Anime Expo 2025 has proven that anime isn't just about big franchises: new titles based on webcomics, cult manga, or works by independent creators have grabbed headlines with specific dates, confirmed studios, and sneak peeks that have excited veterans and newcomers alike.
Below, we review, with verified accuracy, four key announcements—plus a bonus of indie projects—coming to television, streaming platforms, and YouTube between late 2025 and 2026.
BÂAN – The Boundaries of Adulthood — Gigguk's anime debut
Producer: Garnt “Gigguk” Maneetapho
Direction: Yoshimitsu Ohashi (Who also worked on Code Geass Rozé of the Recapture)
Music: Kevin Penkin (who has participated in Made in Abyss)
Studio: Studio Daisy
Release date: August 24, 2025 (first in Japanese theaters; Gigguk's YouTube premiere will follow a week later, with a documentary)
Voices: Haruna Mikawa (Rin) and Shōya Ishige (Daichi)
Synopsis and news:
Euthania and Japan are connected by a dimensional portal. Rin and Daichi, two young people who don't fit in their home worlds, cross the border in search of identity.
The teaser shown at Anime Expo highlights a painterly style that blends digital watercolors with subtle 3D backgrounds and a melancholic string soundtrack.
The project is part of GeeXProduction, the new division of the GeeXPlus agency for direct-to-Internet anime.
Let's Play — contemporary romance and video games
Original authorship: Leeanne M. Krecic (Mongie)
Study and equipment: OLM; directed by Daiki Tomiyasu (who also worked on Pokémon Sun & Moon), written by Aya Matsui (who participated in Marmalade Boy), character design by Saki Ebisawa, and soundtrack by Cornish
Featured Voices: Kana Hanazawa (Sam Young), Shimba Tsuchiya (Marshall Law), Yūichi Nakamura (Charles Jones), Tomokazu Sugita (Link Hudson)
Release date: October 2025 (Fuji TV's +Ultra block, with simultaneous broadcast on Crunchyroll in Spain)
Synopsis and news:
Sam Young almost saw his dream come true: releasing his first video game, Ruminate. But a devastating review from a streamer—who happens to be his new neighbor—unleashes a torrent of social anxiety, professional challenges, and romantic entanglements.
The new trailer confirms a romantic comedy tone with touches of realistic drama, modern animation, and the promise of exploring themes like self-acceptance and gamer culture without falling into clichés.
The production has completed its dubbing phase and will enter musical post-production this summer.
Soul Mart — Demons and Deadly Drinks in 3D
Creator: DillonGoo Studios
Format: 12 episodes, 3D animation in Blender
Release date: January 2026 on DillonGoo's YouTube channel (with Spanish subtitles confirmed)
Synopsis and news:
In nearby Tokyo, graffiti artist Kieru Kamiya discovers his favorite energy drink will kill him if he falls asleep. Along with cashier Sarina and unemployed demon Reyk, he investigates the arrival of lethal products at his convenience store.
The trailer dazzles with fluid celshading and cinematic lighting effects.
DillonGoo opts for episodic narrative with cliffhangers and mobile-friendly editing.
Junji Ito: Crimson — The master of horror manga returns to the screen
Based on different stories by Junji Ito
Study and equipment: Although the studio, among other details, has yet to be revealed, we know that the opening theme song "Karasuageha" will be performed by Yumi Matsutoya.
Release date: Pending announcement ; although internal sources speak of April 2026 with a global simulcast on Crunchyroll.
Synopsis and news:
Following Collection (2018) and Maniac (2023), Crimson promises a standalone story format that delves into the more psychological elements of Ito's horror.
At the Japan Expo in Paris, a teaser was shown with a reddish palette and an oppressive setting full of organic textures.
Crunchyroll confirmed in Los Angeles that it will have simultaneous international rights and that the Spanish dubbing will be recorded in Madrid.
Even though the cast has not yet been confirmed, the production has already completed the storyboard for ten self-contained episodes.
Otachan! Rabbit Season — The 90s OVA Spirit Resurrected
Studio: OtakuVersus
Release date: August 2026 , free streaming on YouTube and DRM-free download for patrons
Synopsis and news:
Otachan and her camerawoman Cam agree to work at a bunny girl bar, but a run-in with the yakuza plunges them into an underworld of mad scientists, fight clubs, and ruthless killers.
With only 24 hours to survive, the series promises stylized violence, dark humor, and references to late 1980s anime.
The team will use paper-drawn layouts and digital coloring, reclaiming the classic OVA finish.
News that keeps coming
From the romantic comedy Let's Play to the visceral horror of Junji Ito's Crimson, Anime Expo 2025 confirmed that the anime scene is diversifying in both broadcast formats and themes.
Major studios and independent creatives share the spotlight, and platforms like Crunchyroll and YouTube open the door to simultaneous releases for the Spanish public.
2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be years packed with fresh content connecting traditional industry and web-based projects.
