Welcome to the Fall 2013 season of anime! Watch your step on the way in. We've got something for everyone here: action shows, sports shows, mecha shows, original shows, unoriginal shows, the works. It's a lot to keep track of, so let this be your guide to what's worth paying attention to and what's not.
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Simulcast Schedule
Sunday
CR,DS,HL - Magi: The Kingdom of Magic - 1:30am PST
CR - Wanna be the Strongest in the World - 5:30am PST
CR - Teekyu 3 - 7:30am PST
CR - Meganebu! - 9:00am PST
CR - Walkure Romanze - 9:30am PST
CR - Gingitsune - 10:05am PST
Monday
GU - Gundam Build Fighters - 4:00am PST
CR - Yowamushi Pedal - 11:00am PST
CR - Diabolik Lovers - 12:00pm PST
FN - Unbreakable Machine-Doll - 12:00pm PST
CR - Arpeggio of Blue Steel - 12:25pm PST
CR - Non Non Biyori - 1:05pm PST
Tuesday
FN - Tokyo Ravens - 10:00am PST
FN - BlazBlue Alter Memory - 11:00am PST
CR - Miss Monochrome - 11:00am PST
Wednesday
VZ - Coppelion - 9:00am PST
CR - Kyoukai no Kanata - 9:30am PST
CR - NouCome - 11:00am PST
CR - Phi Brain Season 3 - 12:00pm PST
Thursday
CR - Nagi no Asukara - 8:00am PST
CR,DS,HL - Valvrave the Liberator Season 2 - 10:00am PST
CR,DS,HL - Kill la Kill - 10:30am PST
CR - Samurai Flamenco - 10:30am PST
CR - Galilei Donna - 11:00am PST
CR - Infinite Stratos 2 - 12:00pm PST
CR - Golden Time - 12:30pm PST
Friday
CR - Kyousougiga - 10:00am PST
CR - Strike the Blood - 11:00am PST
CR - Yusibu - 11:00am PST
FN - Freezing Vibration - 12:30pm PST
Saturday
CR - Log Horizon - 4:30am PST
CR - Little Busters! Refrain - 7:00am PST
CR - Hajime no Ippo Rising - 11:00am PST
CR - White Album 2 - 11:00am PST
CR - Kuroko's Basketball 2 - 11:30am PST
CR - Ace of the Diamond - 5:30pm PST
CR - Outbreak Company - 10:00pm PST
Legend:
CR = Crunchyroll
VZ = Viz Anime
FN = Funimation
DS = Daisuki
HL = Hulu
GU = Gundam.info
(regional streaming restrictions may apply)
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Movie Line-up
Madoka Magica Movie 3: Rebellion Story
Director:Akiyuki Shinbo Yukihiro Miyamoto
Animation Production: Shaft
Opening Date: 10/26
Official Site: http://www.madoka-magica.com/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNErFx2XEqs
The Madoka sequel we deserve, but not the one we need right now. Or something.
Patema Inverted
Director: Yasuhiro Yoshiura
Animation Production: Purple Cow Studio Japan
Opening Date: 11/9
Official Site: http://patema.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIeCI7l138s
I think everyone who liked Time of Eve is really excited for this. Maybe.
Kaguya-hime no Monogatari
Director: Isao Takahata
Animation Production: Studio Ghibli
Opening Date: 11/23
Official Site: http://kaguyahime-monogatari.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giUFDnL1fG8
Probably the last film Takahata will direct. Probably going to be awesome.
Persona 3 the Movie: Spring of Birth
Director: Noriaki Akitaya
Animation Production: AIC A.S.T.A.
Opening Date: 11/23
Official Site: http://www.p3m.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3lYJtycWwA
The superior Persona game finally gets an anime adaptation. Yay.
Majokko Shimai no Yoyo & Nene
Director: Takayuki Hirao
Animation Production: Ufotable
Opening Date: 12/28
Official Site: http://majocco.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzbHzv20-M
Sweet 2D. Sweet colors. Cute witches. Ufotable r0x.
Other Franchise Films for Franchise Fans:
Dokidoki! Precure Movie: Mana Kekkon!!? Mirai ni Tsunagu Kibou no Dress (10/26)
Lupin III vs Detective Conan: The Movie (12/7)
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TV Line-up
ACE OF DIAMOND
Director: Mitsuyuki Masuhara (Polar Bear's Cafe, Chi's Sweet Home)
Animation Production: Madhouse/Production I.G.
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 8:30, starting on 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RUV98RNnNg
Reasons to Watch Out: The manga is supposed to be decent. The director is decent. I don't see anything that stands out, but it could be solid.
Editor's Note: I was bribed by a mystery mod to put this on top. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
KYOUSOGIGA TV
Director: Rie Matsumoto (Heartcatch Precure movie)
Character Designer: Yuki Hayashi (Driland S1)
Music: Go Shiina (Tales of Legendia, God Eater)
Animation Production: Toei Animation
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 1:30 AM, starting 10/10 (episode 0 on 10/3)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoOp1vf98ac
Reasons to Watch Out: Rie Matsumoto is a talented young director, and she's come up with a really unique world with a lot of potential in Kyousogiga. The 2012 ONA series was a lot of fun, with creative visual ideas, sharp direction, and some surprisingly moving character work. This TV series, consisting of 10 episodes with 3 7-minute short segments each, will be the fullest exploration of the world's ideas yet and should be really good.
GALILEI DONNA
Director: Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite, Mezzo Forte)
Character Designer: Shingo Adachi (Working!, Sword Art Online)
Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 12:50 AM, starting 10/11
Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14wfja_galilei-donna-pv_shortfilms
Reasons to Watch Out: A light-hearted adventure/action show with things like international/historical conspiracies and sky pirates in a European setting, put together by an experienced master of cute girls doing badass action things. The animation and art direction are top-notch. Umetsu seems to be getting most of his perviness out in Wizard Barristers, so this should be a fun watch for the whole family!
SAMURAI FLAMENCO
Director: Takahiro Omori (Baccano, Natsume's Book of Friends)
Series Composition: Hideyuki Kurata (R.O.D., Kamichu!)
Original Character Design: Chinatsu Kurahana (Uta Prince)
Music: Kenji Tamai/agehasprings (Genki Rockets)
Animation Production: Manglobe
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 1:20 AM, starting 10/11
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N184vpfST18 (keep eye out for one with animation)
Reasons to Watch Out: This show has been a little secretive about the details, but it's from a good director and the story seems to be an exploration of the meaning of tokusatsu shows and the ideals they teach which could end up quite interesting. We'll see if Manglobe poaching Omori from Brains Base lets them make a great show again.
VALVRAVE THE LIBERATOR SEASON 2
Director: Kou Matsuo (Kurenai, Red Garden)
Series Composition: Ichiro Okouchi (Code Geass, Planetes)
Animation Production: Sunrise
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pagaPIi3XaA
Reasons to Watch Out: The comedic genius of Valvrave returns! What wild wackiness does it have in store for us this time? Hopefully at least some more musical sequences.
GUNDAM BUILD FIGHTERS
Director: Kenji Nagasaki (No. 6, Gundam 00 assistant director)
Series Composition: Yousuke Kuroda (Gundam 00, Gunpla Builders Beginning G)
Animation Production: Sunrise
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 6 PM, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVkcvXOOs70
Reasons to Watch Out: Beargguy r0x.
GINGITSUNE
Director: Shin Misawa (Fire Emblem, Capeta)
Animation Production: Diomedia
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 1:05 AM, starting 10/7
Trailer: http://gingitsune.net/pv_02.html
Reasons to Watch Out: Gentle stories about the interaction between humans and gods, presented with a relaxing supernatural atmosphere? Sign me up! The staff is nothing special but the trailer looks promising.
YOZAKURA QUARTET: HANA NO UTA
Director/Character Design: Ryo-chimo (Birdy the Mighty Decode character designs)
Animation Production: Tatsunoko Production
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 11:30 PM, starting 10/6
Trailer: http://yozakura-anime.jp/pv_03.html
Reasons to Watch Out: It's quite likely that the story will be borderline incoherent, but the animation of Ryo-chimo's web-gen team will make for a crazy spectacle.
HAJIME NO IPPO RISING
Director: Jun Shishido (Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger, The Story of Saiunkoku)
Animation Production: Madhouse/MAPPA
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 1:35 AM, starting 10/6
Reasons to Watch Out: Hajime no Ippo has a strong fanbase and a good reputation. Unfortunately, the anime has reached the point where manga readers say the story begins to go south, so how well this season to manage to stack up to the past ones remains to be seen.
KYOUKAI NO KANATA
Director: Taichi Ishidate (Nichijou assistant director)
Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/3
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnfeVrAAS2k
Reasons to Watch Out: The directorial debut of Ishidate, one of the top animators at KyoAni who specializes in action. Should be good action sequences, whether it delivers anything more than that remains to be seen.
MEGANEBU
Director: Soubi Yamamoto (This Boy Can Fight Aliens!)
Animation Production: Studio DEEN
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at midnight, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olBsGuxnbxo
Reasons to Watch Out: Soubi Yamamoto makes her TV debut at the fresh young age of 23 after directing a couple BL shorts at Shinkai's studio Comix Wave. With guys with actual nipples and the gaudiest art direction this side of Trapeze, this could be good fun. NO MEGANE, NO LIFE.
PUPA
Director: Tomomi Mochizuki (House of Five Leaves, Twin Spica)
Animation Production: Studio DEEN
Japanese Air Time: ?
Reasons to Watch Out: Mochizuki is a good director with a strong sense of atmosphere, which is perfect for the horror nature of Pupa. There's been so little info about this that it's difficult to know what to expect though.
KILL LA KILL
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi (Gurren Lagann, Panty and Stocking)
Series Composition: Kazuki Nakashima (Gurren Lagann, Re: Cutie Honey)
Character Design: Sushio (One Piece Movie 6, Engage Planet Kiss Dum)
Animation Production: Trigger
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 2:05 AM, starting 10/4
Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14o2em_tv
Reasons to Watch Out: The first TV series from Trigger, the studio Imaishi created out of the ashes of Gainax, this reunion of him and Nakashima is supposed to be even more hot-blooded than Gurren Lagann. For those who like Imaishi's brash style and can tolerate Ryuuko's eroge battle uniform, this holds a lot of promise. The art design and world setting are the highlights.
COPPELION
Director/Character Design: Shingo Suzuki (K)
Animation Production: GoHands
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 9 PM,, starting 10/2
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqNivE8KhGM
Reasons to Watch Out: Great character designs, great animation, crazy abuse of filters. The folks over at GoHands still need their eyes checked. Perhaps this can be an enjoyable action show if you can overlook that?
NON NON BIYORI
Director: Shinya Kawamo (Kokoro Connect)
Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida (K-ON, Girls und Panzer)
Animation Production: Silver Link
Japanese Air Time: Tuesdays at 1:35 AM, starting 10/8
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtOCzzLNsOY
Reasons to Watch Out: If you're looking for a new cute girls doing cute things show, this is pretty much your only option this season. The rural setting gives it a unique hook. Silver Link doesn't have a great track record, but the trailer looks decent, so this might be OK.
GOLDEN TIME
Director: Chiaki Kon (Higurashi, Umineko)
Animation Production: J.C. Staff
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 2:35 AM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9tcyonlZAM
Reasons to Watch Out: The source material is apparently decent, but Chiaki Kon is a terrible director. Who will win out?
LOG HORIZON
Director: Shinji Ishihara (Fairy Tail, Tokyo Majin)
Animation Production: Satelight
Japanese Air Time: Saturdays at 5:30 PM, starting 10/5
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXgBkeduII
Reasons to Watch Out: It's like Sword Art Online, but without the incest. Or the harem. Or the overpowered protagonist. Or the eyeball licking. And with Jouji Nakata playing a dapper catman. And airing on public educational television. So it's really not like Sword Art Online at all. In fact, despite being Satelight, it looks like it could be some good, simple fun.
YOWAMUSHI PEDAL
Director: Osamu Nabeshima (D. Gray-man, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas)
Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida (K-ON, Girls und Panzer)
Animation Production: TMS Entertainment
Japanese Air Time: Tuesdays at 1:35 AM, starting on 10/8
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLZJUBspgO4
Reasons to Watch Out: Hot guys! Cycling! Hot guys! The cycling actually seems to be animated and visualized pretty well, despite the CG bikes. The manga is supposed to be good too. And did I mention hot guys?
KUROKO'S BASKETBALL SEASON 2
Director: Shunsuke Tada (Kuroko S1, Bungaku Shoujo)
Animation Production: Production I.G.
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 1:58 AM, starting on 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ox9aQTegrU
Reasons to Watch Out: The trailer shows that Kazuto Nakazawa is back with some delicious basketball animation. I'm sure there'll be plenty of delicious BL teasing too for those of you into that.
MAGI: THE KINGDOM OF MAGIC
Director: Koji Masunari (Magi S1, Welcome to the Space Show)
Series Composition: Hiroyuki Yoshino (Guilty Crown, Macross Frontier)
Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 5 PM, starting on 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ8cFBcXYsk
Reasons to Watch Out: Mor.
ARPEGGIO OF BLUE STEEL
Director: Seiji Kishi (Devil Survivor 2, Danganronpa)
Animation Production: SANZIGEN
Japanese Air Time: Tuesdays at 2:55 AM
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30GHXmIyWJk
Reasons to Watch Out: As a full-length CG TV series from SANZIGEN it's a curiosity, but the implementation still leaves something to be desired, not to mention Kishi is the laziest director alive.
BLAZBLUE ALTER MEMORY
Director: Hideki Tachibana (Dragon Crisis, H20)
Assistant Director: Seiji Mizushima (Un-Go, Natsuiro Kiseki)
Animation Production: Hoods Entertainment/teamKG
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/9
Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k3DNfJmkyuEd4A4qdhu
Reasons to Watch Out: If this isn't adapting the gag endings, there's really not much point.
NAGI NO ASUKARA
Director: Toshiya Shinohara (Red Data Girl, Black Butler)
Series Composition: Mari Okada (Hanasaku Iroha, Aquarion Evol)
Original Character Design: Buriki (Haganai)
Animation Production: P.A. Works
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 10 PM, starting 10/3
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpWCIwPQS3Y
Reasons to Watch Out: It feels like a while since we've gotten some good old dumb Okada melodrama. The world setting is kind of interesting, at least to someone such as myself who likes underwater kingdoms, but the premise is ripe for the kind of character writing Okada does so poorly. At least Buriki's designs don't look as ugly here as they do in the Haganai anime.
There's more... but does anyone care?
LITTLE BUSTERS REFRAIN
Director: Yoshiki Yamakawa (Little Busters, Kill Me Baby)
Animation Production: J.C. Staff
Japanese Air Time: Saturdays at 8:30 PM
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEQUd7BT_U
The patented Key melodrama will kick into full gear in this season, so if you're into that, have fun. Expect ghosts.
SEKAI DE ICHIBAN TSUYOKU NARITAI! (Wanna Be the Strongest in the World)
Director: Rion Kujo (Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero, Samurai Harem)
Animation Production: ARMS
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 8:30 PM
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC5P8lRD-X0
Id@lwrassling.
WHITE ALBUM 2
Director: Masaomi Ando (Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse)
Chief Director: Seiya Numata (Milky Holmes S1-2 character designs)
Animation Production: Satelight
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 1:30 AM, starting 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rITDXhpfaE
It's interesting to see the skilled animator Seiya Numata pick up the directing baton, but being a good animator doesn't make you a good director.
YUUSHA NI NARENAKATTA ORE WA SHIBUSHIBU SHUUSHOKU WO KETSUI SHIMASHITA (Yusibu)
Director: Kinji Yoshimoto (Queen's Blade, Genshiken 2)
Character Design: Tetsuya Takeuchi (Yuji Seijin Naoko-san)
Animation Production: asread
Japanese Air Time: Saturdays at 1:30 AM, starting 10/5
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTtxA-xECms
The squishiest breasts ever seen.
INFINITE STRATOS 2
Director: Susumu Tosaka
Animation Production: 8-bit
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 2:58 AM, starting 10/4
The harem show to end all harem shows returns. Can it recapture the “magic” that made the first season an AnimeGAF hit?
PHI BRAIN SEASON 3
Director: Hirotaka Endo (Phi Brain S2)
Series Composition: Mayori Sekijima (Phi Brain S1-2), Junichi Sato (Aria, Tamayura)
Animation Production: Sunrise
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 5:30 PM
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaFnUIzHZ6c
NHK is still sponsoring more of this.
ORE NO NOUNAI SENTAKUSHI GA, GAKUEN LOVE COME WO ZENRYOKU DE JYAMA SHITEIRU (Noucome) (My Mental Multiple-Choice Power Is Completely Ruining My School Romantic Comedy)
Director: Takayuki Inagaki (Rosario + Vampire)
Animation Production: Diomedia
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 1 AM, starting 10/10
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCgAbU5Xpeg
A guy has multiple-choice powers but all they do is give him a harem.
TOKYO RAVENS
Director: Takaomi Kanasaki (Is This a Zombie?)
Animation Production: 8-bit
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/9
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MuxbeVaoDM
A powerless member of a magical family has his childhood friend return to become his familiar.
UNBREAKABLE MACHINE-DOLL
Director: Kinji Yoshimoto (Queen's Blade, Genshiken 2)
Animation Production: Lerche
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 8:30 PM, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue1rX__SmJo
Battles between living dolls, only without the fashion sense of Rozen Maiden.
WALKURE ROMANZE
Director: Yusuke Yamamoto (Aquarion Evol, Yama no Susume)
Animation Production: 8-bit
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwLvFetyLc
Eroge adaptation set at a jousting academy.
FREEZING VIBRATION
Director: Takashi Watanabe (Freezing, Shakugan no Shana)
Animation Production: A.C.G.T.
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 9:30 PM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbi9y8qcXT8
Better than the first season just because of the title.
STRIKE THE BLOOD
Chief Director: Takao Sano (Chitose Get You!!)
Animation Production: Silver Link/Connect
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 11:30 PM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoqgLCATqUk
The world's most powerful vampire, sparkles not included.
OUTBREAK COMPANY
Director: Kei Oikawa (Minami-ke: Okaeri)
Animation Production: feel.
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 1:28 AM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwTPxNhhdK4
In this season's “how low can you go” LN adaptation, a NEET otaku becomes the moe ambassador of Japan to a fantasy kingdom.
MISS MONOCHROME
Director: Yoshiaki Iwasaki (Love Hina, Familiar of Zero)
Animation Production: Liden Films/SANZIGEN
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 1:35 AM, starting 10/2
3D shorts about an idol who hates color.
TESAGURE! BUKATSU-MONO
Director: Kotaro Ishidate (gdgd Fairies, Straight Title Robot Anime)
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 2:20 AM, starting 10/7
The latest in Ishidate's series of comedy shows using MikuMikuDance.
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The Other Stuff
Continuing Shows:
Aikatsu – Everyone's favorite idol show lives on.
Dokidoki Precure – If you're still watching this, why?
Gifuu Doudou!! Kanetsugu to Keiji – The sheer manliness cannot be held back by poor production values.
Hunter X Hunter – The Chimera Arc continues, now in a late-night slot so parents won't complain.
Jewelpet Happiness – The best little girls franchise no one watches.
Kingdom S2 – Less CG, but still can't match the manga art.
Monogatari S2 – So when's Kizu?
Space Brothers – The recaps get longer, but the show shoulders on.
Teekyuu – The fastest anime ever.
TV Specials/OVAs/Movies on BD In Japan:
Pokemon THE ORIGIN (10/2)
Hanasaku Iroha Home Sweet Home (10/16)
Saint Young Men (10/23)
Crayon Shin-chan Movie 21: Bakauma! B-Kyuu Gourmet Survival Battle!! (11/8)
Lupin III: Princess of the Breeze (11/16)
Detective Conan: Private Eye in the Distant Sea (11/27)
Hidamari Sketch: Sae Hiro Sotsugyou-hen OVA (11/27)
One Piece: Episode of Merry (11/29)
Ghost in the Shell Arise 2: Ghost Whispers (11/30)
Doraemon: Nobita no Himitsu Dogu Museum (12/4)
Toriko Movie: Bishokushin no Special Menu (12/6)
Steins;Gate movie (12/13)
Hal (12/18)
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Thread Credits
Concept/Original Draft - HosannaExcelsis
Editor/Emergency Director - duckroll
Graphics - duckroll, cnet128, FelixOrion, dresden, Articalys, wonzo, ZachDeKoromaru
Simulcast Schedule - Articalys
If Anything Goes Wrong Please Blame - 7th
Production Committee - AnimeGAF
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Simulcast Schedule
Sunday
CR,DS,HL - Magi: The Kingdom of Magic - 1:30am PST
CR - Wanna be the Strongest in the World - 5:30am PST
CR - Teekyu 3 - 7:30am PST
CR - Meganebu! - 9:00am PST
CR - Walkure Romanze - 9:30am PST
CR - Gingitsune - 10:05am PST
Monday
GU - Gundam Build Fighters - 4:00am PST
CR - Yowamushi Pedal - 11:00am PST
CR - Diabolik Lovers - 12:00pm PST
FN - Unbreakable Machine-Doll - 12:00pm PST
CR - Arpeggio of Blue Steel - 12:25pm PST
CR - Non Non Biyori - 1:05pm PST
Tuesday
FN - Tokyo Ravens - 10:00am PST
FN - BlazBlue Alter Memory - 11:00am PST
CR - Miss Monochrome - 11:00am PST
Wednesday
VZ - Coppelion - 9:00am PST
CR - Kyoukai no Kanata - 9:30am PST
CR - NouCome - 11:00am PST
CR - Phi Brain Season 3 - 12:00pm PST
Thursday
CR - Nagi no Asukara - 8:00am PST
CR,DS,HL - Valvrave the Liberator Season 2 - 10:00am PST
CR,DS,HL - Kill la Kill - 10:30am PST
CR - Samurai Flamenco - 10:30am PST
CR - Galilei Donna - 11:00am PST
CR - Infinite Stratos 2 - 12:00pm PST
CR - Golden Time - 12:30pm PST
Friday
CR - Kyousougiga - 10:00am PST
CR - Strike the Blood - 11:00am PST
CR - Yusibu - 11:00am PST
FN - Freezing Vibration - 12:30pm PST
Saturday
CR - Log Horizon - 4:30am PST
CR - Little Busters! Refrain - 7:00am PST
CR - Hajime no Ippo Rising - 11:00am PST
CR - White Album 2 - 11:00am PST
CR - Kuroko's Basketball 2 - 11:30am PST
CR - Ace of the Diamond - 5:30pm PST
CR - Outbreak Company - 10:00pm PST
Legend:
CR = Crunchyroll
VZ = Viz Anime
FN = Funimation
DS = Daisuki
HL = Hulu
GU = Gundam.info
(regional streaming restrictions may apply)
---
Movie Line-up
Madoka Magica Movie 3: Rebellion Story
Director:
Animation Production: Shaft
Opening Date: 10/26
Official Site: http://www.madoka-magica.com/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNErFx2XEqs
The Madoka sequel we deserve, but not the one we need right now. Or something.
Patema Inverted
Director: Yasuhiro Yoshiura
Animation Production: Purple Cow Studio Japan
Opening Date: 11/9
Official Site: http://patema.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIeCI7l138s
I think everyone who liked Time of Eve is really excited for this. Maybe.
Kaguya-hime no Monogatari
Director: Isao Takahata
Animation Production: Studio Ghibli
Opening Date: 11/23
Official Site: http://kaguyahime-monogatari.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giUFDnL1fG8
Probably the last film Takahata will direct. Probably going to be awesome.
Persona 3 the Movie: Spring of Birth
Director: Noriaki Akitaya
Animation Production: AIC A.S.T.A.
Opening Date: 11/23
Official Site: http://www.p3m.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3lYJtycWwA
The superior Persona game finally gets an anime adaptation. Yay.
Majokko Shimai no Yoyo & Nene
Director: Takayuki Hirao
Animation Production: Ufotable
Opening Date: 12/28
Official Site: http://majocco.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzbHzv20-M
Sweet 2D. Sweet colors. Cute witches. Ufotable r0x.
Other Franchise Films for Franchise Fans:
Dokidoki! Precure Movie: Mana Kekkon!!? Mirai ni Tsunagu Kibou no Dress (10/26)
Lupin III vs Detective Conan: The Movie (12/7)
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TV Line-up
ACE OF DIAMOND
Director: Mitsuyuki Masuhara (Polar Bear's Cafe, Chi's Sweet Home)
Animation Production: Madhouse/Production I.G.
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 8:30, starting on 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RUV98RNnNg
Reasons to Watch Out: The manga is supposed to be decent. The director is decent. I don't see anything that stands out, but it could be solid.
Editor's Note: I was bribed by a mystery mod to put this on top. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
KYOUSOGIGA TV
Director: Rie Matsumoto (Heartcatch Precure movie)
Character Designer: Yuki Hayashi (Driland S1)
Music: Go Shiina (Tales of Legendia, God Eater)
Animation Production: Toei Animation
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 1:30 AM, starting 10/10 (episode 0 on 10/3)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoOp1vf98ac
Reasons to Watch Out: Rie Matsumoto is a talented young director, and she's come up with a really unique world with a lot of potential in Kyousogiga. The 2012 ONA series was a lot of fun, with creative visual ideas, sharp direction, and some surprisingly moving character work. This TV series, consisting of 10 episodes with 3 7-minute short segments each, will be the fullest exploration of the world's ideas yet and should be really good.
GALILEI DONNA
Director: Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite, Mezzo Forte)
Character Designer: Shingo Adachi (Working!, Sword Art Online)
Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 12:50 AM, starting 10/11
Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14wfja_galilei-donna-pv_shortfilms
Reasons to Watch Out: A light-hearted adventure/action show with things like international/historical conspiracies and sky pirates in a European setting, put together by an experienced master of cute girls doing badass action things. The animation and art direction are top-notch. Umetsu seems to be getting most of his perviness out in Wizard Barristers, so this should be a fun watch for the whole family!
SAMURAI FLAMENCO
Director: Takahiro Omori (Baccano, Natsume's Book of Friends)
Series Composition: Hideyuki Kurata (R.O.D., Kamichu!)
Original Character Design: Chinatsu Kurahana (Uta Prince)
Music: Kenji Tamai/agehasprings (Genki Rockets)
Animation Production: Manglobe
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 1:20 AM, starting 10/11
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N184vpfST18 (keep eye out for one with animation)
Reasons to Watch Out: This show has been a little secretive about the details, but it's from a good director and the story seems to be an exploration of the meaning of tokusatsu shows and the ideals they teach which could end up quite interesting. We'll see if Manglobe poaching Omori from Brains Base lets them make a great show again.
VALVRAVE THE LIBERATOR SEASON 2
Director: Kou Matsuo (Kurenai, Red Garden)
Series Composition: Ichiro Okouchi (Code Geass, Planetes)
Animation Production: Sunrise
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pagaPIi3XaA
Reasons to Watch Out: The comedic genius of Valvrave returns! What wild wackiness does it have in store for us this time? Hopefully at least some more musical sequences.
GUNDAM BUILD FIGHTERS
Director: Kenji Nagasaki (No. 6, Gundam 00 assistant director)
Series Composition: Yousuke Kuroda (Gundam 00, Gunpla Builders Beginning G)
Animation Production: Sunrise
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 6 PM, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVkcvXOOs70
Reasons to Watch Out: Beargguy r0x.
GINGITSUNE
Director: Shin Misawa (Fire Emblem, Capeta)
Animation Production: Diomedia
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 1:05 AM, starting 10/7
Trailer: http://gingitsune.net/pv_02.html
Reasons to Watch Out: Gentle stories about the interaction between humans and gods, presented with a relaxing supernatural atmosphere? Sign me up! The staff is nothing special but the trailer looks promising.
YOZAKURA QUARTET: HANA NO UTA
Director/Character Design: Ryo-chimo (Birdy the Mighty Decode character designs)
Animation Production: Tatsunoko Production
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 11:30 PM, starting 10/6
Trailer: http://yozakura-anime.jp/pv_03.html
Reasons to Watch Out: It's quite likely that the story will be borderline incoherent, but the animation of Ryo-chimo's web-gen team will make for a crazy spectacle.
HAJIME NO IPPO RISING
Director: Jun Shishido (Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger, The Story of Saiunkoku)
Animation Production: Madhouse/MAPPA
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 1:35 AM, starting 10/6
Reasons to Watch Out: Hajime no Ippo has a strong fanbase and a good reputation. Unfortunately, the anime has reached the point where manga readers say the story begins to go south, so how well this season to manage to stack up to the past ones remains to be seen.
KYOUKAI NO KANATA
Director: Taichi Ishidate (Nichijou assistant director)
Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/3
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnfeVrAAS2k
Reasons to Watch Out: The directorial debut of Ishidate, one of the top animators at KyoAni who specializes in action. Should be good action sequences, whether it delivers anything more than that remains to be seen.
MEGANEBU
Director: Soubi Yamamoto (This Boy Can Fight Aliens!)
Animation Production: Studio DEEN
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at midnight, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olBsGuxnbxo
Reasons to Watch Out: Soubi Yamamoto makes her TV debut at the fresh young age of 23 after directing a couple BL shorts at Shinkai's studio Comix Wave. With guys with actual nipples and the gaudiest art direction this side of Trapeze, this could be good fun. NO MEGANE, NO LIFE.
PUPA
Director: Tomomi Mochizuki (House of Five Leaves, Twin Spica)
Animation Production: Studio DEEN
Japanese Air Time: ?
Reasons to Watch Out: Mochizuki is a good director with a strong sense of atmosphere, which is perfect for the horror nature of Pupa. There's been so little info about this that it's difficult to know what to expect though.
KILL LA KILL
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi (Gurren Lagann, Panty and Stocking)
Series Composition: Kazuki Nakashima (Gurren Lagann, Re: Cutie Honey)
Character Design: Sushio (One Piece Movie 6, Engage Planet Kiss Dum)
Animation Production: Trigger
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 2:05 AM, starting 10/4
Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14o2em_tv
Reasons to Watch Out: The first TV series from Trigger, the studio Imaishi created out of the ashes of Gainax, this reunion of him and Nakashima is supposed to be even more hot-blooded than Gurren Lagann. For those who like Imaishi's brash style and can tolerate Ryuuko's eroge battle uniform, this holds a lot of promise. The art design and world setting are the highlights.
COPPELION
Director/Character Design: Shingo Suzuki (K)
Animation Production: GoHands
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 9 PM,, starting 10/2
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqNivE8KhGM
Reasons to Watch Out: Great character designs, great animation, crazy abuse of filters. The folks over at GoHands still need their eyes checked. Perhaps this can be an enjoyable action show if you can overlook that?
NON NON BIYORI
Director: Shinya Kawamo (Kokoro Connect)
Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida (K-ON, Girls und Panzer)
Animation Production: Silver Link
Japanese Air Time: Tuesdays at 1:35 AM, starting 10/8
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtOCzzLNsOY
Reasons to Watch Out: If you're looking for a new cute girls doing cute things show, this is pretty much your only option this season. The rural setting gives it a unique hook. Silver Link doesn't have a great track record, but the trailer looks decent, so this might be OK.
GOLDEN TIME
Director: Chiaki Kon (Higurashi, Umineko)
Animation Production: J.C. Staff
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 2:35 AM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9tcyonlZAM
Reasons to Watch Out: The source material is apparently decent, but Chiaki Kon is a terrible director. Who will win out?
LOG HORIZON
Director: Shinji Ishihara (Fairy Tail, Tokyo Majin)
Animation Production: Satelight
Japanese Air Time: Saturdays at 5:30 PM, starting 10/5
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXgBkeduII
Reasons to Watch Out: It's like Sword Art Online, but without the incest. Or the harem. Or the overpowered protagonist. Or the eyeball licking. And with Jouji Nakata playing a dapper catman. And airing on public educational television. So it's really not like Sword Art Online at all. In fact, despite being Satelight, it looks like it could be some good, simple fun.
YOWAMUSHI PEDAL
Director: Osamu Nabeshima (D. Gray-man, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas)
Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida (K-ON, Girls und Panzer)
Animation Production: TMS Entertainment
Japanese Air Time: Tuesdays at 1:35 AM, starting on 10/8
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLZJUBspgO4
Reasons to Watch Out: Hot guys! Cycling! Hot guys! The cycling actually seems to be animated and visualized pretty well, despite the CG bikes. The manga is supposed to be good too. And did I mention hot guys?
KUROKO'S BASKETBALL SEASON 2
Director: Shunsuke Tada (Kuroko S1, Bungaku Shoujo)
Animation Production: Production I.G.
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 1:58 AM, starting on 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ox9aQTegrU
Reasons to Watch Out: The trailer shows that Kazuto Nakazawa is back with some delicious basketball animation. I'm sure there'll be plenty of delicious BL teasing too for those of you into that.
MAGI: THE KINGDOM OF MAGIC
Director: Koji Masunari (Magi S1, Welcome to the Space Show)
Series Composition: Hiroyuki Yoshino (Guilty Crown, Macross Frontier)
Animation Production: A-1 Pictures
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 5 PM, starting on 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ8cFBcXYsk
Reasons to Watch Out: Mor.
ARPEGGIO OF BLUE STEEL
Director: Seiji Kishi (Devil Survivor 2, Danganronpa)
Animation Production: SANZIGEN
Japanese Air Time: Tuesdays at 2:55 AM
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30GHXmIyWJk
Reasons to Watch Out: As a full-length CG TV series from SANZIGEN it's a curiosity, but the implementation still leaves something to be desired, not to mention Kishi is the laziest director alive.
BLAZBLUE ALTER MEMORY
Director: Hideki Tachibana (Dragon Crisis, H20)
Assistant Director: Seiji Mizushima (Un-Go, Natsuiro Kiseki)
Animation Production: Hoods Entertainment/teamKG
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/9
Trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k3DNfJmkyuEd4A4qdhu
Reasons to Watch Out: If this isn't adapting the gag endings, there's really not much point.
NAGI NO ASUKARA
Director: Toshiya Shinohara (Red Data Girl, Black Butler)
Series Composition: Mari Okada (Hanasaku Iroha, Aquarion Evol)
Original Character Design: Buriki (Haganai)
Animation Production: P.A. Works
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 10 PM, starting 10/3
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpWCIwPQS3Y
Reasons to Watch Out: It feels like a while since we've gotten some good old dumb Okada melodrama. The world setting is kind of interesting, at least to someone such as myself who likes underwater kingdoms, but the premise is ripe for the kind of character writing Okada does so poorly. At least Buriki's designs don't look as ugly here as they do in the Haganai anime.
There's more... but does anyone care?
LITTLE BUSTERS REFRAIN
Director: Yoshiki Yamakawa (Little Busters, Kill Me Baby)
Animation Production: J.C. Staff
Japanese Air Time: Saturdays at 8:30 PM
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEQUd7BT_U
The patented Key melodrama will kick into full gear in this season, so if you're into that, have fun. Expect ghosts.
SEKAI DE ICHIBAN TSUYOKU NARITAI! (Wanna Be the Strongest in the World)
Director: Rion Kujo (Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero, Samurai Harem)
Animation Production: ARMS
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 8:30 PM
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC5P8lRD-X0
Id@lwrassling.
WHITE ALBUM 2
Director: Masaomi Ando (Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse)
Chief Director: Seiya Numata (Milky Holmes S1-2 character designs)
Animation Production: Satelight
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 1:30 AM, starting 10/6
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rITDXhpfaE
It's interesting to see the skilled animator Seiya Numata pick up the directing baton, but being a good animator doesn't make you a good director.
YUUSHA NI NARENAKATTA ORE WA SHIBUSHIBU SHUUSHOKU WO KETSUI SHIMASHITA (Yusibu)
Director: Kinji Yoshimoto (Queen's Blade, Genshiken 2)
Character Design: Tetsuya Takeuchi (Yuji Seijin Naoko-san)
Animation Production: asread
Japanese Air Time: Saturdays at 1:30 AM, starting 10/5
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTtxA-xECms
The squishiest breasts ever seen.
INFINITE STRATOS 2
Director: Susumu Tosaka
Animation Production: 8-bit
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 2:58 AM, starting 10/4
The harem show to end all harem shows returns. Can it recapture the “magic” that made the first season an AnimeGAF hit?
PHI BRAIN SEASON 3
Director: Hirotaka Endo (Phi Brain S2)
Series Composition: Mayori Sekijima (Phi Brain S1-2), Junichi Sato (Aria, Tamayura)
Animation Production: Sunrise
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 5:30 PM
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaFnUIzHZ6c
NHK is still sponsoring more of this.
ORE NO NOUNAI SENTAKUSHI GA, GAKUEN LOVE COME WO ZENRYOKU DE JYAMA SHITEIRU (Noucome) (My Mental Multiple-Choice Power Is Completely Ruining My School Romantic Comedy)
Director: Takayuki Inagaki (Rosario + Vampire)
Animation Production: Diomedia
Japanese Air Time: Thursdays at 1 AM, starting 10/10
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCgAbU5Xpeg
A guy has multiple-choice powers but all they do is give him a harem.
TOKYO RAVENS
Director: Takaomi Kanasaki (Is This a Zombie?)
Animation Production: 8-bit
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/9
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MuxbeVaoDM
A powerless member of a magical family has his childhood friend return to become his familiar.
UNBREAKABLE MACHINE-DOLL
Director: Kinji Yoshimoto (Queen's Blade, Genshiken 2)
Animation Production: Lerche
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 8:30 PM, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue1rX__SmJo
Battles between living dolls, only without the fashion sense of Rozen Maiden.
WALKURE ROMANZE
Director: Yusuke Yamamoto (Aquarion Evol, Yama no Susume)
Animation Production: 8-bit
Japanese Air Time: Mondays at 12:30 AM, starting 10/7
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwLvFetyLc
Eroge adaptation set at a jousting academy.
FREEZING VIBRATION
Director: Takashi Watanabe (Freezing, Shakugan no Shana)
Animation Production: A.C.G.T.
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 9:30 PM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbi9y8qcXT8
Better than the first season just because of the title.
STRIKE THE BLOOD
Chief Director: Takao Sano (Chitose Get You!!)
Animation Production: Silver Link/Connect
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 11:30 PM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoqgLCATqUk
The world's most powerful vampire, sparkles not included.
OUTBREAK COMPANY
Director: Kei Oikawa (Minami-ke: Okaeri)
Animation Production: feel.
Japanese Air Time: Fridays at 1:28 AM, starting 10/4
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwTPxNhhdK4
In this season's “how low can you go” LN adaptation, a NEET otaku becomes the moe ambassador of Japan to a fantasy kingdom.
MISS MONOCHROME
Director: Yoshiaki Iwasaki (Love Hina, Familiar of Zero)
Animation Production: Liden Films/SANZIGEN
Japanese Air Time: Wednesdays at 1:35 AM, starting 10/2
3D shorts about an idol who hates color.
TESAGURE! BUKATSU-MONO
Director: Kotaro Ishidate (gdgd Fairies, Straight Title Robot Anime)
Japanese Air Time: Sundays at 2:20 AM, starting 10/7
The latest in Ishidate's series of comedy shows using MikuMikuDance.
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The Other Stuff
Continuing Shows:
Aikatsu – Everyone's favorite idol show lives on.
Dokidoki Precure – If you're still watching this, why?
Gifuu Doudou!! Kanetsugu to Keiji – The sheer manliness cannot be held back by poor production values.
Hunter X Hunter – The Chimera Arc continues, now in a late-night slot so parents won't complain.
Jewelpet Happiness – The best little girls franchise no one watches.
Kingdom S2 – Less CG, but still can't match the manga art.
Monogatari S2 – So when's Kizu?
Space Brothers – The recaps get longer, but the show shoulders on.
Teekyuu – The fastest anime ever.
TV Specials/OVAs/Movies on BD In Japan:
Pokemon THE ORIGIN (10/2)
Hanasaku Iroha Home Sweet Home (10/16)
Saint Young Men (10/23)
Crayon Shin-chan Movie 21: Bakauma! B-Kyuu Gourmet Survival Battle!! (11/8)
Lupin III: Princess of the Breeze (11/16)
Detective Conan: Private Eye in the Distant Sea (11/27)
Hidamari Sketch: Sae Hiro Sotsugyou-hen OVA (11/27)
One Piece: Episode of Merry (11/29)
Ghost in the Shell Arise 2: Ghost Whispers (11/30)
Doraemon: Nobita no Himitsu Dogu Museum (12/4)
Toriko Movie: Bishokushin no Special Menu (12/6)
Steins;Gate movie (12/13)
Hal (12/18)
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Thread Credits
Concept/Original Draft - HosannaExcelsis
Editor/Emergency Director - duckroll
Graphics - duckroll, cnet128, FelixOrion, dresden, Articalys, wonzo, ZachDeKoromaru
Simulcast Schedule - Articalys
If Anything Goes Wrong Please Blame - 7th
Production Committee - AnimeGAF
