ANIMATRIX'S QUARTERLY REVIEW: Q1 2026.

What’s good, Otaku?

Welcome to our first quarterly review of the year 2026!

Just like that, we are on the final day of 2026’s first quarter.

A lot of rollouts promised to fans worldwide last year were delivered. A lot of blockbusters dropped. A lot of electric scenes to look back on, and a lot to be grateful for in general.

So, allow us to take you on a walk through the happenings in the world of anime from January through March, 2026.

We will be giving your our big three for every section of this review— releases, announcements and other news.

RELEASES.

It has been a massive year so far in terms of releases and rollouts. Almost like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Visuals keep getting better. New characters keep appearing on our screens, embroiled in exciting storylines. For some, it’s been a five star performance, for others, not so much.

Here is a list of the biggest releases of 2026 and our Animatrix’s ratings on a scale of one to five stars;

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Season 3, Part 1:

By far the biggest release of the year, JJK didn’t disappoint at all with their winter release two months ago. The dance of sorcerers and normals alike with the thread of Cursed Energy separating them has created interesting discourses for the fans and set things on the perfect track for the release of Part 2 in July.

Animatrix rates this a solid 4.5 stars.

Nothing went wrong and more importantly, almost nothing could’ve gone better.

Hell’s Paradise, Season 2:

A ninety one percent score on Rotten Tomatoes speaks volumes; it was a phenomenal outing. Even more impressive, considering the fact that this is not a movie. Who knew the struggles of immortality could be capitalized upon into creating such a masterpiece for the world to see? Fans suppose that this is where the curtain is drawn. The finish line. Well, you never can tell. 

However that goes, it is no news that this might be right up there with the greatest shows of 2026.

Like Rotten Tomatoes, we think this is pretty close to perfection too, and therefore, we rate this 4.5 stars.

Frieren, Season 2:

What can you say, but thank you? 

A HUNDRED PERCENT. That’s the Rotten Tomatoes rating for this show. That’s perfection. This might not be the biggest release of the year by name, but it is definitely the greatest.

5 star Animatrix rating. Easily.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle 2 to be released in 2027:

Ufotable have had a lot of big moments this year. First, getting recognized on the Academy stage, and then dropping the big bomb that a second part for the movie that got them nominated is in the works for a premiere in the next one year. It has been a hell of a ride for them, one that any studio would be thrilled to shoulder.

Crunchyroll’s 10th and 20th anniversaries:

This year marks two decades of what started out as a bootleg streaming site but has now become the most prominent show name in all of anime. It also marks the 10th year of the annual Crunchyroll awards, and they most likely have something big planned for the show which will take place on May 23, 2026.

The Animec Merger:

Earlier this month, Kadokawa Corporation and Aniplex, a Sony subsidiary announced that they were joining forces to possibly signify a new era in the world of anime and take production and promotion to the next level.

OTHER UPDATES.

Obituaries:

We’ve sadly witnessed the deaths of seven anime voice actors/actresses and promoters in the last three months, many of whom have hit close to home. They include;

• Kozo Shioya at 71

• Masako Ikeda at 87

• Hideaki Hatta at 76

• Satoshi Mori at 41

• Reiko Katsura at 89

• Yukie Maeda at 52

• Masaru Ikeda at 82.

May their souls rest in peace.

30th Anniversary of Evangelion:

It has been announced that at the 10th annual Crunchyroll awards this May, a special tribute will be paid to the legendary Neon Genesis Evangelion. Real fans know how pivotal this show is to the fluidity and benefits that plots, characters and storylines now enjoy. Well deserved.

One Piece Manga at 600 million copies:

In a milestone video that involved creator Eiichiro Oda, One Piece announced one of the biggest milestones in anime history. Hundreds of millions of copies, sold to many fans from different parts of the world. That is quite something.

We’re only three months in, and it feels like there’s no space at the table anymore. The quarter has been loaded and the best part is that next quarter promises even more rollouts and announcements.

What a quarter it has been, and what a ride it has been with you, our viewers that continue to support us and read our articles.

It has been a pleasure. Thank you, and see you on April Fool’s day!