Better freaking late than never! Sorry for the late winter preview but I was so burned out with work so I didn’t really have enough time to release this on time (lol what?). Thanks to Sid my co-blogger at Anime Anthology, he supplied all the pictures and data on this winter preview while I provide the notable staff/cast and the additional PVs. Without him I won’t be able to release this. Now on to the preview!
Data gathered are from: AniDB, ANN, MAL, Moetron and AniChart
TV Series
Buddy Complex
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: Sunrise
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yasuhiro Tanabe (Asst. Director Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere II (TV))
Original Creator: Yatate, Hajime (Cowboy Bebop)
Music: Tatsuya Katou (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (TV))
Matsuoka, Yoshitsugu (Kirigaya, Kazuto) as Watase, Aoba
Uchiyama, Kouki (Orimura, Ichika) as Weinberg, Junyou Dio
Hayami, Saori (Ononoki, Yotsugi ) as Yumihara, Hina
Sugita, Tomokazu (Chamber) as Conrad, Lee
Summary: Aoba Watase, a high school boy living in a city called Maihama, leads a normal life of school, romance, and the swim club. Watase’s life changes when he sees a beautiful girl, Hina Yumihara, at the pool one day and discovers he is initially the only person who can see her. In order to keep his high school’s swimming club open by recruiting more members, Watase hopes to enlist Hinao to appear in a promo video shot by Watase’s close friend, Gengo. Hina agrees, but on the condition that he does something for her in exchange – pilot a mecha for an organization known as Celebrum.
Agreeing to her request, Watase is drawn into a world of fighting giant robots in a game-like world that he must save from Deutera Areas formed by aliens known as Gards-orm that threaten to destroy the earth. However, Watase soon comes to realize that the world that he is living in might not even be real at all and begins to find that everything he is doing is strangely familiar. As he questions the nature of the reality he lives in, Hina must continue to fight in order to protect the lives of those important to him.
Impression:
I have always loved mecha anime so yep I’m definitely going to try this out. I’m just a bit wary cause the director behind this is a newbie and his track record so far is not that astounding so I’m not expecting much, I just hope it won’t be another Valverave. Hopefully, the romance in this series would be tackled fully unlike several mecha shows out there.
Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren
Release Date: January 09, 2014
Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
Series Composition: Jukki Hanada (Chobits (TV))
Fukuyama, Jun (Lamperouge, Lelouch) as Togashi, Yuuta
Akasaki, Chinatsu (Shimeji) as Nibutani, Shinka
Uchida, Maaya (Sanka, Rea) as Takanashi, Rikka
Uesaka, Sumire (Takanashi, Sora) as Dekomori, Sanae
Summary: Due to various events, Yuuta and Rikka are living together. This secret co-habitation is so exciting for the two lovebirds! Or so it should be…
Is having a chuuni girlfriend too high of a hurdle for Yuuta, who never even went out with a normal girl?! Yuuta worries about how to advance his relationship with Rikka. And then everyone else, Nibutani, Kumin, and Dekomori, have powered up by advancing a grade. Furthermore, the cause of his chuunibyou outburst in middle school, the girl who calls herself Sophia Ring Saturn the 7th, Satone Shichimiya appears…
Impression:
I loved the crazy first season so yes I’m so excited to watch this one. Btw what the hell happened toNibutani?!
D-Frag!
Release Date: January 07, 2014
Animation Production: Brains Base
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Seiki Sugawara (Kids on the Slope, Akikan! episode director)
Series Composition: Makoto Uezu (Danganronpa, Kamisama Dolls)
Saito, Chiwa (Akemi, Homura) as Karasuyama, Chitose
Konishi, Katsuyuki (Pinion) as Kazama, Kenji
Koshimizu, Ami (Holo) as Oosawa, Minami
Hanazawa, Kana (Sengoku, Nadeko ) as Shibasaki, Roka
Itou, Shizuka (Edelfelt, Luviagelita ) as Takao
Summary: Kazama Kenji likes to believe he is something of a delinquent. Moreover, others seem to like to agree that he is. Of course, Kenji’s gang finds their way to a group of four not-so-normal girls—Chitose, Sakura, Minami and Roka—and all at once, whatever reputation he may have is nothing compared to the outrageous behavior of the girls. Shanghaied into joining their club, what will happen to his everyday life from that point on?
Impression:
Base from the PV and the summary seems like it’ll be your mediocre harem show so I’m not inclined in watching this one but looking at the VAs whoa…lots of big names there. I guess I’ll try the first ep?
Gin no Saji 2nd Season
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Kotomi Deai (Asst. Director of Gin no Saji)
Script: Taku Kishimoto (Bunny Drop (TV) )
Summary: Second season of Gin no Saji
Impression:
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to watch the first season so I’ll pass on this one.
Go! Go! 575
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Sega
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Takefumi Anzai (Episode director Ouran High School Host Club (TV))
Series Composition: Keigo Koyanagi (Script of (The) Pet Girl of Sakurasou (TV))
Summary: Go! Go! 575 adapts the Project 575 games for PlayStation Vita and iOS, which allow anyone to create songs using the traditional Japanese 5-7-5-syllable meter found in haiku and tanka poems.
Impression:
Seems like it’s for promotion purpsoses so I’ll pass on this one.
Hamatora The Animation
Release Date: January 08, 2014
Animation Production: NAZ
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Chief Director: Seiji Kishi (Arpeggio of Blue Steel (TV))
Director: Hiroshi Kimura (Episode director Fairy Tail (TV) )
Series Composition: Jun Kumagai (Galilei Donna (TV)) &Touko Machida (Is This a Zombie? (TV))
Summary: “Minimum” – a special inborn power found in a limited number of human beings, known as “minimum holders.” In Yokohama, the detective team Hamatora, formed by two minimum holders named Nice and Murasaki, comes across information connected to a serial killer being pursued by their old friend Art. It turns out all the victims are minimum holders like them. Unwillingly at first, the two detectives become involved in the investigation.
Impression:
I love the animation style and seems like it’s a combination of supernatural and detective story which is not new but definitely interesting. I guess I’ll try a couple of eps.
Hoozuki no Reitetsu
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Wit Studio
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Hiro Kaburaki (Episode Director Kimi ni Todoke – From Me to You (TV) )
Series Composition: Midori Gotou (Genshiken Second Season (TV))
Summary: Hoozuki is the aide to the great king of Hell, King Enma. Calm and super-sadistic, Hoozuki tries to resolve the various problems in Hell, including a rampaging Momotarou and his companions. However, he also likes spending his free time on his hobbies, such as fawning over cute animals and raising “Goldfish Flowers.”
Impression:
After the success of Wit studio’s Shingeki no Kyoujin last 2013, will they make another epic anime? I guess we’ll just have to find out. First, I kind of like the animation style of this series cause it resembles those old Japanese paintings (I think it’s kind of appropriate). Seems like it’ll be fun to follow the life of Hoozuki who seems like he’s the one who manages hell, it really intrigues me how these demons POV differ from humans. I just hope the jokes in this series would be relatable to those who are not familiar to Japanese folklore just like myself. I’ll try a couple of eps.
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha
Release Date: Jan 16, 2014
Animation Production: Production IMS
PV, PV 2
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Toru Takahashi (Storyboard NANA (TV))
Series Composition: Touko Machida (Is This a Zombie? (TV))
Music: Takeshi Senoo (Aria the Origination (TV))
Summary: Fushimi Inari is a shy, not-so-bright middle school girl living in Kyoto’s Fushimi ward. She has a crush on her classmate Tanbbashi, but cannot express her feelings. One day, as thanks for helping a fox pup, the deity Ukanomitamanokami grants her the ability to change her form.
Impression:
Ooooh~ I love the PV and I kind of fancy the romance genre so yep I’m going to watch this. Ah I forgot to note that the music on this one would be definitely awesome cause I love the work of Takeshi Sanoo on the Aria series and Maaya Sakamoto and May’n would sing the ED and OP song so yep definitely a solid OST.
Mahou Sensou
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Madhouse Studios
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yuzo Sato (Kaiji, Iron Man, Gokusen)
Series Composition: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (Hajime no Ippo Rising)
Music: Masato Kōda (Arpeggio of Blue Steel)
Summary: In this modern magic action story, Takeshi Nanase is an ordinary high school boy who has a somewhat dark past. Due to certain circumstances, he formed a “fake” couple with his childhood friend Kurumi Isoshima, but otherwise, he lives a normal life. However, one day, he comes across a girl named Mui Aiba, in a uniform he has never seen before, collapsed on the school campus. This encounters changes Takeshi’s destiny completely. Mui tells Takeshi that she is a magician, and she apologizes, for she turned Takeshi into a magician, too. What Takeshi once knew as one world is actually two — the world where magicians live and the world where humans live.
Impression:
Ah another light novel adaptation by Madhouse hopefully it won’t be as rushed as Kaminai. Well, the summary looks interesting (albeit having a been there done that feel to it), love the action packed PV and seems like the staff looks legit so yep I’ll try a couple of eps.
Maken-Ki! Two
Release Date: January 16, 2014
Animation Production: Xebec
PV
Summary: Second season of Maken-Ki!
Impression:
What?! There’s a season 2 of this?! Pass.
Mikakunin de Shinkoukei
Release Date: January 09, 2014
Animation Production: Dogakobo
PV, PV2
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yoshiyuki Fujiwara (Episode director Attack on Titan (TV))
Series Composition: Fumihiko Shimo (Fate/stay night (TV))
Summary: The comedy revolves around Kobeni Yonomori, who on her 16th birthday suddenly has a young man with little presence named Hakuya Mitsumine and his younger sister Mashiro appear in front of her. It turns out that Hakuya is her fiancee, and Mashiro is her future sister-in-law. The three (and Konbeni’s older sister Benio) start living together underneath the same roof, and hilarious happenings occur.
Impression:
Newbie director and VAs. I smell a mediocre production so it’s a Pass.
Nisekoi
Release Date: January 11, 2014
Animation Production: Shaft
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Music: Satoru Kousaki (Bakemonogatari )
Summary: As a child, Raku Ichijo made a secret promise with his childhood sweetheart, keeping a pendant as a memento while his love took the key. He dreams of one day meeting his past love, but years later, reality smashes his hopes when Chitoge Kirisaki accidentally knees him in the face…
Though Raku’s a normal high schooler, his family heads the notorious yakuza gang the Shuei-Gumi faction! And he’s dragged into family affairs when he’s forced into a relationship with Chitoge, the daughter of a rival gang’s boss! Despite their constant spats, the two somehow fool everyone with their false relationship. Raku then discovers that Chitoge has a mysterious key from her past, which she can’t remember… Plus, two other girls appear with keys as well—Kosaki Onodera and Marika Tachibana! Caught in the midst of this love maelstrom, even more complications arise for Raku when his class decides on Romeo and Juliet as the class’s play for the school festival. Can the two false lovebirds pull off the impossible and make the play a success
Impression:
This is the series that I’m most excited about. Not only is it animated by SHAFT, I’ve read the manga and found it really interesting and hilarious. OH YES SHAFT MAKING A ROMCOM I’M SO F***ING EXCITED!! A guaranteed watch! I just hope Shinbo knows how to direct a Romcom. Oh I almost forgot that Claris would be singing the OP so yep another plus for me.
Nobunaga the Fool
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: Satelight
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Eiichi Sato (Slayers Next)
Series Composition: Shoji Kawamori (Macross 7)
Music: Masaru Yokoyama (Arakawa Under the Bridge)
Yōko Hikasa (Akiyama, Mio) as d’Arc, Jeanne Kaguya
Mamoru Miyano (Mashima, Taichi ) as Oda, Nobunaga
Minori Chihara (Nagato, Yuki ) as Ichihime
Summary: The Western Planet and the Eastern Planet. Once upon a time, the two sides were bound by the “Dragon Pulse” spanning the heavens.
The civilization that once had prospered has now turned to a tale of dreams, as the inextinguishable flames of war tear the realm asunder. The two planets remain engulfed in endless battles.
The return of the super technology known as “sacred treasures” could revolutionize the world order, but no one knows of them but one person — a “heretical girl.” A girl from the Western Planet, Jeanne Kaguya d’Arc, saw heavenly visions of the birth of a “Star Messiah” who will save the world. She embarks on a journey to the Eastern Planet with Leonardo da Vinci, “the one who observes the world.” They come across the heretic of the Eastern Planet and “the greatest fool of the day,” Oda Nobunaga.
Impression:
Wow that was one amazing PV. Awesome another mecha show and it’s even from Shoji Kawamori! Interesting premise, a possible romance and lots and lots of mecha. Yep definitly going to follow this every week!
Nobunagun
Release Date: January 04, 2014
Animation Production: Bridge
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Nobuhiro Kondo (Sgt. Frog)
Series Composition: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Music: Yutaka Shinya
Shiori Mutō as Shio Ogura
Yuu Asakawa (Rider) as Isaac Newton/Jess Beckham
Chiwa Saito (Senjougahara, Hitagi) as Geronimo
Summary: Shio Ogura is a Japanese high school student, who is visiting Taiwan on a school trip when she is suddenly attacked by monsters. Agents known as “E-Gene Holders” from the government agency DOGOO also arrive, who wield weapons infused with the spirits of historical figures. Shio is revealed to also be an E-Gene Holder when the soul of Oda Nobunaga awakens after she tries to rescue a friend.
Impression:
Unlike the other Nobunaga show this season the PV just failed to impress me and the premise seems very cliche. It’s also from a newbie studio with the staff’s not so amazing track records, this series just doesn’t look that great. I guess I’ll just have to pass on this one.
Noragami
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: Bones
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Kotaro Tamura
Series Composition: Deko Akao
Summary: At the boundary between this realm and another, there live eight million gods, dead spirits who serve the gods, and other assorted spirits who help and meddle in the affairs of humans. A sweet middle school girl named Hiyori Iki has been enduring bullying from her classmates, and she goes to the restroom by herself to cry. Scrawled on the bathroom wall is a phone number and the message, “I solve your troubles.”
After Hiyori calls the number, she encounters a homeless, unemployed figure who proclaims himself a “god.” Crude, unpredictable, and worthless, he does not answer people’s prayers and no one acknowledges him. However, he has one sole power, the ability to cut all who pass between this world and the next
Impression:
I’ve read the manga and it’s interesting at first but got boring as the story goes on. Btw the cast are all big names if you check out the full list and with that I’m willing to give this a couple of eps.
No-Rin
Release Date: January 11, 2014
Animation Production: Silver Link
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Shin Oonuma (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya)
Series Composition: Michiko Yokote (Genshiken Second Season)
Chiwa Saito as Natsumi Betsuk
Summary: When the national idol Kusakabe Yuka suddenly retired from the entertainment business, it shocked the world and it devastated teenager Hata Kosaku. Kosaku was Yuka’s biggest fan and her departure left him depressed. His classmates at the Tamo Agriculture School finally are able to get him to leave his room and attend his class, but to everyone’s amazement, Kusakabe Yuka (her stage name) comes into the class under the name Kinoshita Ringo as a transfer student. Kosaku realizes he has the once in a lifetime opportunity to get to personally know his dream girl and, together with his group of friends, try to find out why she is here and become closer than just classmates.
Impression:
That sexy Chiwa Saito voice at the begining was priceless. The PV isn’t that interesting nor the premise but I want to watch this just for the laughs and that amazing seiyuu lineup so I guess I’ll try a couple of eps.
Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga
Release Date: January 31, 2014
Animation Production: Project No. 9
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Hiroyuki Hata (Episode director Gintama)
Series Composition: Hideyuki Kurata ((The) World God Only Knows )
Summary: In the romance comedy, a girl named Mitsuki Kanzaki lives with her step-brother Yuya after her mother remarries. One day, Mitsuki is possessed by the self-proclaimed spirit of a young girl, Hiyori Kotobuki. Hiyori (in Mitsuki’s body) must fall in love with Yuya to move towards the “Gates of Heaven.”
Impression:
The premise look fun so I guess I’ll try the first ep.
Saki: Zenkoku-hen
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: Studio Gokumi
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Manabu Ono (Dragonaut – The Resonance)
Series Composition: Tatsuhiko Urahata (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere)
Summary: Sequel to the Saki series covering the Inter High School Mahjong Championships.
Impression:
Oh yes finally after the nth year they finally animated this arc! I love the first season because of the outrageous mahjong battles and of course the yuri, I really missed this series. The Miyanaga sister’s face off is finally here! Will watch for my daily dose of mahjong and yuri.
Sakura Trick
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Studio Deen
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Ken’ichi Ishikura (Hidamari Sketch × Hoshimittsu)
Series Composition: Ken’ichi Ishikura
Summary: The story revolves around Haruka and Yuu, two girls who go to a high school that is slated to be shut down in three years. To share something special between them, they share a kiss, and their relationship deepens from that moment onward.
Impression:
Oh yes a yuri comedy this season! You know how I like yuri so yep definitely going to watch this one!
Seitokai Yakuindomo*
Release Date: January 04, 2014
Animation Production: GoHands
PV, PV2
Notable Staff/Cast:
Series Composition: Makoto Nakamura
Script: Makoto Nakamura & Tomoko Koyama
Summary: The second season of Seitokai Yakuindomo
Takatoshi is a new student in a recently gender-integrated high school, and is asked to join the student council as the vice president. Thus begins his days as the only normal boy among 3 female student council officers.
Impression:
Unfortunately Iw asn’t able to watch the first season so this one is a pass.
Sekai Seifuku: Bouryaku no Zvezda
Release Date: January 12, 2014
Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
PV, PV2, PV3
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Tensai Okamura (Blue Exorcist)
Series Composition: Meteo Hoshizora (Type-Moon) & Tensai Okamura
Music: Tatsuya Katou (Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club)
Summary: What does it take to conquer the world?! Every leader of the past has thought of it… but all they have done was to merely dream of its greatness. World domination…nobody has been able to achieve it. Until one little girl by the name of Kate Hoshimiya came along. Kate Hoshimiya will shock the world! How was she able to carry out such a magnificent stunt? So frightful! So glorious! Could this be…the Zvezda Plot?! Let the light of our great Zvezda shine upon this land far and wide!
Impression:
Details are scarce in this original series by A-1 Pictures. The staff are not that impressive but it seems like the OST of this one would be one of its strong points. Maaya Sakamoto would sing the OP and Aoi Yuki would sing the ED song also, Tatsuya Katou would be behind the music. This looks like a fun and outrageous series (just by looking at the character design) so I’ll try a couple of episodes.
SoniAni: Super Sonico The Animation
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: White Fox
PV, Pv2
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Kenichi Kawamura (Rozen Maiden)
Script: Yousuke Kuroda (Ano Natsu de Matteru)
Music: Go Sakabe (Date A Live)
Ayano Yamamoto as Super Sonico
Mai Goto (Hayama, Mizuki) as Fujimi, Suzu
Mami Ozaki (Isuzu, Hana) as Watanuki, Fuuri
Summary: Super Sonico is an 18-year old college student who plays guitar for the three-girl band Fastest Speed in Space and models for pin-ups. In spite of her busy schedule, she still finds time to her grandmother at her restaurant. One night, her band members Suzu and Fuuri, are late to a concert, forcing her to play alone. The result of that show will have far-reaching consequences for Sonico.
Impression:
I like the work of the script writer Yousuke Kuroda but a series based from a mascot character, it doesn’t look promising. I guess I’ll have to pass on this one.
Space Dandy
Release Date: January 05, 2014
Animation Production: Bones
PV, PV2, PV3 (English Dub)
Notable Staff/Cast:
Chief Director: Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop)
Director: Shingo Natsume (Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei)
Script:
Dai Sato (Ergo Proxy)
Hayashi Mori
Ichiro Okouchi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion))
Keiko Nobumoto (Wolf’s Rain)
Kimiko Ueno (Shin chan)
Summary: Space Dandy is a space hunter, someone who is paid to search for new, undiscovered alien species. It’s an industry where the prize goes to the person who finds aliens the fastest. Dandy searches unknown planets for strange beings with his companions, QT the worn-out robot and Meow from Betelgeuse. Meanwhile, they’re being chased by minions of the Gogol Empire, for reasons that are still a mystery.
Impression:
Holy! Look at the staff and cast! All seasoned director, script writers and VAs. Sure the PV looked crazy but I love it! It reminds me of Cowboy Bebop with a touch of MIB (Men in Black). This is going to be one crazy ride so count me in!
Strange+
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Seven
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Takashi Nishikawa (Natsuiro Kiseki )
Screenplay: Takashi Nishikawa
Summary: Kou is searching for his older brother Takumi, who left home and has gone missing in the city. Worried that he’s in trouble, Kou decides not to go home until he’s found him, only to find him all too easily. Takumi, it turns out, has become head of the Mikuni Detective Agency, and has no intention of going back home. Kou decides that if he can’t make Takumi return, then he’ll join the agency himself.
Impression:
Staff isn’t impressive and the premise look so mediocre but we got a well known cast but that’s not enough to make me watch this series. Pass.
Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: TMS Entertainment
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Toshimasa Suzuki (Lagrange – The Flower of Rin-ne)
Series Composition: Shinichi Inotsume (Ristorante Paradiso)
Summary: This is a tale of a prince who lost everything leaves for a journey with no guarantee of returning to his hometown safely. With hatred and revenge in his mind, he met several people that taught him about friendship…and love.
Impression:
Brilliant staff, interesting premise and a solid voice cast. This series looks really interesting. Oh and Aoi Yuki and Ayana Taketatsu’s ‘Petit my Lady’ duo would sing the OP song. Yep I’ll watch this series.
Wake Up, Girls!
Release Date: January 11, 2014
Animation Production: Ordet
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yutaka Yamamoto (Kannagi)
Series Composition: Touko Machida (The IDOLM@STER)
Summary: Green Leaves Entertainment is a tiny production company on the verge of going out of business in Sendai, the biggest city in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region. The agency once managed the careers of magicians, photo idols, fortune-tellers, and other entertainers, but its last remaining client finally quit. In danger of having zero talent (literally), the president Tange hatches an idea of producing an idol group. On the brash president’s orders, the dissatisfied manager Matsuda heads out to scout raw talent. Matsuda makes a fateful encounter with a certain girl….
Impression:
There’s something fascinating with idol series like Love Live and The IDOLM@STER (I enjoyed both shows btw). Having a dream and watching those girls how they achieve those dreams really struck some heart strings in me. Couple it with awesome performances, songs and dance animation, those are the reasons why I totally enjoy idol shows. A new idol show from the same scipt writer as the Idolm@ster, I will definitely watch this one!
Witch Craft Works
Release Date: January 05, 2014
Animation Production: J.C. Staff
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Tsutomu Mizushima (Girls und Panzer)
Series Composition: Tsutomu Mizushima
Script:
Michiko Yokote (Gintama)
Reiko Yoshida (K-ON! )
Tsutomu Mizushima
Summary: Takamiya Honoka is a regular student whose only problem seems to be that he sits next to Kagari Ayaka, the school’s #1 beauty. They have never spoken to each other before and any small interaction between them immediately results in her fanclub beating him. Yet when a falling part of the school’s building is about to send him to the afterlife, it’s Kagari that comes to his rescue. Only… she’s dressed as a witch, carrying him in her arms and floating on a broom?! Kagari tells him it is her mission to protect him and that now she can finally protect him openly rather than undercover.
Impression:
A Rom-Com by no other than J.C. Staff! The premise is interesting and the staff have good track records so yep this show is looking good already! I’ll defnitely watch this series!
Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil
Release Date: Jan 12, 2014
Animation Production: Arms
PV, PV2, PV3
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite, Galilei Donna)
Series Composition: Yasuomi Umetsu
Script: Michiko Itou ((The) Pet Girl of Sakurasou)
Daisuke Ono (Smith, Erwin) as Kujira, Shibuki
Marina Inoue (Littner, Yoko) as Erari, Quinn
Summary: The story takes place in Tokyo in 2018, where normal humans and those who can use magic coexist. As a result, there are laws against using magic, and a “magic courtroom” exists to preside over lawsuits regarding magic use. In these cases, “Benmashi” or wizard barristers defend those who use magic. The anime follows Cecil, the youngest Benmashi in history, and her associates as they defend clients in these cases.
Impression:
Holy S*** that PV sure look so badass! The animation is so fluid and the character design and even the animation style reminds me a lot of Kite which is not surprising because of director-san. I love the concept of magicians having their own lawyers but I don’t know how could ARMS handle a not so ecchi show. Though the staff have ahandled impressive shows before (The likes of Elfen Lied) so I’m giving them my confidence. I so freakin excited to watch this show!
Z/X IGNITION
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Nippon Ichi Software
PV
Notable Staff/Cast
Director: Yuji Yamaguchi (Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works)
Character Design: Junko Watanabe (Say “I love you.”)
Hiro Shimono (Katsuragi, Keima) as Asuka Tennōji
Aya Uchida (Minami, Kotori) as Rigel
Maaya Uchida (Takanashi, Rikka) as Chitose Aoba
Yui Ogura (Kanda, Yuuko) as Azumi Kagamihara
Summary: The story is set in the not-so-distant future. Five “Black Points” suddenly appeared around the world as portals to parallel worlds. Immediately after, strange creatures began their invasion from these portals. These creatures are the inhabitants of five worlds — the same worlds in different timeframes. In order to ensure their own future timeframe survives, each of the five invasion forces battle to wipe the other future timeframes out. The key is one card-shaped device.
Impression:
Not particularly fond anime based from a trading card game so I’ll pass on this one.
Shorts
Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen
Release Date: January 05, 2014
Animation Production: DAX Production
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Pippuya
Script: Kenichi Yamashita
Summary: Characters from various games released by Falcom (e.g. Dragon Slayer, The Legend of Heroes, and Ys series) come together in a crazy academy life in celebration of the game maker’s 30th anniversary.
Impression:
Summary even the PV doesn’t look interesting so it’s a Pass.
Pupa
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Animation Production: Studio Deen
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
Original creator: Sayaka Mogi
Mamiko Noto (Kuronuma, Sawako) as Hasegawa, Sachiko
Summary: The “life-and-death sibling” story follows Utsutsu and Yume Hasegawa, a boy and his little sister who find themselves all alone. One day, Yume sees a mysterious red butterfly and her body undergoes a strange metamorphosis—into a creature that eats humans. Utsutsu struggles to find a way to restore his sister.
Impression:
Why the hell did one of my most anticipated show thi winter turn out to be an anime short?! Anyway will still watch it ’cause I just love gory series like this. Too bad this one will lack the budget of a full pledge tv series.
Pupipo!
Release Date: December 21, 2013
Animation Production: AIC Plus
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Kaoru Suzuki
Original creator: Rensuke Oshikiri
Summary: The story centers around Wakaba Himeji, a fifth-grade girl who can see things others cannot. As a result, she is scared by her surroundings, keeps her distance from others, and lives a lonely life. One day, she meet a mysterious soft, pink creature that cries “Pupipo!” — and her life is changed from that day forward.
Impression:
Interesting, this series’ genre is horror, comedy. I wonder how will that work out? Will pass on this one ’cause I’ve already got a LOT on my list.
Toei Robot Girls Z
Release Date: January 04, 2014
Animation Production: Toei Animation
PV, PV2 (First 4min of the series)
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Hiroshi Ikehata
Series Composition: Kazuho Hyodo
Summary: The story revolves around a new team of “Toei robot girls” named “Team Z” that is made up of three girls based on Toei’s Mazinger Z franchise: Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, and UFO Robot Grendizer. Usually they perform in activities around Nerima ward in Tokyo to raise the awareness of the promising future energy source “Photon Power” (koushiryoku). However, there are times when “Mechanical Beast” team of girls emerge from the “Subterranean Empire” and attempt to steal the energy. Thus “Team Z” has to battle them to prevent this, though sometimes they just go and beat up the “bad girls” to relieve stress.
Impression:
Oh lol the famous robots (The only one I recognize is Mazinger Z) of Toei Animation just became girls, oh Japan you never fail to amaze me. Anyway even though it looked fun with the old school special attack in the PV, I’ll pass on this one.
Tonari no Seki-kun
Release Date: January 06, 2014
Animation Production: Shin-Ei Animation
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yuji Mutoh
Original creator: Takuma Morishige
Summary: The original manga revolves around a girl named Yokoi who sits next to a boy only known as Seki-kun. During class, Seki-kun continues to not pay attention and instead creates amazing little distractions, such as a detailed golf course with the course’s hole being a dent in his desk, or an entire dramatic war being played out by paper shogi pieces. Yokoi often finds herself getting reluctantly interested in his games, even though they always seem to end up getting HER in trouble with the teacher!
Impression:
I didn’t find the PV funny but the summary indicates this will be a fun series. Sorry but I got a lot on my plate already so I’ll pass on this one.
Onee-chan ga Kita
Release Date: January 09, 2014
Animation Production: C2C
PV
Notable Staff/Cast:
Director: Yoshihide Yuuzumi (Yurumates3Dei)
Aimi Terakawa (Tokiwa, Kazumi) as Tomoya Mizuhara
Juri Nagatsuma (Makino, Kanna) as Ichika Mizuhara
Summary: The story revolves around Tomoya Mizuhara, a 13-year-old boy who suddenly gains a big sister when his father remarries. 17-year-old Ichika is a little strange, and her affection for Tomoya is rather overwhelming, if not scary. On top of things, Ichika’s friend Ruri is the ultimate sadist. Then there is Ichika’s big-breasted quarter-Japanese friend Marina.
Impression:
Premise is not interesting so it’s a pass.
Whew we really got a LOT of shows this winter season if I’m not mistaken there’s 35 on the list I’ve listed above. Among the rest, these are the series that have left a huge impression on me base from the summary, PV and staff/cast.
MY TOP 10 WINTER ANIME
10. Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta
Noragami
9. Nisekoi
8. Pupa
7. Buddy Complex
6. Witch Craft Works
5. Hoozuki no Reitetsu
4. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren
3. Space Dandy
2. Nobunaga the Fool
1. Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil
I hope this preview would help you choose on what to watch this winter season!
until then…
~ja
