Spring 2007 Preview!
Spring season is just around the corner, and there are a lot of new shows starting up. Before we get started, a few notes. As usual, I’ll watch the first episode of most shows within certain parameters (in other words, not the kiddie shows), and what I list here are the chances of me actually blogging something based on my initial impression from promotional material. However, even if I list the chances for a show as good or guaranteed, that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll stick with it for more than a few episodes. As it stands, Tuesdays and Sundays have a ton of promising shows, but I have to ultimately make a decision on what to and not to follow.
By no means does this list reflect all of the anime that are going to be aired, though I did try to be as comprehensive as I could. Check out MOON PHASE for an entire listing, syoboi’s calendar for specific air-times, and AndrewLB’s Spring 2007 Wiki for who’s tentatively subbing what.
Technical Note: All times are given in a 24-hour, relative-day format where times are extended to show which day they belong to. For instance, Friday morning at 1:30AM would become Thursday at 25:30 to show that the episode aired late Thursday night.
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Hitohira http://www.hitohira.tv/ Premieres March 28th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Wednesdays at 11:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 22:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This show is centered around a girl who has problems speaking when she’s nervous, yet somehow ends up in the drama club. I’m mainly interested in this because there’s a promotion video on the official site that didn’t look too bad and because Kawasumi Ayako is voicing the main character’s friend. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann http://www.gurren-lagann.net/ Premieres April 1st, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 8:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 19:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo GAINAX’s newest series is about a boy who lives underground and finds a robot that looks like a head. The mecha designs are thus pretty interesting looking, but the real draws here are the GAINAX staff (featuring director Imaishi Hiroyuki) and what looks to be, from the promotional material, plenty of high-octane action. My only concern is that this is airing on a Sunday morning, so it might be oriented towards a much younger audience. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Hayate no Gotoku! http://hayatenogotoku.com/ Premieres April 1st, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 10:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 21:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Kugimiya Rie is back in another one of those bratty girl roles she plays best. She of course voices Nagi in the upcoming animation of Hayate no Gotoku!, better known as Hayate the Combat Butler, which is about a boy named Hayate who becomes a butler because of a debt and the subsequent adventures he gets himself into. You may remember that I talked about this show a couple of months ago. I’m really excited to see how they adapt the manga (how many anime/manga references they keep in) and to hear the opening song by KOTOKO. Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed |
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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS http://www.nanoha.com/ Premieres April 1st, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 25:10 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 12:10 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Despite its fairly uninspired first season back in 2004, Nanoha came back with a bang a year later with Nanoha A’s, where an expanded cast allowed it to create an intriguing new Magical Girl franchise of team battles powered by German-speaking cartridge-boosted weapons and superior transformations. The result was an enormous (and slightly scary) following among anime viewers, and in response director Kusakawa Keizou now gives us a third season. During 26 episodes we’ll rejoin Nanoha and Fate, but 10 years have passed since their introduction. As full-fledged members of the Time-Space Administration Bureau, they supervise a new set of young ladies, voiced by Saitou Chiwa, Nakahara Mai, Inoue Marina and Takahashi Mikako (who returns in a new female part). (Thanks Patrik for the writeup) Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Heroic Age http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/heroicage/ Premieres April 1st, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo XEBEC and the Fafner staff are back for a new space mecha show that seems to be steeped in Greek mythology. It’s about a princess Deianira who starts on a journey because humanity is being threatened, and she meets a boy named Age. I mention Greek mythology because Deianira was a wife of Hercules, and the official website lists 12 Labors, which would appear to be a reference to Hercules’ Twelve Labors. I still get a bad feeling whenever I see a show with Hirai Hisashi’s character designs, but I may just give this one a try. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Seto no Hanayome http://www.setonohanayome.com/ Premieres April 1st, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 26:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 13:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo I was quite taken aback by how serious and cool the official website looks given that the manga for this is relatively a light-hearted romance comedy (Edit: wouldn’t you know it, right after I finish writing this, they go and change the website). This story is about a boy who gets saved by a mermaid and then has to marry her or else face death at the hands of her yakuza father. Momoi Haruka voices San, and she also sings the opening song (along with Nogawa Sakura) – I’m mentioning that mainly because I haven’t heard her sing an anime OP or ED for a long time (no, Lovely Idol doesn’t count). Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Touka Gettan http://www.avexmovie.jp/lineup/momotsuki/ Premieres April 2nd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Mondays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Mondays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This is an animation of a h-game that’s also being released the same month about a main character who’s lost his memory. Perhaps more interesting is the fact that this was supposed to be a sequel of sorts to the Moonlight Lady hentai series, though they dropped the “Moonlight Lady II” part from the title. Also of note is how this is being animated by Studio DEEN and the Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito staff. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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El Cazador de la Bruja http://www.elcazador.tv/main.html Premieres April 2nd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Mondays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Mondays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo From the people who brought you Noir and Madlax comes a third series about girls with guns. El Cazador is about a bounty hunter protecting a young girl suspected of murder from other bounty hunters. Past experience has made me rather wary of the fact that Bee Train is animating this, though I may watch the first episode just to hear the OP by savage genius and the ED by FictionJunction YUUKA. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/idolmaster/ Premieres April 2nd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Mondays at 26:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Mondays at 13:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo If there’s one show I really want to see this upcoming season, it’s Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA. For those of you who may not know, The Idolm@ster is a popular game about raising a pop idol. What XENOGLOSSIA does it is that it takes those characters and makes them mecha pilots – the mecha are known as iDOLs and their pilots are Idolmasters. Add to that the fact that Sunrise’s Mai-HiME/Otome team is working on this, and I think you have a fairly good recipe for success. And that’s not even counting the fact that there’s tons of top voice talent including Horie Yui, Tamura Yukari, Koshimizu Ami, Nakahara Mai, Noto Mamiko, and Yukana attached to this project. Edit: The first episode ended up being slightly disappointing, but I still look forward to seeing how this show develops. Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed |
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Kiss Dum -ENGAGE planet- http://www.kissdum.com/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 25:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 12:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Kiss Dum is a show about a pilot in a defense organization created to protect against hostile aliens. There were rumors earlier about big problems on the production staff, but things seem to have been straightened out, and there was even a trailer shown at the Tokyo International Animation Fair. The renowned Kawamori Shouji of Macross fame (among other things) is doing the mecha designs here, which is probably why they resemble aircraft. It feels like there are a lot of mecha-related shows this season and they all seem to have their merits, so I won’t be sure whether I’ll be picking this one up until I see the first episode. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Claymore http://www.ntv.co.jp/claymore/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 25:26 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 12:26 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Claymores are a group of female warriors named after their weapons who are half human and half demon, and they protect humanity against the full demons. From what I’ve read and seen, I get the feeling that this will be a fairly violent and bloody show (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Other things to note are that Madhouse is doing the animation for this and that veteran seiyuu Kuwashima Houko is voicing the main character Clare. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Over Drive http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/overdrive/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Over Drive is about a kid striving to be the best at cycling. While I’ve got nothing against this series or against sports anime in general, I’m not really interested in this at all. If I wanted to watch a sports show this season, I’d probably pick Ookiku Furikabutte instead (see below). Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
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Oh!-EDO ROCKET http://www.ohedorocket.jp/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 26:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 13:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Despite Ayakashi Ayashi having soured me on anime set during the Tenpou Era, Oh!-EDO Rocket has a fairly interesting premise. It involves a fireworks artisan during that period getting approached by a beautiful girl who wants him to make a rocket that will reach the moon. The character designs look rather diverse, and the bright color colors make this series seem like it could be a lot of fun. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Saint Beast ~Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan~ http://www.saintbeast.com/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 26:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 13:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo I can tell you almost immediately that I have no interest in a show with multiple bishounen guys who are described as being strong, beautiful, and have a love for animals. ‘Nuff said. Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
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Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku wo http://www.konnyaku.tv/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 26:15 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 13:15 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo A quaint looking story about a group of girls living in a dormitory that’s getting less and less students. This is another show based off an h-game, and although the plot doesn’t sound that interesting, all the blue skies make me feel like this will be a nice and peaceful summer show. Unfortunately, that alone isn’t enough to convince me to watch something, so we’ll have to see what the first episode is like. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Wellber no Monogatari ~Sisters of Wellber~ http://www.avexmovie.jp/lineup/wellber/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 26:43 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 13:43 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Sisters of Wellber is about about a princess who is caught between two countries on the brink of war and has to marry a prince of the opposing side. She ends up stabbing that prince and running away, becoming a fugitive in the process who comes under the care of a female thief. The story seems fairly interesting, and the promo video on the website made the show look pretty fast-paced, so I’m rather interested. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica http://www.polyphonica.tv/ Premieres April 3rd, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 28:15 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 15:15 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo On the continent of Polyphonica, there are people who can control spirits with special music. This show is about a guy who contracts with a strong spirit (the red-haired girl) and their subsequent love and adventures. Some of the initial artwork shown on the website and from the game and light novels had me pretty interested, but the character designs shown on the anime’s website were a little less than impressive. I’ll have to see how it turns out. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Nagasarete Airantou http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/airantou/ Premieres April 4th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Wednesdays at 25:20 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Wednesdays at 12:20 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Here we have a boy who runs away from home, falls overboard from a ship during a storm, and somehow arrives on an island populated only by girls. Having read some of the manga, I don’t expect this show to have much of a plot, but I think it’ll be fun show with plenty of fanservice. Horie Yui is singing both the opening and ending songs, and she’ll also be voicing the female lead Suzu. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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RomeoXJuliet http://www.romejuli.jp/ Premieres April 4th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Wednesdays at 25:45 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Wednesdays at 12:45 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo You may recall me talking about this show several months ago, but if you don’t, here’s a recap: Gonzo has given the classic Romeo and Juliet story an update so that although the series still retains its medieval feel, it now takes place in an aerial city. Romeo’s father is a dictator, Juliet disguises herself to fight against him, and that’s how this star-crossed lovers story supposedly develops. The trailer on the official site impressed me quite a bit and still does, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be watching this. Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed |
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Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula http://www.gigantic-f.com Premieres April 4th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Wednesdays at 25:50 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Wednesdays at 12:50 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This is a show taking place in a time when countries are building mecha to fight to establish a new world order, and Japan’s mecha is piloted by a young boy and girl. But…before you write this off as another mecha show, I think it’s important to note that there are fourteen legendary mecha designers working on this show. It’ll take too long to list them all and their past works, but it suffices to say that they are veterans of Gundam, Macross, Evangelion, and much much more. The director, original creator, and original character designer all also worked together in the past on Kiddy Grade, so that’s something else noteworthy. If the first episode showcases some good mecha action, I can definitely see myself watching this. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Kotetsushin Jeeg http://jeeg.tv/ Premieres April 5th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 23:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 10:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Jeeg is a sequel/spinoff of the original show from back in 1975 and takes place 50 years after that story. I gotta say that with all the mecha shows this season, this one falls pretty low on my list since I’ve never seen the original, and the promo video did little to change that. Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
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Darker than BLACK -Kuro no Keiyakusha- http://www.d-black.net/ Premieres April 5th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:25 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:25 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Darker Than BLACK is the show that will be replacing CODE GEASS in the Thursday late-night timeslot. It is being produced by BONES and shares much of the same production team that worked on Wolf’s Rain. Oh yea, and did I mention that Yoko Kanno will be composing the music, the opening song will be performed by abingdon boys school, and the ending will be by Rie fu? The story here revolves around a guy with special powers who works as a Contractor and is supported by an emotionless girl and the Hell’s Gate that appears in Tokyo. They’ve released a ton of promotional material on the official website, and it all made me quite excited about this show. Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed |
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Koutetsu Sangokushi http://www.koutetsu-sangokushi.jp/ Premieres April 5th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 26:15 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 13:15 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia As the name suggests, this show takes place during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history 1,800 years ago. There’s actually some pretty major male voice talent attached to this show, including Miyano Mamoru (Light of Death Note, Tamaki of Ouran), Ishida Akira (Nagi of Mai-HiME/Otome, Athrun of Gundam SEED), Koyasu Takehito (Mu La Flaga of Gundam SEED, Fool of Kaleido Star). Still, something about this just turns me off, so I doubt I’ll be watching it. Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
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Kamichama Karin http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/kamichamakarin/ Premieres April 6th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Fridays at 17:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 4:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This is a series about seventh-grader who’s lost both her parents and her beloved cat when she finds out that she can transform into a goddess through her mother’s ring. I’ve read some of the manga, and if that’s any indicator, then this will be a cute and amusing magical girl-type show (maybe too loli for some people’s tastes). Nakahara Mai is voicing Karin and Sawashiro Miyuki will be voicing Kazune (figures that it would be a female voicing him). Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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sola http://www.sola-project.com/ Premieres April 6th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Fridays at 25:28 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 12:28 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo I believe the title sola is their way of romanizing the japanese word for sky, sora. And the sky would be the key here, as this show has a boy who loves the sky and goes out early one morning to take a picture in the park. That is where he ends up meeting an unfamiliar girl voiced by Noto Mamiko. I’m excited to hear her in another leading female role (Nakahara Mai is in this too as the older sister of the main character), and the promo makes the show look very promising. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Shining Tears X Wind http://shining-world.jp/tv_tearsXwind/ Premieres April 6th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Fridays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This is based on the Shining Tears game from a few years ago and the Shining Wind game that’s to be released in a May of this year. It appears to feature characters and story parts from both games and will have some of the original voice actors, including Hoshi Souichirou as Xion. I haven’t played any of the Shining series, and I’ve had some fairly bad experiences with RPG -> anime shows, so it’s likely that I’ll stay away from this given the crowded field of other shows. Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
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Kaze no Shoujo Emily http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/emily/ Premieres April 7th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 7:25 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 18:25 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Based on the Emily books by author L.M. Montgomery back in the 1920s, this show is about the life of an orphan girl living on Prince Edward Island in Canada. I hate to be superficial, but I really really don’t like the character designs (Emily’s forehead is huge). I’ve also never been a fan of animes based on classic books, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be skipping this one. Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
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Seirei no Moribito http://www.moribito.com/ Premieres April 7th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 8:06 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 19:06 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This would appear to be Production I.G’s next big project, to be directed by Kamiyama Kenji, the director of the Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. series. It is about a female bodyguard who has to protect a boy whose body holds the egg of a Water Spirit. They are pursued not only by the Imperial Court but also by beings from a parallel dimension. You can find a much more detailed english summary on Production I.G’s own website. I’m interested in this show mainly because the trailers have shown some beautiful animation and great action scenes, and because I’m looking forward to hearing an opening song by L’Arc~en~Ciel and the ending song by Tainaka Sachi. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Blue Dragon http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/bluedragon/ Premieres April 7th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 9:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 20:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo The blue dragon of the title is the main character’s Shadow (aka. the monster he controls), and the story is about three friends fighting against the guy who attacked their town. Blue Dragon is actually based on an Xbox 360 game designed by three video game and anime legends: Sakaguchi Hironobu, Toriyama Akira, and Uematsu Nobuo. Still, it should be noted that the anime is an adaptation of the game, so those three might not have any direct involvement with it. I do wish, though, that they had kept the original game cast which included Kawasumi Ayako, Inoue Marina, and Wakamoto Norio. As it stands, this strikes me more as a show made to sell Xbox 360s and merchandise than anything else. Oh, one last note: it was recently announced that the popular band w-inds. will be performing the opening song. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Lovely Complex http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/lovecom/ Premieres April 7th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 17:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 4:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia A shoujo series about a really tall girl and a really short boy who become known at school as a comedic duo. They help each other with their relationships, but in the process develop feelings for each other. The trailer shown recently at TIAF is shot in relatively low quality, but the anime itself looks like it’ll be visually pretty good (Toei is handling the production). The character designs shown there remind me a little too much of One Piece, and that may be because Maniwa Hideaki‘s involvement with this. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Toward the Terra http://www.terra-e.com/ Premieres April 7th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 18:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 5:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Toward the Terra is a remake of a 1980 movie about a universe where humanity has environmentally destroyed Terra to the point where they have to migrate elsewhere. A mutant race called Mu develops in a new society where a super computer controls children’s births, and these Mu are exiled. The title comes from the Mu’s desire to return to Terra, and their hope lies in a special boy. You may remember that two seasons ago, I was rather excited about a new show called Ayakashi Ayashi that was taking the Saturday 6PM slot from Blood+. You may also recall that that show turned out to be a bust, at least for me. Now, half a year later, I’m once again excited about a show taking that time slot, but it’s a much more restrained excitement. The character designs look rather retro, but the animation in the trailers looks really good. UVERworld also sings the opening song, and the tiny bit from the commercials is already stuck in my head… Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Lucky Star http://www.lucky-ch.com/ Premieres April 8th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 24:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 11:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Lucky Star is a 24-episode Kyoto Animation work for spring and summer seasons to be directed by Suzumiya Haruhi director Yamamoto Hiroshi. It’s based on a humorous 4-koma, but I would assume that the episodes will have a story of some sort, much like Azumanga Daioh. Lucky Star centers around an athletic but lazy girl named Konata who loves anime and games – she’ll be voiced by Hirano Aya. If we want to draw some more Suzumiya Haruhi parallels, I find it ironic – perhaps intentional on KyoAni’s part – that Chihara Minori is voicing the quiet girl who doesn’t show emotions. In any case, I’m looking forward to a great comedy series by Kyoto Animation since I have a lot of confidence that they’ll do an amazing job with whatever they animate. Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed |
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Bokurano http://bokurano.jp/ Premieres April 8th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 25:30 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 12:30 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Bokurano is a psychological drama about a group of kids who get convinced to play a game where they have to defend Earth from alien invaders. Of course, the game ends up being all too real and the consequences are fairly horrific. The latest promo video showed some really good footage and I really like the Ishikawa Chiaki (vocalist of group See-Saw) song. Still, this is being animated by Gonzo, so I would assume that all the normal Gonzo rules apply. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Kaze no Stigma http://pc.webnt.jp/stigma/ Premieres April 11th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Wednesdays at 27:38 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Wednesdays at 14:38 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Gonzo is also working on a show I’ve had my eye on quite a while now called Kaze no Stigma. Almost everyone who sees the red-haired girl above immediately thinks Shana (myself included), but from what I’ve seen, the story is quite different. It involves a boy who didn’t have talent for the fire arts and lost to the red-haired heroine. As a result, she gained the family’s sword and the boy was banished. The boy returns four years later as a master of the wind arts, but he becomes suspected of murder. I wish there were more promotional material, but magazine spreads like this don’t hurt. Odds I’ll Blog This: Good |
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Ookiku Furikabutte http://www.oofuri.com/ Premieres April 12th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:25 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:25 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo This is based on an award-winning manga about a boy who was the ace of his middle school baseball team mainly because it was managed by his grandfather. He thus rises up to high school with no confidence in his abilities but ends up on the baseball team anyway and shows the guys that he actually does have some skills. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read of the manga, so I might give this a look to see what the anime is like. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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Kaibutsu Oujo http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/kaibutsu/ Premieres April 12th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:55 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:55 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo As the name suggests, Princess Resurrection is about a princess with the power to resurrect and the boy who gets involved with her and has to fight against the monsters that come after her. I’ll be really honest here: the actual show doesn’t interest me as much as Kawasumi Ayako voicing the princess does, though I don’t know if I’ll watch this just because of her. Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent |
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THE SKULL MAN http://www.skullman.jp/ Premieres April 28th, 2007 Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 24:00 Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 11:00 Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo Based on a 1970s manga that was later expanded upon by a different author, this is a dark story about a masked anti-hero who fights evil with his mutant powers. BONES is animating what looks to be a show with plenty of action and violence, and popular band TOKIO is singing the opening. I suspect that because it’s release is so late into the month and because I’m not particularly interested, I probably won’t watch it. Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor |
I apologize for getting this list out so late. As you may be able to tell from the amendments I made to some of the earlier entries, I’ve been working on this write-up for a while now. It took me a lot longer than I thought it would to write – I spent roughly 25 hours on researching and compiling the 37 shows that you see above. And that’s not including the kids shows, Saiunkoku Monogatari, and Emma. I made a decision to omit those latter two because they were second series of shows that I hadn’t seen the first series of. The only reason I included Nanoha StrikerS is because my friend convinced me to let him write it up. I also omitted Denno Coil because it’s coming so late into the season in mid-May, though that doesn’t mean I won’t give it a look when the time comes. And even without those, I will probably still have too much on my plate because of the vast field of potentially good series.
Like last season, I’ve uploaded a torrent with the promotional videos and commercials of many of the shows I’ve just talked about. Included in the pack (24 files total) are: Bokurano, Darker than BLACK, El Cazador, Gurren Lagann, Hayate no Gotoku, Heroic Age, Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA, Jeeg, Ookiku Furikabutte, RomeoXJuliet, Sisters of Wellber, sola, Terra e, and THE SKULL MAN.
Torrent Link.
The important question is of course, what are you going to be watching?
As always, Comments, Questions, and Suggestions are welcome.
March 27, 2007 at 5:25 pmAznSoulBoy
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…Overload…
MUST WATCH LIST
Hayate no Gotoku!
Seto no Hanayome
Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica
Darker than BLACK -Kuro no Keiyakusha-
sola
Kaze no Stigma
—————————-
GIVE A SHOT
Hitohira )
Touka Gettan
Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA
Kiss Dum -ENGAGE planet-
Claymore
Oh!-EDO ROCKET
Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku wo
Wellber no Monogatari ~Sisters of Wellber~
Nagasarete Airantou
Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula
Koutetsu Sangokushi
Shining Tears X Wind
Seirei no Moribito
Blue Dragon
Toward the Terra
Bokurano
March 27, 2007 at 5:34 pm-Z-
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well…
StrikerS is a no-contest in my mind… not very interested in guren lagann… I’d watch a couple eps of Koutetsushin Jeeg to see if it’s any good before discarding it…. um…
and I know NOTHING about the rest of those shows ye listed, so I can’t say anything about them.
March 27, 2007 at 5:41 pmCyrusbunny
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i’m already drooling.yay anime!!!
March 27, 2007 at 5:51 pm7Th
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Gurren Lagann is my most anticipated from your list, my heart is actually Dennou Coil’s, due to it’s incredible animation line-up and me being a huge Imaishi fanboy. I don’t get why you dismiss as a kids show due to it’s time-slot as you’re already blogging Bleach and D.Gray-Man and I’m quite sure this won’t have such a silly direction-script as those two do.
Also will check out Seirei no Moribito, Darker than Black, KissDum, To Terra, Bokurano, RomeoXJuliet and Gigantic Formula. The rest look extremely uninspiring, generic and boring.
Also, which is the Gurren Lagann trailer in the torrent? It is a high-quality version if the first released which can only see on YouTube? If so, I must download.
March 27, 2007 at 6:47 pmDaveJS
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I’m def. checking out Blue Dragon, Claymore, Darker than Black, Hayate no Gotoku!, and Seirei no Moribito. I’ll also give Romeo x Juliet, Ooedo Rocket, and Nagasarete Airantou a try.
March 27, 2007 at 6:48 pmMaximilian
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Well, everyone has their likes and dislikes, I guess. The most anticipated anime for me in spring season is MGLN StrikerS. I watched the first 2 seasons many times that I lost count, and when I heard the third season, I was pretty worked up and have been waiting for it. The surprise, and a highly anticipated anime is Sola. Just by looking at one picture, I thought this anime will be very interesting. Also, Hayate no Gotoku! is a must, as I think it will be quite a comedy :D .
Others, I’ll probably look also, since the good ones will be ending these days, but these three are the ones that I’m really waiting for.
March 27, 2007 at 7:42 pmNeo Horizon
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I didn’t have any shows I was looking forward to prior to reading your preview, but Lucky Star seems like something I’ll be interested in. Perhaps Hayate no Gotoku! as well. Thanks for compiling this list. ^^
March 27, 2007 at 8:11 pmAlice Yang
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I guess the only thing I will be watching is Emma. Ugh, everything else lack originality. Great, more H-game-turn-anime. RomeoxJuliet is going to ruin what’s left of my Shakespeare love.
March 27, 2007 at 8:27 pmAngelMercury
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Bokurano being another Kitoh work is almost promised to be interesting. Perhaps this will make up for leaving us hanging in the Narutaru series.
This past season I didn’t keep up with much but it looks like there willl be a few things I’ll be into this spring.
March 27, 2007 at 9:47 pmcbhl
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For Sure
Hayate no Gotoku!
Nagasarete Airantou
Kamichama Karin
sola
Lucky Star
Probably
Seto no Hanayome
Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku wo
Only if I have time
Hitohira
Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA
Lovely Complex
If I like the first few eps
Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula
Claymore
Darker than BLACK
Bokurano
What I find surprising (personally) is how much content there actually is out there — the sheer quantity of it all… how does one find the time to watch any of it? Particularly if one actually lived in Japan, for example… >.<
March 28, 2007 at 12:05 amOmni
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7th: Please don’t mistake what I said. I didn’t dismiss it as a kid’s show. If you read my final paragraph, I said “I also omitted Denno Coil because it’s coming so late into the season in mid-May, though that doesn’t mean I won’t give it a look when the time comes”
March 28, 2007 at 12:07 amDM
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Last year I had 7 shows each, for Spring and Fall, that I
wanted to watch; now it’s only 3.
Kaze no Stigma: The story is interesting, but it’s too bad there
is no more info about the show.
Wellber no Monogatari: The picture of the girl has me intrigued.
Claymore: The most anticipated show of Spring, IMO. This reminds me
a bit of Elfen Lied and Gunslinger Girl.
March 28, 2007 at 12:53 am7Th
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No, I said you dismiss Gurren Lagann as a kid’s show.
March 28, 2007 at 1:00 amOmni
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Oh ok, my apologies, your sentences weren’t clear at first glance.
Anyway, I didn’t quite dismiss Gurren Lagaan as a kids show, but I am worried that it will be like one. My friend pointed out to me after I wrote that that Eureka Seven was also in a similar timeslot and that had plenty of violence and stuff, so maybe that worry is unfounded. *shrug* We’ll find out this weekend.
March 28, 2007 at 1:07 am7Th
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That’s funny, I questioned myself about using the E7 card. :P
Anyway, thanks for the torrent, I really wanted a decent quality non-YouTube trailer for Gurren Lagann and Romeo X Juliet. :D
March 28, 2007 at 1:29 amshinji
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Seto no Hanayome and Nagasarete Airantou look hilarious; will be looking forward to it..
March 28, 2007 at 3:15 amKaede
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Thank you very much. so many to watch but my first choice is RomeoXJuliet. I have in love with it since my forst glance into it. XD
March 28, 2007 at 8:20 am[][][]
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hitohira’s raw is out …..WOW..fast..
March 28, 2007 at 10:03 amAnnabelLee
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Does anybody know when Devil May Cry comes out?
March 28, 2007 at 11:55 amjackie-lyn
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to AnnabelLee,
I think Devil May Cry anime will be out in late May. The show has a very interesting cast :) (Morikawa Toshiyuki as Dante; Tanaka Atsuko as Trish; Orikasa Fumiko as Lady)
Back to the topic:
I might consider Claymore… or others if the mood is there. School often occupies my time.
March 28, 2007 at 12:56 pmRokou
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I would definitely want to see Hayate no Gotoku!, but I will check out the other ones if I hear more about them. Thanks for the info. Nice job on the site too. very informative.
March 28, 2007 at 3:15 pmunholy
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Hudson where did you find the trailer for Kaze no Stigma
March 28, 2007 at 6:48 pmalexis
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I can’t wait for watching bokurano nor RomeoXJuliet
March 29, 2007 at 8:39 ammuhi_kira
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i’m looking forward to watch
-RomeoXJuliet (i like the promo and i like romeoxjuliet story)
-Heroic Age (i kinda like hisahi hirai art so wanna see this anime)
-Darker than BLACK -Kuro no Keiyakusha- (like it because of yoko ono and the re-placement of code geass)
-Lovely Complex (the manga was interesting and funny)
-Wellber no Monogatari ~Sisters of Wellber~ (wanna see the princess journey)
and Emma 2nd Season (already watch the first season this anime i like it very much that’s why i’m so looking forward the 2nd season)
March 29, 2007 at 1:47 pmZeepish
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Three cheers for the Spring Season.
March 29, 2007 at 6:27 pmSaruko
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Romeo and Juliet sounds interesting
March 30, 2007 at 2:45 amconnie
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holy crap so many anime, dude! looks like this is a good year for it
March 30, 2007 at 11:55 pmbeanie
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ArrrHHHH!!! RomeoXJuliet 8D
A..and Darker than BLACK -Kuro no Keiyakusha-!!! Can’t wait!! XD
April 1, 2007 at 7:20 amNobunaga
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My list of spring anime is this one!
Will absolute see
Hayate no Gotoku! (Have read the manga and it contains pure comedy!)
Seto no Hanayome (A mermaid meets boy means one thing! Hilarity ensues!)
El Cazador de la Bruja (Spanish words and babes with guns is something i like!)
Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA (Mecha with singing idols? Looks to be a new version of Mai-hime)
Claymore (medeival settings looks interesting. The manga was a bit good to read)
Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku wo (More yuri, maybe?)
Nagasarete Airantou (Love Hina clone!)
Darker than BLACK -Kuro no Keiyakusha- (If Yoko Kanno is making music then this anime is really great!)
Kamichama Karin
Lucky Star( KyoAni’s new anime. Everything the studio touches becomes gold.)
Bokurano (Liked Shadowstar, so i hope the director makes a really great story of this)
Kaze no Stigma (Shana ripoff!)
See the first episode
Kaibutsu Oujo
sola
RomeoXJuliet
Oh!-EDO ROCKET
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
April 6, 2007 at 10:41 pmShadowVlican
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holy shit
thanks for the lengthy blog! it has really help me decide what series to follow!
April 9, 2007 at 9:49 amhhv94
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Thanks a bunch for this REALY helpful list. Helped me break down, thus far what has not come out yet for April and what I’m gonna watch. A few of which I’ve already started watching and liking, like Heroic Age, Claymore, Kamichama Karin, Nonoha Striker S, just to name a few…the ones thus far that I will probably check out will be…
Seto no hanayome
Seirei no moribito
Kissdum engage planet
Bokurano
Kiabutsu no oujo
The Skullman
Emma Season 2
Wellber no Monogatari
Kaze no shoujo Emily
Lovely Complex
Toward the Terra
Kaze no stigma
April 10, 2007 at 11:56 pmMiennya
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Hmmm good picks for next semester…although wish there were less Mecha picks….atleast you cut the bishounen shit down.
April 13, 2007 at 3:13 amblissfullynaive~
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waaaaiii~!!! Thank you so much for making a list. I’ve been looking for a complete list of spring 2007′s new series. n_n I’m happy i found this site. n_n
anou.. i already started watching lucky star .. and it took me a while to get past the opening song @_@. it’s so nice desu~.. yay~! aya hirano~ nano desu~!! \n_n/
hayate the combat butler~!!! i’ll be following the series! it’s so funny n_n and i feel sorry for hayate :(
claymore is pretty interesting too.. :) i’ll be keeping an eye on the show.
sola is nice too.. but im still a bit confused with story..
i have to get a new copy of darker than black. I dont know what happened but my copy was a bit weird :(
El Cazador is pretty interesting. Ellis is so cute~! n_n
hmm..what else.. hitohira is pretty interesting. n_n i might try it out. oh, heroic age too. i like greek mythology, so it’s pretty interesting for me. :)
seto no hanayome is about that mermaid ne? hmm..interesting too.
touka gettan ..hmm..i have to think about it. But welber monogatari caught my attention with the short summary above @_@. Is nagasarete airantou another harem series desu ka? hmm..i think ill be trying romeoxjuliet too. n_n etto..kamichama karin looks cute enough. and lovely complex looks like a fun romantic series n_n. i haven’t seen a sports series for a while now, so i guess ill be trying ookiku. kaibutsu oujo, im curious how she’ll use her powers @_@
._. etto..sorry if my list is long.
April 18, 2007 at 7:50 amgreyrook
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ZOMG Bokurano! *spazzes*
Wellber and claymore look interesting too.
April 22, 2007 at 11:42 amAU_Gundam
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I’m looking forward to Kotetsu Shin Jeeg. Remakes of Go Nagai’s robos are always good watches. Would need a little background on Nanoha though.
June 8, 2007 at 4:34 amSam
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will be watching these 3 animes: Wellber no Monogatari ~Sisters of Wellber~, Seirei no Moribito, Bokurano. I love their realistic feel and beautiful animes. and maybe RomeoxJuliet, though it has very good graphic and very beautiful anime, there’s no much talking.
June 8, 2007 at 4:35 amSam
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will be watching these 3 animes: Wellber no Monogatari ~Sisters of Wellber~, Seirei no Moribito, Bokurano. I love their realistic feel and beautiful animes. and maybe RomeoxJuliet, though it has very good graphic and very beautiful anime, there’s no much talking.
and the reviews are very helpful. I really almost skipped the spring season since the animes from last few season were so dissapointing.
June 26, 2007 at 1:19 pmlauren
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uh I heard polyphonica sucks balls!
July 15, 2007 at 6:22 amArcueid Brunesud
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I got done watching Kaze No Stigma.
Or at least to the 12th ep.
It was awesome!!!
Best series I have watched in a long time.
Of course none can compair to
Shingetsutan Tsukihime. lol.
But over all its interesting and stays that way
unlike certain other animes.
Though fair warning Ayano is short tempered.
I wouldn’t consider that a spoiler though.
Anyways, Awesome anime can not wait until
they upload the 13th ^_^
August 2, 2007 at 11:13 amotkakon
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Hey adjust your RATINGS now that most have ended – or in the middle of the series, i’d say a lot of your prediction was off the mark– well not all.
June 14, 2008 at 11:31 pmMVGkaiser
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HEY!!! Shin Jeeg is VERY good!
I’ve seen it!! I does Justice to the original Jeeg!!
June 26, 2008 at 4:35 amJames
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yea…Every new season brings happynes and I always enjoy that as well new shows and new stories.
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October 14, 2010 at 11:10 pmmeer bezoekers op je site
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