things that happen to anyone, any day...lots of laughs, and just a bit of heartfelt emotion."
Lovely cast stars Hanazawa Kana (Shiika in
Mushiuta, Ryouko in
Zegapain), with Saitou Momoko (Solty Rei), Nakase Asuka (Itsuki in
I"s Pure), Hirohashi Ryou, Tamura Yukari, Asano Masumi (Najimi in
Doujin Work), Kuwatani Natsuko (Suiseiseki in
Rozen Maiden).
Director Hiraike Yoshimasa did
Solty Rei. The manga was adapted by Okada Mari (
Otoboku, many eps of
Simoun). Animation by Hal Filmmaker. oct01 mon26:00
AnimeSuki.
Kawaii! Jenny Kawaii! ジェニー. This is listed on MoonPhase, but appears to be less an anime than a special effects film, featuring animated dolls. Directed by Kawakita Kouichi, a veteran director who did a number of Godzilla films. Written by Urasawa Yoshio, who did
Fushigi Yuugi and
Nerima Daikon Brothers. 13eps. sep24 mon26:30
Tuesday
Kaiji カイジ. This promises to be something unusual. Kaiji is a layabout and gambler who is saddled with a friend's huge gambling debt and ends up on a ship where he has to win at gambling to get free. He is far from brilliant, but with his back against the wall, he somehow keeps coming through, despite the presence of some very evil bad guys. He is apparently weak, selfish and stupid, but is nevertheless a rich character liked by fans of both sexes — there is male nudity in the manga, and there are almost no female characters.
Stars Hagiwara Masato, who was Akagi in
Akagi and Takuya in
The Place Promised in Our Early Days. Director Sato Yuzo did
Akagi, which was written by the same
mangaka, Fukumoto Nobuyuki, and also involved gambling. Madhouse. oct02 tue24:59
AnimeSuki.
Suteki Tantei Labyrinth 素敵探偵ラビリンス. Boy detective solves supernatural mysteries in the half-abandoned old capital of Tokyo. From the manga by Manjou Meito and Wakayama Seiji. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki (Shinku in
Rozen Maiden).
Animation Director Akiyama Yukiko did
Black Cat. Lead writer Takahashi Natsuko did
Gakuen Heaven and the weird and wonderful
Koutetsu Sangokushi. Director Watanabe Hiroshi did
Ueki's Law and
Shining TearsxWind. This show is not at the top of my list. Studio Deen. oct02 tue25:30
Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro 魔人探偵 脳噛ネウロ. Yako's father was murdered in a locked room. She meets a man named Nougami Neuro who turns out to be a demon from Hell who "eats riddles." He forces Yako to act as a detective so he can solve mysteries. Neuro longs to eat the ultimate mystery.
Neuro can be "creepy, charismatic, sarcastic, and downright nonchalantly sick."(Nightengale on AnimeSuki). Great leading cast: Koyasu Takehito (Gym Ghingnham in
Turn A Gundam) and Ueda Kana. Long-running Shounen Jump manga. I'll be there to see what's up with this one. Madhouse. oct02 tue25:59
AnimeSuki.
Blue Drop ~Tenshitachi no Gikyoku~ ＢＬＵＥ ＤＲＯＰ ～天使達の戯曲～. Animation of a prequel story to a sexy
yuri shounen manga by the author of
Ray and
Eat-Man. The story involves intended conquest of the Earth by a race of humanoid aliens who are all female. Against a background of school life, affection grows between a human schoolgirl and an alien spy masquerading as a schoolgirl. The alien starts off instinctively hating the schoolgirl, but eventually comes to doubt her own mission of conquest.
The mangas are more
Kashimashi than
Marimite, but intriguing anyway. They create a world. The trailer is good and promises an artistic approach. Strong cast includes Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan), Sawashiro Miyuki (in her fourth show of the season), Gotou Yuuko (Mikuru in
Suzumiya Haruhi, in
her fourth show of the season), Yukino Satsuki (Ai in
Planetes, in her third), Nonaka Ai (Mikan in
Manabi Straight). OPED by Suara/Elements Garden. Director Ohkura Masahiko's second anime, after
Yukikaze. Top sound director Tsuruoka Yota did
Lucky Star, Rozen Maiden, etc. Animation by Ashi, BeSTACK. 13eps. oct02 tue26:00
AnimeSuki.
Night Wizard ナイトウィザード The ANIMATION. From an RPG. Nice character designs. The game involves Wizards fighting against Emulators, creatures immune to physical attack. The director of
Welcome to the NHK (Yamamoto Yuusuke) and a writer who did a lot of work on ARIA (Fujisaki Ayuna) make this seem interesting. Starring Satou Rina, Miyazaki Ui (Iroha in
Sumomomo) and Gotou Yuuko, as well as the male lead from the
Galaxy Railways shows (Yanagi Naoki). HAL Filmmaker. oct02 tue26:00
AnimeSuki.
Myself ; Yourself Myself ; Yourself (jp). Potentially interesting high-school romance from the director and the writer of the fanservice anime,
Chokotto Sister. Great cast features Koyasu Takehito, Koshimizu Ami (Karen in
Code Geass), Tamura Yukari (Nanoha), Kaneda Tomoko (Peach in
Powerpuff Z), Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy in
Black Lagoon), Nakahara Mai (Mai in Mai-HiME).
Tachibana Shinnosuke (Benvolio in
Romeo+Juliet) plays the lead, Sana, who returns to his home town after five years during which his family lived in Tokyo. He finds everyone has changed over the years, and love blooms in what the official site describes as a "heartful love story." I like the sound of that.
Dogakobo. 13eps. oct02 tue26:15
AnimeSuki.
Wednesday
D.C. II ~Da Capo II~ D.C.II ～ダ・カーポII～. New life for the successful
moe/romance franchise. Joining Horie Yui, who has a new role, Chihara Minori enters the cast, along with her co-star from
Venus vs. Virus, Takagaki Ayahi. Also new are Mizuhashi Kaori (Ai in
ARIA), Itou Shizuka, Aoki Sayaka (Kyon's sister) and Yamaguchi Kappei (L from
Death Note).
A capable director is at the helm (Kobayashi Tomoki, who did
sola and
Utawarerumono). The lead writer, Amiyama Saharu, also did
Ai yori Aoshi. And the new character designer, Shimazawa Noriko, should fit right in: she did
Final Approach and
Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru. This could be a good version of the harem genre. Animation by feel. 13eps. oct17 wed24:00
AnimeSuki.
Dragonaut: The Resonance ドラゴノーツ -ザ・レゾナンス-. Space combat on flying armored dragons? Animation by Gonzo (with a first-time director), but starring Ono Daisuke and Chihara Minori from
Suzumiya Haruhi as romantic leads. This is Minorin's third starring role of the fall, along with
DaCapo II and
Minami-ke.
The starry cast also includes KyoAni stalwarts Gotou Yuuko, Sugita Tomokazu, and Hirano Aya (in a minor role). Suwabe Junichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Mizuki Nana, the recently married Chiba Saeko (Natsuki in
Mai-HiME), and Kobayashi Yu round out a truly outstanding group of
seiyuus. And sound director Tsuruoka Yota comes over from KyoAni to guide them.
The preview looks good -- highly romantic -- but the fact that no lead writer is credited on the official site worries me. OP by eufonius. GONZO. oct03 wed25:50
AnimeSuki.
Kodomo no Jikan こどものじかん. A ten-year-old who lives alone with her doting elder brother and keeps throwing herself at her young male teacher? A manga that is full of ecchi scenes between them? But the manga is funny, serious and humane, nonetheless.
An OVA with the same staff and cast as the series was well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri (Saya in Blood+) as Rin and Kadowaki Mai (Behoimi in
PaniPoni) and Shindou Kei as her friends. First major directorial job for experienced animator Suganuma Eiji (
Pumpkin Scissors, Bincho-tan). Watashiya Kaworu's popular manga is adapted by Okada Mari. Studio Barcelona. oct03 wed26:00
AnimeSuki.
Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん. Straight-ahead ecchi harem comedy. The hero is forced by his sexy elder sister to live with a beautiful girl, Mayu, in order to cure her fear of boys: sleep together, bathe together, etc. Then the beautiful
tsuntsun student council president enters the household…as a maid.
The director's last big show was
DN Angel, and the lead writer directed
Black Lagoon and wrote
Tokimeki Memorial.
Tokimeki may be a recommendation to some people, but I disliked that show intensely. However, I look forward to hearing Kadowaki Mai in another major role. Sawashiro Miyuki is the student council pres. The late broadcast time (3am) suggests possible extreme fanservice. AIC Spirits. oct03 wed28:08
AnimeSuki.
Thursday
Ghost Hound 神霊狩/GHOST HOUND. Written by the writer of
Lain (Chiaki J. Konaka) from a concept by the writer of
Ghost in the Shell (Shirow Masamune). Directed by the director of
REC and
Kino no Tabi. VAs include Fukuyama Jun, Houshi Souichirou (Maebara in
Higurashi), and Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan).
"An eternal spiritual story for adults who have the minds of boys." An ancient electronic brain allows interchange between the open and the hidden world. This could be triumph or travesty, but it's Production IG's "20th anniversary" production, so I have high hopes. The trailer animation is interesting. oct18 thu23:30
AnimeSuki.
Moyashimon もやしもん. Also known as "Tales of Agriculture." This is the Noitamina anime for the fall season. It's about a youth who can see and talk to cute chibi bacteria and other microscopic organisms, which gets him into all sorts of trouble. The theme is agriculture - fermenting alcohol, making yogurt, etc. (
Robotic anime blog).
Directed by Yano Yuichirou (
Uninhabited Planet Survive) and adapted from the manga by Takahashi Natsuko (
Gakuen Heaven, Koutetsu Sangokushi). The outline is so weird that one doesn’t know what to expect. The manga has fans. There are some interesting names in the cast: Ohara Sayaka (Alicia Florence in
ARIA), Noto Mamiko, Konishi Katsuyuki (Sergay Wang in
Mai-Otome), Kanda Akemi (Asuna in
Negima). Telecom Animation Film. 11eps. oct11 thu24:45
AnimeSuki.
You're Under Arrest: Full Throttle 逮捕しちゃうぞ フルスロットル. This is the third series, and they are still using the original cast and staff from the mid-90s. If Tamagawa Sakiko is as good as she was as Onashia in
Simoun, she will be wonderful.
Police officers Natsumi and Miyuki ended their partnership after their last adventure, but not for long! They’re reuniting after they’ve gone through extensive training: Natsumi with the Special Ops, and Miyuki with the Los Angeles police forensics. This time, they’ll have big responsibilities: they’ll be saving Tokyo City. ("Toua", AnimeSuki). Studio Deen. oct04 thu25:25
AnimeSuki.
Shakugan no Shana II 灼眼のシャナII. Second season of the wildly popular Shana. Personally, the only things I liked about the first season were the character design (originally by Itou Noizi) and the voices, Kugimiya Rie's in particular. Monsters don't work for me.
Director Watanabe Takashi did
Shana, Starship Operators and
Ikki Tousen. Lead writer Kobayashi Yasuko did
Shana, Claymore, Witchblade, and
Yume Tsukai. In the preview, the characters look either a bit older or a bit closer to the original character design from the novels. JCStaff. oct04 thu25:25
AnimeSuki.
Clannad CLANNAD (jp). One of the most anticipated shows of the fall. KyoAni animates another visual novel by Visual Art's/Key. Director Ishihara Tetsuya did
Kanon, AIR, and
Suzumiya Haruhi. Writer Shimo Fumihiko did
AIR and
Kanon. Glittering cast includes Nakahara Mai, Kanda Akemi, Kuwashima Houko (Shuurei in
Saiunkoku), Nonaka Ai (Iriya), Noto Mamiko, Yukino Satsuki, Enomoto Atsuko (starred in
KareKano), Inoue Kikuko (Belldandy), Hirohashi Ryou (Alice Carroll in
ARIA). The male lead is played by Nakamura Yuuichi (Abe in
Ookiku Furikabutte).
Okazaki Tomoya is a high-school senior who doesn't take his studies seriously. Always late for class, he's seen as a delinquent by the rest of his classmates, who are busy preparing for their entrance examinations. One day he meets a girl, Furukawa Nagisa, all of whose friends have already graduated. What a clumsy girl, he thinks. But while helping her, he meets some other girls. Although he doesn't care much about them at first, he soon opens his heart to them and they get to know each other better. If this has character, relationship and mood approaching what Kanon had, I'll be watching. Kyoto Animation. oct04 thu25:55
AnimeSuki.
Friday
Genshiken 2 げんしけん. Second series of the wonderful tale of a college "Modern Visual Culture" club. Director Yoshimoto Kinji is new, having previously done hentai titles (
Night Shift Nurses: Experiment, Natural Obsessions 2, etc.) Writer Yokote Michiko did the previous series, as well as
Princess Tutu and
Kujibiki Unbalance.
Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, and Kaida Yuki (Shusuke in
Prince of Tennis) join the cast, which already includes Kawasumi Ayako, Yukino Satsuki, Hiyama Nobuyuki (Ri Kouyuu in
Saiunkoku), Ishida Akira, Seki Tomokazu (Chiaki in
Nodame), etc. Not sure what significance there is in the change of animation companies: from Palm Studio for the first series, to Asiadou for the OVA, to Arms for this series. oct12 fri24:00
AnimeSuki.
SaturdaySensei no Chommage ~Sengoku Gakudou Nikki~ 先生のチョンマゲ～戦国学童日記～. Just announced. "Master's Topknot - Diary of a Warring States Student." Appears to be a samurai comedy-drama intended for a younger audience. Slated for a three-season run (~39eps). No details available. oct06 sat07:00.
Tensai? Doctor Hamax 天才？Dr.ハマックス. First full directorial job for Fusegi Kazunobu, who worked on
ARIA and
GITS:SAC. Doctor Hamax solves environmental problems. Nazuka Kaori gets another weekend family anime. Trans-arts w/Production IG. 12eps. oct06 sat08:00
Shugo Chara! しゅごキャラ!. Elementary-school princess Amu finds three mysterious little eggs in her bed. Each egg contains a "Guardian Character". These are angel-like beings that can give a human the power to change their abilities. With help from these Guardian Characters, Amu will discover that her true self is even more amazing than she ever dreamed. (ANN)
Directed by Yasuda Kenji, who directed several episodes of
Noein. Written by Shimada Michiru, who did the adaptations of
Emily of New Moon and
Nanatsuiro Drops. OP/ED by Buono!, which is made up of members of the young-teen idol groups Berryz Koubou and ℃-ute. Intriguing cast includes newcomer Itou Kanae; young Asumi Kana, who was excellent as Yuno in
Hidamari; Kato Nanae, who was Princess Tutu; and the refreshing voice of Toyosaki Aki, who is Amuro in
Umishou. Peach-Pit manga animated by Satelight. oct06 sat09:30
AnimeSuki.
Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 機動戦士ガンダムOO. Outstanding cast and staff promise an interesting 12th Gundam series. The series takes place 300 years from now, on Earth. The main lead, Setsuna F. Seiei (Miyano Mamoru, Light in
Death Note), pilots a mobile suit named Gundam Exia for a mysterious private military organization that is fighting to eradicate the nonstop wars that plague the world. (from "Sety on AnimeSuki).
Miyano is joined by Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in
FMA), Kamiya Hiroshi (Zetsubou Sensei), Honna Youko (Shizuku in
Whisper of the Heart), Irino Miyu (Sena in
Eyeshield 21), Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in
MoonPhase), Ueda Yuuji (Morita in
Honey & Clover), and the surprising Endou Aya (Miyuki in
Lucky Star) in her third show this fall. Director Mizushima Seiji of
FMA is at the helm, with Kuroda Yousuke of
Madlax and
Honey & Clover 2 as lead writer. Music by Kawai Kenji (
FS/N, Higurashi), OP by L'Arc-en-Ciel. Sunrise. oct06 sat18:00
AnimeSuki.
ef - a tale of memories ef - a tale of memories (jp). Game conversion. Protagonist Hirono Hiro, a poor high school boy, draws
shoujo manga for a living. One cold Christmas night after meeting one strange woman in church, his bike is stolen by another strange girl. He runs after her and finds her collapsed on the street. They start hanging out together, enjoying highschool life. Hiro’s life is also strongly influenced by Shindou Kei, his childhood friend. (ANN)
Director Oonuma Shin did a good job with the
Negima!? OVAs, and Akiyuki Shinbou is overseeing the project for Shaft. The adaptation is by Takayama Katsuhiko, who adapted
Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora and edited
KGnE. Music by Tenmon, who does the music for Shinkai Makoto's animes. The music in the preview is godly.
Voice cast of lesser-known VAs comes over from the game. This may be a weak point, since the excellent trailer is marred by stilted, game-like voices. But the trailer hooked me, so I will definitely start this one. Shaft. 12eps. oct6 sat25:35
AnimeSuki.
KimiKiss pure rouge キミキス pure rouge. Fabulous director and cast. Director Kasai Kenichi directed
Major, Honey&Clover, and
Nodame Cantabile. Writer Tsuchiya Rikei did
Major and
Kaikan Phrase. Cast includes Koshimizu Ami, Mizuhashi Kaori, Ikezawa Haruna (Yoshino in
Marimite), Hirohashi Ryou, Tanaka Rie (Hiro in
Hataraki Man), Noto Mamiko, Nogawa Sakura (Nemu in
DaCapo), and Nakahara Mai.
This is baased on a PS2 love-sim and appears to be a harem anime, with the protagonist coming to school in spring determined to get a first kiss from one of the six cute girls who surround him. But the good staff and interesting character design give me hope for something special. And Koshimizu Ami always gets my attention. JCStaff. oct06 sat26:45
AnimeSuki.
Shion no Ou しおんの王 . Subtitle: The Flowers of Hard Blood. Shion's parents were murdered and she was taken in by a neighbor couple of whom the husband was a chess master. From the day she lost her parents, she stopped speaking, and came to communicate by notes. Young Shion becomes a chess prodigy, competing to become a pro against a mysterious cold girl with long blonde hair. The manga is good.
Director Kawase Toshifumi did
Tenjho Tenge and wrote the adaptation of
Higurashi. Add Kawasumi Ayako (in her fourth show of the season) and Paku Romi (rocker Nana in
NANA) and this is a must-watch, at least for the first few episodes. Kouda Mariko, who played Nayuki in
Kanon, is also in the cast. Studio Deen. oct13 satlate
AnimeSuki.
OVA
Koharu Biyori こはるびより. Set in a near future where robots are common. Takaya Murase has just purchased a maid robot. Maid Yui is ready to live a normal life cleaning, cooking, and serving her owner, But Takaya has other plans for her — like dressing her up to suit his fantasies (from ANN). From a manga running in
Dengeki Moeoh.
This sounds pretty low, especially considering that it is animated by Doumu, which did
Yoake-mae yori Ruri-iro na ~ Crescent Love. The writer, Aoshima Takashi, did that show, and the director did
Marginal Prince, which was also a marginal show (but which I liked better than most people). But any show featuring Kitamura Eri has a chance. Music by Watanabe Tsuyoshi (
Ichigo Mashimaro). Preview broadcast in October. Doumou. OVA (one episode?) nov21
AnimeSuki.
Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations ツバサ TOKYO REVELATIONS. A separate project from the
Tsubasa Chronicle anime, this series is handled by Production I.G. and Ohkawa Ageha, CLAMP's scriptwriter.
Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations is three 25-minutes OVAs covering the Tokyo Arc, which follows episode 42 of the anime series. The staff and cast make this a promising show.
When Sakura, Syaoran, Fye, Kurogane and Mokona arrive in a strange, desolate world and meet a mysterious hooded group, little can they imagine that the inevitable events that will take place in this world will make their journey take a dramatic turn and change their lives forever. (summary by "Kathna/Miyazawa Lulu" from anidb.net)
Starring Irino Miyu and Makino Yui (Misaki in
Welcome to the NHK). With Kikuchi Mika (Mokona in
Tsubasa and
XXXHolic), Chiba Saeko, Endou Aya, Miyano Mamoru, Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in
Glass Mask), Ohara Sayaka. Directed by Tada Shunsuke, who directed the
Prince of Tennis National Tournament OVA. Written by Ohkawa Ageha, who wrote
Cardcaptor Sakura. Production IG. OVA 1/3eps. nov16 fri
AnimeSuki.
Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files 装甲騎兵ボトムズ ペールゼン・ファイルズ. New OVA series of
Armored Trooper Votoms, made by the original staff, using newer 3DCG. Mecha fans admire the realistic mecha design of the the classic original series. New story about the end of the 100 year (anidb.net).
Stars Gouda Hozumi, from the original cast. Mecha design by Okawara Kunio, whose credits include many
Gundam shows, as well as the original
Votoms. Sunrise. OVA 1/12eps. oct26 fri
AnimeSuki.
Kyo Kara Maoh! R 今日からマ王！Ｒ. First of a five-ep OVA following the 78-episode series from 2004-06. Most of the same staff and cast return, including director Nishimura Junji, who also directed
Simoun.
The story of the new series has not been announced, but the original is about a timid high school boy who suddenly finds himself in another world, which is divided between humans and an enemy race — and he is king of the enemy race. I haven’t seen the original series, but its comic humanity has some strong fans. Studio Deen. OVA 1/5eps. oct26 fri
AnimeSuki.
Strait Jacket ストレイト・ジャケット. "Leon the Professional meets Blade Runner…but steampunk." In a world where industry and sorcery coexist, people can suddenly turn into Malevolents, the enemies of all mankind, and even a young boy has had to kill someone he loved. A "gun action fantasy." Already licensed for R1 release.
From a popular series of novels by Sakaki Ichirou (
Scrapped Princess). Director Ushirou Jinji was assistant director of
Otoboku. Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber) leads the cast. Feel. OVA 1/3eps. nov30
AnimeSuki.
Hidamari Sketch special ひだまりスケッチ 特別編 前後編. The TV series was a visually outstanding, amusing and "heartful" slice-of-life comedy, with great performances from stars Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Matsuki Miyu (Cordelia in
RomeoxJuliet), Gotou Yuuko, and Shintani Ryouko (Rachel in
Red Garden).
Akiyuki Shinbou (
Negima!?,
PaniPoni) oversees the project, which is directed by Kamitsubo Ryouki. Two-part DVD special airs on one night. Shaft. OVA 1-2/2eps. oct18 thu24:30
AnimeSuki.
Nasu: Migratory Bird with Suitcase 茄子 スーツケースの渡り鳥. Directed and written by Kousaka Kitarou, who was animation director of several great Ghibli titles, including
Whispers, Mononoke, Spirited and Howl.
This is the sequel to his previous OVA about Pepe, the Spanish cyclist. Star Ooizumi You is mainly a TV actor. Other main
seiyuus include Sakamoto Maaya, Yamadera Kouichi (Spike Spiegel, etc.), and Ohtsuki Akio (Black Jack). Madhouse. OVA 1/1eps. oct24 wed
AnimeSuki.
Tales of Symphonia テイルズ オブ シンフォニア THE ANIMATION. Based on the Game Cube and Play Station game. Two worlds exist, each unaware of the existence of the other. In order for one world to flourish, the other has to perish. On the dying world, a Chosen one is sent on a journey to restore that world's mana by awakening the Spirits and becoming an angel. Colette Brunel, the Chosen of Sylvarant, sets out on her journey accompanied by her best friends Lloyd Irving and Genis Sage. As they travel further they meet more friends and even more enemies, while they learn more and more about the truth behind World Regeneration. (ANN)
Mizuki Nana and Konishi Katsuyuki head the cast, with Kuwashima Houko, Touma Yumi (Emma) and others. Written by the writer of
Manabi Straight. New director. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin. OVA 3/3eps. oct24 wed
AnimeSuki.
Information in this post is from:
MoonPhase,
MoonPhase Notes, official sites,
Shoboi Calendar,
anidb.net, Anime News Network,
AnimeSuki forums, and
Japanese Wikipedia. In a few days, I will post a complete calendar of broadcast days and times during the week, including both new shows and continuing shows.
Read full post...
The fall season starts with a bang with five new shows on Monday and seven new shows on Tuesday. Here is the lineup for the week (including shows that start later in the season). For more information, see full schedule with staff/cast highlights, and/or detailed previews.
