The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for the anime and manga industry. It brought forth numerous new announcements and some shocking developments in manga.
Below are the 10 hottest anime/manga events that occurred in 2022:
10 – Boruto Manga Enters Part 2
Following the first chapter of Boruto, readers witnessed Boruto’s transformation into a formidable opponent against Kawaki. Now, after five years, the final twist has unfolded in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, with a time skip of three years.
The Hidden Leaf Village has matured and grown stronger, especially Boruto. Many new characters have appeared, while some familiar faces are making notable returns, bringing a thrilling array of developments.
9 – Hunter X Hunter May Be Approaching Its Conclusion
Author Yoshihiro Togashi hinted at a potential conclusion in the future of Hunter X Hunter, focusing on Gon’s niece. This announcement serves as a precautionary measure in case of any unfortunate events concerning the author. However, Togashi has shown more vigor, and the beloved ending remains a mystery.
8 – Attack on Titan Concludes
Since its debut in 2011, Attack on Titan has captivated audiences and become one of the leading anime. The final episodes produced by Mappa were grand and emotionally charged for those who have followed the series from the beginning. The conclusion wrapped up more than a decade of impactful storytelling.
7 – Dragon Ball Has a New Project
Dragon Ball has long been without a new anime, but this will change in October 2024. The project Dragon Ball DAIMA was announced at New York Comic Con in 2023, leaving everyone in shock.
The film is expected to bring many unexpected elements and create a significant buzz in 2024, marking the 40th anniversary of the franchise.
6 – Naruto Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
Naruto, a legendary franchise, concluded over seven years ago but is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary with the announcement of four new volumes. This news has delighted fans, although the newly released episodes are still under scrutiny to improve quality. It remains to be seen when they will officially debut.
5 – Blue Lock Rises to Prominence in 2023
Created by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, Blue Lock has surpassed One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen in manga sales. This is a unique achievement, as it’s the first time in two decades that a manga outside of Shonen Jump has led the pack.
The Blue Lock anime, coinciding with the 2022 World Cup, created a massive momentum for the franchise, establishing it as one of the most well-known brands in recent history. This proves that the shounen sports genre is still highly appealing to viewers.
4 – One Piece Anime Set for a Remake
The success of the live-action One Piece series on Netflix has instilled confidence in this new project. However, we might have to wait a bit longer to see the Straw Hats in this new version, as the production process has only just begun.
3 – Jujutsu Kaisen and the Death of a Beloved Character
In the Shinjuku Showdown arc of Jujutsu Kaisen, a fierce battle unfolded between Gojo Satoru and Ryomen Sukuna. Ultimately, Sukuna claimed victory over Gojo, leaving fans devastated.
Jujutsu Kaisen has always been known for its thrilling battles, but the loss of Gojo struck a deep chord with fans. There was even a special episode dedicated to the character, reflecting the impact he had on the audience.
2 – Luffy Reaches New Heights in One Piece
Luffy’s final transformation, Gear 5, was a monumental event in his battle against Kaido. Although fans already anticipated this development in the manga, the hype surrounding the Gear 5 reveal in the anime was immense.
There was even a special event held by Toei Animation in Tokyo, emphasizing the significance of this moment and further elevating its status within the community! The episode showcasing Gear 5 is crafted to be a highlight in the anime, and Luffy is closer than ever to becoming the Pirate King.
1 – The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli Makes History
The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki is the first anime to win the Golden Globe and has become a significant success in theaters. The film has received numerous accolades from audiences, indicating that the wait of over ten years was worth it.
The film’s quality is undeniably high, helping The Boy and the Heron become one of the most successful anime in recent years.
