Winteranimeseasons tend to be a bit slow without tons of hit shows but 2022 was a serious exception. Tons of incredibly popular series to tune into likeDemon SlayerandAttack on Titanas well as hidden gems that managed to fly under the radar of most fans.
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Shows are only as good as the characters within them and many this season brought out the kinds of characters that are impossible for anime fans not to fall in love with.
10Tsukasa Jinguuji - Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout
Tsukasa being so absolutely open to falling in love with his best friend turned incredibly hot woman is kind of admirable in a way. It shows a kind of flexibility and willingness to care about people’s personalities quite a bit that makes him such a “catch” as he is in the show. Without him, Hinata wouldn’t have a foil to work off of and grow to love in the series, making him incredibly important.
9Wein Salema Arbalest - The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt
While Wein is a bit of a whiny jerk, his clever strategies to destroy his own nations show he’s actually quite the strategist as well. Despite looking disloyal in general, there are moments where he shows he will absolutely fiercely defend those he cares about, like when he went out of the way to punish a man who insulted his Ninym. He may be trying to sell out his own people, but it’s hard to not identify with a man trying to live a relaxing life.
8Wakana Gojou - My Dress Up Darling
While so many people fell head over heels for the main female protagonist inMy Dress Up Darling, it’s impossible to deny that Wakana’s presence in the show is part of why. His absolute love of making hina dolls, despite this being considered a feminine hobby by many, is as remarkable as it is enviable. Who hasn’t had a hard time talking about their strange niche hobbies with people?
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His growth throughout the series is also admirable. While he’s still quite easy to fluster, he obviously is able to make many more friends and finds so much joy in helping people enjoy the costumes he makes for them. He’s the kind of romantic interest fans absolutely want to see the girl fall for.
7Hajime Nagumo - Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 2
Arifureta has a wild cast amongits harem but the main character Hajime is why the show is such a fantastic escapist fantasy. Going from absolutely weak to basically undefeatable is something anyone could want for themselves. Seeing him survive and thrive on the screen surrounded by attractive women makes the show a bit of a guilty pleasure watch for many anime fans.
6Bisko Akaboshi - Sabikui Bisco
A hardcore mushroom terrorist isn’t the typical character description found in any anime but Bisko is an exception. He not only is an expert fighter able to fire off specialized arrows and grow massive mushrooms with ease but he also has a soft side. His entire mission is being done in an attempt to save his master’s life and he slowly grows to become a bit more caring as the show goes on. He may be the most wanted man in the series, but he’s also a most wanted man in viewer’s hearts.
5Komichi Akebi - Akebi’s Sailor Uniform
WhileAkebi’s Sailor Uniformdid have a few questionable animation moments go viral that fetishized middle school girls in strange ways, its titular character became well-loved by those who continued to give the series a chance. Akebi’s absolute adoration for sailor uniforms to the point where she chooses her school simply to wear one shows childlike innocence that’s easy to connect with. Viewers want to see Akebi as nothing but absolutely happy and this slice of life thankfully delivers.
4Vanitas - The Case Study of Vanitas Season 2
Theunique vampire lore of Vanitasis part of why he’s still such an intriguing character. A vampire born under a blue moon, Vanitas is determined to save all of the vampires from a potentially horrible fate despite just how horribly they have treated him over the years.
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His ability to essentially rewrite the code of the universe with his “Book of Vanitas” makes him have quite the interesting powerset as well. While he might come off as a bit of a jerk, he has Noé Archiviste by his side to help keep him level.
3Hinata Tachibana - Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout
Some people would think it’s an absolute dream to suddenly be in another world looking like an absolute bombshell. It’s a little more awkward for Hinata who also finds herself suddenly falling for her best friend who has always been a ladykiller. While the general premise for the show seems a bit contrived, it’s honestly a bit heartwarming to see Hinata slowly open up to what is undeniably a queer relationship despite outward appearances.
2Koharu Minagi - Slow Loop
Whilethis amazing iyashikei— soul healing anime — was sadly overlooked by many this season, anyone who gave it a watch instantly fell in love with Koharu. Her absolute adoration of her newly found step-sister as she tries to learn to fly-fish from her is adorable, and it’s hard to deny how many want to eat the seafood dishes she whips up. She’s also an absolute goofball which is sure to leave viewers giggling.
1Marin - My Dress Up Darling
Several YouTubers and countless anime fans have discussed how Marin might be the “best girl” not only of this anime season but potentially of all time. Fans fell in love with her earnest and geeky nature which likely called out to their own deep love of Japanese animation and games withhow she does cosplayand enjoys non-typical media as well.
Her deep desire to truly become the characters she loves is endearing and watching her slowly realize she has actual feelings for the boy making her costumes is beyond adorable. It’s obvious why so many anime fans absolutely fell in love with Marin.
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