A tad late for this but is better than never, March is here and what are our own picks of the anime in Spring. A quick breakdown on the list and I realized that there a couple of interesting animes out there. Lets see what we have in our mega spring anime preview. Titles are arranged randomly.

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Animes Previewed: Full Metal Alchemist | Shangri-La | K-ON! | Eden of the East | Guin Saga | Dragonball Z Remastered | Sengoku BASARA | Senjou no Valkyrjia | Pandora Hearts | Basquash! | Saki | Ristorante Paradiso | Queen’s Blade | Hayate no Gotoku! Season 2 | Natsu no Arashi | Phantom ~Requim of the Phantom | Hatsukoi Gentei | 07- Ghost | Tears To Tiara | Asura Cryin | Cross Game | Chi’s Sweet Home 2 | Hanasekeru Seishounen | Tayutama ~Kiss On My Deity~ | Polyphonica Crimon S |

Full Metal Alchemist

Studio: BONES
Trailer: Here
Release Date: 5 Apr 2009

Summary:
The Elric brothers are back, Kugimiya Rie and Paku Romi will take up the roles once again in the adventure. With a catch phrase “”In this palm, is there … hope or despair?”. I wonder if this is a remake with some stuff that we miss out in the manga whilst adding extra visual candy for us. Definitely a must watch for those are into action and fantasy as the 2 brothers seek out the Sorcerer’s Stone to revive what is lost.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Uh ok, while I am excited for the new series, I am in no doubt that it might get licensed fast. Will prefer to read episode summaries instead.

nutcase23: While I’m no big fan of the series, the fact that BONES is doing it has me interested. Also I watched this in Chinese so watching it in Japanese would be interesting.

Setsukyie: Am I the only one who is not looking forward to this? Well, mainly because I haven’t watched the 1st one.. Not my cup of tea I guess.

TP: Back when it was popular (in 2004), I managed to grab a copy of Odex’s first volume of it. After that, however, the company did not continued making more English releases of the said series, so I soon turned to other means to watching this show. Hearing that the new show will retain some major characters’ seiyuus brings relief: I prefer Edward Elric’s angry voice.  I’ll follow on this show, due to the fact that it’s one of the more well-known series, and that it’s taking a more faithful adaptation to the manga.

Shangri-La

Studio: GONZO
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Based on a sci-fi novel, Shangri-La is a story that takes place in the middle of the 21st century when global warming has turned Tokyo into a tropical city. To combat that, the government has decided to change the city into a “forest city” . However, despite the flow of refugees to the new city of Atlas, there are not many residents who can actually live there. Moreover, anti-government guerillas are attempting to stop the forestation.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: It is by GONZO, perhaps the only reason to watch this anime will be the setting of the story, while global warming is not really some fresh idea, it would be interesting to see how Gonzo manages the entire plot till the end.

nutcase23: The tainted name again lol. Disregarding that, the story looks interesting enough to warrant a few episodes of watching.

Setsukyie: GONZO. But still, the premise looks kind of interesting. I’ll watch the first episode at least, hoping that GONZO will doesn’t screw it up..

K-ON!

Studio: Kyoto Animation
Trailer: Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Adapted by Kyoto Animation, the series is about 4 girls who try to rescue their high school’s music club, even though they are all novices who cannot play instruments or read music.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: A quick look at it and you might think along the lines of Hitohira. I am a sucker for such animes, where students fight for what they want in school life. Often inspirational in a way but lets see how Kyoto Animation has what it takes to bring this 4-koma into an interesting anime.

nutcase23: Sounds like something along the lines of Manabi Straight!. Certainly interested. And it’s KyoAni. (Don’t flame meeeee!)

Setsukyie: YES!! Anime of the season, perhaps a tie with HnG 2. Aside from the fact that it’s from KyoAni, as a person who has a passion for music, I will definitely watch this one. Coming from KyoAni, quality is there for sure. There is something about girls with guitars that attracts me.. Plus, the girl (Yui I think) looks like Nagisa (*sob*) and she’s cute.  Anyway, Guitar + Girls + KyoAni = PURE WIN!

Eden of the East

Studio: Production IG
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
On November 22, 2010, ten missiles strike Japan. However, this unprecedented terrorist act, later to be called as “Careless Monday,” does not result in any apparent victims, and is soon forgotten by almost everyone. Then, 3 months later… Saki Morimi is a young woman currently in the United States of America on her graduation trip. But just when she is in front of the White House, Washington DC, she gets into trouble, and only the unexpected intervention of one of her fellow countrymen saves her. However, this man, who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, is a complete mystery. He appears to have lost his memory. and he is stark naked, except for the gun he holds in one hand, and the mobile phone he’s holding with the other hand. A phone that is charged with 8,200,000,000 yen in digital cash. Apparently, a movie adaptation is also in the works this year (Anime News Network).

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Intriguing summary, I might take a peek. Hoping it does not bore me in the mid series.

nutcase23: Mysterious ^^. Apparently written by Kenji Kamiyama who did GITS and Seirei no Moribito. I have yet to watch both but my interest is aroused.

Setsukyie: Not sure about this one. On my ‘will watch if people make a fuss about it’ list. Btw, the boy and the girl on the cover image look like Morita and chibi Ayumi from Honey & Clover.

Guin Saga

Studio: Satelight
Trailer: Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Somewhere in the Middle Country,there roams Guin,a mysterious warrior who is revered by the people. Wearing a leopard’s mask,he has lost all the memories he held except his combat instincts and the word “Aurra”. When the people of the Middle Country is attacked by demonic creatures,it is up to Guin to save them. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Think Utawarerumono but instead of a metal alien looking mask, change it to a leopard mask and you get Guin Saga. I suppose the story is the typical “hero clad with hidden ub3r talent”, might be interesting - for the visuals and the music - read Nobuo Uematsu

nutcase23: While my initial impression was “Utawarerumono”, a look at the trailer changed that. It pretty much screams “All your Medieval Heroic fantasies here!”. Looks like something awesome. I hope there isn’t yaoi in it though =P.

Setsukyie: Leopard mask? lol.. I can’t take the anime seriously if I see someone walking around with a leopard mask. But the good thing is that Nobuo Uematsu (popular for the Final Fantasy series) does the music. But still, this a fantasy series which began in 1979 and has 122 volumes. Definitely a big no.

Dragonball Z Remastered

Studio: Toei
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Toei Animation has confirmed that the upcoming Dragonball Kai is a remastered version of the 1989 Dragonball Z Series. However, it was also mentioned that it closely adheres to the content and pacing of creator Akira Toriyama’s original Dragon Ball manga.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Rewatching the series - uh no. I am good with the classics.

nutcase23: Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha………No.   >_>

Setsukyie: Nope. Not a fan of the series. Watched over 200 episodes of the series before, and that’s enough.

Sengoku BASARA

Studio: Production IG
Trailer: Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Adapted from CAPCOM’s action game, Sengoku Basara brings you the warring states (alternate universe)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Men..and more men. *skips*

nutcase23: Oh wow, another game adaptation. *rolls eyes*

Setsukyie: Shounen…(with a few exception) And what oOgA said, so no ^_^

Senjou no Valkryia - Gallian Chronicles

Studio: A1 Pictures
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Adapted from PS3 game,  Senjou no Valkryia is set in the 1930s with an alternate European setting. 2 superpower alliances seek to unify the entire Europe through a super war. This is where a tale of heroes will emerge in the midst of chaotic times. Somewhere in a neutral country, a man joins the fight

oOgA: While this is from a game, I will skip the anime adaption and prolly read episode summaries instead.  Animes with European setting bores me often

nutcase23: Game adaptation. I’m liking the character designs so far but I’ve never played the game so it remains to be seen.  Will watch a few eps at least.

Setsukyie: Heard of good things about the game. But those good things are probably the gameplay. And anime adapted from RPGs tend to be bad.. So I’ll pass on this.

Pandora Hearts

Studio: XEBEC
Trailer: Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Oz Bezarius, heir to one of the duke houses, has just turned fifteen. His life is rich and carefree, darkened only by the constant absence of his father. At his coming-of-age ceremony, however, everything changes. For no reason that he can discern, he’s cast into thpahntoe prison known as the “Abyss”, only to be saved by a “chain” known as Alice, the bloodstained black rabbit. Why was he cast into Abyss, how does Alice factor into it all, and what does the organization known as “Pandora” want with him? (Wikipedia)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Kaijura Yuki with the musics! w00t!

nutcase23: Looks like some references were taken from “Alice in Wonderland”. I think I see a yandere loli Queen of Hearts even. Certainly got me interested.

Setsukyie: I think I’ll pass on this. But yea, we’ll see about it. I like the character design on the cover art thought, probably that’s it.

Basquash!

Studio: Satelight
Trailer: Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
A combination of sports and sci-fi story by Kawamori Shoji (creator of Aquarion and various Macross series). In the story, the characters play “basketball” while riding on mecha.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Mecha? Sports ? *Pass*

nutcase23: Kids piloting mecha made from what looks like junk and using them to play basketball? Now I’ve seen everything. Then again, I previously thought motorbike mecha + ballet (RideBack) was stupid so I could be wrong.

Setsukyie: Haha… No…

Saki

Studio: GONZO
Trailer: Here
Release Date: 5 Apr 2009

Summary:
The story revolves around a freshman girl named Saki Miyanaga, who is brought into the competitive world of mahjong by another freshman. (Wikipedia)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: I am not into mahjong and looking at anime, it seems like a strong production with the line up of seiyuu but yup, not my cup of tea. The PV looks corny though *laughs*

nutcase23: I’m sure we all need moe girls drawing majong tiles like it was the greatest thing on earth (a la Yugioh style). I seriously facepalmed at the PV. No way I’m watching this.

Setsukyie: Ughh..not this again.. I don’t know anything about mahjong, and LOL at PV. And how in the world did GONZO get such an awesome seiyuu line up for this anime (Ami Koshimizu, Jun Fukuyama, Kana Ueda, Rie Kugimiya, Ryoko Shiraishi, Shizuka Itou, according to THAT)..

Ristorante Paradiso

Studio: David Production
Trailer: Here
Release Date: 8 Apr 2009

Summary:
The manga’s story is set in a restaurant in Rome that the heroine Nicoletta visits from the countryside. Her parents divorced when she was young, so her grandparents raised her while her mother tried to remarry. Unfortunately for Nicoletta, her mother abandons her even after remarrying. Nicoletta goes to the restaurant that is now owned by the new husband of Nicoletta’s mother, and ends up apprenticing there among a kitchen staff of colorful characters. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Wow…a kitchen staff, I might be watching this, sounds interesting to me

nutcase23: It looks boring as hell. But it could be one of those slice of life types I like so much so I guess I’ll check it out.

Setsukyie: I guess I’ll pass on this one. Not really a fan of slice of life animes, and I can’t cook (not that it has anything to do with me not watching the anime), so..yea…

Queens Blade - Rurou no Senshi

Studio: ARMS
Trailer: Here (NSFW)
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
In 4 years time the competition that will decide who the next Queen shall be will start. The strongest warrior will continue to rule the country according to tradition and expand it. The contestants need only be older than 12 years. They need not be human, intelligent or even of that country. The rules for the tournament are simple: murder is allowed. Any weapon can be chosen. The winner is decided when one of the participants flees or can’t move anymore. Such event is broadcasted trough a crystal sphere by the court’s magic teacher to all population to see and enjoy. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Ehm… I am passing on this cos of the trailer. LOL

nutcase23: I’ll say one thing, they certainly didn’t bother to hide the nature of the show. Or can this be called staying faithful to the original material? =P

Setsukyie: “murder is allowed”.. Plus, girls will be participating in that murdering game.. You got it, no way I’m watching this. And I can’t even watch the trailer (underage) ^_^

Hayate no Gotoku! Season 2

Studio: J.C. Staff
Release Date: 3rd Apr 2009

Summary:
Nagi and Hayate is back with hilarious fun packed action. It all began with a 16 year old Hayate who was abandoned by parents and his chance meeting with Nagi, a rich arrogant “snob” lady who misunderstands the action of Hayate kidnapping her as a confession of love. How will it end ? and..wait..where is that tiger? There is a prelude OVA episode to season 2 which comes in a disc format as well, slated to retail on 26 March.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: More Nagi and Hayate hilarity coupled with some tiger love. How can I say no ?

nutcase23: I have been waiting for this ever since it was announced. On my watchlist.

Setsukyie: Big HnG fan here. The 1st season was awesome, with all the randomness. And it was still enjoyable even after 52 episodes, and I even re-watched the whole series all over again, it never gets boring. I expect a lot from the new season, especially the Hinagiku parts. I wonder why they changed the studio though, Synergy SP did a great job last season. Hopefully J.C. Staff won’t screw it up, I don’t they will anyway (they did an awesome job at ToraDora! this season) ^_^

TP: Two words: Oh, yeah! Finally more innuendo, more parody, more obscure references, more… ***n***! My only wish is that they include Sonia in, because she’s practically absent from S1 (even though she appeared early in the manga). It’s gonna be a fun ride. The only other reason is more… uhm… Isumi! Yes, more Isumi! Hinagiku fans can rot to hell. XD I will be following this show, because it’s the darndest show out there.

Natsu no Arashi

Studio: SHAFT
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Thirteen-year-old Yasaka is a boy staying at his grandfather’s house during his summer vacation. One day he entered a store and met Arashi, a beautiful sixteen-year old girl working there. After trying to protect her from a man who claims to have been hired by her family to take her back by force, Yasaka ran away with her and now she stays at his grandpa’s place with him. It didn’t take much time for Yasaka to figure out that his new friend is far from an ordinary girl, as she possesses mysterious powers. The plot thickens when he finds a sixty-year-old picture of Arashi and another girl named Kaja, and to the surprise of all Kaja suddenly appears, and just like Arashi, her appearance hasn’t changed at all since then. (Wikipedia)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: It’s SHAFT and the plot sure looks interesting, a peek into the first episode will determine if I will continue.

nutcase23: Supernatural + Romcom + SHAFT. I’m in!

Setsukyie: Kobayashi Jin + SHAFT, definitely trying this. If this is anything like School Rumble (created by Kobayashi Jin), I’m gonna like it for sure.

Phantom - Requiem for the Phantom

Studio: Bee Train
Trailer: Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Adapted from the visual novel by Nitroplus, the setting of the story is about the American underworld, mafia leaders are being killed one after another, with rumors of “Inferno” and the organization’s top assassin “Phantom” circulating around them. A boy traveling alone in America becomes involved in one of these incidents and encounters Phantom.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Sigh, I will stick to the visual novel. This ain’t my cup of tea when it comes to anime.

nutcase23: I thought the title seemed familiar. Looks like it is an expansion/adaptation of the “Phantom - The Animation” OVA back in 2004. The show wasn’t half bad though at 3 episodes it was kinda rushed. Now that it has 13 episodes to play with, I guess I’ll check it out to see how it is going to be. Though I seem to recall Bee Train having a rather negative reputation……

Setsukyie: Nah..

TP: The premise: guy got in the wrong place at the wrong time, tries to run, and gets… brainwashed. Welcome to America, where secret organizations kills discreetly (5th Amendment and the 5th column LOLs). There seems to be a trend nowadays to adapt games that have a sexual, yet, pyschological bent on it. It’s like the Japanese have finally understood (and ride on) the despair and hopelessness of their audience in the wake of increased mental depression at the turn of the economic crisis.

Hatsukoi Gentei

Studio: J.C. Staff
Release Date: 11 Apr 2009

Summary:
Adapted from Kawashita Mizuki’s romance manga (the one who did Ichigo 100%), Hatsukoi Gentei tells a series of short stories about 8 girls which eventually leads to the main plot.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Given that the manga is done by the same person who did Ichigo 100%, I might watch this but hopefully it does not end up with some stupid ending.  I would love ecchi comedy here but definitely love a serious tone to it when it comes to the overall story.

nutcase23: RomCom eh? I have absolutely no idea about the shows TP mentioned but if it is anything like ItaKISS I’m in. =P

Setsukyie: RomCom, definitely my kind of genre. Hopefully it really is RomCom, not too much fanservice and stuff. And lol, they have 8 girls, whereas the average harem only has 5, or 6 at max. This will be interesting ^_^

TP: I’ve read some prior reading on this show. Basically, Ichigo 100%. Redux in a milder form. The premise, however, takes a cue from Diamond Dust Drops: monologues of each character, leading up to some form of fate entwining. I won’t comment much on the show, until I’ve read all of the manga and listen to the drama CDs. Expect this one to be lying somewhere on my coffee table.

07-Ghost

Studio: Studio DEEN
Trailer:  Here
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Set in a gothic fantasy world, this is the story of Teito Klein, an orphaned slave who became the top military academy student. However, an unexpected turn of events left him pursued by the forces of the Barsburg Empire. Now an escaping convict, Teito’s sheltered by the church and it’s law of sanctuary. Here, he discovered many mysteries surrounding himself, the church, and the Empire itself. The fact that he might be connected to a dethroned king and the mystical stone of god, ‘The Eye of Mikhael’ made him the target of the empire more than ever. Fortunately the church is under the mythical 7 Ghost protection. But who are the Ghosts really. Will Teito be free from the military’s clutch, And what of his said mission to uncover the history. And who is the military’s Chief-of-Staff Ayanami exactly. Teito’s future seems to have spiraled into an unexpectedly perilous path. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Nakagawa Kotaro is doing the musics (Hayate no Gotoku!, Code Geass), I am not really into this genre. Give me a more relaxing title for this season and the seiyuu does not look that impressive to me either. There are a few good cast thre but just not my cup of tea.

nutcase23: I got a headache just reading the summary. But the trailer has my interest. Maybe it’ll be a nice Code Geass substitute? Heh.

Setsukyie: I don’t know about this one. Just like oOgA, this is not my genre. But if it’s anything like Code Geass, count me in! But I doubt so, nothing is the same as Code Geass.. Anyway, I’ll watch a few episodes and see if I will continue watching it.

TP: It’s another FMA-esque show, something along the lines of Nabari no Ou, only with more… hmm… potential yaoi pairings. The poster art for the series got me off for a while: suddenly Sheryl Nome did a genderswap and is now toying with a shota? I will take a 5-episode test (instead of a 3) just to make sure I’m treading well. If all fails, I’ll probably drop it once common sense gets thrown out of the window.

Tears to Tiara

Studio: WHITE FOX
Trailer: No Anime Trailer - but take a look at the Game OP here
Release Date: 5 Apr 2009

Summary:
Adaptation of the Leaf/Aquaplus SRPG eroge from the PS3 (also PC), the story is set in a fantasy world where a girl, Riannon is set to be sacrificed to appease a demon lord Arawn. As her brother Arthur attempts to rescue her, Arawn defies those who resurrected him and frees Riannon from her captors.

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: One of my favorite games being adapted into an anime but again, I might take a peek into this anime. Suara will be perfroming the OP and musics by Hattori Takayuki, the one who did Nodame Cantabile live action tracks, so i bet this anime shouldn’t be too shabby but dont quote me on that. Game adaptations may turn out bad towards the end of the series.

nutcase23: Again game adaptation. First few eps. If it sucks I’m dropping.

Setsukyie: Probably gonna skip this one. Not a fan of fantasy anime, unless I like it (lol). And..by now, you probably notice that I’m picky when it comes to anime ^_^

TP: In my last post (which was a long, time ago), Animax-Asia are in talks with the broadcasters in Japan to have a simulcast of the show right here in Singapore. This may translate to good news, as that means that viewers outside Japan are able to watch a new series without having to wait for an indefinite amount of time before an English-speaking-dominant distributor decides to pick it up. Another good reason is that due to time differences: Singapore are one hour behind Japan, so that leaves guys like me with plenty of time for scheduling. :D Brought to you by Leaf, which made that other furry show, Utawarerumono. I will be watching this… on my cable (because I still subscribed to Animax-Asia).

Asura Cryin’

Studio: Seven Arcs
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Adaptation of Gakuto Mikumo and Nao Watanuki’s light novel series. The novel series relates the story of a high school boy haunted by the ghost of a childhood girl friend. (AniDB)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: My first impression - is this a romance ghost story ? Looks interesting to me although the plot seems old-school.

nutcase23: Like what TP says, it does have a little Kanon ring to it. I can roughly expect what the starting of story would be like. Guy bumps into childhood friend he hasn’t seen in awhile. Guy goes to school with her. Guy finds out she’s dead. Etc etc etc. I could be wrong though. Nevertheless I’m interested.

Setsukyie: This looks interesting. If it has romance in it, then this might turn into a good show, the type of show that I like. Watching this.

TP: Keizou Kusakawa of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS and Sekirei will direct this show. I’m expecting some twists and turns from this show, so yeah. It’s pretty much in my radar atm. The premise of a boy who can see a dead girl who was his childhood friend reminded me of Kanon. Will be watching this show for two reasons:  Haruka Tomatsu (of Asu no Yoichi!),

Cross Game

Studio: Synergy SP
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Cross Game is a story that revolves around Koh Kitamura, a grade-school boy whose family runs the Kitamura Sports store who gets to know the 4 daughters of the family who runs the nearby a Batting Center. All is peaceful in their lives until a tragedy strikes. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: A sports anime ? No for me! =P

nutcase23: I usually shun sports based anime but this is done by Synergy SP who have done quite a few shows that I have enjoyed like Hayate no Gotoku 1 and Zettai Karen Children. I hope the Rom Com element is stronger than the baseball element in the show (a la Bamboo Blade perhaps except Bamboo Blade was not Rom Com but about friends and team spirit) otherwise I’m probably gonna get bored real fast.

Chi’s Sweet home 2

Studio: Madhouse
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
Be amazed as Chi is back, an anime about this cat who is well taken care of by a family. Ugh..why am I even writing this ? LOL

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Meow? Not planning to, not into pet animes. I might if Chi turns out to be an alien set to take over the world.

nutcase23: What TP said. I’ll take a real cat over this. Real cats are awesome.

Setsukyie: Umm..no.. I really like cats though ^_^ They’re real cute and adorable. I had a cat before and..ok, I’ll stop here…

TP: *Cough* Life and tribulations of a cat in its 9 lives… Others that want to watch this show, I won’t try to laugh at you, because I know this show is aimed at a troubled segment of the otaku audience; they will need this show.  I did not follow the first season, and I will not follow its second season. Cute, yes. Adorable, yes. But no, the show shouts “Prozac!” to me, and I think I’m already vile enough to sustain myself in further cynicism.

Hanasekeru Seishounen

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Release Date: 5 Apr 2009

Summary:
The story surrounds a political mystery involving a small Middle-Eastern country. A powerful industrialist directs his daughter to pick a husband from three chosen candidates. They enter her life, impressing her with their uniqueness, and they all leave an outstanding impression on her. (MyAnime List)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: The artwork turns me off. Really, perhaps I have something against these bishounens, this will prolly end up in the dump after watching the first episode.

nutcase23: IT’S BISHOUNEN!!! NOOOOOOOO!!! The only recent show I can relate to this is Neo Angelique Abyss and I dropped that FAST.

Setsukyie: Bishounen, and reverse harem.. Unless it’s the next Ouran (god, when’s the 2nd season coming!!??), I’m not gonna watch this. The artwork turns me off too.

TP: It reminds me of Neo Angelique Abyss: a reverse harem of sorts. It’s bishie, it’s girly, it’s… a sci-fi shoujo. The manga has a cult following among the girls (at least, I always spot a Hanaseisho poster everytime I past by the Chinese/Japanese manga section at Kinokuniya), so I bet they will also follow the show. Oh, one final note: Watarase Jun (of Code Geass’ Lelouch) will be in this show… I will use the (in)famous 3-episode test to decide whether this show is worthy of continued watching. Girls, have it your way.

Tayutama ~Kiss on my Deity~

Studio: Acchin (Media Factory)
Trailer: Here
Release Date: 5 Apr 2009

Summary:
Adaptation of the Lump of Sugar eroge visual novel, the story centers on Mito Yuri, a student at the Sōsei Academy and the only son of the man who runs the Yachimata shrine. At Yachimata, there is a legend of a deity named Tayutayu-sama who protected the area, but this deity and other so-called “Tayutai” have been lost in time. Mito and his friends discover a relic on the school grounds with mysterious patterns on them. Then, at the opening ceremony of the new school year, an equally mysterious girl named Mashiro appears before Mito. Mashiro is somehow tied to the relic and the legend of Tayutayu-sama. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: Even if I am a eroge visual novel lover, I would not recommend this title so readily, the trailer puts me off in a way despite the seiyuu cast. I am skipping this, have enough of “moe” voice overs.

nutcase23: I agree with oOgA that the trailer is kinda “eew”. I’m sure I like my moe neko-mimi girls as much as the next guy but there’s something about the trailer that screams “I-have-zero-plot-and-all-moe-fanservice-plus-the-girls-all-have-wings-and-can-summon-dragons” or something like that. I’m passing.

Setsukyie: Why not do Nursery Rhyme (the ‘True My Heart’ visual novel) instead? It’s by the same company after all.. Anyway, we’ll see about this one. I’m an eroge visual novel fan as well, but only the good ones *points at Key*

TP: err, eroge-turned anime adaptation. It’s something that I will sweep it off underneath my carpet for finicky reasons. In short, a forgettable series. Noted, however, was that its director, Keitaro Motonaga, of Ah! Megami-Sama!, will helm this show. I will expect some similar tropes taken over from that series to this one. At this moment, however, I felt like I’ve seen too many moé shows to be bothered.

Shinkyouku Soukai - Polyphonica Crimson S

Studio: Diomedea
Release Date: Apr 2009

Summary:
2nd anime adaptation of the Ocelot visual novel series that has expanded into various additional light novels and manga. A previous anime adaptation exists, but this new adaptation is not officially listed as a continuation or second season, and is being done by a new studio. In the continent of Polyphonica, spirits materialize in the world, surviving on the music that is played by humans, and live together with them. While the spirits don’t appear often, some spirits have enough power to materialize in human or animal forms and live together with humans. Dantists, who play special music called “Commandia,” are widely respected in this world. They also usually are in contract with powerful spirits. The story of Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica revolves around the new Dantist, Phoron Tatara, the spirit that he made contract with, Corticarte Apa Lagranges, and their friends, in their daily life and work. (Anime News Network)

TBE’s Thoughts & Impressions

oOgA: hmm, didn’t watch the first. not planning to watch this. will be able to live off episode summaries from other sites :P

nutcase23: I watched the first season and the story was initially good with your typical story of the week setup and really cute spirits. However, the ending left me cold. Very cold. I’ll probabl;y check in again to see if it is worth picking up again but I’m not hopeful.

Setsukyie: Haven’t watched the first one. So nope..