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.
ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka
MAL | AniList
The kingdom of Dowa, which is subdivided into 13 states, is celebrating its monarch’s 99th birthday. These 13 states have many agencies that are controlled by the giant organization known as ACCA. Within ACCA, Jean Otis is the second-in-command of the inspection agency. His agency has ten people placed in each of the 13 states, with a central office in the capital city. They keep track of all the activities of ACCA across the kingdom, and keep data on each state’s ACCA office flowing toward the central office. Jean also often has business trips from the capital to the other districts to check on the situation and personnel there. (Source: MangaHelpers)
Jan 10, 2017 | Madhouse | Manga | Police, Drama
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: Every season there’ll be one series that sticks out to me, usually just from the key art and I’ll decide then and there that I’ll be watching that show. ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka is that series this season and not only does the synopsis sound interesting but the art looks fantastic. It’s also a nice surprise to find that in the director’s chair is Shingo Natsume (One Punch Man, Space Dandy) combine this with studio Madhouse and I think we’re onto a winner, well I certainly hope so.
Akiba’s Trip The Animation
MAL | AniList
Akihabara, a broad-minded neighborhood where everyone from beginners to masters are welcomed. Even when you’re alone, if you go to Akiba, you’ll find someone who understands you. It’s a neighborhood where anything is possible, where anyone can do seemingly anything; a place where you can lay bare your body and soul. In this neighborhood of Akiba, which has everything including anime, games, maids, idols, secondhand parts, and cheap food, battles are fought against the “Bagurimono,” and a steadfast “boy meets girl” story begins! (Source: ANN)
Jan 4, 2017 | Gonzo | Game | Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Ecchi
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Jordan: I picked up the Akiba’s Trip game for Vita a while back now; I started it but never really got stuck into playing it due to lack of time. I liked what I played though, so I’ll definitely be sticking with the anime adaptation this season.
Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen (Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc)
MAL | AniList
In the late Edo Period, a demon known as the Impure King killed thousands of people. After defeating the demon, the Knights of the True Cross kept its left eye safely sealed away on Academy grounds – but now someone has stolen it! Hearing the thief has taken a child hostage, Yukio and Rin go to help. The investigation and pursuit will lead Rin and his friends to Kyoto and involve them even deeper in a sinister plot! But will his friends’ knowledge that Rin is the son of Satan drive a wedge between them? (Source: Viz Media)
Jan 7, 2017 | A-1 Pictures | Manga | Action, Demons, Supernatural, Fantasy, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Daisuki
Nick: I may not have liked how the first season decided to go anime original ending but that isn’t to say it was entirely awful. Some of the themes from the original end made their way into the manga and will be touched upon within this series. Also, the movie was brilliant and the manga I still enjoy reading every month after all these years. I’m very excited that Ao no Exorcist is returning and I think it’s going to be a real good ride my only concern is the director Koichi Hatsumi. Having only directed a handful of series with one being Gangsta and the other Deadman Wonderland I can only hope we don’t end up with a similar mess that the latter of those series turned out to be.
Jordan: I only picked up the first season on blu-ray last year, and I’m merely 9 episodes through, so I probably won’t be watching this new season as a simulcast. When I’ve finished the original season, I’ll move straight on to Kyoto Saga.
A next generation Girls Band Project which links characters with real live performances! BanG Dream! is a media mix project featuring animation music videos, comics, song releases, and many more. What’s more, the voice cast for the characters of BanG Dream! will also hold real live performances as the Girls Band, “Poppin’Party”. (Source: Bushiroad)
Jan 21, 2017 | Xebec, Issen | Manga | Music
Streaming: The Anime Network
Nick: BanG Dream! certainly looks like a questionable title for what the series is actually about which from what I can gather appears to be a mix of K-On and Love Live. I’m usually wary of mixed media projects but I think if done right it could be popular. That “if” can be a thin line though so time will tell. Some of the music videos are already available to watch so I’ll be checking those out before diving into the series. I’m expecting some decent and catchy music if nothing else.
Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas (Chain Chronicle: Haecceitas no Hikari)
MAL | AniList
This is the story of the Chain Chronicle, a book that describes everything that happens in the world. The citizens of the remote continent of Yggd once thought that there was nothing beyond their continent. The continent was divided into several regions, each with its own king. Though there were small skirmishes amongst them, a lord, chosen by the kings in conference, always maintained balance, until the evil Black Army arrived. The Volunteer Army, led by Yuri, was no match for the Black Army. During the fighting, the Lord of Black captures half of the Chain Chronicle, as well as the capital. (Source: ANN)
Jan 8, 2017 | Telecom Animation Film, Graphinica | Game | Action, Adventure, Magic, Fantasy, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: Chain Chronicle is being released in an odd way, as far as streaming goes, so I’m not sure how I would approach this series. Firstly, it’s a three-part theatrical release and a TV series and how these two differ is unclear as of yet. The odd begins now as Crunchyroll will be releasing both via their streaming service with the theatrical release being split into four separate episodes per part each month, the first four are available now. While the TV series will be simulcast in the traditional fashion of one episode per week.
I’m tempted to jump in as the first part is already available but don’t know which of the two version would provide the better experience. On the plus that’s quite a few MAL entries to tick off the list by watching both versions. Then again it is an adaptation of a mobile game.
https://youtu.be/LPoweoGCUgU
In the original visual novel, after a magnitude-7.8 earthquake hits Tokyo’s Shibuya ward on November 6, 2009, a black fire spreads and causes mass panic on the day of the earthquake. The sudden disaster that becomes known as the “Shibuya Earthquake” kills 3,851 people and injures 30,927 more.
The game is set in a reconstructed Shibuya district in October 2015. A string of mysterious deaths occurs in Shibuya amidst the reconstruction. People begin to take notice as the strange events start on the same day that chaos broke out in Shibuya with a certain incident five years earlier. The events are called the “Return of the New Generation Madness.” (Source: ANN)
Jan 11, 2017 | Silver Link. | Visual novel | Sci-Fi, Harem, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: I haven’t seen the prequel ChäoS;HEAd by recommendation or warning may be a better word. Couple that with Steins;Gate being the only decent anime adaptation of these loosely related series I feel that my excitement level for this series is actually more a wariness level. I’ll give it the good old three episode rule though to see if it can pull me in.
Jordan: Of the semi-colon anime, I’ve only seen some of Occultic;Nine, but with SILVER LINK behind ChäoS;Child, I’ll definitely be watching each week.
Demi-chan wa Kataritai (Interviews With Monster Girls)
MAL | AniList
Succubus, Dullahan and Vampire. They are known as Ajin, or “demi”s and are slightly different than the average human. They have lived alongside humans for ages under persecution. However, in recent years, they have become accepted as members of society. This manga follows a high school biology teacher who has a great interest in demis and his interaction with the various demis in his school, each with their own cute problems. (Source: MU)
Jan 8, 2017 | A-1 Pictures | Manga | Comedy, Fantasy, School, Seinen
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Chuuta Kokonose is an orphan who lives with his aunt. For as long as he can remember he’s had a voice in his head, but other than that he’s a normal boy – right until the day when a strangely-looking thing follows him home and teleports him to a place filled with more fantastic creatures. It’s a space police station, and Rein Brickke, the Chief of Solar System Department, tells him that he’s been chosen by the computer as a possible candidate to join the police force, although Misuzu Sonokata, a girl from Chuuta’s school with an angelic face and ill temper who turns out to be one of Rein Brickke’s subordinates, doesn’t think him suitable for such a job. Chuuta, who was shocked at first, decides to take aptitude test after being urged by the voice in his head and to prove Misuzu wrong. (Source: MAL)
Jan 8, 2017 | Studio Pierrot | Manga | Action, Sci-Fi, Space
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Nick: I’m not familiar with the manga but I know this is a much watch for me, I loved Katekyō Hitman Reborn! and was right there during its sudden burst of popularity, one of my very rare times of cosplaying was because of Reborn. Akira Amano’s storytelling ability and gorgeous artwork really resonate with me so I’m really looking forward to watching this new work.
The story centers on a young man named Yuu Haruna who has just switched schools. He’s a bit shy, and he’s constantly glued to his smartphone so he can check Twitter. He meets a girl named Fuuka Akitsuki, who doesn’t even have a cell phone, is free-spirited, and naturally fascinates others. Yuu recently has been getting back in touch via Twitter with his childhood friend Koyuki Hinashi, who is now a popular singer. One day Yuu invites Fuuka to one of Koyuki’s concerts, and there the three meet for the first time. The story follows the love triangle between a love that started through electronics, and a love that didn’t start through electronics. (Source: ANN)
Jan 7, 2017 | Diomedea | Manga | Music, Drama, Romance, Ecchi, School, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Jordan: I’ve been meaning to try the Fuuka manga for some time now, but never got round to reading the Suzuka manga. Now that there’s an anime adaptation, I’m just gonna jump into it; if I like it, I can go back and read/watch Suzuka later.
The comedy follows Gabriel White, who graduated at the top of the class at angel school and attends a human school on earth in pursuit of knowledge, but then gets engrossed in a web game and decides its too much trouble to go anywhere. (Source: ANN)
Jan 9, 2017 | Doga Kobo | Manga | Comedy, Supernatural, School, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Jordan: This one had me at Doga Kobo, the studio behind one of my favourite anime, New Game! The plot also sounds like the type of anime I’d expect myself to watch.
https://youtu.be/W_eWXh85VS4
The samurai didn’t stand a chance. First, the aliens invaded Japan. Next, they took all the jobs. And then they confiscated everyone’s swords. So what does a hotheaded former samurai like Sakata “Gin” Gintoki do to make ends meet? Take any odd job that comes his way, even if it means losing his dignity. (Source: Viz)
Jan 9, 2017 | Bandai Namco Pictures | Manga | Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Historical, Parody, Samurai, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll
The anime takes place in Osaka in “AD20XX,” and revolves around the Hand Shakers—partners who can summon “Nimrodes,” weapons born from their deep psyche by joining hands. In order to grant the pair’s wish, the Hand Shakers compete with and fight other Hand Shaker pairs. The top pair will then meet and challenge “God.”
“They, the receivers of the Revelation of Babel. They, the challengers to God.
They, who inevitably throw themselves into battle with their partners. What does God want from them? And did they want powers exceeding that of Gods? The chosen ones, their souls linked, join hand and hand for the Ziggurat where the fighting shall ensue.” (Source: ANN)
Jan 11, 2017 | GoHands | Original | Action
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: Hand Shakers is a series I’m rather curious about, from the PV it looking visually stunning but then it descends into a lot of generic looking battles. I’ll be giving it the three episode rule just to see whether any sort of decent story develops in that time, hopefully, it’s not just pretty visuals.
Idol Incidents (Idol Jihen)
MAL | AniList
Part of MAGES’ multimedia “Idol Jihen” project.
The anime takes place in a parallel-world Japan, where idols stand up against a corrupt government as “idol Diet members,” and then work to bring back the smiles of the Japanese people through song and dance. The idol Diet members belong to seven different political parties, including the Heroine Party, the SOS Party, the Subculture New Party, the Bishōjo Party, the Wakaba Party, the Starlight Party, and the Sanrai Party. (Source: ANN)
Jan 8, 2017 | MAPPA, Studio VOLN | Original | Music
Streaming: Crunchyroll
The anime’s story takes place in Japari Park, a “gigantic integrated zoo.” In the zoo, due to the mysterious “sand star” substance, the animals start turning into human-shaped creatures called Animal Girls. Japari Park is a place where many people visit and have fun at, but one day a lost child wanders into the park. The lost child starts a journey to return, but because so many Animal Girls join in on the quest it becomes an unexpected grand adventure. (Source: ANN)
Jan 11, 2017 | Yaoyorozu | Game | Adventure, Comedy
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid)
MAL | AniList
Miss Kobayashi is your average office worker who lives a boring life, alone in her small apartment–until she saves the life of a female dragon in distress. The dragon, named Tohru, has the ability to magically transform into an adorable human girl (albeit with horns and a long tail!), who will do anything to pay off her debt of gratitude, whether Miss Kobayashi likes it or not. With a very persistent and amorous dragon as a roommate, nothing comes easy, and Miss Kobayashi’s normal life is about to go off the deep end! (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Jan 12, 2017 | Kyoto Animation | Manga | Slice of Life, Comedy, Fantasy
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: This series looks set to be my comedy series of this season, I would have probably passed on the series had the PV not completely took me by surprise. With Kyoto Animation leading this adaptation I have no doubt this will be an enjoyable series.
Jordan: This sounds more like an anime I’d like to see another studio work on, such as SILVER LINK, but I’m interested to see if it can live up to the KyoAni name.
KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world! Second Season (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2)
MAL | AniList
The popular “alternate world home comedy” centers around Kazuma Satou, a hikikomori (shut-in) die-hard fan of games, anime, and manga. A traffic accident brings his disappointingly brief life to an end … or it should have, but he wakes up and sees a beautiful girl who introduces herself as a goddess. “Hey, I have some good news — would you like to go to an alternate world? You may only bring one thing you like with you.”
He responds, “…So, I’ll bring you.” With that, he is transported to another world and his great adventure subjugating the demon king begins … but first the hard work of finding food, clothing, and shelter begins. Kazuma wants to live in peace, but the goddess raises one problem after another, and then the demon king’s army has its eyes set on him. (Source: ANN)
Jan 12, 2017 | Studio Deen | Light Novel | Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Magic, Fantasy
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Jordan: Explosions. Need I say more?
Little Witch Academia (TV)
MAL | AniList
For young witches everywhere, the world-renowned witch Shiny Chariot reigns as the most revered and celebrated role model. But as the girls age, so do their opinions of her—now just the mention of Chariot would get a witch labeled a child. However, undeterred in her blind admiration for Chariot, ordinary girl Atsuko Kagari enrolls into Luna Nova Magical Academy, hoping to someday become just as mesmerizing as her idol.
However, the witch academy isn’t all the fun and games Atsuko thought it would be: boring lectures, strict teachers, and students who mock Chariot plague the campus. Coupled with her own ineptness in magic, she’s seen as little more than a rebel student. But when a chance finally presents itself to prove herself to her peers and teachers, she takes it, and now it’s up to her to stop a rampaging dragon before it flattens the entire academy. (Source: MAL Rewrite)
Jan 9, 2017 | Trigger | Original | Adventure, Comedy, Magic, Fantasy, School
Streaming: Netflix?
Nick: Little Witch Academia started life as part of the “2012 Young Animator Training Project” alongside other shorts like Death Billards which became the series Death Parade in Winter 2015. Finally, Little Witch Academia is getting a series of its own and I just hope that Studio Trigger can keep that same level of charm that the short animation had so much of. Trigger have been producing more misses than hits in my eyes with each new project and I really hope this will be in the latter category.
Jordan: I absolutely adored the original Anime Mirai short, and the sequel OVA was just as good, so I’m glad to see Trigger are finally giving it a full series. It’s just a shame it’s only available on Netflix.
Marginal#4: Kiss kara Tsukuru Big Bang
MAL | AniList
The anime follows the Marginal#4 idol unit, who made their debut at Pythagoras Production on February 13. The members give their all for their fans in their idol activities, but they are also normal high school students. The anime will follow both their everyday lives as high school students and their lives as idols. (Source: ANN)
Jan 12, 2017 | J.C.Staff | Music | Music, Shoujo
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Masamune-kun no Revenge
MAL | AniList
As an overweight child, Makabe Masamune was mercilessly teased and bullied by one particular girl, Adagaki Aki. Determined to one day exact his revenge upon her, Makabe begins a rigorous regimen of self-improvement and personal transformation. Years later, Masamune re-emerges as a new man. Handsome, popular, with perfect grades and good at sports, Masamune-kun transfers to Aki’s school, and is unrecognizable to her. Now, Masamune-kun is ready to confront the girl who bullied him so many years ago and humiliate her at last. But will revenge be as sweet as he thought? (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Jan 5, 2017 | Silver Link. | Manga | Harem, Comedy, Romance, School, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: Who doesn’t like a good Rom-com right? well, this one is certainly different and I’m interested in seeing how it pans out.
Jordan: I’ve been wanting to read the Masamune-kun’s Revenge ever since the main character in Shomin Sample was reading it. I have the first three volumes, but just haven’t gotten round to it yet, sadly. I watched the first episode of the anime yesterday though, and I loved it; it certainly helps that it’s from SILVER LINK.
Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club (Minami Kamakura Koukou Joshi Jitensha-bu)
MAL | AniList
The story begins with Hiromi Maiharu, a girl who moved from Nagasaki to Kamakura. She begins her new life in Kamakura and her first day in high school by bicycling to her school, but she has not ridden a bicycle since she was young. On the way to the ceremony for the first day, she meets Tomoe Akitsuki, and Tomoe helps her train to be better at bicycling. (Source: ANN)
Jan 7, 2017 | J.C.Staff, A.C.G.T. | Manga | Sports, School, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Jordan: Acoustic Bakuon!!? Yes please.
The historical novel series depicts Heizō Hasegawa, who metes justice on wrongdoers and supervises the crackdown on arsonists and robbers in Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868). (Source: ANN)
Jan 10, 2017 | M2 | Novel | Historical, Seinen
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku (Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage 2nd Season)
MAL | AniList
Since its founding in the year 4233 of the Nine Provinces calendar, the spirit sword clan has been producing first-class martial arts talent. Two thousand years later, the clan, which adheres to the principles of peace and spiritual development, seeks to find new disciples by holding a grand tournament. One of these candidates is 12-year-old Wang Lu. (Source: MAL)
Jan 8, 2017 | Studio Deen | Light Novel | Comedy, Magic, Fantasy
Streaming:
Rewrite: Moon and Terra (Rewrite 2nd Season Moon / Terra)
MAL | AniList
https://youtu.be/vDza72-EUIM
Rewrite is set in the fictional city Kazamatsuri, where treeplanting and afforestation have caused the city to become overgrown with trees and flowers in much the same way that other cities are filled by buildings. However, while most of the city appears to be rural, there are many traditional city elements as well. While set in a modern setting, the city also gives off a strange sense of nostalgia.
Tennouji Kotarou lives here. He’s a high school student who has the ability to rewrite his own body; he can become stronger and faster at any time he chooses. He investigates supernatural mysteries with five girls from his school. (Source: VNDB)
Jan 14, 2017 | 8bit | Visual Novel | Action, Comedy, Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy, School
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Jordan: Season one was alright, so I may as well stick with it.
Schoolgirl Strikers: Animation Channel
MAL | AniList
An adaptation of Square Enix’s smartphone “light novel-style RPG” app Schoolgirl Strikers.
The game is set in Goryōkan Academy, a new private senior/junior high school for girls with a vast downtown campus. This highly popular school has “another face” — a secret hidden side. It organizes and trains the special unit Fifth Force to protect the world from invisble supernatural entities known as “Oburi” that are devouring the world. A team of five trained with powers against the Oburi is to be chosen from the student body to perform missions. A new team leader has been appointed to assenble the five students. (Source: ANN)
Jan 7, 2017 | J.C.Staff | Game | Action, School
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai)
MAL | AniList
Hanabi and Mugi are bathed in envious gazers from all around as a beautiful couple with excellent moral conduct. But these two apparently perfect people in an apparently perfect relationship share a secret they can’t tell anyone. (Source: Crunchyroll)
Jan 13, 2017 | Lerche | Manga | Drama, Romance, School, Seinen
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Nick: I’ve been hearing murmurings and a slight buzz about Scum’s Wish mainly from fans of the manga. The synopsis is definitely interesting so I’m very interested in seeing how well the series performs.
Jordan: I’ve been meaning to try the manga for a while, but never got round to it. This’ll be streaming on Amazon Prime, so I’m looking forward to giving it a try.
Shouichi Kamita is an ordinary high school boy, who is faced with university entrance exams and worries about his future. This campus romantic comedy, “SEIREN” (Seiren means honest in Japanese), depicts his pure relationship with three different heroines. Each story is the unique and mutual memory between him and the heroine. (Source: ANN)
Jan 6, 2017 | Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ | Original | School
Streaming: Crunchyroll (not UK)
Jordan: This anime just seems right up my alley.
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu 2nd Season (Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen)
MAL | AniList
The story revolves around a mature prisoner who was released on good behavior during Japan’s Shouwa Genroku era (1960s to early 1970s). He is called Yotarou by others, a term that means an “anti-hero” or a “dim-witted man.” When he returns to society, he starts a new life in rakugo (comic storytelling). Touched by Yakumo’s role as the “grim reaper,” he asks the master to take him in as an apprentice. Most of the season delves into Yakumo’s own past during World War II and the years afterward. (Source: ANN)
Jan 7, 2017 | Studio Deen | Manga | Drama, Josei
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Spiritpact
MAL | AniList
Heir of an old famous family of exorcist, Keika You is stricken by poverty after losing his parents. He struggles as a street fortune teller and computer recovery part timer to earn money. One night in a junkyard, he meets the mysterious yet charismatic exorcist, Ki Tanmoku, fighting an evil spirit. This encounter is the beginning of a fated story for Keika You. Unfortunately for him, he was actually hit by a car and became a ghost. That was when the handsome exorcist Ki appeared and asked Keika to make a “pact” with him to fight evil spirits together. Here starts the friendship of our heroes! (Source: ANN, MAL Edited)
Jan 7, 2017 | Emon | Web Manga | Action, Shounen Ai, Supernatural
Streaming: Crunchyroll
A high school boy named Haru and his mother are living overseas. His mother orders him to take care of and “civilize” his adoptive brother Ren, a wild young boy who dislikes talking with other people. While their relationship is adversarial at first, they grow closer as they begin to understand one another. (Source: ANN)
Jan 7, 2017 | Studio Deen | Manga | Comedy, Drama, Romance, Shounen Ai
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Tales of Zestiria the X (2017)
MAL | AniList
https://youtu.be/6fI91Fh9Qgo
The second season of Tales of Zestiria the X.
Sorey is a human youth who grew up among the seraphim, spiritual beings not visible to humans. Sorey believes in the folklore that says “long ago, every human was able to see the seraphim” and dreams of unraveling the ancient mystery to make the world a place where people and seraphim can live together in peace.
One day, Sorey visits the human capital for the very first time. He becomes embroiled in an incident during which he pulls out a holy sword embedded in a rock and ends up becoming a Shepherd, one who casts away calamity from the world. He begins to realize the gravity of his mission, and his dream of coexistence between mankind and the seraphim becomes more intense—
And thus, the Shepherd embarks on a journey with his companions. (Source: Official Website)
Jan 8, 2017 | ufotable | Game | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Streaming: FunimationNow
The story is set in Meiro-chou, a town where all-female diviners (uranaishi) live and where girls from all over the country yearn to become the top diviner — “Urara.” Today, a solitary girl named Chiya enters the town’s gates. However, she has another purpose coming here, besides becoming the Urara. Chiya’s days as an apprentice diviner begin as she meets three friends — the earnest Kon, Koume who is a fan of Western culture, and the shy Nono. (Source: ANN)
Jan 6, 2017 | J.C.Staff | 4-koma Manga | Slice of Life, Comedy, Seinen
Streaming: The Anime Network
Nick: I always have a series each season that I designate as my chill and relax show and I think this will be just that. Based on a 4-koma Manga I’m not expecting any deep or complicated storylines and character development but it should be good for a laugh.
Youjo Senki (Saga of Tanya the Evil)
MAL | AniList
The novel series centers on a young girl who fights on the frontlines in war. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and nearly transparent white skin, and she flies through the air and mercilessly strikes down her opponents. Her name is Tanya Degurechaff, and she speaks with a young girl’s lisp and commands the army. Tanya used to be one of Japan’s elite office workers, but because of a wrathful god, was reborn as a little girl. Tanya prioritizes optimization and career advancement above all, and she will become the most dangerous entity among the Imperial Army’s sorcerers. (Source: ANN)
Jan 6, 2017 | NUT | Light Novel | Military, Magic
Streaming: Crunchyroll, FunimationNow
Nick: I literally don’t know what to make of this series, it sounds mental but that can definitely be a good thing. NUT are new studio with Youjo Senki appearing to be their debut work that said the production value look good so I don’t know if it will be much of a concern. I’m definitely going to be keeping my eye on this series.
Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation
MAL | AniList
The third season of Yowamushi Pedal.
Onoda Sakamichi is a rather timid, anime-loving first-year student at Sohoku High School. Upon entering high school, he tried to join the anime research club, but after meeting Imaizumi Shunsuke, a renowned cyclist since middle school, and Naruko Shoukichi, who swept the Kansai cycling championship, he ended up joining the competitive cycling club. (Source: Crunchyroll)
Jan 10, 2017 | TMS Entertainment | Manga | Comedy, Sports, Drama, Shounen
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Jordan: It’s going to be a pain watching YowaPeda weekly; I binged the previous seasons and the movie over three days, but I’m really looking forward to seeing more competitive cycling.