❀ Last Updated: July 1st, 2022 ❀
It’s time to take a look at what caught our eye for the Summer 2022 Season!
❀
Seasonal Updates
❀ Shadow is on break for the Summer Season, will be working on some side-projects in the mean time! Please look forward to it!
❀ Update: 07/01/2022: Due to computer breaking down, Kazanova won’t be able to participate this season. 🙁
❀ Continuing Coverage: Ao Ashi, Delicious Party Precure, Yu-Gi-Oh 5D’S (Monthly Release)
❀ Behold~ A Fresh and Brand New Look! A while back our favourite minimalist theme broke on us so we had to switch back to the former we have used for many, many years. It took a while of searching, but we think we have finally found a new one we all really like, so we hope you will like it as well! I’ve played around with the colors a bit and really liked the softness, which serves as a nice contrast to our ahem, intense name. This theme is more Tablet/Mobile friendly, so you will be able to navigate our blog much better now.
.
Please note though that one (if not the only) drawback of this new theme is that the new excerpt is a bit of a hit and miss when it comes to automatically implementing it to the posts. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, so anything earlier from this date may have that awkward double “read more”/”more…” link. We will be able to avoid that from here on out though, as we will be making a new habit of using the manual excerpts as it is something we have not done nor really thought about using in the past. There is also the size of the grids on the homepage. It’s a bit finicky on the computer, and sometimes you have to adjust your browser window for the blocks to be true to size, but usually it appears correctly. Due to that, we will be experimenting with an alternative entries layout that is consistent in size. However, while we do welcome this new theme, we are always receptive to your feedback as we want to ensure that navigation is smooth and the reading experience is easy on the eyes. So let us know what you think, and if there are things that might need to be touched up on, we’ll take it into consideration and see if we can resolve it without having to switch back to the former.
We have added a poll on our twitter page to better understand what layout would serve you best! We’ve attached the poll to the blog’s sidebar underneath Recent Comments, so please let us know! The poll will close in a week.
❀
Support Us!
Do you enjoy our coverage? Please consider supporting us on Patreon or Ko-Fi!
Your contributions help us keep this site running!
…because the server prices jumped… =_=||| SIGH…
Special Shout-outs to our top supporters: Dario and Cure Beat!
We cannot thank you enough for your continuous support!
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*✲ﾟ*｡⋆
❀
Disclaimer: Preview Format!
The following titles featured in this season preview were decided by each of the writers who are participating this season by making a list and ranking then titles them by levels of interest.
- High: Most Anticipated
- Moderate: The Eye-Catchers
- Low: Wild Cards
Participating writers’ rankings were then tallied and placed within the categories of interest based on the majority of votes or compromised when tied. So you will continue to see a variety of reactions based on the titles which have been selected to be featured. At the time same, the writers are not obligated to share their thoughts on the titles they are not interested in/unlikely to watch.
If you wish to see the full list of the preview, you will be able to find it in Live Chart.
Resources: AniList, A.I.R, ANN, Crunchyroll, FanSub DB, LiveChart, MAL
❀ Most Anticipated ❀
The Devil is a Part-Timer! Season 2
はたらく魔王さま！！| Hataraku Maou-sama!!
Animation Company: Studio 3Hz
Website: https://maousama.jp/
Premiere: July 14, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: The second season of Hataraku Maou-sama!.
Devil King Sadao is only one step away from conquering the world when he is beaten by Hero Emilia and forced to drift to the other world: modern-day Tokyo. As “conquering the world” are the only skills the Devil King possesses—and are obviously unnecessary in his new situation—he must work as a freeter to pay for his living expenses!
❀
Eva: Soooo waaaayyyyyy back in 2013 when I’ve covered Season 1 (pardon the broken images) I wanted to see season 2 SOOO BADLY. I’d like to say I have been reading the novel since, but I’m uh… kinda of super behind (only have up to Vol 5.. which puts me very behind (by 16 volumes…eek!), which is a shame because I’ve enjoyed it too! On the bright side, this pretty much safe to say this will be new content for me all over again!
Berry: I never thought that this anime was ever going to get a sequel. So of course I was shocked when we got the announcement. I adore this anime and am so excited to get back into the silly story of a demon lord and fake KFC’s and McDonalds.
Quietcupcake: I’ll be honest! I don’t remember a whole lot about this anime, but I do remember that I had a lot of fun while watching it. I’ll probably need to re-watch the first season before diving into this new one, but I’m always excited for a fun comedy anime!
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Tokyo Mew Mew New~♡
東京ミュウミュウ にゅ～♡
Animation Company: Yumeta Company | Graphinica
Website: https://tokyo-mew-mew.com/
Premiere: July 6, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Mahou Shoujo, Romance, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: An all-new Tokyo Mew Mew anime.
❀
Eva: … LET’S FREAKING GOOOOOO!! Man I can’t tell you how much I absolutely ADORE Tokyo Mew Mew! I’ve watched it on 4KIDS as a kid, then later on I watched the Japanese one and proceed to watch that million times all over again– and I’m still not sick of it! I am super excited to see what this remake has in store for us, especially since the one thing I haven’t actually done is read the original manga! (Shocker I know, I don’t know why I’ve put it off so long myself either– and yet somehow I’ve read the male spin-off first????? HOW? Don’t ask, it just ended up that way.) If no one else wants to pick this up I know I certainly will!
Berry: As a kid, I’d watch the 4kids version of Tokyo Mew Mew aka Mew Mew Power every Saturday morning on TV and I LOVED it. I’m not sure if they ever showed the whole thing, I believe they did not with how they edited everything. So basically I didn’t really watch the original lol. I’m super excited to see this series being remade so I can really experience it and for once, I want to tackle a cute magical girl show and not a depressing one full of death. It’s looking super cute and while Ichigo (or “Zoey”) isn’t fully pink, her new design is still cute. Also I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing that the first thing I think about when I see this series is the whole “Mew mew style, mew mew grace, mew mew power in your face!” thing from the dub. Sigh…
Quietcupcake: So, I actually have no experience with Tokyo Mew Mew. The popular magical girl series weren’t things I was really made aware of until I was much deeper into my anime career. I haven’t gotten around to watching the original thanks to the never ending backlog that looms over me, but I’m hoping that I’ll be able to jump right in with this new series. It seems really fun and really cute! I love the designs of the characters, so I happily riding the hype train with everyone else!
Possible Bloggers: Eva, Berry
Bucchigire
ブッチギレ！| Shine On! Bakumatsu Bad Boys
Animation Company: Geno Studio
Website: https://www.bucchigire.com/
Premiere: July 8, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
The story of Bucchigire! is set in the era where samurai rule Japan. When the Shinsengumi police force has been all but wiped out by an unknown foe, leaving one survivor, seven criminals have been chosen as substitutes for the Shinsengumi. To ensure the law and order in Kyoto, this top-secret replacement operation is set in motion.
❀
Kazanova: Honestly, what made me first interested in this anime was because the character designer is Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of Shaman King. My eyes were glued when watching the trailer because I recognized the character style as that of Takei’s. Also, playing Hakuoki and watching Gintama, I became a somewhat fan of Shinsengumi. Knowing that the anime has Shinsengumi as its plot made it all the more reason for me to watch it!
Possible Bloggers: Kazanova
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV
ダンジョンに出会いを求めるのは間違っているだろうかⅣ 新章 迷宮篇 | DANMACHI S4
Animation Company: J.C. Staff
Website: http://danmachi.com/
Premiere: Jul 23, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The fourth season of Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka.
Intrepid adventurer Bell Cranel has leveled up, but he can’t rest on his dungeoneering laurels just yet. The Hestia Familia still has a long way to go before it can stand toe-to-toe with the other Familias of Orario — but before Bell can set out on his next mission, reports of a brutal murder rock the adventuring community! One of Bell’s trusted allies stands accused of the horrible crime, and it’s up to Bell and his friends to clear their name and uncover a nefarious plot brewing in the dungeon’s dark depths.
❀
Eva: SEASON 4 IS HERE AND GET READY FOR ACTION, ACTION, AND MORE ACTION!!!!! Man I couldn’t be more excited because that’s exactly when DanMachi shines the most (you know, when they aren’t focusing on fanservice bits). Count on me picking this up again! I am still a bit behind on the novels since I’ve been procrastinating by jumping back and forth between a number of series I’ve been reading…ahahaha…. but I do have the volumes up to Vol 16 and Vol 17 pre-ordered! So if I need to check anything for clarifications, I do have volumes to do so!
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun (S2)
メイドインアビス 烈日の黄金郷 | Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou
Animation Company: Kinema Citrus
Website: http://miabyss.com/
Premiere: July 6, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: The second season of Made in Abyss.
Directly after the events of Made in Abyss: Fukaki Tamashii no Reimei, the third installment of Made in Abyss covers the adventures of Reg, Riko, and Nanachi in the Sixth Layer, The Capital of the Unreturned.
❀
Berry: Heh heh…I’m gonna rush to watch the sequel movie. Whoopsie. Anyway, Made in Abyss is absolutely amazing and I’m soooo excited for more! And also terrified. Mostly terrified I think, which is why I’ve put off the movie for so long. But no, I need to see where Riko and Reg’s journey will go on from here! Let’s go!
Quietcupcake: It’s been a while since I’ve thought about Made in Abyss, so I can’t wait for this new installment! I remember being drawn into it because it seemed like a cute adventure and that was completely turned on it’s head during the first season. I really just want to make sure everyone is able to make it to their destination safely and happily !!
Possible Bloggers: Berry
My Isekai Life: I Gained a Second Character Class and Became the Strongest Sage in the World!
転生賢者の異世界ライフ ～第二の職業を得て、世界最強になりました～ | Tensei Kenja no Isekai Life: Daini no Shokugyo wo Ete, Sekai Saikyou ni Narimashita
Animation Company: REVOROOT
Website: https://tenseikenja.com/
Premiere: July 4, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Yuuji Sano, a black company employee, is summoned to another world while finishing his work at home. His profession in the other world, a Monster Tamer, is considered a job that makes it difficult to become an adventurer. However, thanks to some slimes he met, which read several magical books, he gained magical powers and a second profession, Sage.
Yuuji acquired overwhelming power, but is he conscious of his strength? Blindly becoming unparalleled and strongest in the world!
Note: The series will premiere the first two episodes back-to-back!
❀
Kazanova: I read the manga long ago. The manga was very comical in using the protagonist’s overpower status. Even though it has actions like many Isekai stories, it’s not exactly the focus. And the most pleasant thing is, it’s one of the rare Isekai story where it doesn’t revolve around the protagonist being surrounded by girls like a harem. I have enough with that, so this anime is what I need.
Possible Bloggers: Kazanova
Classroom of the Elite II
ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 2nd Season | Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e Season 2
Animation Company: Lerche
Website: http://you-zitsu.com/
Premiere: July 4, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Psychological
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: The second season of Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e.
❀
Berry: Now THIS was another anime I wasn’t expecting a sequel of either. I really liked this anime a lot, but I didn’t see people talk about it much when the first season was airing so I didn’t think we would ever see anything else from this series. So like with The Devil is a Part-Timer, I was super shocked but very happy. I would have signed up to blog this but I haven’t seen the first season in a long time and I’d need a quick rewatch or something for a reminder. Either way, I’m excited!
The Eye-Catchers
The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting
組長娘と世話係 | Kumicho Musume to Sewagakari
Animation Company: feel. | Gaina
Website: https://kumichomusume.com/
Premiere: July 7, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Kirishima Tooru is the right-hand man of the Sakuragi crime family. For him, the job is a perfect excuse to let his violent instincts run wild, earning him the nickname “the Demon of Sakuragi”. It seems like nothing will stand in the way of his vicious nature. But then one day, he receives an assignment like never before from the boss—babysitting his daughter! This is the heartwarming (or is it bloodcurdling?) story of a little girl and her yakuza caretaker!
❀
Eva: It goes without saying this is definitely on my watch list this season. I always enjoy the chaotic and heartwarming dynamics, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this one turns out!
Berry: I had thought this would have been more slapstick comedy, but this series looks way more emotional and heartwarming. Which is probably why it caught my interest haha. I’m always a sucker for these types of stories, seeing two people from different walks of life suddenly becoming a family/forming a familial bond…ugh, good stuff. Hope this one turns out well.
Quietcupcake: I’ve read a few chapters from this and it really is charming, cute, and funny. I really enjoy watching series where people have to learn about things that they don’t know much about. But I love the trials that come with it, because I feel the endings always have a great payoff. I’m really hoping for the best with this one! I want to laugh and cry tears of joy!
Shoot! Goal to the Future
シュート！Goal to the Future
Animation Company: EMT Squared
Website: https://shoot-anime.com/
Premiere: July 2, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Sports
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis:
Atsushi Kamiya is a former captain at Kakegawa High School and the world-renowned “courageous captain” for a famous Italian soccer team. Hideto Tsuji is a student at the same school, who seems uninterested in the now-weakened soccer team. Their meeting is the start of a new legend…
❀
Eva: I don’t believe I have seen the original, though I’m kind of tempted to check it out, I don’t think I have the time to do it now though. Maybe after watching this? HAHAHA. But yes color me interested! I’m not sure if this is something I’d cover though.
Quietcupcake: Hello, it is I, one of the resident sports anime enthusiasts. When I heard that this was airing, I decided to give the original series a spin and so far, it’s been your typical sports anime (granted, I’m really just at the beginning). But it’s honestly been quite a treat watching something that aired in 1993. I’ll definitely be checking this one out! I’m on the fence about covering this one, since last season’s soccer anime is still airing, but we’ll see what the first episode brings!
Possible Bloggers: Quietcupcake
Love Live! Superstar!! Season 2
ROMANJI | JP
Animation Company: Sunrise
Website: https://www.lovelive-anime.jp/yuigaoka/
Premiere: July 17, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Music, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: The second season of Love Live! Superstar!!
❀
Eva: I’m behind on the first season, but compared to other Love Lives, I’ve found myself to enjoying this series quite a bit. Hopefully I’ll be all caught up before long so I can start watching this season.
Berry: Of course it was only a matter of time until the second season was going to come out, as per Love Live tradition. While I had my issues with the first season, I did end up liking it. If I weren’t interested in other shows from this season I probably would have gone back to blogging this but I’m going to give it a pass. Of course I’m going to watch it, though, and hopefully Superstar pushes itself away from the typical Love Live tropes.
Quietcupcake: I am currently entering my Love Live! renaissance so I’m re-watching the whole series from the very beginning. In doing so, I hope to finally catch up with all the anime. I don’t know if I’ll be all caught up by it’s release, but I’m super glad that they are getting another season! Plus, the new girls look really cute! Good luck to them!!!
WILD CARDS
Phantom of the Idol
神クズ☆アイドル | Kami Kuzu☆Idol
Animation Company: Studio Gokumi
Website: https://kami-kuzu.com
Premiere: July, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Yuuya, one half of the boy pop duo ZINGS, may be the laziest performer in the Japanese music industry. His partner is out there giving 110% every night (and, thankfully, he’s quite popular), but Yuuya’s half-assed, sloppy dancing, and his frankly hostile attitude toward the audience, has the fans hating him and his agent looking for any excuse to cut him loose. The career of a pop idol just isn’t the path of easy leisure and adulation Yuuya expected…
After a particularly lifeless concert appearance, Yuuya meets a girl backstage. She’s dressed to the nines in a colorful outfit, she’s full of vim and vigor, and all she wants from life is to perform. There’s just one problem: She’s been dead for a year. This is the ghost of Asahi Mogami, the beloved singer whose time on the stage was tragically cut short, unless… If ghosts are real, is spirit possession really that much of a stretch?
❀
Eva: This one certainly looks to be a chaotic one. I’m curious how this one will unfold given the character contrasts we have between the leads, but it looks fun so it wouldn’t hurt to give it a whirl to see where how goes. But yeah, that dance CG is rouggghhhhh….
Berry: I’m not even sure what this anime is. The main guy is an asshole, a ghost takes over his body, the CG animation looks awful, and yet all of that is why I want to watch it? It looks absolutely insane and dumb and yet I can’t help but be intrigued by whatever the hell this is going to be.
Quietcupcake: I’ll be honest, I’m not looking for much out of this anime. I honestly hope it’s absolutely bonkers. I hope that there are fun dynamics between all the characters. I’ve heard that people have enjoyed the manga for this one, so I there’s hope for the story! But, there’s no hiding that CG dance number in the trailer. Oh well, we win some we lose some. I’ll definitely give it the three episode shot!
Lycoris Recoil
リコリス・リコイル
Animation Company: A-1 Pictures
Website: https://lycoris-recoil.com/
Premiere: July 2, 2022 (JST)
Genre: N/A
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
A café serving delicious coffee, super sweet treats, and… more!?
From deliveries, to chaperoning, to getting rid of zombies, and fighting a giant monster??
Just stop by for a consultation! No matter the order, leave it to us!
❀
Eva: They have been noticeably vague with the details for this series, so it’s kind of hard to get a read on what to expect from this one. We definitely see some curious stuff in the background of the second PV which makes me wonder about its correlations to the suggested zombies and ‘giant monster’. I’m curious enough to check it out, I’ll see where I stand about potentially picking it up after the first episode.
Shine Post
シャインポスト
Animation Company: Studio KAI
Website: https://anime.shinepost.jp/
Premiere: July 12, 2022 (JST)
Genre: Music
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
The idol unit “TINGS” has big dreams, but only small achievements, and is not very popular. The best manager in the world was supposed to be their savior, but… “I’m not interested in being your manager.” The man who shows up is Naose Hinaki, a man with no motivation. However, he has a special power…? This is a story of you and the girls shining brightly to become “absolute idols.” The best idol entertainment begins here!
❀
Quietcupcake: I’m curious about this one. It follows the generic idol plot of having to break out into the industry, but I’m really curious to know about the manager’s special power! I think there might be some promise in this series, and at the very least, I’ve enjoyed the music that they have released! I’m going into this one with high hopes!
Possible Bloggers: Quietcupcake
Yurei Deco
ROMANJI | JP
Animation Company: Science SARU
Website: https://yureideco.com/
Premiere: July 3, 2022 (JST)
Genre: N/A
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
The story begins when Berry, an average girl from an average home, meets Hack, a girl who looks like a boy. Charmed by Hack, Berry meets up with the team Hack leads, the Ghost Detectives Club. Members of this club are “socially dead,” working invisibly within the digitally controlled society of Tom Sawyer. As she works with the group, Berry learns about Zero, a mysterious figure who lurks within Tom Sawyer’s underground. She and Hack decide to chase down this figure, and in time, the truth behind the city is revealed…
❀
Eva: Ohhh this looks really intriguing! The art and music already has me reeled in, and the story got my attention, so I’ll definitely be giving this one a whirl! Also man, the PV makes it looks like we’re watching a music video. Beautifully put together!
Berry: Teehee, the main girl is named Berry. :3c Anywho, this is definitely a wild card because I’m not quite sure if this is a show that I would like but I’m going to keep an eye out for this one. It sounds really mysterious and different and I’m always willing to give these types of shows a try.
Quietcupcake: I don’t know what to think of this one! So, I definitely agree that this is a wild card. There are so many different directions this one can go! I will probably see what people are saying about this one before picking it up!
❀ Overall Thoughts ❀
Eva: This season I find myself more excited for the remakes and sequels like Tokyo Mew Mew New~, Devil Part Timer S2 and DanMachi S4. The new titles like, The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting, Phantom of the Idol, Lycoris Recoil, Shoot! Goal to the Future, and Yurei Deco, all of which are more or less a toss-up, so we’ll have to wait and see how they turn out.
As for potential pick-ups, I’m only looking to pick up a maximum of two new shows this season (and maybe just one for the sake of relaxing a bit ahead of the Fall Season), as I am already covering Precure and still writing up YGO 5D’s on the side. DanMachi S4 is pretty much guaranteed. As mentioned earlier, this series shines best when the story is focusing on action and adventure, so I’m really looking forward to it! Then we have Tokyo Mew Mew New, the title I am the most excited for this season! I am so glad it’s not on Saturdays to conflict with Delicious Party Precure schedule, but because I am already covering a magical girl show that I plan to step aside if someone else wants to pick it up. If nobody does, then count on me swooping it up!!! And finally, I’m very excited to revisit Devil Part-Timer S2! I probably should rewatch the first season for a much needed refresh asap!
Berry: The past couple seasons haven’t been all that great for me personally, there haven’t been that many shows that caught my eye. Thankfully this season is looking a lot better, and there’s lots to look forward to. Of course the sequels are the ones that I’m excited about the most, but there’s a couple new shows too that look good. For what I’m interested in blogging, I have my eyes set on Tokyo Mew Mew New and Made in Abyss. I’m also going to continue Summer Time Render so there’s no way for me to take on another show. I’d rather just take two shows but it’s hard to give up any of these. I’ll see how it works when the season starts so until then!
Quietcupcake: I keep going back and forth with this season. There’s a lot of sequels to things that I haven’t really had the chance to get into, and there isn’t really anything in the new category that I’m just dying to watch. I will definitely be checking out The Devil is a Part-Timer! S2 and Made in Abyss, since they are series that I miss and want to watch again. I’m excited for Tokyo Mew Mew New~ as someone who has no experience with the series. It’s something that I really wish I had gotten into when I was younger so now here’s my opportunity to jump in. I’m also looking forward to The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting and Phantom of the Idol for some good comedy and light hearted laughs. If I cry in either of those, that’s a bonus!! Since I’ll be continuing coverage with Ao Ashi, I think I will only have enough bandwidth to take on one more coverage for the season. Unless one of the two comedy ones gives me a lot of inspiration for writing, the current toss up is between: Shoot! Goal to the Future and Shine Post. And because I’m already covering a soccer anime (and the animation of Shoot! seems to leave a little bit desired), I’m leaning a little more towards the idols. But who knows! Maybe the first episode of Shoot! will be a real kicker (ba dum tsh). I’m looking forward to what this season brings!
Kazanova: Honestly, the previous season didn’t give me the hype I’m hoping for. And while this season has series that I’m interested with, I don’t have the same hype that I usually have when seeing anime trailers that I really like. I hope watching Bucchigire and Tensei Kenja no Isekai Life would change my mind and restore the hype that was lost.
