A Ton of Anime Updates Arrived During the Festive Season
The winter break provide a plethora of pastimes far superior than scanning the updates: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and using meditation skills to not yelling at relatives. I hope you were able to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy news items surfaced over the break, and just in case you didn't see any, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Set to Continue (In 2027)
Without a doubt the biggest revelation, the widely-criticized controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter more episodes. Season 3 will be back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they could have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a hopeful indicator. However, the main art for the continuation 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 Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its output but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the best-known magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained massive popularity when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series proved it maintained the fans' affection and positive sentiment, and now the community is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel In Production
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 release, but the anime has been running for years, and its sixth season was yet another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will almost certainly air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio renowned for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Season Two
Immediately following the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a sequel. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has not been disclosed yet.