The anime world is buzzing with excitement following the recent announcement of “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day,” a dark fantasy yuri series adapted from Nachi Aono’s manga. With a stunning Trailer already released by Kadokawa and animation studio ROLL2.
Early impressions suggest this upcoming TV anime might just set a new benchmark for animation quality one that could rival, and perhaps surpass, heavy hitters like “Blue Lock” and “One Punch Man.” While it’s early days, the evidence so far points to a production that’s ready to roll out something special.
A Trailer That Packs a Punch
On March 1, 2025, Kadokawa dropped a two-minute Trailer for “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day,” giving fans a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. Directed by Takudai Kakuchi at ROLL2, with character designs by Kyoko Yufu and music by Yukari Hashimoto, the teaser showcases a blend of fluid action, emotional depth, and striking visuals.
The film juxtaposes a brutal battle sequence with an intimate bedroom moment, seamlessly weaving the manga’s themes of love and survival in a dystopian war-torn setting. The animation is crisp, the colors pop, and the character movements feel alive qualities that immediately invite comparison to other high-profile anime.
ROLL2, though a relatively small studio, isn’t new to the game. They’ve contributed key animation and production support to acclaimed series like “Chainsaw Man” and “The Apothecary Diaries,” proving they can handle complex narratives and dynamic visuals.
The Trailer suggests they’re bringing that expertise to the forefront here, with a level of polish that feels deliberate and ambitious. But how does it stack up against “Blue Lock” and “One Punch Man,” two series often praised (and occasionally criticized) for their animation?
Blue Lock: High Stakes, Mixed Results
“Blue Lock,” the soccer anime that took the sports genre by storm, debuted in 2022 with Studio Eight Bit at the helm. Its first season wowed viewers with vibrant character designs and intense match sequences, particularly in early episodes where fluid animation brought the players’ egos to life.
However, fans have noted a dip in quality as the series progressed, especially in its second season (airing as of late 2024). Static shots and inconsistent animation plagued later episodes, a likely result of tight schedules and overworked staff common issues in Japan’s animation industry.
The “Blue Lock” manga’s detailed art set a high bar, and while the anime captured some of that energy, it struggled to maintain consistency. In contrast, the “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day” Trailer feels tightly controlled, with every frame exuding purpose.
Where “Blue Lock” falters in sustaining its visual momentum, the yuri anime’s teaser hints at a more focused approach, possibly benefiting from a smaller scope or a production team eager to prove itself.
One Punch Man: A Tale of Two Seasons
“One Punch Man” is a tougher benchmark. Season 1, animated by Madhouse in 2015, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of action animation. Under Shingo Natsume’s direction, Saitama’s battles were a symphony of fluid choreography and jaw-dropping sakuga, elevating Yusuke Murata’s manga to new heights.
But Season 2, handed to J.C. Staff in 2019, told a different story. The shift in studios brought a noticeable decline in quality stiffer movements, less dynamic framing, and a rushed feel that disappointed many fans.
The “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day” Trailer doesn’t yet match the peak sakuga of “One Punch Man” Season 1, but it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in its balance: smooth character interactions, atmospheric lighting, and a cohesive aesthetic that prioritizes emotion over spectacle.
Unlike “One Punch Man” Season 2, which stumbled under the weight of its predecessor’s legacy, ROLL2’s effort feels unburdened, crafting a unique identity that could resonate more consistently than Saitama’s sophomore outing.
Why “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day” Might Take the Crown
So, what sets this yuri anime apart? For one, its genre gives it an edge. Yuri stories often lean into emotional intimacy, and the Trailer nails this with subtle facial expressions and tender moments that don’t require the bombast of shonen battles.
Yet, when action does hit, like the visceral combat scene in the teaser it’s executed with precision, suggesting ROLL2 can flex both ways. This versatility could give it an advantage over “Blue Lock,” which sometimes sacrifices character nuance for sports hype, and “One Punch Man,” which leans heavily on action at the expense of quieter beats.
The production team also inspires confidence. Jukki Hanada, known for “Sound! Euphonium” and “Girls Band Cry,” brings a knack for emotional storytelling to the scripts, while the voice cast Rie Takahashi, Rina Hidaka, Asami Seto, and Yui Ishikawa, adds star power that could elevate the animation’s impact. Compare this to “Blue Lock,” where production woes overshadowed its talent, or “One Punch Man” Season 2, where a solid cast couldn’t salvage weaker visuals.
A Critical Eye on the Hype
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves Trailers are promotional tools, not final products. The TV anime could still falter if ROLL2 overextends or if budgets tighten. “Blue Lock” and “One Punch Man” both suffered from industry realities, and “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day” isn’t immune.
But the early signs are promising. The Trailer quality suggests a team with a clear vision, unencumbered by the massive expectations that weighed down its shonen peers.
As of now, with no release date set, fans can only speculate. But if ROLL2 delivers on this promise, “I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day” could redefine what we expect from anime animation yuri or otherwise.
Move over, soccer stars and caped baldies; a new contender is rolling into town, and it’s got love, death, and some seriously gorgeous frames on its side.
