Next week marks the start of the Summer 2006 season, so it’s time for another preview. What the last couple of seasons have taught me is that I’ll watch the first episode of almost every show within certain parameters (in other words, not the kiddie shows). So instead of specifically saying what I’m going to watch and not going to watch, I’m going to outline my initial thoughts here most of the shows based on preliminary information and trailers. In addition, I’m adding a line about the chances of me blogging the first episode with at least screencaps and some impressions, if not a summary. Keep in mind this list does not quite include everything, and in particular does not have the two WOWOW series Taiyou no Mokushiroku (which appears to be a short) and Kemono Zume (which isn’t starting until August and doesn’t have much information to go on right now). Finally, even if chances are good that I’ll blog the first episode of a series, that doesn’t mean I’ll stick with it for more than an episode. Certain days of the week – Thursdays and Saturdays – have always had too many interesting shows, and I have to ultimately make a decision on what to follow and what not to. This season fortunately doesn’t have the insane number of new shows that Spring did, but we’ll see how it turns out.

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 Thurday at 25:30 to show that the episode aired late Thursday night.
By no means is this list complete, these are just the series I watch/am planning to watch. Check out MOON PHASE for an entire listing, syoboi’s calendar for specific air-times, and AndrewLB’s Summer 2006 Wiki for who’s tentatively subbing what.

FLAG
http://www.flag20xx.net/
Premieres June 16th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Every Other Friday at 12:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Every Other Thursday at 23:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A camerawoman follows around a mobile suit group in a not-so-far future setting with global strife. This is a mecha series, but it has a little similarity to current geopolitical situation. I’m not a big fan of the character designs, though the premise and the fact that this is a mecha series has me interested at least a little. Technically the first episode of this show has already aired, and the second episode is due in a few days, but it’s on Bandai Channel, which is a premium service.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent
Night Head Genesis
http://www.nighthead-genesis.jp/
Premieres June 17th, 2006; Regular Airing Starts July 29th, 2006
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
Two brothers with psychic powers on the run. I watched the trailer on the main site, and it looked rather horror supernatural. Personally though, I doubt this is my type of series.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor
Honey and Clover II
http://www.hachikuro.net/
Premieres June 29th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 24:45
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 11:45
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
The series that needs no introduction, this is the continuation of the highly popular series from last year, meaning the return of Morita, Takemoto, Hagu-chan, and all the others. This time around, the series will only be 13 episodes. I’m most looking forward to a lot of good music by Suga Shikao and Spitz. What’s more, this season will feature background music by the popular acoustic guitar duo DEPAPEPE, which makes me doubly excited.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed
Binbou Shimai Monogatari
http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/binboushimai/
Premieres June 29th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 26:40
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Thursdays at 13:40
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A pair of poor girls in a slice-of-life series. I haven’t gotten around to reading the manga yet (that may soon change), but I’ve heard some good things about it. I’ll direct you to Kotonoha for more information about the story.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent
Powerpuff Girls Z
http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/ppgz/
Premieres July 1st, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 7:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Fridays at 18:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
PPGZ is the mix of the popular American cartoon with the Japanese animation style. This version has the same characters, but the storyline appears to be dramatically different (see the Wikipedia entry). The thing that sticks out in my mind is that this is now a henshin/magical girl-type series. Having seen a lot of the original cartoon, I’m quite curious about this rendition of it.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Good
Mamotte! Lollipop
http://www.mamololli.com/

Premieres July 1st, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 26:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 13:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
This is based off a shoujo manga about a girl who inadvertently becomes the focus of several male magicians because she accidentally ate the crystal ball that was the objective of their magic exam. The show has no website, and I really haven’t seen any information about the animation other than the fact that there’s going to be one. Website is up now.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor

Tsuyokiss
http://www.tsuyokiss.jp/
Premieres July 1st, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 26:05
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 13:05
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
On face value alone, this looks like another school harem series based off an ero-game. But there appears to be a good bit of production money going into this one and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the game. It has been heavily publicized in certain anime circles on the net – Mentar told me, “Watch Tsuyokisu if you’re looking for a good comedy harem with strong girl characters who do NOT fawn over the male lead, and which has a low angst ratio.”
Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed
Le Chevalier D’Eon
http://www.chevalier.tv/
Preview July 2nd, 2006; Regular Airing Starts August 19th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 19:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 6:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A historical drama set in 18th century France just before the French Revolution. Production I.G calls this a gothic mystery series about the Chevalier d’Eon (based on the real person) investigating the murder of his sister and the supernatural things that go with it. I’m staying cautiously optimistic about this one – I can see myself really enjoying this or really hating it.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent
ProjectBLUE Chikyuu SOS
http://www.projectblue.jp
Premieres July 2nd, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 23:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 10:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
Three friends investigate mysterious disappearances that lead up to an alien invasion of Earth in the future. MOON PHASE lists this as an OVA airing once a month and each episode is an hour long. I have a feeling this will turn out to feel more like a movie than a series.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor
Zero no Tsukaima
http://www.zero-tsukaima.com/index.html
Premieres July 2nd, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Sundays at 24:30
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Sundays at 11:30
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A witch who has no magical talent and is in magic school suddenly summons and contracts with a boy through a kiss. They’re not exactly selling me on premise here, but the promo on the official site looked cute and interesting enough. This is a J.C. Staff production, and in particular the characters designs are by Fujii Masahiro, the same person who did Mahoraba’s designs.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Good
Bokura ga Ita
http://www.bokuragaita.com/
Premieres July 3rd, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Mondays at 26:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Mondays at 13:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
To me, this series screams typical shoujo girl-slowly-falls-in-love-with-popular-guy. However, I’ve heard that this is a sad story, and I’m a sucker for sappy shoujo series (at least on paper). Lots of people have mentioned that Daichi Akitaro is going to be the director, though that doesn’t mean all that much to me personally. The thing that this series has going for it is that it has the same art director as Honey and Clover, Shibata Chikako. But then again, why watch something that’s like H&C when you can watch the real thing? 🙂
Odds I’ll Blog This: Good
Coyote Ragtime Show
http://www.ufotable.com/coyote/
Premieres July 3rd, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Mondays at 26:10
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Mondays at 13:10
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
My very first impression of this series comes from the trailer I reviewed a while back. It had really good music and made the show look quite high production quality, though the angsty-man-protecting-the-special-young-girl story has been told before. Also intriguing are Marciano’s 12 Sisters characters, who are each named after a month. Production is being done by ufotable so that is a plus.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Good
Muteki Kanban Musume
http://www.onimaru.net/
Premieres July 4th, 2006
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
A comedy revolving around a spunky girl working in her family’s Chinese restaurant. The reviews I’ve read about the manga, were lukewarm, particularly in reference to the comedy aspects. Now that doesn’t mean that the animated version won’t be funny, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent
Koi Suru Tenshi Angelique ~ Kokoro no Mezameru Toki ~
http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/neoromance/tv/ange/index.htm
Premieres July 8th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 21:30
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 8:30
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A fantasy series about a girl chosen to the legendary Étoile who will save the universe. To help her, she’s got nine bishounen. The promo video on the official site looked and sounded like a parade of male models. I really can’t see myself enjoying this show, but that’s left up to the first episode to determine.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Poor
Tona-gura!
http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/tonagra/
Premieres July 8th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Saturdays at 24:30
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Saturdays at 11:30
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A romance-comedy about two childhood friends being reunited after many years, but the guy is now rather perverted. This is the next Starchild series, taking Himawari’s Saturday timeslot. The manga was romantic-comedy-haremish fluff, one of those guilty pleasure reads because there’s nothing better of actual substance around (or that’s the way it was for me). I liked the art in the manga, and likewise the animation’s art style isn’t bad, but I’m not expecting much out of this series in terms of story.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Good
NHK ni Youkoso!
http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/hikky
Premieres July 9th, 2006
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
I don’t think it’s possible to talk about this series without first bringing up the word hikikomori, which refers to people who withdraw from society and stay enclosed in their room all the time. That’s exactly what you’d call the main character here, but fortunately (or not), a girl appears who wants to help him. The NHK in the title refers not only to the TV station, but also to the Nihon Hikikomori Kyoukai (Japan Hikikomori Society). The manga for this series is quite popular, but I actually didn’t like it that much (a bit too weird for me). The character designs on the front of the official website look really different from the manga (in a bad way), though the actual character page is much more similar. I’ve tentatively got this penciled in to replace Haruhi as a Sunday show, but I’ll have to see how the first episode turns out.
Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed
Chokotto Sister
http://www.chocosis.com/
Premieres July 11th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Tuesdays at 24:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Tuesdays at 11:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A college student gets a present from Santa Claus (a female one) that turns out to be the little sister that he always wanted. Now theoretically, I should be excited about this series because of how much I enjoyed the manga. However the character designs for the animated version look really bad in comparison to the original work. That alone is almost enough to throw me off this series, but we’ll see how the first episode goes. As a side note, the website URL “chocosis” just sounds so wrong…
Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent
Gundam SEED C.E.73: – STARGAZER –
http://www.seed-stargazer.net/
Premieres July 14th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Not Applicable (see below)
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Not Applicable (see below)
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
A Gundam series whose story is set during the Destiny timeline and will feature a pilot for the Earth Alliance/Phantom Pain side. I don’t even know why I’m including this here because this series is an original net animation, with only three 15-minute episodes each airing a month apart (July 14th, August 11th, and September 15th) on Bandai Channal. Maybe it’s because I continue to consume every Gundam related series, whether it’s good or not. Oh well, I can always hope…
Odds I’ll Blog This: Guaranteed
Innocent Venus
http://www.innocent-v.com/
Premieres July 26th, 2006
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Wednesdays at 24:00
Airtime in U.S. (EDT, GMT-4): Wednesdays at 11:00
Information Links: ANN Encyclopedia, AnimeNfo
In a post-apocalyptical world, an angsty man two angsty men take care of a special young girl. Oh wait, I’ve already said something like that above. Anyway, my point is that the premise for this show isn’t as interesting as say, the fact that this looks to be a high production quality WOWOW show and also has mecha in it. And why do all the loli girls this season have pink hair? (Yes I realize this isn’t exactly a new development.)
Odds I’ll Blog This: Decent

What are you going to be watching?
As usual, Comments, Questions, and Suggestions are welcome.

56 Comments

  1. From what’s i’ve read and heard I think i’ll follow NHK, Ragtime, Chokotto, and chevalier the other stuff will probably be on a 3 episode test run sort of thing. So what will you be dropping out of the spring lineup?

    hiken
  2. I dunno, I really dunno how the schedule’s going to work out. I learned long ago that making such a decision before watching the new shows won’t work. Ask me again in two weeks once I’ve figured out what’s good and what’s not 🙂

  3. lol i know what you mean disgaea, girl’s high, and a few others turned out less than stellar although I did end up watching them just because there was nothing else on.

    hiken
  4. I probably give a chance to Muteki Kanban Musume since its food/cooking related. Didnt read the manga before so hopefully the anime worth watching. Other than that, most anime coming season are not interesting to me… luckily AMG, Tsubasa will span throught the season.

    fisherman horizon
  5. H+CII: I haven’t seen the first season yet. I’m still trying to borrow from my friend’s cousin. 🙁
    PPGZ: Maybe.
    Tsuyokiss: I need a good harem anime.
    NHK: Looks engaging. Reminds me of REC for some reason…

    Must keep the count down…

    Pakxenon
  6. Wow, seems like I’ll have a full anime plate this summer. I’ll definitely be watching H&C (too bad it’s only 13 episodes this time around), Binbou Shimai Monogatari, NHK ni Youkoso!, Night Head Genesis, Bokura ga Ita, and Coyote Ragtime Show plus whatever series that are carrying over. Thank God it’s summer or else, I’ll be in trouble watching all these series.

    Keep well, Omni!

    paperlights
  7. COYOTE RAGTIME SHOW for sure!, NHK ni Youkoso sounds good, Tsuyokiss ( depends of the story plot but i think that yes…)and i dont know…i want more action shows,,,so maybe night head or inocent venus.

    SanDo
  8. Zero no Tsukaima, Tsuyokiss, Honey and Clover II. These 3 series, and not more. I still have a couple of series I’m watching from last season. And I first have to watch Honey and Clover season 1^^
    @ Omni: Is there something special from Gonzo? Ok, Bones has Ouran High and Kyoto now Kanon 2006.
    What’s about, hmm, Satelitte? Pie Carrot?

    *Chi*
  9. HONEY & CLOVER II!!!! wooo! *cheer*
    haha for sure watching that
    but i hope they keep up the standard and quality for it
    and then… NHK ni yokoso, gundam, zero no tsukaima, tsuyokisu…
    perhaps….. tonagura
    and of course…
    following honey and clover, is BOKURA GA ITA!! haha
    really? it’s a sad story?…. i’m reading the manga, (one of my favs)… i guess it’s kinda at a sad point… but it’s more of a love story i suppose…. hope the anime is gd

    Shells
  10. I’ll watch all the ones that gets subbed PLUS the good ones that aren’t… I won’t know what’s good and what’s not until I see the first ep. of every one though.

    WorC
  11. I don’t know…but I’m kind of over Honey and Clover, for the moment now. It’s full of humor and the characters are refreshing, but I got tired of the endless “A loves B, but B loves C” relationships that seems to be the staple of the show.

    Night Head Genesis and Le Chevalier D’Eon seems to be my cup of tea, so at least I know I still have something to watch for the coming months, LOL. I will also probably watch the special Gundam installment, just because well, its Gundam. :p

    The FLAG series looks intriguing though……..

    Zoe
  12. Man, I finally can comment on your blog. Apparently i have to disable my antivirus to do so.
    x.x

    I’m glad you’re gonna be blogging most of the shows I’m targetting, though I think you should put Zero no Tsukaima as a must because the art is similar to Shakugan no Shana! XD

  13. eventhough i hate the gundam series… (dont start with me … ) im gonna be watching it this time cuz its only 15 mintues and im gonna be watching the power puff girls Z judt for old times sake…. and nighthead seems really cool so that too

    JT
  14. Le Chevalier D’Eon reminds me of an old anime series, don’t know the name, but it was very biolent and bloody and I hate it. Somehow I don’t like animes with french setting..

    *Chi*
  15. Thank you so much for the update!! I can’t wait to see Honey and Clover II, and its great you’ll also blog Powerpuff Girls Z, I used to watch the original series, i love it! Bubbles is my favorite. The gundam series looks very interesting, i heard about it being webcasted. I will be looking forward to all of these! 🙂

    Lalita
  16. Shows I’ll watch and probally won’t drop:Zero no Tsukaima, Chokotto Sister, Tona-gura and NHK ni Youkoso.

    Show’s I’ll watch and won’t drop: H&C, Stargazer, Tona-gura, Tsuyokiss, Coyote Ragtime Show and Bokura ga Ita.

    Ben
  17. is hagu-chan really 18? she needs to drink lots of milk for teh 13 episodes keh!? for zero no tsukaima… it better not be like maburaho of whom the main dude just turns to a ghost half way on the story… lawl!!!

    Donzax3
  18. Definitely Honey & Clover II.

    Other series that i’ll be keeping an eye out for: NHK, Binbou Shimai Monogatari, Tona-Gura, Bokura ga Ita, Tsuyokiss, Le Chevalier D’Eon, and Zero no Tsukaima

    DarkSavior
  19. There’s a good chance I’ll be watching Binbou Shimai Monogatari, Bokura ga Ita, NHK ni Youkoso!, and maybe Chokotto Sister and Innocent Venus. I’ll be continuing whatever I’m watching that goes on for 26. (Aria and Ouran.)

    Kate
  20. i think Le Chevalier D’Eon, Bokura ga Ita, Coyote Ragtime Show and Innocent Venus seem pretty interesting. Zero no Tsukaima seems okay too, but i wasn’t able to watch the promo for it for some odd reason
    x__X
    Did Innocent Venus ever come out with a promo? cuz i can’t seem to find it on the site… but then agian, that could be because of my lack of knowledge in the japanese language
    x__x”
    haha, btw, thanks for taking the time to write another one of these show preview thingys

    Kocopo
  21. Hmmm, I’ll probably watch TsuyoKiss,NHK, Tona-Gura, Coyote RagTime Show.

    I dont like French Series even I understand the language.

    Maybe StarGazer but I never watch the other Gundam Seed.

    I like Maburaho and I though Zero no Tsukaima was the second season but it didnt =[.
    So I’ll probably watch this too. XD

    AznSoulBoy
  22. WHY DOES ALL THE LOLIS HAVE PINK HAIR?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG I had nothing against it until a certain girl from a mecha series (and I’m not refffering to E7, Anemone was great) got me annoyed -.-*
    anyways I’d watch Mamotte! Lollipop just for it’s stupidity (heh, I think that’s my weakness alongside with Pretear)
    but for some blody series I’d choose Night Head Genesis and Le Chevalier D’Eon

    something I DEFENITELLY won’t watch is the stupid Revolutionary Fuushigi YUGI like thing that is on the season bah even FG sucked

    Honey and Clover II is defenitelly onj my list
    and innocent venus….. Ill see if I sallow my anti pink hair beating^^’

    RickaZ
  23. I watched one episode of Honey and Clover from before and I didn’t like it so I dropped the series, but I will give it another try since Omni says it’s good.

    Eldarwen
  24. well animexpo had the first episode of: Muteki Kanban Musume, Coyote Ragtime Show, ProjectBLUE Chikyuu SOS. None of which I wanted to watch but gave it a chance anyway. I was right, I won’t be watching those. What I will be watching:

    Honey and Clover II (saw first season)
    Chokotto Sister (love the premise)

    What I’ll watch a few episodes of and decide:

    Tsuyokiss (getting tired of harems, we’ll see)
    Le Chevalier D’Eon (never tried a historical anime)
    Zero no Tsukaima (SHANA… drool… or so i hope)
    Bokura ga Ita (sappy? might try it!)
    Tona-gura! (hmm)
    NHK ni Youkoso! (i’m not a fan of super crazy…)

    What I’ll continue watching from last season:

    Ah My Goddess Season 2
    Ouran High School (behind)
    School Rumble Season 2? (behind)
    Third (behind)
    Tsubasa Second Season
    Utawareumono
    xxxHolic? (behind)
    Zegapain (behind)
    Monogatari (behind)

    So yeah… (possibly) lots of stuff. And I’m behind as well >.

    j
  25. Le Chevalier D’Eon 9/10. Animation, fight scenes and style are awesome, can’t wait to see a sub.
    I’m watching Honey & Clover II of course (seen the first season).
    Didn’t find anything good from that list though. Still waiting for Innocent Venus and NHK ni Youkoso! and Nigh Head Genesis.

    Haohmaru

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