To be serious, The Cat and the Dragon is my number one choice. When I first heard about this series, I thought it was a one-off concept. It’s also unrelated to Robin Lane’s book of the same name. Perhaps that’s one possibility the original work never received an English translation. Whatever the reason, hopefully strong ratings will encourage a publisher to bring the source material to English-speaking audiences.
Kaiju Girl Caramelise
LIDENFILMS, July 2
Life becomes increasingly complicated when she develops feelings for popular classmate Arata Minami. Every blush, racing heartbeat, or awkward encounter risks triggering another destructive transformation.
Directed by Teruyuki Omine at LIDENFILMS, the anime blends high school romance with monster movie spectacle. What sets the series apart is how Kuroe’s transformations serve as a metaphor for the overwhelming emotions that accompany first love.
Black Torch
100studio, July 4
Unfortunately for Jiro, Rago is actually a powerful mononoke, one of the supernatural spirits lurking in the shadows of modern Japan.
After the pair becomes fused into a symbiotic relationship, Jiro is drawn into a secret conflict between humanity and powerful supernatural beings. The story combines ninja action, Japanese folklore, and urban fantasy while delivering plenty of explosive battles.
Directed by Kei Umabiki at 100studio, the production also features music by Yutaka Yamada, known for his work on VINLAND SAGA. Readers who enjoyed series such as Blue Exorcist or Noragami may want to keep an eye on this one.
The Cat and the Dragon
OLM, July 4
Humanity’s relationship with the nearby fauna may well teeter on the brink of war, but for the dragon, what he wows to do as a guardian with polymorphic abilities, is to prtect the peace. But is that enough?
Fortunately, this serpent knew what he is and not what he isn’t, and wants revenge. Just when local villagers think wild cats are the least of their worries, can an everlasting peace be negotiated?
The World’s Strongest Rearguard
MAHO FILM, July 5
Rather than receiving a flashy combat class, Arihito discovers he possesses the mysterious “Rearguard” job. While not a frontline fighter, the class specializes in strengthening allies through powerful support abilities, allowing him to enhance attacks, bolster defences, and keep his companions alive during dangerous expeditions.
Produced by MAHO FILM, the series leans heavily into RPG-style mechanics, dungeon exploration, party building, and character relationships. Fans of support-class protagonists and game-inspired fantasy worlds may find this a refreshing alternative to the usual overpowered hero formula.
Tomb Raider King
Studio EEK, July 8
The story follows Ryoga Goriki (Jooheon Suh in the original Korean version), an experienced relic raider who is betrayed and left for dead. Instead of dying, he awakens years in the past before the appearance of the tombs. Armed with knowledge of future events, he sets out to seize the world’s most valuable relics before anyone else can reach them.
Animated by STUDIO EEK, the series combines treasure hunting, supernatural powers, revenge, and strategic battles. While comparisons to other regression stories are inevitable, its focus on relic acquisition and archaeological raids helps it stand apart.
