New anime
Arslan Senki
The Heroic Legend of Arslan (アルスラーン戦記 Arusurān Senki) is a fantasy novel series. The author, Yoshiki Tanaka, wrote the novel in 1986 and is still writing it as of 2008, with the current number of books at 14 novels. It was adapted into a manga, which caught up with the novel and then received an original ending, and ran from November 1991 to September 1996. It also received two anime film adaptations, and a four-part, unfinished anime OVA. In 2013, a second manga adaptation started serializing at Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, with illustrations by Hiromu Arakawa. An anime television series based on the Arakawa manga premiered on April 5, 2015 with a scheduled 25 episodes. [Tanaka sensei’s novels have no relation to the 1976 novel called Arslan written by M. J. Engh which is set in the present.]
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Boku no Kotoba Dewanai Kore wa Boku-tachi no Kotoba” by UVERworld
2. “Lapis Lazuli” by Eir Aoi
In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn’t seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father.
At the age of 14, Crown Prince Arslan goes to his first battle against neighboring nation Lusitania. Unbeknownst to them, the battle is rigged from the inside by the King’s most trusted retainer, leaving only heavy lost and bloodshed behind. However, it is Arslan’s destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom with the aid of his loyal servant Daryun (Arslan’s general) and Narsus, the tactician (wanna-be-painter).
Death Parade
Death Parade (デス・パレード Desu Parēdo) is a 2015 Japanese television anime series created, written, and directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa and produced by Madhouse. This psychological thriller series spawned from a short film, Death Billiards (デス・ビリヤード Desu Biriyādo), which was originally produced by Madhouse for the Young Animator Training Project’s Anime Mirai 2013 and released on March 2, 2013. The television series aired in Japan between January 9, 2015 and March 27, 2015 and is licensed in North America by Funimation. The anime series aired January 9, 2015 with a total of 12 episodes.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Flyers” by Bradio
2. “Last Theater” by NoisyCell
Whenever two people on Earth die at the same time, they are sent to one of many mysterious bars run by bartenders serving as arbiters. There, they must participate in Death Games with their lives on the line, the results of which reveal what secrets led them to their situation and what their fate will be afterwards, with the arbiters judging if their souls will either be sent for reincarnation or banished into the void. The series follows Decim, the lone bartender of the Quindecim bar, whose role in judging these souls changes when he meets a curious black-haired woman who has a lapse of memory.
Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka?
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (ダンジョンに出会いを求めるのは間違っているだろうか Danjon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka?), also known as DanMachi (ダンまち?) for short, is a light novel series, written by Fujino Ōmori and illustrated by Suzuhito Yasuda. It has received a spin-off light novel series and three manga adaptations. An anime television series adaptation by J.C.Staff is scheduled to air from April 3, 2015 with 13 episodes.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Hey World” by Yuka Iguchi
2. “RIGHT LIGHT RISE” by Kanon Wakeshima
The story takes place in the town of labyrinths, Orario, also called “Dungeon.” Bell Cranel is a newbie adventurer that admires “Having a fateful meeting with a person of the opposite gender.” One day during an adventure, he is attacked by a Minotaur. Close to destruction, he is saved by a top-class female adventurer, Eyes Warenstein. He falls in love with her at first sight, and begins actions to become an adventurer that is on her level. He later encounters Hestia, a tiny goddess called a “Lolita god” due to her stature, who falls in love with him.
Thus begins the story of a boy striving to become the best adventurer and a lonely goddess searching for followers both hoping to reach their goals and perhaps have some romance on the side.
Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Souma
Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma (食戟のソーマ) is a shōnen manga series written by Yūto Tsukuda and illustrated by Shun Saeki. The series has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since November 26, 2012, with tankōbon volumes being released by Shueisha and is ongoing. The series is licensed by Viz Media. An anime adaptation is scheduled for April 3 2015 with 24 episodes.
Opening Theme:
1. “Kibou no Uta (希望の唄)” by Ultra Tower (ウルトラタワー)
Sōma Yukihira’s dream is to become a full time chef in his father’s restaurant and surpass his father’s culinary skills. But just as Sōma graduates from middle school, his father, Jōichirō Yukihira, closes down the restaurant to cook in America. However, Sōma’s fighting spirit is rekindled by a challenge from Jōichirō which is to survive in an elite culinary school where 10% of the students graduate.
Warning: a “tad” ecchi
Gunslinger Stratos: The Animation
Gunslinger Stratos (ガンスリンガー ストラトス Gansuringā sutoratosu) is a series of third-person shooter video games developed by Byking (under Taito) and published by Square Enix that debuted in arcades on July 12, 2012. Its sequel, Gunslinger Stratos 2 (ガンスリンガー ストラトス2 Gansuringā sutoratosu 2), was released on February 20, 2014, featuring new characters (Tetsuya Nomura and Akira Yasuda), new battle mechanics, and new stages. A sequel to the second game, titled Gunslinger Stratos: Reloaded (ガンスリンガー ストラトス リローデッド Gansuringā sutoratosu rirōdeddo), was announced to be released in 2015 for Windows PC.
The anime adaptation of the game, known under its expanded title, Gunslinger Stratos: THE ANIMATION (ガンスリンガー ストラトス -THE ANIMATION- Gansuringā sutoratosu Animēshon) by Square Enix is set to premiere on April 4, 2015 with 12 episodes.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Vanilla Sky” by Ayano Mashiro
2. “Mirai” by Garnidelia
A.D. 2115—the island nation once called Japan is now known as the “17th Far East Imperial City Management District.”
The citizens were promised a life of peace in exchange for some of the comfort they were used to having. People believed their lives would never change and tomorrow will be the same as today. No one suspected the impending doom which their society was about to face. “Degradation”—a rare disease which led to the total disintegration of the human body to a mere pile of sand was slowly but surely spreading throughout the world.
Tohru Kazasumi, an ordinary student becomes embroiled in a multi-universal battle between his world and the parallel world of “Frontier S (Stratos).”
Tohru must fight himself from the alternate world. Their futures collide as their paths cross. Will both worlds ever find peace?
Kekkai Sensen
Blood Blockade Battlefront, known in Japan as Kekkai Sensen (血界戦線 lit. “Bloodline Battlefront”) is a manga by Yasuhiro Nightow, published bimonthly in the magazine Jump SQ.19. It will be adapted into an anime series produced by studio Bones in April 2015 with 12 episodes.
Opening Theme:
1. “Hello, world!” by Bump of Chicken
It centers around the crime fighting organization “Libra” and their battles in Jerusalem’s Lot, formerly known as New York City. Jerusalem’s Lot was created in a single night when a portal to the “Beyond” opened, and now it is a paranormal melting pot of monsters, magic and the everyday mundane city life. It’s up to Libra to prevent the horrors of this city from spreading to the outside world.
Kyoukai no Rinne
Rin-ne, known as Kyōkai no Rinne in Japan (境界のRINNE, lit. Rinne of the Boundary, officially subtitled as Circle of Reincarnation), is a manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi (Urusei Yatsura うる星やつら, Maison Ikkoku めぞん一刻, Ranma 1/2 らんま1/2 & Inuyasha 犬夜叉). It has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday manga magazine since April 22, 2009 and is ongoing. A 25-episode anime television series adaptation, produced by Brain’s Base, will premiere in Japan on April 2015 with 25 episodes.
Opening & ending themes:
1. “Oukaranman (桜花爛漫)” by KEYTALK
2. “Toki no Wa (トキノワ)” by Passepied (パスピエ)
As a child Sakura Mamiya was spirited away in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, with no memory of the incident, but has since been able to see ghosts. Once in high school, Sakura wishes to be rid of her extrasensory perception, which is an annoyance to her. She meets a shinigami of sorts, Rinne Rokudo, who guides spirits to be reincarnation.
Ore Monogatari!!
My Love Story!! (俺物語!! Ore Monogatari!!?) is a romantic-comedy manga series written by Kazune Kawahara and illustrated by Aruko since 2011 and is ongoing. A television anime adaptation by Madhouse began airing in April 8, 2015 with 25 episodes.
Opening & ending themes:
1. “Miraikei Answer” (未来形 Futuristic Anwer) by Trustrick
2. “Shiawase no Arika” (幸せのありか “Where Happiness Lies”) by Local Connect
– The soundtrack is composed by S.E.N.S. Project. –
The story follows Takeo Gouda, a tall and muscular student who doesn’t have much luck with women, as every girl he likes ends up falling for his handsome best friend, Makoto Sunakawa. This all changes when he meets Rinko Yamato, who above all other expectations falls in love with him, beginning a unique love story.
Owari no Seraph
Seraph of the End (終わりのセラフ Owari no Serafu) is a dark fantasy manga series written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto with storyboards by Daisuke Furuya. It is published by Shueisha on Jump Square and in English by Viz Media on Weekly Shonen Jump since 2012 and is ongoing. An anime adaption was announced in 2014 and is set to premiere on April 4, 2015 with 12 episodes. [The second season is already planned for Oct-Dec, 2015]
Opening & ending themes:
1. “X.U.” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Gemie
2. “scaPEGoat” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Yosh
In 2012, the world allegedly comes to an end at the hands of a human-made virus, ravaging the global populace and leaving only children untouched. It is at this time that vampires emerge from the recesses of the earth, likely followed by age-old horrors of the dark thought only to be myth. The vampires sweep the earth and claim it in a single violent stroke, subjugating the remnants of humanity and leading them beneath the surface to safety. This “protection” comes at the price of being livestock to their captors. At the age of 12, Yūichirō and his friend and fellow orphan Mikaela plotted to escape along with the children in Hyakuya Orphanage. However, this resulted in their deaths and Mikaela sacrifices himself in order for Yūichirō to escape and be saved by members of the Moon Demon Company, an extermination unit of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. Four years later, Yūichirō dedicates his life to destroy vampires and seek revenge against them for murdering his “family.”
Plastic Memories
Plastic Memories (プラスティック・メモリーズ Purasutikku Memorīzu) is an anime series produced by Doga Kobo and directed by Yoshiyuki Fujiwara. The sci-fi story was written by Naotaka Hayashi, with original character design by Okiura. The series premiered on April 4, 2015 and is scheduled for 12 episodes.
Opening & ending themes:
1. “Ring of Fortune” by Eri Sasaki
2. “Asayake no Starmine” (朝焼けのスターマイン) by Asami Imai.
3. (first episode features) “Again & Again” by Melody Chubak
Plastic Memories takes place in a city in the near future, in which humans live alongside androids that look exactly like humans and have human emotion and memory. SAI Corp, the leading android production company, has introduced Giftia, a new android model with the most human-like qualities of any model. The lifetime of a Giftia is 81,920 hours (about nine years and four months), and once they pass their expiration date, it causes personality disintegration and memory loss. As a result, the employees of the Terminal Service (responsible for retrieving androids who are close to reaching the end of their service lives and erasing the androids’ memories) must go to the owner of the Giftia and collect it. Those assigned to the Terminal Service work in teams consisting of a human (called a “spotter”) and a Giftia (called a “marksman”). The story follows protagonist Tsukasa Mizugaki and a Giftia named Isla, both of whom work in SAI Corp’s Terminal Service No. 1 office.
Returning
Aldnoah.Zero 2
Aldnoah.Zero (アルドノア・ゼロ Arudonoa Zero) is an anime series produced by Nitroplus and animated by A-1 Pictures and TROYCA. The first part of this mecha-sci-fi series is ran from July to September 2014 with 12 episodes. The second part runs from January to March 2015 with another dozen episodes
Opening & ending themes:
1. “&Z” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki (eps 1-10)
2. “GENESIS” by Eir Aoi (eps 2-10)
3. “Harmonious” by Asseylum Vers Allusia starring Sora Amamiya (ep 11)
4. “heavenly blue” by Kalafina (ep 12)
A princess from the Vers empire (human settlers on Mars) comes to earth on a peace mission, but is “killed.” Seems her countrymen want more than just remaining on Vers. Earth is in their sights!
Nineteen months after the second “killing” of Princess Asseylum and the injury of Inaho, the battle rages on. This time, Slaine, the earthling, turns against his own people.
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season
Fate/stay night (フェイト/ステイナイト Feito/sutei naito) is a visual novel developed by Type-Moon, which was originally released as an adult game for Windows in 2004.
The manga series adaptation by Datto Nishiwaki was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Shōnen Ace magazine between the February 2006 and December 2012 issues. A 24-episode anime series created by Studio Deen aired in Japan between January 6 and June 16, 2006. A Fate/stay night film was also created by Studio Deen and was released in Japanese theaters on January 23, 2010. The second season of this series is set to air in April 2015. (The first ran in October 2014.)
Opening & ending themes
1.”Brave Shine” by Aimer
2. “ring your bell” by Kalafina
Fate/stay night chronicles a two-week period in the life of the protagonist Shirō Emiya, an amateur mechanic who attends a school named Homurahara Gakuen in Fuyuki City, Japan. The story primarily takes place at and around Shirō Emiya’s house, which acts as their base location in the Holy Grail War (where combatants fight with magic and Heroes throughout history for a chance to have their wishes granted).
Fuyuki City is the setting for a secret and violent war among competing magi. For the past two centuries, seven sorcerers have gathered and engage in a battle royale known as the Holy Grail War, each gambling his or her own life to obtain the Holy Grail, a legendary chalice capable of granting wishes. The past four Holy Grail Wars have typically occurred every sixty years or so. However, the fifth war has started prematurely, with the most recent concluding less than a decade ago.
The seven sorcerers, known as Masters, are aided by seven beings known as Servants, reincarnations of legendary heroes from all time. These resurrected souls possess superhuman characteristics and wield powerful artifacts or abilities called Noble Phantasms, symbols of their heroism during life. Only one Servant can be summoned in each war from one of seven classes: Saber (King Arthur), Archer (Gilgamesh), Lancer (First of the Knights of Fianna: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne), Berserker (Black Knight: Lancelot of the Lake), Rider (Iskander: Alexander the Great), Assassin (Hassan-i Sabbah), and Caster (Bluebeard aka Gilles de Rais), each representing their distinctive role in battle. The Servants are summoned by the power of the Grail itself and aid their Masters in doing battle, protecting them from harm and killing other Servants or Masters. In return for their aid, the Servants also seek their own wish from the Holy Grail, should their Master become victorious.
The main theme in Fate/stay night is “conquering oneself.” There are three story lines in Fate, each has a different theme. The first one, Fate, is the “oneself as an ideal.” The second one, Unlimited Blade Works, is “struggling with oneself as an ideal.” The third one, Heaven’s Feel, is “the friction with real and ideal.”
– wikipedia
Gintama°
Gin Tama (銀魂 lit. “Silver Soul”), also known as Gintama, is a manga written and illustrated by Hideaki Sorachi and serialized since December 8, 2003, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump. The series has been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) by Sunrise and was featured at Jump Festa 2006 Anime Tour in 2005. This was followed by a full anime series, which debuted in 2006 and finished four years later. A sequel titled Gintama’ first premiered in Japan on April 4, 2011 and ended on March 26, 2012, before returning once again for a brief run from October 4, 2012 to March 28, 2013. Two animated films have also been produced. There have been various light novels and video games based on this series. The new series is scheduled to return April 8, 2015 with 13 episodes.
Opening & ending themes
1. “DAY×DAY” by BLUE ENCOUNT
2. “Destiny” by Negoto
Set in Edo, which has been conquered by aliens named Amanto (天人), the plot follows life from the point of view of samurai Gintoki Sakata, who works as a freelancer alongside his friends teenager Shinpachi Shimura and alien herculean girl Kagura in order to pay the monthly rent.
While doing their odd jobs, the three, better known as “Yorozuya” (万事屋), often clash with the police force Shinsengumi since their jobs typically involve dangerous criminals. They eventually meet some of Gintoki’s former comrades from the fight against the Amanto’s invasion, including the revolutionary Kotaro Katsura who maintains a friendly relationship with them despite his terrorist activities against the bakufu. On the other hand, Shinsuke Takasugi acts as a major antagonist throughout the series, as he wants to destroy the bakufu and sees his former comrades as enemies.
Kamisama Hajimemashita
Kamisama Kiss (神様はじめました Kamisama Hajimemashita, “Begin life as God”) is a manga series by Julietta Suzuki and serialized by Hakusensha in the shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume. The first season of the anime adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment, aired in October 2012. The second season premiered in January 2015 with a total of 12 episodes. This anime is reminiscent of Inuyasha x Fruits Basket.
Opening & ending themes
1. “Kamisama no Kamisama (神様の神様)” by Hanae
2. “Ototoi Oide (おとといおいで)” by Hanae (eps 1-5, 7-12)
3. “Tsubasa☆Bassa☆Hazard (翼☆バサ☆ハザード)” by Kurama (CV: Daisuke Kishio) (ep 6)
After Momozono Nanami’s father runs away due to gambling debts and she is evicted from her apartment, she meets a strange man named Mikage, who is afraid of dogs. She saves Mikage from a dog and tells him her story. In gratitude, he cedes his house to her, and the homeless “orphan” willingly accepts. When Nanami arrives at Mikage’s home, she is shocked to see that it is not a normal home but a shrine for worship. She is then greeted by both Onikiri and Kotetsu, keepers of the shrine and Tomoe, Mikage’s familiar. It seems Mikage used to be the Earth Deity of the shrine and has bestowed upon her his mark so that she may be the new deity.
At first Nanami is reluctant, but as she lives with Tomoe, Onikiri and Kotetsu she begins to understand and works hard in her new position as the Earth Deity. Nanami soon finds herself falling in love with Tomoe, but he rejects her because the love between a human and a yokai is taboo. Despite himself, Tomoe too begins to fall for his master.
Kuroko’s Basketball 3
Kuroko’s Basketball (黒子のバスケ Kuroko no Basuke) is a sports manga written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki published in December 2008. The first season of the anime adaptation aired April 7, 2012 with a total of 25 episodes. The second season of the anime ran in October 6, 2013 with a total of 24 episodes. The third season aired in January 10, 2015 with a scheduled 26 episodes.
Opening & ending themes
1. “Punky Funky Love” by GRANRODEO (eps 1-12)
2. “ZERO” by Kensho Ono (eps 13-)
3. “GLITTER DAYS” by Fo’xTails (eps 1-12)
4. “Ambivalence (アンビバレンス)” by SCREEN mode (eps 13-)
The legendary six-member basketball team from Teiko Middle School, called the “Generation of Miracles,” disbands and each member enrolls into different high schools. The stage is set for the best basketball competition ever, where the “weakest” team, Seirin High, tries to make it to the nationals with the aid of the “invisible” sixth player, Tetsuya Kuroko. It is so riveting watching the animation at work. The moves on these players are so real it is hard to believe you’re not watching a real basketball game in action. What’s more, you can’t help rooting for and liking the unassuming little fella.
After winning a fierce game against Yosen High, Seirin High successfully advances on to the semifinals of the Winter Cup. They continue to aim to become the champions, but have to face many powerful opponents along the way.
Nisekoi:
Nisekoi (ニセコイ lit. “Fake Love”), is a romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Naoshi Komi. It was first published as a one-shot manga in Shueisha’s seasonal Jump NEXT! magazine before being serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2011 and is ongoing. The manga has inspired a novel series, titled Nisekoi: Urabana, written by Hajime Tanaka. The first season the anime adaptation aired in 2014 with a total of 20 episodes and 3 OVAs. A second season has been announced for April 2015 with 12 episodes.
Opening theme:
1. “Rally Go Round” by LiSA
High school students Raku Ichijo, the son of a leader in the yakuza faction Shuei-Gumi, and Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a boss in a rival gang Beehive are unexpectedly forced to “date” to quell the rivalry of their fathers’ factions. They unexpectedly meet when Chitoge hops a wall and knees Raku in the face. After she runs off, Raku realizes he has lost his locket which was given to him by his childhood sweetheart with whom he made a secret promise. After discovering Chitoge is a new transfer student in his class, he forces her to help him look for the locket. During the search, they begin to dislike each other.
For the next three years, they must pretend to be in a relationship to maintain peace between the gangs. This turns out to be quite a challenging task, not only because of their hatred for one another, but also because Raku has a crush on another schoolmate, Kosaki Onodera, whom he secretly wishes was the girl who bears the key to his locket. Various developments complicate the situation, including Chitoge’s over-protective bodyguard, a female hitman, a girl who claims to be Raku’s fiancée, and the existence of multiple keys.
Tokyo Ghoul √A
Tokyo Ghoul (東京喰種 Tōkyō Gūru) is a manga series by Sui Ishida, serialized since September 2011. The anime series adaptation by Pierrot is scheduled to air in July 2014 with 12 episodes. The second season aired January 8, 2015 with another dozen episodes.
A third season titled Tokyo Ghoul:re is reportedly in the works. [An amnesiac Kaneki is now under the new identity of Haise Sasaki, the leader of a special team of CCG investigators called “Quinx Squad.” Under the guidance and constant surveillance of Arima Kisho, the CCG Special Class Ghoul Investigator, Sasaki takes on a new role in hunting down the ghouls]
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Incompetence” (無能 Munou) by österreich
2. “The Seasons Die Out, One After Another” (季節は次々死んでいく Kisetsu wa Tsugitsugi Shindeiku) by Amazarashi
The suspense horror/dark fantasy story is set in Tokyo, which is haunted by mysterious “ghouls” who look human but need to eat human flesh in order to survive. Eighteen-year-old college freshman Ken Kaneki encounters Rize Kamishiro, a girl who professes to be an avid reader like him, at a café he frequents. His life changes after he is nearly killed (devoured) by Rize (a ghoul), and he receives organ “donations” from her. Kaneki soon realizes he is now half-human and half-ghoul. With no one else to turn to, he is taken in by the ghouls who manage the coffee shop “Anteiku”, who teach him to deal with his new life as a half-human/half-ghoul, including interacting with ghoul society and its conflicting factions, while striving to keep his identity secret from other humans
Fall 2014 Leftovers
Akatsuki no Yona
Akatsuki no Yona (暁のヨナ, lit. Yona of the Dawn , also known as Akatsuki no Yona -The girl standing in the blush of dawn-) is a manga series by Mizuho Kusanagi, serialized in Hakusensha’s shōjo manga magazine Hana to Yume from August 2009. It has been collected in sixteen tankōbon volumes and is ongoing.
This action, fantasy series was animated and aired from October 2014 until March 24, 2015 with a total of 24 episodes.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Akatsuki no Yona” (暁のヨナ, Yona of the Dawn) by Kunihiko Ryo
2. “Akatsuki no Hana”, by Cyntia
3. “Yoru” (夜, Night) by Vistlip
4. “Akatsuki”by Akiko Shikata
As the only princess of a grand kingdom of Kouka, Yona was raised with great care by her doting father and protected by her childhood friend/guard Hak and others. However, her fate changed on her 16th birthday, when her beloved cousin Soo-won murders her father to usurp the throne. She flees the castle with Hak’s and together they journey in search of the four dragons, said to be her guardians to save her kingdom.
Log Horizon
Log Horizon (ログ・ホライズン Rogu Horaizun) is an adventure-fantasy novel series written by Mamare Touno. The novel has received four manga adaptations, with one based on the main story and the other three revolving around characters in the series. The series returns for a second season in Fall 2014.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “database” by Man With A Mission ft. Takuma
2. “Wonderful Wonder World” by Yun*chi
The story begins when 30,000 Japanese gamers are trapped in the fantasy online game world Elder Tale after a game update. What was once a sword-and-sorcery world is now the real world. The protagonist and strategist Shiroe attempts to survive with his old friend Naotsugu and the beautiful assassin Akatsuki. The anime adaptation is scheduled to air Oct. 5, 2013 until March 22, 2014 with 25 episodes. A second season will begin airing in Fall 2014.
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (四月は君の嘘 April is Your Lie) is a manga series written and illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa since 2011 and is ongoing. The manga won the Best Shonen Manga at the 37th Kodansha Manga Awards. An anime television series adaptation by A-1 Pictures is scheduled to air from October 2014 on Fuji TV’s noitamina block.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Hikaru Nara” (光るなら, If You Will Shine) by Goose
2. “Nanairo Symphony” (七色シンフォニー, Seven-colored Symphony) by Coalamode
3. “Kirameki” (キラメキ, Sparkle) by wacci.
4. “Orange” (オレンジ, Orange) by 7!! (Seven Oops)
Piano prodigy Arima Kosei dominated the piano competitions as a child. But after his mother, who was also his instructor, passed away, he had a mental breakdown at a recital. To that end, he insists he no longer hears the sound of his piano even though his hearing is perfectly fine.
Two years later, Kosei has yet to touch the piano and views the world monotonously, without any flair or color. He is content with living out his life with his good friends Tsubaki and Watari until, one day, a girl changed everything. Miyazono Kaori is a pretty, free spirited violinist whose playing style reflects her personality. Kaori helps Kosei return to the music world and show that it should be free and mold breaking unlike the structured and rigid style Kosei was used to.
World Trigger
World Trigger (ワールドトリガー), also known in short form as WāTori (ワートリ), is a manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Ashihara, and serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2013. An anime adaptation of the series produced by Toei Animation started airing on 5 October 2014 with an approximate 50 episodes planned.
Opening Theme:
1. “GIRIGIRI” (ギリギリ “Borderline”)
In Mikado City (三門市 Mikado-shi) (280 000 inhabitants), a “gate” to a different world opens suddenly one day. Invincible aliens called “Neighbors” (近界民（ネイバー） “Near-world people”?) start appearing from this gate. Earth’s only line of defense is a mysterious group called the “Border” who are armed with weapons called “Triggers”.
Four and a half years after the gate is opened for the first time, Yūma Kuga (空閑 遊真 Kuga Yūma), a humanoid Neighbor, comes to Mikado City, where he meets Osamu Mikumo (三雲 修 Mikumo Osamu), a Border agent.
Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road
Yowamushi Pedal (弱虫ペダル) is a manga series written and illustrated by Wataru Watanabe. It began its serialization in 2008’s 12th issue of the Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine. As of May 2013, there are 28 compiled volumes published with the 29th scheduled for August 8, 2013. The 29th volume will be bundled with an OVA episode on DVD. A second season of the series began in October 2014.
Opening & ending themes
1. “Determination” by LASTGASP (eps 1-12)
2. “Remind (リマインド)” by ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D (eps 13-)
3. “Realize (リアライズ)” by ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D (eps 1-12)
4. “Eikou no Ichibyou (栄光への一秒)” by MAGIC OF LiFE (eps 13-)
Season 2 pick ups where season one left off and continue to follow Onoda, Naruko, Imaizumi, and the entire Sohoku team as they compete in Day 3 of the Inter-High. Joining the returning members is Eikichi Machimiya and the entire Hiroshima Kureminami Technical High School bicycle team. Their sole goal is to take down Hakone Academy. Season 2 lasts 24 episodes.
Continuing
Fairy Tail (Season 7)
Fairy Tail is a manga created by Hiro Mashima serialized since Aug. 23. 2006 and is ongoing. Season 1 of the anime began airing on Oct. 12, 2009 and will end on September 27, 2010 with a total of 48 episodes. Even though it was initially meant for only one season, due to the popularity of the series, a second season was announced and began airing on October 2010. The anime is on its third season and going strong with 135 episodes and counting. This series is also being developed as a game for PS by Konami. They already have 3 OVAs “Welcome to Fairy Hills!” released April 15, 2011, “Fairy Academy – Yankee-kun and Yankee-chan” released June 17, 2011, and “Memory Days” released February 17, 2012. The movie, “Fairy Tail the Movie: The Phoenix Priestess” is set to be released August 18, 2012. The series’ fifth season will premiere on TV Tokyo on April 5, 2014.
Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Masayume Chasing” by BoA
2. “Kimi to Kare to Boku to Kanojo to” (君と彼と僕と彼女と You, Me, He and She) by Breathe
3. “Strike Back” by Back-On
4. “Kokoro no Kagi” (心の鍵? “Heart’s Key”) by May J
5. “Mysterious Magic” by Do as Infinity
6. “Kimi no Mirai” (キミノミライ “Your Future”) by Root Five
7. “Break Out” by V6
8. “Don’t let me down” by Mariya Nishiuchi
9. “Yumeiro Graffiti” by Tackey and Tsubasa
10. “Never ever” by Tokyo Girls’ Style
It begins with Lucy Heartfilia meeting Natsu Dragnell and his best friend, Happy a flying cat, who is searching for a dragon, Igneel. Turns out, Igneel is Natsu’s foster father, the one who raised him and taught him the skills of a dragon slayer. Shortly after their meeting, Lucy is abducted by a person posing as Salamander of Fairy Tail, only to be sold as a slave. Natsu rescues her and reveals that he is the real Salamander. He then brings Lucy into the land of Fiore, and she is accepted as a Fairy Tale Guild member. Soon after, the three become teammates, together with two more Guild members, Gray Fullbuster and Erza Scarlet. Of the lot, Lucy brings forth a saner and calmer side to the rest of the team, albeit being exceptionally klutzy. This is a cute magician story about impatience while striving to better oneself and never giving up on one’s friends. As Happy says, “Aiii!”
Unfortunately for this anime series, this is the final season – much to the dismay of many fans at episode 175. However, it does suggest that a movie will ensue to answer much of the ending of the anime series. Who is Zeref? Who is this woman whom Gerard seems to know? What happens in the future to cause the destruction of Fiore/Fairy Tail? (Manga is still ongoing.)
On March 4, 2013, Mashima sensei announced on his Twitter account that the anime will not end yet… :O The return is planned for Spring 2014! Lately, the storyline has gone down the drain. No more rubbish, please!
Naruto Shippuden (Season 18): The Fourth Great Ninja War – Obito Uchiha (忍界大戦・うちはオビト Ninkai Taisen – Uchiha Obito)
Naruto began as a manga series by Masashi Kishimoto, which was later adapted to an anime series that started airing in 2002 until present. The anime, much like the manga, is split into two parts: the time split in the manga is simply named Part I & II while the anime is named Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. The second part of the series takes place two and a half years after the first part ends. Since Jan. 2, 2009 Viz Media and Crunchyroll have been subtitling Naruto: Shippuden. The series is about a young and rash ninja from Konohagakure, the Leaf Village named Uzumaki Naruto. The story unfolds as Naruto searches for recognition and acknowledgment from his peers and elders as he aspires to become the Hokage – leader of the village. As a baby, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox (kyuubi) was sealed in him to protect Konohagakure (the Leaf Village). However, the villagers, who were very much afraid of kyuubi, transferred that fear to the infant and eventually the child. Naruto grew up hated and mistreated by Konoha’s residents throughout most of his childhood.
Naruto, together with Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura are placed in Team 7 lead by Hatake Kakashi. Even though the team seemed mismatched at first, the soon find that they complement each other. The noisy idiot, with the skilled genius and the quick-tempered thinker quickly become one. However, Sasuke has a one-track mind – he vows to avenge his family and clan by killing his beloved older brother. When the chance is presented upon him, he takes it and leaves the village forever. Naruto vows to bring Sasuke back to Sakura, but to do so, he have to become stronger. Unfortunately for Naruto, he is not the only one with a goal in mind. The Akatsuki is out to capture him, to drain him off the sealed Demon Fox.
At the start of Naruto Shippuden, Naruto returns home from his training with Jiraiya, having learned the Rasengan developed by the Fourth Hokage. Sakura is well-versed in the arts of medical jutsu thanks to Tsunade. Sasuke may just have surpassed the group in skills, training under Orochimaru. History, it seems, is about to repeat itself. The dreaded Akatsuki is on the move, and Gaara, an old friend, is the first of many targets. Soon Team Kakashi gets a new team member as a replacement for a departed Sasuke. Everyone is suspicious of him because he is recommended by Danzou, the person vying for the Hokage seat. Team Kakashi’s new mission is to seek out Sasuke while getting acquainted with a recluse newbie, Sai. While tracking the death of Asuma‘s old friend, Konoha ninjas go up against two immortal Akatsuki members – Kakuzu and Hidan. Naruto improves on the rasengan and creates a new jutsu under the careful tutelage of Kakashi and watchful eyes of Yamato, called the Rasenshuriken. Shikamura learns the horror of wars and finally lives up to his fullest potential to avenge a beloved mentor. Finally, Sasuke overpowers and absorbs Orochimaru. Unfortunately, Jiraiya sacrifices his life to learn the truth of Pain, the puppet leader of Akatsuki. Sasuke forms team Hebi to avenge his clan, while Naruto is forced to become stronger just to get a brother home and avenge a beloved teacher and god-father.
The eighteenth season began airing from Aug. 21, 2014 to present. The season focuses on the climax of the battle between the Allied Shinobi Forces and Obito Uchiha.
The season has a few opening and ending themes.
1. “Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu” (ニワカ雨ニモ負ケズ) by NICO Touches the Walls (ep. 321-332)
2. “Tsuki no Ōkisa” (月の大きさ, “The Size of the Moon”) by Nogizaka46 (ep. 333-356)
3. “Guren” by DOES (eps 357-ongoing)
4. “Yume o Idaite ~Hajimari no Crissroads~” (夢を抱いて～はじまりのクリスロード～, “Embrace Your Dreams ~Crissroads of the Beginning~”) by Rake (ep. 321-332)
5. “Black Night Town” (ブラックナイトタウン Burakku Naito Taun) by Akihisa Kondō (ep. 333-343)
6. “Niji (虹)” by Shunku Horou (真空ホロウ) (eps 344-356)
7. “FLAME” by DISH// (eps 362-366)
8. “Guren” (紅蓮, “Crimson”) by DOES (ep. 373-379)
9. “Never Change” by SHUN and Lyu:Lyu (ep. 373-379)
10. “Silhouette” (シルエット “Shiruetto”) by KANA-BOON (ep 380-405)
11. “Wind” (風 Kaze) by Yamazaru (ep. 406-present)
12. “Dame Dame da” (だめだめだ, It’s Absolutely No Good) by Shiori Tomita (ep 380-393)
13. “Spinning World” by Diana Garnett (ep 394-present)
This series gets better with each season. The storyline is so well-written and the characters very well-developed. It’s like peeling an onion – layers upon layers of tear-jerkers. Everyone’s rooting for you U-Zu-Ma-Ki Naruto! Ganbatte! Fight-O on!! Underdogs of the world unite. Perseverance, patience, friendship and loyalty are all good themes and moral to learn. You watch as all the characters grow from young tots to responsible and courageous teenagers, learning and flourishing with every new challenge thrown at them. Friends become foes, and enemies become allies. History is never learned but doomed to repeat itself. “Dattebayo!”
One Piece (Season 17: Dressrosa)
One Piece (ワンピース) is a comedic action manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since August 4, 1997. The chapters have been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) produced by Production I.G in 1998. The anime series produced by Toei Animation first began broadcasting in Japan in Oct. 20, 1999 with 626 episodes and counting. Additionally, Toei has developed eleven animated feature films, an OVA, and five television specials. Several companies have developed various types of merchandising such as a trading card game, and a large number of video games.
One Piece is currently ranked as the best-selling manga series. The anime series is on it’s 16th season.
Opening Themes:
1. “We Go!” (ウィーゴー! Wī Gō!) by Hiroshi Kitadani (ep. 517-590)
2. “Hands Up!” by Kōta Shinzato (新里 宏太) (ep. 591-628)
3. “Wake up!” by AAA (ep. 629-686)
4. “Hard Knock Days” by Generations from Exile Tribe (ep. 687 onwards)
Gol D. Roger was known as the Pirate King, the strongest and most infamous being to have sailed the Grand Line. The capture and death of Roger by the World Government brought a change throughout the world. His last words before his death revealed the location of the greatest treasure in the world, One Piece. It was this revelation that brought about the Grand Age of Pirates, men who dreamed of finding One Piece (which promises an unlimited amount of riches and fame), and quite possibly the most coveted of titles for the person who found it, the title of the Pirate King.
Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy that defies your standard definition of a pirate. Rather than the popular persona of a wicked, hardened, toothless pirate who ransacks villages for fun, Luffy’s reason for being a pirate is one of pure wonder; the thought of an exciting adventure and meeting new and intriguing people, along with finding One Piece, are his reasons of becoming a pirate. Aside from his oxymoronic persona, he also has an odd physical trait: his body has the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Luffy and his crew, named the Straw Hat Pirates (麦わら海賊団篇 Mugiwara Kaizoku-dan) travel across the Grand Line, experiencing crazy adventures, unveiling dark mysteries and battling strong enemies, all in order to reach One Piece.
Luffy definitely has an eclectic crew: Zoro the pirate hunter, and skilled swordsman, Nami the ship’s navigator and cat buglar, Usopp the lying “Sniper King” (hence “uso-pp”), and chicken-hearted inventor, Sanji the womanizing cook, Chopper the reindeer doctor (who consumed the Human-devil fruit), Robin the archeologist (who ate the Flower-devil fruit), Franky the human-cyborg shipwright and Brook the live skeleton musician (who ate the Revive-devil fruit). Will the crew grow? Will Luffy become the Pirate King while finding One Piece?
The Straw Hats land in Dressrosa, an island controlled by the warlord Donquixote Doflamingo. Upon learning of Doflamingo’s conquering of the kingdom, the Straw Hats team up with the Revolutionaries and the kingdom’s deposed princess Viola to overthrow Doflamingo and save the island.
OVA/Movies
Kyoukai no Kanata Movie: I’ll Be Here – Kako-hen
This is the first part of a two-part movie. The story is a recap of the TV series.
Free!: Eternal Summer Special (OVA)
Psycho-Pass Movie
Year 2116 – The Japanese government begins to export the Sibyl System unmanned drone robots to troubled countries, and the system spreads throughout the world. A state in the midst of a civil war, SEAUn (the South East Asia Union), brings in the Sibyl System as an experiment. Under the new system, the coastal town of Shambala Float achieves temporary peace and safety. But then SEAUn sends terrorists to Japan. They slip through the Sibyl System and then attack from within. The shadow of a certain man falls on this incident. In charge of the police, Tsunemori travels to Shambala Float to investigate. The truth of justice on this new ground will become clear.
Spring 2015:
New Initial D Movie: Legend 2 – Dokusou
The second movie in the New Initial D Movie trilogy.
Kyoukai no Kanata Movie: I’ll Be Here – Mirai-hen
This is the second part of a two-part movie. The story is a recap of the TV series.
Mushishi: Suzu no Shizuku
The anime’s television broadcast ended with an announcement that the Suzu no Shizuku arc will play in theaters early in Summer 2015. The film will be a special compilation of “Suzu no Shizuku,” which was the last two-chapter arc in the main manga series.
Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji OVA
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso OVA
Shingeki no Kyojin Kouhen: Jiyuu no Tsubasa
A recompilation of the anime series. The new films will feature new dubbing and a 5.1ch remaster with returning voice cast members. The second film will cover 14 through 25.
Vampire Holmes (TV short)
An anime adaptation of the smartphone game that features a character named Holmes in London, but against his name, he is a private detective who dose not reason, or not even explain mysteries. However, he always solves the cases requested. He secretly undertakes a mission from the Metropolitan Police of London to search vampires.
iBlos3om 