This has been the anime season to end all anime seasons, with something like 118 (!) new and continuing anime series for fans to choose from. Of course, many of these shows will be aimed at different audiences, but even omitting the shows aimed at children, there are still dozens of great shows to watch. Here we go with my top anime series of the season and why they’re worth your time.
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku
A fun show about four otakus dating at a company. When Narumi finds that one of her coworkers at her new job is Nifuji, her childhood friend and fellow otaku, she’s nervous at first, since she wants to keep her secret life from everyone. Eventually, they start dating, and much cuteness ensues.
3D Kanojo: Real Girl
Another enjoyable series, this tells the story of an awkward otaku boy named Tsutsui and the stylish but mysterious girl named Iroha. While Iroha teases him for being a virgin at first, she eventually sees his quality and asks to be his girlfriend.
Darling in the Franxx
A carryover from the previous season, Darling in the Franxx has been a fun snow. Not universally loved by all due to some of the relationship focus, I’m loving it for several reasons. First, it’s the spiritual descent of Evangelion, made as it is by Trigger staffers who came from Gainax. It’s got great characters, great waifus, and a lot of twists and turns. As a general fan of sci-fi, I like the extremely lonely futuristic world they paint for us. Also, the way they slip in wonky psychological themes that are the hallmark and spirit of Gainax.
Magical Girl Site
One of the darkest shows of the season is Majou Shoujo Site, about a website that finds girls who are in extremely unhappy situations and turns them into magical girls by giving them magical items (“sticks”). The show is very much in the shadow of dark anime Magical Girls Raising Project and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and holds up well, although the extreme darkness of the first episode will have turned off some. One thing I love about the show is that it has proper structure, and seems to be following the manga excellently. Watch it for sure!
Steins;Gate 0
What can I say? It’s a proper continuation of Steins;Gate, the high point in time travel/time displacement/alternative history anime, as high quality as the original in all ways. Lots of fun twists and turns, lots of Kurisu-related feels, and we’re only halfway with the 24-episode run. Definitely my top anime series right now. Make sure you’re watching!
Did I miss any of your top anime series of the current season? Tell us on Twitter if so!
Great news! We’ve got the new J-List Box limited boxes up for your order, and they might be the best ones yet. Get a huge selection of hand-picked Japanese snacks and drinks. Only a set number of the J-List Boxes are available, so order yours soon!
