This article is first published in theSun Buzz Anime & Manga edition HERE
BACK ARROW
Release date: Jan 9, 2021
The land of Lingalind is a continent that’s completely surrounded by a wall. The people of Lingalind believe that their entire existence is confined to within the walls, and thus revere the wall like a god.
While the land consists of several countries, it’s mostly dominated by two powerful nations: The Lutoh Republic which values intelligence, and The Great Rekka Empire which values honour.
Every month, a mysterious gift ‘from the wall’ known as the Rakuho will appear in random spots and the two nations will go to war to obtain the gift. Some of these capsules contain highly sought-after devices named Bind Warpers, which can control a giant mechanical armour known as Briheight.
One day after a Rakuho is recovered by triumphant Rekka forces, a second Rakuho lands in Edger Village on the outskirts of Lingalind containing an amnesiac young man whose only memory is that he is from “beyond the wall.”
Taking the name Back Arrow, he seeks to restore his memory by going over the wall, but his presence shakes the beliefs of everyone who has lived all their life within the protective bubble of the giant walls.
The series, produced by Studio VOLN and directed by Code Geass’ Gorou Taniguchi, is sure to make an impact with fans. Chart-topper LiSA will also be performing the opening theme for Back Arrow.
MARS RED
Release date: March 29, 2021
Mars Red by playwright and director Fujisawa Bun-o takes place in an alternate timeline set in 1923 where vampires exist among humans.
A company has created an artificial blood source called Ascra which vampires can use to survive without having to feed on the rest of humanity.
With the number of vampires increasing in society, the government decides to send a task force named Code Zero to investigate and quench the vampire breakout before it overwhelms the human race – and what better way to track vampires than using vampires themselves?
Packed with stunning character designs and blood-pumping action sequences, Mars Red also features the amazing Wagakki Band performing the aptly named Opening Theme, Aria of Life.
HOW NOT TO SUMMON A DEMON LORD: OMEGA (SEASON 2)
Release date: April 9, 2021
The name Demon King Diablo is greeted with fear and reverence in the virtual MMORPG world of Cross Reverie. Acknowledged as the most powerful player character and possessing the rarest artifacts in the game, Diablo stands at the top of the mountain unrivalled.
In the real world, Diablo’s true identity is Takuma Sakamoto, a hikikomori gamer who wants nothing more than play his favourite game.
In true isekai fashion, Takuma wakes up one day and finds that he is mysteriously summoned to a new world resembling Cross Reverie as the overpowered Diablo!
The two young girls who summoned him, pantherian Rem and the elf Shera, then tried to use a spell to make him their slave, which hilariously backfires and causes them to become his bound servants instead.
Takuma decides to accompany the girls in finding a way out of the binding spell, thus beginning his many adventures in this magical realm.
THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME SEASON 2B
Release date: July 2021
In this anime which is based on a series of light novels, Satoru Mikami is an average corporate worker who lives a comfortable but lonely life in Tokyo. His life changes one day when he is suddenly stabbed by a robber. While on the brink of death, he makes a senseless request and gets reincarnated in another world as a slime with the ability called ‘predator.’
With this ability, he can devour anything and mimic their appearance and abilities. Adjusting to his new life as a slime, Satoru soon befriends a sealed dragon named Veldora Tempest and vows to free his new friend from the seal. In return, Veldora bestows upon him the name Rimuru Tempest in a sign of brotherhood.
The story was so successful that it spun of a total of four original animation DVDs, followed by a second season.
The first part of Season 2 which ended last month sees Rimuru having set up his own city, and the many challenges a city comprising of peaceful monster races has to face from the rest of the world.
Season 2b is scheduled to air in July 2021, and will pick up from the earth-shaking events of the previous story arc.
With its high production value, engrossing story, pacing and excellent voice acting by the main cast, this series is a must-see for anime fans.
I’M STANDING ON A MILLION LIVES SEASON 2
Release date: July 2021
It started as an ordinary day for a class full of high schoolers before they got transported into a strange world. What was once a dream for many school teens quickly becomes a nightmare.
Stuck in this new world, the group of teens without any combat skills has to battle mythological creatures and complete a quest in a limited time period if they want to stay alive.
MY NEXT LIFE AS A VILLAINESS: ALL ROUTES LEAD TO DOOM SEASON 2
Release date: July 2021
A young daughter of a noble family, Catarina Claes, was hit by a car one day and suddenly regains memories of her past life as an otaku.
She realises that she has been born into the world of an otome game (games targeted towards women) called Fortune Lover. Unfortunately, she was reincarnated as the game’s villainess, whose fate is either getting killed or exiled, no matter which route the player takes in the game.
Eager to avoid doom at all costs, Catarina begins taking countermeasures which results in unexpected consequences in the game.
CHEAT PHARMACIST’S SLOW LIFE: MAKING A DRUGSTORE IN ANOTHER WORLD
Release date: July 2021
Reiji, who is a corporate slave, ends up in another world and acquires the skill to make medicines.
While he was initially disappointed that it’s not a combat skill, his expertise in brewing potions soon makes him a lot of money.
Not long after, he is able to open a pharmacy and enjoy the slow, tranquil life while helping customers in his new home.
SCARLET NEXUS
Release date: Summer 2021
Scarlet Nexus is based on an apocalyptic sci-fi game of the same name. In the year 2020 of the solar calendar, grotesque organisms called the Others, who hail from the sky, have begun eating people.
A task force with psychokinetic abilities, known as Other Suppression Force (OSF,) is formed as Earth’s last defence.
In the game, players get to play as a new OSF recruit Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall so it’s likely both characters will appear in the anime too.
