A Heap of Anime Updates Dropped During the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays provide a multitude of pastimes far superior than checking the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on holiday treats, and using patience techniques to refrain from yelling at loved ones. Hopefully you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many exciting announcements surfaced over the festive period, and if you missed a few, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the widely-criticized disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to stop further production. The show will be back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they might as well have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which might be a positive development. However, the promotional image for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they could be mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an elite animation studio, making its mark not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the best-known magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a extended pause due to the creator's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series showed it still retained the fans' affection and positive sentiment, and now everyone is ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only recently got an English localization, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 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 very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio renowned for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the actual historical person of Fatima, an prominent woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the conclusion of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has yet to be revealed.
