(Haruka Nogizaka - New Major 2009 SaiMoe powerhouse.)

Ugh, fell behind on the SaiMoe posts. Been making predictions still though through the MegaTokyo forums.


Anyway, on to results:

A2-1 = Miss (Haruka win, Rika loss)
A2-2 = Miss (Fuuko win, Fate loss)
Next round matchup: Haruka vs Fuuko

A2-3 = Correct (San win)
A2-4 = Miss (Hanyuu win, C.C. loss)
Next round matchup: San vs Hanyuu

B2-1 = Correct (Luna win)
B2-2 = Correct (Kirino win)
Next round matchup: Luna vs Kirino

B2-3 = Miss (Mikan win, Aika loss)
B2-4 = Correct (Hiro win)
Next round matchup: Mikan vs Hiro

C2-1 = Correct (Amu win)
C2-2 = Correct (Kagami win)
Next round matchup: Amu vs Kagami

C2-3 = Miss (Kyou win, Louise loss)
C2-4 = Miss (Kana win, Yuno loss)
Next round matchup: Kyou vs Kana

D2-1 = Correct (Tomoyo win)
D2-2 = Correct (Konata win)
Next round matchup: Tomoyo vs Konata

D2-3 = Correct (Rena win)
D2-4 = Correct (Miyako win)
Next round matchup: Rena vs Miyako

E2-1 = Correct (Shana win)
E2-2 = Miss (Nanoha win, Ranka loss)
Next round matchup: Shana vs Nanoha

E2-3 = Correct (Chiaki win)
E2-4 = Correct (Tamaki win)
Next round matchup: Chiaki vs Tamaki

F2-1 = Miss (Hatena win, Saki loss)
F2-2 = Correct (Nagisa win)
Next round matchup: Hatena vs Nagisa

F2-3 = Correct (Aono win)
F2-4 = Correct (Hayate win)
Next round matchup: Aono vs Hayate

G2-1 = Correct (Akari win)
G2-2 = Correct (Chihiro win)
Next round matchup: Akari vs Chihiro

G2-3 = Correct (Nagi win)
G2-4 = Correct (Tsukasa win)
Next round matchup: Nagi vs Tsukasa

H2-1 = Miss (Noe win, Isumi loss)
H2-2 = Correct (Suzu win)
Next round matchup: Noe vs Suzu

H2-3 = Correct (Hinagiku win)
H2-4 = Miss (Eika win, Tiffania loss)
Next round matchup: Hinagiku vs Eika

So, now that that's all done, here are some stats:
I went 22 out of 32 matches correct for the round, for a average of .687 (roughly 2 out of every 3 matches correct.) My total record now is 82 out of 128 matches, for a guess correct average of .640 (still roughly 2 out of every 3 matches correct). The total average won't really change much now that we are getting to 16 > 8 > 4 > 2 > 1 (total of 31 more matches total) and getting closer to crowning a new SaiMoe champion.

My picks for the next three days, since I'm heading out to BlizzCon for the weekend:


Fuuko - in a tight matchup with a equally big upset winner in Haruka. Both girls overcame clear SaiMoe favorites to get to this point. (Those being Haruka over Rika Furude, the 2007 SaiMoe champ, and Fuuko over Fate Tessarossa, the 2006 runner-up.) Fuuko to me has that "Suiseisuki" factor going for her, in that she may be getting random support from people who just hate SaiMoe and wish to just mess around with the tournament. Besides, DESU is not too far from DOZO.


Hiro - should be a good match, but with the early loss of Sae in round one, and Yuno in round two, and possibly Miyako to Rena this round, I doubt that Hiro will get the bounce this round, at least. I will believe there will be a lot of support to push Hiro through to the next round.

(Image to be edited in later - Luna Edomae(Seto no Hanayome) vs Kirino Chiba(Bamboo Blade))
Kirino - should be a bandwagon win here for Kirino. The Bamboo Blade bandwagon has been silently chugging a long, and Luna will be a casualty here.

(Image to be edited in later - Hanyuu (Higurashi) vs San Seto (Seto no Hanayome))
Hanyuu - folding to the Higurashi bandwagon here. Nearly all the Higurashi girls have been eliminated, save Hanyuu and Rena. I would think all the Higurashi fans will be uniting even more to push the bandwagon along.

(Image to be edited in later - Amu Hinamori (Shugo Chara!) vs Kagami Hiiragi (Lucky Star))
Amu - this will be a very high-powered and highly contested matchup between a new SaiMoe favorite (already beating two perennial round two favorites, Sakuya and Vita at the same time) and a big powerhouse favorite from last year who was eliminated just before the final 8. I'm going with the upset win here, as Kagami is favored to win. I just think Amu has "that" quality in her this year that Nanoha Takamachi and Sakura Kinamoto had when they won in their respective years. Japan responds well to new magical girl loli moeblobs, and Amu fits that bill.

(Image to be edited in later - Rena Ryuugi (Higurashi) vs Miyako (Hidamari Sketch))
Rena - I really just don't see Rena getting beat in this matchup. Miyako is a great character, and the character I wish to see advance, but Rena is a absolute powerhouse character. More so now that nearly the entire Higurashi cast has been eliminated.

All the round three matches (save for one) are all going to be pretty solid slobber-knocker contests. I'm sure this round may be one that will go into SaiMoe lore.

Been lazy as of late. Gomen ne. Now a Copy-pasta from myself on the MT forums:

my personal match results:

A2-1 = Miss (Haruka win, Rika loss)
A2-2 = Miss (Fuuko win, Fate loss)
Next round matchup: Haruka vs Fuuko

A2-3 = Correct (San win)
A2-4 = Miss (Hanyuu win, C.C. loss)
Next round matchup: San vs Hanyuu

B2-1 = Correct (Luna win)
B2-2 = Correct (Kirino win)
Next round matchup: Luna vs Kirino

B2-3 = Miss (Mikan win, Aika loss)
B2-4 = Correct (Hiro win)
Next round matchup: Mikan vs Hiro

C2-1 = Correct (Amu win)
C2-2 = Correct (Kagami win)
Next round matchup: Amu vs Kagami

C2-3 = Miss (Kyou win, Louise loss)
C2-4 = Miss (Kana win, Yuno loss)
Next round matchup: Kyou vs Kana

D2-1 = Correct (Tomoyo win)
D2-2 = Correct (Konata win)
Next round matchup: Tomoyo vs Konata

D2-3 = Correct (Rena win)
D2-4 = Correct (Miyako win)
Next round matchup: Rena vs Miyako

Currently sitting at 10 for 16 for the round (.625 avg), for a total combined 72 for 112 for round one and two (.642 avg). Essentially, I'm on pace to have every 2 out of 3 matches correct. Which is decent, but could be better.


And currently, E2-1 amd F2-1 has been decided. Here are my predictions for those two matches plus today's E2-2 and F2-2:



Yesterday's winners were Shana and Yousei Hatena (AKA the Question Fairy). Yes, I'm still shaking my head on why Japan is so obsessed with a stupid question fairy, but that's SaiMoe for ya.

Sorry for the disappearance. Been busy with work, then tired consistently.

Anyway, Block F results.

Yesterday actually was Saimoe's last day for round 1. 290 anime girls (or things) started the path to become a Moe legend on August 18th, and now by September 20th, 96 girls remain. Since I fell behind...

Block F results.
I went a abysmal 5 for 12 in this block. By far and away my worst predictions of SaiMoe.

Block G predictions.
Block G results.
I went 8 for 12 in this block.

Block H predictions.
Block H results.
I went 6 for 12 in this block.

So, for the record, im a total of 62 out of 96 matches total, for an average of .646. That's not too bad, but not too good either. Block F and block H both proved to be major downfalls, filled with crazy guesses and fraught with unknowns that proved to sink me.

Block A = 8 out of 12
Block B = 9 out of 12
Block C = 9 out of 12
Block D = 9 out of 12
Block E = 8 out of 12
Block F = 5 out of 12
Block G = 8 out of 12
Block H = 6 out of 12

Round 2 starts this morning, with a total of 32 matches. Yes, that means from 96 girls, we get down to 32. This part of the tournament can prove to be some of the most decisive matches of the entire tournament, as some heavy favorites collide early, and new underdogs look to pull major upsets with the help of anti-voting. Just think - you think predicting round 1 was hard, round 2 will prove to be even harder.



A2-1
南春香（みなみけ） [Minami Haruka @ Minami-ke]
小森霧（絶望先生） [Komori Kiri @ Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei]
古手梨花（ひぐらし） [Furude Rika @ Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai]

Rika should roll in this match. There shouldn't be any reason other then hate votes for Rika to lose this round against fairly weak competition against her. The SZS faction may rally around Kiri (being that she is the only SZS girl left, the other eleven girls sent packing in round one), but last year's SaiMoe champion will be far too strong. She will get to face either Fate or Fuuko next round, and both can prove to be a major early challenge to repeat as SaiMoe champion.


A2-2
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]
伊吹風子(CLANNAD) [Ibuki Fuuko @ Clannad]
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]

The MSLN faction is just to organized to allow a split vote to eliminate Fate here. However, as seen in round one where Nanoha narrowly escaped round one in a split vote decision against Signum and Hiromi, this match may be far closer then Fate fans would like. Fuuko can pull in the big numbers, especially since the KyoAni faction seems very strong this year. Combined with anti-faction votes against the MSLN faction, this could turn ugly. The big question of this match will be: Will Fate once again be bounced out of SaiMoe in round 2? I predict not, but that's a shaky prediction.


B2-1
ぽてまよ（ぽてまよ） [Potemayo @ Potemayo]
クーパ（ドルアーガ） [Coopa @ The Tower of Druaga]
江戸前留奈（瀬戸） [Edomae Luna @ Seto no Hanayome]

Normally when you get to round 2, the matches intensify and nearly every girl has a fanbase somewhat. Of these three girls, they were just the best characters in their group. I predict Luna to win this match, considering how well SnH characters have done so far this year. I wouldn't dare think the Japanese would vote Potemayo past round 2, and Coopa just does not have the fanbase to be able to beat a far superior Luna fanbase.


B2-2
星野あさみ(Myself;Yourself)(Hoshino Asami @ Myself;Yourself)
千葉紀梨乃(バンブーブレード)(Chiba Kirino @ Bamboo Blade)
小岩井フローラ(ななついろ★ドロップス)(Koiwai Flora @ Nanatsuiro★Drops)

Kirino has a fairly good fanbase, and I wouldn't think with Asami and Flora in her group that she loses here. It'll be sad to see Asami get the boot, but I just don't see her getting by Kirino here.


Well, that's it for now. I'll probably be posting a bit more often, as these images are by the 2 per day for this round, instead of every 4 days or so.

Block F


We are finally down to the last three blocks of SaiMoe's exhausting round 1. Unlike the past two blocks, we don't have quite as many heavy hitters, but there are some dark horses - like a Nagisa or a Klan Klan.

[[F01]] 9/09
<<マカ＝アルバーン＠ソウルイーター>>(Maka Alban@Soul Eater)
<<沙英＠ひだまりスケッチ 特別編>>(Sae@Hidamari Sketch)
<<貴嶋サキ＠ハヤテのごとく!>>(Kijima Saki@Hayate no Gotoku!)

This matchup is pretty much Maka vs. Sae, and Sae will probably win. Sae is the last Hidamari girl to make it into round two, as Hiro, Yuno, and Miyako have punched their tickets for the next round. Teh Hidamari is strong this year, and I don't see Maka doing too well, especially since she's coming from a Shonen series that's not built to make Maka a moe character.


[[F02]] 9/10
<<はてなようせい＠チャレンジ1年生でかっこいい1年生にへんしん!DVD>>(Hatena Yousei@Challenge Ichinensei de Kakkoii Ichinensei ni Henshin!)
<<乱崎千花（姫宮千子）＠狂乱家族日記>>(Midarezaki Chika@Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)
<<小川芽衣＠バンブーブレード>>(Ogawa Mei@Bamboo Blade)

This is pretty much a match nobody really cares about. Mei just seems to be the strongest in this group.


[[F03]] 9/11
<<双海亜美＠アイドルマスター シリーズ>>(Futami Ami@IDOLM@STER)
<<宮村みやこ＠ef - a tale of memories.>>(Miyamura Miyako@ef - a tale of memories.)
<<まち＠ながされて藍蘭島>>(Machi@Nagasarete Airantou)

I was on the fence with this pick to go with one of the other girls, but I felt that Ami is the strongest Idolmaster girl to possibly make it to the next round. That, and I have not seen enough of Miyako or seen Nagasarete Airantou to really make those picks.


[[F04]] 9/12
<<アテナ・グローリィ＠ARIA シリーズ>>(Athena Glory@ARIA the Origination)
<<壱原侑子＠xxxHOLiC◆継>>(Ichihara Yuuko@xxxHOLiC Kei)
<<木村カエレ＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Kimura Kaere@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)

This may just be wishful thinking on my part. Then again, Alicia and Akira did very well - too bad they were in a split vote group with Louise and got eliminated. Yuuko is NOT moe, and somehow doubt the Japanese will support a "supposed" foreigner in Kaere. Athena's singing voice also recently died, making this the sympathy vote as well.


[[F05]] 9/09
<<紅月カレン＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Kouzuki Karen@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<泉かなた（こなたの母）＠らき☆すた>>(Izumi Kanata@Lucky☆Star)
<<古河渚＠CLANNAD>>(Furukawa Nagisa@Clannad)

Nagisa. By a long shot. She's gonna soul crush this group, and quite possibly the block. Her only competition in this block anyway is Sae, Klan, Miku, and Hayate anyway, and she only will face Sae and one of the other three in the later rounds.


[[F06]] 9/10
<<衛藤芽生（めぇ）＠がくえんゆーとぴあ まなびストレート!>>(Etou Mei@Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!)
<<ナツキ・クルーガー＠舞-乙HiME Zwei>>(Natsuki Kruger@My-Otome Zwei)
<<黒威すみ（てんぺらスミ）＠もえたん>>(Kuroi Sumi/Tempera Sumi@Moetan)

This is a gut feeling vote. Flip a coin with Sumi and Mei on this one.


[[F07]] 9/11
<<久寿川ささら＠ToHeart2 シリーズ>>(Kusugawa Sasara@ToHeart2 series)
<<小牧郁乃＠ToHeart2 シリーズ>>(Komaki Ikuno@ToHeart2)
<<富士原なえか＠仮面のメイドガイ>>(Fujiwara Naeka@Kamen no Maid Guy)

I was gonna go with one of the TH2 girls, but then I realized this is a split vote group. I think Naeka will squeak by this round on split votes and make it into the next round. Barely.


[[F08]] 9/12
<<クラン・クラン＠マクロスFRONTIER>>(Klan Klan@Macross Frontier)
<<森宮蒼乃＠sola>>(Morimiya Aono@sola)
<<藤堂志摩子＠マリア様がみてる OVA>>(Toudou Shimako@Maria-sama ga Miteru OVA)

This has actually turn into a pretty good matchup as of late. Klan Klan is getting some major airtime right now in Macross Frontier (series is due to end this month). Aono is not a sneeze over character, and Shimako is a proven SaiMoe veteran. However, the Klan Klan will be too strong in this group, especially since the death of her lover and her subsequent kick ass scene the next episode will propel her to go deep in this block. It also helps to be able to switch back and forth between being a loli and a HEALTHY girl.


[[F09]] 9/09
<< 梶原空＠スケッチブック 〜full color's〜 >>(Kajiwara Sora@Sketchbook ~full color's~)
<<銭形巡＠瀬戸の花嫁>>(Zenigata Mawari@Seto no Hanayome)
<<黒井ななこ＠らき☆すた>>(Kuroi Nanako@Lucky☆Star)

Dunno really who will win this group. Just roll a d3 and move on.


[[F10]] 9/10
<<初音ミク＠俗・さよなら絶望先生>>(Hatsune Miku@Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)
<<八神はやて＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Yagami Hayate@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<四方茉莉＠sola>>(Shihou Matsuri@sola)

I was seriously thinking about jumping off the Miku bandwagon, but I'm gonna stick it out with her. Hayate will be a force to be reckoned with though, and Matsuri will look to play spoiler here. Wow, the main girls in Sola really got shafted.


[[F11]] 9/11
<< ケイト＠スケッチブック 〜full color's〜 >>(Kate@Sketchbook ~full color's~)
<<ヴィレッタ・ヌゥ＠コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2>>(Villetta Nu@Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)
<<小早川ゆたか＠らき☆すた>>(Kobayakawa Yutaka@Lucky☆Star)

Going with Yutaka here in the battle of side characters. Yutaka has some of the charm of Konata, and I doubt the KyoAni faction will let her down in this block.


[[F12]] 9/12
<<峰岸あやの＠らき☆すた>>(Minegishi Ayano@Lucky☆Star)
<<瀬川泉＠ハヤテのごとく!>>(Segawa Izumi@Hayate no Gotoku!)
<<音羽／神楽ひなた（本物）＠H2O -FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND->>(Otoha/Kagura Hinata@H2O -Footprints in the Sand-)

I see a Izumi win here, though I expect some competition with Otoha. This may end up being close.

Ah, Block D is now in the wraps, and we are now offically half way though the exhausting first round of SaiMoe 2008. With that in mind...

Block A = 8 out of 12
Block B = 9 out of 12
Block C = 9 out of 12
Block D = 9 out of 12
Total = 35 out of 48 (.729 avg)

Essentially, I'm pretty much right three out of four matchups so far. I have had three perfects so far, and no total misses. I've had a good number of one for threes though. I'll probably go back and look at the brackets again and do a number check of how many two out of threes I got, because I have a lot of those.

Anyway, to most people the first round of SaiMoe is boring. I personally think it's fun ~ it's like a anime version of the NCAA Basketball tournament. Except, instead of 65 teams, there are 298 anime girls. It's fun to make these brackets and make predictions, and I'm doing good so far. I thought about making a long-term full guess bracket, but it's way too hard to do that.

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed SaiMoe as much as I have. It sure is fun to just watch.

BLOCK E! OH GOD!

I'll just copy-paste what I said on the MT forums, since i'm too lazy to type it out again.

Oh god, now we're on to Block E. To me, this is probably this year's group of death. I can also see some surprises waiting to happen in this block - and be bracket busters. The tournament did better this year at least in spreading the favorites around, but there's a good number in this block.

But yea, a block with Otoha, Shana, Rei Ayanami, Ranka, Nanoha, Nia, Tamaki, and Horo - just to name those who I think who will probably advance. Okay, really it's just because Nanoha and Shana are in the same block, and it seems like no one else will probably have a shot outside of Rei. But still, that's a good amount of moe that will be cut down by Shana/Nanoha.

Well, on to the individual matchups:

[[E01]] 9/04
<<久遠寺森羅＠君が主で執事が俺で>>(Kuonji Shinra@Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de)
<<神凪綾乃＠風のスティグマ>>(Kannagi Ayano@Kaze no Stigma)
<<桜野音羽＠スカイガールズ>>(Sakurano Otoha@Sky Girls)

I don't see how Otoha can lose this. Ayano is not a endearing character, in my mind. I don't know anything about Shinra, but apparently she has good feet? o.O Otoha, probably by a bit.

[[E02]] 9/05
<<加賀愛＠さよなら絶望先生>>(Kaga Ai@Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)
<<久遠寺未有＠君が主で執事が俺で>>(Kuonji Miyu@Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de)
<<シャナ＠灼眼のシャナII>>(Shana@Shakugan no Shana Second)

Oh God, Shana is Hawt! Sorry, had to say it. Shana, by a runaway. Don't even bother with the other two, Shana is just too tsundere moe for them. Glad to see her back though, after her 18 vote loss in the Kugimiya Civil War last year against eventual runner-up, Nagi Senzanin.

[[E03]] 9/06
<<綾波レイ／綾波三姉妹＠新世紀エヴァンゲリオン シリーズ>>(Ayanami Rei@Neon Genesis Evangelion)
<<鏡黒＠こどものじかん>>(Kagami Kuro@Kodomo no Jikan)
<<結城ノナ（現プリマ・アスパラス）＠ななついろ★ドロップス>>(Yuuki Nona/Prima Asparas@Nanatsuiro★Drops)

Really Japan? I hope they come out with some Card Captor Sakura movie so we can bring back Sakura Kinomoto, and not her older Tsubasa proxy. Though, with Haruhi's defeat earlier in the tournament, things may not look as bright for Rei as it seems. But I still expect Rei Ayanami, practically the de-facto icon of Akihabara to advance easily. I would be deeply surprised if she doesn't.

[[E04]] 9/07
<<桂心＠School Days シリーズ>>(Katsura Kokoro@School Days)
<<ランカ・リー＠マクロスFRONTIER>>(Ranka Lee@Macross Frontier)
<<月村真由＠ご愁傷さま二ノ宮くん>>(Tsukimura Mayu@Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun)

I've been raving for weeks on how good Macross Frontier is, and I don't see why Ranka would lose in this matchup versus a very loli-moe imbued character in Kokoro. Mayu, you can go home ~ Reika already did. Though, Ranka's rep did take a hit a bit in the series, but we still have another 2-3 episodes to go for her to make that up.

[[E05]] 9/04
<<高町なのは＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Takamachi Nanoha@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<湯浅比呂美＠true tears>>(Yuasa Hiromi@true tears)
<<シグナム＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Signum@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)

Nanoha. By a big margin. She's not the SaiMoe 2005 champion and perennial favorite every year for nothing.

[[E06]] 9/05
<<仙童紫＠ロザリオとバンパイア>>(Sendou Yukari@Rosario+Vampire)
<<キャロ・ル・ルシエ＠魔法少女リリカルなのはStrikerS>>(Caro Ru Rushe@Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS)
<<月島きらり＠きらりん☆レボリューション>>(Tsukishima Kirari@Kirarin Revolution)

I don't know enough of the other two characters to really make a good decision, but I doubt the MSLN fans will just let Caro go down that easy. I expect her to advance so she can get smacked down by Nanoha next round.

[[E07]] 9/06
<<梅枝ナオミ＠絶対可憐チルドレン>>(Umegae Naomi@Zettai Karen Children)
<<南千秋＠みなみけ シリーズ>>(Minami Chiaki@Minami-ke)
<<座敷童＠xxxHOLiC◆継>>(Zashikiwarashi@xxxHOLiC Kei)

It took me reading volume 8 of the xxxHOLiC manga to remember who Zashikiwarashi is, and honestly ~ she has no chance against Chiaki. Teh Minami is strong this year, and I think it'll be strong here.

[[E08]] 9/07
<<稲森光香（みかん）＠がくえんゆーとぴあ まなびストレート!>>(Inamori Mika/Mikan@Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!)
<<シエスタ＠ゼロの使い魔 〜双月の騎士〜>>(Siesta@Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~)
<<葛城みかん＠レンタルマギカ>>(Katsuragi Mikan@Rental Magica)

I actually changed my vote today on this matchup. Originally I was going to go with Siesta, but after seeing the previous matchups so far, 2ch sure loves it's lolis. Mikan is that loli that gives 2ch orgasms. So going with Mikan here.

[[E09]] 9/04
<<猫宮のの＠よつのは>>(Nekomiya Nono@Yotsunoha)
<<ニア・テッペリン＠天元突破グレンラガン>>(Nia Teppelin@Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
<< 麻生夏海＠スケッチブック 〜full color's〜 >>(Asou Natsumi@Sketchbook ~full color's~)

I expect Nia to come away the victor here. I don't know anything on Natsumi or Nono. Nono looks like a interesting character though.

[[E10]] 9/05
<<桑原鞘子＠バンブーブレード>>(Kuwabara Sayako@Bamboo Blade)
<<川添珠姫＠バンブーブレード>>(Kawazoe Tamaki@Bamboo Blade)
<<アンゼロット＠ナイトウィザード The ANIMATION>>(Anzelotte@Night Wizard the Animation)

We could see a split vote effect here and Anzelotte to advance to take advantage, but I don't know how strong of a character Anzelotte is. I haven't seen enough of Night Wizard to make a good guess about her, but my assumption is she just won't have the votes to overtake either one. I like Tamaki ~ one of the main girls of Bamboo Blade, to advance here.

[[E11]] 9/06
<<小神あきら＠らき☆すた>>(Kogami Akira@Lucky☆Star)
<<水瀬伊織＠アイドルマスター シリーズ>>(Minase Iori@IDOLM@STER)
<<月島小恋＠D.C.II 〜ダ・カーポII〜>>(Tsukishima Koko@D.C.II)

This is a very weak group in a otherwise very strong block. Going with Akira, only because she's from Lucky Star.

[[E12]] 9/07
<<ホロ＠狼と香辛料>>(Horo@Spice and Wolf)
<<咲野明日夏＠キミキス pure rouge>>(Sakino Asuka@Kimikiss pure rouge)
<<乱崎月香＠狂乱家族日記>>(Midarezaki Gekka@Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)

I see a wolf advancing here. Sakino will be the third Kimikiss girl to go down in the first round, and I felt Yuumi and Eriko should have advanced too. Sakino has no chance in hell against Horo, and the same probably can be said of Gekka.

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).

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.