Super delayed preview, as always! woohoo!! Better late than never, right? It’s that time of the year when the chefs get together and actually post something to bring you this comprehensive list of animes due this season.
Without further ado, we bring to you this almost complete list of this sequel-filled winter season’s anime. And as per our tradition, with a rather large disparity in our tastes, we’ve included “Chef Chaff” in each of our preview, to give you an idea of what we think of the title.
Chaff means good-natured joking or banter. All puns are intended :p Animes are chronologically arranged according to air date.
Don’t forget to tell us what YOU will be watching. Bon appetit.
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Shikabane Hime: Kuro
Japanese Title: 屍姫 玄
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Gainax & Feel
Notable Works: [Feel]: D.C. ~Da Capo~, Futakoi Alternative, Jinki: Extend, Nagasarete Airantou, Otoboku [Gainax]: He is my Master, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Evangelion
Seiyuu: Nana Akiyama, Tatsuya Hosome
Air date: 1/1/2009 10:30:00 AM
Synopsis: Sequel to Shikabane Hime: Aka, following the life (or rather after-life) of the “Corpse Princess” Makina, as she seeks to hunt down 108 corpses in order to gain entry into heaven.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Tried to watch the first season. It’s Gainax after all. Unfortunately, it was typical shounen fare.
BeLe: First season (first two episodes) didn’t really leave a good impression so paaaassss!
didinskee: I’m a chump for anything Gainax, prime the torrent engines!
Seleria: I am in the middle of finishing Aka. There’s enough action and intrigue for me to continue.
usagijen: If I was a necrophiliac, I’d probably be peeing my pantsu from overexcitement over this sequel. But no. Didn’t check out the first season, so I say skip!
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Maria-sama ga Miteru 4th Season
Japanese Title: マリア様がみてる 4ｔｈシーズン
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Studio DEEN
Notable Works: Fate/stay Night, Full Moon O Sagashite, Gravitation, Jigoku Shoujo, Kyou Kara Maou!, Patlabor, Ranma 1/2, Read Or Die, You’re Under Arrest
Seiyuu: Kana Ueda, Miki Itou
Air date: 1/3/2009 10:30:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: Yumi Fukuzawa is living the life most Lilian students only dare to dream. Apart from being a member of the much-worshiped student council and constantly surrounded by the most celerbated school personalities, she is also the petite sœur (young sister in French) to the stunningly beautiful raven-haired heiress, Sachiko Ogasawara. Yet, underneath it all, one worry weighs heavily in her heart-her quest to find her own petite sœur.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Couldn’t be bothered to watch this.
BeLe: I’m a fan of the series so this is a must watch by default!  Will have to watch the previous shows though to refresh my memory…it’s been a while since the last one came out.
didinskee: cute cover art, but I can’t imagine myself getting emotional over a french word
Seleria: #1 on my watch list. Those looking for some hawt yuri action should just step away. This show is too classy for that.
usagijen: Seleria is soooo into this it’s making me scared D: j/k. I stayed away from this out of fear to embrace my yuri-loving persona. Should I give into it now?
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Akikan!
Japanese Title: アキカン！
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Brains Base
Notable Works: Baccano!, Kure-nai, Natsume Yuujinchou, Spice and Wolf 2
Seiyuu: Jun Fukuyama, Sayaka Narita
Air date: 1/4/2009
[Trailer]
Synopsis: The story revolves around a typical high school boy named Kakeru Daichi and the can of melon juice soda that he bought from a vending machine. The can suddenly transforms into a beautiful but standoffish girl that Kakeru nicknames “Melon,” and more “Akikan” (”empty can”) girls appear. However, Akikan girls need to be infused with carbon dioxide from kissing to survive. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: A melon soda transforming into a girl??? WTF!
BeLe: What will they think of next?!? o_O Heck, if it’s hilarious I’ll give it a go. I highly doubt it though.
didinskee: Oh wow! A crazy anime I can hook my jaded friends with, or at least make for otaku smalltalk fodder! First episodes worth a look.
Seleria: Everything about this shouts STUPID.
usagijen: Oh Japan, you’ll never cease to amaze me with the ingenious and WTF ways you devise just for the GF wish fulfillment of otakus.
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WHITE ALBUM
Japanese Title: WHITE ALBUM
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Seven Arcs
Notable Works: Inukami!, Magical Girl Nanoha, Sekirei
Seiyuu: Aya Hirano, Nana Mizuki
Air date: 1/4/2009 2:00:00 AM
Synopsis: Adaptation of the eroge of the same title, which centers around T?ya Fuj?, a college student dating a rising idol singer named Yuki Morikawa, the trials and tribulations in their relationship. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Couldn’t be bothered to watch this either.
BeLe: One of my most anticipated shows this season since it was announced last year. I hope it doesn’t disappoint like some other visual novel to anime adaptations out there.
didinskee: Not R-18? Certains parties of my acquaintance will be disappointed
Seleria: I am an Aya fan, so I should at least watch an episode of this.
usagijen: Ohhh, I smell relationships~ I’d love to see this and give my pretentious analysis.
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Maria Holic
Japanese Title: まりあ†ほりっく
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: SHAFT
Notable Works: Ef – a tale of memories, Hidamari Sketch, Kino no Tabi, Mahoromatic, Negima, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
Seiyuu: Asami Sanada, Marina Inoue, Yu Kobayashi
Air date: 1/5/2009 12:30:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: The story centers on a sophomore named Kanako who enrolls in all-girls school because she has a phobia of men and wants to find her destined yuri partner. She meets a captivating freshman named Mariya who fits her criteria ? except her seemingly ideal mate happens to be a cross-dressing sadistic boy. – ANN
Chef Chaff
BeLe: The preview looks too generic to me to be honest. But I’m willing to give it a chance since it has the potential to be funny.
didinskee: There’s apparently a lot more yuri stuff that have escaped hardcore genre than I imagined… but hold the presses! sadistic cross-dressing boy?!? too weird for me, sorry.
Seleria: Yuri and traps galore! As you would expect of a SHAFT production, this will be quite a visual feast. Though it seems that I might have a hard time stomaching Kanako’s suffering, or not.
usagijen: I can’t believe this has the same author as Hatenkou Yuugi, and I mean that in a good way. Seems trappyliciously fun! 
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Minami-ke: Okaeri
Japanese Title: みなみけ おかえり
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: asread
Notable Works: Ga-Rei-Zero, Kiddy Grade 2, Minami-ke: Okawari, Shuffle!
Seiyuu: Marina Inoue, Minori Chihara, Rina Satou
Air date: 1/5/2009 1:30:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: The story of the Minami-ke sisters in their daily life — now back with a vengeance! or not.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Didn’t see the previous season but I guess this is a lot better compared to melon-soda girls and destined yuri partners.
BeLe: Would love to see this but since I haven’t finished watching the first and second season then this will have to go in the “on-hold purgatory” as usagijen puts it.
didinskee: Short synopsis: not intruiging enough
Seleria: The first season was the best, I don’t see that trend changing.
usagijen: I just can’t welcome the series with open arms with this new season, not because I didn’t like it, but because I placed this in the on-hold purgatory and will probably be neglected till who knows when.
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Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou
Japanese Title: 続 夏目友人帳
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Brains Base
Notable Works: Baccano!, Kure-nai, Natsume Yuujinchou, Spice and Wolf 2
Seiyuu: Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuhiko Inoue
Air date: 1/6/2009 1:00:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: Natsume Takashi has the ability to see spirits, which he has long kept secret. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, Reiko, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him. Containing the names of these spirits, a binding contract was formed between the spirits and the owner of the book. Now, Natsume is determined to free the spirits and dissolve the contracts. With the help of a spirit cat, his days are filled trying to return the names to these spirits. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Ah! My most awaited show of the season. I want to see more of Natsume’s adventures. And I especially love the fat cat!
BeLe: I have to admit I don’t know anything about this one. So Pass! :p
didinskee: Spooky paranormal stuff and cute animals remind me of Hayao Miyazaki, count me in ^_^
Seleria: LOVED the first season. I have a big crush on Natsume being bishielicious and nice and all. Not to mention, he has a fatass cat that turns into a big bad wolf.
usagijen: I know full well that not having finished this series is a total CRIME, but gah. Anyways, heartily recommended for slice-of-life fans, or those who want to see more of Nyanko-sensei’s mighty feats!
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Sora o Kakeru Shoujo
Japanese Title: 宇宙をかける少女
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Sunrise
Notable Works: Code Geass, Cowboy Bebop, Gundam
Seiyuu: Aya Endo, Mako, Yui Makino
Air date: 1/6/2009 1:30:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: The story is set in the year 311 of the Orbital Calendar, when humanity has migrated to countless colony clusters in space. A space colony girl named Akiha Shishid? encounters a malevolent artificial intelligence named Leopard that has been installed on a colony. Akiha is joined by an Inter-Colony Police officer named Itsuki Kannagi, a taciturn young girl named Honoka Kawai, and a robot named Imoko “Imo-chan” Shishid?. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Ekh! Lolis!
BeLe: Oh Sunrise, I seriously wish you didn’t waste your time on making this show. It’s a bad show to start the year with. LOL
didinskee: If the fight scenes in the first ep are as cool as Yamamoto Yohko, I can bear the lolis
Seleria: Not sure about this one.
usagijen: I initially thought this was a spinoff of Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, and was already going ZOMG I can’t believe it!!! Then I look at the site and saw… boobsy lolis. Wtf.
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VIPER’S CREED
Japanese Title: VIPER’S CREED
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: AIC & Digital Frontier
Notable Works: [AIC]: Ah! My Goddess, Burn Up Excess, El Hazard, Gall Force, S.A., Tenchi Muyo [Digital Frontier]: Appleseed, Resident Evil: Degeneration
Seiyuu: Megumi Toyoguchi, Takaya Kuroda
Air date: 1/6/2009 10:00:00 PM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: The story is set in the middle of the 21st century and revolves around the members of a private military company (PMC), and the uneasy tension between them and the regular military as they deal with terrorism and the aftermath of a war that caused massive environmental destruction.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: I wonder if this is good.
BeLe: Wooo! From the people behind AppleSeed. I hope the animation and the action is good. I can deal with the story being mediocre. Hahah. I just want some nice action with this.
didinskee: Nice art! I’ll try it for the fight sequences and promising CG sequences
Seleria: Not interested.
usagijen: Fans of the Appleseed director Aramaki seem to be all over this new series he’s going to direct, should I care?
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Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger
Japanese Title: はじめの一歩 New Challenger
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Madhouse Studios
Notable Works: Card Captor Sakura, Chobits, Claymore, Death Note, Monster, NANA, Trigun, X
Seiyuu: Kohei Kiyasu
Air date: 1/7/2009 1:29:00 AM
Synopsis: Ippo Makunouchi continues his boxing career in this new sequel, set on the goal to know meaning of being strong, and looking forward to the day he’ll come face-to-face with his idol Ichiro Miyata once again — this time, as professional boxers.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Not a fan of boxing and sports anime in general.
BeLe: Not a fan of Hajime no Ippo. Still amazed how they can keep churning this shows out…are there really that many fans out there?
didinskee: Shame that I haven’t seen the first run, and I have a rule against watching something I haven’t properly started
Seleria: Joins the clamor for a Pacquiao vs Mayweather match-up. Ok, that has nothing to do with this show.
usagijen: My baka anikis loved this, and I ended up watching and enjoying the first series because of them. But they read the manga and got jaded about in the process, because the later chapters weren’t as epic, they say. I might just have to watch this and “troll” them, ohoho.
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Asu no Yoichi!
Japanese Title: 明日のよいち！
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: AIC
Notable Works: Ah! My Goddess, Burn Up Excess, El Hazard, Gall Force, Tenchi Muyo
Seiyuu: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Rina Satou
Air date: 1/9/2009 1:29:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: A boy swordsman, Yoichi and his father stays in mountain training for his descent from the mountain. Yoichi comes to the city to lodge and stay with 4 beautiful sisters. A new more severe “training” regiment awaits him.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: And more lolis!
BeLe: I so like the character design but like Usagijen, this one looks so full of FAIL!
didinskee: Is “training to go down the mountain” really the most compelling plot they can come up with? No.
Seleria: Is this harem?
usagijen: Hmm… I’m not sure if my ‘anime senses’ have grown in a short span of time, but this one smells FAIL to me. I don’t feel much SOUL in this, and I can’t be arsed to check this out.
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Druaga no Tou ~the Sword of URUK~
Japanese Title: ドルアーガの塔 ～the Sword of URUK～
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Gonzo
Notable Works: Basilisk, Full Metal Panic!, Hellsing, Kiddy Grade, SaiKano, Vandread
Seiyuu: KENN, Fumiko Orikasa
Air date: 1/9/2009 1:30:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: The adventures of Jil continues, a warrior who embarks on a quest for the fabled Blue Crystal Rod, a powerful artifact rumored to be in the highest floor of Druaga. He comes across companions along the way, as well as competitors, including the kingdom of Uruk itself, who are after the treasure for their own reasons. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Haven’t seen the first season. Looks interesting though.
BeLe: The first season is still in the purgatory.
didinskee: I’ve a weakness for fantasy, and this one’s found some pretty creative depictions of it Count me in!
Seleria: The perfect cure for the insomniac. (read: Load. Of. CRAP) Although, in the later episodes of Aegis, the show managed to just phail instead of epic phail.
usagijen: Haven’t watched the first season; I heard many people say it’s actually good, but Seleria says it sucks. Who should I believe, oh noes~!
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Kurokami The Animation
Japanese Title: 黒神 The Animation
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Sunrise
Notable Works: Code Geass, Cowboy Bebop, Gundam
Seiyuu: Daisuke Namikawa, Noriko Shitaya
Air date: 1/9/2009 2:40:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: Based on a seinen manga by Dall-Young Lim and Sung-Woo Park serialized in the bi-monthly magazine Young GanGan. The story revolves around an ordinary game programmer named Keita who gets caught in a battle being fought by Kuro — a Mototsumitama or a guardian of the coexistence equilibrium. Kuro saves Keita’s life and regenerates an arm that Keita loses when they first meet. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: The girl in the picture reminds me of Shikabane Hime.
BeLe: Checking this out! I love dark-themed animes.
didinskee: Oooh, bi-monthly mag for credibility, reference to all powerful beings for mystique, and electronic gaming for some relatability, pretty promising, in my view. Though I’ve seen this shining punch thing on a live action series in japan… hmm.
Seleria: Being a Korean work originally, I hope to see something fresh and new.
usagijen: There’s something about animes with “fate” in the premise that never fails to suck me in. The line in the PV, “Can ‘fate’ kill a person?”, despite seemingly a cheap trick to lure people in, got me. Will check this out!
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Tetsuwan Birdy Decode:02
Japanese Title: 鉄腕バーディー DECODE:02
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Notable Works: Ookiku Furikabute, Kannagi, Kuroshitsuji, Personal -trinity soul-
Seiyuu: Kanae Itou, Keiji Fujiwara, Maaya Sakamoto, Miyu Irino, Saeko Chiba, Shinji Kawada
Air date: 1/10/2009 2:10:00 AM
Synopsis: An alternate retelling of the 1996 OAV, revolving around the life of a young boy named Tsutomu, who gets caught up in an interplanetary mess where the reckless police officer Birdy accidentally kills him. As retribution, Birdy shares her body with the young guy, allowing him to live as a Spirit in the Shell (of Birdy), a lifetime gattai which drags Tsutomu into a crime-busting [super] heroic ride. – ANN
Chef Chaff
BeLe: I didn’t like the first season.
didinskee: Is that an EVA in the background? Might be worth a quick peek.
Seleria: Haven’t gotten around to actually watching any stuff relating to this.
usagijen: I loved the OAV, for some reason, but ended up being jaded and apathetic about the anime series…
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Kupu~!! Mamegoma!
Japanese Title: クプ～!!まめゴマ!
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Notable Works: Buzzer Beater, D.Gray-man, Emily of New Moon, Itazura na Kiss, Scarecrowman, Zenryoku Usagi
Seiyuu:
Air date: 1/10/2009 8:30:00 AM
Synopsis: Follow the adventures of the “bean seal” Mamegoma, together with the rest of the Mamekawa family — mama, dada, and sista mamegoma!!
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Hahaha. A bean seal? Uber-kawaii!!!
BeLe: Errr. WTF?!? If I was a kid when they showed this I might have tuned in and enjoying it. Lol
didinskee: @_@ I thought they were just keychains!?!
Seleria: Cute and nothing else.
usagijen: Mamegomaaaaa~!!!!!! Kawaiii~!!! X333 Yes I’m aware that I’m scaring the sh*t out of people right now lol. It’s cute and all, but I can only wonder what Mamegoma’s gonna do in this anime, hop step jump? Or stay in its ‘aquarium’? o.O
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MAJOR 5th Season
Japanese Title: MAJOR 5th Season
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Synergy SP
Notable Works: Bakkyuu HIT! Crash Bedaman, Hayate the Combat Butler, Kirarin Revolution, Zettai Karen Children
Seiyuu: Shoutarou Morikubo, Masakazu Morita
Air date: 1/10/2009 6:00:00 PM
Synopsis: The 5th installment to the long-running baseball series starring Goro, a young pitcher who aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps into the major league. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Yet another sports anime. (I wasn’t aware it’s at its fifth installment already)
BeLe: I haven’t watched the first season and the purgatory is full enough as it is. 
didinskee: Are there extensive locker room scenes? Sexual tension? Maybe not.
Seleria: Missed the first 4 season. Why not miss one more?
usagijen: Objectively speaking, I know MAJOR is great and epic, but geh, I don’t think I’d wanna marathon 4 seasons just to catch up.
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Kemono no Souja Erin
Japanese Title: 獣の奏者エリン
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Production I.G. and Transarts
Notable Works: [Prod.I.G.]: Ghost in the Shell, Toshokan Sensou, xxxHolic [Transarts]
Seiyuu: Nanase Hoshii
Air date: 1/10/2009 6:25:00 PM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: Adaptation of the novel by Uehashi Nahoko (author of Seirei no Moribito), a fantasy adventure series about a young woman gifted with the ability to command animals, including dragons – as if she was playing a musical instrument, and her adventures in a distant land at a time of a war between kingdoms. – anime.mikomi.org
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Uehashi Nahoko x Production IG again! I wonder if this will be as epic as Seirei no Moribito. I do hope the animation will be as grand.
BeLe: Not really familiar with this and the preview didn’t give too much information so I don’t really know what to expect. Will have to wait for the other’s take on this.
didinskee: Kinda feels like a saturday morning kid’s show, but hey! I’m a kid at heart.
Seleria: Seirei no Moribito has left quite an impression on me and with P.I.G. working on this, I am quite hopeful for this show.
usagijen: Erin the beastmeistress!! I can sense the ‘Seirei no Moribito’ breed of epicness, despite not having finished Seirei no Moribito (yes I r pretentious). 52 eps for an epic work sounds good to me, though I think my attention span will fail me halfway through (or less). Hmmm… we’ll see?
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Koukaku no Regios
Japanese Title: 鋼殻のレギオス
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: ZEXCS
Notable Works: D.C. ~Da Capo~, H20 ~Footprints in the Sand~, Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuku wo!, Rental Magica, Sister Princess
Seiyuu: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Air date: 1/11/2009 1:00:00 AM
[Trailer]
Synopsis: In this school fantasy story set in the distant future, creatures contaminated by pollution have overtaken the land, forcing humanity to live in isolated mobile cities called Regios. One such city named Czerni is a self-contained school in which freshman Reifon Aruseifu has just enrolled. Reifon reluctantly joins the 17th Martial Arts Studies Unit led by the third-year student Nina Ant?ku and embarks on a series of adventures. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: *yawns*
BeLe: The PV looked kinda weak to me. I don’t think I can be bothered with this one.
didinskee: Wish the main was a guy, then this might have meant there’d be more action and less introspection. But the battles look epic, so might as well agree on this.
Seleria: Nothing about this stands out.
usagijen: I thought I was gonna be excited for this, like really. But I see the PV and I go *sweatdrop* Uhm, next anime please? Just inform me if this one gets better than my first impression.
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Ride Back
Japanese Title: RIDE BACK -ライドバック-
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Madhouse Studios and Digital Frontier
Notable Works: [Madhouse]: Card Captor Sakura, Chobits, Claymore, Death Note, Monster, NANA, Trigun, X[Digital Frontier]: Appleseed, Resident Evil
Seiyuu: Nana Mizuki
Air date: 1/12/2009
[Trailer]
Synopsis: Ride Back tells the story of a girl a her “Iron Horse” robot motorcycle in 2020, a tumultous time of anti-goverment student protests. – ANN
Chef Chaff
BeLe: Checked the site out and I already liked it. Motorcycles that turns into mini-mechas? This I have to see.
didinskee: bike looks awkward, but it actually looks kinda fun. And with a girl driving, I’m sure the stereotype will suggest lots of awesome accidents to enjoy.
Seleria: I’ve been interested in this for quite a while now. I want mindless explosions and action! VROOM VROOM VROOM~~
usagijen: …and you haven’t mentioned anything about this to me, o hamster chef?! Anyways, if the hamster chef it’s good, I’ll happily follow. I mean, GIRLS ON BIKE?! That’s just BEGGING to be watched!
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Slayers EVOLUTION-R
Japanese Title: スレイヤーズEVOLUTION-R
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: J.C. Staff
Notable Works: Azumanga Daioh, Honey and Clover, Nodame Cantabile, Revolutionary Girl Utena
Seiyuu: Megumi Hayashibara, Yasunori Matsumoto
Air date: 1/12/2009 9:30:00 AM
Synopsis: The 5th Slayers series to date, and the second 13-episode arc of the Slayers Revolution. More dragon slaying cum treasure-hunting adventures with Lina, Gourry and friends, and the hijinx thereof.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Oh the chaos!
BeLe: Pass! The last one was more of the same. After a decade you’d think they’d have added something to spark things up a bit.
didinskee: Slayers! Yes!
Seleria: No, for now.
usagijen: Hmm… I don’t really think I’m missing out all that much by not watching Slayers, right?
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Sora o Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai
Japanese Title: 空を見上げる少女の瞳に映る世界
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Notable Works: Air, Clannad, Kanon, Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Suzumi Haruhi
Seiyuu: Mai Aizawa, Chika Horikawa, Hiromi Konno
Air date: 1/14/2009 1:45:00 AM
Synopsis: Akuto, the main source of energy is running low and the Heavens, a world of islands, hidden beyond time, floating above ours, has united against the Magical Kingdom whom uses the most energy. To save both the Magical Kingdom and the Heavens and restore the flow of akuto, the Magical King Munto must follow a vision and find the girl Yumemi in the lower world. Yumemi herself is just a normal girl except that she is the only one who can see the islands of the Heavens floating above. When Munto appears before her she starts thinking about hers and others responsibility to the world – ANN
Chef Chaff
BeLe: The title alone is interesting to say the least. LOL. But seeing as it’s a sequel I don’t think I’ll have time to watch the “prequel”.
didinskee: A bit odd and sounds like a movie than an actual series. Curious and worth a peek.
Seleria: Otherwise known as Munto. The only KyoAni offering for this season. I can hear the squeals for fanboys from a distance.
usagijen: First off, I honestly don’t know how that longass title just became ‘Munto’, not that I’m complaining. I’m not really a KyoAni fan (I haven’t watched ANY KyoAni shows, duh. Ok I have, FMP). Might check this one out for curiosity’s sake.
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Genji Monogatari Sennenki
Japanese Title: 源氏物語千年紀 Genji
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Tezuka Productions and Tokyo Movie
Notable Works: [Tezuka Prod.]: Astro Boy, Black Jack, Flame of Recca, Oniisama E…[Tokyo Movie]: Aishiteruze Baby, Scarecrowman, Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children
Seiyuu: Aya Endo, Sakiko Tamagawa, Takahiro Sakurai
Air date: 1/16/2009 12:45:00 AM
Synopsis: Based on the 11th century romance novel by Lady Murasaki Shikibu that centers on the lives and loves of the emperor’s son Hikaru Genji.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: This season’s show for the noitamina block. Should be interesting.
BeLe: I hope it’s good. I seriously hope its good. On my to watch list!
didinskee: Japanese epic, I’m a sucker for classics so all systems go!
Seleria: I wonder how they’ll present this show. Something theatrical with lots colorful and symbolic visuals might suit this type of story.
usagijen: It’s emo, it’s tragic, it’s gonna rip my heart apart just as much as I’m gonna rip and bash Genji for his emoness once I start watching. But I’m masochistic that way, and besides, it’s not often that we get to have series I can throw my Real Life Romance perspective brickshats at 
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Hetalia – Axis Powers
Japanese Title: ヘタリア Axis Powers
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Studio DEEN
Notable Works: Fate/stay Night, Full Moon O Sagashite, Gravitation, Jigoku Shoujo, Kyou Kara Maou!, Patlabor, Ranma 1/2, Read Or Die, You’re Under Arrest
Seiyuu: Daisuke Namikawa, Hiroki Takahashi, Hiroki Yasumoto
Air date: 1/25/2009 1:52:00 AM
Synopsis: The “cynical gag” story mainly recounts the era between World War I and World War II, with the stereotypical characteristics of each country or region (particularly northern Italy) anthropomorphized as bishounen. For example, Italia Veneziano is into pasta and women. Deutsch (Germany) loves potatoes and sausages, and Nippon is an otaku boy. Installments of the manga have jumped back and forth in setting from the ancient times to modern-day geopolitics. – ANN
Chef Chaff
absolute0: I have to say the stereotypes look interesting.
BeLe: Hmmm…bishies! Not my kind of bishies!
didinskee: There’s been lotsa blurb about this around my side of the internet, definitely watching ^_^
Seleria: Comedy and fake European accents! Sign me up, sil vous plait!
usagijen: World War has never been this GLORIOUS and bishie-filled.
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Fresh Pretty Cure!
Japanese Title: フレッシュプリキュア！
Links: Website, ANN Encyclopedia
Studio: Toei Animation
Notable Works: Galaxy Express 999, Hakaba Kitarou, One Piece, Saint Seiya, Slam Dunk
Seiyuu:
Air date: 2/1/2008 8:30:00 AM
Synopsis: New precures take the limelight in this fresh henshin of the long-running magical girl series Pretty Cure.
Chef Chaff
absolute0: Oh please!
BeLe: Can’t believe they’re still making more!
didinskee: No.
Seleria: Mahou ho ho ho ho~ Pass.
usagijen: Wow, talk about the LIFE SPAN of mahou shoujo shows! (also, Seleria seems to be on Minorin mode lol)
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absolute0’s Winter Picks
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BeLe’s Winter Picks
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Seleria’s Winter Picks
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usagijen’s Winter Picks
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Credits
Most of the information were taken from
Moonphase,
ANN,
Wikipedia, and
Anime Mikomi Org
Popularity: 16% [?]
Related posts:
- 2009 Spring Anime Menu: Boys Keep Out Edition
- First Taste of Spring Anime 2009
- First Taste of Spring Anime 2009 [Update]
- First Taste of Spring Anime 2009 [Update 04/27/09]
- Of Love & Food, Honey & Clover: A Teaser
filed under: Previews
See, I really should watch Pretty Cure because all my students are devouring it like cheap fast food but I can’t debase myself like that. Actually, looking at everything that needs to be done, spring 2009 is looking hectic. I’ll probably get Genji watched but spend the rest of the time watching older shows I missed out on.
The show I’m looking forward to the most is Ride Back, just because the show sounds interesting. Slice of life + mecha sounds refreshing.
Genji seems promising as well. It’s directed by Osamu Dezaki who’s behind a lot of classics of anime.
The character designs in SoraKake are so ugly, lol. But I’ll check it out if it has nice action.
Give in to your yuri embracing persona and catch Maria-sama ga Miteru S4 with me! ROAR! (:: While waiting for the weekly MSGM episodes, I’d entertain myself with Maria Holic and Ride Back. Hopefully they’re nice.
PS: Thanks for the list.
Pretty Cure LOL
the girl in the pic looks JUST like sailor moon WTF
anyway the only one i will follow is Kurokami The Animation apparently because i love the picture and the review , the rest are not interesting at all , i mean yuri , sport and shoujo anime are not my type for winter …..
I never cared about Shikabane Hime at all, but seeing that preview image of a girl lugging a gigantic hammer makes me want to reconsider. Hmm…
Basically, looking at White Album, Maria Holic, Kemono, Kurokami, Natsume Yuujinchou, Ride Back, Viper’s Creed, and maybe Genji.
I had no idea, director of Appleseed is behind Viper’s Creed. More points for it even if it already is on my watchlist. Lots of love for Kemono no Souja Erin finally. Seirei no Moribito was good, so I hope they keep up the good work for Erin.
Melon Breads… Now Melon Juice?!
Seems like Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou is the only anime worth watching for me.
My watch list”
Akikan!, for teh lulz..
White Album, my favorite seiyuus are in there ^_^
Maria Holic, traps, yuris, and SHAFT, enough said
Kurokami, interested in it for some reason..
Ride Back, will give it a try.
Sora o Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai, yes, I’m a KyoAni fanboy
Hetalia – Axis Powers, looks fun ^_^
For a season that doesn’t have much to offer, I have a quite big watch list (for me) here.
Well, I’m sure that half of them will be dropped before the end of the season
Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou is definitely a must watch for me, then Minami-Ke Okaeri for the lolz (I still very much prefer its 1st season though).
Will of course check out Kemono no Souja Erin – it’s Production IG and Nahoko Uehashi! Rideback sounds kinda interesting too.
I’ll be watching ( or i ‘ill try atleast >_>)
Shikabane, Akikan, Maria-sama,Maria Holic ,Nastume,Hajime,Minami-ke,Ride Black ,Kurokami,Koukaku no Regios,Birdy and Druaga
I bet I’ll end up watching about twice what you guys are, given my propensity to watch crappy shows >_>
That’s a nice preview
I also posted one too recently 
Some shows have great seiyu and staff, but not very interesting plot for my taste. I’ll be blogging about Genji and, perhaps, Kemono no Sou-ja Erin in addition to continuing coverage for Kuroshitsuji, Tytania, Xam’d, and Hakushaku to Yousei
That’s a rhetorical question, right?
Regarding Hetalia, Studio DEEN hasn’t really produced anything that I’ve seen/heard good things about, but I guess I’ll give it a shot anyway… the manga was sufficiently entertaining and hilarious, homo or not.
Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo interests me since it’s an original work, and I have sufficient faith in Sunrise to see me through that, so I’ll probably pick that up.
There’s a lot of other shows that look really interesting–too bad I’m rather ambivalent about ‘catching up’ with the season as it is, so… I’ll be waiting and seeing. Thanks for the detailed and helpful preview!
Surrender to yuri!
Zoku Natsume Yuujin-chou.
Yup, that’s my entire viewing list. (And maybe Genji Monogatari Sennenki, but that depends on how the first couple of episodes turn out.)
SoraKake also fooled me the first time. Too bad – more time hopping would have been very welcome during this year’s wintertime drought.
@Caitlin: lol, but wouldn’t it be too painful to force yourself to watch it? and yes, I think we should all watch Genji.
@I-K: the trailer of Ride Back convinced me to check it out, will see if the story holds any potential.
@Hynavian: haha, it’d be hard to catch up on 3 Marimite seasons! Will gladly check out Ride Back and Mariaholic to see if it’s my cup of tea this season.
@Mo0on12: I’m pretty sure a dark horse or two will pop up this season, will keep an eye for them.
@schneider: we have almost the same tentative ‘watch list’, except maybe Viper’s Creed, hmm. Do tell if it’s any good?
@Panther: Looking forward to epicness on that one!
You’re one of the few people I know who are looking forward to Viper’s Creed, will rely on you for feedback on that 
@SpiralSpade: LOL, well that show is totally stupid. Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou is definitely worth checking out. Hope we can convince you to WATCH MOAR?
@Setsukyie: that simply means you’re not jaded, hehe. All for fun!
@hazy: yeah, P.I.G. fangirls unite!
@karurosop: woah, that’s a LOT!
@Zeroblade: lol, all the best with that? Though seriously, don’t force yourself to stomach crappy shows, unless for the lulz x__x;
@Kitsune: I still remain hopeful for the Winter season, here’s to hoping we can discover hidden gems?
@Owen: I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Hetalia, it has quite a star-studded cast, so I’m pretty positive!
@Sojourner: Noooooo!
@Diego: Gah yeah SoraKake, oh well. I think I’m gonna stay with Genji from start to end, crap or not I think it’s still worth checking out (or am I just being masochist for this? lol)
Hi Usagi. Happy belated birthday ^_^.
Thanks for the winter preview too.
. 
) and Genji. I was hoping for an adaptation of Waki Yamato’s manga – read some scans of it, lovely visuals and mood – , but the original book source should be interesting too. It’s a classic after all 
. And Osamu Dezaki was the director of the 2nd – and best – half of Rose of Versailles anime among other things, I trust the man from the bottom of my heart 
.
My picks are Natsume II season (you didn’t finish watching the first season? Too bad
Actually, I’haven’t yet either XD. Been sucked into watching and dl doramas compulsively by my forum fellows
*pats the newly-recorded DVD pile*. But I’ll be back to nyanko-sensei soonI’ll wait for some more recs after the series starts airing in regards of Hetalia and Erin. I loved Seirei no Moribito, but the little pic of Erin seem to lack the impact of SnM chara design. Show ▼
Quite a boring season for me. I’m only looking forward to Spring Season (FMA!). \(^.^)/
Anyway, so far I’ve only watched Kurokami and Maria+Holic.
Kurokami -> a little slow for me but plot seems interesting.
Maria+Holic -> Animation and art are real bad but it’s quite funny.
“Maria+Holic -> Animation and art are real bad but its quite funny.”
??? Sure SHAFT isn’t for everyone,but the animation is gorgeous, though a bit quirky for people’s tastes… I wouldn’t call it bad, very well done IMHO o__o
I want to see a promo clip for tale of genji!!!!!!
Genji Trailer
Hello Chefs,
It’s been a while but been busy on my own, watching
I’ll be watching Shikabane for sure….I watched the “aka”
without knowing some background but sure is worth the time
This is the best so far. I watched it because of Lunar. But
they stopped releasing subs
BTW, some good ones I’ve watched lately:
Ga Rei Zero
– I was interested with furor over the first episode
– But was interesting until the end, will read the Ga Rei manga if I have time
Gundam 00 S2
– Sorry this is default for me, of all the Gundam series this is by far the best one
– Not too much of the things that makes a Gundam Series
Tytania
– Not that interesting visually but I like the character dev
– Although I hope for interesting battles but cool in its own way
Kurogane
– my my my thought this would be a cool mech series
– i still watch this just to see how low the main char can go
Well, that’s all. Until next time
Hey, no Shikabane in the Poll?
My four choices go to Shikabane
hehehe
Is there any poll like Best Character Award?? goes to …
I nominate Keisei, Shikabane Hime: Aka
hehehe
I rarely comment so when I do. I spam. Happy New Year! Peace!
- over n out
uuyyyy! may anime na pala ang Hetalia? Ok, papanoorin ko yan pati ung Shikabane Hime: BLACK.
nice blog, btw. LOL!
Maria Holic (gender bender genre) is one of those guilty pleasures; the plight is just so wrong on so many levels, but is hilarious. Ill also be watching Zoku Yujinchou, after I finish the first season that it. Im following Druaga:Sword as well, and Im hoping Gonzo doesnt mess it up. I wont be following Decode, coz season1 was just average. Kurokami seems interesting.
@elianthos: According to Iwa ni Hana, there’s something quite lacking in Waki Yamato’s adaptation, so I’m really hoping the anime will prove to be groundbreaking.
@Chan-Chan: wow, I fear your standards for ‘good animation’ there. Maria+Holic’s production values are really good, if you ask me.
@Karen: Not sure what Chan-Chan really meant there…
@kyoko: I’d love to see that too, but heh, at the current rate we could just sit around and wait for episode 1 to air lol.
@Kitsune: and just as I was telling kyoko to just wait, lol. Thanks so much for the trailer link!!!! Makes me look forward to the show more
@churckie: I refrained from putting sequels in the poll, but hmm.. guess that’s pointless. Will add the missing winter series there NAO.
@rollchan: Thanks! Hetalia will be hilarious and FABULOUS!
@Lehq: Maria+Hoic is quite a guilty pleasure for me too, and as long as I find it amusing, I might just stick with it till the end.
You guys should ALL watch Kurokami. It’s pretty awesome despite the cliche-ish promotional image.
Hetalia 4tw if you’re looking for some fandom drama.
Yes, thank you for all the previews! I seriously needed this, but I think I’ll stick to trying Munto, Hetalia and more Natsume for now. Maybe I’ll try more later, but I’m still trying to catch up on Fall shows!
@usagijen, i understand. will try to watch kurokami aside
but you should watch “aka” there is
from Shikabane:Kuro
more than the gun-toting femme that meets the eye
@absolute0, i hope Shikabane will not have the same sickness
as Ghosthound. Both series are interesting
I know right but I haven’t read the novel yet I have it but it so freakin BIG 0_0 (help me) Right now I’m reading some prefer nettles by junichiro tanizaki its a good book so far and I’m improving my vocab b/c of it ^_^ so I wondering if I should watch the anime first and be spoiled or read the novel first and watch the anime later decide for me b/c I’m giving myself a headache >_<
I might give Akikan! a try.
I just noticed that almost all of the winter animes have harem of girls in them…
I was actually loking for a bishounen lead anime with some complex storyline….
*ahem code geass like?? I cant get over CG..*
sigh
For once, I jumped into the season without expecting anything, and it turned out quite a surprise. Maria Holic’s the only thing to really got me going for the time though. White Album’s pretty close as well.
Thanks for the listing!
I’m only following Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou (I love bishie!!
), Maria+Holic and maybe Kurokami!
The rest do not interest me at all..
Spring 2009 is exciting!! There’s FMA!!
@churckie: thank you for the recommendation! Seleria says it’s actually good as well. I suck at marathoning series though, so we’ll see whether I’ll get to watch Shikabane Hime or not x_x;
@hatersal: sad to say that the bishies are hibernating this season, be sure to check out the next season because there’s actually a growing number of them!
@Shin: Maria Holic is such a guilty pleasure, and White Album got me totally hooked. I’d say go watch Rideback for great justice!
2 of the anime’s reveiwed looked good to me
-axis powers hetallia-
and -Koukaku no Regios-
hetalia is not going to air on TV T_T because of korea >_<
but episode 1 of regios is already out, and i luv it!!!! though most of you had a bad reveiw, i think it’s worth watching
anime i religiously follow: rideback
, mariaholic 
and natsume yuujinchou 
.
, marimite 
and ippo 
.
minsan lang: genji monogatari, kemono no souja erin, minami-ke okaeri and hetalia axis powers.
papanoorin ko later: kurokami
itinuloy lang: toradora and soul eater.
i luv teh smilies
the sheer amount of harem anime spewing out of japan really pisses me off.
including the lack of the reverse harems. 
tapos what really pisses me off more pa is the fact na some of these harem anime are well animated despite lacking depth in its story, tapos mga shoujo ngayon napaka pathetic ng scenes. never ending roses, sparkles and bubbles. 
buti nalang meron rideback may female empowerment, 
sort of. then again, shounen ang main demographic neto since primarily mecha anime xa. 
sorry sa spam at rant.
gusto ko kasi maglabas ng sama ng loob. 
For now: Marimite — the new black in these days of economic downturn, when the whole scene seems to be flooded with junk and you can count on your fingers the few treasures worth watching.
To be tried later: After initial misgivings, Maria+Holic — I wonder if “tibo” (lesbo) meets “patibong” (trap) scheme would actually work after 5 weeks.
The after-effects of the Tagalog version of Azumanga Daioh still lingers on even after several days. I’ll never forget the dubbing.
I love Fresh Pretty Cure! I found this anime serial thanks to you