Now for the Block C results.

I went 9 for 12 last round, keeping me on pace for a with a .722 average. (26/36 correctly guessed).

Being 3/4ths right all the time is not bad. But I expect it to certainly drop possibly in the next few blocks, as they get extremely tough to guess at.

Block D

Ah Block D. Block D for DOLT! This is a top heavy bracket, featuring many SaiMoe favorites. And only one can advance. Yikes. Except some epic battles from the first round to the third round in this bracket.

By the way, im writing this while farming Alterac Valley. Not the best of ideas, but meh.



[[D01]] 8/31
<<一ノ瀬ことみ＠CLANNAD>>(Ichinose Kotomi@Clannad)
<<ノーラ・アレント＠狼と香辛料>>(Nora Arendt@Spice and Wolf)
<<清浦刹那＠School Days シリーズ>>(Kiyoura Setsuna@School Days)

Nora is too minor of a character to matter, and Setsuna may put up a fight - but the KyoAni faction will be too much for both as Kotomi will win in a huge landslide. And it'll be HEUG because.. well, because of the voting day.


[[D02]] 9/01
<<北条麗華＠ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん>>(Houjou Reika@Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun)
<<吉野屋先生＠ひだまりスケッチ 特別編>>(Yoshinoya-sensei@Hidamari Sketch)
<<ゆい＠こはるびより>>(Yui@Koharu Biyori)

All of these characters are meh characters for the most part, but Reika is the least meh out of all of them. Yoshinoya-sensei grates on my nerves sometimes - but that's expected in that show.


[[D03]] 9/02
<<坂上智代＠CLANNAD>>(Sakagami Tomoyo@Clannad)
<<シェリル・ノーム＠マクロスFRONTIER>>(Sheryl Nome@Macross Frontier)
<<坂井千草＠灼眼のシャナII>>(Sakai Chigusa@Shakugan no Shana Second)

Why is even Sakai here? And sucks for Sheryl - she's too cool of a character with BRIGHT SLAP and all - but KyoAni faction will be too strong for her, especially since Tomoyo got a big boost from the Tomoyo-centralized Clannad episode 24. It wouldn't surprise me though if we see Sheryl pull a upset though. Macross Frontier is still running, after all.


[[D04]] 9/03
<<九軒ひまわり＠xxxHOLiC◆継>>(Kunogi Himawari@xxxHOLiC Kei)
<<星乃結美＠キミキス pure rouge>>(Hoshino Yuumi@Kimikiss pure rouge)
<<朝倉由夢＠D.C.II 〜ダ・カーポII〜>>(Asakura Yume@D.C.II)

To me, these are all bleh characters. But my vote goes to Yuumi - who let go of her love for a man so that he can go off for another woman. That's some serious heart and wisdom right there.


[[D05]] 8/31
<<泉こなた＠らき☆すた>> (Izumi Konata@Lucky☆Star)
<<リインフォースII＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Reinforce II@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<園宮可憐＠スカイガールズ>>(Sonomiya Karen@Sky Girls)

Yikes. Two potential favorites to win it all and a minor character who can play spoiler. As much as I like Reinforce I, (who was just baddass,) I'm not as fond with Reinforce II. Karen will pull a good number of votes - but it'll pail in comparison to the girl known as "Legendary Girl A" - Konata Izumi. KyoAni fans will rally behind their leader, and I doubt none will be able to challenge her in this group.


[[D06]] 9/01
<<西連寺春菜＠To LOVEる>>(Sairenji Haruna@To Love Ru)
<<フミカ（ミカ／シゴフミ配達人）＠シゴフミ>>(Fumika/Mika/Shigofumi Mailgirl@Shigofumi)
<<鈴木凛＠バンブーブレード>>(Suzuki Rin@Bamboo Blade)

All of these characters are not explictly strong. I'm going with Haruna just because she's the only character I know in this group. Wouldn't surprise me if someone else wins though.


[[D07]] 9/02
<<六瓢代理（鴫守（しぎもり））＠我が家のお稲荷さま。>>(Mubyou Dairi/Shigimori@Wagaya no Oinari-sama.)
<<久遠寺夢＠君が主で執事が俺で>>(Kuonji Yume@Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de)
<<ヴィルヘルミナ・カルメル＠灼眼のシャナII>>(Wilhemina Carmel@Shakugan no Shana Second)

I expect Wilhemina to pass this group with ease ~de arimasu. The other two characters in this group are too minor to matter ~de arimasu. I also voice the very lovely Haruka Nogizaka ~de arimasu.


[[D08]] 9/03
<<ティアナ・ランスター＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Teana Lanster@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<委員長（ラストアマゾネス）＠瀬戸の花嫁>>(Iinchou/Last Amazones@Seto no Hanayome)
<<吉田一美＠灼眼のシャナII>>(Yoshida Kazumi@Shakugan no Shana Second)

This'll be a battle between Teana and Kazumi. I feel Kazumi will have the slight edge due to being more moe then Teana (whos more tsundere, not that affects voting). It'll be test between the Shana faction and the Nanoha faction here.


[[D09]] 8/31
<<ファティナ＠ドルアーガの塔 〜the Aegis of URUK〜>>(Fatina@The Tower of Druaga ~the Aegis of URUK~)
<<マリア＠ハヤテのごとく!>>(Maria@Hayate no Gotoku!)
<<竜宮レナ＠ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Ryuuguu Rena@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)

Wow. Loaded group here. Poor Fatina though - didn't deserve being put into this group where she'll probably be crushed. Same with Maria, who is a better character then most but both will be omaeshikairi'ed (I misspelled it, probably) by Rena, who last year got to the semi-finals and booted Kagamin out of last year's SaiMoe. Poor Fatina, poor Maria.


[[D10]] 9/01
<<篠崎咲世子＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Shinozaki Sayoko@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<芳乃さくら＠D.C.II 〜ダ・カーポII〜>>(Yoshino Sakura@D.C.II)
<<田村ひより＠らき☆すた>>(Tamura Hiyori@Lucky☆Star)

This one for the most part is a big guess - mainly because these are characters that are not that well known. I'm going with Sakura Yoshino here - since she was in DCI as well, and she's voiced by Yukarin.


[[D11]] 9/02
<<アディリシア・レン・メイザース＠レンタルマギカ>>(Adilisia Lenn Mathers@Rental Magica)
<<音無芽留＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Otonashi Meru@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)
<<宮子＠ひだまりスケッチ 特別編>>(Miyako@Hidamari Sketch)

This'll be a battle right here between Miyako and Meru. Miyako is your overkill moe, and Meru is that quiet mean moe. My personal preference here will be Miyako - and the main girls of Hidamari have been doing very well so far, and I would expect nothing less then a good showing at least for Miyako.


[[D12]] 9/03
<<マリナ・イスマイール＠機動戦士ガンダム00>>(Marina Ismail@Gundam 00)
<< ミケ＠スケッチブック 〜full color's〜 >>(Mike@Sketchbook ~full color's~)
<<ラゼル・アナディス（ラゼンシア・ローズ）＠破天荒遊戯>>(Rahzel Anadis@Hatenkou Yuugi)

Marina is a minor character. Mike is a friggin cat. Rahzel is a main character, and I would be slightly surprised if she doesn't do well. Besides, she's a awesome mage.

Block B is now over, and here are the results.

Some facts now regarding how i'm doing in SaiMoe this year:

I'm currently 17 of 24, with a average of .708. That's a little over 2/3rds of all matches being correct.

I went 8 for 12 in Block A, including 1 perfect day.
I went 9 for 12 in Block B, including 2 perfect days.

I like to say I'm doing fairly well so far, considering im making predictions by block, and not by per match like some on AnimeSuki are doing. IMO, block predictions are a little harder, since you don't hear much buzz about certain characters until their match-up day comes up. Ah well, this has been a fascinating SaiMoe so far, and there will be more twists and turns as we get toward the end of October when the tournament will end probably just shy of November.

In unrelated news - Ranka Lee's stock has probably just dropped due to the latest episode of Macross Frontier, with Sheryl Nome's and Klan Klan's stocks soaring higher due to BRIGHT SLAP and LOLI PUNCH. We'll see how the ending of Macross Frontier will effect their first round matchups later on in SaiMoe.

Block C

Block C is the block that starts all of the heavily contested matchups of this year's SaiMoe, culminating in the "Group of Death" in Block E. This block features early favorites like Amu Hinamori, Vita, Kagami Hiiragi, Kyou Fujibayashi, Shion Sonozaki and Louise De La Valliere. There are also many upset characters lurking about, such as the ARIA water fairies who will be double teaming Louise, as well as Yuno, Kana Minami, Kafuka Fuura, Sakuya Aizawa, and Rin Itoshiki. To put it simply - this is obviously one of the hardest brackets to predict in the SaiMoe tournament.


[[C01]] 8/27
<<夏みかん＠ぽてまよ>>(Natsu Mikan@Potemayo)
<<ヴィータ＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Vita@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<穂波・高瀬・アンブラー＠レンタルマギカ>>(Honami Takase Ambler@Rental Magica)

This is practically a shoe-horn for Vita this year, who at least this time doesn't have to run into Nanoha this year in her early bracket. Or any other fellow cast member for that matter. Which means, this may mark the first time Vita may get eliminated by a non-Nanoha series character.

[[C02]] 8/28
<<日奈森あむ（日奈森亜夢）＠しゅごキャラ!>>(Hinamori Amu@Shugo Chara!)
<<野上葵＠絶対可憐チルドレン>>(Nogami Aoi@Zettai Karen Children)
<<糸色倫＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Itoshiki Rin@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)

This battle is really between Rin Itoshiki and Amu Hinamori. Rin is the underdog here, with a severe lack of screentime going against a character in Amu who is a everyday (and main heroine) character on her show - in a classic form that has produced cute eleven year old magical girl winners like Sakura Kinamoto (2001) and Nanoha Takamachi (2005). Amu is the clear favorite in this group, but we'll see how much fight Rin puts up.

[[C03]] 8/29
<<持田雛子＠Myself;Yourself>>(Mochida Hinako@Myself;Yourself)
<<チアキ＠シゴフミ>>(Chiaki@Shigofumi)
<<愛沢咲夜＠ハヤテのごとく!>>(Aizawa Sakuya@Hayate no Gotoku!)

In a battle of side characters, the "onee-chan" Sakuya Aizawa has the advantage here with being in a more well known and longer lasting series. Hinako Mochida is to not be overlooked here though - she's a loli tsundere that had 2 episodes of screentime in her series. (It was a 13 episode series, btw.)

[[C04]] 8/30
<<内田ユカ＠みなみけ シリーズ>>(Uchida Yuka@Minami-ke)
<<向坂環＠ToHeart2 シリーズ>>(Kousaka Tamaki@ToHeart2)
<<東聡莉＠バンブーブレード>>(Azuma Satori@Bamboo Blade)

Tamaki has the early advantage, being that the series has been long out for quite some time compared to the other two. That may also hurt her also, but I wouldn't think they're be a lot of H-doujin's of her if she wasn't popular. It wouldn't surprise me though if one of the other two manage a upset.

[[C05]] 8/27
<<黒羽まなみ＠レンタルマギカ>>(Kuroha Manami@Rental Magica)
<<白雪みぞれ＠ロザリオとバンパイア>>(Shirayuki Mizore@Rosario+Vampire)
<<犹守望＠かのこん>>(Ezomori Nozomu@Kanokon)

Going with the Rie Kugimiya-voiced Mizore here. This group is probably the only group that is very weak in this bracket.

[[C06]] 8/28
<<園崎詩音＠ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Sonozaki Shion@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)
<<古河早苗＠CLANNAD>>(Furukawa Sanae@Clannad)
<<柊かがみ＠らき☆すた>>(Hiiragi Kagami@Lucky☆Star)

This group will be a brawl. We may see split KyoAni votes here, but the favorite (and by not much) is Kagami, who is seeking revenge this year from last year's epic bout with Rena Ryuugi (where it was thought she won by 300 votes, and after fake vote elimination, lost by 200 votes.) She'll be looking for revenge early versus Rena's fellow castmate, Shion Sonozaki. Kagami will be looking to eliminate the second half of the Sonozaki sisters in the first round, with Mion already going down to heavy favorite Fate Tessarossa in Block A. Sanae here is just Kanon-fodder, sadly.

[[C07]] 8/29
<<乱崎凶華（キョウキァ＝エアエリアエア）＠狂乱家族日記>>(Midarezaki Kyouka@Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)
<<朝倉音姫＠D.C.II 〜ダ・カーポII〜>>(Asakura Otome@D.C.II)
<<カーヤ＠ドルアーガの塔 〜the Aegis of URUK〜>>(Kaaya@The Tower of Druaga ~the Aegis of URUK~)

At first glance, this group may be fairly weak. But Otome has some fans, and Kaaya (EVEILBACKSTABBERPRIEST) should have a fairly sizable fanbase as well. While the winner is not expected to advance after this round, there might be a upset character lurking here.

[[C08]] 8/30
<<鷹野三四（田無美代子）＠ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Takano Miyo/Tanashi Miyoko@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)
<<天子＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Tenshi@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<藤林杏＠CLANNAD>>(Fujibayashi Kyou@Clannad)

With Ryou passing on to the next round, it'll be surprising if Kyou doesn't advance as well. Takano is felt to be too old to be a good moe character. Tenshi is a unknown to me, but a non-factor regardless.

[[C09]] 8/27
<<ルイズ・フランソワーズ・ル・ブラン・ド・ラ・ヴァリエール＠ゼロの使い魔 〜双月の騎士〜>>(Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière@Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~)
<<アリシア・フローレンス＠ARIA シリーズ>>(Alicia Florence@ARIA the Origination)
<<晃・E・フェラーリ＠ARIA シリーズ>>(Akira E. Ferrari@ARIA the Origination)

Louise has a very strong showing last year, reaching the quarterfinals until she ran into eventual champion, Rika Furude. In the process, she eliminated Suigintou, the doll who eliminated Fate Tessarossa early in last year's SaiMoe. Unlike last year where she had a fairly weak field against her, this year is a strong field for her - starting with this group. Both Undines are popular, especially now that ARIA is off the air and not expected to make any returns anytime soon, if ever. Split vote should help Louise here, but Louise fans have to turn out, and it's possible they may not - and let either Akira or Alicia (more likely Alicia) through, who are strong characters in their own rights.

[[C10]] 8/28
<<虹原いんく（ぱすてるインク）＠もえたん>>(Nijihara Ink/Pastel Ink@Moetan)
<<皇神楽耶＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Sumeragi Kaguya@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<風浦可符香（P・N）＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Fuura Kafuka@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)

Kafuka has the moe advantage here, being a fairly cute Yandere character. We see more of her dere side then we do the Yan, but the Yan is pretty scary when it's shown in brief segments. I don't expect too much competition for her here, and to advance to the next round.

[[C11]] 8/29
<<乱崎千花（姫宮千子）＠狂乱家族日記>>(Midarezaki Chika@Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)
<<織部麻緒衣＠Myself;Yourself>>(Oribe Aoi@Myself;Yourself)
<<ゆの＠ひだまりスケッチ 特別編>>(Yuno@Hidamari Sketch)

Yuno is the overwhelming favorite in this group, being that she got up to the group finals before getting omochikaeri'ed by Rena Ryuugi in last year's Block D. Aoi Oribe is a character to not entirely look over though. Okay, look over her now - stupidannoyingsuperspeedvoicelollollolahahahahahaha.

[[C12]] 8/30
<<エリーゼ・フォン・ディートリッヒ＠スカイガールズ>>(Elise von Dietrich@Sky Girls)
<<岩崎みなみ＠らき☆すた>>(Iwasaki Minami@Lucky☆Star)
<<南夏奈＠みなみけ シリーズ>>(Minami Kana@Minami-ke)

Kana should advance here against weaker characters. With her older sister advancing, I would be surprised if cat faced Kana doesn't either. Her chief threat in this group should be from Elise.


That's it for Block C predictions. See you with Block D.

Well, I was off with a number of picks, going 8 for 12 in block A. The only surprise for me though is A1, with Haruka getting the nod over Utau. I'm still shaking my head on this one, but I guess Utau has just not got enough screen time to beat out Haruka Minami. Then again, I could be underestimating the Minami-ke characters.

Results for Block A can be found here.


Saimoe Block B

[[B01]] 8/22
<<シャーリー・フェネット＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Shirley Fenette@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<ぽてまよ＠ぽてまよ>>(Potemayo@Potemayo)
<<ナナリー・ヴィ・ブリタニア＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Nunnally Vi Britannia@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)

Not that I have seen Potemayo... but poor Potemayo. This comes down to Shirley vs. Nunnally. Now, I haven't been watching Code Pizza Hut Geass, but feeling out how 4chan's /a/ is feeling about these two, Nunnally may get the nod. Of course, /a/ isn't the best indicator of how Japan may vote, but it's the best indicator I have other then AnimeSuki's forums and actually trying to read Japanese on 2ch.


[[B02]] 8/23
<<クーパ＠ドルアーガの塔 〜the Aegis of URUK〜>>(Coopa@The Tower of Druaga ~the Aegis of URUK~)
<<雨宮優子＠ef - a tale of memories.>>(Amamiya Yuuko@ef - a tale of memories.)
<<志宝エリス＠ナイトウィザード The ANIMATION>>(Shihou Elis@Night Wizard the Animation)

To be quite honest, it's hard to predict this group without knowing how popular each series is in Japan. Yuuko is too mysterious and not enough seen to be a factor. Elis is a main heroine, but in a series not quite popular. Coopa is a side character with the typical Ruri Hoshino archtype. I think when it comes down to it, it'll be Coopa moving on in a fairly low vote battle.


[[B03]] 8/24
<<天枷美夏＠D.C.II 〜ダ・カーポII〜>>(Amakase Minatsu@D.C.II)
<<佐倉美咲＠我が家のお稲荷さま。>>(Sakura Misaki@Wagaya no Oinari-sama.)
<<江戸前留奈＠瀬戸の花嫁>>(Edomae Luna@Seto no Hanayome)

Now I haven't seen much of D.C.II (only first two episodes), much of Wagaya (only one ep), nor Seto (again, one ep). That said, throwing my guess up in the air I'm just gonna say Luna and be done with it. This isn't a big matchup at all, and the winner will B1, which means they'll get trounced next round regardless.


[[B04]] 8/25
<<神楽＠銀魂>>(Kagura@Gintama)
<<星野あさみ＠Myself;Yourself>>(Hoshino Asami@Myself;Yourself)
<<高見盛京＠ぽてまよ>>(Takamimori Kyou@Potemayo)

Kyou Takamimori is not going to be a factor in this group. Gintama is not a popular anime in the international community, and I really don't know how popular it is in Japan. However, Kagura is voiced by teh Rie Kugimiya, so who knows how well this character will actually do. Then again, last round taught me that a VA's voice can only get a character so far, and I think out of all of Rie's characters in this year's SaiMoe, the is the one that no one really cares about. That said, Asami (regardless of being a lesbian) is going to get the nod. Asami is actually quite a likable character, sometimes even more so then the main heroine, Nanaka.


[[B05]] 8/22
<<エリス＠エル・カザド>>(Ellis@El Cazador de la Bruja)
<<千葉紀梨乃＠バンブーブレード>>(Chiba Kirino@Bamboo Blade)
<<うめ先生＠ひだまりスケッチ 特別編>>(Ume-sensei@Hidamari Sketch)

I haven't seen much Bamboo Blade either, but that said I think Kirino will win in a fairly wide margin. Ignoring Ume-sensei (really now Japan?), Ellis is a great character but El Cazador broadcasted so long ago that I doubt there are many supporters for her still. The MegaTokyo forums seem to be supporting Kirino also, which probably makes me think she'll win this one.


[[B06]] 8/23
<<小岩井フローラ＠ななついろ★ドロップス>>(Koiwai Flora@Nanatsuiro★Drops)
<<ぐちゅ子＠ぽてまよ>>(Guchuko@Potemayo)
<<成実ゆい＠らき☆すた>>(Narumi Yui@Lucky☆Star)

The only character I know in this group is Yui, and Yui is not endearing to viewers much. Flora seems a likely candidate to advance, though the nod has to be given to Yui to possibly sneak in next round.


[[B07]] 8/24
<<宮沢有紀寧＠CLANNAD>>(Miyazawa Yukine@Clannad)
<<藤林椋＠CLANNAD>>(Fujibayashi Ryou@Clannad)
<<藤吉晴美＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Fujiyoshi Harumi@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)

I feel sorry for Harumi... okay, I don't really. I never even heard of Yukine, and I saw all of Clannad. o.O Ryou should advance easily to the next round.

[[B08]] 8/25
<< 栗原渚＠スケッチブック 〜full color's〜 >>(Kurihara Nagisa@Sketchbook ~full color's~)
<<高良みゆき＠らき☆すた>>(Takara Miyuki@Lucky☆Star)
<<藍華・S・グランチェスタ＠ARIA シリーズ>>(Aika S. Granzchesta@ARIA the Origination)

I haven't seen Sketchbook yet (it's in the HD as I type), but Miyuki and Aika are in this group which makes Nagisa a non-factor. I personally like Aika more then Miyuki, but the KyoAni fanboys will be too much for her to handle and I expect Miyuki to advance to the next round. (Though Aika advancing next round would be a nice surprise.)

[[B09]] 8/22
<<菊地真＠アイドルマスター シリーズ>>(Kikuchi Makoto@IDOLM@STER)
<<結城美柑＠To LOVEる>>(Yuuki Mikan@To Love Ru)
<<八重野撫子＠ななついろ★ドロップス>>(Yaeno Nadeshiko@Nanatsuiro★Drops)

I've seen most of Idolm@ster, and it didn't impress me much. I would think the small number of ToLoveru fanboys will be pushing to get Mikan into the next round here. This is not a strong group, and I expect a low vote count here.


[[B10]] 8/23
<<ヒロ＠ひだまりスケッチ 特別編>>(Hiro@Hidamari Sketch)
<<檜原静流＠もっけ>>(Hibara Shizuru@Mokke)
<<アンリエッタ女王（アンリエッタ・ド・トリステイン）＠ゼロの使い魔 〜双月の騎士〜>>(Henrietta de Tristain@Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~)

If this was last year, I would've chosen Henrietta to advance over Hiro. However, Hidamari Sketch has turned into a powerhouse over the past year, and I expect Hiro to actually defeat Henrietta and move on. Especially since Zero no Tsukamia's third season has been unimpressive at best so far, compared to x365 which has been extremely good. Shizuru who?


[[B11]] 8/24
<<春日乃ねね＠ぽてまよ>>(Kasugano Nene@Potemayo)
<<ネーナ・トリニティ＠機動戦士ガンダム00>>(Nena Trinity@Gundam 00)
<<三宮紫穂＠絶対可憐チルドレン>>(Sannomiya Shiho@Zettai Karen Children)

This is one of those tricky groups. I only saw one episode of Zettai Karen Children (and then dropped it), saw two episodes of Gundam 00 (before dropping it), and not seen Potemayo at all. I was flipflopping on Shiho and Nena, and decided on Shiho here just because she seems to be closer to a "moe" character then Nena.


[[B12]] 8/25
<<涼宮ハルヒ＠らき☆すた>>(Suzumiya Haruhi@Lucky☆Star)
<<ヴィヴィオ＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Vivio@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<吉野＠みなみけ シリーズ>>(Yoshino@Minami-ke)

I don't expect any fight from Yoshino, and maybe even from Vivio for that matter. It'll be KyoAni fans versus MSLN fans here, and this is Haruhi's triumphant return to SaiMoe after getting eliminated by fellow castmate (and SOS Brigade member) Yuki "The Battleship" Nagato who got eliminated the next round by eventual champion, Suiseisuki. Haruhi was a major powerhouse then, and I wouldn't think otherwise now. Why else would she HAX LOOPHOLE her way in this year if she didn't have the fanbase to support her?


Well, that's my analysis of Block B. I hope this time around, I do a bit better then last time. KyoAni is well represented in this block with Miyuki, Haruhi, and Ryou. We will probably see a KyoAni character out of this block in the final 8.

Block C in a couple days, along with Block B results. Head over to Kurogane's Anime Blog for all the latest day-to-day results. If you want to vote, go check out the AnimeSuki forum's voting instructions, or here if you are having issues (including IP ban issues).

Anyone remember some posts back about the Japanese doing a crazy medley of various anime and game music? Well, it's starting to get worse - I'll just leave these here.

合唱 CLANNAD 「だんご大家族」 Full-Mix


(21名合唱)武装錬金『真赤な誓い』裏表Mix


MIX 合唱　ひぐらしのなく頃に 『you』～ver.Ⅱ～


合唱　『JOINT』　Part-Selected ver


And lastly...

(合唱+合奏)God knows/セッション3


Yes, that's a dude drumming with pencils on the bottom. And multiple singers (as seen on top). And even has a rapper, I kid you not.

Saimoe Block B coming tomorrow. And results of Block A as well.

Continuation of my last blog post, seen here.

Key:
Bold is for who I think SHOULD win
Italics if for who I would want to win
I would do bold italics, but blogger is gay and doesn't let me do both.

Block A:
Block A has a number of heavy hitters, including 2007 Saimoe champion, Rika Furude. However, the highlight match in this block is group A6's matchup between perennial favorites Mion and Fate, with a dash of one-year comer Kotonoha of School Days fame.

[[A01]] 8/18
<<南春香＠みなみけ シリーズ>>(Minami Haruka@Minami-ke)
<<萩原雪歩＠アイドルマスター シリーズ>>(Hagiwara Yukiho@IDOLM@STER)
<<小節あびる＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Kobushi Abiru@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)
<<ほしな歌唄（月詠歌唄）＠しゅごキャラ!>>(Hoshina Utau/Tsukuyomi Utau@Shugo Chara!)

Haruka and Yukiho may put up a fight, but I expect the Nana Mizuki voiced Utau Hoshina to advance into the next round. While Utau has not appeared all that much in Shugo Chara, her appearances (and her songs) have a definite impact in this 4 way brawl that will put her over the top of the rest of the field. It doesn't hurt that Shugo Chara is just wrapping up a successful first season, and we've already seen Utau's redemption in the series (like a certain other Nana Mizuki voiced character...).

[[A02]] 8/19
<<小森霧＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Komori Kiri@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)
<<安藤愛子＠true tears>>(Andou Aiko@true tears)
<<二見瑛理子＠キミキス pure rouge>>(Futami Eriko@Kimikiss pure rouge)

This is one of those matches where I wish I had seen a series to get a feel for what may happen. I'm only guessing Kiri will win due to the more heavily popular anime series (Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei) compared to Eriko (Kimikiss Pure Rogue). I haven't seen enough of True Tears to make a guess at how well Aiko will do, but I don't figure her to be a factor here.

[[A03]] 8/20
<<古手梨花＠ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Furude Rika@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)
<<白河ななか＠D.C.II 〜ダ・カーポII〜>>(Shirakawa Nanaka@D.C.II)
<<南冬馬＠みなみけ シリーズ>>(Minami Touma@Minami-ke)

Rika, last year's Saimoe champion, will probably steamroll her way into round two easily. I don't figure Nanaka or Touma to put up much of a fight at all.

[[A04]] 8/21
<<杏本詩歌＠ムシウタ>>(Anmoto Shiika@Mushiuta)
<<ギンガ・ナカジマ＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Ginga Nakajima@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<田端ゆい＠H2O -FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND->>(Tabata Yui@H2O -Footprints in the Sand-)

In a battle of side characters, either one must stick out or you go with the one that is more popular. I have to go with the latter here, since Ginga has a fairly sizable fanbase (not like that of Nanoha or Fate, mind you) that she'll easily get through this round.

[[A05]] 8/18
<<伊吹風子＠CLANNAD>>(Ibuki Fuuko@Clannad)
<<清水雷鳴＠隠の王>>(Shimizu Raimei@Nabari no Ou)
<<近衛史菜／ヘカテー＠灼眼のシャナII>>(Konoe Fumina/Hecate@Shakugan no Shana Second)

This is a interesting battle because Fuuko is a first time entrant while Hecate was a entrant last year (and between then and now, has been a bigger player in her own series). This may come down to a few swing votes either way, and I wouldn't be surprised if Hecate wins here. I don't figure Shimizu to be much a factor here, other then to possibly play spoiler.

[[A06]] 8/19
<<園崎魅音＠ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Sonozaki Mion@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)
<<桂言葉＠School Days シリーズ>>(Katsura Kotonoha@School Days)
<<フェイト・T・ハラオウン＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Fate T. Harlaown@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)

If you had to choose a group matchup in this round, this is the matchup to choose. All three combatants are early and heavy favorites to win it all. Mion is a Higurashi powerhouse, and she'd love to get a chance to duel her fellow castmate Rika in this block. In her way is one year comer Kotonoha, infamous for NICE BOAT errr-- I mean School Days ending. We'll see how much the one year layoff (the series didn't get into the July 1st cutoff last year) will affect her votes. The other combatant is the always tournament winner favorite, Fate. After Nanoha's win in 2005, and being runner up in 2006, she was bounced early in last year's Saimoe in a epic bout with Suigintou of Rozen Maiden. In what may seem to be her last year of eligibility (for now anyway), she may have more votes and firepower then ever. This is the one matchup to vote and see, because it's very possible that whoever wins this matchup may end up winning the block.

Yes, i'm going Bela Karolyi over this matchup.

[[A07]] 8/20
<<金色の闇（ヤミ）＠To LOVEる>>(Konjiki no Yami@To Love Ru)
<<王留美（ワン・リューミン）＠機動戦士ガンダム00>>(Wang Liu Min@Gundam 00)
<<宮崎都＠バンブーブレード>>(Miyazaki Miyako@Bamboo Blade)

No italics here, since I don't know much about any of the characters in this group. The winner is just pure guessing. xD

[[A08]] 8/21
<<秋姫すもも（現プリマ・プラム）＠ななついろ★ドロップス>>(Akihime Sumomo/Prima Plum@Nanatsuiro★Drops)
<<瀬戸燦＠瀬戸の花嫁>>(Seto San@Seto no Hanayome)
<<フランドル＠怪物王女>>(Flandre@Monster Princess)

While I haven't much of any of these series as well, many people were upset that Seto was bounced out fairly early last year. I don't think she'll get far this year, but I do see her as the favorite in this round.

[[A09]] 8/18
<<新藤景＠ef - a tale of memories.>>(Shindou Kei@ef - a tale of memories.)
<<九鳳院紫＠紅>>(Kuhouin Murasaki@Kurenai)
<<源ちずる＠かのこん>>(Minamoto Chizuru@Kanokon)

I don't see Kei to be factor in this matchup at all. However, this is a tricky fight, since Murasaki has a nice following, and Chizuru has a nice following. The advantage to me though is to Chizuru, since she's a main heroine and is closer to the definition of Moe then Murasaki, but it would not surprise me if Murasaki wins in a close one.

[[A10]] 8/19
<>(C.C.@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<ララ・サタリン・デビルーク＠To LOVEる>>(Lala Satalin Deviluke@To Love Ru)
<<古手川唯＠To LOVEる>>(Kotegawa Yui@To Love Ru)

C.C. this year will not have a easy road to duel rounds, with Lala in her way in this grouping, and possibly Rima in the next round. I think Lala has the advantage here, despite being a first timer. She has the main heroine line going for her, if anything. This may be a close battle, but we will see what happens.

[[A11]] 8/20
<<柚原このみ＠ToHeart2 シリーズ>>(Yuzuhara Konomi@ToHeart2)
<<巻＠瀬戸の花嫁>>(Maki@Seto no Hanayome)
<<真城りま＠しゅごキャラ!>>(Mashiro Rima@Shugo Chara!)

I love Kotomi as much as the next person, but Rima (despite being a side character who shows up late in Shugo Chara) has her number. I would be very surprised if Rima does not "Bala-Balantsu" her way into the next round.

[[A12]] 8/21
<<羽入＠ひぐらしのなく頃に解>>(Hanyuu@Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai)
<<ルイス・ハレヴィ＠機動戦士ガンダム00>>(Louise Halevy@Gundam 00)
<<小日向はやみ＠H2O -FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND->>(Kohinata Hayami@H2O -Footprints in the Sand-)

This is actually a closer call then I first saw it. I still think Hayami may win, but Hanyuu is a very unknown variable here, considering she was not in last year's tourney but being part of the Higurashi cast. It would not surprise me at all if Hanyuu gets into the next round.



Well, that's it for Block A. Block B will be up before voting begins in that block. I do have all the images up for each block, if you shuffle around my photobucket if you wanna see all my picks beforehand.

Ah, it's that time of the year again. The time of the year that everyone votes for their favorite anime characters of the past year. This is a otaku's equvialant to the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

This year, i'll be doing a block by block breakdown of each group for each round. (Or at least, attempt to.) As usual, there are so many anime characters in the tournament, that it's actually hard to figure out at times who may win in a particular group. For instance, not seeing Bamboo Blade, Nanatsuiro Drops, Kodomo no Jikan, or Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is a huge detriment to me in terms of characters from those series, while I haven't seen enough of True Tears, h2o, To Love Ru, Seto no Hanayome, and Kanokon.

Last year I ended up watching Hayate no Gotoku because of how well it's characters (led by the Kugimiya-voiced Nagi Senzenin) did in last year's tournament.

This year's tournament has MANY dark horses and new rising powerhouses. From Amu Hinamori of Shugo Chara, to Sheryl Nome of Macross Frontier, to Yuki Cross of Vampire Knight. This has led to many interesting first round bouts, some of which where the three-way may split down evenly and may end up in close voting battles. There are some one-year characters (series that have come out, and may not have additional seasons to get them qualified for next year) that may surprise many mainstay powerhouses this year.

Of course, the powerhouses this year include Magical Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS, Lucky Star, Code Geass, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni and Hayate no Gotoku. The new powerhouses of this year is Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (i'll be getting around to downloading this series soon) and Clannad. Of course, being in a powerhouse or a main character does not mean that a character will do well. Code Geass has been very underwhelming in the tournament last year, and I don't expect that to change this year. KyoAni characters (Lucky Star, Clannad, Haruhi) tend to do well until they reach the 1v1 part of the tournament, of which most tend to be sunk at that point. (2006 was KyoAni's best shot, but Yuki Nagato, KyoAni's juggernaut character, fell to eventual winner Suiseisuki). We have also not seen any repeat winners, so the road for Nanoha Takamachi (2005) and Rika Furode (2007) will be a hard fought one. Also, thank god Rozen Maiden is finally out of the tourney - I thought those characters were overachieving quite abit.

Just to point out for this year, there are some very interesting loopholed characters in this year's tournament. Rei Ayanami of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame managed to loophole her way in (im assuming some new NGE material came out), while Haruhi Suzumiya loopholed in from Lucky Star and Hatsune Miku loopholed in from a guest appearance in Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. These three aren't exactly characters to sneeze at - especially Rei Ayanami (who has multiple homages throughout Akihabara).

It's hard to make a prediction on who will win this year's tournament because there are so many characters who can win and not be surprising. It's not like previous years where you can just shoe-horn in Shana, Fate, Nanoha, and Suiseisuki as the top favorites. This year will be intersting, as I see this year potentially being a breakout year for certain characters to be new perennial favorites for the next few tournaments (with Nanoha going out next year especially).

Alright, be right back with Block A of the tournament.

Oh, and the full bracket image is here.