By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

Sousou no Frieren 2nd Season / Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is returning for a second season, and I couldn’t be more excited. The first season was a beautifully slow-paced series and, in recent seasons, the only show I’ve found comparable is Mizu Zokusei no Mahoutsukai / The Water Magician from last summer, which is also available on Crunchyroll. I love the journey-focused storytelling and pacing, so Season 2 is definitely at the top of my watch list!

Jujutsu Kaisen 3rd Season / Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3

The next season of Jujutsu Kaisen is definitely an escalation from last season. Having just watched the recent movie release, I’m sure that the continuation will be worth the wait!

Medalist 2nd Season / Medalist Season 2

Season 2 of Medalist continues its exploration of competitive figure skating, and I’m excited to recommend it once again. I was impressed by the early episodes of Season 1, and I hope Season 2 brings the same level of care and dedication as before.

Ikoku Nikki / Journal with Witch

The description for this series on MyAnimeList immediately caught my attention. Thirty-five-year-old novelist Makio Koudai, following the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, takes in her fifteen-year-old niece. Based on this premise, I expect a reflective drama and slice-of-life story, maybe following both character’s perspectives. This is definitely a series I’ll be keeping an eye on!

Odayaka Kizoku no Kyuuka no Susume. / A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation

Several years ago, I read the first volume of this series and found it to be a very enjoyable isekai story. Because of its slow pace, I eventually let it slip by, but now that it’s receiving an anime adaptation, I’ll definitely be picking it back up and watching the series this coming season.

Arne no Jikenbo / The Case Book of Arne

I don’t know what to say—this just looks cute, gothic, and completely up my alley. This new mystery series, which combines vampires with Sherlock-style detective imagery, has made my list this season almost entirely based on aesthetics. I’m sure the story will be good too… but honestly, the kawaii won me over on this one so fingers crossed!

Saioshi no Gikei wo Mederu Tame, Nagaiki shimasu! / I’ll Live A Long Life to Adore My Absolute Fave—Currently My Stepbrother!

This BL anime looks cute, but I do have some reservations. I’m generally not a fan of pseudo-incest or incest themes of any kind (Vampire Knight really set that in stone for me). However, a friend of mine has read the light novel and insisted it’s a must-watch this season, so I’m willing to set aside my concerns and give it a chance. She was adamant that it’s an isekai love story without toxic elements and even encouraged me to recommend it here. So, here it is: a fantasy romance centered on a devoted fan who is reincarnated close to his favorite character. His goal is simple—extend his own life so his favorite’s tragic backstory never has to happen. I’m hoping for a lighthearted story that ends up being more fun than concerning.

Meitantei Conan: Episode “Zero” – Kudou Shinichi Suizokukan Jihen

Special Detective Conan episode(s) celebrating 30 years of animation is set to release this January, and I absolutely plan to watch. I love this series and have followed it on and off for years. I’m looking forward to celebrating this 30-year animation milestone for a franchise whose manga began publishing since just a few months before I was born! It’s been fascinating to watch the evolution of technology and animation styles over the course of my own life with the show, and it makes me wonder how much longer the series will continue. Of course, it has to be on my watch list!

Ansatsu Kyoushitsu Movie: Minna no Jikan / Assassination Classroom

The animated series originally aired in 2015, so a new movie arriving nearly ten years later feels like a fun (and nostalgic) surprise. Assassination Classroom left a lasting impression on me with the ending, so seeing that the film plans to adapt parts from the series that couldn’t fit in the original run is something that I think will be enjoyable for longtime fans.

Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken Movie 2: Soukai no Namida-hen / That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea

I saved the best for last! The second movie installment of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is, without a doubt, the release I’m most excited for. I’ve been watching this series since it first aired and love seeing Rimuru enjoy his isekai slime life. I can’t wait to see how the movie expands the world even further—and, of course, to enjoy some truly epic fights!

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Copyedited by: Katherine Cañeba | @kcserinlee