Welcome to the Summer 2016 season preview, here to help you decide what to watch this season and with so many series coming out each season it can be a daunting task. To help you even further we will be giving links to any simulcast that a series may have and will keep them updated throughout the season. You can also find our writers thoughts on select series that they are interested in.
This is by no means a complete list of every series airing this season, shows geared towards young children have been omitted as have OVAs and Movies. We have deemed it necessary for TV shorts to have their own season preview which will be available soon.
Update: After taking a break from putting together such large and time consuming previews last season, we’re back and have simplified the layout which (makes it easier to make) most importantly makes it easier to view and navigate. We decided to use each series’ PV instead of a synopsis and a mess of information that should definitely make it a more enjoyable experience finding what series to pick up.
91 Days
Jul 9, 2016 | Shuka | Original | Drama
Streaming: Crunchyroll
From the same studio that brought, and continue to bring us, Durarara – 91 Days definitely features that high quality animation and art style. It was the setting that really pulled me in however, being set during the Prohibition that took place in the UK between 1920-33; I think we could be in for a very interesting series. – Nick
Active Raid: Kidou Kyoushuushitsu Dai Hachi Gakari 2nd
Active Raid: Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit
Jul 11, 2016 | Production IMS | Original | Mecha, Police, Sci-Fi
Streaming: Crunchyroll
I started Active Raid back in the Winter 2016 season and despite the talented people involved it never really clicked so I doubt i’ll be sticking with it for another season. – Nick
Amaama to Inazuma
Sweetness and Lightning
Jul 5, 2016 | TMS Entertainment | Manga | Comedy, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
This anime looks like it could be quite heartwarming. Episode 1 was enjoyable, so I’ll be sticking with it – Jordan
I always seem to be attracted to this type of series and to be honest I’m rarely disappointed much; like Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop) I feel that it might be the hidden gem of this season. The manga also seems to be quite popular which is also a good sign. – Nick
Amanchu!
Jul 8, 2016 | J.C.Staff | Manga | Comedy, School, Shounen, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
It’s J.C.Staff and set in a school apparently, you know I’ll be watching this. – Jordan
From the original creator of Aria – that alone will be enough to entice a legion of fans i’m sure, I actually haven’t seen Aria but the premise sounds interesting and J.C.Staff produce some really good adaptation so I’m looking forward to Amanchu. – Nick
Ange Vierge
Jul 10, 2016 | Silver Link. | Card game | Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, School
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Another anime from what is fast becoming my favourite animation studio? Yes, please! – Jordan
Arslan Senki (TV): Fuujin Ranbu
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance
Jul 3, 2016 | LIDENFILMS | Manga | Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Historical
Streaming: Funimation?, Viewster?
I hated season 1, I hated the first OVA. However, I’m 26 episodes, and a recap, in, so I may as well see it through to the end now. – Jordan
B-Project: Kodou*Ambitious
Jul 3, 2016 | A-1 Pictures | Music | Music
Streaming:
Battery
Jul 15, 2016 | Zero-G | Novel | Drama, Slice of Life, Sports
Streaming: Amazon Prime Instant Video
It’s a safe bet that I’ll be watching anything streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video as a simulcast just because I have Amazon Prime anyway for my physical release needs. The PV for this one did look great though. – Jordan
There’s something about Battery that I just feel we’re in for a good ride. It’s based on a novel and has already received a live-action film and drama but I’m going in to the series blind. This appears to be Zero-G’s first production so how will that affect the series? We’ll have to wait and see. – Nick
Berserk (2016)
Jul 1, 2016 | Millepensee, GEMBA | Manga | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Seinen, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
I didn’t like what I saw of episode 1, but I’ll give it another week of two to change my mind. – Jordan
I was planning to watch Berserk even though I’m not that far in the manga and only saw the first of the recent movies. Since watching the PV though I’ve decided not to pick it up this season as the animation quality looks questionable. – Nick
Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu LOVE! LOVE!
Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! LOVE!
Jul 8, 2016 | Studio Comet | Original | Comedy, Magic, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Cheer Danshi!!
Cheer Boys
Jul 5, 2016 | Brain’s Base | Novel | School, Sports
Streaming: Funimation
It’s not the type of anime I usually watch, but it genuinely looks interesting so I’ll be checking it out. – Jordan
Probably not a series that I’m going to pick up straight away but I have to admit that it does look interesting so I’ll be seeing how the ratings go before diving in. – Nick
D.Gray-man Hallow
Jul 5, 2016 | TMS Entertainment | Manga | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Shounen, Supernatural
Streaming: Funimation
I tried the first episode and was pretty lost, having not seen D.Gray-man. I might put this one on hold indefinitely until I have chance to watch the original series. – Jordan
I never got past the first episode of the original series but I’m up to date with the manga, though it was on hiatus for years, that said I can’t remember what happen and might be lost jumping in at this point. I’m actually surprised this series isn’t a reboot but then maybe an eight year gap isn’t that long. I may decide to watch if the mood strikes me though. – Nick
Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen – Mirai-hen
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak Academy – Future Volume
Jul 11, 2016 | Lerche | Original | Action, Horror, Mystery, Psychological
Streaming: Funimation
I loved the original series, but never got around to playing the games. I know I should play the games first, but I’ll probably just watch this anyway. – Jordan
I’ve seen the original series a couple of times now but I currently making my way through the games before picking these two series up. I don’t know how long I’ll hold up before a bite the bullet and start watching though. – Nick
Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen – Zetsubou-hen
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak Academy – Despair Volume
Jul 14, 2016 | Lerche | Original | Action, Horror, Mystery, Psychological
Streaming: Funimation
I loved the original series, but never got around to playing the games. I know I should play the games first, but I’ll probably just watch this anyway. – Jordan
Days
Jul 2, 2016 | MAPPA | Manga | School, Shounen, Sports
Streaming: Crunchyroll
As part of my new outlook towards Sports anime, I’m giving this a watch this season. The first episode was fairly generic, but showed some promise. – Jordan
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 3rei!!
Jul 7, 2016 | Silver Link. | Manga | Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Magic, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
I’m only three episodes into the first season, sadly, so this one will be a title I don’t watch as a simulcast by the looks of it. – Jordan
I must say I was pleasantly surprised when i watched the first season but given how far behind I am I’ll probably be playing catch up another time. – Nick
Fukigen na Mononokean
The Morose Mononokean
Jun 28, 2016 | Pierrot Plus | Web Manga | Comedy, Shounen, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
The first episode seemed like a watered-down Kyoukai no Rinne, but I love that show so I’ll be sticking with this as well. – Jordan
Handa-kun
Jul 8, 2016 | Diomedea | Manga | Comedy, Shounen, Slice of Life
Streaming: Funimation
It may be Naru-less, but I’m enjoying what little I’ve read of the manga, so I’ll be watching this prequel to Barakamon. – Jordan
Hatsukoi Monster
First Love Monster
Jul 2, 2016 | Studio Deen | Manga | Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo
Streaming: Funimation
The first episode was rather humorous. And, it’s Romance/School/Shoujo, and that’s what I’ve been really enjoying lately in terms of catalogue titles. – Jordan
Hitori no Shita: The Outcast
Jul 9, 2016 | Emon | Web Manga | Action, Super Power, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru!
This Art Club Has a Problem!
Jul 8, 2016 | feel. | Manga | Comedy, Romance, School
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Comedy, Romance, School? Yup, I’ll be watching this one. – Jordan
Love Live! Sunshine!!
Jul 2, 2016 | Sunrise | Other | Music, School, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
I think everyone is watching this anime. I’m torn between Ruby and Riko thus far though. – Jordan
It’s more Love Live, need I say more? I do need to watch the movie, however, before I can jump on this! – Nick
Masou Gakuen HxH
Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia
Jul 6, 2016 | Production IMS | Light Novel | Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, School, Sci-Fi
Streaming: Crunchyroll
The first episode was a bit pervy, and the censorship kind of distracting. I hope Crunchyroll will be releasing this uncensored. – Jordan
Mob Psycho 100
Jul 12, 2016 | Bones | Web Manga | Action, Comedy, Shounen, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
There’s already quite a bit of hype surrounding this series due to the original creator being none other than One the creator of One Punch Man. It’s a good sign that the web manga seems popular and this time round with have another impressive studio in Bones. I have pretty high expectations for this series so I hope it doesn’t let me down. – Nick
Momokuri
Jul 1, 2016 | Satelight | Manga | Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
I put off watching this one for months, but since it’s now on Crunchyroll, and in HD, I’ll be enjoying this. – Jordan
Nanatsu no Taizai: Seisen no Shirushi
The Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of Holy War
https://youtu.be/tafeIFQrbcs
Aug 28, 2016 | A-1 Pictures | Manga | Action, Adventure, Ecchi, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural
Streaming: ?
Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyou no Alderamin
Alderamin on the Sky
Jul 9, 2016 | Madhouse | Light novel | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Streaming: Crunchyroll
New Game!
Jul 4, 2016 | Doga Kobo | 4-koma Manga | Comedy, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Anime of the Year 2016 confirmed. This is the first time I was reading the manga before the anime was announced, and it is easily one of my favourite manga. No other anime this year will be able to top cute girls making video games. – Jordan
Orange
Jul 4, 2016 | Telecom Animation Film | Manga | Drama, Romance, School, Sci-Fi, Shoujo
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Kana Hanazawa. Sold! Oh, apparently it’s Romance/School/Shoujo as well? Even better. – Jordan
Orange is a manga series that I have been looking to pick up for sometime but what luck for me that an anime adaptation happens to pop up. This is probably my most anticipated series this season, the manga is hugely popular and Kana Hanazawa pretty much sold it! – Nick
Puzzle & Dragons Cross
Jul 4, 2016 | Studio Pierrot | Game | Game
Streaming: Funimation
Episode 1 was boring, but we’ll see. – Jordan
Qualidea Code
Jul 10, 2016 | A-1 Pictures | Original | Action, Magic, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
This looks generic, so I’ll at least give it a try. – Jordan
Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars
Jul 7, 2016 | Actas | Original | Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Streaming: Funimation
ReLIFE
Jul 1, 2016 | TMS Entertainment | Web Manga | Romance, School, Slice of Life
Streaming: Crunchyroll
This was brilliant. Definitely one of the better anime this season. I binged it all as soon as Crunchyroll released it. – Jordan
Premise is definitely interesting and the fact the whole series is already available to stream is a plus. It appears to have some very positive reactions already so should be an easy sell to many. – Nick
Rewrite
Jul 2, 2016 | 8bit | Visual Novel | Action, Comedy, Romance, School
Streaming: Crunchyroll
The first episode dragged on, but the plot does seem interesting. – Jordan
Scared Rider Xechs
Jul 6, 2016 | Satelight | Visual Novel | Adventure, Harem, Romance, Sci-Fi
Streaming: Funimation
I’ll probably try this. – Jordan
Servamp
Jul 5, 2016 | Brain’s Base, Platinum Vision | Manga | Action, Comedy, Shoujo, Supernatural, Vampire
Streaming: Funimation
This could be interesting. – Jordan
Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara
Food Wars! The Second Plate
Jul 2, 2016 | J.C.Staff | Manga | Ecchi, School, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll
At last, more Shokugeki no Souma. – Jordan
Easily one of my favourite manga and I really need to finish the first season quick so I can jump on this! – Nick
Taboo Tattoo
Jul 5, 2016 | J.C.Staff | Manga | Action, Comedy, Martial Arts, Mystery, Super Power, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
It’s J.C.Staff but the first episode didn’t really impress me. I’ll try some more though. – Jordan
Tales of Zestiria the X
Jul 10, 2016 | ufotable | Game | Fantasy
Streaming: Funimation
Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope! Turned off my TV out of boredom 5 minutes in. Really starting to think I don’t like any ufotable anime. – Jordan
Time Travel Shoujo: Mari Waka to 8-nin no Kagakusha-tachi
Time Travel Girl
Jul 9, 2016 | WAO World | Book | Adventure, Sci-Fi
Streaming: Funimation
I’m not sure what this is, but the title has me intrigued. – Jordan
Tsukiuta. The Animation
Jul 6, 2016 | Studio Pierrot | Music | Music
Streaming: Funimation