Otaku USA Magazine
Our New Year’s Resolutions for an Anime-Filled 2022

We're making New Year's Resolutions - Also here's a picture of Haruhi

Admittedly, new year’s resolutions seem kind of touch and go these days. Setting specific timed goals isn’t as appealing as it used to be; and we all know it won’t be long ’til we slide off our big ambition. That’s why, in our expert (i.e. completely un-expert) opinion, the best ones are fun and simple. Sure, health and travel and work goals seem more rewarding. But resolving to enjoy anime even more in 2022 feels a lot more attainable.

That’s not just a matter of plugging in and watching more hours of the faves. It could be — actually, sure, start there. But also, consider our tips to expand your horizons in 2022.

 

Trade a Favorite Show with a Friend

Sophia and Catarina

No matter how much anime you’ve seen, you haven’t seen it all. Not until Discotek runs out of obscure 70s robot anime to license, at least. And no matter how much you and your friends have in common, you probably haven’t seen all the same series. So we’re bringing back one of favorite long-running resolutions: do a show trade with a friend.

Maybe there’s a series you each know the other loves, and you keep saying you’ll get to it eventually. Make 2022 the year! Jump into those shows each of you is sure the other will love!

 

Give That One Show a Chance

Listen to Kona. Sometimes.

There’s at least one anime out there you’ve just decided not to watch. Whether it’s popularity or lack thereof, art style, or just a vibe you won’t go for it… go for it. It’s one of the quicker and easier resolutions on the list, because it doesn’t have to be a long-running one.

Some people have a “three-episode” rule — some more, others less. Whatever your rule is in terms of giving anime a chance, throw in on that one show you’re just not gonna watch. If you were right and it still doesn’t make the grade? Good job, you’re done. You gave something a chance that you might not have otherwise. And if you do like it… surprise! Now you have a new show to watch.

 

Search up the Source Material

Digging in to some manga

Reading more is one of those tried-and-true resolutions. And, as long as you don’t already read a lot, it’s a pretty good one. But if you’re something of a bookworm, consider throwing a familiar new title on the pile.

If a show you like is based on a manga or a light novel, see if you can search it down and give it a read. Depending on the show, you might even get ahead of the anime story! There’s just one down side to this: eventually, you’ll catch up to everything. And that makes waiting for the next installment doubly hard. But you know what? Worth it.

Get your resolutions squared up and get ready for the new year!

Kara Dennison

Kara Dennison is a writer, editor, and presenter with bylines at Crunchyroll, Sci-Fi Magazine, Sartorial Geek, and many others. She is a contributor to the celebrated Black Archive line, with many other books, short stories, and critical works to her name.

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