Merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanzaa, and happy whatever you celebrate around this time of year but now we are going to talk about what is in store for the hopefully glorious and shiny new year of upcoming anime in 2017! Overall, out of all of the animes I've checked in 2016, and in my honest opinion, nothing really stood out from the typical shows that we are mostly all used to watching. Sure there were some that brought more originality to the market and ones that were pretty enjoyable through and through but nothing that was like "OHMAIGERD! You Have to Watch This!!" and even 2015 had pretty decent chunk of simply must watch and amazing shows like "Death Parade", "One Punch Man", "Blood Blockade Battlefront" and "Your Lie in April". As far as what new anime debuts are starting at the beginning of 2017, it's really not looking all that hot, however I am going to try all I can to pick out at least the five potentially best ones to watch this upcoming winter season.
I must advise that any anime I'll mention on this list I may not watch at all and I will write my initial impressions on the series premire episodes that are either available via Crunchyroll, Funimation, Daisuki, Youtube or elsewhere. In addition I will not watch anything on that is only available via Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or any other premium video subscriptions (because I'm a poor otaku), although this does not necessarily mean I won't watch them at all and may check out the series at a later date. Lastly, I will be making regular updates to this list once companies announce where these anime will be streamed from.
5.) Youjo Senki (trans as "The Military Chronicles of a Little Girl"): Saga of Tanya the Evil
- Japanese Trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQXrx39ImTI
Version 2 -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwaruTPKq9I&t=1s
Based off of a light novel series written by Carlo Zen
Animated by Studio NUT (debut work)
Directed by Yutaka Uemura (Punch Line, The Mystic Archives of Dantalian)
Written by Kenta Ihara (Death Parade *as assist)
- What Wiki Says -
(Pending, but according to Ani.db) The story centers on a young girl who fights on the frontlines in war. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and nearly transparent white skin, and she flies through the air and mercilessly strikes down her opponents. Her name is Tanya Degurechov, and she speaks with a young girl's lisp and commands the army. Tanya used to be one of Japan's elite office workers, but because of a wrathful god, was reborn as a little girl. Tanya prioritizes optimization and career advancement above all, and she will become the most dangerous entity among the Imperial Army's sorcerers.
- What I Say -
First off the story seems totally bonkers and second, dispite it's unfortunate name, I've never heard of anything done by this studio "NUT" although the quality of the visuals seems pretty above average coming from the trailers. Also, old world war settings in anime seem to have sparked up lately like in past titles as "Joker Game" and "Izetta: The Last Witch" and hopefully this will be as decent as those two were, although this series seems the weirdest of the three. Lastly any new theme song from "Myth & Roid" always gets a major thumbs up in my book.
* No official streamer yet, however I bet on Crunchyroll to get it only due to it's from Kadokawa.
4.) Chain Chronicle
- Japanese Trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTlaMgl1glE
TV Broadcast Trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STr_EnLKL5k
Based off of a tower defense role-playing game developed and published by Sega for some portable systems.
Animated by Telecom Animation Film (Lupin the 3rd 2015, Orange) & Graphinica (Expelled from Paradise, Hellsing Ultimate)
Directed by Masashi Kudo (Re-Kan!, also worked on "Maoyuu Maou Yuusha" and Bleach)
Written by Toko Machida (Endride, Show by Rock!, Hitsugi no Chaika)
- What Wiki Says -
(From the game's story) The continent of Yggdra is a place where humans, ogres, giants, forest sprites, and many more mythical creatures live. Led by the Holy King, the continent was at peace until one day, a mysterious group called the Black Army appeared and started conquering the land. In response, the Holy King and its troops fought against it, but Holy Capital fell and the Holy King was killed by the mysterious Black King. As the continent was in the glimpse of destruction, hope glimmered as one man, you, the Hero, decided to fight back and formed the Volunteer Army to oppose the Black King and bring peace back to Yggdra.
- What I Say -
Yeah, I know video game-based anime really should be avoided like the plague but I have hopes that this anime adaption will turn out pretty decent. In fact, I rather enjoyed another cell phone game turned anime: "Rage of Bahamut" a while back, sure the story wasn't the greatest but it was pretty enjoyable and the visuals on it were top notch and as far as this with I'm was really impressed by the trailer visuals. The way this is being shown is kind of weird though, the studios are first releasing the anime as a three-part movie series where each one is made up of four episodes and then start airing separate TV episodes later starting Jan. 7th.
* Funimation has the dubbing and release rights to the anime and Crunchyroll.com already has the 1st movie streaming on their site right now! (however split into four parts). The TV broadcast version will be streamed at Crunchyroll as well.
3.) ACCA 13-Ku Kansatsu-ka (AKA: ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.)
- Japanese trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KLcXHQZyls
Based off of a manga series written and illustrated by Natsume Ono, creator of "House of Five Leaves".
Animated by Madhouse (Alderamin on the Sky, Death Parade, One Punch Man)
Directed by Shingo Natsume (One Punch Man, Space Dandy)
Written by Tomohiro Suzuki (One Punch Man)
- What Wiki Says -
(Pending, but according to Ani.db) The kingdom of Dowa, which is subdivided into 13 states, is celebrating its monarch's 99th birthday. These 13 states have many agencies that are controlled by the giant organization known as ACCA. Within ACCA, Jean Otis is the second-in-command of the inspection agency. His agency has ten people placed in each of the 13 states, with a central office in the capital city. They keep track of all the activities of ACCA across the kingdom, and keep data on each state's ACCA office flowing toward the central office. Jean also often has business trips from the capital to the other districts to check on the situation and personnel there.
- What I Say -
It's pretty damn awesome that the main creators of the "One Punch Man" anime are working on this, however this show is definately not a freaking awesome over-the-top action series yet really more seems to be a dramatic comedy with some possible elements of espionage or corruption within it's government. It's just a much more different anime to watch from the usual norm and I'm always up for that and hopefully from the same team that brought one of the best animes of 2015 may possibly make this a winner of the season.
* No official streamer yet. (Betting Funimation and/or Crunchyroll)
2.) Hand Shakers
- Japanese (SFW) Trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1WoCwiL6HQ
Newer (slight NSFW) trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWfeNxCNfI0
Animated by GoHands (Coppelion, the "K" series, Mardock Scramble)
Directed by Shingo Suzuki (the "K" series, Coppelion) & Hiromichi Kanazawa ("K")
Written by Hiromichi Kanazawa ("K")
- What Wiki Says -
This original anime takes place in Osaka in "AD20XX". The story revolves around Tazuna, a high-school student with a knack for mechanics, accepts a certain repair request and visits a university research facility. There, he meets Koyori, a lone girl asleep on a bed. As though being led by something, Tazuna touches her fingertips - and a voice flows into him from a place unknown. Tazuna is left bewildered as a new world, Ziggurat, lays before him. Within an instant, Tazuna and Koyori are attacked by something. The many Hand Shakers who must confront god stand in the way of Tazuna and Koyori. Laying their own 'wishes' on the line, Hand Shakers are the people who come together joining hands, and bear weapons born from the depths of one's psyche called "Nimrod". Together they fight. In order to grant one’s wish, many Hand Shakers fight against each other in a competition of power to reach the pinnacle, where they can meet with "god" and defeat this so called "god".
- What I Say -
Studio GoHands doesn't make too many animes however whenever they do their work they always have amazing style and flare that really makes them stand out from the rest of the season's shows and the visuals on this already look freaking amazing. The plot does somewhat seem ripped out of the Type-Moon playbook and looks very "Fate/Stay Night"-ish but really hoping to get some good enjoyment out of this.
* No official streamer yet. VIZ did get the last two GoHands series so wouldn't be surprized if they got this.
1.) Little Witch Academia
- Japanese trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgz2bMz-Zz8
Older trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3jFdqs4jUQ
The TV series follow-up to the 2013 short film of the same name as well it's Kickstart funded sequel: "The Enchanted Parade"
Animated by Trigger (Kiznaiver, Kill la Kill, Space Patrol Luluco)
Directed by Yoh Yoshinari (Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade, worked on other titles for Gainax such as "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt" & Gurren Lagann)
Written by Michiru Shimada (Little Busters!, Shugo Chara!)
- What Wiki Says -
(Pending and only gives out the plots of the earlier films, however this maybe a complete reboot of the original story)
- What I Say -
It's pretty amazing what the word of mouth can accomplish in the business and how a low-funded creation turned out to be one of the most well praised animes of the decade. I absolutely adored the two earlier short films that were all chalk full of cute and high energy and it's an anime that can be easily enjoyed by anyone young and old. I have huge hopes for this one to succeed and really hope Trigger keeps the same charms and energy as with the films for the entirety of the TV series.
* Right now this series is only confirmed to be streamed on Netflix at a later date, usually by the final episode when aired. Hate to say this but this maybe the first anime in a while that I'll have to resort to shady streaming sites or bit torrent downloads to watch it. However Studio Trigger has huge ties with Crunchyroll so Netflix maybe not the only legal option.
*** Other watchable new animes of the season ***
- Onihei - (Trailer pending)
This is the anime adaption of the classic live-action TV series "Onihei Hankacho" which is a historical drama about Hasegawa Heizou, who metes justice on wrongdoers and supervises the crackdown on arsonists and robbers in Japan's Edo period. It's directed by Miya Shigeyuki who did Blood Lad and "The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior" with a new studio "M2" working on the production. Honestly I am all up for any new anime set within the heart of the Edo samurai period and it could be pretty interesting to watch. However, I'm really more afraid this isn't going to interest too many people and I wouldn't be surprized no U.S. streamers will pick it up, yet, I'm just crossing my fingers.
- Demi-chan wa Kataritai (AKA "Interviews with Monster Girls") -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88sKqMRchYE
This is the anime adaption of the manga series which is being released by Kodansha in the U.S. It's directed by Ryo Ando who did the "GATE" series and animated by A-1 Pictures, you know, the "Sword Art Online" people (like, what else are they known for?). Yet the style of this show heavily reminds me of another earlier A-1 Pics anime: "My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute" (AKA "Oreimo") and while comedic and moe' animes aren't really my thing at least the subject of humans dealing with "demi-humans" seems pretty interesting, plus I've already dealt that with "Monster Musume" about a year ago. It maybe really hit or miss but will at least check it out and I'm sure this will be picked up pretty quickly for streaming but nothing is comfirmed as of yet.
- Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon (AKA: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx-cdrHiGd0
This is the latest anime from the legendary production house of Kyoto Animation, just right off finishing with the amazing visual splendor of "Sound! Euphonium" but this really does not look like it's going to be a feast for the eyes, well maybe at least a feast of fanservice. It's based off of a manga series from "Coolkyoushinja" (really), which is being released in the U.S. by Seven Seas, and the anime is directed by Yasuhiro Takemoto, best known for doing the "Haruhi Suzumiya" series. I cannot see this as a real winner of the anime season however at least KyoAni is always able to bring in some good surprises to any anime work they deal with, like with "Nichijou", and dispite it's extremely silly story and nature I'm willing to give it a shot. No official streamer as of yet but I'm sure someone will pick it up.
*** Brand New Seasons ***
- Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen (Blue Exorcist - Kyoto Saga) - (In English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hyLlZC5QhE
I'm highly hyped for this one and I really enjoyed the orignal anime series about our kid demon exorcists. However not everyone that worked on the first anime is doing this, such as with director Hatsumi Kouichi who previously did "Deadman Wonderland" and "Gangsta" and writer Oono Toshiya who last did "Gatchaman Crowds". At least they still got Sawano doing some of the soundtrack but not all of it. Really hoping A-1 Pics brings the same flow from the original to this and really praying it doesn't dissapoint. Aniplex USA has already licensed the anime and should be streamed though their regular channels with Crunchyroll and Daisuki.
- Tales of Zestiria the X (Cross) Second Season -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reBBW2zZVc8
This is a direct continuation of the previously aired anime just done last summer and I'll admit, the first set of episodes weren't really the greatest things to watch but at least the unlimited budget works of ufotable made it a damn pretty series. Hell, I'd rather watch it just to see more from Velvet Crowe and the "Tales of Berseria" crew. Hopefully it's 2017 finale will be well worth watching but I'm not holding by breath. Funimation dubbed and streamed the first series, as well as streamed through Daisuki.net with Bandai, so it's a no-brainer they'll be picking up the rest of it.
- Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2 -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jVxMt845AY
This series had it's ups and downs the first time around but I really enjoyed watching the fantasy antics of the main charactors and their nonsensical ways of going about their quests, with a pretty hefty amount of funny and fanservice and really hoping the new series follows the same suit. Crunchyroll streamed the first series so there's a good chance they will do the new one but it's not confirmed.
*** Lastly, I just want to mention that I will be continuing the currently ongoing series of both Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and 3-gatsu no Lion as well as still watch my run through the more recent "Hunter x Hunter" anime. Also, now that I've completed watching Revolutionary Girl Utena (my final impressions will be posted in the next monthly anime update) I have decided to start watching the original "Card Captor Sakura", finally! And seriously, the only experience I had of this was through a couple of the kid's show edited and ugly dubbed "Card Captors" from Cartoon Network.