Every year, the Japanese anime industry offers us gems that are not to be missed. The classics One Piece , Naruto , Dragon Ball and Demon Slayer have clearly marked the history of shonen. However, 2023 looks just as promising, full of surprises and new favorites.
At Cartoon Toi , we are on the lookout for each new release , we love finding rare gems. And this year, we came across series that are not yet known, but which, believe us, will soon be talked about!
Ready to discover our selection of the best anime of 2023 ? You'll thank us later 😉
Hell's Paradise: The Quest for the Elixir of Immortality
We open the ball of our top anime 2023 with Hell's Paradise , which immediately stands out as one of the best Japanese anime of the year . Immersed in the feudal era of Japan from the first episode, we are captivated by a breathtaking setting.
We immediately connected with the characters. Let's take Gabimaru , nicknamed 'the Void': a fearsome assassin who, under his shell, is looking for a path to a more peaceful life. His face-to-face with the executioner Sagiri was a strong moment, a confrontation that left its mark on us. And it's the same for each character , each has their own quest, which makes you want to discover their universe.
The synopsis takes us on a thrilling adventure: the search for an elixir of immortality on an island full of mysteries. Let's talk about this island! The animations are a feast for the eyes with incredible details. The island comes to life through detailed and careful drawings , making it as magnificent as it is dangerous. And the fights? Hats off. We recognize here the work of MAPPA , the studio that has already proven itself with Chainsaw Man .
So, the winning mix of Hell's Paradise ? It's this combination between action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat and deep character plots that make you vibrate and think. It's not often that an anime manages to balance between pure entertainment and subjects that make you question the big themes of life . If you're looking for a series that challenges and captivates you, don't wait and watch Hell's Paradise quickly!
Please note: only two seasons are available for now, but the release of a third is eagerly awaited!
Mashle : Between Harry Potter and One Punch Man
Imagine a world where magic is the order of the day, but our hero, Mash Burnedead , doesn't have a spark of it. This contrast is at the heart of Mashle , which follows Mash as he uses his brute strength and ingenuity to defy the norms of a world that worships magic . Imagine a world where Harry Potter meets One Punch Man ... from the first episodes of Mashle , that's exactly what it feels like!
From the beginning, Mashle immerses us in a universe rich in elements of magical adventure, populated by powerful wizards and mysterious creatures . The fight scenes are intense, showing that humor does not take over the excitement of the confrontations. The themes addressed are deep, with a reflection on discrimination , Mash Burnedead being constantly confronted with oppression as a non-magician .
Each episode offers its share of surprises. Mash's obsession with cream puffs , for example, gives rise to situations so funny that they become memorable. But behind this lightness, Mashle also raises profound questions about self-acceptance and confronting prejudice .
Secondary characters, such as Lance and Duat , also bring their share of dynamism, with interactions and reactions that enrich the story and make it unpredictable and original .
So, if you are looking for an animated series that combines humor , action and reflection , with endearing characters and a captivating plot, add Mashle to your watchlist. And while the art style may seem less refined at first, it evolves to become cleaner and more detailed.
Blue Lock: The animated manga about football
After a major disappointment at the 2018 World Cup, the Japanese football world felt the need for change. And thus was born Blue Lock , a shonen manga anime that completely redefines our vision of the beautiful game. Rather than focusing on the team spirit that so often characterizes this sport, this work highlights the importance of individualism, even hyper-individualism , in the quest for success .
Led by the radical vision of Jinpachi Ego, Blue Lock aims to train the ultimate striker. Among the top 300 strikers in the country, we follow the journey of Yoshihisa Isagi , a talented youngster. His life changes when he realizes that his approach to football, the one he's always known, may not be enough to shine at the highest level . It's a psychological adventure, a course towards transformation.
The atmosphere is palpable, with each episode feeling like a battle royale where the characters are pushed to their limits. While centered around football, the synopsis goes beyond the sport to explore the emotional and mental challenges of the athletes.
If you're looking for a work that will captivate you from the first minute, look no further. For all fans of stories about heroes in the making , this adventure journey to the pinnacle of football is a must-see.
And to top it all off, Blue Lock has held its own high on Shueisha's MangaPLUS Trending List for a long time, cementing its place among the genre's elite.
Towards new horizons
When it comes to manga, it's not just One Piece , Naruto , and Hunter x Hunter that shape our shonen universe. Every year, new series come out and show how the world of manga is constantly evolving.
2023 confirms that the best anime are not always the ones we've known for years , but those that continue to captivate and surprise with each new page or episode! And if you've already watched our 3 favorite manga of 2023, we invite you to discover our selection of the 10 most anticipated manga for 2024 .
The best Manga in 2023
| Anime | Gender | Themes | Animation Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hell's Paradise |
Supernatural Shonen | Martial arts, fighting, ninja | Studio Mappa |
|
Mashle  |
Fantastic Shonen | Martial arts, fighting, magic | A-1 Pictures |
|
Blue Lock  |
Sports Shonen | Adventure, Sports, Football, Drama |
8-Bit
|
