Season Preview / Series Introduction

Summer 2012 Preview!

With the summer season just around the corner, I thought I’d poke my head in and give an overview of the 26 new shows lined up. At first glance, there are some noteworthy continuations such as Rinne no Lagrange Season 2 and Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II, but a closer look reveals some gems such as Yuruyuri ♪♪ and Moyashimon Returns. In terms of all-new series, we have the highly anticipated Sword Art Online, an adaptation of Accel World creator Kawahara Reki’s other virtual reality fantasy novel — TARI TARI, another original slice-of-life series by P.A. Works — Natsuyuki Rendezvous, a romance/drama airing in the noitaminA time slot — plus a good selection of romantic comedies to round everything out. So without further ado, let’s have a look shall we?

Note: I don’t plan to write any more season previews while I’m on my indefinite hiatus. This was a special case since I was personally asked to write this season’s.
* 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.

First Impressions / OVA/Movie

Berserk Ougon Jidaihen I: Haou no Tamago

「ベルセルク 黄金時代篇Ⅰ 覇王の卵」 (Berserk Ougon Jidaihen I: Haou no Tamago)
“Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the High King”

Miura Kentarou’s dark fantasy saga about a talented swordsman and a charismatic mercenary leader makes its long awaited debut on the silver screen.

Note: I’ve tried to keep spoilers to a minimum, and there are some NSFW screen caps after the jump.

First Impressions / Hyouka

Hyouka – 08, 09

「試写会に行こう!」 (Shisya Kaini Ikou!)
“Let’s Go To the Screening!”

Sometimes, I think that Kyoto Animation has the ability to read our minds. Somehow, someway, they always seem to changes things at just the right moment to keep their shows fun and interesting. And in regards to this episode, I couldn’t have asked for a better format change up.