Fans of the fantasy anime A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special have cause for celebration, as a new video and announcements have officially confirmed that the highly anticipated second season is slated to premiere in 2026. The confirmation arrived with a fresh trailer, signaling the continuation of Desir Herrman’s journey to alter a catastrophic future. Crunchyroll has also reconfirmed that it will stream the second season outside of East Asia.
The Road to a 2026 Premiere
The announcement of A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2 has been eagerly awaited since the conclusion of its successful first season. While the initial confirmation of a second season came shortly after the Season 1 finale, the new video provides a concrete release window for fans to look forward to. This information was further detailed at events like New York Comic Con 2025, where Crunchyroll highlighted its upcoming anime slate. The new trailer offers a glimpse into the continuing narrative and the challenges that protagonist Desir Herrman and his companions will face.
Recapping the First Season’s Impact
The inaugural season of A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special captivated audiences from October to December 2023. Produced by Arvo Animation and directed by Taishi Kawaguchi, with Takamitsu Kōno handling series composition and Hiromi Katō designing characters, the series delivered 12 episodes of action and intrigue. Crunchyroll provided streaming access to the series globally, allowing a broad international audience to follow Desir’s initial steps back in time. The anime adaptation of the popular South Korean web novel and webtoon was praised for bringing the rich fantasy world and its characters to life.
The Premise of A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
The series follows the extraordinary journey of Desir Herrman, one of the last surviving mages in a world ravaged by the formidable Shadow Labyrinth. After humanity’s desperate struggle against the Shadow World’s ultimate threat ends in failure and the destruction of their planet, Desir finds himself inexplicably sent back 13 years into the past.
Armed with profound knowledge of the future’s devastating events and the impending Shadow Labyrinth, Desir is given a second chance. His mission is to rewrite history by reuniting his former companions and strengthening them at the prestigious Hebrion Academy, ensuring they are prepared for the cataclysmic battles ahead. This unique premise, blending time travel with fantasy and strategic combat, forms the core of the story’s appeal.
Animation Studio and Production Details
Arvo Animation, the studio behind the first season, is expected to continue its work on A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2. The consistent quality of their animation for the series has garnered positive attention. While specific new staff announcements for Season 2 have not been detailed, the returning key creative team from Season 1 — including director Taishi Kawaguchi, scriptwriter Takamitsu Kōno, and character designer Hiromi Katō — is highly anticipated to maintain the series’ established aesthetic and narrative direction.
The anime is based on the web novel by Usonan and its webtoon adaptation illustrated by Wookjakga, which began serialization in 2018. Yen Press publishes the English version of the manhwa, further solidifying its global reach.
Fan Anticipation and What’s Next
The confirmation of a 2026 debut for A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2 has ignited excitement within the anime community. Fans are eager to witness how Desir continues to leverage his foreknowledge to prevent the world’s destruction and navigate the challenges of the Hebrion Academy’s class system. The second season is expected to delve deeper into the narrative, potentially covering subsequent arcs from the source material and expanding on the character development of Desir, Romantica, and Pram. With a confirmed release year and streaming platform, the stage is set for another compelling magical journey through time.
