Wow, Spring season! Well if you've been a part of Orange Anime, you've seen our discussions in this thread. Yes, a lot is being discussed and has been discussed (as you'll see from our member contributions below the cut). Here's where I say, 'the blossoms of Spring brought forth much anime news and enjoyment,' however, for some... your name isn't listed as contributing. After you see what is below, why not join the forum, get involved, and maybe your stuff will end up in the next 'Anime Lineup'. Ready to see what our awesome members can do?... then continue on.

Here's the shows we're watching

Angel Beats

"The main character (Otonashi) has amnesia, and has freshly joined the afterlife, which seems like a normal school. Everyone here is already dead, so even if they get ‘killed,’ a few minutes later they are just fine. There is a group of students here that Otonashi is forced to join. There’s the standard stereotyped strong man, nerd, etc. This group fights to destroy a girl they call ‘Angel,’ who has formidable defensive capabilities. They believe that if they fight against her, they can eventually take over the afterlife, and that if they do not, then they will be erased."[Chibitrunks] Initially, this series had a vague and sudden opening to grab onto. For me, it's probably my top favorite for the season. It's a Visual-Key piece, so if you recall Clannad and Clannad: After Story then you'll know who is doing the story. Character stories start to unfold episode after episode and the fights against the Angel continues. Soon Otonashi wants to know more about why they continue to fight the Angel, and in trying to find out, he begins to try and befriend her. This show has been a shock to me because I figured it was just going to be some sort of continued moe crap that I'm not a fan of. With Angel Beats, I enjoy it and eagerly await each week for a new episode.

Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

"Ayuzawa Misaki worked her ass off to become the first female student council president in the history of Seika High School, a school that was until recently an all male school. Due to this only recent shift to co-ed, the school's population is roughly 80% male, and with such a wide difference in numbers many of the boys treat the girls either as second class citizens or like they aren't there. Lets face it, when the girls aren't around, boys turn into disgusting slobs. Fed up with the situation, Misaki declares that she will use her position and power as student council president to change things. While this doesn't sound bad, unfortunately for the boys, Misaki is a strict disciplinarian, a severe task master, and an accomplished ass kicker, three traits that combine to make her the bane of every non conformist in the school. Despite all this, she also has a deep dark secret. Due to her dead-beat Dad's debts, her family is poor and she has to work as well as go to school. Luckily she managed to get a job with a decent salary. The catch: it's a maid cafe. So of course the proverbial shit hits the fan when the school heart throb stumbles across her while she's taking the garbage out at work in her maid uniform. Comedy, drama, and romance ensue. If you like harem shows but think the girls need some "toughening up", then you'll probably like this show."[KAGO] A great intro as always Kago, I'm enjoying this show and I didn't think I would. I felt that it would be very cliche and average. So far, and I'm up to episode 9, I like the comedy, the reverse harem and the way the plot actually flows from episode to episode. (However, in epsiode 9, they placed the main characters in some sort of a one-shot side story which was cute but plotwise sticks out like a sore thumb.)

Kiss X Sis TV

What more is there to say? Just like the OVAs, it features Ako-neechan and Riko-neechan fighting for the affections of their brother, Keita. What? You didn't see the OVAs? Do it now! The TV series is easily the hottest, most ecchi show of the season. Fetishes are explored. Wishes granted. Panty shots with come-hither-young-brother-and-taste-my-candy stares. There's also plenty of comedic gags to keep you laughing. To all who love the 'almost-hentai-but-not-quite' label, here you go.

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei ~The Tatami Galaxy~

I'm probably alone in liking this 'Groundhog's Day' type anime, but I really like it. Maybe it's the way that each episode spiels off so fast in japanese leaving the fansubbers to work hard fitting in all the lines and translation. I know I like seeing how the main character fits himself into all these different college clubs each time, but yet seeing the demise of either himself or the club. If I were to fit it into a mold, I'd say it reminds me of Welcome to the NHK (Youkoso ni NHK) because I can't help but falling in love with the despair of the main character's life. I'm sorry if I can't give you name for him... it hasn't come up yet. I recommend it for all anime fans (true fans) and those who really loved the manga/anime I mentioned. It's freakin' crazy, but it just might be my most favorite depending on how they pull all this crazy crap off. By the way, the ED is amazing... I've put it in our YouTube thread.

Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin

"Six boys (ages 16-17) are being admitted to a ‘disciplinary’ camp (read: prison) in 1955 Japan. All of them committed crimes in the past, even though some should have been viewed as self-defense. Their time in the camp is hellish, and they are abused physically, emotionally, and sexually. The first thing that happens when they get there is a ‘physical exam’, and then they are put in a cell with an older prisoner, Sakuragi, who proceeds to kick their asses. In turn, Sakuragi is himself beaten by the Inspector of the camp, who is a masochistic prick. The only thing keeping Inspector Ishihara from killing them all is Dr. Sasaki, though he is nowhere near benevolent himself. The boys and Sakuragi eventually bond over a cigarette that one of them snuck in."[Chibitrunks] Awesome intro, Chibitrunks... This is also one of my favorite shows because of its realism and because of plot continuity. While I understand that some people feel that the show might be considered as contrived and gay... that's why Kago should have his say next. "After watching some of the Rain-Bro show, I must admit the show has some merits. Lots of drama, some decent action, and at times some very graphic content. But on the other hand, some of the things that happen can come off a little... awkward. Depending on how you look at, Rain-Bro can be either Ultra Manly, or kinda gay."[Kago]

House of Five Leaves

"The art style is interesting, and different from a lot of what I have seen before. The main character is Masanosuke Akitsu, a ronin that was released from his position under the feudal lord due to his cowardly personality. Now he is looking for bodyguard jobs in Edo. A man named Yaichi hires him, and that night they go to meet the one ‘causing trouble’ for Yaichi. The man had brought other ronin to ambush them, but surprisingly, even though he acts cowardly, Akitsu is a very adept swordsman. With the other ronin run off, Yaichi is able to get the money from the other man and tells him that his son will be returned soon. At this point, Akitsu finally realizes that Yaichi is a kidnapper. Now, Yaichi wants Akitsu to join his group, the House of Five Leaves, but Akitsu is on the fence about it. He finds out that the kidnappings are not entirely greed-based; the only people kidnapped are the sons of ‘flawed families’. Now Akitsu has to decide to either keep his honor or work with Yaichi in order to earn enough to eat."[Chibitrunks]

Senkou no Night Raid

"Set in China in 1931, several Japanese agents from the Sakurai Organization are sent to retrieve a kidnapped businessman, President Kaburagi. Each agent has special powers. Aoi can deflect danger, like bullets and explosions, away from himself and others by slowing time. However, Aoi only has a limited amount of time that he can affect. Yukina has telepathy, and can get information from other’s minds and see through their eyes. Natsume has incredible vision. Kazura has some kind of hang-up about using his powers, so you don’t find out what they are right away. The agents find out that a military clique (the Liu Army) is holding Kaburagi, so they commence a night raid to get him. Yukina and Natsume combine their powers to become a very effective lookout group, while Aoi and Kazura infiltrate the base. Aoi and Kazura manage to get Kaburagi, but the guard is alerted earlier than they expected and they have to take cover in one of the buildings. Suddenly, the Koumintang (another military group) begin to attack the Liu base. In order to escape, Kazuma is forced to use his teleportation powers. Ultimately, the mission goes well and the issue seems resolved after the requisite cover-up and silencing of witnesses takes place. It turns out that Kaburagi was actually selling weapons to both sides, and the Sakurai Organization now has proof of this thanks to Aoi picking Kaburagi’s pocket."[Chibitrunks] It's an interesting show of intrigue, mystery, and the like as the character development unfolds.

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou

"Sai Akuto has just transferred into the prestigious Constant Magic Academy, with the aim of living a virtuous life, becoming a high priest, and changing society for the better. On the train ride in, he meets a girl with similar ideals who aims to be a guardian of justice, and the make a pact to work hard on achieving their goals. Unfortunately for him, upon arriving at school his physical exam includes a prediction on his future occupation by the magical Yata-Garasu, who has a 100% accuracy rating. His occupation: Demon King, a being so powerful and dangerous that it could threaten to bring down society as we know it. I'm not expecting this show to turn into the next Slayers or Kenichi, action wise or awesomeness wise, but I am saying this series shows some promise. Of course after Quasar of Stigmata, last season's failed attempt to break into this genre, anything looks promising. Still, I'm gonna give this show the go ahead and recomend it for those of you looking for a nice action show that you won't have to marathon for a few days to catch up on, with some good ol' fashioned ecchi thrown in for good measure. Update: Episode 6--And the Oscar for Best usage of a sea cucumber goes too..."[Kago] I ended up watching more of this show because of Kago, and I enjoyed some parts, but lately the episodes have seemingly gotten off-track with side character's stories and less governement-as-conspiratorial-agent type material. I'm going to wait and see how they close this one. Because right now, Chibitrunk's comment seems to be ringing true lately, "Fighting ensues, cue magical explosion, panty shot, giant crater… pretty standard."

Arakawa Under The Bridge

Welcome to the LOLRANDOM show! Let's start off with Ichinomiya Kou, a well-heeled young gentleman whose family's wealth and large corporation will someday be his own. The family drilled into young Kou that the secret to success was 'never be indebted to anyone, ever', or else you'll experience asthma attacks, like hands from your angered ancestors, choking you for becoming indebted. So OF COURSE the first thing that should happen is...he becomes indebted. Kou was hanging from a bridge cable with nothing on but his boxers after a scuffle with some hooligans. He falls into the river below and nearly drowns if it wasn't for Nino saving him. Nino is a cute blond Venusian. That's right--from Venus. There's a nun (who is a man) with a scar on HIS face called (aptly enough), Sister. There a Kappa, who isn't a real Kappa but insists he is one even though the zipper on his costume can be clearly seen. How about, Hoshi? (that's star for Japanese, I think) and he's got a star on his head. There's many, many more characters living under this bridge. By the way, this is how Kou absolves himself of his indebtedness (only to find more) by living under the bridge too, with his eventual (?) girlfriend, Nino. There's more random hijinks, and anime references, but I'll leave it up to FJ, who says, “YOU NEED TO WATCH ARAWAKA UNDER THE BRIDGE. IT IS THE BEST SHOW EVAR!!!! Ok seriously, it's funny as hell and completely random. As long as you're not keeping a serious face while watching it you'll enjoy it.”[FJ]

B Gata H Kei

"Panty shots! The lead bishoujo character, Yamada, has the bizarre goal of having 100 sex partners. However, she is still a virgin and is looking for the perfect ‘cherry’ boy to take her virginity. She runs into a perfectly average boy, and begins to make his life hell. Since Yamada doesn’t have any experience whatsoever with guys, she doesn’t know how to approach Kosuda, so she comes across as rather schizo... She repeatedly tries to force herself on him, then runs away when she gets embarrassed, or in the last case, when she remembers that she doesn’t have condoms with her."[Chibitrunks] I've dropped this series. I saw the first five then I peeked in at episode 8 and it's the same stuff over and over. The premise has gotten stale and instead of 100, this girl can't get to the 2nd kiss on the first guy by episode 8. I guess Ronindavid has a better view on things. "While the show isn't the ecchi show I was hoping for, it certainly is making me laugh pretty hard. Where most anime I've seen has a female protagonist that wants nothing more than to experience romance in all it's forms...but sex get's in the way. Here, the exact opposite is happening. Not to mention the inexperience of youth and the fact said protagonist, Yamada, is trying to drive 120mph in a Yugo. This chick is horny and wants it bad. In the second episode, it looks like she cleared out an entire store's supply of condoms just so she'd make sure to get the right one for her cherry boy. God, that poor guy (Kosuda). He's being tortured on levels I didn't even know existed for a guy. That's why sex will always make for great comedy; the duality of it."[Ronindavid] Get all that? Sound interesting? Then PLEASE go for it! God knows if Yamada ever will by the end...

Heroman

"Normally I don’t like Stan Lee’s writing, it’s too obvious and contrived for me, but this one seems interesting so far. I liked the art style in this one, kind of reminds me of Bebop. Basically, the main character, Joey Jones, is a average American teenager. Joey has a seemingly normal life in the U.S. He gets bullied, he has a couple good friends (Psy and Lina), and he works part time to support his grandmother and himself. The main bully, a jock named Will, is Lina’s brother and doesn’t want Lina hanging around Joey. When the rich kid of the bully’s clique trashes a toy robot, Joey salvages it for himself. His world changes when an alien-obsessed scientist, Professor Denton, finally makes contact. Unfortunately, the alien force that picks up the signal decides to wipe out humanity and harvest Earth’s resources. Surprise, surprise. *rolls eyes* Due to the alien arrival, a freak thunderstorm arises, and the toy robot gets struck by lightning. Suddenly, the toy becomes a roughly human sized mecha, and the control pad grafts onto Joey’s arm. ‘Heroman’ is able to save Joey’s friend Lina from a car crash caused by the storm, and Joey is elated. Unfortunately, the aliens have arrived… Update: Snarkiness aside, it’s a decent show. It’s just formulaic, and thus obvious."[Chibitrunks] Bring back the snarkiness! I saw a few episodes of this by way of our Virtual Anime Night and I felt like I was watching silly Saturday morning cartoons.

Working!!

Ah, the title! It conjures up an image of the hustle and bustle of daily life and lifting oneself up by the bootstraps and getting to... work. That's part of it. The characters in the show are working in a restaurant called Wagnaria when suddenly they realize they need a new hire. So they send Poplar out to find the main male character and she runs into Souta (who ends up being just the guy they needed...for beatings) Wait, what's that? Beatings? Yes, by the main female character called, Inami Mahiru. Inami has issues, but the one thing she has no issues with is laying on the hurt. Poor Souta...now you have to put up with this bunch for part-time labor and maybe eventually hooking up with Mike Tyson (Inami). Stewart had this to say about the show, "I like the show and Inami (Tyson-punch girl) is actually my favorite character. She's some kind of violent, punch-crazy tsundere with all the markings of becoming a possible love interest. Plus, I enjoy watching the interactions between the insane restaurant staff, and Poplar is so damn adorable!"[Stewart]

... And the rest!

Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru

Yuki and Kanata were raised in the same orphanage. Currently, Kanata has moved out, and Yuki will leave soon. Yuki has been receiving death threats lately, but has been coving it up in front of Kanata. Yuki is also having odd dreams about a couple (that he never remembers upon waking). It turns out that he is the reincarnation of the girl in his dream, but he doesn’t realize it yet. However, a couple that he meets on the way to school seems to recognize him, but they disappear before he can question them. Yuki also apparently has the power to see the darkness in someone’s soul by touching them. This causes some confusion when he touches his classmate Uzuki, who has recently been abused by his mother. It turns out that Uzuki was the one sending the death threats because he thought Yuki pitied him. Uzuki suddenly starts hearing a voice that goads him. Later that night, Yuki is attacked with illusions, mostly of Uzuki. Yuki is saved by Luka, the mysterious man from his dreams.

Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilipri

“Magical girls meet fairy tale princesses. Pretty standard magical girl shoujo artwork and plot. In Fairyland, yes, Fairyland with a capital F, the magic is fading. Important fairy tale places, items, and characters are disappearing. Even the stars are winking out. The stars are actually the glow of happiness from people’s hearts, which allow Fairyland to thrive. Now the castles of Cinderella, Snow White, and Kaguya-hime have vanished. These three princesses are known as the Super Idols. In order to revive Fairyland, three magical mascots, each aligned with one of the three princesses, is given a jewel and sent to Earth. The gems will transform a girl into one of the princesses...”[Chibitrunks] Ok, stop right there. I think if you're interested in this kind of show, then you've read plenty. If not, then you've probably already skipped on to another show.

Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan

"If you have read Kaze no Hikaru, this seems quite similar. It’s a historical drama based loosely on the Shinsengumi. Chizuru (dressed as a boy) has traveled to Kyoto in search of her father, who disappeared a month ago. On the way, she witnesses a fight between Shinsengumi members. She passes out, and is taken back to their headquarters. She winds up being held captive without really knowing what is happening, while the Shisengumi search for her father, who they suspect has become embroiled in some intrigue. I like the character design on this one, vaguely reminiscent of Rurouni Kenshin, with a touch of Bleach."[Chibitrunks]

Mayoi Neko Overrun!

"This one seems pretty standard harem anime so far. The main character, Takumi, is an orphan with an older sister, Otome, who is often out travelling the world helping others and bringing home stray cats. Takumi has some average friends, an otaku who prefers 2-D girls, Fumino, the next-door neighbor violent tsundere girl who is also an orphan, and Uememono, the rich Lolita cosplay-loving granddaughter of the school dean (and her two maids). The day starts out fairly normal, mostly character introduction centered. Takumi works part-time at his sister’s cake shop after school, and when he comes home he finds out that one of the cakes has been eaten. A little boy tells Takumi that a cat the size of Fumino ate the cake, and obviously no one believes him. Except for Fumino, who happened to see a giant cat shadow earlier in the day. Fumino finds the ‘cat’, which happens to be the girl Uememono forced into cosplay. A chase ensues, and soon everyone is following. However, they lose sight of the catgirl, and go back to buying eggs and baking the cake for delivery. The next morning Otome shows up with, you guessed it, the stray catgirl."[Chibitrunks]

Ookiku Furikabutte 2

Ikkitousen: Xtreme Xecutor

Hetalia World Series

Shin Koihime Musou: Otome Tairan

Major 6th Season

Giant Killing

K-On!!

Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 2

Gundam Unicorn

Holy Massive-Member-Involvement Batman! Well that's how our members are. They're willing to give you the ins-and-outs of your favorite anime. So why not join up and find out more? I need to thank the hard work of the members like, Chibitrunks, Kago, Stewart, Ronindavid, and FJ for their comments and posts that helped make this Lineup happen. Thank you all so much. Be sure to check out the link before the cut to see the original statements and the following posts. Be sure to post something in the Summer 2010 Anime Lineup, and maybe I'll use your commentary!

Again... Thanks OrangeAnime Members!