[Episodes Melodies 5-12 May 4, 2012]
[Episodes Memories 9-12, Melodies 1-4 April 27, 2012]
[Episodes Memories 1-8 April 20, 2012]Now for something that's a little different from what we've shown all year. Based off minori's December 2006 and May 2008 visual novel: ef ~A Fairy Tale of the Two~. In addition, animation director Makoto Shinkai (5 Centimeters per Second, Beyond the Clouds: The Place Promised in Our Early Days), music composer TENMON (Voices of a Distant Star, Wind ~A Breath of Heart~), and character designer Naru Nanao (Da Capo, Sola) are affiliated with both the original visual novel as well as the anime adaptation. ef's first game was ranked as the fifth highest selling game of 2006 despite only releasing a few days before the new year. By late 2007, it ranked 23rd for best game overall, tying with the popular Muv-Luv Alternative and Snow. ef's second game was later ranked number one in sales in 2008.
A Tale of Memories features the first 3 major stories of ef revolving around 6 characters: Hiro Hirono, Kyousuke Tsutsumi, Renji Asou, Miyako Miyamura, Kei Shindou, and Chihiro Shindou. Furthermore, Yuuko Amamiya and Yuu Himura are a mysterious pair who constantly appear and disappear yet providing advice for the heroes and heroines of the story to go about their daily lives. The magical set of fairy tales are about to unfold, each one gradually unfolding the truth that lies behind all these stories. Shin Oonuma (PaniPoni Dash!, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu) will provide direction, Katsuhiko Takayama (Ga-Rei -Zero-, Mirai Nikki) will compose the script, and SHAFT (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Bakemonogatari) will provide the animation.
[Episodes 8-16 April 21, 2012]
To coincide and chime in the premier of Fate/Zero Season 2, welcome to JHAC's second major showing of the semester! The first part of Season 1 will be shown on April 7 and the second part will be shown on April 20 and possibly followed by the first few episodes of season 2 at our Spring Preview Night later on in April! Fate/Zero Season 1 is acclaimed to be one the best titles of 2011 and the most anticipated title among the anime community for the Spring 2012 anime season. Brace yourself for what may be the best series in anime history, possibly surpassing that of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (by general community standards).
[Episodes 1-7 April 7, 2012]
Fate/Zero is based on a novel by Gen Urobuchi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~) and Kinoko Nasu/Type-Moon (Shingetsutan Tsukihime, Fate/Stay Night, Kara no Kyoukai ~The Garden of Sinners~). The setting is the 4th Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City, 10 years before the events of the 5th Holy Grail War in Fate/Stay Night. It is a death-match between 7 magi (masters) and 7 heroic spirits (servants) where the prize is the legendary Holy Grail, an omnipotent wish-granting device. The three preceding wars had ended without a clear victor, but now all the magi will resort to any means to obtain the Grail regardless of rationale. Ei Aoki (Kara no Kyoukai ~The Garden of Sinners~, Ga-Rei -Zero-) will direct, Yuki Kajiura (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, .Hack//Sign) will provide music composition, and ufotable (Tales of Symphonia The Animation, Kara no Kyoukai ~The Garden of Sinners~) will provide animation.
[Episodes 18-26 April 13, 2012]
[Episodes 9-17 April 6, 2012]
[Episodes 1-8 March 30, 2012][Episodes 9-17 April 6, 2012]
A 2005 original work by Shouji Kawamori (Macross Frontier, Basquash!) and animation studio Satelight (Fairy Tail, Shugo Chara!). Sousei no Aquarion has also continued with a 2007 OVA, a movie, and the current ongoing "sequel," Aquarion EVOL. Music is provided by Yoko Kanno (Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop).
The Great Catastrophe, an event remembered as the time when mankind lost 2/3 of its population due to the melting of Antarctica's ice. It is now year 0011 of the Holy Genesis Era and in the Lost Atlantis, which was believed to have been destroyed 12000 years ago, the Shadow Angels have been resurrected and seek to harvest the life energy of humans. Humanity is once again on the brink of annihilation...that is until the Godspeed Magician, Fudo Gen, discovered the legendary vector machines: Mars, Luna, and Sol. These machines, along with gifted pilots who utilizes element to activate them, allow for the summoning of the legendary Mechanical Angel Aquarion. Aquarion now becomes the hope to prevent the onslaught of humanity.
[Episodes 1-8 March 31, 2012]
A 2007 original work by Tensai Okamura (Wolf's Rain, Ao no Exorcist) and animation studio BONES (Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood, Eureka Seven) with music also done by Yoko Kanno and series composition by Shoutarou Suga (Rinne no Lagrange).
10 years ago the "Hell's Gate" appeared, which resulted in the appearance of humans with supernatural abilities: emotionless "dolls" that only do what they are programmed and "contractors" who are feared and hated by humans. PANDORA is an international research group that protects this wall and attempts to analyze the details of "Hell's Gate" while the government struggles to suppress the publics' knowledge and awareness of "contractors" and "dolls." However, "BK201" is known to be a strangely irrational yet deadly contractor and continues to elude his extermination by the government forces.
[Episodes 7-12 March 10, 2012]
[Episodes 1-6 February 25, 2012]Madoka Kaname is an ordinary second-year middle school student. This normal life only holds until a mysterious encounter. Whether this encounter is a coincidence or because of fate is unknown. However, this encounter does result in two events: 1) the changing of her destiny and 2) the start of a new magical girl story! Madoka will be voiced by Aoi Yuuki (Victorique de Blois in GOSICK, Murasaki Kuhouin in Kure-nai) with Akiyuki Shinbou (Bakemonogatari, Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha) as director, Gen Urobuchi (Fate/Zero, Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~) as screenwriter, Yuki Kajiura (Tsubasa Chronicle, Kara no Kyoukai ~The Garden of Sinners~) as music composer, and SHAFT (Bakemonogatari, ef ~A Tale of Memories/Melodies~) as the animation studio.
[Episodes 1-6.5 March 9, 2012]
Based on a light novel of the same name and set in Middle Ages. Kraft Lawrence is a peddler who travels the world selling all kinds of goods. One day, after visiting a village, he finds a sleeping girl with wolf ears and a tail in his cart. The girl claims she is a 600 year old pagan harvest deity, whose name is Holo. After hearing her tale, Kraft is moved and decides to accompany Holo on her journey north. During their journey, Holo helps increase Kraft's profits through her wisdom and occasionally get the two into trouble and other mischief. On the other hand, such experiences only begins to strengthen the bond between the two. Kraft and Holo are voiced by Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass, Kimihiro Watanuki in xxxHolic) and Ami Koshimizu (Kallen Stadtfeld in Code Geass, Caren Ortensia in Carnival Phantasm/Fate/Hollow Ataraxia), respectively. Spice and Wolf is directed by Takeo Takahashi (Yosuga no Sora, Rizelmine) with first season screenplay and animation done by Naruhisa Arakawa (Erementar Gerad, D.N. Angel) and Imagin (Rizelmine).
[Showing on March 3, 2012]
A spin-off of the popular Nintendo DS Professor Layton game. Hershel Layton receives a letter from the famed opera singer Jenis (Janice) Quatlane, who invites Layton and his assistant, Luke Triton, to see her upcoming performance. Furthermore, she requests the assistance of solving a mystery regarding her friend's, Melina Whistler's, disappearance one year ago. Melina supposedly disappeared yet reappeared as a 7 year old girl who claims to have found out the secrets of eternal life. Naturally, this intrigues Layton and Luke, and thus set off to unravel the mystery behind "eternal life." Jenis is voiced by Nana Mizuki (Hinata Hyuuga in Naruto, Lan Fan in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), Layton by Yo Oizumi (Pepe Benengeli in Nasu, Ki-Kima in Brave Story), Luke by Maki Horikita (Ashiya Mizuki in Hanazakari no Kimitachi e/Hana-Kimi Live Action), and Melina by Fumiko Orikasa (Rukia Kuchiki in Bleach, Shirley Fenette in Code Geass). Masakazu Hashimoto directed, Aya Matsui (Marmalade Boy, Gokinjo Monogatari) created the screenplay, and P.A. Works (Angel Beats!, True Tears) provided the animation.
Potemayo
[Episodes 1-6 March 2, 2012]
Episodes 1-6Based on a 4-koma manga that concluded its manga run in January 2011. The TV series adaptation of Potemayo that ran in 2007 follows middle school student, Sunao Moriyama, who finds his ordinary life oddly disrupted by the appearance of a strange, small, magical cat-girl creature suddenly appears inside his refrigerator. Oddly enough, Sunao takes everything for granted by accepting this new "friend", naming her Potemayo (a made-up name from a potato-mayonnaise bread), and attempts to move on with his life. Things get more complicated when Potemayo dislikes Sunao's classmates, Mikan Natsu, whom Potemayo considers as a rival for Sunao's attention and affection. Of course, the fun doesn't stop there. A second silly magical cat-girl appears in Sunao's refrigerator the next day, but this time carrying a scythe and possessing strange magical powers. Sunao Moriyama is voiced by Eri Kitamura (Ami Kawashima in Toradora!, Karen Araragi in Bake/Nisemonogatari), Potemayo by Kana Hanazawa (Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate, Kuroneko in Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai), and Mikan Natsu by Ayako Kawasumi (Saber in Fate/Stay Night and Fate/Zero, Lafiel in Seikai no Monshou/Crest of the Stars). Takashi Ikehata (Genshiken, Taishou Yakyuu Musume) directs while J.C. Staff (Shakugan no Shana, Azumanga Daioh) animates.
[Showing on February 24, 2012]
A side story to the 2009 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime series. A prisoner who had a few weeks remaining in his sentence suddenly breaks free from Central City's prison and the Elric brothers set off to track him down. Their search leads them to Table City where Alphonse rescues Julia from the very prisoner they are attempting to capture. However, little did they know, this skirmish leads to the slums of Milos Valley where a fierce rebellion was taking place. Edward and Alphonse Elric are voiced by Romi Paku (Toushirou Hitsugaya in Bleach, Ganta Igarashi in Deadman Wonderland) and Rie Kugimiya (Shana in Shakugan no Shana, Kagura in Gintama) with Julia voiced by Maaya Sakamoto (Shinobu Oshino in Nisemonogatari, Ciel Phantomhive in Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji). Kazuya Maruta (Code Geass) directed, Hiromu Arakawa (original author of Fullmetal Alchemist manga) composed the script, and Bones (Soul Eater, Eureka Seven) provided the animation.
[Episodes 7-13 February 17, 2012]
[Episodes 1-6 February 10, 2012]
Based on a popular ongoing space opera science fiction novel originally published in 1996, Crest of the Stars (Seikai no Monshou) was originally adapted into an anime in 1999. The story follows Jinto Linn, whose life changes forever when his world, Martine, is taken over by the Abh, which is the largest empire in the galaxy. Jinto's father, the prime minister of Martine, peacefully surrenders Martine in exchange to be a noble in the Abh empire. As a result, Jinto is now a prince and forced to leave home to study the Abh culture and language in order to maintain his family's noble status. At Abh Education, he meets and somehow befriends Abh's ice princess, Lafiel. However, Jinto's new life was only beginning as he learns that Lafiel is more than who she appears to be and that they will have to fight for their very lives together. Yuka Imai (Renamon in Digimon Tamers, Yu Hayakawa in Final Fantasy: Unlimited) and Ayako Kawasumi (Saber in Fate/Stay Night, Megumi Noda in Nodame Cantabile) voices Jinto and Lafiel, respectively. Yasuchika Nagaoka (Seikai no Senki/Banner of the Stars, Godannar) directs, Aya Yoshinaga (Witch Hunter Robin, KURAU Phantom Memory) composes, and Sunrise (Gundam, Tiger & Bunny) animates.
[Episodes 18-25 February 18, 2012]
[Episodes 10-17 February 11, 2012] [Episodes 1-9 February 4, 2012]
43 year old Hiromichi Kojima is the cleanup batter of Lycaons in Japan's Pacific Baseball League. His constant training and practice eventually leads him to Okinawa where he meets Toua Tokuchi, a pitcher who can throw a 134 km/h (83 mph) ball and the king of baseball gambling. The gambling game is known as One Outs. Seeing Toua's skill, Hiromichi begs Toua to join Lycaons under the condition that Toua earns 5 million yen (about $45,000 to $50,000 US) for every out he pitches and loses 50 million yen (about $45,000,000 to $50,000,000 US) for every point he gives up. Hiromichi and Toua are voiced by Tsutomu Isobe (Dutch in Black Lagoon, Heinrich Lunge in Monster) and Masato Hagiwara (Akagi Shigeru in Akagi, Kaiji Itou in Kaiji), respectively. The show is directed by Yuuzou Satou (Akagi, Kaiji), composed by Hideo Takayashiki (Rainbow, Maison Ikkoku), and animated by Madhouse (Death Note, Card Captor Sakura).
[Showing on February 3, 2012]
An ancient title directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1979 prior to the founding of Studio Ghibli. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro is Miyazaki's first feature film Cagliostro has supplied the world with counterfeit money of all nationalities for decades, only surviving because of the global economy's strong dependence on the fake currency. When Lupin enters Cagliostro, he encounters its lovely princess, who is pursued by the Duke of Cagliostro's men. Lupin's information network reveals that the Duke not only plans to marry the princess against her wishes but also possibly finding a priceless treasure lost for centuries. With a damsel in distress and a long lost treasure, Lupin and co. find it difficult to ignore the opportunity to get involved.
[Showing on February 3, 2012]
Directed by Makoto Shinkai and produced by the same staff and animation studio that worked on 5 Centimeters per Second, Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo is Shinkai's latest film. Many claim this movie has an atmosphere comparable to that of Hayao Miyazaki's and Studio Ghibli's works.Asuna lives a lonely life and spends most of her time listening to mysterious melody from her late father's crystal radio. One day she sets out for a journey to meet a certain boy again. However, her adventure forces her to experiences the cruelty, the beauty, and the reality of the world that she had isolated herself from.
Fall 2011
A two-episode original video animation released in 1996, Hiroya Matsumoto has a dream of becoming a great employee like his late father. Hiroya is recently hired at Raito, a top trading company, but unbeknownst to him, he is actually recruited for the Special Duty Combat Unit: Shinesman, a part of the company that fights aliens from Planet Voice. Hiroya Matsumoto is voiced by Yasunori Matsumoto (Gourry Gabriev in Slayers, Guy Cecil in Tales of the Abyss) in the Japanese dub while voiced by Scott Simpson (Keiichi Morisato in Oh My Goddess! 1993 OVA, Verg in Blue Submarine No. 6) in the English dub. The showing of Shinesman will be the English dub.
[Episodes 8-11 November 12, 2011]
[Episodes 1-7 November 5, 2011]
In contrast to Steins;Gate as well as much of what we've shown this semester, Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (or Ano Hana for short) is an original anime put together by the Toradora! director Tatsuyuki Nagai (To Aru Kagaku no Railgun, Honey to Clover II) and animator and character designer Masayoshi Tanaka (Highschool of the Dead, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!), with A-1 Pictures (Fairy Tail, Working!!) as the primary animation studio. Using Yoshida Town and Chichibu City, in Saitama, Japan as the primary setting, there was once a group of six close childhood friends. Over the course of 10 years, however, the six had grown dramatically apart from each other:- Jinta Yadomi, voiced by Miyu Irino (Syaoran in Tsubasa Chronicle, Ko Kitamura in Cross Game), is now a hikikomori;
- Naruko Anjou, voiced by Haruka Tomatsu (Aoba Tsukushima in Cross Game, Corticarte Apa Lagranges in Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica), is obsessed with fashion and hanging out with her girl friends;
- Atsumu Matsuyuki and Chiriko Tsurumi, voiced by Takahiro Sakurai (Suzaku Kururugi in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Meme Oshino in Bakemonogatari) and Saori Hayami (Ayase Aragaki in Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai, Haqua du Lot Herminium in The World God Only Knows), respectively, are two "proper" high school students;
- Tetsudou Hisakawa, voiced by Takayuki Kondou (Eita Tanaka in Shakugan no Shana, Hiroto Honda in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters), decided to explore the world instead of attending high school;
- and Meiko Honma, voiced by Ai Kayano (Inori Yuzuriha in Guilty Crown, Hibino Shiba in Kamisama Dolls), remains as the unchanged constant of the six.
Ano Hana ran during the Spring 2011 anime season and like Steins;Gate, it is deemed as not only one of the best anime titles for 2011 but also one of the best series in history. Similar to our Moyashimon showing earlier this semester, Ano Hana also premiered on the relatively new NoitaminA time slot in Japan, a channel that attempt to "defy" the current anime archetypes that had taken form over the past 7-8 years.
[Episodes 18-24 November 11, 2011]
[Episodes 9-16 November 4, 2011]
[Episodes 1-8 October 28, 2011]Steins;Gate is based off the 2009 Xbox 360 visual novel, which was later ported to the Windows PC in 2010 and the PSP and iOS in 2011. Set in the heated summer of 2010, which takes place approximately one year after the events of spin-off Chaos;Head, Steins;Gate deals with the mysteries of the John Titor pseudonym. A group of friends living in Akihabara managed to customize their microwave into a machine that can send text messages into the past. Little did they know, however, each one of their messages began to distort reality and is eventually caught on by SERN, an organization that had been performing research on time travel. Steins;Gate premiered in Japan as part of the Spring 2011 anime season and unlike its counterpart, Chaos;Head, it has become deemed not only as one of the top anime titles for 2011 but also one of the best series in history. In addition, Steins;Gate recently receive the reward for Best Male Protagonist in 2011. Hiroshi Hamasaki (Texhnolyze, Shigurui) and Takuya Satou (Seitokai no Ichizon, Ichigo Mashimaro) co-directed, Jukki Hanada (Rozen Maiden, Level E) composed the script, and White Fox (Katanagatari, Tears to Tiara) provided the animation. Mamoru Miyano (Light Yagami from Death Note, Setsuna F. Seiei from Gundam 00) voices male protagonist,
Moyashimon is one of the first titles to premier on the relatively new NoitaminA channel in Japan, a channel that attempt to "defy" the current anime archetypes that had taken form over the past 7-8 years. Premiering in October 2007, Moyashimon is a short 11 episode series that that centers around Sawaki Souemon Tadayasu and his ability to see and communicate with bacteria and other microorganisms. Together with his childhood friend, Kei Yuuki, they are about to begin their lives at Agricultural College, an experience they could have never imagined. Yuuichirou Yano (Mujin Wakusei Survive, Patapata Hikousen no Bouken), Natsuko Takahashi (Gakuen Heaven, Nurarihyon no Mago), and Telecom Animation Film (The Daughter of Twenty Faces) are director, screenwriter, and animation studio, respectively. As this is fall break, we will show all 11 episodes + 4 microbe theater deluxe specials.
Five primary school kids decided to spend their summer vacation together at a camp. Initially, the children enjoy the freedom from adult supervision, but that all changes when they encounter a seemingly injured dog, known as Pochi. This encounter marks the beginning of a life changing and an amazing adventure for the five kids. The movie premiered in Japanese theaters in February 2010 and has since then various film festivals across the globe, with the most recent one being in Washington, DC last week. The movie is an original work by the staff that created Kamichu! and Read or Die with animation provided by A-1 Pictures (Fairy Tail, Blue/Ao no Exorcist).
[Episodes 8-13 September 30, 2011]
[Episodes 1-7 September 23, 2011]
Minami-ke follows the daily life of the three Minami sisters: Chiaki, Kana, and Haruka. A slice-of-life comedy title that depicts the three girls' dependence on each other to get through everything, from love confessions to cooking and done so in an extraordinary fashion. A total of 3 seasons and an original video animation (OVA) has been made since its anime debut in 2007. Minori Chihara (Yuki Nagato from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Kagura Tsuchimiya from Ga-Rei -Zero-), Marina Inoue (Yoko from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Alicia Melchiott from Valkyria Chronicles), and Rina Satou (Ange Ushiromiya from Umineko no Naku Koro ni, Mikoto Misaka from To Aru Majutsu no Index/Kagaku no Railgun) voice the three sisters, respectively. Masahiko Oota (Mitsudomoe, Yuru Yuri, Yoake Mae Yori Ruriiro na ~Crescent Love~) directs the show, Takashi Aoshima (same titles) composes the script, and Daume (Shiki, Onegai Teacher, and DearS) supplies the animation. 
Tiger & Bunny [Episodes 17-25 October 1, 2011]
[Episodes 9-16 September 24, 2011]
[Episodes 1-8 September 17, 2011]
Tiger & Bunny is an original work by Sunrise (Gundam, Code Geass, Cowboy Bebop) that began airing in Japan in April 2011. Set in the city of Sternbild where people of various races and backgrounds live, there are also an additional type of human beings known as NEXT. NEXT are those with supernatural powers, some of whom use them for evil deeds and those who use them for good and justice. The latter are known as the "Heroes" of the city and each one of them are sponsored by a company to help earn "reputation points" n the popular "Hero TV" program. The hero with the most points at the end of a season is deemed as the King of Heroes. Wild Tiger, who is a veteran with a strong sense of justice, is one of those heroes, but his hero job begins taking a 180 degree turn when he is suddenly partnered with the new hero, Barnaby. Together they become heroes known as "Tiger & Bunny."
Redline is a movie that premiered in Japan theaters in 2009 with a few showings at international film festivals around the globe. The setting involves a car race that takes place only once every 5 years. The protagonist, JP, is the most daredevil racer in his competition and simultaneously competing against his secret crush McLaren Sonoshee. In a race where not only anything is possible but also allowed, these two will stop at nothing from getting a spot on the podium...to the extent that vehicles are equipped with destructive weapons. Director Takeshi Koike (The Animatrix, Trava: Fist Planet), series composer Youji Enokido (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Ouran High School Host Club, Sailor Moon Super S), and Madouse studios (Summer Wars, Death Note, Black Lagoon) are the primary staff behind this movie. JP and McLaren are voiced by Takuya Kimura and Yuu Aoi, respectively.
Tailenders [Showing on September 16, 2011]
Tailenders is a short 30 minute one shot that follows Shiro Tomoe, a racer with a promising career that gets into a fatal accident. To save his life, his heart becomes replaced with the engine of his new vehicle. Because of this change, he becomes deprived from participating in regular races except on other planets. Only on these other planets can Shiro race for money, his pride, and with his new life all at stake.
Karigurashi no Arrietty is Studio Ghibli's (studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki) latest title that premiered in Japan in July 2010. Based off a children's fantasy novel by Mary Norton, the story follows little people living under the floorboards of houses who secretly borrow items from humans living in the house in order to survive. One day, a young boy, discovers their existence. Unlike the original fantasy novel, the film adaptation takes place in modern-day Japan rather than in 1950s England. The film is not directed by Hayao Miyazaki but he was involved in the planning of the project.
Spring 2011
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| "Put your guns on!" |
Black Lagoon is directed by the mysterious Sunao Katabuchi, an anime staff who has worked on various obscure titles that remains unknown to many of the US audience. Prior to Black Lagoon, he directed Meiken Lassie in 1996 and Arete Hime in 2001. In 2006, he directed and composed both season of the Black Lagoon TV series and is now currently directing the ongoing 5 episode Black Lagoon OVA: Roberta's Blood Trail. Black Lagoon is based on the manga by Rei Hiroe and begins with Japanese businessman Rokuro Okajima. One day, he finally gets what seems like an opportunity to stand out for his company: a business trip to the tropical seas of Eastern China to deliver a "certain disc", that is up until his boat is hijacked by a band of mercenaries attempting to steal the contents of the disc. What seemed like a normal life for Rokuro initially becomes a nightmare, but later becomes a potential dream once he learns of the troublesome contents of the special disc.
Highschool of the Dead
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| Zombies also included |
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| Yup, it's Gainax alright |
Panty and Stocking is a very recent title, having just finished as part of the Fall 2010 lineup. Directed by the same director of Dead Leaves and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann as well as part of the staff for FLCL, Hiroyuki Imaishi returns with yet another bizarre and wacky series. If the title of the series hasn't already confused/weirded you out, the show definitely will. The story centers around two "fallen" angels from heaven sent to Earth for poor "misconduct" befitting a proper angel. The two angels are Panty, who acts like a celebrity, and Stocking, who has a gothic lolita fashion sense. Together, they must gather enough "Heaven Coins" in order to return to heaven by killing ghosts that appear in Daten City. GAINAX, the animators of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, and Mahoromatic is in charge of the animation.
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| pic "unrelated" =P |
Toradora!
Based on the light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya, Toradora follows male protagonist Ryuuji Takasu who was born with an appearance that makes him look like a delinquent. As a result, his chances of getting a girlfriend is close to zero and his close friends is also within that region. After entering high school, he is glad that his best friend, Yuusaku Kitamura, and his crush, Minori Kushieda, are both in the same class. What he did not know was that he was also in the same class as the most "dangerous person in the school," Taiga Aisaka, who is also known as the "Palmtop Tiger." It just so happens that Taiga is also living in the apartment complex next to Ryuuji's home and after a series of misunderstandings, Ryuuji is forced to be Taiga's servant. A comedic school-life, yet enticing love polygon drama series between the group of "friends" only just began. Toradora aired from October 2008 to March 2009 in Japan. Tatsuyuki Nagai, the director of To Aru Kagaku no Railgun and Honey and Clover 2, directes while J.C. Staff, animators of Shakugan no Shana, Nodame Cantabile, and To Aru Majutsu no Index/To Aru Kagaku no Railgun, is the primary animation studio for Toradora!
Fall 2010
From the same director and creator of Kaiji, Yuzo Sato and Nobuyuki Fukumoto respectively also produced Akagi. Unlike Kaiji, Akagi follows genius protagonist Shigeru Akagi. Akagi is on the run from the police after surviving a game of chicken by sending a car off a cliff and crawling out of the ocean. He takes refuge at a mahjong parlor used by a mafia. In an effort to save himself from the police, Shigeru offers to help Nangou, a compulsive gambler who is risking his life to wipe out his debt by playing against the mafia in mahjong. Akagi has never played mahjong before but it is soon revealed that Akagi is a natural born gambler. The animation is also done by Madhouse (Black Lagoon, Rainbow, Card Captor Sakura, xxxHolic).
Genre: Sports (mahjong), Action, Gambling, Yakuza
From the mastermind behind various Key visual novels and anime adaptations including CLANNAD, AIR, and Kanon, Jun Maeda recently created the action series Angel Beats! which premiered in Japan this past spring. The show revolves around a world that inhabits those who can't move on after death. Yuri Nakamura, the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen (SSS), forms the SSS to fight against the god, who she believe presented her with an unreasonable life. Tenshi (meaning angel in Japanese) is student president of the world and is deemed by Yuri as the god out to "obliterate" here. It soon becomes an all out war between the SSS and angels who harness supernatural powers. Animation is done by P.A. Works (Kara no Kyoukai, Fate/Stay Night, Shingetsutan Tsukihime, and CANAAN).
Genre: Action, Comedy, Tragedy
Dennou Coil is an original creation by Mitsuo Iso. Summary from Anime News Network: "Eleven years after the introduction of internet-connected, augmented reality eyeglasses and visors, Yuuko Okonogi moves with her family to Daikoku City, the technological center of the emerging half-virtual world. Yuuko joins her grandmother's "investigation agency" comprised of children equipped with virtual tools and powerful metatags." The animation is done by Madhouse (see above)
Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy
The Legend of Black Heaven (Kachou Ouji)
From the director of Macross Frontier, Infinite Stratos, and Kurogane Communication, Yasuhito Kikuchi presents 1999 Black Heaven series. Oji Tanaka has a wife, a child and a mundane job as a salary man in Tokyo's modern society. But life wasn't dull for him to begin with; 15 years ago, he was known as "Gabriel", leader of a short-lived heavy metal band called Black Heaven. Oji's life gets a sudden change in direction when he is invited by a mysterious blonde woman named Layla to pick up his Gibson Flying V and once again display his "legendary" guitar skills, not knowing that his music generates power for a massive weapon in an intergalactic war.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction
