Best shows of fall 2009?

[Chris Beveridge]

Ok guys, let's have at it. You're all watching the new shows of this season - which ones do you think are the ones that should be licensed and of those which ones do you think deserves to get dubbed as well?

[bci110]

Kobato deserves both a license and an English dub.

I would like to see SoraOto licensed as well, but I won't mind if it doesn't have an English dub. It might be a good show for either Sentai or Media Blasters to grab - sort of fits what they're currently releasing.

[LelouchLamperouge]

Without a doubt in my mind, the best would be Kimi ni Todoke and Trapeze.

Nothing even comes close to those two this season. Nothing..

I think Kimi ni Todoke has a shot of being licensed, but I doubt Trapeze sadly. I can see Funimation grabbing Kimi ni Todoke or even perhaps Viz, since y'know, they got the manga and such and I see it being dubbed regardless. Trapeze, on the other hand, doesn't appeal to anyone mainstream-wise and nobody is willing to take much risk in todays market on "artsy" titles like Genius Party, Kaiba, Kemonozume, Mononoke or Trapeze. Probably forgot a few, but you get what I mean.

[aku.chan]

Another vote for Kobato!

I'd also like to see Kiddy Girl-and, Book of Bantorra and Letter Bee turn up in a licencing announcement in the future, preferably with dubs.

[Draneor]

Personally, I think To Aru Majutsu no Railgun is the best show this fall. There are early indicators that it's being received well in Japan too. Railgun has the perfect blend of humor, pandering, and strong character interaction for me. I'm also loving Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza, Seitokai no Ichizon, and the Sacred Blacksmith. Fairy Tale, Kampfer, and Nyan Koi are enjoyable to watch, although I'm not sure if I'd want to buy them. Asura Cryin and White Album II can go to hell.

Other than maybe Fairy Tale, I'm not sure these titles would do well here. For that, both Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini and Inuyasha: the Final Act seem a given and maybe Kobato.

[something]

I and many others have more detailed replies covered in my Currently Watching thread (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1676016&postcount=179) post, for anyone who wants the longer version of this. That's as of 11/08, and I'll probably update with a second ranking for Fall '09 this weekend if I can get caught up on everything.

My top two there are still the same, but the order has swapped. Kimi ni Todoke is my number one show of the season and unless the next episode is a dud, will be listed as such in my update. It's the Noto Mamikoest Noto Mamiko role ever. To Aru Kagaku no Railgun is in second at the moment. It's almost perfect. I've placed orders for the R2s (or BD in the latter case) for both.

Next is Sasameki Koto, which is gaining on Railgun rapidly and is likely to surpass it soon given the trajectory they're both on. I'm toying with the idea of canceling my Railgun BD orders and replacing with Sasameki, but Railgun is only modestly more expensive for twice as many episodes. Decisions decisions!

As for licenses and dubbing? The latter doesn't matter to me and the former is of gradually decreasing importance. But I figure Sasameki and Todoke are long shot choices, which would almost certainly get sub-only releases if licensed. Railgun should be more of a sure thing, but Index never even got licensed so I'm not holding my breath. We still don't know what's going on with Geneon Japan and their licenses.

My number four show (as of last update anyway) is Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini which has easily the best chance of being licensed of anything this season (alongside Kiddy Girl-and and Fairy Tail I guess, plus the Inuyasha which is probably already licensed), both due to its genre and the fact that its first season was licensed. And, I guess, successful? I don't know but it looks like the sort of show that should have done decently in R1. I expect Funimation will be licensing it eventually, although they won't get it out on DVD/BD until 2011 at the speed they move.

But I'm watching 21 Fall season shows at the moment, so I'll leave details of the rest to the post I linked. There are 20 there, plus I picked up Yumeiro Patissiere last week.

[Fudce]

The ones that stand out for me so far are:

Kobato.
I've yet to find anyone who has watched any of this and not liked it. It's just an anime where you watch, and you smile. Kobato the character is adorable and endearing, and there seems to be some real meat to the series to match the promise that it offered.
Dub or Not? I'd lean towards yes, it is a known series, with the manga having appeared in Newtype USA for quite a while before the magazine got cancelled, and CLAMP will always be a selling point.

Kimi ni Todoke
I tried this on a recommendation from Spirit of the Stage, and I wasn't disapointed. It's a soft soft story about a shy loner girl who is socially backwards and her finally finding herself some friends. It's a somewhat predictable story but it is better for it because it does what it does so well.
Dub or not? I'd actually lean towards no for this title. If it did get dubbed it'd be incredible, but I fear the lack of presence the main character has may hurt any potential sales. It's lovely thought provoking anime, but breasts sell more than brains.

A Certain Scientific Railgun / To Aru Kagaku no Railgun
A spinoff of a generic but enjoyable shounen afair, Railgun takes us more into the life of Mikoto Misaka, or Railgun as she is known. One of the most powerful psychics in the city, she is nothing like you'd imagine, and we're left with a series that is similar in feel to the original (A Certain Magical Index) but with fewer characters, and so it's much more focussed rather than being distracted with so many characters.
Dub or not? This actually depends on the orignal finding a home. Both series are strong enough to survive with dubs.

Shin Koihime Musou
Now this is a fun series, and combining this series with the first one is sure to get sales from the yuri-fanservice fans. Based on The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the characters are turned inside out and genders are bent to produce a 99% female cast. And when you have that many female cast members, you just know what you're in for... And quite a few around these parts like it. :)
Dub or not? In the past, yuri series haven't had dubs, but this is a series in a similar vein to Ikki Tousen, just with a different style of fanservice. It would work with a dub, but I fear that if Media Blasters got this series and the first series (Koihime Musou) then they'd choose not to dub it.

Kiddy Girl-and
Sequel two Funimation's Kiddy Grade, Kiddy Girl-and starts off with Eclair and Lumiere dying. So they'll be back around mid-series then... Yeah, the Kiddy Grade world is predictable, but it's enjoyable. So far there isn't much to talk about when it comes to a plot, but there are moments of hinting towards a much greater future plotline in a similar way to the original series.
Dub or not? This series is calling out for a dub and licence from Funimation. There are recurring characters between the two series, and could be many more in the future.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm going to skip the dub question. On one hand I feel everything deserves to get dubbed. On the other hand, I also feel that dubbing everything is not realistic. So my stance is I'd like a dub if possible, but I can accept sub-only if need be.

Note the following can change since some shows like to fall apart at the last minute and some series you can't really be sure of until near the end, but based on what I've seen so far.....


Kobato

It's quite clear that anime fans in America needs their scarred hearts healed and Kobato is definitely up to the task. An extremely adorable female lead voiced with a wonderful voice. The story has a nice healing nature to it and the story has definite potential.


The Sacred Blacksmith

It does take a few episodes to truly get going simply because the early episodes were mostly setting things up. As of episode 7, the series had definitely solidified itself as a fun fantasy series with some cute and/or sexy girls.

I'm not expecting anything grand out of the series since it's only one cour, but I think if the season can manage to get future seasons, it might have a chance of becoming grand.

Either way the first series has already done a decent job of establishing a nice cast and provided itself with a way of having at the very least a goal for the season.


Kimi ni Todoke

It's got an interesting story that has a lot of potential that so long as they keep up the pace should be great. The female lead herself is all kinds of wonderful and makes you want to hug her. The male lead is one of the better ones I've seen in awhile and is pretty awesome. Plus, you've got two wonderful supporting females. One of the highlights of the season.


Sasameki Koto

It's an enjoyable and in some ways kind of a depressing series. It definitely has potential. The main downside is that to realize that potential, it's probably going to need multiple seasons and each season is going to need a good cut-off point. Save for the final season.
-----------------------------------------------

There are other series, I could mention, but I don't want to mention everything at once. Plus in some cases I need to get my thoughts together anyway.

Beside this way I have an excuse to make future posts and can keep each from being too long winded.

Aside from that I'm in the middle of watching the live airing of Sasameki Koto Episode 7 right now anyway.

[Glamrgrl104]

Kimi ni todoke- This is one of my top 5 shows that I love right now; it has got to be #1. It's a great anime. This would be such an awesome dub, or even if it came to R1 subbed; I'd buy it!

Darker than black S2- I loved darker than black 1st season and it was brilliant- Now we want DARKER than black s2 dubbed.

Yumeiro Patissiere-I'd like to see more cooking animes; I loved Antique bakery, and was thrilled when there was another cooking anime.

Have been watching Durarara; I quite enjoyed it.- It would be an awesome dub.

[pathos]

Darker than Black S2 - I'm going off the assumption that the first season sold moderately well, and so this one might have a good chance to get licensed. Dubbed if it does get licensed.

Sora no Otoshimono - When this one is on a roll, its pretty damn funny. Add alot of fanservice, and there is a possibility of a license. Doubt it would rate a dub though.

The Sacred Blacksmith - I'd have trouble comparing it to any specific show, so i'm having trouble deciding if there is a market for it. if it does get a license, I'd doubt it would get a dub.

Fairy Tale - Would not surprise me if it got licensed. Probably a dub to go with it.

Kampfer - I have about the same thoughts on this one as I do Sora. Probably a lower chance of a license, but not by much. Dub would depend on who got it.

Nyan Koi - I'm quite fond of this show. One of my favorites of the season. Even I'll admit, however, it probably doesn't stand out enough on its own merits to have a good chance of a license. Possible, but not probable.

other shows -

Cross Game - not a new show to the fall season. I'm still watching, and still one of my favorites. I'm doubting it will receive a license. Hope I'm wrong though.

Kobato - a show I'm generally fond of, although not among my favorites. If it got licensed, I'd buy it of course. I won't miss it if it doesn't though. Probably had a better chance of a license before the market crash, imo. Still, it being picked up is not beyond the realm of possiblity.

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun - At times I like this show, at times I don't. Overall I'd give the series an "ok" grade. I'm actually wondering about the chance of a license myself. Being a spinoff of another series, which, as far as I know, has not gotten licensed? I'd still like Index to get licensed myself. After that, if they want to license Railgun, then have at it :P

[Randall Flagg]

Kimi ni Todoke. Absolutely.

[Mitsuki]

Kampfer - I could see this getting licensed, probably sub-only since I don't really see FUNi getting it. Probably MB or S23.
Seitokai no Ichizon - Will probably not get licensed. S23 by a long shot.
11eyes - Will probably not get licensed. FUNi by a long shot.
Sasameki Koto - I can sort of see MB getting this, but I doubt they'd dub it.

[lesterf1025]

For this season based on what I have seen I would say

Nyan Koi! with a dub
Letter Bee with a dub

and

Kimi ni Todoke sub only.

[ilmaestro]

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun
Kiddy Girl-and
The Sacred Blacksmith
Kobato

in that order. I don't know or care about dubs, so I won't comment. I also won't pretend that Aoi Bungaku would be a good show to licence, but that would be on my list probably above Blacksmith.

Also, to balance out the amazingly positive comments so far, I'm finding Kimi ni Todoke to be fairly annoying, having watched three episodes so far.

[EmperorBrandon]

Kobato deserves both a license and an English dub.

I'll second this one, first and foremost out of shows just starting this season. My opinions on CLAMP titles tend to be mixed, but this seems to be one I'll like and want to collect along the lines of CCS, Angelic Layer, and Chobits.

I want Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu a lot too, though of course there's the first series and the currently airing series to license. I don't think it would get dubbed if licensed, but I want to own it anyway.

The Sacred Blacksmith seems like an interesting fantasy title to bring over and hopefully one that could be dubbed.

I don't plan on buying any of Inuyasha at this point, but I am still very curious to hear a dub of Final Act, since there's some nostalgia from watching it so long on Adult Swim. Hopefully Viz will have that available streamed or on TV at some point.

Nothing else I've watched that I think is particularly high among wanted titles for an R1-land DVD or dub, but I've got more shows I'm planning on trying.

[bci110]

The Sacred Blacksmith seems like an interesting fantasy title to bring over and hopefully one that could be dubbed.


Yeah I hope so too on both counts. I'm really enjoying this show at this point and it seems like a good title for any of the licensors to consider. Plus the girls are pretty hot.

[Suwako Moriya]

Kobato deserves both a license and an English dub.I'll second this one, first and foremost out of shows just starting this season. My opinions on CLAMP titles tend to be mixed, but this seems to be one I'll like and want to collect along the lines of CCS, Angelic Layer, and Chobits.

I'm kind of mixed on CLAMP as well. CCS and Angelic Layer were both good. I didn't care much for Chobits however. Also, Magic Knight Rayearth was mixed bag... I still have yet to find the motivation to finish XXholic.

Still it looks likes Kobato has a good chance of being one of the better ones. Especially if the episodes I've seen so far are any indication. I have no idea if there's a pattern here or not.

[reionpremente]

Kobato deserves both a license and an English dub.I'll second this one, first and foremost out of shows just starting this season. My opinions on CLAMP titles tend to be mixed, but this seems to be one I'll like and want to collect along the lines of CCS, Angelic Layer, and Chobits.

I'm kind of mixed on CLAMP as well. CCS and Angelic Layer were both good. I didn't care much for Chobits however. Also, Magic Knight Rayearth was mixed bag... I still have yet to find the motivation to finish XXholic.

Still it looks likes Kobato has a good chance of being one of the better ones. Especially if the episodes I've seen so far are any indication. I have no idea if there's a pattern here or not.

CLAMP did pretty well for me with Tsubasa although it makes me really wish they had completed the anime of Tokyo Babylon or will go back and do that at some point now that they have the money to do so. The OAV just left a HUGE hole between that and X that I'm almost scared to even watch X when it gets released next year. Having never read the manga and only having the OAV to guide me, I have a sneaky suspicion that it's going to be next to impossible to understand a lot of things.

[Dream]

imo- currently hands down the strongest series (ongoing) is Aoi Bungaku. only Madhouse could handle animation for a series that will encompass 6 different books unto anime format. anyhow; i enjoyed the first arc or story (ep. 1-4) derived from Osamu Dazai's "No Longer Human" book. so impressed with the story; i purchased the book (translated into English) and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival.

now- generally speaking; this type of anime has no chance of a R1 release but since Monster has been licensed and the first set of dvd's are due in December - perhaps there is a chance.

another series is Tokyo Magnitude 8.0. this MUST be licensed. a great story- i was quite surprised.

subs only. although i suppose TM8 could theoretically be dubbed.

[Sly05]

For me,

Kimi no Todoke
To Aru Kagaku no Railgun
Kobato.

[malazar]

There really hasn't been anything this season that has overwhelmed me with how good it is. So far, I wouldn't give anything a 9 or 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 but that could change as things develop.

Overall, I have consistently enjoyed Fairy Tail, The Book of Bantorra, and Letter Bee the most.

As far as continuing shows go, I still find Hetalia Axis Powers to be thoroughly amusing and hope that it gets picked up by someone once it is finished although I doubt that will happen with the 5 minute episodes and ethnic stereotypes.

[mitamaking]

Kimi ni Todoke has been the best this season, it and Railgun are the only two I am keeping up with week in and out, I was trying to watch Natsu no Arashi 2, Tegami Bachii, and Book of Bantorra, but I have been having teouble with my net and crunchy barely loads.

Kimi ni Todoke though is funny, and the characters are great, I mean it the characters are funny and real.

[Suwako Moriya]

another series is Tokyo Magnitude 8.0. this MUST be licensed. a great story- i was quite surprised.

Speaking of series that are pre-Autumn, I kind of wish that this topic idea came up earlier. As there are Summer and Spring shows I want to mention. Obviously ones that would match my warped tastes.

[Glamrgrl104]

As far as continuing shows go, I still find Hetalia Axis Powers to be thoroughly amusing and hope that it gets picked up by someone once it is finished although I doubt that will happen with the 5 minute episodes and ethnic stereotypes.


I agree HAP is hilarious, it's strange here in the U.S. we have shows like South park and Family guy that have many ethnic stereotypes too, but because they are popular no one cares. I think with APH you need to be able to laugh at what is being shown, and not take it so seriously it's called a spoof type show for a reason. It is a spoof on history lol
This would make an amazing dub XD, but yes I doubt it will ever come here.

[SpoilerHappy]

"Should be licensed" is a tough question - I don't seem to fit the "currently being licensed" demographic at all these days.... Anyway:

Kimi ni Todoke has got to be one of the best warm, fuzzy feel-good shows I've ever seen, easily on its way to my top 5 of all time. I'd love to see it with a dub, although it would have to be really well acted - I could see this show coming off very sappy w/o the right touch to Sawako's voice in particular.

Kobato is also very good and very cute, and of course it's CLAMP so there's got to be more going on. I'd like to see a dub on it too, but could live with a sub.

The surprise show of this year for me is Sasameki Koto, which I can't see being licensed at all, but I can hope. Sub would be fine. The combination of fun/silliness and miserable heartbreak has just sucked me in - Sumi is a great character. This one is going to end up in my top 10 - unless of course the anime has anything less than a happy ending (or the manga if the anime isn't conclusive) in which case I'll shred anything associated with it, burn the mangaka in effigy, and purge it from my mind.... :cry::cry::cry:

[angelx03]

The surprise show of this year for me is Sasameki Koto, which I can't see being licensed at all, but I can hope.

I can see Media Blasters getting it; they need more titles in their Yuri Fan line. :relief:

[bci110]

The surprise show of this year for me is Sasameki Koto, which I can't see being licensed at all, but I can hope.

I can see Media Blasters getting it; they need more titles in their Yuri Fan line. :relief:

And while they're at it, they can look at Aoi Hana too if they want (though that series technically was a Summer 2009 airing).

[ArcticMech]

Darker than Black S2
Letter Bee

Of the current season of shows I've been following, the above are the ones I'd most want licensed. DtB needs a dub. If we include shows that are still currently airing but debuted earlier in the year, Cross Game would be on the list too.

I'm also really enjoying Nyan Koi, but I doubt it would be a high priority purchase if it got picked up. Railgun and Sacred Blacksmith both look great, are enjoyable and probably should get licensed at some point, but they're not among my favorites.

[Classical]

The show I've enjoyed the most this season is easily Fairy Tail. I'd definitely like to see it licensed and dubbed. It's been a really fun watch. I've also immensely enjoyed Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee. I'd really love to have that one licensed and dubbed as well. I've really enjoyed The Book of Bantorra as well, and Sora no Otoshimono has been a pleasant surprise. I'd definitely like to see them both get licensed.

[ibby]

I'm watching a few shows currently, but the cream of the crop IMO are the following in no particular order:

Kimi no Todoke
Kobato
Darker than Black S2

[ragnar]

Well, besides all of the usual shows, Railgun, Kimi ni todoke, Sacred Blacksmith, Kobato, Bakemonogatari, and Kampfer, I'd like to see the following show get a license or release:

Winter Sonata


I've always been a sucker for K-dramas, and this one just looks soo good.

[memyselfandi]

Kimi ni todoke was probably the best series for me this autumn. I watched the first episode on a whim and was dragged in (in a good way) ... it's just a really nice story with great characters.

Kiddy Girl-and ... well I liked the original Kiddygrade series and this is good fun with a good feel.

Kobato ... this seems to be good, although I have to admit I haven't seen much of it yet. I liked it's early feel but time constraints have prevented me looking further.

and finally the wild card choice, Yume-iro Patissiere. Ok it's not big and it's not clever but it's good clean fun and has parallels in other series which have been licensed previously. It's not great but I find it enjoyable to watch and at the end of the day it's an anime about cake!

For licensing ... Top of the list has the highest preference and work down in priority from there.

[fates]

Fairy Tail, would really like to see it taken off a Crunchyroll's hands (sorry... I don't like them very much) and dubbed/released to DVD.

Been a lot of fun to watch, most fun I've had since watching Soul Eater.

[something]

Fairy Tail, would really like to see it taken off a Crunchyroll's hands (sorry... I don't like them very much) and dubbed/released to DVD.
Having it licensed for R1 home video release has nothing to do with it being "taken off Crunchyroll's hands" or not.

[Suwako Moriya]

Just out of curiosity. Are we going to have future versions of this thread?

[angola]

if black butler is in 09, i think it is the best one:noodle:

[something]

if black butler is in 09, i think it is the best one:noodle:
Kuroshitsuji was Fall 2008.

[DJ_72]

It started in the Spring...but ran all the way through December. So I'm mentioning Kemono No Souja Erin ("Beast Player Erin"). It's an excellent story with a memorable lead.

I don't know what it has any real chance of being licensed (50 epis), but with Section 23, Nozomi/RightStuf and the new company (NIM?) around, you never know...

(please, Nozomi....:sd:)

[Shiroi Hane]

Fairy Tail, would really like to see it taken off a Crunchyroll's hands (sorry... I don't like them very much) and dubbed/released to DVD.
Having it licensed for R1 home video release has nothing to do with it being "taken off Crunchyroll's hands" or not.
It's not like it is a permanent feature anyway - everything before episode 16 is gone already. Suggests to me they're hoping to sell the streaming rights again to someone else - like FUNimation.