As a longtime enthusiast of anime and action-packed storytelling, I can confidently say that these three series are nothing short of extraordinary. Having grown up with the genre, I’ve seen it evolve, diversify, and push boundaries, much like the characters within them.
2024 has been no exception to the rule when it comes to cinematic advancement. Movies on both big screens and streaming platforms are consistently setting new viewership records, demonstrating that there’s always room for innovative storytelling in the world of filmmaking and art. For anime enthusiasts, this year has been particularly fruitful, with a bounty of heart-pounding, genre-bending action series being unveiled.
As a movie enthusiast immersed in the captivating world of anime, I’ve long admired the mastery with which shows like “Dragon Ball Z” and “One Punch Man” weave intricate storylines, breathtaking battles, and relatable characters that have set the bar high for action-packed series. The digital revolution, spearheaded by streaming platforms, has expanded the reach of anime, offering fans worldwide a chance to experience the creativity of visionary mangakas and directors. These artists have reimagined action tropes, crafting heart-pounding sequences, and seamlessly blending them with narratives that resonate deeply. Here’s my list of 10 groundbreaking action anime series from 2024, which further elevate the genre to an art form.
10 Go! Go! Loser Ranger!
For more than ten years, the Wicked Monster Gang has been posing a threat, with ambitions to take over Earth from their floating citadel. In contrast to them, the Dragon Keepers, who occasionally fight against evil, are the only ones capable of standing up to them. However, it’s intriguing to note that these two forces have an arrangement for a weekly confrontation, purely for their entertainment. When Sentouin D, one of the last surviving Dusters (the weakest monsters), discovers this secret game, he allies himself with a ranger and seeks to uncover the truth behind this deception.
A Misfit Becomes a Hero
Visually speaking, “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” carries a striking resemblance to the classic series, “Power Rangers”. The costumes, animation, and the fast-paced action have a nostalgic charm that transports you back in time. The intense fight sequences featuring monstrous villains exhibiting their shape-shifting and regenerative abilities are exhilarating and awe-inspiring. Moreover, this series intertwines action with a profound narrative that grapples with societal norms and power dynamics.
9 Ninja Kamui
Ninja Kamui presents us with Joe Logan, a previous member of a ninja clan, who has since fled and now enjoys a tranquil existence in the countryside. However, his violent past filled with high-profile assassinations resurfaces when members from his old clan attack him, leading to the tragic deaths of his wife and child. In pursuit of retribution, Joe returns to his ninja skills and sets out to eliminate those who brought about his devastating loss.
Emotional and Thrilling at the Same Time
Performing actions with strong emotional impetus makes them more impactful, as demonstrated by the minimalistic yet emotionally charged series “Ninja Kamui“. This narrative, rich in tension and devoid of excess dialogue, never wastes a motion. The protagonist, Joe, is remarkably portrayed, and it’s only after experiencing immense grief that his ninja abilities are fully unveiled. Director Sunghoo Park infuses the series with a distinctive aesthetic, while the animation quality is commendable.
8 Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest
Fairy Tail: The 100-Year Journey follows the exploits of Natsu Dragneel and the cherished Fairy Tail guild, as penned by Hiro Mashima and illustrated by Atsuo Ueda. This installment sees them undertaking the legendary 100 Years Quest, a perilous mission that requires locating and sealing away five colossal Dragon Gods to prevent their devastating powers from causing widespread destruction.
A Powerup Fans Long Dreamed Of
In the spirit of maintaining the essence and charm of the classic TV series, this new version of Fairy Tail, titled “Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest“, distinguishes itself by introducing fresh aspects that keep viewers captivated. The thrilling battles, inventive magic systems, and the grand narrative all coalesce to create an epic tale that races forward at a breathtaking speed. What sets this installment apart is not only its creative action sequences but also its comedic character moments and significant character development.
7 Tower of God (Season 2)
In a world where a “tower” holds the power to grant any wish to those who reach its peak, we follow the story of Twenty-Fifth Bam and his newly made friend, Rachel. Bam yearns for light in his life while Rachel seeks recognition. When she decides to ascend the Tower, he joins her on this journey, bracing himself for the trials and repercussions they are bound to encounter along the way.
The Action Plays Out on an Epic Canvas
In the second installment of this cherished animated series, vibrancy and detail abound. This season primarily delves into the lives of two fresh characters, Ja Wangnan and Viole. Wangnan consistently struggles to surpass the 20th tower, while Viole proposes they collaborate. The action scenes remain as awe-inspiring as before, with Bam and his comrades engaging in thrilling confrontations against formidable adversaries, featuring both intense clashes and creative skirmishes.
6 Mashle: Magic and Muscles (Season 2)
In the realm where magic dominates every aspect of life, I, Mash Burnedead, am an exceptional case – devoid of any magical abilities. Marked by none, I’ve been contentedly living with my father, pursuing a tranquil existence. However, the truth about me being unique was kept hidden until Season 2 when it was revealed that I’m no ordinary individual. The Divine Visionaries aim to eliminate me due to this peculiarity, but an organization known as Innocent Zero works tirelessly to protect my life.
Deftly Combines Action and Comedy
In keeping with the original manga, Season 2 of “Mashle: Magic and Muscles” skillfully blends unusual humor with genuinely innovative spells and emotions. While its plot may not be entirely novel to fans of “My Hero Academia“, it’s the exceptional execution and unorthodox methods in overcoming challenges that set this anime apart. Amidst heartwarming bouts of laughter, it offers an action-packed series that introduces fresh ideas.
5 Wistoria: Wand and Sword
If you’re a lover of the magical world of Harry Potter, then the action anime “Wisteria, Wand and Sword” is perfect for you. This series revolves around Will Sefort and Elfaria Albis Serfort, friends since childhood who share a dream to reach the pinnacle of magic as Magia Vander. While Elfaria achieves her goal, Will struggles to cast spells, instead focusing on dungeon-slaying and striving for more points at Regarden Magic Academy.
Breathtaking Magical Duels
In the realm of Wisteria, a captivating fantasy kingdom filled with various factions, Wand and Sword unfolds as a vibrant action-packed anime. What keeps viewers hooked is the intricate web of politics, compelling character relationships, masterful world-building, and well-developed characters. This anime also follows an underdog narrative, making Will’s journey one that fans can cheer for. The magic and combat sequences, especially, are enthralling to witness.
4 Wind Breaker
The story, titled Wind Breaker, follows Haruka Sakura’s transformative journey. Born with an uncommon appearance, he faced rejection from peers since childhood, but instead of letting it break him, he honed his combat abilities. Now, driven to improve his life, Haruka enrolls in Furin High School, a prestigious institution that evaluates students based on their physical endurance and fighting prowess.
A Breezy Underdog Story
Drawing inspiration from Satoru Nii’s manga, “Wind Breaker” delivers pulse-pounding action and smooth animation at its finest. The opening episode alone showcases some of the most thrilling fight scenes ever seen in action anime, setting the stage for a gripping, exhilarating, and immersive adventure for viewers. As it gradually reveals more about Haruka, the series masterfully combines understated drama with a positive atmosphere. In essence, “Wind Breaker” checks all the boxes fans expect from an action anime, leaving them filled with anticipation.
3 Kaiju No. 8
In Tokyo, where gigantic monsters known as Kaijus frequently attack, childhood friends Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro aspire to join the elite defense force safeguarding the city – the Defense Force. While Kafka has since abandoned this dream, Mina has managed to fulfill hers. After a brush with death due to a Kaiju encounter, Kafka acquires the power to transform into a hybrid of human and Kaiju. This newfound ability reignites his passion, prompting him to utilize these powers for the greater good and protect the city more effectively.
Takes Beloved Shounen Formula to a Pinnacle
Kaiju No. 8 revolutionized fan expectations of the action genre, offering something fresh even years after its boom, abundance, and richness in storytelling. Its production quality and fight sequences are visually stunning enough to compete with the latest blockbuster films. The action serves as a platform for deep character exploration, while the deliberate pace adds intrigue to the enigmatic plot, attempting to unravel both major and minor mysteries. Furthermore, the unique allure of kaiju action enhances the anime’s popularity among fans.
2 My Hero Academia (Season 7)
In the seventh installment of “My Hero Academia,” the show remains just as captivating and innovative as before. It’s set in a universe where most people acquire special abilities, or “Quirks,” at a young age, and later refine their skills to combat a roster of villains. The narrative follows our protagonist and his fellow students, who are honing their heroic talents at U.A. High School. This new season finds them transitioning from their school years to protecting the world against the League of Villains.
Fulfills All Expectations
Season 7 significantly upgraded MHA to a cinematic caliber by weaving a complex narrative while unrelentingly providing action-packed sequences to extend the enthusiasm of devoted fans. It continues to preserve its esteemed reputation for character-driven drama, hilarious humor, and impactful storytelling. The animation remains smooth, the stakes are escalated now that the heroes operate in the real world, and the villains have become more menacing than ever before.
1 Solo Leveling
In the realm of top-tier action anime series in 2024, we find “Solo Leveling” standing out. This story unfolds in a world where warriors endowed with unique skills battle monsters, wreaking havoc and posing a significant threat to humanity. Our protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, is a hunter who struggles to make ends meet due to his weak status and low rank. He often finds himself on the brink of death during his encounters with these dangerous beasts. However, one fateful day, after barely escaping from a labyrinth, he gets selected for a program named “System,” which enables him to advance in levels every time he vanquishes a monster.
Benefits Off of Its Video-Game Aesthetic
In a manner reminiscent of role-playing game aesthetics, Solo Leveling immerses audiences in an environment that resembles the pinnacle of video gaming. The vivid character designs, stunning animation, and Jinwoo’s electrifying transformation from a weak hunter to one uncovering his hidden powers and his fate as the Shadow Monarch create a captivating solo journey. The intriguing storyline and thrilling battle scenes keep viewers hooked.
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2024-10-25 03:32