A Mountain of Anime Updates Arrived During the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays present a wealth of activities far superior than scanning the headlines: unwrapping gifts, feasting on delicious food, and harnessing patience techniques to avoid arguing with family members. I hope you managed to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the world of entertainment doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling developments came out over the holidays, and if you didn't see some of them, here is a summary of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Will Continue (In 2027)
Without a doubt the biggest revelation, the much-discussed disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to halt further production. Season 3 will return with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they might as well have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a positive development. Yet, the promotional image for the second cour is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, by now, they must be mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became massive popularity when it launched in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series proved it still retained the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now fans are overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only recently got an English localization, but the anime has been airing for a while, and season 6 was yet another outstanding entry. As it happens that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio renowned for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has delivered masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the true story of Fatima, an influential woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Season Two
Right after the conclusion of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has yet to be revealed.
