2023 is poised to be an exceptional year for enthusiasts of anime. We’ve barely caught our breath from the abundance of remarkable anime offerings in 2022, and already we find ourselves immersed in a wealth of captivating content this season. This year brings forth numerous thrilling shows to anticipate, ranging from the highly anticipated final season of Attack on Titan, to the resumption of both Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Jujutsu Kaisen. Additionaly, we got to see one of the biggest manga series getting anime adaptions such as Oshi No Ko which proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year so far.
Given the multitude of shows currently airing, it can indeed be challenging to select which ones to watch, especially when it comes to lesser-known new anime. To streamline the process and offer a starting point, let’s delve into a compilation of the top 2023 anime to consider.
Tokyo Revengers left us hanging on a nerve-wracking cliffhanger, but thankfully, the winter season brought relief as it unveiled how Takemichi managed to escape his latest encounter with death. Now, unable to return to his original future due to the risk of incarceration, Takemichi decides to divulge the truth about his time-travel mission to Chifuyu. Surprisingly, this revelation forges a heartfelt friendship between two individuals who find themselves in over their heads.
As the rival gang Black Dragon enters the scene, posing a threat to the lives of Takemichi, Chifuyu, and their present-day friends, as well as the very essence of Tokyo Manji’s existence in the future, the duo channels all their energy into bringing down its bloodthirsty leader. Their determination is so unwavering that they defy Mikey’s orders and even form an alliance with Kisaki, whose future actions involve the murder of Chifuyu and an attempted assassination of Takemichi. This partnership unravels the complexities of Kisaki’s character, shedding light on who he truly is beyond being merely a „villain“ in Takemichi’s narrative and revealing unexpected connections in their shared pasts.
Nier: Automata, released in 2017, stands as one of the most exceptional video games of the past decade. With its meditative and genre-defying gameplay, it uniquely presents players with the opportunity to confront existential dread—a sensation that arises when contemplating the multitude of dooms humanity faces in the early 21st century. Strange, frustrating, perplexing, and profoundly moving, Automata serves as a testament to the power of video games as a medium, making the idea of adapting it for television feel almost sacrilegious to the essence of the game.
In its initial episode, titled Ver. 1.1a, the series appears to confirm these concerns by delivering a faithful adaptation of the game’s opening moments that fails to capture its special allure for those unfamiliar with it or justify the investment for those already converted. However, it swiftly changes course, suggesting that the series might have an entirely different agenda. The uncertainty adds to the intrigue, leaving viewers guessing until the conclusion.
At its core, the series possesses the same magnetic appeal that drew unsuspecting players to director Yoko Taro’s game—an enigmatic science fiction setting in the distant future, where android warriors engage in an unending war on behalf of humans who have forsaken the Earth. In humanity’s absence, crude machines have seized control of the planet and wage senseless battles against the androids, resulting in an eternal stalemate. However, this status quo is disrupted when some machines inexplicably lose interest in war and begin to cultivate flowers, while certain androids start to question their mission and purpose.
For those craving more of the delightful atmosphere found in Spy x Family, I recommend checking out Buddy Daddies. This series revolves around two single men, Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa, both skilled assassins for hire. Kurusu is an upbeat but lonely individual who frequently crashes on couches, while Suwa is a messy gamer with questionable culinary skills. During one of their missions, they unexpectedly encounter a 4-year-old girl named Miri Unasaka, and before they know it, they find themselves becoming her guardians.
While there are a few reservations about the show, particularly regarding the plot surrounding Unasaka’s mother, it possesses its own unique charm. The primary appeal lies in the heartwarming family dynamics on display. Witnessing Suwa tenderly cradling Unasaka in his arms after a day at the park is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts. While the show may not break new ground, it excels at delivering endearing moments of fatherly affection. If you’re seeking a series that showcases adorable daddies engaging in heartwarming activities, Buddy Daddies is the perfect choice for you.
Within a world governed by magic, the presence of Mash Burnedead, a young man devoid of magical abilities, is viewed as a threat to the integrity of the gene pool. Forced to reside in secrecy within the depths of the forest, Mash dedicates himself to an arduous training regimen, honing his physique to rival the power of magic itself. However, when his true identity is exposed and his tranquil existence is jeopardized, Mash embarks on a transformative journey toward becoming a „Divine Visionary“—a role so awe-inspiring that society would have no choice but to acknowledge his very existence.
To safeguard his peaceful life, Mash undertakes the bold decision to enroll in the esteemed Easton Magic Academy, where he finds himself pitted against the offspring of the realm’s most influential and formidable figures. With his lack of magical prowess, Mash initially appears to be at a distinct disadvantage compared to his classmates. In order to achieve his aspirations, he must navigate a multitude of challenges, relying solely on the strength of his fists to triumph over the overwhelming presence of magic. His unwavering determination propels him forward, as he endeavors to conquer each trial, vanquishing magic with sheer muscle power alone, all in pursuit of the prestigious title of Divine Visionary.
Spin-offs based on popular franchises can be a mixed bag. They have the advantage of tapping into an existing fanbase who are already familiar and passionate about the overall universe and certain characters. However, this familiarity also creates high expectations that a fresh story may not necessarily meet. An Explosion On This Wonderful World! serves as a prequel to the beloved KonoSuba series, focusing on Megumin, arguably one of its most popular female characters. KonoSuba has gained a reputation as one of the funniest isekai anime available, a reputation that the spin-off has struggled to uphold.
That being said, An Explosion On This Wonderful World! is not inherently bad or devoid of humorous moments. It leans more towards providing amusement rather than delivering uproarious laughter. Megumin, as charming as ever, works reasonably well as the protagonist, with her pursuit of mastering Explosion magic generating some of the season’s most memorable scenes. Sharing the spotlight with Megumin is Yunyun, who often plays the straight-man role among the cast of characters in the anime. While not terrible, she is arguably the weakest link in the show, lacking the compelling comedic foil that some viewers might desire.
Overall, while An Explosion On This Wonderful World! may not match the comedic brilliance of its parent series, it still manages to offer moments of enjoyment and showcases the beloved character of Megumin in a prequel setting.
Fortunately, several highly popular ongoing anime series are set to continue with subsequent seasons in 2023. Among them is the massively successful franchise of Jujutsu Kaisen, which has returned for its highly anticipated second season. The first season, comprising 24 episodes, aired between 2020 and 2021. It was an adaptation of the dark-fantasy manga series currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The franchise also expanded with the release of the first anime film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, in 2021. While the first season revolved around the protagonist Yuji Itadori, the upcoming second season will shift its focus to his teacher and the incredibly powerful sorcerer, Satoru Gojo. Fans of the series can eagerly anticipate further developments in this captivating world.
Director Shuhei Yabuta makes a highly anticipated return after almost four years with the second season of Vinland Saga, a captivating historical action adventure that follows the journey of Thorfinn, a young man raised by Vikings who murdered his father. Interestingly, season 2 takes a significant departure from its predecessor, transforming into more of a historical slice-of-life series rather than an action-packed anime.
While the first season of Vinland Saga showcased relentless action and profound character development (notably, Thorfinn’s physical and emotional growth as he ages from 6 to 22 years old throughout the season), the second season takes a different approach. It delves into Thorfinn’s profound guilt and grief resulting from a childhood consumed by revenge. Moreover, the season introduces new characters like Einar, a former slave who crosses paths with Thorfinn on a farm. In a significant moment during the fourth episode, Einar and Thorfinn engage in a heartfelt conversation, which prompted director Yabuta to express his desire to dedicate ample time to depict their relationship. Alongside the tonal and pacing shift, the series has also transitioned from Wit Studio to MAPPA, although the same team of animators from season 1 continues to contribute.
For those who have yet to experience Vinland Saga, prepare to be enthralled not only by the Viking battles but also by the deep emotional connections that form between the characters. It’s an anime that entices viewers with its action and captivates them with its poignant bonds.
The third season of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, titled Swordsmith Village Arc, follows the continued journey of Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko. Their mission leads them to a secret village where Tanjiro seeks to repair his sword following a fierce battle against the Upper Rank demons, Gyutaro and Daki. However, upon arrival, Tanjiro becomes entangled in yet another confrontation with two more formidable Upper Rank demons. Assisted by the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito, the Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, and his ally Genya Shinazugawa, they must protect the village’s inhabitants.
Delving deeper into the plot line of this season risks revealing one of the series‘ most touching moments and the fact that there isn’t a substantial overarching plot to discuss. Nonetheless, the strengths of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc lie primarily in its stunning visual presentation. Anime studio Ufotable delivers breathtaking sword fights and action sequences that fans have come to expect from the series. However, in terms of writing, this season offers few significant twists or surprising revelations to ponder.
Nevertheless, as a bridging installment between two consequential arcs of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Swordsmith Village Arc satisfactorily sets the stage for an exciting future and serves its purpose within the long-running series.
Oshi no Ko, based on Aka Akasaka’s seinen manga, made an immediate impact with its premiere episode, effectively functioning as a prequel movie for the rest of the series. This strong start positioned it as a strong contender for the title of the best Spring 2023 anime, and episode 6 only solidified its lead. It is important to note that this statement is a testament to Oshi no Ko’s exceptional quality rather than a critique of other shows airing during the same season.
The story follows Gorou Amemiya, a doctor who, after encountering a pregnant idol, is mysteriously killed and reincarnated as one of her children. Retaining memories of his previous life, Gorou embraces his new existence with his mother and sister, until tragedy strikes. Set a few years into the future, Oshi no Ko focuses on Gorou infiltrating the entertainment industry with the goal of seeking revenge. The narrative explores various subcultures within the media, including idols, reality shows, and low-budget productions, often portraying them in a critical light.
Oshi no Ko skillfully balances a realistic portrayal of the entertainment industry, addressing mature themes such as cyberbullying and fan obsession without glossing over their darker aspects. However, amidst the harsh realities, the series manages to infuse elements of humor and wish fulfillment. By presenting a well-rounded perspective, the show effectively intensifies its more poignant moments, allowing them to leave a lasting impact. Oshi no Ko showcases the allure of superstardom while also shedding light on the positive aspects within the industry, resulting in a compelling narrative that captivates viewers.
One of the most highly anticipated anime series of 2023 is Attack on Titan particularly its final part known as Season 4 Part 3. The first three seasons, comprising a total of 59 episodes, were produced by Wit Studio and aired between 2013 and 2019. The final and fourth season, produced by Mappa, began airing in late 2022. The fourth season consists of 28 episodes, with Season 4 Part 3 being divided into two parts. The first part, lasting one hour, premiered in March, while the second part is set to follow in the upcoming autumn.
Throughout the series, Attack on Titan has captivated audiences with its dark fantasy setting, gradually unveiling the mysteries surrounding the titans. The final part delves into the ultimate fate of the protagonist, Eren Yeager, providing long-awaited answers to the narrative’s central questions. Fans eagerly await the conclusion of this epic story as it reaches its climax in Season 4 Part 3.
Are you a fan of anime and looking for the best place to shop for all your favorite merchandise? Look no further than WaifuWorld! Our online store is packed with all the latest and greatest anime products, from clothing and accessories to collectibles and figures. Whether you’re a fan of popular series like Naruto, Attack on Titan, or My Hero Academia, or prefer lesser-known gems, we’ve got you covered. So why wait? Head over to WaifuWorld today and start browsing our amazing selection of anime products. With our competitive prices, fast shipping, and top-notch customer service, you’re sure to find everything you need to express your love for anime!
All your favorite Anime Merchandise and more, all in one place…
Top 10 Anime Adaptions That Were Better Than the Manga Most anime, if not all, originate from serialized manga series. Many fan
The Best Anime Waifus of 2024 So Far The Spring 2024 anime lineup captivated fans with a mix of new and ongoing
How to Properly Care for Your Anime Figures Falling in love with anime figures and owning them is a dream for weebs.
Top 10 Sexiest Goth Waifus in Anime When it comes the the Sexiest Waifus in Anime, goth girls definitely stand out. In
