Spring is difficult to calculate in Florida. In northern states, it's when the seeds which have lain dormant during the hard, cold winter germinate and burst forth. Well as I write this it's been very warm, humid and rainy. I guess I missed the week when the temperature was mild, and the skies were clear. So, let's get on with it and talk about the Spring season of anime already before my summer review is here.

Shows I like so far...

Cobra The Animation: Time Drive

I've been watching the Psychogun OVA, but now new material is here with this OVA. It seems our favorite character, Cobra, is going to be heading back in time to a point before the original animated series. Old fans will want to watch these two OVAs set to come out.

Eden of the East

I've seen the first few episodes, and it's interesting so far. Saki Morimi was on a graduation trip with her class, but decided to break away and head to Washington DC and our nation's capital. While there she meets up with a man claiming to be 'Akira Takizawa', however, we see there's more to his story that even he doesn't know.

Cross Game

I saw the first episode and I wasn't blown away by the art style. I wasn't blown away by yet another sports anime. I was blown away by the writing. This series still gets good ratings and I can see why. Well-written plots will always be in demand.

Shangri-La

For me, all you had to say was Range Murata was doing the art work (also did Last Exile). That's it. Aside from that, the story starts with a young girl and an oppressive government which seeks to include, exclude or eradicate nations. I liked hearing the new environmental terms discussing carbon output and carbon trading markets. All that's left is for the US to ratify the Kyoto protocol...

Training with Hinako (Isshoni Training)

It's ecchi. It's pantsu. It's sweating and exercise. Despite the posts on 4chan, if it gets one otaku to get off his butt and exercise, it's a good show. I enjoyed it.

Shows I want to check out.

DOGS: Stray Dogs Howling in the Dark

Another OVA set to come out and I was hooked when I heard the descriptions of the characters: A genetically altered albino gunman, a chain-smoking mercenary, an assassin, and an orphan who wields a katana. The poster art elicits that dark underworld feel and I'm a fan of darker themes--like Mnemosyne turned out to be.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: Lagann-hen

Yes, I know they are recap OVAs. I think one really needs to see the original to appreciate these recaps but, if it gets new people to enjoy the series then it can't be all that bad. This movie will be a sequel to the Gurren-hen movie that came out earlier.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

My good friend and fellow contributor, FJ, would be upset if I didn't set some time aside this season to see this. Some say it's a remake, and others say it's a 're-envisioning', and finally most say, "It's about time they did something closer to the manga." Read FJ's article here. There is continuing discussion in the Anime sub forum here.

Queen's Blade

It has horrible ratings... but it also has a character with a 'boob cannon'. Fan service compels me to at least see some of this... maybe not all of it, but some.

Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

New episodes are to be sandwiched in between all the ones that we've seen already and loved. Want to watch it all over again or just the new episodes? I lean towards the latter. I understand why they wanted to pull this stunt, but it's not going to work with me. I just don't have the time.

Other shows you might be interested in...

Utawarerumono OVA

I know there are quite a few fans for this show (nod to Hylian Blood) so I have to mention this one even if it's a bit early to do so. It'll probably air before the Summer Anime 2009 Lineup so, this is a 'heads-up' for the fans.

07-Ghost

Let's see... Pretty guys (bishounen), Josei (written for women), action, fantasy and military. It sound interesting but probably more so to someone else.

Dragon Ball Kai

If you're interested in this show, then I suggest checking out this thread on our Anime sub forum.

Basquash!

I watched the first episode, and I saw the Nike 'Swoosh'. I saw that someone combined mecha and basketball. Looked really, really well animated. I'll wait to hear more before I get interested.

K-ON!

A cute moe show out by Kyoto Animation. I know it's very popular, but I have to cut back on my moe.

Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~

Mafia assassinations, mysterious organizations, and a girl who looks like Kirika from Noir. The similarities may not end there. Your mileage may vary...

Charady's Daily Joke

These are short episodes (3:30) of simple jokes. Some of them are daring and dirty, while others are quite plain or will leave you scratching your head.

Ristorante Paradiso

I saw the first few episodes and I was slightly reminded of Bartender. The pacing is slow, and it'll take some good dialogue to make this show better. This show is available for viewing on Crunchyroll, and on Anime News Network. Click here for ANN.

Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya

This is not to be confused with the show I mentioned earlier. This is an ONA which features chibi characters spoofing the original show.

Sengoku Basara

xxxHolic: Shinmuki

Tears to Tiara

Chi's New Address

Hatsukoi Limited

Higurashi no Naku Koroni Rei

Saki

Asura Cryin'

Natsu no Arashi!

Well, that's it for me until the summer lineup. I didn't include all of the shows coming out, so if you have a show you want to talk about, head over to Stewart's thread and let us know. A big thanks to Stewart for starting that thread and keeping the Anime lineup going.