After the rush of winter anime cycle, the spring anime releases bring a fresh lineup of series for viewers to enjoy as the pink sakura blossoms flutter in the wind. Like the other anime cycles, the spring anime season comprises of three months – April, May, and June. Unfortunately, 2023 had all of its spring anime releases in the first two months of the season, most of which are continuing their runs till June and beyond.
Before the Summer 2023 anime season starts, which includes some of the grandest releases of the year, let’s take a look at the best anime series that gained the heat of the otaku community this spring.
Tengoku Daimakyou, Skip and Loafer, and other best offerings of Spring 2023
Heavenly Delusion (April 1)
Also known as Tengoku Daimakyou, Heavenly Delusion is an ongoing anime by Production I.G that is making waves within the anime community. The anime takes place 15 years after a disaster struck and threatened human civilization. Scheduled to have 13 episodes, the story is divided into two narratives, with one of them focusing on Maru and Kiruko, while the other sees a group of children living inside a school in a post-apocalyptic setting where carnivorous monsters roam the land. Aspiring to find a place called Heaven, Maru and Kiruko go on a journey to discover the secrets and answers to the cruel experiences they were a victim of. On the other hand, the children’s curiosity grows as they come in contact with the nursery’s walls.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku (April 1)
From the animation studio of MAPPA, Hell’s Paradise is one the most hyped series of this year. This dark fantasy series is ongoing and will have 13 episodes in total. Hell’s Paradise revolves around the death row convict Gabimaru the Hollow who is sent to the island of Shinsenkyo along with other criminals and their Yamada Asaemon monitors/executioners to retrieve the elixir of life for the Shogunate. Those who are able to return from this suicide mission with the elixir, they would be pardoned from their charges.
Edens Zero season 2 (April 2)
The second season of Edens Zero is said to carry on better than the first one. With a good pacing and consistency in character design, J.C. Staff’s anime is off to a decent start. However, the episode counts of Edens Zero has not been announced yet.
The second season of Eden’s Zero continues with Shiki Granbell’s possession of the titular Edens Zero. Having gathered the Four Shining Stars, Shiki is now hoping to breach Dragonfall so that he would be able to look for Goddess Mother. However, the journey isn’t easy as Shiki and his friends are notified about Drakken Joe’s ship, Belial Gore, which they infiltrate to understand why Drakken is after them. Moreover, his Edens Zero gets taken away by Drakken’s subordinates, hindering Shiki’s quest who now plans to defeat the Dark Alchemist.
My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 (April 2)
Animated by Madhouse, this ongoing romance anime will also have 13 episodes for this season. My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 focuses on Akane Kinoshita after her boyfriend breaks up with her. To get back at him, Akane convinces Akane Yamada, a gamer whom she meets through Forest of Savior, to help her with her scheme. With opposite personalities, the two somehow end up liking each other as they spend more together inside and outside the MMO game.
Skip and Loafer (April 4)
From the animation house of P.A. Works, the 12 episodes of Skip and Loafer sees a country girl named Mitsumi Iwakura attending high school in Tokyo so that she could pursue her ambitions to bring social change to Japan. Despite being confident in her goals, the introverted and simple-minded protagonist has trouble navigating through the hustle and bustle of the city on her first day. Luckily, she meets her classmate, Sousuke Shima, on the way, who helps her reach school. Through some occasional drama and feel-good drama, Mitsumi ends up leaving an unfavorable impression on her classmates. However, she soon gains many friends with the help of Sousuke, who takes a liking to her.
Dr. Stone: New World part 1 (April 6)
TMS Entertainment’s Dr. Stone is scheduled to have 11 episodes in total for its third season. Senku Ishigami and his team are now ready to set sail to the other side of the world with Ryuusai Nanami. With many adventures in tow, the anime is already gaining momentum and is on par with some of the popular releases of this year such as Hell’s Paradise and Demon Slayer season 3.
According to Crunchyroll, the official synopsis of Dr. Stone: New World reads:
“While continuing to use the hot air balloon to search for the oil, it’s decided that Ishigami Village needs to take up agriculture to prevent future food shortages, as well as to produce preserved food for their upcoming sea voyage.”
The Ancient Magus’ Bride season 2 (April 6)
The ongoing season of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, or Mahoutsukai no Yome, by Studio Kafka will have 12 episodes. This time, the plot will see Chise Hatori’s journey at the College, a prestigious school for sorcerers. Although Elias initially expresses hesitancy, Chise still accepts the offer. While at College, Chise immediately captures the attention of her classmates and professors who are curious to see a mage in action. However, nothing comes easy in Chise’s life as she gets entangled in a sinister plan that’s taking place covertly at the College. Thus, the story will turn into Chise’s story to find her friends among the group of foes and find a solution to stop the sinister plan.
KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! (April 6)
Studio Drive’s spring offering for this year includes the comedy fantasy series, KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!. The plot follows a young wizard named Megumin on her journey to enrolling at the prestigious school for Crimson Demon magic users, Red Prison. Although she is adamant about mastering an explosive spell that leaves her fatigued for the rest of the day, at the school, Megumin and her friend Yunyun discover the secrets of Crimson Demon Village and the threats that loom large over it. As a result, Megumin becomes motivated to become the strongest explosion wizard to save her clan.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles (April 8)
Yet another parody drama set in the magical world, A-1 Pictures’ Mashle sees non-wizard Mash Burnedead in Easton Magic Academy to become a “Divine Visionary” so that he could be accepted as non-magic practising mage in a magical society. However, he is no ordinary protagonist. With an obsession for cream puffs and superhuman strength, the indifferent hero competes with his wizard classmates to overcome his shortcomings.
Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You season 2 (April 8)
The essence of Spring is in romance and adventure, and this ongoing series by Seven Arcs fulfils the former category with its heartwarming love story. Also known as Tonikaku Kawaii, the second season sees newlyweds Nasa and Tsukaza Yuzaki taking shelter at Arisugawas’ bathhouse after their house burns down. As the love between the two continues to blossom, Nasa finds new ways to explore their relationship through fun activities, such as going on dates or adopting a cat. But there’s a mystery around Tsukasa’s family whom Nasa wishes to meet. Strangely enough, this becomes the start of their ‘trouble in paradise’.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc (April 9)
Making an explosive return with its third season, the Ufotable animated series follows Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko to the Swordsmith Village. However, what was once thought to be a simple mission to get a new sword turns into a gruesome battle between him, Genya, Nezuko, Love Hashira Mitsuri, Mist Hashira Muichiro and the Upper Moon Four, Hantengu, and Upper Moon Five, Gyokko. As such, the battle that rages between the Demon Slayer Corps and the two primary antagonists also involves the swordsmiths, whose existence is threatened with the arrival of the two demons.
Oshi no Ko (April 12)
Doga Kobo’s ongoing series, Oshi no Ko, is establishing itself as a top dog as it continues to break records. With themes of reincarnation and showbiz, the first episode of Oshi no Ko was a series of fast-paced plot twists whose events no one had seen coming.
Describing the premise of the series, MyAnimeList writes:
“Sixteen-year-old Ai Hoshino is a talented and beautiful idol who is adored by her fans. She is the personification of a pure, young maiden. But all that glitters is not gold. Gorou Amemiya is a countryside gynecologist and a big fan of Ai. So when the pregnant idol shows up at his hospital, he is beyond bewildered. Gorou promises her a safe delivery. Little does he know, an encounter with a mysterious figure would result in his untimely death—or so he thought.
Opening his eyes in the lap of his beloved idol, Gorou finds that he has been reborn as Aquamarine Hoshino—Ai’s newborn son! With his world turned upside down, Gorou soon learns that the world of showbiz is paved with thorns, where talent does not always beget success. Will he manage to protect Ai’s smile that he loves so much with the help of an eccentric and unexpected ally?”
So, which among these entries has been your favorite or you look forward to watching? Let us know in the comments below.
