It’s been a crazy year in the real world and we’re headed toward quite an exciting (albeit chaotic) conclusion, depending on your outlook. And what a decade it has been! Times ahead seem uncertain and we must be prepared for a brave, new world, one where I’d encourage all of you to challenge your fates. But in the course of seeking a reprieve from the banalities of daily life, let us dive into the world of anime, which is about to roll over into autumn. Weekly Shounen Jump has prepared early Christmas presents, so get ready for more UNITED STATES OF SMASH in Boku no Hero Academia 4, with a fiery side of Shokugeki no Souma: Shin no Sara to boot. Medieval meets fantasy once again in another instalment of Nanatsu no Taizai: Kamigami no Gekirin, with the oldie but goodie samurai chronicle Blade of the Immortal providing an alternative for those seeking to quench their insatiable appetite for weebish proclivities. Sword Art Online, Psycho-Pass and Chihayafuru 3 return with highly anticipated continuations – although whether they can live up to previous heights remains to be seen. If you’re a monkey who hasn’t had enough of their cheese or surrender, Radiant 2 is just the thing for you! Here’s where I also throw in a mention for Hi Score Girl II, because Enzonon will hold it against me if I don’t. AND WHAT IN THE PADORU?!? As if an extremely addictive gatcha game wasn’t enough, the people in charge of the Fate series have now decided it needs anime advertisement in the form of Fate Grand Order: Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia to further milk our wallets dry. As a capitalistic addendum, might I interest you with the anthropomorphic tale of a Salaryman from Africa? Or better yet, his long lost relatives, the furry creatures from Beastars. And in the aisle over yonder at Azur Lane, the folks are getting hot and bothered about their ship waifus. Anyway, let me stop with this brazen kink-shaming. After all, there’s bound to be different strokes for different folks. NANJA KORYAAA?!? We need to get down to business. Wake up y’all, this is the Random Curiosity Fall 2019 Preview! We will guide you through the good, the bad and the ugly – our destination depending on whichever of these so happen to tickle your fancy.

As a quick reminder, most entries are divided into two paragraphs:

  • A brief introduction to the series and its premise, often with the starring cast of characters.
  • The writer’s impressions, expanding on the plot and highlighting specific points of interest.

Something something Excitement Levels, same old drill introduced a while back for those in the know. Our Excitement Council assess how much each new show excites them, bicker, and disagree before giving you their visceral gut reactions instead. For more information, check out the Overall Impressions section at the bottom, which includes an expanded explanation of each category and a list of all shows by excitement level.

 

Disclaimer: Once upon a time, there lived a god, who was aptly named ‘Divine’. Being omnipotent and omniscient, he could single-handedly craft season previews by himself. Imagine that in this day and age?!? Being the meager and puny mortals we are, we’ve attempted to carry on this tradition in his absence by dividing the workload among our staff (Choya, Guardian Enzo, Miss Simplice, Pancakes, Passerby, Stars, Stilts, Takaii, Zaiden, and Zephyr) in order to maintain the quality of this preview. We will try to elucidate our expectations for each series, extrapolated from copious amounts of research, so that you may come to your own conclusions. Feel free to agree. Otherwise, we can agree to disagree.

Disclaimer #2: Please note that this list does not reflect all the series airing this coming season. It is meant to be as comprehensive as possible, but omissions have been made for shows that stray from the anime norm or seem to be oriented toward young children. Please check out MOON PHASE for complete listings, syoboi for specific air times, and Fansub DB for a list of potential sources for each series.

Heartfelt thanks to the entire Random Curiosity staff for churning out preview after preview like best-selling hotcakes every season, every year. I truly believe our previews are the best out there – though I can only speak for the English ones. The task never gets any less daunting, but we scaled it in a similar vein to Frodo and Sam climbing up Mt Doom. It’s finally over (for now), and y’all rock. Most of the time, credits come at the end of a movie, but this is one of those occasions where they’ll appear near the front. Special thanks go to PiC for encoding the PVs; Zephyr for doing early prep work; Stilts for editing and managing; Zaiden for researching the initial information and formatting the post HTML; Pancakes for implementing the video HTML; Takaii for processing the images; a random Passerby who happened to proofread the preview and cobble up the shorts section; and of course everyone who wrote the previews. Every season you guys and girls come up clutch, and we really couldn’t have done it without you. And what was that?!? Apparently Guardian Enzo’s Fall 2019 Preview is up and running on LiA. Being the Enzonon he is and who we all respect, his guide can certainly provide insightful perspectives on many shows, and we highly recommend it!

Finally, can we give the true MVPs a round of applause? A sincere thanks to all you readers and the community of Random Curiosity. Whether you’ve stuck with us through thick and thin, or tuned in today thanks to some random internet link, we hope you’ll continue to stay around for the foreseeable future. It’s no secret that the anime blogging industry has been heavily declining since the good ol’ heydays. At times, there have been uncertainty and discussions about the future of this website. Nevertheless, I think I speak for all the writers when I say we wanted to carry on without exception, because we owe it to ourselves. But beyond all else, because we owe it to you, the dear readers who read and engage with our written content. You make all of this worthwhile till our last breaths. You make all of this possible.


TV Series


Technical Note: The chart below is ordered by the date and time that the shows premiere. The links in the schedule will take you to a series’ corresponding entry and the “Top” links on the right will bring you back. You can also use the back/forward buttons in your browser to jump between links you’ve clicked. All times are given in a 24-hour, relative-day format where times are extended to show which day they belong to. For instance, Friday morning at 1:30AM would become Thursday at 25:30 to show that the episode aired late Thursday night.

* Jump to OVA/Movies or Short Series List.

Ahiru no Sora | あひるの空Top
http://ahirunosora.jp/
Animation: Diomedea Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Sports, School Life, Slice of Life Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 18:25
Episodes: 50 Station: TX Network
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @ahirunosora_tv or #スタミュ

Preview by Stars

Every season needs its underdogs, and on that count Ahiru no Sora is here to provide. Kurumatani Sora (Kaji Yuki) may be a little shorter than your average basketball player, but what he lacks in height he makes up for with guts and determination. Unfortunately, the basketball club at his high school has long fallen to delinquents of varying talents with little to no passion for the sport. If Sora can reinvigorate his teammates, however, you better believe they’ll be a force to reckoned with on the court.

While the premise might seem well trodden, it’s the charm of the characters and style that are the real draw here. There’s a quirky, off-beat humor to the series that harkens back to older classics like Slam Dunk!, aided by the look and feel of Hinata Takeshi’s character designs. In the manga, the sketchy fluidity and shading give the impression of movement, as though they’re just waiting to jump and sprint and dribble across the page. With this animated adaptation hitting the screens fifteen years after its initial release, Ahiru no Sora is shaping up to be a fun callback to the bygone days of pompadours and grit.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo Excitement Level: Average
Show Ahiru no Sora Promotional Videos ▼

Radiant (2019) | ラディアン (2019) Top
https://www.nhk.or.jp/anime/radiant/
Animation: Lerche Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 19:25
Episodes: 21 Station: NHK
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @nep_radiant or #RADIANT

Preview by Pancakes

In a peaceful world with no trouble in sight, everything changes when the monstrous Nemesis appear from the sky and wreak destruction. As the Nemesis destroy all in their path, the young and brash Seth (Hanamori Yumiri) vows revenge against them after they ravage his hometown, promising to find and eradicate Radiant, the rumoured Nemesis homeland. Assisted by his Infection (a magical mark borne by those fortunate enough to have survived a Nemesis’ touch), Seth sets out to become a magician wholly skilled in Nemesis elimination, but finds out the life and training for such a job isn’t that easy. Between the laborious education and strict scrutiny of the Inquisition overseeing the war against the Nemesis, it’s a struggle to get through each and every day, but with strength of heart and gritty determination, Seth will see his life’s mission through—no matter the cost involved.

That’s right boys and girls, the French shounen hitter is back for more. As far as this genre goes, Radiant’s first season wasn’t particularly impressive, largely sticking to the ubiquitous slice-of-life and training “development” that are hallmarks of shounen anime, all while tiptoeing around the story most tuned in to see in the first place. It wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, but Radiant was no Boku no Hero Academia. The good news is that this season should start rectifying many of those faults, with characters previously introduced and foundations lain as Radiant’s story kicks into high gear. With all cast and crew carrying over there’ll be no surprises on the production front, and while it’s up against some seriously heavy shounen hitters this season, there’s plenty of opportunity for Radiant to finally stand out from the crowd. We’ll just have to see what it has in store, but it would wrong to write this one off before it has a chance to show what it’s truly made of.

Watching This: Guradian Enzo, Stilts Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Radiant (2019) Promotional Videos ▼

Hataage! Kemono Michi | 旗揚! けものみち Top
http://hataage-kemonomichi.com
Animation: Engi Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 22:00
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @hatakemoanime or #けものみち

Preview by Choya

Genzou Shibata (Konishi Katsuyuki) is a professional wrestler who loves animals dearly. When he is summoned to another world, he is greeted by a princess who asks Genzou to exterminate her world’s evil beasts in RPG fashion. But whereas any hopeful youth would be more than happy to take up a sword to slash as many monsters as possible, Genzou is outraged that he would be asked to kill animals. Using his superhuman wrestling prowess, Genzou delivers a decisive German Suplex to the princess, preventing him from being able to return to Earth and forcing him to stay in this new world. Making the best of this predicament, Genzou decides to live a peaceful life in another world and maintains a pet shop where he can raise and take care of the monsters, beasts, and wildlife he encounters.

For those clamoring for more Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku Wo!, you’re in for a treat this season. KonoSuba author Akatsuki Natsume penned this hilarious yet meaningful take on life in another world, providing his brand of humor to Genzou’s adventures. Given Genzou’s adoration of animals, it breaks the typical RPG mold by foregoing wanton slaughter in favor of pursuing a more noble hobby of domesticating and raising these dangerous creatures. As with many great isekai anime that flip the script on your standard MMORPG-inspired wish-fulfillment, Hataage! Kemono Michi supports its high concept of a hero that refuses to kill magical beasts by providing him with the strength and means to make his dream a reality. In the process of building a pet store for the magical beasts he’s able to bring in, he gathers the attention of other mythical beings drawn to such an unusual human, whom eventually find themselves intrigued, captivated, or heated-up by such a presence in their world. Along with his employees and begrudging allies, Genzou intends to use his time in another world to its fullest as he ventures out to ensure the safety and protection of the universe’s wildlife. From the looks of it, Hataage! Kemono Michi is shaping up to be one of the breakout hits of this season, and is expected to provide much-needed purification to audiences this fall.

Watching This: Choya, Pancakes, Passerby, Stilts Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Hataage! Kemono Michi Promotional Videos ▼

Shinchou Yuusha: Kono Yuusha ga Ore Tueee Kuse ni Shinchou Sugiru
慎重勇者~この勇者が俺TUEEEくせに慎重すぎる~ Top
http://shincho-yusha.jp
Animation: White Fox Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 22:30
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @ shincho_yusha or #慎重勇者

Preview by Pancakes

For goddess Listarte (Toyosaki Aki), life truly sucks. Designated saviour to the so-called “super hard” world Gairbrunde, Listarte plans to save her charge by summoning a hero to help, but in the process gets more trouble than intended. Bringing forth Ryuuguuin Seiya (Umehara Yuuichirou), a mystical “cheat-level” hero possessing unmatched skill and power, Listarte quickly discovers that while her heroic helper may have all the strength in the world, he also comes equipped with a cautious personality. Ridiculously cautious. Hoarding absurd amounts of items, obsessively training to max level on basic slimes, frightened of every action Listarte proposes—Seiya is a cornucopia of heroic cowardice, and it falls to the poor goddess to help him see the light. If Garibrunde is to be saved Seiya must rise to the challenge, but training this hero for the role is going to take far more effort than Listarte ever bargained for.

Ever think there’s not enough comedy in insekai? Missing out on some KonoSuba-style shenanigans? Believe parody trumps reality? Well say hello to Shinchou Yuusha. Effectively a love child of KonoSuba and Slayers, Shinchou Yuusha is an unabashed isekai parody, taking all the tropes and stereotypes and hilariously playing with them as much as possible. Whether that be between the superpowered (and more cowardly) Kazuma stand-in Seiya or the more innocent (yet equally useless) Aqua relation Listarte, Shinchou Yuusha is full on gag and slapstick humour from the get-go, and it makes no apologies for it. While the obvious caveat is that comedy always comes down to personal taste (and Seiya’s pusillanimous personality will likely prove divisive to boot), with this being a White Fox production under Needless’ Sakoi Masayuki, it’s reasonable to expect a show similar of similar comedic quality. We’ll just have to wait and see how the first few episodes pan out, but if you’re in need of some meme-worthy laughs this season, look no further.

Watching This: Choya, Guardian Enzo, Zaiden Excitement Level: Average
Show Shinchou Yuusha: Kono Yuusha ga Ore Tueee Kuse ni Shinchou Sugiru Promotional Videos ▼

Ore wo Suki na no wa Omae Dake ka yo | 俺を好きなのはお前だけかよTop
https://ore.ski
Animation: Connect Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Romance, Comedy, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 24:30
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @ oresuki_anime or #俺好き

Preview by Zaiden

Kisaragi Amatsuyu (Yamashita Daiki) a.k.a Joro is a high school boy who has always dreamed of having his own harem. After reading about lucky protagonists and their harems in fiction, he jealously concludes: “I want to be like those bastards too”. To achieve this goal, he behaves like the most immaculate of Prince Charmings during the day, while maniacally plotting his next moves at night. His efforts thus far have secured him two very close and intimate relationships: Hinata Aoi (Shiraishi Haruka), his childhood friend, and Akino Sakura (Misawa Sachika), the student council president. Everything goes perfectly. Both ask him to come meet them up after school. Seems pretty simple and clear cut, right? Well… about that…

When I was still in highschool, an acquaintance of mine at secondary school was so inspired by anime (Sakurasou, in particular) that he wrote a short story. One which had a really similar premise to the opening gambit of Ore Suki, and predated it by three years. My friend’s story was pure entertainment. I remember laughing my sides out, gaping in awe at how he spicily straddled the fine line between genius and insanity. So I can’t help but wonder if, while he goes about daily life as an aeronautical engineering student, he secretly took up a Japanese pen name and sold his story to some higher up in the industry, and is now secretly making bank to fund his university education with Japanese LN aficionados none the wiser. But I digress. To say the least, this series executes an absolutely bonkers premise, and if you’re a fan of Gamers! or Kaguya-sama: Love is War, you’ll feel right at home with how often your expectations become subverted. With Akitaya Noriaka at the helm – a man who has directed excellent anime I adored in Bakuman, Jokumachi no Dandelion and the Persona 3 movies – I have no doubts this adaptation will blow off socks and can confidently predict Ore Suki will become one of the breakout hits of fall 2019.

Watching This: Choya, Takaii, Zaiden Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Ore wo Suki na no wa Omae Dake ka yo Promotional Videos ▼

Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan o Erande Iraremasen
本好きの下剋上 司書になるためには手段を選んでいられませんTop
http://booklove-anime.jp
Animation: Ajia-dou Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 24:30
Episodes: 14 Station: WOWOW
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @anime_booklove or #本好きの下剋上

Preview by Zaiden

Stop! I understand exactly what you’re thinking. ‘[Not] Another isekai!!!’ Right?!? For both kinds of people, whether keen or dismissive, you might be in for something of a treat, provided you keep an open mind. If you ignore the all-too-familiar truck that strikes once again, Honzuki is definitely one of the less conventional isekai told from the perspective of a bookworm reincarnated into the body of a little girl called Maine (Iguchi Yuka). She is not reborn into some kind of aristocratic class living a comfortable life. Rather, she starts off from complete poverty as the daughter of destitute peasants. And it’s not the lack of insulation or food or potentially life-threatening illness that bothers her. It’s the utter lack of her beloved books in any shape or form, thanks to the abysmal literacy rates around her parts. Worst of all? A single book is extremely rare and costs an absolute fortune! Her solution? Make her own paper, make her own ink and start her own enterprise. Because it’s time to set this new world alight by creating her own books, as well as bringing over all the incredible (and garbage) stories from our world.

An isekai deviating from the norm? What a breath of fresh air, even if I do find myself somewhat partial to the stale and crummy generic stuff that’s been coming off production line so frequently as of late. The premise provides a unique starting point, not to mention Iguchi Yuka and Tamura Mutsumi are prominent seiyuu who can be relied upon to bring characters to life. However, director Honda Mitsuru has proven to be a one-show wonder with Outlaw Star – followed by a bunch of ceremonious flops to his name such as World Trigger. With nothing else to show and a lethargic series composer in Kunisawa Mariko to back him up, I’ll remain hopeful that something will click, yet will set my expectations appropriately to minimise potential disappointment.

Watching This: Zaiden Excitement Level: Average
Show Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan o Erande Iraremasen Promotional Videos ▼

Houkago Saikoro Club | 放課後さいころ倶楽部Top
http://saikoro-club.com
Animation: LIDENFILMS Premiere: October 2nd, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 26:16
Episodes: 12 Station: ABC
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @saikoro_club or #さいころくらぶ

Preview by Choya

It’s springtime in Kyoto. Aya (Kouno Marika) has recently moved from her old town to begin her new life in high school alongside her new friend Miki (Miyashita Saki). One day after school, Aya and Miki follow committee president Midori (Tomita Miyu) to a specialty board game store with a plethora of games to choose from. Without thinking, they decide to play a German board game for kicks. But in their casual pursuit of a good time, they become invested in the exciting world of board games. Along with foreign transfer student Emilia (M.A.O.), each of the girls come together as they discover their mutual interest in board games in the Dice Club!!

Houkago Saikoro Club channels its energy into giving audiences a run down on some of the most thrilling and entertaining board games. Anime as a medium is no stranger to board games, as the past few years have given us a few slice-of-life shows where its cast take time out of any given episode to play their favorite board and parlor games together. The characters of Imouto sae Ireba Ii enjoyed bringing out tabletop hobbies every so often. However, the titular club in Houkago Saikoro Club’s full dedication to board games dives deeper into the mechanics or aspects of table-top games that make them fun, deep experiences. With the club’s main specialty, it also provides the perfect opportunity to flesh out the intricacies of a wider range of board games than most other anime. It’ll be interesting to see how invested they are able to get into the girls’ shared interest in board games when Houkago Saikoro Club makes its next move this season.

Watching This: Choya, Passerby, Stilts Excitement Level: Average
Show Houkago Saikoro Club Promotional Videos ▼

Choujin Koukousei-tachi wa Isekai demo Yoyuu de Ikinuku you desu!
超人高校生たちは異世界でも余裕で生き抜くようです!Top
http://choyoyu.com
Animation: Project No.9 Premiere: October 3rd, 2019
Genre: Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 21:00
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @choyoyu_PR or #超余裕

Preview by Pancakes

After a devastating and widespread depression took Japan to the brink of annihilation, seven high school students rose to the challenge and saves their dying country. Unparalleled prodigies in everything from medicine to science, combat to covert ops, and all manner of politics and economics in between, they helped to single-handily restore Japan to greatness—at least for a while. After an everyday plane ride for the seven turns into a tragic accident, the kids find themselves transferred to a wholly new, unknown, and technologically deprived world. With magic and beastmen common and modern convenience nowhere in sight, the seven prodigies set out to do what only they can in their unique situation. Through their combined intellect and unrivaled knowledge, they will remake and revolutionize this new world, no matter the consequences.

Yes, you’re not seeing things, we have yet another isekai adaptation on our hands. Besides the obvious wish-fulfillment and suspension-of-disbelief going on (did I mention one of these students is the Japanese prime minister? Yes, it’s that crazy), Choyoyu isn’t too particularly egregious: it’s a slow burning politically-focused story with a relatively balanced cast (read: no harem) and hints of Maoyuu Maou Yuusha and Danganrompa to keep the material fresh. Make no mistake, success for Choyoyu is going to depend entirely on one’s love and tolerance of all things isekai, particularly the more over-the-top variety (this is Danganrompa in spirit, after all), but as a simple bit of fun and relaxation you cannot go wrong here. Considering the loli master Yanagi Shinsuke is directing for Project No. 9, we’re bound to see the lighter side of isekai shenanigans, but if you’ve got that alternate world itch regardless I recommend giving Choyoyu a shot. You never know what this one might have up its sleeve.

Watching This: Pancakes, Stilts Excitement Level: Average
Show Choujin Koukousei-tachi wa Isekai demo Yoyuu de Ikinuku you desu! Promotional Videos ▼

Chuubyou Gekihatsu Boy | 厨病激発ボーイTop
http://chubyou.net
Animation: Studio DEEN Premiere: October 3rd, 2019
Genre: Comedy, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 22:30
Episodes: 11 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @chubyou_p or #厨病

Preview by Choya

Chuubyuou Gekihatsu Boy explores the lives of several boys who suffer from adolescent delusions of grandeur, otherwise known as chuunibyou syndrome. Hijiri Mizuki (Akasaki Chinatsu) is a transfer student who finds herself entangled in each of the boys’ lives as she learns to handle their rowdy personalities. For instance, Tsukumo Rei (Enoki Junya) sees himself as a mastermind with a penchant for taking on his daily activities in a suggestive manner. Nakamura Kazuhiro (Kabumoto Hideaki) is a prodigy who identifies as a reincarnated angel or devil named “Touga Ryushouin” with a god of darkness dwelling within one of his arms. Mikuriya Futaba (Tsuda Kenjirou) is a fellow transfer student who returned from above to embrace his narcissistic obsession with singing. Takashima Tomoki (Nakamura Shugo) is an otaku whose handsome looks are wasted on his 2-D wife Sora-chan from the game ‘I Love!’. And finally, Yamato Noda (Yamashita Daiki) is a youthful boy who longs to be a hero and trains for the day where he can dabble in heroics. Together, they are about to show Mizuki that sometimes, it takes the power of love, heroism, and imagination to make it through high school.

The history of the Chuubyuou Gekihatsu Boy franchise is interesting in how it began as a Vocaloid song by rerulili. As interest grew for a universe where a group of delusional boys believed they were gifted with superpowers, the song was adapted into a stage play and a light novel series. The anime adaptation is aiming to replicate the level of enthusiasm shown in both the song and the light novels as they explore Mizuki’s interactions with the boys. Along with its draw as a reverse harem where she faces a cavalcade of possible suitors, it helps that its overarching concept revolves around how the boys’ personalities make for rough sailing for Mizuki, to have the attention of all these boys suffering from chuunibyou syndrome. It’ll be fascinating to see the many ways in which each guy’s delusions work for and against them as they try to bond with their new friend. Whether they aim to stay friends with Mizuki or decide to compete with one another to win her affection will be interesting to see play out, especially with how detrimental some of the boys’ personalities can be in getting others to connect with them. No matter if it’s more of a comedy than a romance or vice versa, Chuubyuou Gekihatsu Boy should prove to be a fun and quirky musical comedy that will aim to have you demanding an encore this season.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo Excitement Level: Average
Show Chuubyou Gekihatsu Boy Promotional Videos ▼

Azur Lane | アズールレーンTop
https://azurlane-anime.jp
Animation: Bibury Animation Studio Premiere: October 3rd, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 23:30
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @azurlane_anime or #アズレンアニメ

Preview by Pancakes

Best batten down the hatches and protect those waifus, because the next great thing in weaponized moe anthropomorphism is here with Azur Lane. Based on the widely popular (and Kancolle-inspired) Chinese mobile game, Azur Lane is set in an alternate world beset by alien beings called Sirens. While initially successful in their invasion, the Sirens soon meet their match in girls endowed with Cubes, devices containing the condensed power of naval warships. Thanks to the heroics of these ship-infused girls, humanity starts pushing the Sirens back, but in victory finds only further struggle. After two powers—Iron Blood and the Sakura Empire—break from the global alliance to forge their own path, the remaining allies suddenly must confront both alien invaders and their former comrades determined to dominate the post-Siren world. With the threat of war growing by the day, it’s uncertain how events will play out, but one way or another it’ll come down to the ship girls to decide the world’s fate.

Anthropomorphism, war, and alien invasions; whether together or individually, we have been feasting on numerous “mecha musume” anime featuring these themes for years, and Azur Lane is set to continue the trend. At face value no surprises should be expected here: like Kancolle before it, it’s going to be all about various ship girls, their quirky personalities, and famous warships, albeit with a greater emphasis on story versus slice-of-life (a la Aoki Hagene no Arpeggio)—at least if the promo videos and hinted plot are any indication. Will it make up for the disappointment Kancolle generated? That’s anyone’s guess, but it’s clear Azur Lane is aiming to do so. While there’s a couple of red flags in this being yet another mobile game adaptation by a completely unknown studio, considering Grisaia no Kajitsu’s Tanaka Motoki has plenty of directing experience with cute girls and magical settings and the game seiyuus are all reprising their roles, there’s a decent chance this one won’t fall firmly on its face. Azur Lane may not wind up breaking any molds, but this is one mecha musume anime worth some attention.

Watching This: Pancakes, Passerby, Takaii, Zephyr Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Azur Lane Promotional Videos ▼

Granblue Fantasy The Animation Season 2Top
https://anime.granbluefantasy.jp
Animation: MAPPA Premiere: October 4th, 2019
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Fridays at 24:00
Episodes: 13 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @anime_gbf or #アニメグラブル

Preview by Zephyr

Switching off from A-1 Pictures, Studio MAPPA and director Umemoto Yui (Cardfight!! Vanguard G, Episode Director on Durarara!!, Sakamichi no Apollon) take over as the wildly popular Granblue Fantasy franchise returns for its second animated go-around. Set in a world where people live on islands drifting across the skies, Granblue focuses on a boy named Gran (Ono Yuuki) and his winged lizard friend Vyrn (Kugimiya Rie). The first season saw them meet with girl named Lyria (Toyama Nao) and former knight turned guardian Katalina (Sawashiro Miyuki). Sought by the militaristic Erste Empire for her ability to manipulate magical beasts known as primals, the crew’s attempt to evade capture leads them to Rackam (Hirata Hiroaki), who joins the group as the pilot of their new airship, the Grandcypher. As they engage various primal beasts and add to their ever growing crew, Gran finds himself on a journey through the skies, hoping to one day find his way to Estalucia, the legendary Island of the Astrals where his father awaits. Granblue’s second season will continue the story of Gran and his Skyfarer crew as their journey pushes them toward a climactic engagement with the Erste Empire.

Given how well it sold and the popularity of its mobile counterpart (over 24 million players!), it was only a matter of time before Granblue received its second season. For the most part, its first season was faithful in how it adapted the franchise’s major plot points, making it a nice trip down memory lane for those who have played the game. For those who didn’t play Granblue then, or haven’t played it yet, the experience was likely less meaningful, providing a solid fantasy adventure story that had its moments but probably didn’t come off as anything unique or truly amazing. I can’t say this impression would necessarily change with a second season, but the events of subsequent chapters do pack a bigger punch than those covered by the first season, and there’s certainly an adventure to be had here with over a 100+ chapters of content available in the source game. At the very least, the animated version of Granblue is a good entry point to see what the franchise is all about. Who knows? You might end up getting hooked and start playing the mobile game like I did.

Watching This: Zephyr Excitement Level: Average
Show Granblue Fantasy The Animation Season 2 Promotional Videos ▼

Hi Score Girl II | ハイスコアガール IITop
http://hi-score-girl.com/
Animation: J.C. Staff Premiere: October 4th, 2019
Genre: Romance, Seinen, Comedy Airtime (GMT+9): Fridays at 25:05
Episodes: 9 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @hi_score_girl or #ハイスコ

Preview by Guardian Enzo

I won’t lie, it feels good to have the first slot in my seasonal expectations not be a slam dunk for once. I seriously had to think about it this time, but in the end I had to go with Hi Score Girl II. Given all the agony fans of this series have gone through and the fact that it was a Top 3 show for me in 2018, I just couldn’t go in any other direction. Not only is Hi Score Girl a great anime, but it’s one that deserves every ounce of success and appreciation that comes its way.

The fact that HSG ended up being quite successful commercially as an anime feels like a just reward in so many ways. As a coming-of-age tale and a romantic comedy, Oshikiri Rensuke’s manga is among the best of the 21st Century. The authenticity level is off the charts with this show, and the anime lost none of it in translation. Even the 3D-CGI element of it, certainly not my favorite aspect of the adaptation, ended up kind of working (especially in the depiction of the 90’s game environments). Hi Score Girl is a great series with a great protagonist and great romantic triangle, and even if it hadn’t been enthusiastically pissed on by fortune it would still deserve to get the complete anime adaptation it’s receiving. Justice is a rare thing in this world and it – like equally rare great series like this – should be cherished when the opportunity presents itself.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Pancakes, Passerby, Zaiden, Zephyr Excitement Level: High
Show Hi Score Girl II Promotional Videos ▼

Null Peta | ぬるぺたTop
https://nullpeta.com
Animation: Shin-Ei Animation Premiere: October 4th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi Airtime (GMT+9): Fridays at 26:40
Episodes: Station: Online Distribution
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @nullpeta or #nullpeta

Preview by Stilts

Null Peta is described as a “sisters slapstick comedy” project, which centers on the genius elementary school girl inventor Null (Waki Azumi) as she deals with the the tragic, emotionally scarring death of her older sister Peta (Ueda Reina). Just kidding! Peta does die, tragically too, but instead of mourning as us plebs would, Null creates the Peta Robo, a robot with the same characteristics as her late sister. However, the robot is a little different than Null expected. Hilarity ensues in this multi-media project, with the game launching simultaneously with the anime’s premiere.

If I seem flippant about the older sister’s death in the paragraph above, it’s only because there’s so little information available about this project. Will Peta’s death be the source of legitimate grief, or will it be glossed over for the sake of getting the Peta Robo on screen and getting to the funnies? Who knows, though at least there’s a hint of an interesting idea in the premise, and with only an anime and a game as part of this multi-media project, maybe they’re actually depending on the anime to be good to make money? We can only hope! The staff is okay, director Ogura Hirofumi has a decent resume and original creator/script writer Hato has at least done the job before, though I’ve never seen their one other show. Similarly, the promo video is fine, nothing to complain about but no depth signaled. This is one that, if the idea of a robot sister who’s a little off tickles your fancy, just try it. I’m not holding out much hope, but maybe those low expectations will lead to a big surprise.

Watching This: No one yet Excitement Level: Average
Show Null Peta Promotional Videos ▼

Mairimashita! Iruma-kun | 魔入りました! 入間くんTop
https://www6.nhk.or.jp/anime/program/detail.html?i=iruma
Animation: Bandai Namco Pictures Premiere: October 5th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 17:35
Episodes: 23 Station: NHK-E
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @wc_mairuma or #魔入りました入間くん

Preview by Zaiden

Suzuki Iruma (Murase Ayumu) is an unfailing Yes Man. Born to irresponsible parents and neglected for the majority of his life ever since he was a kid, Iruma is used to accepting pretty much any unreasonable requests from others just so that he can get by – including a sales contract where his parents sell him off to an entity from hell in return for a lump sum of cash. Fortunately for him, this demon is really just a lonely and rich old man who has always wanted a grandson. In a wholesome turn of events, Iruma is sent off to attend a demon academy – although he lives in perennial fear of being exposed as a normal human among his crazy and powerful demonic cohort, all of which could easily obliterate him at a moment’s notice.

Mairimashita! Iruma-kun is a breakout hit penned by Nishi Osamu that’s every bit as wacky as it sounds. From the premise to the characters to the artwork, the majority of it is off the rails and it definitely makes the cut as a gag manga. Everything is likable – although the art might not be everyone’s cup of tea. And there’s no shortage of touching moments, with the occasional promise of more underlying substance that’s teased at every now and then. As the director of equally whimsical shows in Hime Chin and Milky Holmes, I reckon that Morikawa Makoto is a highly suitable match for this series. Regardless of the outcome, something unique is guaranteed to pop out at the other end of the production line and I’m extremely curious to see the result.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Zaiden Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Mairimashita! Iruma-kun Promotional Videos ▼

Val x Love | 戦×恋Top
https://val-love.com
Animation: Hoods Entertainment Premiere: October 5th, 2019
Genre: Action, Romance, Comedy Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 23:00
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @val_love_pr or #戦恋

Preview by Choya

Akutsu Takuma (Hirose Yuuya) is a high schooler who is determined to remain forever alone so he can focus on his studies. However, his fortunes are reversed when he is chosen by Odin to protect and save the world from evil. But he will not go about this task alone, as Odin grants him nine Valkyries that he must fight alongside and live with. The catch is that Akutsu will have to engage in intimate acts with each of the girls in order to tap into their fighting potential. The sisters he must fight with include the most popular and highest-level Valkyrie on the force Saotome Natsuki (Hondo Kaede), the student council president Saotome Itsuyo (Kakuma Ai), the popular idol Saotome Mutsumi (Hidaka Rina), the harsh eldest sister Saotome Ichika (Uchiyama Yumi), the tomboyish Saotome Misa (Shimizu Ayaka), and more. Although Akutsu has his work cut out for him now that his solitary life is no more, he is compelled to begin his journey as he joins the Saotome sisters in combating the forces of evil, one awkward moment at a time.

For those seeking an energetic battle ecchi anime with a twist of Norse mythology, there’s no going wrong with Val x Love. In fact, Val x Love has a few surprises up its sleeve as far as romantic action harems go. For instance, Akutsu’s anthrophobia, or fear of humans, offers an interesting spin on your standard protagonist as he must juggle the weight of saving humanity with his fear of remaining in close contact with girls he’s living with. It might seem like a trivial issue, but with his level of fear, it becomes increasingly alarming when he must raise the girls’ power levels by directly arousing them. The anime is presented as a “world-saving, room-sharing, love action story,” but Odin’s emphasis on making Akutsu use the sisters’ arousal to fight evil adds a stressful element to Akutsu’s tale as he is forced to overcome his fears and, at the same time, avoid looking creepy. In the process, however, his feelings for the girls quickly develop, causing further complications when he wants to come off as a more respectful person, developing feelings that would otherwise conflict with the crass mechanics behind activating the girls’ powers. Additionally, the Saotome sisters have their own ideas of what they think of Akutsu and their connection with him as their thoughts about him teeter between budding admiration and outright opposition. While it will be interesting to see how their feelings grow and develop amid fighting evil, we’ll find out how it all unfolds when Val x Love exposes itself this season.

Watching This: Choya Excitement Level: Average
Show Val x Love Promotional Videos ▼

Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia
Fate/Grand Order -絶対魔獣戦線バビロニア-Top
https://anime.fate-go.jp/ep7-tv/
Animation: CloverWorks Premiere: October 5th, 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 23:30
Episodes: 21 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @FGOAP_ep7 or #FGO_ep7

Preview by Passerby

Hidden deep within the icy wastes of Antarctica, 6000 metres above sea level, is the observatory Chaldea. But this is no remote scientific facility; Chaldea is actually a clandestine organisation of modern magi sanctioned by the United Nations with one directive: to preserve humanity against extinction. To this end they employ miraculous technologies that give them the ability to exactly simulate the past, present, and future of Earth. One day, Chaldea makes a startling discovery: they could no longer observe humanity past the year 2019. Some nefarious force had meddled with key events in human history, without which humanity as we know it would not exist. Chaldea can do only one thing: send their sole agent-by-accident Fujimaru Ritsuka (Shimazaki Nobunaga) back in time and, enlisting the aid of heroes out of antiquity and mythology, correct the course of mankind. Now, Ritsuka is about to embark on his most important and dangerous mission yet: back to 2655 BC, ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilisation. It is the time known as the Age of Gods, when primordial deities still held authority over the world, and Ritsuka will have to battle similarly-sized perils that threaten to extinguish all life.

The initial anime adaptation of Type Moon’s popular mobile RPG Fate/Grand Order, aptly named First Order, came and went without much of a splash. It simply was not impressive. Sure, it had some neat action, and a potentially interesting one-part time police, one-part mythological-melting-pot premise, but the writing was mostly uninspired. How much can you expect from a smartphone game anyway? Even those who had played the game readily warned that the initial chapters were on the whole mediocre. But, it does get better. Much better. By the time the game got to Babylonia, Fate/Grand Order had almost reached the level of a fully-fledged visual novel, with head writer Nasu Kinoko taking full advantage of his anything-goes setting to make the story crazy awesome. Babylonia is certainly the height of F/GO and is worth checking out even for the uninitiated. But let’s not push the hype train to full steam so easily; there’s the matter of adaptation. This is director Akai Toshifumi’s first time helming a full series, though he did direct the Shelter music video. He at least has skill at storyboards. Another issue is that Babylonia is actually the eighth chapter of F/GO. The seventh is being made into a movie, but that’s coming later, and even then there’s five other chapters missing. I’m all for cutting weak parts of the story rather than let them drag down the whole, but they do contain plot information that Babylonia won’t entirely make sense without. There is an episode 0 that recaps the story to an extent, but it won’t answer a new viewer’s questions to any level of satisfaction. If you’re entirely unfamiliar with F/GO I’m not sure how much Babylonia will accommodate you. At least we know that it’s getting a healthy 21 episodes, so it should have time for the busywork. And of course, have time for the epic; there will be plenty of that in Babylonia.

Watching This: Choya, Pancakes, Passerby, Takaii, Zaiden, Zephyr Excitement Level: High
Show Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia Promotional Videos ▼

Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai! 2 | ぼくたちは勉強ができない!Top
https://anime.fate-go.jp/ep7-tv/
Animation: Arvo Animation Premiere: October 5th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 24:30
Episodes: 13 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @bokuben_anime or #ぼく勉

Preview by Takaii

Have you ever watched a show that you ended up really liking, only to be super worried that it would never get more content and would just disappear into obscurity? Well, if you haven’t I despise you, but seeing as how we’re all friends here, I’m sure you can empathize with the feeling. Lo and behold, BokuBen, a show that I absolutely loved, is back for a second season! Oh my god, I can barely contain my excitement thinking about how we may actually get some proper character growth as the story evolves since the foundations for an extremely entertaining romcom/school life show have already been set.

If you want to know more about the show, feel free to read the great preview by Choya two seasons ago. I think it goes without saying that you should watch the first season if you want to have any idea of what’s going on during this sequel. However, if you’re looking for a reason to pick this show up (or go back to watch season one), let me vomit words onto the screen for a second. If reading the show’s synopsis isn’t enough, I think what really pulled me into the story was how fun it was watching Yuiga Nariyuki (Osaka Ryota) do his thing, as well as how unique each romantic interest is when it comes to how they handle their feelings toward Nariyuki. With each character getting ample time to show off their quirks and how said quirks clash with what they want to do, you can’t help but want to know more. Add in how innocent Nariyuki is, as well as just how dense he can be when it comes to romance, and you have all the fixings of a damn good romcom. Anyway, if you feel like you’ve been missing a good anime romcom in your life and have been trying to scratch that itch, I’d definitely recommend picking up BokuBen 2!

Watching This: Takaii Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai! 2 Promotional Videos ▼

Kono Oto Tomare! (2019) | この音とまれ! (2019)Top
http://www.konooto-anime.jp
Animation: Platinum Vision Premiere: October 5th, 2019
Genre: Music, Drama, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 25:00
Episodes: 13 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @konooto_anime or #この音とまれ

Preview by Miss Simplice

A third competitive high school show? Right in time for back-to-school season. This is a little less abrasive Shokugeki no Souma and more along the lines of Chihayafuru, wherein the characters aren’t yet geniuses at their sport. They rely on each other to learn, they support one another to keep their passion ignited, and they face challenges together rather than against one another. The key difference lies in the musical instrument they all share a newfound or reignited passion for: the Japanese koto. The story follows Kudou Chika (Uchida Yuuma), a delinquent teenager who forces his way into the Tokiza High School Koto club. Alongside musical genius Houziki Satowa (Tanezaki Atsumi) and club president Kurata Takezou (Enoki Junya), they and their peers work tirelessly to qualify for Nationals.

Kono Oto Tomare! might be the lighter high school drama series of this season, but don’t let that fool you. The music is what guides this show every step of the way. Each character has a strength and a weakness, but it’s how the club members come together to fill in those gaps that really makes the show worthwhile. Performances get progressively better, which creates a satisfactory evolution to watch. You may want to add this to your watchlist, especially if you’re a sucker for crying. Kono Oto Tomare! will definitely pull at those heartstrings.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Zephyr Excitement Level: Average
Show Kono Oto Tomare! (2019) Promotional Videos ▼

Keishichou Tokumu Bu Tokushu Kyouakuhan Taisaku Shitsu Dai Nana Ka: Tokunana | 警視庁 特務部 特殊凶悪犯対策室 第七課 -トクナナ-Top
http://www.tokunana.jp/
Animation: Premiere: October 6th, 2019
Genre: Crime, Fantasy, Thriller Airtime (GMT+9): Sundays at 21:00
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @tokunana_PR or #トクナナ

Preview by Passerby

The Earth used to be ruled by… dragons! Long before human civilisation covered the planet, dragons reigned as magical god-kings, with dominion over not just humans but other fantasy races lifted straight out of a Dungeons & Dragons manual. At some point, though, the dragons began to disappear, and in modern times the few that are left have taken unassuming shapes and blended into human society. And so, Tokyo is now a city as we might recognise it, save for the occasional spat between elves and dwarves and a vampire attack now and then. These unorthodox cases require an unorthodox police force, and so was established Special Crimes Investigation Unit. Despite the fancy title it’s just a bunch of roguish misfits who, despite each possessing superhuman capabilities, have proved too unruly for the regular force. Into this band of ne’er-do-wells transfers Nanatsuki Seiji (Shimono Hiro), who is, from all appearances, just a normal detective. But he’s good at what he does, and his mundane skill set may be exactly what is needed for the Special Crimes Investigation Unit’s primary mission: to thwart a cult of dangerous dragon worshipers who have been sowing unrest for the purposes of resurrecting the power of the dragons, and reshaping the world in their own image.

It’s always curious how much info we get ahead of time on original series like Tokunana. As much information as we have about the premise, we still don’t know which studio is actually producing the thing, which is usually suspect. I hope no issue comes of it, because Tokunana sounds interesting, being an urban fantasy melting-pot following the footsteps of Cop Craft (which in turned followed shows like Kekkai Sensen). Perhaps it’s not the most original idea, both in the East and in the West, but it’s a very flexible conceit that an ambitious anime can do a lot with. And while we don’t know the studio yet, we do know the important stuff i.e. the staff. We know that there’s two directors, Kosaka Harume and Kuriyama Takayuki (the chief director in this relationship). More importantly, we know who’s writing this thing: Higashide Yuichiro, who also wrote the Fate/Apocrypha novels. Apocrphya was something of a mess, and not even always an interesting mess, but it’s not a huge leap going from that to something like Tokunana, so perhaps lessons were learnt. Even then, perhaps Tokunana won’t even be one of the top three crime thrillers we have this season, but I suppose you can’t have too much of a good thing.

Watching This: Choya, Guardian Enzo, Passerby, Stilts, Zaiden, Zephyr Excitement Level: Average
Show Keishichou Tokumu Bu Tokushu Kyouakuhan Taisaku Shitsu Dai Nana Ka: Tokunana Promotional Videos ▼

ACTORS -Songs Connection-Top
https://actors-anime.jp
Animation: Drive Premiere: October 6th, 2019
Genre: Music, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Sundays at 23:30
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @ACTORS_info or #ACTORS_HR

Preview by Takaii

If you thought Actors was going to be another male idol show, you wouldn’t be wrong. But what makes this one a little spicier is where the show draws its inspiration from. If words like EXIT TUNES or utaite ring a bell, then boy I hope you got as excited as I did when I figured out what Actors: Songs Connections was all about. For those out of the loop, here’s a quick primer on why those two words should get you hyped. In the wild world of Japanese dougas (or videos), people who cover vocaloid songs or utaites have made a name for themselves doing amazing things to songs that originally started as synthesized voices. Following that wave of success, various labels have come and gone, but one of the biggest is EXIT TUNES, who’ve done literally everything you can do when it comes to vocaloids and music. One of which was creating a mixed media franchise called Actors which, among other things, has traditional CDs, drama CDs depicting the school lives of various members, and even a light novel! So, why does all this matter? It’s because the opportunity for songs that typically only live on the web and in rhythm games may finally make their way to our screens!

When it comes to Actors’ actual story, it looks like it will follow a typical school life setup where we follow a large cast (11 boys!) as they each do their things. That said, the focus will mostly revolve around three new anime-only characters: Kagura Sosuke (Urata Wataru), Outa Uta (Hozumi Yuuya), and Otonomiya Saku (Kajiwara Gakuto), all of whom are freshmen and happen to meet each other (and stick together) after hearing Otonomiya sing. However, just like any good show, there’s something else going on behind the scenes with mysterious white figures which can supposedly cure just about anything. How does it all play together when this is a show about singing? I guess we’ll all have to watch to find out!

Watching This: No one yet Excitement Level: Average
Show ACTORS -Songs Connection- Promotional Videos ▼

Babylon | バビロンTop
https://babylon-anime.com/
Animation: Revoroot Premiere: October 6th, 2019
Genre: Crime, Thriller Airtime (GMT+9): Sundays at 24:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Amazon Prime Video
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @babylon_anime or #バビロン

Preview by Passerby

At the Tokyo Public Prosecutor’s Office, Seizaki Zen (Nakamura Yuuichi) specialises in white collar crime. Currently, he’s investigating a global pharmaceutical company that has recently released a new and controversial euthanasia product. But the deeper Zen digs, the more unsettling the case appears. A particularly disturbing piece of evidence he uncovers is a file of an anaesthetist that contains samples of blood, hair, and skin along with a mysterious piece of paper on which is written, repeatedly, the letter ‘F’. It seems Zen’s investigation is only scratching the surface of a much greater conspiracy, one linked to a major local election and corruption that may go all the way to the top.

Writer Nozaki Mado, the author of the original Babylon novel on which this anime is based, is not unknown to the anime world. Previously he wrote the script for Seikai Suru Kado, which was filled with interesting ideas but went off the rails in its second half. For a smart anime it was hella dumb. While I haven’t managed to get my hands on a copy of Babylon, I have a fear that it may turn out similarly. Sure, the premise of Babylon sounds smart enough, but toward what end? The director credit is also, perhaps, a cause for pause; you may remember Suzuki Kiyotaka from the second season of PSYCHO-PASS, which also happened to be everybody’s second favourite season of that two-part series. But those are just apprehensions; on the face of it Babylon looks to be meaty conspiracy thriller and those always make for a good yarn. And with all the fantasy we’re getting this season, the gritty, modern, and political setting of Babylon will be a welcome contrast.

Watching This: Choya, Guardian Enzo, Pancakes, Zaiden Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Babylon Promotional Videos ▼

Fairy Gone 2Top
https://www.fairygone.com
Animation: P.A. Works Premiere: October 6th, 2019
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural Airtime (GMT+9): Sundays at 24:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @fairygone or #フェアリーゴーン

Preview by Zephyr

Produced by P.A. Works and directed by Suzuki Kenichi (Hataraku Saibou, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders 2nd Season), Fairy Gone is set in a world where fairies can possess and dwell in creatures to grant them special abilities. By transplanting an organ from these animals into humans, their abilities were harnessed to create Fairy Soldiers, select individuals whose powers could single-handedly change the tide of battles. However, with the abrupt end of a war that had engulfed the continent for many years, many Fairy Soldiers found themselves with a skill set that was no longer necessary. As the years passed by, many found themselves engaged in illicit activities, while others joined “Dorothea,” a government organization specializing in fairy-related crimes. The first season of Fairy Gone followed Dorothea’s newest recruit, Marlya (Ichinose Kana), as she worked together with other agents to fend off an attempted coup d’etat. The second season will continue from the first, focusing on Dorothea’s continued confrontation with Fairy Soldier remnants and the various organizations looking to recover and use an artifact called the “Black Fairy Tome.”

Originally one of spring’s more hyped series, Fairy Gone’s first season was generally regarded as a disappointment, with viewers lamenting its bland story, uneven pacing, inconsistent animation, and deluge of underdeveloped characters. It had its share of good action scenes and a great soundtrack, however, and I’d like to say that the series still has at least some potential to fulfill in its second season. But even as someone who didn’t dislike the series as much as others, the fact that they split the series into two parts and stopped at *that* particular point didn’t do it any favors, as it felt like the series was finally building into something meaningful, then suddenly took a multi-month break instead. I’m personally hopeful that things will pick up as the series’ second season arrives, but even if it does, it could very well be too little too late for many viewers.

Watching This: Pancakes Excitement Level: Average
Show Fairy Gone 2 Promotional Videos ▼

Africa no Salaryman | アフリカのサラリーマンTop
http://afusara.com
Animation: Hot Zipang Premiere: October 6th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life Airtime (GMT+9): Sundays at 24:30
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @afusara_P or #アフサラ

Preview by Choya

The corporate world is a jungle. A ravenous and ruthless kingdom where “survival of the fittest” is ingrained in the DNA of every aspiring office worker looking to cut their teeth in this cold and unforgiving society. In Africa no Salaryman, this jungle takes on a whole new meaning, because the salarymen are actual animals! Lion (Ootsuka Akio) is your typical salaryman navigating a capitalist society where the prey, as it turns out, are number-crunching reports that need to be completed immediately. He is joined by Lizard (Tsuda Kenjirou), a hot-headed companion whose no-nonsense approach makes him an aggressive co-worker, and Toucan (Shimono Hiro), an enthusiastic employee who also has a habit of letting loose in the workplace. Together, they take their rowdy antics to the workplace while dealing with their own unique struggles as animals living in a contemporary human society.

Africa no Salaryman is shaping up to be a comical take on the business world by incorporating the surreal nature of animals trying to make sense of the human world with your standard workplace comedy. With the hot-headed animal varieties that make up this workplace, it should make for some humorous team-ups as Lion, Lizard, and Toucan learn to cope with one another’s work styles. It has a similar appeal to Shirokuma Cafe in giving us the animal kingdom’s comedic, cute, and eccentric interactions with human activities such as running a business or chilling out. But whereas Panda-kun tried his hardest to not saddle himself with responsibilities, it looks like Lion will have a far more rigorous work schedule when Africa no Salaryman arrives this fall.

Watching This: Choya, Stilts, Zaiden Excitement Level: Average
Show Africa no Salaryman Promotional Videos ▼

Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode OracleTop
https://pso2.jp/anime_eporacle/
Animation: Studio Gonzo Premiere: October 7th, 2019
Genre: Science-Fiction, Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Mondays at 22:30
Episodes: 25 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @anime_pso2 or #アニメPSO2

Preview by Passerby

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, many space-faring races lived in harmony. But, one day, some undocumented cataclysm displaced them all from their homes and, with nowhere to go, these various races came together to form one great colony fleet, called ‘Oracle’, to search the universe for a habitable planet where they can start anew. The exploration of new planets is delegated to an organisation of professional adventurers within the colony known as ‘ARKS’. As our protagonist, Ash (Ono Daisuke), takes the qualification exam for ARKS on a foreign planet, he and his fellow trainee, Alfin (Shimono Hiro), are suddenly attacked by an army of unknown alien lifeforms, the Darkers. As Ash and Alfin are roped into fighting and investigating the Darkers they stumble across intrigue and conspiracy within the Oracle fleet itself, hinting at an altogether different origin and purpose for the ARKS organisation.

There has actually already been a Phantasy Star Online 2 anime, but that one didn’t so much adapt the game as adapt a hilariously shameless advertisement for the game. It really was just 12 episodes of watching people playing the actual MMORPG while slobbering over it as the holy grail of entertainment media, and while Phantasy Star is a fairly prestigious franchise with some history behind it, that wasn’t what anybody was looking for. This iteration of the anime, Episode Oracle, has its own level of shadiness—anything Studio Gonzo does these days is a bit suspect by association—but it’s supposed to be an honest-to-goodness adaptation of the game’s story. And it’s surprisingly legitimate. As director we have Barakamon’s Tachibana Masaki, who also happened to direct a .hack OAV back in the day, so that’s relevant experience. Taking the writing credit is industry veteran Oonogi Hiroshi, who was also the series composer for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, among other things. So there’s much to be optimistic about, which is great news for a lot of Phantasy Star Online fans who have been waiting eagerly for a proper anime adaptation. Even if you’re not a fan, this can be a good opportunity to see what this franchise is all about (especially considering the difficulties PSO2 has had getting to the West). And an anime that’s something of a cross between Homeworld, The Lord of the Rings, and Macross can simply be a good time.

Watching This: Passerby Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle Promotional Videos ▼

Stand My Heroes: Piece of Truth | スタンドマイヒーローズ PIECE OF TRUTHTop
https://www.standmyheroes.tv
Animation: MSC Premiere: October 7th, 2019
Genre: Mystery, Romance Airtime (GMT+9): Mondays at 23:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @myhero_anime or #スタマイPOT

Preview by Stars

Inspired by a mobile game, the heroine of this tale has started working at the independent investigation agency, STAND, and it turns out she has a talent: medical narcotics don’t affect her. It’s essentially like if someone took the premise of Psycho-Pass and turned it into a reverse harem. There are A-listers among the vocal cast such as Namikawa Daisuke and Sugita Tomokazu, and that’s just to name a few. The director, Yamamoto Hideyo, has worked on Darker than BLACK and Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex. It’ll be interesting to see what he does now that he has full directorial control.

The fun and excitement of playing a mobile game is usually derived from the experience of directly affecting the narrative through your choices, which tends to make adapting one into an anime challenging. If you develop the main heroine, the audience can no longer project themselves onto her, but if you don’t, she’s bland and boring. It’s challenging to please everyone. Downright impossible, even. The formula tends to go a little like this: two or three episodes are dedicated to each possible suitor, expanding on their backstories and setting up a potential romance. Now that’s the traditional route, but with a talented director at the reins, there may be some deviation from the structure, with the hopeful result being an adaptation that functions well as an independent narrative. It’s definitely something to look into, but what’s piqued my curiosity the most is the heroine’s nifty ability. Namely, how does not being affected by narcotics make her a better narcotics officer?

Watching This: No one yet Excitement Level: Limited
Show Stand My Heroes: Piece of Truth Promotional Videos ▼

Watashi, Nouryoku wa Heikinchi de tte Itta yo ne!
私, 能力は平均値でって言ったよね!Top
https://noukin-anime.com
Animation: Project No.9 Premiere: October 7th, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Slice of Life Airtime (GMT+9): Mondays at 23:30
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @noukin_anime or #のうきん

Preview by Pancakes

Adele von Ascham (Waki Azumi) is just your run-of-the-mill ordinary girl. Eldest daughter of the von Ascham household, it’s hugs, laughter, and friendship all around in Adele’s daily life—until the day of her tenth birthday. Stricken by a terrible headache, Adele wakes up recalling memories of a past life in a different world, where as an eighteen-year-old named Kurihara Misato she died rescuing a little girl. Winding up before God and given one reward for her selfless actions, her only request was to be reborn in a new life as average, and while this wish has mostly held true until now, her new revelation quickly changes things. With past memories at hand and hidden powers now starting to make their presence felt, it will take everything Adele has to keep her average life just way it’s always been.

Serious isekai. Funny isekai. With fall apparently going for broke on isekai, all we’re missing is the lighthearted variety, and that’s where Watashi Nouryoku comes in. Similar to the likes of spring’s Kenja no Mago or even Knight’s and Magic, this one takes the good-natured path, focusing hard on cutesy slice-of-life, but switching things up by running a female protagonist. That’s right, no males—or harems—here. Ever wanted a cute-girls-doing-cute-things isekai? Your wish is about to be granted. While good to note that Watashi Nouryoku’s story is not the strongest we’ve ever seen (even for an isekai), with none other than Doga Kobo’s own comedic cute girl master Oota Masahiko directing and over 11 volumes worth of light novel material to work with, there’s plenty of opportunity to see something amazing. It may not be fall’s strongest offering, but Watashi Nouryoku is well set to be top of the pile for anyone in need of some lighthearted relaxation.

Watching This: Pancakes, Stilts Excitement Level: Average
Show Watashi, Nouryoku wa Heikinchi de tte Itta yo ne! Promotional Videos ▼

BEASTARSTop
https://bst-anime.com
Animation: Orange Premiere: October 8th, 2019
Genre: Drama, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Thurdays at 23:30
Episodes: Station: Netflix
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @bst_anime or #bstanime

Preview by Miss Simplice

In a world of anthropomorphic animals, a vicious crime sows suspicion between carnivores and herbivores. Meanwhile, a canine character develops an unlikely bond with a rabbit. Sure, it may sound a lot like Zootopia, but it’s also the premise of Beastars, another tale of crime, discrimination, and improbable friendships. Based on the award-winning manga by Itagaki Paru, Beastars follows gray wolf Legoshi (Kobayashi Chikahiro), a member of the school drama club, as he tracks down a murderer and develops feelings for a dwarf rabbit named Haru (Senbongi Sayaka). The manga actually came out the same year as Zootopia, and is more of a high-school drama with a darker tone.

When I first heard about Beastars, I immediately thought of comic series like Blacksad and Fables (which also has a wolf main character, albeit mostly in human form). Beastars doesn’t seem quite as dark as those, however, and the high school setting brings a new dimension to the story. The manga does venture far further than, say, Zootopia into the weirder aspects of such a world—especially when it comes to how characters grapple with primal instincts like hunger and lust. Directed by Matsumi Shinichi, and licensed by Netflix, the series is being animated by Orange, best known for 2017’s Houseki no Kuni. The unique premise and Orange’s track record for animation mean this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Miss Simplice, Passerby, Zaiden Excitement Level: Average
Show BEASTARS Promotional Videos ▼

Z/X: Code ReunionTop
https://www.zxtcg.com/reunion/
Animation: Passione Premiere: October 8th, 2019
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Airtime (GMT+9): Tuesdays at 23:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @zxtcg or #ZX_TCG

Preview by Choya

Acting as the sequel to Z/X Ignition, this new installment is a fresh new take on the franchise as it centers on the not-so-distant future after Ignition. Previously, five “Black Points” suddenly appeared across the world, acting as portals to parallel worlds set in different time frames. Unfortunately, strange, malicious creatures jumped out of the portals to begin invading the planet. In order to make sure their own future time frame can survive this onslaught, each of the five invasion forces battled to wipe out the other future time frames using the power of one card-shaped device. As of Code Reunion, humanity and the Z/X reached a peace treaty and allowed universes to merge together in unity. Kagamihara Azumi (Ogura Yui), a girl from the Blue World, is chosen to enroll in an academy established to gather girls across Japan who are partnered with Z/X. With the power of Z/X at her disposal, Azumi is aspiring to make her grand debut at Fujimisaki Gakuen and reach far beyond her potential as a Z/X master.

The Z/X franchise has an interesting background as one of the first “Free-to-Start” card games that gave out free decks at card shops and special events. From there, it was able to blossom into the series it is now with video games, manga, and two anime adaptations based on the Z/X series. What makes Code Reunion particularly exciting is how the stakes aren’t raised to their highest peak. Whereas past adaptations have centered the characters’ experiences with Z/X around battling invaders from other dimensions, Code Reunion takes on a more pleasant approach by giving us an academic setting where characters fight not to prevent doomsday, but rather to create valuable and meaningful experiences with unity, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. This allows for leeway to introduce more characters into the series for Azumi to fight and befriend, giving her incentive to personally grow alongside her classmates and professors. If you’re a fan of Z/X or have an itch to watch some card game battles unfold, Z/X: Code Reunion will ensure that this fall won’t be a bust.

Watching This: No one yet Excitement Level: Limited
Show Z/X: Code Reunion Promotional Videos ▼

Kandagawa Jet Girls | 神田川JET GIRLSTop
http://kjganime.com/
Animation: TNK Premiere: October 8th, 2019
Genre: Sports Airtime (GMT+9): Tuesdays at 23:30
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @kjgpjt or #神田川ジェット

Preview by Stilts

Kadokawa is back at it again with another multi-media project set to premiere with an anime and a game. This original series is centered on girls who compete in jet ski races. But not just normal races, there’s also a second girl on each jet ski, and she has a laser gun? The point of the shooter hasn’t been made clear yet, but, though this is being produced by Senran Kagura producer Takaki Kenichirou, who’s known for much boing boing and plenty of clothing damage, Takaki-san has already said these girls will remain clothed. Will there be camera pans on their busts and bums? The promo video says yes. Jiggling boobs? That’s an affirmative. But fully clothed they shall remain!

The honest truth is that, though this is being produced by the Senran Kagura guy, and the character designs are overly tropey and there’s lots of tight clothing and naked skin on display, jet ski racing with some kind of laser shooting involvement is not the worst idea I’ve heard. Far from it. Had Takaki-san not specifically said the characters would remain fully clothed, I would have assumed otherwise, especially with the involvement of director Kaneko Hiraku because, I mean. C’mon. Just look at that resume. Right? Zappa Gou on series composition is a brighter spot, and there’s still those jet skis and laser guns to consider. I find myself assuming this’ll be a typical multi-media project, i.e. not that good, but at least there’s some possibility to the premise. Maybe, maybe. I think I may have to watch an episode or two, just to see where these laser guns fit in.

Watching This: Choya Excitement Level: Limited
Show Kandagawa Jet Girls Promotional Videos ▼

Nanatsu no Taizai: Kamigami no Gekirin | 七つの大罪 神々の逆鱗Top
https://www.7-taizai.net/
Animation: Studio DEEN Premiere: October 9th, 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Airtime (GMT+9): Wednesdays at 17:55
Episodes: 24 Station: TV Tokyo
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @7_taizai or #七つの大罪

Preview by Stilts

The popular medieval fantasy epic Nanatsu no Taizai is back with another full season. The story continues where it left off, with the titular Seven Deadly Sins—a group of legendary knights who once protected the nation of Britannia, before they betrayed their comrades and tried to overthrow the king … only they didn’t actually betray anyone, it was them who were betrayed (framed), and they had to be brought back from exile by princess Elizabeth Liones (Amamiya Sora) to save the kingdom from the Holy Knight usurpers. But that was a while ago, and small apples compared to the current threat: the terrifying Demon Clan, resurrected after being sealed for three thousand years for the horrifying war they waged on the entire world, and led by the monstrously powerful Ten Commandments. The Seven Deadly Sins are once again on the front lines of the fight, with promises of fierce battles, a test of fate for Elizabeth and the Sins’ leader Meliodas (Kaji Yuki), and the secret of the world set to finally be revealed.

Nanatsu no Taizai is a shounen action-adventure series I’ve had a lot of great things to say about in the past. The first season was phenomenal, whereas the third season fell off. (The less said about the filler second season, the better.) Why the fall off? Partially raised expectations, but also the first was packed with so much content, whereas the third season slowed down the narrative (and nerfed the animation quality) as original creator Suzuki Nakaba began milking the popular series for all it’s got. I get it, there’s financial incentives at play, but I don’t have to like it. This season will continue the Ten Commandments arc, which dug into some interesting themes around character such as Meliodas, Elizabeth, Gowther (Takagi Yuuhei), and Escanor (Sugita Tomokazu), not to mention plenty of delicious shipping vis a vis Diane (Yuuki Aoi) and King (Fukuyama Jun). If you’ve watched this far, you’ll probably keep watching, and I’m in that boat myself. Just go in it with realistic expectations, as the story is truly in the realm of shounen stretch, and it’s being animated by Studio Deen this time, who are quickly morphing into the scavengers of the anime world. (Have a decently popular IP in need of a sequel on the cheap? Think of Deen!) Otherwise, director Nishizawa Susumu has some experience, and lead writer Ikeda Rintarou at least has a few credits to his name. Go in with appropriate expectations, and let the pulpy shounen adventures of Nanatsu no Taizai take you away.

Watching This: Pancakes, Passerby, Stilts, Zaiden Excitement Level: Established
Show Nanatsu no Taizai: Kamigami no Gekirin Promotional Videos ▼

Mugen no Juunin: Immortal | 無限の住人-IMMORTAL-Top
https://mugen-immortal.com
Animation: LIDENFILMS Premiere: October 10th, 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Samurai Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 00:00
Episodes: 24 Station: Amazon Prime Video
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @mugen_immortal or #mugen_anime

Preview by Stars

What meaning is there to life for a man who cannot die? When Manji (Tsuda Kenjiro) is cursed by an 800-year-old nun with immortality for causing the deaths of a hundred samurai, including his sister’s husband, he must seek out and kill a thousand evil men in order to end the curse and regain his mortality. Until that time, bloodworms will keep him alive, ensuring that even if he were to lose his limbs, he would be able to reattach them and keep fighting. There is much injustice and cruelty to be found during the Tokugawa Shogunate period, but by vowing to help a young girl, Asano Rin (Sakura Ayane), avenge the deaths of her parents, he may have taken the first steps to redemption.

This seems to be the year for rebooted classics. Dororo’s set the bar extraordinarily high, but this series’s director, Hamasaki Hiroshi, has a very long and impressive resume of shows such as Arslan Senki, Orange, and Stein;Gate. He’s no stranger to tackling the deeply philosophical themes of duty, revenge, obsession, and mortality. As for vocal talents, Kenjiro’s vocal talents in Naka no Hito show a range and ability that makes him able to shift from amusing to utterly terrifying at the drop of a hat, and that’s when his character is dressed like an alpaca. If he can do that, imagine how intimidating he’ll be when voicing a cursed wandering samurai. This series will be available on Amazon Prime, and with its updated animation and designs, setting, and compelling storyline, is looking to be a binge-worthy addition to their collection.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Passerby, Stars, Stilts, Zaiden Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Mugen no Juunin: Immortal Promotional Videos ▼

Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise | ガンダムビルドダイバーズRe:RISETop
http://gundam-bd.net/
Animation: Sunrise Beyond Premiere: October 10th, 2019
Genre: Mecha Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 20:00
Episodes: Station: Youtube
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @gundambd or #g_bd

Preview by Takaii

Leaping off two years after the first series ended, Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is the follow-up series to the well received Gundam Build Divers. A spiritual successor to Gundam Build Fighters, Divers utilizes a similar concept where the story is grounded in the “real” world. Unlike mainstream Gundam series of space operas where plot, drama, and unique characters make up a majority of the story, we instead are given a fun virtual world where anyone can pilot a mobile suit that they’ve built in real life. This virtual world of Gunpla Battle Nexus Online allows players to create a unique avatar that they control while they are “diving,” and just like any good online game, provides both cooperative and competitive modes of play.

For those of you who may not be huge Gundam fans but have always wanted to get into it, the Divers or Fighters series are a great way to experience some of the thrill that Gundam fans rave about. If you’re looking for something that’s truly grounded in the real world and embraces the fact that gunpla are toys, Fighters is definitely up your alley. If you’re instead looking for a story that’s similar to a typical Gundam show where you have a grand overarching story where a main cast of characters are trying to save the world, Divers is probably a better fit for you. For Re:Rise specifically, this sequel will revolve around a new cast of characters and takes place two years after the first series ended. Having watched the first few episodes of Divers, I can say the first series was pretty darn fun and you could do a lot worse when it comes to watching a mecha anime. Which I think is saying a lot coming from someone who isn’t really big into this genre.

Watching This: Takaii Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise Promotional Videos ▼

Assassins Pride | アサシンズプライドTop
https://assassinspride-anime.com/
Animation: EMT Squared Premiere: October 10th, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Action Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 23:30
Episodes: 12 Station: AT-X
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @assassins_anime or #アサプラ

Preview by Miss Simplice

It’s a complex affair being the daughter of a noble family in this world. Not only must one deal with the pressures of aristocracy, but also demonstrate the ability to wield mana, the only source of energy that grants the user enough power to ward off danger. Mana is genetically passed down for generations, but that might not be the case for Melida Angel (Kusunoki Tomori). She’s said to be the daughter of a top-tier noble family, but not everyone agrees. At the ripe age of thirteen, having spent a few years at a mana training school, she has yet to display any ability to use or generate mana, meaning she might not be of noble descent. Then in comes Kufa Vampir (Ono Yuuki), the son of a duke, who must act as her tutor and discover whether or not the girl has any powers at all. If it turns out she doesn’t, he’s secretly tasked with assassinating her.

EMT Squared is adapting this series from the light novel of the same name published in 2016. The preview and promo visuals look promising, but only time will tell if the quality will last throughout the series. The character designs strongly echo those of Sword Art Online’s world. The long dark cape worn by the assassin and the red and white attire sported by the female lead recall Kirito and Asuna during the first season. There’s also something about students in uniform using weapons and the last name “Vampir” that jolts me right back onto the Vampire Knight student campus, but maybe that’s just me. Also, the fact that a boy is helping a girl reach her full potential seems a little dated, but the story might find a way to turn the tide. I wouldn’t put it past this series to become the sleeper of the season.

Watching This: Pancakes Excitement Level: Average
Show Assassins Pride Promotional Videos ▼

No Guns Life | ノー・ガンズ・ライフTop
http://nogunslife.com
Animation: Madhouse Premiere: October 10th, 2019
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:28
Episodes: 12 Station: TBS
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @noguns_anime or #ノーガンズ

Preview by Stars

No Guns Life features a gritty, noir-esque animation style that sets the mood for this mystery sci-fi thriller about a cyborg soldier, or Extended, with no memories of who he is or how he ended up with a gun for a head. When another Extended comes to him for aid, he ends up taking on a job of keeping a child safe, which ends up being quite a task when everyone’s determined to get their hands on him. Similar to the lead of Escape From New York, Inui Juuzou (Suwabe Junichi) isn’t your typical hero. He’d rather not be involved, preferring to keep his head down, but when the chips are down, his sense of loyalty means he can usually be counted on to do the right thing. Since this series is marketed toward adults, the battles are going to bloody, but perhaps also beautiful when set against the watered-down palette of No Gun Life.

Karasuma Tasuku’s manga will be adapted by Madhouse, the producers of Black Lagoon, Death Note, and the first season of One Punch Man, as well as many other acclaimed series and films. The music composer, Kawai Kenji, has worked on Oshii Mamoru’s films, including Ghost In The Shell, which covered overlapping themes of humanity and agency. Here’s a riddle for the ages: you buy a brand new boat at the age of twenty-two. Over a lifetime you crash the boat, sink the boat, and take it in for repairs, over and over until every part of the boat has been replaced. Is it still the same boat? When you replace people’s arms and heads and legs with metal, a similar thought process must go through their minds, but if in spite of all that existential dread and uncertainty you still manage to be a good person, then perhaps there’s more to being human than flesh and blood, after all.

Watching This: Choya, Guardian Enzo, Pancakes, Passerby, Takaii, Zephyr Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show No Guns Life Promotional Videos ▼

Hoshiai no Sora | 星合の空Top
http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/hoshiai/
Animation: 8-bit Premiere: October 10th, 2019
Genre: Sports, Drama, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:58
Episodes: 12 Station: TBS
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @hoshiaino_sora or #星合の空

Preview by Guardian Enzo

I admit it’s a reach to rank Hoshiai no Sora so highly when it’s a relative unknown in a season of sure-thing sequels. It’s not something I can entirely justify logically, but in terms of my own level of anticipation, this original sports/coming-of-age tale from 8bit and Akane Kazuki is honestly in my #2 slot in terms of expectations (behind only the other series I’m previewing). And Akane Kazukii himself has a lot to do with that. I doubt Akane’s name carries much weight with anime fans these days, but I’m a huge fan of his 2005 series Noein. It’s flawed but at its best staggeringly brilliant, and while Akane has occasionally directed since then, Hoshiai represents his first original work since Noein. He’s brilliant, he’s had a lot of time to craft this story, and it looks really interesting to boot.

Hoshiai no Sora is nominally a sports anime, the story of a middle school soft tennis club on the verge of extinction and the boy trying to save it. But knowing Akane and judging by the pre-airing material, the accent is going to be on the bildungsroman side here. Any time we can get a new series in familiar categories – sports anime, school life, maybe romance – that breaks the increasingly-unbreakable anime mold, that represents a huge opportunity. And if you watched Noein, you know Akane does things differently than most – and his insight into adolescence is second-to-few. This series certainly has the widest range of outcomes of any series in this category, but the potential is pretty exhilarating.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Zaiden Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show Hoshiai no Sora Promotional Videos ▼

Shokugeki no Soma: Shin no Sara | 食戟のソーマ 神ノ皿Top
http://shokugekinosoma.com/4thplate/
Animation: J.C. Staff Premiere: October 11th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Drama, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Fridays at 24:30
Episodes: Station: Tokyo MX/BS11
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @shokugeki_anime or #shokugeki_anime

Preview by Miss Simplice

For those unfamiliar with this show, no it isn’t about teenagers having a food fight. It’s about teenagers at an elite cooking school competing to become the world’s leading chefs. Just the normal teenage experience. The story follows Yukihira Souma (Matsuoka Yoshitsugu), who enters Toutsuki Culinary Academy under his father’s directions. There, he learns new techniques, new styles of cooking, and faces challenges like never before. This fourth season returns right in the midst of an ongoing battle between the rebel forces led by Souma versus the Elite Ten. Souma and his peers are facing what seem to be insurmountable challenges, choosing to go up against the school’s top ten students, in the hopes of changing the ways of their restrictive and elitist school.

If you haven’t watched Shokugeki no Souma yet, it might be a good idea to jump on the bandwagon before this said-to-be final season airs this fall. True, it’s a lot to catch up on, but trust me when I say you and your taste buds will be well entertained. Before Shokugeki no Souma came along, no one could have imagined that watching high schoolers engage in a cook-off (shokugeki) could be as explosive as a battle between Goku and Frieza. And for most fans (mostly me), it encourages them to cook extremely delectable dishes in the hopes of having their guests’ clothes explode right off their bodies. If you know not of what I speak, it’s time to tune in. The series offers so much in terms of entertainment it’s difficult to pin down a specific audience. From suspenseful competition to nonsensical behaviour, this shounen has a little something for everyone. It’s not every season that a show comes along for which that can be said. The third season might not have topped the first two, but I expect this final one to go out with a bang. Make sure to free up some space this fall and add this gem to your roster.

Watching This: Miss Simplice, Pancakes, Passerby, Stilts, Zephyr Excitement Level: Established
Show Shokugeki no Soma: Shin no Sara Promotional Videos ▼

Kabukicho Sherlock | 歌舞伎町シャーロックTop
http://pipecat-kabukicho.jp
Animation: Production I.G. Premiere: October 11th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Mystery Airtime (GMT+9): Fridays at 25:55
Episodes: 24 Station: MBS/TBS
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @pipecat_kabuki or #歌舞伎町シャーロック

Preview by Passerby

Tokyo. On the East Side of the Shinjuku ward is the red light district of Kabuki-chou. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. All the glitz and glamour comes with a seedy underbelly, and local police seem unable or unwilling to clean up the streets. But that just means more job security for private lawmen, and they have flocked in droves to Kabuki-chou. In fact, at the tenements of one Mrs Hudson (Suwabe Junichi) live no less than six self-styled detectives-for-hire, each equally unorthodox. Perhaps all of their skills will prove necessary for Dr John H. Watson (Nakamura Yuuichi) who, after being unjustly fired from his hospital, seeks out the services of detective Sherlock Holmes (Konishi Katsuyuki). But there are worse things brewing in Kabuki-chou; a recent series of bizarre murders points to a serial killer on the loose. Alias: Jack the Ripper.

Modern adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes character are nothing new, but leave it to anime to lay on the whackiness. If Kabukichou Sherlock reminds you of Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens (and, in turn, Durarara), that’s likely the idea since they’re all of roughly the same genre. The genre being: take a cast of zany characters, cram them into one wacky town, then watch the corn pop. That said, Kabukichou Sherlock has been rather reticent about what exactly it means to be, as original anime often are. It at once bills itself as comedy and drama, serious and absurd. Perhaps from that we can intuit a level of ambition, especially since Kabukichou Sherlock will have two cours to work with. There’s a level of ambition in the staff too; not only do we have Yoshimura Ai (Yahari Ore no Seishun Rabukome wa Machigatteiru) on direction, overseeing the scripts we have Kishimoto Taku, who’s not only good at his job in general but also has a flair for urban crime (see: 91days, Joker Game). With all this promise, we’re bound to be in for a good time with Kabukichou Sherlock.

Watching This: Choya, Guardian Enzo, Miss Simplice, Passerby, Zaiden Excitement Level: High
Show Kabukicho Sherlock Promotional Videos ▼

Shin Chuuka Ichiban | 真・中華一番!Top
http://cookingmaster-anime.jp
Animation: NAS Premiere: October 11th, 2019
Genre: Comedy Airtime (GMT+9): Fridays at 26:25
Episodes: 12 Station: MBS/TBS
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @shin_chuichi or #真・中華一番

Preview by Zaiden

19th Century China. The Qing Dynasty. The Emperor is weak and China is undergoing turmoil due to the combined threat of internal and external political pressures. But that’s about as far as historical accuracy goes. From this point onward, we enter a fictitious period known as ‘The Era of the Cooking Wars’. In this China, food is taken extremely seriously, to the point where it has heavily shaped government policy and the legal system. As such, chefs have a high status within society that correlates with their cooking skills. They compete with each other in order to gain respect through increased standings, which brings greater political power. But there’s a major caveat to this system that heavily raises the stakes for those participating: all chefs must accept the risk that they might lose everything. The protagonist Liu Mao Xing (Tanaka Mayumi) carries on the will of his mother, seeking to bring happiness to others through cooking. After passing the Guangzhou Special Chef Trials, Mao decides to travel around China to further his skills in the culinary arts, as he continues his journey to become the very best. But he will have to face off against a mysterious organisation that threatens to undermine order and stability. Just what is their goal?

A couple of decades after the original anime reached an inconclusive and abrupt ending, a sequel for Chuuka Ichiban is finally on its way for fans who have long awaited some form of continuation. The studio in charge, NAS, is one you’ve probably never heard of. They’re new to the industry and that should automatically warrant lower expectations. But with Production IG holding their hands through production, perhaps we can expect more. And as someone who was blown away by the quality of Pokemon: Origins, it delights me that Kawasaki Itsurou is taking another punt at directing, considering his impressive portfolio in less senior positions – although his other directorial works leave much to be desired. But seeing that there’s source material to adapt from and this series is lighthearted, fun and exciting, making the anime live up to its potential shouldn’t be too difficult.

Watching This: Pancakes, Zaiden Excitement Level: Average
Boku no Hero Academia 4 | 僕のヒーローアカデミア (2019)Top
http://heroaca.com/
Animation: Bones Premiere: October 12th, 2019
Genre: Superhero, Fantasy, Adventure Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 17:30
Episodes: 25 Station: ytv
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @heroaca_anime or #heroaca_a

Preview by Stars

There’s a certain contagious exuberance about Boku no Hero Academia that keeps fans coming back for more. Whether its Midoriya Izuku’s (Yamashita Daiki) wide-eyed admiration of heroes or the ever growing and colorful cast of characters that fight alongside him, the forward momentum and energy of youth appeal to all ages. Every young hero worth his salt goes through a crucible, and some would say this upcoming arc forms the foundation upon which Midoriya and his friends will form their futures. While this may not be Midoriya’s first rodeo, his missions going forward could be best compared to upgrading from a mechanical bull to a live one, or doing a trapeze without a safety net. For all intents and purposes, Midoriya and his classmates are effectively heroes now, with all the action and heartache that entails when the goal is to rescue a young girl from a dangerous conspiracy headed by the famed villain known as Overhaul (Tsuda Kenjiro).

The consistently sharp visuals, unique designs, oddball personalities, world-building, energized soundtrack, and a very solid coming-of-age arc for its cast have made Boku no Hero Academia a mainstay of anime since its publication. A steady influx of new heroes and villains, as well as poignant character development, have kept excitement for this series at an all-time high even as it enters its fourth season. For those of you who haven’t checked this out yet, it’s worth starting from the beginning to see how far Class 1-A has come. After all, at its heart, Boku no Hero Academia is an origin story for the next generation of great heroes.

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Pancakes, Passerby, Stars, Stilts, Takaii, Zaiden, Zephyr Excitement Level: Established
Show Boku no Hero Academia 4 Promotional Videos ▼

Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld
ソードアート・オンライン アリシゼーション War of UnderworldTop
http://sao-alicization.net/
Animation: A-1 Pictures Premiere: October 12th, 2019
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science-Fiction Airtime (GMT+9): Saturdays at 24:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @sao_anime or #sao_anime

Preview by Takaii

Returning after a two-cour break, Alicization comes roaring back to our screens for Sword Art Online’s biggest season yet! Kicking off right where the story left off, War of Underworld is about the upcoming literal war for the Underworld in both the real and virtual world. However, it looks like our main protagonist Kirigaya Kazuto (Matsuoka Yoshitsugu), who is better known as Kirito, will be sitting out for at least the beginning of the conflict. Appearing to be in some kind of coma, it looks like the momentary loss of power from the end of the last season did a number on his mental condition. Luckily it looks like Alice Zuberg (Kayano Ai) and Yuuki Asuna (Tomatsu Haruka) are both ready to take care of things in their respective playing fields—hopefully they’ll be able to find a way to bring Kirito back.

Man, can you believe it’s been nearly half a year since this SAO decided to take a break? Thinking back to the final battle between Kirito and the Administrator, it feels like an eternity ago that we watched Eugeo (Shimazaki Nobunaga) turn into a giant sword and Kirito lose an arm, only to watch the Administrator get burnt to a crisp as she was essentially violated by a fat clown. At this point though, it’s tough to say much since War of Underworld is essentially the same as pressing the play button on a show you hit pause on after accidentally forgetting about it for six months. If you haven’t watched the first 24 episodes of Alicization, I’d highly recommend getting caught up if you have any interest in SAO, since it feels like we’re about to witness some insane stuff. That and if you’re not the biggest fan of SAO, I can’t help but feel that you might enjoy the Alicization arc since it’s definitely different than what we’ve seen in the past.

Watching This: Pancakes, Takaii, Zaiden Excitement Level: Established
Show Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld Promotional Videos ▼

Rifle is Beautiful | ライフル・イズ・ビューティフルTop
https://chidori-high-school.com/
Animation: Studio 3Hz Premiere: October 13th, 2019
Genre: Comedy, Sports, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Sundays at 23:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Tokyo MX
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @rib_anime or #RIFL

Preview by Zaiden

Kokura Hikari (Machico) has a passion for shooting and impressive accuracy to back it up, having participated in a rifle competition during middle school. She chooses Chidori High School because it was supposed to have a shooting club, only to discover that there are no more members left. Despite only having a single day to gather the requisite members, she is able to find three other first-year girls, all of whom she met at that rifle competition. Together, they will go about their afternoons and weekends honing their skills and pushing each other to greater heights. And while they faced off as rivals in the past, the time has come for them to take on the world as a combined unit.

I don’t know if Japan has an NRA equivalent, because cute girls is an effective way to get the otaku populace to have a positive perception of nearly anything. Fans of Upotte! will especially be delighted to see another show with a similar premise of young girls wielding guns. But whether you’re for or against guns, I think that Rifle is Beautiful should offer high value entertainment thanks to the involvement of Studio 3Hz, who have an illustrious track record with passion projects starring female characters such as Flip Flappers, Princess Principal, and Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online. You can really feel the love and care they put into their work. They’ve invited Takahashi Manasori to oversee the project, which might seem like an odd choice seeing how he only directed one TV series back in 2014. Nevertheless, Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de was absolutely awesome, which gives cause for optimism. But none of this can compare to the fact that Takahashi Tatsuya is in charge of series composition. As Gigguk put it himself, this is the man who has mastered ultra incest – though I’m having a hard time seeing how he can utilize this technique in a show which doesn’t seem to have any siblings. Anyway, if Rifle is Beautiful can put out similar levels of energy and fun to the other shows 3Hz have been involved in (which is extremely likely given their magnificent track record), I think it will be a solid option for anyone seeking to add a CGDCT show to their watch list.

Watching This: Choya, Zaiden Excitement Level: Average
Chihayafuru 3 | ちはやふる3Top
https://www.ntv.co.jp/chihayafuru/
Animation: Madhouse Premiere: October 22nd, 2019
Genre: Drama, Romance, School-Life Airtime (GMT+9): Tuesdays at 25:29
Episodes: 24 Station: Nippon TV
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @chihaya_anime or #chihaya_anime

Preview by Miss Simplice

Fans have been waiting for over half a decade to see Ayase Chihaya’s Seto Asami impassioned flame for karuta return to the screen. The story follows Chihaya and her two childhood friends, Mashima Taichi Miyano Mamoru and Wataya Arata Hosoya Yoshimasa, as they progress in their journey to become the best at karuta, a competitive card game they played together as children and now as teens. They carry their love for the game so very close to their hearts, they’ve infected other characters and the rest of the world with their obsession for the sport. This third season features the return of the three series leads, as well as the introduction of a new character in Inokuma Haruka (Sakamoto Maaya).

I didn’t seek out Chihayafuru. It sought me out. It was recommended to me by a trusted friend, and although I was by no means compelled to watch it, I binged the first season within 72 hours. Even though Chihayafuru plays with general high school tropes, its overall plot, the infuriating love triangle between childhood friends, the complex roster of characters, and the intricate game of karuta all caught me by surprise. The sport was nowhere on my radar prior to watching this series and I hear it’s grown in popularity since the series aired in 2011. If your anime intake was non-existent prior to 2013, perhaps Chihayafuru never made your must-watch list. But this season, if you’re into suspense, romance, friendship, commitment, and just a good time riding emotional roller coasters, it’s time you dig into Chihayafuru, whether it’s this third season or the ones you’ll need in order to catch up. Won’t you join one of the teams? Will you be team Taichi or team Arata?

Watching This: Guardian Enzo, Miss Simplice, Zephyr Excitement Level: High
Show Chihayafuru 3 Promotional Videos ▼

PSYCHO-PASS 3Top
http://psycho-pass.com/3rd/index.php
Animation: Production I.G. Premiere: October 24th, 2019
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Sci-Fi Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays
Episodes: 8 Station: Fuji TV
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @psychopass_tv or #pp_anime

Preview by Pancakes

After two seasons and four (!) movies, Production I.G.’s critically acclaimed original Psycho-Pass returns for a third series. Set in the near future where technology allows for the instantaneous and continuous measurement of people’s mental stability, emotion, and state of mind, Psycho-Pass explores a Japan wholly controlled by the Sibyl System, an omniscient and omnipresent electronic edifice given sole right to choose everyone’s course in life. If one’s Psycho-Pass—i.e. their quantified, Sibyl-defined mental state—falls below a certain threshold, they are forcibly removed and isolated from society, a task given to Ministry of Welfare Inspectors. Equipped with Dominators (weapons capable of reading Psycho-Passes and dispensing the appropriate level of justice), Inspectors have the toughest job of them all, and several years after Sibyl was twice nearly destroyed by its own idiosyncrasies, it’s one Shindou Arata (Kaji Yuki) and Kei Michael Ignatoph (Nakamuru Yuuichi) must now perform. To uphold this modern utopia is a never-ending task, and with the nature of crime changing by the day, it’s anyone’s guess what will challenge Sibyl’s reign next.

To say seeing a third season of Psycho-Pass is bittersweet would definitely be an understatement. Few anime series have made such a splash as this one and then crashed and burned so thoroughly, while even fewer have all but single-handily resuscitated a quiescent genre only to trip over the concept defining it in the first place. While Psycho-Pass has recently been limping back to prominence through several successful movie releases, a third season was not on anyone’s radar, and given how well the last went over, it should be treated with a good deal of caution. Except for the confirmed return of some key franchise characters—Tsunemori Akane (Hanazawa Kana) and Ginoza Nobuchika (Nojima Kenji) especially—next to nothing is known about the story right now, and with staff info similarly lacking (barring director Shiotani Naoyoshi’s return), any sort of hype should be kept firmly in check. Until that first episode drops and the theorycrafting can begin, everything is up in the air for Psycho-Pass 3, but should it match what we’ve seen of recent Psycho-Pass releases, this season could be just what’s needed to help this imaginative cyberpunk franchise find its footing once again.

Watching This: Miss Simplice, Pancakes, Passerby, Stars, Zaiden, Zephyr Excitement Level: Optimistic
Show PSYCHO-PASS 3 Promotional Videos ▼

Kengan Ashura 2 | ケンガンアシュラ Part 2Top
http://kengan.net
Animation: Larx Entertainment Premiere: October 31st, 2019
Genre: Martial Arts, Action Airtime (GMT+9): Thursdays at 00:00
Episodes: 12 Station: Netflix
Information Links: AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Join the conversation @kengankai or #KENGANASHURA

Preview by Stars

Continuing on from the previous season, Tokita Ouma (Suzuki Tatsuhisa) uses his brains, analytical ability, and peak physicality—he’s by no means scrawny—to best opponents that are taller and stronger than him in the arena, pushing himself past the physical limits of the human body to fight with the brutality, speed, and cunning of a demon. While the manga’s detailed linework doesn’t transition fully to the 3D CGI Netflix favors, fans of the series have mostly looked past the graphics to enjoy the fast-paced action scenes and quirky humor. That plus the vocal talents of a strong returning cast, including Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Namikawa Daisuke, and Nakata Jouji, as well as experienced music composer, Takanashi Yasuharu, who has done commendable work for the OST’s of Fairy Tail and Naruto: Shippuden.

To sum up the series in two words: it’s fun. This show knows exactly what it wants to be, and isn’t afraid to milk every drop of testosterone and adrenaline out of its premise. If the first season was your cup of tea, the second is anticipated to be more of the same.

Watching This: Choya Excitement Level: Average
Show Kengan Ashura 2 Promotional Videos ▼


Short Series List


Technical Note: As of the Fall 2016 Preview onward, short one-cour series that are being broadcast with irregular duration times (about five to ten minutes) have been separated from the main preview into their own section. This is to account for the increasing number of short series and to allow for ease of viewing for those who have a preference for one type of series over another. While the list should be complete, two notes: we have excluded shows intended for younger audiences, and there are short series that have been announced very close to the start of a season that may not have made it onto the list. If you notice an anything missing, incomplete, or incorrect, please feel free to point it out in the comments or e-mail Passerby directly.

Air Date Title Series Synopsis
10/07 Ani ni Tsukeru Kusuri wa Nai! 3
闇芝居7
https://anitsuke.com/
AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
Comedy manhua
About unruly siblings
Three minutes of fun.
10/13 Tenka Hyakken: Meiji-kan e Youkoso!
闇芝居7
https://tenkahyakken.jp/special/anime/
AniDB, ANN Encyclopedia, MyAnimeList, syoboi, Wikipedia
We’ve gun girls, ship girls
Now here’s Japanese sword girls
Shilling for a game.

OVA / Movie


 

Technical Note: OVAs are sorted by the date they are released. For series that have multiple episodes coming out over the course of the season, please refer to the Notes column for additional dates. More information on each OVA can be found on their respective websites, including promotional videos in some cases. Movie premiere dates are not included since they don’t mean a whole lot to viewers outside of Japan. For the most up to date North American theatrical release schedule, please visit Fathom Events or Funimation Films. BD/DVD movie releases are included in this list. This list is likely incomplete and will be updated as more titles surface (usually by the next season’s preview). If you notice anything missing or incorrect, please feel free to comment below or send me a quick tweet/DM @ZephyrRC.

Release Date Title Notes
09/06 Another World: Record 2027
https://hello-world-movie.com/
Hello World Spinoff. Hikari TV Streaming. Episode 1 of 3.
09/19 Golden Kamuy 2nd Season OVA | ゴールデンカムイ OVA
https://www.kamuy-anime.com/
Bundled w/ manga Vol. 19. OVA Episode 2 of 2.
09/20 Hoozuki no Reitetsu 2nd Season OVA | 鬼灯の冷徹 第2期 OVA
http://www.hozukino-reitetsu.com/oad2/
Bundled w/ LE manga Vol. 29. OVA Episode 1 of 2.
09/25 Mob Psycho 100: Dai Ikkai Rei toka Soudansho Ian Ryokou – Kokoro Mitasu Iyashi no Tabi
モブサイコ100 第一回霊とか相談所慰安旅行~ココロ満たす癒やしの旅
http://mobpsycho100.com/
BD/DVD Release.
09/25 Strike the Blood III | ストライク・ザ・ブラッドⅢ
http://www.strike-the-blood.com/third/
Episodes 9-10 of 10.
09/26 Gochuumon wa Usagi Desuka??: Sing for You
ご注文はうさぎですか?? ~Sing For You~
https://gochiusa.com/ova2/
09/27 Another World: Record 2032
https://hello-world-movie.com/
Hello World Spinoff. Hikari TV Streaming. Episode 2 of 3.
10/02 Hangyakusei Million Arthur OVA | 叛逆性ミリオンアーサー TV未放送エピソード
http://hangyakusei-anime.com/bd/06.html
Bundled w/ BD Vol. 6. Unaired Episode.
10/04 Another World: Record 2036
https://hello-world-movie.com/
Hello World Spinoff. Hikari TV Streaming. Episode 3 of 3.
10/23 Cencoroll 2: Connect | センコロール コネクト
http://www.cencoroll.com/
BD/DVD Release.
10/23 Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor – The Beyond | 蒼穹のファフナー THE BEYOND
http://fafner-beyond.jp/
BD/DVD Release. Movie 1 of 3.
10/25 Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin: Hitoribocchi no Kyuuketsuki OVA
真夜中のオカルト公務員」TV未放送エピソード「ひとりぼっちの吸血鬼」
http://occultkoumuin.com/
Unaired Episode.
11/06 Birthday Wonderland | バースデー・ワンダーランド
http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/birthdaywonderland/
BD/DVD Release.
11/08 Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Hyouketsu no Kizuna
Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活『氷結の絆』
http://re-zero-anime.jp/
OVA 2.
11/13 Yuru Yuri, | ゆるゆり、
https://yuruyuri.com/10th/
BD/DVD Release.
11/22 Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin: Fukurokouji to Ano Ko to Ore to OVA
真夜中のオカルト公務員 袋小路とあの子と俺と OVA
http://occultkoumuin.com/
Bundled w/ LE manga Vol. 12.
11/27 Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya: Prisma☆Phantasm OVA
Fate/kaleid liner プリズマ☆イリヤ プリズマ☆ファンタズム OVA
http://anime.prisma-illya.jp/movie/prismaphantasm/
BD/DVD Release.
11/27 Made in Abyss Movie 1: Tabidachi no Yoake
劇場版総集編【前編】メイドインアビス 旅立ちの夜明け
http://miabyss.com/
BD/DVD Release.
11/27 Seishun Buta Yarou wa Yumemiru Shoujo no Yume wo Minai
青春ブタ野郎はゆめみる少女の夢を見ない
https://ao-buta.com/themovie/
BD/DVD Release.
12/03 OBSOLETE
https://project-obsolete.com/
YouTube Original by Gen Urobuchi.
12/04 Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken OVA | 転生したらスライムだった件 OVA
http://www.ten-sura.com/
Bundled w/ manga Vol. 14. OVA 2.
12/05 Code Geass: Fukkatsu no Lelouch | コードギアス 復活のルルーシュ
http://www.geass.jp/R-geass/
BD/DVD Release.
12/11 Koutetsujou no Kabaneri Movie #3: Unato Kessen
甲鉄城のカバネリ~海門決戦~
https://kabaneri.com/
BD/DVD Release.
12/18 BLACKFOX
http://project-blackfox.jp/
BD/DVD Release.
12/18 Frame Arms Girl Movie: Kyakkya Ufufu na Wonderland
フレームアームズ・ガール ~きゃっきゃうふふなワンダーランド~
http://www.fagirl.com/
BD/DVD Release.
12/18 Kimi to, Nami ni Noretara | きみと、波にのれたら
https://kimi-nami.com/
BD/DVD Release.
12/20 Gekijouban Trinity Seven 2: Tenkuu Toshokan to Shinku no Maou
劇場版 トリニティセブン -天空図書館〈ヘブンズライブラリー〉と真紅の魔王〈クリムゾンロード〉
https://movie.trinity-7.com/
BD/DVD Release.
12/25 Strike Witches: 501 Butai Hasshin Shimasu! Movie
ストライクウィッチーズ 劇場版 501部隊発進しますっ!
http://w-witch.jp/501_takeoff/
BD/DVD Release.
12/25 Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love Kingdom Movie
劇場版 うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪ マジLOVEキングダム
http://www.utapri-movie.com/
BD/DVD Release.
12/26 Kono Yo no Hate de Koi wo Utau Shoujo YU-NO OVA
この世の果てで恋を唄う少女YU-NO OVA
http://yuno-anime.com/
Bundled w/ BD Vol. 3. Episode 26.5.
12/30 Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan: Shidou-hen | 斉木楠雄のΨ難 Ψ始動編
https://www.saikikusuo.com/spot/netflix/
Netflix Release.

Overall Impressions


 

A lot has changed in the world of anime since the last preview dropped. Most notably, KyoAni was arsoned – and I know the aftermath will continue to linger in our hearts for quite some time. Possibly forever. Nevertheless, even when times ahead look uncertain, I encourage people to maintain their courage and persevere through the storms. KyoAni will recover from this tragedy. Why? Because those animators are unrelenting fighters who refuse to let a terrorist cow them. Not to mention they’re spurred on by love and support from across the world. The considerable 2.6 billion yen worth of donations from fans will go a long way to helping the studio and families of the victims and I think it beautifully demonstrates how we live in a society. In short, don’t feel the need to go at it alone. We’re all in this together. To that end, I hope you will join us in sampling next season’s offerings—be it reading our posts or engaging through the comment sections. There’s much potential to be had, even in shows that seem unassuming. As far as I can tell, the industry’s begun moving in a better direction. Before, you would never get a third season, even for extremely popular anime. And now we’re spoiled for choices. So who knows what to expect? Maybe that manga you love reading will finally get an adaptation, perhaps that stupid looking show will turn out a lot better than you anticipated, or that follow-up to one of your favourite animes might finally be announced. The future can be bleak at times but never forget that it is still full of exciting possibilities.

Nothing in the world is perfect, not even your favourite anime. And yes, not even your husbando/waifu – who probably belongs in a trashcan anyway. Meaning that the Excitement Levels are here to stay, because there’s pretty much no better alternative that doesn’t one-dimensionally categorise shows into ‘good’ or ‘bad’. My opinion? Better to be garbage and exciting, than refined and utterly boring. As such, the criteria includes four main levels, plus Established for familiar premises that don’t require any new forms of introduction.

These results are essentially the average consensus from our immutable “Excitement Council” consisting of Passerby, Stilts, and Zephyr. Apparently, they try to consider multiple viewpoints while taking into account all sorts of factors that might affect an upcoming show. But it can really feel like a bunch of monkeys have been instructed to typewrite a play, seeing how the decisions remarkably vary from outstanding to unintelligible. Not only won’t they grant me the rank of Master, they’re refusing to give me a seat on the council too! Clearly, their best isn’t good enough. Jokes aside, I’ve lost count of how many surefire hits went awry while shows that were initially written off punched back with a seething vengeance. Anime is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. So can you really blame our lovable folks for getting it wrong at times? If you think you know better, feel free to donate your salt down below in the comment section, so I can liberally sprinkle them alongside a generous heaping of vinegar onto my fish and chips. Thanks in advance!

Note: Lists are sorted in alphabetical order.

 

The Rundown:

High excitement shows are the ones we’re truly pumped about. These are the shows we want to watch the most, and which we think have a good chance of being exemplars of their kind — or at least come close. Shows in this category might be sequels to excellent anime, adaptations of highly regarded source material, projects with stellar pedigrees, or even originals that just light up our minds. They don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to feel like something special. If you consider yourself a casual fan who only gets your toes wet every season, then these are the shows we feel you should most keep an eye on.

Optimistic shows are ones that we’re hopeful will be really good, and which we have good reasons to think they might be. The underpinnings of these are generally strong, with a lot to suggest in each of them, but with one or two elements that give us pause and keep our enthusiasm from boiling over. They still have most of the makings of very strong series, though, and many stellar anime will arise from this category. If you’ve exhausted all the High shows, or want to delve deeper into your favored genres, check out these as well.

Average excitement shows look middle-of-the-road to us. They could be good or they could be bad, but they don’t provide much immediate indication that they’ll be amazing in retrospect. This is often the case with shows that are firmly ensconced in their genres’ tropes, or which overly rely on some of anime’s overused plot devices. It can also apply to shows that seem deeply flawed, with elements that could make them amazing, but with so many potential pitfalls that we’re not getting hyped up. However, in many of our experiences these shows still provide a great deal of entertainment, and may turn out a lot better than they appear. Personal taste comes heavily into play, so your mileage will vary.

Limited excitement shows are ones that we simply aren’t all that excited about. They often don’t seem to be striving for much, and choose to focus on more frivolous aspects such as senseless humor and fanservice. Other times they’re doing the same thing we’ve seen a thousand times, with few mitigating signs that they’ll rise above their tropes. That doesn’t mean they’re the bottom of the barrel and shouldn’t get any consideration, but simply that they’re not doing a lot to suggest themselves. Keep in mind what kind of show they are, though, and you might find something you enjoy amid this cohort.

Established shows are any series that has aired for more than 40 episodes or has been previewed three or more times. This can include anything from never-ending shounen and decade-spanning dramas to that quirky comedy that keeps getting renewed season after season. The only commonality is that they’ve aired a lot of episodes, and that they’re the kind of show that most viewers will want to catch up on all the previous content before watching the new. Spin-offs and remakes don’t automatically qualify, since they’re considered new series.

85 Comments

  1. The only question on my mind is: With the return of a particularly popular shounen anime centered around heroes, will a certain veteran RC blogger with a passion for American comics (evident by destroying Batman V Superman being his favorite pass time, I think) return to the fold to cover it?!

  2. Actually in my opinion the chapters of Cosmos in the Lostbelts (next year storyline for NA FGO server) are equal or flat out surpass Babylonia. It’s not a case that Babylonia EP 0 has direct connections to Lostbelts, offering also a totally unexpected anticipation that’s not even in the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if the animation of that storyline is the next in line for a full tv series treatment.

    AceAttacker
  3. After viewing the PVs and reading this preview, I’m really hoping Azur Lane is based on World War II. Also glad that it seems like the protagonists and antagonists are the carriers since I’m not really fond of Azur Lane’s mechanical designs. Still have to wonder what HMS Belfast has to do with things. Not really familiar with that vessel’s history.

    theirs
    1. Haven’t played Azur Lane but I have played a ton of World of Warships, which recently did an event where completing in-game missions earned “tokens” based on Azur Lane characters to eventually earn a unique commander from the Azur Lane universe. The majority of Azur Lane’s characters do seem to be based on World War II-era ships.

      HMS Belfast was a light cruiser that played a big role in the famous Battle of the North Cape, where the German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk. The Belfast can still be visited today as a museum ship in London. It’s on my bucket list to go see it some day.

      GoAvs
      1. Museum ship in London? So, apparently it’s that cruiser. Probably visited it with my mum in primary school, so I do recommend visiting it. Had good memories of the visit. Oh, the irony of my comment. >.<

        Seems like she's a good candidate for one of the main heroines.

        theirs
  4. Sadly Shokugeki no Soma trainwreck that just killed the manga and any hype once could have for the new season. The phrase:’ Erika got NTR by Soma long lost evil brother with super power” kinda sum up what wrong with the last arc. This is a situation where i hope the anime go with the anime original ending instead of following the manga.

    Archaon
      1. The last arc really make most people drop the series. You can’t find anyone who can defend that arc. The authors couldn’t even have the decency to give us a close ending instead of an open ending which in my opinion is the worst kind of ending for this story.

        Archaon
      2. True, the ending was probably a mixture of the author having no idea how to end properly after being given so little notice by the publisher to do so. I can’t see the anime diverging from it either as they have nothing to gain by doing so.

        I’m guessing it’ll just conclude in 24 or so episodes and that will be that.

        Lyfe
      3. Though I’d be unsurprised if we get a trainwreck rush job in 12 episodes. It can be done, but I think with the remaining three arcs(one of which is super short) and the current one needing to be concluded, it’ll be bad.

        Lyfe
    1. Also i think, that there are slowly to much Animes at once. How do they do it? outsourcing the production to the max and only Key Animation hold in Nippon quarters? Is this not mental and physical overload on some few shoulders?

      worldwidedepp
    2. You’ll be happy to know there won’t be any SAO for a while after Alicization concludes. It’ll take a few years to get enough book material to do another 24 episodes. And I can’t see them doing 12-13 episode seasons.

      Lyfe
  5. With my work overtaking my free time now, I think I’ll just pick a few anime.
    I see that Fall 2019 has many sequels. I’m going to watch:
    – My Hero Academia season 4: Come on, it’s Hero Academia as usual.
    – Fate/Grand Order Babylonia: To be honest, I didn’t play the game and only know the countless doujinshi it has. I’m pretty curious of this one.
    – Beastars: Basically anime Zootopia and I heard it’s going to be great.

    I initially wanted to watch SAO and Shokugeki but I don’t think I’m interested in SAO anymore and for Shokugeki, as I have read the manga, I don’t think watching it will make me satisfied.

    One Pinch Man
    1. If anyone can be satisfied from reading the manga up till the end for Shokugeki, I have to say I’d feel quite envious of them, given how painful the experience was for me slogging through the last 100-200 chapters.

      1. I started to feel the flaw on Central arc but then the next arc is even more ridiculous it’s making Central arc looks like masterpiece by comparison.

        I just hope the anime would end on Central arc.

        One Pinch Man
  6. Been eagerly waiting for this… Now to finally “tune” this season’s viewing list.

    Will definitely watch:

    Shin Chuuka Ichiban! – This brings back memories… It’s been a while since I last saw the Chuuka Ichiban! (a.k.a.: Cooking Master Boy) anime back on AXN-Asia in the early 2000s. I do wonder if the story picks up from where the previous anime left off… (Super Chef Mao defeating fellow Super Chef Fei in a prestigious cooking tournament and in the process, saved the latter from the machinations of the Underground Cooking Society.)

    Shokugeki no Souma: Shin no Sara – Managed to marathon all three seasons (plus OAVs) a couple of seasons ago, and…I can’t believe this was aired back when J.C. Staff could still be counted upon to make a good (if not great) anime adaptation of a manga/light novel series! Though J.C. Staff seems to be getting their groove back with Accelerator and the KonoSuba movie, I still have memories of their recent mediocre adaptations (Date A Live III, Index III, One-Punch Man 2) where attention to detail wasn’t as good as the previous seasons of Shokugeki no Souma.
    I’d be happy if J.C.S. does justice to the ending of the Central arc and gave it an anime-only embellishment to that ending, considering that I’ve been hearing negative buzz about the arc that comes after that. (As Archaon pointed out.)

    Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai! Season 2 – While Quintessential Quintuplets is still superior, season 1 of BokuBen was still enjoyable on its own merits and it’s good that the series got this season to further showcase the development of its characters. (Including best teacher Mafuyu Kirisu…but you already knew that.)

    Will try out (three-episode rule):

    Azur Lane The Animation – Hooboy… Despite being an Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio and KanColle loyalist, I can acknowledge Azur Lane doing as well as it did–especially in the Western and SEA markets–to the point that KanColle is now playing catch-up. Personally, Azur Lane managed to overtake KanColle in popularity because the latter played it too safe (“Want to play the browser game abroad? Too bad, no export for you!”), became complacent (“Eh, we got an anime adaptation, a movie, and multimedia spin-offs, to say nothing of the toy sales. This is fine.”), and didn’t adapt to evolving consumer tastes (only releasing an arcade version and a PS Vita version that later shut down). The folks animating season 2 of KanColle now have their work cut out for them.
    https://randomc.net/image/Miscellaneous/Fall%202019%20Preview/azurlane.jpg
    That said, I hope this show’s Commander/Admiral is an actual character, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Belfast (helpfully shown alongside Enterprise in the promo image) in anime form… ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) (Nendoroid Belfast when?)

    Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia – While I’ve avoided playing mobile games like the plague (for various, numerous reasons already covered by Jim “the Cassandra of videogames” Sterling), part of me still hopes this anime adaptation is faithful to the mobile game version of the story. This is despite the actual anime’s story arc apparently skipping a bunch of previous story arcs from the F/GO mobile game. (Which could also be a tactic to turn more players into payersattract more people into playing the mobile game.) I’d also be happy if the game’s waifu-bait characters (Scáthach, Altria Pendragon [Lancer], Shuten-douji, Minamoto no Yorimitsu/Raikou, Astolfo, etc.) also make an appearance.
    Then again, if I do end up disappointed with this, there’s still F/SN: Heaven’s Feel – Spring Song to look forward to.

    Obligatory sequel/spin-off watch:

    Granblue Fantasy The Animation Season 2 – Drawn in by its old-school JRPG aesthetic, season 1 of Granblue Fantasy The Animation was a pretty decent watch, despite the show trying to shoehorn a portion of its loads and loads of characters near the end–on top of the main characters. (Again, saying this as someone who avoids mobile games like the plague.) The studio change may also be a breath of fresh air.

    Last-minute pickups thanks to this preview (may or may not watch):

    Ore wo Suki na no wa Omae Dake ka yo – That schoolgirl with glasses and pigtails kinda looks familiar…
    https://randomc.net/image/Miscellaneous/Fall%202019%20Preview/oresuki.jpg
    (*177013 PTSD intensifies to the tune of the “Battotai March”*) “Ah s**t, here we go again…”
    On a different note… 1) it’s amusing to hear Daiki Yamashita again after his performance as Narancia Ghirga in Vento Aureo, and 2) I’m a little more open toward trying a new rom-com anime after being pleasantly surprised by the later episodes and season finale of Hensuki. (Yes, Hensuki‘s actually good despite the lukewarm start.)

    Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise – There’s a Gundam anime this season? That takes care of the mecha fix, then.
    NGL, Gundam Build Divers kinda fizzled out near the end. Perhaps I’ve seen those tropes applied repeatedly in numerous other anime (not just mecha) that Build Divers started feeling…predictable and I didn’t feel as excited as before with Build Fighters. Either that or the burnout from waiting for an anime adaptation of Crossbone Gundam is finally getting to me (to say nothing of a Gundam 0079 remake). Anyway, apologies for being such a downer. Don’t let this grumpy old mecha fan’s mood stop you from enjoying an otherwise decent mecha anime.

    No Guns Life – Got interested in this thanks to Joey “The Anime Man”‘s recommendation of this series.

    Val x Love – Yeah, I know it’s no High School DxD, but when the protagonist is the type who deliberately seeks solitude, this could make for some interesting interactions with girls. (Or not, who knows?)

    Assassins Pride – So this is basically Strike the Blood with the gender roles reversed? OK, I’ve yet to watch that series, but might as well take a look at Assassins Pride first before deciding to take the plunge on Strike the Blood.

    Isekai pickups (may or may not watch)**:

    Shinchou Yuusha: Kono Yuusha ga Ore Tueee Kuse ni Shinchou Sugiru – An overly cautious isekai hero? Reminds me of how I’ve been grinding my Diablo II: LoD Paladin on and off for years–on Normal “players 8” difficulty, with the PlugY mod–just so I can confidently step into Nightmare “players 1” difficulty without dying so much.
    Self-deprecation aside, this show might be good for laughs.

    Hataage! Kemono Michi – Since Sentouin, Hakenshimasu! (also by Natsume Akatsuki and another recommendation by The Anime Man) might not have enough material to justify an anime release, this will have to do for now–at least, if time permits.

    Movies, shorts, OVAs and carryovers:

    Vinland Saga – Well, if this season’s offerings turn out to be duds, at least there’s still this anime to fall back on. And Survive Said The Prophet’s “Mukanjyo” becomes even more of a banger once you understand the lyrics.

    Enen no Shouboutai – While not as “lit” (pun intended) as Vinland Saga, it’s still entertaining in its own right. Also love the catchy opening and ending music.

    Gochuumon wa Usagi Desuka??: Sing for You – Damn, should marathon both seasons already.

    Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya: Prisma☆Phantasm OVA – Another backup if the F/GO viewing goes south.

    Backlog pile additions from Summer 2019:

    Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san 2 – OK, I put this series on hold at episode 3 in order to check out the other Summer 2019 series that caught my attention in the middle of the season. So if you didn’t see me post comments on recent episodes of that series, now you know why. I figured, might as well binge this instead and take on the “cringy sweetness” in one go.
    Kimetsu no Yaiba – (*deep breath*) DAMN YOU, NEZUKO MEMES! Akari Kitou’s demon-loli(?) sister character is too fricking cute!
    Tejina Senpai
    Machikado Mazoku
    Dr. STONE
    Cop Craft

    (** – Note: With so much isekai anime being cranked out every season this past decade, it’s high time isekai anime got its own separate category.)

    Incognito
    1. Interesting list for sure! And after doing research on Shin Chuuka Ichiban, it gives me vibes of being the inspiration for Shokugeki no Soma. Also, I think your propensity to bring up that piece of work is somewhat unnerving. But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt 😛

      1. Well, to be fair, reading that work is a recent rite of passage for weebs awakening to H-works. Not to mention anime YouTubers like The Anime Man, Akidearest, Gigguk, and (closer to home) meme reactor PaoLUL do make references to that work. Also, if one knows the blessed numbers (265918), it lessens the impact somewhat (plus those numbers are SFW). That said…

        Show Spoiler ▼

        To the new weebs, if you don’t know what that work is–live in that sweet ignorance for a little longer until you can stomach reading it. For those of us that do know–we can never look at schoolgirls with glasses and twin pigtails the same way again

        On a different note, funny that you’d mention Chuuka Ichiban! being the inspiration for Shokugeki no Souma:
        https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-09-29/cooking-masters-unite-food-wars-chuka-ichiban-announce-food-collab-menu/.151427

        Heck, they even have the same premiere day! (October 11.) Foodie Fridays!

        Incognito
    2. KanColle wasn’t “complacent”, so much as geared for a narrow audience.

      Kancolle’s heroes were Japanese warship girls, and its villains were American ships portrayed as monsters. And that doesn’t jive with anyone except Japan and narrow slivers of Japophile audiences. Most of the anime fans outside of Japan are not Japophiles. Most of SEA may love the anime art (and other aspects), but are not in love with “Yamato Damshaii” or “Yamato Gokoro” (phrases of World War 2 used by the Yamato master-race to spread the “Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”).

      Ultimately, it made sense that the original Japanese developers couldn’t find any enthusiasm to depicting Allied warships, let alone American warships.

      Therein lies a “market inefficiency” and a lost opportunity. It’s reminds me of Macross and Tatsunoko’s contempt for foreign markets, especially the American market (and Americans in general). Not good for business, considering America is the world’s biggest media market (which includes “games”) with China coming in second.

      Jerry
  7. I wonder if they paused the Alicization arc because Bandai Namco have that Alicization Lycoris game in development? I bet they release the game in Japan shortly before/after the end of the anime so interest is still there. Countless other anime have had a timed release with a visual novel or something equally as significant.

    Lyfe
    1. The Phantasy Star Online 2 anime with 25 episodes was a welcome surprise to me. The PSO2 game has recently started Chapter 6 in Japan, so I really doubt the anime will get that far. Sega probably paid Gonzo to get more interest in the game as it has admittedly been out for a loooooooooong time lol.

      Lyfe
      1. I see, thankyou. I didn’t mean to say “Chapter 6” in my initial post, I mean Episode 6 lol. Though as far as stories go I guess chapter would be appropriate if it were a book.

        Lyfe
  8. OMG I love the concept of Hataage! Kemono Michi.
    Am I the only one here?

    On a side note, finally a good season. Watched very few anime this summer and for the first time in my life I dropped many too.

    Chris
  9. Great Job! I’ve been waiting for this. Although I really thought that Zoids Wild Zero would be included since it has an older demographic this season than last season’s goofy series. Oh well, no biggie…
    My Hero Academia for the win, SAO,
    Kono Oto Tomare! And will sample some others and hope to be surprised.

    Thanks for the preview!

    anifani
  10. Sequels
    Bokuben S2
    Fairy Gone S2 (Damn my insistence on finishing things)

    Very interested
    Houkago Saikoro Club
    Rifle is Beautiful
    Watashi, Nouryoku wa Heikinchi de tte Itta yo ne

    Interested
    Azure Lane
    Assassin’s Pride
    Kandagawa Jet Girls

    Give it one episode
    Fate/Grand Order
    Babylon
    Hataage! Kemono Michi
    Ore wo Suki na no wa Omae Dake ka yo
    Keishichou Tokumu Bu Tokushu Kyouakuhan

    Arche
    1. If you have higher expectations, it becomes more difficult to become pleasantly surprised. If your expectations are lower, you can only be mildly disappointed at worst and pleasantly surprised at best. I’d see that as a win.

  11. Lots of sequels, some for previous seasons that I’ve yet to get to (Souma, GBF), others I’m prepped for (SAO, Bokuben, Psycho-Pass, Hero Academia).

    I hope the adaptations from a couple games (Azur Lane, FGO Babylonia) turn out well.

    So many isekai as usual, but seems like there’s a decent variety so hopefully at least one is solid. Please don’t use the god-awful CGI in Arifureta.

    That intro to Marimashita sounds kinda like Hayate no Gotoku.

    SK
  12. Most of this looks like stuff that I could not care less about, but at least we’ve got Ascendance of a Bookworm, and I Said Make My Abilities Average! to look forward to.

    And Hero Academia, I guess. 😛

    Wanderer
        1. We’ll see. It’s a busy season to begin with and even if I limited myself to sequels of shows I blogged at RC, I’d be over my limit workload-wise. But I’ve rarely felt quite so conflicted as I do about this season of Chihayafuru – I don’t know how I’m going to react to it. The opening lines of “A Tale of Two Cities” very much apply here…

  13. This season only 3 shows survived ’till the end (+1 I’m going to pick back up) but the new season looks lit. Unfortunately time is scarce, so I’ll need to cut a lot of things.

    Will definitely watch
    Azur Lane (I play the game so I’m definitely going to check it out
    BEASTARS

    SEQUELS
    Boku no Hero Academia 4
    Chihayafuru 3
    Kono Oto Tomare! 2

    Will give it a try (3 ep rule)
    Fate/Grand Order (lately Fate has been kind of hit and miss for me)
    Honzuki no Gekokujou

    May try if I have enough time
    Hoshiai no Sora

    Youkai
  14. First of all, thank you for this post. I rarely comment on this website, but I visit it everyday since I first started regularly watching anime (since 2012 I think), especially the previews. Kudos to all the writers!

    Since I’d started watching anime on a regular basis, this is the season where I will be watching the most series, most of them due the sequels, and I’m pretty excited about it! =)
    – Radiant
    – Kono Oto Tomare!
    – Fairy Gone 2
    – Nanatsu no Taizai
    – Shokugeki no Souma
    – Shin Chuuka Ichiiban (not sure if it’s technically a sequel)
    – Boku Hero Academia 4
    – Chihayafuru 3
    – Psycho Pass 3

    New for this season
    – Honzuki no Gekokujou
    – Mugen no Juunin: Immortal
    – No Guns Life
    – Kabukicho Sherlock
    – Pet

    by the way, thanks Enzo for the word “bildungsroman”, I learned something new today =)

    sygnl_
    1. Good choice of word to notice! I’d describe Bildungsroman as one of my favourite genres, which I actually described in my introduction post, because nothing hits the spot in terms of character development like coming of age.

  15. I read “Noein”, I went : I AM TOTALLY GOING TO WATCH THIS.
    1st season in a long while where I want to actually check many animes : bearstars, mugen no juunin : immortal, no guns life, hoshiai no sora et kabukicho sherlock. Theses ones seem good :3 (yeah I don’t care about the fate franchise haha)

    MimS
  16. This is a fantastic season… so many shows I’m actively looking forward to.

    I think you’re selling Assassin’s Pride short quite a bit. Then again, it’s clear from the summary that the author is unfamiliar with the source, so it’s understandable if you merely go by the graphics (it’s true that they do look like Kirito/Asuna quite a bit). Let me put it this way: The dynamics are completely different from SAO, and especially the female lead is a _very_ unusual and multifaceted character. This is probably the show I’m looking forward to the most.

    Ore wo Suki na no wa Omae Dake ka yo is my guilty pleasure of the season. So rare that the true main girl is NOT one of the first two shown. Looking forward to this a lot. Don’t watch if you can’t stand the male lead (who is relatively alpha for a harem) being put through the blender again and again.

    PSYCHO-PASS3 is a must, of course. It’s not the same without the Urobutcher, but I’ll definitely give it a shot.

    Soma and Hi-Score Girl are must-watches, of course.

    Mentar
    1. Hey Mentar!

      Definitely agree that the Fall season is looking quite stacked, with a couple of gems even outside of the obvious sequels. If you like Soma, I think Shin Chuuka Ichiban is definitely worth checking out. And YES. Another fellow who will be following Ore Suki with great anticipation 😀

    2. Okay. The anime reshuffled the scenes, so that all of a sudden the main girl _is_ the first one shown. Just whyyyy?

      Anyway, it was fun in episode 1 how the sweet-generic first half gets turned on its head in the second one…

      Mentar
  17. people are missing out on honzuki no gekokujou… when i first read the manga, i thought i wil be dropping it later but nope, i ended up wanting for more, to the point i bought the volumes. that is how good the story was. but of course to each of their taste.

    Jeffers
    1. I think Honzuki will have a better premise than most people anticipate for sure, just as you and other commenters are highlighting. My reservation mainly comes in the form of the staff helping out with production. They leave quite a bit to be desired.

  18. Oh, this new season looks promising! Didn’t have much time to watch anime this last season, but I hope I’ll have the time to watch a few more series this time.

    As usual, Random Curiosity’s season preview is fantastic. A great overview, and it makes me want to check series that otherwise I might have ignored completely. Like Fate/Grand Order (too many Fate stories out there to keep track of them), Azur Lane (I’d probably have mistaken it for a Kanntai Collection rip-off) or Phantasy Star (as someone who played the portable games, to see such a rich setting become a glorified TV ad was disappointing).

    There’s just a couple of things I’d like to point out:

    -Why is Beastars’ level “average”? The manga is getting awards and good rep, and having the talent behind Houseki no Kuni seems like a good thing. I expected it to be higher, especially with four people watching it.
    -As a manga reader, while the description of the hero of Shinchou Yuusha as “pusillanimous” or “a cornucopia of heroic cowardice” is technically correct (the best kind of correct!), I think it might give off the wrong impression. People might think he’s a pushover from the “aaaah, an enemy, let’s run away!” school of cautiousness instead of a borderline sociopathic determinator from the “nuke them from orbit; it’s the only way to be sure” one.

    Mistic
    1. Phantasy Star Online 2 episode Oracle
      Is far from advertisement if you ask me.
      It has full 25 episode cover entire first half of the game and the last chapter they intend to cover is perfect ending point( game story is at the 2nd half )

      Mck
      1. Yep. I think some people are just cautious because they went over the top with the previous anime. They even had a point in the anime where the protagonist is tasked with writing an essay about how great PSO2 is.

        Lyfe
  19. GAH! ChihayaFURU?? I had no idea a third season was coming. I wanted one for so long. Now, though, I wonder if it’s been too long.
    I’ve been a bit hesitant to watch recent anime of late. It’s all so tropey, with poor animation, or convoluted plots. But I want to pick up a few series to keep up with the times. So I’ll probably pick FGO: Babylonia, Chihayafuru, and try Saikoro Club. Maybe the first episode of Jet Girls to see what a 2020 fan service anime will look like.

    SuicuneSol
  20. Jesus Christ this is one of the best, most stacked season yet. So many good shows and adaptations and new seasons all at once.

    Choujin Koukousei-tachi wa Isekai was really enjoyable for me in the manga. It was essentially like watching what Danganronpa could’ve been if it wasnt a killing game and everyone actually worked together.

    Kemono Michi is one of the funniest manga’s I’ve ever read, looking forward to seeing it animated.

    SAO Alice Season 2, self explanatory.

    FGO Babylonia? The best arc in the game animated? Hype overload.

    Theres a lot more good stuff coming but those are the main biggies for me.

    YanDaMan
  21. Beastars average? Below fanservice shows like Azul Lane? What the fuck?

    I never questioned the taste of people around here, but you should read the manga and you will discover is nothing but “average”.

    cvb
  22. I’ve been doing grad school and gone from anime in any serious way for… 3 years now? I thought I’d check back in on what’s airing but CHIHAYAFURU SEASON 3??? A continuation of my favourite anime of all time?? Guess I have to come back to anime now.

    If anyone is actually reading this, any recs for shows from the last 3 years? I watched whatever new season of Haiykuu, the Yuri on Ice phenomenon, and some of Boku no Hero Academia (I keep meaning to catch up), but that’s basically it since… I guess since mid-2016?

    Used to follow this blog avidly, glad to see you’re still around and going strong!

    Ev

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