Featured Matches - ISML 2014 Preliminary Period
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 1 — Sunday, February 2, 2014
Last Order (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Hirasawa Ui (K-ON!) vs.
Ibuki Fūko (CLANNAD) vs.
Izumi Konata (Lucky ☆ Star) vs.
Takamachi Nanoha (Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha) vs.
Konjiki no Yami (To LOVE-Ru) vs.
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto)
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A new tournament means new challenges, and this applies to Gokō Ruri as well—to obtain the Heavenly Tiara for the second consecutive year. This will be almost an impossible mission, as there are still no girls who have been able to do this, but Kuroneko will try her very best to break that spell. In order to do that, she will need to pass the Preliminary Phase first. Last Order and Konjiki no Yami are two girls who will put up the most fight for Kuroneko in her first Preliminary Phase. Both of them have decent standings from the previous year. Both Hirasawa Ui from and Izumi Konata may be factors against Last Order and Konjiki no Yami in their fight agaist Gokō Ruri, as Hirasawa Ui and Izumi Konata may ‘steal’ votes from both of them. Ibuki Fūko and Takamachi Nanoha have been absent for the past three consecutive years, and they will try their very best to get back into the Regular Season. |
Hiiragi Tsukasa (Lucky ☆ Star) vs.
Asahina Mikuru (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs.
Holo (Spice and Wolf) vs.
Makise Kurisu (Steins;Gate) vs.
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs.
Honma Meiko (AnoHana) vs.
Maria (Hayate no Gotoku!)
ISML 2013 definitely was a sad year for Tachibana Kanade. She made it all the way through to the Heavenly Tiara and eventually lost to Gokō Ruri in the Final, and she lost the chance to become the first girl to win two Heavenly Tiaras in a row. In Preliminary Phase I, Tachibana Kanade will face Makise Kurisu and Honma Meiko, who both have just moved from the Nova Division to the Stella Division. This will be interesting, as we will be able to see the influence of a character’s move between Nova to Stella. Hiiragi Tsukasa, Asahina Mikuru, and Maria have been missing since the start of the 2nd era, and this year they will try to prove that even veteran anime characters have enough influence to get through to the Regular Season and even finish strongly. Holo, the only girl in this match who has never missed a single year since the creation of ISML, will surely build herself up strong in order to continue the fairy tale—to get into the Regular Season for the seventh consecutive year. |
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs.
C.C. (Code Geass) vs.
Mikazuki Yozora (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Kawashima Ami (Toradora!) vs.
Katsura Hinagiku (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Hiiragi Kagami (Lucky ☆ Star) vs.
Furude Rika (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
Eucliwood Hellscythe, a girl who placed 2nd and 3rd in the final rankings for the Heavenly Tiara for the past two years, is likely to continue to storm through to the Regular Season and Postseason this year. However, in Preliminary Phase I, she faces C. C. and Katsura Hinagiku, who have not missed a single Regular Season since ISML started, and Katsura Hinagiku even won the Heavenly Tiara in 2009. Hiiragi Kagami, who missed the Regular Season last year, will continue to try again this year. Mikazuki Yozora, the only girl promoted from the Nova Division in this group, needs to prove that she will be able to withstand an attack from the Stella Division girls. Kawashima Ami and Furude Rika, who have not appeared since the 2nd Era, need to work harder for themselves in this Preliminary Round. |
Senjōgahara Hitagi (Bakemonogatari) vs.
Suiseiseki (Rozen Maiden) vs.
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Fujibayashi Kyō (CLANNAD) vs.
Chii (Chobits) vs.
Sanzen'in Nagi (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Kanzaki H. Aria (Hidan no Aria)
Misaka Mikoto, previously a Heavenly Tiara holder, will continue to ‘shock’ her opponents once again this year. Considering her influence since ISML 2010, she will again try to challenge all opponents to get herself another Tiara. She, however, will need to face Fujibayashi Kyō, the only girl in this group who has been able to get into the Regular Season for six consecutive years; Senjōgahara Hitagi is the next closest with Regular Season experience for four consecutive years. Sanzen'in Nagi, who missed last year’s Regular Season last minute due to being in the same group as Fujibayashi Kyō, will again meet up with her in Preliminary Phase I, where Nagi will try to take revenge. Kanzaki H. Aria, who has been promoted to the Stella Division for the first year, will face a tough challenge in this group. Meanwhile, Suiseiseki and Chii will need to catch up with the others’ pace in order to get into the Regular Season. |
Kushieda Minori (Toradora!) vs.
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Iwasawa Masami (Angel Beats!) vs.
Index L. Prohibitorum (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Tōwa Erio (Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko) vs.
Sōseiseki (Rozen Maiden) vs.
Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!)
Shiina Mashiro, a phenomenon from the Nova Division who achieved 100% during her first year of participation, will continue to storm through this year. Mashiro will definitely try to follow in Tachibana Kanade’s steps, and win the Heavenly Tiara in her second year of participation. Tōwa Erio, who is also from the Nova Division, will need to catch up to Mashiro’s pace in order to get herself in a better position for the Regular Season. Iwasawa Masami and Hirasawa Yui are both Stella Division regulars, and will test the strength of Mashiro and Erio from the Nova Division. Index L. Prohibitorum, who missed a few Regular Seasons, will get fired up as she tries to book a place in the Regular Season for herself this year. Meanwhile, Kushieda Minori and Sōseiseki look forward to winning places for themselves in the Regular Season. |
Kōzuki Kallen (Code Geass) vs.
Ryōgi Shiki (Kara no Kyōkai) vs.
Nymph (Sora no Otoshimono) vs.
Ichinose Kotomi (CLANNAD) vs.
Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto) vs.
Louise Vallière (Zero no Tsukaima) vs.
Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
Louise Vallière and Suzumiya Haruhi, two legendary girls who appeared for the past six consecutive years, will be leading this group in Preliminary Phase I. Both of them have enough influence to challenge Aragaki Ayase, who placed 6th in the previous Postseason. Nymph, who has had four consecutive years of appearance in the Regular Season, will make an impact on Louise, Haruhi, and Ayase’s rankings in Preliminary Phase I. Ichinose Kotomi missed the 2011 and 2013 Regular Seasons, and will try to pick up her pace again this year. Kōzuki Kallen and Ryōgi Shiki, who have only made one appearance each in their ISML careers, will try very hard to avoid elimination in Preliminary Phase I. |
Thanks to tehyc for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 2 — Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hiradaira Chisaki (Nagi no Asukara) vs.
Shiomiya Shiori (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai) vs.
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Noire (Hyperdimension Neptunia) vs.
Kujō Karen (Kin'iro Mosaic) vs.
Kuroki Tomoko (WataMote) vs.
Yukinoshita Yukino (OreGairu)
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Only two of the girls in this match have been around for more than a year—that's right, besides Takanashi Rikka and Shiomiya Shiori, all the other girls are newly nominated into the Preliminaries. For Rikka, this is her chance to show how much of an impact she will make in Nova this year; if she cannot completely blow away the competition, she will likely have a difficult time standing up against the Date A Live! girls. This is also Shiori's chance to shine after being knocked out last year in the very last round of Prelims. However, the newer girls may prove to be too much for Shiori to handle. Noire, an auto qualifier, has been showered with much support and hailed as the best girl from Hyperdimension Neptunia. Yukinoshita Yukino was fifth overall in the Nominations, and is the strongest girl from the OreGairu series. Kuroki Tomoko and Hiradaira Chisaki placed right next to each other in Nominations, differing by a measly four—the former fights for all awkward people in the world, while the latter represents all the heartbroken ones out there. Finally, while Kujō Karen might have the fewest nominations, one must not underestimate the power of the broken Japanese, the outlandish attitude, and, of course, the “Desu”. |
Matoi Ryūko (Kill la Kill) vs.
Kitashirakawa Tamako (Tamako Market) vs.
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs.
Nepgear (Hyperdimension Neptunia) vs.
Mikasa Ackerman (Shingeki no Kyojin) vs.
Dekomori Sanae (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Leticia Draculair (Mondaiji)
Kuroyukihime, who finished 10th last year and is the only second-year girl in this group, will face quite some challenge. Leticia Draculair, the former Demon Lord, will be the one to cause the Black Snow Princess the most trouble. Mikasa Ackerman will cause both of them trouble as well since she performed well during the Nomination Period. Dekomori Sanae and Matoi Ryūko will try to join the top-tier as they finished in a decent place during the Nomination Period. Kitashirakawa Tamako, Tamako Market’s main character and Nepgear, Hyperdimension Neptunia’s supporting character, will need to be more aggressive here in order to get to the second round of the Preliminary Phase. |
Himeragi Yukina (Strike the Blood) vs.
Roromiya Karuta (Inu × Boku SS) vs.
Charlotte Belew (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs.
Kirigiri Kyōko (Danganronpa) vs.
Nishikino Maki (Love Live!) vs.
Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online) vs.
Sakura Kyōko (Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica)
Tensions are high in Nova 3, where the fates of many series lie in the balance. Yūki Asuna has lost one of her SAO comrades in the Nominations, and the coming year is sure to be a difficult one, one that will be defined by this match. Roromiya Karuta had an average season last year, and it’s up to her to prove that Inu x Boku has the popularity to warrant two seasons of participation. Himeragi Yukina is the sole survivor of six Strike the Blood nominations; she has a lot of lost ground to recover as the seventh highest ranked nominee. Charlotte Belew hails from the new series Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai—between her, Yaya, and Frey, these three girls need to show that they can live up to their series' hype. Kirigiri Kyōko is a privileged auto qualifier; however, her series, Danganronpa, has shown poor results thus far. Can she prevail, or will the likes of Sakura Kyōko beat her out and claim one more spot for Madoka? Last but not least, Nishikino Maki is fighting hard for all her idol mates as the sole nominee from the idol show Love Live! For some of these girls, this match may very well be the last chance they have to truly represent their unique anime. |
Kirigaya Suguha (Sword Art Online) vs.
Morgiana (Magi) vs.
Akatsuki (Log Horizon) vs.
Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Kurousagi (Mondaiji) vs.
Cthugha (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san) vs.
Frenda Seivelun (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
Aoyama Nanami and Kirigaya Suguha, the only two girls in this group who are participating for the second year, will have an upper hand in this Preliminary Round. They, however, will face tough challenges from Kurousagi, who won herself an auto qualification in last year’s Exhibition Match and Akatsuki, Elder Tale’s assassin who finished strongly in the Nomination Period. Morgiana will let the match become more interesting as her influence will let her mess up the voters’ decisions. Meanwhile, Frenda Seivelun and Cthugha will need to catch up to the others’ pace since their ranking from the Nomination Period is much lower than the others, especially Cthugha who ended up in 57th place. |
Chitanda Eru (Hyōka) vs.
Shokuhō Misaki (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Chocolat (NōKome) vs.
Tsutsukakushi Tsukiko (Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko.) vs.
Koshigaya Komari (Non Non Biyori) vs.
Haqua du Lot Herminium (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai) vs.
Kasukabe Yō (Mondaiji)
The hype train continues in Nova as HenNeko's Tsukiko faces off against last year's Eru, who performed spectacularly even in the Elimination rounds. It will take more than meat buns for fourth ranked nominee Tsutsukakushi to overcome the experience and inquisitiveness of the Chitanda heir. Haqua strives for requalification into the Regular Season, but top NōKome girl Chocolat may have something to say about that. With an outstanding disparity between their nomination ballots, Haqua will be pressed to show the true power of a history in ISML over her newcomer foe. Shokuhō Misaki is a new Level 5 addition to the ToAru brigade, attempting to mirror perhaps her senpai Mikoto's outstanding success in Saimoe. Koshigaya Komari, the Non Non Biyori loli, must fight with Kasukabe Yō, the Mondaiji animist, in an effort to stay alive through the first round eliminations of the Preliminary Phase. |
Shinku (Rozen Maiden) vs.
Saber (Fate/stay night) vs.
Sengoku Nadeko (Bakemonogatari) vs.
Shiina Mafuyu (Seitokai no Ichizon) vs.
Nakano Azusa (K-ON!) vs.
Fujibayashi Ryō (CLANNAD) vs.
Akemi Homura (Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica)
A nice fight will be put up in this group. Saber, one of the ISML legends who qualified for six consecutive Regular Seasons, will face Sengoku Nadeko and Nakano Azusa, who each have four years of Regular Season experience. Akemi Homura from the Nova Division and Shiina Mafuyu who failed to get into the Regular Season last year will need to work harder to book places for themselves in this year’s Regular Season. Fujibayashi Ryō will need to follow her sister’s, Fujibayashi Kyō’s, pace if she wants to enter the Regular Season. We will be able to see how far the remake of Rozen Maiden will take Shinku this year as she has been absent since the second era. |
Fate Testarossa (Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha) vs.
Nagato Yuki (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs.
Kirishima Shōko (Baka to Test to Shōkanjū) vs.
Kinomoto Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura) vs.
Sakurano Kurimu (Seitokai no Ichizon) vs.
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs.
Konoe Subaru (Mayo Chiki!)
Fate Testarossa, the first Heavenly Tiara winner, has failed to appear since the second year, as she has started to fade away from voters’ memories. She must regain her fighting spirit for her to reappear in this year’s Regular Season. However, she will need to face Nagato Yuki, who hasn’t missed a single season up till now, followed by Aisaka Taiga, who has shown up for five consecutive Regular Seasons; both of them are tough opponents for mostly every girl. The two new faces for the Stella Division, Kirishima Shōko and Konoe Subaru, will be sure to provide good fights for Fate, Yuki, and Taiga. Kinomoto Sakura and Sakurano Kurimu, who have been missing since the second year, will need to keep up the pace to avoid elimination in Preliminary Phase I. |
Kamio Misuzu (AIR) vs.
Shirai Kuroko (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Nakamura Yuri (Angel Beats!) vs.
Oshino Shinobu (Bakemonogatari) vs.
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Suigintō (Rozen Maiden) vs.
Tōsaka Rin (Fate/stay night)
Hasegawa Kobato has had a very nice standing for her two years of participation in ISML. However, she has been moved to the Stella Division, where she will face a tougher challenge. Tōsaka Rin, who has participated alongside Saber for six consecutive years, will provide Kobato a nice test. Nakamura Yuri, the SSS battlefront leader, will show every girl why she’s a season regular. Oshino Shinobu, Shirai Kuroko, and Kamio Misuzu will need to work harder if they intend to make their appearances in the Regular Season. Suigintō, who fell from the limelight after ISML 2009, had a remake of her series last year. Will Rozen Maiden make a big impact to the voters’ choices? |
Kasugano Sora (Yosuga no Sora) vs.
Yui-nyan (Angel Beats!) vs.
Victorique de Blois (GOSICK) vs.
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto) vs.
Okazaki Ushio (CLANNAD) vs.
Matō Sakura (Fate/stay night) vs.
Charlotte Dunois (IS <Infinite Stratos>)
Stella 10, a group where there is no Heavenly Tiara winner or ISML legend, will be lit up with a number of ISML regulars. Yui-nyan—the SSS battlefront’s mascot, Victorique de Blois—the loli detective, Kōsaka Kirino—Kyōsuke’s sister, and Charlotte Dunois—France’s IS representative, are all participating for the fourth time, and looking to expand their influences by winning. Kasugano Sora, who missed last year’s Regular Season, will try again this year. Okazaki Ushio and Matō Sakura, who have only appeared once in their ISML careers, will need to work harder to avoid being eliminated in Preliminary Phase I. |
Illyasviel von Einzbern (Fate/stay night) vs.
Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) vs.
Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown) vs.
Saten Ruiko (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Haruna (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs.
Evangeline A.K. McDowell (Mahō Sensei Negima!) vs.
Sakagami Tomoyo (CLANNAD)
Akiyama Mio, one of the former Heavenly Tiara winners, will face some tough challenges in Preliminary Phase I. Sakagami Tomoyo, a regular since the creation of ISML, and Illyasviel von Einzbern, who has only missed twice in her career, will surely put up a nice fight for Mio. Yuzuriha Inori, the only girl from the Nova Division in this group, will need to continue her performance from the last couple of years in order to get into the Regular Season. Evangeline A.K. McDowell, Saten Ruiko, and Haruna, who have had no more than two times’ experience in the Regular Season, need to be stronger to survive this round. |
Kuroi Mato (Black★Rock Shooter) vs.
Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Furukawa Nagisa (CLANNAD) vs.
Shana (Shakugan no Shana) vs.
Ikaros (Sora no Otoshimono) vs.
Hinamori Amu (Shugo Chara!) vs.
Kotobuki Tsumugi (K-ON!)
Shana the Flame Haze, who has had a superb performance in every Regular Season, will surely look to obtain a Heavenly Tiara before her career ends. She will be in the same group with Furukawa Nagisa, another girl who hasn’t missed a single Regular Season. Kuroi Mato, also known as Black Rock Shooter, will try to shoot down all of her opponents to appear in the Regular Season for the fourth time. Ikaros and Kotobuki Tsumugi, who missed a few seasons, will look to get back into the Regular Season this year. Kashiwazaki Sena will surely show the Stella regulars that even though she’s from the Nova Division, she will again make an impact once she comes into the Stella Division. Hinamori Amu, who has only entered the Regular Season once, will need to work harder to avoid being eliminated. |
Thanks to blaZofgold and tehyc for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 3 — Thursday, February 6, 2014
Hiiragi Kagami (Lucky ☆ Star) vs.
Okazaki Ushio (CLANNAD) vs.
Illyasviel von Einzbern (Fate/stay night) vs.
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs.
Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Holo (Spice and Wolf)
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After the first Preliminary round, Gokō Ruri showed that she won’t slow things down and will continue to advance with all she’s got. However, she will face Kashiwazaki Sena, who finished strongly in Phase I. Kashiwazaki Sena definitely showed the other Stella girls that she is a strong candidate to participate in the Regular Season for the third time. Hiiragi Kagami saw her sister Hiiragi Tsukasa being eliminated from the competition, and she needs to become more aggressive so that she won’t face the same fate as her sister. After facing Akiyama Mio, the former Heavenly Tiara holder, Illyasviel von Einzbern will need to face another champion, Kuroneko, in this group. She will need to continue her strong performance so that she won’t be left out. Okazaki Ushio, who barely avoided being eliminated during Preliminary Phase I, will need to put up some effort so that she can get a Regular Season ticket. Holo will surely have a hard time from now, as she didn’t performed well in the first round. Will this season be where Holo ends her fairy tale? |
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs.
Saten Ruiko (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Sanzen'in Nagi (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Kawashima Ami (Toradora!) vs.
Kuroi Mato (Black★Rock Shooter) vs.
Konjiki no Yami (To LOVE-Ru)
An overwhelming victory for Tachibana Kanade was had during her first round as she received more than 5,500 votes and won by more than 2,500 votes. However, the second round will be not that easy for Kanade as she needs to face Konjiki no Yami. Yami did very well as she was able to withstand defending champion Gokō Ruri’s attack. She will need to perform the same here so that Kanade will be in trouble. Kuroi Mato also performed fairly well during her first round. She, as the Black Rock Shooter, will also give Tenshi a hard time. Sanzen'in Nagi will need to give a better performance starting now if she really wants to become a part of this year’s Regular Season. Saten Ruiko and Kawashima Ami, who didn’t have the best time during Preliminary Phase I, will need to work harder to fight for places in the Regular Season for themselves. |
C.C. (Code Geass) vs.
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Izumi Konata (Lucky ☆ Star) vs.
Kotobuki Tsumugi (K-ON!) vs.
Senjōgahara Hitagi (Bakemonogatari) vs.
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
Is there really such a thing as an ISML prodigy? Shiina Mashiro thinks so. As if her Sakurasou art skills are carrying over into reality, Mashiro has been an unstoppable force, peerless and unmatched in any regards. In terms of artistic talent and strength, neither Hirasawa Yui from Hokago Tea Time, nor Iwasawa Masami from Girls Dead Monster, could hold a candle to the great painter of Suiko. However, she is not the only talented girl out there. Senjōgahara Hitagi is quite an overachiever, excelling both academically and athletically before traumatic experiences destroyed her life; however, her undaunted spirit is still apparent in her sharp tongue and smart wit. Kōsaka Kirino, edged on by the image of her successful brother, became an all-star in all aspects of life: grades, sports, beauty, friends, even niche hobbies. Hobbies that rival the pursuits of Izumi Konata, also known in the Akiba underground world as Legendary Girl A, a prodigy amongst otaku. Kotobuki Tsumugi is a naturally talented pianist with a rich background and numerous villas—she also tries very hard and doesn't let her wealth get the better of her pride, a star amongst the wealthy. Of course, in terms of true talent, C.C. has to be unrivaled since she is immortal, technically. Gifted with a connection with the Geass, C.C. bears the awesome world-changing power with a sad smile and a heavy heart. In the face of all these talented individuals, does Shiina Mashiro have what it takes to reach the top? |
Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto) vs.
Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!) vs.
Mikazuki Yozora (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Asahina Mikuru (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs.
Ibuki Fūko (CLANNAD) vs.
Kanzaki H. Aria (Hidan no Aria)
Trusting and believing are virtues difficult to master, but rewarding when done correctly. It was difficult for Aragaki Ayase to accept another side of her friend, but as long as she was able to properly behave, Ayase could trust that her friend would not do anything damaging to her image. Even after graduation, Hirasawa Yui believes that the bonds that she and her friends have created will be unbreakable, regardless of how far they are. A misunderstanding shatters Mikazuki Yozora's idea about friendship, but a small club meant for her and someone special may prove that she can recreate the bonds again. Asahina Mikuru will not tell her secret to anyone unless she has faith that they are able to handle information and not share it with anyone else. Ibuki Fūko wants her sister to believe that she can have a safe recovery and that her sister can move on with her life without having to think about her too much. Kanzaki H. Aria’s morals are grounded in the ability to trust in one's partner to carry out a mission successfully, for teamwork can create individual character growth. Which characters will gain enough faith from their voters to swiftly bring them into the Regular Season? |
Thanks to Momento10, blaZofgold, and tehyc for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 4 — Sunday, February 9, 2014
Tsuchimikado Natsume (Tokyo Ravens) vs.
Frey (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs.
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Yatogami Tōka (Date A Live) vs.
Inaba Himeko (Kokoro Connect) vs.
Yūki Mikan (To LOVE-Ru)
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Rikka dominated her group last round, sporting a score of over 6000. She hopes to continue her path to victory—but to do that, she has to face some of Nova's newest threats. Tōka is an interesting match-up to say the least as, although she was defeated by a member of the same anime, anything could change here. Tōka also wants revenge for her almost win, and there’s no one better than Rikka. Natsume and Mikan will need to step up their game if they are to have the power to get into the Regular Season. However, they both have tricks up their sleeves. While Natsume has a running series, veteran Mikan has her Regular Season experience to cover for her weaknesses. Frey and Inaba will need to really buck up their performances; if not, they might be packing their bags for home. Who will take the golden star this round? |
Kaga Kōko (Golden Time) vs.
Kudō Asuka (Mondaiji) vs.
Shiomiya Shiori (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai) vs.
Dekomori Sanae (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Shindō Ai (Kyōkai no Kanata) vs.
Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online)
All the girls in this group have their own things they want to learn. For starters, Asuka has a carefree attitude of the new world she's in, despite not really having familiarized herself with it, and even wants to assist a helpless nation even though she was offered a higher role. Kaga has had her own story to tell ever since she moved on from her ex, as she wants to know more things and look at more horizons. Shiori's shyness can be seen as a learning factor as she finds out more to overcome her inability to talk to other people. Sanae learns new things everyday, whether it's from her master or through someone else’s force. Shindō was someone who had never truly seen the outside world until people like Mirai and Akito brought even more joy to her cheerful self. Finally, Asuna learned to trust people more as she progressed through the game; as a result, she overcame the loneliness she had felt since the beginning. Who do you think learnt the true meanings behind their lessons? |
Myucel Foaran (Outbreak Company) vs.
Kuroki Tomoko (WataMote) vs.
Neptune (Hyperdimension Neptunia) vs.
Kurousagi (Mondaiji) vs.
Sakura Kyōko (Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica) vs.
Tsutsukakushi Tsukiko (Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko.)
Tsukiko proved last round that her series could gain dominance. She continues to try to prove it so, but many obstacles stand in her way, including this group. Firstly, we have Kurousagi, Mondaiji's main female fighter of the series. Not only has she won her round, she was also last year's Diadem of Winter, proving her strength in this tournament. Then there’s also Kyōko and Tomoko. Although both did very average, both have defining features. Kyōko has been a strong contender for ISML with no success, but she gained experience, becoming a veteran in only a few years. For Tomoko, the attitude is certainly unique and odd, and at the same time very moe as well. Although Myucel didn’t do very well for her round, her magic might just change it all with her innocence and cuteness. Finally, if Neptune wants to do well here, she will have to pull out all sorts of tricks and methods to create an upset. Who will it be to regain the throne of this group—the emotionless, kawaii girl, the Black Rabbit, the socially awkward girl, the long-running mahō shōjo, the half-elf, or Neptune? |
Kirigaya Suguha (Sword Art Online) vs.
Himeragi Yukina (Strike the Blood) vs.
Kurugaya Yuiko (Little Busters!) vs.
Tobiichi Origami (Date A Live) vs.
Nepgear (Hyperdimension Neptunia) vs.
Nibutani Shinka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
Shinka survived a close upset, having beat DAL's Tōka from last round. She hopes that her prospects here will be easier, but of course that will be just impossible as each group will pose new difficulties for her. She first faces Suguha, who has one year's worth of experience with her as she fights on with average success. Himeragi is proving less than her worth as her last win was rather mediocre for someone who was part of the top ten nominations; she has to work harder and fight till the end. Yuiko had the same problem, except that Refrain gave a huge chunk of service to her. Yuiko must persevere if she wants to get to the top. Origami has to work a bit harder now, with harder opponents who could potentially end her run. Finally, Nepgear faces extinction soon if she does not do something about her faltering results. Who will rise from the ashes and make her way to the top? |
Fujibayashi Kyō (CLANNAD) vs.
Tōsaka Rin (Fate/stay night) vs.
Iwasawa Masami (Angel Beats!) vs.
Maria (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Nakano Azusa (K-ON!) vs.
Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
Nakano Azusa did what she needed to during her last match and she will want to continue her performance here. She, one of Ho-kago Tea Time's guitarists, will need to face the main singer from Girls Dead Monster, Iwasawa Masami. Masami showed everyone in the previous match what is needed to become a regular, and will continue to show the girls in this group. However, in term of numbers of years of participation in this group, she is still considered a junior. Fujibayashi Kyō, Tōsaka Rin, and Suzumiya Haruhi are the seniors here, and the three of them will use their experiences from the past six years to show that even veterans can put up some nice fights. Maria, the only girl in this group who hasn't shown up since the second era, will need to work harder and show the others her maid spirit. Who will win a ticket to advance to the Regular Season? Will it be the guitarist of Ho-kago Tea Time, the main singer of Girls Dead Monster, one of the three ISML Veterans, or the maid who will pull a major upset? |
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Yui-nyan (Angel Beats!) vs.
Kushieda Minori (Toradora!) vs.
Louise Vallière (Zero no Tsukaima) vs.
Sengoku Nadeko (Bakemonogatari) vs.
Konoe Subaru (Mayo Chiki!)
A strong performance was given by Yui-nyan in her last match, as she beat Kyōsuke’s sister, France’s IS representative, the loli detective, and held on to an upset caused by second place Kasugano Sora. She, however, will need to continue to stay strong, as she will face some more new challenges here. Hasegawa Kobato did pretty well in her first match by getting second place. She definitely wants to keep that going so that she can get a place in the Regular Season. Konoe Subaru, who finished decently last match, will need to do better to get a ticket into the Regular Season. Meanwhile, Sengoku Nadeko and Louise Vallière didn’t have a good time and need to pull up their socks in order to fight back in this round by relying on their experiences as veterans. Kushieda Minori will need some miracle for herself so that she will be able to get into the Regular Season for the first time since the second era. |
Matoi Ryūko (Kill la Kill) vs.
Kujō Karen (Kin'iro Mosaic) vs.
Nishikino Maki (Love Live!) vs.
Ichijō Hotaru (Non Non Biyori) vs.
Kamikita Komari (Little Busters!) vs.
Morgiana (Magi)
Although these girls have fallen from grace, this seeding round gives them one more go before they're off till next year. Matoi is a bold girl who appreciates her friends and would not hesitate to protect those around her. Karen is carefree and happy-go-lucky, and although she speaks some broken Japanese, is a great friend overall. Similarly, Komari is just like Karen, except that she had to let go in order to be truly happy with her life and move on. Maki is like a typical tsundere, yet at the same time like some of us. She is pressured by her high achieving parents when all she wants to do is to be herself, which she does. Hotaru is somewhat of a airhead who loves cute things, like her senpai, whom she adores. Finally, Morgiana is a strong girl who has qualities that make people like her, like her determination and her cuteness at times. To prove that they still can do it, this seeding round is important for all of them. Whom will you pick? |
Thanks to Fuijiwara and tehyc for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 5 — Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Makise Kurisu (Steins;Gate) vs.
Hirasawa Ui (K-ON!) vs.
Kinomoto Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura) vs.
Kuroi Mato (Black★Rock Shooter) vs.
Suigintō (Rozen Maiden)
[ Show more... ]
In her last two matches, Makise Kurisu showed that she has what it takes to qualify for the Regular Season. In her third match, she will definitely want to book a place for herself. However, there are still some fights she needs to face no matter what. Kuroi Mato, who fought very well in her last couple of matches, also hopes to take a place in the Regular Season after this match. Hirasawa Ui is clearly on the borderline after her not-so-good performances and she will need to recover very fast so that she won’t be left out by Kurisu and Mato. Kinomoto Sakura and Suigintō have almost been left out by the voters as both of them failed to appear in the Regular Season for the four years. So, will Kinomoto Sakura, Cardcaptor Sakura’s main character, and Suigintō, one of the main characters from Rozen Maiden, be able to cause an upset here? |
Okazaki Ushio (CLANNAD) vs.
Honma Meiko (AnoHana) vs.
Shiina Mafuyu (Seitokai no Ichizon) vs.
Kirishima Shōko (Baka to Test to Shōkanjū) vs.
Last Order (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
A dream. A wish. Something so small, so delicate, yet so powerful. A wish to rekindle the severed bond between her and her father and to learn about the beauty that is her mother. The desire to see her friends go out together as they would have that summer ten years ago. A wish to fall in love with a boy without having to worry about what others have to say about their relationship or their current status quo shattered. A dream to always be by her significant other's side, as he was the one who shed light upon her world. A desire to have fun and see the world without having to fear getting kidnapped or used for experimental purposes. These powerful feelings lie dormant in their hearts. Can one of them have their dream realized? |
Ryōgi Shiki (Kara no Kyōkai) vs.
Katsura Hinagiku (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Tōsaka Rin (Fate/stay night) vs.
Furukawa Nagisa (CLANNAD) vs.
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
2014 is not a good year for the CLANNAD girls since new girls were moved to Stella, and Furukawa Nagisa is no exception. With her mediocre performance at the start of this year, can she even hold a candle against Katsura Hinagiku, who, despite not getting in the Postseason last year, is still 2009's Heavenly Tiara winner? And no one should forget the threat in the form of Kōsaka Kirino. Her performance at the start of the year proves that she's a force to be reckoned with. Tōsaka Rin, on the other hand, is also at the middle of the pack. She needs to show everyone that six years of participation makes you stronger. Ryōgi Shiki, who barely made it into the Preliminaries and has only participated once, needs a lot of effort to withstand the others' attacks if she wants a spot for the Regular Season. |
Leticia Draculair (Mondaiji) vs.
Tokisaki Kurumi (Date A Live) vs.
Dairenji Suzuka (Tokyo Ravens) vs.
Chitanda Eru (Hyōka) vs.
Kaname Madoka (Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica)
A storming performance was given by Tokisaki Kurumi in her last two matches as she won by a wide margin. She will need to continue this outstanding performance to get a ticket to the Regular Season. Nightmare will now face Chitanda Eru in this group. Eru did pretty well in her last couple of matches and looks forward to continuing this performance so that she can challenge Kurumi. As for Kaname Madoka and Leticia Draculair, they are fighting for their first appearance in the Regular Season, so they will give all they have to win this match. Dairenji Suzuka didn’t perform well for her last two matches, and she will need to recover from that now so that she won’t need to appear in Preliminary Phase II. Will the Nightmare continue to storm through the whole group, or will the happy and curious girl, the Puella Magi, the former Demon Lord, and the forbidden magic user stop this storm? |
Thanks to tehyc, Momento10, and apcsandstorm for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 6 — Thursday, February 13, 2014
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs.
Yuigahama Yui (OreGairu) vs.
Gasai Yuno (Mirai Nikki) vs.
Chocolat (NōKome) vs.
Yatogami Tōka (Date A Live)
[ Show more... ]
Everyone have a wish, and it's the same for all those girls. Kuroyukihime wishes that she'll be able to go through all difficulties with the one she loves; Yuigahama Yui wishes to have the chance to tell someone something special; Gasai Yuno wishes to protect the one she loves with all she has, even if that causes her to her lose humanity; Chocolat wishes that she could be more effective when assisting the special one; Yatogami Tōka wishes to stay with the one who cares for her forever and protect him with her power. But at the very end, only one wish will be granted. |
Saber (Fate/stay night) vs.
Kanzaki H. Aria (Hidan no Aria) vs.
Izumi Konata (Lucky ☆ Star) vs.
Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs.
Haruna (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)
The fight is on. Five girls, each a veteran in her own field, face each other off in the ring. In their respective worlds and lives, they have gone through many trials and pains that ultimately brought them to where they are now. The King of Kings, the legendary knight, wielder of Excalibur, and a terror on the battlefield. The S-Ranked mercenary assassin, a descendant of Holmes, and a dual-wielding Quadra. Master of all things otaku, the Legendary Girl A, a figurehead for Comiket trendsetting. The outrageous and preposterous brigade chief, one who brings new meaning to the song, "God is My Girlfriend." A renovated magical girl, the wielder of the deadly chainsaw Mystletainn, the fighter of Megalos. As the fighters ready their instruments of battle for the impending clash, it is truly a wonder who could possibly prevail over such an interesting array of warriors. |
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs.
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs.
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
After having such top-notch performances for the last five match days, the time has come for the five contestants to face one another in an epic match where their strength will be known once and for all. Leading the group, we have last year's Tiara winner, Gokō Ruri. After winning the Tiara, she goes on to show people that she has what it takes to defend her Tiara as she goes on to stomp her opponents. The same can be said for Taiga, as she has shown others how much fighting spirit she still has after many years of participation by putting up a wonderful performance for her fans! Mikoto is not to be looked down upon either as, with her spectacular performance, she has proven how she's still a threat and is on the path of gunning her second Tiara without showing any mercy to her opponents! Next up we have the Nova winner Mashiro, who has shown us with her stunning performance against the Stella candidates that her winning the Nova crown was no fluke, but instead pure strength alone. Last, but not least, we have the Tiara runner-up Kanade who not only managed to bulldoze her opponents but did so with such flair that one could only admire as she broke the Prelims I record with her stellar performance. Who will be the one who will reign above? Which girl will you give your support? |
Thanks to blaZofgold, Jiharo, and tehyc for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 7 — Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sakagami Tomoyo (CLANNAD) vs.
C.C. (Code Geass) vs.
Charlotte Dunois (IS <Infinite Stratos>) vs.
Sakurano Kurimu (Seitokai no Ichizon)
[ Show more... ]
What does it take to return to ISML? Does it require a perfect student life? One that involves being stellar at sports, academics, and even a huge student council president success? Does it require immortality and a world-changing power? One that is both a blessing and a curse to every individual involved, ultimately rewriting the future? Does it require a faultless personality? One that can hide even the darkest secrets with a façade of true kindness and friendship? Does it require unfathomable cuteness? One that forces every single student to wholly agree on the utter moe quality of the most popular girl in school? In a contested match where anyone can be the victor, what does it take for Sakagami Tomoyo, C.C., Charlotte Dunois, and Sakurano Kurimu to distinguish themselves from their peers and show that they deserve to be a part of the ISML 2014 cast? |
Last Order (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Fujibayashi Kyō (CLANNAD) vs.
Suiseiseki (Rozen Maiden) vs.
Nymph (Sora no Otoshimono)
Last Order had been rather unlucky so far, getting rounds with almost no chance of getting first. This time could just be that golden time for her to advance. However, she will have to face two well-known veterans and a possible contender. Kyō has never missed a single round of the Regular Season before as part of the Elite 8. However, this might just be the year that Kyō misses it, a thing she definitely does not want. Suiseiseki has done rather badly so far, despite having an HD remake of her series. If she continues at this rate, she might never come back at all. Nymph has shown below average results, getting either second to last or third to last. If she wants to soar up high to reach the ultimate goal, she will have to use everything, and I mean everything, to do so. Have the sands of the hourglass come to an end for the veterans, or have the newbies been too soft on the others? |
Maria (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs.
Holo (Spice and Wolf) vs.
Furukawa Nagisa (CLANNAD)
The performances of everyone here have greatly dipped in strength. Maria has not done much at all, losing the majority of the matches she's been in by huge gaps. Holo's performance has been quite lackluster as well, as she has been failing expectations at times. This just might be the last year for one of the biggest tearjerker anime here, with Nagisa possibly not making it into the Regular Season at all. Haruhi has also shown that age does matter, as the brigade chief has lost to some of Stella's below average contestants, despite being a regular. However, this isn't the end of the road for all of them, and they must show that the veterans haven't lost their grip yet. |
Ichinose Kotomi (CLANNAD) vs.
Tōsaka Rin (Fate/stay night) vs.
Suigintō (Rozen Maiden) vs.
Oshino Shinobu (Bakemonogatari)
These four girls have been through ups and downs in their lives. Kotomi finally met her childhood friend, only to realise he had forgotten her. However, as she matured, they soon reconciled. Rin sacrificed a lot just because of her family traditions, and she indeed resented that. However, she met new people who truly cared for her and has since moved on. Suigintō found someone who had something similar to the new Rozen Maidens. Unfortunately, that someone suffered the pain of being kidnapped by Kirakishō. She did not hesitate to get her back, as she was the only one who understood her. Shinobu was in a stupor when she lost her powers, seemingly emotionless and not caring about anything at all. However, with her reunion with Koyomi, she revealed her true nature as a bubbly, talkative girl. Who do you think has suffered enough pain and deserves to finally find happiness? |
Katsura Hinagiku (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Index L. Prohibitorum (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Konoe Subaru (Mayo Chiki!) vs.
Shiina Mafuyu (Seitokai no Ichizon)
Hinagiku, one of the legendary Tiara winners, has been deteriorating rapidly, showing signs of weakness everywhere. This is her final chance to prove that she hasn't lost her skills yet. A couple of stumbling blocks stand in her way with the names of Index and Subaru. These two girls have been trying their best to get to the top, alas, without much success. Index hasn't entered the Regular Season since last year and if she wants to prove her competitors wrong, she has to pull off a mean upset towards Hina. Subaru's results have been rather lackluster, to say the least, even though she has entered the Regular Season before. This could be the end of her if she does not do something as a butler and live up to her master's expectations. Shiina really has little material to boost her popularity as is evident by her results. Will Hina use her authority as one of the six Tiara winners, or will the others pull off major upsets of their own? |
Yoshino (Date A Live) vs.
Shiomiya Shiori (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai) vs.
Kurousagi (Mondaiji) vs.
Tsuchimikado Natsume (Tokyo Ravens)
Yoshino's progress has been going steadily so far, but right now she faces a wall in the name of Kurousagi. Kurousagi has proven that she is indeed one of Mondaiji's elite and won't hesitate to give it her best shot as her scores have been quite decent so far. Shiori and Natsume aren't going to sit there and do nothing, and will show that popularity isn't always a guaranteed win. Although their scores were nothing spectacular, upsets have indeed happened before and they have the potential to do so, with a running series for Natsume and experience for Shiori. Who will take the lead in this race and move on to the gold medal? |
Yūōji Ōka (NōKome) vs.
Yaya (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs.
Takanashi Tōka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Natsume Rin (Little Busters!)
Tōka has been running good rounds so far, winning the top three for all her rounds. But right now, she faces the number one nominated character, Yaya. Yaya hasn't been really showing her superiority against the other characters, as she has been sporting rather lackluster wins for all her rounds. If she can defeat one of the top sixteen preliminary contestants, starting with Tōka, this might change. Of course, Rin and Ōka won't raise the white flag just yet, as they will show why they were voted to the top in the first place. Rin had the whole of Refrain to help boost her moe-ness in here while Ōka showed plenty of exciting moments that couldn’t be missed. After all this, it boils down to the same statement: who will win this round and advance to the Regular Season? |
Dekomori Sanae (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Yui (Sword Art Online) vs.
Nōmi Kudryavka (Little Busters!) vs.
Azuki Azusa (Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko.)
The wielder of the Mjolnir Hammer might need to toughen up a bit as she confronts new faces that might stop her from advancing. Yui is someone who is willing to protect those around her, no matter what small acts she can actually do. Nomi has suffered a lot of hardships, almost losing her mother and being captured by Russian rebels; thankfully she has friends whom she can rely on and thus stand up for herself. Azusa had been through so much, like Nomi, that she needed a façade to help cover up her feelings. But once she got to know people better, she became even more cheerful and a bit tsundere. Will Dekomori bash through her opponents cleanly, or will they retaliate and start a rebellion for their loved ones? |
Momo Belia Deviluke (To LOVE-Ru) vs.
Charlotte Belew (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs.
Kuriyama Mirai (Kyōkai no Kanata) vs.
Akatsuki (Log Horizon)
Mirai looks to boost her career even more and it would be fantastic if she could get a first round clear to the Regular Season. However, all is not that simple as she faces some competition. Charlotte has been doing quite well recently, gaining results that are slightly above average. She also has the popularity of Yaya to help her. Akatsuki will need to buck up and put on her thinking cap if she does not want to be eliminated—losing will only shut down her chances. Momo's experience will certainly help her here, being one of the top sixteen in Nova. All in all, it rounds down to whoever gets the highest number here. |
Kaname Madoka (Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica) vs.
Noire (Hyperdimension Neptunia) vs.
Nyarlathotep (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san) vs.
Itsuka Kotori (Date A Live)
A desire to do something good for their friends or the people around them—they are willing to pay any price for that. These are the girls who put others before themselves. Madoka had a desire to protect others from becoming witches or even suffering as magical girls. The desire was so strong that she even accepted paying her life for it. Noire had a desire to be a good ruler for her country. She was willing to pay the price of not having the time to hang out with other goddesses or even accept help from others, so much so that she easily ended up sick or had her efforts go to waste. Despite the setbacks, she still perseveres on, all for the sake to bring improvement. Nyarlathotep came to Earth to fulfill her duty to protect someone. Her desire to protect a guy was of such pinnacle importance that she was willing to even sacrifice her life when needed. There is no way that she will allow herself to fail. Lastly, Kotori, who had feelings for her brother, desired his safety. When the circumstances are not in her favor, she is willing to do all she can to protect her brother or do something for him, even using her Spirit form and disregarding all dangers and effects of staying in that form. With everyone having their desires to accomplish something good for someone, whose effort and determination will you reward? Who will be the one who will get chosen? |
Mikasa Ackerman (Shingeki no Kyojin) vs.
Tokisaki Kurumi (Date A Live) vs.
Misaki Mei (Another) vs.
Kirigaya Suguha (Sword Art Online)
Another storm continues, and the Nightmare, Tokisaki Kurumi is the main cause of it. She has shown some overwhelming performances since Preliminary Phase I started. If she continues another terrifying storm, she will be able to book a place in the Regular Season. However, Mikasa Ackerman will definitely want to stop this storm at all cost. She, a member of the Scouting Legion who can withstand a titan attack, surely has the ability to stop a storm. Misaki Mei, the ghost-like girl, didn’t have her best from the previous matches. She will also give her best so that the terrifying storm will be stopped. Kirigaya Suguha, or Leafa, a warrior who isn’t afraid of anything, will also join both Mikasa and Mei to stop the Nightmare. At the very end, will the storm continue? Or will it be stopped? |
Dairenji Suzuka (Tokyo Ravens) vs.
Matoi Ryūko (Kill la Kill) vs.
Matsuoka Gō (Free!) vs.
Cthugha (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)
These girls have done their best, but failed to advance through their battles and lost. This round will give them a start-up for the next round to see whether or not they can qualify for the Regular Season again. Dairenji might be seen as a spoiled brat, but deep within her she is someone who just requires love and care to show her true nature. Matoi endured a lot of things in her life, having lost her father and fought through many obstacles, just to find the killer and avenge her father. Gō did not understand what true siblings do as she had little connection with her brother. With the help of her brother's friends, she finally managed to get through the barrier and get to know her brother better. Cthugha does not care for the rivalry between her clan and the clan of the one whom she loved. All she wanted to do was to embrace her with love and live in the human world. Out of all of this, whose personality do you find unique and rare enough to take your vote? |
Thanks to Jiharo, Fuijiwara, tehyc, and blaZofgold for contributing today's match previews.
Phase S-I & N-I — Day 8 — Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Sanzen'in Nagi (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs.
Nagato Yuki (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs.
Shirai Kuroko (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Izumi Konata (Lucky ☆ Star)
[ Show more... ]
With two girls not wanting to lose their place in ISML just yet and two girls who are looking to return after a short hiatus, the competition for the final spots of the Regular Season becomes that much more competitive. Sanzen'in Nagi has the intelligence and creativeness to come up with a clever plan that will allow her to wow her voters to bring her back to the Regular Season. The calm and calculating Nagato Yuki is looking for the prime chance to take the lead when no one is looking and secure a victory with enough room to spare. Don't let Shirai Kuroko's personality fool you; given the right motivation, Kuroko can take on any task both dangerous and daunting if it means she can continue living and playing with her friends. And throughout all the chaos, it takes someone like Izumi Konata to remind everyone that she will take the spotlight in her own hands if the situation calls for it. Which of these four girls have what it takes to obtain the last slots for the Regular Season? |
Kotobuki Tsumugi (K-ON!) vs.
Tōwa Erio (Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko) vs.
Kanzaki H. Aria (Hidan no Aria) vs.
Kushieda Minori (Toradora!)
There's always so much to do and so much to see, but there is also so little time to spend those moments properly with dear friends and loved ones. Kotobuki Tsumugi would like nothing more but to spend time with her friends making music and doing the simplest of things. With graduation around the corner, even Tsumugi wonders if she has done everything she could within her high school life. A removal of her futon allows Tōwa Erio to see the world in a different light, a world where she need not be scared of the things around her as long as there are good people by her side. Even then, Erio would like a bit of help trying to readapt to a world that she had once forsaken due to trauma. For as long as she can remember, Kanzaki H. Aria has worked on her missions alone. At times, Aria wants to experience what it is like to work together with someone she can call a friend, but until she can find that special someone, Aria will continue to accurately fire her bullet. Kushieda Minori is always ready to cheer her friends on whenever they need that extra push to step forward. Yet even someone as cheerful as Minori would like to have someone lift her up from her times of shock and dismay. Which of these girls will gain another chance to return to the Regular Season once more? |
Thanks to Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Phase N-II — Round 1 — Sunday, March 2, 2014
Kurugaya Yuiko (Little Busters!) vs.
Takanashi Tōka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Ichijō Hotaru (Non Non Biyori)
[ Show more... ]
What exactly is strength? What exactly is weakness? As we humans perceive these two terms, are we really sure they are what they are? Is strength truly a blessing? Is weakness truly a curse? No one's sure. Yuiko might be the smartest girl in school as well as great in martial arts, but does she know what it’s like to make friends after putting them all down? Hotaru might be able to easily make friends with her kindness, but is she ready or able to adapt to the country life she now lives? Toka might be a great chef, having fantastic culinary skills and even recommended to go to a foreign country to learn more, but does she truly understand her younger sister's pain in how she's using the chūnibiyō to block out the loss of their loved ones? Is strength really a great thing? Is weakness a bad thing? The only way is to try. |
Tobiichi Origami (Date A Live) vs.
Frenda Seivelun (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Dairenji Suzuka (Tokyo Ravens)
These girls have ended up with tragic fates due to their loved ones. Frenda has a master-servant relationship and despite her embarrassing her master many times to the point of punishment, she is still loyal till the day she betrayed ITEM by force, which then resulted in a fate that nobody wanted to suffer by her master, the one she so willingly served. Origami not only broke several rules, but also as a result was constrained and bound due to her trying to take revenge on her parent's killer, even though it was by accident. Dairenji lost her brother and had her powers sealed because of her inability to control herself and was subdued by the Tsumikaido clan. In all of their terrible fates they suffered—whom will you pity and encourage, them or their kin? |
Natsume Rin (Little Busters!) vs.
Yusa Emi (Hataraku Maō-sama!) vs.
Hiradaira Chisaki (Nagi no Asukara)
These three characters haven't been sporting great performances lately. Emi and Chisaki got last for their second rounds and Rin stayed in the lower places; it hasn't been sunshine and flowers for them. However, this round gives them new light to start over and give great performances. Rin is a shy girl when you first meet her, even shunning you if you seem intimidating. Once you get to know her, however, she is as energetic and cheerful as any other girl. Emi was once a gallant hero whose main mission was to find the Demon King and defeat him in battle. But with the transition to the real world, she has to face up to reality and start life as a normal woman. Chisaki is kind girl who has a crush on the supporting male, but he just doesn't seem to realize it, leaving her heartbroken. With this new round, which girl will be praised by the holy light? |
Yui (Sword Art Online) vs.
Morgiana (Magi) vs.
Frey (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai)
All of these girls were once shy girls who were alone because of one reason or another. Yui was a system encoded in SAO who was supposed to do something, and as such was left in a corner of the game. Morgiana was a slave since childhood and suffered many hardships as one. Frey's parents died when she was young and her heart was changed so as to be more magically competent. However, when they met new people, their lives changed so much. Yui learned to have emotions and had fun with the 'parents' who adopted her. Morgiana was freed from being a slave and thus could start afresh. Frey met new people who appreciated her more than just for power. Were you someone like these girls? If so, they will prove that life is unpredictable and will change for the better. |
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs.
Nibutani Shinka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Azuki Azusa (Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko.)
These three girls have successfully gone on to the Regular Season, and before they debut, this round will observe their strengths and weaknesses. All these girls were burdened with something in the past that affected them. Kuroyukihime was burdened by being the Black King, the one who betrayed the friendship the kings once had. Shinka was burdened by her past as Mori Summer, the 1200-year-old magician, who was said to hear the voices of faeries and souls. Azusa was burdened by her past school, where she was humiliated. However, as time passed, so did their experiences. Kuroyukihime has learnt to let go of being the Black King and is able to look ahead. Shinka has not really let go, but she isn’t really burdened by Mori anymore, though at times she might feel uneasy. Azusa has made new friends and has even made up with her old friends. A burden might be big, but once you let go, all is forgiven. Who displays this message the best? |
Thanks to Fuijiwara for contributing today's match previews.
Phase N-II — Round 2 — Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Shindō Ai (Kyōkai no Kanata) vs.
Inaba Himeko (Kokoro Connect) vs.
Miyauchi Renge (Non Non Biyori)
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To have faith in their friends and trust themselves—that is what each of our competitors strive for. Shindō Ai helps out as much as she can to make sure her friends are happy and healthy. The smile on her face and the hard work she puts into her owner's shop is able to cool the minds of any who walk into their store. Inaba Himeko was reluctant to express her opinions and feelings about matters with her friends. Knowing that they will accept her and remain friends even if she says critical things allows Himeko to open up with them. Sometimes, Miyauchi Renge's curiosity gets the best of her friends, especially when they do not know how to answer. Yet it is through these small interactions that Renge understands how vast the world may be. Who will be able to walk out of this match with a smile on her face? |
Thanks to Momento10 for contributing today's match preview.
Phase N-II — Round 3 — Thursday, March 6, 2014
Ichijō Hotaru (Non Non Biyori) vs.
Momo Belia Deviluke (To LOVE-Ru) vs.
Yukihira Furano (NōKome)
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If they open up a bit more, they may be able to see their surroundings in a different light. Raised in the city, it was difficult at first for Ichijō Hotaru to adapt to life in the country. As time moves on, Hotaru begins to understand that there are just as many things to do in the countryside as there are in a city. Momo Belia Deviluke is usually thinking about ways to grab the attention of the one she is interested in. What she does not know is that she does not need to go to such great lengths just to get her opinion across. Yukihira Furano says things that she does not mean, which can cause misunderstandings with those around her. She may be able to successfully talk to others if she just expresses what she really feels about certain situations. Will any of these girls stay true to themselves when all is said and done? |
Thanks to Momento10 for contributing today's match preview.
Phase N-II — Round 4 — Sunday, March 9, 2014
Chitanda Eru (Hyōka) vs.
Yūki Mikan (To LOVE-Ru) vs.
Chocolat (NōKome)
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Moving into the fourth day of the second phase of the Preliminaries, we have three of the most outstanding candidates facing one another in a bid to see who among them is the most influential girl. Chitanda Eru, Chocolat, and Yūki Mikan have come first in all of their match-ups for the past three days and are raring to go show their best sides to their loved ones. All of the girls know that it will be a decisive battle so they will try their best to mesmerize the audience with their skills—be it from taking care of household chores to helping their loved ones. Today, they will face one another in an attempt to showcase who is truly the cream of the crop. Amidst the chaotic battlefield, who will emerge victorious? Who will be the one who gets to prove that she is the most influential of them all? |
Yukinoshita Yukino (OreGairu) vs.
Shirakiin Ririchiyo (Inu × Boku SS) vs.
Dekomori Sanae (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
The performances of these girls have been wonderful so far, scoring three complete wins in the past three rounds. Now they compete for that spot in this phase, the one they've worked so hard for. Yukino is a smart and mature girl with professionalism who performs excellently in everything, except in making friends. However, when someone extends a hand, she gladly accepts it. Ririchiyo is a girl who builds up a strong front criticizing others with grace, and is the student body's representative. But behind that accomplished life is solitude. Growing up without her parents’ warmth means that she does not know what it’s like to be loved, what it’s like to be understood by others, what it’s like to have a friend who truly appreciates her. Sanae proves to be the perfect student with miraculously great results who is quite popular and helpful. But in secret, she's the wielder of the Mjolnir, the Thunder Hammer—or so she says herself-desu. Sanae does not seem to mind talking in magical terms with her master, as this allows her to be her true self, a spirited girl who believes in names like the Wicked Lord Shingan and Mori Summer, as she herself will willingly serve them. Out of these three, whom would you vote for so that they can prove to you your vote wasn't wasted here? |
Kurugaya Yuiko (Little Busters!) vs.
Yukihira Furano (NōKome) vs.
Akatsuki (Log Horizon)
Skills. These girls might be high achievers in what they specialize in, but once, they had no warmth or friendship. Is it really okay to give up these important things in our lives, just to be the best of the best? I think not. Yuiko might have the best results as a whole, but because she had no friends, she did not see a reason for going to school, and isolated herself even more from others. Akatsuki might be one of the best assassins in the game, but she only regarded most of the people she knew as comrades, not as friends with whom she could talk, tell secrets, and cry. Furano might have the gift of talk and put up a strong front, but the truth is she is just as vulnerable as any other girl about being friends with other people, as well as confessing to the man she loves. However, with time, these girls found what they truly wanted and expressed their feelings as well. In this kind of situation, would you rather be someone with skills or someone with friends? |
Myucel Foaran (Outbreak Company) vs.
Iona (Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova) vs.
Ichijō Hotaru (Non Non Biyori)
Trust. It's what they do or the people around them do to them. Trust is an important virtue to learn in our lives as we rely on our teammates, our friends, and even our family. Iona puts trust in her captain to navigate their ship to victory against battleships and cruisers, and in return the captain pours his trust into her decisions. Myucel is a half elf and human who puts her utmost faith in the new master she serves; she protects him, she learns from him, she gains new knowledge about the otaku way, and she willingly will die for him. Hotaru is an innocent girl who has just come from the city and as such requires time to adapt to the new lifestyle she now lives. Her friends are more than willing to help her get used to this new lifestyle, learn new things every day, and help with farming. Trust is such a factor; it decides how our lives are run, as a lie or as you really are. Who would you trust out of these three? |
Takao (Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova) vs.
Kamikita Komari (Little Busters!) vs.
Kuroki Tomoko (WataMote)
Although all these girls are different in terms of age, mentality, and body size, they all share one important factor that groups them together—loneliness and heartbreak. Takao, part of the Fog, always carried out her missions alone, and the sad thing was that she didn't mind, till she saw someone else who was part of the Fog that had a captain to run her. It was then that she wanted someone to be there for her, to guide her, to love her as she was, although no one seemed to notice her even after her noble sacrifice. Komari seemed to be cheerful and bubbly, but the truth was she hadn't gotten over her loved one's death. She used many things to block it out so that she wouldn't remember it, and as such, no one truly understood what she actually felt until that one guy who made a difference was there for her. Only then was she able to move on. Tomoko entered high school and tried using many ways and methods to gain friends, something that seemed Homo sapiens to her. She tried looking beautiful, she tried being cool, she tried to be the kind girl everyone liked; she even tried to be a cafe maid. But it was all for what? Only one seemed to know her true self, which surely broke her heart. Out of all of these miserable situations, which would you relate to best? |
Leticia Draculair (Mondaiji) vs.
Cthugha (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san) vs.
Laura Bodewig (IS <Infinite Stratos>)
Everyone tries to force things so that they will become the way they want. However, the results will not always be the ones they expected. So they will need to open up their minds and take things easy. Instead of pushing herself to help her clan get back to their previous height, Leticia Draculair should try to relax herself a bit more and fight together with her comrades. Instead of forcing the one she loves to be together with her, Cthugha should fight alongside her companions and try to convince her special one slowly. Instead of fighting for the one closest to her heart, Laura Bodewig should fight alongside her classmates and the one she acknowledged so that they are able to defeat all enemies that come toward them. Who will be able to change herself? |
Mikasa Ackerman (Shingeki no Kyojin) vs.
Frey (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs.
Yusa Emi (Hataraku Maō-sama!)
These girls may seem brave, strong, and gallant when they fight, but in truth, they're just putting up cool façades. Mikasa might seem a cold, smart, and strong woman, but in truth, she truly does not want anyone to die in front of her again, as she once experienced it before her very eyes with her loved ones. Yusa might seem a confident woman when in her hero form, strong and free, but in truth, she may want to continue this life she lives now, as a normal human with her new friends, not a hero of whom everyone has expectations. Frey was forced to receive a mechanical heart to increase her power, but in truth, she just wants to live in peace with the man she loves; however, she's forced to fight for the sake of others. Being brave is good and all, but there are times when they just want to give up their lives and start anew to erase the stress they once could not take. Would you? |
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Itsuka Kotori (Date A Live) vs.
Tsutsukakushi Tsukiko (Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko.)
After a wonderful performance in the first round of the Preliminaries, it's time for them to compete with one another—not for power, but for the sacred honor of proving that their love to their partner is the truest of them all. We have three girls here who managed to garner votes for the purity of their love as well as their dedication and loyalty to their partners. Takanashi Rikka recently overcame her denial and opened up to her loved ones. As she comes to understand what love is, she tries her best to fulfill the role that her partner demands. Itsuka Kotori had to turn past nightmares into strength as she swore to protect her brother. This stems from her love towards her brother to make sure no misfortune befalls him. Tsutsukakushi Tsukiko, who once lost the emotional side of herself to the stone cat, now learns to deal with it instead of hiding and running away, even if it means being hurt again. With all of them striving to do their best in supporting their loved ones, whose determination will you reward? Whose love will touch the very foundation of your heart? |
Thanks to Jiharo, Fuijiwara, and tehyc for contributing today's match previews.
Phase N-III — Day 1 — Sunday, March 16, 2014
Noire (Hyperdimension Neptunia) vs. Mukaido Manaka (Nagi no Asukara)
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Most groups of friends have central characters that bind them together. Noire is one of the few people who can handle the absurdity and seriousness of her friends. She is able to separate fun from work for a common goal or against a threat. She is usually the one to settle quarrels between her circles of friends, but that does not mean she can be fair to all. Although Mukaido Manaka does not carry an aura of responsibility, the happiness and smiles she gives to everyone are noteworthy. She is willing to take the time to understand others, even if they did something irreversible. Her unwavering heart allows her to believe that things will be all right as long as one tries hard enough for his or her goals. Can either of them make their mark in this match? |
Hiradaira Chisaki (Nagi no Asukara) vs. Kurugaya Yuiko (Little Busters!)
We come into the final round, the last stand for all these girls. If they want to prove their worth, it is now. We see two lonely girls fighting for their beliefs for different reasons. Chisaki is a polite girl that tries to act as a sister towards her friends. She actually has feelings for the main male character, but was rejected, as the guy had no feelings for her. This led her to heartbreak, which she covered up by becoming a nurse. She helped relieve people’s pain, despite not being able to relieve her own emotional pain. Yuiko is a smart girl who is talented in more ways than one. She is skilled in her studies and finds no need to attend classes. But while she really wants to find a friend, what she does not realize is that she turns down people easily and makes it hard for people to communicate with her. However, she finds new people and as such will move on to protect these people she addresses as friends. Irony is found everywhere, but between these two, who do you feel was tricked by God more? |
Charlotte Belew (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs. Nishikino Maki (Love Live!)
These girls have one thing in common: stubbornness. Both aren't willing to open up to people easily, and if they do, they don't really show their true selves. For Charlotte, her main goal was to win this carnival so as to reclaim the title of her family, the fallen Belews. However, when she makes friends with others, she then realises she cannot do it by herself. Even with a Banned Doll and as one of the few top students, what she can do is very limited. For even the strongest require help to be completely strong. Maki lives a great life, being rich, having great musical talent, and seems like a perfect girl. However, she does not show her true self at all, only a front to make her look mature and reasonable. She finds it hard to show her true emotions effectively without help from others. Being stubborn is one thing, but to be overly stubborn is wrong. These girls accepted help from others so that they could show their vulnerable side easily. Will you? |
Yusa Emi (Hataraku Maō-sama!) vs. Nōmi Kudryavka (Little Busters!)
Separation. It might seem easy to part, but in truth, neither wants to. They either do it for the good of themselves or the other. It is never easy to part with someone whom you loved. Someone whose memories you shared often. Someone of whom letting go seemed like an impossibility. Yusa was separated from her parents at a young age, but no one questioned how she felt. She let go of her companions, though later reunited. They were the ones who stuck with her through battles to their ultimate goal. And though the life she lives now might be different, the memories will remain the same. The same goes for Nōmi, someone who saw her parents only a few times before traveling the world and settling in Japan. And when she found out that the rocket the news reported had a malfunction, causing it to fail, her whole life seemed as if it was torn apart. But even when she was captured, she held on to the hope of seeing her loved ones again. Separation is never easy, but these girls have let go. If you're facing a crisis now and you have to let go, let go. |
Iona (Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova) vs. Natsume Rin (Little Busters!)
These two girls face reality with the help of their friends. Iona's main duty was to serve as a weapon, and she did so, but when the captain found her, she changed. She started having emotions. She started to ask questions. She started to care. This wasn't what was commanded of her. This was what her captain asked of her. And she would do so gladly, for he was the one who brought these miraculous things to a weapon like her. He was the one who treated her like a human, not a weapon and not an emotionless tool. Rin was scared, shy, and unable to face this mysterious world. “Is it scary?” she might have wondered. “Would it hurt me?” she might have also wondered. But when they formed Little Busters, she started opening up; she didn't fear the world anymore, clinging on to cats for support. She embraced it, made new friends, even some female ones with whom she could communicate, talk, and be happy with. All of these things happened because they decided to open up to allow people to help them. Which girl deserves your help more in this tournament? |
Misaki Mei (Another) vs. Cthugha (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)
The distant eyes of Misaki Mei tell one story. She is alone, misunderstood, misrepresented; yet, she allowed her classmates to do as they wished. To her, there is no reason to open up to others, since all are running on fear. Her language is cryptic, but she means well to all who are willing to approach her. The fiery eyes of Cthugha, a.k.a Kūko, tell a different story. She is willing to go the distance to express her concern and feelings towards others. Personal space means nothing to her if she can spend at least a second of her life with those she cares about. The separation from others is what she fears most. With both girls seeing eye-to-eye, which will have her desires bear fruit? |
Thanks to Fuijiwara and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Phase N-III — Day 2 — Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Frey (Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai) vs. Yukihira Furano (NōKome)
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What clouds these girls minds whenever they interact with others? What is it that they hide that they do not wish for others to figure out? Frey is told to assassinate those who stand in her way from reaching to the top. However, someone like her cannot create a proper trap against her opponent, much less succeed in any plans that come up. For someone with a gentle heart who treats her automatons as though they were real beasts, Frey would never have the heart to harm someone for such a reason. Yukihira Furano puts on a act of saying bizarre lines to hide her true feelings. Once in a while, she can be spotted taking pictures of her favorite mascot or laughing hysterically at a simple joke. Despite her enigmatic words, Furano means well to those around her, ironically wishing for them to stay true to themselves. Who will be able to think with a clear mind when all is said and done? |
Kurugaya Yuiko (Little Busters!) vs. Shiomiya Shiori (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai)
These girls are vastly different in their ways of expression, like in how they express heat and cold, two things that just cannot be with each other. For Yuiko, she expresses herself confidently and without doubt. She does not hesitate, nor does she whimper. She'll smash the door down if that's what it takes to get rid of people who insult her friendship. She'll threaten to kill someone if they dare do something to her friends. However, is it right to do this in a disadvantageous situation? Would it actually do more harm than help? For Shiori, she'll rather not say it out loud, for she fears she might say something wrong. However, thoughts flow freely in her mind. If there's something related to books, she wants to say it but can't. If she wants to scold someone for berating books, she''ll just take the book away. However, is this right to always let others have their say? |
Thanks to Fuijiwara and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.