A Heap of Anime News Landed Over the Festive Season
The Yuletide season provide a multitude of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than checking the latest news: unwrapping gifts, feasting on festive fare, and harnessing deep breathing to avoid snapping at loved ones. I hope you managed to enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many exciting news items came out during the break, and if you didn't see any, here is a summary of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Perhaps the most shocking revelation, the much-discussed controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter more episodes. Season 3 will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have called it season 4. More surprisingly, the studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which might be a hopeful indicator. But, the main art for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, by now, they must be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a reputation for being an top-tier animation studio, making its mark not just for the high caliber of its output but for the good working conditions of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a extended pause due to the author's health issues. When it resumed publication with a reduced workload, the series proved it still retained the fans' support and goodwill, and now everyone is thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only recently got an English release, but the anime has been running for some time, and season 6 was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has delivered masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an powerful woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my list of anticipated shows.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season
Right after the release of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has yet to be revealed.