As we approach the new year, we get a new anime season. And look, this post isn’t late this time! Well, for the most part… I just had to rant about Cowboy Bebop’s live action last week. Let’s not dwell on that abomination and get into what anime I’m most looking forward to in the Winter 2022 season. Per usual, these are in no particular order.
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen
Who’s ready for more phenomenal artwork?? I know I am. Tanjirou, Zenitsu, and Inosuke return in the continuation of the Demon Slayer saga. If you liked the first season and the Mugen Train arc (movie or series, your choice), this is a must watch this season.
Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou, 2nd Season
‘Tis the season of… well, second seasons. I’m excited to continue following Hajime’s story, and that of his harem (ahem), in the new season of Arifureta. Always enjoyed a power fantasy with a varied cast. I just hope that awful CGI is limited, or preferably removed.
Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki, 2nd Season
Got another “second season” for you this season. I had been reading the manga for a while by the time I watched the first season so I didn’t expect a lot from it, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The series is a bit slower paced, but it works better in the anime format. So, truthfully, this may be one of my most anticipated series this winter. Worth a watch if you enjoy isekai where the protagonist isn’t some overpowered hero, but just a knowledgeable, diligent person.
Tensai Ouji no Akaji Kokka Saisei Jutsu
This series piqued my interest, but I’ll have to see how it pans out. It follows a lazy genius as prince who, accidentally, becomes a great ruler when he’s trying to just sell off the kingdom so he can be lazy. The premise sounds funny, but I’m not sure that premise would be enough for the series to survive on. I hope it has some good characters and an evolving plot. Either way, one to keep an eye on.
Shikkakumon no Saikyou Kenja
This is another series where I’ve read a fair chunk of the manga already. Admittedly, it’s been a while, so I can’t say if it’ll be good (the fact that I put the manga on hold may be indicative?). But hey, it’s a power fantasy, so I got to check out the first few episodes at least. I seem to recall the plot was fine, but the delivery felt awkward. Hopefully it translates better in anime format. I just hope the action scenes are okay, because the PV animation for them seemed pretty poor. As I said, will require a few episodes to give it a fair chance.
Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru
There’s always at least one feel good romantic series, it seems. This one is my most anticipated series in this category this season. The trailer and synopsis give me some Nagatoro-san vibes, so I hope it’s just as cute. You’ve got the reserved boy, the outgoing girl, and all the fated interactions that bring them together. I fully expect this series to scratch that romantic itch. Doubly so actually. Who doesn’t love a cute otaku girl, am I right?
Honorable Mentions:
– Kenja no Deshi wo Nanoru Kenja – Gender-bender series always weird me out a bit. It doesn’t help that the synopsis was a bit vague on what the plot was (just kind of gave us the setup), so it’s hard to gauge. As such, it earned a spot on the Honorable Mentions.
– Fantasy Bishoujo Juniku Ojisan to – Another gender-bender anime. This one, however, seems to be primed to be hilarious. The character relationships kind of throw me off, with the gender-bender thing added on top, so I’ll have to see how they handle it in the first few episodes. From what I heard, however, it just reinforces the comedy, so could be a dark horse candidate this season.
– Leadale no Daichi nite – Bit of a change of pace in this one. We have a female lead, and a world that’s pretty chill. If that’s your jam, could be a solid pick.
And there we go. Sorry for the delay, but I just HAD to rant last week. Let me know down in the comments section which series you’re looking forward to the most this upcoming season, especially if you are pumped for something not on this list. I’m always looking for good series that I overlooked. All right, catch you in the next one!