A Ton of Anime News Dropped During the Holidays

The Christmas holidays provide a multitude of activities considerably more enjoyable than checking the headlines: opening presents, indulging in holiday treats, and using meditation skills to not snapping at loved ones. Hopefully you managed to enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items surfaced during the break, and just in case you missed any, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.

The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)

Perhaps the most surprising revelation, the much-discussed disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop more episodes. The show will return with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they might as well have called it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be leading the project. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which could be taken as a good sign. But, the key visual for the new episodes is identical to the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, at this point, they could be mocking the fans.

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

Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the fair treatment of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not produced an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became massive popularity when it first appeared 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 returned with a lighter schedule, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' affection and enthusiasm, and now everyone is overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Now in the Works

Kingdom is the highly popular, epic Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only recently got an English translation, but the anime has been going on for some time, and season 6 was yet another outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will probably premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series

One more studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has brought us hit shows of the caliber 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an prominent woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.

Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season

Right after the release of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. 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 concrete premiere date has not yet been announced.