Seven Anime You Should Watch This Winter

Since it seems that all the shows that are going to air next season have been announced, it's time to reveal my picks for shows next season that you should be keeping your eyes on. These can be shows that have already received positive reception from early screenings or just shows that have a ton of buzz surrounding them. Regardless, these are the shows of Winter 2018 that you should go out of your way to watch!

The first series of 2018 from the very popular Kyoto Animation, this series (which is an adaptation of the novel series) takes place in a world that features auto memories dolls. The story follows one of these dolls as she seeks to find her purpose in the world.

Why You Should Care

- This series has been getting nothing but positive words said about it ever since it was screened at Anime Expo this past summer.

- The director for this series is Taichi Ishidate, who knows how to get tears from the audience, as he proved with Beyond the Boundary.

- If that weren't enough, series composition is being handled by Reiko Yoshida, who wrote Tamako Market and both seasons of Non Non Biyori.

- Finally, we come to the lead role, which is being voiced by veteran actress Yui Ishikawa (Misaka in Attack on Titan), which means we're not only going to have strong visuals and writing, but an emotive voice to give life to this series.

Based off the manga of the same name, the focus of this yuri series is Yuzuko Aihara who has transferred into a new, very strict all-girls school. After a terrible start at the school, which includes making an enemy of the student council president, Mei, Yuzuko learns that Mei is actually her new stepsister.

Why You Should Care

- There's certainly cause for concern here with a director (Takeo Takashashi) who has dealt largely with ecchi titles, but his experience with more serious titles such as Maoyu gives me reason to believe that he'll be able to handle the serious tone of this show without too much trouble.

- This is the first time that Naoki Hayashi has handled series composition for a show (they have two previous writing credits) so we'll have to wait and see how they do with this title.

- The good news for this series is that it has two experienced actresses in the lead roles with Ayana Taketatsu and Minami Tsuda playing Yuzuko and Mei respectively.

One of the most popular and beloved magical girl series in history is returning to television! Do you really need to know anything more besides that?

Why You Should Care

- It's based off the sequel manga, which began running back in June 2016.

- This is going to be a huge nostalgia rush for those who grew up with this series, as it will be featuring the same director, writer, animation production studio and lead actress that was featured in the first series.

An original production, first announced at Anime Expo 2017, Darling in the Franxx takes place in a future where humanity is cooped up together in a mobile fort city called Plantation, where life is limited to the walls that the population sees around them.

The hero for the story is a boy named Hiro, who has outlived his usefulness within Plantation... that is until he meets a young and mysterious girl.

Why You Should Care

- Not only is this an original story, but this is also a joint project between the hot newbies Studio Trigger and veterans A-1 Pictures.

- Atsushi Nishigori has lots of credits as an assistant director, but the only credit on his plate as a full director is for The Idolm@ster series and movie.

Taking place in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka, visitors would be forgiven for thinking that this sleepy city is peaceful. Little do people realize that beneath that calm exterior, there is a den of ruthless criminals and killers... at least there were, until a new killer of professional killers appears to create havoc.

Why You Should Care

- Another original story (this time from the mind of Chiaki Kisaki), brought to life by famed studio Satelight, this series is set to tickle some buttons come January.

- One of the lead roles is being played by Daisuke Ono, who could make a phone book sound interesting!

One of the few comedies on this list, Gakuen Babysitters, is all about a teenage boy and his toddler brother who are left alone in the world after their parents are killed in an accident.

Now, the brothers find themselves living with the chairwoman of a prestigious school and things appear to be falling into place until the older brother is told that he must work in the school's daycare center.

Why You Should Care

- It's always fun to see someone's directorial debut and Shuusei Morishita will have their hands full with this one!

- Beyond that, however, the staff is filled with talent, including the series composition writer for Chihayafuru, Orange, and many others.

- As an added treat, not only is Daisuke Ono performing in the cast, but he's also performing the opening theme song.

'Junji Ito Collection'

Junji Ito is considered a master of horror manga by many and so it's about time that some of his works are being adapted into anime.

Why You Should Care

- Do you like horror anime? Watch this show.

- Studio DEEN knows how to produce good, bloody, horrific animation and I suspect that they will do the same here.