Article: Summer 2011 anime preview

Summer 2011 anime preview - Page 2

Dantalian no Shoka

GAINAX take on this adaptation of an on-going series of fantasy light novels which go by the full name of Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian, or Mystical Library of Dantalian if you prefer.  The show's story centres around a man named Hugh Anthony Disward who inherits a mansion and vast personal library from his grandfather - this is no ordinary library however, as within the mansion's basement resides a girl named Dalian who is tasked with protecting the prohibited books of the demons.  No doubt these books will be rather popular with unsavoury types who want to use their power, so expect lots of threatening elements who want to steal this so-called "Dantalian's bookshelf".

Should I watch it?  GAINAX usually do a pretty good job of whatever is set in front of them, but how good this series manages to be will depend largely on its source material and what it does with a premise that could prove to be overly formulaic fantasy fare.

Double-J

The creator of Cromartie High School, Eiji Nonaka, sees his latest manga creation Double-J get an anime adaptation this summer.  This slice of life school story following a bunch of cute girls will be aired as part of NTV's Yuruani? programme, which exhibits short Flash episodes based on on-going manga series.

Should I watch it?  If you aren't suffering from slice of life anime burn-out yet, then this could be more fuel for your fire - at least with only short episodes to fill it could prove to be a fun distraction, although personally I wouldn't expect too much from it.

The Idolm@ster

Idolm@ster in its various forms is a popular series of video games in Japan that combines "raising simulation" and rhythm game elements as you take on the role of a music producer who has to work with a number of pop idols in an effort to reach the top of the charts and the industry.

With various different girls to work with and bring together into a pop group, there's probably no need to explain why this series of games is popular with otaku, and of course this anime adaptation will look to bring everyone's favourite pop idols to the small screen.

Should I watch it?  With A-1 Pictures on board as the show's production studio, it seems safe to expect some decent animation and production values here - perhaps the bigger question is whether the series will boast much plot to speak of or whether it will stick with simply pandering to existing fans and trying to sell as many character singles as possible.  Depending upon its focus, this might be a hard sell for anyone not already very much au fait with the Idolm@ster franchise.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée

Based in the late 19th century, Ikoku Meiro no Croisée adapts a manga of the same name which matches a young Japanese girl and a French traveller as they return to the latter's homeland to live together, with the series following the relationship between the two as the girl in question, Yune, is cared for by her friend in 1800s Paris.

Should I watch it?  With its original manga creator by the character designer for Gosick, fans of that show and its diminutive star Victorique might want to give this a go - it certainly has a concept which could make for a fresh and interesting series if it's handled properly, but it remains to be seen what animation studio Satelight will do with it.