A Ton of Anime News Arrived Over the Holidays

The winter break present a wealth of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than scanning the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on delicious food, and harnessing patience techniques to not arguing with family members. I hope you managed to accomplish all these things and more. However, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy announcements came out over the break, and just in case you didn't see a few, here is a summary of the biggest bits.

One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)

Truly the most shocking piece of news, the widely-criticized troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter further production. Season 3 will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they might as well have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which is seen as a good sign. However, the promotional image for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, by now, they must be teasing the fans.

The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the best-known magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series proved it maintained the fans' affection and enthusiasm, and now fans are ecstatic about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel Now in the Works

Kingdom is the top-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been going on for some time, and its sixth season was another stellar entry. Apparently that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

One more studio renowned for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has given us critically acclaimed works of the caliber 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 powerful woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and intriguing visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my watchlist.

Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two

Right after the airing of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a sequel. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete premiere date has not been disclosed yet.