Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion

Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion - December 28, 2025

This is a daily megathread for general chatter about anime. Have questions or need recommendations? Here to show off your merch? Want to talk about what you just watched.

[This is the place!](https://preview.redd.it/pxph3k900q9g1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=b3a958657d24ad1a06b70845ecc56d63c78d764c)

[**All spoilers must be tagged.**](/r/anime/wiki/rules#wiki_tagging_comments) Use `[anime name]` to indicate the anime you're talking about before the spoiler tag, e.g. \[Attack on Titan\] >!This is a popular anime.!<

[Prefer Discord? Check out our server: https://discord.gg/r-anime](https://discord.gg/r-anime)

# Recommendations

Don't know what to start next? [Check our wiki first!](http://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations)

Not sure how to ask for a recommendation? Fill this out, or simply use it as a guideline, and other users will find it much easier to recommend you an anime!

*I'm looking for:* A certain genre? Something specific like characters traveling to another world?

*Shows I've already seen that are similar:* You can include a link to a list on another site if you have one, e.g. [MyAnimeList](https://myanimelist.net) or [AniList](https://anilist.co).

# Resources

* [Watch orders for many anime](http://reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order)
* [List of streaming sites](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams) and [find where to watch a specific anime](https://www.livechart.me/search)
* [Looking for the source of an image?](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/reverse_image_searching)
* Currently airing anime: [AniChart.net](https://anichart.net/) | [LiveChart.me](https://www.livechart.me) | [MyAnimeList.net](https://myanimelist.net/anime/season)
* [Frequently Asked Anime Questions](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/faaq)
* [Related subreddits](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/related_subreddits)

# Other Threads

* [« Previous Thread](https://redd.it/1pwuaqf) | [Next Thread »](https://i.imgur.com/ok9KgB7.png)
* [Spy × Family](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1pt36hv/spy_family_anime_of_the_week/) — Discussion for the selected anime of the week.
* [Casual Discussion](https://redd.it/1pvqcti) — Off-topic thread for non-anime talk.
* [Meta Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1pg3xx6/meta_thread_month_of_december_07_2025/) — Discussion about r/anime's rules and moderation.
* [The Start of Winter 2026 Survey!](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1pwakah/the_start_of_winter_2026_survey_what_anime_are/)

Voir le contenu lié

Commentaires

cppn022025-12-28 11:02

KyoAni is doing RuriDragon!

SSjjlex2025-12-28 11:20

Lmao i was waiting for the new thread to comment about the theory of it happening but they just directly announced it right now

Also RIP Haruhi fans LMAO

Syokhan2025-12-28 11:21

I'm over the moon, personally. KyoAni is absolutely perfect for it.

IXajll2025-12-28 11:33

I think it’s safe to say nobody expected THIS to be today‘s KyoAni announcement, with the Haruhi leaks and Kobayashi copium.

For anyone who‘s not familiar, Ruri Dragon first came out back in 2022, ran for 6 chapters before going on break for almost 2 years. During those 6 chaps it exploded in popularity, doing insane numbers on Manga Plus, which also helped it coming back as easily as it did after such a long hiatus with this few chaps behind it.

I read the chaps as they released before the hiatus and the next 3 after it continued, but put it on-hold since. It doesn’t really reinvent the wheel or anything, it’s still mainly just a school SoL with the gimmick of having an MC who‘s half human half dragon so she has to deal with stuff like randomly breathing fire in class. It is extremely well done for what it wants to do and KyoAni is honestly the perfect fit for it, it’s gonna be fantastic.

cppn022025-12-28 11:42

> doing insane numbers on Manga Plus

Not just on MangaPlus. Iirc Volume 1 was the best selling first volume of a new release since MHA.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 11:57

i was on the dragon copium, just not the correct one it seems.

ComfortablyRotten2025-12-28 11:33

[](#gintamathispleasesme)

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-28 11:37

This seems to have a lot of fans and sure enough, I've added it to my PTW.

I didn't think we'd get more Haruhi but its sad too, since I just watched the "Disappearance" movie before Christmas and that was quite good. I'd love for that series to continue too...

cppn022025-12-28 11:44

> .
>
>
>
> I didn't think we'd get more Haruhi but its sad too,

That's still on the table it's just less likely to have KyoAni involved after this news.

TehAxelius2025-12-28 12:02

KyoAni will finally combine their power of making high-school coming of age anime with their power of making dragon-girl anime.

[](#awe)

GondolaMedia2025-12-28 12:32

Hell yeah! This is the best news all year.

[](#grandhype)

Hixy2025-12-28 11:29

I just stumbled onto Carol & Tuesday. It’s on Netflix, and I’m only a couple episodes in, but I’m absolutely blown away. I’ve never even heard of this show before. It has virtually no reviews, and the few threads I found from 5 years ago barely had any comments or upvotes.

That first song, The Loneliest Girl, left me frozen. I wasn’t expecting anything like that. I was just browsing for some mindless anime and stumbled onto something.. amazing

Has anyone else watched it and feel like it’s a hidden masterpiece buried in the Netflix catalog? Go listen to that song somewhere if you want to get an idea of the vibe the show has

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-28 13:25

Netflix has a few of these high quality series that kinda fly under the radar. This is one, Great Pretender is another and next season we'll get a new one: Prism Rondo.

I liked Carole & Tuesday, but more of the first part than the second. It was apparently set in the Cowboy Bebop universe, but there were really no visible references beyond some of the locale names and the currency used, I think. The whole AI generated art theme is quite relevant for today's world, however.

Salty1452025-12-28 14:30

C&T is quite good, though the second arc is a little weaker than the first.

For some context, the show didn’t get much attention on release because Netflix was dumb. They batch released it months after it aired (which is what they did a lot of back in those days, hence the term “Netflix Jail”) to little fanfare, so people were unable to partake in the full glazing ritual that shows get across a full season in order to build up interest in the show.

If you want to know why Netflix started moving away from this model of release, C&T is partially responsible, since they kept “killing” shows that should have been hits and people basically stopped wanting to work with them.

zsmg2025-12-28 16:21

I mean it's reasonably popular and highly rated on MAL for what it's worth, it's just Netflix jail killed off online discussion (as always)

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 11:50

*To whomever at kyoto animation higher ups has an insatiable hunger for dragon girls:*

> My king, I kneel.

> Thank you for bringing all of my favourite dragon girls to life. The world is a prettier place thanks to you.

> May your shoes be warm and your bed be comfy until you fund every dragon girl adaptation.

> - A fellow dragon girls lover.

[](#feelingloved)

Still-Slaking2025-12-28 12:02

[deleted]

sevgonlernassau2025-12-28 12:12

I liked s3 more than s2 for what it’s worth. Quality wise it’s not that different. Pacing is better.

awesomenessofme12025-12-28 16:19

What were they talking about?

TehAxelius2025-12-28 13:28

I can't say I thought particularly less of S3 than anything before it, but it does end at a rather weird point, and given that last I checked the author and his publisher had a rather public falling out, I doubt we'll get much more of it.

mr_beanoz2025-12-28 12:13

From having a female harem in Winter 2024 (MahoAko) to having a male harem (of sorts) in Winter 2026 (Dark Moon), what an amazing contrast for Izumi Fuuka's role.

zairaner2025-12-28 14:32

Just looked at [her page](https://myanimelist.net/people/64390/Fuuka_Izumi?q=%20Izumi%20Fuuka&cat=person) sorted by most recent, and she is in HOW MANY SHOWS IN SPRING?

That's literally a third of her credited roles ever lol.

mr_beanoz2025-12-28 14:35

Damn, that's a lot.

But look at Suzushiro Sayumi's doing for next season. She'll play a whopping [5 main roles](https://myanimelist.net/people/48122/Sayumi_Suzushiro).

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 12:16

if you are an Oshi no ko viewer getting annoyed by episode discussion threads being filled with what happens in the manga, I invite you to participate in the JJK episode discussion threads instead.

[](#kukuku)

Shimmering-Sky2025-12-28 13:49

[Not if I can help it.](#banhammer)

Vagueposting about the ending (unfortunately) might not break the rules in news/OM posts, but it *does* break the Source Material Corner rule if the complaining is happening outside of that in Episode threads, and I am not going to sit around and let that happen.

Salty1452025-12-28 14:25

My favorite moment from the ending of JJK is when Yuji says “this is my *Jujutsu Kaisen*” and then proceeds to *Jujutsu Kaisen* all over the place. If people don’t want to hear me proclaim me love for it completely unsolicited or spoiler tagged then that’s a skill issue on their part /s

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 15:37

I should have typed in OM/news posts instead.

[](#tch)

oedipusrex3762025-12-28 15:24

Opening an Oshi no Ko announcement post is impossible at this point without getting blasted by people doomposting.

BarbaricGamers2025-12-28 12:17

Gnosia does such a good job at making me care for each single character.

Ocixo2025-12-28 12:17

Just watched a bunch of anime trailers from this winter season. Some quick notes:

- Music fans might be interested in [Shiboyugi](https://myanimelist.net/anime/59711/Shibou_Yuugi_de_Meshi_wo_Kuu). They got the composer of Ancient Magus’ Bride to do the show’s soundtrack. ([Teaser PV](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9qGxpihfOgg))
- To my fellow Hayamin fans, I strongly recommend checking out [Tamon’s B-Side](https://myanimelist.net/anime/59047/Tamon-kun_Ima_Docchi). Is it just me or is she getting even better at voice acting? ([PV](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GIOzUu_oRec))
- I generally like villainess anime, but [Villainess is Adored by the Prince](https://myanimelist.net/anime/62000/Akuyaku_Reijou_wa_Ringoku_no_Outaishi_ni_Dekiai_sareru) feels even a bit too generic for me. On the plus side: [Villainess Adored - PV] >!I did spot a proper kiss!<. ([PV](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xzvQZMuH74w))
- [If Sentenced to Be a Hero](https://myanimelist.net/anime/56009/Yuusha-kei_ni_Shosu__Choubatsu_Yuusha_9004-tai_Keimu_Kiroku) is truly this amazing of a heavy action drama, it has the potential to be hugely popular. I can honestly see it beating out even the likes of Frieren in terms of seasonal popularity. ([PV](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GcRs1JC7xeg))

IXajll2025-12-28 13:10

> Shiboyugi

Was already going to watch this solely for the Gimai Seikatsu director, but learning about its composer here is a nice bonus.

> I generally like villainess anime, but Villainess is Adored by the Prince feels even a bit too generic for me.

As someone who *dis*likes villainess anime in like 9 out of 10 cases (but still at least checks out most of them anyway for reasons I don’t really get myself), I was planning to give this a couple eps, but reading this has me even less hopeful I‘ll stick with it, if even a villainess fan like you has his doubts lol.

> Sentenced to Be a Hero

The only way this show can shoot itself in the foot at this point is if it has weird narrative shifts halfway through or illogical plot developments or something. The production quality on ep 1 was honestly insane and easily movie quality and with the leaks of it already having completed production, it’s safe on that front all the way through. Would easily be topping the karma rankings if winter wouldn‘t be as stacked as it is, but has nevertheless still a shot at it regardless.

Ocixo2025-12-28 13:33

Junichi Matsumoto is *the* series composer for Ancient Magus’ Bride and rarely does the music for other anime, so this is pretty huge.

> but reading this has me even less hopeful I’ll stick with [Villainess Adored]

Most villainess shows got an interesting or fun hook in some way, but this particular series seems to be mostly about the “villainess” getting doted on from first impression.

Possibly the first of its kind that I’ll end up skipping on.

> if [Sentenced to Be a Hero] has weird narrative shifts or illogical plot developments

Or a complete production meltdown, but that’s unlikely given the rumours. If Sentenced to Be a Hero delivers for its entire run, I cannot see myself rating it below a 9/10.

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-28 13:18

If I had to pick a dark horse for Winter 2026, it would be Sentenced to be a Hero. We shall see if it holds up the hype on a weekly basis. The Darwin Incident could have potentially been a "Orb" type of hit among that crowd, but I don't see a "humanzee" being as compelling a lead as some of the characters in Orb were, and its airing on Prime or something which limits the amount of people who will bother to check it out.

zairaner2025-12-28 13:30

I don't think you can call it a dark horse in any way or shape, it's the most popular new show of the season on MAL by a landslide and it's the new series that has been talked about the most.

mr_beanoz2025-12-28 14:37

>Is it just me or is she getting even better at voice acting?

I mean, she seem to be growing with time, and she seems to be doing better if the roles allow her to express more emotions instead of just a "yamato nadeshiko" type character.

mekerpan2025-12-28 15:22

She's been great for quite some time AND she keeps getting even better.

Ocixo2025-12-28 16:41

Hayamin has indeed been type-casted as the cool beauty a lot yeah, so it’s nice that she’s getting roles for a bit more silly characters. This gives her a much bigger range of expressiveness, like you said.

oedipusrex3762025-12-28 15:20

>I generally like villainess anime,

All the more reason to check out The Holy Grail of Eris next season. Jokes aside, I’ve been following Twitter updates from the official Villainess is Adored by the Prince account, but somehow slipped under the radar that it’s also airing in Winter. I genuinely thought it was a Spring anime. The character designs are super eye-catching and remind me of Who Made Me a Princess.

Ocixo2025-12-28 16:17

I’ve been intrigued by the premise of The Holy Grail of Eris, but the production quality could’ve definitely been better. It’s not particularly bad looking, fortunately.

Fubuki_gelado2025-12-28 13:16

Hi everyone, I'm new to the app and I like this community.

Salty1452025-12-28 14:23

Glad to have you

Salty1452025-12-28 14:22

KyoAni adapting *RuriDragon* was not on my radar at all.

What fool played around with the monkey’s paw to get so many absolute dime adaptations being announced these last few days?

One_Bend74232025-12-28 14:36

Because it sells. I mean, people, in general, have an absolutely T R A S H sense of taste, so the lowest common denominator (isekai, borderline porn, schoolsetting, etc) find a ready market. Combine that with a slew of Tumblr-grade fanfics hosted on some website with an archaic design on the Japanese corner of the Internet, where amateur writers can post their gooner-filled powerfantasies for any studio to pick up for basically a dime, and presto, instant worst-case scenario.

Get used to it. This isn't going to go away.

Salty1452025-12-28 14:39

I don’t know if I’d call KyoAni picking up anything a “worst case scenario”. In fact, it’s very much a *best* case scenario for *RuriDragon* fans, as it was for *Jaadugar* fans to get Naoko frickin Yamada tied to the adaptation.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 14:55

I wish they could find the market you think they do.

Even B tier WSJ slop titles like hell's paradise or kaijuu #8 get 5x-10x the views of basically every ecchi show that gets released.

Like, who even asks for more Hells paradise?

IceAnt5732025-12-28 15:02

Is this subtle engagement baiting considering what rewatch is being advertised on the sidebar.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 15:43

[](#kotohoops)

But no, I was HP's strongest hater before I was SxF or DanDaDans strongest hater.

[](#cultured)

awesomenessofme12025-12-28 16:15

It has somewhere in the ballpark of 7 million volume sales, which isn't a megahit but still quite strong numbers. So a lot of people were asking for it.

ComfortablyRotten2025-12-28 15:13

Did you mean to reply to another comment? Because this has nothing to do with the original post [](#sakurathink)

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 15:42

[](#tomboyshades)

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-28 14:40

Laughing hysterically with that KyoAni x Ruri Dragon announcement, holy shit

First time I regret leaving certain communities, really wanted to see their reactions

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 14:45

which communities?

[](#curious)

mekerpan2025-12-28 15:09

You had some naive folks in r/Haruhi who were convinced there would be a continuation or maybe even a remake of the Haruhi series.

cppn022025-12-28 15:16

There was a leak by the most reliable person around so I'm definitely leaning towards it happening. But looks like chances of KyoAni being involved just got a lot smaller.

mekerpan2025-12-28 15:32

I would be happy to see the unadapted novels finally get animated -- but if they aren't there is always the books (and the Yuki-chan spinoff that gives us a glimpse of the not-shown-in-the-main-series characters).

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-28 15:37

Sakuga/behind the scenes/industry

I don't think i can give you enough context to understand the funny part without a 3 hours youtube video starting with the cultural implications of some ancient civilizations worshiping their idealized versions as gods, then moving to the anime boom in the pandemix, the 2020 to November 2023 discourse about anime industry monetization, the segmentation of anime fans in microcommunities, the increased aggression between older x newer fans, the rise of shonenbros, the rise of studios having their hardcore fandoms, the counter movement of the sakuga community, and so on

lalunafelis2025-12-28 16:44

Painfully aware of the sakugabros antics as a YAIBA fan who had to bear with their BS on my feeds.🤦‍♀️

PsychoGeek2025-12-28 16:46

> the rise of studios having their hardcore fandoms

Kyoani-Shaft wars were all over the fandom in the early-mid 2010s, it's not a new thing. But yes, there's lots of seething from long time Kyoani fans as well for apparently selling out by adapting WSJ slop

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 14:42

Man I wish we would get more of the mob character villainess stories adapted, like mobchara season 2, or villager A adaptation.

[](#thoughtful)

Korkez112025-12-28 14:50

My biggest complaint about Hibike Euphonium S3 is that... [H!E] >!Airhead Princess Ririka that I liked so much in Liz to Aoi Tori got almost zero screentime!<

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-28 17:01

The Big O.

Never heard of this series until I watched the first episode and wow... its like if Batman was a Mecha series, filmed film noir style (which to be honest, isn't very far from the typical Batman portrayal...) Aesthetics somehow remind me a bit of the nineties Batman cartoon, though far more realistically portrayed. And an instantly appealing Android female lead(?) too? I hope this series holds up... looking at the release schedule there seems to have been some weirdness since it is a single season series that was released from 1999 to 2003, with multi year gap between the cours. Did Bandai run out of money or something?

Wiles_2025-12-28 17:09

> Did Bandai run out of money or something?

From what I recall, the series was not that popular in Japan and the second season was only made on behest of Cartoon Network.

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-28 17:49

Interesting! Thanks for the reply. I do hope the quality holds up, but I guess I will see.

cosmiczar2025-12-28 17:30

> since it is a single season series

It's not a single season series, MyAnimeList is just weird because they merge certain series that were released as different seasons in a single entry when those shows are older than the website itself. Besides The Big O, which originally had one 13-episode season in 1999 and then another years later, produced with Cartoon Network backing, as the other person pointed out, something like the original Cat's Eye was also released as two different seasons, with a literal director change between then, but they only have one entry on MAL.

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-28 17:50

Makes sense. Thanks for the informative reply.

OmegaVirgin942025-12-28 19:20

> MyAnimeList is just weird because they merge certain series that were released as different seasons in a single entry when those shows are older than the website itself.

That shit pisses me off and they seem to be too stubborn to change anything. My favorite example is [Megazone 23](https://myanimelist.net/anime/1935/Megazone_23) being a single entry despite it being obvious to anyone who's watched it that the 3 parts are very distinct from each other, not even sharing character designers or directors.

Then there's Towa no Quon which is a [1,](https://myanimelist.net/anime/10294/Towa_no_Quon_1__Utakata_no_Kaben) [2,](https://myanimelist.net/anime/10713/Towa_no_Quon_2__Konton_no_Ranbu) [3,](https://myanimelist.net/anime/10714/Towa_no_Quon_3__Mugen_no_Renza) [4,](https://myanimelist.net/anime/10715/Towa_no_Quon_4__Guren_no_Shoushin) [5,](https://myanimelist.net/anime/10716/Towa_no_Quon_5__Souzetsu_no_Raifuku) [6\(!\)](https://myanimelist.net/anime/10717/Towa_no_Quon_6__Towa_no_Quon) part movie that was clearly a single production all released in 2011, but each part has a separate entry. So stupid!

theangryeditor2025-12-28 18:14

CAST IN THE NAME OF GOD

Alt22212025-12-28 19:18

bandai never runs out of money but they have had tik tok brain on their production side since the mid 90s, probably sooner but a lot in the 90s specifically. one of two things tend to happen: they fuck with their creative staff enough that they quit mid production (***Gundam Wing***) or they decide to nuke an entire story narrative in the last 90% of its production because its not doing as well as previous products (***After War Gundam X***). which is ironic because even their most popular stuff wasn't popular right off the bat

basically they can do whatever they want because they have *too much money*

pio_dorco_2025-12-28 17:21

Is The quintessential quintuplets anime worth watching, or should I read the manga?

cppn022025-12-28 18:00

If you equally enjoy manga and anime go with the former but imo the anime is definitely worth it if you prefer trying that.

Heda-of-Aincrad2025-12-28 18:26

I really enjoyed both - it's one of my favorite romcoms. There are times when the finale movie felt a bit rushed in comparison to the manga, but it's still a great adaptation overall.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2025-12-28 21:00

I haven't watched the movie yet (I read the full manga) but yes, the first 2 seasons are really good!

It used to be my uncontested #1 harem anime, but now I hesitate between this and 100gfs. (So, at least #2!)

I don't have any strong opinion between anime and manga... I'd rate them about the same.

But the anime does have some great emotional moments that are made stronger by the OST/voice acting and all, so maybe I'd go with the anime! (I think sometimes the art in the manga is better though).

awesomenessofme12025-12-28 17:58

For some reason, they decided to cast the (dub) VAs for Hori and Miyamura as the main characters of Hell's Paradise, which feels a bit odd considering he's very devotedly in love with a completely different character. I don't think it was a deliberate choice, but at the same time, given the timeframe, they had to realize what they were doing, right?

Salty1452025-12-28 18:01

So I've got a question and I want to see people's answers to it.

When evaluating the best anime of a given decade, how important do you think it is to only consider the parts of that anime that actually aired in that decade?

The big example of this being relevant is (I guess rather obviously) *One Piece* which only aired about 12 episodes before the new millennium. Now the series obviously went on to run for way longer, but should the 1000+ episodes after that really be all the relevant if I'm interested specifically in the best anime of the 1990s? I mean when people were making "Best Anime of the 2010s" videos and lists back in 2019-2020 they obviously weren't able to see what future seasons had to offer, and someone making a similar list in 1999-2000 would have likewise not been afforded that degree of foresight. So is it better to maintain that sanctity and keep it consistent across all decades or is it fine to factor in "legacy factor" when evaluating a show in hindsight.

I guess I should also clarify that when I mean "Best" anime of the decade, I'm not necessarily meaning it in the sense of being "most important/influential" and more some degree of "in a vacuum" qualitative sense.

Heda-of-Aincrad2025-12-28 18:22

I think the seasons that aired during that decade should be the main thing under consideration, but at the same time, you can't completely separate what became before/after if it's a long-running story.

For me, the later parts of a story that build really well from a good foundation are stronger and I'm more likely to rate it highly if I already have an attachment to the characters. On the other hand, if the quality of the story declines after the seasons in question, then it makes the entire show weaker in my opinion, and I'd be unlikely to include any part of it on a "best" list.

Dull_Spot_82132025-12-28 18:24

You’re gonna give yourself an aneurysm trying to measure an art form in neat little lists like this. If it’s your criteria/opinion, you can factor it however you like. For long running series, you can use a hard metric like the years they originally aired, and only evaluate the content in that time period. But I would put One Piece in the 2000s era over 1990s, having lived in those olden days and experiencing the hype of it when it was new.

Salty1452025-12-28 19:01

> it’s your criteria/opinion, you can factor it however you like

I mean yeah, I’m just curious how others would handle it or their thoughts on the matter.

> But I would put One Piece in the 2000s era over 1990s

I would too, but there are still quite a few lists out there that evaluate it as a 90s series (and almost certainly throw 2000s content into that evaluation, but that’s a rant for maybe another day).

baquea2025-12-28 18:37

Something as long as One Piece I simply wouldn't include in any decade list. Something that ran from, say, 1999-2008 I'd count for the 2000s. For 1999-2000 I'd count for the 90s.

For something with seasons in multiple decades, I'd usually only consider the first season as qualifying for such a list and would ignore sequels - I'd be annoyed if someone referred to the second season of a 2000s anime as 'the best 2010s anime', and likewise if someone called it 'the best 2000s anime' in virtue of the quality of a season that aired in the 2010s. A possible exception to that would be if the sequel was considerably different from the original (eg. a different creative team who does something very different with it) and so could be judged as a separate thing.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2025-12-28 20:55

I don't watch nearly enough long anime for this to ever arise as an issue for me, but even if I did, still feels like a non-issue to me;

12 episodes aired in 2009 and 100 episodes aired in 2010?

- Are the 12 episodes of 2009 better than anything else than aired in 2000-2009? 2000's AOTD
- Are the 100 episodes of 2010 better than anything else that aired in 2010-2019? 2010's AOTD

Charmanders_Cock2025-12-28 21:00

I wouldn’t consider the One Piece that aired in 2000 to be the same anime as the One Piece that aired this week. They’re telling the same story but it’s basically an entirely separate production. It’s part of why using database sites as a guide is sort of bunk in some cases. Just split it up and judge the part that aired during one decade against the next. The changes are significant enough to warrant the comparison anyway.

One Piece is also sort of a special case or outlier in this regard so it might not be a great example to use in the context of your curiosity.

Salty1452025-12-28 18:04

Oh, and to answer my question from yesterday, both MAL and AniList still list *One Piece* as "Releasing", so I'll take that as somewhat final confirmation that "Season 1" of *One Piece* is in fact not ending.

baquea2025-12-28 18:21

Database sites are annoyingly inconsistent with these things. I'm currently watching The Big O, and MAL for some reason counts it as a single entry even though there was a three year gap between the two cours.

polmeeee2025-12-28 18:15

Any anime like Shield Hero S1? Where the protagonist got fucked over and fights to not let anger take over them.

Alt22212025-12-28 19:05

gundam narrative

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 19:06

boy do i have the "kicked from the party" genre for you.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2025-12-28 20:45

You seem to be a knowledgeable fellow, would you happen to know any anime about a protagonist somehow getting transported to a world different from his own?

[](#awe)

collapsedblock62025-12-28 18:53

Good time for Kyoani to be in the spotlight, I might as well talk about another rewatch of a good ol’ classic, **Lucky Star**.

A quintessential, must watch CGDCT that is one of the most influential shows...or at least it was like a decade ago. Lucky Star is as basic as it gets, its 4 girls that yap about random stuff that happens in their daily lives annnnnd, yeah that’s pretty much it.

The positives are that the humor is still largely good. Kagami and Tsukasa despite not being novelties are very fun, and how to forget Lucky Channel, a segment that I feel enjoy more with every passing watch. Akira is insane, shitty and therefore great, and her final skits are absolute gold. This is actually a kinda unique aspect of the show so credit where credit is due.

And probably the episode that most singlehandedly raises my opinion of an anime on its own, episode 22. A real tearjerker right there, being [the one where]>!Konata’s mom visits her family.!< Just pure joy from that one.

Now, Lucky Star is now more commonly talked about in regards to anime that is being slowly forgotten by the community, how tragic its fall is and that it is still a must watch classic. I wasn’t in the community at the time of its peak popularity, though I can say that it was big enough that I got wind of it around that time despite not being into anime myself yet. From what I can remember, it seemed that Lucky Star rose to prominence thanks to its more “relatable” protagonist Konata, her pride as an otaku and the general shilling of this culture.

Rewatching it now though, I gotta say Lucky Star is a bit dated, and this is a take that I already had when I talked about it as I entered the community and was called heretic scum. Like so much of Konata’s character really is like ‘aren’t I a huge otaku, look, I game and love Haruhi’. After having a bajillion otaku protagonists, it no longer feels as funny or relatable. Don’t get me wrong, Konata is still fun when she teases Kagami and the like but so much of the humor revolve around [soyjak pointing](https://preview.redd.it/fnnuohi0u7h71.png?width=971&auto=webp&s=4fc649f93cfc0870e6bd52b496071080116e1abb) that it falls flat often (the clerks were never funny). Oh, and I mentioned Haruhi, don’t get me started on the self-masturbatory references to Haruhi. Like I know it was also huge at the time but do we need a visual reference every 5 minutes?

But hey now, ALL of this rambling btw is just a minor pet peeve, these are just my two cents on why Lucky Star no longer feels like a must watch in the year of our lord almost 2026. A take that can be pretty hot among older fans. Now I feel it is not very different from any other CGDCT, there’s K-On ofc, something like Bocchi or Non Non Biyori I would also recommend before it. Lucky Star remains a quality show that I would still recommend but just not as the must watch, gateway anime lots of people still try to talk it up as.

So yeah, I may not be as high for it as some older fans are, but it is still a fun show. 8/10, the OVA is even better. I was rooting for the Kyoani announcement to be a Lucky Channel anime but c’est la vie.

Alt22212025-12-28 19:02

some stuff on my 'must watch list' (which exists only in theory) are on the list not due to outstanding quality that has stood the test of time but because they are helpful in forming a wider/deeper/stronger foundation that will be useful for a person's entire anime watching career.

collapsedblock62025-12-28 19:07

A valid way of approaching things though I personally wouldn't see what Lucky Star offers in that regard that something like Azumanga or K-On don't offer already. Ig maybe get in touch to how the culture was at the time? Though that wouldn't be on my list of priorities on what to learn from anime.

IceAnt5732025-12-28 19:43

I think there's a certain novelty to Lucky Star being a time capsule of late 2000s anime and otaku culture.

As a gateway? No.

I'd consider it more of the endpoint of the gateway and that can be more fun and fulfilling to recommend.

_Ridley2025-12-28 19:54

> my two cents on why Lucky Star no longer feels like a must watch in the year of our lord almost 2026.

As someone who watched it for the first time a year or two ago, I think it's very much a "you had to be there" kind of anime. It wasn't bad, but it did feel a bit like an anime Hollywood Steps Out for the 2000s sometimes.

cyberscythe2025-12-28 21:35

> Lucky Star is as basic as it gets, its 4 girls that yap about random stuff that happens in their daily lives annnnnd, yeah that’s pretty much it

i think at the time you didn't even need to have the "cute things" part of the now common "cute girls do cute things" genre, with shows like Azumanga Daioh which first got me into the slice-of-life genre; it was enough to have a relatively stress-free show with just a few girls chatting about random stuff

i think nowadays titles use a hobby like music or club activities to differentiate themselves from the crowd, but with shows like See You Tomorrow at the Food Court, having characters with interesting chemistry is still a winning formula

whether or not Lucky Star has interesting character chemistry is debatable (i do think it does lean towards pop culture references more); i don't really have a strong impression of their character relationships, but that could just be my memory having been eroded since the last time i watched it

> Like I know it was also huge at the time but do we need a visual reference every 5 minutes?

i don't remember it referencing Haruhi a lot; there was a few episode where they do the cosplay cafe bit, but i don't remember much outside of that

this bit reminds me of watching Mono after having watched Yuru Camp; there are fun bits which reference the other series, but i think there's enough non-Yuru Camp content to keep you entertained (if you're into travel and food)

ume_cha2025-12-28 22:08

> From what I can remember, it seemed that Lucky Star rose to prominence thanks to its more “relatable” protagonist Konata, her pride as an otaku and the general shilling of this culture.

Lucky Star had an outsized impact in the western fandom largely because it was simply what KyoAni was doing instead of the Haruhi Season 2 everyone was desperate for, but also because it was the first encounter a lot of people had with moe slice of life shows. And oh baby, that chocolate cornet started a *stir*.

I'm sure the moeblobs will *finally* kill anime dead soon, so that glorious MANime will return to us. Or something.

A lot of the references in Lucky Star were already rather dated, or were things you would have expected a contemporary otaku to enjoy or know about (Comptiq is for Nerds, after all). Stuff like Full Metal Panic, Marimite, Code Geass, and yes, Haruhi. It really doesn't reference Haruhi *that* often, all things considered, but it would have also been dishonest for it to avoid it. I don't really view this as a failing, though, as it comes with the territory that it will become aged. I can't really fault Genshiken when I read it and see a bunch of Gundam, CLAMP, and Street Fighter stuff all over the place.

(I feel the focus people put on the references miss that they are mostly flavoring for the cute girl slice of life stuff; more often than not, the joke is at Konata's expense for being a nerd saying something nobody around her understands, or if Kagami happened to get it, the fledgling fujoshi getting angry or embarrassed about it.)

I suppose the Cat's Eye ED parody is somewhat more timely these days than it was back then, though.

That said, I largely agree. Peel back its importance to the scene, and you're left with a mostly fun slice of life show that also functions as a little time capsule of a time long gone by at this point. It doesn't really *need* to still be popular now that the generation it was made for has grown up.

Zestyclose_Count_1022025-12-28 19:33

Please give me Anime Recommendations (with list of what I've already watched)

ACTION

- Demon Slayer 9.5/10
- Sakamoto Days 7.5/10
- Hunter x Hunter 8/10
- Kaiju no.8 8.5/10
- Frieren 9.75/10
- Solo Leveling 8/10
- Fire Force 7/10
- Naruto 10/10
- JJK 10/10
- Black Clover 9.75/10

ROMANCE
-BlueBox 10/10
-My dress up darling 8.75/10
Horimiya 6/10
-Oregairu 7/10
-Morethanamarriedcouplebutnotlovers 9.5/10
-Bunny Girl Senpai 10/10
-The Angel next door spoils me rotten 10/10
-Toradora 8.5/10
-Quintessential Quintuplets 9.5/10
-Love is War 8.75/10
- My love story with yamada 7.5/10
- The fragrant flower blooms with dignity 10/10
- Apothecary Diaries 10/10
- Call of the night 7.5/10
- Relife 9.25/10
- Fruits Basket 8.5/10
- Golden Time 5/10
- Kimizero 6.5/10
-Chitose in a ramune bottle 6.75/10
- Pet girl of Sakurasou 9/10
- Irina the Vampire Cosmonaut (watching)

ROMANCE & ACTION OR NONE
- Haikyuu 10/10
- Sword Art Online 9.5/10
- Kuroko no Basket 9.5/10
- Cyberpunk Edgerunners 9.75/10

Ocixo2025-12-28 21:10

Since you enjoyed Quintessential Quintuplets quite a bit, it might be worth your time to check out [Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister](https://myanimelist.net/anime/55071). The series was created by a former assistant of QQ’s author. It becomes pretty good in the 2nd cour.

theangryeditor2025-12-28 19:42

I probably should not have lined up all these romance dramas/comedies in a row for december. It seemed like a good idea at the time but I am starting to feel a bit burnt out on it. As much as there are interesting elements to Denpa Onna I'm having trouble getting invested emotionally into it, especially whenever Ryuushi or Maekawa are in focus. At least Erio is cute and Meme is surprisingly not just a meme.

Hopefully I won't have this problem going into True Tears and ef later.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 20:18

[](#backfired)

but denpa onna OP is such a banger (it's literally the only thing i know about it)

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:20

yeah the OP is great. it's the best thing about it followed by Erio's maximum overmoe

mr_beanoz2025-12-28 22:37

the ending is also cute

theangryeditor2025-12-28 22:43

can't say no to etsuko yakushimaru

[](#seasonallisten)

Heda-of-Aincrad2025-12-28 20:42

I usually try to alternate between genres for the shows I'm watching at the same time/each month to avoid burnout.

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:49

That's the right idea. I was hoping the time of year and the holidays would help me keep the mood going but things haven't quite gone as planned.

Heda-of-Aincrad2025-12-28 21:43

If anything, I feel like I have less time for anime around the holidays this year (too much other stuff to do/watch instead).

[](#tiredaoi)

theangryeditor2025-12-28 21:52

[I understand](#tiredaoi)

theangryeditor2025-12-28 19:42

[Posing this question for the daily thread as well](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1pxbws9/state_of_the_subreddit_looking_at_ranime_heading/nwbqbft/)

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 19:48

Well there are a few distinct cultures on r/anime. There is the [](#fish) culture and the [](#ero) culture, as well as the [](#lolifightsback) culture.

And also the [](#throwsalt) and [](#punch) cultures.

Personally, I enjoy participating in all of them especially the [](#lolifightsback) culture.

[](#ohoho)

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:49

You forgot the [](#mugiwait) culture

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 20:51

[](#mugiwait 'legend has it that shes still waiting')

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:53

[](#mugiwait "the mugi waits for thee")

_Ridley2025-12-28 19:57

Himedanshis calling fujoshis everything but a child of God.

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:15

https://i.imgur.com/UQdkni4.png

mr_beanoz2025-12-28 22:33

i wish "oujijoshi" becomes a thing to replace "fujoshi"

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 20:03

on a more serious note - the way most of us use comment faces probably hurts the subreddit since its very confusing for the majority of the user base.

But doing something about that means enforcing a strict no empty comment faces rule, and idk if anyone on old reddit wants that.

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:17

That will ultimately be a self resolving problem once old reddit gets put down for good, likely with an accompanying exodus of everyone who used it.

[](#mug1)

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-28 20:39

>likely with an accompanying exodus of everyone who used it.

A small, but active percentage of people here

Zeallfnonex2025-12-28 21:15

It actually convinced me to swap to old reddit as I was getting fomo from missing them on comments, especially rewatches.

So you all [bullied](#nobully) me into changing, so I'd say they were used successfully [](#azusalaugh)

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 21:15

[deserved](#punch)

Heda-of-Aincrad2025-12-28 20:44

Thanks for the link, I didn't see this post.

[](#kannathumbs)

theangryeditor2025-12-28 20:49

[](#nichijouthumbs)

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 20:16

dark history villainess might be my favourite villainess and im only 2 episodes in

[](#bigthink)

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-28 20:37

Tell me if you like this show, I am tempted to watch it because the protagonist (?) Looks cool

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 20:39

its primary selling point for me is that its throwing visual gags on screen 24/7.

You will get to fill your reaction folder with things like [this](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/430eef03c4a9.jpg) or [](#seasonalthink)

GondolaMedia2025-12-28 22:35

I didn't even notice the faces on those rocks at first.

redlegsfan212025-12-28 22:36

I can't get over the rocks' faces.

_Ridley2025-12-28 20:46

I enjoyed the anime so much, I'm considering undropping the manga (I didn't like the art). She's just so fun.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-28 20:50

dewit

[](#mischievous)

BaytaCosmico2025-12-29 01:46

I didn't watch this because I thought it would be a boring villainess anime and I already had too much on my plate last season. But now I'm curious, especially since you liked it so much. Shall add to PTW though I don't know when I'll get to it.

_Ridley2025-12-29 01:56

It's fantastic if you like meta comedy about fanfiction tropes.

BaytaCosmico2025-12-29 01:58

Oh, I'm not too familiar with fanfiction. Maybe I'll save it for a little down the line then.

_Ridley2025-12-29 02:34

I mean, I'm not either really, but it's full of jabs at self-indulgent fiction that you see everywhere from fanfiction to isekai web novels. I think the first episode will show you what its game is.

BaytaCosmico2025-12-29 02:36

Ah ok. Shall give it a go when I have a bit of time.

redlegsfan212025-12-28 22:35

Studio Deen definitely made this anime fun. The story is all over the place (but what can you really expect from a young teenager) but you can tell there was love and care done in creating the show.

mekerpan2025-12-29 00:28

Very different from the one punch villainess/saint, but the dorky villainess/would-be author in Dark History is equally entertaining.

Korkez112025-12-28 20:38

Since we're all talking about KyoAni now - I rewatched Liz to Aoi Tori intro scene for the 357th time and I want to point out that the sound design in this movie is also perfect. Not even music - every little sound there is ASMR to my ears.

mekerpan2025-12-29 00:26

Hard to disagree....

Deep-Competition-3402025-12-28 21:00

The most influential anime in history is Neon Genesis Evangelion

Emi_Ibarazakiii2025-12-28 21:17

Perhaps it is, for now;

But 20 years from now, people will say Gushing over Magical Girls was the most influential anime in history.

theangryeditor2025-12-28 21:20

20 years from now people will still be arguing over Rei vs Asuka

Deep-Competition-3402025-12-28 21:21

Wtf?

Quiddity1312025-12-29 03:10

I'd give it to Gundam or Akira or Dragonball Z or Astro Boy or countless others instead.

Deep-Competition-3402025-12-29 06:39

Not at the level of Evangelion.

Ocixo2025-12-28 21:03

I just realised that the latest episode of To Your Eternity is entirely missing from CR, but it did air yesterday - I believe?

LiveChart states that there won’t be an episode next week, however.

Infodump_Ibis2025-12-28 22:32

It was live on CR for a period of time (at least 20 minutes but probably not more than an hour) as piracy autorips grabbed it (looking at upload time of first and last) and Anidb has [a CR ep URL](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/G2XUN0MZW/) that now goes to a 404. [syoboi says](https://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/7576/time) *Broadcast interrupted due to emergency earthquake alert.* so looks like it'll be back Jan 10th (so if you watch now 20 days until the next ep). Good thing it's not 26 episodes and thus currently set to end 14th March.

My guess is CR contract is can only be shown after its shown on TV Japan and while it technically started showing, it didn't finish showing. It's fairly unprecedented event, it was recalled so likely no further action.

DeadCaveman2025-12-28 21:08

[Seasonal tier list for Fall.](https://i.imgur.com/L2IvVzW.png) Could be better, could be worse (never happy to see a 5 slip in.)

My main comments this time around are going to be for Trigger's short YouTube series **The Lenticulars**. It's an unassuming pick, a fairly plain, low-stakes high school romance drama with about an hour of runtime, but I'd say the main draw comes from the touch of director Akira Amemiya. To compare it to his previous works, it's something of a marriage between the voice direction of Gridman and Dynazenon and the limited animation of Inferno Cop. The... unique finale seems to imply a continuation planned for the future, and I'm definitely interested in seeing how the new developments play out. The YouTube channel also posted a fun little [Behind The Scenes video](https://youtu.be/D2GjGzNQkBs?si=5_QuubNtPE2AdKPG) on the making of the series, which does include some scenes from the show.

Aside from all that, sequels for Sanda and Ranma chop-chop please and thanks.

Adventurous-Skirt-802025-12-28 22:45

Any animes about birds? Specifically birdwatching. I know there's the manga Shiawase Torimingu, I know Kemono Friends has some birds, and Rooster Fighter is coming up soon, but I was wondering what else there is about birds, even just in general.

mr_beanoz2025-12-28 22:50

no anime, but there are some manga about birdwatching like shiawase toriming or akiyama-san no tori life

theangryeditor2025-12-28 22:53

[the real non-native accent on the waitress was a neat touch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bddRDxegHRE)

zambonijesus2025-12-28 23:25

Maybe 2026 will be the year I participate in re-watches, except I have historically been incapable of keeping to a schedule.

Rotorscope2025-12-28 23:41

Not really caught up with the big-name sequels so here's what I'm watching this season:

**Continuing**:

* Frieren
* Watanare (5 episode special)
* GNOSIA

**New**:

* Journal with Witch (Ikoku Nikki)
* Sentenced to be a Hero
* The Darwin Incident
* The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife
* You and I Are Polar Opposites
* ALL YOU NEED IS KILL (movie)

I think Sentenced to be a Hero is the most sure-fire new show for me, but the subject matter of Journal with Witch looks like it has a lot of potential.

Gamerunglued2025-12-28 23:45

Alright, which producer at KyoAni wants to fuck a dragon? No shot this is a coincidence, someone's got a scale fetish and I'd love to know who it is.

It's actually super exciting to see KyoAni work with Shounen Jump. For one, it calls back to their earlier years working on series like Inuyasha, but it also gives so many more opportunities to find interesting shows. There are a lot of gag manga and slice of life series in Jump like Ruri Dragon, it opens a whole new array of stories they can work with. And since they have the clout to top their own committees, it's an easy avenue to high success for them. Hell, maybe now the shounen bros will become obsessed with KyoAni the way they did with Ufotable. This does mean we're one step closer to KyoAni getting a true action show, but idk if I trust them to not bring another Phantom World or Munto. But between this and Jaadugar, anime is saved yet again.

Salty1452025-12-28 23:51

I don’t think action is KyoAni’s bread and butter. They’re good at it, as with everything else, but I don’t think they’re gonna be picking up a big action series anytime soon, and if it is the industry might be kinda cooked.

And as much as I’d like the Shounen Bros to simp for KyoAni as hard as I do, they’re just not an action studio quite like Ufotable was. The best you’ll get out of them is “this one show is good, but the rest of the cute girls and their tea is bad”, or worse “why is KyoAni spending all this effort and budget on garbage pedo gooner bait when they should be putting those resources into a big Shounen title”.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-29 00:01

the real tragedy is having kyoani stop working on cgdct shows for action slop.

Doga Kobo was already taken from me. After pumping out peak after peak after peak with UzaMaid, Wataten, Dumbell and RPG Real Estate - they've not been allowed to work on any cgdct since. It's the greatest loss the anime industry has experienced recently.

Salty1452025-12-29 00:09

The genre’s just not the moneymaker is once was. The money is in Shounen, even more so than it has been in previous decades.

You just can’t have a studio whose releases are structured in the way KyoAni’s has been. Tentpoles are the name of the game. You can’t stay viable in a world where your one show for the year is “I Can’t Believe It’s Not *Nichijou*” and it only does moderately well.

qwertyqwerty45672025-12-29 00:28

Well, that one was their own fault for not investing into dragon girl stocks for 2025, but they have course corrected now.

[](#mugiwait)

Salty1452025-12-29 00:50

They did invest in dragon girl stocks, it’s just the anti-dragon girl lobbyists (Crunchyroll) conspired against them (gave the film a garbage Western release window).

alotmorealots2025-12-29 01:26

> RPG Real Estate

Episode 11, never forget.

Komarist2025-12-29 01:38

Is this revisionist history or was Doga Kobo gracing us mere mortals with Yuki Suou viewed as a negative?

[](#unsure)

oedipusrex3762025-12-29 05:06

>Doga Kobo

I’m still bummed that Doga Kobo stopped making Yuru Yuri and it got passed to TYO Animation. Luckily, the quality didn’t drop, but it’s a shame the studio shut down. Passione did a solid job with Oomuro-ke. I just hope more studios are still into CGDCT. I desperately need Yuru Yuri Season 4.

Gamerunglued2025-12-29 00:15

I think you'd be surprised at how little it takes to impress that normie crowd. Just has to be a really popular show action or otherwise. Something like Spy x Family is right up KyoAni's wheelhouse, if the adaptation we got had a production of KyoAni quality they'd simp for KyoAni. We already have people giving those exact criticisms of KyoAni, at least this way there's widespread discussion about it and people will actually learn how to engage with their work. The industry is certainly not cooked if KyoAni takes on an action title, they already have multiple (and while Phantom World and Munto aren't the best, I know some people like Beyond the Boundary and their FMP: TSR is pretty darn beloved). If anything, having an action show that is not tied to KA Esuma Bunko titles (which they usually improve) or to someone's Chuuni fantasy may be the way to get more consistently great action shows from the studio. But WSJ isn't just action shows, there are tons of dramas and comedies right in KyoAni's wheelhouse. A shame they weren't given Akane Banashi (scared for that production, Ayumu Watanabe is gonna die of overwork at this rate), but there are others of that sort which are popular among the shounen crowd.

Heda-of-Aincrad2025-12-29 01:22

> their FMP: TSR is pretty darn beloved

That's a good point. I don't often think of action scenes when I hear the name KyoAni, but I love FMP and TSR has some great mech battles.

_Ridley2025-12-29 00:39

> It's actually super exciting to see KyoAni work with Shounen Jump.

I'm not mad about it, but I honestly can't understand being *excited* about a top tier studio known for ambitious adaptations of lesser-known works adapting something from the single most overexposed manga magazine in existence. That's like being excited for more football.

Gamerunglued2025-12-29 00:48

I'm not excited for some meta reason like extra exposure to the works of WSJ. I'm excited because it's a new relationship between two of the biggest forces in the industry, allowing for a much more robust set of adaptations. I feel like I expanded in my reasons in that initial comment. The "lesser known" source material that KyoAni adapts is usually mediocre novels that win their competitions which they make good with their strong adaptation work (I think the only one that people liked as a novel was Violet Evergarden, although I've heard... interesting things about the Phantom World books). Having the biggest magazine in the world working with one of the best production studios in the world can only lead to good things I think, and gives KyoAni both greater success and access to works outside of their wheelhouse. Plus I doubt we're seeing KyoAni Bleach or whatever (although... that might rule a actually), Ruri Dragon isn't a good analogy to Football nor a less impressive or interesting work than the KA Esuma Bunko catalog or stuff like Dragon Maid.

Also, a lot of people are excited for more football, lol. I don't like sports but I think I'm in the minority for not being excited for more football tbh.

_Ridley2025-12-29 01:26

Like I said, I'm not mad about it, but anything in WSJ that doesn't get axed will eventually get an anime, so I can't say I'm excited to see a studio with the power to elevate unknown material spend their limited time on something that was always going to happen.

They're KyoAni. Why not pick something novel from an artsy shoujosei magazine like Feel Young, or rummage around the various seinen magazines publishing beautifully drawn and creatively told stories, or even look for a lesser-known shounen magazine? More WSJ is just kinda whatever to me.

Gamerunglued2025-12-29 01:37

Why not both? My excitement for KyoAni to work with WSJ is not in opposition to the excitement I would feel if they teamed up with an artsy ShouJosei magazine. I would like them to do that too, that would also be super exciting and if that's what happened I'd be expressing similar excitement. But I also don't think WSJ is any lesser, or that it doesn't deserve adaptations with KyoAni's excellence. KyoAni has value beyond being able to elevate lesser known source material to me, it really doesn't make much of a difference to me if they adapt something popular or not. I'm only responding to the thing that did actually happen, which I think is exciting and has the potential to lead to some great and interesting works. It has no bearing at all on what other ventures KyoAni could theoretically take that would also excite me, it's not a competition.

**Edit:** Also, if anything, this is greater exposure and success for KyoAni, WSJ is the bigger company giving them exposure. KyoAni only works with companies if they are allowed to top the production committee. That means that if a WSJ manga is very popular and KyoAni makes an adaptation that gets popular with the marketing backing of WSJ, they see most of the fruits of that success. I think that, from a business perspective, this can only help KyoAni. The more successful their relationship is, the more resources they'll have to adapt more personal or artistic projects.

cosmiczar2025-12-29 02:06

> Why not both?

Probably because anime production is, in some ways, a zero-sum game. The moment a studio that normally don't do a lot of works is busy with something, they literally cannot work on something else till they're a bit freer. Sure, maybe after Ruri Dragon KyoAni could do some shoujosei, but that would be years in the future and it's literally just an hypothetical, there's no guarantee it will happen, so it makes sense to be disappointed as there's no "both" happening right now.

I say this as someone who's neither over the moon, nor disappointed, with this current news (my ideal KyoAni would be one doing original [so no FMP] mecha anime), but I can see where Ridley's coming from.

Gamerunglued2025-12-29 02:25

I think that's sort of besides the point. I was trying to say "both outcomes are good ones." Both can be true that "it's exciting to see KyoAni work with WSJ" and "there are other outcomes I'd like to have seen even more if I had to choose between them." Like I said, I'm reacting to the thing that happened, not speculating at other options that didn't happen. Plus, I honestly don't care if it's years in the future. Ultimately, I just want to see good anime, and KyoAni working with an interesting partner is always going to be good. I don't need every announcement to be my ideal project, just that the thing that was announced sounds like it will be good.

lurker_is_lurking2025-12-29 05:49

It is not even years in the future. KyoAni currently can produce at least 2 full-length productions yearly and more in the future as their human resources expand. The company has been hiring a lot of people recently. In the long-run, they will aim for both quantity and quality as resources increase (like every company that grows). The ultimate decider on what gets made though is still what their leading creatives like since the company picks material based on that and not on which demographics they'd like to appeal to.

mr_beanoz2025-12-29 02:45

Although sometimes we could get anime based on axed series like Kill Blue or Black Torch.

IXajll2025-12-29 01:36

> Plus I doubt we're seeing KyoAni Bleach or whatever

It's not like people were expecting Colorido out of all studios to tackle the Bleach-adjacent Burn The Witch, so anythings possible lol. Though ofc the chances are slim.

mr_beanoz2025-12-29 02:42

More football is never a bad thing, right? Even if it's not on the level of NFL.

Or more racing, which is why the idea of the "winter series" exists, like the A1GP in the mid-2000s or the recent "Winter Series" events for lower open wheel categories and GT cars.

oedipusrex3762025-12-29 04:47

I wonder if this is the reason KyoAni didn't pick up the Shoshimin Series. It turned out to be a better decision anyway, since I prefer Shoshimin’s muted, minimalistic direction over KyoAni's signature "flowery", maximalist style in Hyouka.

AppleOwn3542025-12-29 01:07

> maybe now the shounen bros will become obsessed with KyoAni the way they did with Ufotable

dont you put this evil on me ricky bobby

but its probably Ishihara who had very primary interest in this given his otaku tendencies

Gamerunglued2025-12-29 01:22

What, you mean you're *not* trying to see an uptick in vocal shounen bros creaming their pants before complaining that it's a waste of time to work on anything other than the new Jujutsu Kaisen and cute girls are a waste of resources? Just think of all the discourse!!

Ishihara makes sense, but I feel like it's hard to say. Will have to wait for the staff release and see who they've got in common. It's just fun that someone with clout over there is using his influence for good.

collapsedblock62025-12-29 02:30

> Hell, maybe now the shounen bros will become obsessed with KyoAni the way they did with Ufotable

On the other hand, I'm surprised how positively this was received by some sakuga people I know. I would have bet that their reaction would have been 'I can't believe Kyoani is doing shounenslop now'.

That said, I don't have twitter, maybe its a different story there.

oedipusrex3762025-12-29 04:36

I found a Japanese comment on Twitter expressing discontent about how many studios are moving away from moe anime adaptations (I lost the sauce, but I find that comment quite relatable tbh).

Salty1452025-12-28 23:59

Alright. Time to be the guy who asks *the* stupid question…

Now that I’m about 1/100th of the way through OP, when does *One Piece* get good?

Jokes aside, when did OP reach its “untouchable” status as “one of the GOATs” that it seems to have now? Like I’ve dabbled in modern OP and have now dabbled in classic OP. 12 episodes in and the most I can say is it’s a fairly standard intro arc. Now I’m more curious as to where people think OP crosses that threshold and becomes the series everyone knows it today. In other words, what is OP’s *Frieren* Ep. 4 moment.

I’m fully committed to the bit (for now), but this question is going to eat at me if I don’t get some kind of answer.

Rotorscope2025-12-29 00:08

It starts getting better after episode 19-20 and I believe episode 37 is the big hooking moment. It's really up and down but it's GOAT status doesn't claim that the anime is a consistent well paced experience haha.

Salty1452025-12-29 00:10

> it's GOAT status doesn't claim that the anime is a consistent well paced experience

I’m well aware. I’ve seen the pace graphs. I’m committed to the bit.

IXajll2025-12-29 01:30

To save your sanity I recommend watching the One Pace version.

ComfortablyRotten2025-12-29 00:21

There's a bunch of story arcs that people consider the point where it *truly* "gets good", which really just means it starts finding its footing, but the earliest one would be the Arlong Park arc (chapters 69-95, episodes 31-44).

It's the climax of the East Blue Saga, the point where the core Straw Hat crew (Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp and Nami) is fully formed and cemented as true companions, the first big "liberation" type arc that will become a series staple, the first arc whose villain is directly linked to its main emotional core, and the first arc with significant impact to the world (even if the scope is still limited)

VoidEmbracedWitch2025-12-29 01:56

> when did OP reach its “untouchable” status

I haven't been around at the time, but from talks with One Piece fans who are up to date (so not me who's currently at the start of Punk Hazard) my estimate is either the Water 7 + Enies' Lobby or Marineford was where OP fully cemented its status. It already was a top of popularity polls battle shounen before them of course, but I think those two are the steps up it needed to push itself into all-timer territory for a lot or fans. They're where OP shows how well it uses the scale of its story, both in terms of raw length and the amount of characters + places it sets up,

Arlong Park is the early spike in getting people invested since [OP] >!it's the part where the Straw Hats start to feel and act like a crew!<, which is a great arc, although idk if it on its own really shows what OP is made of. Or maybe that is more comparable to Frieren #04 as the major hook for most of the Audience. Meanwhile the other two I mentioned may be more comparable to the likes of [Death Note + Code Geass big spoils] >!L's L and Lelouch's ending!<.

Salty1452025-12-29 02:15

What’s the over-under on how many episodes I get through before the scale of the project sinks in?

OmegaVirgin942025-12-29 02:57

The East Blue Saga (first 61 episodes) are the smaller scale stuff. I'm not saying "it gets good after 61 episodes" since I love East Blue, but once they cross into the Grand Line the scale of the story picks up immediately with Alabasta.

collapsedblock62025-12-29 02:48

Imo One Piece only reached is status by virtue of outlasting the competition.

In the 2000s I felt you were either Bleach or Naruto team, with One Piece being minor. You just didn't see that one talked to the extent the former two were. Imo it is because One Piece is much more about adventure while the others are more action-packed, and what we call now 'having aura'.

It was considered good, but not GOAT status. Kinda like how MHA was viewed once Yaiba or JJK came to the picture. A tier below. Like just look back on the multi-part fansubs uploaded to youtube, the cosplays, the videos of weebs bring cringe, the memes, the AMVs. They were always Bleach or Naruto.

And again, this was just my personal perception and probably really biased because I only started to talk at large with the community just as Bleach and Naruto were ending.

Salty1452025-12-29 03:44

I can kind of believe that. When I was first getting into anime ten years ago, I did kind of get the vibe that *Naruto* is the popular, *Bleach* is the cool one, and *One Piece* is the third one (that everyone seems to agree is the best of the three). With Shounen kind of on the backfoot, it seemed to mostly just be doing its thing.

It wasn't until COVID (like with most things) where Shounen started to blow up again, a lot more people got into anime/*One Piece* and it was perfectly primed capitalize on the global pandemic. This was also the time when OP was starting to take its production more seriously, and it seemed to be an easy "high ground" to take in the Shounen Wars as the last entry from the last gen still kicking.

I can say though that there's definitely a change in the series somewhere between these early episodes and the present in how it presents itself and adopts the reputation its known for. I was just curious where that point seems to be (though I will find it eventually).

theangryeditor2025-12-29 00:00

Lenticulars a/ was pretty neat. Made Denpa Onna look pretentious and amateurishly juvenile in comparison.

[](#kotohoops)

[lenticulars a/]>!many feelings were left unspoken. the air has not been cleared. it's not quite spring just yet. the girl in the background across all these episodes, will her feelings reach? [lenticular b/ awaits](#mugiwait)!<

MyrnaMountWeazel2025-12-29 01:11

I would have watched Amemiya make paper cutouts on a stream, so the fact that this one was even this good was a pleasant surprise to me. Lots to infer based on the title of the show, and the gloves that supposedly can only fit one size yet can be twisted and turned into any shape besides ones for your hands.

Also, couldn't help but see how similar the designs were in this show with [a past *Gridman* design.](https://www.tumblr.com/sushiobunny/179301395485/ive-decided-to-make-a-larger-and-more-explanatory)

theangryeditor2025-12-29 01:15

>Lots to infer based on the title of the show, and the gloves that supposedly can only fit one size yet can be twisted and turned into any shape besides ones for your hands.

Indeed, it'll be interesting to see what b/ side's angle shows us.

> a past Gridman design.

[](#neat)

Nachtwandler_FS2025-12-29 00:43

A bit late, but I finished the remainig 5 eps of Cinderella Gray today. Now season is done.

It was fine. No series that surprised me or were masterpiece-level but no huge dusappointments or drops either.

AdUnfair5582025-12-29 02:07

I haven't watched anime in about 10 years. I've been watching on and off but I am trying to be more consistent. So, I am starting with the shows I stopped watching half way or have a bit to go.

I am finishing up [Spy x Family Part 2](https://myanimelist.net/anime/50602/Spy_x_Family_Part_2) right now. This show came out at a good time, but watching it now really hasn't lived up. The comedy feels so forced and everything is paint by numbers. I remember when Anya was pretty much everywhere in Japan at that time. I won't be continuing this series that's for sure.

Fantastic-Dinner-5202025-12-29 06:47

My man,spy x family is not that bad of a show,but in my opinion,there are many better shows out there,you can start other anime,it depends on your personal preferences,if you look for a good shounen anime,then there are many good options,some trending ones nowadays are,sakamoto days,solo leveling,frieren and all that,if you are looking for a little longer anime,then my hero academia and hunter x hunter. Romance anime,if you look for that type of shi,then watch the fragrant flower blooms with dignity,horimiya and from me to you. Isekai are also quite mid and i do not remember any names except for re:zero. So yeah,spy x family has 3 seasons as of now,but its meh,so if you really wanna finish it,which you do not,then after that,watch something like JJK or demon slayer they are quite good shows,plus,you can just ask me anytime for recommendations.

AdUnfair5582025-12-29 06:51

Do you know what a paragraph is?

Fantastic-Dinner-5202025-12-29 11:23

Nah,just read bruh

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-29 02:11

Year is almost ending, [and this still is the best piece of anime this year offered](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/d2f3a2d6ab94.mp4)

ps: didn't even watch this show

[](#seasonalfoodie)

alotmorealots2025-12-29 04:00

> ps

Make sure to at least watch the ED! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEb3rctB3dc

Komarist2025-12-29 04:05

Obviously didn't watch the ED as it hasn't been [stuck in your head for 11+ months.](https://animethemes.moe/anime/guild_no_uketsukejou_desu_ga_zangyou_wa_iya_nanode_boss_wo_solo_toubatsu_shiyou_to_omoimasu/ED1)

One of the top 49 LN adaptations I intend to finish for 2025.

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-29 04:19

What are the odds of double ep propaganda

Anyway, thought that clip was originally from the ED, now I have no idea of the context of that lol

Komarist2025-12-29 04:32

Assuming you meant double ED propaganda instead of double EP, but speaking of the latter, want to remind you of [a commitment to watch 2026 AOTY, Shiboyugi,](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1m9imim/playing_death_games_to_put_food_on_the_table/n596b8g/) which has a double-length premiere on January 7th. ^(I am totally not taking a vacation day off work just to read responses, haha, I'd never do that...)

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-29 04:35

Done, next season I will watch all the good shows, will have more time, just finished my second graduation, one less thing to deal with daily

Komarist2025-12-29 04:41

Was the 6 hours of AI slop per day part of the degree or job?

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-29 05:09

8 hours of work + 4 hours of degree, 12 hours per day for the past 2 years, I can't anymore

marshmallow_sunshine2025-12-29 05:04

[Second place contender?](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/97bb27254842.mp4)

Abysswatcherbel2025-12-29 05:10

100%, Definitely 2nd place, even though [this monster wants to eat Reina ueda]>!this ed is a lie!<

BaytaCosmico2025-12-29 08:03

Wait, when did this air? I watched (and loved) all of Watatabe and don't recall this at all.

marshmallow_sunshine2025-12-29 08:19

It's part of Miko's special ED from episode 4. There's a longer version up on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqtcbzj8bbc

BaytaCosmico2025-12-29 09:25

Thanks. Don't know how I missed/forgot this. Will go back and check.

cppn022025-12-29 16:33

I prefer the [live-action version](https://x.com/fairouzzzzzz/status/2005191859648561381).

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-29 08:31

Well I think Uron Mirage deserves some credit with their ED... a criminally under watched show IMO!

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXjLhh6KZuM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXjLhh6KZuM)

And I like the OP as well: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3yirXygazg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3yirXygazg)

zairaner2025-12-29 10:36

Nope it's definitely still [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_lqY-403kE&list=PLYo6FwmaNZGjhzAwgQx8Odl6cj2cBG2iG&index=8)!

TheBigIdiotSalami2025-12-29 02:53

I'm just gonna say that there are places in Go Go Loser Ranger where it threatens to have the smoothness of Disney's 2D animation during the golden age, but they last basically for a shot.

Durinthal2025-12-29 02:54

Switched over to the Japanese dub for Let's Play to finish it tonight and I was *not* expecting HanaKana and Sugita to be there.

[](#flyingbunsofdoom)

marshmallow_sunshine2025-12-29 04:49

It's kinda interesting how This Monster Wants to Eat Me went hard on the voice cast and soundtrack, but was still given to Studio Lings for animation. They only had two 12 episode series under their belt before this show. They did a pretty decent job for an amateur studio, but still intriguing how production priorities got split in such a way.

Quiddity1312025-12-29 07:40

I thought they did a fine job given the subject matter; I can't think of the animation ever being amazing but the story never required it to be. It has a very budget ED sequence oh so reliant on still shots, but the song is so great I didn't mind at all. My favorite ED song of the year in fact.

PsychoGeek2025-12-29 07:46

Lings can do better. They did most of the 2d animation in Sorairo Utility and that looks very good. This show had a lot of issues in production, it was initially supposed to be announced more than a year before it actually was.

marshmallow_sunshine2025-12-29 09:08

Oh that's interesting to know! I wasn't aware they worked on Sorario Utility either, I enjoyed that one. I only checked Studio Lings on wikipedia and MAL but their references are pretty limited there.

PsychoGeek2025-12-29 12:48

Yeah, MAL and wiki generally just show the primary studio as per credits, which is at least partially misleading in cases like this where the bulk of the work is outsourced to another studio.

Queue_Jumping_Quack2025-12-29 08:13

I think the end result was overall good, even if some of the yokai scenes would have benefited from higher quality animation, and sometimes the drawing quality was not as detailed as could have been hoped for. It was a character focused story and it succeeded with that. The atmosphere carried it through.

marshmallow_sunshine2025-12-29 09:25

I have minor nitpicks here and there but they made up for it with some of the most important parts like the atmosphere you mentioned. Overall I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

Nachtwandler_FS2025-12-29 10:16

Good direction compensated animation flows for me personally.

soracte2025-12-29 11:14

To expand slightly on "Lings can do better", anime studios aren't (even) as cohesive as, say, games studios, and just because one has sprung up recently doesn't mean that its personnel are inexperienced. Or, for that matter, that its personnel are even stable: plenty of studios are somewhat fly-by-night assemblages of whoever can be hauled in or subcontracted. A stable anime studio defined by a consistent set of direct employees over time--like Kyoto Animation--is the exception not the rule.

In this case, both the chief director and director had directed other shows before, and the episode directors all look, from their credits, decently experienced. But it looks like the production might've been a death march, from a few superficial signs like the thirty-plus (!) animation directors involved in a thirteen-episode title, seven (!) of them credited for episode 13.

That might be because of mismanagement, but it's more likely to be because they weren't given enough time in the first place, which is--leaving aside the specific stuff with this title that PsychoGeek mentioned--an all-too-common story with the anime industry in the 2020s thanks to the international consumption boom and competition for production time.

theangryeditor2025-12-29 07:39

All these years I've been mentally grouping True Tears together with White Album 2 because I assumed both were love triangles.

Now that I'm actually watching True Tears I think I'm going to end up grouping it with Glasslip instead.

[](#seasonalthink)

Nachtwandler_FS2025-12-29 10:14

True Tears is technically a love polygon. But grouping it with Glasslip is dumb, because even P.A.Works themselves have better once.

Which reminds me that I decided to rewatch True Tears yesterday. Time to suffer as [plot]>!the best girl lost!<

theangryeditor2025-12-29 19:06

[](#whisperwhisper "glasslip because of nishimura junji and chickens")

MentionRemarkable8152025-12-29 10:35

Where can I find Japanese subtitles for this anime Nukitashi

AnimeMod2025-12-29 17:56

Hello /r/anime, a new daily thread has been posted! Please follow
[this link](/r/anime/comments/1pyihrs/anime_questions_recommendations_and_discussion/) to move on to the new thread
or [search for the latest thread](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3ADaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new).

[](#heartbot "And don't forget to be nice to new users!")