With a new anime season just around the corner and kicking off this week, I wanted to do a post outlying my most anticipated Fall of 2020 series.
While there are many continuing seasons I’m excited about, including Haikyu!!: To the Top, Part 2, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? III, and The Irregular at Magic High School, Season 2, this list is only going to include completely new titles debuting this Fall. With that said, here’s the new anime I’m most excited to watch in October!
By the Grace of the Gods
Studio: Maho Film
Why I’m excited for it: As far as isekai go this season, I’m Standing on a Million Lives is my most anticipated, however, from what I’ve seen in the trailers and heard thus far about By the Grace of the Gods, it seems like one I’m really going to enjoy as well.
The story begins with 39-year-old Takebayashi Ryoma, who died of blood loss after hitting his head on the ground. What caused him to fall? Sneezing of all things. But, he is given a second chance when he “wakes” up in a new fantasy world and finds out that he has been reincarnated as an 8-year-old boy. With the three major gods setting him on this path, Ryoma chooses a life of isolation in the forest researching slimes. But, as any fan of isekai knows, life is never this simple…
I’m intrigued by the synopsis and given that they state life in isekai is never simple, I’m interested to see how this anime takes a turn. As someone who is not familiar with the light novel it is adapted from, By the Grace of the Gods is one I’m excited to finally dive into. Regardless of the genre, I will always give an anime a chance, but this one happens to fall within three I tend to like: Adventure, Slice of Life, and Fantasy. It doesn’t appear like this one is going to be action-packed, but I don’t mind that, since I’m interested in seeing how Takebayashi Ryoma navigates this new world with his slimes and how he interacts with those he meets along the way.
Maho Film, who is animating another of my most anticipated anime this Fall and another isekai at that, I’m Standing on a Million Lives, is also animating By the Grace of the Gods. All in all, my first impressions of the anime in terms of plot and animation are good, but I can’t wait to see it in full effect on October 4th.
Release Date: According to Funimation’s blog, By the Grace of the Gods will air on their platform starting October 4th at 10 am CDT.
By the Grace of the Gods Trailer
I’m Standing on a Million Lives
Studio: Maho Film
Why I’m excited for it: On the flip side, another isekai that will be releasing this fall is I’m Standing on a Million Lives, and unlike By the Grace of the Gods, which appears to be more of a living life in and exploring a fantasy world type, this is more of an action-filled and high stakes series where the people in it have to battle for their lives.
Transported into a fantasy world where mythological creatures roam, three classmates will have to complete quests in order to protect the world they’re originally from. Sounds pretty standard for an isekai, but the one thing that really has me intrigued by this series is the fact that while his classmates Shindou and Hakozaki are given the roles of a Magician and Warrior, Yotsuya is granted the role of Farmer. As far as personalities go, Yotsuya seems like a character I’ll really like, especially given that he is a loner, who will have to push himself to new limits to become a hero in this new world. I just have a feeling that this is an anime that is going to have me emotionally invested over the course of the season, and I really hope it is going to turn out just as good as I think it is.
As mentioned earlier, Maho Film, who also animates By the Grace of the Gods is the studio behind I’m Standing on a Million Lives. As of now, they are a relatively newer studio with only one other anime under their belt, and I can’t wait to see how they fare with both of these new releases in October. I’m Standing on a Million Lives is scheduled to begin broadcasting on October 2nd and will consist of 12 episodes.
Release Date: I’m Standing on a Million Lives is scheduled to begin broadcasting on October 2nd.
I’m Standing on a Million Lives Trailer
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Why I’m excited for it: Every once in awhile, an anime comes out with an absolutely bonkers synopsis that initially has me thinking, “There’s no way I’ll like this.” But, these series more often than not always end up being some of the most amusing series I’ve ever watched. To give you an idea, the last anime I felt this way about was Food Wars, and upon first impression, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima gave me the same feeling. Anytime I have the feeling of what am I watching and why do I like this, I know a series is going to be good.
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima is set in a world where women now dominate the government. In this new society, weapons are strictly forbidden, but despite this conflict has not come to an end. Instead of solving their issues with fists and weapons, they wage war through words. Those in the divisions outside Chuou Ward, which is a women-only ward, use the power of the “Hypnosis Mic” to carry out fierce rap battles to settle their scores and clash for territory.
Sounds absolutely absurd, but it’s sure to be an addicting series I won’t be able to stop watching. And then I found out that one of my favorite studios A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online, Your Lie in April, Kaguya-sama: Love is War) was animating this new series, and I was sold. Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima is going to be visually-appealing, but based off its premise, it’s going to be a highly-entertaining anime that is sure to surprise you as well.
Release Date: Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima will begin broadcasting in Japan on October 2, 2020.
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima Trailer
Burn the Witch
Studio: Studio Colorido
Why I’m excited for it: I’m interested in anything that Tite Kubo releases, especially given that he is the creator of Bleach. His latest creation Burn the Witch is familiar because it has the same feel and style of Bleach and given that it’s part of the same universe taking place in the West Branch of the Soul Society, I can’t wait to finally see its adaptation.
The story is set in London, where 72% of all deaths are caused by dragons. And there’s a catch, these dragons are invisible to most people. The only people that can see them live on a hidden “reverse side” of London called Reverse London. There, only a handful of individuals are selected to become wizards or witches, and they are the only ones in this society that are allowed to confront the dragons.
In Burn the Witch, you’ll follow protagonists and protection agents for Wing Bind, an organization for dragon conservation and management, Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole. They will work together to shield the citizens from and contain the dragons of London.
As I mentioned before, there’s something here that feels similar, but it’s bound to be a fresh experience given that this new world is completely different than that which we saw in Bleach, which takes place in the East Branch of the Soul Society. If you haven’t checked out the manga yet, you should definitely do so as well!
Release Date: According to Crunchyroll’s blog, Burn the Witch is slated to release on Crunchyroll on October 1st at 5:00 pm PST, 2020 in the following territories: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS.
Burn the Witch Trailer
Ikebukuro West Gate Park
Studio: Doga Kobo
Why I’m excited for it: Ikebukuro West Gate Park is based on a series of urban mystery novels. It is set in Ikebukuro, which is as a refuge for violent gangs, like the Yakuza. It also happens to be the place where main character Makoto Majima lives.
The story follows calm and collected Makoto as he fights the pressures of gang life and tries to protect his friends–even if it means he has to mediate disputes among the warring factions to do so. As the violence rises, he loses a loved one, and Makoto is faced with the dilemma of either riding out the storm, or drowning in the blood that floods his streets.
This series sounds like it will have a ton of emotional moments that will really draw me into its overarching story, but I feel like I will also be invested in the characters and their stories as well. There’s no doubt that there will be a lot of bloodshed in this series and there are going to be some scenes that are difficult to watch, but there are bound to be some touching moments as well, particularly with Makoto, who will do anything to protect his friends.
Since this is a mystery, I’m excited to see what twists and turns Ikebukuro West Gate Park will take over the course of its first season. But, it’s the gravity of these characters situation and the reality of the violent world they live in, that really has me interested in this series.
Release Date: Ikebukuro West Gate Park will be available to stream on Funimation. It is releasing on October 6, 2020.
Ikebukuro West Gate Park Trailer
Higurashi: When They Cry
Studio: Passione
Why I’m excited for it: Higurashi: When They Cry is releasing this October with animation by Passione (Citrus, High School DxD Hero). Much like Jujutsu Kaisen, I feel that Higurashi: When They Cry‘s release comes at a perfect timing with the Halloween season upon us.
The story follows Keiichi Maebara, who is the new kid in town. He has settled into his new peaceful home in the village of Hinamizawa and quikly becomes friends with two girls from his school. But, he begins to feel like something is “off” about this isolated town, and his feelings only continue to grow throughout the series. What dark secrets is this community hiding?
Higurashi: When They Cry is a horror, thriller, and supernatural series wrapped all into one, and I feel its one that will have a grip on me more so than others on this list. It’s sure to be chilling, but it’s sure to be thrilling with a lot of mystery entangled throughout it as well, and this combination, as seen with other series like The Promised Neverland, hardly, if ever, fails to impress.
Release Date: Higurashi: When They Cry is slated to release as of now on October 1, 2020 and it will be available to stream on Funimation.
Higurashi: When They Cry Trailer
Akudama Drive
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Why I’m excited for it: Apart from Jujutsu Kaisen, Akudama Drive has a premise that hooked me more so than the others on this list. As a huge fan of sci-fi and action-packed series, this is one I’m looking forward to most this Fall. But, what had me hooked most about this new series is that it is a collaboration with Danganronpa’s character artist and head writer. Design-wise, Akudama Drive has already impressed me from the trailers alone, but I also really enjoy its style.
The story is set in Japan, who is still suffering from the after effects of war. Now the country is divided, because the conflict forced two groups, the Kantou and Kansai, to fight one another. Now Kansai is a vassal state of Kantou, and because of this, powerful criminals known as “Akudama” roam the streets doing as they please. This synopsis really sets the stage for what’s to come and with a setting like this one, there are sure to be some interesting characters.
Akudama Drive is animated by Studio Pierrot (Tokyo Ghoul, Naruto Shippuden, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Bleach, Black Clover), and while I’m not found of some of their previous animation work, I can’t deny the fact that they have a lot of experience under their belt. I was impressed with Tokyo Ghoul and Black Clover, so I have hopes that they’ll be able to do this one justice as well. And while that remains to be seen, everything about this series has me excited and I can’t wait for it to release on October 8th!
Release Date: Akuduma Drive is set to begin broadcasting on October 8th.
Akudama Drive Trailer
Jujutsu Kaisen
Studio: MAPPA
Why I’m excited for it: My most anticipated release on this entire list is of course Jujutsu Kaisen. It has the potential to become the breakout release of this Fall season, but possibly even the whole year.
The story follows Yuji Itadori, who on the surface, looks like your everyday, average teenager, but he incredibly strong thanks to his immense physical strength. Because of this, every sports club wants him to become a part of their team, but Itadori has other interests, like hanging out with the misfits of the Occult Research Club. One day, the club gets their hands on a sealed cursed object, but they are unaware of the terror they’ll unleash when they break the seal. Since I’m already familiar with the manga and the events that have occurred thus far, I’m anxious to see how they bring some of my favorite characters and scenes to life in the adaptation.
Luckily, MAPPA studio, who’s animated some of my favorite anime like Dororo and Dorohedoro is doing the animation for Jujutsu Kaisen. I have no doubt that they will be able to pull off the fight scenes within this series, but also do the style and look of Jujutsu Kaisen justice as well. I’m happy this is releasing in October, because I tend to enjoy horror, supernatural-based outings much more during the Fall season. I was already hyped for it to begin with, but the timing of its release seems perfect as well.
Release Date: Episode 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen was streamed in advance on September 19, 2020 in Japan, but regular broadcasting will begin on October 2, 2020. It will be available to stream on Crunchyroll in the following territories: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS.
Jujutsu Kaisen Trailer
Other notable Fall 2020 anime releases: The Day I Became a God, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, Noblesse, Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, Talentless Nana, and Moriarty the Patriot
And there you have it, those are my most anticipated new anime series that will be releasing in the Fall of 2020. It’s sure to shape up to be an amazing season for anime with releases like these and more. For a full schedule of what’s releasing this Fall, including continuing seasons, check out this post here!
