Minamike Okaeri

Story: 4
A move back closer to the feel of the first season of Minamike which makes up for what happened to Minamike Okawari. Respected the original manga, and the original parts were entertaining as well.

Characters: 5
Easily 5 for the lovable cast of characters… well, I don’t know if you’d call Hosaka lovable, but just his presence onscreen made me laugh. I was glad to see that Touma got some more screentime this season. Her stupid brothers, especially Natsuki, were funny as well. However, my favorite’s Uchida (then Chiaki).

Visual: 3
The one disappointing part of the show as the animation quality from Asreed was simply good enough most of the time. Naoto Hosoda’s part in episode 12 gets a 5+, though (his Uchida is much too cute). I’m sure Shinpei Tomooka would’ve done a better job in the B part of that episode if the schedule weren’t as rough as it seemed.

Direction: 3
Stayed true to the feel of the original manga, though rather average for the most part with nothing really standing out to me.

Music: 4
Excellent OP/ED, good music in show kept from previous seasons.

Overall: 4
I’m very satisfied with how it turned out. Hoping for another season after more stock of the manga is built up.

Total: 23

CLANNAD after story

Story: 4.5
“CLANNAD is life”, as a 2channeler once said, going farther than those other galge that simply end after high school. Engrossing from beginning to end. A bit off for the somewhat complicated “true” ending involving parallel timelines.

Characters: 5
Easily a 5. Tomoya’s growth from beginning to end was quite pronounced and shown well. Sanae-san and Akki were always amusing in some way. Heroines were all attractive in their own ways. I favor Fuko (which is probably no surprise to most of you). And, Ushio-chan kawaii yo Ushio-chan.

Visual: 5
It’s KyoAni. Just everyday work for them.

Direction: 5
It’s KyoAni. Just everyd(ry Had to reach for the kleenex more than once through the last few episodes.

Music: 5
Excellent OP/ED, and music (as expected from a Key game).

Overall: 5
Yes, I’m a Key fan, I bought the AIR and Kanon DVDs and will grab CLANNAD as well. Easily recommended for those that liked those previous works. I could grab the PSP version of CLANNAD, but I doubt I’d be able to get all the way through it (^^;;

Total: 29.5

Asu no Yoichi!

Story: 3
A good adaptation of the well-worn harem genre that’s pretty faithful to the original (that I quickly scanned). Good mix of comedy and not too serious seriousness.

Characters: 4
Yes, Asu no Yoichi!’s characters are pretty much the usual stock characters for this genre, but since they were well used, no problems. Wassan was especially entertaining. Wishing that Kagome-chan got more time in the spotlight.

Visual: 4
High quality animation every episode as is required for this genre (if the heroines aren’t cute, who would watch?). Good job, AIC.

Direction: 3
The usual for the genre, but solid nonetheless.

Music: 3
Nothing that stood out that much to me, but plenty good enough.

Overall: 4
I looked forward to watching every week. I have absolutely no problem with shows that aren’t “innovative” so long as they execute well.

Total: 21

As this year gets closer to ending, info on the new anime awaiting us next year has started to flow, starting with something of a surprise. Kyoto Animation will be completing their original OVA series, Munto, as a TV anime starting in spring 2009. Sorry Haruhi fans, but you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Those who haven’t seen the OVAs (yes, they are licensed) shouldn’t need to worry about being lost, as the TV anime will include a “director’s cut” of the OVAs with new content.

Next up, AQUAPLUS’s Tears to Tiara will be starting spring 2009 as well, lead by director Tomoki Kobayashi of Utawarerumono (also based on a game made by Leaf/AQUAPLUS) and animated by WHITE FOX. The cast for the consumer PS3 release of the game (including Yuko Goto, Mai Nakahara, Ai Shimizu, Rie Tanaka, and others) will remain the same for the anime.

The third season of Minamike will start in January, made by the staff of Minamike ~okawari~ studio Asreed, but with some changes — Hiroshi Ogawa will be director and Rie Koga will handle series composition. I’m hoping that it won’t be an okawari of okawari.

Other anime starting in January of next year include the second season of Tetsuwan Birdy: DECODE, a new Hajime no Ippo anime, Kurokami The Animation, Slayers EVOLUTION-R, and VIPER’S CREED.

[Thanks to MOON PHASE for the info]