Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan

Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan- 12 episodes

While searching for her missing father, Chizuri finds herself taken in by the Shinsengumis. It's based on a historical otome game. The setting is warring late Edo period and the characters are based on historical characters of Japan. Then throw in bishie samurais, supernatural elements and downplayed gender bender. I didn't want to get my hopes too high thinking it would be another NeoRomance clone. I was way off wrong! I don't even know where to start. It's like a noir for otome-turned-anime genre. Ok I'll start with the story. To be honest I'm not familiar with the historical material but they were able to pull off a credible historical story with a reverse harem going on minus the cheesiness. I like the fact that it wasn't trying too hard to sell the reverse harem factor. I thought the 12 episodes is going to be too short but the fast pacing was executed very well. The character designs, the animation and the color palettes are all amazing. I think it's at par with the CG version. The screenshots from the endings of the otome are making me swooooon! At first I can't differentiate some of the characters but as I get to know them I can't get enough of them. Actually the lead bishie Hijikata is my least favorite. Sorry for Hijikata fans. I still can't decide between Okita, Todo, Saito and of course I fell for the villain again, Kazama. I didn't have a problem with Chizuri's naivety and sincerity, because sometime I find it too annoying for some other animes. The anime ended in a very sad note but fret not since there will be a second season this fall. I can't wait to see them in modern clothes. I had a hunch they will have those second set of clothes on the next season with all the art scans out there. There's also two manga adaptations which was a major spoiler for me so don't read it yet if you're not yet done with this. I can't wait to watch the highschool parody too.