There are only weeks left until the main meat of the next season begins. And in preparation for the upcoming season, all the studios have been releasing new images, or visuals as they call it, in order to entice you and tease you. But its not just for next season, a bunch of new visuals have also released for Summer 2014 anime and beyond. First thing’s first, here are the newly released visuals for Spring 2014 Anime:
Akuma no Riddle
The new visual for the upcoming anime Akuma no Riddle. Based on Yun Kouga’s light novel series of the same name, this Yuri Action anime will be produced by Diomedea, and will air on April 4th.
Here is a synopsis from MAL:
The story is set at Myoujou Academy, a private girls’ boarding school. The 10th year’s Kurogumi class has 12 assassins with their sights on one target, Haru Ichinose. Tokaku Azuma is a recent transfer student who is also targeting Ichinose, but she gradually develops feelings for Ichinose.
Captain Earth
The second visual released for the upcoming original anime, Captain Earth. Produced by BONES, the anime will feature mechs and will be directed by Takuya Igarashi – Star Driver. The series will air on April 6th.
MAL Synopsis:
One night right before summer vacation, Daichi Manatsu, a second-year in high school, sees a weird round rainbow floating in the sky above Seed Island (Shuushi/Tane Island) and ventures there alone. He has seen this rainbow before. With the memories of his father’s mysterious death and an encounter of a mysterious boy and girl, Daiji arrives on the island while the alarm of a building labeled “Earth Engine” is going off. Someone asks him “Are you a captain?” just as robotic intruders from Uranus called “Kiltgang” arrive. The battle around the shining stars is about to begin.
Kamigami no Asobi
A brand new visual for the new original series by Brains Base, Kamigami no Asobi. This Shoujo romatic anime will be airing on April 6th this year.
Synopsis from MAL:
The story revolves around Kusanagi Yui, who is ordered by Zeus, a god and the headmaster of a school he created, to teach the meaning of love to young and handsome gods. The reason he has for doing this is to cancel the negative effects of the weakening bond between the world of the divine and the world of the humans.
Haikyuu!!
The fourth visual image for the anime of Haikyuu!! Based on the manga by Haruichi Furudate, this new sports anime will be produced by Production I.G. The anime is set to air on April 6th.
Synopsis from MAL:
A chance event triggered Shouyou Hinata’s love for volleyball. His club had no members, but somehow persevered and finally made it into its very first and final regular match of middle school, where it was steamrolled by Tobio Kageyama, a superstar player known as “King of the Court.” Vowing revenge, Hinata applied to the Karasuno High School volleyball club… only to come face-to-face with his hated rival, Kageyama!
A tale of hot-blooded youth and volleyball from the pen of Haruichi Furudate!!
No Game No Life
This new visual is for the anime adaptation of No Game No Life, based on Yuu Kamiya’s light novel of the same name. The series will be produced by Madhouse and is set to air on April 9th.
Synopsis from MAL:
The story of No Game, No Life centers around Sora and Shiro, a brother and sister whose reputations as brilliant NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) hikikomori (shut-in) gamers have spawned urban legends all over the Internet. These two gamers even consider the real world as just another “crappy game.” One day, they are summoned by a boy named “God” to an alternate world. There, God has prohibited war and declared this to be a world where “everything is decided by games”—even national borders. Humanity has been driven back into one remaining city by the other races. Will Sora and Shiro, the good-for-nothing brother and sister, become the “Saviors of Humanity” on this alternate world? “Well, let’s start playing.”
Soul Eater Not!
New visual for the spin-off series Soul Eater Not! The series is a set before Soul Eater and focuses on Tsugumi Harudori as she learns to control her powers. It is and adaptation on the manga series by Atsushi Okubo, who also created the original series. It will air on April 9th.
Here is a synopsis from MAL:
Soul Eater Not! is a side-story to the main series, focusing on a freshman halberd named Tsugumi Harudori, who befriends two other meisters, Meme Tatane and Anya Hepburn. All three take part in the NOT (Normally Overcome Target) class at DWMA and learn to control their powers in order to overcome their difficulties to have a normal life, as opposed to the battle-oriented EAT (Especially Advanced Talent) class taken by Maka, Soul, and their companions.
Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka?
An anime adaptation of Koi’s manga of the same name, Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? will air on April 10th. The series will be produced by White Fox.
MAL Synopsis:
Cocoa arrives at the cafe Rabbit House one day, excited for rabbits. She actually all but lives in that cafe. She meets lots of different girls there, including a tiny and cool girl named Chino, a tough and soldier-esque girl named Lize, a spacey and quintessentially Japanese girl named Chiyo, and the ordinary but dignified Sharo.
Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin
A brand new visual image from the upcoming comedy anime Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin. Produced by A-1 Pictures, this series is an adaptation of the light novel series by Kazuma Ootorino. The anime will debut this Spring on April 11th.
A plot synopsis from MAL:
The story centers around the treasure of Nanana, a ghost who was once a beautiful but NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) girl. A boy named Juugo was disowned by his father and forced to transfer to a high school on the “Special Student Zone,” an artificial island. With only 40,000 yen a month to live on, Juugo chooses a low-rent apartment that happens to be haunted by Nanana. Juugo and members of the school’s adventure club join a “treasure hunt royale” on the island for the Nanana Collection, a treasure that possesses a mysterious power.
Puchimas!!: Petit Petit iDOLM@STER
The second visual for the upcoming spin-off of iDOLM@STER, Puchimas!!: Petit Petit iDOLM@STER. Based on the 4 koma manga, the series follows the same 765 Production idols in all their chibi-ness. Produced by Gathering, the anime will air in April – no confirmed date.
Here is a synopsis from MAL:
From the popular game “THE IDOLM@STER”, comes a petit spinoff cute and soothing 4-koma! The setting is the same 765 Production from the games.
GJ-bu @
A brand new visual for the upcoming OVA of GJ-bu (GJ Club), titled GJ Club @. The OVA will feature the girls as they go on a trip to America. The special will be produced by Doga Kobo, and is based on the GJ-bu manga by Shin Araki. The special will be bundled with the Blu ray release of the series, coming out on May 14th.
Here is a synopsis of the OVA from MAL:
It is the spring break immediately after Mao and the others graduate. It is the season of cherry blossoms, and the new school term will soon begin. One day, Kyouya is suddenly stuffed into a bag. When he is let out, the scenery he sees around him is that of New York—except the room looks exactly like the GJ Club’s room.
And now for the Summer 2014 Anime:
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei!
A new visual for the second series of Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya, the spin off series of the Fate franchise with magical girls and magic. The series will premier on June 22nd. Here is a synopsis of the series from MAL:
About a month after the events of the first season, a new mission to normalize the Earth’s pulsations comes up. However, when Illlya tries to subdue the pulsations…
Bakumatsu Rock
The first visual for the anime adaptation of Bakumatsu Rock, based on the rhythm game of the same name. The series will be produced by Studio Deen and will air in July this year.
Synopsis from MAL:
The story is set in the Bakumatsu era, at the end of the shoguns’ rule over Japan in the middle of the 19th century. The Tokugawa shogunate uses the brainwashing Heaven’s Songs by the top idols in Shinsengumi to subjugate the country and its people. In this Japan, writing or singing any songs besides the Heaven’s Songs is a capital offense. Sakamoto Ryouma and the other rockers rise up and change the world with rock ‘n’ roll for freedom and justice.
Tokyo ESP
A new visual for the anime adaptation of Hajime Segawa’s manga of the same name. Tokyo ESP will be releasing in July this year, with the production studio being unknown at the moment.
Synopsis of the series from MAL:
The story is about a high school girl named Rinka Urushiba, who lives with her father while being in almost poor conditions that she needs to work part-time. Her life changes when she has the ability to use strange powers that are labeled to be as extrasensory perception or ESP.
Himegoto
A new visual for Himegoto. This anime is an adaptation of Norio Tsukudani’s manga of the same name. Asahi Production will be animating the series and will air in July.
Here is a synopsis from MAL:
Himegoto follows Hime Arikawa, a second-year student at Shimoshina High School. Forced to assume a large amount of debt from by his now-absent parents, Hime is saved by the three girls of his school’s student council after he is chased down by debt collectors. In return for paying off his debt, Hime agrees to their conditions of becoming the student council’s “dog” and spending his high school life dressed as a girl.
Tokyo Ghoul
The anime adaptation of the manga Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida, has a new visual. This drama horror anime will be produced by Studio Pierrot, and is set to air in July this year.
Synopsis from MAL:
The suspense horror/dark fantasy story is set in Tokyo, which is haunted by mysterious “ghouls” who are devouring humans. People are gripped by the fear of these ghouls whose identities are masked in mystery. An ordinary college student named Kaneki encounters Rize, a girl who is an avid reader like him, at the café he frequents. Little does he realize that his fate will change overnight.
Glasslip
The first visual for the upcoming anime Glasslip, from P.A. Works. A new original anime, the series will be directed by Junji Nishimura, who directed Dog Days. Glasslip will air in July this year.
Synopsis from MAL:
“On the other side of the glass, you can see tomorrow.” The heroine is Touko Fukami, a 17-year-old born in Fukui Prefecture. Her dream is to become a glass artisan.
Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
A new image released for the anime Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun. The series is based on Izumi Tsubaki’s manga and will be produced by Doga Kobo. The anime will premiere in July this year.
A synopsis from MAL:
Sakura Chiyo confesses to her crush, Nozaki-kun, but he mistakes her as a fan! Unable to convey her feelings, what happens when he invites her to his house? Find out in this hilarious series!
Rail Wars!
The first anime visual for the adaptation of Takumi Toyoda’s light novel series of the same name. The series will air in July this year. You can check out our article for more information.
MAL Synopsis:
The “dream railway paradise entertainment” story is set in a parallel world where Japan did not privatize its national railways. Naohito Takayama is an ordinary high school boy who dreams of a comfortable future working for the top-rated Japanese National Railways. He is assigned as a trainee in the Railways Security Force full of odd characters such as Sakurai, a troublemaker who hates men. On top of that, an extremist group called “RJ” plots to privatize the Japanese National Railways.
Zankyou no Terror
The first key visual for the original Summer anime Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Tokyo). Scheduled to air in July this year, the series will be produced by MAPPA, and will be a psychological thriller anime. The series will be directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop)
Here is a synopsis from MAL:
A bomb exploded in the heart of Tokyo. The terrorists are two teenagers and call themselves “Sphinx”. Now they launch a huge game that involves the entire Japanese population.
Shirogane no Ishi Argevollen
The first visual for the anime Shirogane no Ishi Argevollen. A new original anime from Xebec, this upcoming mecha anime will be out this July, and directed by Atsushi Ootsuki (To LOVE-Ru).
Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance
A new visual from AnimeJapan for the anime adaptation of Yuu Shimizu’s Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance. Being produced by studio TNK, the anime is scheduled to release in July this year.
Plot Synopsis from MAL:
Only a pure maiden can have the privilege to contract with a spirit. In here, Areishia Spirit Academy, trained maidens of noble families are gathered and given an elite’s education to become spirit contractors. A boy, Kamito, peeped by accident at a girl, Clair, while she was taking a bath and he ended up making a contract with the spirit she wanted. Yes, Kamito is an irregular boy spirit contractor whose existence was thought impossible until now. “You stole…my spirit…you have to take responsibility for it!” “Huh?” “You have to become my contracted spirit!” What will Kamito’s destiny lead to?
And here are a few things from the Autumn 2014 season:
Fate/stay night
A brand new visual for the 2014 remake of Fate/stay night from Newtype magazine. The upcoming series is a remake of the 2006 anime by Studio Deen. This remake will be done by ufotable, who produced the prequel series Fate/Zero. It is currently unknown if the series will adapt the visual novels from Type Moon, or include a new story arc. The series will debut in October this year.
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
The first key visual for the romantic drama Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso. The anime is based on the manga by Naoshi Arakawa and will be adapted by A-1 Pictures. The series is set to air in October this year.
A synopsis from MAL:
Piano prodigy Arima Kosei dominated the competition and all child musicians knew his name. But after his mother, who was also his instructor, passed away, he had a mental breakdown while performing at a recital that resulted in him no longer being able to hear the sound of his piano even though his hearing was perfectly fine. Even two years later, Kosei hasn’t touched the piano and views the world in monotone, and without any flair or color. He was content at living out his life with his good friends Tsubaki and Watari until, one day, a girl changed everything. Miyazono Kaori is a pretty, free spirited violinist whose playing style reflects her personality. Kaori helps Kosei return to the music world and show that it should be free and mold breaking unlike the structured and rigid style Kosei was used to.
Sora no Method
A brand new visual for the original anime series Sora no Method. From the creator of the Kanon, is Naoki Hisaya’s next project. The series will be produced by studio 3HZ and will be helmed by director Masayuki Sakoi, with the character designs from QP:flapper. The anime will air this October.
Kiseijuu
The first visual image for the anime adaptation of the classic manga Kiseijuu. Created by Hitoshi Iwaaki, not much is known about the anime. Whilst the staff and crew are currently not announced, the anime is set to air in October.
Suisei no Gargantia OVAs
The first visual for the recently announced Suisei no Gargantia OVAs. There will be two new OVAs set after the events of the anime, rather than a second season. The specials will be handled by the same team and will be out in October this year.
And something for Winter 2014/2015:
Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata
The first visual for the Winter 2014/2015 anime Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata. An adaptation of the light novel series by Fumiaki Maruto, this comedy drama series will be out in January 2015. No animation studio for the anime has been announced yet.
Plot synopsis from MAL:
The life of Tomoyo Aki, a highschool otaku working part time to support his BD hoarding. With remarkable luck, he bumps head-first into, Megumi Kato, the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. Naturally, the meeting twists his life into a complicated torrent of relationships. Eriri Spencer Sawamura, his half-foreigner childhood friend who’s always valued her relationship with MC. Kasumigaoka Utaha, a cold, composed renowned literary genius who shoves everyone aside from our protagonist. What is this? An eroge introduction? The tale of a small not quite doujin circle, but not quite indie studio’s journey through the tough territory of comiket and beyond.
Barakamon
The second key visual for the anime Barakamon, an adaptation of Satsuki Yoshino’s manga. The series currently has no release date outside of 2014. This comedy, slice of life anime will be animated by Kinema Citrus.
MAL Synopsis:
As a punishment for punching a famous Calligrapher, young handsome Calligrapher Handa Seishu is exiled on a small island. As someone who has never lived outside of a city, Handa has to adapt to his new wacky neighbors, like people traveling on a tractor, unwanted visitors who never use the front door, annoying kids using his home as a playground, etc. Can this city guy handle all the crazy hardships? Find out in this wacky island comedy full of innocence and laughter!!!
Yuru Yuri OVA
A new visual for the Yuru Yuri OVA. Being produced by TYO Productions, rather than Doga Kobo, the upcoming special is full of mysteries. The OVA is currently slated for 2014, but more information about this comedy slice of life will be revealed in the near future.
And here is our roundup of the most recent visuals for upcoming anime. Be sure to add these to your list and keep an eye out for more images, videos and information in the upcoming weeks and months.