The announcement of the Fall 2024 anime lineup has excited fans of anime and manga, bringing together a mix of new series adaptations and returning favorites, igniting an undeniable enthusiasm within the animanga community.
Starting on September 28, 2024, the airing of new anime series began in a staggered fashion. Now, with approximately three weeks into October, audiences have had a chance to explore several series, with some quickly fading while others thrive remarkably.
Unfortunately, various factors such as subpar animation, inadequate writing, or misguided direction have led some series to struggle out of the gate. On the brighter side, other series have found immediate success. Below is a summary of the series that have stumbled and those that are currently flourishing.
Note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
Fall 2024 Anime Series That Have Disappointed
1) Uzumaki
At the forefront of this list is the highly awaited adaptation of Junji Ito’s horror classic, Uzumaki. Once it was announced back in 2019 that it would be a four-episode series, anticipation built for its debut. After a prolonged wait of five years, the anime finally premiered on September 28, 2024, drawing eager fans to their streaming services.
Disappointment soon followed, as reactions varied widely. Although the initial episode offered hope, subsequent episodes didn’t deliver the expected quality.
Viewers raised concerns over the animation’s quality, alleging rushed performances from the voice actors, combined with issues in drawing, linework, and lip synchronization. Additionally, many fans were dismayed to find that key story elements were omitted, impacting the narrative’s overall coherence.
2) Yakuza Fiance
Another title that faced scrutiny is the anime adaptation of Asuka Konishi’s Yakuza Fiancé. Produced by Studio DEEN, initial excitement surrounded its release. However, the studio’s unique artistic direction did not resonate well with all viewers.
While some fans remain supportive of the anime’s direction, others have expressed dissatisfaction. Criticism surrounding both the animation style and its quality has been prevalent, alongside discontent regarding the series’ mature thematic elements.
3) Blue Lock Season 2
Last on this list is the much-anticipated second season of Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s Blue Lock. Following the immense success of its predecessor, expectations were understandably high for the continuation of the gripping Blue Lock trials and the matchup of Blue Lock XI against the Japan U20 team.
While the season opener set an exciting stage for the Third Selection, the following two episodes regrettably failed to meet fans’ anticipations. Many noted a significant decline in animation quality and found the match scenes lacking. Despite this, Studio 8bit did capture the players’ auras through innovative color techniques.
Despite this rocky start, audiences remain hopeful that the impending conflict between Blue Lock XI and Japan U20 may restore the series to its former glory.
Fall 2024 Anime Series That Are Thriving
1) Taste
On a more positive note, the adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan has enjoyed significant acclaim since its launch. Along with Blue Lock Season 2, this was another widely anticipated title. Studio Science Saru has demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship in bringing the series to life, evident just after three episodes.
Every aspect, including animation quality, vibrant colors, engaging background music, visuals, and voice performances, has been executed exceptionally well. Pacing has also been adept, enabling the timely introduction of important supporting character Seiko Ayase, affectionately known as Grandma Seiko. The fourth episode, currently on the horizon, is sure to continue in the same impressive vein.
2) Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War
After an extended period of anticipation, the popular series Bleach unveiled its newest arc: Thousand Year Blood War. The lead-up to this arc generated palpable excitement among its fanbase, particularly among manga enthusiasts.
Studio Pierrot has justified this enthusiasm, producing work that has certainly rewarded the audience for their patience. The reassembly of esteemed Bleach veterans, including musician Shiro SAGISU and character designer Masashi Kudo, has added further strength to the production team. From animation finesse to musical accompaniment, Bleach has made a powerful return to form.
3) Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World Season 3
Rounding off this list is the eagerly awaited third season of Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World. This series has garnered a dedicated following since its debut, drawing fans into its rich emotional narrative and well-crafted characters, all brought to life by White Fox.
This latest season has continued to excite fans, who eagerly anticipate each episode as the story unfolds. The quality of storytelling has not waned, and with the skilled direction of Masahiro Shinohara, the first three episodes have received an overwhelmingly positive response. Expectations remain high for the episodes to follow.
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