This winter looks to be full of anime sequels—though that’s not to say there aren’t a few new series looking to make their mark. Here are the ones I am most looking forward to watching.
Image source: アニメ「進撃の巨人」公式アカウント on Twitter
Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2
Genre: Gaspunk, Dark Fantasy
Studio: MAPPA
Release date: January 11, 2022
Non-spoiler plot summary: With Eren and Zeke’s grand plan now out in the open, battle lines are drawn. There are three sides: those who believe in Eren, his former allies who stand opposed, and the foreign invaders who would see everyone with Titan blood dead or enslaved. In the chaotic battle to come, will our heroes be able to save all they hold dear—or is something far more apocalyptic waiting just over the horizon.
Why you should watch it: At this point, what can I say about Attack on Titan? This season marks the end of the worldwide phenomenon. Everything is well on its way to a final climax full of action and adventure. But more than that, the answers to every remaining secret are set to be revealed. And as for the ending itself, you may like it. You may hate it. But in the end, you should definitely watch it.
Watch it if you like: Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Black Bullet, Deca-Dence
Where You Can Watch It: Crunchyroll, Funimation, AnimeLab (AU/NZ), Wakanim (EU)
Image source: TVアニメ「ありふれた職業で世界最強」2nd season on Twitter
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (Season 2)
Genre: Fantasy, Transported to Another World
Studio: asread, studio MOTHER
Release date: January 13, 2022
Non-spoiler plot summary: After being transported to another world, Hajime and his classmates spent their days training in a dungeon—until Hajime was betrayed by a jealous classmate and left for dead deep within. However, despite all odds, Hajime survived, gained a true ally in the form of the vampire Yui, and gained power far beyond that of his classmates. Now all he wants is to find a way back to Japan—even if he has to fight the gods themselves to do it.
Why you should watch it: A lot of the fun of Arifureta comes from the subversion of expectations. While Hajime and his classmates are told they are heroes and have to save the world from the demons, this seems more and more like a lie as things go on. As Hajime explores the world, it becomes apparent that things are far different from their cliché appearances. Each adventure he and his growing group of friends goes on unravels a bit more about the mystery behind this fantasy world. And as for the demons, who knows what their motives truly are?
Watch it if you like: Raising of the Shield Hero, Goblin Slayer
Where You Can Watch It: Funimation, Aniplus (Asia)
Image source: 「現実主義勇者の王国再建記」作品公式 on Twitter
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (Season 2)
Genre: Transported to a Fantasy World
Studio: J.C.Staff
Release date: January 9, 2022
Non-spoiler plot summary: Transported to a fantasy world, Souma, a born pragmatist, has become king. After setting in place various successful reforms, he found himself caught up in first a civil war and then an invasion from a neighboring country—one that ended with his forces taking the enemy capital. But that act, while tactically sound at the time has forced the largest and most powerful empire on the continent to send an army to retake the city—an army Souma’s forces have no chance of defeating.
Why you should watch it: While there are battles and war, this series is more about political maneuvering, economic reforms, and diplomacy than anything else. The fun of the series is watching how Souma thinks his way out of the problems he faces—regardless of their origin. It also doesn’t hurt that the supporting cast is entertaining to watch—especially Poncho, the foodie who is more responsible for the kingdom’s recovery than anyone else. As long as this season is more of the same we saw in season one, I will be perfectly entertained.
Watch it if you like: Maoyuu, Spice and Wolf
Where You Can Watch It: Funimation
Image source: 『殺し愛』公式｜1月12日よりTVアニメ放送開始 on Twitter
Love of Kill
Genre: Dark Romantic Comedy
Studio: Platinum Vision
Release date: January 12, 2022
Non-spoiler plot summary: “Chateau” is a bounty hunter. As calm, cool, and beautiful as she is skilled, she has been making a name for herself in the underworld—so much so that she’s started to gain the attention of truly dangerous men.
Ryang-ha, an underground assassin, is one such man. Famous for killing 18 men in a single night, numerous organizations are offering money for his head. However, that’s not what is bothering him. Rather, he’s more concerned with the lack of single ladies in his line of work. So when he learns of Chateau, he decides to woo her in the only way he knows how: with a body count.
Why you should watch it: If you’ve ever liked those action movies where two spies are working and fighting against each other even as they fall in love, this is the series for you. It’s got all the fights and intrigue you could want. At the same time it weaves a believable love story between the star-crossed pair. And if all that weren’t enough, the whole absurdity of the situation gives it a dark comedy vibe as well.
Watch it if you like: Talentless Nana, Assassination Classroom, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Where You Can Watch It: Crunchyroll
Image source: 『天才王子の赤字国家再生術』TVアニメ公式 on Twitter
The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Studio: Yokohama Animation Lab
Release date: January 11, 2022
Non-spoiler plot summary: With his father bedridden, young Prince Arbalest finds himself leading his small kingdom. However, rather than a cause for worry, the people are generally happy about this change. After all, Arbalest is well known to be a genius who cares deeply for his people. However, there is just one problem: in reality, Arbalest wants to be free from the responsibility of rule—so much so that he plans to sell out his kingdom to an enemy nation the first chance he gets.
Why you should watch it: The trick to The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt is that despite Arbalest being a genius—and despite him having a clear goal—it never quite works out for him with the whole treason thing. Whether it be luck or him simply overestimating his opponents, he has a bad habit of winning even when he tries not to. And with each political and/or martial victory, his prestige among his people only grows. It makes for great comedy and drama—wondering just how his sure-fire plan for failure will be subverted into an overwhelming victory.
Watch it if you like: The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
Where You Can Watch It: Funimation
Top image source: アニメ「進撃の巨人」公式アカウント on Twitter.
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