In my previous Top 10 new seasonal animefeature articles, a few readers asked why we never listed any series sequels, such as Sword Art Online II, Love Live! Season 2, Soul Eater Not!, Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus, or even Fairy Tail. Admittedly, I don’t have much interest in the aforementioned series but my original intention was to highlight new shows that viewers may not have heard before. Shows with sequels tend to already have an established following, so they don’t really need an introduction to new viewers.
However, it would also be unfair to not talk about new notable anime sequels that air every season. So before I publish my list of Top 10 New Fall 2014 Anime shows in a few weeks’ time, here’s a list of anime sequels to watch this season.
Log Horizon 2
Premiere Date: October 4
Animation: Studio DEEN
I was super stoked when I heard Log Horizon 2 would be released because I was a big fan of the original and how it accurately depicted the intricacies and social elements of MMORPGs (something Sword Art Online can learn from). I initially had some reservations about Log Horizon 2 upon learning that Studio DEEN would be in charge of animation but after watching the first episode, I’m satisfied that it’ll be okay. Hell, they even kept the original kickass OP that made the series so memorable. DATABASE forever!
Psycho-Pass 2
Premiere Date: October 9
Animation: Tatsunoko Production
Among the new sequels I’m highly looking forward to this season is the continuation of Psycho-Pass, which touched on numerous thought-provoking issues such as emotional repression and freedom of choice in a futuristic dystopia. My only concern is that the sequel’s scripts won’t be overseen by Gen Urobuchi. Who knows? Maybe Tow Ubukata may do a good job or even surpass the original. Here’s to keeping one’s mental state constantly clear and green for the sequel.
Selector Spread WIXOSS
Premiere Date: J.C. Staff
Animation: October 3
Although Mari Okada’s scriptwriting can’t match Gen Urobuchi’s penchant for world building and deconstructing genres, Selector Infected WIXOSS is still a solid showcase of Okada venturing into darker territory. I think most people had not expected the first season of WIXOSS to end with [vague spoiler ahead] the antagonist pairing up with the protagonist in such a manner. Thanks to that bombshell of an ending, however, I’m even more keen to see where Selector Spread WIXOSS will go from here, and what despair lies ahead for our main characters.
Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road
Premiere Date: October 6
Animation: TMS Entertainment
For fans of shonen sports anime series, there’s no better series to follow this season than Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road. It also happens to be the only sports anime to air this season. But longtime followers of the series will attest to its witty writing, fun characters, and solid animation. Watching the first season of Yowamushi Pedal got me hooked on cycling and its well-written characters, and Grande Road looks set to continue that trend.
Hitsugi no Chaika: Avenging Battle
Premiere Date: October 8
Animation: Bones
Admittedly, I wasn’t too hyped about Hitsugi no Chaika when it premiered earlier this year. But after taking a second look at the series, I’ve warmed up to its characters and fantasy setting, especially after the 7th episode. The animation is consistently good and the characters are more nuanced than your typical archetypes. The first season has laid the foundation for a more action-packed sequel, and I’m looking forward to revisiting the adventures of our main trio.
Mushishi Zoku Shou 2nd Season
Premiere Date: October 18
Animation: Artland
Each episode of Mushishi is a delight to watch, thanks to its lovely, detailed animation and slow but deliberate pacing. The mysterious, ubiquitous Mushi are mesmerizing to behold, and watching how ordinary people interact with the supernatural Mushi offers a glimpse into human nature. Mushishi is mature storytelling at its best, and I really can’t wait to watch the latest (and most likely final) season.
