Summer 2026 Anime Impression

I have been watching a lot of anime that came out during the summer season. The following are some quick thoughts on the anime I have watched so far over the last month. 

The Good

The shows that have captivated me so far: 

Heroine? Saint? No, I'm an All-Works Maid (And Proud of It)!: Melody is the saint destined to save the world, but her goal in life is to be the perfect maid. 

Quick Thoughts

I find the concept hilarious. Melody was reincarnated, but she doesn’t realize that she is in an otome game or that several people who died in the plane crash with her are reincarnated into the otome with her. I also find it lovely that Melody would rather be a maid than the saint in this world. It is a positive message that you don’t have to follow the pact that fate lays ahead of you.

From Overshadowed to Overpowered: Second Reincarnation of a Talentless Sage: The great sage Ephtal is reborn after 400 years. However, he has lost his power. Now, he has to enroll in a magical academy to restore his power. 

Quick Thoughts

I found it to be an interesting premise on reincarnation. Ephtal has been reincarnated several times before the story even starts. In his current reincarnation, he is determined to be a greater magician than he was in his previous life over 400 years ago. He slowly begins to realize that magic has degraded over the centuries and is more well-versed in magic than some of his teachers. I found the story to be fun and intriguing. I’m curious to see if Ephtal can revitalize magic in the era or not. 

The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power: Carolina is married off to an evil prince. However, both discover that they are not what the rumors say. 

Quick Thoughts

I like stories like this where people think the underdog doesn’t have any value. Carolina always thought her sister had the superior magic. I found it ironic that Carolina has divine power instead of her sister. When Carolina leaves her home, the kingdom didn’t realize that they were giving away their greatest assets. Carolina’s powers have been subconsciously keeping her kingdom afloat. With her powers gone, her former kingdom is teetering on the brink of ruin. I also like that the prince is kind to Carolina as well as the rest of his family. I am looking forward to seeing Carolina and the prince grow closer to each other. I am also looking forward to the upcoming confrontation between Carolina and her sister.  

KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE: Falling in love for some people is a breeze, but Kuroe has a slight problem: she turns into a kaiju whenever she falls in love. High school romances are going to get a lot more interesting. 

Quick Thoughts

Even though it is an extreme situation, I  love how the anime shows that teens struggle when hormones are involved. We all have had butterflies in our stomach when we realize that we have a crush on someone. You want people to have a good first impression of you. We tend to hide the vulnerable part of ourselves because it would push our love interest away. I am curious to see how Kuroe handles relationships with her kaiju powers. 

Sorry About My Little Brothers: When her mom remarries, Ito has difficulties adjusting to life with her four new stepbrothers. 

Quick Thoughts:

This show is top tier for me because I am a sucker for shows about family dynamics. Ito strives to be the best sister possible, but her stepbrothers want her to be herself. It gives warm vibes. However, I am curious if Ito will have a chance to talk to the fourth brother who is always hiding. I really want to know the story behind his situation. 

Rich Girl Caretaker: I'm Secretly the Caregiver of the Most Popular Girl in This Rich Kid School: Itsuki is responsible for cleaning up the chaos caused by popular girl Hinako in order to save her perfect image. 

Quick Thoughts

I am loving the show so far. Someone was telling me that the show reminds them of Himouto Umaru-chan. After watching a couple of episodes, I agree. The only difference is that Hinako needs Itsuki around to make sure her slovenly side doesn’t show, whereas Umaru knows how to switch between personas when talking to different people. Also, I hate Itsuki’s parents. He took extra jobs to keep his family afloat, but his parents ran away and left him with a pile of debt. I am glad that Itsuki found a working opportunity with Hinako’s family. 

The Cat and the Dragon: Magical cats take in an orphan dragon who offers protection for them. 

Quick Thoughts

When the show started, I thought it would be the dragon interacting with the cats in the forest. However, it seems to be an anthology series so far. Each episode has been about a different cat and their interactions with humans. Sometimes, the dragon periodically watches over the cats because he doesn’t fully trust humans. It gives me the same cozy fantasy vibes as Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods. Even though the show is not what I expected, I am eager to continue watching future episodes. 

The Ogre's Bride: A girl, neglected all her life, is suddenly taken in by a handsome monster that wants her to be his bride. 

Quick Thoughts

It was hard to watch Yuzu get physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by her immediate family, and the people who care about her (friends and grandparents) are not able to do anything about it. I love that Yuzu meets Reiya because he can protect her from the abuse. I had feared that Yuzu would lose herself in this relationship, but she seems to be maintaining boundaries and not fully trusting Reiya with her heart yet. I am curious to see how their relationship progresses throughout the season. I also want to see Yuzu’s family pay for what they did. 

You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2: High school romance about how opposites attract. 

Quick Thoughts

I loved season 1, and season 2 is shaping up to be the same. I liked that they didn’t play love games with the leads. The relationships forming come across as natural, and you can see the cool vibes that everybody has with each other. I believe that I will love season 2 as much as season 1.

Victoria of Many Faces: A retired spy wants to have a normal life, but those around her have different plans for her. 

Quick Thoughts

This is my favorite anime so far this season. It reminds me a little bit of Spy X Family except that it has a more dramatic take. I am always fond of a female lead that knows how to take care of herself and doesn’t need a prince to save her. I also thought that it was courageous of her to start a new life after breaking ties with the spy agency she was a part of. She only uses her skills and knowledge to help others. I love Victoria’s relationship with Nonna. They always try to protect themselves, which is sweet. I thought it was cool that Victoria is teaching Nonna the skills she learned as an assassin. I do hope that Victoria lets down her walls and gets closer to Jeffrey. They would make a good couple. 

Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky: College student Kakeru grows close to a blind girl, Koharu. He wants to do the impossible: grant her wish to see the fireworks. 

Quick Thoughts

This show ties with Victoria of Many Faces. I love that the show explores daily living with a disability. It is something that I don’t see too often. I also like how we get the internal monologue from Kakeru. He isn’t sure what things to ask about Koharu’s disability or if he should immediately help Koharu if she is struggling. I found it realistic because you want to be respectful of a person’s agency, but you don’t want to see them struggle either. I am looking forward to seeing how the relationship between Kakeru and Koharu continues to grow. 

The Villager of Level 999: In Earthclear, all people are born with an assigned role. The role of villager is considered weak, with most people capping out at level 5. However, Koji is the exception, having reached level 999. While traveling, Koji runs into a demon, Alice. They realize they have the same goal: bringing peace between demons and humans. 

Quick Thoughts

I love the premise that your role doesn’t have to be tied down to fate. A person can forge a new path for themselves despite what everyone thinks. Koji is a shining example of this with his strength, courage, training, and loyalty. I am curious to see if he will make others realize that you don’t have to be the role society assigned you at birth. 

Daemons of the Shadow Realm: Yuru lives in a small ancient village. However, he flees when enemy forces attack with superior weapons and daemons. As Yuru and his daemons, Left and Right, leave the village and go into the outside world, they discover that the rest of humanity has been living a modern lifestyle the whole time. 

Quick Thoughts

It is engaging. I love the action of the show, and it is fun seeing Yuru, Left, and Right reacting to modern technology. However, it feels like the first half of the season has been a lot of setup. I have been left with so many questions: Why was Asa restricted to a cage in the village and not Yuru? Why did Yuru’s parents not escape with him down the mountain? How come Asa’s movements are restricted in the modern world whereas Yuru can move around freely? The premise has me hanging on to see it through to the end. I just hope to get answers to some of my questions soon. 

A Livid Lady’s Guide to Getting Even: Elizabeth is betrayed by the crown prince and thrown in jail due to his false accusations. Her father, a prime minister, and the king refuse to help Elizabeth escape. When Elizabeth finds out the people of the kingdom abandoned her despite her years of charity and public help programs, she turns her back on the kingdom and vows revenge. 

Quick Thoughts

Usually when there is an accusation against the villainess, she is cast aside and tries to start a new life somewhere else. I love that Elizabeth made a different choice and decided to fight back. She has a good head on her shoulders and knows how to play political games pretty well. I also like that the country she left is starting to crumble without her because Elizabeth always did things behind the scenes to make sure the kingdom is running smoothly. I look forward to seeing Elizabeth’s final plan for destroying the kingdom that wronged her. 

Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life: The hero and the demon king get reincarnated into the modern world, where the demon king is a shut in Neet and the hero is a high school student. 

Quick Thoughts: 

This show has me cracking up with each episode. The demon king seems fine in the new world, but Hanaori, the hero, is struggling. She is used to saving people and fighting evil. However, when the demon king doesn’t have the desire to do evil anymore, it makes Hanaori wonder about her true purpose in life. It is really philosophical for a comedy, and I am curious to see what hijinks the demon king and the hero get up to next. 

Meh

The shows that are average, but I still want to see them through the end. 

I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand: S-Rank adventurer Luck finally wins a 10-year-long battle, and decides to return to society to start over as an F-rank adventurer. 

Quick Thoughts

I found it crazy that Luck was able to fight 10 years straight without any food. He took the mana from monsters to sustain him. The premise kind of takes you out of it. However, it seems to be a decent medieval magic show. I found it interesting that the villains are vampires. Curious to see how Luck and his crew handle everything that is going on. 

The Duke’s Son Claims He Won’t Love Me Yet Showers Me with Adoration: When Elsa marries a noble heir, she discovers that he uses kindness to deflect from his painful truth.

Quick Thoughts

Still watching the show, but I am curious about where it is heading. Elsa and Julius are a marriage of convenience. Elsa can do whatever she wants as long as, for public appearances, she fakes being in love with Julius. I am hoping that we find out soon why Julius wanted a marriage of convenience, and if he will let Elsa into his life. 

I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day: Two girls trying to survive through what is left of humanity

Quick Thoughts

I found this show okay. I feel that it is leading towards something tragic happening, which I don’t think I am ready for. I find it sad that orphan children are being used as weapons in the war. However, there is brightness with Mimi’s attitude. She is very bright and cheerful considering she is the most powerful there. I am curious to see how the relationship between Sheena and Mimi develops. 

The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch: Spica has dreams about going to the magic academy, but she doesn’t have magic. However, she meets a black talking cat that changes everything she knew about herself. 

Quick Thoughts

It is an okay show to watch while you are doing something. It is similar to most magic/supernatural school shows where the main character is trying to learn more about their power through the help of a mentor. It isn’t the worst thing I have seen, but it isn’t the best either. 

The World’s Strongest Rearguard: Arihito dies in a bus crash with his co-workers. They are reincarnated into a world called Labyrinth Country where they gain the role of Seekers. Stuck in this new world, Arihito goes exploring dungeons with a human mercenary as they rise up through the ranks in society. 

Quick Thoughts

I am always game for an Isekai. It has monster battles and good dynamics, which makes the show entertaining. However, the show does give me pause since there seems to be a harem forming around the main character. I am hoping that the show keeps up the adventure and teamwork aspects instead of it revolving around harems 24/7.

Goodbye, Lara: Lara is a mermaid who aspires to live in the human world. Her wicked aunt gives her the option, but it comes with a price: her voice. Lara takes the option and adventures off into the human world with a new body. Lara falls in love with the prince. Before they are about to spend the rest of their lives together, the spell is broken, and the prince sees Lara as her true self, a mermaid. The prince rejects Lara’s affections, causing Lara to turn into foam and be reclaimed by the sea. Lara is reincarnated centuries later. She finds out that her family and kingdom perished because of her desire to be in human society. Heartbroken that she caused her family’s destruction, she falters on what to do next. However, her wicked aunt comes back to Lara with a choice: she can stay alone in the sea or go back to the human world to find her true love. Lara takes the chance to live among the humans and find her true match.

Quick Thoughts

I have talked about The Little Mermaid on here before, and how I was not fond of Ariel giving up her voice and agency to catch a man. It comes across as so demeaning. However, I liked how the show gives a reinterpretation that is different from the Disney version.  In this show, Lara gave up her voice, but is regretful when she finds out the consequences of her selfish decision. Right now, Lara is obsessed with finding her perfect match. I hope that her goals change and not let true love dictate her entire life.

Mao: Nanoka stumbles upon a portal that transports her to 1920s Japan. While there, she meets the exocist Mao and his assistant Otoya, who are plagued by the Byoki, who wants to drain Mao’s powers. 

Quick Thoughts

The setup reminds me of Inuyasha: a girl going through a portal into the past and discovering she has supernatural powers. Honestly, if I hadn’t started doing episode recaps of the show, I would have stopped watching it a long time ago. It is missing the thing that made Inuyasha great: character dynamics. The season is halfway through, and I don’t feel like Mao and Nanoka are close at all. Their relationship feels more like they are interacting with each other by accident rather than being friends or teammates. Hopefully that changes before the end of the season.

Black Torch: Jiro is not your average teenager. He has been trained as a shinobi and can also talk to animals. He one day comes across a black cat who is severely injured. Jiro nurses the cat back to health and discovers the cat is really a mononoke named Rago. Due to helping Rago, Jiro is now in danger from the different mononoke who want access to Rago’s powers. 

Quick Thoughts 

The show is a little bit engaging. The show reminds me a lot of Naruto. Rago is a part of Jiro’s body now that can help increase his powers. Jiro is on a team of three people where one person doesn’t like him and the other finds him annoying. So far, the team dynamic is lacking, which I am not surprised about since I am only a couple of episodes in. I hope the relationship between Jiro’s team and Rago improves in future episodes. 

The Frontier Lord Begins with Zero Subjects: War hero Dias is gifted by the king a piece of land to develop. However, when Dias arrives there, he discovers that the land is barren with no signs of civilization as far as the eye can see. What is he going to do with a land without any subjects?

Quick Thoughts

I like the story so far. It reminds me of The Warrior Princess and the Barbaric King. While on the frontier, he discovers a race of people that he has never met before. He is amazed by how they live, and after they get to know him, they teach Dias how to survive on the frontier. I also like so far that Dias is offering shelter on his land to the displaced and disadvantaged. I am hoping that Dias is able to build a prosperous village. The show has one big red flag when it comes to the relationship between Alna and Dias. Alna is 15, and Dias is in his 30s. Alna wants a romantic relationship with Dias, who quickly puts a stop to her advances. I am hoping that it stays that way in future episodes.

Dropped

Shows that lost my interest within a couple of episodes

MEBIUS DUST: Mebius dust shapes the city where Araki, Stella, and Olga live their ordinary lives. However, are things as normal as it seems, or is there something else afoot? 

Quick Thoughts

There were too many characters introduced at the beginning.  I noped out after the first episode. 

Sparks of Tomorrow: An unlikely duo team up to try to bring electricity to Kyoto.

Quick Thoughts

Couldn’t get into the character dynamics, so I stopped at episode 1.

Recommendations from Iwamoto-Senpai: a military student seeks out the supernatural phenomenon in the area in hopes of finding more people like him. 

Quick Thoughts

I tried 3 episodes. It has an interesting premise, but it couldn’t keep my attention for long. 

Binge Watch

The shows I am waiting to watch later. 

Hana-Kimi Season 2: Mizuki disguises herself to attend an all-boys’ school to meet her favorite sports player, Sano Izumi. However, after all that effort, she finds out he quit. What is she to do now? 

Quick Thoughts

I am waiting to binge-watch this when all the episodes come out. 

Dara-san of Reiwa: Siblings Hinata and Kaoru become best friends with a cursed serpent god. 

After a couple of episodes, I felt whiplash. They go back and forth between the children trying to befriend Dara and Dara’s horrible life as the village’s priestess. I think I will try again the watch when all the episodes are out to binge. 

Overall, I think that this summer season is set to be a good one. I am looking forward to letting you guys know if my thoughts on the show change once the season ends. What anime did you guys end up watching this season? Let me know in the comments!