A Mountain of Anime Updates Dropped Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season offer a plethora of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than checking the headlines: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on delicious food, and employing meditation skills to avoid yelling at relatives. Hopefully you were able to accomplish all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items came out over the festive period, and should you missed a few, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Set to Continue (By 2027)
Without a doubt the most shocking piece of news, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to halt more episodes. Season 3 will be back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they could have called it season 4. More surprisingly, the studio J.C. Staff will remain leading the project. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which could be taken as 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 suggests that, nowadays, they could be mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not produced an anime stemming from a manga published in Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' support and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up In Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was yet another outstanding 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 Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio famous for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has delivered masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Second Season
Right after the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific release date has yet to be revealed.
