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Is larger higher the place anime is worried?
I confess, Fall 2024 form of snuck up on me. I knew there have been some massive canines within the pack, but it surely wasn’t till I began placing the preview collectively that I noticed simply what number of formidable collection there have been. And it’s a very massive season within the literal sense too, even by fall requirements (it was the most important final yr too, however solely had 61). I’m counting 67 collection as I kind this, and even in 2024 that’s quite a bit. Definitely too many given the manufacturing capability of the business (however I may play that just about on a loop at this level).
Whereas I swear it’s by no means on-purpose, it’s eerie how persistently my previews find yourself protecting one-third of the schedule. And so, as you’d predict, we’ve got 22 reveals within the preview this time. That’s quite a bit – one of many greatest previews I’ve ever carried out. And whereas I don’t assume this tasks as a legendary season on paper, that quantity isn’t fully pushed by sheer quantity both. There are each certain issues and super-intriguing wild playing cards on this checklist, and as such this season has an opportunity to be a really robust one.
Which 2024 may use, in fact. It doesn’t seem like a nasty yr – weaker than 2023, however that was the strongest for awhile. An enormous fall may carry ‘24 fairly near final yr, although it’s not going to equal it. Nonetheless – I’ve bought seven “Will Positively Weblog” collection this season, and that’s on-par with among the finest seasons since I began LiA. If just a few of these make a play for the highest half of the year-end Prime 10 checklist, that might clearly have a huge impact on the yr as an entire.
Wanting on the fall slate, it’s actually massive on sequels (although that’s hardly uncommon today). As is usually the case with a promising season, the preview could also be strongest within the Mid-table class – it has a number of collection, together with just a few that had been actually on the borderline with “Highest Expectations”. That’s to not say the highest tier isn’t robust too – there are elite sequels in there that are all as near certain issues because it will get. It’s additionally a season with a number of top-class administrators – and infrequently engaged on reveals the place you wouldn’t essentially look forward to finding them.
Style and demographic sensible, as common nothing stands out to an excessive diploma however I do see a good variety of romances and character dramas right here. This can be a extra “grounded” season than common (at the least inside my slim band of curiosity) – much less pushed by the same old fashionable anime formulation, with plenty of seinen manga diversifications and tales about working adults. And whereas it’ll sound pretentious, there’s a number of what look to be critical reveals right here – plenty of Manga Taisho and Tezuka Award contenders and a few winners.
That is my 54th (I believe) Season Preview right here at LiA. Due to everybody who’s joined me for a part of that journey. Right here’s hoping efforts to make the positioning financially sustainable bear fruit, and these previews will proceed to be free for anybody who finds them helpful and entertaining. To everybody who’s pitched in to assist that trigger – you may have my honest gratitude.
Let’s transfer on to Fall 2024. As common, the ballot is within the sidebar – please go vote!
Highest Expectations:
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan – Kyoto Douran – LIDENFILMS: (PV) I’ve an extended and intensely fond relationship with the franchise one spot farther down the checklist. As such there was some actual competitors for this slot. However given the historic nature of what the “Kyoto” arc means to shounen, I believe Rurouni Kenshin has to get high billing.
It’s solely a measure of simply how humongous the pent-up anticipation over seeing the “Jinchuu” arc lastly animated is that “Kyoto” isn’t the most important deal is that this reboot. We’ve waited 25 years for that, one in all shounen’s biggest arcs from one in all its most profitable collection, inexplicably by no means tailored. Assuming this remake will get there (and its existence could be fairly pointless if it doesn’t) that’s going to be the headline – interval and finish of sentence.
Nevertheless, that mentioned… “Kyoto” could be (and is, I did a submit on it) on my quick checklist for finest shounen arc ever. Very quick checklist, like one hand with fingers left over. It’s that nice – each epic and intimate, stuffed with nice motion and profound emotion and pathos. It incorporates a very very good supporting forged and with out query represents the top of Rurouni Kenshin and Watsuki Nobuhiro’s work, as nice as “Jinchuu” is. The primary season, protecting the Edo part of the story, was excellent with out being transcendent of the supply materials. I believe it’s a reasonably good guess that would be the case right here too, however given simply how nice this arc is that might nonetheless make Kyoto Douran an AOTY contender in any regular yr.
Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi – Shuka: (PV) I’ve been a fan of Rurouni Kenshin even longer than Natsume Yuujinchou. However that’s been an on-again off-again relationship, the place with this collection it’s been just about regular (although this has been the longest hole between seasons). Natsume Yuujinchou has been a staple of LiA for the reason that starting, just about. It’s a present that’s simple to take with no consideration, however has a singular transportive high quality. Irrespective of how lengthy it’s been, the minute an episode (or OVA, or film) begins, I’m instantly again within the vibe as if no time in any respect has handed.
Why seven years between Season Six and “Shichi”, regardless that the manga continues to be an enormous vendor? Who is aware of – Omori Takahiro doesn’t work as incessantly as he used to, and it’s most likely more durable to get the crew again collectively than it was once. Some seasons have been higher than others however on the entire this collection is remarkably constant, and there was actually no noticeable dip in high quality when Shuka break up off from Mind’s Base and took their greatest property with then. The nice and cozy to Mushishi’s cool have a look at Japanese mythology, this collection is a foundational one in each manga and anime, and I’m all the time glad to welcome extra of it.
That mentioned, S7 undoubtedly wants moar Kogitsune. Critically, I do know he hasn’t confirmed up within the manga for ages however they already did one unique episode for him (“The Little Fox’s Watch”) and it was one of many collection’ finest and most well-received. It’s long gone time for an additional, Shuka – get on that.
Ao no Hako – Telecom Animation Movie: (PV) Blue is the most well-liked colour in manga titles by an extended stretch, and this preview has a few “Ao no” collection in it (and that doesn’t rely a 3rd on the schedule, the brand new Ao no Exorcist). This one, Ao no Hako, runs in Weekly Shounen Leap. And, it’s stood out as an uncommon match for the journal proper from the start. It’s stood out as a probable hit, too – there was one thing particular about it that was unattainable to overlook.
Blue Field is a sports activities romcom that most likely comes as near any I do know in balancing these two components equally. That stability ebbs backwards and forwards over the course of the collection however the sum all the time appears to be about 50-50. The game is badminton (not one about which I’m particularly educated or passionate, however that’s by no means been a deal breaker). And the romcom primarily facilities on Taiki, a first-year excessive schooler who performs the game, and Chinatsu, one yr older and the star of the basketball crew. There are different vital characters (some I like higher than others) however these two are the clear axis round which Ao no Hako rotates.
This isn’t an ideal collection by any means – it leans too closely on tropes and among the supporting forged shouldn’t be nice in my opinion. However Chinatsu and Taiki are nice, and the sports activities facet of issues is lifelike and well-depicted. There are components of Adachi in right here to make certain however extra superficially than in substance. As for the difference, it has a strong if unremarkable forged at a strong if unremarkable studio, and that’s the vibe I get from the previews. It appears to be like like a really competent and really devoted adaptation, and that ought to do the trick with this materials. Blue Field is a collection I think could also be even higher in anime type, and as commercially profitable because the manga is (and the place it’s revealed) it’ll be a serious shock if it doesn’t obtain an entire adaptation in time.
Mid-table:
Ao no Miburo – Maho Movie: (PV) In a season stuffed with well-established franchises, a few of which didn’t make the lower for this tier, a collection I don’t personally know that will get middling opinions from an obscure studio with little observe file does. It’s not fully one thing I can justify with logic, but it surely feels proper so I’m going with it.
The Blue Wolves of Miburo is about in 1863, on the cusp of the Meiji Restoration and within the dying days of the Shogunate. In the event you didn’t know, “The Wolves of Miburo” was the unique identify of the Shinsengumi, and this collection marks a form of origin story for the group, A younger orphan with a starvation for justice crosses paths with two youths who will someday be commanders of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Souji. It’s becoming that that is airing throughout the identical season because the Kyoto Arc of Rurouni Kenshin, as many figures will seem in each collection.
As I mentioned, there’s not a lot concrete to lean on right here. Manga opinions are so-so, studio observe file is iffy, and the employees is nothing particular (although adapting author Ihara Kenta has an excellent resume). I’m basing this placement nearly fully primarily based on premise, which sounds nearly completely positioned in my candy spot. It’s uncommon for me to put a lot inventory in that – we’ll see if it proves justified.
Dandadan – Science SARU: (PV) Dandadan is one in all a number of manga that I observe receiving diversifications this Fall. I’ve learn the manga for the reason that very starting, when it instantly obtained large buzz and glowing suggestions from mangaka. It’s the work of Tatsu Yukinobu, one in all many Fujimoto assistants to have a transformative impact on the fashionable manga business (although it’s recently emerged that his assistants had been typically extra mentors to him than the opposite method spherical). It’s a collection that grabs you instantly with its stunningly detailed paintings, creative paneling, and breathless narrative drive.
So what’s Dandadan? Kind of a kitchen sink of something fantastical and speculative fictional – aliens, Shinto Kami, ghosts, mecha, tremendous sentai, youkai, cryptozoology. In the event you can think about it and it’s most likely not actual, this collection will get to it will definitely. The construction, resembling it’s, incorporates a bunch of teenagers, an attractive grandma mahoutsukai, and numerous different oddballs (and I do imply odd) battling a always evolving array of threats whereas looking for the protagonist’s… Nicely, I’ll allow you to get there if you get there, however you’ll have a ball with this one.
Reality be instructed, I’ve form of grown detached with the manga recently. I nonetheless like and observe it (it’s at the moment on hiatus), however for me Dandadan is a collection with extra frosting than cake. It’s rattling good frosting, although. And judging by the previews and response to the early episodes (which had been leaked after hackers stole them from Netflix servers) Science Saru is absolutely pulling out all of the stops with this adaptation. It is a collection that wants visible aptitude and, frankly, price range – greater than nearly any I can consider it might undergo badly from a mediocre adaptation. I’m anticipating affect right here – large buzz when it premieres. If it could maintain it, Dandadan has an opportunity to be essentially the most talked-about anime of 2024.
Chi.: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite- Madhouse: (PV) In Chi Chikyuu, we’re speaking a couple of seinen manga that received the Manga Taisho and Seiun Awards, and has been nominated for just about all of the others. It’s being tailored by sleeping large Madhouse, who can nonetheless carry it arduous once they determine to. It has an excellent director in Shimizu Kenichi, who directed Kiseijuu for Madhouse and has labored on classics at many of the main studios. It has Sakamoto Maaya because the male lead. If there have been ever a collection that ought to be full go for me, it’s this one.
I’m excited for Chi Chikyuu, however the arduous reality is, I dropped the manga. A part of it – an enormous half – was that mangaka Uoto’s artwork by no means actually labored for me. That’s hardly ever a deal-breaker for me with a manga, particularly an in any other case actually good one, however I couldn’t get previous it. I additionally form of drifted out and in of the story, reality be instructed, although I can’t say for certain how a lot of that was a results of my struggles with the character designs. That is principally a factionalized account of heretics in fifteenth Century Poland, struggling towards the oppression of the Catholic Church as they tried to find the truths of the universe and produce them to the folks.
It’s all there, the whole lot I may need. Besides with the manga, it simply isn’t. Not likely. However I’m hopeful that with a robust crew behind it Madhouse can repair the weather of the supply materials that had been damaged for me. The manga is completed so there’s actually nothing standing in the best way of Madhouse telling the story they wish to inform right here, and there’s no query that it’s theoretically a captivating and vital one. Mid-table, however with a ton of upside.
Ooi! Tonbo 2nd Season – OLM: (PV) I don’t know that I’d name Ooi! Tonbo one in all 2024’s unlikeliest success tales, as a result of I’m undecided simply precisely how profitable it’s. This second “season” was clearly deliberate as a second break up cour earlier than manufacturing even started. Nonetheless, there was a little bit of buzz across the collection in Japan and the response amongst Western followers who gave it an opportunity (all six of them most likely learn this website) was very constructive. It’s a manga that runs in a golf journal and doesn’t function a drop of power-ups or particular strikes – simply golf and chatracters. However Ooi! Tonbo does all proper for itself.
Evidently I loved the primary cour very a lot, each on the golf and human facet. Tonbo and Igaiga developed a very robust pupil and mentor relationship and the Tokara Islands setting was used superbly. The finale had a moderately jarring timeskip nonetheless, and this cour goes to be a really totally different present in each sensible method. As such I’m withholding judgment a bit till whether or not we see if the identical magic exists with a (practically) grownup Tonbo and a mainland and even city setting. I think the attraction will nonetheless be there and I do know the golf can be good.
Beastars Closing Season – Orange: (PV) December continues to be the Fall season, bear in mind. The Beastars journey concludes on Netflix, which most likely means the complete season can be dumped all of sudden and the anime group will barely speak about it. Even when it had been going out with conventional distribution I think my anticipation could be only a bit muted, nonetheless, as I discovered the second season to be meaningfully much less profitable than the primary.
For all that, although, I’m nonetheless a fan of the literary ambition Itagaki Paru reveals with this collection. She takes a reasonably unsparing have a look at racism and gender politics in Beastars, and the image she paints is certainly not a rosy one. One downside I had with S2 is that Haru successfully disappeared from the story, and her relationship with Legoshi – complicated and troubling because it was – gave this collection most of no matter sense of hopefulness and uplift it had. Hopefully she’ll be again in power within the closing season, as a result of I’m keen on this collection and I’d actually prefer to see it end on a excessive notice.
Kimi wa Meido-sama. – Felix Movie: (PV) It might sound odd to see this seemingly generic shounen romcom ranked forward of among the collection you’ll see under it. In truth, on the floor it might sound odd that I’m previewing it in any respect. Certainly my preliminary pondering was that I wasn’t going to – former murderer takes a job as a maid to a highschool boy and is a complete dojikko. I imply, trite as could be. And it’s not just like the manga will get nice opinions or something. However then I noticed “Watanabe Shinichirou” and that form of trumped the whole lot else.
It’s not as if I really like the whole lot Watanabe directs – that’s why Kimi wa Meido-sama. is mid-table. However he most likely is the highest director in TV anime in the mean time, and something he’s connected to instantly deserves my full consideration, no qualifiers. The fascinating query for me is why Watanabe-sensei, who can choose and select his tasks (his subsequent is the much more high-profile Witch Hat Atelier) determined to direct what looks like a generic shounen romcom with out huge gross sales, glowing opinions, or main awards. And Akao Deko is doing the scripts in addition. A part of me says there have to be some motive why that occurred, which is the most important curiosity issue I have going into this present.
Kekkon suru tte, Hontou desu ka – Ashi Productions: (PV) A seinen romance a couple of (soon-to-be) married grownup couple? Signal me up please. I just lately did a fee about married {couples} in anime and as you noticed, it was fairly slim pickings. The director or Kekkon suru tte, Hontou desu ka is Ikehata Hiroshi, the one who helmed the collection that dominated that checklist, Tonikaku Cawaii. And – Ashi Productions? Speak about a blast from the previous. They’re an organization with a really lengthy historical past in anime (All Objective Cultural Cat Lady Nuku Nuku, c’mon) however they certain haven’t been a lead manufacturing studio on a lot lately.
Kekkon suru tte, Honto desu ka is the story of a pair of twenty-something introverts working at a Tokyo journey company (maintain going, I’m listening) who’re fairly content material with their solo existence. The corporate decides to open an workplace in Siberia (ROFL) and prioritize sending single workers to employees it. I believe you’ll be able to see the place that is going, and I’ve to say it’s a spot I wish to go. Ikehata is working along with his ToniKawa writing accomplice Hyoudou Kazuho, and the manga is full so there ought to be no points with unique endings. I’m not completely nuts for the 2 Wakaki Tamiki collection (16bit Sensation, The World God Solely Is aware of) which have gotten diversifications (although I didn’t dislike them) however other than that this one has robust sleeper vibes.
Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru. – Studio Signpost: (PV) Right here’s one other one the place a seemingly dodgy premise is elevated within the rankings because of a big-time director (that’s a little bit of theme this season). The director on this case is Abe Noriyuki, one of many mainstays of the business for 30 years who’s just lately helmed the Kuroshitsuji tasks and Oooku: The Interior Chambers. The story right here is that of a widow for ten years with a daughter, and the younger woman who reveals up at his door claiming to be the reincarnation of his late spouse.
I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I didn’t discover that premise drained and form of creepy. However Abe is nice, rattling good, and the opinions for the manga are strong (apparently it doesn’t go as little as one may count on). And it’s one other accomplished manga, which we’re seeing extra of in anime adaptation selections today – a pattern I wholeheartedly encourage. I’m extra bemused than something however there’s sufficient to recommend this could be greater than it appears to present this present an opportunity.
Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun Half 2. – Lerche: (PV) Make no mistake, the principle Hanako-kun occasion is the lengthy – and I do imply lengthy – overdue second season of the principle collection. That’s lastly coming in January, and we’ve got the second outing for the omake spinoff Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun to tide us over within the meantime. Once more we’ve solely bought 4 episodes, they usually’re half-length, so expectations for this comedy-driven outing ought to be tempered accordingly. However I get pleasure from it for what it’s, and realizing the principle course is simply across the nook makes it a lot simpler to get pleasure from this model as an appetizer.
Modestly :
NegaPosi Angler – Nut: (PV): One more fairly massive director, this time Umeura Yutaka – a Gainax veteran with a reasonably strong observe file (although he did direct one of many FLCL sequel abominations). As my mantra is that on originals a very powerful employees member is the author, nonetheless, and on this case it’s Suzuki Tomohiro. He’s solely carried out diversifications that I do know of however some excellent ones at the least. Right here we’ve got a narrative a couple of school pupil with a terminal sickness who’s rescued from drowning by a few fishing aficionados who get him hooked (heh) on the interest. A premise befitting the general critical tint of this season, and probably one with a little bit of sleeper potential.
Goukon ni Ittara Onna ga Inakatta Hanashi – Ashi Productions: (PV) Ashi is unstoppable! This time it’s a manga adaptation a couple of school child invited by a feminine buddy to a mixer. As soon as he arrives he realizes it’s all males, and ike-men at that. I actually like the thought of extra collection about adults, and we’re getting a number of this season. I don’t know the supply materials right here and the employees doesn’t instantly strike me as distinctive. However the manga appears to be fairly well-regarded and it’s been nominated just a few occasions on the awards circuit.
Ranma ½ (2024) – MAPPA: (PV) Ranma 1/2 shouldn’t be a collection I essentially assume wanted a reboot. And there have been just a few too lots of these recently for my style, provided that manufacturing capability is finite. However whereas I don’t contemplate Ranma a masterpiece of anyplace shut, it was one of many first anime I actually watched (whether or not on VHS or DVD I can’t bear in mind), and I’ve fond reminiscences for essentially the most half. I’ll test it out however I don’t know if the present me will purchase into this premise or not.
Increase wa Tanin ga Ii – Deen: (PV) I’ve a little bit of an allergy to yakuza collection, although possibly The Fable has eased the skepticism a bit. I do know the seinen manga this collection relies on could be very well-regarded, with quite a few award nominations and wins on its resume. Increase wa Tanin ga Ii is the story if a mafia princess who’s scared off each male in her life who will get married off to the grandson of a rival gang by her grandfather, the large boss. He appears good (for a yakuza) however seems to be a critical S&M freak. Employees is okay and really skilled – director Kawase Toshifumi did one in all my favourite golden oldies, Pita Ten. However by some means I get a little bit of an anti-sleeper vibe from this one – possibly simply skepticism on the match.
Trillion Sport – Madhouse: (PV) Yep, it’s one other seinen adaptation about grown-ups with jobs. And one other Madhouse collection in addition. It’s the story of a superb entrepreneur who spurns an opportunity to hitch an enormous IT firm as a way to make it massive (very massive – the title is {dollars}, not yen) on his personal. Finally he gathers allies round him to that finish. One more present with an old-school director in Satou Yuuzou and primarily based on an award-winning manga (it received the 2024 Shogakukan Award). I’m comfy calling it a sleeper.
Touhai: Ura Fee Mahjong Touhai Roku – East Fish Studio: (PV) I’m certain there will need to have been a spokon Mahjong anime in some unspecified time in the future, however I actually haven’t seen it in that case. Touhai is the story of a teenage Mahjong whiz who battles older gamers whereas hiding a woman within the nation illegally (an attention-grabbing combo). I do know nothing of the supply manga and the employees and studio are seemingly unexceptional, however in concept it is a fairly good match for my tastes.
Uzumaki – Drive: (PV) Possibly it’s sacrilege to say it, however I’ve by no means fairly gotten the fuss with Itou Junji. Nonetheless, I’m the primary to confess that could be as a result of just about all makes an attempt to adapt him to anime have been dumpster fires and I’ve solely sparingly learn his manga. Uzumaki is one in all his most well-known works, Miki Shinichirou is the male lead, and also you’ve bought the Mushishi director (Nagahama Hitoshi) on the helm. It have to be mentioned, Mushishi is the one factor he’s carried out that I preferred however when you’re solely going to have one on the resume, that’s a peach.
Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita! – Satelight: (PV) One in all my core beliefs is that anime wants extra collection with Ohsaka Ryouta because the protagonist. I don’t assume it’s a Miyu Irino factor the place he’s targeted on different issues, as a result of Ohsaka will get a good variety of supporting roles – he’s simply not an it-boy anymore. And it’s a disgrace as he could be nice in critical roles in addition to actually humorous, which is what he’ll be tasked with right here. Youkai Gakkou is a comedy a couple of timid trainer working at a college of monsters who like to prank him. A fairly good veteran director in Ono Katsumi, and the manga is purportedly fairly strong.
Tono to Inu – Live2D Inventive Studio, OLM: (PV) One other shoujo internet manga. This time it’s a chronicle of a daimyou who’s fallen on arduous occasions and the canine (corgi?) he adopts who brings cheer to his depressing existence. Purely a shot at midnight.
MF Ghost 2nd Season – Felix Movie: (PV) MF Ghost didn’t begin off effectively for me. The character designs are fairly fugly and the gender politics are old style to say the least. But it surely grew on me, nearly fully as a result of the racing sequences (with avenue automobiles on street programs in a post-semi apocalyptic Japan) had been genuinely attention-grabbing and infrequently thrilling. And the male lead is modestly attention-grabbing in an offbeat method.
Will certainly weblog: Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Kenkaku Romantan, Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi, Ao no Hako, Dandadan, Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun 2, Ooi! Tonbo 2nd Season, Beastars Closing Season. As famous that’s seven proper there, which is on the excessive excessive of my common vary for this class. And there are such a lot of different mid-table reveals with promise that I’ll be very stunned if at the least a pair extra don’t make the lower.
Sleepers: Kekkon suru tte, Hontou desu ka, NegaPosi Angler, Trillion Sport.
OVA:
Wow, an precise entry within the OVA class – that’s the primary one shortly.
Shiguang Dailiren: Yingdu Pian – 10/2024: (PV) Particular information on this donghua is a bit arduous to return purchase, together with a precise launch date and episode rely. And the second season of Hyperlink Click on was, for me, an enormous step down from the primary. However I’ll nonetheless return in hoping that the collection by some means recaptures the magic of that very good first season that t0ok the anime world by storm.
Theatrical:
Just one film this time. Fall shouldn’t be historically the most important season for theatrical anime in order that’s not essentially an enormous shock.
Fureru. – 10/04/2024: (PV) Fureru. has been producing a good bit of buzz, provided that it’s kind of the newest reunion for the AnoHana inventive crew. That may be director Nagai Tatsuyuki, animator/character designer Tanaka Masayoshi, and celebrity author Okada Mari, who was the most well liked identify within the biz for a few years however whose star appears to have waned a bit. I’m actually an enormous AnoHana fan however I believe the observe file for this troupe since has been considerably blended.
Fureru. is the story of three 20 year-old (fittingly for this season) residents of the identical island who now stay in Takadanobaba, Tokyo (my outdated neighborhood, kind of). Because it’s Okada it’s just about a provided that magical realism could have a say, and so it does. There are some form of magical creatures from the island who permit these three to speak telepathically (or one thing). It’s Okada – heartache and doubtless excessive emotional carnage will certainly observe.
