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Unlike last time, the recommendations/expectations categories have been revamped to 5 divisions instead of 4. However, similar to last time, this preview includes license status, premier dates, and a brief synopsis for each show. The preview also includes rollover titles from previous season(s). Shows that have been excluded include: Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki and Gokujyo.
As I, Shana-chan, personally watch almost everything that airs in a season, I will list out my personal expectations and opinion of each show. They in no way reflect the anime community's review of the show as a whole. I set my bar pretty high for solid shows so do not let it deter you from trying anything that may be lowly rated here. Also, I do not take any responsibility for any physical or mental damages that may come as a result of watching any particular show.
LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY JANUARY 17, 2011
Legend:
US License Status: red = Full US market license (streaming, DVD, etc...), Orange = Streaming License, Green = Unlicensed
Expectations: red = poor, orange = mediocre, purple = satisfactory, green = decent, cyan = must watch
Guessed episode counts will have a "?" denoted next to them
New Shows Full Count:
Must Watch: 4
Decent: 5
Satisfactory: 7
Mediocre: 6
Poor: 2
Total:24
Summary: Overall, a rather average looking head count. Pretty even mix of potentially good and bad shows. It also seems the season did away with many ecchi shows. Perhaps the industry is finally learning?
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Gundam Seed series, the popular 2002-2003 50 episode series will be receiving an HD remaster with revised/new footage and a few other changes to the series. All cast and staff are expected to reprise their roles. Bandai will begin streaming via webcast on December 23, 2011 with the TV premier to follow on New Years Day.
Premier Date: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Tragedy
Episodes: 50
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Must Watch -- Arguably the best Gundam series around and definitely worthy of an HD remaster. Just hoping they don't simply upscale and crop the show from 4:3 480p to 16:9 720p/1080p. Not really a "new series" though since it's more or less a re-run.
The 4th season of the Natsume Yuujinchou series. Takashi Natsume has the special ability to demons and spirits. His deceased grandmother, Reiko, owns a book known as the Yuujinchou (Book of Friends), which contains the names of demons and spirits that were forced to swear fealty to Reiko. As a result, Takashi is constantly attacked by the demons and spirits who wish to free their names. One day, Takashi gains the resolve to begin returning the names of the spirits and instead, befriend them in his own way. All staff and cast are expected reprise their respective roles.
Premier Date: Monday, January 2, 2012
Genre(s): Daily Life, Fantasy, Shoujo
Episodes: 13
US License Status: Licensed by NIS America
Expectations: Decent -- For a 4th season to come out so soon, the demand is definitely there for this show. While I'm personally still working through the previous seasons to get caught up, I'm enjoying it thus far but whether it can hold up after its 3rd season only this past summer is another issue.
The sequel to the hit tennis series that ran for 178 episodes between 2001 and 2005. Prince of Tennis makes a sudden reappearance in 2012 with Ryouma Echizen, a prodigy tennis player attending Seishun Gakuen Junior High School, continuing to strive to catch up to his father, a pro tennis player, as well as overcoming the toughest obstacle of all: himself. All cast members are expected to return for the sequel, but the staff, however, has changed: Hideyo Yamamato as director, Mitsutaka Hirota (X-Men, Otogi-Juushi Akazukin), and I.G. Production (Ghost in the Shell, xxxHolic, Furi Kuri) as the animation studio.
Premier Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Genre(s): Shounen, Sports
Episodes: ?
US License Status: CrunchyRoll
Expectations: Decent -- A surprising sequel announcement. Prince of Tennis is a good series, but what they will possibly animate is another question. Considering it's deemed as a "sequel" hopefully it's not simply a rehash of the National Championship OVAs that been released over the last 6-7 years.
Sequel to the popular moe series from Fall 2010, Tantei Opera Milky Holmes surprisingly makes a return this winter. Set in the fantasy age of private detectives and phantom thieves, many children aspire to be detectives to stop the phantom thieves. Sherlock, Nero, Cordelia, and Hercule are four students attending Holmes' Detective Academy. Each of them possess a special power known as "Toys," and together the four make up the famous Milky Holmes team who are out to capture the elusive Phantom Thief Arsene. However, on one stormy night, the four suddenly lose their powers and must now find a way to recover them. All cast and staff are expected to return for the sequel.
Premier Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012
Genre(s): Comedy, Slapstick, Super Powers
Episodes: 12
US License Status: CrunchyRoll
Expectations: Satisfactory -- For a series that basically shocked the anime community, this series may very well have deserved the second season. Around this time last year, no one thought this show was going to be good and boy were many people completely wrong. While it certainly is no major series, it was certainly a lot better than a majority of the other garbage being thrown around. Whether or not they can pull off another comedic season and not simply recycle like most comedy shows lately is another story.
Based off a 4-koma manga of the same name, the story revolves around Atsushi Miyagawa and Atsumi Miyagawa. The story is set in the same universe as Morita-san wa Mukuchi. Atsushi Miyagawa looks like an adult who his 180 centimeters tall (~5' 11") but is really an 11 year old elementary school boy. His sister, Atsumi Miyagawa looks like a child at the height of 137 centimeters (~4' 6") but is actually in high school. Ironically enough, both act their age in contrast to their physical build. Ryoutarou Okiayu (Kuchiki Byakuya in Bleach, Toriko in Toriko, Hiroto Honda in Yu-Gi-Oh!) and Rie Kugimiya (Shana in Shakugan no Shana, Alphonse Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood, Taiga Aisaka in Toradora!) will voice Atsushi and Atsumi respectively.
Premier Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012
Genre(s): Seinen?
Episodes: 12?
US License Status: CrunchyRoll
Expectations: Mediocre -- Animation looks okay but that's really about it. The fact that the staff (not listed) for the show, including the animators really only have major experience in hentai works bugs me significantly. Also, it's a 4-koma series, which likely meaning little to no plot as is.
Based off the 4-koma manga of the same name. The series follows the comedic life of Yasuna Oribe, a typical high school girl, and her assassin classmate Sonya. Problem is, Sonya's natural assassin instincts often intimidates those around her, particularly Yasuna. Yasuna and Sonya are voiced by Chinatsu Akasaki and Mutsumi Tamura, respectively. Yoshiki Yamakawa (Hells Angels, Hatsukoi Limited) will direct, Hideki Shirane (Hidan no Aria, Zettai Shougeki: Platonic Heart, Binzume Yousei) will compose, and J.C. Staff (Shakugan no Shana, Tantei Opera Milky Holmes, Bakuman) will animate.
Premier Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012
Genre(s): Comedy, Slapstick
Episodes: 12?
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Poor -- So unless J.C. Staff and co. is trying to pull another Milky Holmes or Azumanga Daioh here, I don't see that happening, especially given the screenwriter. Despite working on animation design for Di Gi Charat back in the days, the director is more or less inexperienced in actual directing. The screenwriter is basically hit or miss, with misses being the one that is more common. With the exception of Hayate no Gotoku!! and arguably Binzume Yousei (aka Bottle Fairy), the rest of the series the screenwriter has done are garbage.
A sequel to the popular omnibus series of 2010, Amagami SS returns with its six main heroines with 2 episodes each featuring anime original material that are designed to be "sequels" to the six main arcs of the original series. Unlike the original series, Amagami SS+ will be created under a new director and scriptwriter, Tomoki Kobayashi (Utawarerumono, Tears to Tiara, Sola) and Noboru Kimura (Mayoi Neko Overrun!, Dan Doh!!, Cosplay Complex), respectively. AIC will continue to animate the series while all other cast members will reprise their respective roles.
Premier Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012
Genre(s): Ecchi?, Romance, School-Life
Episodes: 12
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Satisfactory -- Now this is what I call an unnecessary sequel. At first I was hoping for "alternative" endings to be animated like the bad ends of the game but even that was thrown out the window. While I can see this for a few arcs, I do not see this being possible for Haruka Lovely Morishima's arc and Tsukasa Ayatsuji's arc as those have a 10 year time skip to conclude the series. The series was pretty conclusive overall, and I see this as nothing more than milking the Amagami franchise at this point. Furthermore, introducing anime original material into a harem series that actually turned out to be fairly good in this day and age just spells trouble. The trailers also implied more fanservice than the original work. JUST LEAVE IT ALONE!
Issei Hyoudou is a second year high school student and a pervert who happened to be killed by a girl on his first date. Since then Issei is reincarnated as a devil and now serves Rias Gremori, a high-ranked devil who also happens to be the most beautiful girl on campus. Issei and Rias will be voiced by Yuuki Kaji (Haruaki Yachi in C3 -Cube x Cursed x Curious-, Shuu Ouma in Guilty Crown, Shion in No. 6) and Yoko Hikasa, respectively. Tetsuya Yanagisawa (Kannazuki no Miko, Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora, Sora no Otoshimono Movie) will direct, Takao Yoshioka (Zero no Tsukaima, Working'!!, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou) will storyboard, and TNK (Kannazuki no Miko, School Days, Itsudatte My Santa!) will animate.
Premier Date: Friday, January 6, 2012
Genre(s): Ecchi, Harem, School Life, Shounen
Episodes: 13?
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Mediocre -- The series is also known as Harem King...the age of harem shows have come and gone sadly for the most part, and if anything, this show sounds too much like Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou, which started out with so much GAR and then failed miserably. I see this series potentially doing the same if not worse. Furthermore, as much as I loved Kannazuki no Miko, there's no mechs here to save the day, let alone yuri.
An original work set in a world where humanity is threatened by a disaster known as "Noise." The only countermeasure to this disaster is Symphogear System. Unknown to the public the two girls saving humanity are actually the chart-topping musical duo "Zwei Wing" composed of Kanade Amou and Tsubasa Kazanari. One day, two normal girls from Lydian Private Music Academy, Hibiki Tachibana and Miku Kohinata, become involved in Kanade and Tsubasa's struggles. Minami Takayama (Envy in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Conan Edogawa in Meitantei Conan, Kiki in Kiki's Delivery Service), Nana Mizuki (Tsubomi Hanasaki/Cure Blossom in Heartcatch Precure!, Fate Testarossa in Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha, Collet Brunel in Tales of Symphonia), Aoi Yuuki (Madoka Kaname in Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Victorique de Blois in GOSICK, Tooru in A Channel), and Yuka Iguchi (Maria Takayama in Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai, Index in To Aru Majutsu no Index, Subaru Konoe in Mayo Chiki!) will voice the four lead roles, respectively.
Premier Date: Friday, January 6, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Music
Episodes: 13
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Mediocre -- If you haven't figured it out yet, this show spells music all over it, especially with Elements Garden backing the music score, so you can expect that being good. With that said, I don't see this show getting very far. The director and the animator are both new to the industry and did I mention that the studio is led by Gonzo's former producer? Also, this sounds like Suite Precure gone wrong... I may be underestimating the potential for this show given the cast line up, but nothing so far has really struck me as "good" for this show, except that it's original.
Kakeru Aizawa is the younger brother of Kamakura School's soccer team captain, Suguru Aizawa. Suguru is a soccer prodigy to the extent that he made Japan's under-15 national team. On the other hand, Kakeru is pathetic at the sport and is thus nicknamed "Mr. No Goal." Suguru, however, believes that Kakeru is harboring a hidden talent that no one else seems to see. Matters only become more complicated when childhood friend Nana Mishima returns. Kakeru, Suguru, and Nana will be voiced by Yuuko Sanpei (Nozomi Yumehara/Cure Dream in Yes! Precure 5, Hajime Yasaka in Natsu no Arashi!, Renton Thurston in Eureka Seven), Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Nura Rikuo in Nurarihyon no Mago, Takaaki Kouno in To Heart 2), and Itou Shizuka (Akiha Tohno in Shingetsutan Tsukihime/Carnival Phantasm, Hinagiku Katsura in Hayate no Gotoku!, Nagi Hirono in ef ~A Tale of Memories/Melodies~), respectively. Hirofumi Ogura (Kuroshitsuji II) will direct the show.
Premier Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Genre(s): Shounen, Sports
Episodes: ?
US License Status: CrunchyRoll
Expectations: Decent -- Now this a show that looks promising. Sports anime titles in the last couple of years have been doing quite well with good pacing and solid back story. While this is certainly no Adaichi, the content has certainly piqued my interest. Furthermore, the amount of material is vast, spanning 27 volumes already since its serialization in 2006.
The fourth and final series of the Zero no Tsukaima franchise. After rescuing Tabitha, a secret order arrives from Henrietta that sends Saito and Louise to Romalia with Tiffania. All cast are expected to reprise their respective roles. In addition, Yoshiaki Iwasaki, the director of the first Zero no Tsukaima, is expected to return for this series with animation studio J.C. Staff. Furthermore, light novel author, Noboru Yamaguchi, himself will compose the script for the 12 episode finale.
Premier Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Episodes: 12
US License Status: Licensed by Sentai Filmworks
Expectations: Satisfactory -- As much as I love the light novels for this series, the anime adaptation is absolute garbage. 3 seasons in and we've only hit 11 of the 20+ novels and now the staff plans to "finish" the series in 12 episodes. All I can say is good luck. If you made it this far, then congrats since the one thing that could save this series from completely imploding is the staff. With Yamaguchi himself writing the script and the original 2006 director directing, things may actually turn itself around here. I'm not expecting much but hopefully they put this series to rest at least in a respectable manner. I'm still doubting that they will get to a majority of the awesome stuff that Yamaguchi included in the final few novels though...
Bakemonogatari is the popular 2009-2010 series and infamous for its massive amount of delays of its final three episodes. Nisemonogatari is the 2 volume light novel sequel to that very title that follows Koyomi Araragi's sisters, Karen and Tsukihi. Kaiki Deishu is a swindler who previously deceived Hitagi Senjougahara, resulting in the events of the Hitagi Crab story in Bakemonogatari. In Nisemonogatari, Kaiki returns to town and begins spread a curse equivalent to that of Nadeko Sengoku's from the Nadeko Snake story. As a result, Karen and Tsukihi attempt to capture Kaiki. All cast and 95% of the staff from the previous series will return for the production.
Premier Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Genre(s): Fantasy, School Life, Seinen, Tragedy
Episodes: 13
US License Status: CrunchyRoll
Expectations: Must Watch -- One of the few highlights this season. With the prequel series, Kizumonogatari, also on its way eventually, the "monogatari" titles continue to wreak havoc on the anime world, in a good way that is. With the assurance of the original cast and staff returning, things can only get better. It's highly recommended that one refresh the happenings of the Hitagi Crab and Nadeko Snake arcs from the prequel and briefly skim the other 3 arcs in order to understand the events of Nisemonogatari.
Marika Katou is a high school student from Uminoakeboshi, a galaxy far far away. One day, she learns that her late father was the leader of a band of space pirates and owned the ship known as Bentenmaru. As a direct descendant, she is the chosen one to inherit the title of "captain." Her mini-skirt space adventures as a space pirate begins now. Mikako Komatsu (Joey in Heroman, Kotori Mizukin Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL) will voice Marika while Tatsuo Satou (Basquash!, Martin Successor Nadesico, Uchuu no Stellvia) directs and composes and Satelight (Macross Frontier, Fairy Tail, Shugo Chara!) provides the animation.
Premier Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Genre(s): Sci-Fi
Episodes: 26
US License Status: Licensed by Sentai Filmworks
Expectations: Mediocre -- If this was an original work like Stellvia, this rating would have been a completely different story but given the small amount of source material available for a 26 episode adaptation and the premise for the show, I don't see this getting very far. It certainly looks pretty, but that's expected of Satelight. But looks won't be able to support this show entirely, especially if it's official title is "Miniskirt Space Pirates."
Based off a manga of the same name, the series takes place during Japan's Warring States era. Sanada Yukimura is in the midst of gathering ten men with extraordinary potential and strength in order to form the Sanada Ten Braves and help alter history. This series will tell the tale of these 10 warriors and how their gathering will awaken a tremendous power within Isanami. Sanada Yukimura will be voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa (Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII, Naraku in Inuyasha, Dhaos in Tales of Phantasia) and Isanami will be voiced by Rina Satou (Punie Tanaka in Dai Mahou Touge, Mikoto Misaka in To Aru Majutsu no Index, Ange, Ushiromiya in Umineko no Naku Koro ni). Kiyoko Sayama (Skip Beat!, Vampire Knight) will direct and Mamiko Ikeda (Koukaku no Regios, Da Capo, Bokura ga Ita) will compose.
Premier Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Genre(s): Action
Episodes: 12
US License Status: Licensed by NIS America
Expectations: Satisfactory -- PUT YOUR GUNS ON! As far as I'm concerned, we're in for potentially another Sengoku Basara here at best. The PV showed some promise, but my major concern is "good staff, wrong show." The staff lacks experience in good action series and have more experience on the romance side of things than anything else. Most shows that they individually have done are rather mediocre in the end. They are, however, good at bishounen characters so all you fan girls out there can start squealing.
This is a re-run of the Nichijou TV series that ran from April 2011 to September 2011. The difference here is the staff will re-edit the series into a 12 or 13 episode compilation.
Premier Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Tragedy
Episodes: 13
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Mediocre -- Overrated show is overrated. Come back in 5-10 years time before trying this on a show that just ended. The show was known to be one of the worst selling shows in Japan and if you didn't like the original, chances are you won't like this either.
Madoka Kyono is a 17 year old girl who loves her hometown Kamogawa as much as she likes helping those in trouble. She rides a robot known as Woks to fight against aliens. Kaori Ishihara will voice Madoka while Toshimasa Suzuki (Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S, Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor -Heaven and Earth-, Heroic Age) directs, Shoutarou Suga (Darker than Black -Kuro no Keiyakusha-) composes, and Xebec (Pandora Hearts, Break Blade, Busou Renkin) animates. The entire show will premier in two parts of 12 episodes each. Local officials hope to promote the real Kamogawa city, particularly for tourism through this show.
Premier Date: Sunday, January 8, 2012
Genre(s): Mecha
Episodes: 12
US License Status: Licensed by Viz Media
Expectations: Satisfactory -- It's pretty hard to say what this show will do and I'm not really sure what to expect here. The whole alien and mech story mixed in with promoting tourism just sounds completely wack. The staff have also been rather quiet and secretive about the show, so I guess this is really a wait and see at the moment. I'll probably have a better idea of what to expect in the second season when it comes around next summer.
Taking place 12,000 years after the original Sousei no Aquarion series from 2005, Shouji Kawamori (Vision of Escaflowne, Macross 7, Anyamal Tantei Kuriminzoo) returns with Satelight to have the new show takes place in a city modeled after Hong Kong. A completely new set of characters and an Aquarion will join together to fight the Abductors that have descended from another dimension. Yuusuke Yamamoto (Welcome to the NHK!, Keroro Gunsou, B Gata H Kei) will direct and Mari Okada (Hanasaku Iroha, GOSICK, Toradora!) will compose.
Premier Date: Sunday, January 8, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Episodes: ?
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Decent -- The Aquarion franchise has always been hit or miss. As much as I enjoy the franchise, it's always had a problem of focusing. Hopefully with a fresh crew and a new story that can barely be considered an actual sequel, it will actually succeed this time after all the disappointments the last few years. Fingers crossed for this given that a certain Gundam series has been absolutely horrid as of late.
A new original project by the Onegai Teacher/Twins creators. The story will be a coming of age one that follows the life of Ichika Takatsuki, Remon Yamano, and Kaito Kirishima. Haruka Tomatsu (Naruko Anjou in Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai, Nagi in Kannagi, Corticarte Apa Lagranges in Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica), Yukari Tamura (Nanoha Takamachi in Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha, Rika Furude in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, Suzuha Amane in Steins;Gate), and Nobunaga, Shimazaki (Assassin in Fate/Zero), will voice the three leads, respectively. Tatsuyuki Nagai (Toradora!, To Aru Kagaku no Railgun, Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai) will direct, Masayoshi Tanaka (High School of the Dead, Toradora!, Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai) will lead the animation with J.C. Staff.
Premier Date: Monday, January 9, 2012
Genre(s): Comedy, Coming of Age, Romance, Slice of Life
Episodes: 12
US License Status: Licensed by Sentai Filmworks
Expectations: Must Watch -- Personally one of my top picks for the upcoming season. In addition to one other show in this list as well as the highly anticipated Nisemonogatari, Ano Natsu de Matteru is something that really shows potential. The Onegai franchise really brings back memories and with the To Aru Kagaku no Railgun, Toradora!, and Ano Hana team working on this, coupled with music from I've Sound, I have incredibly high hopes for this show. Not to mention that the cast for this show looks astounding on top of everything. While this sounds like the "prototype" script initially drafted for Ano Hana, this may very well be a hidden gem that many are glossing over regardless.
Based off a fictional horror, mystery novel. In 1972, there was a student named Misaki, an athletic and popular student. One day, she suddenly dies, yet her classmates decided to carry her spirit on as if she was still alive all the way through graduation. In 1998, Kouichi Sakakibara attends the same school and the same classroom as Misaki, yet he grows suspicious of the odd atmosphere. In particular, he focuses his attention on the mysterious Mei Misaki, who constantly isolates herself from her classmates, wears an eye patch over her left eye, and constantly draws pictures alone. Kouchi and Mei will be voiced by Atsushi Abe (Moritaka Mashiro in Bakuman, Touma Kamijou in To Aru Majutsu no Index, Akiyuki Takehara in Xam'd Lost Memories) and Natsumi Takamori (Akari Sakura in Jewelpet Tinkle, Subaru in Houkago no Pleiades). Tsutomu Mizushima (Ookiku Furikabutte ~Natsu no Taikai Hen~, Kujibiki Unbalance, Shinryaku! Ika Musume) will direct and P.A. Works (Angel Beats!, Hanasaku Iroha, True Tears) will animate.
Premier Date: Monday, January 9, 2012
Genre(s): Horror, Mystery
Episodes: 12
US License Status: Licensed by Sentai Filmworks
Expectations: Must Watch -- With P.A. Works just coming off their 10th anniversary work: Hanasaku Iroha, I'm expecting them to charge full steam ahead into this show and do another great job. The animation quality looks astounding thus far. Furthermore, with a simple and complete source material, I do hope that there are no screw ups here as this work should be like taking candy from a baby. Solid premise, and animation quality potentially rivaling that of SHAFT's. We may very well see P.A. Works exceed their level of quality that they set in Angel Beats! All it comes down to now is execution and presentation of the plot. We haven't had a good mystery/horror title lately, so color me impressed please.
Tadakuni, Hidenori, and Yoshitake are friends from an all boys high school. The show follows their comedic yet "realistic" daily lives. Miyu Irino (Jinta Yadomi in Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai, Saji Crossroad in Gundam 00, Astral in Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL), Tomokazu Sugita (Gintoki Sakata in Gintama, Yuuichi Aizawa in Kanon (2006), Kyon in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya), and Kenichi Suzumura (Shinn Asuka in Gundam Seed Destiny, Kamui Shirou in X, Mikiya Kokutou in Kara no Kyoukai ~The Garden of Sinners~) will voice the three male leads. Shinji Takamatsu (Gintama, School Rumble, Sora no Manimani) will direct and Sunrise (Tiger & Bunny, Crest of the Stars, Gundam) will animate.
Premier Date: Monday, January 9, 2012
Genre(s): Comedy, School Life, Shounen, Slice of Life
Episodes: ?
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Decent -- When I first saw this, I thought this was dumb. Then I saw that Shinji was working on this and it basically sold me. Shinji Takamatsu has solid comedy anime experience under him, let alone school life titles. While it bothers me how Sunrise will animate a school-life comedy title, my hopes for this series have suddenly raised. I have no prior knowledge of the source so all I can say is hopefully it doesn't end up as something like Kimi to Boku when it first started out.
Yuuta Segawa is a college freshman starting at Tama University. His sister is married with a man who had two daughters from previous marriages in addition to their own newborn. As a result, Yuuta attempts to distant himself from this family. Three years later, the parents go missing and Yuuta is then forced to take care of the three daughters he wanted to distant himself from: tsundere Sora Takanashi, little demon, Miu Takanashi, and a small girl, Hina Takanashi. Wataru Hatano (Gajeel Redfox in Fairy Tail, Junichi Nagase in Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka, Soran in Fantastic Children), Sumire Uesaka, Eri Kitamura (Yui in Angel Beats!, Saya Otonashi in Blood+, Ami Kawashima in Toradora!), Hiromi Igarashi (Nami Aoi in Aki Sora ~Yume no Naka~, Ayumi Kono in Loups=Garous) will voice the four leads. Itsurou Kawasaki (The Legend of the Legendary Heroes, Koukaku no Regios, Sengoku Basara) will direct, Naruhisa Arakawa (Yosuga no Sora, Erementar Gerad, D.N. Angel) will compose, and feel (Mayo Chiki!, Yosuga no Sora, Kiss x Sis) will animate.
Premier Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Genre(s): Comedy, Ecchi, Slapstick
Episodes: 26
US License Status: CrunchyRoll
Expectations: Mediocre -- Maybe I'm being too generous to this show or maybe I'm overlooking it but this show just does not look like it can go well. Not to mention that with feel's animation involved, it's hard to say if this show will stay tamed.
Based on an ongoing manga of the same name. The series is a comedy following architect Lucius who travels through time to various bath houses in modern day Japan. The show will run for three episodes in the NoitaminA block. No other information is available.
Premier Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012
Genre(s): ?
Episodes: 3
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Poor -- Knowing that the other NoitaminA title that will be airing this season (not Guilty Crown) will only have 8 episodes, this show is likely just filler. Not to mention that the art and concept sounds dumb. For a manga title that ranked 48th in top selling manga in 2011, that's not particularly high and not to mention that it's effectively been a no-name title until the announcement of an anime adaptation. Who knows though? I may be incredibly wrong with this show.
Ririchiyo Shiraklin has a complex of being unable to live independently and unprotected. However, she feels the need to move out and live in the mansion known as Ayakashi Kan. The mansion is a very special one where only those who have cleared its harsh trial may reside in it and are henceforth accompanied by a Secret Service (SS) agent. Ririchiyo initially rejects the SS assigned to her until she realizes it is the fox spirit she had once rescued. Ririchiyo will be voiced by Rina Hidaka (Anne Shirley in Konnichiwa Anne, Last Order in To Aru Majutsu no Index, Kohane Tsuyuri in xxxHolic Kei). The series will be produced by Naokatsu Tsuda with composition by Toshizou Nemoto (Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpuchou Tou, Tatakau Shisho: The Book of Bantorra, Towa no Quon), and animation by David Production (Level E, Ben-To, Ristorante Paradiso).
Premier Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012
Genre(s): Shounen
Episodes: ?
US License Status: Licensed by Sentai Filmworks
Expectations: Satisfactory -- Nemoto's form or storytelling has always seemed to impress me at the end of the day. Nemoto has the habit of starting off really slow that it eventually becomes a drag or convoluted yet manages to piece the elements together in the latter half of a series. I'm not particularly familiar with the source material but it sounded mostly interesting except the "fox spirit" idea.
The second major NoitaminA title for the Winter 2011/12 season. The 2010 OVA cast will reprise their respective roles. Shinobu Yoshioka will direct, Mari Okada will compose, and Ordet will animate. No other information is available at this time. The show will NOT be based off the recent Black Rock Shooter video game released in Japan.
Premier Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Tragedy
Episodes: 8
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Satisfactory -- To be perfectly honest, after the disastrous OVA, most fans gave up any hope for this show. The art not only looks worse than the OVA but it doesn't look like the story has really changed either. While it has not told us whether if it's a sequel or an extended rehash, it lacks any momentum right now to really give it props. Had the show adapted the Black Rock Shooter game that came out earlier this year, maybe the premise would have been more interesting. The only thing it has going for it right now is that its animation will be pretty. Yamakan claiming to have no intervention in this project seems like such a lie too...Either way, maybe wit Mari Okada on board now they'll come up with a good story and surprise all of us. Of course, I'm not getting my hopes up here until I see it.
The ninth series of the Precure franchise. Marchenland is a place where fairy tales are collected. However, the evil emperor, Pierrot, invaded and sealed the Queen. Fairy Candy decides to head to Earth in search of the next Precures to collect the tokens of happiness, otherwise known as Cure Decor. There, Candy meets Miyuki Hoshizora and the two decide to gather the Cure Decors to aid in freeing the Queen of Marchenland.
Premier Date: February 5, 2012
Genre(s): Action, Fantasy, Mahou Shoujo, School Life, Shoujo
Episodes: 49?
US License Status: Unlicensed
Expectations: Decent -- Now that is the animation and character design quality I'm talking about. This really brings back the nostalgic of Yes! Precure 5 and the PVs give off the feeling of a Heartcatch Precure! like story. While it may be too early to say whether or not Suite Precure will make a surprise finale, the show has been a rather drag. Hopefully Smile Precure! will provide another "wow" moment for the franchise.
Rollover TV Series (To be Updated)
*does not include shows that have continued indefinitely for 2+ years. Also does not include OVAs/OADs, or movies. Parentheses = starting season. e.g. Fairy Tail (Fall 2009) has been removed since starting October 2011, it will be continue on to its third year
**At the moment, some of these shows are unknown as to whether they will continue to go on throughout the summer. Such shows have been marked with a "?"
- Battle Spirits: Heroes (Fall 2011)
- Bakuman 2 (Fall 2011)
- Beelzebub (Winter 2010/11)
- Busou Shinki Moon Angel (Fall 2011) ?
- Cardfight Vanguard!! (Winter 2010/11)
- Chibi Devi! (Fall 2011) ?
- Chihayafuru (Fall 2011)
- Cross Fight B-Daman (Fall 2011) ?
- Danbooru Senki (Spring 2011) *continuing under the title Danbooru Senki W
- Duel Masters Victory (Spring 2011)
- Gintama 2011 (Spring 2011)
- Guilty Crown (Fall 2011)
- Gundam AGE (Fall 2011)
- Hunter x Hunter 2011 (Fall 2011)
- Inazuma Eleven Go (Spring 2011)
- Jewelpet Sunshine (Spring 2011)
- Last Exile -Gin'yoku no Fam- (Fall 2011)
- Metal Fight Beyblade 4D (Spring 2011)
- Mirai Nikki (Fall 2011)
- Persona 4 (Spring 2011)
- Phi Brain -Kami no Puzzle- (Fall 2011)
- Pokemon Best Wishes (Fall 2010)
- Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream (Spring 2011)
- Sengoku Paradise Kiwami (Fall 2011) ?
- Shakugan no Shana III Final (Fall 2011)
- Sket Dance (Spring 2011)
- Suite Precure (Winter 2010/11) *ends in January 2012
- Toriko (Spring 2011)
- Tottoko Hamtarou Dechu (Spring 2011)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL (Spring 2011)
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.I just ordered these consoles at PIJ! I’m excited! I’m going to have these in week!. I just ordered these consoles at PIJ! I’m excited! I’m going to have these in week! http://bit.ly/Aquarion
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