Following a year marred by delays and schedule reshuffles as a result of the epidemic, the Winter 2021 anime season has sprung onto the scene. We were already looking forward to the continuation of last year’s series, such as the fan favorite Jujutsu Kaisen and the last season of Attack on Titan, however the new entries to the list have given me a pleasant surprise. These are the finest anime shows of the year so far, ranging from bizarre to heartfelt.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen’s young outcast protagonist Yuuji Itadori is reminiscent of Naruto. The thin veil between mankind and demons, as well as the unseen conflict between them, are reminiscent of Yu Yu Hakusho. The funny supporting cast, stunning combat, and can-do attitude are all part of its combat anime categorization and it is also one of the few shonen animes where women are given as much depth and power as males. Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and it lives up to its tagline (which translates to “Sorcerer Fight”). This is the show for you if you are all about massive battles and otherworldly terror, and it is a deft reimagining of a tried-and-true formula that keeps delivering every episode. Check out this article for some arcs that we loved!
Release Date: October 3, 2020 | Available on Netflix
Horimiya
Horimiya tells the story of Kyoko Hori, a beautiful and educated woman, and Izumi Miyamura, a monotonous and seemingly unapproachable man. If it hadn’t been for an unforeseen encounter outside of school, the two classmates might never have been more than acquaintances. Hori and Izumi are both masking their true selves behind the masks they present at school. After discovering how unlike they are outside of school, the two vow to keep their differences hidden. As they spend more time together, an odd relationship blossoms, leading to inevitable romance.
Release date: January 10, 2021 | Available on Netflix
Laid-Back Camp
The anime Laid-Back Camp features the introverted Rin Shima and the outgoing Nadeshiko Kagamihara as they meet by chance while camping on Mount Fuji. Due to their mutual passion of camping and Mount Fuji, the unusual pair quickly become friends. This slice-of-life series will follow the two girls’ delightful camping adventures, as well as those of people they meet along the way. It will teach us about the joys of winter camping as well as the strength of companionship forged through a shared passion.
Release date: January 7, 2021 | Available on Netflix
“Tomozaki-kun,” a Low Tier Character
“Tomozaki-kun,” a Low Tier Character, tells the story of Fumiya Tomozaki, an accomplished gamer but a “disappointment” in real life. He enjoys playing games since, unlike in real life, his efforts are constantly rewarded in the game. Real life, he says, is unjust, unexpected, and unsatisfactory. When he meets Aoi Hinami, a gamer who is also a popular and intelligent student at school, this changes. Aoi intends to assist Fumiya in “winning” the game of life by educating him step-by-step and assigning him tasks to do, much as in a video game to ultimately change his views on life itself.
Release date: March 12, 2021
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
The tale of a 34-year-old unemployed loner is told in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. After being resurrected as a newborn called Rudeus Greyrat, he is granted a fresh start at life in a fairy-tale environment. Rudeus has retained his knowledge and skills from his previous existence, despite the fact that he seems to be a baby. He is able to learn fighting skills and perfect his magical powers at an early age as a result of this. Rudeus vows to make the most of his new existence and become a better person after leading a worthless life in the past. He builds ties with his childhood buddy Sylphiette, the fiery yet skilled swordswoman Eris, and the youthful demon teacher Roxy as he gets older and learns to defend and fight for what he values in this unforgiven world. Something he couldn’t do during his previous life on earth.
Release date: January 11, 2021
As we are halfway through the year, they are multiple anime titles already wrapping up. It’s a good time to watch the titles mentioned in this list so that you can clear way for the next wave of releases that is to come in the second half of the year.
