Anime Expo 2023 was a big deal. The LA convention was packed (as always), featuring top companies like Crunchyroll, Aniplex, VIZ, Square Enix, Bandai Namco—you name it. There were so many premieres, sequels, and new adaptations that it felt like the entire anime industry was dropping news at once. Safe to say, the hype for the rest of 2023 (and probably next year too) is real.
Here’s the rundown of all the biggest anime and manga announcements from Anime Expo 2023, broken down so you don’t have to scroll through endless Twitter threads.
Major Anime Announcements & New Trailers
Crunchyroll Industry Panel Highlights
Crunchyroll took over AX this year with an absolutely stacked panel. They dropped trailers, announced new shows, and confirmed a bunch of stuff fans have been waiting forever to hear about.
- Solo Leveling – A brand‑new trailer was revealed, confirming the highly anticipated anime adaptation would premiere in Winter 2024. Produced by A‑1 Pictures, this announcement was one of AX 2023’s biggest crowd‑pleasers.
- Goblin Slayer Season 2 – Officially confirmed, with new footage shown during the panel.
- The Apothecary Diaries – Announced as a major acquisition, introducing the historical mystery series to a wider international audience.
- A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special – New trailer and October 2023 release window revealed.
- Bottom‑Tier Character Tomozaki – 2nd Stage – Second season officially confirmed.
- The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain – New season and Crunchyroll streaming confirmation.
- I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability – Anime acquisition announcement.
- To Be Hero X – New series announcement expanding the To Be Hero franchise.
- Black Butler: Public School Arc – A new adaptation was revealed, officially confirming Black Butler’s long‑awaited return to television anime.
World Premieres & Special Screenings
AX 2023 wasn’t just about announcements—fans actually got to see world premieres and early looks before anyone else. Talk about bragging rights.
- Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead – World premiere screening ahead of its worldwide streaming launch.
- Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 – North American premiere episode shown at the convention.
- Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5 – Early screening paired with a special creator and cast panel.
- Link Click Season 2 – World premiere screening for the hit Chinese animated series.
- One Piece Episode 1000 (English Dub) – Special premiere event celebrating the milestone episode.
- The First Slam Dunk – North American premiere of the critically acclaimed feature film.
Studio & Creator Panel Reveals
It wasn’t just the streaming leaders making moves. Studios showed up with brand-new projects and some pretty big anniversary celebrations, too.
- Studio BONES – Metallic Rouge – Revealed during BONES’ 25th anniversary panel, introducing a brand‑new original sci‑fi anime.
- MAPPA – Bucchigiri?! – New original anime project teased, later confirmed for a 2024 release.
- NieR:Automata Ver1.1a – Creative staff shared news and insider details, providing insight into the anime adaptation.
Major Manga & Publishing Announcements
And if you thought AX was only about anime, think again. Manga publishers came through with big news, special anniversary projects, and a bunch of new licenses to add to your never-ending TBR pile.
VIZ Media
- Naruto 20th Anniversary One‑Shot – Masashi Kishimoto announced a brand‑new Naruto one‑shot manga focusing on Minato Namikaze, later released via fan voting.
- VIZ Media announced upcoming releases at AX 2023, including the Chainsaw Man Box Set Vols 1-11, and new titles such as Akane-Banashi and Heart Gear as key additions to their fall lineup, according to a report from The Outerhaven.
Square Enix Manga
- Soul Eater NOT! Perfect Edition – Definitive new edition announced, featuring an updated translation and premium presentation.
- Additional Manga Licensing Announcements – Square Enix revealed new print and digital manga additions aimed at North American audiences.
Anime‑Related Video Game Announcements
Even though games aren’t the main event at AX, Bandai Namco still dropped some new reveals for all the anime gamers out there.
- Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS – New characters and anniversary content revealed.
- Sword Art Online: Last Recollection – New gameplay footage and hands‑on demos showcased.
- One Piece Odyssey – Playable demo featured on the show floor.
Final Thoughts: Anime Expo 2023
AX 2023 appeared to be a turning point for anime and manga. We finally got Solo Leveling news, Black Butler is actually coming back, and Naruto fans got a whole new reason to celebrate. It was a wild fusion of nostalgia and hype for what’s next.
If you’re a fan, a creator, or even a casual fan who likes to keep up with the latest anime tea, AX 2023 basically set the agenda for what we’ll all be obsessing over well into next year.
Want more AX coverage, deep dives, or just some good old fandom rants? Stick around—there’s more coming.
