The anime-loving community has been blessed this year. We have already hit the fall attractions of the year, but there is still so much to look forward to. It is impossible not to get excited about the upcoming anime attractions. Even looking at the releases the fans have been able to enjoy so far, it is breathtaking to think that there is still more and even more exciting anime yet to come.
So far, we have had the epic One Piece live-action beautifully brought to the screen by Netflix, a feat everyone thought impossible! We now have a perfect live-action film for the most popular anime series in the world. But that’s not all; we have already seen compelling story arcs in hit anime series like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Mashle: Magic and Muscles (*Potterheads look away or not).
The air is thick with inspiration for the fans eager to attend the Fall’23 Comic Cons in their favourite cosplay costumes, carrying iconic anime arsenals like the Black Nichirin Sword Umbrella from Demon Slayer or the vertical manoeuvring equipment from the AOT. Right now is the prime time to recount all the anime goodies we look forward to seeing in the coming months.
So, let's look at the top 5 most anticipated anime of 2023!
5. ONE PIECE: SEASON 20, WANO COUNTRY ARC
Based on one of the longest-running manga series, the One-Piece anime also has a mountain worth of episodes before reaching the ongoing story arc. It can be quite a feat to watch all 170+ episodes of Season 20 released so far alone.
But on top of that, new viewers must watch the 19 seasons before it! Piece of advice: Read the One-Piece manga to save time for the older seasons. But season 20 of Wano Country Arc is highly recommended, as the animation style used for the final battles of Wano is genuinely astounding.
4. BLEACH: THOUSAND-YEAR BLOOD WAR
Fans of Bleach have been eagerly anticipating the final arc of the anime series for a long time. Even new viewers are turning into devotees of Bleach fandom while watching the climactic final arc, “Thousand-Year Blood War,” unfold. We are finally witnessing Ichigo Kurosaki and his team of Soul Reapers taking on Yhwach, the Quincy King!
FYI, is it just me, or do the art style and music look even more impressive this season?
3. TOKYO REVENGERS SEASON 3
We're in for a sequel bonanza in the fall of 2023, and Tokyo Revengers season 3 is one of the ones fans are most hyped for. Season 3 will cover the Tenjiku arc, and if the ending of season 2 is any indication, it will be the most intense arc of the anime. Prepare to witness Takemichi, Mikey, and the Toman team battling their most lethal adversaries. One crucial point is that the Tenjiku arc in Tokyo Revengers is the final straw in pushing the storyline towards the series finale. If season 3 of Tokyo Revengers succeeds, the show will likely continue to adapt the remaining arcs until the series is fully adapted. Therefore, fans of the show can look forward to experiencing the entire story of Tokyo Revengers through the anime adaptation. Can we wish for it to be October 4th tomorrow?
2. SPY X FAMILY SEASON 2
Spy x Family season 2 is one of the most anticipated anime sequels of fall 2023. The first season was a huge hit, with fans and critics alike praising its incredible art and animation and its wholesome and humorous story about espionage and family. It is one of the most adorable ‘family of choice’ trope-based anime currently airing. Spy x Family season 2 will be available to stream this October on Crunchyroll. It is expected to be even better than the first season and include an original film called Spy x Family Code: White.
Can October please come already?
ATTACK ON TITAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS, PART 2
Oh, it's almost here! Attack on Titan's final season’s final part is finally coming in November. The author of the most-awaited anime in the world, Hajime Isayama, promises this will be the actual end. The previous series finale was quite a time to be on Twitter; now, get ready again for another wild ride. The production company behind the acclaimed monster fantasy television series announced that the final season will be split into two parts. The first part hit the fans like an out-of-control truck in March, and now we are waiting for the second bomb to drop in November. Finally, the apocalyptic finale is upon us, and Eren Yeager’s status as a protagonist is completely up in flames. Can we even call him an anti-hero at this point? With the Avenging Titans putting aside their differences to save what is left of the human race, this finale is bound to be more epic than anything we have ever witnessed from AOT.
Now that we are done with the main countdown, here are a few honourable mentions. These personal favourites are still pretty awesome, even if they are not considered the best.
JUNJI ITO MANIAC: JAPANESE TALES OF THE MACABRE
This year, horror author Junji Ito's 20 short stories were adapted into a Netflix anime series. The author is a master of terror and macabre and has amassed a cult following for his horror and grotesque illustrations. This anime does full justice to his masterpieces.
BUDDY DADDIES
Given the success of Spy x Family, the studios must have already known that they have an immediate audience for the new anime release, Buddy Daddies. The title alone is enough to spark your curiosity. Two single assassins, "the Buddy Daddies," are compelled to care for a little girl after a mission goes wrong. It is an adorable premise worth checking out.
VINLAND SAGA
I may be biased towards MAPPA Studios, but the Vinland Saga is the best Viking story ever told. It is a sprawling, decade-spanning manga written by Makoto Yukimura, following Thorfinn, the son of a vanquished Viking warrior who now serves the mercenaries who slaughtered his father. Animated by MAPPA, the studio behind legends like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man, this anime is in a class of its own. If you are a fan of Viking tales, then you need to check out the Vinland Saga. It is the best one out there.
