A Heap of Anime Updates Dropped During the Holidays
The Christmas holidays provide a wealth of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than checking the latest news: discovering surprises, feasting on delicious food, and using meditation skills to not arguing with relatives. Hopefully you were able to enjoy all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy announcements emerged over the break, and just in case you overlooked any, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Without a doubt the most shocking revelation, the notorious troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter the series' continuation. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the outset, which is seen as a positive development. However, the main art for the new episodes is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, by now, they are probably trolling the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the exceptional quality of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' affection and positive sentiment, and now everyone is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Will Get a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English localization, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was yet another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio known for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has given us critically acclaimed works of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the actual historical person of Fatima, an influential woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and intriguing visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season
Right after the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a follow-up. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete air date has not yet been announced.
