May is quickly ending, and this season’s anime are well underway. And while we are already anticipating the summer season, now is an appropriate time to take a minute and reflect on all the anime we’ve watched thus far. If you’re considering starting any of the current season’s anime but are feeling overwhelmed by all your options, fear not; we’re here to recommend to you our top five favorite anime this season.
1. My Hero Academia Season 3
Studio: Bones
Genre: Action
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
The anime based on the widely successful shounen manga by Kohei Horikoshi has entered its third season, and so far, this season looks to be gearing up to be the best one yet. Seven episodes have aired so far, but already we have experienced some of the coolest battles of the series thus far as we follow Midoriya Izuku and the rest of his classmates as they continue down the road to becoming heroes. With two cours scheduled this season we have plenty more on the way, so now is the perfect time to jump onboard. And if you haven’t started the series yet, there’s no better time than the present. Blending western-style comic book heroes with Japanese storytelling, My Hero Academia is a series that all types of people can enjoy whether you’re a typical anime watcher or someone who’s more into Marvel and DC superheroes.
2. Golden Kamuy
Studio: Geno Studio
Genre: Action
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Based on the manga series by Satoru Noda, Golden Kamuy follows former soldier Saichi Sugimoto as he attempts to find the fabled lost treasure of the Ainu (indigenous people of Japan). The series is full of interesting tidbits about Ainu culture and cuisine, as well as a surprising level of light-hearted humor despite the darker subject matter that is revealed as the story progresses. Set a few years after the Russo-Japanese War, the series also depicts many legendary figures from history including Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizō. Golden Kamuy is scheduled for 12 episodes, and if it continues to be as enjoyable as it has been we will definiely be continuing the manga once the anime ends.
3. Megalo Box
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Action
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Created in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of boxing anime Tomorrow’s Joe, Megalo Box is the story of underground boxer Junk Dog attempting to climb his way through the ranks to gain a shot at competing in the highly-publicized Megalonia tournament. With an art style that pays homage to the late 80s blended together with stylized combat sequences and an incredible hip-hop soundtrack that fits the series’ aesthetic beautifully, Megalo Box is the type of anime that you can recognize almost immediately will be something that people hold dear to them for years to come. Produced by the same studio that also worked on Tomorrow’s Joe in 1980, this series is a love letter to the classical underdog’s tale in the best way possible.
4. Steins;Gate 0
Studio: White Fox
Genre: Sci-Fi
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Make sure you watch the original Steins;Gate before even trying out Steins;Gate 0. The name is misleading, making it appear to be a prequel, but it is anything but. Steins;Gate 0 takes place in the alternate worldline seen in episode 22b of the original series. This series is not faint of heart, as it follows Okabe in the beta timeline where he fails to reach the true ending of the original series. What makes it special is the way it approaches PTSD and loss. Okabe is constantly reminded of his shortcomings and the sacrifices he has made. This series always tugs at our hearts, making us feel anxious with the characters, even though we already somewhat know how this one ends. Strong dialogue, memorable characters, and dramatic writing makes this sequel worth the wait.
5. WotaKoi, Love is Hard for Otaku
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Wotakoi is an easy recommendation for any slice of life fans. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and instantly relatable to anyone who enjoys video games or comics. Wotakoi follows two couples made up of otakus. Unlike most anime in the genre, Wotakoi features adult relationships. Each character is in their mid-to late twenties and deal with very adult obstacles in their relationships. Every episode brings up a different conflict, but it is usually solved in some adorable way that reminds us why we love this genre to begin with. Wotakoi is a breath of fresh air for the genre, and is an easy recommendation for those who want something cozy this season.
