Well human people, it looks like the winter anime season has begun this new year. It’s time we took a look at the anime coming up, and make some picks about what looks good. A lot of these titles look interesting. This time around, I’m separating my picks by whether it centers around high school or not. The reason for this odd grouping is because is every goddam anime that comes out seems to be about high school( not that this makes a series non enjoyable or one dimensional). The obvious reason is because the majority of the audiences watching anime on Japanese TV are teenagers. I myself like anime that stands out and is unique, so that is why I’m happy whenever I see something that is not the same old, same old. Of course sometimes these categories overlap (Mirai Nikki doing a superb job of that).
But enough explanation. Time to go down with the list. Based only on what little info is given out and observation, here are my choices for this season (and possible bar bets you and your friends will make).
Mangirl!
No,no. This isn’t about a female superhero bitten by a radioactive man. This little show is about a very amateur team of girls who want to create their manga magazine(hence the name Mangirl being a combo of the words manga and girl). And it’s only gonna be three minutes long per episode. Perfect for a break in between episodes of whatever fan-service series your watching.
Cuticle Detective Inaba
This action/comedy series involves a detective who was spliced together using wolf and human dna. He can gain information about somebody by smelling and tasting their hair (he also gains certain powers from doing so too). I’m looking forward to this because it’s one of those strange concepts that make viewers say “it’s Japan”.
Amnesia
The main heroine here wakes up with no memories of her past (guess how this was named), and is led by a young boy toward recovering her memories. I personally like unraveling mysteries, so let’s hope it leads somewhere good (hopefully toward ice cream and gravure models).
Line Offline: Salaryman
Another series involving three minute episodes. It takes place in the fictional Line Corporation and involves all the wacky employees (some of which have animal heads). Yet another strange Japanese idea, so you know it’ll be good.
Tamako Market
This anime involves a know it all of the Japanese desert mochi who goes by the name of Tamako. Not only does she work in her family’s mocha shop, but her best male friend works at a rival shop. Then there is a bird that can speak and all kinds of mysterious moments.
This starting to make me think of Nichijou but with characters that look like they’re from K-on(since it’s the same animation team).
HIGH SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA
Okay, now we get to the more high school centered anime. Hopefully these titles will keep us from getting sick of the same setting.
Ai Mai Mi
Just like Mangirl, this one also involves girls drawing manga and three minutes. But don’t worry they also fight aliens, rival high school manga clubs and I’m sure your mother.
Love Live! School Idol project
Otonokizaka High School stands close to being shut down due to low enrollment rate. So the girls band together to form a pop group and hope the popularity will boost the schools attendance(that’s the same way we raised money for my biker club).
Kotoura-san
This show involves a girl who can read minds. No ,it’s not a horror story(wouldn’t that be scary if girls had that ability). The anime is about dealing with your classmates and opening up to them. With some comedy and romance throw in.
RETURNING FOR MORE!
Chihayafuru
Yes, the Karuta coolness is back for a second season. If you are unaware of the awesomeness of this show click here.
Chihaya returns and this time the karuta club must recruit five more members or face disbandment by the school. Will they succeed in their goal. We’ll find out this season.
So those are the choices I’m putting my money on. Usually I give it three episodes before I decide to continue with the series (kind of like dating). Some of these shows have already had their first episodes already air, so get to watching!
About the author: Glitch is a digital demon from planet Fanboy, and is here to teach us humans a thing or two. You can find more of his reviews(and nonsense) over at http://www.youtube.com/takenoutofcontext, https://www.facebook.com/takenoutofcontext