2022 was a big year for anime fans through and through. From the return of Bleach to the insane adaptation of Chainsaw Man, there was no end to the amount of stellar anime to choose from this year.

As we step into 2023, here are some of the most eagerly-awaited anime to look forward to in the coming months.

Oshi no Ko

From the creators of Kuzu no Honkai and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Oshi no Ko is currently one of the most popular weekly series in Weekly Young Jump. It focuses on the inner workings of the entertainment industry, criticising the deplorable and shady aspects that plague the business.

However, the series also has an overarching mystery and revenge theme that raises the stakes and elevates the story without compromising on either of its themes.

Jigokuraku

Studio MAPPA is set to make their mark in 2023 by adapting Yuuji Kaku's breakthrough manga, Jigokuraku (Hell's Paradise). The studio is no stranger to the spotlight, and Jigokuraku's recently-released trailer does not miss.

The dark and historical action show will feature the cold and emotionless ninja, Gabimaru the Hollow, as he travels to a mystical land with a number of death-row inmates to attain his freedom.

Spy Classroom

Spy Classroom is one of the most anticipated light novel adaptations in 2023. It has a classic espionage and war setting that's appealing to a large demographic.

The story fleshes out various devices and obstacles that spies must go through – from gathering intel to infiltrating high-security locations – in a serious and grounded manner. At the same time, the storytelling and attention to detail carry their own weight, which signals positive things for the adaptation.

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Suzume no Tojimari

Fresh out of Weathering with You, critically acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai returns in 2023 with the global release of his latest film, Suzume no Tojimari.

At first glance, the synopsis makes Suzume seem akin to most of his previous films. But the movie boasts a post-apocalyptic setting with a larger-than-life crisis that the protagonists must tackle together. It will likely be a hit or miss, as was the case with some of Shinkai's other works.

Solo Leveling

Launched in 2016, Solo Leveling quickly became one of the most popular manhwas in the market. The story follows superhumans known as "hunters" who are tasked with fending off attacks from mystical and vile beasts.

Unfortunately, Solo Leveling is lacking in various departments. It has formulaic plot development and a weak narrative thread binding the character arcs together. However, it makes up for the shortcomings with high-octane action sequences that are bound to translate well in the anime adaptation.

Megami no Cafe Terrace

Adapted from Kouji Seo's manga of the same name, Megami no Cafe Terrace is a rom-com anime that follows the protagonist, Hayato, and five girls, who claim to be his late grandmother's family, as they attempt to ensure the success of their late grandmother's cafe.

The manga is a warm and captivating read with a diverse cast of characters, and the anime is sure to deliver on those fronts.

Ayaan immerses himself in dinosaur comics and poorly-written manga. Recommend your least favourite reads at ayaan.shams@gmail.com