By: Peggy Sue Wood @pswediting

As a new season approaches, it’s time to highlight some of the upcoming releases I’ll be adding to my watchlist (and, of course, sharing that here in case you want to check it out too!). From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming slice-of-life series, there’s something for everyone this season—even a sports title or two! Here are the top anime I’m looking forward to this season:

Lazarus

Premise: The year is 2052, and humanity enjoys an era of unprecedented peace thanks to a revolutionary drug called Hapuna, created by Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. However, the drug has a fatal side effect, and everyone who has taken it will die in three years, which Dr. Skinner reveals before disappearing. Now the main characters are on a mission to find him and potentially save the world.

The vibe I got when watching the trailer for this series is that it is very Cowboy Bebop-coded even though the premise is pretty different. There is just something about this show that stands out to me and therefore it has made it to the top of my must-watch list this season.

Mono

Premise: When the Photography and Cinema Clubs at the characters’ school are on the verge of shutting down, they merge into the Cinephoto Club and together the students of this club travel across Japan capturing its beauty, experiencing local delicacies and experiment with unique filming gadgets.

This series comes off as a laid-back anime themed around cultural exploration—definitely one to check out! I imagine, in its own way, that this will be similar to Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! with cultural exploration similar to Zombieland Saga based on the premise and that’s kind of exciting, which is why I added it here.

Kanchigai no Atelier Meister: Eiyuu Party no Moto Zatsuyougakari ga, Jitsu wa Sentou Igai ga SSS Rank Datta to Iu Yoku Aru Hanashi

Premise: Kurt, a kind-hearted boy, is suddenly expelled from the Hero’s Party for being “useless.” Though his combat skills are ranked the lowest, he excels in every non-combat skill—all of which are at an SSS-rank level!

Having checked out the manga prior, I imagine that the anime will be a classic fantasy regarding a main character with OP support skills. The manga had a trope-heavy start, but it’s probably worth watching if you enjoy this type of story. (I certainly do!)

The Beginning After the End / Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru?

Premise: The strongest king in history, reincarnated as a young boy named Arthur in a new and exciting world. Surrounded by a loving family and new companions, Arthur begins to experience life in a way he never did in his lonely life as a king.

The web novel and comic have gained massive international popularity, so this title probably doesn’t need an introduction. Having read a sizable chunk of both the novel and the comic on Tapas for several years, I look forward to seeing the adaptation releasing this season!

Anne Shirley

Premise: Based on the beloved Anne of Green Gables, this anime follows the imaginative and temperamental orphan Anne Shirley as she unexpectedly finds a home with the Cuthbert siblings in Avonlea.

As a fans of the Netflix series Anne with an E, as well as the original series, I can hardly wait to check this one out!

Fire Force Season 3 / Enen no Shouboutai: San no Shou

Premise: Third Season

The highly anticipated third season of Fire Force is finally here! I am sure there will be more explosive battles, intense fire-fighting-fire action, and (of course) spontaneous human combustion.

Everyday Host

Premise: Hajime Sekiguchi, a former life insurance salesman, unexpectedly finds himself in the world of host clubs, carving out a niche for himself in an industry it seems he wasn’t expecting to be in.

The premise looks hilarious, though I’m on the fence about Studio Fanworks’ art style. The trailer was hilarious, though, so I think that this is still worth giving a shot!

Shoushimin Series Season 2 / Shoushimin: How to Become Ordinary 2

Premise: Season 2 of a series. Season 1’s premise is about Jougorou Kobato, a person determined to live an ordinary life and free himself from his former detective tendencies. He enters high school aiming to remain unnoticed but everyday mysteries keep popping up and old habits die hard.

After seeing the trailer for Season 2, I plan to catch up on Season 1 before diving into this new installment. I hadn’t watched it before, though I think I had intended to do so. Regardless, I’m very much looking forward to it this season!

Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc / Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen

Premise: Adapting the Emerald Witch Arc from the well-loved Black Butler series, once more we find Sebastian and Ciel working under the Queen’s orders. This time they are traveling to Germany to investigate the “Werewolf Forest,” a place cursed by mysterious deaths.

I must say that Black Butler fans like myself are probably rejoicing as another thrilling season is upon us! This is one of the most interesting seasons yet and I’m super excited because the more arcs that come, the more likely we are to get to________________________<Editorial Note: Redacted for spoilers!

Movies to Watch Out For

Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World / Dragon Heart: Reikai Tanbouki

Premise: After being swept away by a river, junior high student Ryusuke and his cousin Tomomi are rescued by a dragon—only to learn they have died. They are given a chance to return to life by a mysterious old man, but to do so they must explore the spirit world and find their true mission.

This one looks like an interesting exploration into topics regarding life and the afterlife. I’m planning to check it out and, who knows, maybe there will be a blog post on it later!

Detective Conan Movie 28: One-Eyed Flashback / Meitantei Conan Movie 28: Sekigan no Flashback

Another mystery for Detective Conan Edogawa (aka Shinichi Kudo!) – I don’t think I need to tell you all the premise. Realistically, if you are a Detective Conan fan like me, I probably don’t need to say more than the title!

Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7 Special / Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi Special

This gentle, supernatural slice-of-life series continues with a special episode. If you love Natsume’s Book of Friends, this is a must-watch!

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This season is packed with a mix of action, fantasy, slice-of-life, and mysteries. Whether you’re looking for high-stakes battles, lighthearted cultural explorations, or thrilling detective stories, I think that there’s something for everyone. Honestly, this seems like one of the most balanced and exciting anime seasons that I’ve seen in a while. So, what are you most excited to watch this season? Let me know in the comments below!

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Copyedited by: Katherine Cañeba | @kcserinlee