Top Anime Shows of 2022 

Interested in the art of animation? The anime market is growing, with an expected growth rate of 9.5% between 2022-2029. 

With the skills to create cartoon characters, anime represents a form of live art that is different to most. In this blog, we will explore some of the best anime shows that hit our screens last year, and how you can learn the skills to create the next popular cartoon with an animation and illustration degree. Whether your passion lies in TV and film, website animation, seeing your designs advertised on the big screen, video games, or animated special effects, we are here to support your ambitions. 

First, though, let’s paint a picture of some of the top anime shows we saw in 2022: 

The NEW Release of Fairly Odd Parents  

Do you remember watching Fairly Odd Parents as a child? Nearly 22 years on from its original release in 2001, the popular TV animation show returned to our screens in March 2022! Available on Netflix, Amazon, Paramount Plus, and Sky Go, you’re chance to get your daily dose of Timmy, Wanda, and Cosmo came back in 2022; with a modern spin on animation! In the past, we saw each cell being painted like every other cartoon, but fast forward to today, and we can see a shift to flash animation! 

Big Mouth - Season 6  

If you’ve ever heard of or seen Big Mouth, you’ll be aware of its story in terms of educating teenagers in a hormonal stage of their lives. But, with the modern art of animation, Big Mouth is able to portray a relevant message that teenagers need to be aware of as they transition to adulthood in an entertaining way that is going to resonate with them. Ultimately, as a current series on the face of UK Netflix, Big Mouth is proof that animation is more than just creating pretty cartoons. You can use it to present important topics in an engaging and informative way.  

Rick and Morty – Season 6  

As an animated series that is heavily inspired by Doctor Who, Rick and Morty has built its popularity through its story that revolves around the super scientist Rick, and his not-so-bright grandson, Morty. As mainly a vector-based 2D-puppet show, it also includes complexities in the show’s world, with its scores of characters and morphing designs. A reason why it was vital to include Rick and Morty in this list is that rather than the animation being used to create and represent the characters, it was used as a platform to tell the story by fulfilling the level of madness that the show desires. The animation, therefore, creates the reality that there are no limits to the show; Rick and Morty can go anywhere and do anything while adding an element of humour in the process.  

Great Animation Software to Use: 

If you’re interested in developing the skills to create your own animated character or show, then the following programmes could be useful to develop your knowledge:  

- Adobe Animate 

- Adobe Character Animator  

- Blender 

- Cartoon Animator 4 

- Clip Studio Paint 

- Synfig Studio  

Study an Animation and Illustration Degree! 

The University of Bolton’s School of the Arts offers student-centred courses that are valued by industry employers, meaning we give our students the best possible chance of securing employment in whichever creative path they are passionate about.  

Let’s highlight some of the key benefits that our BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration students have access to:  

- They are taught by a diverse team of professional and creative lecturers who have extensive experience in the animation and illustration industry, previously working for the BBC and Granada Television  

- Students have access to industry-spec equipment in our five dedicated studio spaces with Apple Mac computers and scanners. A lot of the coursework involves the creative use of animation, illustration, and graphics software  

- Students can tailor their education to whichever area of the animation industry they are passionate about. E.g., children’s book illustration 

- Students are encouraged to enter national and international competitions, including the Penguin Random House Design Award, Channel 4 E Stings, and the Macmillan Prize for Illustration   

- We invite our students to participate in study visits to animation festivals, galleries, museums, exhibitions, and conferences. Previously, these have included the Bradford Animation Festival, Thought Bubble, Alice in Wonderland at the Portico Library, Manchester Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool, and the Manchester Animation Festival 

If Bolton sounds like the university that will let your passion flourish, then take a few minutes to read about our course in more detail. Visit us at an upcoming Open Day and see the positive and supportive learning environment that our students love in person. With quality teaching, industry-spec facilities, and a friendly and inclusive campus, where we believe that you will enjoy studying in one of the UK’s friendliest towns. 

For further information, send us an email at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 903807.