I was in despair during most of the Fall season; there just wasn’t anything that really appealed to me. I took only a quick glance at the upcoming series for Winter 2010 and I nearly cried tears of joy. At least half the the series piqued my interest. Winter is continuing a trend from fall though, there is not a large quantity of series being released. Why??

Sources: ANN, MAL, Official Websites

Click on the links below to jump to the series!

TV Series: | Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu | Chu-Bra!! | Dance In The Vampire Bund | Durarara!! | Hanamaru Kindergarden | Harukanaru Toki ni Naka de 3 ~Owarinaki Unmei~ | | Katanagatari | Ladies Vs Butlers! | Nodame Cantabile Finale | Omamori Himari | Ookami Kakushi | Seikon no Qwaser | So・Ra・No・Wo・To |

OVA/Movie: | Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works | Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The MOVIE 1st | The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya |

No watchlist as Winter seems to have little shows for us this time round ><

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu

Air Date: January 6, 2010
Episodes: 13
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Producer(s): SILVER LINK
Official Site: http://www.bakatest.com/index2.html
Trailer: http://www.bakatest.com/
Seiyuu: Hiro Shimono, Hitomi Harada

Summary
The story centers around Akihisa Yoshii, the “baka” of the title. His academy rigidly divides up the student body into classes based on the results of tests. The prodigies are in the A class with reclining seats complete with air conditioning, but Akihisa is in F class, the lowest rung of the school ladder which is furnished only with low, decrepit tables and worn-out straw tatami mats. A girl named Mizuki Himeji is actually one of the smartest girls in Akihisa’s sophomore year, but she had a fever on test day and was pigeonholed into the F class. Besides Mizuki (who Akihisa secretly adores), the F class also has Yūji Sakamoto, the class president who has been Akihisa’s friend and partner-in-crime since the freshman year.

The school happens to have developed experiments to summon fantasy creatures, and Akihisa decides to rally F class to take on the higher-tiered classes and seize their perks. The F class uses the summoned creatures in an all-out battle for school supremacy.

Comments
Bluesnow – … too much pink hair for me.
Guuzen – Looks quite interesting. I may give it a shot, but cannot really say for sure I will see through the series to the end O.o.
M – YES! The first show I’m actually going to watch because it looks good to me.
Zenical – Nice summary, and in fact I see at many Hobby retailers, many stuff of Baka Test going on preorder. The power of it? It might be good!

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Chu-Bra!!

Air Date: January 4, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Comedy, Ecchi, School
Producer(s): ZEXCS
Official Site: http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/chuubra/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOmoNWSwjwA
Seiyuu: Minako Kotobuki, Minori Chihara, Sayuri Yahagi

Summary
The story centers on Nayu, a middle school girl who shocks her schoolmates on the first day of school by wearing black lace panties. She likes this kind of underwear, and she tries to “spread the word on the merits of [these kinds of] underwear” via an underwear club with her schoolmates, who are worried about their bodies’ development and which underwear to choose.

Comments
Bluesnow – Absolutely no way I’m watching this =P
Guuzen – Lol the whole thing feels so yuri XD maybe a more ecchi version of Sasameki Koto =O. Hmm… But I may not watch it because the character designs are not very appealing.
M – Ecchi but not a harem? Pass
Zenical – Sounds like a growing-up anime. Then again, those people interested in watching pantsu will definitely catch this -.-

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Dance In The Vampire Bund

Air Date: January 7, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural
Producer(s): SHAFT
Official Site: http://www.vampirebund.com/
Trailer: Check Official Site, Youtube has deleted or region blocked all trailers
Seiyuu: Nakamura Yuuichi, Yuuki Aoi

Summary
After millennia in hiding, Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants change. Using the vast wealth of the Tepes line, she has paid off the entire gross national debt of Japan and in so doing, gained the authority to create a “special district” off the coast of Japan that is to become the future haven to vampires the world over!
Now, on the eve of the landmark press conference announcing the existence of vampires to the world, terrorists and rival factions are plotting to assassinate Mina Tepes before she has a chance to make her world-changing announcement.

Comments
Bluesnow – An entire nation of vampires sounds pretty awesome. If the cover image is a truthful indication, hopefully this will be a good action series as well.
Guuzen – I see this show has a heavy emphasis on blood o.o will try the first few episodes though I am not sure how long will I be watching.
M – Looks kinda scary. But I’ll still try out the 1st few episode.
Zenical – Vampires! :D Will try this out, hope not too much gore. Saw on MAL that it’s rated R. Omg. Too much blood?

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Durarara!!

Air Date: January 7, 2010
Episodes: 24
Genre: Action, Romance, Shounen
Producer(s): Brains Base, Aniplex
Official Site: http://www.durarara.com/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YVNwzhaR78
Seiyuu: Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Fukuyama Jun

Summary
The story takes place in a downtown of Tokyo, Ikebukuro. Teenage punks gang up and fight against each other. The gangsters are afraid of an urban legend “Dullahan” headless rider, who rides a black motorcycle without head lights nor sounds of engine. Ryuugamine Mikado is a normal high school boy who seeks peculiar beings. When he moves in to Ikebukuro, a mad scramble for Dullahan’s missing head breaks out.
+ This anime is made by the same people responsible for Baccano, and is based on a light novel series.

Comments
Bluesnow – All I needed to know was that this was made by the same people as Baccano! If there is any similarities this series may be the jewel of the season. The trailer was a bit underwhelming… I totally spotted Horo from Spice and Wolf at the 1:00 mark though.
Guuzen – Weird title name, trailer with a boring music, I think I will give it a shot =). Sadly the only reason why I decided to try it was because the genre has “romance” in it >.<.
M – Think I’ll skip this. The characters look boring to me.
Zenical – Will catch the first few episodes, then again, I might not even catch this if I don’t have the time T_T.

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Hanamaru Kindergarten

Air Date: January 10, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Producer(s): Gainax
Official Site: http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/hanamaru/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj6K3M9Guhk
Seiyuu: Unknown

Summary
Anzu goes to a preschool with her friends, the shy Koume and the eccentric Hiiragi. Together they try to attract attention from their caretaker Tsuchida. However, he is clearly more interested in the pretty Yamamoto who supervises the class next door.

Comments
Bluesnow – At first I was thinking, “Not another anime about perverts and lolis,” But upon closer inspection I feel this series is pervert free (Besides the constant mentioning of breasts in the trailer), infact it looks really funny. I probably don’t need to watch this since I already have so many younger siblings in this age range, but its made its way onto my watch list.
Guuzen – Not going to watch it… I never liked watching shows like these…
M – This is so totally a cleaner younger version of Kodomo no Jikan. The plot even implies so.
Zenical – Haha. This looks so kiddy.

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Harukanaru Toki ni Naka de 3 ~Owarinaki Unmei~

Air Date: January 3, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Producer(s): Yumeta Company
Official Site: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/media/mix/haruka/destiny/
Seiyuu: Tomoko Kawakami, Akira Ishida

Summary
One day, Kasuga Nozomi encounters a strange boy at her high school, who sends her across time and space to Kyou, a place in another world that bears a strong resemblance to Kyoto towards the end of the Heian period. There, the Minamoto clan (“Genji”), led by Minamoto no Yoritomo, is at war with the Taira clan (“Heike”), led by Taira no Kiyomori. The Heike hope to defeat the Genji by releasing vengeful spirits to disturb the earth`s natural flow of energy and to terrorize the land. The boy is revealed to be the human form of Hakuryuu, the White Dragon God that protects Kyou, who is weakened by the presence of the vengeful spirits. As the Hakuryuu no Miko (Priestess of the White Dragon God), Nozomi allies herself with the Genji because Hakuryuu cannot send her home until his power is restored…

Comments
Bluesnow – Since I’m not watching this, and I’m only bishie fan at zotaku, I seriously doubt anyone else here is watching it xD! I’ve actually never heard of this series, so I haven’t seen the first 2 seasons. It looks like a decent bishie series though, so maybe I’ll give it a try.
Guuzen – I have only tried a few episodes of the first season and I only liked the opening song >.<. I am not saying the anime is bad though… It is just not my type =).
M – Yeah. Looks pretty unknown to me. I’m gonna pass.
Zenical – What is this? I don’t know this show at all!

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Hidamari Sketch 3

Air Date: January 7, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Producer(s): SHAFT, Lantis
Official Site: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/hidamari/
Seiyuu: Chiaki Omigawa, Hitomi Harada, Kana Asumi

Summary
At TBS Anime Festa, the third season of Hidamari Sketch was announced. The title is “Hidamari Sketch x ☆☆☆ (Hoshi Mittsu)”.

Comments
Bluesnow – I really must watch the first two seasons eventually, they are backlogged on my list somewhere. I won’t be watching this till I finish the previous seasons.
Guuzen – Never watch the first two seasons and I do not think I will ever start it o.o.
M – Looks kiddy. Another pass.
Zenical – Didn’t catch the previous seasons at all, no watch for me. Winter seems to be fading away for me. Lol.

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Katanagatari

Air Date: January 25, 2010
Episodes: 12
Genre: Unknown
Producer(s): White Fox
Official Site: http://www.katanagatari.com/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBhOyWWE3MQ
Seiyuu: Yukari Tamura, Mai Nakahara, Yoshimasa Hosoya

Summary
A swordfight story taking place in Edo era (17th – 19th century). Yasuri Shichika is the seventh head of the Kyotou school of Japanese sword martial arts and lives in Fushou Island with his sister Nanami. With the order from a female samurai general Togame, he sets out for a trip to collect the twelve treasured swords created by a legendary swordsmith Shikizaki Kiki.

Comments
Bluesnow – First thing that really popped out at me is the interesting art style. I also tend to be attracted to this genre of anime as well~ So I am really looking forward to this. Hopefully it lives up to my expectations. After looking more into it I see that each episode is an hour in length, so I’m a little confused how this series is going to be aired.
Guuzen – I think I will pass. The art style is in a way unique as it is not the usual Japanese anime type, however I am not sure if the change is for the better for me.
M – Another pass. Looks unappealing to me.
Zenical – The art looks a bit weird. But the summary of Japanese sword martial arts is enough to attract me to try out the anime.

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Ladies Vs Butlers!

Air Date: January 5, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Comedy, Ecchi
Producer(s): XEBEC
Official Site: http://www.ladies-vs-butlers.com/
Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya, Ayako Kawasumi, Kazuyuki Okitsu

Summary
Hino Akiharu lost his parents when he was small and was adopted into his uncle’s family. But he noticed his uncle is after the inheritance of his parents, so he decides to enter a boarding school, Hakureiryou high school. However his delinquent boy-like appearance frightens the girls, who make up the majority of the students. Being unable to get along with the classmates, Akiharu meets his childhood girlfriend Saikyou Tomomi.

Comments
Bluesnow – I have a feeling this will be an ecchi-Harem-comedy, but it looks amusing, so I will at least give it a shot.
Guuzen – Ah, another ecchi anime. Will try…
M – Been waiting for this one as well. Last image I saw of this anime was the butler beign drilled by his master’s fairy curls. Awesome stuff.
Zenical – Seiyuu in this anime attracts me to watch this anime :D. Rie Kugimiya! I just hope it’s not too ecchi to turn me too >_>

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Nodame Cantabile Finale

Air Date: January 14, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Producer(s): J.C. Staff
Official Site: http://www.nodame-anime.com/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcPUzspIzPM
Seiyuu: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu

Summary
The third season of the Nodame Cantabille series. The story focuses on the hot and perfect Chiaki who is a genius musician and aspiring conductor… he’s a bit of a jerk though. He meets the totally insane, but musically gifted Nodame, and despite having completely opposite personalities they come together and inspire each other in their music, and perhaps even romance.

Comments
Bluesnow – GYABO!!! I’ve been waiting for this for quite some time. I wasn’t even expecting a third season after the second. Trailer ticked me off though, its all of last season scenes xD
Guuzen – A must watch for me! I love Nodame!! Hopefully Chiaki and her will be able to spend more lovely times together ^_^.
M – This is definitely not my season. Another pass for me cause I never watched the 1st 2 seasons.
Zenical – I didn’t catch the previous seasons at all, though I have prepared myself to watch the anime.. but didn’t found the time to do so -.-

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Omamori Himari

Air Date: January 6, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Ecchi
Producer(s): ZEXCS
Official Site: http://newtype.kadocomic.jp/omahima/
Seiyuu: Ami Koshimizu, Daisuke Hirakawa

Summary
The slapstick romantic comedy centers around an ordinary 16-year-old high school boy named Yūto Amakawa who is protected by a spirit — specifically, a beautiful, sword-wielding cat girl spirit named Himari. Yūto is descended from a family that has subjugated demons since time immemorial. The charm that once protected him is now impotent, but fortunately, at that same moment, Himari appears before him as his new guardian.

Comments
Bluesnow – I have a feeling this might be the harem series eveyone loves this season. “Beautiful Sword Weilding Cat Girl Spirit Guardian”- Such a description will bring in alot of random fans. I will be trying the first few episodes though. Can’t help but draw some relation to Nyan Koi though… whats with all these wimpy guys that are allergic to cats lately?
Guuzen – Most likely watching this. However, I may lose interest halfway through… Not sure why, but just got a feeling.
M – Character design looks nice. Think it’ll be watchable
Zenical – CAT GIRL? Lol. This sounds like Nyan Koi! to a certain extent.

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Ookami Kakushi

Air Date: January 7, 2010
Episodes: Unknown
Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
Producer(s): AIC
Official Site: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/okami/
Seiyuu: Yu Kobayashi, Yuko Goto, Emiri Katou
Summary
The story follows Hiroshi Kuzumi, a 16-year-old boy who has just moved to the seemingly serene village of Jogamachi. Nestled in the mountains far away from the city, the village is divided by a river that separates old Jogamachi from new Jogamachi. Young Hiroshi soon discovers that the village’s ancient as well as mysterious traditions and customs have been kept alive over the ages. Although a bit bewildered by the new environment, Hiroshi begins to settle into his new life. While he has never been the type to win any popularity contests, he quickly earns the affection of his classmates. That is with the exception of aloof class president, Nemuru Kushinada, whose only words to Hiroshi are a warning to stay away from old part of town. It is there that terror and mystery await him.

Comments
Bluesnow – I’m a sucker for pretty cover artwork~ Its the only reason I watched Shakugan no Shana season one to be completely honest. The plot does sound interesting though, so I will be giving this a shot.
Guuzen – Not going to try it…
M – Dare I give this a chance? Think I’ll wait for the 1st 2 episodes before I make my judgment on the show. For now, on standby.
Zenical – Nice artwork, the summary of terror and mystery awaiting Hiroshi Kuzumi is just so frightening that I want to watch already! XD. Hope it’s scary enough :3

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Seikon no Qwaser

Air Date: January 9, 2010
Episodes: 24
Genre: Action, Ecchi, Supernatural
Producer(s): TAKI Corporation, Hoods Entertainment
Official Site: http://www.qwaser.jp/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG-2u4G3G5s
Seiyuu: Fujimura Ayumi, Minori Chihara, Aya Hirano, Aki Toyosaki

Summary
In St. Mikhailov Academy, Oribe Mafuyu meets a silver haired boy called Alexander. He is a Qwaser, a being who can manipulate iron and draws his power from breast milk. A mystery surrounding an icon tranforms the academy into a setting for conflict between the various Qwasers.

Comments
Bluesnow – At first I was like, “Ohhhh! It sounds alot like a new Full metal Alchemist! And the protagonist looks pretty cool! This might be interesting.” Then I got to “draws his power from breast milk…” and now I’m having doubts. I will still try this series though.
Guuzen – The summary totally caught me off guard. When I looked the picture, I was thinking more like “cool!”. After seeing “breast milk”, I was thinking “whaaat….?”. Still going to try though… Because at least the art attracts me =).
M – Draws his power from breast milk. This sounds good. HAHAHA. On a more serious note, I like his eye. Reminds me of Allen Walker. Think I’ll wait around and see how this goes.
Zenical – I actually looked forward to this anime show when I first saw it was given the green light. However, reading that it is actually related to using “breast milk” reminds me of Queen’s Blade totally and now I wonder whether I should watch this anime at all. I saw the artwork in the manga, and I am really attracted to it! ><

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So・Ra・No・Wo・To

Air Date: January 4, 2010
Episodes: 12
Genre: Military, Music
Producer(s): Aniplex, A-1 Pictures Inc.
Official Site: http://www.sorawoto.com/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewezXqasTeQ
Seiyuu: Aya Endo, Aoi Yuuki, Yu Kobayashi, Eri Kitamura

Summary
The story takes place in an imaginary town Seize (the model cities are Cuenca and Alarcón Fortress in Spain). A long war brings a gradual decline to the world. People disappear from the town and fishes cease to exist in the sea. In this quiet world, five girls guard a fortress and play brass vividly.

Comments
Bluesnow – Watching this I think of two things… Strike Witches + K-ON! It looks interesting though. I will give them cookies if the Yui look alike plays the castanets.
Guuzen – Hmm… The story sounds a little weird… So these are five girls who is going through war by guarding a fortress by playing music? Sounds a little like Macross to me, but I doubt it will be as good…
M – Ah the K-ON cast in military clothing. After the disappointing ride K-ON! gave me last season, I think I’ll skip this.
Zenical - Like what the other authors mentioned, looks like K-ON! and Strike Witches. Will definitely give this a go. :D

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Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works

Air Date: January 23, 2010
Episodes: 1
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Romance
Producer(s): Studio DEEN
Official Site: http://www.fatestaynight.jp/index.html
Trailer: http://www.fatestaynight.jp/index.html
Seiyuu: Ayako Kawasumi, Kana Ueda, Junichi Suwabe

Summary
The movie will be following the Unlimited Blade Works route. It is being created by Studio DEEN using the same cast and crew as the anime.

Comments
Bluesnow – Not a big fsn fan, but I’m looking forward to this movie. Hopefully it will do alot more justice for the story.
Guuzen – I have never played the game, so I have no idea why is the Unlimited Blade Works so important as the anime did not emphasize on it at all. However, I am still going to watch it because I am a Fate/Stay fan!
M – Wooooohooooo. I wanna watch this so badly.
Zenical – I’m actually not a big fan of FSN, but upon watching the trailer. I found myself wanting to watch the movie already >_>. Just hoped that I won’t be poisoning myself to the extent that I want to purchase some Saber figurines! :D

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Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The MOVIE 1st

Air Date: January 23, 2010
Episodes: 1
Genre: Action, Magic
Producer(s): Seven Arcs
Official Site: http://www.nanoha.com/
Trailer: http://www.nanoha.com/yokoku_movie2.html
Seiyuu: Yukari Tamura, Nana Mizuki

Summary
Takamachi Nanoha is a normal fourth-grader who feels a little useless and out-of-place with no purpose. Then one day, she saves a ferret, who turns out to be a mage from another planet who came to this planet to search for the jewl seeds. Nanoha agrees to help, but this task gets complicated when another girl arrives to steal them.

Comments
Bluesnow – No Nanoha for me. Zen can tell us all about it though probably.
Guuzen – Pass… Never watched Nanoha.
M – Not the biggest Nanoha fan here. So I’ll pass.
Zenical – NANOHA MOVIE! MUST WATCH! New OP Song by Nana! All the more reason to watch XD. The costumes in the movie have changed, comparing with the 1st Season of Nanoha. Also new music in the movie, must watch definitely! ^^

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The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

Air Date: February 6, 2010
Episodes: 1
Genre: Comedy, Parody, Mystery, School
Producer(s): Kyoto Animation, Kadokawa Shoten
Official Site: http://www.haruhi.tv/
Seiyuu: Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, Yuko Goto

Summary
The story takes place from December 17 until December 24, a month after the cultural festival.

Comments
Bluesnow -I never even watched endless eight when it aired on tv xD
Guuzen – I never did catch on the whole Haruhi craze. So when I heard that this movie is coming, I was just “oh a movie is coming out”. Oh yeah and not to mention I totally lost interest in the second season of the anime series…
M – Yeah. I actually read the entire story of Disappearance from the Light Novels already and I’m very pleased that this is getting animated. Disappearance was one of my favourite arcs.
Zenical – Endless Eight killed me. At least it isn’t the Endless Eight for the movie, if not… I will kill Kyoto Animation -.-. Not a reader of manga or the novel for Haruhi, but it should be good. :)

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