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Apr. 13th, 2007 07:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
queendork56Woot! Random update time! This one is about the spring anime season!
So the spring anime season is in it's second week and things are still looking freaking amazing. I can't remember seeing so many shows with so much potential premiering all at once! It's madness! MADNESS!
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Official Site | ANN
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi (Dead Leaves) | Animation Production: GAINAX
Plot Summary: In their closed-off underground village, Kamina and Simon chafe at the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet all this will change, when Simon stumbles across a fantastic device - just as the village's peace is broken by a violent intrusion.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I'm not a big GAINAX fan. Abenobashi is really the only series they'd done that I've liked from start to finish. I did enjoy Dead Leaves (which as animated by I.G.) I was pleased that Gurren Lagann gave off that Abenobashi feel in terms of characters, but with the crazy Dead Leaves type action. The mecha designs aren't as slick as other shows, but I kinda like the robot head idea. The characters are also great. Simon is a really likable kid, Yoko is spunky and kickass without being annoying, and Kamina is just awesome. (Katsuyuki Konishi did a fantastic job!)
Pros: Fun characters. Crazy action. Good voice cast. KAMINA!
Cons: GAINAX
Interest Level: Very High
Hayate no Gotoku!
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Keiichiro Kawaguchi (Getsumen To Heiki Mina) | Animation Production: Synergy SP
Plot Summary: 16-year-old Hayate is really down on his luck. His unemployed parents are good-for-nothings who waste the money they have on gambling. One day, his parents have racked up a huge gambling debt that they had to sell Hayate to the yakuza for the value of his organs. In a desperate attempt to avoid that fate, Hayate decides to become a “bad guy” and kidnap someone to be held for ransom, but his efforts to do so are mistaken as a confession of love by the girl he targets.
Episodes Watched: 2
My Thoughts: I don't know what I was expecting when I saw down to watch Hayate, but I was really pleased with it. The comedy is really well done, in my opinion. From the parodies to the narration I was left laughing at quite a bit of it.
Pros: Good comedy. Lots of parodies.
Cons: Could grow stale rather quickly.
Interest Level: Very High
Heroic Age
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Takashi Noto; Toshimasa Suzuki | Animation Production: Xebec
Plot Summary: Answering the call of the “Gold Race”, all the sentient races launch into space. The human race is the last to launch, and are thus known as the “Iron Race”. Much time has passed since then, and humanity is threatened with extinction at the hands of the more dominant “Silver Race”. In order to save her people, Queen Deianeira sets out on a journey to a galaxy far away, following the prophecies of the Gold Race handed down by the royal family. Then, she meets a boy named Age. Their encounter will change the fate of the universe...
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I'm not a huge mecha fan, but I'm always open to mecha with interesting characters/story. Heroic Age has caught my interest with both of those. There's just something about the setup of the world that has me interested. Age is also quite interesting. Most of the "wild animal" types tend to come off as highly annoying, but Age manages to have the wild nature and without making me want to slam my head into the wall! I'm looking forward to see how much Greek Mythology plays into the story.
Pros: Interesing concept. I already like the main character. Naoki Sato music.
Cons: Hisashi Hirai character designs.
Interest Level: High
Idolmaster Xenoglossia
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai (Honey & Clover II) | Animation Production: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Haruka Amami isn't the most confident pop singer in Japan, but when she's accepted after an audition, she's sent to Tokyo to start a career in entertainment. Though, little does she know that the agency that's taken her on is actually a front for a task force that uses giant robots to defend the Earth from falling meteors.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: Oh Sunrise... I try to resist you, but I always give in (unless it's Gundam.) The first episode of Idolmaster reminded me a lot of the first episode of Mai-HiME. You meet the main character and a couple of people around here... then suddenly a blue haired chick and a little girl show up and start a fight. Hopefully Idolmaster will end up being as enjoyable as Mai-HiME. I'm not expecting anything groundbreaking, but it should be fun to watch.
Pros: I don't dislike any of the main characters. Akira Ishida. Penguins!
Cons: Storyline probably won't be very deep.
Interest Level: Medium
El Cazador de la Bruja
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Koichi Mashimo (Noir, Tsubasa Chronicle... pretty much everything Bee Train has ever done.) | Animation Production: Bee Train
Plot Summary: Ellis, a young girl suspected of murdering a prominent physicist Heinrich Schneider, is on the run from an underground society called "Hunters" when she is tracked down by the bounty hunter Nadi in a small Mexican town. However, instead of turning her in, Nadi impulsively decides to help her and the two girls embark on a journey to Ellis' hometown, where they plan on finding clues about her past. From there, they travel south to search for the mysterious Gemstone of the Inca Rose, the "Eternal City" of Wiñay Marka, and Ellis' own obscure destiny.
Episodes Watched: 2
My Thoughts: I have pretty low expectations when it comes to Bee Train. They just tend to make really boring things. Thankfully El Cazador seems pretty interesting. Ellis and Nadi both seem interesting. The bits and pieces we get of the plot are quite interesting too. Plus it has a fabulously gay bounty hunter team and a well dressed stalker!
Pros: Not boring so far! Random orgasms!
Cons: Bee Train. It's probably just a matter of time before Yuki Kajiura's music devours the storyline.
Interest Level: Medium
Claymore
Offical Site | ANN
Director:Hiroyuki Tanaka | Animation Production: Madhouse Studios
Plot Summary: In this world, from ancient times, people were eaten by beings called "youma". For a long time, people lived without any means to counter them. However, a half-human, half-youma female warrior was born.... Female soldiers known as "Claymore" who, with silver eyes that can see through to the true form of "youma", and carry a large sword as a weapon, continue to battle those which people have named "youma".
Episodes Watched: 2
My Thoughts: I'm still not sure how I feel about Claymore yet. I don't find Clare or Raki all that interesting so far. I know several people who have read the manga who assure me that after a slow start it gets quite interesting though. I figure this will stay in my test pile for a while longer.
Pros: It does have potential.
Cons: Clare and Raki are kinda meh. Overly gray art.
Interest Level: Medium
Romeo x Juliet
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Fumitoshi Oisaki | Animation Production: Gonzo
Plot Summary: This is a story of a young and tragic love, set in the aerial city of Neo Verona. Tyranny rules this island in the sky after the Montague family took control 14 years prior. The disparity among the wealthy and poor is apparent in the present state, the earth dries and water stagnates. The sky itself is wrapped in a deep dense fog. Both Romeo and Juliet's lineages are of present and past ruling families of Neo Verona. Romeo is the son of the current Montague dictator, Juliet (a beautiful woman) masquerades as a man (Odin), she's the last descendant of Capulet the previous rulers who were killed by an assassin's dagger 14 years ago. Her true background is not to be revealed to her until her 16th birthday while being raised by her sister. The cruel hands of fate introduces 2 people who will become "Star Crossed Lovers".
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I wasn't too sure about this one when I first heard about it, but when I saw the trailer a while back it planted something in me that made me need to see this. I was not disappointed. I know some people are gonna look at the flying horses and write it off, but I loved it. The animation was wonderful and I already find both Romeo and Juliet more interesting than their play counterparts. I honestly cannot find one thing in the first episode to be upset with.
Pros: Refreshing take on a stale play (sorry... Romeo & Juliet just bores me a lot.) Great animation.
Cons: Gonzo (but they have been a roll with me lately.)
Interest Level: Very High
Darker than BLACK
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Tensai Okamura (Wolf's Rain) | Animation Production: BONES
Plot Summary: In Tokyo, an impenetrable field known as "Hell's Gate" appeared ten years ago. At the same time, psychics who wield paranormal powers at the cost of their conscience also emerged. Hei is one of the most powerful of these psychic agents, and along with his blind associate, Yin, works for one of the many rival agencies vying to unlock the mysteries of Hell's Gate.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I love a good story with super powers. I also happen to think Wolf's Rain is the best thing BONES has done. One episode in and I'm already kinda in love with Darker than Black. I love the entire feel of it all. The music. The atmosphere. I find Hei and the whole Contractor thing to be quite interesting. I'm in this one for the long run.
Pros: Great animation. Great music. Highly interesting concept.
Cons: Uh...
Interest Level: Extremely High
Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) | Animation Production: Production I.G.)
Plot Summary: Balsa the spearwoman is a wandering warrior, who takes on the task of saving lives, in atonement for a past sin. On her journey, she happens to save a prince, and is tasked with becoming his bodyguard. And he is going to need one, for his own father, the emperor, wants him dead.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: This was another one where I just loved the atmosphere of the story. Balsa also ended up being much more than I thought she would be. I was expecting her to be in badass mode 90% of the time, but she's actually got a pretty normal personality. The first episode laid the groundwork for the story and I really have no clue where it's gonna go from here.
Pros: Solid animation. Balsa is pretty groovy. An actual little boy playing a little boy! I have no idea where it's gonna go.
Cons: I have no idea where it's gonna go. Disappointing OP from L'Arc-en-Ciel.
Interest Level: High
sola
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Tomoki Kobayashi (Utawarerumono) | Animation Production:Nomad
Plot Summary: Yorito Morimiya is a boy who is obsessed with the sky. One night while trying to photograph the sunrise he meets a girl struggling with a juice machine who disappears after he tries to help her.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: Eh... I couldn't find a plot summary so I tried to make one up, but this series is kinda hard to summarize. I had no idea what to expect when I watched it. I figured it'd be some random love story, but I was surprised. It still looks to be a love story, but one with a boy with a weird sky obsession and a weird sister and a girl who might be a vampire. Plus there was a guy with a sword a goth-loli girl in a box!
Pros: Pretty animation. Keiji Fujiwara!
Cons: Character designs are a bit meh.
Interest Level: Medium
Bokura no
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Hiroyuki Morita (The Cat Returns | Animation Production: Gonzo
Plot Summary: During a summer camp, 15 children, 8 males and 7 females, find a grotto by the sea. Deep within they discover working computers and some electronic equipment, and later the owner, a man called Kokopelli. Kokopelli claimed to be a programmer working on a brand new game, in which a large robot has to defend the Earth against fifteen alien invasions. He persuades the children to test the game and sign a contract. All but one of them signs, barely a moment later they mysteriously awaken on the shore believing what happened was just a dream.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I enjoyed (and was really disturbed by) Shadow Star, so this was very high on my list this season. The first episode did not disappoint. I can't wait for it to start getting really freaky.
Pros: Amazingly addictive opening song. Should be a nice ride.
Cons: Gonzo. Character designs are kinda blah (which is the same complainant I had with Shadow Star.)
Interest Level: Very High
And I'm still waiting for subs for Terra e... (old school manga... new school animation), Oh Edo Rocket (I've heard good things), Lovely Complex (good manga + One Piece director), Emma 2 (more Victorian romance!) Spring is too good! And then there's Denno Coil in May!
I also (finally) finished the Nodame Cantabile drama while the anime was on a break. I cried. The actors all did a great job. I hope there's more someday.
So the spring anime season is in it's second week and things are still looking freaking amazing. I can't remember seeing so many shows with so much potential premiering all at once! It's madness! MADNESS!
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Official Site | ANN
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi (Dead Leaves) | Animation Production: GAINAX
Plot Summary: In their closed-off underground village, Kamina and Simon chafe at the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet all this will change, when Simon stumbles across a fantastic device - just as the village's peace is broken by a violent intrusion.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I'm not a big GAINAX fan. Abenobashi is really the only series they'd done that I've liked from start to finish. I did enjoy Dead Leaves (which as animated by I.G.) I was pleased that Gurren Lagann gave off that Abenobashi feel in terms of characters, but with the crazy Dead Leaves type action. The mecha designs aren't as slick as other shows, but I kinda like the robot head idea. The characters are also great. Simon is a really likable kid, Yoko is spunky and kickass without being annoying, and Kamina is just awesome. (Katsuyuki Konishi did a fantastic job!)
Pros: Fun characters. Crazy action. Good voice cast. KAMINA!
Cons: GAINAX
Interest Level: Very High
Hayate no Gotoku!
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Keiichiro Kawaguchi (Getsumen To Heiki Mina) | Animation Production: Synergy SP
Plot Summary: 16-year-old Hayate is really down on his luck. His unemployed parents are good-for-nothings who waste the money they have on gambling. One day, his parents have racked up a huge gambling debt that they had to sell Hayate to the yakuza for the value of his organs. In a desperate attempt to avoid that fate, Hayate decides to become a “bad guy” and kidnap someone to be held for ransom, but his efforts to do so are mistaken as a confession of love by the girl he targets.
Episodes Watched: 2
My Thoughts: I don't know what I was expecting when I saw down to watch Hayate, but I was really pleased with it. The comedy is really well done, in my opinion. From the parodies to the narration I was left laughing at quite a bit of it.
Pros: Good comedy. Lots of parodies.
Cons: Could grow stale rather quickly.
Interest Level: Very High
Heroic Age
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Takashi Noto; Toshimasa Suzuki | Animation Production: Xebec
Plot Summary: Answering the call of the “Gold Race”, all the sentient races launch into space. The human race is the last to launch, and are thus known as the “Iron Race”. Much time has passed since then, and humanity is threatened with extinction at the hands of the more dominant “Silver Race”. In order to save her people, Queen Deianeira sets out on a journey to a galaxy far away, following the prophecies of the Gold Race handed down by the royal family. Then, she meets a boy named Age. Their encounter will change the fate of the universe...
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I'm not a huge mecha fan, but I'm always open to mecha with interesting characters/story. Heroic Age has caught my interest with both of those. There's just something about the setup of the world that has me interested. Age is also quite interesting. Most of the "wild animal" types tend to come off as highly annoying, but Age manages to have the wild nature and without making me want to slam my head into the wall! I'm looking forward to see how much Greek Mythology plays into the story.
Pros: Interesing concept. I already like the main character. Naoki Sato music.
Cons: Hisashi Hirai character designs.
Interest Level: High
Idolmaster Xenoglossia
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai (Honey & Clover II) | Animation Production: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Haruka Amami isn't the most confident pop singer in Japan, but when she's accepted after an audition, she's sent to Tokyo to start a career in entertainment. Though, little does she know that the agency that's taken her on is actually a front for a task force that uses giant robots to defend the Earth from falling meteors.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: Oh Sunrise... I try to resist you, but I always give in (unless it's Gundam.) The first episode of Idolmaster reminded me a lot of the first episode of Mai-HiME. You meet the main character and a couple of people around here... then suddenly a blue haired chick and a little girl show up and start a fight. Hopefully Idolmaster will end up being as enjoyable as Mai-HiME. I'm not expecting anything groundbreaking, but it should be fun to watch.
Pros: I don't dislike any of the main characters. Akira Ishida. Penguins!
Cons: Storyline probably won't be very deep.
Interest Level: Medium
El Cazador de la Bruja
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Koichi Mashimo (Noir, Tsubasa Chronicle... pretty much everything Bee Train has ever done.) | Animation Production: Bee Train
Plot Summary: Ellis, a young girl suspected of murdering a prominent physicist Heinrich Schneider, is on the run from an underground society called "Hunters" when she is tracked down by the bounty hunter Nadi in a small Mexican town. However, instead of turning her in, Nadi impulsively decides to help her and the two girls embark on a journey to Ellis' hometown, where they plan on finding clues about her past. From there, they travel south to search for the mysterious Gemstone of the Inca Rose, the "Eternal City" of Wiñay Marka, and Ellis' own obscure destiny.
Episodes Watched: 2
My Thoughts: I have pretty low expectations when it comes to Bee Train. They just tend to make really boring things. Thankfully El Cazador seems pretty interesting. Ellis and Nadi both seem interesting. The bits and pieces we get of the plot are quite interesting too. Plus it has a fabulously gay bounty hunter team and a well dressed stalker!
Pros: Not boring so far! Random orgasms!
Cons: Bee Train. It's probably just a matter of time before Yuki Kajiura's music devours the storyline.
Interest Level: Medium
Claymore
Offical Site | ANN
Director:Hiroyuki Tanaka | Animation Production: Madhouse Studios
Plot Summary: In this world, from ancient times, people were eaten by beings called "youma". For a long time, people lived without any means to counter them. However, a half-human, half-youma female warrior was born.... Female soldiers known as "Claymore" who, with silver eyes that can see through to the true form of "youma", and carry a large sword as a weapon, continue to battle those which people have named "youma".
Episodes Watched: 2
My Thoughts: I'm still not sure how I feel about Claymore yet. I don't find Clare or Raki all that interesting so far. I know several people who have read the manga who assure me that after a slow start it gets quite interesting though. I figure this will stay in my test pile for a while longer.
Pros: It does have potential.
Cons: Clare and Raki are kinda meh. Overly gray art.
Interest Level: Medium
Romeo x Juliet
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Fumitoshi Oisaki | Animation Production: Gonzo
Plot Summary: This is a story of a young and tragic love, set in the aerial city of Neo Verona. Tyranny rules this island in the sky after the Montague family took control 14 years prior. The disparity among the wealthy and poor is apparent in the present state, the earth dries and water stagnates. The sky itself is wrapped in a deep dense fog. Both Romeo and Juliet's lineages are of present and past ruling families of Neo Verona. Romeo is the son of the current Montague dictator, Juliet (a beautiful woman) masquerades as a man (Odin), she's the last descendant of Capulet the previous rulers who were killed by an assassin's dagger 14 years ago. Her true background is not to be revealed to her until her 16th birthday while being raised by her sister. The cruel hands of fate introduces 2 people who will become "Star Crossed Lovers".
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I wasn't too sure about this one when I first heard about it, but when I saw the trailer a while back it planted something in me that made me need to see this. I was not disappointed. I know some people are gonna look at the flying horses and write it off, but I loved it. The animation was wonderful and I already find both Romeo and Juliet more interesting than their play counterparts. I honestly cannot find one thing in the first episode to be upset with.
Pros: Refreshing take on a stale play (sorry... Romeo & Juliet just bores me a lot.) Great animation.
Cons: Gonzo (but they have been a roll with me lately.)
Interest Level: Very High
Darker than BLACK
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Tensai Okamura (Wolf's Rain) | Animation Production: BONES
Plot Summary: In Tokyo, an impenetrable field known as "Hell's Gate" appeared ten years ago. At the same time, psychics who wield paranormal powers at the cost of their conscience also emerged. Hei is one of the most powerful of these psychic agents, and along with his blind associate, Yin, works for one of the many rival agencies vying to unlock the mysteries of Hell's Gate.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I love a good story with super powers. I also happen to think Wolf's Rain is the best thing BONES has done. One episode in and I'm already kinda in love with Darker than Black. I love the entire feel of it all. The music. The atmosphere. I find Hei and the whole Contractor thing to be quite interesting. I'm in this one for the long run.
Pros: Great animation. Great music. Highly interesting concept.
Cons: Uh...
Interest Level: Extremely High
Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) | Animation Production: Production I.G.)
Plot Summary: Balsa the spearwoman is a wandering warrior, who takes on the task of saving lives, in atonement for a past sin. On her journey, she happens to save a prince, and is tasked with becoming his bodyguard. And he is going to need one, for his own father, the emperor, wants him dead.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: This was another one where I just loved the atmosphere of the story. Balsa also ended up being much more than I thought she would be. I was expecting her to be in badass mode 90% of the time, but she's actually got a pretty normal personality. The first episode laid the groundwork for the story and I really have no clue where it's gonna go from here.
Pros: Solid animation. Balsa is pretty groovy. An actual little boy playing a little boy! I have no idea where it's gonna go.
Cons: I have no idea where it's gonna go. Disappointing OP from L'Arc-en-Ciel.
Interest Level: High
sola
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Tomoki Kobayashi (Utawarerumono) | Animation Production:Nomad
Plot Summary: Yorito Morimiya is a boy who is obsessed with the sky. One night while trying to photograph the sunrise he meets a girl struggling with a juice machine who disappears after he tries to help her.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: Eh... I couldn't find a plot summary so I tried to make one up, but this series is kinda hard to summarize. I had no idea what to expect when I watched it. I figured it'd be some random love story, but I was surprised. It still looks to be a love story, but one with a boy with a weird sky obsession and a weird sister and a girl who might be a vampire. Plus there was a guy with a sword a goth-loli girl in a box!
Pros: Pretty animation. Keiji Fujiwara!
Cons: Character designs are a bit meh.
Interest Level: Medium
Bokura no
Offical Site | ANN
Director: Hiroyuki Morita (The Cat Returns | Animation Production: Gonzo
Plot Summary: During a summer camp, 15 children, 8 males and 7 females, find a grotto by the sea. Deep within they discover working computers and some electronic equipment, and later the owner, a man called Kokopelli. Kokopelli claimed to be a programmer working on a brand new game, in which a large robot has to defend the Earth against fifteen alien invasions. He persuades the children to test the game and sign a contract. All but one of them signs, barely a moment later they mysteriously awaken on the shore believing what happened was just a dream.
Episodes Watched: 1
My Thoughts: I enjoyed (and was really disturbed by) Shadow Star, so this was very high on my list this season. The first episode did not disappoint. I can't wait for it to start getting really freaky.
Pros: Amazingly addictive opening song. Should be a nice ride.
Cons: Gonzo. Character designs are kinda blah (which is the same complainant I had with Shadow Star.)
Interest Level: Very High
And I'm still waiting for subs for Terra e... (old school manga... new school animation), Oh Edo Rocket (I've heard good things), Lovely Complex (good manga + One Piece director), Emma 2 (more Victorian romance!) Spring is too good! And then there's Denno Coil in May!
I also (finally) finished the Nodame Cantabile drama while the anime was on a break. I cried. The actors all did a great job. I hope there's more someday.
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no subject
Date: 2007-04-14 01:29 am (UTC)If I may ask, where do you get your anime?
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Date: 2007-04-14 04:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-14 05:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-14 05:27 am (UTC)I love that icon, BTW.
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Date: 2007-04-14 04:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-14 05:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-04-14 05:31 am (UTC)