Since we’re approaching the end of June, this post technically comes a little late, but, I’ve decided to give a quick list of the anime series we’re expecting to hit Japanese screens from June to August this year.

The guys over on T.H.A.T Anime were nice enough to compile a list of the series expected for release, some of which have started their runs already. Notedly, they go into a lot of detail about each series, with each of the writers giving a short comment with their thoughts on the series – I’m just going to provide you with the list and a short summarised synopsis of the series; for the details, as well as some pretty pictures and links to trailers, head over to T.H.A.T Anime’s Summer Preview.

And now – over to the anime:

Shukufuku no Campanella

http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/campanella/

The Story: A young technician by the name of Leicester Maycraft sees a shooting star fall somewhere near him while he is attending a party; he goes searching for it and a little girl appears before him, proclaiming “You are my Papa!”
Starting: 02 July (13 Episodes)
Genre: Harem

Don’t know about you, but if a little girl appeared before me and shouted that, I’d be a little freaked out. After which I’d be desperately searching my memory and regretting that time I got really, really drunk. Nevertheless, this seems to be the start of what is going to be a typical harem anime – one guy, lots of girls, all of whom are madly in love with him while refusing to admit it. Based on what I read, this will be aimed at more mature audiences, so expect a lot of fanservice – it is based on an Adult PC game after all.

Shiki

http://www.okiagari.net/

The Story: One summer, in a small village, a number of mysterious deaths occur, at roughly the same time as a strange family moves into a long-abandoned mansion in the area. Local doctors suspect an epidemic, but as investigations continue, it turns out the village is being attacked by vampires.
Starting: 08 July (22 Episodes)
Genre: Horror, Supernatural

Shiki is based on the manga by the same name – and it’s got vampires!! I like vampires. Watching them anyway. On a TV. Where they can stay away from me. So far, my experiences with vampire related anime have been far from unpleasant, so I’m looking forward to this and hoping for another enjoyable series. Again, given the content matter of the series, I don’t really expect this title to be suitable for younger audiences, although Anime News Networks hasn’t published any ratings yet.

Digimon: Xros Wars

http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_xw/

The Story: Kudou Taiki, a seventh-grader, encounters digital monster Shoutmon, who takes him and two of his friends to the Digital World – where they form team Xros and battle other teams for supremacy with Digimons (like Pokemon). Of course, there is an evil empire that wants to conquer the Digital World.
Starting: 06 July
Genre: Seinen

It’s Pokemon. With less poking and more digital stuffs. And avoiding the rage of animal rights activists by not imprisoning living creatures inside a little ball the size of a fist … probably. In any case, this is straight kids fare (age 3 and under maybe) – I really wouldn’t expect much in terms of plot, character development, or anything else really. Oh, and the characters all wear gloves – why is that? Even the opening credit song (“Never Give Up” by Sonar Pocket) sounds delightfully cliched and yawn inspiring. So I’ll give it a miss.

And this brings me to the end of the first part of the Summer 2010 line-up – I’m splitting them up because there are quite a few series coming, although I could punish myself less by focusing on those series I actually plan to watch – there are quite a few coming I’m looking forward to so far

The pictures themselves are taken from the respective websites, although they are all straight Japanese, so I don’t imagine it will be a lot of use for some to go look, but you can click on the pictures to visit. I’ll be back soon with Part 2 of the Summer line-up series of posts – with a couple of other interesting series you might be interested in.

Animated Meanderings will also very soon be introducing its very own mascot character – I’m going to need a name for her – so feel free to send me some suggestions (super cute little fox-girl) – I might run a poll with a few of my favourite suggestions.

Until then, be good.