Winter Anime 2009 - Thoughts

1. Akikan!:
A story about Daichi Kakeru, a 16 year old single male living by himself until one day he decided to buy a can of melon soda that is able to transform into a cute girl every time he takes a sip out of it! Inconsistent animation quality aside, this is actually an interesting and funny anime if you can ignore the weird premise of cans turning into girls that have to battle each other. If you are looking for a deep storyline, it's better to look elsewhere.

2. Asu no Yoichi:
Not your typical harem anime as the male lead is not a weak, spineless, sissy boy that can't even protect himself and the girls around him. Nope, you see Karasuma Yoichi is a samurai. Trained by his father in the mountains ever since he was young, Yoichi is well trained in the Uhika Kamikaze Ryu (Ukiha Divine Wind Style) swordplay that manipulates the surrounding air. He was instructed by his father to leave the mountains and further improve his skills at the Ikaruga Dojo(owned by four beautiful sisters) after defeating his father in a mock battle. Trouble is Yoichi has never socialize with a female before, hence the various misunderstandings between him and the Ikaruga sisters. Recommended.

3. Chrome Shelled Regios:
At first I wasn't planning on watching this anime, but as I watched the first episode it just drew me in. In short, its about a former Heaven Blade (one of twelve strongest warriors in Grendan), Layfon Alseif "trying" to take up general education at an academy in Zenri until circumstances forces him to switch to Military Arts instead and joining the 17th platoon. Recommended.

4. Kurokami:
About a Ibuki Keita, who lost his mother in a car accident due to the Doppleliner system. In the system, it is said that there exist three people who are identical but lead different lives and if they happen to meet one another, the ones with the least luck will die. The action scenes are top notch since this is a Sunrise anime. Expect lots of bloodshed. Definitely recommended.

5. Maria+Holic:
Another anime that wasn't planned. It's a funny anime about Miyamae Kanako who is allergic to boys (she breaks out in hives if she touches them), enrolling at an all female academy to find her true love. Yes, you read right. You see Kanako is a lesbian and at the first day of school she manages to get on the nerve of Shidou Mariya(who is in fact a cross dressing "boy" shock!!) who can't stop bullying her after learning of her "tendencies". Definitely recommended.

6. Minami-ke Okaeri:
A continuation of the previous Minami-ke series. About the lives of the three Minami sisters and their friends. Nuff said. Recommended.

7. Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai/Munto TV:
The continuation of the 2 episode OVAs. Although currently the first 3 episodes seemed to be repeating exactly the events in the first OVA with some newly added scenes. It is about Hidaka Yumemi, the girl of destiny that is able to see floating islands in the sky. These islands are actually various kingdoms that utilize an energy source known as Akuto to keep the islands afloat and use magic. However, due to the reckless usage of Akuto, the islands are at risk of falling to earth. In order to save his kingdom, Munto needs to find Yumemi and prevent disaster from occurring. This is Kyoto Animation's first original work. Absolutely recommended.

8. Rideback:
An anime that breaks the mold of any standard mecha anime. Instead of having a angsty boy with no piloting experience using a powerful mecha, we have a former ballet dancer, Ogata Rin riding on a futuristic motorcycle with arms and can transform into a two-legged mecha on wheels. The action is solid, animation is in high quality plus the CGI blends in with the background. Must watch, definitely.

9. Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo:
I am still confuse as to where this anime is heading as I've only seen two episodes. But with Sunrise producing it can't go wrong right?

10. Tower of Druaga-The Sword of Uruk:
The continuation of where The Aegis of Uruk left off. Recommended for those already finished watching the first season.

11. White Album:
A slow romance anime that focuses on the relationship of Touya Fujii and his soon to be a singing idol girlfriend Morikawa Yuki. Expect tension and drama from this anime. Not recommended for those preferring fast pace romance anime or action.

12. Vipers Creed:
Dropped due to no sub.