Summer can mean a few things: Frolicking in unbearable humidity until your skin is a festering wreck, or cuddling up next to the AC and binge-watching anime. No judgment here.
Kotaku East’s Brian Ashcraft wrote up our Summer 2016 Anime Guide last month with nearly 50 listings. Below, I’ve narrowed down this summer’s anime bounty into my top five recommendations, as well as a few honorable mentions. Happy watching!
Mob Psycho 100
Studio: BONES
Currently at: episode 4
Plot Summary: Mob, an apparently unremarkable middle-school ESPer, explodes when his emotional level reaches 100. He works for the charlatan psychic Reigen Arataka, who purports to be his mentor
Why You Should Watch It: remarkable artistic ingenuity, hilarious, made by One-Punch Man’s creator
Orange
Studio: Telecom
Currently at: episode 5
Plot Summary: High school girl Naho receives a foreboding letter from herself ten years in the future, warning her about falling in love with transfer student Kakeru
Why You Should Watch it: tender vibes, nuanced character development, well-paced
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance
Studio: Liden Films
Currently at: episode 5
Plot Summary: Arslan is a crown prince who seeks to liberate the nation Pars
Why You Should Watch it: based on Persian epic, gorgeous scenery, impeccable world-building, well-executed fantasy
91 Days
Studio: Shuka
Currently at: episode 5
Plot Summary: As a child, Avilio’s family is murdered by the mafia. Seven years later, during Prohibition, Avilio seeks revenge and enters the black market business after receiving a curious letter
Why You Should Watch It: dark intrigue, Italian-inspired, suspenseful
Berserk
Studio: GEMBA
Currently at: episode 6
Plot Summary: The mercenary Guts cuts down demons and men alike in his quest for revenge and redemption
Why You Should Watch it: classic anime franchise, cutting-edge animation, controversial
Honorable mentions: Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Season 2, Amanchu!, Tales of Zestiria the X