RE: Top 7 Fantasy Animes of the Winter Season (2026) | Nattosheru Review [ENG/SPA]
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Great, I can write some comments about those animes here, saves me a hassle of forming full article :o)
Jack-of-All-Trades:
I expected typical "growth" story, which normally start quite entertaining, but have a problem of end-game, so the protagonists end up exchanging planet-shattering nukes in fights vs ancient dragons, demon lords or deities. But I thought at least first season would be ok. The big disappointment happened when he soloed a raid boss with no prior preparation, all not too long after he (involuntarily) ended his career as a support mage. As if he was all-powerful all along. That meant the story can no longer go the growth route, at least not with him growing. At least his pupils can, so there was still a chance. The season ended with an episode that opened door to mystery from the past, so I'm going to watch second one once it shows up, but I can't truly recommend that anime.
Champignon Witch:
I have no idea why I stopped watching it, maybe the pace was to slow? I liked the idea behind it and the first episodes were quite ok. Considering how much I have in the backlog, I'm pretty sure I won't be returning to that anime though.
Kunon:
I like the protagonist, how his newly acquired magic turned gloomy kid into funny, clever and curious young man. I can't wait to learn the story behind his visions of "spirit beings" accompanying various characters, and also if his eagerness to learn how to be a gentleman is finally recognized instead of being taken as womanizing. Waiting for second season.
Easygoing Territory Defense:
Oh the typical - a genius child loved by everyone, except he's granted a trait he has no influence over that is less desirable for a noble? Die here and now! :o)
"Territory building" is one of my favorite type of story, because despite protagonist being extremely overpowered from the very beginning, it still takes time, ingenuity and effort to build upon that foundation. I knew that particular one from the manga. Anime skims over many details, but as a result, the pace is a bit better and it highlights comedic factors a lot more. Too bad the anime covered everything that was in the manga, so now I have to wait to learn more of the story.
Daily Grind:
An unexpected jewel of winter season. For me the star of the show is not Hajime, but Rirui. She is so adorable in her attempts to show usefulness, despite full realization of her inadequacies. On top of that she still is just a good kid doing kiddy things, gathering first experiences and interactions, including with other kids from the village. Hajime is also interesting, showing that even as he is not really suitable to be a husband due to how he treats women, he found himself properly taking the duties of a patient father. There is a lot of warmth in the story. And the guest appearance of Yor Forger voice actress as Sekihime (medusa) was also a great bonus. Overall recommended and I want more!
Roll Over and Die:
I generally like the "underdog climbing up" stories, a bit similar to "growth", but from lower level, so usually they last longer. I have mixed feelings about that particular one. The bad guys are so explicitly bad that it is almost comical and I feel nothing when they get what they deserve. The animation leaves a lot to desire for such a dark story - while comedic animes can be excused with a lot of animation shortcuts (some even actively exploit it for comedic effect, like "Azumanga Daioh"), dark ones need to really use visuals to set up the mood and CGI rolling eyeballs won't cut it. Not to mention that constant:
- Milkit
- My Lady
- Milkit
- My Lady
is just LOL. But the story ended half way, so I'll most likely at least look at some episodes of second season if it comes out.
Frieren:
Unbelievable, I know, but I have not watched it. Not even the first season. When I first encountered Frieren in manga form, I was already reading other story with the elf wandering through the world. There was that relatively short fragment of the story: a girl that the elf met, and I grew fond of her, she just died - not from some sudden disease, not during epic battle, but from old age. It was just a short stop on the path of an elf, but her whole life has passed, just like that. It was so heartbreaking I still get teary when I think about it. So when I read a bit of Frieren, I noticed that it might be that kind of story - no, not again. So I didn't read it and later didn't watch the anime either. Since then I've seen countless references to it though, so I decided I'm missing out and put it on my "to watch" list. But I have nothing to say about it at this time.
Wow! I'm glad my post motivated you to make this great comment. This definitely deserves support from @topcomment, I think.
As for the Expert in Nothing, yes, the absurd power-up they give the protagonist halfway through the anime completely undermines the main plot, so honestly, that really discouraged me. Sure, that and the constant use of CGI (3D animation) in the constant battle scenes, which don't look so bad in comparison, but I still dislike it much more.
The Champingnon Witch thing is exactly like that; the story became stressfully slow and tedious after the halfway point. I don't know how I managed to watch it until its pathetic end. 🥴
I also really enjoyed the Kunon anime because of its protagonist and how it made the story entertaining to watch, despite its shortcomings due to its very low budget.
As for the only Isekai in the TOP, I don't think the protagonist is invincible or powerful as such, since his construction ability only gives him the possibility of creating things in a limited way. But as he himself says, he can get physically exhausted like anyone else. His skills are indeed excellent, but when facing a more powerful enemy like a dragon, he always needs help. The theme of the development of the village to which he is banished also catches my attention because of the care given to the protagonist's decision-making.
Personally, I liked the protagonist Hajime more because of his carefree and calm personality. Also, his story as an orphan is somewhat moving and exemplary. Although he does have his flaws in his behavior towards women, his drinking, and so on, that only makes him more realistic than any other generic protagonist of today.
Regarding Roll Over And Die, I agree with you about the animation and the way the story unfolds. I think that, more than the constant use of dark themes and CGI, what shocked me most was its ending and the lack of tragedy, compared to the beginning. You're right about the villains, it's completely absurd.
Frieren, you have to watch it, even though it might make you cry in the first half of its first season, the second half onwards is a complete marvel in terms of adventure, action, comedy, romance, etc. What fascinates me about Frieren is that its animated adaptation is perfect for anyone who enjoys good animation and a moving story at the same time.
Thank you so much for your comment and support. 🤗