Fire Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Welcome to the official Winter 2018 Anime/Manga/Light Novel Discussion Thread! It's time to start the new year off with a brand new anime season. This year's Winter season is perhaps one of the strongest Winter seasons I have ever seen! There's such a wide variety of shows that there's sure to be something catered to your tastes. Let's get right to it!New to seasonal anime? New anime airs each season of the year at roughly these time intervals: Winter (January-March) Spring (April-June) Summer (July-September) Fall (October-December) Each new season is typically covered by a multitude of sites that compile the upcoming shows into charts with summaries and information about each show. These charts are an easy way of catching a glimpse at what is probably going to air in the upcoming season. Occasionally, shows on these charts may be delayed to later seasons; for the most part, the seasonal charts are fairly accurate, so if you’re ever confused on what is airing, when it’s airing, or what it is, please check the charts below for any questions you may have! Notable Seasonal Chart Sources:http://anichart.nethttp://neregate.com/blog/anime-charts/http://livechart.me Additionally, there are PV (Promotional Video) trailers that air before the start of each season, which actually show footage of the show. There may also be CM (Commercial) footage, but these tend to have only a few seconds of content by comparison. If I am able to find these, I will include them below. Last, but certainly not least, the studio and staff that works on a show can be a very influential factor. Previous works done by the studio will be included as to give you an idea on what they’ve worked on, as will the staff involved.Fall 2017 Anime Information and Preview:Template Explanation: Spoiler Show information is covered by the following template: Genres: The various genres of the show. Studio: The studio or studios animating the show. Unknown means the studio has yet to be confirmed. Staff: The major staff involved in the show. If one of these is not listed, it means it has either not been announced or information about a specific position cannot be found. Unknown means there is no staff information at this time. PV: Any teasers or trailers that have been released of the show that I can find. CMs (Commercials) may also be listed here. Synopsis: A brief summary of the show. Source: The source format that the anime is adapted from. Original means that it is new and not derived from any source, while other mediums listed signal that the anime is an adaptation (manga, video games, light novels, visual novels, and others are often sources that anime is adapted from). TV Originals: Spoiler A Place Further Than the Universe / Sora yori mo Tooi BashoGenres: AdventureStudio: MadhouseStaff: Director: Atsuko Ishizuka Series Composition: Jukki Hanada Character Design: Takahiro Yoshimatsu Script: Jukki Hanada Music: Yoshiaki Fujisawa Voice Actors: Sayaka Ohara, Mamiko Noto, Yuka Iguchi, Kana Hanazawa, Saori Hayami, Yōko Hikasa, Hisako Kanemoto, Inori Minase, Lynn, Kaede HondoPV: PV1 PV2 CM1Synopsis: Mari Tamaki is in her second year of high school and wants to start something. It's then that she meets Shirase, a girl with few friends who's considered weirdo by the rest of the class and nicknamed "Antarctic" since it's all she ever talks about. Unlike her peers, Mari is moved by Shirase's dedication and decides that even though it's unlikely that high school girls will ever go to Antarctica, she's going to try to go with Shirase.Source: Original BeatlessGenres: Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-FiStudio: diomedeaStaff: Director: Seiji Mizushima Series Composition: Go Zappa, Tatsuya Takahashi Character Design: Hiroko Yaguchi Voice Actors: Hiromi Igarashi, Takuto Yoshinaga, Nao Tōyama, Misako Tomioka, Kaito Ishikawa, Daiki Yamashita, Sora Amamiya, Yūki Wakai, Shino Shimoji, Saki Ono, Uki Satake, Emiri SuyamaPV: PV1 CM1Synopsis: 2105 A.D. Japan. The humanoid android hiE became part of people's lives and was handling the things human could and couldn't do. Endou Arato, unlike his friends Kenko and Ryou who hate hiE, felt sympathy for hiE which are supposed to be just objects. One night, Arato suddenly gets assaulted by mysterious falling cherry blossoms that make hiE and machines run havoc. Will the cornered Arato be saved by the mysterious hiE Lacia...?Source: Light Novel CitrusGenres: Drama, RomanceStudio: PassioneStaff: Director: Takeo Takahashi Series Composition: Naoki Hayashi Character Design: Izuro Ijuuin Music: Ryo Takahashi Voice Actors: Kana Ueda, Tomoaki Maeno, Rei Matsuzaki, Ayana Taketatsu, Shiori Izawa, Ikumi Hayama, Hisako Kanemoto, Yukiyo Fujii, Minami Tsuda, Yurika KuboPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Yuzuko Aihara, a high school girl whose main interests are fashion, friends, and having fun, is about to get a reality check. Due to her mom's remarriage, Yuzu has transferred to a new all-girls school that is extremely strict. Her real education is about to begin. From day one, happy-go-lucky Yuzu makes enemies, namely the beautiful yet stern Student Council President Mei. So what happens when a dejected Yuzu returns home and discovers the shock of her life: that Mei is actually her new stepsister who has come to live with her? Even more surprising, when Mei catches Yuzu off guard and kisses her out of the blue, what does it all mean?Source: Manga Dame×Prince Anime CaravanGenres: Romance, FantasyStudio: Studio Flad, AX CreativeStaff: Director: Makoto Hoshino Series Composition: Naruo Kobayashi Character Design: Ruriko Watanabe Voice Actors: Ayaka Saito, Eiji Takemoto, Ryohei Kimura, Tomoaki Maeno, Sayuri Yahagi, Sōma Saitō, Kaito Ishikawa, Yuichiro Umehara, Shunsuke TakeuchiPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Ani is a princess from the minor nation of Inako. Ani is sent to the signing ceremony that will bring peace to the rival nations of Mildonia, a mighty military country, and Selenfaren, a powerful theocracy. Ani is supposed to help steer the signing ceremony along, but she runs into trouble when she encounters a handful of obstinate princes.Source: Mobile Game Darling in the FranxxGenres: Sci-Fi, MechaStudio: A-1 Pictures, TriggerStaff: Director: Atsushi Nishigori Series Composition: Atsushi Nishigori, Naotaka Hayashi Character Design: Masayoshi Tanaka Music: Asami Tachibana Voice Actors: Katsuyuki Konishi, Kenyuu Horiuchi, Shizuka Ishikawa, Marina Inoue, Haruka Tomatsu, Saori Hayami, Mutsumi Tamura, Yūto Uemura, Hiroshi Gotō, Nanami Yamashita, Yuichiro Umehara, Aoi Ichikawa, Kana IchinosePV: PV1 PV2 PV3 CM1 CM2 CM3 CM4Synopsis: The story is set in the distant future. The land is ruined, and humanity establishes the mobile fort city Plantation. Pilots produced inside Plantation live in Mistilteinn, also know as the "birdcage." Children live there knowing nothing of the outside world or the freedom of the sky. Their lives consist of battling to carry out missions. Their enemies are mysterious giant lifeforms known as Kyōryū, and the children pilot robots called Franxx face off against them. For the children, riding the Franxx proves their existence. A boy named Hiro is called Code:016, and he was once known as a prodigy. However, he has fallen behind, and his existence seems unnecessary. Not piloting a Franxx is the same as ceasing to exist. One day, a mysterious girl known as "Zero Two" appears before him. Two horns grow out of her head.Source: Original Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody / Death March Kara Hajimaru Isekai KyousoukyokuGenres: Fantasy, RomanceStudio: Silver Link, ConnectStaff: Director: Shin Oonuma Series Composition: Kento Shimoyama Character Design: Shoko Takimoto Music: monaca Voice Actors: Aoi Yūki, Minami Tsuda, Kiyono Yasuno, Kaya Okuno, Rie Takahashi, Airi Eino, Marika Hayase, Shun Horie, Hiyori KonoPV: PV1Synopsis: A 29-year-old programmer who is on a "death march" wakes up in another world after a nap. From a meteor shower he happens to gain vast riches, and he decides to go sightseeing. So begins his "heartwarming, occasionally serious, and harem" adventure in another world.Source: Light Novel Fate/Extra Last EncoreGenres: Action, FantasyStudio: ShaftStaff: Director: Akiyuki Simbo Series Composition: Kinoko Nasu Character Design: Hiroki Yamamura Music: Satoru Kousaki Voice Actors: Urara Takano, Sakura Tange, Kunihiko Yasui, Kana Ueda, Kousuke Toriumi, Hiroshi Kamiya, Noriko Shitaya, Takahiro Mizushima, Ai Nonaka, Atsushi AbePV: PV1 PV2 PV3 CM1 CM2 CM3 CM4 CM5 CM6Synopsis: Waking up in a strange virtual world with no recollection of the past, Hakuno finds himself forced to fight for survival in a war he does not understand for a prize beyond value; the opportunity to have one's wish granted. With only an enigmatic "Servant" by his side, Hakuno Kishinami will have to face both friends and foes in battles to the death in order to not only gain possession of a mysterious object known as the "Holy Grail," but also to find the answer to the most important question of all: "Who am I?"Source: Video Game Hakata Tonkotsu RamensGenres: ActionStudio: SatelightStaff: Director: Kenji Yasuda Series Composition: Shogo Yasukawa Character Design: Hidenori Inoue Music: Kotaro Nakagawa Voice Actors: Kenji Hamada, Daisuke Namikawa, Daisuke Hirakawa, Masaya Matsukaze, Kousei Hirota, Daisuke Ono, Yūichi Nakamura, Kensho Ono, Tomoaki Maeno, Yuuki Kaji, Aoi Yūki, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yūsuke KobayashiPV: PV1 PV2 CM1 CM2 CM3 CM4Synopsis: At first glance, the city of Fukuoka seems like a peaceful one, but under the surface, crime is running rampant. The city's Hakata ward is home to the professionals of the underworld: professional killers, detectives, informants, professional revenge seekers, those skilled in torture, and more. And according to urban legend, a "killer of professional killers" has shown up in the city.Source: Light Novel Hakumei and Mikochi / Hakumei to MikochiGenres: Fantasy, Slice of LifeStudio: LercheStaff: Director: Masaomi Andō Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida Character Design: Tomoko Iwasa Music: Evan Call Voice Actors: Masaya Matsukaze, Aoi Yūki, Chika Anzai, Shino Shimoji, Risae MatsudaPV: PV1 PV2 CM1Synopsis: Nine centimeters (3.5 inches) tall, the tiny girls Hakumei and Mikochi live in the forest. Living in a tiny house in a tree, riding insects and birds, and making umbrellas out of leaves, these tiny girls live a tiny life. Follow their tiny but lovely lives as they live their day to day in a fantastic world of tiny people and gods.Source: Manga Hakyuu Houshin EngiGenres: Adventure, Fantasy, SupernaturalStudio: C-StationStaff: Director: Masahiro Aizawa Series Composition: Natsuko Takahashi Character Design: Yoshimitsu Yamashita Script: Rintarou Ikeda, Yoshiki Ōkusa Music: Maiko Iuchi Voice Actors: Daisuke Namikawa, Kousuke Toriumi, Takahiro Sakurai, Yūichi Nakamura, Kenn, Kensho Ono, Tomoaki Maeno, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Yōko Hikasa, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Makoto FurukawaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Thousands of years ago, it was a time of witchcraft and dark magic. An evil sorceress has bewitched the emperor of the mighty dynasty and he has become a mindless puppet. The country is in shambles and evil spirits lurk everywhere. The human world is on the verge of utter destruction. A bold mission is planned by the Confederation of the Immortal Masters. They send a young master wizard to hung down the villains and evil warlocks in the devastated lands.Source: Manga How to keep a mummy / Miira no KaikataGenres: Comedy, Slice of Life, SupernaturalStudio: 8-bitStaff: Director: Kaori Series Composition: Deko Akao Character Design: Takahiro Kishida Music: Kenichiro Suehiro, MAYUKO Voice Actors: Mutsumi Tamura, Keisuke Koumoto, Ai Kayano, Seiichirō Yamashita, Himika AkaneyaPV: PV1Synopsis: When high school student Sora Kashiwagi finds himself staring down a mysterious oversized package sent to him by his self-proclaimed "adventurer" father, the last thing he expects is for it to be opened from the inside... by a little mummy so small it can fit in the palm of his hand!Source: Manga Hugtto! PrecureGenres: Mahou ShoujoStudio: Toei AnimationStaff: Director: Akifumi Zako, Junichi Sato Series Composition: Fumi Tsubota Character Design: Toshie Kawamura Music: Yuuki Hayashi Voice Actors: Junko Noda, Konomi Tada, Yui Ogura, Rina Hon'izumi, Rie HikisakaPV: NoneSynopsis: The 15th Precure series.Source: Original IDOLiSH 7Genres: MusicStudio: TROYCAStaff: Director: Makoto Bessho Series Composition: Ayumi Sekine Character Design: Kazumi Fukagawa Voice Actors: Wataru Hatano, Atsushi Abe, Kenn, Kensho Ono, Tsubasa Yonaga, Satomi Satou, Takuya Satō, Takuya Eguchi, Toshiki Masuda, Sōma Saitō, Yusuke ShiraiPV: PV1Synopsis: A group of aspiring idols gather at Takanashi Productions and are entrusted with the company's future. The seven men who have just met represent a variety of totally different personalities. However, they each have their own charm and possess unknown potential as idols. Forming a group, they take their first step together as "IDOLiSH7." Their brilliantly shining dancing forms onstage eventually begin captivating the hearts of the people.Source: Manga Junji Ito Collection / Ito Junji: CollectionGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, SupernaturalStudio: Studio DEENStaff: Director: Shinobu Tagashira Series Composition: Kaoru Sawada Character Design: Shinobu Tagashira Music: Yuuki Hayashi Voice Actors: Kaori Nazuka, Hikaru Midorikawa, Mami Koyama, Yuji Mitsuya, Hiro Shimono, Rie SuegaraPV: PV1Synopsis: Stories from both the 11-volume Ito Junji Kessaku-shuu series and the Fragments of Horror book.Source: Manga Katana Maidens: Toji no Miko / Toji no MikoGenres: Action, SupernaturalStudio: Studio GokumiStaff: Director: Koudai Kakimoto Series Composition: Tatsuya Takahashi Character Design: Yuuko Yahiro Music: Yukari Hashimoto Voice Actors: Mai Fuchigami, Inori Minase, Asami Seto, Yumi Uchiyama, Saori Ōnishi, Eri Suzuki, M.A.O, Azumi Waki, Risae Matsuda, Kaede Hondo, Hina KinoPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 CM1 CM2Synopsis: Since ancient times, shrine maidens who wield swords have been exorcising "aratama," strange existences that threaten the human world. These young women who wear school uniforms and a sword are called "Toji," and they serve as an official unit within the police force as a "special religious service police squad." The government authorizes the Toji to wear swords and serve as government officials, and the government has set up five schools throughout the country for the girls to attend. The girls live ordinary school lives, while occasionally performing their duties, wielding their swords and using various powers to fight and protect the people.Source: Original Killing BitesGenres: Action, Ecchi, Horror, Sci-FiStudio: LIDEN FILMSStaff: Director: Yasuto Nishikata Series Composition: Aoi Akashiro Character Design: Kazuo Watanabe Music: Yasuharu Takanashi Voice Actors: Hiroyuki Yoshino, Katsuyuki Konishi, Toru Ohkawa, Rikiya Koyama, Yūichi Nakamura, Wataru Hatano, Taketora, Junichi Suwabe, Yoshino Nanjō, Yuuki Ono, Maaya Uchida, Sumire Uesaka, Sora Amamiya, Yūsuke Kobayashi, Ryōkan Koyanagi, Sayaka HaradaPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 PV4Synopsis: People have been created that are human-animal hybrids, and powerful businesses bet on the outcome of their duels. College student Nomoto Yuuya's casual acquaintances ask him to drive them around to pick up girls one day, which he soon finds out means by force. The girl they kidnap is an animal-human hybrid named Hitomi, who slaughters all of them except Yuuya. Hitomi is a honey badger, which has been called the most fearless of all animals. Now Hitomi is assigned to stay with Yuuya, for his protection!Source: Manga KokkokuGenres: Action, Mystery, Psychological, Drama, Supernatural, ThrillerStudio: Geno StudioStaff: Director: Yoshimitsu Ohashi Series Composition: Noboru Kimura Character Design: Masaki Hinata Music: Michiru Voice Actors: Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kouji Tsujitani, Hirofumi Nojima, Kazuhiro Yamaji, Hozumi Gōda, Yuya Uchida, Chika Anzai, Asami Seto, Ryūto IwataPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Juri Yukawa lives with her NEET father and brother, her retired grandfather, her sister and her young nephew. One day, her nephew and brother are kidnapped for ransom. Having only 30 minutes to meet the demands of the kidnappers, Juri, who realizes there is not enough time to prepare the money, decides to head for their rescue by herself with knife in hand when her grandfather uses a mysterious stone passed on in the Yukawa family to stop time. In a world where everyone and everything are inert, Juri and her father and grandfather run to rescue the two. But at the kidnappers' hideout, they soon realize they are not the only ones who can move about in this still world...Source: Manga Laid-Back Camp / Yuru Camp△Genres: Slice of LifeStudio: C-StationStaff: Director: Yoshiaki Kyougoku Series Composition: Jin Tanaka Character Design: Mutsumi Sasaki Music: Akiyuki Tateyama Voice Actors: Marina Inoue, Aki Toyosaki, Sayuri Hara, Nao Tōyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Rie TakahashiPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Rin likes to go camping by herself along the lakes that provide a scenic view of Mt. Fuji. Nadeshiko loves to take cycling trips by herself to places where she can see Mt. Fuji. After they meet, Rin and Nadeshiko take camping trips, eat cup ramen together, and enjoy the scenery.Source: Manga Love is Like After the Rain / Koi wa Ameagari no You niGenres: RomanceStudio: Wit StudioStaff: Director: Ayumu Watanabe Series Composition: Deko Akao Character Design: Yuka Shibata Music: Ryo Yoshimata Voice Actors: Hiroaki Hirata, Haruka Fukuhara, Emi Miyajima, Sayumi WatabePV: PV1 PV2 PV3Synopsis: Akira Tachibana is a soft-spoken high school student who used to be a part of the track and field club but, due to an injury, she is no longer able to run as fast as she once could. Working part-time at a family restaurant as a recourse, she finds herself inexplicably falling love with her manager, a divorced 45-year-old man with a young son.Source: Manga Märchen MädchenGenres: FantasyStudio: Hoods EntertainmentStaff: Chief Director: Hisashi Saito Director: Shigeru Ueda Series Composition: Tomohiro Matsu Character Design: Yuki Morikawa Script: Ryunosuke Kingetsu, Yūichi Monda, Tomohiro Matsu, Asaura Music: rionos Voice Actors: Akemi Okamura, Rina Hidaka, Ai Kakuma, Lynn, Reina Ueda, Rie Suegara, Airi Ootsu, Kaede Hondo, Tomori KusunokiPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Hazuki Kagimura is a normal girl who is usually alone. With her relationship with her new family not going so well, she retreats every day to the world of stories and books. One day, after school, one of the library's bookshelves sends her to another world with a magic school, where she meets Shizuka Tsuchimikado. She finds out that girls (called "mädchen") who attend the school are selected by old fairy tales and folk stories to wield their magic and are taught how to wield it in the school. The school has girls who are chosen by such stories as Kaguya-hime no Monogatari, Issun-boushi, Der Freischütz, Shuten-douji, The Little Matchstick Girl, The Gigantic Turnip, Arthurian legends, and The Ramayana. Hazuki herself is chosen by the Cinderella story.Source: Light Novel Mitsuboshi ColorsGenres: Comedy, Slice of LifeStudio: Silver LinkStaff: Director: Tomoyuki Kawamura Series Composition: Shogo Yasukawa Character Design: Takumi Yokota Script: Shogo Yasukawa Music: Michiru Voice Actors: Natsumi Hioka, Marika Kōno, Yūki TakadaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Hark! The city is in peril! Who you gonna call? Colors! Sacchan, Yui and Kotoha are here to protect the city, solving mysteries and battling enemies with help from their friends. But their quest isn't an easy one as their arch-nemesis Saitou, the violent police officer of Ueno, meets them at every turn.Source: Manga Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen / Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-sanGenres: Slice of Life, ComedyStudio: Studio GokumiStaff: Director: Kenji Seto Series Composition: Tatsuya Takahashi Character Design: Takuya Tani Music: Shin'ichi Hosono, Takashi Tanaka Voice Actors: Ayana Taketatsu, Ayane Sakura, Yumi Hara, Akari KitōPV: PV1Synopsis: The gourmet comedy follows the daily life of Koizumi, a high school girl who looks like a cool beauty at first glance, but actually has an unexpected side of her that loves ramen.Source: Manga Pop Team EpicGenres: ComedyStudio: Kamikaze DougaStaff: Director: Aoi Umeki, Jun Aoki Series Composition: Jun Aoki Music: Gin Voice Actors: Mikako Komatsu, Sumire UesakaPV: PV1 CM1Synopsis: Two high school girls, the short and exceptionally quick to anger Popuko, and the tall and much more calm Pipimi, do insane things and swear like sailors in this absurdist comedy filled with references and meta humor.Source: Manga Record of Grancrest War / Grancrest SenkiGenres: Action, FantasyStudio: A-1 PicturesStaff: Director: Mamoru Hatakeyama Series Composition: Ryo Mizuno, Shunsaku Yano Character Design: Hiroshi Yakou Music: Yuugo Kanno Voice Actors: Takahiro Sakurai, Yuko Kaida, Satoshi Hino, Yūichi Nakamura, Wataru Hatano, Megumi Nakajima, Yūichi Iguchi, Chika Anzai, Satoshi Mikami, Natsumi Takamori, Ai Kayano, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Ayane Sakura, Yumi Uchiyama, Reina Ueda, Ari Ozawa, Akari Kitō, Kaede Hondo, Kentarō Kumagai, Minori SuzukiPV: PV1 PV2 PV3Synopsis: The series takes place on a continent ruled by chaos. The chaos breeds disaster, but the Lords of the continent have the power of "Crest" (Holy Seal) that can calm the chaos and protect the people. However, before anyone realizes it, the rulers cast aside their creed of purifying the chaos, and instead start to fight each other for each others' Crests and to gain dominion over one another. Siluca, an isolated mage who scorns the Lords for abandoning their creed, and a wandering knight named Theo, who is on a journey to train to one day liberate his hometown, which is under tyrannical rule, make an everlasting oath to each other as master and servant and work together to reform this continent dominated by wars and chaos.Source: Light Novel Sanrio Boys / Sanrio DanshiGenres: Slice of LifeStudio: PierrotStaff: Director: Masashi Kudo Series Composition: Takashi Aoshima Character Design: Atsuko Nakajima Music: Junpei Fujita Voice Actors: Chihiro Suzuki, Daisuke Kishio, Jun Oosuka, Takuya Eguchi, Sōma Saitō, Hiroyuki Kagura, Makoto Furukawa, Yūma UchidaPV: PV1 PV2 PV3Synopsis: Kouta Hasegawa is a high school boy that loves the yellow Pom Pom Purin dog. By mere coincidence, he ends up attending the same school as Yuu Mizuno, a boy who likes the bunny My Melody. Yuu tells Kouta that there's nothing to be ashamed of for liking Sanrio's cute characters. Together, Kouta, Yuu, Shunsuke Yoshino, Ryou Nishimiya, and Seiichiro Minamoto learn to accept their love of the characters instead of feeling embarrassed.Source: Original School Babysitters / Gakuen BabysittersGenres: Comedy, Slice of LifeStudio: Brain's BaseStaff: Director: Shūsei Morishita Series Composition: Yuuko Kakihara Character Design: Mina Ōsawa Voice Actors: Ayaka Saito, Tomoko Miyadera, Daisuke Ono, Yuko Sanpei, Satomi Akesaka, Tomoaki Maeno, Nozomi Furuki, Atsumi Tanezaki, Kōtarō Nishiyama, Yuichiro Umehara, Kaede Hondo, Toshiyuki Someya, Konomi Kohara, Motohiro ŌtaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Ryuuichi and Kotarou Kashima are brothers. Ryuuichi is in high school and Kotarou is still a toddler. After their parents are killed in a plane crash, the two brothers find themselves living with the chairwoman of the Morinomiya Academy, who herself lost her son and daughter-in-law in the same accident. The chairwoman, however, has one stipulation for the brothers in order to live with her: Ryuuichi has to work at the academy's daycare center as a babysitter.Source: Manga Shinkansen Henkei Robo ShinkalionGenres: Mecha, ActionStudio: OLMStaff: Director: Takahiro Ikezoe Series Composition: Kento Shimoyama Character Design: Yuka Aono Script: Kento Shimoyama Music: Toshiyuki Watanabe Voice Actors: Yūji Ueda, Hikaru Midorikawa, Tomokazu Sugita, Risa Shimizu, Ayana Taketatsu, Manami Numakura, Ayane Sakura, Rie Murakawa, Sora Amamiya, Wakana KingyoPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: Hayato Hayasugi, the train-loving son of a train museum curator, accidentally stumbles into his dad's secret research lab one day. Inside he finds the E5 bullet train. As soon as he enters, he hears an announcement that a mysterious enemy, the Bachigami ("bee god"), is attacking the city of New Saitama. Luckily, with the touch of his father's Shinca ("evolve") card, the bullet train he's in transforms into a mighty robot — the Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa. Hayato and other children will serve as conductors to pilot the Shinkalion. The children must work together with the adults of the "Shinkansen Ultra Evolution Institute" (SUEI) to defeat a monster that looks like a jet black bullet train.Source: Other Slow StartGenres: Slice of Life, ComedyStudio: A-1 PicturesStaff: Director: Hiroyuki Hashimoto Series Composition: Mio Inoue Character Design: Masato Yasuno Music: Yoshiaki Fujisawa Voice Actors: Manami Numakura, Maaya Uchida, Ayasa Itō, M.A.O, Maria Naganawa, Reina Kondo, Tomomi MineuchiPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 CM1 CM2Synopsis: The story centers around 16-year-old Hana Ichinose, who unbeknownst to her classmates, was a year late in enrolling into high school. Although it may not seem like a big deal, it is a big deal to her. She wants to catch up with everyone else someday.Source: Manga Teasing Master Takagi-san / Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-sanGenres: Comedy, Romance, Slice of LifeStudio: Shin-Ei AnimationStaff: Director: Hiroaki Akagi Series Composition: Michiko Yokote Character Design: Aya Takano Voice Actors: Yuuki Kaji, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Yui Ogura, Kotori Koiwai, M.A.O, Yūma Uchida, Rie Takahashi, Fukushi Ochiai, Hinata Tadokoro, Konomi KoharaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: "If you blush, you lose." Living by this principle, the middle schooler Nishikata gets constantly made fun of by his seat neighbor Takagi. With his pride shattered to pieces, he vows to turn the tables and get back at her some day. And so, he attempts to tease her day after day, only to find himself victim to Takagi's ridicule again sooner than later. Will he be able to make Takagi blush from embarrassment even once in the end?Source: Manga The Ryuo's Work is Never Done! / Ryuuou no Oshigoto!Genres: Comedy, Slice of LifeStudio: Project No.9Staff: Director: Shinsuke Yanagi Series Composition: Fumihiko Shimo Character Design: Akane Yano Music: Kenji Kawai Voice Actors: Toshihiko Seki, Sho Hayami, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Rina Hidaka, Yui Ogura, Hisako Kanemoto, Ai Kayano, Ayane Sakura, Yurika Kubo, Yūma Uchida, Chinami Hashimoto, Sayaka SenbongiPV: PV1Synopsis: 16 year old Kuzuryuu Yaichi has fallen into a slump after winning the major shogi title "Dragon King", the pressure of his losses continue until an elementary schooler called Hinatsuru Ai, with an extraordinary shogi talent, arrives at his doorstep.Source: Light Novel Violet EvergardenGenres: Drama, FantasyStudio: Kyoto AnimationStaff: Director: Taichi Ishidate Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida Music: Evan Call Voice Actors: Takehito Koyasu, Daisuke Namikawa, Minori Chihara, Aya Endo, Kouki Uchiyama, Haruka Tomatsu, Yui IshikawaPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 PV4 CM1 CM2Synopsis: A certain point in time, in the continent of Telesis. The great war which divided the continent into North and South has ended after four years, and the people are welcoming a new generation. Violet Evergarden, a young girl formerly known as “the weapon”, has left the battlefield to start a new life at CH Postal Service. There, she is deeply moved by the work of “Auto Memories Dolls”, who carry people's thoughts and convert them into words. Violet begins her journey as an Auto Memories Doll, and comes face to face with various people's emotions and differing shapes of love. There are words Violet heard on the battlefield, which she cannot forget. These words were given to her by someone she holds dear, more than anyone else. She does not yet know their meaning, but she searches to find it.Source: Light Novel TV Sequels: Spoiler Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls / Basilisk: Ouka NinpouchouGenres: Action, FantasyStudio: Seven ArcsStaff: Director: Junji Nishimura Series Composition: Shinsuke Onishi Character Design: Takao Maki Music: Go Sakabe Voice Actors: Yui Horie, Kaori Nazuka, Shinichiro Miki, Chafurin, Mitsuhiro Ichiki, Takuya Kirimoto, Saori Hayami, Chō, Ryū Yamaguchi, Ayane Sakura, Inori Minase, Tasuku Hatanaka, Tooru Sakurai, Katsuhiro Tokuishi, Reina Ueda, Shōhei Tō, Kosuke Sakaki, Fukushi Ochiai, Yuji MuraiPV: PV1 PV2 CM1Synopsis: The battle for succession that continued for three generations of shogun in the Keichou era culminated in a gruesome battle of ninja arts between the Kouga and Iga clans. Amidst a rain of flower petals, a man and woman who had decided to live for love were separated once again, beautiful in their transience. However, it is said that by the hand of Hattori Hanzo's adopted son, Kyouhachirou, these two flower petals, whether temporarily or permanently, were given life again and left two mementos behind. These children, born with a destiny of their own, were called Kouga Hachirou and Iga Hibiki. The former had eyes like his father's, and the latter had eyes like her mother's. It is now the Kan'ei era, and the land is at peace. As ninjas begin to disappear into the shadows after being deemed unnecessary, The Kouga and Iga clans ask a favor of Hachirou and Hibiki in hopes of reinforcing their foundations.Source: Manga Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear CardGenres: Mahou ShoujoStudio: MadhouseStaff: Director: Morio Asaka Series Composition: Nanase Ohkawa Character Design: Kunihiko Hamada Script: Nanase Ohkawa Music: Takayuki Negishi Voice Actors: Motoko Kumai, Aya Hisakawa, Tomokazu Seki, Junko Iwao, Sakura Tange, Megumi Ogata, Natsuki Hanae, Minori SuzukiPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 PV4 PV5 PV6Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Sakura starts junior high school along her friends, including Syaoran, who had just returned to Tomoeda. After having a dream with a mysterious cloaked figure, all of Sakura's cards turn blank and are rendered powerless, thus she starts her quest to find out what is wrong. In doing so, Sakura and her allies discover and capture new transparent cards using a new key.Source: Manga Gintama: Silver Soul Arc / Gintama: Gin no Tamashii-henGenres: Action, Comedy, Sci-FiStudio: SunriseStaff: Director: Chizuru Miyawaki Character Design: Shinji Takeuchi Music: Audio Highs Voice Actors: Satsuki Yukino, Akira Ishida, Kazuya Nakai, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Sho Hayami, Susumu Chiba, Mikako Takahashi, Rie Kugimiya, Tomokazu Sugita, Fumiko Orikasa, Norio Wakamoto, Fumihiko Tachiki, Daisuke Sakaguchi, Kenichi Suzumura, Aya Hirano, Ryou Hirohashi, Yuko Kaida, Yu Kobayashi, Tetsuharu OhtaPV: PV1Synopsis: Final arc of Gintama.Source: Manga Hitori no Shita: The Outcast 2nd SeasonGenres: Action, SupernaturalStudio: Haoliners Animation LeagueStaff: Voice Actors: Saori Hayami, Kousuke Toriumi, Atsushi TamaruPV: PV1Synopsis: The second season of Hitori no Shita: The Outcast.Source: Manga Ling Qi: Bond of the UnderworldGenres: Action, Comedy, SupernaturalStudio: UnknownStaff: UnknownPV: NoneSynopsis: The second season of Ling Qi.Source: Manga Overlord IIGenres: Action, Adventure, FantasyStudio: MadhouseStaff: Director: Naoyuki Itou Series Composition: Yukie Sugawara Character Design: Takahiro Yoshimatsu Voice Actors: Shigeru Chiba, Naomi Kusumi, Kouji Ishii, Kenta Miyake, Satoshi Hino, Hiroki Touchi, Emiri Katō, Masayuki Katou, Manami Numakura, Yumi Uchiyama, Yumi Hara, Kiyono Yasuno, Ryota Ohsaka, Sumire Uesaka, Sora AmamiyaPV: PV1 PV2 CM1Synopsis: The second season of Overlord.Source: Light Novel The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. 2 / Saiki Kusuo no Ψ Nan 2Genres: Comedy, SupernaturalStudio: J.C. StaffStaff: Director: Hiroaki Sakurai Character Design: Masayuki Onji Voice Actors: Yukari Tamura, Hiroshi Kamiya, Eri Kitamura, Daisuke Ono, Satoshi Hino, Showtaro Morikubo, Tomoaki Maeno, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Yuuki Kaji, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Ai Kayano, Maaya Uchida, Natsuki Hanae, M.A.OPV: CM1Synopsis: The second season of Saiki Kusuo no Ψ Nan.Source: Manga The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments / Nanatsu no Taizai: Imashime no FukkatsuGenres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, SupernaturalStudio: A-1 PicturesStaff: Director: Takeshi Furuta Series Composition: Takao Yoshioka Character Design: Keigo Sasaki Music: Hiroyuki Sawano, Takafumi Wada, Kohta Yamamoto Voice Actors: Jun Fukuyama, Maaya Sakamoto, Katsuyuki Konishi, Tomokazu Sugita, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Takahiro Sakurai, Ryohei Kimura, Mamoru Miyano, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Daisuke Ono, Rina Satou, Hiroki Touchi, Kenjiro Tsuda, Koji Yusa, Ayahi Takagaki, Yuuki Kaji, Aoi Yūki, Misaki Kuno, Sora Amamiya, Yūsuke Kobayashi, M.A.O, Yuuhei TakagiPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 CM1Synopsis: The second season of Nanatsu no Taizai.Source: Manga The Silver Guardian 2 / Gin no Guardian 2Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, SupernaturalStudio: Emon Animation CompanyStaff: Voice Actors: Jun Fukuyama, Takayuki Sugo, Ami Koshimizu, Atsuki Tani, Kana Asumi, Yuka Saitou, Sōichiro Hoshi, Nozomi NishidaPV: PV1Synopsis: The second season of Gin no Guardian.Source: Other Yowamushi Pedal: GLORY LINEGenres: Drama, SportsStudio: TMS EntertainmentStaff: Director: Osamu Nabeshima Series Composition: Kurasumi Sunayama Character Design: Yukiko Ban Music: Kan Sawada Voice Actors: Jun Fukuyama, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kentarou Itou, Kouki Miyata, Daisuke Kishio, Kousuke Toriumi, Kenji Nojima, Hiro Shimono, Mamoru Miyano, Jun Fukushima, Daisuke Ono, Satoshi Hino, Yūichi Nakamura, Wataru Hatano, Mitsuhiro Ichiki, Atsushi Abe, Tetsuya Kakihara, Hiroki Yasumoto, Tomoaki Maeno, Junichi Suwabe, Koji Yusa, Tsubasa Yonaga, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Megumi Han, Ayaka Suwa, Daiki Yamashita, Yūma UchidaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: The fourth season of Yowamushi Pedal.Source: Manga Zoku Touken Ranbu: HanamaruGenres: Fantasy, Slice of LifeStudio: Doga KoboStaff: Director: Tomoaki Koshida Character Design: Junichiro Taniguchi Music: Kenji Kawai Voice Actors: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Ryōta Asari, Yūichi Iguchi, Toshiki Masuda, Ryota Ohsaka, Natsuki HanaePV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: The second season of Touken Ranbu: HanamaruSource: Video Game Shorts Highlights: Spoiler Dagashi Kashi 2Genres: ComedyStudio: Tezuka ProductionsStaff: Director: Satoshi Kuwabara Series Composition: Mayumi Morita Character Design: Nana Miura Script: Michiko Yokote Music: Nobuaki Nobusawa, Tomohata Ohsumi Voice Actors: Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Atsushi Abe, Ayana Taketatsu, Manami Numakura, Chinatsu AkasakiPV: PV1 PV2 PV3Synopsis: The second season of Dagashi Kashi.Source: Manga gdgd men's PartyGenres: ComedyStudio: Strawberry Meets PicturesStaff: Director: Sōta Sugahara Series Composition: Ryōichi Mori Character Design: Akira Isō Voice Actors: Kazutomi Yamamoto, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yūsuke Kobayashi, Natsuko HaraPV: PV1 PV2 PV3Synopsis: Light and Yomi are spending their daily lives happily playing video games. One night when everyone else is asleep, Light receives an invitation from Alpha, a messenger for someone named King. Light and Yomi are then sucked into another world, where they must undertake a quest to rescue Princess Melody from the demon lord. Light thinks this must be his destiny, while Yomi thinks it's kind of annoying. They form a party with Alpha to start their quest. Alpha as it turns out is an AI robot, and he has a program that allows them to raise their levels while slowly continuing their adventure.Source: Original Takunomi.Genres: Slice of Life, ComedyStudio: Production IMSStaff: Director: Tomoki Kobayashi Series Composition: Katsuhiko Takayama Character Design: Shinpei Kobayashi Script: Katsuhiko Takayama Music: Masato Suzuki Voice Actors: Chika Anzai, Mikako Komatsu, Maaya Uchida, Ayaka ImamuraPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: 20-year-old Michiru Amatsuki moved to Tokyo due to a change of career. She decided to live in a woman-only share house "Stella House Haruno" with people of different ages and occupations. It's always fun when there's delicious alcohol and meals!!Source: Manga Movies Highlights: Spoiler Bungou Stray Dogs: DEAD APPLEGenres: Mystery, SupernaturalStudio: BonesStaff: Director: Takuya Igarashi Character Design: Nobuhiro Arai Script: Yoji Enokido, Kafka Asagiri Music: Taku Iwasaki Voice Actors: Jun Fukuyama, Akira Ishida, Kazuya Nakai, Mitsuru Miyamoto, Hiroshi Kamiya, Kishō Taniyama, Rikiya Koyama, Mamoru Miyano, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Kensho Ono, Junichi Suwabe, Yu Shimamura, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Sumire Morohoshi, Chiaki Omigawa, Yūto Uemura, Hiroyuki Kagura, Sora AmamiyaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: There is a mystery case of power users around the world suddenly committing suicide one after another, in all cases after a strange fog appears at the scene. At a request from Ango Sakaguchi, the Armed Detective Agency head out to investigate Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, a power user who calls himself "collector," and a man suspected of being tied to the incident.Source: Manga Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!: Take on MeGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of LifeStudio: Kyoto AnimationStaff: Director: Tatsuya Ishihara Character Design: Kazumi Ikeda Script: Jukki Hanada Music: Nijine Voice Actors: Jun Fukuyama, Azumi Asakura, Chinatsu Akasaki, Maaya Uchida, Sumire UesakaPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 PV4Synopsis: Rikka is now a third-year student, but she still has "chuunibyou" syndrome. University entrance exams loom on the horizon, and it's spring break, and Yuuta and Rikka are together as usual. One day, Rikka's older sister Touka declares that she's going to take Rikka to Italy with her, as Touka is moving to Italy for work and she thinks they should move together as a family. Yuuta understands Touka's opinion, but thinks that at this rate he and Rikka will be separated. Shinka and the other members suggest that Yuuta and Rikka should "elope," and thus sets the stage for Yuuta and Rikka's travels throughout Japan in their escape drama.Source: Light Novel Let's Decorate the Promised Flowers in the Farewell Morning / Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo KazarouGenres: Drama, FantasyStudio: P.A. WorksStaff: Chief Director: Toshiya Shinohara Director: Mari Okada Character Design: Yuriko Ishii Script: Mari Okada Music: Kenji Kawai Voice Actors: Manaka IwamiPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: The story begins with Makia, who is from a family where all the members stop aging in their mid teens. She has no parents and, although her days are peaceful, she feels lonely. Their peace is shattered when an army invades, seeking the secret to her people's immortality. Leilia, the most beautiful girl in her clan, is taken away, and the boy Makia has secret feelings for disappears. Makia is able to escape, but she loses her friends and her home. Wandering alone in the forest, she finds Erial, a baby boy who has lost his parents. The story follows the changing relationship between the two as Erial grows up and Makia does not.Source: Original Mazinger Z: InfinityGenres: Action, Comedy, Mecha, Sci-Fi, SupernaturalStudio: Toei AnimationStaff: Director: Junji Shimizu Character Design: Hiroya Iijima Music: Toshiyuki Watanabe Voice Actors: Kappei Yamaguchi, Masami Kikuchi, Toshihiko Seki, Keiji Fujiwara, Wataru Takagi, Bin Shimada, Unshō Ishizuka, Kōzō Shioya, Romi Park, Junpei Morita, Ami Koshimizu, Hiroyuki Miyasako, Showtaro Morikubo, Ai Kayano, Sumire Uesaka, Natsuki HanaePV: PV1 PV2 PV3 PV4 PV5Synopsis: The film is commemorating the 45th anniversary of the original Mazinger Z series. It has been 10 years since then. Humanity awaits a new fate. Once humanity was on the verge of destruction at the hands of the evil scientist Dr. Hell and his underground empire. Kouji Kabuto, his Mazinger Z super robot, and his friends at the photon power laboratory put an end to Dr. Hell's evil ambitions, and returned peace to the world. It has been 10 years since then. Kouji has followed his father and grandfather and now walks the path of a scientist. He encounters a mysterious life form buried in a giant structure buried deep below Mt. Fuji. A new encounter, a new threat, and a new fate await humanity. And Kouji, who was once a hero, makes a decision for the future. It can be a god or a demon. Once again the future is entrusted to Mazinger Z.Source: Manga Specials Highlights: Spoiler B: The BeginningGenres: Sci-Fi, MysteryStudio: Production I.GStaff: Director: Kazuto Nakazawa Character Design: Kazuto Nakazawa Script: Katsuya Ishida Music: Yoshihiro Ike Voice Actors: Toshiyuki Morikawa, Hiroaki Hirata, Minoru Inaba, Atsushi Goto, Ami Koshimizu, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Hiroki Touchi, Yuuki Kaji, Asami Seto, Kaito Ishikawa, Shintarō TanakaPV: PV1Synopsis: In a world powered by advanced technology, crime and action unfold in the archipelagic nation of Cremona. Koku, the protagonist. Keith, the legendary investigator of the royal police force RIS. A mysterious criminal organization. A wide variety of characters race through the fortified city as it is beset by the serial killer, Killer B, and a chain of crimes.Source: Original Devilman CrybabyGenres: Horror, SupernaturalStudio: Science SARUStaff: Director: Masaaki Yuasa Character Design: Ayumi Kurashima Script: Ichiro Okouchi Music: kensuke ushio Voice Actors: Atsuko Tanaka, Rikiya Koyama, Ami Koshimizu, Kenjiro Tsuda, Kouki Uchiyama, Megumi Han, Ayumu Murase, Avu-chanPV: PV1 PV2 PV3 PV4 PV5 PV6Synopsis: New Devilman project marking Go Nagai's 50th anniversary as a creator. The protagonist Akira Fudou learns from his best friend, Ryou Asuka, that an ancient race of demons has returned to take back the world from humans. Ryou tells Akira that the only way to defeat the demons is to incorporate their supernatural powers, and suggests that he unite with a demon himself. Akira succeeds in transforming into Devilman, who possesses both the powers of a demon and the soul of a human. The battle of Devilman and Akira Fudou begins.Source: Manga ReLife: Final Arc / ReLife: Kanketsu-henGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of LifeStudio: TMS EntertainmentStaff: Director: Tomo Kosaka Series Composition: Kazuho Hyodo Character Design: Junko Yamanaka Music: Masayasu Tsuboguchi Voice Actors: Daisuke Namikawa, Noriaki Sugiyama, Ryohei Kimura, Kensho Ono, Haruka Tomatsu, Ai Kayano, Reina Ueda, Himika Akaneya, Yūma UchidaPV: PV1 PV2Synopsis: The conclusion to the ReLife TV series.Source: Manga Today's Menu for Emiya Family / Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no GohanGenres: Comedy, Slice of Life, SupernaturalStudio: ufotableStaff: Director: Tetsuto Satō Character Design: Toko Uchimura Script: Hikaru Kondo, Yū Takanaka Music: Gō Shiina Voice Actors: Yuu Asakawa, Ayako Kawasumi, Miki Itou, Kana Ueda, Noriaki Sugiyama, Noriko Shitaya, Mai KadowakiPV: NoneSynopsis: The story revolves around the delicious, beautiful cuisine that the Emiya family enjoy from day to day, no matter what the season is.Source: Manga Any other information on Shorts, Movies, OVAs, ONAs, or Specials can be found listed in any of the sources used below for this preview.Sources: Anichart/Anilist Anime News Network MyAnimeListInformation for this seasonal preview made individual use of the corresponding anime entries on AnimeNewsNetwork and Anilist, using their respective APIs. I lay no claim to the information above as my own and fully acknowledge my usage of their resources in compiling this preview. Isotope 1 Quote Link to comment
K Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 (edited) As with last season I'm going to watch at least one episode of all the original series; but, the shows that stick out are Sora yori mo Tooi Basho Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Ito Junji: Collection Kokkoku Yuru Camp△ Violet Evergarden Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!: Take on Me Cardcaptor Sakura Def interested in more than last season so I'm pretty hopeful that I'll have a good time. Cardcaptor Sakura is particularly exciting for me since it was a show I grew up with and really loved so I'm pretty stoked to watch. Also, can anyone tell me if Citrus will be worth watching? I read a little bit of the manga and the relationship didn't seem healthy and kinda fetishised so I quit reading but does it redeem itself in any way? Edited January 15, 2018 by K Quote Link to comment
Fire Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share Posted January 6, 2018 THE RIBBON CORNER - WINTER 2018 Here's this season's Ribbon Corner, where me and @Zeldaru talk about the shows we're most looking forward to that might not get as much buzz! Of course, you should definitely check out shows like Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card and Violet Evergarden as well. Zeldaru: Spoiler Yuru Camp: Having read one volume of this delightful series – which takes me back to my Boy Scouts days a little bit – I can say this anime is certain to be heartwarming and soft and kawaii. Isekai Shokudou’s Masato Jinbo – no stranger to delectable slices of animation – directed its masterful OP (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLBzf_52p0E). If you’re afraid of C-station, don’t be (even if they are new). This show's director, Yoshiaki Kyougoku, played a role in the storyboards for the fantastic finale of Eden of the East, with great company like Kenji Kamiyama of GitS: Stand Alone Complex fame and Masayuki Yoshihara of Uchouten Kazoku fame. Mitsuboshi Colors: Oh boy, Zeldaru really is shilling moe anime – well, think of this as the complement to Devilman Crybaby (which Fire is sure to cover). Colors is the best Dengeki Daioh manga, and is a simultaneously hilarious and meditative reflection on this absurd thing we call townlife. A trio of girls in primary school – fancying themselves as the very self-important group of Colors – seek out mystery, excitement, poop, and annoying the local cop. A Place Further than the Universe: An anime about girls going to the South Pole by Madhouse, directed by Atsuko Ishizuka. Where do you even begin with such a preposterously amazing idea? Atsuko Ishizuka is the best Madhouse director – objectively, for I am the arbiter of all taste – with direction roles in No Game No Life, Nana, Chihayafuru, and more; and here she is accompanied by Steins;gate series comp Jukki Hanada and Hunter x Hunter (2011 obviously) chief animation director Takahiro Yoshimatsu. Episode 1 was a vortex of bittersweet wanderlust converging into a beautiful tale of friendship and I have high hopes for the rest of the series. Darling in the Franxxx: There are many reasons to eagerly await this anime, not just because the great Saori Hayami is gracing our ears once more. With the very capable hands of Atsushi Nishigori, the director of The Idolmaster, and many other members of the im@s team including Noriko Takao, Megumi Kouno, and Toshifumi Akai. With TTGL’s Hiroyuki Imaishi handling the action directing, we are sure to have great fight scenes AND more slice-of-life scenes. Given Darlifra’s excellence in staff, it is no surprise that Asami Tachibana – a capable protégé of Hiroyuki Sawano (Owari no Seraph) and Yuki Hayashi (My Hero Academia) – and the great Masayoshi Tanaka (see: Anohana, Your Name, etc) as chief animation director will also be present in integral roles. Fire: Spoiler Devilman Crybaby: I must be getting predictable... But I can't help it in this case. When I heard that Masaaki Yuasa, the incredible director behind highly regarded shows such as The Tatami Galaxy, Kaiba, Ping Pong, and more was creating his own rendition of Go Nagai's Devilman, I just knew it was going to be a perfect fit. Yuasa and his team at Science SARU has breathed new life into one of Nagai's most renowned works. Ichiro Okouchi is helming series composition, who has plenty of experience with writing shows such as Code Geass, Planetes, and one of last year's best shows, Princess Principal. To top it all off, Kensuke Ushio of Ping Pong and A Silent Voice fame is once again joining Yuasa to score this show. This show is fully available now on Netflix, with ALL episodes released at once. I highly suggest that you give this one a shot, as Yuasa's record at directing fantastic shows is stunningly good and the PVs look phenomenal - his trademark style seems to blend incredibly well with Devilman's universe. Teasing Master Takagi-san: As a long-time follower of the manga, it makes me smile to see Teasing Master Takagi-san grow up and finally get an anime adaptation. Takagi-san is a charming show about the constant competition of teasing between two middle schoolers. Watching the duo become close is incredibly endearing. Director Hiroaki Akagi recently made his debut last year with Hina Logic, but he has also done episode director work recently before then on shows such as Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu and Space Patrol Luluco. Reliable industry veteran Michiko Yokote will be overseeing the writing, but this show will primarily be enhanced further by the voice cast - Yuuki Kaji and Rie Takahashi both make pretty good fits for Nishikata and Takagi respectively. If you want a show that's simple, cute, and entertaining, then definitely pick this one up! Love is Like After the Rain: In a season full of promising shows, I feel frightened that this adaptation of a recent read of mine may be entirely overlooked by the crowd. Love is Like After the Rain is a quiet burn, focusing on a withdrawn high school girl that happens to fall in love with her much-older boss at her workplace. There is a certain atmosphere pervading the manga that envelops you in a sense of melancholy as you learn more about his and her circumstances. It is extremely interesting that Wit Studio, the studio behind Attack on Titan, Seraph of the End, and the currently airing The Ancient Magus' Bride, is the one to produce this show. Ayumu Watanabe is a director with a good deal of promising talent, having directed both Space Brothers and Mysterious Girlfriend X. Perhaps the show's greatest strength will be Deko Akao's involvement - she has incredible past experience with writing the type of atmosphere needed for this show in the form of Amanchu, Snow White with the Red Hair, and Mysterious Girlfriend X. I am cautiously optimistic that this team can pull off a great adaptation! Hakumei and Mikochi: Lerche's Hakumei and Mikochi should not be underestimated. Masaomi Ando, director of School Live and Scum's Wish, once again takes the seat of director for Lerche's latest show. The beautiful environments and cute characters alone are enough for me to keep a close eye on this show. Funnily enough, this show shares its series composition and music roles with Violet Evergarden. I will not be surprised at all if the talent is apparent in both shows! Quote Link to comment
Zeldaru Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 Alright, the winter season has begun. Get camping right now. Quote Link to comment
inx Posted January 6, 2018 Share Posted January 6, 2018 (edited) Worth noting I think, but apparently amazon just did away with their anime strike service, and now all their anime is simply part of prime video, so if you happen to have prime, there no longer is an awkward extra barrier to watch their stuff. ---- Pop team epic is a fuckin' trip and it was glorious. Edited January 6, 2018 by InXplotch K 1 Quote Link to comment
avalonknight Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 (edited) So far I've watched for this season: Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles, which is quite cute. It kinda felt like three shorts strung together into one episode. Depending on if you like ramen noodles and its variations, it's a watch or pass. I want to make ramen now. Pop Team Epic. Been waiting for this ever since I saw the pic of the two cartoonish chibi-ish mains sticking up their realistically draw middle fingers. What the hell did I watch. Everyone should at least watch the first episode to experience the madness. No wait, I don't think madness truly describes this show. Edited January 7, 2018 by avalonknight Quote Link to comment
Edie Napier Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 i watched the first episode of pop team epic and i think i'm just done with existing inx 1 Quote Link to comment
Zeldaru Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 On 1/6/2018 at 4:29 PM, avalonknight said: So far I've watched for this season: Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles, which is quite cute. It kinda felt like three shorts strung together into one episode. Depending on if you like ramen noodles and its variations, it's a watch or pass. I want to make ramen now. Pop Team Epic. Been waiting for this ever since I saw the pic of the two cartoonish chibi-ish mains sticking up their realistically draw middle fingers. What the hell did I watch. Everyone should at least watch the first episode to experience the madness. No wait, I don't think madness truly describes this show. Koizumi-san is a fun series so far -- the staff does a nice job of blending the chapters together, making up for the source's short chapters. (Have yet to see episode 2 though.) I'd recommend you also watch Yuru Camp -- as of episode 2, which I just finished, it's a delightfully relaxing and warm show. Quote Link to comment
Edie Napier Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 In my quest to reconnect with anime by adamantly avoiding anything made after 1998, I'm rewatching Evangelion. I don't expect to like it, but I can probably better understand what it's doing ever since watching it nearly a decade ago and making a giant shitpost about it. Quote Link to comment
Zeldaru Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Space Captain Yamato 2199 provides a faithfully '70s anime experience without forcing you to watch 100-episode-long series. Quote Link to comment
Spring Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 i started watching violet evergarden (for the hype) and clear card (for my unending love of CCS) this season! so far clear card is everything i love and more, really giving me that awe and inspiration the original books did (as i watched SOME of the original anime but tbh never liked it much) as for VE, the first ep was really gorgeous but it kinda feels like...and this sounds really shallow, but they're just showing off how beautiful it looks, while missing a piece of charm that would pull me into watching more. does that make sense? like it LOOKS good, but that's...about it idk i'll probably watch a little more just to see how things go, and hopefully it pulls me in a little more! Quote Link to comment
LimeCatMaster Posted January 19, 2018 Share Posted January 19, 2018 (edited) So far I've completed Devilman Crybaby, and I'm watching Pop Team Epic, Killing Bites, and Darling in the Franxx. Naturally, When Fate/Extra starts I'll be watching that too, even though the obvious best girl probably won't be in it. Pop Team Epic is kind of... interesting. I don't know if the anime can keep up the same way the manga does. Also, the whole "repeat the episode now" gag is going to get old real quick, and no amount of minor changes can really fix that. At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly what the show is going for. A sort of non-joke joke. Killing Bites is trash and that's the exact reason I picked it up. I knew nothing about the manga but just could FEEL the vibes coming off of it. In that regard, I was not disappointing. Amazon is streaming it uncensored too. Devilman Crybaby had the advantage of being released all at once and I thought it was pretty darn good. Interesting art direction (as expected) and all around usually pretty pleasant to look at. A pretty good adaptation of the original story, plus there's a lot to really be able to dig into once you get past the sexy hyperviolence. So far one of the best this season, but again, it has the advantage of being done already. Darling in the Franxx is the one I'm most excited for and the one I'm most reserved about. From a critical standpoint, episode 1 was not much to write home about. It felt like it wore its inspirations pretty proudly displayed. Watching it felt like they were going down a checklist of anime tropes to fill in for the whole "teenagers in mecha" story setup. But that's what made it so interesting to me. The degree to which it felt like a checklist, the amount of effort they went into to make it feel super familiar has to be intentional. Only time will tell, obviously, but I hve a feeling we might see a "Madoka Episode 3" moment where the whole thing gets turned on its head. Here's hoping. edit: I'm also gonna give some more time to seeing feedback on A Place Further than the Universe and Teasing Master Takagi-san before seeing if I want to pick those up. To Keep a Mummy also looks cute. Edited January 19, 2018 by LimeCatMaster Quote Link to comment
inx Posted January 19, 2018 Share Posted January 19, 2018 I watched Darling in the Franxx earlier this week because I heard it was a trigger anime and felt similar. while I enjoyed the aesthetic of the first episode, I didn't feel very excited about the series. I'll still keep watching, in hopes it'll catch me, but I hope it doesn't take to long for that to happen. Quote Link to comment
LimeCatMaster Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 Darling EP2 felt pretty much like "Second verse, same as the first!" More terminology thrown out there that we can kind of guess the meaning of (because it's not all that deep) like "Oh man, two colonies want to "kiss" I WONDER WHAT THAT COULD MEAN?" Pretty standard episode 2 overall. Really didn't develop too much, some characters just got a little more expansion that was hinted at in the first episode. I'm still REALLY thinking that there's gonna be some sort of inversion at some point. At some point we're gonna find out that "huh, this society is actually kind of fucked up". Also it' looks really nice, but there's still plenty of time for that budget to spread thin. Quote Link to comment
The Ultimate Mario Fan Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 I just bought a hard copy of Umineko off MangaGamer. Can't wait to play it. I've heard it's even better than Higurashi. Quote Link to comment
Zeldaru Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 As the ruler of the domain known as "perpetually behind", I am currently working through School Live. Takeya is the best, and this is not up for debate. I am certain this will remain true for the remaining 9 episodes. Fire 1 Quote Link to comment
Zeldaru Posted January 21, 2018 Share Posted January 21, 2018 (edited) Tama is pretty clearly one of the best characters this season so far. And also Ichigo from Darlifra, Mari from Sora Yori, and Nadeshiko from Yuru Camp (respectively): And of course, the Colors: Spoiler Edited January 21, 2018 by Zeldaru Quote Link to comment
purple_beard Posted January 22, 2018 Share Posted January 22, 2018 Stared watching S1 of One Punch Man on Netflix. I love the sarcastic take on anime in this series so far. Very interesting. Quote Link to comment
Zeldaru Posted February 6, 2018 Share Posted February 6, 2018 Yorimoi and Clear Card Arc both represent the heights of what Madhouse can aspire towards artistically and as narratives. Both are awe-inspiring to watch, despite the animation not being as top-notch as possible. Still, I can't help but be impressed. Quote Link to comment
purple_beard Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 I finished up S1 of One Punch Man .... I loved its sarcastic take on certain anime themes.... not sure I'd buy S1 but I'd love to watch a S2 if they have done one. Quote Link to comment
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