As we march into the new year of 2017 filled with new hopes, dreams and resolutions, we are also greeted by the arrival of the new winter 2017 anime season. What better way to start the new year than to check out some fresh new titles and revived older favourites that will surely satisfy our anime cravings every week? While the anime line-up for this upcoming season seems a little lacklustre compared to that of previous seasons’, it doesn’t stop anyone from bubbling up that hype that’s ever present in the face of more anime to geek over. Here are The Magic Rain’s picks for the top 10 anime you should be looking out for this anime season!
-
Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen
Raised by an Exorcist, Rin Okamura learns one day that he and his brother Yukio are the sons of Satan and discovers his restrained demonic powers. He enrols at the True Cross Academy exorcist cram school to become an Exorcist and defeat Satan.
After the explosive popularity of Ao no Exorcist’s first season, this second season is definitely highly-anticipated by avid fans of the franchise. This season covers the Impure King arc from the manga, and I’m sure many are eager to see more of the action and adventure we were left off with from the first season. With beautiful animation by A-1 Pictures and absolutely lovable characters (because who doesn’t love Rin, right?), we are definitely looking forward to more Ao no Exorcist this winter.
-
Masamune-kun no Revenge
Makabe Masamune used to be an overweight child who was teased and bullied by Adagaki Aki. Determined to exact revenge upon her, he reappears years later as a handsome and popular guy in Aki’s school to confront and humiliate her at last.
Personally, I’m a sucker for these kinds of transformation stories. I didn’t follow the manga, but I am expecting a lot of clichés from the way the plot seems to be heading. Produced by the studio Silver Link (Baka to Test to Shōkanjū), high expectations are in store animation wise. How well other aspects of the anime such as music, plot and character development will fare are to be determined as the episodes start rolling in. Overall, I’m hoping the harem doesn’t become excessively distracting, but I am definitely looking forward to this anime.
-
Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation
The plot follows Sakamichi Onoda, a timid first-year (the titular “Yowamushi” – a coward) who wanted to join the anime research club of his high school, but after a series of encounters, he finds himself joining the competitive cycling club.
Yet another popular sports anime, there is a lot of hype for the third season of Yowamushi Pedal. As with the typical plot progressions of sports-themed anime, we can expect a lot more competitions and matches that will surely keep us on the edges of our seats. After following through with Haikyuu!!’s third season in Fall, Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation will introduce a refreshing line-up of competitions and events that will satisfy the inner sports geek within us.
-
Chain Chronicle: Haecceitas no Hikari
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. The Holy Capital fell and the Holy King was killed by the mysterious Black King. Warrior-Class Swordsman Yuri decided to fight back and formed the Volunteer Army to oppose the Black King and bring peace back to Yggdra.
This anime series comes directly after the release of its first film (of the film trilogy). The game won our hearts over with its beautiful animation, extensive storyline, appealing character designs and interesting gameplay. Let’s hope all these features don’t fade with the upcoming anime – one that we have rather high expectations for.
-
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen
A man is released from prison and becomes the apprentice of a famous rakugo (a form of Japanese verbal entertainment) performer. The story focuses on the backstories of the performers and their struggle to gain popularity.
This anime is a story about life. It is poetic in its storytelling, a feat achieved through the use of the central theme of rakugo, a performance in comedic storytelling. As the characters all struggle to survive in society, we are given a new perspective to humanity and life itself. After achieving good reception from the first season, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu returns with a second season that will surely pull on our heartstrings this winter.
-
élDLIVE
Chūta Kokonose has been hearing a voice in his head his whole life. One day, he is recruited to join the space police, élDLIVE, and together with his classmate Misuzu Sonokata, and the rest of the Solar System Area station, they work to protect the universe from dangerous criminals.
Anticipation and excitement is definitely high for this anime. Adapted from the manga by Akira Amano (of Katekyo Hitman Reborn! fame), this anime promises new action, adventures and a new team of characters that is enough to keep us hooked.
-
Tales of Zestiria the X 2nd Season
Sorey grew up with the spiritual beings “seraphim” and dreams of making the world a place where humans and seraphim can coexist in harmony. He becomes a “Shepherd” when he pulls out a holy sword embedded in a rock in the human capital, and thus begins his journey to cast calamity away from the world.
The much-awaited continuation of the first season returns, mainly due to the flawless CG animation by Ufotable, and while the plot in the first season was generally slow, we are expecting the story the pick up its pace in this upcoming season.
-
Demi-chan wa Kataritai
Tetsuo Takahashi is obsessed with half-humans known as “Demi”, and he landed a job as a Biology teacher among the Demi in hopes of understanding more about them.
This series promises some cheerful comedy and slice-of-life shenanigans, and the manga has not disappointed. Able to switch between lighthearted and serious tones, the manga touches upon social issues that the Demis face as our main character strives to help them out. The characters are all likeable, and so the audience can anticipate how this will all play out as an anime adaptation.
-
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2
After a fatal accident that should have taken his life, Kazuma Sato meets the goddess Aqua who offers to reincarnate him into a parallel fantasy world. Kazuma chooses to bring Aqua with him and wants to live in this new world in peace, but finds it impossible with how his circumstances force him to encounter and battle the Devil King’s generals.
One of the most hyped anime of this season, KonoSuba returns with a second season much to the delight and excitement of its fans. We are looking forward to more comedy and fantasy, and hopefully with more great art by A-1 Pictures, in this eagerly-awaited Season 2.
-
Gintama
Does this anime really need an introduction? One of THE BEST anime series ever made, Gintama gets to close off our Top 10 list with unprecedented humour, fun and buzzing delight this Winter 2017. Definitely the most anticipated anime of the season.
While we do agree that there are more notable sequels than newly-adapted/original anime this season, it doesn’t take away the hype that buzzes around the screens during every new line-up, and we do look forward to what the anime of this season has to offer!
