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Most Popular Anime in 2022: A Complete Guide
Whether you’re crazy about anime or just looking to catch up on this craze, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take a look at:
- How anime got so big
- Which anime shows are hot right now
- Awesome anime figures based on those shows
How did anime get so popular?
Once a niche word, “anime” has quickly become a part of mainstream vocabulary. And, even if you’re not a major fan of Japanese culture, you’ve likely heard it. But, how did anime become such a big part of western entertainment?
When shows like Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z made their way to the west in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, they instantly made a splash. And, it’s easy to credit these for opening up the floodgates. But, the truth is that anime has already been huge with the generation before, having dazzled kids with epic shows in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Yep, we’re talking about Mobile Suit Gundam, Space Battleship Yamato, My Neighbour Totoro, Transformers, and, you know it, the OG Dragon Ball.
These shows, and loads more like them, became special to a generation. So, by the time the next wave of anime came around, they were ready to gobble up the content. And, as time went on and these kids grew up, they were anxious to relive the thrill of that early anime but with the more modern and, dare we say, more adult themes that the new crop of anime was delivering.
So, to wrap all that up, here’s why anime is hot right now:
Amazing stories
One thing’s for sure, no matter the series, you can usually count on anime to deliver awesome, inventive, and immersive storylines. From Ash in Pokémon trying to collect crazy animals through battle, to a brother protecting his demon sister in Demon Slayer, to a Death God creating havoc on Earth for amusement in Death Note, there’s always something to stoke your imagination.
Incredible art
So much more than mere cartoons, modern anime puts some amazing visuals on the screen. The angles are interesting, the fight scenes resonate with motion-blurred energy, the sunsets sparkle with lens flare. Pause almost any scene and you’ve got a masterpiece on your TV.
Fresh nostalgia (yeah, we made that a thing)
As we mentioned, so many people who were kids in the early days of anime love it because of its nostalgic value. But, some shows’ animation hasn’t aged that well. So, it’s great to get that same anime feel but with all the artistic brilliance of the modern age.
Easy access
Anime used to be quite difficult to get your hands on. But, that’s changed in recent years. This is especially thanks to Netflix upping its repertoire. And, then, there are dedicated streaming services like Crunchyroll. All this helps make anime far easier to get hold of, which is helping up its popularity.
Most Popular Anime
So, which shows are anime fans watching this year? Here are a few of the favourites:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
After Tanjiro Kamado’s sister, Nezuko, is attacked by a demon and starts to turn into one herself, he vows to save her. This starts the pair on an adventure that sees them uncover the Demon Slayer Corps, which has been secretly waging war on demons for centuries.
My Hero Academia
In a world where almost everyone is born with superpowers, a powerless boy named Izuku Midoriya dreams of being as powerful as his hero, All Might. He refuses to give up hope, and is rewarded with a power, gifted by his idol. This means admission to the famous school for superheroes, U.A., where the adventures are only just beginning.
Naruto Shippuden
During an attack on the village of Konohagakure by the terrifying Nine-Tails beast, the leader of the village sacrifices his life and seals the Nine-Tails into a new-born baby. This baby is called Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto is shunned by the villagers, who see him as the Nine-Tails. But, Naruto vows to be seen as the village Hokage, which sets him on a quest to develop his powers.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuji Itadori is a huge fan of the occult, but his world is turned upside down when he encounters a real spirit, which he sets free in his school after opening a cursed object. This brings him into contact with Megumi Fushiguro, a Jujutsu Sorcerer. After he swallows the cursed object, he’s inducted into the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers where he begins battling the spirits he once studied.
Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super continues the tale of the Saiyans – an alien race of super-powered beings. It centres on Goku, an ultra-powerful fighter who can push his power up and climb through multiple levels of Super Saiyan in order to defeat almost unbeatable opponents.
Death Note
Ryuk, a Death God called a Shinigami, is bored in his realm. So, as an experiment, he drops his Death Note down to Earth. This is a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. The book is found by Light Yagami, who decides to use it to punish convicted criminals. But, when a brilliant detective called L suspects the deaths aren’t coincidental, Light must take drastic measures to escape being discovered.
Sword Art Online
In the year 2022, a massive multiplayer game sweeps the VR world. Its name: Sword Art Online. It’s great fun, until its hoards of players realise that they’re stuck inside the game. Their only way out is climbing the game’s 100-level tower and defeating the final boss. Problem is, if they die in the game, they die in real life.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Satoru Mikami is an ordinary guy working a corporate job in Tokyo. But, when he’s suddenly killed, he wakes up in a strange world having been reincarnated as a ‘Slime’ – a strange creature with the power to devour anything and mimic its skills and appearance. He meets Veldora and gets sucked into a whirlwind adventure that leaves their world at stake.
One Piece
One Piece centres on a young man made of rubber called Monkey D. Luffy. Wanting to emulate his childhood hero, a pirate called Red Haired Shanks, he sets sail in search of the One Piece – a mythical treasure.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The Joestar family are like any ordinary family… except for the fact that they’re destined to take down supernatural threats using their powers. This series follows the exploits of each member, taking each one on crazy adventures that keep fans glued to the screen.
One Punch Man
Saitama is a superhero with immense power – enough that he can beat any enemy with just one punch. Problem is, this makes his life pretty boring. So, he sets off on a quest to find an opponent that can present a challenge.
Best Anime Figures
So, aside from the awesome stories and amazing art, anime is great because it gives us fantastic merch. Collectors absolutely love anime figures for their ultra-fine details and the fact they’re often based on specific scenes from the shows.
Want a taste? Check out these awesome anime figures:
Dragon Ball Super Goku Black Banpresto 11” Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/dragon-ball-super-goku-ultra-instinct-banpresto-11-inch-figure
Officially licensed Dragon Ball Super merch, this figure is based on the Universe 10 version of Goku, also called Zamasu.
Naruto Shippuden Naruto 7” Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/naruto-abystyle-figurine-naruto-uzumaki
This Naruto figure has the titular hero modelled in a fighting pose with daggers drawn. Standing about 17 cm tall, it looks awesome on its specially designed display base.
My Hero Academia Izuku Banpresto Modeling Academy 4” Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/my-hero-academia-izuku-banpresto-modelling-academy-4-inch-figure
This figure shows Deku in his U.A. suit, torn from battle. With awesome details, this anime figure is a serious fan favourite.
Demon Slayer Giyu Tomioka 6” Banpresto Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/demon-slayer-giya-tomioka-6-inch-banpresto-figure
This master swordsman is not only a brilliant Demon Slayer, he’s also a brilliant statue, modelled with about as much emotion as you ever see on his face.
Jujutsu Kaisen Sukuna Banpresto 7” Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/jujutsu-kaisen-sukuna-banpresto-7-inch-figure
This King of the Curses might just be king of the figures as well, modelled in awesome details, right down to the markings on his face.
Sword Art Online Asuna Banpresto 5” Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/sword-art-online-asuna-banpresto-5-inch-figure
She’s got a sword, it’s a great piece of art, and it’s available online. That’s all we need to say about this awesome anime figure.
Death Note Ryuk Figure Glow in the Dark – Only At Menkind!
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/death-note-exclusive-abystyle-figure-ryuk-glow-in-the-dark
Modelled on the quirky Shinigami from Death Note, this dead-cool figure glows when you hit the lights.
Dragon Ball Z Shenron Banpresto Creator X Creator Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/dragon-ball-z-shenron-banpresto-creator-x-creator-figure
This is what the whole saga is all about – getting the Dragon Balls together to summon the mighty Shenron. It’s so much easier to just order this figure!
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Rimuru Tempest Formal Wear 8” Banpresto Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/that-time-i-got-reincarnated-as-a-slime-rimuru-tempest-formal-wear-8-inch-figure
The protagonist of this awesome series gets immortalised in formal wear with this fantastic figure. Gotta love that cape.
Naruto Shippuden Kakashi 6" Figure
Available here: https://www.menkind.co.uk/naruto-shippuden-kakashi-6-inch-figure
One of the Konoha’s most talented ninjas, Kakashi definitely deserves a statue. And, this fantastic statue does him justice.
