As the old year passes on, we usually find ourselves looking back on the memories it gave us. For some that means posting their yearly Instagram wrap-up but for us it’s taking the time to figure out our favorite anime of the year. 2022 was filled to the brim with exciting action-packed and heartfelt anime that carried over from season to season. Whether it be because of the phenomenal originals like “SpyxFamily” and “Chainsaw Man” or the unexpected comebacks for anime favorites such as “Bleach” and “Urusai Yatsura” there was no end to the exceptional shows you could watch. However, only one can reign supreme and luckily for us, that one can be subjective. The only thing that matters about your favorite anime is that it’s YOUR favorite anime. So, here at OFF BLXXK we decided to give you our favorite anime of 2022 and maybe we have some in common.
Ashanti Huland El – Writer
Instagram: @Spicyladyentertainment, Twitter: @spicyladyent, YouTube: @SpicyLadyTalks
The 2022 anime year was action packed with many new series which made it hard to choose an absolute favorite; however, my favorite anime of the year must go to “Bocchi the Rock!”. This adorable anime captivated my heart with the quirky animation reminiscent of FLCL and Robot Chicken. The slice of life series follows the socially awkward and talented guitarist, Gotou Hitori, who dreams of becoming a rock star. “Bocchi the Rock!” is a unique anime because of how it’s constantly changing the animation style to better emphasize the creative, yet sometimes overwhelming imagination of Hitori, a gift and a curse that many prodigy musicians have. Hitori learns how to channel that creativity outwards by trusting in herself and her new friends/bandmates. If you’re in need of a hilarious palette cleanser or simply love anime girls rocking out, then you’ll enjoy this diamond-in-the-rough anime.
Aries Jones – Editor
Instagram: @ariespwrites
My vote for anime of the year has to go to “Spy X Family”. I’m a sucker for the espionage genre, but add in an assassin, a telepath, and a dog that can see the future? Ten out of ten. I loved the manga, and the anime adaptation of the series did not disappoint one bit. It’s quirky, it’s heartwarming, and it makes you question whether the secret to life really is all-encompassed in a little girl’s favorite fictional spy show. I definitely recommend “Spy X Family” if you’re looking for the perfect action-comedy meets slice-of-life marriage.
Chiamaka Onuoha – Editor
My favorite Anime of 2022 is “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War”. From the moment it was announced that they would be bringing us the final arc, I had been sitting on the edge of my seat and I am happy to report, so far, I have not been disappointed. To prepare, I rewatched and caught up on previous episodes and begged my sibling for their Hulu (without ads) subscription. October would not catch me slipping. This Bleach Arc may not be the best storyline, but it holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons. Bleach was one of the first Anime I ever watched when I moved to America, back when Anime lovers were ostracized by our peers. Anime was a safe place for me because I was bullied as an immigrant so being able to watch its final arc from a much better place invokes so much nostalgia. I am reminded of the solace I found amidst depression and heartbreak, grateful I lived to see much better times, and glad I can enjoy this, not as a form of escapism, but with pure delight and with the world (because Anime is cool now). I also feel satisfied that Bleach, the Anime series, is getting a fitting ending. The episode “Changing History, Unchanging Heart” in season 16 seemed too abrupt and didn’t really seal everything up for me. Since I don’t currently read Manga, I didn’t know there was more to be expected. I like shows to end without unanswered questions and in a manner that matches the same quality we got in previous episodes, which I feel Bleach: TYBW will do. So, catch me in 2023 with more tears of joy and more yells of “no” and “what the heck” as I get closer to ending a bittersweet chapter in my life.
Tiana Dowell – Writer (Spoiler Warning)
Instagram/Twitter: @Lavathesaint
JoJo’s Stone Ocean Part 3 Best Moments - https://youtu.be/qmFz5X5rphM
My favorite anime of the year is parts two-three of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean”. Inherently, I have been a big fan of the JoJo’s franchise since my daughter introduced me in 2020. I propose this being my favorite anime of 2022 due to the captivity and edge-of-your-seat, tug-and-pull of the plot. “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean” gives us comedic relief via Anasui and his love for Jolyne, sinister, heart throbbing chills from the Father Pucci, and pure rebel girl power from the talented women of the season (Jolyne, F.F., Ermes). A fine rationality that I admire of Araki, creator of the JoJo’s franchise, is his willingness to kill off key characters. The only surviving member of the show was a little boy named Emporio. Though he “brought back” our beloved characters via alternate reality influence, we still received the tear jerk of losing our best pals. I enjoyed this anime and felt a sense of freedom as I experienced this masterpiece in its entirety.
Tiamen Montgomery – Writer
My favorite anime of 2022 is definitely Spy x Family. I know that’s probably a basic answer given the hype around it, but there’s a reason why it was so popular. The family dynamic is hilarious, Yor, in particular, makes me laugh to no end. The voice casting was top tier as Saori Hayami (Yor Forger), Takuya Eguchi (Loid Forger), Atsumi Tanezaki (Anya Forger) and Kensho Ono (Yuri Briar) did an excellent job. It was a nice change from watching magic system based shonen to something cute, funny, and suspenseful to an extent. It’s not something I’m used to watching which made it even more enjoyable!
Aran Lee – Editor in Chief
Instagram/Twitter: @OFFBLXXK
2022 was a phenomenal year for anime. Every season gave us at least two to three anime that we could really sink our teeth into. There was just enough diversity to make every season feel unique and fresh. Although I believe there is no wrong answer to this question, my pick has to be Kaguya-Sama Love is War -Ultra-Romantic-. Lord knows I tried to fight it, but I’m a sucker for everything comedy, romance, and good character development. All of these and more made this season of Kaguya-Sama a must watch and left me more in love with this show than I already was.
