The year 2022 was a remarkable one for anime, with new shows like Chainsaw Man and Spy x Family gaining immense popularity. However, it was equally impressive for the shows that returned or continued their run from the previous year.
One of the standout shows of the year was Attack on Titan. This immensely popular anime made a monumental return with the second part of its final season. The season explored the origins of the Titans and revealed a shocking reason behind the central plot. It also solidified the transformation of Eren, the show’s initial protagonist, into a villain. The upcoming third part of the season, which will adapt the controversial manga ending, has the potential to confirm Attack on Titan’s status as a modern anime classic.
Ranking of Kings, a show produced by WIT Studio, continued its stunning debut in 2022. This series tells the story of Bojji, a young prince, and his journey to become a worthy ruler. Despite being completely different in style and tone from Attack on Titan, Ranking of Kings captivated viewers with its intimate storytelling. The second cour of the show’s first season provided a satisfying climax, featuring unique resolutions to conflicts and concluding the character arcs of various side characters. The show stood out as a gem, setting itself apart from other anime of the year.
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, a romantic comedy, made history with its third season. Known for its subversive take on the genre, the show surpassed its previous seasons in terms of animation and parodies. However, the main reason it stood out was the major plot developments that occurred, including a dramatic confession and the announcement of more seasons and a movie. This allowed Kaguya-Sama: Love is War to transcend the very genre it parodied.
Made in Abyss, known for its disturbing nature, managed to traumatize viewers even more with its second season. The show combined dark and beautiful elements to tell a self-contained tale of value and sacrifice. While some viewers may have wanted more action or plot developments, those who engaged with the deeper messages of the story found it to be a heart-wrenching and powerful anime.
Mob Psycho 100, often compared to One Punch Man, cemented itself as a modern masterpiece with its latest season. While One Punch Man’s latest season was criticized by fans, Mob Psycho 100’s season focused on its characters and their development. This allowed for a less predictable and more emotionally powerful narrative. The show wrapped up its various character arcs in a satisfying way, solidifying its status as a modern masterpiece.
Overall, 2022 was a phenomenal year for anime, with the return and continuation of several beloved shows. These five shows, Attack on Titan, Ranking of Kings, Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, Made in Abyss, and Mob Psycho 100, stood out as the best-continuing anime of the year, captivating audiences with their storytelling, character development, and unique approaches to their respective genres.
Source link
