New Bishoujo Anime From Shin Itagaki

"Shin who?" would be a pretty normal reaction to that title. Probably because none of the anime series that Shin Itagaki directed so far - Black Cat (2005), Devil May Cry (2007) and Basquash! (2009) - made much of an impression, for most of us. In fact, so unremarkable was his contribution to the latter title, that he even managed to get himself replaced as director of Basquash!, after less than 10 episodes. So why on earth should we look forward to his next project? Well...



How's that for a good reason? The picture, in case you don't recognize her, is of Hikari from the 2004 ecchi anime series This Ugly Yet Beautiful World (Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai). Itagaki worked on that one as storyboard / script writer, key animator and even episode director on a few episodes. If you haven't seen it yet, check the local gallery for a more-or-less misleading impression. And, by the way, there's a complete DVD box set of it coming out this month: you can pre-order it here if your Christmas funds are plentiful enough.

As for Itagaki's upcoming bishoujo anime, there are no details known about it, other that it's planned for 2010. He recently revealed that he finished the new anime's scenario phase - awkward as it still is for him to write dialogue for girls - and that he is now storyboarding the project. But just what is it, exactly... we'll have to wait and see. Assuming no one will replace him again, Itagaki will be both writing and directing this new anime.