Max
(Say hello to I Didn’t Know What Seasonal Anime to Watch, So I Asked /Film for Help and They Gave Me a List, a column we regularly update to assist our readers in choosing which anime shows to watch each season.)
As the year gradually comes to an end, and the leaves change color, another anime season concludes. We are here with our customary list of recommendations for those who prefer not to sift through numerous shows to find the best ones. Despite the lack of highly anticipated blockbuster productions like those in the spring season or the upcoming fall season (where the biggest shows of the year usually debut), summer has still blessed us with some gems that demonstrate the diversity of the anime medium.
We witnessed anime shows inspired by major superhero properties, one of the most popular shows currently airing released one of its best seasons, adaptations of video games, a historical comedy designed specifically for “Shogun” fans, and more.
As summer transitions into fall, and as a new anime season introduces dozens of new shows, let’s take a moment to reflect on the best that the summer 2024 anime season had to offer.
My Hero Academia: Season 7
Crunchyroll
In the last season, “My Hero Academia” reestablished itself as a must-watch anime, and it has maintained that momentum. Season 7 of the popular anime, based on Kōhei Horikoshi’s manga — set in a world filled with superpowered individuals and centered on a high school for heroes — focuses on the final battle against All For One, the supervillain who once wreaked havoc in Japan and now seeks to shatter the world.
Season 7 challenges every character we’ve encountered throughout “My Hero Academia”, providing a resolution to the Todoroki and Dabi storyline that was as emotionally impactful as it was beautifully animated. This season also featured one of the show’s greatest moments: Bakugo’s heroic sacrifice. “My Hero Academia” has always explored the meaning of heroism, and season 7 pushes this concept to the forefront. While it features grand action sequences — some of the best in the entire series — it also includes smaller moments that offer a glimpse into the show’s larger world, such as the return of Gentle Criminal and Lady Nagant, inspired by Midoriya to become heroes once more. The anime also depicts the reaction of the U.S. and other countries to the All For One crisis, creating a more expansive and immersive world.
You can stream “My Hero Academia” on Crunchyroll.
Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
Crunchyroll
One day, a threatening alien mothership appeared in the skies of Tokyo. The Americans responded by dropping a bomb that killed numerous civilians but did nothing to the spaceship. Three years later, life has resumed its normal rhythm, with everyone accustomed to the presence of a giant UFO in the sky. This is the premise of “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction,” an anime that follows Kadode, a high school senior struggling to decide her future. The story brilliantly illustrates how quickly humans can adapt to any situation and incorporate it into their daily lives. This concept has become even more relevant as we have accepted a pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide and moved on without it truly ending.
“Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction” is a unique coming-of-age story and a humorously absurd slice-of-life anime about growing up in a world filled with uncertainty and conflict. Kadode and her friends are trying to plan for the next week, while the adults around them advocate for war against the aliens or peaceful negotiations — despite the aliens having done absolutely nothing since their arrival years ago. The anime resonates with the current times, featuring stunning visuals and an unforgettable opening theme song.
You can stream “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction” on Crunchyroll.
Suicide Squad Isekai
Max
We’ve seen anime shows based on DC and Marvel Comics characters before, like “Batman Ninja” and the “Marvel Anime” anthology, but their quality has been inconsistent. Fortunately, “Suicide Squad Isekai” breaks the mold, offering an action-packed adventure that serves not only as an effective superhero TV show but also as an excellent introduction to the popular fantasy isekai genre. The plot is straightforward: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Clayface, Peacemaker, and King Shark are sent on a mission to an alternate fantasy world where they must battle mages, orcs, and dragons to return home.
The strength of this anime lies in its seamless blending of superhero story tropes with the tropes and aesthetics of the isekai genre. Scenes like King Shark battling a kraken creature or Harley Quinn riding a dragon to fight an undead demon lord feel natural and lead to numerous hilariously absurd moments, including magical girl transformations for the entire squad. Shows like these stand in contrast to uniform, cohesive cinematic universes because they allow for the kind of experimentation and creativity that is not possible when every element of your shared universe must look the same.
“Suicide Squad Isekai” is available for streaming on Max.
The Elusive Samurai
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
