Believe it or not, the summer anime season is here! After a winter and spring packed full of returning series and other highly-anticipated shows, summer is a bit more laid-back. Less pomp and circumstances, but perhaps a bunch of hidden gems. We’re excited! Check out our season preview post to see exactly which shows have us primed for the upcoming weeks.
And continue to check back with this post as the new series air! We’ll be adding links to our first impression posts and giving even further thoughts below. We’d love to hear your feedback, too, so let us know what you’re thinking in the comment section.
The Aquatope on White Sand • Battle Game in 5 Seconds • The Case Study of Vanitas • D_CIDE TRAUMEREI THE ANIMATION • The Detective is Already Dead • Drug Store in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist • The Duke of Death and His Maid • The Dungeon of Black Company • Girlfriend, Girlfriend • How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom • I, Tsushima • Kageki Shojo!! • Life Lessons with Uramichi-oniisan • Love Live! Superstar!! • Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S • Night Head 2041 • Peach Boy Riverside • Re-Main • Remake Our Life! • Scarlet Nexus • Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles • Sonny Boy • Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-
The Aquatope on White Sand
First Impression: sleepminusminus
“P.A. Works has a tendency to produce works that look great, with lively and expansive worlds, but that ultimately don’t live up to their own expectations. Aquatope promises to be a hopeful coming-of-age story about conquering one’s regrets and pushing forward for the sake of a brighter future. Let’s see if the show can keep that promise.”
claire
There have been so many double-episode premieres this season, either one long episode or the first two released back to back, and I have not made it through a single one of them. Aquatope is the first series I wish had a double-episode, so much so that I watched this first episode again right away. It felt like it was over in ten minutes both times and I’ll tell you why: Okinawa and Yoshiaki Dewa. The visuals of the Okinawan setting are so lush and gorgeously rendered, and the hints of local culture are intriguing (both had much to do with why I loved Blood+ too); and the soundtrack by P.A. Works veteran composer Dewa is incredibly immersive, particularly when what seemed to be a typical slice-of-life suddenly makes a turn toward magical realism. Also, Fuuka finds her spirit fish. Which is important. I am here for the sounds and sights of this one, and for Fuuka’s healing arc!
Samuru
When I saw the visuals to this one after reading the First Impression by Sleepminusminus, I was intrigued. I enjoy anime that have beautiful and colorful animations like Garden Of Words or Violet Evergarden. Seeing Okinawa makes me want to travel there one day, and the story is relatable and real so viewers can connect to Fuuka more. So far, episode one has me hooked as I want to see how she resolves her personal conflict and what happens with the aquarium. I will be back for more!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Battle Game in 5 Seconds
First Impression: Jeskai Angel
“…his show left me in a snarky mood. I didn’t feel like I got to know any of the characters, let alone have any reason follow the story. The setup is contrived. The main character seemed like kind of a jerk. The villainess had (at least in the subbed version) an outright annoying voice that I hope not to hear again.”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Case Study of Vanitas
First Impression: claire
“I’m calling it: The Case Study of Vanitas is going to be a fun and rewarding ride! Instead of the typical image of seductive, dangerous vampires (which is a trope I have a few problems with), this episode lays bare the ugly corruption of vampirism, presenting it—or at least the form of vampirism that results in attacks on humans—as a malady that tortures and destroys the vampire as much as its victims. The parallels with the witches in Madoka Magica, and with the nature of sin, are striking and promise to make this a series rich for exploring the gospel message in the way we like to do here at Beneath the Tangles.”
Streaming on Funimation.
D_CIDE TRAUMEREI THE ANIMATION
First Impression: Samuru
“The pacing was pretty fast without much explanation, and since I did not play the game this is based on, I am not familiar with the world. Hopefully the reasons behind what is going on are told later, or maybe they are depending on players to have some background on the anime before going in. Either way, I was not too impressed by this opening episode, but maybe fans of the game will be.”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Detective is Already Dead
First Impression: Jeskai Angel
“This looks to be a hilarious mystery / romantic comedy / adventure story. As is often the case with anime adaptations of comedy-heavy stories, the audio and visuals add quite a lot to the entertainment value. I also quite like the musical accompaniment for this episode, so that’s another reason to keep watching.”
Twwk
What a delightful opening episode! I only new the barest of essentials about this series from our review of the light novel—I think the series was counting on many being like me, and throwing up for a loop by using a structure perfectly adapted for the anime and which builds momentum from the first part of this extra-long episode, which is perhaps a little above mediocre, toward this unstoppable combination of charm and mystery and finally into a tingly culmination that ends the episode. I’m very excited to see if the series can meet the expectations set through episode one.
claire
Unpopular Opinion Warning! I dropped this halfway through the double-length premiere because, as clever as it is–and oh boy does it ever provide some rich fodder for out-of-context screencaps!–I could not get past the fact that all these cynical, self-aware critiques of genre conventions (and quite a few, shall we say, euphemistic exchanges) were coming out of the mouths of supposed 13-year-olds. If you’re going to have a series founded on sardonic self-reflexivity like this, then age up the protags, like in Uromichi Oniisan. In fact, better yet, someone export these jokes to Oniisan and shake that show out of its one-joke rut.
Streaming on Funimation.
Drug Store in Another World: The Slow Life of a Cheat Pharmacist
First Impression: Negativeprimes
“I’m not exactly a connoisseur of the animated arts; but when you have a slower, SOL show like this one, the scenery and visuals will have to do the heavy lifting. And this episode looks like it was cut from layers of cardboard. The lines are inconsistent, and the colors kind of sad. Having said that, it is harmless. If you’ve got time to kill, and like it better dead, there are worse things than Kirio and his live-in moe ghost and werewolf assistants selling blue coffee to the countryside.”
claire
This was very disappointing. I was hoping for a kind of spiritual successor to last season’s “I’ve been killing slimes for 300 years and maxed out my level,” and there are hints early on that it is going for that kind of “let’s just chill and expand the found family through a mix of light humor and incredible super-powers”, but then…the screeching began. Every female character suddenly became a hysterical mess, it seemed. I had to keep lowering the volume for fear of my neighbors thinking a home invasion was in progress. Relaxing, it was not.
stardf29
So I gather that this is basically going to be a sort of “medicine of the day” story, with the protagonist coming up with whatever concoction solves whatever problem someone has. It’s the sort of thing that I probably wouldn’t mind reading in light novel or manga format, where I can go through it at my own pace, but having to sit through 24 minutes of it definitely wore out my patience. It’d be a different story if it was a relaxing, “slow-life” series, but the show was way too hyperactive for that kind of atmosphere, especially once the yelling girlfriend came on the scene. The only reason then to watch this in animated form would be for the cute wolf girl (because what other reason would I need), but the obvious lack of animation budget ends up making her look more derpy than cute. All this leaves me with pretty much no reason to watch the anime. Guess I’ll just have to experience this story strictly in a readable format…
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Duke of Death and His Maid
First Impression: Jeskai Angel
“I liked the visuals, which somehow remind me of a storybook, and I enjoyed the humor enough that I’ll definitely try the next episode of Reaper Boy and Teaser Girl.”
Samuru
I am not entirely sure why I wanted to watch this one but I am glad I did. At first I didn’t like the fanservice teasing that Alice does to the Duke, but it redeemed itself by the end of the episode. The 3D animation this time looked very good, compared to other shows I won’t mention that air on Netflix. I want to see how the duke and his maid’s relationship turns out in the end because he’s pretty forward with how he feels about her which is refreshing, instead of the common shy-type male protagonist.
Streaming on Funimation.
The Dungeon of Black Company
First Impression: Gaheret
“…its greatest flaw is how much of a jerk his protagonist is. He is nearly unbearable, a proud sloth who despises those who work and those who protest, who sacrifices everyone around him without a second thought, and who may overwork others to death if given the chance. And for me, the balance ultimately tilts towards that aspect. We may see the forest marching over Isengard, but I don’t think I will be watching the show by then.”
Streaming on Funimation.
Girlfriend, Girlfriend
First Impression: Josh
“…a good harem anime has a protagonist that doesn’t seek out the harem, but rather deals with the personalities and situations that comes to him, and from that, makes a decision, all the while remaining equally considerate to the others. Naoya only seems to be in this situation because he WANTS to be. This is a problem of his own creation! It’s like unscrewing a lightbulb from a lamp, smashing it on the ground and saying, ‘Oh, dang! I can’t see! The room is too dark! What on earth am I going to do?’”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
First Impression: Jeskai Angel
“Besides being an interesting twist on the prototypical isekai formula, this episode was funnier than the open section of the LN…I think the anime is also likely to dodge one of my biggest complaints with the source material: painfully awkward writing when the story is trying to keep something secret from the reader that the characters already know. With no first-person narrator, it’s vastly easier for the anime to keep secrets without being obnoxious about it.”
stardf29
This first episode did a good job of not rushing the adaptation and putting some good time into the setup for the story. It also made some interesting cuts to different characters, many of whom did not have speaking lines until later in the volume in the original light novel, to show their reaction to events going on. It’s a nice way of previewing the cast while breaking up what could be monotonous exposition. Overall, this adaptation is pretty good so far and I’m looking forward to more of it.
Streaming on Funimation.
I, Tsushima
First Impression: claire
“…if you watched Way of the Househusband and thought that the cat should get his own series, but with better cat art (and floofier fur), then this is the series for you. It’s along the lines of My Roommate is a Cat, revealing everyday life from a cat’s perspective, but is more clever than it is sweet, which is to be expected when the mc is a street smart veteran rather than an innocent kitten.”
Streaming on YouTube by Asmik Ace (turn on the subtitles!).
Kageki Shojo!!
First Impression: claire
“Kageki Shojo!! promises to be a charming girls’ school series perfect for fans of Shojo Kageki Starlight Revue, classics like Glass Mask and Rose of Versailles, and Japanese theatre in general, from Takarazuka to kabuki and everything in between. Or simply for fans of mc’s who are also best girls.”
Streaming on Funimation.
Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan
First Impression: Twwk
“…for now, I’m happily along for the ride (more happily than the title character, for sure), especially as led by the Jekyll and Hyde performance by the perfectly cast Hiroshi Kamiya. This is a series to keep an eye one, with potential of it becoming a great comedy anime, and hopefully something even more than that.”
claire
I really loved the teaser trailer for this one! I mean, really. But it kind of ruined the premiere for me in that this first episode is essentially the same joke told over and over again. It was hilarious the first time, but got old pretty fast, so that I started to dread when Oniisan’s voice would drop next and the lighting dim, queuing another depressing observation about the challenges of being One Who Is Older In Life. Sigh. But, as just such a one myself, I will keep watching in hopes that the series–and the humor–finds its feet and gains a little more momentum in the episodes to come.
Streaming on Funimation.
Love Live! Superstar!!
First Impression: stardf29
“This is the fourth time around the Love Live! circuit, and once again the story of girls pursuing their dreams despite the obstacles in their way is off to a great start. Many of us can relate to the difficulties of performing under pressure, and how terrible it feels to not be able to do something as well as you know you can when it really matters. This makes Kanon’s story immediately engaging…”
Streaming on Funimation.
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S
First Impression: sleepminusminus
“Kobayashi S is truly a testament to Kyoto Animation’s talent and presence in the anime world—a confident proclamation that despite the attack from two years ago, the studio still stands, ready to continue inspiring countless anime fans with its incredible works.”
Josh
My favorite rapper Mystikal once said “Sometimes you gotta get knocked down to get up”. Honestly that can be said about Kyoto Animation right now. They got knocked down and now they’re screaming to the world “You ain’t seen bouncing back”. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S acts as though the last two years of heartache and pain were just a bad dream and puts us back in this world with the same adorable dorks we know and love while adding a new character into the mix. Only time will tell if llulu will blend in with the others seamlessly, but so far, I’m interested! I’m not going to lie, when the first season came out way back in 2017, I thought it was just another Monster Girl show and didn’t pay it any mind. Now look at me–Season 01 on my Blu-Ray shelf and I’m praising Season 02. What has this show done to me?!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Night Head 2041
First Impression: Gaheret
“I think the environment looks interesting, integrated even, and not all that video-gamey, but the characters, she the policemen especially, are unnerving 3D mannequins. And yet, this is the one series in which I may overlook that.”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Peach Boy Riverside
First Impression: claire
“There are a couple mild ecchi bits (and a disturbing tentacle flash-back for Sally) that, if they become a more prominent theme, could be a bit much for my liking. But all in all, this seems set to be a solid series for watching over lunch break. Especially if you like carrots.”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Re-Main
First Impression: Gaheret
“Okay, this one was amazing. Agile, clever, artsy, funny, human, unpredictable. It went swiftly back and forth from the comedy of the fish-out-of-the-water situations of the younger mind in the older body, to the believable, kind and loving family which is still traumatized by the accident, to the mystery of the lost three years.”
Streaming on Funimation.
Remake Our Life!
First Impression: sleepminusminus
“With the time-reversal, the story quickly devolved into a standard school drama set-up. Kyouka’s old misgivings are quickly stuffed under the rug to welcome a barrage of new characters, most of whom felt lacking in originality…To its credit, the show does boast some captivating artistic work and clever direction. Maybe I should wait another episode or two to see if it manages to develop its characters. Then again, as Kyouka loves to say, there are no second chances in life.”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Scarlet Nexus
First impression: Twwk
“If I’m not looking for anything too deep…a series that lets me breathe, that’s just there for fun and for love of the characters. Add to that animation that’s quite pleasing to watch (although the show characteristically features static and one-color backgrounds during fights) with CGI that doesn’t feel too wonky, plus interesting abilities for the characters (Naomi’s precognition ability is especially cool), and you’ve got what appears to be a nice little series.”
claire
Totally agree with all that Twwk says in his review, though the instances pointing to intrigue to come fell strangely flat for me. But more importantly, what is with the character design for the Others?! They look like giant corsets sitting atop mannequin legs, crowned with a bouquet of flowers. It’s like a Victorian horror film. I kind of want to watch more.
Streaming on Funimation.
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles
First impression: Twwk
“Instead of explaining right from the get go, it seems that the series will unravel [the confusion of the storyline] in time, with the story focusing first on Rio, whose background (seeking revenge for the death of his mom) and the reveal of his power is nothing special, but whose path reveals a sweetness in Seirei Gensouki that’s highly engaging….Even more appealing to me are how the slighty-rounded faces in the characters, together with the opening and closing songs and soundtrack, evoke series from ten or twenty years ago; there’s a strong feeling of nostalgia and warmth with this one.”
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Sonny Boy
First impression: claire
“All in all, a lot to sink your teeth into if you like the kind of anime you need to sink your teeth into in order to enjoy. If not, it could just be frustrating and a tad overwrought. The character design is a little flat and simplistic, but on the second viewing, it grew on me and I appreciate the vibrant color design. The range of characters is pretty decent, with a couple compelling ones, as well as the one you know you’re going to love to hate (Hoshi, I’m looking at you, or rather your little star eye tattoo!), and then probably end up having to grudgingly respect.”
Twwk
Hooo boy. This was the show I most anticipated premiering this season. And I’m…not real sure yet. I love the look of it. I love the mysteries that are laid out there already, beckoning us to “stay tuned because they’ll all be answered in satisfying ways.” And I like the two supposed leads, but for all it’s intentions, the show isn’t as unique and interesting as it seems to indicate it is with the audacity at which is lands episode one. Maybe it’s just me, but if there’s seems to be something lacking, as if it just can’t quite live up to the weight of its own expectations. I could be wrong. I hope I’m wrong. Sonny Boy could be AOTS. But I’ll be standing by for now, wondering if Sonny Boy can deliver what it’s bold style promises.
Streaming on Funimation.
Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-
First impression: Gaheret
“The worldbuilding thus far looks mildly interesting, with that conflict between humans and inhumans at the horizon, a contract with a dragon and a world ruled by a capricious goddess. But, no real drama up to now, and while the comedy made me smile, it didn’t make me laugh. If I continue watching, it will be because I actually find Makoto to be a cool hero…”
claire
Go read Gaheret’s review because it’s spot on, and probably more charitable that I would be! He’s convinced me–there could be something redeeming about this series and its ungainly hero. But mostly I just wanted to say how enjoyable the voice acting was on this episode. I was particularly happy to hear Haruka from Sound! Euphonium as the pig woman. Maybe not happy enough to tune in again though. *Cues up S!E for another rewatch*
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
[…] to get. (Or maybe a more on point metaphor, trying to decide which anime you’ll watch first with a new season of anime upon […]