Winter 2015 anime preview

Written by A. H. on 22 Dec 2014

Once Christmas and New Year celebrations, just what is an anime fan to do? The answer to that question is easy - dig in to another bumper selection of new shows as the winter season rolls around! From Tsukimonogatari on New Year's Eve onwards, there's no shortage of sequels and entirely new series to tempt you, and as always we're here to guide you through the weird and wonderful world of what's coming to Japanese TV screens over the next few months.

So, read on for images, trailers and our thoughts on the winter 2015 anime season!

Absolute Duo

Official web site
First Japanese broadcast date: 4th January, 2015

In a surprise to nobody, we begin this season preview with a light novel adaptation, as 8-Bit take on fantasy series Absolute Duo. The show's story takes in a young man who enrols in a school where people can manifest their souls as weapons, only to find that his particular soul can only turn into a shield, putting him at odds with the range of offensive weapons available to others. Oh, and because the school requires everyone to partner up in a team of two, he finds himself living with a beautiful girl... but that goes without saying, right?

Should I watch it? It sounds like a generic light novel plot and looks like it too, with its trailer more interested in fan service that cool weapons. Oh well, it looks like Big Ben is in the background of one of the key visuals, which must count for something I suppose.

Aldnoah.Zero 2

Official web site
First Japanese broadcast date: 11th January 2015

Love it or hate it, Aldnoah Zero caught everyone's attention during the summer, and after a finale that might just have burned itself into your memory the show returns for a second season, with A-1 Pictures once again at the helm.

Should I watch it? Its first season was an incredible viewing experience but frequently a narratively bankrupt one, but if you had a good time watching the show or simply need to know where it's headed next, then you'll almost be certainly picking this up for the winter season.

Anime de Wakaru Shinryounaika

Official web site
First Japanese broadcast date: 13th February 2015

Mental health is an important but often overlooked facet of our well-being, but perhaps anime can help bring it to more people's attention? Then again, maybe it's just better at making fun of the subject matter.

Either way, Anime de Wakaru Shinryounaika seems to be looking to provide the best of both worlds by taking a very light-hearted and comedic look at various disorders and mental health-related issues.

Should I watch it? It's an interesting idea but one I'm not convinced this short comedy series has the chops to pull off - it would be nice to see a cleverly crafted take on this subject that does well though, so perhaps it can surprise us.

Assassination Classroom

Official web site
First Japanese broadcast date: 10th January 2015

Perhaps the winter's most hotly anticipated manga adaptation comes from Lerche, who follow up their work in Dangranronpa last year by taking on another similarly odd tale of murder from necessity in the form of Assassination Classroom.

When an alien creature destroys most of the Moon and claims that the Earth would be next, you perhaps wouldn't expect his next step to become a school teacher who educates his pupils in the art of assassination, yet, that's exactly what happens here. Can any of his students succeed in killing this grinning menace, and both save the planet and collect a vast reward in the process?

Should I watch it? With English availability of the manga from Viz Media, hopes will be high for this popular Shounen Jump series, and it's definitely one to watch for this winter.

Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu Love!

Official web site
First Japanese broadcast date: 7th January 2015

This original series for the winter season comes courtesy of Diomedea, who tell the story of five boys whose pointless after-school club is turned on its head by the appearance of a pink wombat who bestows upon them the task of saving the world. Of course, to do so they're going to have to transform into magical boys!

Should I watch it? Its concept sounds like just the right kind of silly, provided the show can build an actual plot to speak of rather than just ogling its pretty boy cast. Add to that a wombat (why aren't there more wombats in anime?), and at least this series looks like it has more life to it than Sailor Moon Crystal...