It’s seems like every other anime blog is discussing the upcoming shows for the fall season. And so they should – most are premiering in October, just a few weeks away! While I don’t have the inclination, time or skill to do any sort of preview guide, I’d like to list the series I’m looking foward to and give you links to what I feel are some of the blogosphere’s best preview guides:
Preview Guides
- The Cart Driver
Do you like pretty charts with short but excellent summaries of the shows? Look no further than The Cart Driver, one of the best anime blogs on the Internet. These charts are a quick way to get a grasp on the tons of new shows out this fall season.
Grade A for easy access, graphic imagery, quick reading - T.H.A.T. Anime Blog
The folks at T.H.A.T. have created a terrific fall guide, giving strong summaries of the upcoming shows, providing additional information (like those involved in the productions) and providing some insightful and fun comments by the bloggers.
Grade A on fun-viewing, in-depth previews, additional information - Random Curiosity
This guide is simply one stop shopping. If you really want to dig in, looking up various sources about new shows, watching trailers, and reading about all sorts of information, go to this impressive preview.
Grade A on covering everything but the kitchen sink, nice charts - Neko Pan
Although created months ago, this handy guide provides some pieces that the other don’t. It gives video previews and premiere dates in addition to the typical information.
Grade A on youtubing and logistics - Major Arcana
Short sypnoses and quick comments mark this website’s preview. The blog’s writer is excellent, and it’s a good place to visit if one is seeking informed and thoughtful opinions on the new series.
Grade A on insights and purty-ness - Ani No Miyako
Focusing on a handful of the series, this site gives in-depth commentary on the blogger’s expectations. Agree or disagree, they provide insights on the some of the most-anticipated fall series.
Grade A on depth and organization
Other Preview-related Site
- Moetron
The post linked above provides an easily-accessable chart for the the premieres this fall. This is handy for anyone looking to already shore up their watching schedule.
What I’m Looking Forward To
Ancient mecha. Check. Young male pilot. Check. Mysterious girl who is rescued. Check. Sounds cliched? That’s a definite yes. However, I have high hopes for the series because of those involved. T.H.A.T. Anime Blog gives a rundown of the people behind the series, and trust me, their resumes impress.
More than that, my first reading of the synopsis makes me believe that this might be a good series to discuss. I maybe not have the time or wherewithal to blog on a weekly basis about a series, but I may make posts about it here and there. I feel there may be some strong spiritual truths reflected in the show…somewhere underneath those horrible green jackets and too much like Shingu: Secrets of the Stellar War mecha design.
Giving it a chance? Yes
Will probably watch it all the way through? Possibly
Spiritual Conversation Potential? Strong
Enjoyment Potential? Medium to High
I’ve been anticipating this series more than any other. Bakuman is one of my favorite manga series, as the creators (who also created Death Note) made what could have been mundane (editing deadlines for instance) into exciting and fun material. And as you can see in a recent post, this material is surprisingly ripe with content that has spiritual connotations. However, it remains to be seen whether a manga about manga will translate well into a series. In addition, the first several volumes heavily feature just the two main characters and one of the girls (not even the main characters’ love interest) strongly, with the other characters in very minor supporting roles. How will the anime staff deal with this?
Giving it a chance? Definitely
Will probably watch it all the way through? Almost definitely
Spiritual Conversation Potential? Most definitely
Enjoyment Potential? Could definitely be high
To me, this last choice is a wildcard. It’s about a “psychic detective” who can see ghosts and spirits, and is bound to helping them rest in the afterlife. It’s a plotline that’s been done effectively in the past. However, my interest in the series has to do with the rich potential to discuss spiritual matters. Christian spirituality, as my blog attests, can be found everywhere, even in specifically non-Christian works.
Giving it a chance? Probably
Will probably it all the way through? Possibly
Spiritual Conversation Potential? High
Enjoyment Potential? Low
These are my “must sees.” What are yours? Are you excited about the fall season?
