We're done with part 1 and part 2, and so now we can get back to some of the good stuff! I think this batch is the best of them all, although that's just the nature of an alphabetical list. The short list this time around includes Hidamari Sketch, Kaito Renya, Katanagatari, Ladies vs. Butlers and Nodame Cantabile. It's a jam-packed lineup.
So, before you get yourself too excited over some twin-tails or cute girls, be sure to head after the jump so you know just what you're getting yourself into. Just try to restrain yourself, lest you kill your bandwidth at the end of each month.
Hidamari Sketch Season 3
Studio: SHAFT (Bakemonogatari, Hidamari Sketch)
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo (Bakemonogatari)
Air Date: January 7th, 2010
The girls from the Hidamari Apartment buildings are back for a third season. If you don't mind watching another 4-panel comic turned into a moe show, then this is definitely one to watch. It's beautifully animated, easy to get into, and not laden with otaku humor.
Plus, there's some girls' love going on.
The staff is fighting over who's going to tackle it, but I can tell you right now the result is going to be "watch this." And don't forget, Section23 has the first season coming out on DVD soon!
Kaito Reinya
Studio: Stingray
Director: Hideaki Iwami
Air Date: January 9th, 2010
From what I understand, this is a cutesy little 4-panel comic being turned into a kid's show, about a master thief who works at a convenience store. Her house is located next to the police station, but the cops are totally clueless. So, it'll be entertaining for kids, but not so much for us.
I don't think this'll be available, nor do I see us covering this.
Katanagatari
Studio: White Fox (Tears to Tiara)
Director: Keitaro Motonaga (School Days)
Air Date: January 2010
From the same author who did Bakemonogatari, this is a strange anime: it'll be twelve 60-minute episodes, aired monthly. The series is a quest-a-thon, with the main character, a master swordsman, being asked by a mysterious woman to help collect twelve swords made by a legendary swordsmith.
Just how is this going to turn out? I don't know, but I'm intrigued as all hell with this one. I'm looking forward to hearing Jon Snyder's preview as he covers this one for us.
Ladies vs. Butlers
Studio: XEBEC (Love Hina)
Director: Atsushi Ooshi (Kanokon)
Air Date: January 5th, 2010
Rich girl, poor butler. Twin tails. Tsundere. Romantic comedy. You're all going to be watching this, I guarantee it.
And Jon is tackling this one, the bastard.
Nodame Cantabile Final
Studio: JC Staff (Azumanga Daioh)
Director: Chiaki Kon (Higurashi: When They Cry, Junjo Romantica)
Air Date: January 14th, 2010
Nodame Cantabile, the musical shoujo show that has touched so many, is finally coming to an end. In what's sure to be a dramatic finish, this is probably going to be the biggest tearjerker of the season. Plus, with one of the best scores for an anime show, there's little reason not to watch it.
Dale North is going to be watching this hard. Expect to hear him talk about it every week. If you haven't seen it already, it's time to catch up on the show and join in on the fun.
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And all this about Nodame Cantabile makes me want to watch it, so if I get to watching it before the final season, it'll be on my palette.