As October rolls in, we usher in the Winter anime season. While some beloved anime continue their storylines, numerous season premieres are on the horizon this month. I’ve curated a stellar lineup for those who relish captivating narratives in enchanting realms.
Whether you’re eager for the resurgence of timeless anime or curious about fresh releases, here are the top new anime recommendations for winter 2023.
Pluto
Pluto will debut on October 26 on Netflix.
Netflix unveiled its plans for the upcoming anime Pluto, adapted from a revered manga epic. As media consumption reaches unprecedented levels, anime is undoubtedly entering its golden era. The streaming giant leads the charge.
- The legacy of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy deeply intertwines with it – showcasing a pinnacle of animation.
- With Netflix’s backing, Pluto could easily make its mark in anime history.
- To understand the excitement, one must revisit Astro Boy’s world.
- Osamu Tezuka’s vision of a future filled with robots was revolutionary.
- Dr. Tenma’s story, creating a robot to cope with his son’s loss, resonated with numerous readers.
- The 1963 anime adaptation of Astro Boy exceeded all expectations.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Watch Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
In the last decade, zombies were the undeniable villains everyone loved. However, their allure began to wane as an oversaturation of similar narratives reduced these undead creatures to mere settings rather than integral parts of compelling stories.
This is where “Zom 100” shines brilliantly. Within its debut episode, the anime spins an enthralling tale that has captivated my attention, making me eager for subsequent episodes.
Initially, I delved into this anime with minimal expectations and was pleasantly surprised by its sheer excellence.
- Distinct from other zombie-centric media.
- Show offers unique visual flair.
- Expertly uses animation to boost storytelling and visuals.
- Masterfully elevates original source material.
- Result: Absolute brilliance.
Masamune-kun’s Revenge
The primary criticism I’ve noticed about this series is its lack of a conclusive ending. Instead of stressing over the absence of a sequel, I actively chose to purchase and read the manga, which concludes with book number 10.
- Classic romance anime with a unique premise.
- Plot: Formerly chubby boy, once teased by a girl, now seeks revenge in high school.
- Plans to date and then break her heart.
- Highlights:
- Strong character development over 12 episodes.
- Masamune isn’t the stereotypical handsome anime lead.
- Has an awkward, endearing side.
- Humor enriches the experience.
- Recommendation:
- Worth a binge-watch session.
- Available in both subbed and dubbed versions.
- Might not become a top favorite, but likely to be enjoyable.
AYAKA
GoRA created and wrote “Ayaka: A Story of Bonds and Wounds,” an original Japanese anime television series. Studio Blanc animated it, and King Records produced it. Nobuyoshi Nagayama took on the directorial role, while Kana Shibue composed the soundtrack.
At Bit Groove Promotion, Ryō Tanaka directed the sound. Redjuice designed the original characters, and Misaki Kaneko adapted them for the animation. The series aired on Tokyo MX and BS11 from July 2 to September 17, 2023.
- Landscapes and background animation:
- Highly detailed.
- Rich in color.
- Music by Tanaka:
- Features traditional soundscape.
- Incorporates instruments like the erhu.
- Enhances the spiritual ambiance of the world.
Sweet Reincarnation
Nine-year-old Pastry Mille Morteln, a reincarnate, stumbles upon a magical realm. He embarks on a journey to master combat skills, drawing from his expertise in pastries and uncovering magic as he progresses.
- “Sweet Reincarnation Episode 1”:
- Successfully sets a fun and enjoyable backdrop.
- Lays foundation for future series conflicts.
- Resulted in unexpected intrigue.
- Biggest question:
- Can the series deliver on its established promise?
Liar, Liar
On Academy Island, students resolve disputes through “Games,” battling for stars, with the top student earning the prestigious Seven Stars title. Hiroto, a newcomer, surprisingly defeats the reigning empress, positioning himself as the school’s de facto strongest. A strategic dance of deception and cunning ensues.
My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
Watch My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
If you’re typically not a fan of romance anime, this series might just change your perspective, making you a believer in love and the romance genre.
Yamada, a high school student, stands out as the school’s heartthrob for his striking appearance, academic excellence, and unmatched gaming prowess. He crosses paths with Akane, who’s nursing a fresh heartbreak after being left by a previous partner, and she’s relatively unfamiliar with the gaming world.
- Highlights:
- Bright and colorful animation by Madhouse Studio.
- Madhouse excels in shoujo animation.
- In-game moments: delightful and humorous.
- Climax: Yamada and Akane confess feelings and become a pair.
- Strongly encourages manga exploration.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
I’ve watched numerous action-fantasy anime, but Demon Slayer stands out as the best. I became so engrossed in the show that I can’t pinpoint just one favorite aspect.
Whether it’s the thrilling action, profound character growth, touching emotional scenes, captivating score, stunning animation, or impeccable writing, Demon Slayer operates on an unparalleled level.
Dead Mount Death Play
- Currently on episode 7 of 10.
- Eager for more content.
- Recommended for fans of:
- Dark fantasy
- Magic
- Action
- Hooked from the first episode.
- Main character’s abilities:
- Sorcerer-death God
- Can communicate with and resurrect the dead
- Summons a bone-like entity from another realm
- The entity inhabits a child’s body, a victim of assassination by a young girl.
- No spoilers beyond this point.
- Highly recommended viewing: it’s a rewarding experience.
KamiKatsu: Working for God in a Godless World
- A purposefully “dumb” comedy anime.
- Intentionally bad execution enhances its comedic appeal.
- Despite intentional flaws:
- Maintains a compelling story and plot.
- Strikes a genius balance.
- Elicits loud laughter, especially during poorly edited segments done intentionally.
- Initial impressions might be misleading.
- Growing attachment with each episode:
- Constantly guessing “what’s next?”
- Wondering about the writers’ next move.
- Brilliantly parodies the isekai genre in a “horrible shitpost” style.
Spy x Family Season 2 – Oct 7th
The SPY x FAMILY anime makes its comeback on October 7, introducing two new talents for the opening and ending theme songs. These songs contribute to the anime’s spy mission, which is an adaptation of Tatsuya Endo’s manga.
In addition to announcing the performers for the theme songs, a fresh trailer dropped, teasing the melodies and spotlighting a date between Loid and Yor.
Ado, renowned for being the singing voice of Uta from One Piece Film: Red, delivers the opening theme song, “Kurakura (Light-Headed).” Meiyo crafted both the composition and lyrics, with Yoko Kanno and SEATBELTS from Cowboy Bebop taking charge of the arrangement and background performance.
Goblin Slayer II – Oct 7th
Goblin Slayer is back, brandishing even more battles and gore. From its very first episode, this dark fantasy series seized anime enthusiasts’ attention.
Drawing its roots from the equally intense light novel series, Goblin Slayer’s rich drama and shadowy themes propelled it to immense popularity, marking it as one of 2018’s standout releases.
Goblin Slayer Season 2 Character Returns:
- Yuichiro Umehara as Goblin Slayer (Japanese)/Brad Hawkins (English)
- Yui Ogura as Priestess (Japanese)/Hayden Daviau (English)
- Nao Tōyama as High Elf Archer (Japanese)/Mallorie Rodak (English)
- Yuka Iguchi as Cow Girl (Japanese)/Brittany Lauda (English)
- Maaya Uchida as Guild Girl (Japanese)/Sara Ragsdale (English)
- Yūichi Nakamura as Dwarf Shaman (Japanese)/Barry Yandell (English)
- Tomokazu Sugita as Lizard Priest (Japanese)/Josh Bangle (English)
- Yōko Hikasa as Witch (Japanese)/Amanda Gish (English)
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Spearman (Japanese)/Kyle Igneczi (English)
Dr. Stone: New World Part 2 – Oct 12th
Earlier this year, fans enjoyed the season’s first part, and the anticipation for the next segment has been mounting. Mark your calendars for October 12, as Senku and his crew embark on their upcoming scientific journey!
Ryūjin Kinoshi and Anly will grace the soundtrack with the opening theme, “Haruka” and the ending theme “Suki ni Shinayo,” respectively. Having kicked off its two-part third season earlier this year, the first segment ran from April 6 to June 15, 2023, laying the foundation for the arc’s grand quest.
The narrative centers on Senku and his Kingdom of Science allies as they aspire to construct a ship and locate Senku’s father’s spacecraft. Their expedition is laden with obstacles, new allies, adversaries, and the unfolding enigma behind Earth’s petrification.
Undead Unluck
The Undead Unluck TV anime’s official site and social channels recently released a new trailer, revealing more cast members and characters from Yoshifumi Tozuka’s supernatural comedy manga. The anime is set to debut in Japan on October 6. You can check out the character trailer below.
Birthed from the revered Weekly Shonen Jump, the series rapidly became one of the publication’s top-sellers, captivating a global audience with its riveting plot and intricate characters.
Speculation and excitement about its anime adaptation have swelled since its announcement nearly a year ago.
The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy (TV)
Yū Shimizu and Asagi Tōsaka’s light novel adaptation, The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy (Seiken Gakuin no Maken Tsukai) TV anime, has a premiere date set for October 2 on TV Tokyo at 1:30 a.m. JST (which effectively makes it October 3).
Other networks will broadcast the show after this debut. Additionally, an early streaming will be available on ABEMA on September 25 at 1:30 a.m. JST (essentially, September 24). This announcement on the official Twitter account was accompanied by a video featuring Shary, with voiceover by Arisa Nakada.
A Girl & Her Guard Dog (TV)
Author and illustrator Hatsuharu’s manga, A Girl & Her Guard Dog, is gearing up for its anime debut. On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the series’ official website unveiled the anime adaptation’s release date and its second key visual.
Fans can anticipate the premiere on September 28th. Moreover, an exclusive pre-screening event will occur on September 3rd, 2023, at the United Cinemas Toyosu in Tokyo. Stay tuned for more details on what to expect from the anime.