Suisei no Gargantia: 02-03 - Pirates!!!

Pirate Queen Lukkage.
I find myself eager to watch each episode of Suisei no Gargantia, and while I try and balance out the 13 shows I am trying to keep up with this season, Gargantia is high on my priority.


With the introduction to Earth out of the way, I was eager to see how our soldier Ledo would handle the change of scenery from deep space battles. Fortunately for us, we got a few pirates to fight, and while the fight is completely unfair (for obvious reasons), Gargantia looks into humanity and reasons for taking the lives of others. As expected, when the fighting with the first set of pirates begins, Ledo takes them on and literally annihilates them into dust. I am very happy that they portrayed Ledo as an emotionless killer, and not a cold blooded killer (there's a difference). Since Ledo only knows how to fight as a soldier against threats to his group, he does it swiftly without a moment of hesitation, showing how his life as a soldier has been embedded into his nature.

Amy and Pinion
Unfortunately, the Captain, and Bellows haven't shown any qualities that interest me. Bellows in particular has had enough screen time to give us a sense of her personality but I haven't seen enough of it to have any interest in her. Amy and Pinion are my favourite characters along with Ledo. While Pinion hasn't had any direct interaction with Ledo yet, I have a feeling some comical moments will arise. Amy is pretty much a bright and cheery girl, and along with her other messenger friends they add a lot to the overall atmosphere of the show.

The three messenger of Gargantia.
Another thing to note is how bright and colourful the art is, I really love watching the show for the art itself.

With Ledo finally coming to an agreement with the captain and crew of the Gargantia, I am eager to see if more pirates are on the bill to keep the show lively, or if the other characters live up to their potential and carry the show forward.

~Djr7

Shingeki no Kyojin: First Impression - The Depths of Fear and Hate


Also known as "Attack on Titan", Shingeki is a powerful display of human emotion with a very unique art style that does well to portray the gritty and harshness of the show's events.

Humans have retreated behind giant walls that span 50 meters at its lowest point in order to keep out man-eating titans. The show excellently covers a false sense of peace where the inhabitants of the walled city lie to themselves about their safety from the titans. The leading theme is this false sense of security, as humans have built these walls to keep themselves safe from the outside world, however our protagonist Eren points out how they are simply living their lives as livestock, waiting for the titans to come and eat them.

Powerful emotions throughout the show.
The entire intro shows us how true these words are. Most of the citizens live casually, ignorant to the lingering titans outside the wall, trying to get in and consume everyone. If a titan were to enter, what would the humans do? Probably nothing, as there really is nothing they can do, the guards even explain how they act lazy. The guards have lived their lives in peace as no titan has entered in over 100 years, and Eren's disgust at the guard's lack of passion to defend the people from titans helps to drive home how stranded and helpless the human race has become. 


Another heavy theme is hatred. The sheer amount of hatred Eren has for humanity's current state pushes the limits of his control over his own emotions. The events that take place in the first two episode slowly show how his hate transfers from hating mankind's situation, to hating the titans themselves with determination to wipe them off the face of the Earth.

Combat visual's remind me of Sword Art Online.
I really love how serious and dramatic the show is, and this reminds me of the epicness of Shinsekai Yori. As for the titans themselves, a few of them look like nightmarish giants, while others simply look too casual or normal to be considered a man-eating giant. The first two episodes cover the childhood days of Eren and his friends, while it appears we come to a more mature Eren who is hellbent on killing titans. 


Aside from Eren, Mikasa is another amazing character. She is shrouded in mystery, and during the events of the first episode I believe she lost her parents to titans at a young age which has scarred her emotionally, but still she hides her expressions and is pretty badass, making her a rather intriguing character. 


The first two episodes were amazing, I wouldn't change a thing, but I heard that the show does get "Weird" from a friend of mine who read the manga, and I really hope the show doesn't dive into some sort of titan killing action thing. The intro sequence as well as the first scene of episode one show the stunning action scene quality and is most likely a hint as to what we will see later on. 

~Djr7

Suisei no Gargantia: 01 - Awesome First Impression


Of all the shows this season, Suisei no Gargantia's first episode was the best intro in my mind and could not have been any better. I was pretty excited with the whole episode and I think I might enjoy this more than The Severing Crime Edge, which I love. 


The whole story follows Ledo, a portrayed "perfect soldier" who only knows about fighting deep space warfare. The first scenario for Gargantia is an epic battle for survival as it appears humans are in a large scale attack on some sort of plant organism enemy that shoots large lasers. What I loved about this fight was the different style of lasers and bullets. The lasers looked more like smaller precision energy beams, rather than your typical over the top massive artillery shown in most mecha shows. One of the weapons seems to be a massive black-hole-like projectile that pretty much destroys anything in its path, which I thought was pretty badass.

As things turn for the worst, Ledo eventually lands on Earth, which is a fabled planet said to be the only planet where humans can naturally live, and thus the show ends. 


I really appreciate how the entire story and characters are introduced, we aren't bombarded with information before mindless action, but instead all the necessary background information as to what is going on is embedded within the entire battle sequence. Ledo awakes from deep sleep to fight in what appears to be the most important battle of the war. Thankfully Ledo's personality and actions do well to define his character, in fact nearly all of the characters shown are defined by their actions and general conversations, rather than forcing some sort of info dump on us to establish everything. 

Everything is shown through Ledo's perspective, and the entire episode does wonders to immerse us within the story and events that unfold, as well as experience everything at the same time as Ledo. When Ledo arrives on Earth we are kept in the dark about the planet as well as what is happening, and as Ledo explores his situation, we are treated to a wonderful understanding of the situation Ledo is in, purely from his experience to his surroundings, rather than heavy dialogue to explain it.


This episode shows huge promise and I find myself putting all my other downloads on hold in order to get the rest of the available episodes faster. While the characters themselves reveal nearly nothing, they have already established some interesting personalities. Another thing to note is the art, I really like it, plus the show itself has great pace.

~Djr7

Valvrave: 01 - First Impression

Shoko being confessed to
Valvrave's description was almost identical to that of Gundam Seed, and while Valvrave is an original series, I was skeptical about the show's ability to surprise me, but then my mind was blown.

3 seconds of random boob action = SURE WHY NOT
Valvrave's first episode wasn't very unique per say, in fact i'm sure a lot of people predicted what was going to happen. While the structure of the show is similar to Gundam Seed and various other shows depicting a normal high school boy ending up gaining some sort of power, it was well presented and kept me entertained.

The episode split itself between two events; the regular high school slice-of-life of Haruto, and the infiltration of the space dome by kids with messed up personalities. Obviously the two events intertwine and Haruko ends up piloting the Valvrave; an awesome looking mecha that ends up defeating the infiltrating army set on capturing the Valvrave itself.  Overall the plot is ordinary and somewhat bland, since everyone has seen this type of beginning before. Still, the Haruko and Shoko relationship conflicts were enjoyable and I do think they make a perfect couple.

This sentence pretty much sums up Haruko
What I do like about the show is Haruko himself. Haruko reminds me Shu from Guilty Crown, except Haruko isn't as pathetic and actually grows a pair, instead of withering like an insecure brat. Haruko is shown as a quiet, laid back guy who blends in with everyone as a real standard character in comparison to his aggressive friend and his secret crush Shoko.


Haruko actually blends in with the rest of the characters, almost to a point where the show could have gone into a slice of life story where everyone fits in equally. This portrayal of Haruko blending in well with his friends helped drive the sudden change in events surrounding him into something I actually cared about, rather than hoping the show would just get to the mecha battle to progress the plot. Gundam Seed is one example where you really don't care about the character conflicts in the beginning since you know it's just going to end up in a mecha battle and that the initial events wont have any impact on the show after the first episode. Valvrave on the other hand has some quality character relations where I actually enjoyed watching the events unfold and ultimately I did feel a slight heart wrenching moment near the end when I had already anticipated the results.


I do enjoy this show and the surprises at the end of the episode pretty much blew my mind, I like Haruko as a character and I hope we get to see more of the slice-of-life stuff to build character rather than have another super serious and somewhat boring plot with lame character conflicts like Gundam Seed.

~Djr7

Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge: 02 - Game Start


The Severing Crime Edge is quickly becoming my favourite show of the season. After last week's impression I was still skeptical about how the show was going to mix the darker atmosphere with the various light hearted scenes. While Dansai Bunri has proven itself worthy of a dark toned thriller, the show isn't too serious to cast away the lighter scenes. I know most thrillers do indeed have light hearted scenes, but they are mostly done so on the side as small breaks between the plot and serious events.

Dansai Bunri decides to include the lighter scenes within the serious tones and plot devices. The "Professor", is introduced as Iwai's guardian, and shows a great example of how the show mixes the darker and lighter scenes together into a well woven presentation. Professor explains how he is part of the "organization" known as "Gossip" as mentioned in the first episode, and it seems they get a kick out of seeing useless things like murder cases.

I'm not a big fan of the red filter over the bloody scenes, maybe it's the budget but I would like to see the actual colour rather than this unfortunate filter that takes away from the action and gory scenes.

The whole ideal is that the show is completely based around psychopaths, not only will the owners of the Killing Goods eventually succumb to their tool's desires of murder, but that these members of Gossip are also psychologically messed up for wanting to see murders. I really love how this show presents all these psychopathic elements, the whole intention of murder isn't shoved down our throats or explicitly shown, instead we see how lightly everyone seems to act while acknowledging their potential to become murderers. Even Professor's brief explanation about the game revolving murder and the Queen of Hair is lightly described as if something completely normal The whole casual behavior towards serious events expresses how potentially messed up everyone is. I enjoy all these characters because I don't trust any of them, leaving plenty of room for each character to possibly fall victim to sudden murderous intentions without realizing it themselves.


Overall the show has plenty of bloody moments and various thriller-esq chills with a story that is slowly being developed around our main characters.  The genres that we found for this show included action, fantasy, and romance; however I couldn't disagree more. The show reminds me of Another, and Mirai Nikki, which are two amazing shows for its thriller and bloody atmospheres that sends chills down your spine. While Dansai Bunri doesn't give me chills like Another or Mirai Nikki, the show at least makes some wonderful dark atmospheres with an acceptable amount of blood with a nice but odd contrast of small romance and light hearted scenes.


A few things I do enjoy are the sound effects when it comes to the more intense scenes, especially when Kiri gets into a fight with Yamane, hearing the attacks of Yamane's needle barely missing Kiri was pretty amazing.  I also really love the art style, the facial expressions are very nice and do well to portray the emotions of each character as well as their unique psychopathic demeanor.

~Djr7

GJ-bu in Review N/A


GJ-bu is one of those enjoyable shows that has no actual story or conflict, essentially we follow the daily routines of the "Good Job" club and their various antics.

Out of everything that aired last season this was the one show I knew I could turn to for some good humour
with its heart-warming characters. I especially enjoyed how the main character Kyouya would often be teased and tricked by the other members of the club, who happen to all be females.


The club members were all very entertaining in their own way, with Shion being my favourite. Shion was a genius who happens to lack all common knowledge, and even describes Kyouya as her knight of common sense during her alone time with him at the end. It was always entertaining to see her subtle interests in Kyouya. Overall the show had good pace, despite covering roughly a year of events over the course of the series, each episode balanced the characters screen time, leaving all the main girls to be equally entertaining. The president Mao did feel more important than the others, but then again she is the wildest of the group and managed to hold her own without stealing the spotlight too much.


Mao, Megumi, Kirara, Shion, and all of the secondary characters played some sort of role and felt important, they were well developed, leaving me with no dislike for any of them. The show was simply an everyday slice of life as we see Kyouya deal with the random and meaningless events of the club and its contrasting club members. There was never a dull moment with the characters, even leading to some awkwardly hilarious hair brushing of Kyouya's impeccable ability to nearly drive the girls crazy. Kyouya's hair brushing technique is so powerful, it nearly causes the maid Mori to have an orgasm, which was probably the most intense and surprising moment of the show.
The final episode of GJ-bu was a somewhat emotional and serious episode that wrapped up the show amazingly well, with each character getting some alone time with Kyouya before an emotional send off. I would like to give the show a 9/10, but I feel a rating scheme doesn't really fit this show. GJ-bu never set itself any bars, and can't really be compared to anything else I've seen, so there was never any expectations or cliffhangers to follow up on. The show delivered what it did best, an enjoying set of contrasting characters that partake in random activities and minor internal conflicts that brings out the best of each character.

If I was to compare this to anything, I would compare it to Seitokai Yakuindomo, but it's not as amazing since Seitokai was more focused towards over-the-top comedy.


Overall this was an awesome show to watch and it left me sad that it had ended. I recommend to anyone looking for a casual and entertaining cast of characters. I miss this show already -_-

~Djr7

 

Photo Kano: First Impression


Photo Kano is based off a PSP dating sim, which is also getting an updated release on the Vita at the end of April 2013.

The main thing about Photo Kano is the camera that our protagonist Kazuya carries with him to school. After having the camera given to him by his father as a present, it seems that he suddenly looks at life differently, or so we're told. The whole series of events from here on out pretty much center around the fact that he is holding a camera. It's a little weird how nearly everyone gets into a conversation about his camera, but it works well as a device to start all of the conversations between characters.


Since this is pretty much a romance slice of life story, the girls are the main focus for all of Kazuya's encounters, however some side characters provide to be quite amusing. The show is fairly decent and the girls are different and interesting enough at this point, but definitely need to step up their game. From here on it'l most likely be a matter of picking your favourite girl choice and watching how Kazuya will most likely pick Haruka. If Kazuya doesn't pick the main obvious girl then I will be happy and more inclined to see how this goes. I do hope some actual events start happening since so far the only interesting thing was Kazuya deciding if he should join the photo club or the photography club. Let's hope this show picks up a little more for the next episode.

The characters.


Haruka is the main girl of interest for Kazuya. She is the most popular of the girls as well as Kazuya's childhood friend. It is easy to identify her as Kazuya's chosen girl, but I really hope it goes to one of the other girls.


Nonoka, athletic and upbeat personality, low grades.
She is another childhood friend of Kazuya, and it seems she constantly gives Kazuya nicknames, such as Darts'un since he use to play darts. I enjoy her character so far and I am hoping she will be intruding on his life constantly with her upbeat personality for a few good laughs.


Mai. younger athletic somewhat shy, average grades does rhythmic gymnastics.
This girl is pretty young for our main character, and their entire conversation about how she is close friends with Kazuya's brother seems a little weird. Mai is the first girl that Kazuya takes a photograph of, obviously enchanted by her dancing before starting up a conversation with her.


New teacher, she doesn't have a name yet but since she got two random scenes I hope she brings some entertainment, but it will most likely be random airhead comedy.


Kudou is the best character so far, and yet he isn't even a possible romance, or maybe he is? Not only did he show the most amount of emotion, but he even lead Kazuya to his first dilemma of picking a club. Kudou has his own special brigade of photographers which make for an amusing bunch but ultimately his personality is fun to watch, especially when he clashes with the neighbouring photo club. This character alone has me interested in watching this show.

There were a few more characters but nothing about them was interesting enough for me to write about them.

Additionally I like discussing the intros and endings, which I might do from now on for first episode reviews. The intro to Photo Kano is, annoying, the song itself bugs me, which you may agree of disagree on. Another thing I dislike is how all the characters lip-sync the song, I don't mind it when characters lip-sync a line or two, but every time a character appears they pretty much sing along with the vocals. Essentially, the whole intro just shows us each character with an image depicting something about them. This intro just doesn't really do anything to represent the show, unless the show is only about taking pictures of girls in their usual environment with a complete disregard to conflict or story.

The ending is fairly decent, not only is the song a little more upbeat, but it seems to fit in well with the whole, "romance one of these girls" themes. The characters are all shown again, but this time we see their different expressions, showing more individual personality.



P.S.
Anyone else think that Kanon (Kazuya's sister) acts like Sonata from AKB0048?


~Djr7

Date A Live: First Impression - Lame


Well this was a tad disappointing, I was expecting some serious yet funny situation that would bring the shows potential couple together, Instead I got a rushed informative intro that ended up doing a 180 turn halfway through and ended up as a prologue.


Date A Live is all about Spirit girls appearing at random bringing with them destruction to their location. The goal of the main character Shidou is to date them so they don't try and destroy the world. The show started out fine, but it entirely portrayed Shidou as an over caring brother to his little sister Kotori. After seeing Shidou attend school in a normal fashion we come across some students who at the time seemed like important characters. Everything was fine and dandy until the plot picks up, with our first spirit girl appearing I'm pretty sure Shidou will end up dating her, but while this happened, random flying girls appear with weapons and battle it out with the spirit, which lacks emotional intent and comes off as strange.


I felt that the show tripped and fell down halfway, it started off quite bubbly, but with the plot event kicking things off, the show ends up going backwards in an attempt to introduce us to some random and ridiculous characters.

The only promising character thus far...
There is still some room for the show to re-collect itself and offer a better presentation. The spirit girl as well as Shidou's classmate/ Infinite Stratos wannabe, show promise as conflicting characters that will tie into the plot with how Origami (classmate) is out for the blood of Tohka (spirit girl). I hope the next episode picks itself up with more dignity and finds some steady ground to build the characters up.

~Djr7

Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge: 01 - First Impression


I wasn't sure what to expect but I am pretty amazed so far with how this show is portrayed with some dark atmosphere reminding me of "Another".


Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge, or The Severing Crime Edge's main character Kiri, is one of the weirdest characters I have seen. Kiri is essentially a normal person except for an almost bloodthirsty desire to cut long hair, his presence is pretty serious at times and really shows his unnatural desire to cut hair, as if he was a serial killer stalking his victims. Kiri isn' the type of character you trust while knowing of his odd behavior and secrets and understanding he's a good person at heart, instead I question his motives since he appears to truly be a psychopath but doesn't know it.


He even gets a scene depicting his insane lust for hair with some creepy hair fetish scenes.


Iwai is the second main character who has been cursed with hair that cannot be cut, her hair has never been cut in her entire life but somehow it remains well groomed and beautiful, I guess curses have their silver lining. Iwai and Kiri go well together but It is rather funny that her hair is the source of their closeness. Kiri and Iwai seem a little too close for only meeting each other (in a pretty stalker like manner). Kiri is drawn to Iwai because of her long beautiful hair, and has even sworn himself from ever looking at another girls hair with intentions to cut it, which might be a good thing. Iwai is drawn to Kiri because of his insane lust for her hair, as well as hopes he might be the one to cut it.


While the kind of odd love story might brew between these two characters, what surprised me the most was how the show took on some pretty heavy dark tones. Things get pretty serious and gripping when Iwai mentions that the next set of characters, Yamane and Houko, have inherited murderous tools that were once used in some serial killings, and are responsible for killing her father. The term "organization" gets thrown around a bit, leading me to believe that something bigger is at hand here rather than just odd boy meets cursed girl thing.


If  I were to compare this to anything I would have to say Tasogare Otome X Amnesia, which also had some very heavy dark tones. Unlike Tasogare, Dansai Bunri keeps the lighter scenes filled with interesting abnormalities that shift into the heavier scenes quite well, even the characters themselves visibly fit the change of mood.


I'm really happy I picked up this show and I look forward to keeping up with it, I recommend watching it if you have ever enjoyed the thriller type of show.

~Djr7

Spring Anime Season 2013 Preview


Spring is here, and so is our overview of what is being aired this season!









Brains Base
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School
Description: The story revolves around an antisocial high school student named Hachiman Hikigaya with a distorted view on life and no friends or girlfriends. When he sees his classmates talking excitedly about living their adolescent lives, he mutters, “They’re a bunch of liars.” When he is asked about his future, he responds, “Not working.” A teacher gets Hachiman to join the volunteer “service club,” which happens to have the school’s prettiest girl Yukino Yukinoshita.
Bern's Thoughts: I read the available chapters, and saw the first episode as well. I think I'll keep following this.
Djr7's Thoughts: I’m always drawn in by the antisocial and twisted characters. Chances are I will be picking this up and perhaps make weekly posts on it if it’s any good.  
Pearz' Thoughts: I read a few chapters of this, probably follow it a bit and see how it goes.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Read a couple chapters of the manga adaption, enjoyed the comedy in it. Will check this one out.




Otona Joshi no Anime Time - Short Story Adaption


The Answer Studio Co.
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Josei
Description: A program to present stories for women. Its first installment deals with a woman returning from America to her hometown for the first time in five years with her four year old son and pondering what could have been and the man she could have been with.  
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Meh, I don’t think i’ll be watching this, sounds like it might just be a lame attempt of a gender specific set of stories.
Pearz' Thoughts: Nope
Ouros’ Thoughts: Already finished, only four episodes. Rare chance of me watching this, doesn’t really grabs my attention. Probably because they’re “stories for women.”










P.A. Works
Genre: Fantasy, School Life, Thriller, Seinen
Description: The story revolves around Izumiko Suzuhara, a girl raised within the confines of Tamakura Shrine, one of the Kumano shrines that are part of a World Heritage site. However, after Izumiko spent practically her entire life at Kumano until middle school it was decided that she and her childhood friend Miyuki would enroll in Houjou High School in Tokyo. On a school trip to Tokyo, a mysterious entity known as Himegami appears and a terrible accident occurs. Izumiko’s family carries a great secret that Izumiko is about to learn.  
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Promising, I will be checking this one out, but it will either come down to how deep these characters are or if it the “secret” is well delivered, plenty of shows that tease some sort of “surprise” or “secret” end up being poorly delivered or no one actually cares.
Pearz' Thoughts: From the description, I wasn't planning on watch it. I do love PA works for having the best quality, not going to drop a PA works now!
Ouros’ Thoughts: Several pre-release episodes already out by FFFpeeps and Commie. Haven’t gotten to them yet, but will probably give this one a watch.




AIC PLUS+
Genre: Mecha, Romance, Sci-Fi, Shounen
Description: In the story, a boy named Sido (Shidou) Itsuka meets a spirit girl who has been rejected by a devastated word. The girl, who Sido names “Tohka,” happens to have wiped out much of humanity 30 years ago, and now she is back. The only way to stop her is to date her.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: This sounds amazing, the idea itself could be very funny, I will definitely check this one out, the description alone makes me laugh.
Pearz' Thoughts: As terrible as this will probably be, I will watch it. Gotta keep up with the main stream stuff.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Don’t really watch this kind of stuff. I’ll have to hear from what people say about this show later on before deciding to watch this.



Karneval - Manga Adaption 

Mangaglobe
Genre: Action, Mystery, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Shoujo
Description: Nai searches for someone important to him, with only an abandoned bracelet as a clue. Gareki steals and pick-pockets to get by from day to day. The two meet in a strange mansion where they are set-up, and soon become wanted criminals by military security operatives. When Nai and Gareki find themselves desperate in a hopeless predicament, they encounter none other than the country’s most powerful defense organization, “Circus”.
The Circus is a Defense organization that works for the government. They perform raids to capture criminals and solve crimes that the Security force otherwise cannot handle. After their raids, they put on shows as an apology for scaring the citizens. Their group consists of the strongest, most capable fighters that use a special type of bracelet, knows as Circus I.D., to fight.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: I’m a little on the fence about this one, the long description makes it sound like it might be trying to hard but I will have to see it and judge it then. The art style irks me slightly, I’m not sure why but overall I’m not expecting much.
Pearz' Thoughts: Glanced over it and didn't really look like I would enjoy it.
Ouros’ Thoughts: I don't know about this show.. it feels like it has potential. Probably won’t pick this up right away.




Studio Gokumi
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Romance, Seinen
Description: The story revolves around Kiri Haimura, a boy who loves to cut girls’ hair. He happens to meet Iwai Mushanokouji, a girl with long, beautiful hair who is known as the “Queen of Hair.” Her hair has been cursed to be forever uncuttable, but Kiri happens to have “Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge” - scissors that have the mystical ability to cut her cursed hair. Kiri finds himself protecting Iwai from descendants of murderers wielding “Killing Goods.”
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: I recall hearing about this show awhile back, it sounds interesting and I will be taking a look at it but I’m not too sure what to expect. I am curious to see how they present the murderous, whether they are trying to murder the girl or just her hair is what confuses me.
Pearz' Thoughts: Seemed kind of interested but alas, I will not be watching it based on the genre tags.
Ouros’ Thoughts: From the synopsis, the show seems pretty weird. But, you know you can’t judge a book by its cover. I’ll have to hear what people say about this show before deciding.



Madhouse Studios
Genre: Romance, School
Description: The story is about an ordinary second-year high schooler named Kazuya Maeda who gets a single-lens reflex camera at the end of summer vacation. He begins taking pictures of the girls at his school, and the photos may lead to romance.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Totally watching this, camera pictures that lead to romance, it is so ridiculous that I shall watch it.
Pearz' Thoughts: I never was into cameras, I just use my phone to snap pictures, this will mean nothing to me.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Adaption from dating sim, most likely going to this one a try. Probably won’t like it if they the “dating sim” element.




White Fox
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Shounen
Description: In another dimension, the Devil King Sadao is only one step away from conquering the world when he is beaten by Hero Emilia and forced to drift to the other world: modern-day Tokyo. As “conquering the world” are the only skills the Devil King possesses - and are obviously unnecessary in his new situation - he must work as a freeter to pay for this living expenses.
Bern's Thoughts: I watched the first episode and found it quite funny. This also read the available chapters afterwards. I want more.
Djr7's Thoughts: White Fox oh yea! To be honest it seems like we get a show about this whole “dropping into modern day Japan from some alternate dimension” every year, so unless this is actually funny and not about how Sadao adapts to modern day Tokyo then maybe I’ll give it a shot.
Pearz' Thoughts: What is with all the demon lords lately? Seems a bit too over the top, don't think I will watch this.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Maybe.. only thing convincing me to watch this is that it’s by White Fox.







Dogakobo / Orange
Genre: Action, Mecha, School, Sci-Fi, Seinen
Description: The story follows humanity after it expanded its frontier into space in a quest for resources. Advances in genetic engineering research allow humans to adapt to the new frontier, leading to the advent of evolved children such as the protagonist Izuru. Izuru enrolls in an academy city called Gurantseere to fulfill his mission of “protecting humanity” with robotic mecha.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Protecting humanity with mecha, seriously, do we really need more of these types of shows? It does sound interesting with the whole leaving earth to expand its frontier, so I might watch it just to see what the show is about, but the whole mecha and saving earth and whatnot is a little annoying to hear.
Pearz' Thoughts: I think my time is too limited, need to cut back on yet another show.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Seems interesting, I’ll check this one out. And the producers of Gj-Bu, Dogakobo, is making this.. how could I say no? (I know its a completely different genre, I just really really like Gj-Bu)



Aku no Hana - Manga Adaption

Zexcs
Genre: Drama, Romance, School, Psychological
Description: The “corrupt pure-love story” revolves around Takao Kasuga, a bookish boy who loves the poems of Charles Baudelaire (the original author of the poetry collection Les Fleurs du mal, or Flowers of Evil). One day after school, he discovers and steals the gym clothes of Nanako Saeki, the girl he has a crush on. However, he learns that Sawa Nakamura, a girl he loathes, happens to catch him in the act. Nakamura blackmails Kasuga into a “contract,” or else she will reveal his secret.
Bern's Thoughts: I read the first 10 chapters or so long ago, but ended up dropping the manga. I'm not gonna watch this. This anime is rotoscoped by the way.
Djr7's Thoughts: Love psychological shows, and this one definitely seems like Nakamura will be the central character of my focus for the show. Will be picking this one up with hopes of covering it.
Pearz' Thoughts: The most talked about one. I will probably jsut pick up the manga for this one.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Psychological.. I’ll check this out. And from the synopsis, it seems pretty interesting




Bridge
Genre: Supernatural
Description: The setting of Devil Survivor 2 spans the whole county of Japan. It tells the story of Japanese high school students who received an email from a website foretelling deaths. Mysterious creatures invade the country, and the students enter a pact, enabling them to summon demons. They plot may unfold differently depending on the player’s actions.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: I’m not too sure but I think I’ll just give in and watch it. I still haven't beaten the first Devil Survivor game but I do enjoy it’s story, the description is identical so it should be a great show to watch.
Pearz' Thoughts: I loved the game, see how well they do the adaptation.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Don’t know much about the games, will have to hear other’s opinions.



Arms
Genre: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, School
Description: The story takes place in Japan in the early 21st century in an alternate reality where the Tokugawa Shogunate has remained in power. In this reality, student councils are tasked with oppressing schools. Yagyuu Muneakira is a hig school student who rebels against his student council with the help of girls who’ve had the names of famous samurai heroes passed on to them.
Bern's Thoughts: I actually watched first season, but I don't really have interest in it anymore.
Djr7's Thoughts: I watched the first season and I enjoyed the humour, the one thing I really liked was the ink added to the art style, I will be watching this and if its half decent I might write about it.
Pearz' Thoughts: Not sure why I dropped first season, one day maybe if I pick up the first season.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Didn’t watch first season. So no.




A-1 Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Seinen
Description: Sequel to the Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai TV series. Living on the shadow of his prodigious younger sister, Kyousuke Kosaka conducts a normal lifestyle until he accidentally finds out that shes hides a secret. In addition to being smart, pretty, and popular; Kirino Kosaka is also is also an obsessive consumer of anime and eroge. After being assured that Kyousuke is committed to not mock her and keep this concealed from their parents, she starts to share a bit of her world with him.
Bern's Thoughts: I enjoyed watching the first season for the most part, sans some of the drama. I always felt that this anime was very well produced, so I'll keep watching this. I don't have any particular bias on which girl I want to "win," so I just want to see what ends up happening
Djr7's Thoughts: i haven’t seen the first season but I know I need to get around and do that.
Pearz' Thoughts: I hate every minute of it, but I will watch it anyways to fit in.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Enjoyed the first season, will watch the second.




Gonzo
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Meteorites suddenly bring forth evil creatures that threaten all living things on the planet. The fairy Syrup assembles the Aquafall Defence Force, with three girls of the dragon clans as recruits. The story follows Syrup and the dragon girls Leviathan, Bahamut, and Jormungandr as they work together to battle enemies and grow up.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Yeah I’m really not sure, maybe if I find myself bored one day I’ll take a look but I doubt I’ll pick it up unless someone says anything good about it.
Pearz' Thoughts: Dragon girls, sign me up!
Ouros’ Thoughts: Idk, maybe.. need other’s opinion.




Wit Studio
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Description: Eren Jaeger lives in a city surrounded by monolithic walls. Outside dwell human murdering Titans.  For decades members of the Scouting Legion have been the only humans who dared to leave the safety of the walls and gather information on the Titans. Every time they return, many of them are dead. Freedom loving Eren has no greater wish than to join them.
Bern's Thoughts: This is probably one of the more hyped shows of the season. The trailer also looked pretty good. I'll check this out.
Djr7's Thoughts: This sounds quite awesome, I will definitely check it out and I do have high hopes.
Pearz' Thoughts: Sounds interesting I will give this the 1 episode test run.
Ouros’ Thoughts:




Xebec
Genre: Comedy, Parody, Sci-Fi
Description: Sequel to the Haiyore! Nyaruko-san TV series. The story centers around Nyaruko, a formless Cthulhu deity who can take on the shape of a seemingly ordinary silver-haired girl. Mahiro Yasaka is a normal high school boy who is chased by aliens one night, until Nyaruko saves him.
Bern's Thoughts: I didn't watch the first season, so I won't be watching this.
Djr7's Thoughts: I loved the first season, its basically a mocking of other shows with pure comedy and wacky twists. Definitely going to watch this.
Pearz' Thoughts: I wish I watched the first season, but alas the stars failed to align.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Didn’t watch the first season. So no.




Xebec / AIC
Genre: Sci-Fi
Description: The year is 2199. The human race has been crushed in their war with the Gamilos, driven into underground cities buy the invader’s assault. Scientists estimate they have only a year left. The young officer Susumu Kodai and Daisuke Shima receive a mysterious capsule from a ship that made an emergency landing on Mars and return with it to Earth. It contains humanity’s last hope: the planet Iscandar on the other side of the Magellan Galaxy has the technology to defeat Gamilos and restore the planet. The space battleship Yamato is entrusted with this task, but they have only one year before humanity ends.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: My friend tells me this is a decent show so I think I will look into it more and watch it.
Pearz' Thoughts: Nope.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Interesting.. I’ll check this one out




Satelight / JM Animation
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen
Description: In a mythical world where humans and gods co-exist, Arata has the unfortunate honor of being the successor to the matriarchal Hime Clan. This means he has to pretend to be a girl or face death if his true gender is discovered. On the day of his inauguration, an assassination plot forces him to flee and somehow winds up in modern-day Japan. Meanwhile, a boy name Arata Hinohara gets sucked into the first Arata’s world and finds himself dealing with people after his life.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: No idea, I think too many other shows will take up my time so I doubt i will bother checking this one out, I’m not a big fan of the whole dropping in and out of dimensions thing.
Pearz' Thoughts: Maybe see if it gets lucky that I watch an episode.
Ouros’ Thoughts: I don’t mind gender benders.. but I really don’t know what to say about this. Not sure if I’ll be watching this one.




Kinema Citrus
Genre: Comedy, School, Seinen
Description: The story follows the school life of three girls in the data processing club, Yuzuko, Yukari, and Yui.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: I’ll take a look at it, I do enjoy some mindless comedy shows on the side.
Pearz' Thoughts: I hate these type of shows.
Ouros’ Thoughts: If I have the time, maybe.




LINDENFILMS
Genre: Comedy, School, Slice of Life, Shounen
Description: The story centers around Amays, Iwasawa, and Uehara - three “annoying, spirited high school girls with zero motivation” - and their classmates. Their daily life is “what happens when there is nothing happening?”
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: I might look into it and see if it’s any good. It will probably take a backseat to everything i want to watch.
Pearz' Thoughts: See above.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Probably not. But theres a small chance that I’ll watch



Kakumeiki Valvrave - Original Work

Sunrise
Genre: Mecha
Description: The story is set in an era when 70% of the human race lives in space due to the development of space cities. between two major powers - the Dorushia Military pact Federation and the Atlantic Ring United States (ARUS) - there is a small neutral nation called Jiouru that has prospered economically. The protagonist Haruto Tokishima, a high school student who lives in Jiouru, encounters the mysterious humanoid weapon “Valvrave” when the Dorushi army invades.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Original series is always interesting to see, but this practically resembles Gundam so I remain skeptical.
Pearz' Thoughts: Well sunrise is known for Mecha. Guess I can give it a chance.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Can’t really say no to an original series... well except for GC.




J.C. Staff
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Shounen
Description: Sequel to the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun TV series. The story will follow the Sisters arc from the source material. Academy City is a highly developed place in terms of technology. The focus of studies here is directed towards esper powers. Misaka Mikoto, one of the top level espers in town shares a room with Kuroko Shirai, another high level esper who is a member of Judgment, a law enforcing agency composed of students.
Bern's Thoughts: I watched Index, but never saw any Railgun. I don't think I'll be watching this.
Djr7's Thoughts: Oh man, I really should finish watching the rest of index and Railgun before I watch this. I’m so backlogged as it is with older shows I find it hard returning to them.
Pearz' Thoughts: I watched railgun and found it decent, then index was crap and I dropped everything else about this. I occassional pick up the manga to raed a chapter or 2 to see if they ever anounce the rest of the level 5s...
Ouros’ Thoughts: Watched some of Toaru Kagaku’s seasons but never followed the Railgun Arc... so no.





J.C. Staff
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Seinen
Description: The story centers around a second-year high school boy named Youto Yokodera. Youto is always thinking about his “carnal desires,” but no one acknowledges him as a pervert. He learns about a cat statue that supposedly grants wishes. The boy goes to pray that he will be able to express his lustful thoughts whenever and wherever he wants. At the statue, Youto encounters Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, a girl from his high school with her own wish - that she would not display her “real intentions” so readily.
Bern's Thoughts: I've read most of the available manga chapters, so I'll probably be checking this out.
Djr7's Thoughts: Totally going to watch this, it sounds pretty interesting.
Pearz' Thoughts: Sounds like my guilty pleasure of the season.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Yes, yes, yes, yes. I’ve been waiting..




Uta no Prince-sama - Maji Love 2000% - Manga Adaption

A-1 Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Harem, Shoujo
Description: Sequel to the Uta no Prince-sama - Maji love 1000% TV series. Nanami Haruka wants to be a songwriter, so she attends an idol training school filled with beautiful bishounen. The school pairs each aspiring songwriter with aspiring idol, but Haruka finds herself  paired with 6 bishounen idols. To make things more difficult, Nanami is also not allowed to date any of her beautiful partners.
Bern's Thoughts: I'll pass.
Djr7's Thoughts: Read the description and thats as far as I’ll go.
Pearz' Thoughts: Ha, nope.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Didn’t watch first season, and wouldn’t watch it anyways. Just read the damn synopsis..





Production I.G
Genre: Sci-Fi
Description: In the distant future, the Human Galactic Alliance has been constantly fighting for its survival against beings called “Hidiaasu.” During an intense battle, the young lieutenant Redo and his humanoid mobile weapon Chamber are swallowed up into a distortion of time and space. Waking from his artificially induced hibernation, Redo realizes that he has arrived on Earth, the planet on the lost frontier. On this planet that was completely flooded by the seas, people live in fleets of giant ships, salvaging relics from the seas’ depths in order to survive. Redo arrives on one of the fleets called Gargantia. With no knowledge of the plant’s history or culture, he is forced to live alongside Amy, a 15-year-old girl who serves as a messenger aboard the Gargantia fleet. To Redo, who has lived a life where he knows nothing but fighting, these days of peace continue to surprise him.
Bern's Thoughts: Based Urobutcher will come through.
Djr7's Thoughts: I really love the art with this, it sounds interesting and I really want to see it.
Pearz' Thoughts: Turn battle into slice of life, that should bold well...
Ouros’ Thoughts: Saw the trailer of this. Really liked the color pallet, it reminds me of older shows like Now and Then, Here and There. And Gen Urobuchi is writing this! Definitely watching this one.





Passione
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural
Description: Sequel to the Haitai Nanafa series. The story of Haitai Nanafa revolves around an engergetic middle school girl named Nanafa Kyan. Nanafa lives in Okinawa with her grandmother who runs the “Kame Soba” soba shop, her beautiful older sister Nao who is in high school, and her younger sister Kokona, who is in elementary school and has a strong ability to sense the supernatural. One day, Nanafa witnesses a seal fall off a chinese banyan tree and three sprites who live in that tree are unleashed. These spirits include Niina and Raana, who are “jimunaa” spirits. The third spirit is Iina, who is an incarnation of a Okinawan lion statue. As spirits start appearing one after another, the peaceful life of Nanafa and her family begins to change.
Bern's Thoughts: Nope, I'll pass.
Djr7's Thoughts: I think I’ll be passing on this, I never picked up the first season and i’m too far behind on a lot of great shows.
Pearz' Thoughts: Nope second season.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Didn’t watch the first season. So no.





Hotline
Genre: Comedy
Description: The story revolves around Sayuri Satou, the new front desk worker at the Sparrow’s Hotel - “The closest hotel to Heaven.” Her special features are her large breasts and her skills of assassination. She takes down people who cause trouble in the business hotel with those skills, but she is in fact very unskilled when talking to her male hotel manager, and often bites her tongue.
Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Pretty much a guarantee watch for the first season, it might turn out to be utter crap but I think the first episode is worth a look.
Pearz' Thoughts: What?
Ouros’ Thoughts: Hell yes! Who would say no? I would.




Miyakawa-ke no Kuufuku
Ordet / Encourage Films
Genre: Slice of Life
Description: Anime adaption of Kagami Yoshimizu’s Lucky Star spinoff manga Miyakawa-ke no Kuufuku. The story centers around big sister Hinata Miyakawa and little sister Hikage Miyakawa’s impoverished daily life at home (due to Hinata’s wasteful habits) and Hikage’s life at elementary school.
Bern's Thoughts: Nope, no interest in anything Lucky Star.
Djr7's Thoughts: I need to watch Lucky Star, so I’m not too sure if I will get around to this one, i might pick it up if i have time.
Pearz' Thoughts: Everything about this is everything I hate about Lucky Stars.
Ouros’ Thoughts: Maaaybe.


Movies


Steins;Gate: Fuka Ryouiki no Deja vu

Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Hell yes!
Pearz' Thoughts:
Ouros’ Thoughts: WhyNot?





Bern's Thoughts:
Djr7's Thoughts: Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni + Kai were amazing, but the OVA’s Rei and Kira were horrible extras that did nothing but explore terrible spinoffs for fun. Kaku sounds like it will return to Higurashi’s roots of actually being good, I have high expectations for this and cannot wait.
Pearz' Thoughts:
Ouros’ Thoughts: Haven’t watched the original series. So no.



There are quite a few shows that interest me so it might be hard choosing which ones I keep up to date on.

Shows I anticipate to stay on top of:
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru
Date A Live
Hataraku Maou-sama!
Aku no Hana
Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Bride
Shingeki no Kyojin
Haiyore! Nyaruko-san W
Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko
Suisei no Gargantia

Shows that i will try and watch:
RDG Red Data Girl
Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge
Photo Kano
Yuyushiki
Devil Survivor 2 The Animation
Kakumeiki Valvrave
Aiura
Sparrow’s Hotel

Good chance the first episode for each show will determine if I stick with it.

~Djr7