While Marvel and DC have been providing comic book fans plenty of anticipation for their films and TV shows with the recent releases of trailers and TV spots during the Superbowl, fans of anime have just as much to look forward to this year with the return of some of the biggest names, past and present, in the genre.
This year promises on-screen adaptations for some of the biggest story-lines that fans got to experience in their manga, and the growing popularity of these shows points toward no sign of disappointment. Here are five anime people should check out in 2019.
Dragon Ball Super
When it comes to the big names of anime, very few come to mind before the Dragon Ball franchise. The latest instalment of the show, Dragon Ball Super, which debuted in 2015, is expected to return sometime this summer, and there can only be amazing adventures to be expected with Goku and his friends after the success that the film Dragon Ball Super: Broly saw earlier this year.
Fans of the series have plenty to look forward to, such as Goku possibly re-mastering Ultra Instinct and the debut of the new villain Moro. There’s also the chance that Dragon Ball Super: Broly will be adapted into the show the same way previous films Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F were.
My Hero Academia
Among the more recent popular titles that have been gaining steam over the past few years is My Hero Academia, which can compare to some of the biggest journeys of the Western superhero genre by following Midoriya Izuku as he trains under legendary hero All Might to become a hero himself.
The fourth season is scheduled to debut this April and will focus on Midoriya continuing his goal of becoming the new Symbol of Peace, which will involve learning from Mirio, one of the top students of U.A. High School. This chapter in the protagonist’s story will involve facing a new villain with powers that can affect the abilities of the world’s heroes, which will only test Midoriya’s resolve even more.
One Punch Man
Speaking of superhero-styled anime that have gained a huge following, the second they made their debut, fans of One Punch Man will be happy to know that the second season will also debut this April after the first season hit the small screen in 2015. The new season will explore more of the workings and issues within the Hero Association that Saitama is now a part of, while also dealing with his journey in earning his reputation as a hero.
Followers of the series will be excited to see the on-screen debut of Garou, one of the top villains of the story so far, as well as continue Saitama’s quest to find a challenge that will take more than just one punch to conquer. Fans are also hoping that the anime’s transfer from Madhouse to J.C. Staff spells a good future for the show.
Mob Psycho 100
The creators of One Punch Man are also treating fans with one of their other new and rising series, Mob Psycho 100. The second season of the show arrived on the small screen in January, continuing the adventures of Shigeo Kageyama, a.k.a. Mob, as he keeps learning about his psychic abilities and finds new friends and enemies to interact with.
The action comedy series centres around Mob’s challenge of finding the amount of success in ordinary life, such as getting through Junior High and winning over his crush, that he experiences in his life as an Esper. He focuses on accomplishing this goal without the use of his powers, all while dealing with new threats that challenge his ability to control his power.
Ultraman
While Dragon Ball has been providing entertaining stories for almost 30 years, 2019 will see the return of another old name in the genre in the form of Ultraman. This new addition to the series will differ from its predecessor in the fact that it will centre around Shinjiro, the son of Ultraman, as well as be a 3DCG series, a trend that has become common among anime in the recent years.
With the expectation of being released this spring, the latest instalment of the Ultraman franchise will serve as a coming-of-age story for Shinjiro, who will attempt to gain complete control of his mechanised suit as he deals with aliens who intend to rule the planet. Fans will be able to enjoy this adaptation on Netflix.
Give these anime a shot so that you don’t miss out on action-packed adventures.
