Looks like I have underestimated KyoAni YET again. Kanata is ghostly moe, which is apparently something the KyoAni fancamps are DOWN with. >_<Thank you Animesuki, Ando, and the Wikispaces!1位　571票　アリス・キャロル���ARIA シリーズ(Alice Caroll@ARIA series)2位　513票　泉かなた���こなたの母������らき☆すた(Izumi Kanata(Konata's Mother)@Lucky*Star)3位　443票　シエスタ���ゼロの使い魔 〜双月の騎士〜(Siesta@Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~)4位　428票　ヴィヴィオ���魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS(Vivio@Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)5位　414票　一条瑛花���スカイガールズ(Ichijou Eika@Sky Girls)6位　411票　北条麗華���ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん(Houjou Reika@Gosyuusyousama Ninomiya-kun)7位　409票　桂心���School Days シリーズ(Katsura Kokoro@School Days series)8位　407票　東聡莉���バンブーブレード(Azuma Satori@Bamboo Blade)9位　399票　葛城みかん���レンタルマギカ(Katsuragi Mikan@Rental Magica)AHA! So my prediction of Alice Caroll going far was right. But the race was close. This does not bode well for the tourney proper should she face Nagi. But Kugimiya camps will be happy either way. KUGIMIYA CIVIL WAR WUT?Kanata is in there. WTF. NOT AS PLANNED. /cry.Siesta went in as planned, looks like trends don't ALL CHANGE. (This is speaking from using last year as a manner of measuring this year's outcomes.10th-30th~10位　382票　不知火明乃���瀬戸の花嫁(Shiranui Akeno@Seto no Hanayome)11位　376票　タバサ���シャルロット・エレーヌ・オルレアン������ゼロの使い魔 〜双月の騎士〜(Tabitha@Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~) - IS MEGANEKKO SO LOOKED DOWN UPON?12位　227票　星乃結美���キミキス pure rouge(Hoshino Yuumi@Kimikiss pure rouge)13位　209票　鳥飼葉月���スケッチブック 〜full color's〜(Torikai Hazuki@Sketchbook ~full color's~)14位　205票　神楽ひなた���神楽ほたる������H2O -FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND-(Kagura Hinata(Kagura Hotaru)@H2O -FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND-)15位　187票　桂雪路���ハヤテのごとく!(Katsura Yukiji@Hayate no Gotoku!)16位　186票　日向夏美���ケロロ軍曹(Hinata Natsumi@Keroro Gunsou)17位　180票　柊まつり���次女������らき☆すた(Hiiragi Matsuri(The second eldest Daughter)@Lucky*Star)18位　175票　美川文歌���フミ���主人格������シゴフミ(Mikawa Fumika(Fumi/Principal Personality)@Shigofumi)19位　163票　柊いのり���長女������らき☆すた(Hiiragi Inori(The eldest Daughter)@Lucky*Star)20位　147票　プリーシア���プリーシア・フォン・ローゼンベルグ������プリズム・アーク(Priecia @Prism Ark)21位　143票　秋元こまち���キュアミント������Yes! プリキュア5 シリーズ(Akimoto Komachi(Cure Mint)@Yes! Precure 5 series)22位　141票　三千院紫子���ナギの母������ハヤテのごとく!(Sanzenin Yukariko(Nagi's Mother)@Hayate no Gotoku!)23位　132票　朝風理沙���ハヤテのごとく!(Asakaze Risa@Hayate no Gotoku!)24位　130票　平野あや���らき☆すた(Hirano Aya@Lucky*Star) - LULZ. THEY WERE HAD.25位　117票　コゼット���レ・ミゼラブル 少女コゼット(Cosette@Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette)26位　114票　ツバエル���BLUE DROP 〜天使達の戯曲〜(Tsubael@BLUE DROP ~Tenshi-tachi no Gikyoku~)27位　107票　小泉チカ���今日の5の2(Koizumi Chika@Kyou no Go no Ni)28位　104票　柚原春夏���OVA ToHeart2(Yuzuhara Haruka@OVA ToHeart2)29位　101票　秋月律子���アイドルマスター シリーズ(Akizuki Ritsuko@IDOLM@STER series)30位　97票　ジュリエット・ナオ・チャン���舞-乙HiME Zwei(Juliet Nao Zhang@My-Otome Zwei)30位　97票　細川可南子���マリア様がみてる OVA(Hosokawa Kanako@Maria-sama ga Miteru OVA)Ah, but now for my shameless campaign image plug:VOTE AYANAMI REI FOR SAIMOE '08! SUPPORT THE REBIRTH OF SHIN SEIKI EVANGELION!ALL THE WORLD'S MOE.CONDENSED INTO ONE PERFECT BEING.And here is Group 9:<<キョウコ・ツマブキ���舞-乙HiME 0 〜S.ifr〜>>(Kyouko Tsuambuki@My-Otime 0 ~S.ifr~)<<双海亜美���アイドルマスター シリーズ>>(Futami Ami@IDOLM@STER series)<<宮本佳那子���Yes! プリキュア5>>(Miyamoto Kanako@Yes! Precure 5)<<店長���こはるびより>>(Manager@Koharubiyori)<<鷹縁切子���パチンコ屋の娘さん������狂乱家族日記>>(Takanashi Kiriko(Girl of Pachinko shop)@Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)<<竜野リアス���マルムの姉������古代王者 恐竜キング Dキッズ・アドベンチャー>>(Tatsuno Riasu(Marumu's elder Sister)@Kodai Ouja Kyouryuu King D-Kids Adventure)<<乱崎優歌���姫宮零子������狂乱家族日記>>(Midarezaki Yuuka@Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)<<春日夜未���結界師>>(Kazuga Yomi@Kekkaishi)<<香坂しぐれ���史上最強の弟子ケンイチ>>(Kousaka Shigure@Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi)氷室風���スケッチブック 〜full color's〜(Himuro Fuu@Sketchbook ~full color's~)<<ミハサ���古代王者 恐竜キング Dキッズ・アドベンチャー 翼竜伝説>>(Mihasa@Kodai Ouja Kyouryuu King D-Kids Adventure Yokuryuu Densetsu)<<九鳳院蒼樹���紫の母������紅>>(Kuhouin Souju(Murasaki's Mother)@Kurenai)<<二ノ宮涼子���ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん>>(Ninomiya Ryouko@Gosyuusyousama Ninomiya-kun)<<児魂清海���ペンギン娘はぁと>>(Kodama Harumi@Penguin Musume Heart)<<山咲まゆり���PERSONA -trinity soul->>(Yamasaki Mayuri@PERSONA -trinity soul-)<<西澤桃華���ケロロ軍曹>>(Nishizawa Momoka@Keroro Gunsou)<<斎橋由真���CODE-E>>(Saihashi Yuma@CODE-E)<<荻原���灼眼のシャナII>>(Ogiware@Shakugan no Shana Second)<<春日望美���遙かなる時空の中で3 紅の月>>(Kasuga Nozomi@Harukanaru Toki no Nakade 3 Kurenai no Tsuki)<<フランソワーズ・フォットイテーン���ななみちゃん>>(Françoise Fottoiteen@Nanami-chan)<<結野アナ���銀魂>>(Ketsuno Announcer@Gintama)<<小牧愛佳���ToHeart2 シリーズ>>(Komaki Manaka@ToHeart2 series)<<アクロ���ハローキティ りんごの森とパラレルタウン>>(Acro@Hello Kitty Ringo no Mori to Parallel Town)<<アリシア���劇場版 ポケットモンスター ダイヤモンド・パールディアルガVSパルキアVSダークライ>>(Alicia@Pocket Monster Diamond Pearl Dialga vs. Palkia vs. Darkrai)<<坂上智代���CLANNAD>>(Sakagami Tomoyo@CLANNAD) - Hmm, hard to say whether KyoAni haterage will take it's course here, given Tomoyo's portrayal in the Anime. However, Tomoyo After has AWESOME material, so I'm rooting for her 100 pasento!<<相原悦子���琴子の母������イタズラなKiss>>(Aihara Etsuko@Itazura na Kiss)<<イエラ巴門���キスダム -ENGAGE planet->>(Iera Hamon@Kissdom -ENGAGE planet-)<<エミリー���もえがく★5>>(Emily@Moegaku*5)<<小川芽衣���バンブーブレード>>(Ogawa Mei@Bamboo Blade)<<穂波・高瀬・アンブラー���レンタルマギカ>>(Honami Takase Ambler@Rental Magica)<<宮城の高校時代の先生���純情ロマンチカ>>(Teacher of Miyagi in high school@Junjou Romantica)<<ニャン美ちゃん���増田こうすけ劇場 ギャグマンガ日和3>>(Nyanmi-chan@Masuda Kousuke Gekijou Gag Manga Biyori 3)<<明石薫���絶対可憐チルドレン>>(Akashi Kaoru@Zettai Karen Children)<<ハルカ���ポケットモンスター ダイヤモンド&パール>>(Haruka@Pocket Monster Diamond & Pearl)<<秋庭怜子���名探偵コナン 戦慄の楽譜���フルスコア���>>(Akiba Reiko@Meitantei Conan Senritsu no Gakufu(Full Score))<<島崎有紀���Mnemosyne -ムネモシュネの娘たち->>(Shimazaki Yuki@Mnemosyne)<<向坂環���ToHeart2 シリーズ>>(Kousaka Tamaki@ToHeart2 series) - Heh, if ISML is any indicator, she's got some chance.<<蝋花���ロウファ������D.Gray-man>>(Roufa@D.Gray-man)<<ビーナ���はぴはぴクローバー>>(Beena@Hapihapi Clover)<<奈良保代���ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー>>(Nara Yasuyo@Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho)<<碇ユイ���ぷちえう゛ぁ>>(Ikari Yui@Petit Eva)<<守東トウカ���ツインテ幼女������桃華月憚>>(Kamiazuma Touka(Twintailed young Girl)@Touka Gettan)<<宮沢有紀寧���CLANNAD>>(Miyazawa Yukine@CLANNAD)<<セシリア���MURDER PRINCESS>>(Cecilia@MURDER PRINCESS)<<マリア・スクロドフォスカ���星の海のアムリ>>(Maria Scrodofosca@Hoshi no Umi no Amuri)<<吉田歩美���名探偵コナン>>(Yoshida Ayumi@Meitantei Conan)<<キャロ・ル・ルシエ���魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Caro Ru Lushe@Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)<<さくや���こはるびより>>(Sakuya@Koharubiyori)<<アンゴル���モア���ケロロ軍曹>>(Angol Moa@Keroro Gunsou)<<マイメロディ���おねがいマイメロディ シリーズ>>(My Melody@Onegai My Melody series)<<飯田朋子���もっけ>>(Iida Tomoko@Mokke)<<藤堂志摩子���マリア様がみてる OVA>>(Toudou Shimako@Maria-sama ga Miteru OVA)<<ラケル・マヨール���舞-乙HiME 0 〜S.ifr〜>>(Raquel Mayol@My-Otime 0 ~S.ifr~)<<お母さん���チーズスイートホーム>>(Mother@Chi's Sweet Home)<<議長���エル・カザド>>(Chairperson@El Cazador de la Bruja)<<ジュナ���真名姫������桃華月憚>>(Juna(Manahime)@Touka Gettan)<<夜明エイム���AYAKASHI>>(Yoake Eimu@AYAKASHI)<<要の母���ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー>>(Kaname's Mother@Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho)<<今日のお姉さん���Myself;Yourself>>(Today's Onee-san@Myself;Yourself)<<松平瞳子���マリア様がみてる OVA>>(Matsudaira Touko@Maria-sama ga Miteru OVA)<<みんみん���堀崎梓������ムシウタ>>(Minmin(Horiuchi Azusa)@Mushiuta)<<グレタ���イラーリアの母������ポルフィの長い旅>>(Greta(Iralia's Mother)@Porfy no Nagai Tabi)<<藤吉晴美���さよなら絶望先生>>(Fujiyoshi Harumi@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)<<春野サクラ���NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝>>(Haruno Sakura@NARUTO Shippuuden)<<小山田麻美���ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー>>(Oyamada Asami@Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho)<<お母さん���ミヨリの森>>(Okaasan@Miyori no Mori)<<祇条深月���キミキス pure rouge>>(Shijou Mitsuki@Kimikiss pure rouge)<<石坂みどり���よしながみどり������クレヨンしんちゃん>>(Ishizaka Midori(Yoshinaga Midori)@Crayon Shin-chan)<<高橋真奈美���純情ロマンチカ>>(Takahashi Manami@Junjou Romantica)<<エルスティン・ホー���舞-乙HiME Zwei>>(Erstin Ho@My-Otome Zwei)<<シビレッタ���Yes! プリキュア5 GoGo!>>(Shibiretta@Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!)<<ウェンディ���CLAYMORE>>(Wendy@CLAYMORE)<<エリオット・チャンドラー���舞-乙HiME 0 〜S.ifr〜>>(Elliot Chandler@My-Otime 0 ~S.ifr~)<<ツーマ���天元突破グレンラガン>>(Tsuma@Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)<<龍玉神社の巫女���仮面のメイドガイ>>(Miko of Ryuugyoku shrine@Kamen no Maid Guy)<<仁科りえ���CLANNAD>>(Nishina Rie@CLANNAD)<<ようこるん���ヤッターマン>>(Youkorun@Yatterman)<<黒乃胡夢���ロザリオとバンパイア>>(Kukrono Kurumu@Rosario + Vampire)<<宰蔵���天保異聞 妖奇士 奇士神曲>>(Saizou@Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi Ayashi Shinkyoku)<<新堂ミミ���ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー>>(Shindou Mimi@Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho)<<香鈴���彩雲国物語>>(Kourin@Saiunkoku Monogatari)<<二階堂沙織���しおんの王 The Flowers of Hard Blood.>>(Nikaidou Shiori@Shion no Ou The Flowers of Hard Blood.)<<c.c.���コードギアス r2="">>(C.C.@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)</c.c.���コードギアス> - A strong contendor, thanks to the doujin engine.<<ヴァラール���キスダム -ENGAGE planet->>(Valar@Kissdom -ENGAGE planet-)<<九軒ひまわり���xxxHOLiC◆継>>(Kunogi Himawari@xxxHOLiC Kei)<<シーリン・バフティヤール���機動戦士ガンダム00>>(Shirin Bakhtiar@Kidou Senshi Gundam 00)<<リインフォースII���魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Reinforce II@Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)<<座敷童子���我が家のお稲荷さま。>>(Zashikiwarashi@Wagaya no Oinari-sama.)<<ロゼちゃん���ぷるるんっ!しずくちゃん あはっ☆>>(Rose-chan@Pururun! Shizuku-chan Aha)<<榊心���バンブーブレード>>(Sakaki Ura@Bamboo Blade)<<ドロンジョ���ヤッターマン>>(Doronjo@Yatterman)<<二条乃梨子���マリア様がみてる OVA>>(Nijou Noriko@Maria-sama ga Miteru OVA)<<シャマル���魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Shamal@Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)<<二階堂マリナ���はたらキッズ マイハム組>>(Nikaidou Marina@Hatarakids My Ham Gumi)<<内藤昌���部長������仮面のメイドガイ>>(Naitou Akira(Captain)@Kamen no Maid Guy)<<メルト���ドルアーガの塔 〜the Aegis of URUK〜>>(Melt@Druaga no Tou ~the Aegis of URUK~)<<佐倉紗絵���sola>>(Sakura Sae@sola)<<キノン���天元突破グレンラガン>>(Kinon@Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)<<川壁桃花���桃華月憚>>(Kawakabe Momoka@Touka Gettan)<<野比玉子���ドラえもんシリーズ>>(Nobi Tamako@Doraemon series)<<旅館松井の女将���がくえんゆーとぴあ まなびストレート!>>(Matsui Inn's Landlady@Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!)<<九鳳院和子���蓮丈の正妻������紅>>(Kuhouin Kazuko(Renjou's legal Wife)@Kurenai)<<柳生九兵衛���銀魂>>(Yagyuu Kyuubei@Gintama)<<小渕みなみ���School Days シリーズ>>(Obuchi Minami@School Days series)<<安藤優梨���バンブーブレード>>(Andou Yuri@Bamboo Blade)<<華凶院アムリ���星の海のアムリ>>(Kakyouin Amuri@Hoshi no Umi no Amuri)<<成実ゆい���らき☆すた>>(Narumi Yui@Lucky*Star)<<マキナ���DRAGONAUT -THE RESONANCE->>(Makina@DRAGONAUT -THE RESONANCE-)<<澤村知佳���MOONLIGHT MILE 2ndシーズン -Touch down->>(Sawamura Chika@MOONLIGHT MILE the 2nd season -Touch Down-)<<オノミル���BLUE DROP 〜天使達の戯曲〜>>(Onomil@BLUE DROP ~Tenshi-tachi no Gikyoku~)<<グレタ���今日からマ王! 第3シリーズ>>(Greta@Kyou kara Maoh! the third series)<<人魚���人魚族の少女������怪物王女>>(Mermeid Girl@Kaibutsu Oujo)<<古手梨花���ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Furude Rika@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai) - I predict a landslide win. SERIOUSLY.<<シスター・ヘル���プリズム・アーク>>(Sister Hell@Prism Ark)<<森羅万象���隠の王>>(Shinrabanshou@Nabari no Ou)<<保科直美���ときめきメモリアル Only Love>>(Hoshina Naomi@Tokimeki Memorial Only Love)<<アヤカ���クリスタル ブレイズ>>(Ayaka@Crystal Blaze)<<ディアネイラ・イ・ライシャ・アルトリア・オル・ユーノス���ヒロイック・エイジ>>(Deianeir a@Heroic Age)<<イザベラ���ポルフィの長い旅>>(Isabella@Porfy no Nagai Tabi)<<エマ���アリソンとリリア>>(Ema@Allison & Lillia)<<モニカ���コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Monica@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2) ALSO, KAGAMIGEASS COMPELS YOU.VOTE FOR TOMOYO.NAO.Till next time then!
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And Saimoe 2008 has officially started! Thanks to CI for the heads-up, read his post for full credits. Now according to him, the preliminaries happen in rounds, whereby for those not nominated (only 9 out of the full list in each group) will drop to a second round and their groups will be reshuffled with those who did not make it in out of the other 20 (yes you read right, this is only the first group and each group of 20 is this long).Here is the full list of Group 1. You can read the entries yourself, so I will only list the ones I know or of series I have seen of here, as well as my impressions. Thanks to Ando of AnimeSuki for the list.Alisa (Soul Eater)I do not remember there being an Alisa, so I did a slight check and it appears she might have been one of the two bargirls in the first episode. If anyone would like to correct me, please do. ANN lists her as being only in episode 1, but if she appears in another episode as well, then she would be the bargirl on the right in episode 1 in the scene with Death Scythe.Kuchiki Rukia (Bleach)WHY HALO THAR RUKIA. She has been in every year of Saimoe, IIRC. So yeah, expect her to get far because of Bleachtards fans. Personally, I never did like her.Miaya Emi (Real Drive)Not going to bother to check lol. And if in Real Drive I do not remember who it was, it is likely the girl will not get far too.Yuma (Claymore)I do not even remember a Yuma in Claymore, must be really minor. Out of the count you go.Segawa Izumi (Hayate no Gotoku!)Are oh eff el. Not that it was unexpected but...Izumi? No.Atoru (Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi)Thought this was the trap in Ayakashi Ayashi, but I was mistaken. Atoru is the little girl that Ryuudou actually somehow likes at the end of the series. This character was also played by Orikasa Fumiko, the same seiyuu as Rukia above. I actually kind of like Atoru in the series, so not too bad a count. But whether she will get in or not is another matter.Minami Touma (Minami-ke)Lol, she got in, which was to be expected though. But for a tomboyish character in a moe tournament, you can expect that Touma will not get far.Jean (Claymore)WTF? Even Jean gets in? Then Priscilla's awakened form better get in. No.Kirie (Crystal Blaze)ANN lists her as one of the main characters, but I do not exactly recall her from either side, but likely that she works for that secret organization. If so, no. Only girl worthy in that show was Sara anyway. Then again, Sara would hardly be considered moe in this tournament.Ise Nanao (Bleach)Nanao-chan~! She might just get in.Clare (Claymore)I have now resigned myself to the fact that Clare should be spelt this way instead of Claire. Also, she is definitely going in, because of her fame. Not interested in her though.Shirahama Honoka (Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi)WAHAHA. HONOKA! If the series was more well-know then she would have a chance, but up against the giants of the moe and loli world, Honoka pales. Unfortunately for her, because she was quite the humorous character as Kenichi's sister.ヴィーチャ・プガチョーワ (Sky Girls)Lol, the listing for it in the English translation by the side is somehow in Russian, so I have no idea who this is from Sky Girls. If someone can enlighten me then I would know whether or not this girl has a chance.Emeria (Claymore)Who the fly? Unless you mean Miria, I remember no such character in the anime. So if it was Miria, way to go, but no, you will not be able to make it in thanks to the general fanboygasm towards other series.Mikogami Haruko (Sky Girls)Lol pink-haired goodness. Unfortunately Eika beats the shit out of her any day and Otoha's moeness wins, so Haruko will not be able to get in.Flat-chested girl of Swimming Club (Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch)Got to love these descriptions. And no.Suzuhara Kanon (Kaze no Stigma)Since this fail shit was some time ago, I can only guess that this girl is the loli killer. If it is...she might have a chance. But I doubt it. Out you go.Kayanuma Kiko (Darker than Black)I saw this coming. Kiko's moeness might actually get her in. I would not mind if she does.Character who looks like Kobayashi Excel (Hayate no Gotoku!)If characters like this can get in, Hayate is positively teeming with them. A huge no.Nakatani Saaya (Real Drive)I think this is one of Aoi's friends. If so, both of them look weird. Out.Satou Mie (BLUE DROP: Tenshitachi no Gikyoku)Since it has been a long time since I watched it, and also, unfinished series FTL, not too sure who Satou is, but I am thinking if it is a minor character, then no point. The only worthy character in BLUE DROP of being inside Saimoe, IMHO, is Hagino. End of story.Harukaze Chiharu (Hayate no Gotoku!)Oops. I cannot remember who this was. Someone enlighten me so I can give a decent rating and a more accurate description.That ends my roundup for the characters or series I do know and can somewhat identify with. However looking at the full list there are characters from many other series that I am sure will do better. Not many hopefuls in this first list and not many mains either. None that I will also root for in a fanboygasm nice way. If you want to vote, head on over to the link of the full list at top, the voting links are inside.Image at top is of Hinagiku from Hayate no Gotoku! by the way, she is not in this round, but whatever group she is in, I expect her to get in, and make it to quite a high position in the tournament.Prelims Round 1,Panther
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[OVA Preview] Haikuo Soft’s eroge, Yotsunoha which was released in 2006, will get animated into a 2 episode OVA series due 2008. Animation Studio, HAL Film Maker will be doing this. Not much details given except that it will be directed by Nishikiori Hiroshi (directed Ayakashi Ayashi). Price and actual date of release is unconfirmed yet [...]
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Darker than Black is an arc-based series, much like Studio Bones’ previous production of Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi. The setting is quite different, though. Instead of the Tenpou-era, this one plays in modern-day Tokyo in an alternate universe, where strange humans with supernatural powers, calling themselves contractors live amongst humans. For once, their purpose isn’t [...]
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On the brink of a new season, here is a look at the new shows, concentrating on staff and cast. The shows I'm looking forward to? As usual, it's hard to tell which shows will work for me, but I'm looking at Code E, Doujin Work, Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho, Moetan, Mononoke, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei, Tetsuko no Tabi, and Zombie Loan, for various reasons.Zetsubo Sensei is by Shinbou Akiyuki, who directed PaniPoni Dash and Negima!? The director of Kenko Zenrakei, Soutome Kouichirou, was involved in directing Bokura ga Ita and did episodes of Mushishi. I hope Nishimori Akira, who directed Hitohira and PetoPeto-san, will infuse the rather different Zombie Loan with his trademark emotional delicacy. Code E has the participation of some staff people from Simoun.Titles of shows of special interest to me are in red. Click pictures to enlarge.Baccano! バッ カーノ！ A large cast of alchemists, Mafia, lunatics, immortals and terrorists seeks a long-lost elixir of immortality in 1930s America. Based on a popular light novel. By the director of Jigoku Shoujo (Omori Takahiko) and the writer of Koi Kaze (Takagi Noboru). Starring Yoshino Hiroyuki (Zed in Kiba), Aoki Sayaka (Sia in Shuffle), with Kobayashi Sanae, Kobayashi Yuu, Gotou Saori, Itou Miki and 0thers. Preview. Brains Base. Starts jul26, thu 24:30.Code E. A transfer student has an uncontrolled ability to disrupt electrical equipment. A boy in her class wants to study her, and a relationship develops. But outside forces are also interested... Director Toshiyuki Kato did Full Moon wo Sagashite and some episodes of Simoun. The director of Simoun, Nishimura Junji, directs some eps of this. The Simoun connections definitely get my attention. I'll be watching episode one.This appears to be the first named role for the star, Hashimoto Mai. She has a blog, with pictures. Nazuka Kaori (Yun in Simoun) and Halko Momoi are also in the cast. Studio DEEN. 12 episodes. Starts jul03, tue 26:43.Devil May Cry. Based on a PS2 game, with a cool lead and lots of fighting. Not my thing. With Morikawa Toshiyuki (Takumi in NANA, Chan in Black Lagoon), Tanaka Atsuko (Kusanagi Motoko in GITS), Orikasa Fumiko, Fukuen Misato (Eve in Black Cat), Ohtsuka Akio (Black Jack). Directed by Itagaki Shin (Black Cat). The first ep was quite bloody. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Started jun14, thu 23:00.Doujin Work ドージンワーク. Based on a 4-koma comic by the well-known doujin mangaka Hiroyuki. The story follows a girl who is a newcomer to the doujin (independent comic) scene.Director Yatani Kenichi did the funny and workmanlike Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn. Stars Asano Masumi (Manatsu in Uta~Kata, Mariya in Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru) and Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister, Solty in Solty Rei). I'll be giving this one a shot. Animation by REMIC (Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn). Starts jul03, tue 25:30.Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai ひぐらしのなく頃に解. Second series of the mysterious, bloody, and well produced anime. More stories from the dangerous world of Oyashiro-sama. Houshi Souichirou, Nakahara Mai, Tamura Yukari, Horie Yui, Kanai Mika (Misato in NANA). Directed by Kon Chiaki, with the same staff as Higurashi 1. Studio Deen. Starts jul06, fri 26:30.Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー. Okimura Kaname joins his school's swimming club in order to learn how to swim. The club is filled with weirdos, but a sunny, happy-go-lucky girl named Ninagawa Amuro , a transfer-student from Okinawa, joins up. Her extraordinary underwater speed and unorthodox swimming style -- and the fact that she likes to swim nude -- rocks the club. She reminds Okimura of a mermaid-like creature he saw once in his early childhood... Based on a shounen manga by Hattori Mitsuru.Directed by Soutome Kouichirou, who was the general director of Bokura ga Ita and directed some eps of Mushishi. This one intrigues me. Add the facts that the lead writer, Ikeda Mamiko, wrote Emma2, and that animation is by Artland and the animator of Now and Then, Here and There, and this could be a sleeper. Starts jul03, tue 26:00.Moetan もえたん. Who would ever have expected the Moetan books -- bizarre Engrish-language textbooks using loli-moe characters -- ever to be animated? But add the director of Hayate and Getsumen to Heiki Mina, and seiyuu Tamura Yukari, Kaori Nazuka and Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and this could be interesting. Animation by Actus. Starts jul08, sun 25:30.Mononoke モノノ怪. Noitamina show for the summer, a sequel to the Bakaneko chapters of Japanese traditional horror animation Ayakashi Ayashi.The staff -- including director Nakamura Kenji and animator Hashimoto Takashi -- is a carry-over from the beautifully animated Bakaneko, which tells of a medicine seller who kills monsters after first discovering the tragedies that gave rise to them. Scriptwriter Chiaki J. Konaka is also involved. He was the lead writer on Lain, Air Gear, and Texhnolyze, and did several episodes each of Rahxephon and Princess Tutu. The only cast member so far announced is Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass). Toei. 12 episodes. Starts jul12, thu 24:45.Mushiuta ムシウタ. These mushi are insect-like creatures that eat people's dreams, sometimes giving their host great powers, but eventually killing the host when all his or her dreams are consumed. Our protagonists are mushi hosts, mushi investigators, or just people who love someone who is host of a mushi.With Hanazawa Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Nabatame Hitomi (Arcueid in Tsukihime), Asanuma Shintarou (Kyo in Zegapain), Takagi Reiko (Hino in Corda d'Oro). Written by Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, KGnE, RomeoxJuliet, etc.). Music by Fujita Junpei of Elements Garden. Previews. Beat Frog. 12 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 24:00.Nanatsuiro Drops ななついろ★ドロップス. Super-cute show about Haru, a shy and clumsy boy who accidentally drinks a potion that turns him into a little stuffed sheep at night. A moe magical girl comes to his aid as he seeks the magic potion that will keep him human. With character designs by Noizi Itou (Shana, Haruhi), written by the writer of Emily of New Moon, Shimada Michiru, and directed by the director of Final Approach, Yamamoto Takashi.Starring the young seiyuu who played Jun in Happiness, Yuimoto Michiru, and Nojima Hirofumi, who is Shuga in Seirei no Moribito. The incredible cuteness of it all may or may not be enough. Studio Barcelona. Starts jul02, mon 25:40.Potemayo ぽてまよ. The magical little creature Potemayo, with her black nekomimi (cat ears) appears from protagonist Moriyama Sunao's refrigerator one day. She becomes a favorite of all the kids at school. Then her rival creature Guchuko emerges from the fridge... Interesting cast, including Hanamura Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Kitamura Eri (Makoto in Touka Gettan), Kawasumi Ayako, Kugimiya Rie, and Inoue Kikuko. But the director, Ikehata Takashi did Daphne in the Brilliant Blue and Tsuyokiss, so I'm worried. JC Staff. Starts jul06, fri 25:30.Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei さよなら絶望先生. It appears that prime-time anime Negima!? -- which was an artistic success but a commercial disaster -- has not blighted Shinbou Akiyuki's career. Here he is again with a late-night anime about a teacher.Hiroshi Kamiya (Takemoto in Honey & Clover) stars as a multi-level marketer who gets into some kind of danger and flees to southern Japan, where he is mistaken for a teacher in a girls' school. The plot involves his class of weird girls foiling his repeated attempts at suicide.I think Shinbou (who also did Tsukuyomi Moon Phase and PaniPoni Dash and oversaw Hidamari Sketch) is a great director, especially visually, so I'll be watching. Outstanding cast includes Kobayashi Yuu (Setsuna in Negima), Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu (the last three all from Hidamari Sketch), and Sanada Asami (Di Gi Charat). Animation by SHAFT. Starts jul07, sat 24:30.School Days スクールデイズ. Based on an animated game that is infamous for its violence. A girl (Sekai) helps a boy (Makoto) get closer to her beautiful friend (Kotonoha). When Makoto finally gets a date with Kotonoha, the compensation Sekai demands is…a kiss.An interesting love-triangle-with-violence premise, but the director and writer did the horrible Amenaideyo and Lovedol, so I'm not hopeful. Animation by TNK. 13 episodes. Starts jul03, fri 26:15.Shigurui シグルイ. Based on a seinen manga by Yamaguchi Takayuki. "An exceptional manga artist decides to tackle the forbidden work by the last giant figure in samurai literature, only to give birth to a colossal period drama filled with unspeakable tragedy and cruelty!" (anidb.info)The director of Texhnolyze (Hamasaki Hirotsugu) and the writer of Asatte no Houkou and co-writer of Paprika (Minakami Seishi) do the anime adaptation, working with Madhouse. This could be good, if you can stand the gore. With Namikawa Daisuke (Rock in Black Lagoon), Kuwashima Houko, Sasahara Emi (Sailor Jupiter, Karin's mother in Karin), Sasaki Nozomu (Yuusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho). Preview episode jul01. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Starts jul19, thu 23:30.Sky Girls スカイガール. Moe young girls in skin-tight suits are integrated with their own individual mecha frames to defend the Earth. The one-episode OVA went nowhere, and now we have 26 episodes? Very moe, but I have my doubts.It has a good director (Iwasaki Yoshiaki: Love Hina, Gokujou Seitokai) and writer (Yoshioka Takao: DearS, Elfen Lied), however, and an outstanding cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Gotou Saori (a strong up-and-coming talent), Itou Shizuka, Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Fujiwara Keiji, Horie Yui, Shiraishi Ryouko, Taniyama Kishou. And music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Asatte no Houkou and Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora. So there is hope. Preview. JCStaff. 26 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 25:28.Tetsuko no Tabi 鉄子の旅. Non-fiction account of editor, mangaka and train otaku travelling Japanese train lines in he 1980s. 4-koma comic is bizarre, low-key, and amusing. Old-school director Nagaoka Akinori did eps of Rose of Versailles and Record of Lodoss War.Cast includes Tomosaka Akira (Kate in Red Garden) and Hiyama Nobuyuki (Madarame in Genshiken). OPED and some music by SUPER BELL ''Z, which specializes in using samples of rail station sounds. Preview. Group TAC (Hantsuki, Futatsu no Spica). 13 episodes. Starts jun24, sun 10:00.Tokyo Majin Gakuen 2 東京魔人學園剣風帖 龍龍 第弐幕. If you liked the first series, you'll probably like the second: shounen supernatural horror, with good animation, good voice actors, lots of fighting and a school setting in a dark world. I tried the first series, but couldn’t get into it. BeStack/AIC. Starts jul27, fri 23:00.Wangan Midnight 湾岸MIDNIGHT. Animation of a popular manga about street racing, which has now reached 36 volumes. The protagonist buys a Nissan S30 Fairlady Z which is about to be scrapped and discovers it is the legendary "Devil Z," a car that was the fastest ever, but ended up killing its owner, because it was so hard to control. This is the story of the protagonist's struggles to restore and tame the Devil Z.Directed by Tominaga Tsuneo (Wind: a Breath of Heart) and adapted by Kishima Nobuaki (Eyeshield 21, Katekyo Hitman Reborn). With film actor Oguri Shun, Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in FMP) and Suhou Reiko (Kousaka Yuri in NANA). Not my thing, but fans are enjoying the early episodes, although the animation by ACGT is reportedly a bit sub-par. Started jun09, sat 21:00.Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi ゼロの使い魔 ～双月の騎士～. New director and chief writer for this second season of Zero no Tsuakima, so it's hard to know what to expect -- except for more of the same from the mistress of tsundere, Kugimiya Rie. Director Kou Yuu and writer Kawahara Yuji did Loveless, so there may be more subtlety involved this time. We can only hope.Also with Satoshi Hino, Horie Yui, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Mikako, Inokuchi Yuka, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Kikuko, et al. Music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Utena, Rozen Maiden, Asatte no Houkou, etc., and is also doing a second show in the new season: Sky Girls. JCStaff. 12 episodes. Starts jul08, sun 24:30.Zombie-Loan ゾンビローン. "When a human is marked to die, a faint gray line that is invisible to most appears around their neck. As time passes, that ring becomes darker and darker, until it is eventually black, and that person dies. Kita Michiru has an unusual gift, she possesses 'Shinigami eyes,' which allow her to see these rings. When Michiru notices that two of the boys in her Class, Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito not only have rings, but that they're jet black, they reveal to her that the were supposed to die in a tragic accident six months ago. With the help of the Zombie Loan loan office, they were given a second chance at life, should they be able to pay for their debt by doing the work of Shinigami and killing malicious zombies. They petition Michiru to assist them in their efforts, and she finds her everyday life changing dramatically." (ANN)Directed by the director of PetoPeto-san and Hitohira, Nishimori Akira, and adapted by the writer of Pumpkin Scissors and Trinity Blood, Tomioka Atsuhiro. With an excellent cast: Kuwashima Houko, Sakurai Takahiro, Suzumura Kenichi, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Saitou Chiwa, Suwabe Junichi, Ueda Kana, Gotou Saori. This is one of my picks to click, based on staff and cast alone, even though it isn’t in a genre I normally like. Based on the manga by PEACH-PIT. Animation by Xebec M2. Starts jul03, tue 26:40.One of the season's more anticipated shows, the loli classic Kodomo no Jikan, has no firm air dates yet, and the main Japanese source, Moon Phase, just has it slated for some time in 2007. The website of the animation studio, Studio Barcelona, makes no mention of it, but emphasizes the new series of Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan, which is due to start 24 August.There are some other interesting OVAs due out this summer: Ghibli's Iblard Jikan on 4 July; the fantasy slice-of-life Miyori no Mori, directed by the art director of Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies and Fantastic Children, who also did background art for Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky (24 August); and an ARIA OVA called Arietta (starts 21 Sept.) And the second season of Moonlight Mile starts in September.There are a number of animated films coming out: Buzzer Beater, Studio 4°C's Genius Party, Gonzo's Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi, Madhouse's Piano no Mori (all July); Naruto Shippuden (August); Rebuild of Evangelion, Kiddy Grade: Truth Dawn, and the Clannad movie (all September).Read more about individual shows in the forums on AnimeSuki, especially the Unaired forum.
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How this excellent show slipped under the radar of English-speaking anime viewers, we’ll never know. Even the raw watchers didn’t mention this at all. Actually, we all know the reason - no subs! Not anymore though. Do check ER out, you will like a show featuring the setting of Ayakashi Ayashi (same voice actor for Torii [...]
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Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi was supposed to take over from Blood+ on the Saturday 18:00 timeslot, the number-one prime-time spot for anime, which also housed series as Full Metal Alchemist and Gundam Seed Destiny. For this, it had to live up to some great expectations, and it came with a story about Youma-hunters, during the [...]
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After a bad fall season in the hands of less-than-impressive Ayakashi Ayashi, BONES comes back in black. Darker Than Black, to be precise.
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That’s right, I’ve seen 30 Spring series excluding the earlier shown ones like Moonlight Mile, Ikkitousen etc. This is the 3rd instalment of the Riuva Instant-One-Shot-Speed-Summary-Impressions, this time featuring 8 new anime… Darker than BlackWhile we mourn the premature passing of the excellent Ayakashi Ayashi, Studio Bones makes us forget the pain with an entirely new [...]
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Towards Terra, ep. 1: “Day of Awakening” (Mezame no Hi) Ayakashi Ayashi’s Saturday prime-time replacement is Towards Terra (Terra e), a retro-style anime set in the distant future. Jomy Marks Shin is set to take his test to become an adult, but a little complication arises. Summary and thoughts following the pics (click to [...]
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