2020 Anime Releases: A Year of Hits and Misses
2020 was a year of incredible highs and frustrating lows for anime fans. The global pandemic brought production delays and release date changes, but that didn't stop some incredible titles from hitting our screens. From mind-bending sci-fi to heartwarming slice-of-life, here’s a look at some of the most noteworthy anime releases of 2020:
Highly Anticipated Releases
- "Attack on Titan" Final Season: The highly anticipated conclusion to the epic fantasy series brought with it breathtaking animation, shocking twists, and a deeper exploration of the complex characters.
- "Jujutsu Kaisen": This dark fantasy shonen series captivated viewers with its unique world-building, dynamic action sequences, and compelling characters.
- "Re:ZERO - Starting Life in Another World" Season 2: The second season of this beloved isekai series delivered on its promise of intense battles, heartbreaking twists, and mind-bending mysteries.
- "The Promised Neverland" Season 2: The second season of this suspenseful escape story had a controversial reception due to changes from the source material, but it still delivered on its promise of high-stakes drama and thrilling action.
Underrated Gems
- "Tower of God": This webtoon adaptation offered a unique world filled with imaginative powers, epic battles, and compelling characters.
- "The God of High School": This action-packed anime featured stunning animation and thrilling fight scenes, making it a must-watch for martial arts fans.
- "Fruits Basket -prelude-": This prequel to the popular "Fruits Basket" series offered a heartbreaking and heartwarming look at the backstory of the Sohma family.
Disappointments
- "The Irregular at Magic High School" Season 2: While the animation was excellent, the pacing and lackluster plot development left many fans disappointed.
- "Sword Art Online: Alicization - War of Underworld" Part 2: The ending of the Alicization arc felt rushed and unfulfilling, leaving many viewers with a sense of unease.
- "Black Clover" Season 3: The final season of "Black Clover" struggled to maintain the momentum of the previous seasons, with some episodes feeling rushed and lacking in impact.
Notable Mentions:
- "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" Season 2: This hilarious romantic comedy continued to deliver witty dialogue, over-the-top antics, and a heartwarming exploration of love and relationships.
- "Akudama Drive": This cyberpunk action anime impressed with its stylized animation, thrilling action sequences, and gripping story.
- "Haikyuu!!" Season 4: The fourth season of the sports anime continued to deliver intense matches, heartwarming moments, and inspiring characters.
Overall, 2020 was a year of diverse and exciting releases, offering something for every anime fan. Even with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the industry continued to deliver high-quality anime that captivated audiences worldwide.