So it's getting to be that time again, y'all. Time for a new anime season, that is! A new batch of shows will be airing in early April, and most of these airdates have been released already.
Now, though I always check out the new season line-ups, it's been a long time since the good old days of yore - by which I mean, downloading three or four new episodes a week. I'm usually lucky to find one series in a batch that I like enough to follow, and this season, it was the extremely underrated Spice and Wolf. The standard these days seems to be harem crap, harem crap, and more harem crap.
This season seems to have a little something for everyone. Here's what I think about some of the upcoming shows.
Kyou Kara Maou: Season 3: Funny story, actually. My friend was just getting into anime last month, and asked for recs from my roommate and me. I recommended a favorite of mine, Monster. My roommate recommended Kyou Kara Maou.
My friend loves both of them, and now alternates between episodes. XD
In any case, where the show is concerned, I've yet to find another series that can deliver what-the-hell caliber crack and political intrigue within the same episode. Sometimes within ten minutes of each other. Also, Gwendal is awesome.
Allison to Lillia: ... I know nothing about this series besides the fact that it's a WWII-era series written by the Kino no Tabi person. And that's pretty much all I need.
Nabari no Ou: Don't let this one fool you - it's not your typical shounen series. I've read a few volumes of the manga, and really enjoyed it. The thing that really sets it apart are its characters, especially the protagonist, Miharu. Far from your usual shounen lead, Miharu is indifferent, droll, and kind of a jerk whose alliances aren't ever really set in stone. And yet, I like him. It's always fascinating to see where he'll go next.
A close second-favorite of mine is Kumohira-sensei, Miharu's would-be mentor with a desperate fear of public transportation. Early on, there is a rather beautiful scene on a train. XD
Soul Eater: Once again? I don't know much about this one. But shounen? BONES? Miyano Mamoru? I think this is worth a shot.
Crystal Blaze: Noir detective series? Um, yes please! Interestingly, there are no preview pictures of the animation on the site... just a photo of a gun, bullet casings, and a glass of whiskey. Potentially awesome.
Toshokan Sensou: ... it's a light novel-based series about a Fahrenheit 451-esque future and REBEL LIBRARIES. How am I supposed to not watch it? REBEL LIBRARIES, PEOPLE.
xxxHOLic Kei: CLAMP is such a love-hate relationship for me, but I adore xxxHOLiC for its tone, its storytelling, and its amazing character development. That said, the first season of the anime kind of cocked up the beautiful art, and slipped in random fillers here and there. Since the story is getting to the point where it gets really interesting, I hope those same mistakes aren't repeated.
Junjou Romantica: So, I don't know if you guys know this, but BL anime doesn't typically get 24 episodes. Lighter stuff might get 12 or 13, and the more explicit stuff gets an OVA or nothing. The fact that there's going to be a 24-episode BL anime only speaks to the growing influence of fujoshi in the anime market.
That said? I can't wait for the primarily fanboy-dominated anime blogging world to combust on itself. I may need popcorn for the occasion. Who doesn't love the frothing of fanboys?
Amatsuki: Watch it. Seriously, guys. As long as this anime follows the manga, it'll be fantastic. It's one of the most twisty, compelling shoujo action series I've read in a while, and I'm looking forward to this release like you wouldn't believe.
And those are the ones I have opinions on! If you have the urge to look at more of the shows, or airdates? You can find all of that here!
