Solo Leveling and 9 other great anime from A-1 Pictures

Let’s talk a little about A-1 Pictures, an anime studio that is far from being a giant like MAPPA or Toei Animation, but which has made considerable noise in the world of anime. They already have a lot of series up their sleeves, but the truth is that some of them, like “Solo Leveling“, really attract more attention.

Now, about the winter 2024 anime season, it’s been crazy, right? We have an incredible mix of new and classic series, covering a ton of different genres. And in this fruit salad, A-1 Pictures shines with “Solo Leveling”, which is basically the icing on the cake. The studio may not be the center of attention, but with this series, they’ve shown that they know how to play the game.

10 – Solo Leveling: The Rise of an Underdog

An Action Fantasy Adventure

“Solo Leveling” is like the new buzz from A-1 Pictures. It’s already booming and promises to be one of the studio’s most talked about animes. The story is a fantastic journey with deadly portals and dungeons spread across the world. Hunters have to enter these dungeons, deal with the monsters and return with treasures. And in this world, we have Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist, who is a born underdog. The guy is an E rank hunter, almost at rock bottom, but he’s determined to turn things around and take care of his sister.

9 – Sword Art Online: More than an Isekai

A Tale of Escape and Fantasy

Speaking of “Sword Art Online”, this anime is a classic of the isekai genre. It may have been somewhat overshadowed by others, but it’s still a fantastic adventure, especially if you enjoy JRPGs and video games. The story revolves around Kazuto Kirigaya, who enters an ultra-realistic MMORPG and ends up trapped inside. He has to go through 100 floors to get rid of this robbery, and on the way, he explores other game worlds, each with their own rules and challenges.

8 – Fairy Tail: The Strength of Friendship

A Classic Shonen Tale

“Fairy Tail” is another one that hasn’t reached the “big three” status of shonen anime, but those who enjoy “Solo Leveling” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” will probably love it. The series focuses on Lucy Heartfilia and Natsu Dragneel, two wizards from the Fairy Tail guild. Lucy, who ran away from home to be

a sorceress, discovers a world where friendship and faith in friends are superpowers. She and Natsu face all manner of enemies, from evil wizards to dragons and rival guilds, all in exciting adventures across a vibrant fantasy world.

7 – Mashle: Magic and Muscles

The Power of Hard Work

And we have “Mashle: Magic and Muscles”. This anime has a fantasy feel, a bit of a parody of “Harry Potter”, but it is more than just “Saitama goes to Hogwarts”. Despite being funny, the anime has serious themes such as social inequality and intolerance. The protagonist, Mash Burnedead, is born into a world where magic is everything, but he has none. This doesn’t stop him, and he goes to Easton’s school of magic, where he pretends to be a wizard and tries to change the unfair wizarding world. Mash stands up to bullies, makes amazing friends, and inspires everyone with her strength and courage in the face of enormous challenges.

6 – Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

A Game of Love and Intelligence

First, we have “Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War”, which is something of a titan among anime Rom-Coms. The story takes place at the prestigious Shuchiin High School, where Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, both geniuses and proud, are in love with each other, but neither wants to admit it. So they play a mind game to get the other to confess first. It’s a hilarious mix of comedy, romance, and drama, and it even has a twist with the bandmates exploring their own love lives.

5 – Darling in the Franxx

Mystery and Mecha in a Dystopian Future

Then we have “Darling in the Franxx”, which may not have reached the status of mecha giants like “Gundam” or “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, but it is still an intriguing series. It takes place in a dystopian future, with giant robots fighting to protect humanity. The main characters, Hiro and Zero Two, are at the center of this world’s secrets, from the origins of the Klaxosaurs to why humanity lives in such repressive conditions.

4 – Wotakoi: Love is Hard For Otaku

Office Romances for Geeks

“Wotakoi: Love is Hard For Otaku” is perfect for those who enjoy an office romance with a hint of otaku culture. The series focuses on four coworkers who have their own geeky hobbies and budding romances. It’s a light-hearted modern romantic comedy that shows how they balance work, hobbies and love life.

3 – Your Lie in April

The Healing Power of Music

“Your Lie in April” is one of those stories that makes you cry and think about life. It tells the story of Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy who lost his love for music because of pressure from his mother. Everything changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, who shows him that music is about freedom and creativity. It’s a moving story about overcoming trauma and finding passion again.

2 – Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Facing Pain and Grief

And we can’t forget “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”. It is a drama that deals with sadness and friendship, where Jinta Yadomi has to face her painful past and the loss of her childhood friend, Menma. The series is about dealing with grief and valuing the people who are still around.

1 – Black Butler

Adventures in Victorian England

Lastly, we have “Black Butler”, which is a mix of action, comedy and drama set in Victorian England. Here, young Ciel Phantomhive seeks revenge for the death of his family by making a contract with a demon. Together, they engage in supernatural mysteries to protect England from hidden threats. It’s a story full of adventures with a dark touch and supernatural elements.