10 returning anime franchises in 2016 we’re excited about
Photo: A-1 Pictures
Most anime viewers will have at least that one series they felt deserved the sequel it never got (sigh, Claymore, sigh), so it’s always a huge relief when the popular ones make it back on air.
Unfortunately, not every series can be a One Piece or a Fairy Tail, with most seasons limited to either 12/13 or 25 episodes.
With several different sequels already on the cards, here are our picks of the returning franchises we’re really looking forward to in 2016.
Winter:
Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri - Enryuu-hen (Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There! Fire Dragon Arc)
Gate was one of our favourite anime from 2015, so it should come as no surprise the sequel is one we’ve already got our eyes on. The second season of Gate will follow the Japan Self-Defence Force’s continued exploits in the Special Region, together with their native allies. If you’ve ever wondered who would win in a fight between a modern military and a mythical dragon, well, Gate has your answer.
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)
The fantasy-romance show with the red-head “Snow White” is back for a second run. A girl who ran away from her home to avoid having to be a concubine to the royal prince, Shirayuki continues her growth as the court herbalist in her adopted country.
Spring:
Ushio to Tora (Ushio and Tora) 2nd season
Photo: MAPPA
Another from our 2015 list, the second season of Ushio to Tora continues the funny supernatural adventure tale of a boy and demon fighting side-by-side. The first season of 26 episodes didn’t provide a resolution to the conflict against the powerful Hakumen no Mono, so there’s still a lot to look forward to in the next 13 episodes, the first of which will air in April.
Not known yet:
Arslan Senki (The Heroic Legend of Arslan) 2nd season
Photo: FUNimation Entertainment
Join the young prince Arslan as he continues his journey to reclaim the kingdom of Pars. Arslan Senki, the fantasy anime with some historical overtones, was among one of our favourites from 2015, so we’ve got high hopes for the second season. And maybe Arslan can find some time to do a little romancing this time.
Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) 2nd season
Photo: Wit Studio
One of the best anime (in our opinion anyway) of recent years, Shingeki no Kyojin is finally returning for its second season. Members of the Survey Corps once again pit their wit and skills with the 3D Manoeuvre Gear against the man-eating titans, with an amount of bloodshed that would make George R.R. Martin proud.
Shingeki no Bahamut: Genesis (Rage of Bahamut: Genesis) 2nd season
Photo: FUNimation Entertainment
Based on a card game, the original Shingeki no Bahamut: Genesis was easy enough to dismiss as simply a promotional series for the iOS and Android app. However, the fantasy anime managed to take the combination of mythology and legend and fuse it into a watchable series. Needless to say, there will be expectations of the second season.
D.Gray-man (2016)
The last time we saw D. Gray-man, it was 2008 and some people were still worried the world would end four years later. Fast forward to 2016, and we’re finally getting a “new” D. Gray-man series. The voice actors may have been recast for this supernatural anime, but creator Hoshino Katsura says the 2016 show can also be thought of as a sequel to the earlier ones.
Shokugeki no Soma (Food Wars) 2nd season
The second season of Shokugeki no Soma brings us back to the cooking battleground that is the Tootsuki Culinary Academy. If you’ve ever wondered what MasterChef would’ve been like as a Japanese manga/anime, this is pretty much it. Watch out for more high-stakes food wars in a school where only the best of the best get to graduate.
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 3rei!!
Despite the “3”, this would be the fourth season of Prisma Illya, the alternative setting which follows the exploits of Illyasviel von Einzbern from the Fate/Stay series as a magical girl. This is basically the series you want to watch after seeing Fate/Zero or Unlimited Blade Works and finding your soul crushed and heart empty.
Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen
Like Prisma Illya above, despite the “3”, this is actually the second Danganropa anime. It is, however, set after the Danganronpa 2 video game, which may explain the naming convention. This horror/psychological show concerns a group of students trapped in a school where the only way to get out is to murder someone and not get caught. And for those who haven’t played the game, there are playthroughs on Youtube which can get you up to date.
