KonoSuba – God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Synopsis: “After a traffic accident, Kazuma Sato’s disappointingly brief life was supposed to be over, but he wakes up to see a beautiful girl before him. She claims to be a goddess, Aqua, and asks if he would like to go to another world and bring only one thing with him. Kazuma decides to bring the goddess herself, and they are transported to a fantasy world filled with adventure, ruled by a demon king. Now Kazuma only wants to live in peace, but Aqua wants to solve many of this world’s problems, and the demon king will only turn a blind eye for so long…” (Source: Crunchyroll).
First impressions: After watching Grimgar, the utterly fun and bubblegum pop like take on the living in the fantasy RPG setting in Konosoba was the perfect pick-up.
Available on Crunchyroll. New simulcast episodes on Wednesdays at 10:35 AM Pacific.
Ojisan and Marshmallow
Synopsis: “Ojisan and Marshmallow tells the story of Hige, an older man with an insatiable love of marshmallows, and Wakabayashi, a woman in his office who loves him. The show follows their budding relationship in their office.”
First impressions: Onna to otoko to marshmallow. This is the most harrowing and charming love triangle I have ever seen! Seriously, without hyperbole, it is impossible to not smile and laugh watching this.
Available on Crunchyroll. New simulcast episodes on Thursdays at 11:30 AM Pacific.
Saijuku Muhai no Bahamut (Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle)
Synopsis: “From the broken, charred pieces of the Arcadia Empire, a new kingdom arose. To protect itself from future foes, the new Kingdom of Atismata began training Drag-Knights to wield ancient mechanical dragons known as Drag-Rides. When Lux Arcadia, former prince of the ruined Empire, sights the new kingdom’s princess, Lisesharte Atismata, naked, she challenges him to a Drag-Ride duel, beginning an odd chain reaction that will expose the dark secrets of both royal families.” (Source: Hulu)
First impressions: I can’t decide whether this is sci-fi or fantasy – but I don’t care because mecha dragon armor! Also, a warning – there’s a fair amount of cheesecake and fanservice.
Available on Hulu. New simulcast episodes on Mondays.
Prince of Stride: Alternative
Synopsis: “From MADHOUSE, the studio behind Death Note and One-Punch Man, comes a fast-paced sports anime about Stride—a mix between competitive relay races and parkour. Nana and her classmate, Takeru, are desperate to resurrect their school’s Stride Club, but if they want to recruit their wildly fast (but reckless) classmate Riku, they’ll have to catch him first.” (Source: Funimation).
First impressions: PARKOUR!
Available on Hulu and Funimation. New simulcast episodes on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM Eastern.
Schwarzes Marken
Synopsis: “In 1983, the East German Army 666th TSF Squadron, “Schwarzes marken,” is a special-response force tasked with assaulting BETA forces. They specifically target Laser and Heavy Laser class BETA to disable their enemy’s immense firepower. This merciless team’s orders are given the highest priority, and they follow them so exactly that the 666th is known to ignore allied distress calls that would interfere with an ongoing mission, even if only for a moment.” (Source: Crunchyroll).
First impressions: Seriously intense, grim, and a tad over-dramatic – but I can’t help myself because it is a Muv Luv spinoff.
Available on Crunchyroll. New simulcast episodes on Sundays at 10:35 AM Pacific.
Ja, these are my top picks for this season! Check them out at your leisure and stay tuned for individual reviews and recaps in the upcoming weeks! Also, feel free to message me on your favorite picks this winter!
Chris Samson wants to be the very best like no one ever was. You can find him on Twitter at @KyoNinjaForHire and @FanimeshonDesu.
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