Random Curiosity

With the countdown to the new year happening tonight (or already happened for some parts of the world), here’s a tentative overview of Random Curiosity’s blogging plans for the new season. As usual, everything listed here is subject to change.

…More after the jump, including a poll for reader feedback on blogging format.

With the new year rapidly approaching, it’s time to look back on our favorites of 2011. This is the Sixth Annual Reader’s Choice poll, where it’s your turn to voice your opinion and have it heard!

Continuing the trend from two years ago, there are two polls for your to vote on — one for regularly broadcast TV series and another for OVA/movies. We’re asking for your top 5 picks in both polls to get a better spread of results that aren’t heavily skewed in favor of any unanimously popular shows. This year, you have 99 TV series and 57 OVA/movies to choose from, so have a careful look over the lists before deciding. Also, please respect other people’s choices in the comments and keep in mind that this is purely subjective. People like what they like.

…

Note: The polls don’t have a fixed close date just yet, but it will be sometime next week when the Winter 2012 season starts.

Update: Polls closed. Thank you for taking the time to vote! Results will be posted soon in the upcoming Best of Anime 2011 post.

「陽だまりの詩（うた）」 (Hidamari no Uta)
“The Sunshine Song”

Why couldn’t have every episode of Kimi to Boku been this good?

「誓いの言葉」 (Chikai no Kotoba)
“Oath”

It’s only half way through the season but with two huge fights occurring concurrently with a third one between Shana and Yuuji just about to start, it almost felt like the end was near. Luckily, there’s still a whole season left for things to get even crazier than they already have!

「受信圏外」 (Jushin Kengai)
“Reception Outside Range”

“Thanks for the investigation diary. I’m sure it’ll help me beat the shit out of someone.”

「一護vs銀城、ゲームの空間へ 」 (Ichigo vs Ginjou, geimu no kuukan e)
“Ichigo vs. Ginjou! To the Game’s Space”

Yukio traps Ichigo inside an alternate dimension using a handheld game console.

「訓練しなイカ!?／祭りじゃなイカ!?」 (Kunren Shinai ka!? / Matsuri Janai ka!?)
“Won’t You Practice!? / Isn’t That a Festival!?”

「Illegal move」

A lot happened this week on Fam, including the long-awaited first appearance by yet another legendary character from the original series.

「さよならぽぷら」 (Sayonara, Popura)
“Farewell, Popura”

Maya speaks yet again!

It feels like 2011 went by in the blink of an eye, as I haven’t even had a chance to look back on my favorites of the year. Before I do so, let’s first take a look at what’s just around the corner in the new year. Winter is generally not one of the busier seasons, but there are actually 23 offerings in 2012, which is pretty close to the 27 this past fall. Of the new titles, some of them stood out immediately — the sequel to my favorite romance of 2010 Amagami SS, the horror series Another, the sequel to Sousei no Aquarion, the TV version of Black Rock Shooter, the sequel to Bakemonogatari, and the fourth and final season of Zero no Tsukaima — but as is often the case when I put together a season preview, I discovered many are a lot more interesting than they originally appeared. Best of all, there is a wide variety of shows from various different genres, so there’s a good chance there will be something for everyone. Care to find out which ones I’m talking about? Then do read on.

* This preview will be kept at the top for the next while, so be sure to scroll past it or check the Recent Entries on your right for new posts.
* A season poll will be available a little later is available on the sidebar.

「禁断の狂宴」 (Kindan no Kyouen)
“The Forbidden Banquet of Insanity”

Considering how Fate/Zero was originally slated for a contiguous six-month run, I wasn’t expecting the midpoint break to coincide with some finale-worthy material. However, I wasn’t expecting ufotable to leave off on a highly suspenseful cliffhanger either, which is downright cruel.

「一護、完現術を使いこなせ！」 (Ichigo, Furuburingu jutsu o tsukai konase!)
“Ichigo, Mastering the Fullbring!”

Chad asks Ginjou whether Tsukishima’s power had any suggestion or memory-altering abilities, but Tsukishima himself suddenly breaks into the room/

「It’s Not Empty At All」

Never before have I been so completely tricked by an episode like this one. Never before have I had my emotions swing 180 degrees from disappointment to amazement, all in the space of one episode. How?