A Heap of Anime Updates Landed During the Holidays
The Christmas holidays offer a plethora of activities considerably more enjoyable than checking the headlines: opening presents, getting stuffed on delicious food, and employing deep breathing to refrain from snapping at family members. I hope you were able to do all these things and more. That said, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items came out over the break, and if you missed a few, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (By 2027)
Without a doubt the most surprising revelation, the widely-criticized controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter further production. Season 3 will return with a second cour in 2027—so far away they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which is seen as a positive development. However, the main art for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This leads one to believe that, at this point, they are probably trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now the community is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only recently got an English translation, but the anime has been airing for years, and its sixth season was a further stellar entry. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has brought us hit shows of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the true story of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my list of anticipated shows.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Second Season
Right after the release of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete air date has yet to be revealed.
