A Ton of Anime Updates Arrived During the Festive Season

The Yuletide season offer a multitude of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the headlines: opening presents, feasting on festive fare, and using deep breathing to not yelling at loved ones. I hope you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling announcements surfaced over the break, and should you didn't see some of them, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.

The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (By 2027)

Perhaps the most shocking revelation, the notorious troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to halt further production. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they could have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the beginning, which might be a good sign. However, the promotional image for the new episodes is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, at this point, they are probably mocking the fans.

The Ruri Dragon Series Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the exceptional quality of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series demonstrated it hadn't lost the fans' affection and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works

Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only recently got an English translation, but the anime has been airing for years, and season 6 was yet another outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will very likely air in 2026.

Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series

A further studio known for the artistic merit of its projects, Science Saru has given us hit shows of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my watchlist.

The Tougen Anki Series Is Set to Continue With a Season Two

Immediately following the release of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be getting a follow-up. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has yet to be revealed.