Best Adventure Anime of 2012

Since the launch of the revolutionary NerveGear, players worldwide have been able to immerse themselves fully in virtual reality. Among the console's most popular titles is Sword Art Online (SAO), which transports users to the sprawling, medieval world of Aincrad, where they can explore limitless possibilities limited only by imagination. With the game's global release, virtual reality gaming has never felt so real. But this perfect fantasy swiftly turns into a harrowing nightmare when SAO's creator traps thousands of players inside the game. The logout function has been disabled, and the only way to escape is to clear all one hundred increasingly treacherous floors of Aincrad. Worse still, any death inside the game results in real-world death. Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya, a former beta-tester, soon discovers that even with his prior knowledge, he cannot conquer SAO on his own. Partnering with Asuna Yuuki and other skilled players, he strives to overcome the seemingly impossible challenges ahead. However, between formidable bosses and sinister dark cults blocking their path, Kirito learns that these tasks are far easier said than done.

In 1868, English aristocrat George Joestar and his son Jonathan owe a debt to Dario Brando after being rescued from a carriage accident. However, the Joestars remain unaware that Dario never intended to help them—he thought they were dead and was merely looting their possessions. Twelve years later, following Dario's death, George adopts his son Dio as a way to repay the supposed debt. Though Dio outwardly acts affectionate toward his new father, he secretly plots to seize the Joestar wealth. His initial move is to drive a wedge between George and Jonathan. By consistently outshining his foster brother, Dio solidifies his position in the Joestar household. But when Dio pushes Jonathan too far, Jonathan bests him in a physical confrontation. As the years pass, the two appear to have become close friends to outsiders. Yet trouble stirs again when George falls ill, and Jonathan suspects Dio is somehow responsible—and that he has further schemes in motion.

A Magi is a sorcerer whose magical aptitude is so vast that they are believed to have the power to shape the world. Wielding this great influence, each Magi selects a worthy individual to become a king, aiding them in conquering strange labyrinths known as "Dungeons" and obtaining the power of mythical djinns within. Above all, the Magi oversees their chosen representative as they build a kingdom that may one day bring the world to its knees. Aladdin is a young Magi wandering the world in search of his true identity. However, his journey is not solitary, as he is accompanied by his friend and mentor Ugo—a djinn he summons using his flute. During his travels, Aladdin also befriends Alibaba Saluja and guides him to a nearby Dungeon. With this new bond, they embark on an epic adventure across the globe, witnessing various anomalies that appear more frequent than ever.

Following the events of Zero no Tsukaima: Princesses no Rondo, Saito Hiraga and Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière shift to an offensive stance. With assistance from two other individuals who wield the power of the "void," they confront King Joseph in the Holy City of Romalia. Amid the numerous conflicts ahead, an ancient evil begins to stir from the shadows. Will their deep connection develop into something more, or will it be broken by the ever-growing difficulty of the trials they must endure? Zero no Tsukaima F chronicles the journey of Louise and Saito as they confront their ultimate challenges together.

Growing up in a war-torn environment, former child soldier Jonathan "Jonah" Mar despises weapons and the people who trade them. However, when international arms dealer Koko Hekmatyar recruits Jonah as one of her personal bodyguards, he is left with no option but to handle firearms. Alongside Koko's other bodyguards—mostly ex-special forces soldiers—Jonah is now responsible for protecting Koko and her highly idealistic vision of achieving world peace from the many perils inherent to her profession. Jormungand follows Koko, Jonah, and their crew as they traverse the globe, selling weapons under the banner of the international shipping conglomerate HCLI. Because Koko's operations violate international law, she must constantly evade local and global authorities while conducting business with national armies, private military contractors, and insurgent groups. With the CIA constantly on their trail and assassinations lurking at every turn, Jonah and the team must safeguard Koko and her dream of global peace with their lives—or die in the attempt.

Still chasing her ambitious objective, inventive arms dealer Koko Hekmatyar, expressionless child soldier Jonathan “Jonah” Mar, and the rest of their team continue their mercenary operations. From hired killers to private armies, their assignments constantly expose them to peril. However, internal strife emerges when Renato "R" Socci, one of Koko's protectors, is exposed as a covert operative for "Operation Undershaft"—a CIA scheme to penetrate HCLI and use Koko as a pawn. Stunned by his treachery, Koko must exert strong leadership to unite her team and restore their trust before they fracture. Jormungand: Perfect Order chronicles Koko and her crew as they confront persistent enemies, surmount internal conflicts, and realize Koko's dream of global peace—a state of perfect order.

Over many decades, steadily falling birth rates have driven human civilization nearly to extinction. The few remaining people scrape by in a post-apocalyptic world, using whatever the previous generations left behind. Fairies now rule the Earth—tiny beings armed with ultra-advanced technology, an insatiable craving for sweets, and zero concern for human well-being. A young woman who has just completed her education returns to her hometown and is appointed an official United Nations arbitrator. Her job is to act as a bridge between humans and fairies, convincing both sides that peaceful coexistence is possible. She expects the role to be straightforward, but reining in the disasters caused by the oblivious fairies as they chase after candy proves far more challenging than she ever anticipated.

Isanami, a young shrine maiden from Izumo, is compelled to witness as a band of evil ninja set her temple ablaze and massacre everyone inside, forcing her to escape into the forest to avoid a similar death. By chance, she encounters Saizou Kirigakure, a rogue ninja from the Iga school. Together, they journey to Ueda Castle to seek aid from Yukimura Sanada. When Isanami's mysterious and destructive power is uncovered, Sanada readily agrees to support her, assembling ten brave warriors to stand by her side. Thus begins Brave 10, a tale set during the Warring States period. It follows Saizou and Isanami's travels across war-torn lands in search of formidable warriors to join Yukimura's cause, each possessing their own unique and powerful abilities. They must venture far and wide while also defending against those who pursue the dark power within Isanami, hoping to claim it for themselves.

Cinque returns to Flonyard in Dog Days', picking up his role as the Biscotti Republic's hero as if no time has passed at all. This time, however, he brings along two companions who become heroes in their own right: his childhood best friend Rebecca Anderson, who is persuaded by Princess Couvert Eschenbach Pastillage to serve as the hero for the Principality of Pastillage, and his cousin Nanami Takatsuki, who takes on the hero role for the Galette Lion Dominion. Just like in the first season, with countless secrets to uncover and mysteries to solve, will there even be room for the athletic competitions these three energetic teenagers love so dearly?

The story unfolds on Iwado, a remote island in Okinawa where a rising movement calls for a return to self-rule. Ao Fukai, a twelve-year-old boy whose father is absent, resides there with an elderly physician named Toshio and is set to begin middle school. A decade ago, unknown individuals took Ao's mother away. Naru Arata, Ao's twelve-year-old childhood friend and the story's heroine, lives with her father, older sister, and grandmother. An incident in her youth awakened a power within her called "Yuta." Suddenly, a mysterious entity known as "Secret" appears and attacks the Scub Coral lifeform on the island. Driven by a fierce desire to protect Iwado, Ao launches a certain military FP named "Nirvash" aboard a Japanese military transport.

Satoshi, Iris, and Dent keep journeying across the Isshu region. Following his successful acquisition of his eighth Gym Badge from Homika in Tachiwaki City, Shirona invites the group to her villa in eastern Isshu, where their old friend Hikari is also a guest, and to take part in the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup prior to Satoshi's entry into the Isshu League. Meanwhile, Team Rocket launches its ultimate scheme for the Isshu region. What drives their quest for the legendary Pokémon Meloetta?

A growing number of individuals are succumbing to a dubious new faith. Lupin III infiltrates the cult with the intention of stealing the treasure concealed by its leader. During this mission, he encounters a captivating and alluring woman who holds the leader in her thrall. This narrative recounts the initial meeting between Lupin III, the most renowned thief of his era, and the stylish female burglar known as Fujiko Mine.

Mars, the war god and guardian of his namesake planet, was previously sealed away by Seiya, but as time moves forward, his resurrection approaches. In the meantime, Saori Kido (Athena) is raising Kouga, a boy whose life Seiya had spared, and he trains daily to become a Saint in preparation for the impending disaster. Ignorant of his fate, Kouga awakens to the hidden power of his Cosmo, unveiling the legend of a new Saint.

When Queen Claudette’s rule shifts from nobility to oppression and heretical persecution, a new generation of warriors rises to challenge her. Facing off against the Amazonian ranks backed by her power and assassins, these rebels must rely on their wits and assets. The daring damsels, willing to risk their bodies and beauty, seek to expose the unexpected weaknesses in the queen’s formidable support.

Seven years have passed since the Nemesis Crisis, leaving much of the world shattered and ruined from the tragic battles. As a result, most people lost faith and interest in Beyblading. Otori Tsubasa, who became the head of the WBBA, dedicated his life to helping humanity rebuild and revive the popularity of Beyblading. He developed the Zero-G battling style in hopes that a new generation of bladers would emerge and embrace the sport once again. Among them is a teenager named Zero Kurogane, who strives to become the top blader after a fated encounter with the hero of the Nemesis Crisis, Ginga Hagane.

In a distant future, the Earth's environment has been devastated by heightened solar radiation, leading to a drastic decline in human birth rates. Society is controlled by the government through an army of cloned soldiers known as "Ideal Children (IC)." Sam Coyne, a trader operating in the desert, comes across a beautiful woman named Maya who is being pursued by Theseus, a unit of IC. He offers her refuge aboard his trade ship, but soon, destroyers from Theseus close in on both Sam and Maya.

Chase Suno, along with his companions Jinja and Bren, is searching for his father, Jeredy Suno. But after arriving at Jeredy's lab and encountering a life-form called Monsuno, they get pulled into something bigger. Choosing to support his father's research, Chase refuses to hand over the Monsuno to S.T.O.R.M. and flees. Now on the run from that military organization while still trying to locate his father, the group also draws the attention of a shadowy group with its own designs on Chase and their Monsuno.

The inspiration from a traveler who once came to her childhood town leads Princess Mikoto of Elua to pursue the life of a hunter, seeking treasures across the realm of Driland. She begins her quest accompanied by her aide Wallens. Along the way, they are joined by Pollon, a hunter with aspirations of becoming a hero, and Paan, a knight without a fixed abode. As their adventures progress, they start to perceive a looming menace approaching.

Years earlier, the emperor's death triggered riots and civil wars that ravaged Atlantia. When the young king Yaiba took the throne, traitorous rebels were executed to restore the peace the country had once known. However, stained by this harsh political act, Atlantia remained under the shadow of oppressive rule. Tsurugi Tatewaki is an energetic youth who grew up in the rural countryside with little memory of his biological parents. One day at home, he discovers a mysterious sword that turns into a Battle Spirits card. When soldiers from Atlantia confront Tsurugi, aiming to seize his card, the truths about his past gradually start to surface. Alongside a droid named Bringer, Tsurugi travels to Atlantia's capital and meets supposed warriors who wield similar swords. As his world is slowly turned upside down by the emergence of deeper mysteries, Tsurugi may have to reconsider everything he knows, even his own perception of what separates good from evil.

A fresh anime adaptation of Kimura Yuuichi's book Arashi no Yoru ni (One Stormy Night...) has been produced by Sparky Animation, Duckbill Entertainment, Baku Enterprise, and Bandai Visual.

The Gon series follows the wordless exploits of its irascible tiny dinosaur protagonist, a fictional creature who survived the extinction event that wiped out his kind. He roams a prehistoric world, interacting with the animals of the Paleolithic era.

The story follows Katta Kirifuda, Bucyake, and Yohdel as they continue their school season, meeting new classmates like Leo for dueling matches.

As a young child, Nian Chi watched helplessly as his older sister was abducted right in front of him, an event that has haunted him ever since. Ten years later, he is determined to rescue her and embarks on his quest.

Fourth season of the Shimajirou children's television series.

Second season of Feng Shu Zhan Jing.

In the Sweetsheart Kingdom, a magical realm abundant with sweets and pastries, animal people live who are skilled patissiers and cooks, each specializing in a specific dessert. The kingdom's sole princess, Mousse Bibi, is about to become the new queen, yet her only passion in life is sampling all sorts of cakes and confections. One day, her royal adviser Lyan devises a scheme, causing her to develop Aguesia. Horrified that she can no longer taste anything, he informs her that the sole cure lies in finding the legendary magic known as the Delicious Miracle. She promptly leaves the castle and ventures out, unaware that Lyan's true motive is to eliminate her. Upon arriving at a town called Cake Village, she meets a villager named Mocha Dennis, who is obsessed with his appearance. The encounter between him and Benetta is unsettling. Unbeknownst to her, she harbors a hidden potential that will aid her quest for the legendary magic and become the key to forever altering the fate of the Sweetsheart Kingdom!