A Heap of Anime Updates Arrived Over the Holidays

The Christmas holidays present a multitude of activities much better than checking the headlines: opening presents, indulging in holiday treats, and using meditation skills to not snapping at loved ones. It is wished you were able to enjoy all these things and more. That said, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling announcements emerged during the break, and if you didn't see any, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.

The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (By 2027)

Without a doubt the most surprising piece of news, the widely-criticized troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to halt further production. Season 3 will return with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which is seen as a positive development. But, the main art for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, nowadays, they could be mocking the fans.

Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an top-tier animation studio, making its mark not just for the superb artistry of its productions but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it resumed publication with a reduced workload, the series proved it maintained the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now everyone is overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Season 6 Has a Sequel Currently in Production

Kingdom is the highly popular, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only recently got an English localization, but the anime has been going on for a while, and season 6 was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.

Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

A further studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the real historical figure of Fatima, an prominent woman and scholar 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 fascinating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.

Tougen Anki Is Set to Continue With a Season Two

Right after the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has not been disclosed yet.