The winter 2022 anime season is shaping up to be fantastic. It is packed full of excellent anime, featuring both returning favorites and several new shows with a lot of buzz surrounding them. Nowhere is his more apparent than in the shonen genre, as the winter season features some massive smash-hits as well as some intriguing new titles. So, if you're looking to watch the best in shonen anime this winter, here are the shows you need to know about!
Attack on Titan: The Final Season - Part 2
Attack On Titan has cemented itself as an anime and manga phenomenon. However, all good things must come to an end, and after starting its final season in 2021, Attack On Titan is back to round things off. This season will adapt the rest of the "War for Paradis" arc, showing the Marleyans and the Eldians trying to end their war once and for all. At the same time, Eren sets out to finally settle his old grudges, leaving destruction in his wake.
The ending of this epic and influential tale feels like a can't miss event, and with MAPPA handling the animation, viewers are going to be treated to a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind spectacle, no matter who comes out on top. Attack on Titan: The Final Season - Part 2 debuts on Jan. 9, and will be streamed on Funimation, Crunchyroll and Hulu.
The Case Study of Vanitas
Based on the manga by Jun Mochizuki, The Case Study of Vanitas was 2021's most surprising hit, and this second cour will continue right where the first left off. The series followed the vampire Noé Archiviste who is forced to team up with the mysterious Vanitas, a doctor for vampires who says they can cure all vampires of the disease called malnomen. However, while they work to save all vampires, a strange force lurks in the shadows, plotting its next move.
The first cour featured lots of beautiful animation and a gripping plot. If the ending of the first cour is any indication, then the story will only get more exciting and mysterious in the second half, especially now the setting and lore have been established. The Case Study of Vanitas - Season 2 premiers Jan. 15 and will be streamed on Funimation.
Rust–Eater Bisco
Based on the light novel written by Shinji Cobkubo and illustrated by K Akagashi, Rust–Eater Bisco has been generating a lot of hype ever since its preview trailer was released. It is set in a unique post-apocalyptic world where a strange wind has rusted the country. The story follows Bisco Akahoshi, a vagabond who travels around the ruins of civilization, hoping to find the Rust Eater, a mushroom that can undo the effects of the wind. However, along the way, he'll encounter many people. Some will become friends, and others will become dangerous foes.
The light novel series and its various spin-offs have received lots of praise, and the series has over 300,000 copies in circulation. If the anime can capture the feel and story of the source material, anime fans are in for a treat. The series premiers on Jan. 11 and will be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Orient
Based on the manga series by Shinobu Ohtaka, Orient has been generating a lot of hype. Set in a fantasy version of the Sengoku period that follows Musashi, a young boy who promised to become a demon-slaying samurai. However, the world changed, and now the Demons rule and the samurai are looked down upon. After a strange event, Musashi teams up with his childhood friend Kojirou Kanemaki and the pair set out to purge the world of demons and restore honor to the samurai.
Animated by A.C.G.T, the studio behind Wangan Midnight and Initial D 4th Stage, this series is shaping up to deliver intense and exciting action as well as a fun alternative history plot. This could become the season's sleeper hit. Orient debuts on Jan. 6 and will be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Platinum End
Platinum End is based on the manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. When the anime was announced, fans understandably got excited. When the first half was broadcast in November 2021, the show quickly generated a massive fanbase, leaving viewers excitedly waiting for the second half.
The series followed Mirai Kakehashi, an orphaned high-school student. One day, Mirai tried to kill themselves. However, he is saved by the guardian angel Nasse. Nasse gave Mirai special powers and then informed him that God will retire in 999 days, and Miri is one of the 13 people in line to replace him. However, some competitors will do anything to win, no matter the cost.
The first half of the series, streaming on Funimation, Hulu and Crunchyroll, laid the foundations of an excellent, twist-packed story full of fascinating characters and captivating plot hooks. This means that now is the perfect time to dive into Platinum End, so fans can enjoy all of the available action and be ready for the upcoming second half.