Hyouka / 氷菓 (22 eps)

Links: Official Website, Review | On Air: April 22, 2012

Hyouka was one of the last new series aired this April, but also my favorite of the whole season. Based on the original Japanese novel written by , the Anime is produced by Kyoto Animation and directed by . The story, as we can tell from the first two episodes, really stood out from the crowd, and you don’t need me to mention the quality of the series. Just try out the first episode and you will definitely fall in love with it.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? of the Dead (Second Season) / これはゾンビですか？ オブ・ザ・デッド (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 4, 2012

Second season of the series, also another good series of the season which ranking at the top of our new Anime poll. The story developed quite slow in the first five episodes, leaving a question in the readers’ mind about what will happen, or what will happen to Kurisu, the Loli drinker. Though it’s a bit too hurry to ask, can we have a third season?

Fate/Zero Second Season (13 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 7, 2012

Second four of the series, continued with the series ended early this year. Not doubt one of the best series of the whole year.

Saki Achiga-hen episode of side-A / 咲-Saki-阿知賀編 episode of side-A (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 8, 2012

The original Manga of this new series released a while ago and we were happy to see the Anime adaptation quickly decided. In the story, we follow the angle of the other school Achiga Girlss Academy rather than Kiyosumi and even more happy to see the characters of the previous series showed up in the new Anime, as rival or last boss (Saki). The quality of the Anime is good as usual, and you can see lots of familiar names in the cast list.

Sankarea / さんかれあ (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 5, 2012

Another high qualify series of the season, and very Ero.

Natsuiro Kiseki / 夏色キセキ (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Review | On Air: April 5, 2012

Was attracted by the cast list in the first place, and it seconded my assumption. Though the story is old and rusty, the character setting is ok and since I like Saki a lot, will keep on following the series, with or without the falling of the animation quality in the recent episodes.

Accel World / アクセル・ワールド (24 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: April 6, 2012

One of the best series of the season. If you are fans of western movies, consider the series as a combination of Matrix and Avatar (the term avatar also used in the series). The series probably has the most interesting looking male protagonist in the whole Anime industry, which more or less makes it stand out from the crowd. Of course, you cannot forget all the cute girls and of course, more are coming.

Kuroko no Basuke / 黒子のバスケ (13 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: April 7, 2012

Follow the series because of the female protagonist but it turned out to be a nice decision. The series is quite good and more or less reminds me of Slam Dunk during the old days though I am not a basket ball fan at all.

Nyaruko-san: Another Crawling Chaos / 這いよれ！ニャル子さん (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 9, 2012

You may not follow the series just because you watched the terrible flash version a while ago, but if you are a fan of the series, you may want to give the new Anime a try. It definitely better than the old one (though you cannot imagine there will be anything worse), the quality is acceptable and the story is fun and starts from the beginning. It’s a good try if you want some casual series, and not recommend you to watch when eating. Just to warn you about your SAN point (SAN値).

Shining Hearts ~Shiawase no Pan~ / シャイニング・ハーツ ～幸せのパン～ (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 12, 2012

Am a big fan of the original game series and had fun play both Shining Hearts and Shining Blade. From a point of a player, the story of the Anime changes a lot and has three female protagonists is somehow not a good way at all, plus we don’t even know if they are our heroines because of Kaguya.

EUREKA SEVEN AO / エウレカセブンAO (24 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: April 12, 2012

The story continue with the previous season ended in 2005, and Ao, our male protagonist is no doubt the son of Eureka. The question is, who Ao’s father is? You may have some ideas in mind, but will Renton show up in the new Anime? It’s another point worth watching. Overall, the series has a really good quality and will be around for half an year. And if the rumor turns out to be true, we will have a new season of Darker than Black right after the ending of EUREKA SEVEN AO. But right now, let just enjoy one of the best show of the season.

Other Series

There are also some other nice series I am following, including the second season of Kimi to Boku (君と僕), Medaka Box (めだかボックス), Upotte!! (うぽって!!), Dusk maiden of Amnesia (黄昏乙女×アムネジア) and some of them are quite fun to watch, like Acchi Kocchi (あっちこっち). Of course, we cannot fail to mention the AKB0048 Anime and if you are a fan of AKB48, you may not want to miss it.

Which series are you following this season? Find any great options not listed above? Share with us!

Related posts:

1. April 2012 New Anime Guide
2. New Saki TV Anime Announced, Coming April 2012
3. TV Anime Natsuiro Kiseki in April 2012

This post Recommended Anime of April 2012 was written originally at TheAkiba.

Fans on the web talking about the correct decision made by the producer to not stream the series on Nico Nico. And of course, fans were all surprised by the high quality of the series and you cannot expect the same marketing effect when streaming on other online video services where you can only get a lower quality and resolution.

Written by Honobu Yonezawa (米澤 穂信), the original light novel is a mystery series while has a background of classic literature. The story revolves around Hotaro Oriki (折木 奉太郎), a high school boy who acts passively while being very smart, who joined the Koten Bu (Classic Literature Club) and met a girl named Eru Chitanda (千反田 える).

In total, there will be 22 episodes of the series, lasting around two seasons. If you haven’t started watching the series, or simply didn’t have it in your watch list, you should take a second thought now. If you can only follow one series in this Spring, maybe it will be Hyouka.

Related posts:

1. Recommendation: Asu no Yoichi!
2. Anime Recommendation: Ao no Exorcist
3. TV Anime Hyouka to Air in April 2012

This post Anime Recommendation: Hyouka was written originally at TheAkiba.

Recommended Series

Guilty Crown / ギルティクラウン (26 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 13, 2011

Probably the best series of the season, and consider the fact that it has around 26 episodes, it could be a winner in two consecutive seasons. The series has a similar style as Code Geass, in terms of the story, the settings. But they are different series. Guilty Crown turns to focus much more on the modern side, which gives you the feeling how high the quality is. While you are enjoying all the cool and cute characters, all the beautiful music and exciting the battle, you are fulfilling all the needs. The story itself seems a bit conventional, a bit lack of surprise. If you think Code Geass is focus on the big picture, then this series will be more on the personal side.

Fate/Zero (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 1, 2011

I cannot find a reason not to watch this series, so, it is here. The series is based on Fate/stay night, or Fate/stay night is based on this series. Either way around, it gives you the feeling of Star Wars. The best part is, you don’t need to watch Fate/stay night to watch this series. Well, of course, you will probably confusing about certain parts.

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai / 僕は友達が少ない (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 6, 2011

Probably the most controversial series of the season. In Japan, you can see advertisements all around the subway stations. Even though you may have some complains about the character design in the first place, you get to like it a lot very soon and Sena, the female protagonist has become one of the most popular character since. Even thought it is a bit Harem, you probably have a much better attitude towards the male protagonist than other Harem series.

Shakugan no Shana III / 灼眼のシャナⅢ Final (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 7, 2011

You should definitely follow this series if you are a fan of Shana and watched the previous two seasons. As the final season, the story seems to develop a bit too fast right from the beginning though.

Mirai Nikki (Future Diary) / 未来日記 (26 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 9, 2011

Probably the most thrill series of the season. The Manga talks a lot about death and killing, so it could be a big problem for censorship of a TV Anime. The most attracting point to me, is obviously our female protagonist Yuno. Well, does the series record you Death Note?

BEN-TO / ベン・トー (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 8, 2011

Probably the most interesting series of the season. Fighting in the supermarket for a half price Bento? Sounds a bit crazy in the real world. But if the series receives a lot of attentions, you are going to see foreigners staying away from supermarket in Japan since they think it’s too dangerous. However, the idea is fun and you cannot stop wondering what the story will be in the coming episodes. You just cannot stop if you start watching it. Oops, did I mention that there are lots of fan services for stocking fans?

Casual Series

C3 (C³, C Cube) / C3 -シーキューブ- (12 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 1, 2011

While I was enjoying this normal and peaceful story, in the second episode, it suddenly turned out to be extremely violent. The Tsundere look on the girl’s face changed into something that is eager for blood and violence. It could be a big surprise for fans who haven’t read the original light novel before. Other than the violence, the series is just a normal Harem series.

Working’!! / ワーキング’!! (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 1, 2011

This is seriously a casual series. Probably best for the time you don’t want to do anything. The quality is still high as the first season and the interesting plot is also amusing.

Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!! / 真剣で私に恋しなさい！！ (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 1, 2011

The official Harem series of the season. The first episode really attracts the attention. Lots of fight and lots of confusion. However, the theme of the series seems to drive away from fight to Harem very quickly in the second episode.

Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon / 境界線上のホライゾン (12 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 1, 2011

First of all, you have to forgive the weird face of the male protagonist. I think the staff does not make it intentionally, well, probably intentionally. It’s a totally confusing series and quite hard to get the point in the first episode. But when you keep on digging, you may find it quite good, at least, good for the ears.

Hunter × Hunter / ハンター×ハンター (at least one year)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 2, 2011

Another series with an extremely fast pace. With more than a year of episodes in mind, the producer seem to want to chase the original Manga.

Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle / ファイ・ブレイン 神のパズル (25 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 2, 2011

This is another interesting series, with a focus on solving puzzles. If you do cross words every morning, you may want to figure out how our male protagonist solve those problems so fast. Okay, because he is a genius. Yet it is still worth finding out all kinds of puzzles from all over the world.

Tamayura – Hitotose / たまゆら ~ hitotose ~ (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 3, 2011

I was a bit disappointed about the series in the first place. Everything seems find, but lack of the feeling of heartwarming as I have expected.

Kimi to Boku. / 君と僕。 (12 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 3, 2011

A series about high school boys and in my opinion, it is much more heartwarming than Tamayura. It’s a quite good series but guess few people will actually watch it. If you happen to read this post, may be you should give it a try.

Chihayafuru / ちはやふる (12 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 4, 2011

Another series that we are actually blogging about. I didn’t expect I will like the series right from the first episode. The best part of Shoujou Manga is, the female protagonists is passionate about what they do, and the series reminds me of Skip Beat!. If you are a fan of Skip Beat!, you may want to check out the series too while waiting impatiently for the second season.

Mashiroiro Symphony - The color of lovers / ましろ色シンフォニー -The color of lovers- (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 4, 2011

A traditional Harem series of the season. The reason I mentioned it here is because it has quite a high quality. The animation is good, the character design is cute, and the story is…you may just ignore it.

Persona 4 / ペルソナ4 (12 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 6, 2011

Another quite attractive series of the season. If you are a fan of the original game, you are definitely going to have a try. It’s good to know that you can get a Persona every time you enter into the TV, and you have to fight against your shadow. It’s an interesting idea.

Mobile Suit GUNDAM AGE / 機動戦士ガンダムAGE エイジ (12 eps)

Links: Official Website, Our Preview | On Air: October 9, 2011

The series is, as we have already known, for children. The concept is a bit similar to the movie of GUNDAM OO where they fight against aliens.

UN-GO / アン ゴ (11 eps)

Links: Official Website | On Air: October 13, 2011

This is a series about detective. At least it is what I assume since the first episode.

Related posts:

1. October 2011 New Anime Guide
2. Recommended Anime of July 2011
3. Mirai Nikki Anime Confirmed, Coming October 2011

This post Recommended Anime of October 2011 was written originally at TheAkiba.

Must Watch Series

There are actually few series within the must watch list since everyone has their own tastes. But the series below should be most welcomed by people of all kinds.

Natsume Yuujinchou San 3nd Season / 夏目友人帳 参 (13 episodes)

Link: Official Website

Of course, my favorite series of the season (not one of). It’s always a pleasure to watch and it keep you warming and touched. The story of this season is still as good as before, as well as the quality.

BLOOD-C (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website, Our Preview

This is a long waited series to some fans and if you happened to watched the first episode, it is quite above my expectation. Somehow the tension of the series seems to be a bit more lower than its previous season. But, with the back of Nana, the cast staff behind Saya, the series is going to rock!

Mawaru Penguindrum / 輪るピングドラム (? episodes)

Link: Official Website

Quite an unexpected series of the season and guess it could become the biggest hit of the season if the upcoming episodes retain the quality of the first two. We have some short reviews of the first two episodes and the overall review of the series. Take some time to watch it and you won’t regret.

Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love 1000% / うたのプリンスさまっマジLOVE1000％ (? episodes)

Link: Official Website

The series is, at least good for girls to watch and of course, as a male, you can also enjoy the series. The series “surprisingly” ranks at the top among all the series.

Recommended Series

This is a list of Anime that you should judge yourself. They are quite good to some of the people, while they could show up at the bottom of someone’s watch list.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu 2nd Season / バカとテストと召喚獣にっ! (13 episodes)

Link: Official Website
The only reason I put it here is because I follow the first season. It’s a good series and the quality is around top level. Yet the story is somehow similar across the episode and the relationship among people don’t seem to undergo any changes. However, every episode is a quite nice story and can be watched casually even though I have to admit that I don’t really take too much serious on the two female protagonists. And yes, like most fans, I like Hideyoshi Kinoshita (木下 秀吉) and I think most of you will take he as a “she”.

The IDOLM@STER / アイドルマスター (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website

I think I may be blamed if I don’t put up this series. It’s the most promoted series of the season and, the series with most females. Girls are cute I have to admit but the plot is something else.

RO-KYU-BU! / ロウきゅーぶ！ (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website, Our Preview

Like what was said back in the new Anime guide post of the season, the series is full of “unexpected” events and fan services. It’s a very risky strategy to do things like normal Anime does on elementary school girls, thus it will be a difficult decision for the producer. Fans who have watched the few episode can tell how evil it is and I cannot imagine what will happen later on. Can you?

Kami-sama no Memo-chou / 神様のメモ帳 (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website, Our Preview

I thought it worth watching but somehow message from the professional detective found it a piece of crap. Of course, the best and most common opinion for us to make is it is just an Anime, and we do know what’s the highlight and it definitely won’t be the story and plot!

Sacred Seven / セイクリッドセブン (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website

It’s quite another surprising series of the season. Quite like the female protagonist but the whole story is a little bit too far away from my understanding.

Nurarihyon no Mago: Sennen Makyou / ぬらりひょんの孫 千年魔京 (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website, Our Preview

As good as the first season and our male protagonist is powerful enough to defeat anybody while keeping a cool pose and gentleman manner. No, sorry, not gentleman but he is Tsundere enough to kick Yura off tree.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée / 異国迷路のクロワーゼ (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website

Another series featuring a young man and a Loli-like girl. It seems to become a classical pattern these day after the K-ON! four girls model. And the main pattern can also be that the young man is dumb and the Loli is alway the key to all of these. But later to find out that the young man is actually an important to this (or not in most cases) and the Loli will do anything for the man. Oops, guess I just miss Spice and Wolf (狼と香辛料), Lelouch and C.C..

Yuru Yuri / ゆるゆり (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website

Quite fun a series and to me, it is quite better than A Channel. But none of them can ever shatter the top position of K-ON! since they don’t provide you with Shimapan.

Kamisama Dolls / 神様ドォルズ (13 episodes)

Link: Official Website

Quite interesting a series and the character design is above my expectation. However, even though they make the God as a robot and the female protagonist cute and shy, it still don’t provide extra ideas into the series and I can see no extra fun in the future. But it is still too early to determine. Like it, and you may want to follow it.

Usagi Drop / うさぎドロップ (? episodes)

Link: Official Website

Another heartwarming series of the season and it’s highly recommended. Saito has posted several episode review of this great series on TheAkiba and you may want to check them out.

No. 6 (? episodes)

Link: Official Website

The series is quite nice and our female protagonist (if there were one) is too straight forward (watch episode 2). She is cute but she is not part of our male protagonist’s life. Then who is? Another male protagonist who break into his house. Well, it’s Anime and it’s quite normal that you don’t take out your rifle to fight against each other.

Mayo Chiki! / まよチキ！ (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website

Ok, this is the most Ecchi series of the season and I can foresee that fans are eager to buy the Blu-ray at any cost. It has a conventional Harem story featuring a dumb yet as lucky as winning lottery three times in a row male protagonist. But our female protagonist is so cute that even I want to stay follow the series.

Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi / いつか天魔の黒ウサギ (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website, Our Preview

Remember that we said that the PV of the series was banned by Youtube because of its excess Ecchi, the staff this time do it with white light on the TV Anime. Of course, it cannot ever compete with the most pervert Manyuu Hikenchou (魔乳秘剣帖) which you can only see flashlight across the whole series. Sorry and sad about the current Anime industry and looking for some better stories. However, despite the flashlight which results in the same producer as Sora no Otoshimono, Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi is quite good a series and you may not want to miss.

Nekogami Yaoyorozu / 猫神やおよろず (12 episodes)

Link: Official Website
It’s quite fun a series and it seems that few people pay attention to it. It’s all about small stories and Moe (Moe is good and no, I hate excessive fan services). You will like it if you are a fan of the voice staffs. Not many difficult things here and you can enjoy watching at anytime.

Dantalian no Shoka / ダンタリアンの書架 (13 episodes)

Link: Official Website

The characters are similar to GOSICK but the story is quite different. Quite like the setting of the series and how they “fight” those demons. But you can get easily disappointed at the right beginning and complain about the quality and how weird of the story. Will not recommend this to average fans but if you like something abnormal, take a try.

Related posts:

1. July 2011 New Anime Guide
2. Recommended Anime of July 2010
3. Recommended Anime of July 2009

This post Recommended Anime of July 2011 was written originally at TheAkiba.

Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara (幾原 邦彦), who is also a famous director for his past work like the classic Sailor Moon, Mawaru Penguindrum (輪るピングドラム) is a brand new series began airing on July 8, 2011, which gives us a story revolves around a Takakura family with only the three children: the younger sister Himari, brother Kamba and Shoma. The younger sister has a deadly disease which may kill her at any moment and it did in the first episode. However, Himari was revived by the force of a mysterious girl (or the penguin hat) which ultimately lead the family into a game called survive strategy.

With the same voice actor (Ryohei Kimura, 木村 良平) as the male protagonist of Eden of the East, I first had a feeling that it is quite a similar series in the first place. I like his voice very much and he seems to be very good at monologue and gives me a hint that Mawaru Penguindrum can become even more attractive than Eden of the East.

Mawaru Penguindrum is a series with full of expectation and what’s even better, it has a whole two seasons, i.e. 24 episodes in total. And what’s more for sure, the mascot penguin of the series will sure blow the market away in the following months.

Interested in the series, you can read more reviews by the following bloggers:

• Divine: Random Curiosity
• Kurogane: Kurogane’s Anime Blog
• Joojoobees: Abandoned Factory Anime Review

[Links: Official Website, Wikipedia]

Related posts:

1. Recommended Anime of April 2009
2. Recommended Anime of January 2010
3. Recommended Anime of October 2009

This post Mawaru Penguindrum: Recommended Anime of the Season was written originally at TheAkiba.

Top Recommended / Must Watch

This is a list of top series that you should never fail to miss of this season. All of them are highly recommended.

Hana-Saku Iroha / 花咲くいろは (12 episodes)

http://www.hanasakuiroha.jp/

This is no doubt the best of the season in my opinion. The quality, the music and the voicers are all prefect in all aspects. The story flows and the plot is touching and somehow interesting from time to time. And of course, you should never ever miss this series. For a more detailed review of the series, check out our post here.

Hidan no Aria / 緋弾のアリア (13 episodes)

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

It’s one of the most expected series which started from mid April. Though the quality of the series is a little bit questionable to me, the overall aspects are fine and the story is backed by its light novel. It can be categorized into something like To Aru Majutsu no Index or Shakugan no Shana and finally becomes more or less a light Harem series as expected.

Ao no Exorcist / 青の祓魔師 (12 episodes)

http://www.ao-ex.com/

I was at first a little bit doubt the quality of the series, but when the first episode was aired, I instantly put it to one of the items in my top watch list. Plenty of fights, plenty of Nekketsu and plenty of unknown. It definitely worths your 20 minutes to sit in front of either your TV or computer screen to enjoy this series.

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko / 電波女と青春男 (13 episodes)

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

Okay, another series directed by Akiyuki Shinbo (新房 昭之). Tons of fans fell in love with the series after the first episode and some of the reasons mainly lies in the beauty of thigh of the female protagonist. She is cute even though I do no understand a word she said without watching subs and yes, she is cute. Probably the only reason I recommend this series but take Akiyuki Shinbo into consideration, the series could be another Bakemonogatari.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Boku-tachi wa Mada Shiranai. / あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。 (? episodes)

http://www.anohana.jp/

Have read some news about this series before airing but when the first episode was actually aired, fans out there became to believe it could become another big hit of this season. This is an original story and has no support of either novels or Manga. It’s fun to guess what will happen while the story itself might be expected to end in a sorrow mood. It would be a touching series, be sure to prepare your tissue.

Recommended

The following series are recommended, and you would like to pick the ones that you like.

STEINS;GATE / シュタインズ ゲート (? episodes)

http://steinsgate.tv/index.html

I first want to put this series in the top list but I didn’t. Basically because even though the story is attractive, the quality the series is a little bit in doubt. Probably due to my affection on the female protagonist Kurisu Makise (牧瀬紅莉栖) which makes me a fan of the series. But think twice, it still worth watching and if you have already played the game, you would never want to miss it.

A Channel / Aチャンネル (13 episodes)

http://www.a-ch.jp/

A very interesting and cute series which reminds me of Ichigo Mashimaro (苺ましまろ), a violent version? The quality of the series is great and we do see the big effort the staff have made.

DOG DAYS (? episodes)

http://www.dogdays.tv/

Another interesting series which plenty of dog ears and pantsu. Even though the story is not very attractive, you won’t have any doubt in the quality of it. If fun to watch.

Nichijou / 日常 (13 episodes)

http://www.shinonome-lab.com/

Another fun series with a really unique retro style of characters design. Probably because it is an old Manga adaptation but the quality of the series is surprisingly fabulous and the producer even spent a lot of money in marketing it.

Toriko / トリコ (? episodes)

http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/toriko/

Some fans may not like the character design of the series but it is very fun. I was attracted by the series because the there was a first episode which aired with One Piece and later follow it as it goes.

Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi / 星空へ架かる橋 (12 episodes)

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

Another Galgame adapation of the season and a typical Harem Anime. Have few words to talk about the plot but like it or not, it’s a pleasure to the eyes to watch so many cute girls. If you like Harem series, you will not want to miss it.

Sengoku Otome ~Momoiro Paradox~ / 戦国乙女～桃色パラドックス～ (13 episodes)

http://sengokuotome.com/

Another one of my favorite of the season which we talked about a while ago. Even though the story is a little bit old style, the overall aspects are acceptable to me. And it’s quite fun to follow.

Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai / 俺たちに翼はない (? episodes)

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

I was not very interested in the series in the first place but after watching the first episode, it starts to grow a little bit interesting. Even though I am sad about the quality, the personalities of the characters are quite unique and make me laugh all the way. But it is a love comedy, so watch it with your heart.

Sofuteni / そふてにっ (12 episodes)

http://www.softenni.com/

Another series full of pantsu? and cute girls which reminds me of MM!. It’s fun to watch.

Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai 2nd Season / 神のみぞ知るセカイ 2 (12 episodes)

http://kaminomi.jp/index.html

The first episode of the second season of the series received warm welcome by fans in Japan which makes me mention it. I didn’t watch the whole first season but still keeps it in my HD. Even thought I felt a little bit difficult to follow due to the sad quality of the first season, we did see a lot improvements in the second season. If you are a fan of the series, you will not want to miss it.

Moshidora / もしドラ (10 episodes)

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/moshidora/

Guess this is the only TV series hasn’t aired yet of the season. The schedule was delayed to April 25 from April 14 with one episode every day, ten episodes in a roll. Even though we still have no ideas about the quality of the series, we do have faith in the story, as well as the quality which we can judged somehow from the available sources. The series will be aired next week and you may want to follow it if you are interested in Management and Baseball.

Kämpfer für die Liebe / けんぷファー für die Liebe (? episodes)

http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/kenpu/

The reason I recommend this series is because I followed the first season due to all those lovely girls and all my favorite voicers. And I was surprised to see a second season came.

Yondemasuyo, Azazel-san / よんでますよ、アザゼルさん。 (? episodes)

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

A slightly short season with around 10 minutes every episode but it’s quite interesting and not recommend you watch it while having meals.

Conclusion

There are still some interesting series out there, including Showa Monogatari (昭和物語) which bring you back to the old time of Japan, Hen Zemi (変ゼミ) if you are a big fan of CVs (Akira Ishida (石田彰) and Kana Hanazawa (花澤 香菜)), Seikon no Qwaser II (聖痕のクェイサー II) and Maria Holic Alive (まりあ†ほりっく あらいぶ) if you have watched the first season. There are also some brand new series like Deadman Wonderland (デッドマン・ワンダーランド) and C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control. And of course, I should never fail to mention the 2nd season of Gintama (銀魂) if you want to follow another 200 episodes

Share with us which series you followed and which would you like to recommend!

Related posts:

1. April 2011 New Anime Guide
2. Recommended Anime of January 2011
3. Recommended Anime of April 2009

This post Recommended Anime of April 2011 was written originally at TheAkiba.

The story is about Ohana Matsumae who was sent to live with her grandmother who was the owner of a hot spring inn. Ohana thought it could be a dramatic change in her life as she was always wanting to have a different lifestyle even though she was still struggling in her mind for the dream that she did not have.

As for the reason why she was sent to live with her grandma, it was because her mother’s boyfriend. He seemed to have some trouble with his financial situation which kindly reminds me of Hayate no Gotoku!. But even though Ohana’s mother is irresponsible, she did care about Ohana and asked her to go to her grandma.

Time to say goodbye to her friend. Koichi, a good friend of her eventually told Ohana his feeling. Even though Ohana did not answer, but we can clearly see that she has a similar feeling for him.

I have to say that P.A. Works (producer) did a great job for the series. The background is beautiful and the character design is so cute and Kanae Itou made a great support as a voicer for the character while Ohana was heading her way to the new life.

When Ohana arrived at the inn, she met Minko, the girl who told Ohana to “Go to Hell” at the very moment they met.

I do think Ohana understand that she has to work in order to live. Without any warm greeting form her grandma, Ohana started to work right from the first day after arrival. Nothing is unreasonable here but when I look at Ohana’s face, I think I would love to have a daughter like her

The bedroom, or to be specific, the dorm. It reminds me of the dorm in my high school, which turned out to be very much similar.

Minko was slapped by the owner of the inn due to the trouble cause by Ohana. Minko did not say a word of complain but Ohana stand out to defend Minko.

As Ohana knew that this is her fault, she asked her grandma to slap her. This is probably the most touching scene of the episode but Minko did not seem to be moved and still ask Ohana to “Go to Hell”, at least in the surface.

It was difficult to imagine what the life would be for Ohana, and she was not very much ready for this reality. But as she stopped crying and rush off to her work, I do have a faith the she started to understand. It was the second day after arrival.

I don’t usually like to write episode review for series but I do think I need to make a exception for this great series. Ohana is the kind of girl that I really like, strong willed, stand out to speak her mind and brave to face the reality. With Kanae Itou as the voicer, whose voice I fell in love with since Shining Hearts, the character do stand out.

To sum up in another word, it is a must watch series in your watch list of this season and you may want to treat it as Angel Beats! (same producer) or alike. The OP, ED and the insert songs are beautiful. The OP, ハナノイロ, by nano.RIPE, is about to release on April 20th. You can pre-order here. And the ED Hazy by スフィア will be released on May 11, pre-order here.

For more information about what’s going to air this month, check out our New Anime Guide.

Related posts:

1. April New Series Preview: Hana-Saku Iroha
2. Recommendation: Asu no Yoichi!
3. Recommendation: Vampire Knight

This post Anime Recommendation: Hana-Saku Iroha was written originally at TheAkiba.

IS <Infinite Stratos> / IS <インフィニット・ストラトス> (12 episodes)

Yumekui Merry / 夢喰いメリー (12 episodes)

GOSICK / ゴシック (12 episodes)

Freezing / フリージング (12 episodes)

http://freezing.tv/

Kind of remind me of Queen’s Blade which I still haven’t finished watched a single episode. The video quality of the series is not good at this moment and guess it could be much better after the release of DVD or BR. 4:3 is just a pain for me to continue. Not very much interested in the series but if you like series of the similar kind as Queen’s Blade, you may want to add it to your watch list.

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Oniichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!! / お兄ちゃんのことなんかぜんぜん好きじゃないんだからねっ!! (12 episodes)

Beelzebub / べるぜバブ (12 episodes)

http://www.ytv.co.jp/beelze/

Have read few chapters of the Manga before and it was really good a story. Guess it could last for a long time and hope it will go beyond one season.

Dragon Crisis! / ドラゴンクライシス！ (12 episodes)

http://dragoncrisis.jp/

Very impressed by the first episode, not just because of the beautiful lady and the lucky male protagonist, the story itself seems to be a serious one. Haven’t read the novel and If I got it wrong, correct me.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? / これはゾンビですか？ (12 episodes)

http://newtype.kadocomic.jp/zombie/

Definitely my favorite series of the season. The overall quality is just supreme. Cute girls and an undead boy… Didn’t know too much about the series before and will not make any assumption or look for plots on the web since doing these will more or less ruin my expectations.

Related posts:

1. January 2011 New Anime Guide
2. Recommended Anime of January 2010
3. Recommended Anime of October 2009

This post Recommended Anime of January 2011 was written originally at TheAkiba.

Sora no Otoshimono: Forte (2nd Season) / そらのおとしもの f (フォルテ) (12 episodes)

http://newtype.kadocomic.jp/soraoto/

Second season of the series and I don’t think there are many reasons to stop me from following them all. It’s awesome but it seems not very suitable for all ages You are warned. It’s a nice story and it runs out of the circle of normal Harem Anime, it’s fun, exciting and seductive. The Manga seems run slowly in the process and we should not be able to watch the third season in a year of two.

MM! / えむえむっ！ (12 episodes)

http://www.butaro.net/

At first I thought this is not something I should follow. OK, I admit that I really like the cute girls in the official website and that’s why start my way. Right at the starting point of the first episode, I fell in love with it. The character is cute and again, it’s Jun Fukuyama (福山 潤), guess I just love his voice. There’s no need to talk about the plot of the series and you might just love it since the first beginning. Definitely one of the best of the season and you will never want to miss it.

Bakuman. / バクマン。 (25 episodes)

http://www9.nhk.or.jp/anime/bakuman/

Once I read the preview I started to like the series but when I watched the first episode, I got a little bit disappointed. Partly because of the success of the unusual propose, partly because of our male protagonist doesn’t seem to work hard for it. But I will stick to it, partly because it ranks the third in the Poll and partly because I still have faith in the plot that it could be extremely attractive soon.

Hakuouki Hekketsu-roku (2nd Season) / 薄桜鬼 碧血録 (12 episodes)

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

The reason I follow this series is basically that I watched the first season and it’s quite good in all. Though the plot is a little bit old but the overall quality, the music and CVs are quite well. Will recommend to those who watched the first season.

Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai / 俺の妹がこんなに可愛いわけがない (12 episodes)

http://www.oreimo-anime.com/

One of my favorite of the series besides MM!. Quite ironic that I didn’t take it a lot after I read the Manga a few months ago. It’s just terrible (Sorry, the illustrator of the Manga)! But if I started by reading the novel instead of the Manga, probably I would fall love with it. Never mind, and actually I have already fell in love with the series since the first episode. It’s awesome! Recommended to all fans, especially to those who has Imoutos Maybe you will find them more cute/not cute.

Yosuga no Sora / ヨスガノソラ (13 episodes)

http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/yosuganosora/

I assume you have either read the official website or see some posters about this series. It was aired on AT-X, and AT-X, you know what I mean. Thus, this series is not recommended for people under 18 and I have already surprised since the first episode, and of course, the latest episode, there are just too many scenes about Ecchi, guess they may just made another Ecchi Anime instead. The plot is as old as my broken bicycle and the only thing I like is the illustrators behind it.

Otome Youkai Zakuro / おとめ妖怪 ざくろ (13 episodes)

http://www.otome-zakuro.jp/

This is quite good a series and it’s a shame that it attracts few attentions. The CV list is one of the most gorgeous ones of the season and the story is somehow interesting. Cannot stop laughing during the first episode and Takahiro Sakurai (櫻井 孝宏) is quite good at his role

Shinryaku! Ika Musume / 侵略！イカ娘 (13 episodes)

http://ika-musume.com/

Another fun series, talking about an IKA transformed to a little girl and how she conquer the world. Wrong, you got it totally wrong. We have three pieces of small stories each episode and laugh all the way to the end. You may want to have a try if you want to relax a bit from your heavy work. Try it out, you will get totally refreshed.

Motto To Love-Ru -Trouble- (2nd Season) / もっとTo LOVEる -とらぶる- (12 episodes)

http://www.j-toloveru.com/

The Manga of the series has started over again and it turns to be evil than ever before. I will get to know what I mean when you read it. But it’s a good news that the series came back to life again, especially such a great series like this one. Beside the Harem part, the love story or the main line of the story is quite unclear/clear. It’s good to finally have a chance to see how Rito make his decision.

Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai / 神のみぞ知るセカイ (12 episodes)

http://kaminomi.jp/

Actually the series is a little bit below my expectation. The character design is a little bit confused and I mistook the male protagonist as female. And what’s more, I have never see school uniform of this kind before, it’s just, unique. But anyway, the story seems to have a one-episode-per-story pattern and of course one-kiss-per-episode. Though it’s a little bit born but may follow it for while to check it out.

To Aru Majutsu no Index (2nd Season) / とある魔術の禁書目録 (13 episodes)

http://www.project-index.net/

Second season of the series and ranks on the top of our watch list. It’s definitely a good series and the novel receive warm welcomes. One you cannot miss.

Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku / FORTUNE ARTERIAL 赤い約束 (12 episodes)

http://newtype.kadocomic.jp/fortune/

Quite a nice Harem Anime above my expectation. The overall quality is fine but the Harem part is a little bit too obvious and makes me a little uncomfortable

Related posts:

1. October 2010 New Anime Guide
2. Recommended Anime of October 2009
3. Recommended Anime of April 2010

This post Recommended Anime of October 2010 was written originally at TheAkiba.

Amagami SS / アマガミSS (26 episodes)

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

The first impression of the series. Great. Second thought. Good enough. The character design and overall quality is above my expectation. The unique way of the series is that it was divided into several separate stories with different female protagonists (sadly we have only one male one). Personally not very much in love with the first story featuring Haruka. Guess it’s just way beyond my understanding of girls. If you don’t think so, throw it at me. Why I suddenly want to compared it to Kimi Kiss? Guess Haruka and Mao just share a similar hair style.

Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi / オオカミさんと七人の仲間たち (13 episodes)

http://www.otogi-bank.com/

Guess I was a little bit overestimate about the series. It doesn’t have that much impact on me than Tora Dora! while some people would consider them as a similar kind due to similar color scheme. (guess their female protagonists just love fighting). Ryouko has a most typical personality of being aggressive Tsundere while Ryoushi looks like a Hetare. The series has every popular elements that were welcomed by fans for different needs yet it still cannot be a series that moves me. Slightly pity.

Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu / 伝説の勇者の伝説 (13 episodes)

http://www.denyuden.jp/

Another great series of the season. Main reason for it, the female protagonist Ferris is quite different from those overwhelming Tsundere characters (no offense, I personally quite like Tsundere). So what’s her personality? Tsundere, of a different kind Ferris really adds up to the excellence of the series and the story is really attractive. Very good balance and is highly recommended.

Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~ / セキレイ～Pure Engagement～ (12 episodes)

http://www.sekirei-tv.com/

Oppai, and lots of Oppai. The typical Harem story with a Hetare male protagonist who is considered to be the best man in the world by his girls. Sorry, guess I am just jealous. It’s the second season of the series and if you have already watched the first season, you will not want to miss it. The best part of it, is the voice staff. You can probably tell each one of them since they are way famous. It’s a pleasure to both eyes and ears. Any comments to the story itself? Well…emm…I really like Miya Asama.

Seitokai Yakuindomo / 生徒会役員共 (13 episodes)

http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/seitokai/

I really like the series and probably the best of the season not because I am Ecchi, at least. The series filled with tons of small chapters and you can probably laugh (or not) from the right beginning. And the main reason that you will laugh (or not) is because you understand (or not) what they are talking about The series is too healthy and highly recommend it to fans…who’re above 18.

Gakuen Mokushiroku – Highschool of the Dead / 学園黙示録 HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD (13 episodes)

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

Probably the best of the season. Have read the Manga of the series a while ago and somehow have a different feeling while watching the Anime. It’s quite unique a topic and if you are a fans of Resident Evil you will never want to miss it. No doubt to be on the top of our new Anime list of the season.

Nurarihyon no Mago / ぬらりひょんの孫 (13 episodes)

http://www.nuramago.jp/

Another series that I follow this season. The story is ok to me and the overall quality is quite well. The love triangle among the protagonists is quite fun and, surprisingly, no Tsundere characters. The plot is about Ayakashi and is somehow quite interesting and you will not want to stop watching it.

Asobi ni Iku yo! / あそびにいくヨ！ (13 episodes)

http://www.asoiku.com/

Another Oppai series? And produced by foreign country? You probably got it wrong, at least half of it. It’s about Oppai, sorry, aliens came from outer space and became a visitor to earth. It’s a fun series and it’s lots of fun and fan services.

Related posts:

1. July 2010 New Anime Guide
2. Recommended Anime of January 2010
3. Recommended Anime of April 2010

This post Recommended Anime of July 2010 was written originally at TheAkiba.