Spring Anime 2014 (Part 2)

Title: Soul Eater Not!
Release Date: April 8, 2014
Studio: Bones
Genre: Supernatural, Action, Comedy
Premise: This series returns to the halls of Shibusen's weapon meister academy with a new central trio of heroes: Tsugumi Harudori, Anya Hepburn and Meme Tatane.

Verdict: I have a general rule about not reviewing sequels or second seasons of established series, but spin-offs provide a nice loophole. Although set in a familiar universe, they give audiences a chance to experience a brand-new story or revisit past events from a new perspective. Set before the events of the original series, Soul Eater Not follows Tsugumi Harudori, a first-year Shibusen weapon with the ability to become a halberd.

When her weapon abilities manifest during an accident in her apartment, Tsugumi decides to hop on a plane to America, beginning studies at Shibusen. Joining her are a pair of first-year meisters: air-headed Meme Tatane and aloof rich girl Anya Hepburn. Together, the trio of female leads tackle their first day of classes - attending orientation, picking weapon/meister partners and even battling a few unruly classmates.

There are a few pleasant cameos by regulars from the original series, but it's doubtful that they will turn up again if the show plans to spin a separate narrative.

The gang's all here! ... But only for five seconds at a time!

Although the faces are new, Studio Bones' A-list production talent is instantly recognizable. Director Masakazu Hashimoto appears comfortable at the helm, deftly handling the emotional beats of the three female leads. Even after four years, Shibusen still feels like a lot of fun.