Winter 2026 Anime Preview
Here we go again~ New year on the horizon, new image host found, new bunch of anime waiting to air; same old format where I post descriptions, trailers, and my brief first impressions of them all. Click the expand tags below to see what winter 2026 has in store!
(These series are all due to start airing in the first few weeks of January. If you're looking for something to watch between now and then, maybe check out last season's preview thread)
(These series are all due to start airing in the first few weeks of January. If you're looking for something to watch between now and then, maybe check out last season's preview thread)
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Omae Gotoki ga Maou ni Kateru to Omouna Yuusha Party wo Tsuihou sareta node, Outo de Kimama Kurashitai (Roll Over and Die)
29-sai Dokushin Chuuken Boukensha no Nichijou (An Adventurer's Daily Grind at Age 29)
Oshi no Ko S3
Akuyaku Reijou wa Ringoku no Outaishi ni Dekiai sareru (The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom)
Ao no Miburo: Serizawa Ansatsu-hen (Blue Miburo S2)
Arne no Jikenbo (The Case Book of Arne)
Beastars Final Season Part 2
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez Genma Seisen-hen (Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez Parallactic Clash)
Champignon no Majo (Champignon Witch)
Dark Moon: Tsuki no Saidan (Dark Moon: The Blood Altar)
Darwin Jihen (The Darwin Incident)
Dead Account
Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. S2 (Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You. S2)
Duel Masters LOST: Boukyaku no Taiyou
Enen no Shouboutai: San no Shou Part 2 (Fire Force Season 3 Part 2)
Eris no Seihai
Fate/strange Fake
Golden Kamuy: Saishuushou (Golden Kamuy Final Season)
Goumon Baito-kun no Nichijou (The Daily Life of a Part-time Torturer)
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (Hana-Kimi)
Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki no Gamer wa Hai Settei no Isekai de Musou suru (Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing)
High School! Kimengumi (2026)
Hikuidori: Ushuu Boro Tobi-gumi
Himesama "Goumon no Jikan desu S2 ('Tis Time for Torture, Princess S2)
Hoppe-chan: Sun Oukoku to Kuro Hoppe-dan no Himitsu
Ikoku Nikki (Journal with Witch)
Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai (Isekai Office Worker: The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter)
Jigoku Sensei Nube (2025) Part 2
Jigokuraku S2 (Hell's Paradise S2)
Jingai Kyoushitsu no Ningengirai Kyoushi (A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans)
Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu - Zenpen (Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 1)
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (Kaya-chan Isn't Scary)
Kirei ni Shitemoraemasu ka. (Wash It All Away)
Kizoku Tensei: Megumareta Umare kara Saikyou no Chikara wo Eru (Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power)
Majutsushi Kunon wa Mieteiru (Kunon the Sorcerer Can See)
Maou no Musume wa Yasashisugiru!! (The Demon King's Daughter Is Too Kind!!)
Mato Seihei no Slave 2 (Chained Soldier S2)
Mayonaka Heart Tune (Tune In to the Midnight Heart)
Medalist S2
MF Ghost S3
Odayaka Kizoku no Kyuuka no Susume. (A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation)
Okiraku Ryoushu no Tanoshii Ryouchi Bouei: Seisankei Majutsu de Na mo Naki Mura wo Saikyou no Jousai Toshi ni (Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord: Production Magic Turns a Nameless Village into the Strongest Fortified City)
Osananajimi to wa Love Comedy ni Naranai (You Can't Be In a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends!)
Prism Rondo (Love Through a Prism)
Seihantai na Kimi to Boku (You and I Are Polar Opposites)
Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu. (Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table)
Sousou no Frieren S2 (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End S2)
Steel Ball Run: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Tamon's B-Side)
Tensei shitara Dragon no Tamago datta (Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling)
Toumei Otoko to Ningen Onna: Sonouchi Fuufu ni Naru Futari (The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife)
Trigun Stargaze
Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki (In the Clear Moonlit Dusk)
Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals S2 (My Hero Academia: Vigilantes S2)
Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wake Nai jan, Muri Muri! (※Muri ja Nakatta!?) (Zoku-hen) (There's No Freaking Way I'll be Your Lover! Unless... (Sequel))
Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers
Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku (Sentenced to Be a Hero)
Yuusha no Kuzu (Scum of the Brave)
Yuusha Party ni Kawaii Ko ga Ita node, Kokuhaku shitemita. (There was a Cute Girl in the Hero's Party, so I Tried Confessing to Her)
Yuusha Party wo Oidasareta Kiyoubinbou (Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None)
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All the info has been sourced from AniChart, AniList, AniDB, YouTube, and MAL. If you think I've missed any upcoming full-length TV anime off this list, let me know and I'll look into them.
Watching:
Ikoku Nikki (first episode thoughts)
Golden Kamuy: Saishuushou (first episode thoughts)
Darwin Jihen (first episode thoughts)
Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu. (first episode thoughts)
Fate/strange Fake (first episode thoughts)
Toumei Otoko to Ningen Onna: Sonouchi Fuufu ni Naru Futari (first episode thoughts)
Champignon no Majo (first episode thoughts)
Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu - Zenpen (first episode thoughts)
Jigokuraku S2 (first episode thoughts)
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (first episode thoughts)
Seihantai na Kimi to Boku (first episode thoughts)
Oshi no Ko S3 (first episode thoughts)
Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku (first episode thoughts)
Dropped:
Prism Rondo (first episode thoughts)
Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (first episode thoughts)
Ikoku Nikki (first episode thoughts)
Golden Kamuy: Saishuushou (first episode thoughts)
Darwin Jihen (first episode thoughts)
Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu. (first episode thoughts)
Fate/strange Fake (first episode thoughts)
Toumei Otoko to Ningen Onna: Sonouchi Fuufu ni Naru Futari (first episode thoughts)
Champignon no Majo (first episode thoughts)
Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu - Zenpen (first episode thoughts)
Jigokuraku S2 (first episode thoughts)
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (first episode thoughts)
Seihantai na Kimi to Boku (first episode thoughts)
Oshi no Ko S3 (first episode thoughts)
Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku (first episode thoughts)
Dropped:
Prism Rondo (first episode thoughts)
Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (first episode thoughts)
(edited 1 month ago)
Updated the trailer for... the first one. It's more grimdark than I thought!
English subbed trailer for Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (Kaya-chan Isn't Scary); I won't be making any more edits to the 2nd or 3rd post lists though, as that keeps causing issues.
We begin! …with a first episode that has been out since November 2024! An early promotional airing for a series that then got delayed, but it's here now, new episodes will begin regular weekly airing from this week. I didn't watch this at the time, so it's all new to me.
Fate/strange Fake
A new Grail War is beginning, but not like those we've seen before, taking place in the USA rather than Japan. The government seems to be involved, though with competing factions whose motives are unclear; one theory is that this strange copy may be an attempt to 'mass produce' the Grail Wars, turning them into little more than entertainment. Sajyou Ayaka is a girl who seems to have gotten reluctantly involved, having lost her memories of where exactly she is from - but she does recall being ordered to participate in the War. Things escalate quickly, and before she knows it, a Saber class hero is asking whether she is his Master... something she refuses.
I should point out that you'll absolutely need to watch the 55 minute long 'episode 0', Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn in order to have any idea what's going on, because it continues straight on from there with no recap! (That's also on Cruncyroll). I found Whispers of Dawn quite accessible even as somebody who hasn't watched / read / played much of what the wider Fate franchise has to offer, but this actual first episode was more of a challenge to follow. If it's just a high-budget, over-powered battle royale that I want, maybe I'd be better off sticking to MAPPA's two offerings this season, but since the plot does intrigue me on top of the action, I'll give it another episode or two I think.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G4PH0WJQZ/fatestrange-fake
Fate/strange Fake
A new Grail War is beginning, but not like those we've seen before, taking place in the USA rather than Japan. The government seems to be involved, though with competing factions whose motives are unclear; one theory is that this strange copy may be an attempt to 'mass produce' the Grail Wars, turning them into little more than entertainment. Sajyou Ayaka is a girl who seems to have gotten reluctantly involved, having lost her memories of where exactly she is from - but she does recall being ordered to participate in the War. Things escalate quickly, and before she knows it, a Saber class hero is asking whether she is his Master... something she refuses.
I should point out that you'll absolutely need to watch the 55 minute long 'episode 0', Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn in order to have any idea what's going on, because it continues straight on from there with no recap! (That's also on Cruncyroll). I found Whispers of Dawn quite accessible even as somebody who hasn't watched / read / played much of what the wider Fate franchise has to offer, but this actual first episode was more of a challenge to follow. If it's just a high-budget, over-powered battle royale that I want, maybe I'd be better off sticking to MAPPA's two offerings this season, but since the plot does intrigue me on top of the action, I'll give it another episode or two I think.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G4PH0WJQZ/fatestrange-fake
Nothing from my shortlist aired today, so while I wait, let's give this series a go instead:
Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Tamon's B-Side)
Kinoshita Utage is a huge fan of the idol group F/ACE, more specifically their 'sexy and wild' member Fukuhara Tamon. But supporting your oshi doesn't come cheap, so she takes on a part-time housekeeping job to fund her hobby. But to her surprise, one of the jobs she is assigned is to clean and cook for none other than Tamon himself! Even more surprisingly, his at home appearance and behaviour (introverted and gloomy) seems a million miles from his on stage persona, which was forced on him by his producers. Despite this gap, Utage finds herself quickly falling for Tamon's true self - but can she support him without crossing the forbidden boundary between idol and fan?
A typical shoujo romcom first episode on the whole, though their relationship moved a lot quicker than I was expecting! Great idol-themed comedy moments, though with some focus too on the darker side behind the scenes, of not being able to express their true selves and the impacts this can have on mental health. Both the main characters were a lot of fun, I especially loved Utage's rabid fangirl side, but Tamon suddenly engaging 'work mode' out of nowhere was great too. The 3D idol performance at the end was alright - not my kind of music, wouldn't pick up the series just for that, but I've heard and seen worse. Goes on the maybe list until I've seen more of what the season has to offer.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365598/tamons-b-side
Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? (Tamon's B-Side)
Kinoshita Utage is a huge fan of the idol group F/ACE, more specifically their 'sexy and wild' member Fukuhara Tamon. But supporting your oshi doesn't come cheap, so she takes on a part-time housekeeping job to fund her hobby. But to her surprise, one of the jobs she is assigned is to clean and cook for none other than Tamon himself! Even more surprisingly, his at home appearance and behaviour (introverted and gloomy) seems a million miles from his on stage persona, which was forced on him by his producers. Despite this gap, Utage finds herself quickly falling for Tamon's true self - but can she support him without crossing the forbidden boundary between idol and fan?
A typical shoujo romcom first episode on the whole, though their relationship moved a lot quicker than I was expecting! Great idol-themed comedy moments, though with some focus too on the darker side behind the scenes, of not being able to express their true selves and the impacts this can have on mental health. Both the main characters were a lot of fun, I especially loved Utage's rabid fangirl side, but Tamon suddenly engaging 'work mode' out of nowhere was great too. The 3D idol performance at the end was alright - not my kind of music, wouldn't pick up the series just for that, but I've heard and seen worse. Goes on the maybe list until I've seen more of what the season has to offer.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365598/tamons-b-side
Another wildcard:
Yuusha-kei ni Shosu Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku (Sentenced to Be a Hero)
In this world, being a 'Hero' isn't desirable - it's a punishment reserved for the worst criminals. Those sentenced to be heroes must fight grotesque faeries and demon lords on the battlefield, and are looked down on even in victory. Even if they die, they'll be resurrected and sent back to continue their sentence, a process which gradually causes them to lose their memories and sense of self with every reincarnation. Xylo Forbartz is one such Hero, tasked with aiding the main army's retreat, when a kleptomaniac fellow Hero steals a coffin from their own side's transport unit. To their surprise, the coffin contains a dangerous weapon: a goddess, who latches onto Xylo, declaring him her knight.
A grimdark and interesting twist on the usual fantasy setting of heroes vs demons, going for more of a real world military battlefield feel, complete with nasty injuries, loud noise and poor visibility. 'Xylo Forbartz' is certainly a fantasy anime name, though! I'm not that keen on protagonists who're way stronger than everyone else for no apparent reason, but maybe there's more to his backstory that we don't know yet. I did like his determination to save as many lives as possible though, in a world where respawning is a convenient if imperfect option. Animation was superb, outside of a few clunky CG moments. Has potential, but this season is full of action series, and I may not have time for them all.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00356809/sentenced-to-be-a-hero
Yuusha-kei ni Shosu Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku (Sentenced to Be a Hero)
In this world, being a 'Hero' isn't desirable - it's a punishment reserved for the worst criminals. Those sentenced to be heroes must fight grotesque faeries and demon lords on the battlefield, and are looked down on even in victory. Even if they die, they'll be resurrected and sent back to continue their sentence, a process which gradually causes them to lose their memories and sense of self with every reincarnation. Xylo Forbartz is one such Hero, tasked with aiding the main army's retreat, when a kleptomaniac fellow Hero steals a coffin from their own side's transport unit. To their surprise, the coffin contains a dangerous weapon: a goddess, who latches onto Xylo, declaring him her knight.
A grimdark and interesting twist on the usual fantasy setting of heroes vs demons, going for more of a real world military battlefield feel, complete with nasty injuries, loud noise and poor visibility. 'Xylo Forbartz' is certainly a fantasy anime name, though! I'm not that keen on protagonists who're way stronger than everyone else for no apparent reason, but maybe there's more to his backstory that we don't know yet. I did like his determination to save as many lives as possible though, in a world where respawning is a convenient if imperfect option. Animation was superb, outside of a few clunky CG moments. Has potential, but this season is full of action series, and I may not have time for them all.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00356809/sentenced-to-be-a-hero
Ikoku Nikki (Journal with Witch)
Makio is a 35 year old author, who lives a solitary life. She hates her older sister Minori - a fact that doesn't change even after Minori and her partner die in a car crash. But this event brings her into contact with Minori's 15 year old daughter, her niece Asa. Unsure how to process what has happened, and with no other relatives showing interest in supporting her, Asa's future seems uncertain... until Makio blurts out in frustration that she will take care of her. The trouble is, Makio feels like the least qualified person to look after another human! Despite this, Makio does know a thing or two about loneliness, and writing, so suggests Asa start a diary to try and sort out her feelings.
A similar scenario to last season's Watashi wo Tabetai, Hitodenashi, but without the carnivorous mermaid! Here's hoping Makio can help steer Asa away from those dark depths of depression. Here, Asa's feelings of isolation are depicted as an endless dry desert rather than the ocean, which is no less apt a metaphor. I'm going to need to be in the right mood to watch this as it'll obviously touch on some sad topics, but this episode had a touch of humour to it as well. The two leads' interactions so far have been very awkward, I look forward to seeing them get to know each other better. Great visuals, voice acting and music to round it all out, definitely picked up.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365571/journal-with-witch
Makio is a 35 year old author, who lives a solitary life. She hates her older sister Minori - a fact that doesn't change even after Minori and her partner die in a car crash. But this event brings her into contact with Minori's 15 year old daughter, her niece Asa. Unsure how to process what has happened, and with no other relatives showing interest in supporting her, Asa's future seems uncertain... until Makio blurts out in frustration that she will take care of her. The trouble is, Makio feels like the least qualified person to look after another human! Despite this, Makio does know a thing or two about loneliness, and writing, so suggests Asa start a diary to try and sort out her feelings.
A similar scenario to last season's Watashi wo Tabetai, Hitodenashi, but without the carnivorous mermaid! Here's hoping Makio can help steer Asa away from those dark depths of depression. Here, Asa's feelings of isolation are depicted as an endless dry desert rather than the ocean, which is no less apt a metaphor. I'm going to need to be in the right mood to watch this as it'll obviously touch on some sad topics, but this episode had a touch of humour to it as well. The two leads' interactions so far have been very awkward, I look forward to seeing them get to know each other better. Great visuals, voice acting and music to round it all out, definitely picked up.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365571/journal-with-witch
As usual, I'll keep my posts shorter for the sequels:
Golden Kamuy: Saishuushou (Golden Kamuy Final Season)
Straight into the action, with absolutely no recap 3 years after S4 ended! All the players are converging on Sapporo, with Sugimoto and Hijikata wasting no time getting into a fight with each other... but with Tsurumi posing a bigger threat, could their parties be better off working together? Can Asirpa crack the code hidden in the tattoos that points towards the location of the Ainu gold, or will the convincing fakes throw her off? Never mind that, there's a serial killer to catch first! Honestly, there's so much going on in this series that I'm struggling to keep track of who's who, but it manages to be incredibly hilarious on top of it all, so I don't care. Looking forward to the big finale!
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY8DWQN5Y/golden-kamuy
Golden Kamuy: Saishuushou (Golden Kamuy Final Season)
Straight into the action, with absolutely no recap 3 years after S4 ended! All the players are converging on Sapporo, with Sugimoto and Hijikata wasting no time getting into a fight with each other... but with Tsurumi posing a bigger threat, could their parties be better off working together? Can Asirpa crack the code hidden in the tattoos that points towards the location of the Ainu gold, or will the convincing fakes throw her off? Never mind that, there's a serial killer to catch first! Honestly, there's so much going on in this series that I'm struggling to keep track of who's who, but it manages to be incredibly hilarious on top of it all, so I don't care. Looking forward to the big finale!
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY8DWQN5Y/golden-kamuy
Moving away from Crunchyroll for the first time this season, what does Amazon Prime Video have to offer?
Darwin Jihen (The Darwin Incident)
After an animal welfare activist organisation raids a science lab, releasing the captive animals inside, they discover a chimpanzee about to give birth. Amazingly, the baby is found to be half chimpanzee, and half human, a result of one of the lab's experiments! Now, 15 years later, this 'Humanzee' named Charlie has been adopted by human parents, and is just starting at a normal high school. Due to his distinctive appearance and one of a kind fame, he is treated with a mixture of fear, curiosity, hatred and excitement from his fellow pupils. With the activists once again turning their sights towards him, will Charlie be able to live a normal human life - and is that even the best thing for him?
This is hands down the most original premise of any anime this season. The first episode featured posed multiple philosophical questions (some direct, others implied) about how humans interact with animals, and with each other. Are our lives worth more than theirs? Could Charlie be a bridge between two worlds, or is he doomed to not fit in with either? Heck, I don't think I've seen veganism feature so heavily in anime before, though the ALA terrorists aren't exactly a positive example! I'm curious to see more of Charlie's story, so this is definitely picked up. Production-wise, the animation looked a bit clunky in places, but the opening theme was super catchy, an early winter favourite!
Official Prime Video link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FZLR1NWG/
Darwin Jihen (The Darwin Incident)
After an animal welfare activist organisation raids a science lab, releasing the captive animals inside, they discover a chimpanzee about to give birth. Amazingly, the baby is found to be half chimpanzee, and half human, a result of one of the lab's experiments! Now, 15 years later, this 'Humanzee' named Charlie has been adopted by human parents, and is just starting at a normal high school. Due to his distinctive appearance and one of a kind fame, he is treated with a mixture of fear, curiosity, hatred and excitement from his fellow pupils. With the activists once again turning their sights towards him, will Charlie be able to live a normal human life - and is that even the best thing for him?
This is hands down the most original premise of any anime this season. The first episode featured posed multiple philosophical questions (some direct, others implied) about how humans interact with animals, and with each other. Are our lives worth more than theirs? Could Charlie be a bridge between two worlds, or is he doomed to not fit in with either? Heck, I don't think I've seen veganism feature so heavily in anime before, though the ALA terrorists aren't exactly a positive example! I'm curious to see more of Charlie's story, so this is definitely picked up. Production-wise, the animation looked a bit clunky in places, but the opening theme was super catchy, an early winter favourite!
Official Prime Video link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FZLR1NWG/
Quarterly reminder that other people are allowed to post in these threads, they aren't just for me to talk to myself! 
Is anyone out there watching anything in here? Here's what I went with today:
Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu. (Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table)
Six girls wake up in a strange manor, each wearing maid uniforms. They are here to play a high stakes game, escaping a series of deadly locked room puzzles, putting their lives on the line for a chance at a big cash reward for any survivors. Some are there to pay off their debts, or their families debts, others were tricked into taking part... and then there's our protagonist, Yuuki, who claims to have entered 27 previous games. Due to her experience, and her altruistic play style focused on getting as many people through as possible - they might meet and work together again in a future game, after all - the group immediately elect Yuuki as their leader. Who will make it out alive?
This first episode was one of the most unsettling things I have watched in a long time. The sound direction was superb: everything from the slow 'tick... tock' of the grandfather clock in the first meeting room, the soft and eerie BGM, and the fantastic use of a particular well-known English language song at the end, bravo! Animation direction was also very distinctive, letterboxed as the screenshot above demonstrates, great use of shots from different 'camera angles'. I like a good survival game, but emphasis on good; most end up being trash that I watch for laughs rather than scares. This might be the first anime in a while to deliver what I'm really looking for.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365787/shiboyugi-playing-death-games-to-put-food-on-the-table
And this one's also on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/82047155
Is anyone out there watching anything in here? Here's what I went with today:Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu. (Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table)
Six girls wake up in a strange manor, each wearing maid uniforms. They are here to play a high stakes game, escaping a series of deadly locked room puzzles, putting their lives on the line for a chance at a big cash reward for any survivors. Some are there to pay off their debts, or their families debts, others were tricked into taking part... and then there's our protagonist, Yuuki, who claims to have entered 27 previous games. Due to her experience, and her altruistic play style focused on getting as many people through as possible - they might meet and work together again in a future game, after all - the group immediately elect Yuuki as their leader. Who will make it out alive?
This first episode was one of the most unsettling things I have watched in a long time. The sound direction was superb: everything from the slow 'tick... tock' of the grandfather clock in the first meeting room, the soft and eerie BGM, and the fantastic use of a particular well-known English language song at the end, bravo! Animation direction was also very distinctive, letterboxed as the screenshot above demonstrates, great use of shots from different 'camera angles'. I like a good survival game, but emphasis on good; most end up being trash that I watch for laughs rather than scares. This might be the first anime in a while to deliver what I'm really looking for.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365787/shiboyugi-playing-death-games-to-put-food-on-the-table
And this one's also on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/82047155
Episodes 1 and 2 aired on the same day, but as usual, I'm basing this post only on the first episode.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu (Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game)
One of anime's biggest names returns, with an exciting episode that seemed to fly by! Great animation and fight scenes, absolutely some of the best this season - if not the whole year - will have to offer. I just wish my memory was better... it's been two and a half years since S2, and I've forgotten most of what happened in the leadup to the current events! No recap here to help me out; in fact, ep 1 opened on a flash forward with characters who were only introduced later, which only disoriented me further. Guess I'll read some episode synopses to refresh my memory before starting the next ep, because I do NOT want to drop this, but if I can't keep up with the plot then I might shelve it for later.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRDV0019R/jujutsu-kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu (Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game)
One of anime's biggest names returns, with an exciting episode that seemed to fly by! Great animation and fight scenes, absolutely some of the best this season - if not the whole year - will have to offer. I just wish my memory was better... it's been two and a half years since S2, and I've forgotten most of what happened in the leadup to the current events! No recap here to help me out; in fact, ep 1 opened on a flash forward with characters who were only introduced later, which only disoriented me further. Guess I'll read some episode synopses to refresh my memory before starting the next ep, because I do NOT want to drop this, but if I can't keep up with the plot then I might shelve it for later.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRDV0019R/jujutsu-kaisen
Toumei Otoko to Ningen Onna: Sonouchi Fuufu ni Naru Futari (The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife)
Yakou is a blind woman who cannot see, and Tounome is an invisible man who cannot be seen. They both work together at Tounome's detective agency. Though being invisible does have its advantages when it comes to following targets, it does mean that Tounome's presence is easily missed, leading to a potentially lonely existance. But Tounome notices that Yakou, due to her not relying on sight, is able to tell where he is via sound or scent, even when he tries to hide his presence - to her, he is no different from anyone else. The two start to develop feelings for each other, and Tounome asks Yakou out for their first date.
Despite the title, their romance is only just beginning, with the first half of the ep focusing on said first date! Absolutely adorable. The second half introduced the other two members of the detective agency, and the work they do: a lot of investigating cheating partners, as is the stereotype. I like how Yakou is shown to be perfectly capable of doing her clerical job at the agency, with not only aids and adaptations, but also non-patronising verbal prompts from her co-workers - this world full of fantasy beings with vastly different body types and capabilities may have a few messages for us in the real world about acceptance and respect. Picking this up as a change of pace, alongside all the action.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365610/the-invisible-man-and-his-soon-to-be-wife
Yakou is a blind woman who cannot see, and Tounome is an invisible man who cannot be seen. They both work together at Tounome's detective agency. Though being invisible does have its advantages when it comes to following targets, it does mean that Tounome's presence is easily missed, leading to a potentially lonely existance. But Tounome notices that Yakou, due to her not relying on sight, is able to tell where he is via sound or scent, even when he tries to hide his presence - to her, he is no different from anyone else. The two start to develop feelings for each other, and Tounome asks Yakou out for their first date.
Despite the title, their romance is only just beginning, with the first half of the ep focusing on said first date! Absolutely adorable. The second half introduced the other two members of the detective agency, and the work they do: a lot of investigating cheating partners, as is the stereotype. I like how Yakou is shown to be perfectly capable of doing her clerical job at the agency, with not only aids and adaptations, but also non-patronising verbal prompts from her co-workers - this world full of fantasy beings with vastly different body types and capabilities may have a few messages for us in the real world about acceptance and respect. Picking this up as a change of pace, alongside all the action.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365610/the-invisible-man-and-his-soon-to-be-wife
Same as before, two episodes are out, but I've only watched the first.
Champignon no Majo (Champignon Witch)
Luna is a black witch, who lives alone in a forest, leaving a trail of poisonous mushrooms wherever she walks. She makes powerful medicines to sell at the local town, but with the exception of the apothecary who buys them from her, and a bookshop owner descended from spirits, everyone else avoids her like the plague - and even those two protect themselves with scents and disinfectants. The townsfolk's fears are not entirely unwarranted: anyone who touches Luna's body will begin to rot and die! Despite the cold treatment, Luna is not lonely, enjoying watching and helping them from a distance, and losing herself in books... until she starts to take more of an interest in romance.
I really like the way this is presented like a fairy tale, complete with a narrator, who fills us in on our often quiet protagonist's backstory and inner thoughts. Feels like any object Luna interacts with, from mushrooms to her hat or even her house, is liable to suddenly grow a face and start interacting back, it's all really whimsical and cute... but bittersweet, since she's treated with fear and revulsion by people for something she cannot prevent. Even acting out her fantasies with living drawings has unintended side effects on them. I think in terms of world building and setting, this might be the strongest first episode of the season so far. I wonder what the moral of this story will be, if any?
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365553/champignon-witch
Champignon no Majo (Champignon Witch)
Luna is a black witch, who lives alone in a forest, leaving a trail of poisonous mushrooms wherever she walks. She makes powerful medicines to sell at the local town, but with the exception of the apothecary who buys them from her, and a bookshop owner descended from spirits, everyone else avoids her like the plague - and even those two protect themselves with scents and disinfectants. The townsfolk's fears are not entirely unwarranted: anyone who touches Luna's body will begin to rot and die! Despite the cold treatment, Luna is not lonely, enjoying watching and helping them from a distance, and losing herself in books... until she starts to take more of an interest in romance.
I really like the way this is presented like a fairy tale, complete with a narrator, who fills us in on our often quiet protagonist's backstory and inner thoughts. Feels like any object Luna interacts with, from mushrooms to her hat or even her house, is liable to suddenly grow a face and start interacting back, it's all really whimsical and cute... but bittersweet, since she's treated with fear and revulsion by people for something she cannot prevent. Even acting out her fantasies with living drawings has unintended side effects on them. I think in terms of world building and setting, this might be the strongest first episode of the season so far. I wonder what the moral of this story will be, if any?
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365553/champignon-witch
Original post
by AngryJellyfishJujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu (Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game)
...I've forgotten most of what happened...
...I've forgotten most of what happened...
If anyone else's memory of earlier Jujutsu Kaisen series is a bit hazy, and doesn't have the time to rewatch it all from the beginning, I found this video to be a really helpful recap! Going to give episode 2 a go now, in hopes I'll get more out of it now.
I did my revision in advance this time - if anyone else wants a recap for Jigokuraku, this linked video got me back up to speed.
Jigokuraku S2 (Hell's Paradise S2)
Following issues with his Tao awakening, Gabimaru is suffering from amnesia, unable to remember his wife. His party meets runs into brothers Aza Chobe and Toma, with Gabimaru fighting the former, but the gaps in his memory distract him. Chobe, meanwhile, has incredible regenerative powers following his time in the flower pit. Away from the island, we learn that more members of the Yamada executioner clan are being sent there to aid the search for the elixir of life, along with some Iwagakure ninja - the same ninja clan who betrayed Gabimaru. A decent ep with great action, but I hope the whole memory loss thing is resolved fast, as a whole series worth of character development went with it...
Jigokuraku S2 (Hell's Paradise S2)
Following issues with his Tao awakening, Gabimaru is suffering from amnesia, unable to remember his wife. His party meets runs into brothers Aza Chobe and Toma, with Gabimaru fighting the former, but the gaps in his memory distract him. Chobe, meanwhile, has incredible regenerative powers following his time in the flower pit. Away from the island, we learn that more members of the Yamada executioner clan are being sent there to aid the search for the elixir of life, along with some Iwagakure ninja - the same ninja clan who betrayed Gabimaru. A decent ep with great action, but I hope the whole memory loss thing is resolved fast, as a whole series worth of character development went with it...
Don't forget to join in, let us know which anime series you're interested in this season, or what you thought of any first episodes you've seen so far.
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (Kaya-chan Isn't Scary)
Kaya-chan is known as a problem child in her kindergarten, often found blocking kids from using swings, or taping up picture books to stop others reading them. A previous teacher even quit due to the stress of having to deal with her! But Kaya acts this way for a reason: she was born a powerful psychic, able to see the harmful spirits that haunt the kindergarten, which she fights or seals away to the best of her ability. But nobody else will believe her. Eventually, teacher Chie-sensei starts to catch glimpses of these horrors herself, and realizes what's going on, choosing to put her trust in the young girl. But at home, Kaya-chan finds herself facing a force that even her powers cannot compete with...
Not a bad introduction! Similar vibes to the horror anime Dark Gathering (from the same director), largely due to the same purple filter every time something spooky happens, though this is nowhere near as grim or terrifying at this early stage. Certainly feels different having such a young protagonist, though I feel Kaya's actions are going to speak louder than her words - which I can understand, if everyone thinks she's a liar, makes sense that she'd stop trying to explain herself and just exorcise the ghosts solo. Hopefully that will change now that she has at least one adult on her side. Decent plot hook at the end, implying that it won't just be 'monster of the week' fare.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365583/kaya-chan-isnt-scary
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (Kaya-chan Isn't Scary)
Kaya-chan is known as a problem child in her kindergarten, often found blocking kids from using swings, or taping up picture books to stop others reading them. A previous teacher even quit due to the stress of having to deal with her! But Kaya acts this way for a reason: she was born a powerful psychic, able to see the harmful spirits that haunt the kindergarten, which she fights or seals away to the best of her ability. But nobody else will believe her. Eventually, teacher Chie-sensei starts to catch glimpses of these horrors herself, and realizes what's going on, choosing to put her trust in the young girl. But at home, Kaya-chan finds herself facing a force that even her powers cannot compete with...
Not a bad introduction! Similar vibes to the horror anime Dark Gathering (from the same director), largely due to the same purple filter every time something spooky happens, though this is nowhere near as grim or terrifying at this early stage. Certainly feels different having such a young protagonist, though I feel Kaya's actions are going to speak louder than her words - which I can understand, if everyone thinks she's a liar, makes sense that she'd stop trying to explain herself and just exorcise the ghosts solo. Hopefully that will change now that she has at least one adult on her side. Decent plot hook at the end, implying that it won't just be 'monster of the week' fare.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365583/kaya-chan-isnt-scary
Reply 19
Original post
by AngryJellyfishDon't forget to join in, let us know which anime series you're interested in this season, or what you thought of any first episodes you've seen so far.
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (Kaya-chan Isn't Scary)
Kaya-chan is known as a problem child in her kindergarten, often found blocking kids from using swings, or taping up picture books to stop others reading them. A previous teacher even quit due to the stress of having to deal with her! But Kaya acts this way for a reason: she was born a powerful psychic, able to see the harmful spirits that haunt the kindergarten, which she fights or seals away to the best of her ability. But nobody else will believe her. Eventually, teacher Chie-sensei starts to catch glimpses of these horrors herself, and realizes what's going on, choosing to put her trust in the young girl. But at home, Kaya-chan finds herself facing a force that even her powers cannot compete with...
Not a bad introduction! Similar vibes to the horror anime Dark Gathering (from the same director), largely due to the same purple filter every time something spooky happens, though this is nowhere near as grim or terrifying at this early stage. Certainly feels different having such a young protagonist, though I feel Kaya's actions are going to speak louder than her words - which I can understand, if everyone thinks she's a liar, makes sense that she'd stop trying to explain herself and just exorcise the ghosts solo. Hopefully that will change now that she has at least one adult on her side. Decent plot hook at the end, implying that it won't just be 'monster of the week' fare.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365583/kaya-chan-isnt-scary
Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai (Kaya-chan Isn't Scary)
Kaya-chan is known as a problem child in her kindergarten, often found blocking kids from using swings, or taping up picture books to stop others reading them. A previous teacher even quit due to the stress of having to deal with her! But Kaya acts this way for a reason: she was born a powerful psychic, able to see the harmful spirits that haunt the kindergarten, which she fights or seals away to the best of her ability. But nobody else will believe her. Eventually, teacher Chie-sensei starts to catch glimpses of these horrors herself, and realizes what's going on, choosing to put her trust in the young girl. But at home, Kaya-chan finds herself facing a force that even her powers cannot compete with...
Not a bad introduction! Similar vibes to the horror anime Dark Gathering (from the same director), largely due to the same purple filter every time something spooky happens, though this is nowhere near as grim or terrifying at this early stage. Certainly feels different having such a young protagonist, though I feel Kaya's actions are going to speak louder than her words - which I can understand, if everyone thinks she's a liar, makes sense that she'd stop trying to explain herself and just exorcise the ghosts solo. Hopefully that will change now that she has at least one adult on her side. Decent plot hook at the end, implying that it won't just be 'monster of the week' fare.
Official Crunchyroll link: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00365583/kaya-chan-isnt-scary
ooo this looks good! but i dont really watch anime and struggle to find them online
it looks like it'd be an interesting show though!
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