Upcoming Anime Season: Spring 2023

[MFauli]

About a month until the new season begins. Already. Winter felt really short, probably also because there was no BIG, hype anime - well, in my opinion anyway. Vinland was supposed to be, but ended up with snail pacing and lack of action.

Check AniList (https://anichart.net/Spring-2023) to see what's planned to air.

[MFauli]

And here's what catches my eye:

- Kimetsu no Yaiba New Season (why, of course)
- KonoSuba New Season (why, of course)
- Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia (sounds like it could be a cute love-story)
- Ousama Ranking Season 2 (most hyped show for me, let's go, Bochi!)
- Gundam: Mercury Witch Season 2 (after THAT end of S1, my #2 hyped show. Don't disappoint, pls)
- My Home Hero (WTF, that looks SO good. Potential show of the season?)
- Tengoku Daimakyou (looks interesting, can't say more yet)
- Ao no Orchestra (I like music anime, but the animation looks mediocre here. Giving it a try)


On WTF-news: Smartphone Isekai gets a 2nd season ... why ...

[Kraco]

Scanning through the list, right now I can only say I'll obviously watch Konosuba. I'll have to pick a couple of additional series when the time comes.

[Ryllharu]

Must watch:
- Oshi no Ko - First episode is 90 minutes. Watch it. If anyone needs additional prodding, the author also wrote Kaguya-sama and most people like that.
- Kimestu no Yaiba - I keep in my mind that this series already has an end, so even if this arc doesn't live up to the same level as the last, it's building towards the already-written conclusion of the series, which is good to me. Good series keep people engaged, but great series have an end.
- Mahoutsukai no Yome - Loved the first season(s), totally down with more of this.
- Gundam Witch from Mercury S2 - It's always been good.
- Birdie Wing S2 - One of the real surprise hits for me last spring. I've been looking forward to more of this. One of the better sports originals to come out in a while.


Will Try:
- Konosuba is actually a Crimson Demon only season, and I'm less sure how well the franchise works with only one main gag instead of the other three it can rotate through.
- Rokudou no Onna-tachi - I read and enjoyed the manga (except for one dreadful arc early on). I'll give it a shot if it means more delinquent girl anime are coming.
- Kanojo ga Koushaku-tei ni Itta Riyuu - I am shamelessly addicted to josei/shoujo transmigration series. Korea does the better ones, so anime adapations are starting to tap into those.
- Otonari ni Ginga - Looks kinda good.
- Skip to Loafer - PA Works is on a redemption arc for their adaptations. I'll give it a 3-eps test.

Skip:
Dr. Stone S3 - I struggled to get through the last season, and I don't think I'll be continuing.
Megami no Cafe Terrace - I don't understand how Seo Kouji keeps getting anime adaptations of his rehashed plots.

[DarthEnderX]

Demon Slayer: Duh
Dr. Stone: Duh
KonoSuba spinoff: I'll watch it, even though I don't care about the particular concept.

I think that might be it...


- Ousama Ranking Season 2 (most hyped show for me, let's go, Bochi!)Apparently, it's just a special (https://ousamaranking.fandom.com/wiki/Ousama_Ranking:_Treasure_Chest_of_Courage). Not a 2nd season.

[KrayZ33]

I just saw the trailer of

Jigokuraku

The story sounds fun, the characters look amazing as well.
Male and Female MC have very interesting background stories.

I'm pretty sure I didn't see this on Anichart at first when I looked at it. It's from MAPPA as well, so the animation has to be good. And it starts in 3 days already.

[MFauli]

Hm, I'm not sure I'll keep watching that Konosuba Megumin-spinoff. It wasn't bad, but it's definitely very different with the others.

[Kraco]

Hm, I'm not sure I'll keep watching that Konosuba Megumin-spinoff. It wasn't bad, but it's definitely very different with the others.

As much as I like Megumin, I didn't enjoy the episode as much as I was expecting. Megumin is at her best together with the usual cast of Konosuba, so separating her like this, it doesn't hit the mark as much. Probably my general dislike of flashbacks is also affecting my enjoyment. This series is, essentially, nothing but one giant flashback, after all.

[Ryllharu]

Skip to Loafer has a good start. Got vibes of Kimi ni Todoke, Honey & Clover, and like an Inverse Barakamon. (edit: Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun more than anything else though.)

Only weird thing is the art of the lead I guess is intended to have her appear as plain compared to the rest of the cast, but instead it makes her feel like she's in the wrong series or a gag character.

But the animation is really good, and the cast is too.

[Ryllharu]

What the fuck did I just watch?!?

(Mahou Shoujo Magical Destroyers)

https://youtu.be/lEOrYZhMsvw

[KrayZ33]

Jigokurako is fun.

As long as you don't look at this and think it's supposed to be realistic or whatever.
But the atmosphere is there, the animation looks great, the OP is flipping nice and overall the FFA/Battle Royale theme is in my opinion more interesting due to the "monitor" (A samurai/swordsman) attached to each participant who has to survive alongside the criminal they are supposed to watch over.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr1UQlJxXB8

but I'm not going to lie, I might be a little biased because I just *love* female Samurai-esque (or knights/warrior in general) characters.
However, if you can accept "superpowers" in this show - I think it's quite fun so far.

[shinta|hikari]

I mean, its central conceit is the superpowers. The very first premise is that the dude won't die.

[KrayZ33]

I mean, its central conceit is the superpowers. The very first premise is that the dude won't die.

That's why I said you have to accept that...
If you say "laawwwwwwl, a sword broke when it came into contact with his neck - lmaoooo" you aren't going to have fun with it.

[shinta|hikari]

I was and am agreeing with you. I was emphasizing what you said. <3

My wife and I started watching this and enjoy it a lot between Slut of Mercury S1 catchups. I just feel bad that samurai lady won't get ninja D because of penis scar.

[MFauli]

Looks like we need some actual fan subbers for Ao no Orchestra. Hey Gotwoot, time for a revival :P

[MFauli]

Mercury Witch Season 2 Episode 1:

What a great way to start off the season: By entirely ignoring the cliffhanger of season 1 and starting back at school life. /s

Sigh. The anime destroyed what little hope I had in the blink of an eye. And this school has the worst defense mechanisms I've ever witnessed, fake-students getting in there at any corner, lol.

And FUCK Suletta. She continues being the worst assturd in all of anime. Some tried to kill her friend 2 times in a row, showing clear intent to kill, yet Suletta is like "can't we all be friends pls?". Made my blood boil. The duel challenge is so infinitely dumb and nonsensical. Go call security and have terrorists be removed. Tell your other friends about them. Anything. Not "give them a chance to succeed".

And ofc the episode ends by granting spoiled-brat Miorine another fancy position. I swear I've never seen a more privileged anime character. Just being given things without earning them.

[Ryllharu]

Mercury Witch Season 2 Episode 1:

What a great way to start off the season: By entirely ignoring the cliffhanger of season 1 and starting back at school life. /s

We have a thread for Gundam Witch from Mercury, and I'm glad you're continuing your traditional practice of letting every detail fly right past you, from the most minute, to the gross & obvious, and even the directly stated.

It was directly addressed from multiple viewpoints. But don't let reality interrupt your irrational hatred and projections.

[Ryllharu]

I gave up on Otonari ni Ginga a third of the way into the 2nd episode. I was into the series for most of the first episode, but then they introduced the supernatural element and it got honestly boring exceptionally fast. There's dozens of other series that do "accidental/arranged forced marriage that ends up growing into love" with supernatural elements so much better.

The best part of it was Endou Rina playing the little sister. She played Tsumugi in Amaama to Inazuma years ago as a child VA, and she's still really good at it. Kuno Misaki might finally have a peer at playing kids super well.

[Kraco]

I gave up on Otonari ni Ginga a third of the way into the 2nd episode. I was into the series for most of the first episode, but then they introduced the supernatural element and it got honestly boring exceptionally fast. There's dozens of other series that do "accidental/arranged forced marriage that ends up growing into love" with supernatural elements so much better.

The best part of it was Endou Rina playing the little sister. She played Tsumugi in Amaama to Inazuma years ago as a child VA, and she's still really good at it. Kuno Misaki might finally have a peer at playing kids super well.

Actually the supernatural element turned out to be quite interesting, as explained in the second ep.

However, I'm so greatly bothered by the MC dude's attitude that I might also end up dropping the show. I can't write much to avoid spoilers, but the dude is unsuitable for a romantic show, and he should probably get hit by a truck.

[David75]

Supernatural ? The story describes that as a symbiotic relationship with a micro-organism... I wonder what are the ups in that relation, because all I've seen up to now are downs.

I'm also irked by male MC, but also female MC. Overall the pace and events feel slow and boring.

[Kraco]

Supernatural ? The story describes that as a symbiotic relationship with a micro-organism...

Well, sure, but to avoid spoiling anything in this general thread, I just used Ryll's words.

[David75]

I know sometimes we tend to go a little beyond the spoiler protection act :cool:

[Ryllharu]

Dead Mount Death Play is actually pretty cute and fun. Baccano/DRRR writer, but more comedic with its necromancy than the previous series.

Less on the Stylish, much stronger on the morbid humor. So it still feels very much like a refinement on where the other two occasionally tread, with a lighter tone despite the much more gruesome and flippant individuals involved.

[David75]

World Dai Star:
I've had a feeling Kokona's friend is either imaginary or a ghost.
Probably the former, and Kokona's sense is the ability to have everyone believe she exists and is there either on stage and even IRL as Kokona's sense is active all the time.
Nothing to tell about the anime, small slices of scenes with gimmicky animation and sense power active when eyes glow.

[MFauli]

So, what are the must-watch anime this season? After dropping some, I'm in desperate need for more. There's a 4 day gap where nothing airs for me currently >_>

[Ryllharu]

So, what are the must-watch anime this season? After dropping some, I'm in desperate need for more. There's a 4 day gap where nothing airs for me currently >_>
Skip to Loafer. Hands down my favorite of the season.

Dead Mount Death Play is dumb but entertaining.

Oshi no Ko is kinda a given.

And I'm always going to advocate for Birdie Wing, Season 2. It's got everything.

Rokudou no Onna-tachi is a very retro-feeling series. Not just "like" a 1980s sukeban series, it very much is one.

Most things all air on basically the same few days. I just spread them out.

[shinta|hikari]

Can you explain why Skip to Loafer is good? I watched the 1st episode, but the face of the female protag turned me off.

I really like Jigokuraku for new anime this season. Yuusha ga Shinda reminds of of konosuba. Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia is a nice grounded story, along with Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu.

If you want an isekai, Kaminaki Sekai is a good one where the protag isn't OP and there are other powerful beings out there.

Ao no Orchestra seems nice for music anime enthusiasts. Mashle if you know Harry Potter and like OPM.

[MFauli]

- Skip to Loafer looks like a light-hearted romcom, not what I need rn
- Oshi no Ko looks like the ultimate netorare-story: The hero is the girl's gynecologist, then becomes her son, and is supposed to "protect her smile", but has no change to ever bone her? Ugh
- Jigokuraku looks like another anime for 12-year olds, I'd rather rewatch Claymore
- Yuusha ga Shinda, again not looking for comedy
- Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu, another meme-comedy show


Kaminaki Sekai looks kinda interesting. Are the serious parts good or is it mostly comedy? Trailer wasn't clear about it.

[DarthEnderX]

- Oshi no Ko looks like the ultimate netorare-story: The hero is the girl's gynecologist, then becomes her son, and is supposed to "protect her smile", but has no change to ever bone her? UghLol! Is that the summary they went with? Props for them trying to avoid spoiling, but goddamn, not what that series is actually about.

[MFauli]

Lol! Is that the summary they went with? Props for them trying to avoid spoiling, but goddamn, not what that series is actually about.


This is what MAL says:


Sixteen-year-old Ai Hoshino is a talented and beautiful idol who is adored by her fans. She is the personification of a pure, young maiden. But all that glitters is not gold.

Gorou Amemiya is a countryside gynecologist and a big fan of Ai. So when the pregnant idol shows up at his hospital, he is beyond bewildered. Gorou promises her a safe delivery. Little does he know, an encounter with a mysterious figure would result in his untimely death—or so he thought.

Opening his eyes in the lap of his beloved idol, Gorou finds that he has been reborn as Aquamarine Hoshino—Ai's newborn son! With his world turned upside down, Gorou soon learns that the world of showbiz is paved with thorns, where talent does not always beget success. Will he manage to protect Ai's smile that he loves so much with the help of an eccentric and unexpected ally?


So is there more to it? Why the fuck is it sitting at a score over 9.0?! One of the best anime ever?

[David75]

Watch first ep (a 3 eps long movie actually). If you can tolerate some arm twisting, you'll have a better understanding of the summary and will be able to decide for yourself. You need to spend some time watching though.

[Ryllharu]

Can you explain why Skip to Loafer is good? I watched the 1st episode, but the face of the female protag turned me off.
Yes, you sort of need to get past her derp face. I guess it's meant to convey how plain she is, but even with her looking out of place with the rest of the cast, it still works. Mitsumi is out of place with the rest of the cast, and ultimately she's still very expressive as the series progresses. Kurosawa Tomoyo and the rest of the cast sell the series hard with a very grounded performance to it all.

The series is all the good bits of Kimi no Todoke, Kare Kano, Euphonium, and Hana Yori Dango. The "true classics" of the coming of age romance dramas.

It's a really solid series.

They really excel at characters interacting and growing from seeing each others' perspectives. The ensemble feels like actual human beings instead of character archetypes. They're all multi-layered, dynamic, and as you learn more about each of them, it makes sense why they are how they are.


So is there more to it? Why the fuck is it sitting at a score over 9.0?! One of the best anime ever?
Just watch the first episode with its theatrical length, like David said.

[DarthEnderX]

So is there more to it?You already watched it, so I don't need to answer. :p

[MFauli]

Someone else pls make a thread for summer, because I just looked at its anime and there's like 1-2 anime at best I'll watch. Worst season ever coming up? Ugh

[Ryllharu]

I'll happily take the break from pretty heavy weighted seasons before another loaded season in the Fall.

You're not looking forward to Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 3?!!? Looks like they're finally adding in the best girl.

Quite a few award winning series on there next season.

[Buffalobiian]

NGL I'm gonna watch Rental-A-Girlfriend S3. The doujinshi parody by Yahiro Pochi is way better though.

[Ryllharu]

I still read the manga. The cringiest is yet to come (perpetually true statement).

[shinta|hikari]

I hate read it at this point. It is trash.

[MFauli]

i never started Rent a GF. Is it good?

Still, in terms of "serious" shows, next season looks atrocious. And that after this current season that was already light on bangers.

[Ryllharu]

i never started Rent a GF. Is it good?
It has above-average art, a handful of the characters are good (the fish, Sumi, and Mini), but absolutely not.

There was a point where it looked like it was finally starting to turn around and get more interesting (well twice it did) but where it currently is, is the most painful dreck I've read since the early 2000s. It once felt like it was self-aware of how cringe it was, which led to its realism. But it has gone pure..."idol fanclub" lately.

[shinta|hikari]

I started a summer thread, for those wanting to comment on that.