Fall 2011 Preview

Image from Safebooru
It's that time of year again! I'm all moved in, ready to start my last semester of college, and a whole new season of anime is just around the corner as well. Please keep in mind that the following comments are my own opinion based on the information available and that my thoughts are subject to change throughout the upcoming season. So without further ado, here is Subdued Fangirling's Fall 2011 Preview post!


Busou Shinki Moon Angel
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
Synopsis: The story will follow the coming of age and Shinki battles of Tsubasa, a boy who dreams of becoming a Shinki Master, and his Shinki partner Arnval Mk. 2.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Even though the episodes are only five minutes long, I'm not interested in the slightest. Pass.


Hunter x Hunter
Genres: Action, Adventure, Shounen, Super Power
Synopsis: Remake of the 1999 TV series of Hunter x Hunter based on the manga by Togashi Yoshihiro. A Hunter is one who travels the world doing all sorts of dangerous tasks. From capturing criminals to searching deep within uncharted lands for any lost treasures. Gon is a young boy whose father disappeared long ago, being a Hunter. He believes if he could also follow his father's path, he could one day reunite with him. After becoming 12, Gon leaves his home and takes on the task of entering the Hunter exam, notorious for its low success rate and high probability of death to become an official Hunter. He befriends the revenge-driven Kurapica, the doctor-to-be Leorio and the rebellious ex-assassin Killua in the exam, with their friendship prevailing throughout the many trials and threats they come upon taking on the dangerous career of a Hunter.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Never read the manga or saw the original series, but I've heard nothing but good things about it, which makes this a must-watch.


Chihayafuru
Genres: Drama, Sports
Synopsis: Chihaya is a lighthearted tomboy, who's not especially good at anything in particular. Her dream has always been for her sister (an aspiring model) to become the number one beauty of Japan, or perhaps of the world. But then one day she meets someone who tells her that a dream is something that should concern only herself - and something she has to work hard for as well. At the same time, Chihaya discovers a passion for the old Japanese game hyakunin ishhu, also called "karuta".
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Apparently it's based off an award-winning women's manga, which means as a shoujo fangirl that I'm definitely watching it. And I can't help but wonder how they're going to make karuta compelling...


Mobile Suit Gundam AGE
Genres: Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Synopsis: It has been a few hundred years since humans began to live on space colonies. In A.G. 101, an unknown enemy (UE) "GAFRAN" suddenly attacks one of the colonies "Angel". A long war against UE has begun. In A.G 108, seven year old Flit Asuno lost his mother when UE attacked his colony "Ovan". His mother left him a memory unit "AGE" which had stored data of an ancient mobile suit Gundam. In A.G. 114, Flit completes the Gundam AGE and counterattacks against GAFRANs.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Eventually I will watch a Gundam series. But not now.


Guilty Crown
Genres: Action, Magic, Sci-Fi
Synopsis: The story takes place in Tokyo in 2039. After the outbreak of the unidentified virus "Lost Christmas" in 2029, Japan has been under the control of a multinational organization called GHQ. Ohma Shu is a 17 year old boy who has a psychic power in his right hand. He can use the power "Ability of King" to extract tools or weapons from his friends. He has been avoiding making trouble for others but his life changes when he meets a girl named Yuzuriha Inori, a member of a resistance guerrilla group called "Undertaker", whose members pilot mecha weapons to fight against the government.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Not too sure about this one. The fact that it's a noitaminA title and has beautiful promo art caught my interest, but the PV didn't really grab me. Can't wait for my bad feeling to be proved wrong.


UN-GO
Genres: Mystery
Synopsis: Based from Sakaguchi Ango’s novel “Meiji Kaika Ango Torimonocho”. Meiji-era story about a detective named Yuki Shinjuro, who solves various incidents that happen in his circle of friends. The adaptation will utilize an original story set in the near future, revolving around the detective and a boy named Inga, who continually encounter mysterious cases.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: noitaminA series. Cool PV. Definitely watching.


Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon
Genres: Action, Fantasy
Synopsis: In the far future, humans abandon the devastated Earth and move to the upper world "Tenjo". But Tenjo and the law of causation collapse by a war and humans returns to the Earth, which has turns into an inhabitable planet except for Shinshu area. Shinshu is too small to accommodate all the humans, so they duplicate the area and create "Juso Sekai" in a parallel world. In order to rebuild Tenjo and the law of causation, the returned humans start reproduction of the history from B.C. 10,000. When the reproduction proceeds to A.D. 1413, a war breaks out in Shinshu and Juso Sekai falls onto the original world. The humans living in Juso Sekai lose their land and invade the original world. People in Shinshu surrender and the land is divided by the invaders from Juso Sekai. They try to resume the history reproduction from A.D.1457, but the update of the history terminates in A.D.1648. A rumor of apocalypse begins to spread the world.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: This sounded interesting until I saw the PV. Something tells me that this show won't care about the politics of war as much as it will about animating boob physics. Pass.


Persona 4 The Animation
Genres: Adventure, Mystery, School, Sci-Fi, Super Power, Supernatural
Synopsis: Persona 4 takes place in the same universe as Persona 3 in a rural town named Inaba. There have been mysterious murders occurring whenever there was fog after heavy rain. There were also rumors about a channel on television airing only at midnight called Mayonaka TV, during which it is said that one can see his/her "other half" when staring at the TV screen.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Why don't I own this game yet? Persona 3 is one of my all-time favorites... Not watching to avoid spoilers, but very happy that this exists.


Shinryaku!? Ika Musume
Genres: Comedy
Synopsis: Pollution of the world's oceans forces Ika Musume, a squid girl, to leave the now unpleasant sea to exact revenge on humanity for throwing trash into the sea. Clueless about the surface, she seeks to invade humanity alone, trying to rule over the world, only to find herself slaving away at one of the nearest beach houses for breaking a side of its wall. (First season synopsis)
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: The first season was equal doses of cute and funny, and I greatly enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to this season.


Fate/zero
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Synopsis: War of the Holy Grail - Pursuing the power of the "Holy Grail" which grants a miracle, this is a contest in which seven magi summon seven Heroic Spirits to compete for it. In that battle whose conclusion was postponed three times, now, the fourth war commenced again. Entrusting their dearest wish of victory, the magi joined the battleground called "Fuyuki", but amongst them, there was a man who was always alone, and could not find out the meaning behind his fights. His name was Kotomine Kirei. Not comprehending the guidance of fate, Kirei was lost, and had kept questioning. Why someone like his was given the Command Seals. However, the fate of his fights crossed Kirei's path with a nemesis by chance. That person is - Emiya Kiritsugu. A man who was sterner than anyone else, more merciless than anyone else, and who sought the miracle of the Holy Grail. Merely recited in fragments in Fate/Stay Night, this is the Fourth War of the Holy Grail 10 years ago. The truth which unfolded behind the battle between Shirou's foster father, Rin's father, and the younger Kotomine Kirei, is finally revealed...
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I haven't seen Fate/stay night, but I was considering watching this prequel until I heard that it might not be newbie-friendly. Waiting to see what others say on this one.


WORKING'!!
Genres: Comedy, Slice-of-Life
Synopsis: Set in a family restaurant in Hokkaido, the northern prefecture of Japan, 16 year old high school student Takanashi Souta works part-time along with his strange co-workers.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Loved the first season. Can't wait for more.


Maken-Ki!
Genres: Action, Ecchi, Martial Arts, School, Harem
Synopsis: Takeru Ohyama, a young normal yet perverted minded guy, got accepted and now goes to a school that, unknown to him, was where combat and magic is used. On the first day, he meets again after three years: Haruko Amaya, his childhood friend, Inaho Kushiya, a girl who says she's his fiance, and Kodama Himegami, a blonde who wants to kill him. Finding out that there are many girls there that just don't like him, he is told that everyone there uses a special magic ability while using an item or weapon called a Maken. Later, he finds that no Maken is acceptable for him and doesn't know what to do, since in this school the students get into duels that showcase their magic and combat power, to which he seemingly has none.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Same as Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon; it sounded interesting until I saw the PV. Panties and boobs and censors everywhere. Pass.


Kimi to Boku.
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shounen, Slice of Life
Synopsis: The story revolves around four teens — the good-looking twins Yuuta and Yuuki Asaba, the effeminate Shun Matsuoka, and the class head Kaname Tsukahara — who have known each other since early childhood. While they are not necessarily good or bad friends, they continue to hang out well into high school. The half-Japanese transfer student Chizuru Tachibana joins the circle of friends in this comedy about the everyday life of adolescence.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Cute boys doing cute things?! Is this the next K-ON?! In any case, I'm in.


Mashiro-Iro Symphony
Genres: Drama, Romance
Synopsis: One day, Shingo's school combines with a girls' school. As a specially selected student, Shingo temporarily joins the girls' school until they officially consolidate. He meets various unique girls there, but they all dislike male students. To improve their relationship, Shingo works hard, and...
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I'VE NEVER HEARD THAT PLOT BEFORE. Pretty name, though. Pass.


Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Synopsis: Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing is a new original tale in the Last Exile universe. It features new characters, new mechanics and an all new story centered around the young ace vanship pilot, Fam, and her trusted navigator, Giselle, as they pilot their vanship, Vespa, through the free and peaceful skies.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: BUT WHAT ABOUT DIO *ahem* I enjoyed the first series a lot more than I expected, so I'm looking forward to this. Hopefully the switch to more female characters doesn't mean that the studio is appealing to the lowest common denominator.


Tamayura ~hitotose~
Genres: Comedy, Slice-of-Life
Synopsis: The story takes place in Seto Inland Sea and is about a girl who likes taking pictures.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I loved the OVAs; they were more like Aria than another K-ON ripoff, which is to be expected from the director. Definitely watching this.


Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi Second Season
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Shounen Ai
Synopsis: Onodera Ritsu has just transferred from his father's publishing company to Marukawa Shoten. Assigned to the shoujo manga division, he crosses path with the person he'd least expected to meet. Takano Masamune is the editor-in-chief of the division Ritsu's been assigned to, and the two seem get off on the wrong foot right from the very start when Takano unexpectedly kisses him. However, there is more to than what meets the eye: Takano is actually Saga, Ritsu's senpai and high school love, whom Ritsu had thought to have played him for a fool by taking his affections for granted when he confessed and summarily dumped him. (First season synopsis)
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I was not impressed with the first season, nor with the yaoi fandom in general for condoning the "rape=love" trope. Pass.


Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle
Genres: Action, Game
Synopsis: Daimon Kaito is a high school boy, who loves puzzles. One day, the president of the student council gives him a mobile device and it leads him to an underground ruin buried in the school. He challenges an " insolvable puzzle" hidden in the ruin with his girlfriend Nonoha, but the puzzle turns out to be the dangerous "The Puzzle of Sage" created by the black society "POG". He manages to solve the puzzle but it's the beginning of a puzzle battle against POG.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Lol, POG. Junichi Satou is directing this, which makes it a must-watch since I love his stuff. It should be interesting to see how he handles a series that isn't magical girls or "healing" anime.


Bakuman 2
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shounen
Synopsis: Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi are pretty much foils of each other. Mashiro, an average 9th grade student but talented artist, and Takagi, an overall advanced 9th grader and aspiring writer. After great convincing, Takagi convinces Mashiro to join him in becoming the greatest mangakas Japan has ever seen. Takagi, with his gift of writing, hopes to become a successful mangaka, and Mashiro, with his gift of art, hopes to marry the girl of his dreams, Azuki Miho. (First season synopsis)
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Didn't watch first season, but I have read a good chunk of the manga. Eventually I'll get around to watching this, but not this season.


Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Seinen
Synopsis: Hasegawa Kodaka has transferred schools, and he's having a hard time making friends. It doesn't help that his blond hair tends to make people think he's a delinquent. One day, he runs into his bad-tempered solitary classmate Yozora while she's talking animatedly to her imaginary friend Tomo. Realizing that neither of them have any actual friends, they decide that the best way to alter this situation is to form a club and start recruiting.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I'm a little concerned about the harem tendencies shown in the PV, but the buzz around the series says the source material is hilarious, so I'm giving it a look.


Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!
Genres: Comedy, Martial Arts, Romance, School, Super Power
Synopsis: Kawakami City is famous for its strong dedication to its samurai ancestors. A healthy fighting spirit is always valued and it's even an important factor for success at school. Yamato, a second year student from Kawakami Highchool is always with his close friends (4 boys and 3 girls). They have all known each other since they were young and have done many things together. While they have many other friends, this group of seven is a close-knit, inseparable group. They even have a secret base where they meet. With the new semester, they welcome two girls into their group and shortly after things begin to change...
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: Sounds really boring for some reason. Pass.


Mirai Nikki
Genres: Action, Mystery, Shounen, Supernatural, Psychological, Thriller
Synopsis: Middle school 2nd year, Amano Yukiteru, is a boy who has problem making friends. He thinks of himself as a bystander and will always write down everything he sees in a cell phone diary. Tormented by solitude, Yukiteru began to imagine things like a friend called Deus Ex Machina who is apparently the Lord of Time & Space. Seeing Yukiteru's miserable state, Deus gives him a new ability. His diary will now record events that will happen in the near future. Yukiteru is then forced to participate in a game which the winner will become Deus's successor.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I've always heard good things about the manga, so I'm watching this.


Shakugan no Shana III (Final)
Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural
Synopsis: The final season.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: I haven't followed the series, so I won't be watching.


C3 -CubexCursedxCurious-
Genres: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, School, Shounen
Synopsis: A school battle action & love comedy with ecchi elements. Yachi Haruaki is a high school boy and naturally resistant to curses. His father, Honatsu, sends him cursed instruments called "Worse" to try to break this. One day, Haruaki receives a black cube from Honatsu. During the night, he encounters a naked silver haired girl stealing rice crackers. She is the human-form of the black cube, an instrument of torture called "Fear in Cube". Haruaki and the girl 'Fear' fight together against other 'Worse' instruments and their owners using Fear's 32 mechanisms of torture.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: The first synopsis I read sent me running in the opposite direction, but the PV makes me pause. At the very least, it seems like it will have some decent action. Waiting to see what others say about this.


Ben-To
Genres: Action
Synopsis: Sato Yo is a high school boy who likes SEGA games. One day, he enters a grocery store to buy some food for dinner. When he tries to take a bento box, he loses consciousness. He comes around to find all the bento sold out. He notices there is a war game going on at grocery stores and players called "Wolves" compete for the half-priced bento. Yarizui Sen, the leader of the Half-Pricer Club, forces Yo to join the club and he enters the bento war.
Thoughts/Will I watch it?: My dreams of a Ben-10 parody anime, dashed. But seriously, it sounds funny but I'm not sure how the premise could stay fresh over the course of an entire season. I'll watch, but I'm not expecting a lot.

Series information from MAL and The Cart Driver. Images from Google, MAL, Anime News Network and Safebooru.