Top Upcoming Anime 2021 Part 2

Action

Pipe Wrench Boy by Yu Yanshu

Pipe Wrench Boy in many ways is a nostalgic work. It is not a new work in fact it started way back in 2008 over 10 years ago. Perhaps what stands out to me from this series is the setting a sci fi setting involving many 'engineers' people who uses various mechanic weapons and tools for fight. The story focuses on two brothers Suya and Subi who both want to receive the grand engineer title by winning the World Engineer Tournament. The story starts of in a small village and they both set out in their own journey to attend school to be able to become better engineers. 

The story seems very shounenesque and that is on purpose this a series featuring the themes of those type of series, hot blooded, passion and effort. In a sense, many adults nowadays grew up with Naruto, Bleach and One Piece the likes and Pipe Wrench Boy whilst it might not reach the height of those series it can touch people in a similar way to those series. It has  and passionate fights which will look great animated and whilst it might have a simple story that is not always great, it has heart and people that want should check this one out. 

The animation in the PV I admit does not look particularly awesome, It features a blend of 3D CGI and 2D. In a way that somewhat resembles Studio Orange and Lidens Films works. It is the first time the studio MH Heros is handling a full series and alongside Pipe Wrench Boy they are also working in a series called Shanghai Melody. This might be a worry but I am hopeful. 

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 Mystery 

Yang Yao The Spirit Catcher - Xiao Shi Li & Shi Zi Qing

Another manhua adaptation to look forward for 2021. This series reminds me of Mushishi and Natsume no Yuujinchou in its feel for the former and its theme for the latter. What does this mean you might ask?Let me explain, In regards to the former the resemblance in theme is pronounced in the usage of paintings to capture spirits and to control them. Yang Yao the protagonist as the title suggest does this and similarly to Natsume no Yuujinchou it involves many emotions rather than just a plain fight to beat the evil spirt. 

The Mushishi feel is also linked in away to how the series is formed by small arcs involving characters which makes it feel somewhat episodic. In addition, the entrance of Yang Yao is sometimes the catalyst for the events but these small story involve more so the people he involves himself with him which is something prevalent in Mushishi. However, unlike Mushishi it has an overarching story that unveils over these smaller arcs. 

The PV does not show much but it does show some decent animation and the studio in charge of it is Thundray. A studio that has not been in charge of many works till now, they have a lot of experience working as subcontractor in japanese works. More recently, they also worked together with Blade, a japanese studio on Cooking with Valkyries. Alongside this series they also are heading the project for Chu Feng SOE which might be a worry since they have two ongoing projects but hopefully they deliver on both fronts. 

PV

To Your Eternity by Yoshitoki Oima

This is a great series with a clear theme. It focuses on a being that appears into the world, but most significantly is that the fact it is immortal and whilst it takes the shape of a wolf at first it takes the form of a boy later. It dies many times but regenerates and learns after every death. In a sense it this being completely broken away from the characters in the rest of the series that are mortal and can die. It learns from the humans, their emotions, and how to talk and the likes whilst witnessing their struggles with living in a harsh world. 

It is a interesting setting primarily because the main character is primarily a figure that observers. 

The series does involve other characters but the main character is the focal point of the narrative but the story is not about him per say but what he is witnessing. This is perhaps ironic because this being was cast onto the word by someone that wants to witness its story into the world and this is an invitation for us as well to do the same. I believe this provides for a very interesting narrative and it allows itself to focus on the experiences of others from the unique perspective of a immortal being. For fans of mystery and human drama this series hit the right notes.

Brains Base will be handling the animation for this series whilst that in itself is not too important, what is more important is that it has an experienced director. The PV feels just like it should be and I am excited to 'observe.'

PV

Slice of Life

Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san by Aiko Koyama

A series that will illustrate a particular part of Japanese culture that perhaps is misunderstood in the western world and more widely. In Maiko-san, we have the main character Kiyo who is living in a lodge with many other aspiring geisha which are called maiko and that is where the title comes from. For Kiyo, however, the dream is over but her love for it and her friends made her stay and work instead as a caretaker for the lodge. The story follows her as she lives with these apprentices and shows us how the life of not only these maiko attempts to become geisha but also of actual geisha. It is an incredibly enjoyable experience for someone interested in learning other cultures. 

It is perhaps because of that that it is not surprising to see that this series is produced by NHK, Japan public network. I say that because it is a work that talks about Japanese culture and in a sense Maiko is made for that but it embeds it into a sweet story of friendship as well which is where the slice of life aspect appears. It is not a dramatic series even though Maiko could not achieve her dream because she is happy to be in the part of the life of geisha and seeing her friends succeed. It is a wonderful warm work that will make you cozy and happy whilst telling you a lot about something incredibly interesting which is the culture of geisha. 

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Let's Make A Mug Too' by Planet

A series that resembles another one i have put in list prior, Rescue Academia. It is likewise that series a project primarily driven to promote tourism of Tajimi and the local specialty ceramics and its own customs.  It unlike that show however, is based of a manga which was creature back in 2012 and has been on going since then and it has been created for the same aim. You might be wondering what's the point of putting series like this? First, this series is rather enjoyable in itself, it is rather soothing slice of life series dealing with a girl adjusting to a new environment and experience the local culture and making friends whilst at it. These sort of setting and story line is rather common but it is a prime setting to explore a new environment and teach and show the viewer the wonders of the local places in a way that fits the wider narrative.

Secondly, and perhaps more personally my interest on this series like Rescue Academia originates from my interest in learning different cultures. Like Rescue Academia is also interesting to see how cities have to adjust themselves to a new age where they have to look things like anime, social media to appeal people to visit the town. It has shown to be effective in a way with shows like Yuru Camp driving many people to the places the girls camped. 

In regards to animation this series will be handled by Nippon Animation, one of the oldest studios in japan and one that has done many series throughout the year. The director Kamiya Jun is rather experienced with many differences genres so this series is in safe hands. This is likewise the case for the rest of the main staff. So If you want a warm series and see new places this is the series for you.