10 new anime to look out for in Summer 2016
(Tales of Zestiria the X trailer. Screenshot: YouTube)
Summer season is here, bringing with it many anime shows, both old and new.
In our usual tradition, we’ll be looking at the new franchises to look out for, from mecha and action to comedic and slice of life anime series. That being said, don’t forget some of the returning franchises such as Food Wars and Arslan (which we covered here) as well as Berserk.
1) Taboo Tattoo
Seigi isn’t your regular middle schooler. He knows martial arts and is always driven to protect the weak. His journey to herohood takes a sharp turn one day when he defends a homeless man who gives him a strange tattoo in return, which turns out to be a secret weapon. Of course, there’s someone after that secret weapon, who just happens to be a really powerful girl with the same type of weapon. If martial arts and super powers are your thing, Taboo Tattoo might be something you should keep an eye out for.
2) Qualidea Code
Qualidea Code focuses on three pairs of children who were evacuated and placed into some form of cryo-stasis when humanity was at war against the “unknown”. Several decades later, the kids wake up and discover that they have developed super powers, and call upon these powers to defend Japan against more “unknown” enemies. It’s not a new trope, but with three pairs of protagonists to cheer for, this action anime might be enough to add some variety to the genre.
3) Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars
Original animes (those not adapted from other forms like light novels or mangas) can be quite a hit and miss (I’m looking at you, Active Raid). Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars has very little information regarding it apart from the fact that it concerns mecha. When a giant robot attacks their homeland, a pair of girls find themselves drawn into the conflict. If that’s enough to catch your attention, a few episodes probably wouldn’t hurt.
4) Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyou no Alderamin (Alderamin on the Sky)
It’s hard to describe action/fantasy anime Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyou no Alderamin from the promo video without feeling that it seems to lack the pace of the other anime PVs we’ve seen. But the art itself looks appealing enough, and the story of how a lazy bum who disliked war and admired women would eventually become a great commander may inspire a couple of people.
5) Tales of Zestiria the X
Tales of Zestiria the X is based on the fifteenth (yes, you read that right) main title in the Tales game series. This fantasy anime follows the story of Sorey, a young man who has spent time with the mystical Seraphim and as such has special powers. Along with his companions, Sorey embarks on a quest to save the world.
6) Hitori no Shita: The Outcast
For those of you who understand Chinese, you’ll immediately realise some of the music in the Hitori no Shita: The Outcast PV isn’t Japanese. This China-Japan produced supernatural anime follows university student Zhang Chulan as he gets attacked by zombies, and in the process meets a mysterious woman who turns out to be someone in his university. If a bit of The Walking Dead is what is missing in your anime life, this could be one for you.
7) Servamp
Servamp is one of those supernatural animes that will either appeal to you — or not. One, it is undeniably full of pretty boys. Two, one of them turns into a cat. If that’s your cup of tea, then step into the world of Mahiru Shirota, who gets involved in the Servamp war… which involves vampires, naturally.
8) Handa-kun
While not technically a brand new anime franchise, Handa-kun is the story of Seishuu Handa before the events of Barakamon, when he was a high-school student. Already a calligraphy expert, Handa somehow manages to mistake the idolisation of his peers as bullying. And the more he tries to avoid it, the more he finds himself adored by his school. This comedy/slice of life anime may be just what the doctor ordered if you’re not into action and shooting and sword fighting after a long week at work.
9) Hatsukoi Monster (First Love Monster)
High schooler Nikaido Kaho thinks she’s met the love of her life after he saves her from nearly being hit by a truck. The handsome lad, Takahashi Kanade, even stays in the same dorm. With the stars aligned, Kaho confesses her feelings… only to find out that Kanade is in the fifth-grade. If a mismatched pair is something on your anime wishlist, this comedy anime could help you strike it off.
10) Cheer Danshi!! (Cheer Boys!!)
If you liked the musical TV series Glee, you might find something for yourself in Cheer Danshii!! The slice of life anime follows Bandou Haruki, a boy in a family of great judo masters who is about to embark on his next adventure… as part of an all-boys cheerleading club. Yes, he trades judo for a position on a cheerleading team at an all-boys university. Yes, no one will judge you for watching it.
