As the spring season for anime reaches its end, many anime also leave an impacting mark. No matter the genre, there is always a number of anime that sticks out in different seasons. Whether it be because of their stories, characters or even style, even the strangest looking anime can leave an impact. For this season there’s been more than a few works that have taken on the challenge of rebooting classic series. Other series have taken on the bigger challenge of bringing something new to the table. Here is just a list of some series that stuck out for us.
5. Gegege no Kitarou
Not many may know this but this but “Gegege no Kitaro” is one of the oldest anime/manga in the industry, having first appeared in the 60’s. It popularized folklore in the manga world and over the years has become a rather adaptive work. The main story remains the same but with a modern twist. In this world, people have just about lost their belief in youkai. However, that does not mean that supernatural phenomena do not occur.
While many enter into panic and try to explain these incidents off, there is one person who may have a solution. Mana Inuyama, with the help of her neighbor, sends a message to Kitarou asking for help. With that one letter, Mana soon finds herself immersed in a world that she could not see before. As Mana steps into the world of youkai, however, something much darker begins to rise out of the shadows.
4. Golden Kamuy
If you’re looking for an adventure tale that has something gritty to it and mixes in something different, this is it. Golden Kamuy sets in Hokkaido during the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese war of the Meiji era. Sugimoto, a soldier who had survived the war and had gained the nickname “Sugimoto the Immortal” now takes part of the hunt for riches promised by the gold rush.
While out hunting one day, he hears the tale of a hidden stash of gold by corrupt criminals. With the help of Asirpa, an Ainu girl who had saved his life, they venture into a survival adventure to racing against the criminals that seek the hidden stash.
3. Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Here’s a familiar story, a girl finds herself dragged into the world of the supernatural and there is a handsome male involved. Instead, with this series, it involves more on a slice of life themes and a more downplayed romance with a pinch of mystery. Aoi is a college student who prides herself in her cooking and has inherited her grandfather’s ability to see ayakashi. One day while out feeding some ayakashi, a demon suddenly appears before Aoi and whisks her away.
The demon, an ogre, informs her that her grandfather had owed him a debt. In order to pay that debt, the ogre demands she pay it by being his wife. Aoi immediately disagrees and instead decides to pay off her debt by working at the ogre’s establishment, the Tenjin-ya, a bed and breakfast for the ayakashi.
2. Megalo Box
For those who into a mix of something old and new, this is for you. In this world, there exists Megalo Boxing. It’s an evolution of boxing that utilizes mechanical limbs known as Gear to enhance the speed and power of its users. The star of this story is “Junk Dog”, an underground Megalo Boxer who makes a living off of throwing matches as dictated by his boss Gansaku Nanbu.
One day after an encounter with Yukiko Shirato and Yuuri, Junk Dog finds himself facing against the latter in his next match. As the two exchange blows, Junk Dog finds a spark ignited within him. Though he soundly loses, Yuuri leaves with a challenge: “If you’re serious about fighting me again, then fight your way up to me and my ring.” Taking him on his challenge, Junk Dog, with help, enters the Megalonia tournament with the new name “Joe”.
1. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
If you’re looking for a shoujo work that actually steps out the usual romance setting circle of high school romance, this is it. Narumi is a female office worker who hides her status as an otaku. Hirotaka is the complete opposite and has no qualms with people knowing he is a game otaku. One night after having drinks and playing games together, Hirotaka proposes they become a couple and Narumi agrees. Thus begins the romantic comedy tale of an otaku couple.