11 Anime Shows You Don't Want To Miss In Spring 2021
The Winter 2021 anime season is already upon us. While you’re watching the current season’s anime, why not decide what you’re going to watch in the Spring? Godzilla, My Hero Academia, Shaman King, and Fruits Basket are just a few of the exciting offerings.
Here is the list of 11 Anime shows you just cannot miss in 2021:
1. Shaman King (2021)
Airing April 2021
Back in 2018, the manga was rebooted after having finished its initial run in 2004. Back in the day, it was watchable as a 4Kids! series for watching on Saturday mornings. That most likely won’t be the case as many expect this to be a more faithful adaptation of the source material.
The series follows Manta Oyamada, a middle school student, who encounters a strange boy named You. After discovering Manta can see spirits he is introduced to the world of Shamans, people who can utilize magic and communicate with supernatural beings. Manta and You set off to take part in the Shaman tournament and realize You’s dream of becoming Shaman King.
The series has remained active for some time but fans are excited for its biggest return yet. Also, who isn’t excited for an action-packed fantasy series?
2. My Hero Academia Season 5
Airing March 27, 2021
The current anime darling returns for its 5th season. If you aren’t caught up you need to be, most importantly, if you haven’t started what are you waiting for?
My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born into a world with superpowers. These superpowers, called Quirks, offer the chance for people to go to school to learn to be Heroes and use their powers for good. Izuku was born without a Quirk but dreamt of being a hero. He meets his idol, the hero All Might, and his journey to becoming the greatest hero ever begins.
In addition to more high stakes, high-intensity action the new season will shine more spotlight on Class 1-B. It will explore the mystery behind Izuku’s odd dream at the end of season 4 and we’ll see more of what the League of Villains has brewing. You won’t want to miss a second of this season!
3. Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro
Airing April 2021
Even since the source material debuted in 2019 Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro has been a smash hit among manga readers. To much fanfare, the series is a refreshing romantic comedy that seems to balance the romantic and comedic aspects quite well.
The story follows boisterous Hausas Nagatoro and her shy upperclassmen Naoto Hachiouji. Nagatoro enjoys teases Naoto for his drawings and other aspects of his personality. After some time they form a strange friendship where they are absorbed into one another’s antics and Naoto realizes he enjoys Nagatoro’s company. Nagatoro tends to drag Naoto into her current fascination and some comedy ensues.
Above all this story could be the breath of fresh air you might need if you’re tired of run-of-the-mill romcoms. Come to see why the smash manga hit earned its adaptation, stay for the comedic antics, and the development of this unusual relationship.
4. Nomad: Megalo Box 2
Airing April 2021
Returning after 3 years is Megalo Box, the first season coming out in 2018 and the news comes as a surprise to fans of the first season. The announcement of season 2 came shortly after season one, but some may know that 3 years is a long time between anime seasons. While it is a surprise it is a welcome one.
Megalo Box is a sport where mechanical enhancements, called Gear, provide boxers with more speed and power. In the first season our protagonist Joe, aka Junk Dog, fought his way to the Megalonia Tournament. Season 2 picks up a year after the tournament and shows Junk Dog defending his title and feeling pressure to build Gear despite his reputation as “Gearless” Joe.
The production of season 2 has taken some time but we could be in for a slightly different approach to how the story is told. All we know is that you have to watch and see how season 2 stacks up to its first season after so much time.
5. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord Season 2
Airing April 2021
Another season 2 that’s been a long time coming, How Not to Summon a Demon Lord comes at a time where the Isekai genre has seen a lot of popularity.
Takuma Sakamoto is a reclusive gamer that spends much of his time on his favorite MMORPG when one day he’s suddenly transported into the game’s world. Two girls from the game’s world summoned him and attempted to control him with magic. However the spell backfired and now Takuma must help the girls with their problems, break the spell, and navigate the game as his player character. Luckily his character is adept at magic and he knows the game’s lore!
Season 2 details are tough to come by at the moment. Season 1 featured some controversy for its humor and many fans are speculating if the story will be handled differently because of this. What we do know is the voiceover cast and much of the crew are returning. In the meantime keep an eye out for plot details and the new season when it airs!
6. Tokyo Revengers
Airs April 2021
Takemichi Hanagaki’s life has been spiraling out of control for some time. While pondering where it all went wrong he discovers his ex-girlfriend Hinata Tachibana was murdered. The perpetrators are the Tokyo Machi Gang, a criminal organization that’s been terrorizing society for a while. Suddenly Takemichi is sent 12 years in the past and he realizes he has the opportunity to save Hinata and take over the Tokyo Machi Gang.
This series brings some fascinating ideas to the Spring season. Fans of time travel stories will certainly find this a must-watch. It also promises drama and action to draw in the audience. The way every time travel story handles the general concept is unique and this one should not be overlooked.
7. Godzilla Singular Point
Airing April 2021
A joint production by Toho and Netflix brings us a new entry in the Godzilla franchise. Yun Arikawa and Mei Kamini are researchers working on two different investigations when they both hear the same song. The song brings them together and they must face a mystery left by a lone researcher and the arrival of monsters.
The series is a new and original story. Godzilla, Jet Jaguar, Rodan, and other familiar monsters will make an appearance in the show as well. If you’re a fan of Godzilla or monster movies in general this should be on your plan-to-watch list!
8. Burning Kabaddi
Airing April 2021
If you’ve never heard of Kabaddi but you’re a fan of contact sports like football then you should check this out. Kabaddi is like martial art and that is what draws our main character, Tatsuya Yoigoshi, to the sport.
Tatsuya is a first-year high school student and a former soccer star in his middle school. After his time in junior high, Tatsuya begins to dislike sports until he is invited to join the Kabaddi team. The intensity of the practice he watches inspires him to join the team after dismissing the club initially.
Watching this anime will surely bring the excitement of sitting there and watching your favorite team play. At the same time, you’ll be learning about a sport that your friends might not be aware of. That sounds like an excellent opportunity to brush up on some knowledge that will impress your friends.
9. Fruits Basket: The Final
Airing April 2021
The popular manga and anime series sees the final chapter in its triumphant return. Debuting in 1998 and receiving its first anime season in 2001, Fruits Basket was a smash hit. Despite the anime’s success fans were somewhat disappointed by how it handled the story.
After much waiting, fans’ wishes for a higher quality of voice acting, animation, and storytelling were fulfilled in 2019. Since then 2 seasons have aired and the season airing in April will be the last.
Here’s the story of Fruits Basket leading to the final season:
Tohru Honda was orphaned just before starting high school. After a period of homelessness and living in the woods she stumbles upon an estate. This estate belongs to the Sohma family and they are guarding a secret: when they’re hugged by someone of the opposite sex they turn into one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac! Now knowing their secret, Tohru is taken in by 3 members of the Sohma clan.
She becomes entwined in their family struggles and learns about their peculiar familial curse. The last season revealed two major plot points that will affect Tohru’s actions in the next season. Learning why Akito, the Sohma family’s head, has been so cruel and uncovering how to free the rest of the clan from their curse will culminate in a gripping finale for this beloved series.
10. Moriarty the Patriot Season 2
Airing April 2021
Moriarty the Patriot follows the nemesis of Sherlock Holmes before and during the time he first encounters him. It takes a look at the life of William James Moriarty and how his life brought him to his life of crime.
The story begins with William James Moriarty’s childhood when he and his younger brother are adopted by Albert Moriarty. From that young age, William’s hatred for the class system that’s taken over British society was recognized by his adoptive brother, Albert. Seeking to end the class system, William begins working as a crime consultant for the downtrodden of London.
As a crime consultant William uses his genius intellect to fabricate perfect crimes against those that have committed class crimes against the poor. None are aware of the involvement of William’s clients. William's scheme goes off without a hitch until Sherlock Holmes hits the scene.
If crime/mystery is your cup of tea then you shouldn’t miss this anime. The perspective of Moriarty is not frequently explored and will have you see him in a different light. This series has something for the fans of the BBC show Sherlock as well and those fans will certainly have a unique experience.
11. 86
Airing April 2021
86 takes place in the besieged Republic of San Magnolia. It’s been at war with its neighbor, the Empire of Gaid, for 9 years. Most of the war up until this point has been one-sided. The Empire of Gaid has autonomous drones, called the Legion, that have been devastating the Republic of San Magnolia’s forces.
Eventually, the Republic of San Magnolia develops their own Juggernaut units being controlled by Handlers to combat the Legion. The public believes the Juggernauts are unmanned drones, in reality, they are operated by an oppressed minority in the Republic of San Magnolia.
Major Vladilena “Lena” Mirizé, an Alba noble, is Handler for the Spearhead Unit and Shinhei “The Undertaker” Nōzen, a Colorata soldier, is the squad leader. Lena’s experience as Handler has her sympathize with Shinhei’s squad, the repressed Colorata people of San Magnolia. As they work together and battle the odds, Lena and Shinhei there’s more to this conflict than meets the eye.
This sci-fi war drama will have you on the edge of your seat. There will be fierce battles, high stakes, robots, and political intrigue. If you like these elements in Gundam then you must check out 86.
With all of the anime coming out this season there’s no shortage of great stories to dive into. Hopefully, this list has you interested in trying out a new genre or made you aware of an anime you didn’t know about until now. Happy watching!