Netflix Unveils a Packed Anime Slate for Spring and Summer 2024
Anime enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Netflix is gearing up for a season brimming with exciting new anime releases, returning favorites, and continuations of beloved series. With AnimeJapan 2024 wrapping up, the streaming giant has pulled back the curtain on its upcoming anime lineup for Spring and Summer, promising a diverse range of stories and animation styles to captivate viewers. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in the coming months:
Devil May Cry: A New Adaptation with Familiar Voices
One of the most anticipated releases is the anime adaptation of Capcom’s iconic action game franchise, Devil May Cry. Developed by Studio Mir, known for their work on The Legend of Korra and Voltron: Legendary Defender, the anime promises to bring the stylish and action-packed world of Devil May Cry to life.
Netflix has revealed that the Japanese voice cast for the anime will feature the same actors who lent their voices to the characters in the original games. Toshiyuki Morikawa will reprise his role as Dante, the demon hunter with a penchant for quips and over-the-top weaponry. Fumiko Orikasa will once again voice Lady, the human demon hunter with a vendetta against demons. Rounding out the trio is Hiroaki Hirata, who will return as Vergil, Dante’s enigmatic and powerful twin brother.
In addition to the stellar voice cast, the series will also feature an original song by the renowned rock band Evanescence, known for their dark and emotional sound. This collaboration promises to add another layer of depth and atmosphere to the series.
The Devil May Cry anime is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on April 3, and a new clip has been released to whet the appetites of fans eager to see Dante and his companions in action. The anime promises to be a faithful adaptation of the source material, with plenty of demon-slaying action, stylish visuals, and the series’ signature dark humor.
Sakamoto Days: Part Two Arrives in July
The action-comedy anime Sakamoto Days, which premiered in January, has already captivated audiences with its unique blend of over-the-top action, quirky characters, and laugh-out-loud humor. The first half of the season recently concluded, but fans won’t have to wait too long for more.
Netflix has announced that the second half of Sakamoto Days will begin airing in July. The new episodes will introduce Gaku, a key member of the mysterious X organization. Gaku will be voiced by Koki Uchiyama in the Japanese dub, an actor known for his roles in many popular anime series.
While there’s no official word yet on whether Sakamoto Days will be renewed for a second season, the series’ popularity suggests that there’s a good chance fans will see more of Taro Sakamoto and his adventures in the future.
Moonrise: A Sci-Fi Epic from WIT Studio
Netflix is heavily promoting Moonrise, a new sci-fi anime developed by WIT Studio, the animation powerhouse behind the first three seasons of Attack on Titan and Spy x Family. The series boasts character designs by Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, and a script by Tow Ubukata, known for his work on Fafner in the Azure.
Moonrise is set in a near-future where an AI called Sapienta has created a program that sends Earth’s criminals to the Moon. The Moon has since become a warzone and home to a rebel army. The story follows Jacob Shadow, a soldier who loses his family in a terrorist attack and joins Earth’s army to scout the Moon and bring down the resistance leader.
With its impressive pedigree, intriguing premise, and stunning visuals, Moonrise promises to be one of the standout anime releases of the year. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on April 10.
The Summer Hikaru Died: A Supernatural Mystery
Based on Mokumokuren’s popular horror manga of the same name, The Summer Hikaru Died tells the story of Yoshiki, a high school student who notices something strange about his friend Hikaru after he returns from a trip to the mountains. Hikaru went missing for six months, and when he came back, he was… different.
Yoshiki has to unravel the mystery of what happened to Hikaru during his disappearance, especially as supernatural events begin to occur around them. The series promises to deliver a chilling and suspenseful story with a unique blend of horror and mystery.
The Summer Hikaru Died is slated to premiere on Netflix sometime in the summer, offering viewers a spooky addition to their watchlist during the warmer months.
One Piece: Egghead Arc Continues
For fans of the long-running anime series One Piece, the wait for new episodes is almost over. The second part of the Egghead arc will start airing on Netflix on April 12, with new episodes released weekly.
Crunchyroll viewers can catch up even earlier, with a recap of "Egghead Part I" and the first new episode since the series’ hiatus airing on April 5. Another new episode will follow on April 6, and then a new episode every week after that.
The Egghead arc promises to be one of the most exciting and important arcs in One Piece history, with plenty of new mysteries, powerful enemies, and revelations about the world of One Piece.
Netflix’s Commitment to Anime
Netflix’s announcement of its Spring and Summer anime lineup demonstrates the streaming giant’s ongoing commitment to the anime industry. With a diverse range of titles spanning various genres and animation styles, Netflix is catering to both hardcore anime fans and newcomers alike. From action-packed adventures to supernatural mysteries, there’s something for everyone in Netflix’s upcoming anime slate. As the anime industry continues to grow and evolve, Netflix is positioning itself as a key player in bringing high-quality anime content to a global audience.
