Spring 2011 Anime Season Preview

Noob studio kicks off by tackling the standard slice of life girl tag team, including the dojikko, the tomboy, the scaredy cat and the sane one.

Studio: Gokumi
Director: Ono Manabu (Saki, Mayoi Neko Overrun)
Composition: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Hajime no Ippo, Cardcaptor Sakura)
Trailer

The only reason I could think one would watch this is you need your generic as possible fix…and I do not need that.

Looks too moe and fixated on otaku viewers…I mean, can someone explain to me how high school kids look like they’re in middle school?

There’s a few good slice of life options this season. I don’t think the same ole’, same ole’ is the way to break through the clutter.

Six childhood friends grow apart. But it’s the shut-in who accepts a mission to fulfill one of his friend’s wishes to find and reunite the old posse back together for one last gang bang.

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (Toradora, Honey & Clover 2, A Certain Scientific Railgun)
Composition: Okada Mari (Toradora, Fractale, Gosick)
Trailer 1, Trailer 2

The summary made me think of how I’ve drifted away from my high school friends. I wonder how the character will get those friends together again and how much they’ve changed. One thing I’m curious about right now is why the girl wants to get together with them again. Is she terminally ill or is she simply bored and missing them?

I think this show has the potential to be really emotionally gripping

Ok, obnoxious description aside, this is Noitamina so it should be good. But then again, it is also produced by A-1, who try as they might, CANNOT figure out how to keep their shows from devolving into an abcess of crap. So temper your expectations.

Wacky old Satan’s at it again, trying to shatter the bounds of quantum physics by entering the human world, but there’s just one thing he didn’t count on – a disobedient son!

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Director: Okamura Tensai (Darker Than Black)
Composition: Yamaguchi Ryouta (Kanon)
Trailer, Trailer 2

Ditto on the comment on the previews.But then again, it may look appealing but when I read the synopsis it kinda smelled like typical shonen jump fair.

I like what I’ve seen from the previews, so I’m hopeful.

Actually, this looks like it could be really cool. The trailers look dark, action packed. I’m also a big fan of Nobuhiko Okamoto. I just look forward to seeing how A-1 will fuck this up. I really hate those guys.

Kimimaro is a scholarship student whose only dream is to live a stable life. One day, however, he meets a loan shark who offers him a deal. Does he take it?

Studio: Tatsunoko
Director: Nakamura Kenji (Mononoke, Ayakashi, Kuuchuu Buranko)
Composition: Takagi Noboru (Koi Kaze, Baccano, Durarara)
Trailer

It sounds like this guy may end up with a huge debt like how it is in Kaiji. I also wonder if it will entertain viewers with interesting lessons about economics.

Really interesting concept…except all the noitaminA productions that have been really original and interesting have just disappointed me the past couple seasons, so I’m trying to not get my hopes up.

Anemone and Dominic reunite in an alternate universe. Watch as they find themselves in prison together. Sparks fly!

Studio: Manglobe
Director: Hatsumi Kouichi (noob)
Composition: Mutou Yasuyuki (Persona: Trinity Soul, Sengoku Basara)
Trailer

I’ve heard quite a bit praise for the Manga. The storyline seems interesting and think it would make a watchable series. But then again good Manga doesn’t always equal good series. I’m just gonna hope the best for this one.

This sounds very interesting. I’ll be checking out the manga for this series later. I heard it is has lots of gore and makes you question several things.

My seemingly useless description aside (Eureka 7 and Deadman Wonderland are penned by the same duo), DW has the potential to be dark, complex and adventurous. The kind of story we’ve been missing the last couple seasons.

Cute supposed alien girl, who likes pizza and has no memories after being missing for a year and a half, realizes she’s half squid girl and half mapo tofu loving angel.

Studio: Shaft
Director: Shinbou Akiyuki (Bakemonogatari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Madoka Magika)
Composition: Ayana Yuniko (Bakuman, Occult Academy)
Trailer

I wonder if the girl will be anything like Nino from Arakawa Under the Bridge, since they both believe they are aliens.

SHAFT just did a series that was popular with many people and unconventional in many ways. So the chances that that their next anime will be nearly as good…

It’s like they blended Nino, Ika Musume and Mapo Tofu Tenshi into one character… That’s a moe win for me.

A princess from a snooty republic summons a brave warrior, aka, a boy from the human world to help her do things like catch mice, take out the garbage, and defend her country from the huns.

Studio: Seven Arcs
Director: Kusakawa Keizou (Nanoha A’s, StrikerS, Inukami)
Composition: ?
Trailer

I noticed how several of the names used in this series have some reference to food. I wonder if that has anything to do with the plot. Other than that, it sounds something similar to Zero no Tsukaima, except this time, the human is intentionally summoned.

Done by the same people who did Nanoha. Good. Done by the same people who did Asura Cryin’ Bad. Expectations. Who knows.

Demons have entered the human world from to steal spirits. It’s up to a group of good demons to save the human world from their own stupidity.

Studio: Brains Base
Director: Yonetani Yoshitomo (Gundam Evolve, Brave King GaoGaiGar)
Composition: Yonetani Yoshitomo
Trailer

A rare Brains Base strikeout? The original material doesn’t seem that compelling, but honestly, I have no idea what to think.

A series of 3D shorts about a female robot duchess named Drosel von Flügel and her guardian servant robot Gedächtnis.

Studio: Jinni’s Animation
Studios Director: Wataru Arakawa (noob)
Composition: Wataru Arakawa
Trailer

When I first saw the PV to this I thought "Oooh, looks familar." Turns out that I saw this on Youtube a couple of years ago. I thought it was entertaining when I first saw it, I just hope it turns out as good as it looks.

The episodes are going to be like 2 minutes long. So… don’t expect too much.

The continuation of Gintama.

Studio: Sunrise
Director: –
Composition: –

Hmm…judging by Gintama’s fame, I think this will be a good anime, but I haven’t picked up ony the originial Gintama in quite some time…

I’m on two. Episode two. Of the original. After about two months. I hope I can finish it in my lifetime.

A teenage girl starts working at a hot spring hotel, and meets other teenage girls who are looking for their dreams and hopes, as well as opportunities to co-star in a slice of life

Studio: PA Works
Director: Andou Masahiro (Canaan)
Composition: Okada Mari
Trailer

I’m honestly curious on how this series is going to pan out. Either it could be a boring melodrama on the trials of "growing up" or a series that is truly a notable piece it’s own right. Like the others have said. We’re really just going to have to wait and see.

I enjoy P.A. Works, and I like the premise. I think this will be a great show.

Looks like a pretty good anime…well thats only by "judging a book by its cover". This will be interesting to watch and see the public’s reaction to this anime.

If you’ve got a pretty face… that’ll get your foot in the door. Beautiful character designs and what should be typical PA Works top notch animation seems like an odd mix with a coming of age slice of life. But- this might be the most intriguing slice of life this season.

Matsutaka Nanako is a normal university student, who enrolls in an Abnormal Physiology Seminar. Or basically, Moyashimon with hentai, sex, and fetishes.

Studio: Xebec
Director: Kato Takao (Pandora Hearts, To Love Ru 2, Rio: Ranbow Gate)
Composition: Takamitsu Kouno (Hen Zemi OVA, OreTsuba)
Trailer

I’m expecting a lot of laughs for this series, especially since it deals with an innocent girl participating in a sexual seminar. I wonder what they will teach in there..

You might think this will suck because Xebec, and I wouldn’t blame you, but the OVA was legitimately funny (and weird). It sort of plays out like Moyashimon with sex. Not sure how much staying power it’ll have for a half coeur though.

Rie Kugimiya stars as another tough, but physically and mentally underdeveloped loli, making life difficult for another boy who just wants to live in peace and quiet.

Studio: JC Staff
Director: Takanashi Watanabe (Shakugan no Shana, Freezing)
Composition: Shirane Hideki (Hayate no Gotoku 2, Yumekui Merry, ISM)
Trailer

Dear J.C. Staff, couldn’t we have more Merry instead?

1 word: Lolicon. Anyways, I guess the trend for 2011 Spring anime is lolicon eh?

I got a list here’s the order of my list that it’s in. It goes, Reggie, Jay-Z, Tupac and Biggie, Andre from Outcast, Jada, Kurupt, Nas and then me. But in this industry, Kugimiya is a cause of a lot of envy, and JC Staff churning out more loli shit, does not surprise me

Generic boy moves to a small town in the country. On his first day at school, he meets a girl, slips, kisses her, as her close friend witnesses the kiss… and the eroge harem epic begins

Studio: Dogakobo
Director: Mihara Takenori (noob)
Composition: Zappo Gou (nothing good)
Trailer

Okay, just by looking at the synopsis and the airing station, I can pretty much tell this is going to be one of those cheesy & ecchi anime. Just what I like.

The story is set during Japan’s Sengoku Jidai and centers on Furuta Sasuke, a man obsessed with tea ceremony and material desires in his pursuit of a fortuitous life.

Studio: Bee Train
Director: Mashimo Kouichi (Requiem for the Phantom, Tsubasa Chronicle, Noir)
Composition: Kawasaki Hiroyuki (nothing good)
Trailer

Would you care to sit with me and drink some English Tea~

I’ve never actually watched a Bee Train anime, but based on what I hear about how slow and plodding they tend to be, I’m not terribly surprised to see Hyouge Mono under their roof

Second season of Kaiji

Studio: Madhouse
Director: Satou Yuuzou (Claymore, Kaiji)
Composition: Takayashiki Hideo (Rainbow, Kaiji)

I’ve been meaning to watch the first. It’s on my list.

Young succubuses must do two things: maintain a male harem and drink nutritiously, delicious semen. But only if life were that easy.

Studio: Diomedea
Director: Oizaki Fumitoshi (Romeo x Juliet)
Composition: Akao Deko (Arakawa Under the Bridge)
Trailer

Jesus. Why is this even an Anime? I will admit I had seen this title in the bookstore months ago, and nearly peed from laughing after reading the synopsis. But, in all seriousness, why? Is the need to bring in new viewers to Anime so bad that we have to shock people?

Aw, the characters are so cute, now let’s read what it’s about…WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S 12 AND IS TRYING TO DRINK SEMEN? Do we really need another anime to show the world what sick perverts otaku are?

Lolicon NTHX

WTF is this. I can’t believe this shit. Can you believe this? This is gross. This is despicable. I am morally outraged. I can’t believe they would do this… RIE KUGIMIYA AS A TSUNDERE LOLI AGAIN! SERIOUSLY!?

Second season of Mariaholic

Studio: Shaft
Director: Shinbou and Miyamoto Yukihiro
Composition: Yokotani Masahiro (Mariaholic, Beelzebub)

Oh Mother who art in heaven, Am I a horrible person for wanting to review this JUST so I can make fun of the second season?

The first season was a complete let-down. Mariya was the only redeeming factor, despite his shitty personality.

I really didn’t enjoy the first season, but I can already tell I’ll watch it because I have such a crush on Mariya.

Newtype magazine made it sound so appealing, but then after hearing what viewers of the first season said, I’m having my doubts…

I liked the first season, it was one of the first shows I wrote about. But it was pretty much a one-trick pony. In case you’re wondering, I’m not interested enough to continue writing about it this season.

A high school girl mistakenly reads Drucker’s Management and she leads a baseball club to victory according to the lessons in the book.

Studio: Production IG
Director: Hamana Takayuki (The Prince of Tennis)
Composition: Fujisaki Junichi (Blood+, Kemono no Souja Erin)
Trailer

Hm, I was going to put this on my list to review, but after watching the PV I got convinced otherwise. This might come across bit harsh, but the general tone came across as too boring? I guess I was expecting a comedy, for some reason. I might just watch it just to see if it might be good otherwise.

I feel like this anime reflects a majority of anime this season. An interesting premise. But will it work?

Hmm…I really like the character design art, but I’m not a big fan of sports anime…I guess I’ll try to watch it a bit, but certainly not something I’d like to write about

I read Peter Drucker! Never realized he was so MOE!

Think Azumanga Daioh with Cromartie High School’s setting. Cute meets weird in slice of life fashion.

Studio: KyoAni
Director: Ishihara Tatsuya (Clannad, Air, Kanon, Haruhi Suzumiya)
Composition: Hanada Jukki (Level E, Kuragehime)
Trailer

While not perfect, I enjoyed 0. I’m looking forward to this series. There’s a chance they’ll mess it up, but I think it’s more likely for it to be a fun romp.

It’s more Azumanga Daioh than Cromartie High School. All reactions to the weird stuff is so happenstance that it completely ends up understating the weirdness. Still TBD whether that’s a good thing or not. But Tatsuya is a great director and Jukki a good writer, so I think ultimately this will be good – even if it doesnt quite meet expectations.

3 guys fall in love with 3 girls. If no one gives a shit about it. Does it really happen?

Studio: Nomad
Director: Ushiro Shinji (Omamori Himari, Sukufuku no Campanella)
Composition: Kouno Takamitsu (crappy shows)
Trailer

I’m not sure if the storyline is as original sounding as it is, but hopefully it won’t turn into something mediocre as Fortune Arterial. I mean, FA had great potential, but poor plot line ruined it for me. Hopefully this won’t be the same.

Let’s just get this out of the way. This show is going to be awful. It will be the worst show this season.

Second season of Seikon no Qwaser

Studio: Hoods Entertainment
Director: Kaneko Hiraku (Seikon no Qwaser)
Composition: Uezu Makoto (Katanagatari, Seto no Hanayome, Seikon no Qwaser)

I wonder if we’ll see more boob scenes.

I already have the first season dled…just a matter of days before I finish anyways so this will be good for me

Two guys get it on. One guy refuses to accept his true feelings. But the other guy dominates him like a rodeo cowboy manhandling a helpless calf.

Studio: DEEN
Director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Nodame Cantabile, Junjou Romantica)
Composition: Nakase Rika (Junjou Romantica, Fruits Basket)
Trailer

What? No one likes yaoi? What if these two guys were 30 year otaku virgins in love? People would be all over this show like a rabid seme on an unspoiled uke.

Hideyoshi is a normal modern middle-schoolgirl. Until she gets transported to a world very similar to feudal Japan, with the exception that there are no men! Derp de derp.

Studio: TMS Entertainment
Director: Okamoto Hideki (Nagasarate Airantou, Da Capo 2)
Composition: Machida Touko (Lucky Star, Allison to Lilia, Ookami Kakushi)
Trailer

Aww, Rio has a younger sister!

Seems like another Ikkitousen, ‘cept it’s for Sengoku Jidai

As Janette references, Rio is the other anime based on a pachinko game. People seem to love Rio. You’ll love Sengoku Otome. There’s more busty women. It’s like Rio to the power of 5.

Dramatic story of the Yamazaki family during the year Showa 39 (1964), the year that Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics.

Studio: Wao World
Director: Kugimiya Hiroshi (Hare Guu)
Composition: ?
Trailer

I wonder how many people would throw rocks at me if I told them I considered watching this… Okay, something with the tagline saying "first Anime aimed at seniors." But for some reason I have a feeling that this might be good.

I’d be all over this except…episodes or something already came out for it…and guess what? No one subbed it. Sigh.

A school club whose self-proclaimed mission is to help people. No matter how stupid your problem is.

Studio: Tatsunoko
Director: Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Nyan Koi, Hayate no Gotoku 1)
Composition: Inotsume Shinichi (Nyan Koi, Hayate no Gotoku 1)
Trailer

Okay, I’m a little lost here. A series about a social club that helps people. Where’s the dancing exactly?

It seems interesting. I’ll probably read a few chapters of the manga later. It reminds me of a volunteer club, but with more fun and wacky adventures.

So basically the anime version of the Step Up movies?

The tennis comedy centers around the members of a female middle school soft tennis team and the twists and turns that their lives take as they aim for the nationals.

Studio: Xebec
Director: Kamitsubo Ryouk (Hidamari Sketch)
Composition: ?
Trailer

An anime so generic, no one else has anything to say.

Seems like the trend for Spring 2011.

I liked this better when it was called ToLoveRu. What? No pineapple bun imouto? Unconscionable.

Steins;Gate is a prequel of sorts to Chaos; Head, which was perhaps the most unintelligible sci-fi anime since god knows what. A device that can send text messages to the past. An organization after the people that use it.

Studio: White Fox
Director: Satou Takuya (Ichigo Mashimaro, Seitokai no Ichizon), Hamasaki Hiroshi (Shigurui, Texhnolyze)
Composition: Hanada Jukki (Level E, Kuragehime)
Trailer

You got a George Foreman grill for Christmas? Big woop. My microwave can send signals text messages to the past.

Now this looks really dang cool. Based off a successful visual novel, which could be a good or bad thing.

Looks like this show has some great potential! The story seems very original and the art looks fantastic! I wouldn’t mind doing a first impression, but it looks like Janette will be getting on that.

Hopefully they can make this good in ways Chaos;Head wasn’t, but I think having two directors is a bad sign.

Second season of TWGOK

Studio: Manglobe
Director: Takayanagi Shigehito (TWGOK, Kanamemo)
Composition: Kurata Hideyuki (Bamboo Blade, Kannagi, TWGOK)

First off, ROFLS @ Janette’s comment! I hope they pick up the pace for season 2. Season 1 moved a bit too slow for me. At least we know that we’ll be meeting Elsie’s sister this season.

God only knows how this got a sequel.

What Janette said.

Hey TWGOK was a good show! Ok, I only watched to listen to Kanae Ito as Elcea and Kana-chan as megane book girl. A-a-ahoooo!

Schternbilt City is home to superheros who do good deeds only to get featured in ads and star in reality TV shows. But one rookie shakes things up with a different perspective on being a superhero.

Studio: Sunrise
Director: Satou Keichii (Karas)
Composition: Masafumi Nishida (noob)
Trailer

I’m going to go out on a limb and say Tiger & Bunny will be good for the same reasons Star Driver sucked.

Big strong superman with a huge appetite teams up with a weak, spindly coward of a chef to go hunting for the perfect meal.

Studio: Toei
Director: Zako Akifumi (Fresh Precure)
Composition: Murayama Isao (noob)

I’m interested in this series mainly because it deals with food. The artwork reminds of DB. I wonder if this series will be anything like Yakitate! Japan

Madhouse and Marvel are teaming up for what looks like another underwhelming adaptation.

Studio: Madhouse
Director: Kizaki Fuminori (Afro Samurai)
Composition: ?
Trailer

Madhouse, stop with the superhero anime. You have no idea how to do it. You think that Americans want men with big bulging muscles and ugly women. There is still time to redeem yourself if you leave this path and make a good anime instead.

Art looks good, but not a fan of the plot (if it’s going to be based on the American one)

Akutabe is a detective who summons devils to solve the troubles of his clients. One day he summons a low-level demon and thinks get crunked.

Studio: Production IG
Director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Hare Guu, Genshiken, Shinryake Ika Musume, xxxHOLIC)
Composition: ?

I would’ve sworn this was a JC Staff show. It seems right up their alley. Human team that solves problems, slightly supernatural turn of events, derp derp hijinks.