A Mountain of Anime Updates Landed During the Holidays
The winter break offer a multitude of activities far superior than scanning the headlines: discovering surprises, indulging in holiday treats, and using patience techniques to refrain from yelling at loved ones. Hopefully you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many noteworthy developments came out during the break, and just in case you didn't see some of them, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Set to Continue (By 2027)
Perhaps the most shocking piece of news, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop further production. Season 3 will be back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they easily could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which might be a positive development. However, the main art for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, by now, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the author's health issues. When it returned with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it maintained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up In Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been running for years, and its sixth season was yet another excellent entry. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will probably air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio famous for the excellent quality of its work, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Is Set to Continue With a Second Season
Right after the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has not been disclosed yet.