As we approach Christmas I’m currently binging through a few sports animes from the past seasons. Having just finished Harukana Receive (Beach volleyball) and Hanebado! (Badminton) from this summer season I’m now getting through 3-gatsu no Lion season 1 and 2 (Shogi) which began back in 2016. I was a fan of Honey & Clover so 3-gatsu no Lion which is by the same author is pretty entertaining (and as a chess fan it’s fun to get to see a bit shogi).
However, this post isn’t about what I’m watching (anyhow I’m always behind the curve on what’s currently in demand), but take a look at what’s coming in the next season, and it’s basically the return of some massive anime hits!
Boogiepop wa Warawanai
Starting already January 4. is the return to the world of Boogiepop. The universe which is based on a series of light novels by Kadono Kouhei and illustrated by Ogata Kouji last got an anime adaption back in 2000. I was a fan of the old series (although to be frank I don’t remember too much of the 12 episode long series). It was pretty adult, violent and weird and I’m hope this new attempt delivers.
Mob Psycho 100 II
A season 2 series gathering much hype is Mob Psycho 100 II which begins airing January 7. The show featuring superpowered psychics battling it out and plenty of comedy was one of the best shows of 2016, and while the appetite was wheted a bit this year by an OVA with mostly re-edited shots from the series it will be great to get a new season.
Kakegurui XX
A third show return for a new season this winter is Kakegurui which begins on January 9. The show features a high school where extreme gambling is the rule among the students. The first season was was filled with pretty psychotic characters, mature situation and pleasing animation (done by MAPPA) and you could expect more fo the same this time around.
Gekijouban City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes
This winter will also see the return of a true anime classic as City Hunter gets a full length movie set to be released February 8. City Hunter was a long running anime show dating back to 1987. The main character, Saeba Ryu, was and still is voiced by the wonderful Kamiya Akira. A legend in the voice acting business, with classics like Maison Ikkoku, City Hunter and Meitantei Conan (where he originally voiced the Mouri Kogorou), the film is worth watching just to hear Kamiya Akira.
Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System
Another popular franchise following the movie route is Psycho Pass which is set to release 3 movies during the first half of 2019. The first coming January 25, second in February 15 with the last of the trilogy arriving in March 8. The franchise, which has that interesting “Koukaku Kidoutai”-feel has already spawned two season and with the Psycho Pass the movie from 2015 being it’s latest release.
Eiga no Osomatsu-san
The third franchise following up its success with a movie this winter is Osomatasu-san (itself a modern and more mature version of a big manga and anime franchise) which is set to open in March 15. Osomatsu-san is one of the funniest comedies in recent times, often playing with the whole convention of anime shows (I just love meta-humor when done properly!) and the movie albeit not as good as a new season is sure to please.
A sneak peak at what’s coming this spring season
I can’t really stop writing without mentioning that another big return in 2019 is of course the second season of One Punch Man. Set to begin airing in April. It’s going to be hard to pick the most badass main character this season…
Yeah, and as that news isn’t big enough, a new season of Shingeki no Kyoujin (Attack on Titan) will also start broadcasting in April – it’s going to be a bloody good year for anime fans!
Tabletop Cave 