The Best and Worst New Anime Winter 2022 (so Far)

The New Season of Anime Winter 2022 Reviewed (Three Episode Rule)

By: Preston Simmons | Written: January 28, 2022

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Anime winter 2022 is well underway with the third episode of all the new shows of the season finally released.  Typically in anime, many watchers judge whether or not to drop a show based off of the three episode rule. If you don’t like a show by the third episode, drop it and pick up something else, considering there is so many shows to choose from. 

With the three episode rule in mind, what are the best and worst new anime in the winter 2022 season? Down below I’ve reviewed every single new anime in winter 2022.  

What I consider new shows are ones that aren’t in their second season, aren’t sequels meaning that you don’t have to watch something else beforehand, and it’s not a second cour to an anime from a previous season. That means you won’t find shows like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, or Varitas in this list.  Only the completely new shows have been reviewed. 

Down below I give my personal score for the show, the basic plot summary based off of the first three episodes, and my immediate thoughts after I finished watching each show.  The reviews won’t be the most in depth, but they will cover my feelings for how much I liked, or disliked, a show based on the first three episodes. There is only one show on the list that I couldn’t bring myself to finish past the first episode (it was that bad). 

RELATED: The Top 10 MUST WATCH Anime of Winter 2022!

Without further ado, here are the best and worst anime of Winter 2022!

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My Dress-Up Darling

MAL: Sono Bisque Doll Wa Koi Wo Suru

Score: 8.5

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life

Basic Plot Summary:

Thoughts:

The first episode was great.  I can already tell that this will be a good show.  Likable characters, a good story, impeccable animation, and so much detail in every aspect. This deservedly will be one of the top shows of the season.  I think the characters are the best part of this show, even though it’s worth watching strictly for its animation alone. Gojo is relatable and Marin is a great opposite of him, yet at the same time, never puts him down for his negative thoughts.  She is literally like a bright light in his own personal darkness. 

The second episode built upon the first episode and maintained its already high quality. The comedy was on point and the animation was just spectacular. Marin is a great character and Gojo is becoming more and more likable. 

The third episode was great also. There is just something about Cloverworks and their attention to details that makes almost all the shows they make worth watching. In this episode there were many moments that weren’t necessary to animate, but they did it anyway, which made the show come alive in ways that other shows wouldn’t. For example, when Marin was eating her food, she would use her individual fingers and her tongue to wipe her mouth after eating. There are more examples spread throughout the episode that happen quickly but they are definitely moments that show the directing is above and beyond what you would typically see in an anime. 

The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest

MAL: SHIKKAKUMON NO SAIKYOU KENJA

Score: 6.5

Genre: Fantasy

Basic Plot Summary:

A guy who previously was the strongest magic user in the world wanted to reincarnate thousands of years in the future to become even stronger.

Thoughts:

This is one of those guilty pleasure shows that typically aren’t good in any measure (animation, writing, story, etc) but for some reason are easy to watch and still enjoyable. It’s not boring, it’s fun and for some reason that’s enough. After three episodes, if you are looking for a relaxing show that probably isn’t going to be memorable a season from now, but you still will enjoy it, its worth watching. 

In the Land of Leadale 

MAL: Leadale no Daichi nite

Score: 7.5

Genre: Isekai, Fantasy, Comedy

Basic Plot Summary:

A girl wakes up one day in the world of her favorite vrmmorpg that she maxed her character in.  However, the world is thousands of years ahead of where it was when she last played. This story follows her life in the new Land of Leadale. 

Thoughts:

Even though the animation isn’t great and it’s another Isekai, which might immediadely put some people off of the show, there is something about Leadale that I really like. The comedy is great, especially regarding Cayna’s children. The show also unexpectedly deep, considering first and foremost its a comedy. It tackles things like depression, loneliness, and “fish-out-of-water” syndrome in a satisfying way.

It’s also a comfy show that’s easy to watch without any stresses. Overall, I would say of the isekai this season, this one is the best.

World’s End Harem

MAL: Shuumatsu no Harem

Score: 6.5

Genre: Harem, Sci-Fi, Ecchi

Basic Plot Summary:

The year is 2040. The main character, who is in love with his childhood best friend, is diagnosed with some type of incurable disease and must go into cryo sleep for 5 years to be healed. Five years later in 2045, he’s cured of his disease, but wakes up into a world with no men. Or, at least he is one of five remaining men on the planet who has an immunity to the “Man-Killing Virus”. He is now considered the most valuable resource in the world. His one job now is to repopulate the world with as many women as possible. 

Thoughts:

First episode was pretty bad. The MC is annoyingly pure.  He is so in love with his childhood friend that he refuses to have sex with any woman (who is said not only wants to have sex with him, but their life would be improved exponentially if they do) even when it’s said that doing so would literally save the planet. Interestingly, the MC’s struggles reminded me of the struggles of a certain character in the Dune series, just done poorly. 

Second episode not much better than the first.  MC is still unlikeable and the plot takes itself way too seriously for the type of show it is. Also, it looks like two members of the MCs harem is going to be a loli and his sister(biological or step? They haven’t specified…yet). 

At least, regarding those two, it doesn’t look like the MC is going to actually hook up with any girl in the show.  He’s dedicated to finding a cure to the disease scientifically rather than just mating with as many women as possible. 

So, probably don’t have to worry about any creepy antics from him.  On the other hand, it looks like the MC is going to be sexually assaulted by a new woman pretty frequently. Oh, and it looks like there’s a secret organization of women who created the virus to take over the world and get rid of all the men. 

Third episode felt infinitely better than the first two.  The MC of this episode was much more interesting than the original MC. Felt like a completely different show. 

The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt 

MAL: Tensai Ouji no Akaji Kokka Saisei Jutsu

Score: 8

Genre: Political, Comedy, Fantasy

Basic Plot Summary:

The Crown Prince’s father has become ill and cannot run his kingdom anymore. Unfortunately, the kingdom itself is in extreme debt, with little to no hope of ever producing any money. The Prince has no desire to run the kingdom and more than anything wants to sell it off and live a nice life.  The only way he can do that is if he somehow manages to make the kingdom prosperous to make it more attractive to potential buyers. This is the story of how an unwitting, genius prince raises his kingdom from ruins to riches. 

Thoughts:

I enjoyed the first episode. The comedy bits were decent, not laugh out loud funny, but still enjoyable. I like the main character so far.  He seems likable and very capable even though everything he does is with the goal of doing the least amount of work. 

The amount of violence in the first episode surprised me, considering how lighthearted it is. The war scene had beheadings and cut off limbs, yet it still felt comedic in a sense. Since the show was willing to go that far, I’m willing to bet that the show will be more adult than what’s immediately apparent. 

The second episode was better than the first. I really liked the tactics used throughout the battle by Wein.  Also, when Wein got serious, he looked really intimidating. Definitely worth keeping up with. 

The third episode was the best of the three. Though it did have some comedic bits to it, mainly the epiodoe was serious in nature. I think the show is best when it becomes serious. The political aspects of this show is great, and with the introduction of the new princess character, who seems to be almost as smart as Wein, I can only imagine the show is going to get better and better as they both attempt to outmanouever one another, or even work together.

She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man

MAL: Kenja no Deshi wo Nanoru Kenja

Score: 7

Genre: Isekai, Fantasy

Basic Plot Summary:

In a VRMMORPG called Arch Earth Online, this one player known as the the One Man Army and the most powerful wise man, turns himself into a new little girl avatar by accident.  At the same time, he’s transported into the world as his new avatar (while keeping his powers). To keep his identity secret, he says she’s the Wise Man’s pupil. So begins her new life in Arch Earth Online. 

Thoughts:

Just an okay first episode with a pretty good last five minutes.  The first half felt generic and uninspired with bad animation and terrible CGI.  It was very obvious all of the budget went to the last five minutes of the episode where the MC’s new avatar is revealed, and the show really feels like it begins. 

The second episode was better than the first episode.  The animation was vastly improved all around, however the CGI was still terrible. The story seems interesting enough also. Worth watching at least a few more episodes. 

The third episode was the best of the three, as it followed Mira on a quest with a small guild. A show is only as good as its side characters and in this episode some of the side characters had time to shine. The action was decent and the side story involving the scout and his sister was touching, if short and a little unneccessary, especially if we wont see him again. However, it played the role in allowing Mira to understand that NPC are people now with lives of their own, which helped with the world building.

Sabikui Bisco

MAL: Sabikui Bisco

Score: 8.5

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Basic Plot Summary:

A massive humanoid monster caused a nuclear explosion in the middle of Tokyo. After, the world is struck with a pandemic that causes people to begin to rust. One man is causing terrorist attacks by creating giant mushrooms with his bow and arrows.  The people believe the mushrooms are causing the pandemic to spread.  In reality, the mushrooms are the only thing saving the world.  Meanwhile, a doctor is trying to find a cure to the rusting by any means necessary to save his older sister suffering from the rust. 

Thoughts:

In the first episode, the animation is stellar. Very high quality production. Incredible world building so far with great action. A lot of “show don’t tell” utilized efficiently.  Definitely the most impressive new show so far.  The metal score added to the atmosphere and helped elevate the already intense scenes. Interested to see where this show goes. 

The second episode was just as exciting as the first one, maybe even more so. We got to see hippo tanks, flying snail helicopter things, and more mushroom explosions. One thing is certain, this is the most unique show of the season.

The third episode felt like five minutes. Throughout the entire 24 minutes, I had a smile on my face. Something about this show is so refreshing to me. Maybe because it feels like this story could only be told in anime form that it makes me feel happy while I watch. It also feels like the beginning of an epic journey, which is something many anime try to do but ultimately fail at. For new shows, as of episode three, this could be anime of the season.

Life with an ordinary guy who reincarnated into a total fantasy knockout

MAL: Fantasy Bishoujo Juniku Ojisan to

Score: 7

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Basic Plot Summary:

Two middle aged men are transported into a fantasy world by the goddess of love and beauty.  Except, one of the men is transformed into a young blonde girl. They are tasked with saving the world from the demon lord.  After making the goddess of love angry, she cursed the two of them to fall in love with one another. However, both are conscious of the curse and try as hard as they can to fight against the impending romance. 

Thoughts:

Surprisingly funny first episode. The dynamic between the two MCs are pretty funny and I have to admit, the gag with the giant monster bunny was hilarious for some reason. However, I’m not sure how long I will find the main premise of the show funny. In addition, I’m still not in love with any of the characters yet, but that’s to be expected with only the first episode.

Second episode was funny as well. Especially liked the bandit jokes. Promising start. However, sometimes the jokes miss the mark. 

The third episode was pretty funny as well, but not as funny as the second. For some reason, this show is not grabbing me in the same way as some of the other comedies this season, yet I know this show is one of the more popular ones airing. It’s way better than some of the other new shows this season, but it’s not anywhere near as high quality as the really good shows either. This show is pretty solidly in the middle for me.

Love of Kill

MAL: Koroshi Ai

Score: 7

Genre: Romance, Action

Basic Plot Summary:

A Bounty Hunter’s target turns out to be obsessed with her.  The target decides to capture all of the Bounty Hunter’s other targets to capture her attention. 

Thoughts:

Interesting premise, but at the same time kind of boring. The MC, Ryang-ha Song is the best part of the show so far.  He seems intelligent and no nonsense, but also creepy.  

The other MC, Chateau, probably is more interesting of a character than the first episode leads you to believe.  Her backstory looks compelling and dark, so it may be worth watching more to unravel the mystery.  Animation is good, but some shots are slightly off. One character noticeably has no mouth which is kind of weird considering he is a side character yet the only one with a noticeable animation style difference. 

Second episode was better than the first because there was less of an emphasis on the romance.  The show is best when it focuses on mystery and action.  The animation is still hit or miss is some instances, with a heavy use of saturation in some scenes, reminiscent of anime of the early 2010s, like K: Kings. 

The third episode was also good, if a bit slower than the first two. More information was given about Ryang-ha Song’s past, and we also got to see Chateau and Song’s relationship develop a little more. Thi was also the funniest eoisode of the show so far, but those moments were few and far between. If you like a slow burn show with occasional action and strong emphasis on mystery, this is worth watching.

Orient

MAL: Orient

Score: 6.5

Genre: Action, Shonen

Basic Plot Summary:

Two teens want to become samurai and defeat the demons who have taken over the world and are now worshipped as gods. 

Thoughts:

First episode was decent. I love rebellion stories and this one seems like a shonen rebellion story.  The animation was good in some frames and moments but overall was pretty bad. The action was okay and the voice acting was decent as well. 

Second episode showed promise as well.  The demons look threatening and will work as a good antagonizing force.  The MCs don’t feel OP yet but more than likely they will later. Can’t tell if this will be a power of friendship type shonen or not.  They mention how teamwork is important for a samurai so hopefully the battles will become more tactic than just slashing with their swords to win.  Not yet anyway. Side Note: Way too many flashbacks. Definitely not a good sign for future episodes if the continuous flashbacks happen consistently. 

Third episode was better than the previous two.  Seems like now there is a clear goal for the MCs.  Also liked the Bushi band that appeared.  

Akebi’s Sailor Uniform

MAL: Akebi-chan no Sailor-fuku

Score: 8.5

Genre: Slice of Life

Basic Plot Summary:

A girl dreams of wearing a sailor uniform at her new school and making as many friends as possible. 

Thoughts:

By far the best animation of this new season. Cloverworks has done it again. Every shot could be a painting and nothing feels wasted. It’s the most pretty show so far.  In terms of the story, its slice of life, so it’s comfy without any dark elements.  The MC is likable, and so is her mom and little sister. However, the main reason to watch the show is the animation. The budget for this show is clearly higher than the last few shows I’ve watched combined. This show is incredible with the attention to details. One of the best new shows this season. 

Miss Kuroitsu from the monster development department

MAL: Kaijin Kaihatsu-bu no Kuroitsu-san

Score: 7

Genre: Comedy

Basic Plot Summary:

Behind the scenes of what goes on in the world of power rangers from the POV of the villains monster development department

Thoughts:

Funny show. I really liked the back and forth between the departments.  The management is awesome and so far I really like the two monsters introduced, Wolfie and Chicken.  Plus, them eating KFC during the chicken going away party was hilarious.  The little details added in the show, like the after credits scenes, make the show even better. One of the better comedies this season. 

Tokyo 24th ward

MAL: Tokyo 24-ku

Score: 7

Genre: Superhero, Action

Basic Plot Summary:

After an accident leaves three heroes feeling helpless, a year after they receive a call from an unlikely person. The call sparks a change in their bodies allowing them to live up to their full potential and save Tokyo.

Thoughts:

First episode was a double feature that really got me excited for what’s to come. The voice acting was great and the animation at times was amazing.  I also really appreciated the camera work in some scenes like the itadaki scene and the finale. The mystery aspect of the show is intriguing as well. Kind of reminded me of psycho pass with the AI (?) controlling and watching over the entire city. Excited to see where this show goes. 

Second episode was not as good as the first episode. The animation wasn’t the best and the story for the episode was mainly flashbacks which also wasn’t the most interesting. 

Third episode was better than the second but not as good as the first. The animation wasn’t that good as well compared to the first.  This definitely feels like Cloverworks least budgeted show. Still, its better than multiple other shows airing. 

Doll’s Frontline

MAL: Doll’s Frontline

Score: 6.5

Genre: Action

Basic Plot Summary:

Androids (that are women) are tasked with protecting the world from rogue androids. 

Thoughts:

Cute robot girls shooting guns and using tactics to beat their opponents in war.  Jumps right into the action without any hand holding. Feels like a second or third season, instead of a first episode. Animation was surprisingly good for a gatcha series. A show to turn off your mind and just watch. By episode 3 the animation quality took a nosedive. The story is still decent and more has been explained about the characters, but not much. It’s a decent show but not great. 

Police in a Pod

MAL: Hakozume: Kouban Joshi no Gyakushuu

Score: 8

Genre: Comedy, Police

Basic Plot Summary:

Daily life of young police women on the job.

Thoughts:

First episode was great and actually one of the funnier new comedies this season. I enjoyed how they showed how the public opinion of officers is terrible, in a comedic way. The two MCs are likable as well and both of them have their own funny moments. 

The second episode had some adult elements to it that I wasn’t expecting but really appreciated. It showed that police work for a woman is way different than police work for a man. They have to deal with added elements to the line of work like sexism that the men don’t have to deal with. 

Episode three was good as well. Very heartwarming episode.  Surprisingly, I think this might be the hidden gem of the season. 

Slow loop

MAL: Slow Loop

Score: 8

Genre: Slice of Life, Sports

Basic Plot Summary:

A young girl moves to a new home and takes up fishing.

Thoughts:

Decent start to the first episode, but I’m not really hooked.  I don’t think this is going to be another Yuru Camp, K-On, or other amazing SOL.  With SoL, the animation needs to be spectacular to really enjoy it, at least for me.  The animation here was okay, but nothing special.  Some strange uses of CGI took me out of the moment at times and felt out of place.  Other than that, I think the story is interesting with the MCs backgrounds. 

The second episode was really good. I liked the characters more and more as the episode went on.  I think the friend was a good addition to the group and the dynamic the three of them have together works well. No blatant CGI uses either and the animation has actually improved. 

The third episode was even better than the previous two.  The show is way deeper than I expected and I definitely judged it way too quickly. By episode 3, it ended up being one of my favorite new shows of the season. I really like how the shows subject is about overcoming loss and new beginnings all while centered around the joys of fishing. The animation also was great in the third episode as well. It filled a void that Yuru Camp left.

Requiem of the Rose King

MAL: Baraou no Souretsu

Score: 6.5

Genre: Politics, Drama, Period

Basic Plot Summary:

An anime based on The War of the Roses and Richard III by William Shakespeare 

Thoughts:

Was excited for this one as I am a fan of William Shakespeare and I also enjoyed the Richard III story from the Hallowed Crown tv series.  I also heard exceedingly high praise for the manga that this anime is based on.  Unfortunately, I was disappointed to say the least with the first episode. 

Animation wise, it was basically a powerpoint. More still frames than anything else.  In addition, the pacing was horrendous.  Too fast to really take anything in and understand what is going on.  However, I will say that I enjoyed the atmosphere of the show. It was dark and the score was orchestral which was good. 

Second episode the slide show powerpoint presentation was even more obvious. It’s a shame, because the story itself is interesting, if a little hard to understand due to how fast everything is going. I want to like it and view it as a stylistic anime, but it’s hard to do.  However, the manga is still probably worth reading.

The third episode was better than the first two but still not good. This anime brings up the age old question: can you handle watching an anime with an interesting story if the animation is garbage? I want to keep watching the show because I am genuinely interested in the story, but the animation and pacing is terrible. If that is the case, and I want more of the story, it might be best to drop the show and read the manga. 

Sasaki and Miyano

MAL: Sasaki to Miyano

Score: 7

Genre: BL

Basic Plot Summary:

Guy who is an expert in BL manga ends up in a BL of his own without realizing it. 

Thoughts:

First episode, animation was pretty good but nothing amazing. Story seems to be typical BL plot. Masculine tough looking guy (who’s actually a softy) falls in love with a feminine slender looking guy. The twist being that the slender guy is into BL manga, which is honestly not much of a twist.  The most surprising thing about this anime is that there is not a single girl in it, which is not something I think I have ever seen in an anime before, though it might be common in BL stuff.  Other than that, ton of flashbacks.

Second episode was better than the first because there wasn’t as many flashbacks. Plus there was more of an emphasis on the side characters. I think the show is pretty good for BL.  The romance is decent and pretty straightforward which is not something you see in typical romance shows.  It reminds me of Horiyama. 

Third episode was good as well. I like the interactions with the side characters. Also, the score in the show is great.  The slow piano with the violin really helps enhance the scene and bring out the emotions in the characters, even though not much is being said in the moment. 

Fantasia Sango – Realm of Legends

MAL: Gensou Sangokushi: Tengen Reishinki

Score: 5

Genre: Fantasy

Basic Plot Summary:

Four people fight demons to save the world and uncover a conspiracy intent to tear apart their kingdom. 

Thoughts:

The first episode the animation was really bad at times and the writing itself was terrible.  The action wasn’t that great either.  The pacing was also  The saving grace for the show was the voice acting and character designs (even though they aren’t anything special). The talking bucket might be the most annoying character of the season, with the green hair guy in close second.

No improvements with the second episode. In fact, the quality was even worse. The still shot animations were some of the worst seen all season. The character designs look amateurish now, and the writing hasn’t improved. 

Third episode again not good. Villain of the week formula with no pay off. Animation was as bad as the previous two, except in one scene which lasted about 10 seconds. Overall, not worth watching. 

Tribe Nine

MAL: Tribe Nine

Score: 7.5

Genre: Action, Sports

Basic Plot Summary:

In a tokyo where gangs have taken over, the city created this game called extreme baseball where players battle it out for supremacy. The story follows one team as they try to be the best in the game.

Thoughts:

The first episode was exciting and full of adrenaline pumping action.  It was a fun watch, which is most important.  It didn’t feel boring and the concept definitely felt unique. I enjoyed the world that the show takes place in with its cyberpunk aesthetic and larger than life characters.  My one complaint was the character Haru, but it seems like by the end of the episode, he’s already had a full seasons worth of growth. 

The second episode wasn’t as good as the first, because as it is, Taiga seems to be the weakest link now. Still, I enjoyed learning about the rules of the game and watching the practice match. Still is a fun show.

Third episode was the best of the three. The action was great and it still was a ton of fun. The episode also flew by which speaks for the enjoyment level it can bring. 

Futsal Boys

MAL: Futsal Boys

Score: 6

Genre: Sports

Basic Plot Summary:

A high school futsal team aims to make it to nationals and win it all. 

Thoughts:

First episode was just okay. Nothing spectacular regarding animation or story, in fact it could be argued the animation was actually mediocre on the verge of bad. It was an average sports show. However, as futsal isn’t the most popular sport out there, it was interesting seeing a new sport being played. 

Second episode was worse than the first. The main problem with this show is it is boring.  Nothing about it stands out. It felt like a slog to get through. The voice acting isn’t great (because for 95% of the VA its their first role) and the story itself isn’t interesting. 

Third episode was better than the second. Hopefully the show’s quality increases as they actually play matches. The drama in the show is the weakest aspect. 

Cue

MAL: Cue

Score: 7

Genre: Voice Acting, Production

Basic Plot Summary:

New voice Actors try to make it in the voice acting industry. 

Thoughts:

The first episode was really good, in my opinion. Even though the cast is huge (15 main characters), it didn’t feel overwhelming. I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at voice acting and the preparations and thoughts that go behind a single scene. Plus, the girls all see to have their own unique personalities which helps it a lot. 

The second episode was even better than the first with the girls actually getting experience auditioning for a role. Some background information about this anime, like Futsal Boys, in real life this is the first voice acting role for 95% of the cast. Unlike Futsal Boys, these actresses are MUCH better, and besides that, it actually adds to the show. The entire show is about first time voice actresses trying to start in the industry. It adds an authenticity to the show. After learning that, I enjoyed it even more. 

Third episode was also enjoyable seeing who got picked for the anime and who got cut. Also spent more time with other people from the massive main cast, this time focusing on starting an idol group. Honestly, the show is a lot better than I was expecting. 

Rusted Armors

MAL: Sabiiro no Armor: Reimei

Score: 2

Genre: Action

Basic Plot Summary:

People with special weapons that enhance their abilities called armors try to end the tyranny of their age. 

Thoughts:

Terrible first episode. The CG Animation is the worst I’ve seen in years. The writing is garbage and the action is horrible. It took incredible willpower not to drop the show completely after the first 10 minutes. The most interesting part of the show was after the credits with the live action VAs of two main characters going around Japan visiting places. Honestly felt like I wasted my time watching it, which I rarely, if ever, feel.

Dropped after the first episode. 

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Final thoughts

All in all a relatively decent season of anime. It is not as strong as Winter 2021, but there is a good mix of shows this season. Have any thoughts regarding any of the new shows this season? Let me know down below!