Spring 2022 Anime Season: Top Must-See Shows
The spring 2022 anime season was an absolute riot of fantastic shows, wasn't it, guys? So many new series premiered, and tons of popular shows continued their runs. Narrowing down the best of the best is tough, but I’ve compiled a list of must-see anime from that glorious spring. Get ready to dive into some seriously awesome stories, characters, and animation! Whether you're a seasoned anime veteran or a newbie just dipping your toes in the water, there's something here for everyone. We'll explore the standout hits, the dark horses that surprised us all, and the sequels that lived up to the hype. So grab your snacks, settle in, and let's get this anime party started!
Spy x Family
Spy x Family absolutely dominated the spring 2022 anime season, and for good reason. This series follows the Forger family, but here’s the catch: each member has a secret! Loid Forger is a spy, Yor Forger is an assassin, and their adopted daughter Anya is a telepath. None of them know each other's true identities, leading to hilarious and heartwarming situations as they try to maintain their fake family. The premise alone is pure gold, blending action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements into a wonderfully entertaining package. The animation, courtesy of Wit Studio and CloverWorks, is top-notch, bringing the vibrant world and characters to life with stunning detail. Loid's suave spy moves, Yor's deadly grace, and Anya's expressive reactions are all animated flawlessly, making every episode a visual treat. Anya is definitely the star of the show. Her ability to read minds and her constant attempts to help her parents, often with disastrous yet hilarious results, make her an incredibly endearing character. Her reactions are meme-worthy gold, and her presence brings a unique charm to the series. The dynamic between the three main characters is what truly makes Spy x Family shine. Loid's struggle to balance his mission with his growing affection for his fake family, Yor's awkward attempts at being a good wife and mother while maintaining her assassin persona, and Anya's desire for a real family create a compelling and heartwarming narrative. This anime is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun, engaging, and emotionally resonant series. It's a perfect blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments that will leave you eagerly anticipating each new episode. Seriously, if you haven't seen Spy x Family yet, what are you waiting for? Go watch it now!
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War - Ultra Romantic
The Kaguya-sama: Love Is War series reached new heights with its third season, Ultra Romantic. This season continues the hilarious and strategic battle of wits between Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, as they both try to make the other confess their love. The mind games are even more elaborate, the stakes are higher, and the romantic tension is thicker than ever. What makes Ultra Romantic so special is its ability to balance humor with genuine character development. While the series is known for its over-the-top comedy and ridiculous scenarios, it also delves deeper into the characters' insecurities and vulnerabilities. We see Kaguya and Miyuki grappling with their feelings, their fears, and their desires, making them more relatable and human. The supporting cast also gets their time to shine, with characters like Chika Fujiwara and Yu Ishigami providing plenty of comic relief and adding depth to the overall story. Chika's unpredictable antics and Yu's angsty teenage drama are always a delight to watch, and their interactions with Kaguya and Miyuki are often hilarious and heartwarming. The animation remains consistently excellent, with vibrant colors, expressive character designs, and dynamic action sequences. The visual gags are perfectly timed, and the overall aesthetic enhances the series' comedic and romantic tone. Ultra Romantic is a triumph for the Kaguya-sama series, delivering everything fans love about the show while also pushing the characters and story forward. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies with a clever twist.
Ya Boy Kongming!
Ya Boy Kongming! was the dark horse of the spring 2022 anime season, surprising everyone with its unique premise and infectious energy. The story follows the legendary strategist Kongming from the Three Kingdoms period, who is reincarnated in modern-day Shibuya. Determined to use his strategic genius to help a struggling singer named Eiko Tsukimi achieve her dreams, Kongming becomes her manager and devises elaborate plans to boost her career. The blend of historical figures and modern-day pop culture is what makes Ya Boy Kongming! so captivating. Watching Kongming apply his ancient strategies to the music industry is both hilarious and surprisingly effective. His tactics are often unconventional and outlandish, but they always seem to work in Eiko's favor. Eiko is also a compelling character. Her passion for music and her determination to succeed are inspiring, and her interactions with Kongming are both heartwarming and funny. The series also features a vibrant soundtrack filled with catchy J-pop tunes that will get stuck in your head for days. The opening theme, in particular, is an absolute banger that perfectly captures the show's energy and spirit. Ya Boy Kongming! is a refreshing and original anime that will leave you entertained and inspired. It's a celebration of music, strategy, and the power of believing in yourself. If you're looking for something different and fun, this is definitely worth checking out.
Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 3
The Ascendance of a Bookworm series continued its heartwarming journey with its third season. This season sees Main continuing her efforts to create books in a world where they are scarce and precious. She faces new challenges and obstacles as she navigates the complex social and political landscape of her new world. What makes Ascendance of a Bookworm so special is its focus on world-building and character development. The series meticulously crafts a believable and immersive world with its own unique customs, cultures, and social hierarchies. Main's struggles and triumphs are relatable, and her unwavering passion for books is inspiring. The supporting cast is also well-developed, with each character having their own motivations and backstories. Their interactions with Main are often heartwarming and supportive, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. The animation is simple but effective, with a focus on conveying the characters' emotions and the beauty of the world around them. The series also features a gentle and calming soundtrack that perfectly complements the story's tone. Ascendance of a Bookworm is a must-watch for anyone who loves fantasy, world-building, and heartwarming stories. It's a celebration of books, knowledge, and the power of perseverance.
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs offered a fun and satirical take on the isekai genre. The story follows Leon, a young man who is reincarnated into an otome game as a background character. Determined to avoid the disastrous fate that awaits him, Leon uses his knowledge of the game to his advantage, manipulating events and forming alliances to survive in this dangerous world. What makes Trapped in a Dating Sim so entertaining is its self-aware humor and its willingness to subvert genre tropes. Leon is not a typical overpowered protagonist; he's a cunning and resourceful character who uses his wits to outsmart his opponents. The series also pokes fun at the clichés of otome games, highlighting the absurdity of some of the storylines and character archetypes. The animation is colorful and vibrant, with a focus on creating visually appealing character designs. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the comedic timing is spot-on. Trapped in a Dating Sim is a refreshing and entertaining isekai anime that will leave you laughing and wanting more. It's a perfect blend of action, comedy, and romance that will appeal to fans of the genre.
Conclusion
The spring 2022 anime season was packed with amazing shows that offered a diverse range of genres and stories. From the action-packed adventures of Spy x Family to the strategic battles of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War - Ultra Romantic, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Ya Boy Kongming! surprised us with its unique premise, Ascendance of a Bookworm continued its heartwarming journey, and Trapped in a Dating Sim offered a satirical take on the isekai genre. These are just a few of the standout anime from the spring 2022 season, and I highly recommend checking them out if you haven't already. So, until next time, happy watching, and may your anime adventures be filled with excitement and joy!