3 down, 3 to go.

[seichan]

House of Five Leaves 12! the end. Such an elegant way of telling a story. Part of Yaichi's past is resolved at the end. The manga seems to have more going on, since it is only now ending this month. Anyway, I only knew the mangaka from the oji-san romance story and some of her yaoi stories, so I wasn't sure if this was true BL. And while I was expecting more action especially from Masa, it turned out to be more of a touching character study. The unique character design and lovely backgrounds also kept me hooked when the story lagged in the middle. ~7/10 rating~ worth sticking out.

Arakawa under the Bridge 13! the end of season 1. The last episode focuses on completely new characters for the first half of the episode, and introduces some new bad guys in the final few seconds. The series wasn't laugh-out-loud funny and didn't have any high drama, but it had some amusing gag humor and sweet touches of romance. Riku and Nino turn out to be a cute pairing and the supporting characters are all likable. The production wavers at times, but I enjoy the background palette. ~7/10 rating~ for this season. I look forward to the next.

Bakemonogatari 15! the end. Tsubasa Cat gets resolved. I'm not sure if all the delays and online broadcast added anything special to the show, but I do hope it gets licensed in the US. The production was excellent, and the story did well in its moe humor and its seriousness. I really liked the stylistic gore and clean, straight background designs. Even though it seemed a little like a typical harem anime, the harem characters were likable in their weird way. NISIOISIN wrote the xxxHolic novel which I wrote a positive review about (but haven't posted). He's quite a verbose author, and it translated well into the anime. I think these novels are probably quite worth reading (should they ever reach state side). ~9/10 rating~ I think this is a rewatchable series for its visuals and story. This is only the 2nd series to tempt me with their $100 moe figures.

...And onto the new season?

Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi 1! this wasn't on my list, but I was bored.

+ Decent production
+ Cute characters
+ Neko-neko knuckles
- but uninspired tsundere main character and typical cast
- and reminds me of a ton of other high school club animes

Quick impression~ Loosely based on various fairytale characters, a group of high school kids belong to the 'Otogi Bank', a club that helps people. Ookami Ryoko is the tough, stubborn main female character. Morino Ryoushi is the timid, newbie male character who has a crush on her. The first episode focuses on Ryoushi's attempts to be helpful and to be accepted into the club. Eh, cute, but not for me. May'n sings the likable jpop opening theme.