Strike Witches Season 1

In the world of Strike Witches, Hitler did not invade Poland in 1939. No, an invasion of a different sort occurred. The mysterious Neuroi invaded the Earth, obliterating much of the world’s landmass. And with the current aerial technology unable to stop their ships, the human race turned to a combination of technology and magic. Enter the “striker unit;” a pair of cybernetic leggings that allow its owner to fly like a fighter plane! But not just anyone can operate a striker unit. Only a witch can pilot this advanced technology. And I suppose, in this race to save the planet, it doesn’t hurt that the girls of the 501^st squadron have an aversion to wearing pants! Maybe it’s a fashion statement. Maybe it’s the constant need to strap on these units and protect humanity. Either way, the 1940’s have never been so leggy! 

On Friday, FUNimation sent me their most recent streaming info. So, here it is. Go get your anime! 

Real 8

Much like its title, Real is about just that: the gravity of reality. Here, Takehiko Inoue returns to his well-known court of basketball. But instead of the usual hype and trash talkin’ that follows effortless skill, we find the challenges behind wheelchair basketball. 

Mecha Mania

If assessing and analyzing four decades of anime mecha is your thing, then you need to be in San Francisco this weekend.

Soul Eater 2

When we last left our deadly duo, Maka was intent on killing enough demons to turn Soul into the ultimate weapon: a Death Scythe. Well, that still is the goal. But the witch Medusa has infiltrated the Grim Reaper’s Academy in a nefarious bid to awaken the Kishin, the superlative force of darkness. Maka and friends must now lay personal plans aside and fight to save the Academy itself.

Eden

All three Eden of the East movies (The King of Eden, Paradise Lost, and Air Communication) penned and directed by Kenji Kamiyama are now in the hands of FUNimation. The release date is set for 2011. 

Tokyo Anime Fair

According to the event coordinators, 132,492 people attended this year’s TAF. From the lines I witnessed, as well as the often body odor paved walkways, the exhibition hall was indeed swelling at all times. Be that as it may, the global economy lurks. The fair was noticeably smaller than in previous years. 

Heroman Anime Fair

The brain-child of Stan Lee’s POW Entertainment and studio Bones, Heroman is the story of Joey Jones, an average boy devoid of confidence and strength. But, in classic comic book fashion, Joey happens upon a toy robot that transforms into the mighty giant robot Heroman. Together they not only learn and grow, but are also Earth’s only hope in combating an alien invasion. 

Goyou

Chatter about studio Manglobe’s anime adaptation of Natsume Ono’s manga Sarai-ya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) has only lightly sugared the internet since 2010 commenced. But during the Tokyo Anime Fair this project decided to whet our appetites even further. 

Black Butler

Via its online FuniCon panel today, FUNimation announced that it has licensed the anime adaptation of Yana Toboso’s Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) manga.