It’s actually the 3rd week into the season, and I’m still waiting on some of the new series to actually air (like Mnemosyne). At the same time I’ve got series that I’ve downloaded but never had the time to watch, and there’s already series that I’ve given up after watching the first episode. Without further ado, here’s the rundown for this season’s anime series (that I’ve watched).
Spice and Wolf – Based on the award-winning light novel of the same title. Talks about traveling merchant Craft Lawrence who by chance meets a female wolf deity named Horo. It’s about their travels in a European style setting and talks about the relationship between Lawrence and Horo, as well as merchant trading. I sometimes do cringe at the voice acting, and the anime seems to be unable to reflect all the detail that was in the novel. I do suggest reading the novel first, but the anime is still a good watch (though it progresses a little slow).
Minami-ke Okawari – The laughter and fun filled first series takes us to this second installment that is done by a totally different group. The only recognizable features are the voice acting and the background music. So far the 2nd installment has been less amusing as the first and because of the various setting changes (their home, Haruka’s school, etc.) the overall “feel” is different. It’s less funny and seems to be selling more “moe” this time around.
Aria the Origination – Same cast, same thing, 3rd time. Because the manga is ending this spring, I guess this installment of the anime will bring the series to it’s finale as well. I suggest watching the first two seaons of the anime first.
Rosario and Vampire – Based on the manga that never showed panties. To the fans delight there’s panties all over the friggin place in the anime version. If you didn’t get enough fan service from Ninomiya-kun last season, Rosario will help you fulfill your needs. And seriously, I don’t suggest watching this one around other people if you don’t want people making strange looks at you.
Persona – Trinity Soul – Based on the RPG series of Persona, basically talks about people with special powers that allow them to summon a “persona” to fight for them. You’ll understand the anime more if you’ve played any of the games of the same series. Pretty well animated action series to act as a break to the harem-filled anime nowadays.
Shigofumi – Based on the light novel. Despite the cute looking loli on the cover, this is actually a dark story about the grim side of humanity. In the first story there’s a girl who killed her father, and as the story progresses murder is commonplace. Expect this one to be sent on a nice boat. Similar to Jigoku Shoujo, but this one is more interesting to watch. Recommended.
They are my noble masters – Basically another Hayate no Gotoku with different characters. Guy for various reason gets employed as a Butler for a family of girls, harem and comedy action ensues. Like Hayate this series incorporates a lot of parodies on other popular anime and games, and fan service is not lacking at all. If you want some light hearted comedy, and Hayate no longer satisfies your needs, this might be your choice.
Zoku – Sayonara! Zetsubo Sensei – 2nd Season, same cast, same producer. This time around at least in the first two episodes the director goes and does some pretty crazy shit. The segments are taken from the manga, but the implementation is worth applauding. Go watch the first season first if you have never seen this series.
Gunslinger Girl – Il Teatrino – Based on the manga. There was a first season a while ago but it seems the two are unrelated (as everyone has already died in the first series). Takes off with the Pino story arc in the manga. I do warn against the fans because both the animation and voice acting sucks. It’s probably a low-budget production so do not expect too much. Reading the manga is probably a better bet. No Petrushka = lose.
Recommendations are welcome. Part two will include Mnemosyne and Ayakashi.
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