Did the lack of great series during the summer season get you down? Not to worry! The fall 2023 anime season is already upon us, with premieres already dropping tomorrow! Yes, you heard that right! You won’t have to wait until October 1st, even, for the new shows. And as a matter of fact, if you count the Fooly Cooly and some of the continuing series, the fall season has already begun!
Big, BIG series are included among those airing this fall with the return of Spy x Family, Goblin Slayer, Tokyo Revengers, and The Rising of the Shield Hero; continued episodes of several series, including Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2; and the final, final conclusion (we think!) of Attack on Titan. Maybe a little lower on the general radar, but just as thrilling for fans are new cours or seasons of The Ancient Magus Bride, The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent, Dead Mount Death Play, The Faraway Paladin, The Eminence in Shadow, Girlfriend, Girlfriend, and others.
But it’s the new series that we’re most excited about! After impressing us for years in their original versions, will the anime adaptations of Tearmoon Empire, SHY, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End be equally impressive? Will there be a winner among the fantasy trio of The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy, Berserk of Gluttony, and The Kingdom of Ruins? Will either You Were Experienced, I Was Not or The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You rise above common ecchi material? And which series will come out of nowhere to surprise us this season? Could it be Stardust Telepath? A Girl and Her Guard Dog? The Apothecary Diaries? Only time will tell!
But it should take that all that much time. As usual, we’re here to help you decide which series are worth trying and which you’re better off skipping. As the new series premiere (and some of the returning ones as well), we’ll post our first impressions of them. They will be going up fast and furiously on our blog, so to keep track, we’ve created this article as a master post for all our fall 2023 anime first impressions and for our staff to add additional thoughts about those series. We’ll also link the streaming platforms for the shows.
Keep checking back as we make updates, click on the links below as we develop this post, and let us know what you’re thinking in the comments!
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You • 16bit Sensation – Another Layer • The Apothecary Diaries • Berserk of Gluttony • BULLBUSTER • Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig- • Dead Mount Death Play Cour 2 • The Eminence in Shadow, Season 2 • The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch • The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of the Rust Mountains • Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange • Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End • A Girl And Her Guard Dog • Goblin Slayer II • I Shall Survive Using Potions! • The iDOLM@STER Million Live! • I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness • I’m in Love with the Villainess • KamiErabi GOD.app • KAWAGOE BOYS SING -Now or Never- • The Kingdoms of Ruin • MF Ghost • Migi & Dali • My New Boss is Goofy • My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer • Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me • OVERTAKE • Paradox Live THE ANIMATION • A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life • Protocol: Rain • Ragna Crimson • A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special • Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions • The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent S2 • SHY • Stardust Telepath • Tearmoon Empire • SPY x FAMILY Season 2 • Undead Unluck • UNDER NINJA • The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess • The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You
First Impression: Josh
Stupid title aside, this show had me laughing and smiling from opening to ending. It’s really good…If you’re looking for an anime that you don’t have to think too hard about and can have a prodigious laugh over, this is the one to go with. While, yes, this is just your standard issue harem series, I can say that this one is one of the few harem series that isn’t a slog of a “hey let’s laugh at the virgin” show like Rent-A-Girlfriend or a morally questionable facepalm like Girlfriend, Girlfriend. You’ll find a lot to like in this one, and I think, with the introduction of more characters, there’ll be a lot more laughs and fun to be had! I’m just curious as to what anime they’ll reference next time!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
16bit Sensation – Another Layer
First Impression: Samuru
Konoha has a lot of passion for creating a world where her heroines can thrive and I like that about her, as well as her knowledge of how resellers market games at much higher prices. I’ve done this myself, so I’m aware of the business! Above, I shared some images of the new games that are mobile-based and the new trend that isn’t helping her company grow its profits. These are all actual games that you can play, which is interesting. The anime doesn’t have anything that stood out for me besides the concept of focusing on bishojo games, so I’m looking forward to seeing what else is shared regarding game development in later episodes. If you are into these kinds of games you will enjoy this one more than me!
claire
I gotta say it, I disagree with Samuru on every count! This is such a fun premiere! I’m neither a gamer nor a particular fan of bishojo, but being obsessive and a bit extra about the things you love? That I totally get, and that’s what Konoha is all about! Also, all the anime references in practically every scene make this a really rewarding watch for otaku. The Easter eggs abound (especially for fans of Madoka and LycoReco–see above–not to mention every Key series)! There are a ton of screencap-able moments here too. All in all, this is a really playful labor of love, gleeful in its inside jokes, winks and nods, and promising in the story to come, as Konoha may just get to be part of creating the media she adores. It’s an otaku’s dream come true. Sign me up!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Apothecary Diaries
First Impression: stardf29
As far as the anime adaptation goes, it absolutely nails the visual portrayal of Maomao and her reactions to everything going on around her, and Aoi Yuuki does a splendid job as her voice actor. The rest of the anime looks great as well, but for a story that so heavily relies on its main character, it is great to see that she is given all the attention she needs to make this anime adaptation every bit as great as the light novels are.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Berserk of Gluttony
First Impression: Twwk
Like so many fantasy series of recent years, there’s little that makes this series distinct: the hero isn’t memorable, the action scenes are poorly animated, the world isn’t unusual in any aspect, and the heroine is just another cute anime girl. Actually, scratch that—Roxy Hart only decides to offer Fate a job with her family after he saves her hide by killing a thief who ran away from her. Hmmm… Anyway, back to the point: there’s not a whole lot here, though a few specs might be interesting enough to keep fans of the genre entertained, including the relationship that Fate develops with his sword, Greed, who is really the only fun character so far…
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
BULLBUSTER
First Impression: Twwk
Looking more like a transport/cargo mecha from Gundam or Aliens, the design immediately shows what the series means to be: it’s a throwback to mecha and sci-fi series from about 20 years ago, complete with weird CGI creatures, dun dun dun dun music, and a general feel-good vibe. I think viewers today are trained to expect something bigger, smoother, and more epic than what BULLBUSTER can provide, but if you temper your expectations and are willing to enjoy a series that might fit right in with the afternoon WB block from back in the day, this anime looks like it’ll deliver.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig-
First Impression: Claire
I’ll admit it, I have a pet peeve for series like this that, in order to make the male lead come across as a nice guy, use the limitless creative potential of fiction to conjure up a reality where either every other man is a complete jerkface or the female lead is so disenfranchised and lacking in self-worth that she willingly acts in a slavish manner so that the ML can throw a couple of lines expressing basic human decency her way and come across as so utterly magnanimous that he gets a free pass to act like a patronizing, lecherous perv to his heart’s content. We haven’t met any other male characters yet, so I can’t speak to the first conceit, but the second one is here in spades. You know, the kind of spades used for cleaning out pig sties. And yes, I am aware that the whole ”man turns into pig” thing is meant to be a witty self-reflective commentary on the “men are pigs” stereotype but frankly, the writing is neither witty enough nor self-reflective enough to pull this off and instead it comes across simply as self-indulgent, juvenile wish fulfillment.
Josh
Best nap I ever had, truth be told. Good grief, this anime was boring! I mean, heck, even the worst isekai I’ve seen still had some action or something going on to keep my attention! This one is just over twenty minutes of a space cadet girl having mental conversations with her perverted pig that was once an otaku. Who was this show made for?! What is this show trying to do? Who is this supposed to appeal to? This is a mess and now I wanna go and eat some bacon just out of spite.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Dead Mount Death Play Cour 2
First Impression: Negativeprimes
This was one of my favorite shows when it started airing earlier this year, and I’m super excited at its return! It would be enough if it were just a reverse-isekai mystery-fantasy, but Narita is so good at creating unusual, compelling characters—and at embedding them in a web of fascinating relationships. To top it off, there’s the top-notch animation quality, the humor, and the character designs. If you can put up with the periodic NSFW visuals (some nudity and bloody violence), this is a masterpiece.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Eminence in Shadow, Season 2
First Impression: Twwk
The last ten minutes or so of the episode, as everything goes out of control, is an absolute adrenaline rush—not just or even primarily because of the action. It’s mostly because there are so many quick cuts between characters involved in the arc, old and new, that it raises the excitement level for the show through the roof. I can’t wait to see how the set of heroes here, including the super cool Mary the Vampire Hunter and Claire, who hasn’t received enough screen time in the show so far, fare against a new group of villains, with a few other characters of lesser strength or none at all (including Cid’s hopeless buds from school) who’ll help fill in the plot. Meanwhile, humor underlies everything in the series as Cid continues to think that all this is just a giant setup. The comedy is what sets this series apart from other violent and “serious” isekai and makes the whole thing worth watching; by this point in the show, I feel as if The Eminence in Shadow knows how to balance the comedic and action elements just right. They jive together almost as well as in the manga. And now, we can just sit back and enjoy.
Streaming on HiDIVE.
The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch
First Impression: Twwk
The show isn’t funny or creative enough to continue; neither is it moving, though it tries to generate heartwarming mother-daughter moments. If I want a show about a daughter who has a warm relationship with the adoptive parent who rescued her from abandonment in the middle of the woods, there’s a much better one out this season. I’d say if you want a story with a similar adoption storyline, watch My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer instead. As for this one? After getting a glimpse of the phoenix, abandon this waste of time.
claire
Full disclosure: I only made it halfway through this one. That kinda stands in for a mini-review, doesn’t it? For the second time in a week I was hoodwinked into checking out what I expected would be a heart-warming family comedy but which turned out to be very…um…boobilicious. Though this one ain’t anywhere near as horrific as Game of Familia, I still can’t help but feel misled. The sheer volume of “daughter pulls adoptive mom into her ample chest” moments was also a bit of a red flag. Where can this go? Either nowhere, or nowhere good.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of the Rust Mountains
First Impression: Negativeprimes
This was a great beginning to a new adventure, even if no “Lord of the Rust Mountains” has been mentioned yet. The story does a great job of showing how time has passed while rooting us in the story (in case, you know, you don’t remember every detail from season one). And once Bee and Will go off on their one-episode adventure, the wistful, magical “fairy tale” feel
(not to be confused with a Fairy Tail feel)that makes the show work so well is back. It’s an especially nice touch to see how Will handles the old man’s test, avoiding the use of magic even though it could make things much easier. I don’t know yet where the story will go, but so far it feels like I’ve come home to some old friends after a while, and am glad to see that they’re doing well in life.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange
First Impression: Laura
When it comes to the main characters, Daigo is someone who pushes past his limits to help everyone in need while Shun is a strong partner who looks out for him and can also hold his own. (I really like Shun.) The animation is good, especially when it comes to the fire trucks. Being CGI, I expected them to look cheesy or out of place, but that isn’t the case at all! Overall, this won’t be a new favorite for me and I’m unsure if I’ll continue it, but I nonetheless enjoyed my time with it quite a bit! If you’re looking for what appears to be a family-friendly anime that balances high-stakes drama and demanding training montages, check it out, especially if you like “educational” anime!
Twwk
The opening scenes of Firefighter Daigo put a really bad taste in my mouth. As firefighters struggle to put out a towering inferno, one stands above all the rest and continues to save victims in a collapsing structure. But instead of creating this feeling of pride in our first responders, it felt like it was denigrating them; they’re not real heroes, handicapped by fears and their own human limitations. No, the real hero is the impossibly great Daigo. It was pretty annoying. By the end of the episode, though, I’d gotten off my high horse, almost certainly aided by the fact that the series focused a little bit more on the common firefighters (though it still felt a bit stupidly over-the-top). I also became mildly interested in the core trio that seems like they’ll form the central group in the series. I think the anime will be just fine and well-liked by those who like heroism and bonding in series, but I think I’d rather go more supernatural (Fire Force) or realistic (Backdraft) than stay in this strange place in the middle for a firefighter drama.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
First Impression: Twwk
The animators at Madhouse seem to love this story even more than I do. Episode one doesn’t give us too much yet in terms of characterization, but it does deliver when it comes to everything else surrounding our beloved party, including the scenery—oh, the scenery! So beautiful! I just wrote about how detailed the pastoral setting is in My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer, but Freiren surpasses it with its characters journeying through beautifully overgrown and rustic locations that don’t have to incorporate such incredible arches, colorful fields of flowers, and detailed ruins, yet do. The expansive score also helps convey a sense of peace, nostalgia, and magic in Frieren. I know that anime series have composers who develop multiple pieces for a work, but I was still surprised at just how much original orchestral music features in episode one, much as if it was for a feature film. Again, such care is being taken with the story. And I think even those new to Frieren will understand why: this is a heartfelt, wonderful journey that we’re all about to go on. And it looks like Madhouse is 100% up to the task of taking us on it.
Samuru
Frieren made me feel something I’m not sure how to explain. I think it may have been reflecting on accomplishing my goals in life and this verse in particular, James 4:14, about life being but a vapor. The anime is stunning and Frieren’s journey to retrod her past adventures and memories is one that I want to take along with her. As TWWK mentioned, no detail is wasted in the scenery and the tone is very relaxing and reflective as I learn more about Frieren and her personality throughout every episode. Some moments could have been shortened to move the main plot along but that’s the only gripe I have with the series so far. Oh, and YOASOBI does the intro so you know it’s a banger! Thanks, Madhouse for bringing this manga to animated life, I’m here for it.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
A Girl And Her Guard Dog
First Impression: Josh
My friends, I don’t think I can seriously recommend this one, even without the knowledge about the source material. Just the idea that the anime will potentially go in a direction that will make many people prodigiously uncomfortable at the very least is enough to tell me to give it a pass. With the controversy surrounding this anime and the source material, I can only say that if you are willing to turn off certain parts of your brain and just watch this anime as it is…then go for it, and I hope you enjoy it. But on my end, this is a big NO from me, dawg.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Goblin Slayer II
First Impression: Negativeprimes
If you liked GS S1 (and the Goblin’s Crown film, if you’ve seen that), you’ll probably like S2. The gritty world of Goblin Slayer is engaging, both in itself and as a deconstruction of more shallow fantasy tales. The fact that none of the characters have proper names allows them to easily serve as “Everyman” figures, creating room for reflection: Am I like this character? In what ways do I share their virtues and faults? The world itself likewise prompts reflection: What room is there for providence, virtue, and grace in a universe that seems designed to promote conflict and even evil? The characters themselves seem to be trying to answer this last question in a way, and the fact that they haven’t given up even after the tragedies of the past makes this series not only enjoyable but compelling. I’ve just got one thing to say—let’s go!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
I Shall Survive Using Potions!
First Impression: Jeskai Angel
This is an unserious, heavily comedic take on the overpowered-protagonist-reincarnated-in-another-world concept (a fact reflected in stylized, chibi-ish art style). The flavor of Potions is extremely similar to author FUNA’s other series (both of which already have anime adaptations), Didn’t I Say To Make My Abilities Average In The Next Life?! and Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement. If you’ve read or seen them, you’ll know exactly what to expect here; there’s no deep plot, character development, or worldbuilding, just OP isekai protag hijinks. Personally, strictly in terms of the light novels, this is my least favorite of FUNA’s three series (and even so, I read several volumes of it!), but the merits of this adaptation will all depend on how well it manages to portray the humor.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The iDOLM@STER Million Live!
First Impression: stardf29
I’m being very critical of this show as a reviewer who has to consider other potential viewers, but make no mistake, I will still be following this show, mainly because of certain girls in the ML cast *cough*Momoko*cough* that I really want to see animated. And really, that’s what this show feels like: something made to satisfy fans who wanted a Million Live anime. Certainly, the show could get better in the coming episodes; even the original iM@S anime had a bit of a slow start, and there are some great storylines in general from existing Million Live content to draw inspiration from. However, as it is right now, I cannot recommend this to anyone who isn’t nearly as invested in the iDOLM@STER universe as I am.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness
First Impression: stardf29
If there’s one thing about the anime adaptation specifically that stood out to me, it is the voice acting. Having Saori Hayami and Tomokazu Sugita voice the two leads is an absolute treat to the ears as these two legends of voice acting give even more life to the characters. Sugita as Allen is especially great as he gets to ham it up when Allen goes into his faux-villain mode. Overall, this is a very solid opening to what should be a laid-back, heartwarming show that you won’t feel naughty for watching.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
I’m in Love with the Villainess
First Impression: Twwk
I generally have no love for villainess series, nor do I watch many GL anime, but I found the opening episode of I’m in Love with the Villainess to be quite good, irresistible even! It all begins with the leads. Rae demonstrates a massive amount of energy and optimism without coming across as obnoxious; she’s a fun character, and Claire is equally adorable, as Rae might say…The dub is more over-the-top than the Japanese language version; it not only works, it exceeds the original because that loud approach is really what this type of series calls for…But I’m also looking forward to how the series may develop along more usual lines in later episodes. There’s potential here for a number of interesting isekai/magic school-themed storylines to develop and for character growth as well, particularly with Claire (think Lieselotte). And if the series is able to follow those routes with as much vigor and fun as it has the initial introduction of its main characters and their relationship, this anime could very well be a keeper!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
KamiErabi GOD.app
First Impression: Gaheret
…[the] intriguing elements are overshadowed by the cringe-worthy, disturbing, or just plain terrible ones. Though there are times the 3D doesn’t look too bad, for most of the episode it is really, really distracting. The uniforms are ridiculous. The orange-haired boy looks like a movie monster. The senior girl jumping on Goro felt all the more unsettling because the show was trying to be comical. And the concepts are big, perhaps too big for this series. Overall, KamiErabi GOD.app feels like it is biting off more than it can chew; I found episode one more disturbing than entertaining, and I won’t continue. I was forewarned, I guess.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
KAWAGOE BOYS SING -Now or Never-
First Impression: Gaheret
Kawagoe Boys Sing has a lot going for it, but I’m not sure if it’s enough. On the good side, it has done quite a lot of worldbuilding in a single episode. The characters and their relationships feel convincing, and the small artsy moments, particularly the choir songs and the OP, are pretty remarkable. The story jumps right in, with Tenshi doing wonders with his voice, and soon after, a scene with a professional choir gives you a clear idea of what he aspires to. Tenshi’s friends feel distinct and potentially interesting. I even like the skunk. And when the actual practice begins, the magic is there…What is the problem then? Well, in concept, I am a fan of Haruo. His potential arc of becoming a mentor as Tenshi becomes an artist is a great idea and makes them dramatic foils for one another. But in execution, he is a very egotistical and rude character who acts in very inappropriate ways, and this spoils much of the fun for me. Because of him, I don’t laugh when the show wants me to.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Kingdoms of Ruin
First Impression: Twwk
The potential for something extraordinary is present in this series, and indeed, The Kingdoms of Ruin could eventually become something grand, but the anime is so very heavy-handed in its execution that the fascinating exploration of how technology affects humanity and belief gets shelved for dramaticism and violence, some of it sexual in nature. It’s a shame that the series is over-the-top because right from the beginning, it introduces an interesting dynamic. The persecution of the witches, because humans desire control, feels akin to many events in the Bible and recent human history, including early people pridefully setting themselves up as God in the Tower of Babel incident and the rise of skepticism about (and vitriolic opposition toward) Christianity during the Enlightenment and the rise of scientism…However, the negatives are pretty overwhelming and push these interesting dynamics to the side.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
MF Ghost
First Impression: Josh
I don’t know about you, but I’m ghosting this one. If you’re a fan of streetcar racing anime (think Initial D, which this is the sequel to), then maybe you’ll find something in this one. But honestly, for me, it’s just too boring and too cringy; if I wanna see people driving obscene speeds down the freeway, I’ll go out to Houston on a weekday.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Migi & Dali
First Impression: Josh
I have to say, you owe it to yourself to try this one out for a few episodes. I think that the exploits of these copycat kyoudai are going to be interesting to watch, and I am prodigiously curious as to the twins’ motives. Why are they even doing this? Why not just come out and say “Hey, funny story—see, about 12 years ago, wouldn’t ya know it, that dawg gone zygote decided to split and, well, here’s my bro!” There’s something going on here with the Double Mint dudes, and I have a feeling it’s going to be PRODIGIOUS.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
My New Boss is Goofy
First Impression: Laura
First Impression: My New Boss is Goofy Momose has endured horrible treatment from his boss to the point that it mentally stressed him out and even gave him an ulcer. Due to this, he decides to get a new job, but anticipating his first day has him anxious and wondering if he will once again have an abusive boss. Much to his surprise though, his new boss is completely different! As Momose works with him side-by-side, he is surprised to find that through his boss’s goofs, the days are a lot brighter than they used to be. For instance, when his boss gets him medicine for his stomachache, he has to laugh when it turns out he actually got medicine for PMS and headaches! Ha! Despite still feeling worried at times, Momose quickly finds that his new goofy boss is unknowingly healing old wounds and bringing happiness to the workplace. I don’t even know where to start because my heart has so many warm fuzzies! Was it when Momose’s boss, Shirosaki, thought there was a cat in the bushes and was going to “tame” him so he could bring some joy to Momose’s day, only to find it was a tree trunk instead? Or was it the time that Momose wrote a letter of apology for being late, only for Shirosaki to write a letter back like they were “pen pals” and draw him an adorable illustration saying don’t worry about it? Regardless if it was one of these situations or another one altogether, I just received a free happy therapy session! Ha! My New Boss is Goofy is such a wholesome slice-of-life anime! It is very similar to Play It Cool, Guys, but with a different feel that extends beyond simple comedy.
Josh
I agree with Laura 100%. She’s totally awesome like that. This looks like it’s going to be a wholesome, sweet and really funny series. Momose is just the most relatable and sympathetic character ever. You really feel sorry for him and all he went thorough, and you just want to see him thrive in this new environment with his space cadet of a boss. I find it interesting that this is the second anime this year that has touched on the subject of toxic workplaces and their affect on employees. Both this anime and Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead did a great job of showing how being under that kind of evil and pressure can prodigiously affect you physically and mentally to the point where, even if you find your way out, it can affect all future interactions. Thankfully though, with the help of his dingbat of a boss, Momose looks to be on the mend…when he’s not gushing over how cute his boss is.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer
First Impression: Twwk
The artwork for the pastoral setting in the series is special, and the character designs are interesting, too, conveying a sense of realism and uniqueness that fits with a medieval-type fantasy world. That pixies and spirits are brought up right up front and a tree-like monster attacks the village later lets us know that the magic of this world leans toward those of the British Isles, and I’m all aboard for that. In fact, I’m all aboard when it comes to this series as a whole if it remains just as heartwarming as it was in episode one while finding a story to keep me entertained. At the very least, give me more of that flute theme, please!
claire
Everything Twwk said. End of two cents. Seriously, this may just be the unexpected gem of the season! It’s not that any one thing about this episode stands out particularly, but rather that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This episode is simply good storytelling! Also, it features Saori Hayami in a lead role (and departing from her usual delivery style no less), so I will be catching this one weekly for sure.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me
First Impression: stardf29
This is definitely a unique romcom for featuring a love interest who is far from being a virgin, and even going into the role that sex plays in relationships. Of course, this does mean that this show may be a bit uncomfortable to watch for some viewers, especially since even with Ryuto’s decision to wait for now, it’s pretty obvious he does not intend to wait until marriage. Still, for a show to expose the current culture around sex in relationships and the problems it can create is certainly better than the way that most shows handle the subject, and it sets the stage for a storyline with great potential: one that shows Runa developing a meaningful, loving relationship without relying on sex. If that is something you’re interested in like I am, this is definitely a show worth following.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
OVERTAKE
First Impression: Samuru
The animation of episode one was not bad, but not enough time was spent on the race itself. They gave lots of time to getting to know Kouya, the main character, and how even though he started out not really caring about the job, he enjoyed it in the end. I may watch a few more episodes, but considering how many other great series are coming out this season, I hope this one has a little more fuel in its tank for viewers to enjoy!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Paradox Live THE ANIMATION
First Impression: Laura
While I enjoyed this first episode and the rapping with the use of illusions, I am very much here to hear some of my favorite characters rap in this anime. The animation itself is good and I am also very interested in all the rap groups introduced, but the voice actors have me already anticipating next week’s episode! Beyond the voice acting, I will mention that the concept of phantometal and how it directly affects a person’s DNA is also extremely interesting. I am very curious about whether it affects any of the users, and if it does, how exactly it affects them, because it appears that all the rappers use phantometal to enhance their performances. Overall, I have no idea if I can recommend this because of my own bias (my deep love of Haikyu!!), but I will be tuning in to see what unfolds next for BAE, especially after that alarming cliffhanger at the end!
claire
Well, well, well, I was not expecting that! This was a surprisingly intriguing opening episode, with strong undertones of mystery-thriller beneath the stylish veneer of hip-hop futurism that Laura described so well as a mashup between Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Ya Boy Kongming. I’m not usually one for musical series, especially not the kind that feature prominent CG performance sequences, but Pine Jam’s take on the genre and 3D animation alike are engaging enough not to pose the usual roadblocks to my enjoyment. (Most CG idols look super creepy, right? What’s with the dead face and tiny mouths?!) Meanwhile, the character designs are unique and full of personality. Also, for fans of YBK, there’s an extra treat in store: the VA for Anne, the lone female vocalist, is 96neko, who voiced Eiko. You’re welcome.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life
First Impression: Twwk
The latest series in the “chill” subgenre of VRMMO anime, A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life, isn’t particularly interested in accomplishing anything new. Player approaching the game on “hard mode”? Check. Nice people teaming up with the protagonist? Check. Player is actually really good at gaming? Check. Bullies get their comeuppance? Check with an exclamation mark (!), just because I love that sort of storyline. Check check check. VRMMO Life also features a generic story, mundane character designs, and animation that’s solid but not noteworthy. Still, the opening episode is undeniably fun. And indeed it’s because it knows what it is—just a relaxing, cute, fun VRMMO series—and does well in meeting that standard. So if these kinds of shows are in your wheelhouse, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Protocol: Rain
First Impression: stardf29
We have sports anime, so it’s about time we have an esports anime, right? Any sports anime has two parts to it: the sport itself, and the character dynamics amongst the players. For this show, the “sport” is definitely the weakest part, as it is just a generic first-person shooter based on online team games like Valorant. And while I can easily get into other sports anime featuring games I don’t otherwise care about through the show’s passion for said sport, shown through explanations of key rules, elements, and strategies, this show has none of that. All we get are generic explanations of what is happening, which makes it hard for someone like me, who is not particularly interested in FPS games, to get into the actual competition. As for the character dynamics, they are definitely better, with the first episode giving a good starting picture of the characters’ current lives and relationships…
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Ragna Crimson
First Impression: Gaheret
Ragna’s feelings of guilt, isolation, and obsessive determination are raw, powerful, and properly conveyed. They help the show somewhat balance its problems, like the worldbuilding feeling scarce (the city feels like it is inhabited by the four same people), Leo the Teenage Prodigy acting too cutesy for her own good, and the moments when our protagonists are interacting with a crowd of paralyzed people, their mouths wide open, their eyes staring into nothingness. And what’s with the humanoid dragon leaders wearing ties and suits? Well, when the fight scenes and transitions are this cool, I’m prepared to forgive a lot. Though the opening episodeof Ragna Crimson made me roll my eyes from time to time, all in all, I had a good time with it.
Streaming on HIDIVE.
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
First Impression: Twwk
A new, wonderful, and potentially great series has landed! While fantasy anime tend to focus on adventurers “out in the field” or students attending a school, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is a little unique in that it does both in episode one, starting at the end by spending its initial moments at the conclusion of the greatest adventure before doing the whole time leap thing back to year one of magic high school. It may sound gimmicky, but this not only frames the story, but it also sets the tone for the series, which much like another fantasy anime premiering this season, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, is more about treasuring friendships than it is about defeating the enemy (as important as that may be)…
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions
First Impression: Josh
Well, it does look like just your typical buddy cop anime with your typical “murder of the week” format, but I think the characters are going to be the ones to nudge this one into the “give it five episodes” ranking. Kamonohashi’s brilliant yet sleepy eccentricities combined with the straight-laced, leap-before-looking mentality of Totomaru make this a show that has loads of potential.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent S2
First Impression: Negativeprimes
…the first few minutes wholly overshadow the rest of the episode—artistically, musically, and narratively—so much so that I want to watch them again just to enjoy the audiovisual treat. (Not all the animation is quite on par, to be honest; the dragon in particular looks off sometimes. But overall the episode is a step up from last season.) And this first scene is a promise that the story will offer far more than doki doki shenanigans. Season one was a slow burn that built up to some satisfying climactic moments, and season two seems destined for the same, but even moreso. The series has set a higher bar than it ever has before, and I for one am eager to see that bar cleared.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
SHY
First Impression: Claire
First off, the color design is very strong—not quite up to Zom 100 standards, but there is a depth and richness to the palette and shading here that brings the dynamic designs of mangaka Bukimi Miki to life. The animation as a whole is slick, with creative paneling and layouts that inject some added verve into the action sequences and visual gags alike. There is no OP or ED yet for this first episode, but the musical score channels classic live-action hero series from the 60s and 70s like Adam West’s Batman: quite jolly and upbeat and just a little bit goofy. Can’t wait to hear the villain’s theme! As for the characters, well, this episode reminded me of just how much I love Pepesha-san, aka Spirit! She has always jumped off the page, but now rendered in full color—and more to the point, full personality!—she is positively potent…I’ll admit, I don’t often watch the anime adaptation when I’ve read the manga—I just lose interest too easily. But with this adaptation, I can already tell I’ll be glued to my screen each Monday. What a stellar start for this charming, delightful, fun coming-of-age hero series!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
SPY x FAMILY Season 2
First Impression: Samuru
The OP this cours is very colorful and fun, one of the better ones I’ve seen in a while. As for episode one, nothing too offbeat happens; it’s more just like another episode than the start of a new season, but that’s alright. I’m glad nothing too major was changed in the series structure, though I am looking forward to more twists to the story as sticking to just one-offs without progressing the main plot much can get dull. I will certainly be following it to see if it heads down in a more progressive direction!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Stardust Telepath
First Impression: Twwk
While Umika is exasperating, Yu is equal parts cringe and not memorable enough to play the Mork to the former’s Mindy. Speaking of which, the romantic elements of the series are yet to be seen, but it should be noted that the opening credits lean hard into two GL pairings, and there’s a lot of blushing, hugging, and the aforementioned “foreheadpathy,” where Yu touches Umika with her forehead to discover her feelings and thoughts (which I feel is absolutely cheating by the way in a series where you would think Umika’s growth in communicating with others would be paramount). However, friendship seems to be a better focus of the series, with episode one even ending with Yu’s proclamation that Umika is her new bestie for life. Good for them. As for me, I’m not interested in becoming friends with these characters and staying with this show. It’s an easy pass for me.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Tearmoon Empire
First Impression: Gaheret
The adaptation hits all the right notes, and I think there is room for it to become the superior version of the story. I would have gone with a more classical-sounding opening for the OP, but the music is superb, the pace is good, and the episode does a good job of rearranging the material to maintain the tension throughout. The visuals are very, very cool: I’m especially impressed by the beautiful symbolic ED, in which the two versions of Mia find each other in a boat shaped like the moon. And while I miss the ironic narrator, always happy to show us the mental process of Mia (even if I freely acknowledge that he was too deprecating from time to time), and some of the worldbuilding, what they expressed is conveyed in various interesting ways instead. If this show keeps up the good work, it could be one of my favorites this season. Long life Mia Luna Tearmoon!
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Undead Unluck
First Impression: Claire
This episode contains the single best reaction to a zombie that I have ever seen—and that’s saying something! Better yet, the laughs keep on coming as the humor hits a steady beat throughout the episode, yet without reducing this to a gag series. Because it sure ain’t that! Instead, there is drama and pathos here too, conveyed powerfully through the score and even more so through the sheer beauty of the animation—the framing, lighting, and color design speak just as eloquently as the lively dialogue and splashy action sequences that studio david production (of JoJo fame) is so well known for. Think Heavenly Delusion meets Zom 100, with the occasional brief explosion of Dragon Ball Z thrown into the mix (like when Andy the undead “uncorks” his brain so that he can fight with the full force of 100 years worth of memories on his side!). Every single frame oozes with style. Added to that, is the sheer creativity of the superpowers. Now, the ability to kill at a touch or take any assault and live to see another day may sound like pretty standard powers, but the way they are wielded here is so inventive!
Streaming on Hulu.
UNDER NINJA
First Impression: Twwk
I don’t know if it’ll turn out to be good (though Kengo Hanazawa, who wrote the manga from which it’s adapted, is pretty well-regarded), but it is certainly different. And it’s fun. The characters, as I mentioned earlier, are seriously flawed but affable; most of the jokes land pretty well; and the world-building and history of ninjas in this story are unique, complete with General MacArthur’s role in their post-WWII annihilation before their recent return due to world conflicts that require their expertise. After all, I think it was the general who said, “Old ninjas never die. They just fade away.” Or something like that.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess
First Impression: Claire
This one is an odd mix: there are some ecchi moments, like when Komari awakens to find Villhaze the maid in her bed and discovers Villhaze’s habit of sleeping in the nude, yet, they are nowhere near as persistent as the boob smooshes in The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch. The premise is also pretty sketchy: it’s clear that the underage teen is going to be the focus of multiple female characters’ nosebleeds and teasing. Yet, she’s not objectified or written like an idiot, as with the FL in Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig-. So in that sense, viewers will need to judge for themselves whether this one crosses any lines they may have when it comes to ecchi content. In terms of animation, it was surprisingly watchable despite the heavy use of CG backgrounds, with familiar, but crisp character designs. There are also hints at a couple of interesting subplots to come.
Streaming on HiDIVE.
The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons
First Impression: Josh
Well, here’s the thing. Under normal circumstances, I would TOTALLY recommend that you check it out. It would be a prodigious no-brainer. This is a cute anime with a lot of heart. You’ll love these dorks like your own family. HOWEVER…this show is borderline unwatchable with the subtitles as they are now. Hopefully, this is just a temporary issue and will be resolved with all subsequent episodes, but just know if you decide to go into this one, it will be a challenge. Crunchyroll, if you’re reading this, please do better. This show is too beautiful to be marred by such an easily fixable issue. Don’t make me go Angry Black Man on you.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Yes, there are quite a few series that I’m looking forward to for the Autumn season! I’m definitely going to watch SpyXFamily. There’s such a nice selection of anime coming out, that I’ll have to prioritize my anime watching time, and I think that some series might have to go onto my back log list.
There really are a lot of intriguing series this season!