Fall 2022 Anime Season: Your Guide To The Best Shows
Hey guys! Ready to dive into the awesome world of anime that the Fall 2022 season brought us? This season was jam-packed with returning favorites, fresh adaptations, and some totally unexpected hits. Let's break down some of the must-watch series that made Fall 2022 a season to remember. Buckle up, because we're about to get weeby!
Spy x Family Part 2
Alright, let’s kick things off with a series that needs absolutely no introduction: Spy x Family. After taking the anime world by storm in Spring 2022, the Forger family returned with Part 2, continuing their hilarious and heartwarming adventures. For those new to the party, Spy x Family follows Twilight, a master spy who must build a fake family to complete his mission. He adopts Anya, a telepathic girl, and marries Yor, a skilled assassin, neither of whom know each other's true identities. The brilliance of Spy x Family lies in its perfect blend of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements.
In Part 2, we saw the Forgers navigate even more wacky situations, from Anya's continued attempts to impress Damian Desmond at Eden Academy to Yor's increasingly dangerous assassin missions. The animation quality remained top-notch, with Wit Studio and CloverWorks delivering visually stunning action sequences and expressive character animations. One of the highlights was definitely the cruise ship arc, where Yor had to protect a target while battling a horde of assassins. The tension was palpable, and the fight choreography was simply amazing. Anya, as always, stole the show with her meme-worthy reactions and her earnest desire to help her parents, even if her methods were a bit… unconventional.
The humor in Spy x Family Part 2 was on point, with plenty of slapstick, witty banter, and situational comedy. The writers did a fantastic job of balancing the comedic elements with the underlying themes of family, trust, and acceptance. We got to see the Forgers grow closer as a family, despite their secrets and lies. Twilight, in particular, began to genuinely care for Anya and Yor, blurring the lines between his mission and his personal life. Yor, too, started to embrace her role as a wife and mother, finding fulfillment in protecting her family. Spy x Family Part 2 was a triumph, delivering everything we loved about the first part and more. If you haven't watched it yet, what are you waiting for? It's a must-see for any anime fan.
Chainsaw Man
Next up, we have Chainsaw Man, the highly anticipated adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's dark and twisted manga. Chainsaw Man took the anime community by storm with its brutal action, compelling characters, and unconventional storytelling. The story follows Denji, a young man who makes a pact with a chainsaw devil named Pochita, gaining the ability to transform into the titular Chainsaw Man. Denji joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, a government organization tasked with hunting down and eliminating devils that threaten humanity. Chainsaw Man is not for the faint of heart. It's a visceral and violent series that doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of the devil world.
MAPPA, the studio behind Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, did an outstanding job of bringing Fujimoto's vision to life. The animation quality was superb, with fluid and dynamic action sequences that perfectly captured the intensity of the battles. The character designs were faithful to the manga, and the voice acting was top-notch. The opening theme, "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu, became an instant hit, perfectly setting the tone for the series. Chainsaw Man is more than just mindless violence. It's a story about survival, ambition, and the search for meaning in a cruel world. Denji is a complex and relatable protagonist, despite his somewhat crude personality. He's driven by simple desires – food, comfort, and companionship – but he's also capable of great acts of bravery and selflessness. The supporting characters, such as Makima, Aki Hayakawa, and Power, are equally well-developed and contribute to the rich tapestry of the Chainsaw Man universe.
The series explores themes of exploitation, trauma, and the corrupting influence of power. Makima, in particular, is a fascinating and enigmatic character whose true motives remain shrouded in mystery. Chainsaw Man is a challenging but rewarding watch. It's a series that will stay with you long after you've finished it. If you're looking for something dark, gritty, and thought-provoking, Chainsaw Man is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some serious bloodshed and unsettling imagery.
Mob Psycho 100 III
Another returning favorite from Fall 2022 was Mob Psycho 100 III, the third season of the beloved anime adaptation of ONE's manga. Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama, a middle school student with immense psychic powers. Mob tries to live a normal life, suppressing his emotions to keep his powers under control. However, when his emotions reach 100%, his powers go berserk. Mob Psycho 100 is known for its unique art style, quirky humor, and surprisingly deep themes.
In Season 3, Mob faced new challenges and continued to grow as a person. He struggled with his future aspirations, his relationships with his friends and family, and the increasing pressure to use his powers for good. The animation, once again handled by Bones, was spectacular. The fight scenes were visually stunning, with fluid animation and creative use of color and effects. The series continued to explore themes of self-acceptance, emotional growth, and the importance of human connection. Mob learned to embrace his powers and his emotions, realizing that they are not something to be feared but rather something to be understood and controlled.
One of the highlights of Season 3 was the Divine Tree arc, where Mob had to confront a powerful psychic who threatened to destroy the world. The arc was filled with intense action, emotional moments, and plenty of hilarious gags. The supporting characters, such as Reigen Arataka, Ritsu Kageyama, and Teruki Hanazawa, continued to play important roles in Mob's life, providing him with guidance, support, and friendship. Mob Psycho 100 III was a satisfying conclusion to Mob's journey. It was a heartwarming and uplifting series that reminded us of the importance of being true to ourselves and connecting with others. If you're looking for an anime that will make you laugh, cry, and think, Mob Psycho 100 is a must-watch.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Hold on to your swords, Soul Reapers! Fall 2022 marked the return of a legendary anime: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. After a decade-long hiatus, Bleach returned to adapt the final arc of Tite Kubo's manga. The Thousand-Year Blood War arc is the culmination of the entire Bleach story, pitting Ichigo Kurosaki and the Soul Reapers against the Quincy Wandenreich in an epic battle for the fate of the Soul Society.
The animation was handled by Studio Pierrot, who also animated the original Bleach series. The animation quality was a significant upgrade from the original, with more detailed character designs, fluid animation, and vibrant colors. The fight scenes were particularly impressive, with dynamic camera angles and stunning special effects. The series recaptured the magic of the original Bleach, with its thrilling action, memorable characters, and epic storyline. The Thousand-Year Blood War arc introduced a host of new characters, both allies and enemies, each with their own unique abilities and motivations. The battles were intense and unpredictable, with shocking twists and turns that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is a must-watch for any Bleach fan. It's a grand and epic conclusion to a beloved series that will leave you breathless. If you're new to Bleach, now is the perfect time to jump in and experience the world of Soul Reapers, Hollows, and Zanpakuto.
More Notable Mentions
Fall 2022 was a stacked season, and there were a few other shows that deserve a shout-out:
- Bocchi the Rock!: A heartwarming and hilarious series about a shy girl who dreams of playing in a band.
- Do It Yourself!!: A cute and wholesome anime about a group of girls who start a DIY club.
- The Eminence in Shadow: A dark and comedic isekai anime about a boy who wants to be a hidden mastermind.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, guys! Fall 2022 was an amazing season for anime, with a diverse range of shows to suit every taste. From the action-packed battles of Chainsaw Man and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War to the heartwarming adventures of Spy x Family and Mob Psycho 100 III, there was something for everyone to enjoy. If you missed out on any of these series, now is the perfect time to catch up. Happy watching!