Anime Summer 2022: The Ultimate Recap

Summer 2022 was an absolutely 爆発 (bakuhatsu! – explosive!) season for anime, guys! So many new series dropped, and continuing shows kept us glued to our screens. From heartwarming romances to epic battles, there was something for everyone. Let’s dive into a recap of some of the biggest hits and hidden gems that made Summer 2022 a season to remember. Whether you're a seasoned otaku or a newcomer to the world of anime, prepare to get nostalgic as we revisit the highlights of this unforgettable summer. Get ready to reminisce about your favorite characters, plot twists, and the overall excitement that made this season stand out.

Biggest Hits of Summer 2022

Engage Kiss: This one came out of nowhere for a lot of people! Engage Kiss delivers a thrilling blend of action, romance, and supernatural intrigue, all wrapped up in a stylish and visually stunning package. Set in the artificial island city of Bayron City, the story follows Shu Ogata, a young man with a troubled past who makes a living by fighting demons. His life becomes even more complicated when he becomes entangled with two enigmatic women: Kisara, a demon girl with a mysterious connection to Shu, and Ayano Yugiri, his former girlfriend and a highly skilled demon hunter. As Shu navigates his complex relationships and battles increasingly powerful demons, he uncovers dark secrets about Bayron City and the forces that threaten its existence. Engage Kiss truly captivated audiences with its dynamic fight scenes, intriguing characters, and unpredictable plot twists. The animation quality is top-notch, bringing the vibrant world of Bayron City to life with stunning detail. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets that add depth to the story. Shu's internal struggles and his conflicting feelings for Kisara and Ayano create a compelling love triangle that keeps viewers invested in his journey. For those who love action-packed anime with a touch of romance and mystery, Engage Kiss is a must-watch. It's a wild ride from start to finish, filled with unexpected turns and heart-pounding moments that will leave you wanting more. The unique blend of genres and the stylish presentation make it a standout series that deserves a place on every anime fan's watchlist. Overall, Engage Kiss delivered an unforgettable viewing experience, solidifying its place as one of the biggest hits of Summer 2022.

Overlord IV: A new season of Overlord? Yes, please! Overlord IV continues the epic saga of Ainz Ooal Gown as he consolidates his power and navigates the treacherous political landscape of the New World. In this season, Ainz faces new challenges as he expands his influence, encounters rival nations, and deals with internal conflicts within his own kingdom. The stakes are higher than ever as Ainz must protect Nazarick and its inhabitants from powerful enemies who seek to undermine his rule. Overlord IV delivers everything fans love about the series: strategic battles, intricate world-building, and the sheer power of Ainz Ooal Gown. The animation quality remains consistently high, bringing the fantastical world of Overlord to life with stunning detail. The characters are as compelling as ever, with each member of Nazarick playing a crucial role in Ainz's plans. The political intrigue and power struggles add depth to the story, making it more than just a simple isekai adventure. For fans of the Overlord series, Overlord IV is a must-watch. It continues the epic saga in grand style, delivering plenty of action, intrigue, and dark humor. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Overlord IV is sure to captivate you with its engaging story and unforgettable characters. Prepare to be immersed in the world of Overlord once again as Ainz Ooal Gown continues his quest for world domination. It's a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and plenty of epic moments that will leave you wanting more.

Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun: Get ready for adventure... and some serious feels. Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun continues the harrowing journey of Riko and Reg as they descend deeper into the Abyss, a mysterious and dangerous chasm filled with ancient relics and bizarre creatures. In this season, Riko and Reg encounter new challenges and face even greater dangers as they explore the sixth layer of the Abyss, known as the Capital of the Unreturned. They meet new characters, uncover dark secrets about the Abyss, and confront the consequences of their choices. Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping anime that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The animation quality is superb, bringing the breathtaking landscapes and terrifying creatures of the Abyss to life with stunning detail. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the story. The themes of survival, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge are explored in a thought-provoking and impactful way. For fans of the Made in Abyss series, The Golden City of the Scorching Sun is a must-watch. It continues the epic saga in grand style, delivering plenty of adventure, mystery, and emotional moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Made in Abyss is sure to captivate you with its engaging story and unforgettable characters. Prepare to be immersed in the world of the Abyss once again as Riko and Reg continue their quest to uncover its secrets.

Hidden Gems and Underrated Series

Lycoris Recoil: Okay, this was the dark horse of the season. Lycoris Recoil is a stylish and action-packed anime that follows the adventures of Takina Inoue, a member of Lycoris, an all-female secret organization that protects Tokyo from criminals and terrorists. When Takina disobeys orders during a mission, she is transferred to LycoReco, a café that serves as a front for Lycoris operations. There, she is partnered with Chisato Nishikigi, a cheerful and eccentric Lycoris agent who is known for her non-lethal methods. Together, Takina and Chisato must work together to solve problems, protect the city, and uncover the secrets of Lycoris. Lycoris Recoil is a visually stunning anime with fluid animation, vibrant colors, and stylish character designs. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, showcasing the unique skills of Takina and Chisato. The characters are well-developed, with each member of LycoReco having their own distinct personality and backstory. The story is engaging and unpredictable, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. For those who are looking for an action-packed anime with a touch of comedy and slice-of-life elements, Lycoris Recoil is a must-watch. It's a hidden gem that deserves more attention, with its stylish visuals, engaging story, and lovable characters. Prepare to be entertained by the antics of Takina and Chisato as they protect Tokyo and uncover the secrets of Lycoris. It's a wild ride from start to finish, filled with unexpected moments and plenty of heart.

Shadows House 2nd Season: If you like gothic mysteries, this is for you. Shadows House 2nd Season continues the intriguing story of Kate Shadow and her Living Doll, Emilico, as they navigate the mysteries of the Shadows House. In this season, Kate and Emilico uncover new secrets about the Shadows and their purpose, as well as the dark history of the Shadows House. They encounter new characters, face new challenges, and confront the sinister forces that seek to control them. Shadows House 2nd Season is a visually stunning anime with a unique art style and a haunting atmosphere. The animation quality is superb, bringing the eerie world of the Shadows House to life with stunning detail. The characters are well-developed, with each member of the Shadows and their Living Dolls having their own distinct personality and backstory. The story is engaging and mysterious, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. For fans of the Shadows House series, 2nd Season is a must-watch. It continues the intriguing story in grand style, delivering plenty of mystery, suspense, and emotional moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Shadows House is sure to captivate you with its engaging story and unforgettable characters. Prepare to be immersed in the world of the Shadows House once again as Kate and Emilico continue their quest to uncover its secrets.

Disappointments and Overhyped Series

Alright, let's be real, not every show can be a winner. While Summer 2022 delivered some amazing anime, there were also a few series that didn't quite live up to the hype or simply fell flat. Now, this is totally subjective, and what didn't work for me might be your cup of tea, but let's chat about some of the disappointments. Sometimes, a series gets a ton of buzz leading up to its release, but the actual execution doesn't quite match the expectations. This could be due to a number of factors, such as a weak plot, uninspired animation, or characters that just don't resonate with viewers. It's always a bummer when a show you're excited about turns out to be a letdown, but hey, that's just the nature of anime! Then there are those series that might have started strong but lost their way somewhere along the line. This could be due to pacing issues, poor writing, or a lack of focus. It's frustrating to invest your time in a show only to see it fizzle out before the end. But even the