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The anime adaptation of Afro’s mono four-panel manga just dropped its first full promotional video, key visual, and new staff details. This includes a sneak peek of the anime’s visuals and the announcement of the ending theme song, ‘Weekend Roll’ by halca.

New staff members for the anime have been revealed, including assistant director Naoya Morotomi and a talented crew handling various roles like art, color, CG, and sound. Hajime Hyakkoku is composing the music, while Norikiyo Fujita is the animation producer. Aniplex is on board as the producer.

An advance screening of the first episode will be held on March 29 in Kofu City (where the anime is set) and again on April 5 in Tokyo. The anime’s premiere will follow in April.

The cast includes Haruna Mikawa as Satsuki Amamiya, Aoi Koga as An Kiriyama, and Hikaru Tohno as Sakurako Shikishima, with other notable voices like Reina Ueda and Maki Kawase.

2024 was another great year for anime. It was filled with original stories, great set pieces, and plenty of interesting characters. Some characters got the limelight they deserved, taking center stage during 2024. Other characters were incredible but didn't get the attention they deserved, doing very well within their respective series but being overshadowed by big shows. Some of the most popular characters were obviously going to be big from the beginning, like Goku's resurgence in Dragon Ball Daima.

Other characters took the world by storm out of nowhere, like one of the best elves in anime Frieren from the legendary Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. While some characters got the screen time they deserved, others sat back and became largely underrated, giving people who didn't initially watch their shows a great reason to tune back in and see some of the best from 2024.

Overlooked: Kazuhiko Nukumizu and Anna Yanami Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

2024 has been a great year for anime, with some of the best adaptations in recent years captivating viewers worldwide. With a great diversity of series, there's plenty to catch up on for those who choose to look back at the year's standout animes. However, thanks to globalization and the improvement of streaming services, although there is greater access to all types of anime, this can also make it more difficult to know where to start.

Despite the oversaturation of new releases, most of the time only a few end up being memorable and worth recommending. This way, with Fall season close to ending, it's now possible to point a clear line to the finest adaptations of 2024 that every anime fan should watch.

While this year marked the long-awaited return of several fan-favorite anime franchises, this list doesn’t take sequels into consideration.

Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Based on the...

mono , an upcoming TV anime based on the four panel manga by Afro ( Laid-Back Camp ), has revealed a new piece of character art and a new character trailer, this time focusing on Sakurako Shikishima (voiced by Hikaru Tono). The series is scheduled to broadcast in Japan in 2025. Houbunsha publishes the original mono manga in their Manga Time Kirara Carat seinen manga magazine. Yen Press also publishes an English language version of the series. Ryota Aikei directs the TV anime at animation studio Soigne. Yoko Yonaiyama provides the series composition, and Takuya Miyahara provides the character designs. Related: Mono Anime Reveals An Kiriyama Character Art and Trailer Yen Press describes mono : The Photography Club is in danger of shutting down?! And the Cinema Club too?! Fret not, for they shall merge and become…Cinephoto Club! Now, club members Satsuki, An, and Sakurako are asked to be the main characters for...

It's hard out here for a losing heroine, but the girls of Makeine are staying strong as they approach the series finale. The shy, book-loving Chika Komari is in the spotlight today, as she gets her own solo visual in the wake of episode 11. Check out the latest of the show's "losing heroines" visuals, featuring Komari in the foreground as the object of her affection and the object of his affection walk by in the background: Related: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! English Dub Reveals Cast & Crew, Release Date Additionally, it's been revealed that the upcoming final episode of the series will feature an original story written for the anime! Based on the light novels by Takibi Amamori and Imigimuru, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! is directed by Shotaro Kitamura ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War episode director) at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani, character designs by...

A-1 Pictures will celebrate their 20th anniversary next year, and the road they have traveled is long and exciting. With more than 100 anime series and almost 30 anime movies, the studio has released both original stories and adaptations such as Sword Art Online , Fairy Tail , Nier: Automata Ver1.1a , Lycoris Recoil , The iDOLM@Ster and more! One of their recent releases is the romantic comedy Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! , an anime series that's touching my heart in ways I didn't expect. This isn't the only great anime rom-com that A-1 Pictures has done. Let's talk about some of the best anime rom-coms from this iconic anime studio! Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Let’s start with the most recent romantic anime series of A-1 Pictures: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! , a story that won big at the 15th Shogakukan Light Novel Gagaga Awards. In Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!...

Dragon Ball has been a mainstay of the anime industry for many years, leaving a legacy that crosses multiple generations. Yet, despite its huge success, fans of Dragon Ball Super have been left behind waiting years and years for the anime to return. Meanwhile, another less impactful and poorly adapted series, Classroom of the Elite, recently announced a fourth season, much to the dismay of many anime fans.

Kiyotaka Ayanokōji from Classroom of the Elite | Credit: Studio Lerche

While Classroom of the Elite may have a loyal fanbase, its anime adaptation has been widely criticized for several reasons. On the other hand, Dragon Ball Super manga has just broken its long hiatus and is expected to return soon, but there is no clear indication of the anime following suit. This disparity has led fans to point out that the anime industry prioritizes profit over quality.

The Return of Classroom of...

All aboard! The official accounts for the currently airing Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! anime today revealed a collaboration with Central Japan Railway's "Oshi Tabi" program involving an illustration of characters working at Toyohashi Station and a voice drama penned by original light novel author Takibi Amamori. Fans who listen to the voice drama exclusively available on board the Tokaido bullet train to Toyohashi between September 29 and December 25 will receive a sheet protector and a commemorative ticket-style card set. A stamp rally in the city of Toyohashi will also be held. Related: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Anime Unveils New Anna Yanami Visual Based on the light novels by Takibi Amamori and Imigimuru, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! is directed by Shotaro Kitamura ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War episode director) at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani, character designs by Tetsuya Kawakami and music by Kana Utatane ( Akebi's...

Following the rom-com anime's fourth episode broadcast in Japan, the official X (formerly Twitter) account for Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! unveiled a new "losing heroine" visual that depicts Anna Yanami patching her broken heart with a delicious chikuwa. Anna Yanami Losing Heroine Visual Related: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! English Dub Reveals Cast & Crew, Release Date Based on the light novels by Takibi Amamori and Imigimuru, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! is directed by Shotaro Kitamura ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War episode director) at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani, character designs by Tetsuya Kawakami and music by Kana Utatane ( Akebi's Sailor Uniform ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: Meet the girls on the losing side of romance! First is Anna Yanami, the girl-next-door type who can’t say no to delicious food. Then there’s Lemon Yakishio, a beautiful and spirited athlete.

The Elusive Samurai's animation impresses before the third episode, showcasing memorable visual spectacles. Early breakout character Suwa Yorishige delivers hilarious visual gags and fourth-wall-breaking jokes. The anime blends excellent visuals, humor, and historical elements to create a must-watch series.

Shonen Jump has done it yet again, with the most recent anime adaptation of its gorgeous manga, The Elusive Samurai, making a potent impression on Crunchyroll viewers. This is no surprise for fans of Yusei Matsui, given his acclaimed work on Assassination Classroom and Neuro: Spiritual Detective, and even contributions to classics like Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. But the anime elevates the already excellent manga to a grander stage, putting Tokiyuki Hojo's most prized talent, movement, on full display, with The Elusive Samurai being a must-watch without even needing the three-episode rule.

The Elusive Samurai began its run as part of the Summer 2024 anime season on Crunchyroll, releasing its first episode...

Adding to the series' exceptional ensemble, the official website and accounts for Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! confirmed the casting of Chika Anzai (Shizuru in Train to the End of the World ) as student council secretary Yumeko Shikiya. A new trailer highlighting Chika Komari was also released after the anime's third episode broadcast. Related: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! English Dub Reveals Cast & Crew, Release Date Based on the light novels by Takibi Amamori and Imigimuru, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! is directed by Shotaro Kitamura ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War episode director) at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani, character designs by Tetsuya Kawakami and music by Kana Utatane ( Akebi's Sailor Uniform ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: Meet the girls on the losing side of romance! First is Anna Yanami, the girl-next-door type who can’t say no to delicious food. Then there’s Lemon Yakishio,...

Have you or a loved one been subjected to unfair treatment at the hands of a longtime crush? Then you may be entitled to this rom-compensation! The English dub of Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! begins on Crunchyroll on Saturday, July 27 with the below cast and crew for Episode 1. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! English Dub Cast Nukumizu voiced by Kevin D. Thelwell Anna voiced by Trisha Mellon Komari voiced by Morgan Lea Lemon voiced by Bev Mageto Sosuke voiced by Alejandro Saab Amanatsu voiced by Corinne Sudberg Ayano voiced by Conner Allison Chihaya voiced by Meg McClain Kaju voiced by Monica Flatley Karen voiced by Alexis Tipton Koto voiced by Madeleine Norton Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! English Dub Crew Voice Director: Helena Walstrom Producer: Samantha Herek Adaptation: Heather Walker Mixer: Rickey Watkins (Matt Grounds for the series) Engineer: Derric Benevides Related: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in...

Nothing brings this season's Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! anime to life quite like its opening song. The track from BotchiBoromaru never fails to hype us up, and Crunchyroll News is excited to exclusively debut the official music video for "Tsuyogaru Girl feat. Mossa (Necry Talkie)." The production team behind the music video previously worked on the likes of fhana's "Aozora no Rhapsody" and "Ai no Supreme!" from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid . See what they cooked up along with our favorite singer-songwriter from outer space, BotchiBoromaru, in the video below. BotchiBoromaru - "Tsuyogaru Girl feat. Mossa (Necry Talkie)" Related: Exclusive: Kairi Yagi Debuts Music Video for The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Ending Theme Check out the standard and anime version jackets for the single: BotchiBoromaru is also behind the ending song for another big anime this season, The Elusive Samurai . The single for "Kamakura Style" recently launched...

The second episode of the Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! anime introduced a new character in the school nurse, Sayo Konuki. With it came the reveal that Chiwa Saito (Homura Akemi in Puella Magi Madoka Magica ) is the voice actor behind the latest addition. The official accounts also shared a creditless version of the opening movie, featuring the theme song "Tsuyogaru Girl feat. Mossa (Necry Talkie)" by Botchi Boromaru. Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines Creditless Opening Related: Too Many Losing Heroines! Anime Reveals Premiere Date, New Trailer and Visual Based on the light novels by Takibi Amamori and Imigimuru, Shotaro Kitamura ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War episode director) directs Too Many Losing Heroines! at studio A-1 Pictures, with Masahiro Yokotani on series composition, Tetsuya Kawakami on character designs and Kana Utatane ( Akebi's Sailor Uniform ) on music. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes an official English version of the original light novel series.

Makeine offers a unique and refreshing twist on rom-coms by focusing on a dynamic and bold female lead character, Anna Yanami. The deliberate undermining of character stereotypes in Makeine results in a more lively and unpredictable cast compared to other romance anime. Anna's vivaciousness and everyday antics make her a more complex and fascinating character to watch, setting Makeine apart from other gimmicky rom-coms of the season.

A-1 Pictures' newest adaptation, Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!, currently streaming on Crunchyroll, could be one of the season's funniest shows. Besides its unique frame for a romantic comedy, its willingness to embarrass all its characters creates a dynamic and more memorable cast, including its leading lady, Anna Yanami. The result is surprisingly refreshing in a season filled with gimmicky dramas.

Many rom-com feel lopsided in implementation, sacrificing jokes for sex appeal. While it may work, Makeine had a strong first episode by going in the opposite direction,...

The official YouTube channel for Japanese VTuber boy band Strawberry Prince ( SutoPuri for short), has started streaming a music video for their new song, "Chikai no Hanataba wo ~With You~." The song will be featured as the ending theme for Gekijou-ban SutoPuri Hajimari no Monogatari ~ Strawberry School Festival!!!~ ( Strawberry Prince The Movie: A Story of The Beginning ~Strawberry School Festival!!!!~ ), the upcoming anime feature film inspired by themselves. The CD single including the song, titled "Hajimari no MonogatarI," was released in Japan on June 5, staying at #1 in Oricon's daily single charts for five consecutive days. Strawberry Prince "Chikai no Hanataba wo ~With You~" music video "Hajimari no Monogatari" regular edition CD jacket Related: Strawberry Prince Anime Feature Film Reveals Main Trailer, Visual In the film, the six members of Strawberry Prince are voicing the characters based on themselves. Meanwhile, nine additional voice cast members have been announced. Their characters...

Too Many Losing Heroines! , an upcoming TV anime based on the romantic comedy light novel series, has published an “unrequited love” visual of leading lady Anna Yanami as well as a video interview with Hikaru Tono, the voice actor who plays Anna in the series. Both were published to celebrate “Heart Break Day”, an unofficial holiday taking place in Japan on April 20. Too Many Losing Heroines! begins broadcasting in Japan in July 2024. Too Many Losing Heroines! "unrequited love" visual The original Too Many Losing Heroines! light novels are written by Takibi Amamori, illustrated by Imigimuru, and published in Japan by Shogakukan under their Gagaga Bunko imprint. An English language version is also available from Seven Seas Entertainment. Shotaro Kitamura directs the anime adaptation at A-1 Pictures. Masahiro Yokotani provides the series composition, Tetsuya Kawakami provides the character designs, and Kana Utatane provides the music. Related: Too Many Losing Heroines! Anime Reveals July 2024 Premiere,...

Written by Takibi Amamori and illustrated by Imigimuru, Too Many Losing Heroines! is a light novel series that has been published since 2021, with six volumes available as of the time of writing. A manga adaptation began publication in 2022, and in December 2023, it was confirmed that the series would be getting an anime adaptation as well. The series is currently set for a July 2024 premiere and we have recently received a batch of new information on the series.

Produced by Aniplex and A-1 Pictures, Too Many Losing Heroines! will be an interesting addition to the Summer 2024 slate. This romantic comedy focuses on the daily lives of several school friends, with the official synopsis revealing the following:

Plain, boring, and friendless Nukumizu Kazuhiko has witnessed something completely baffling: popular girl Yanami Anna was friend-zoned by her childhood friend and crush! In fact, all the popular girls around him are getting similarly rejected by the boys they like.

The previously announced Too Many Losing Heroines! anime adaptation today released a brand-new trailer and visual, while also revealing the main cast, production staff and a July 2024 release date. As previewed below, Shuichiro Umeda voices protagonist Kazuhiko Nukumizu alongside Hikaru Tono as Anna Yanami, Shion Wakayama as Lemon Yakishio and Momoka Terasawa as Chika Komari. Character Visual Related: Romance Blooms in New A Condition Called Love TV Anime Trailer Based on the light novels by Takibi Amamori and Imigimuru, Too Many Losing Heroines! is being directed by Shotaro Kitamura ( Kaguya-sama: Love is War episode director) at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani, character designs by Tetsuya Kawakami and music by Kana Utatane ( Akebi's Sailor Uniform ). The following staff members were also announced: Sub Character Design: Yu Saito Main Animators: Takumi Miura, Akane Takeda, Mirai Harashima Visual Boards: Aoi Otani, Keigo Arihara Prop Design: Takayuki Kido Color Design:...

The official website for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Matoba's romantic comedy manga Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included announced today that it is set to premiere in Japan on April 6, 2024. The TV anime project was revealed back in October 2023 . The official site and Twitter have also released the first episode "Towa and Shintaro" 's synopsis and screenshots below: Shintaro Tokumitsu, 16, started living alone upon entering high school. One morning, he peeked over the balcony to find a beautiful girl asleep. He thought she was a runaway, but it seems she is an angel from the heavenly realm! Shintaro tries to avoid getting too deep into it, but she is a nice girl and she asked to live with him at home... The original manga series by matoba has been serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan, and so far six tankobon volumes have been released in Japan.

The official website for the forthcoming TV anime adaptation of Matoba's romantic comedy manga Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included has released a second trailer introducing its opening theme song "Kimiiro no Kiseki" ( The Miracle of Your Color ) sung by Yui Ogura, as well as a second key visual featuring its five main female characters. 2nd key visual The CD single of "Kimiiro no KisekI" will be available in Japan on April 24, 2024. Yui Ogura has released her new artist photo for the single. Related: Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included Anime Announces Premiere Date, More Voice Cast Members The TV anime is set to premiere in Japan in April 2024. Kenta Onishi ( The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter ) serves as director at Okuruto Noboru, along with series composition writer Shogo Yasukawa, character designer Yuya Uetake and soundtrack composer Shunsuke Takizawa. The original manga series by matoba has been serialized in...