Spring has sprung, meaning it's time we put out some first impressions. We’re tackling three anime today for the Spring 2012 season. This is going to be a long one, so let’s not waste any time.

Series Info:

• Alternate Names: Flower declaration of your heart, Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne.
• Production Studio: Xebec (subsidiary of Production I.G.)
• Air Date:
  • Season 1: Winter 2012. 12/25/11 preair. (11 episodes x 24 minutes per)
  • Season 2: Summer 2012. July start. (11 episodes x 24 minutes per)
• Notable Staff/VA for Main Roles:
  • Director: Suzuki, Toshimasa
  • VA (Lan): Seto, Asami (Chihayafuru, Hourou Musuko)
  • VA (Muginami): Kayano, Ai (Ano Hana, Guilty Crown, Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam)
  • VA (Kyouno, Madoka): Ishihara, Kaori (Hidan no Aria)
• Premise/Plot Summary: An energetic girl who lives by helping others, Madoka Kyouno is asked by a mysterious girl to pilot a robot known as the "Vox." Eager to help, Madoka agrees and becomes the target of extraterrestrials seeking to acquire the Vox for themselves. Wielding the only means of combating them, Madoka fights to protect her city and the planet.

Discussion/Impressions: (Series + Episode 01, 02)

From Xebec, the Production I.G. subsidiary behind the recent Broken Blade (Break Blade) movies, comes the action/sci-fi anime Rinne no Lagrange. Their sole project for the Winter 2012 season, Lagrange may look cliche due to its plot, but you'd be making a mistake not giving the show a chance, especially when it gets so many things right.

Series Info:

• Prequel: Bakemonogatari (2009)
• Production Studio: Shaft
• Air Date: Winter 2012. 1/8 start. (11 episodes x 24 minutes per)
• Notable Staff/VA for Main Roles:
  • Series Creator: Nisio, Ishin
  • Director: Shinbou, Akiyuki (Arakawa Under the Bridge, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica)
  • VA (Araragi, Karen): Kitamura, Eri (Angel Beats!, Ao No Exorcist, Blood+, Last Exile, Working!!)
  • VA (Araragi, Tsukihi): Iguchi, Yuka (Bokurano, Mayo Chiki!, Toaru Majutsu no Index, True Tears)
• Premise/Plot Summary: In Nisemonogatari, the focus turns to the sisters Karen and Tsukihi Araragi. Together, the two "fire sisters" attempt to capture Kaiki Deishu, who makes his return and begins spreading the curse inflicted on Nadeko. Notably, this is the same swindler who deceived Hitagi prior to the events of Bakemonogatari...

Discussion/Impressions: (Series + Episode 01)

Following an agonizing two year wait comes the eagerly awaited sequel to the surprise 2009 hit, Bakemonogatari. The question is, was it worth the wait?

With people falling into televisions and a mysterious string of deaths. Persona 4 starts off with a bang. Starring the protagonist Male MC (Main Character) from the Persona 4 game and the characters accurately transcribed from game to anime series, the anime adaptation of the game has just aired its fourth episode.

Persona 4 anime is an action, suspense, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy anime that delves into psychology. The anime examines social issues such as how one views / expresses oneself based on the standards of society while forcing individuals to acknowledge the less desirable parts of themselves. This is evident in episode two in which Yosuke Hanamura encounters his persona and has to accept his shadow (essentially a summation of everything he rejects about himself due to society and appearances).