Winter 2010 Anime Season Preview

Posted in Anime, Season Preview by lunarskye | Tags: Anime, Winter 2010 Season

The new year is upon us and so is the new season of anime! This will be Pancake Landing’s first foray in to the preview lineup format, and with it, we intend to provide initial expectations and thoughts about the shows you may or may not intend to watch this season.

Lineup after the jump!

Cobra the Animation

Airs: January 2nd
Production: Yumeta
Eps: 13
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Action, Retro, Sci-Fi
Based off of the manga series from the 80′s, there have been some recent Cobra OVAs, but now comes the complete animated series. Obviously very retro in style, the show will follow space pirate protagonist Cobra and his seemingly interchangeable (or at least multi-functional) arm cannon. Apparently the series takes place after the OVAs at a time when Cobra tries to wipe his slate clean and retire from adventuring, which would prove quite boring, so (of course) his efforts are short lived.

Bottom line: Haven’t watched the OVAs and will probably be an off show to get in the mood for, but it looks to be amusing in its own right. I smell over-the-top action campy-ness.

Chu-Bra!!

Airs: January 4th
Production: ZEXCS
Eps: 13
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, Ecchi, School
Junior high student Nayu Hayama is a panty enthusiast and advocate who causes a stir after wearing black lace panties to school one day. No worries though. She soon heads up an underwear club to help her newly pubescent female peers deal with their changing bodies and oh so important lingerie choices.

Bottom line: Ummm… ya, totally takes me back to my teen years? @_@ One of the creepier shows of the season, but not the creepiest. Very much guaranteed fanservice, not my cup of tea. I do not need to live vicariously through the lingerie adventures of a 12 year-old… *shudder.* But ya, I can go to Victoria’s Secret myself thanks. Horrible as this show sounds, I am a curious sort, haplessly drawn by ridiculousness, so I will at least watch one episode.

Masuda Kousuke Gekijou Gag Manga Biyori+

Airs: January 4th
Production: Artland
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy (very Japanese comedy)
Pretty self-explanatory by the name, this is the fourth show adapted off the gag manga by Masuda Kousuke serialized in Shounen Jump. Kind of think of Cromartie High School, but with a more zany pace.

Bottom line: I only found a few episodes of Cromartie to actually be funny, and this does not seem to be that much more interesting or suitable for the western palette. Not on my radar.

So-Ra-No-Wo-To

Airs: January 4th
Production: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Military, Music
Set in the war-torn town of Seize, the show follows  a small squad/brass band of girls (who, in addtion to the musical connection,  look a tad like the girls from K-ON!). The main character Kanata Sorami, receives a trumpet from a female soldier, and, deciding it is worth sacrificing life and limb for a chance to learn how to play it, enlists and joins the 1211th squad.

Bottom line: K-ON! comparisons and references aside, this looks to be a decent series, and the visuals look clean. I’m interested to see how this one turns out… even though I again have to wonder what it is with Japan and child soldiers. I’m guessing there won’t be much fighting however… just a hunch. Also, music from Kalafina, yay.

Ladies versus Butlers!

Airs: January 5th (Early release of premiere episode December 29th)
Production: XEBEC
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, Ecchi, School, Seinen
After losing his parents when he was young, Hino Akiharu decides to make something of himself by entering the butler program at a prestigious, previously all girl, boarding school. This proves to be a rough ride as he pretty much fails to get along with any of his classmates, who find his rough exterior “scary” and “suspect.” Things could spice up even more as he finds out his old childhood friend/crush is also at the school.

Bottom line: Butlers. Maids. Fanservice. Giant drill/croissant hair.  Not my kind of show, but might be tolerable.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu

Airs: January 6th
Production: Silver Link
Eps: 13
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, School
Failing student Akihisa Yoshii is in the lowest of the low and dumbest of the dumb tier at his oddly hierarchical academy. Dependent on test scores, students are placed in classes A – F, where A levels get first-class treatment compared to F class crappy desks and straw mats. He is joined by his friend and class president, Yuuji Sakamoto, as well as one of the smartest girls in his grade and secret crush, Mizuki Himeji (who flunked her exam by way of fever educed delerium). Akihisa decides the F class should band together, summoning their familiars, to wage class warfare to usurp the A class.

Bottom line: Kind of weird concept adjoining class rank/exam scores and a battle system, but might be interesting enough to want to check it out. Definitely seems to be a show for those who like to pull for the underdog… or just those who want to secretly stick it to overachievers.

Omamori Himari

Airs: January 6th
Production: ZEXCS
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Action, Comedy, Demons, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Supernatural
Cared for by his childhood friend Rin since his parents died, Yuuto has just turned 16, and now it looks like he’s got a new guardian. Himari, a mysterious sword-wielding catgirl, has pledged to protect him, but Yuuto is allergic to cats… of course.

Bottom line: A little nod to Spice and Wolf, same voice actress between Holo and Himari, but otherwise… looks to be more fanservice. Not expecting much.

Dance in The Vampire Bund

Airs: January 7th
Production: SHAFT
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Action, Supernatural, Vampire
Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, Mina Tepes, has awoken with a plan. What kind of plan? One to turn a good chunk of Japan in to a vampire Mecca and out the existence of vampires to the world. Not everyone is alright with this however, and she will have to deal with assassination plots before she can make her plan a reality.

Bottom line: Definite watch for the season. Story sounds intriguing, and visuals should be promising… even though it is awkward with some of the loli tendencies, i.e. half naked pale girl (I know, she’s a millennia old vampire that just looks like she’s 10), but that is kind of a minor gripe. I believe the show will prove to have some good depth to it.

Durarara!!

Airs: January 7th
Production: Brains base, Aniplex
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Action, Romance, Shounen
Looking for excitement and a change of pace, Ryuugamine Mikado transfers to the high school of his childhood friend, Kida Masaomi, in Ikebukuro. Masaomi warns him to keep away from some select characters and a local gang known as “Darazu.” Mikado experiences a troubling welcome to the city, as he witnesses Dullahan the Headless Rider, an urban legend, the first night he arrives.

Bottom line: My, and it seems the general consensus’, pick for best of season. Written and produced by those that worked on Baccano!, it already feels like a winner. Really looking forward to this one.

Hidamari Sketch x ☆☆☆

Airs: January 7th
Production: SHAFT
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, School, Slice of Life
The third installment of the Hidamari Sketch series, adapted from the 4koma manga. Follows Yuno and her fellow art students Miyako, Hiro, and Sae (most likely some new faces as well) on a light-hearted journey through their time at Yamabuki High School.

Bottom line: Haven’t completed the previous two seasons, but what I did watch was enjoyable and quite adorable, so I’ll be giving this a go. I have a soft spot for the art theme, and hey, it’s a cute little no frills show.

Ookami Kakushi

Airs: January 7th
Production: AIC
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Action, Mystery, Drama, Horror, Supernatural, Psychological
Based on the PSP game directed by Higurashi writer Ryukishi07, the show, also written by Ryukishi07, follows Hiroshi Kuzumi, 16, who has just moved to the village of Jogamachi. He settles in to school life in his new environment, but soon learns the village, which is separated by a river in to Old and New Jogamachi,  has mysterious and ancient traditions. He is warned by class president, Nemuru Kushinada, that he should “stay away from the old streets,” but it seems curiosity will get the best of him. From the same writer of Higurashi, Ryukishi07.

Bottom line: I’m usually not a fan of horror anime, but sharing the same writer as Higurashi, the show has gained my interest.

Kaitou Reinya

Airs: January 9th
Production: Stingray
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy
Based on characterization of Morning Musume’s Tanaka Reina, Kaitou Reinya is a sales clerk at a “Faminya” convenience store by day and elusive thief by night. With the assistance of her mouse side-kick Chu-Taro, she continually out smarts and thwarts the attempts at capture by an indecent inspector, delusional detective, and air-headed policewoman.

Bottom line: Very Saturday morning cartoon feel. In general, it sounds like a fun, if not overused, concept. The target audience is obviously younger compared to the rest of this season and most likely made up of Morning Musume fans. Not my demographic.

Seikon no Qwaser

Airs: January 9th
Production: Taki
Eps: 13
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Action, Ecchi, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural
At Eastern Orthodox St. Mikhailov Academy, Oribe Mafuyu encounters a Qwaser named Aleksander, who is on a quest to protect or obtain an icon depicting the Virgin Mary breastfeeding Jesus. As a Qwaser, Aleksander can manipulate iron, however, in order to wield this special power he must drink breast milk…

Bottom line: Yes, breast milk. Eastern Orthodoxy, alchemy, and lactation. Oh joy. Naming this the most blatant and creepy fetishist plot device of the season, but again, as with Chu-Bra!!, curiosity dictates I will at least watch an episode. Most broadcasts will be censored, but apparently two weeks out from the premiere AT-X will air it uncensored… for those of you who care about boobies.

Hanamaru Kindergarten

Airs: January 10th
Production: GAINAX
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Follow three way too cute girls: Anzu, Koume, and Hiiragi as they embark on their first day at Hanamaru Kindergarten. Anzu, develops  crush on and vies for the attentions of the girls’ male teacher, Tsuchida. Who would guess that he doesn’t take to the advances, but he instead is rather interested in his pretty co-worker Yamamoto.

Bottom line: Top-heavy and ultra-cute toddler children waddling about being adorable. Pre-school age teacher crush is a little creepy, and could prove quite annoying. Ridiculous diversion for GAINAX, so I’ll have to at least look at it.

Nodame Cantabile Finale

Airs: January 14th
Production: J.C. Staff
Eps: 11
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, Music, Romance
Third installment in the series following talented conductor Shinichi Chiaki and quirky pianist Noda Megumi. Compared to Chiaki, who is a perfectionist and very driven, Nodame, while an amazing pianist lacks motivation and direction in life. Nodame falls in love with Chiaki, moves in to the apartment next door to him, and eventually they grow in their relationship together and venture towards building their musical careers.

Bottom line: I have heard good things about the series, but it wasn’t an instant grab for me watching through parts of the first season. I may try and give it another shot, but if you’re already a fan and are caught up, you’ll obviously be watching this.

OVAs

Harukanaru Toki ni Naka de 3 ~Owarinaki Unmei~

Airs: January 3rd
Production: Yumeta
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Adventure, Fantasy, Shoujo
Reminds me of a Fushigi Yuugi-esque show by look. This initial comparison isn’t to be taken too seriously, as I’m not familiar with this series, which is branched from an otome game by the same title. But, the show does seem to follow the formula of: girl gets whisked away to a fantasy world, girl meets pretty boys, and girl magically saves the world.

Bottom line: Never really like jumping in to a continuation of a series I have yet to follow, and I’m not a fan of most shoujo or bishonen. Gonna pass.

Katanagatari

Airs: January 25th
Production: White Fox
Eps: 12
[ANN][MAL]

What to expect:
Adventure, Fantasy
From the writer of Bakamonogatari, comes an Edo era story about Yasuri Shichika, seventh head of the Kyotou school of Japanese sword martial arts. He lives with his sister Nanami on Fushou Island, and sets out on a quest to find and collect the twelve treasured swords created by a legendary swordsmith Shikizaki Kiki.

Bottom line: Definitely going to check this out. Interesting release pattern, as there will be one episode released each month for the remainder of the year.

Boku, Otaryman.

DVD Ships: January
[MAL]

What to expect:
Comedy, Slice of Life
Based off of the popular autobiographical manga of the author Yoshitani. Boku, Otaryman (otaku + salaryman) presents a slice of life of an office worker, who is a little bit otaku.

Bottom line: I have to think he’ll be a bit more than “a little” otaku.  It sounds like it’ll be an amusing adaptation, and I’m interested to check it out.