A Look Back At The Guaranteed Fresh Summer 2023 Anime

As anime has grown over the years, especially post-COVID, it has become more and more noticeable that the ability to keep up with the amount of releases delivered each season is becoming a job in itself. Overlooking the risk of obvious saturation with the release of so much anime, it's safe to say it's hard to keep track. Sure, you could pull out any number of list compilers, whether MAL Japan, Anilist, or LiveChart, to keep track of the many anime skeletons in the closet you plan to watch; mine has over 600.

Still, there is the saying out of sight, out of mind, which is why I’m here to put some of those forget-me-nots back on your mind. With that said, as Fall 2024 approaches, let's look at the summer 2023 line-up. For this list, I’ll be using MAL’s rating system. It’s not perfect, but it’s the one I’m most familiar with. This will be TV new releases only; ongoing series will be mentioned excluded. Also, to up the ante, only anime with a rating higher than 7 will be listed (7 equals good). In the future, I’ll compile a list of the 6.80 and lower.

Like any season, there are the reigning champions of anime, and believe me when I tell you, they were the talk of social media, namely Twitter, now rebranded as X. Demon Slayer had sense enough to release in the spring as the big boys came out to play. Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach each saw new seasons or continuations of their franchises. In addition, fans of Bungo Stray Dogs were greeted by the release of a fifth season. When stacked next to titular heavyweights like the aforementioned Bleach, this may not seem like a milestone, but it is rare for a franchise to reach twenty-four episodes, a supporting movie, and if you're lucky, an OVA. The "Dogs" definitely deserve a steak with their kibble.

I lost my train of thought for a moment, but Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 snuck in under my radar while, BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! and Horimiya: The Missing Pieces satiated the thirsts of the isekai, idol, and romance crowds. There were a few other series that soldiered on, but I mentioned these because the fandom rated them either an 8 or higher. An 8 means that a series is considered very good.  

The Top Anime Picks from Last Summer (2023). In order of MAL Rating.

Undead Girl Murder Farce

In 19th-century France, the wife of vampire nobleman Jean Duchet Godard is murdered in her home. With the local human authorities unable to adequately investigate the matter, Godard recruits a pair of private detectives known for their expertise in the supernatural: Tsugaru Shinuchi, a man with a mysterious birdcage, and his companion, Aya Rindou. This intriguing couple has traveled from faraway Japan for one reason: to find the guy who took both Aya's body and Tsugaru's humanity.  (MAL Rating 7.87)

Dark Gathering

Spirits have always been drawn to Keitarou Gentouga because of his powerful spiritual presence. A tragic encounter with one had cursed his right hand, causing him to always wear a glove. Keitarou, a college freshman, is attempting to lead a regular life. He starts working as a private instructor after being encouraged by his childhood buddy Eiko Houzuki. Because he is at the top of his intake class, his first client is the tutoring firm's most promising pupil, Yayoi Houzuki.

To Keitarou's amazement, Yayoi is Eiko's cousin, and she has two pupils in each eye, which allows her to see into the spirit world and seek out vengeful spirits to exorcise. Yayoi has been looking for the powerful spirit who abducted her mother's soul since both of her parents were killed in a car accident. Seeing how spirits are drawn to Keitarou, she enlists his assistance in gathering other evil spirits to aid her in her future battle. Although her journey is perilous, Keitarou grudgingly agrees to accompany her, even as each new spirit they see makes him doubt his determination at every turn.  (MAL Rating 7.84)

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

(Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto)

After graduating from a top institution with an amazing extracurricular record in rugby, Akira Tendou has nailed every step of the way to landing his ideal job. In addition, a lovely and caring coworker always brightens his day at work! Life appears to be going well for Akira until he finds that sleepless nights and harsh work are his new life.

After three years of mind-numbing labor at an oppressive company, Akira is unable to recognize the exhausted, unaccomplished person he has become. On track to lose all enthusiasm in life, like numerous of his overworked coworkers, Akira discovers his saving grace in the most unexpected way possible—the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse.

With his newfound free time, Akira sets out to accomplish a bucket list of a hundred things he wants to do before becoming a zombie. Despite being surrounded by the dead, Akira has never felt more alive!  (MAL Rating 7.78)

My Happy Marriage

(Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon)

Miyo Saimori's life looks to be filled with misery. Born into an arranged marriage, she was swiftly abandoned following her mother's terrible death. Her father remarried, and her younger half-sister Kaya received all of the attention, while Miyo was reduced to a menial servant. Miyo gives up faith that her luck will ever change because she lacks the strength to oppose her family's maltreatment.

Miyo's father unexpectedly summons her to deliver stunning news: she is to marry Kiyoka Kudou, the leader of the famous Kudou family. Despite his noble pedigree, Kiyoka is considered to be a heartless man who has dumped all of his previous fiancées.  (MAL Rating 7.73)

The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today

(Dekiru Neko Wa Kyou Mo Yuuutsu)

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, distinguished from other cats by its amazing size and intelligence. However, regular salarywoman Saku Fukuzawa finds it difficult to explain why her rescued black cat suddenly towers over her. Yukichi is no ordinary cat; he is a skilled feline who has taken over the chores in the Fukuzawa home. While his master races to catch the train in the morning and works late into the night, the enormous cat painstakingly packs Saku's lunch, cooks her meals, cleans their home, and goes grocery shopping.  (MAL Rating 7.65)

Rurouni Kenshin (2023)

(Rurouni Kenshin, Meiji Kenkaku Romantan)

As the brutal Bakumatsu period came to an end in the late nineteenth century, Japan entered a new Meiji era marked by restoration. When the war ended, its infamous hero Hitokiri Battousai vanished into thin air, leaving just his legacy behind.

Years later, an apparently ordinary traveler called Kenshin Himura meets Kaoru Kamiya, the proprietor of a failing neighborhood dojo in Tokyo. Kaoru follows a self-proclaimed Battousai who kills civilians and police officers at random. Furthermore, the fighter claims to employ the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu sword style, which was invented by Kaoru's father and is profoundly entrenched in the essence of life rather than death.

Kenshin agrees to assist Kaoru in removing the impostor and restoring her father's dojo. Unbeknownst to everyone, Kenshin is the true warrior, whose name continues to terrify the people. Although Kaoru finally discovers the truth, his promise to atone for his homicidal past by bloodlessly protecting the weak inspires her, and she invites Kenshin to stay at her dojo. However, Kenshin's beliefs are quickly challenged by ghosts from the past and present day enemies.  (MAL Rating 7.60)

Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence

(Shiro Seijo to Kuro Bokushi)

Pastor Lawrence cares for Saint Cecilia at a little church on a hilltop. Her presence is a source of hope for the villagers, as her unknown powers guard them from their own mental weaknesses and external horrors. Cecilia acts dignified in front of the peasants, but when she is alone with the pastor, she lets her lazy side show. Lawrence is desperate to protect Cecilia, despite her role as the people's protector.

Cecilia secretly has a tremendous crush on Lawrence. She joins him on his shopping expeditions and gives him divine protection every day. Despite Lawrence's unawareness of her genuine feelings, Cecilia continues to exhibit him visible demonstrations of devotion as their friendship strengthens.  (MAL Rating 7.36)

Helck

It has been three months since the Demon King was defeated by a hero. Mankind celebrates their victory, but the demons do not. Following the death of their king, they must arrange a tournament to determine who will succeed him.

The fiery yet powerful Vamirio (also spelled Vermilio), one of the Four Heavenly Kings, keeps an eye on the competition. She is particularly suspicious of one of the participants: Helck, a human hero who claims to despise humanity. Helck's enormous strength and popularity make it difficult for her to get rid of him, no matter how much she wishes she could.

During the competition, Vamirio discovers that humans have vanished from several communities. As a result of this perplexing change of events, Vamirio becomes determined to uncover Helck's true motives by meticulously devising a strategy to make Helck fail. If she is successful, she may discover where his true devotion rests before the demon world is jeopardized.  (MAL Rating 7.28)

Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero

(Level 1 Maou to One Room Yuusha)

After the climatic battle that decides humanity's fate, the hero Max and his party defeat the fearsome Demon Lord. As he takes his final breath, the beaten Maou promises to return stronger than ever to exact his retribution.

Ten years later, Maou has resurrected, but the process is unfinished, causing him to take on the shape of a child. Nonetheless, Maou pays a visit to his foe, but the hero who once bravely shielded humanity from the demon's claws is now a miserable slob who bears no relation to the warrior he once was.

Despite his dismay, Maou moves in with Max in the hopes of rebuilding him as a worthy adversary. But as the devil learns more about what happened during his decade-long absence, he discovers there is a tale behind Max's collapse that he is unaware of.  (MAL Rating 7.16)

The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses

(Suki na Ko Ga Megane Wo Wasureta)

Kaede Komura is in love. After sitting next to the airheaded Ai Mie for three days, Komura can't help but be drawn to his bespectacled classmate. Although he has yet to have a genuine talk with Mie, Komura longs for the day when she will look his way.

Komura sees one day that his seatmate is not wearing her spectacles, and after questioning Mie, he discovers that she frequently forgets them. When Komura notices her struggling, he decides to help his crush. As the youngster provides Mie with assistance on a daily basis, her reasons for frequently losing her glasses gradually shift from the first response she offered.  (MAL Rating 7.14)

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villain to Savior

(Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Final Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu)

Pride Royal Ivy, an eight-year-old devotee of the otome game Our Ray of Light, unexpectedly recalls her past. On her way to replay it, she sadly perished, reincarnating as the game's final boss and the firstborn princess of Freesia. Her knowledge of the game's happenings leads everyone to believe she possesses precognitive abilities. But, unlike the game's original princess, this new Pride does not want to punish people around her, including her younger sister and adopted brother.

Haunted by dreams about her other self's misdeeds, Pride decides to protect her family and country while the story progresses. As the world around her changes, she prepares to die at the hands of the game's key characters. Nonetheless, before that happens, Pride will either improve her country or crumble under the weight of her potential crimes.  (MAL Rating 7.11)

The Great Cleric

(Seija Musou: Salaryman; Isekai de Ikinokoru Tame ni Ayumu Michi)

A salaryman dies unexpectedly just before being promoted. A mysterious being takes pity on him and gives him a second chance in the land of Galdardia as a teenager. The young guy departs for the adjacent village of Merratoni, adopting the name Luciel and taking on the duty of healer. There, he finds that healers are a valuable resource, but they frequently exploit others for financial gain. He joins the local branch of the Healers' Guild, vowing to be unlike any other healer, and begins to realize his magical potential.

After failing to save someone with his magic, Luciel is motivated to become stronger. To increase his physical strength and magic skills, he registers as an adventurer and receives rigorous training from Brod, the Adventurers' Guild's senior instructor. Luciel soon makes his way around Galdardia, earning a reputation as a compassionate healer who helps people regardless of the cost. (MAL Rating 7.11)

Almost there, but not quite! These three are getting an honorable mention since they were almost at a 7, but a few hiccups kept them from being really good. Always remember that good is a 7, and almost good is well—you decide.

My Tiny Senpai

(Uchi no Kaisha no Chiisai Senpai no Hanashi)

When Shinozaki started his new job, he never thought his boss would be so...adorable!? He was having a tough time figuring things out until Katase, his sweet and petite senpai, decided to help him out. She really goes the extra mile to make sure Shinozaki feels at ease—even giving his shoulders a little rub when he's feeling tense... (MAL Rating 6.90)

Yohane the Parhelion: Sunshine in the Mirror

(Genjitsu no Yohane: Sunshine in the Mirror)

Yohane, a lively young girl, set off for the big city, full of dreams about becoming a star. It's been two years now, and she still hasn't passed a single audition. Yohane's mom invites her back home since she can't quite manage on her own, hoping she'll find something new that only she can do. With not many choices and a wallet that's pretty much empty, Yohane finds herself heading back to Numazu, her hometown, a bit reluctantly.

In the seaside town, Yohane meets up with her dog, Lailaps, and starts to get comfortable, eventually opening a fortune-telling shop. She catches up with old friends she had lost touch with and meets new ones along the way, all of whom lend a hand in her quest for a unique purpose and a meaningful path in life.

It seems like things aren't going too smoothly for Yohane and the folks in Numazu. There's this strange power at play that's throwing nature and wildlife into chaos. Yohane is spending her summer getting closer to her new friends while also on a quest to discover the magic that could save Numazu. (MAL Rating 6.87)

Synduality: Noir

In 2242, the last bits of humanity are hanging on, living in these scattered bubble-like cities that pop up across the ruined landscapes. They're dodging toxic rain and dealing with these unfriendly creatures called Enders, but they're managing to get by with a new energy source from AO crystals. People who put their lives on the line to gather AO crystals are known as drifters. They navigate flexible bipedal tanks, aided by combat androids called Magus.

While wandering through some remote ruins with his super talented drifter buddy Tokio, Kanata, who's looking to become a drifter himself, stumbles upon Noir, a magus that looks like it's perfectly preserved in stasis. Even though she wakes up on her own, Noir can't remember anything and isn't much help with Kanata's work. So, during an Enders attack, Kanata finds out that Noir has some pretty amazing combat skills. So, the duo is setting off on an adventure to dig into Noir's history and track down Histoire—the legendary city filled with the world's secrets that Kanata has always wanted to see. (MAL Rating 6.81)

As you can see, the Summer 2023 anime season featured a wide variety of engaging content, including popular franchises like Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach, as well as new titles like "Undead Girl Murder Farce," "Dark Gathering," "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead," and "My Happy Marriage." The season also brought new, well-received anime adaptations, like "Rurouni Kenshin," to the screen.

To say that there is too much anime would be an understatement. However, there is a limit to how much you can watch, but I’m sure you may find something that interests you. Crunchyroll, Hidive, or the Seven Seas (for all you pirates) will have most of these anime, and they're not all bad. I appreciate you taking the time to read, like, comment, and share.

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