April 2010 New Anime Guide

Finally April is about to come. And to us, April seems to be the best season for Anime broadcasting and there’re tons of great Anime coming out at this time every year. Apart from this great season, we’d like to bring you the most wanted Anime of the month and persuade some of you to watch the one you didn’t like or hadn’t known about before. Want to find out more Anime, you may want to check out Chartfag’s Anime list.

Ikkitousen: Xtreme Xecutor / 一騎当千 XTREME XECUTOR (4th season, 12 episodes)

http://www.ikkitousen.com/

Academy clans wars escalate. Time to unleash the true powers of all the fighters. A new enemy appears, but fooled by only wath the eye can catch, Hakufu doesn’t notice the true and mighty enemies lurking on the shadows, ready to assault all her treassures the most. Deathful eyes and souls join the fight for supremacy, a fight that no longer involves the academies only but the whole world. (via ANN)

YoU: To be frankly, I’ve only watched the first season of the series. And what the this, it’s the 4th season now. Really surprise about the successful (though we have Major which is about to have it’s 6th season)

Snow: I didn’t know that this already has 4 seasons. I think that I would’ve certainly picked up this one if it was good but seeing as I didn’t, I’ll leave this one as it is.

Hetalia – Axis Powers / ヘタリア Axis Powers (3rd Season, ? episodes)

http://hetalia.com/

Hetalia: Axis Powers (ヘタリア Axis Powers) is a webcomic, later adapted as a manga and an anime series, by Hidekaz Himaruya (日丸屋秀和, Himaruya Hidekazu). The series presents an allegorical interpretation of political and historic events, particularly of the World War II era, in which the various countries are represented by anthropomorphic characters. Hetalia (ヘタリア) is a portmanteau combining hetare (へタレ, Japanese for “useless”) and Italia (イタリア). This is to make light of Italy’s apparent cowardice during World War II. (via Wikipedia)

YoU: I know there are lots of fans of the series. The first idea comes to me about the series is it is about fun and relax due to the Japanese name (Hetare/ヘタレ) . Never occurred to me that it about World War 2. I’ve never watched the series before but am really to start. It has lots of positive reviews and will sure to check it out.

Snow: Haven’t watched this series yet, but as YoU said that it has a lot of positive review makes me curious so when I find time I’ll be watching the first two seasons first and have the episodes of S3 already downloaded.

Shin Koihime†Musou: Otome Tairan / 真・恋姫†無双～乙女大乱～ (12 episodes)

http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/shinkoihime/

Koihime Musou (恋姫†無双) is a Japanese adult visual novel and Strategy Game based on the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

YoU: As a Chinese I really familiar with the story of the Three Kingdoms and when the first time I know about the series I got myself shocked. Yes, I was shock just like I got to know about Ikkitousen (一騎当千). Regardless of some negative voices from the country, I watched the first season of the series and I think I was brave enough to continue the second season which I didn’t.

Snow: A Gundam adaption of the very same story, seems interesting however I think I’ll wait a week or two and wait for some early review and then decide to watch it or not.

B Gata H Kei / B型H系 (13 episodes)

http://www.bgata-hkei.com/

Yamada is a high school student, and a virgin, who aspires to have 100 casual sex partners. Despite this, she soon finds herself targeting and pursuing only one boy.

She is the hottest high school girl, and for her “first time”, she has chosen the most ordinary guy in school! Yamada may not have any prior experience with guys, but she is more interested in sex than any other person. One day, whilst walking around a bookshop, daydreaming as usual, she trips but is caught by Kosuda Takashi, a fellow, but otherwise mediocre, student at her school. Thinking to herself that it would be good to build up experience by starting with someone harmless, she decides that Takashi will be her first!

Having zero experience but abundant theoretical knowledge, Yamada’s actions quickly surpass the level of merely daring. Yamada will not shy from anything, whether its flashing her bra in the library or pressing her chest against Takashi.

Is this a dream come true for Takashi? Or a nightmare? (via ANN, AnimeNfo)

YoU: Never heard of this series before. After reading the introduction of the story, I felt that this is not suitable for all age. Seriously. But when I came closer, wait a minute, or just wait until the release of the Anime to make decision. Guess it will be okay for all age.

Snow: Seen this series pop up here and there and I must say it by reading the synopsis it sounds like an ecchi anime. I’m going to give it a try nonetheless, it looks rather like a comedy than about actually doing ‘it’.

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! / 会長はメイド様！ (13 episodes)

http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/maidsama/

Seika High School, once an all-boys school notorious for its wild students and for generally being a terrifying place for girls, has recently become a co-ed school. With the female population still a minority and living in fear of the over-the-top antics of the males, Misaki Ayuzawa takes it into her own hands to reform the school and allow the girls to feel safe in the rough environment.

Training, studying and even becoming the first female student council president of the school, Misaki has gained a reputation among the male students body as an uptight boy-hating dictator and as a shining hope for the teachers and fellow female students. However, despite her tough-as-nails appearance, she secretly works part-time at a maid cafe in order to support her family. Unfortunately, her hard-earned reputation is threatened when the popular and somewhat impassive Usui Takumi takes an interest in her after discovering her in a maid uniform after school. (via Wikipedia)

YoU: To me, Shoujo (少女) Manga is much better than Harem (ハーレム) Manga. Don’t know why but it could be that I am tired of those stupid male protagonists of Harem Manga. A case for example, the recent Harem Anime Omamori Himari (おまもりひまり). I don’t know why but every time I watch the series I cannot stop feeling disgusting about the male protagonist, and I cannot stop watching even though. Have to complete the whole series.

Snow: Looks something like Itazura na kiss, I do like shoujo manga/anime over shonen ones. Going to watch this one too ^^.

Angel Beats! / エンジェルビーツ (13 episodes)

http://www.angelbeats.jp/

In a world after death, angels fight for their fate and their future. Yuri, the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen, rebels against the god who destined her to have an unreasonable life. On the otherhand, Tenshi, the chairperson of the student council for the world after death, battles against the SSS members. SSS members utilize armed weaponry to battle it out against the angels harnessing supernatural powers. (via ANN)

YoU: Another masterpiece from KEY. Did you ever feel disappointed with Anime, Games of KEY? If not, you can have faith in this one. Guess it will be one of the best Anime of this Spring.

Snow: KEY, the company which I fell in love with after seeing Clannad, I loved Clannad, Kanon and Air. My hopes are really high for this one. However though, the writer of the story is from KEY but the director and studio (P.A. Works) is different from the other ones ( Kyoto Animation ). P.A. Works also did Canaan and True Tears, I “liked” both, but I hoped KEY would do Little Busters! Anyway, definitely watching this one.

SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors / SDガンダム三国伝 Brave Battle Warriors (? episodes)

http://www.sdgundam3gd.net/tv/

YoU: This is really a surprise. Third Anime related to Chinese story the Three Kingdoms of the month. Guess nowadays old stories are welcomed. Not sure what the story will be but do check it out if you are a fans of Gundam.

Snow: Mecha isn’t really my thing, and I haven’t watched any of the gundam series though, however as a kid I always had those gundam toys to play with. I doubt it’s a good thing to start with the SD series so maybe when/if I’ve watched the regular series that I’ll get back to this one. On the other hand, Code Geass really is a great anime even though it has mechas in it.

Hakuouki / 薄桜鬼 (13 episodes)

http://www.geneonuniversal.jp/rondorobe/anime/hakuoki/

The protagonist, Yukimura Chizuru is the daughter of a doctor who works in Edo. The father leaves Edo to work as a volunteer doctor and moves to Kyoto without his daughter. As time passes by, Chizuru starts worrying about losing contact with her father, so she decides to go to Kyoto in search of him. On the way, Chizuru is attacked by few criminals and witnesses a fight between an oni and the Shinsengumi. Taking her into custody and saving her, the Shinsengumi debate on what to do with Chizuru when they discover that she is the daughter of the doctor they are also looking for. So they decide to become Chizuru’s protectors and help her look for her father(the doctor). Lots of events happen while she stays with the Shingensumi, as they discover mysterious secrets and also fight against the Bakumatsu group. The story is overall romantic with a historical and political background.

YoU: Nice game really, at least the illustrator did a great job in the first place. Tired of Harem Anime, try the opposite one.

Snow: Looks somewhat original, other than that the plot doesn’t give much away.

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou / いちばんうしろの大魔王 (12 episodes)

http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/daimao/

The story of “love, magic, and battles” revolves around Akuto Sai, a boy who aims to become part of his country’s highest order of magicians and contribute to society. On the day he is admitted into the Constant Magical Academy, his aptitude test predicts the following: “Future Occupation … Devil King.” Thus begins his difficult school life in which he is resented by his studious female class head, desired by a girl with mysterious powers, and guarded by a beautiful female android. (via ANN)

YoU: Have read the intro and it seems that the series could be something bigger. The male protagonist is much better than normal ones of Harem Anime. Will check this out.

Snow: Meh, lots of oppai and magic.. somehow I get the feeling that this is going to be a big flop.

Senkou no Night Raid / 閃光のナイトレイド (12 episodes)

http://www.1931.tv/

The story is set in Shanghai in 1931, when the Imperial Japanese Army has been dispatched to mainland China due to the relatively recent First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. In this cosmopolitan city of intrigue, there is a special military spy organization called “Sakurai Kikan” that has since been buried in history. To have better understanding of the story, check out Wakaranai.

YoU: Another series about China. Guess this could be very controversial.

Snow: Very mysterious, just like Phantom but set in different time. This isn’t on the top of my list but I’ll try to squeeze this one in.

Working!! / ワーキング (13 episodes)

http://www.wagnaria.com/

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: Taneshima Popura, a high school girl who’s a year older than Souta who’s easily mistaken for a elementary/middle schooler, and Shirafuji Kyoko the 28-year old store manager who doesn’t bother to do any work at all. (via ANN)

YoU: Another series I would recommed. Pretty nice character design and interesting story.

Snow: I’ve discussed this series in this post. But to be brief, I liked the first episode of this series, a slice-of-life comedy. I’m definitely following this one.

Mayoi Neko Overrun! / 迷い猫オーバーラン！ (12 episodes)

http://www.patisserie-straycats.com/

The story revolves around Takumi Tsuzuki, a boy who lives with his older “sister” Otome, although the two have no blood ties between them. Otome manages a run-down confectionary store called Stray Cats. One day, Otome picks up a mysterious beautiful girl off the streets. (via ANN)

YoU: Firstly came to know the series due to the mangaka Kentaro Yabuki (矢吹健太朗). Guess another Harem of the season.

Snow: Moe =3, what more do I have to say? Not going to miss this one ^_^.

K-ON!! / けいおん!! (13 episodes)

http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/k-on/

Guess no more introduction is necessary for this series. If it really happened that you missed the first season, you may want to check it out.

YoU: Second season of the series. Quite famous around time and some posts I’ve written about K-ON! have really outstanding hits. Guess everybody likes Mio. Guess could be the best of the season.

Snow: Moe moe kyun? They announced a sixth character for this series, definitely going to watch the second season ^^. Mio and Azu <3

xxxHOLiC: Rou / xxxHOLiC・籠 (OVA)

http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/tsubaholi/index.html

YoU: This is my personal preference. xxxHOLiC is the only CLAMP series I’ve watched and fell in love with. Great CVs in the series and nice plot composed. Personally recommend this to you.

Snow: Haven’t seen the original xxxHolic and xxxHolic Kai, yet. I do have them on my computer though, maybe one of these days..

Kiss×sis / キスシス (13 episodes)

http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/kiss_sis/

Keita has two older step-sisters, Ako and Riko, but since they aren’t related by blood, they love him in a lustful way. After a mishap at school, Ako and Riko finally confess their love to him. Keita dislikes the thought of seeing them other then brother and sister, but as he tries to enter the same school as his sisters, he slowly becomes attracted to them. (via ANN)

YoU: Oops! The only thing I want to talk about is if you are under 18, don’t watch this series. If you do want to have a try, try it when nobody is around. After watching the first episode (actually first 10 mins) I drop this one. It’s way beyond my understanding and way above my level.

Snow: I’ve known this anime for quite a long time now however I didn’t know this was actually getting a series. I’ve watched 3 episodes of the OVA and I strongly suggest you don’t watch it if you’re against Ecchi animes, though the storyline is pretty fun to follow. I actually thought the 4th episode was getting released so I could leave this to rest.

Black★Rock Shooter / ブラック★ロックシューター (OVA)

http://www.blackrockshooter.jp/

Black★Rock Shooter tells of the narrator’s despair and hopelessness as they wander aimlessly, searching for something important to them that they presumably lost. Eventually the narrator gains new hope and decides to move on into the future with courage. The video for the song of the same name became massively popular, featuring Black★Rock Shooter traveling through a bleak city and countryside, riding a motorbike and wielding weapons. Black★Rock Shooter is an original character design by Huke, and happens to resemble Vocaloids Miku Hatsune.

The famous 3DPV by Anomaro-P gave Black★Rock Shooter a plotline and backstory, which involves her sister betraying her and turning evil and Black★Rock Shooter being forced to kill her sister to stop the destruction. This plot eventually became the inspiration for the upcoming 2010 anime. (via ANN)

YoU: Actually I’ve never been interested in the related stuff of Black Rock Shooter. Yes, I’ve post something about the figure before and guess it could be a reason to start follow.

Snow: Very excited about this OVA, figurines have been releasing for weeks, months even. Lots of promotion has been made for this one. Will be refreshing Eclipse’s and GG’s site ^^”.