Anime Expo 2022 is taking place July 1-4, and we couldn’t be more excited about the dystopian, apocalyptic, and post-apocalyptic anime panels that are taking place. From a premiere screening of Made in Abyss Season 2, to a Trigun Stampede sneak peek, Dr. Stone’s special episode, and finally a secretive panel about Chainsaw Man, there are going to be a lot of exciting things happening for apocalypse and dystopian fans.
As far as watching the events if you don’t have a ticket to attend in person, that could be a little trickier. Watch for people to share videos on Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, or other social media platforms. Anime Expo Lite is a digital version of the Anime Expo that lets you experience some events virtually, but not all of them. The digital schedule is online, and I’m not seeing the events I’m most excited about on it. But of course, that could change.
Here’s a rundown of the major apocalyptic and dystopian panels taking place, curated from Anime Expo’s schedule.
July 1 Events
Rust! Mushrooms! Crabs! Oh my! – 2:00 p.m. Pacific to 2:50 p.m. at Location 406AB
“Join Cosplay for Science for a fun discussion about the post-apocalyptic anime Sabikui Bisco! What is rust, and can people really catch it? Are mushrooms used in medicine? And how can Actagawa, Bisco’s huge crab steed, survive in the desert? Let’s chat about the science in this cool new anime!”
Doomsday with my Dog – 4:45-5:15 p.m. Pacific at Location 408AB
“Join HIDIVE for a screening of Doomsday with My Dog, the hilarious animated webcomic about a girl and her talking Shiba Inu at the end of the world. Brave the apocalypse and stream it on HIDIVE Summer 2022.”
Crunchyroll Presents: New Simulcast Premieres Round 1 – 7-8:20 p.m. – Location JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom
Episode 1 of “Shine On!” will air, BleedingCool reported. After that, the first two episodes of the dystopian series “Utawarerumono Mask of Truth” will air.
July 2 Events
Prima Doll Premiere – 12-12:50 p.m. at 403AB
This one may or may not be dystopian. It’s tough to tell at this point. Prima Doll is airing on HIDIVE this summer, and the first episode will stream during this event.
Anime News Network describes the plot this way: “Café Kuronekotei boasts an unusual roster of employees. A group of automata, or autonomous mechanical dolls, serve their patrons with a smile, but they weren’t always so suited to domestic life. Just a few years prior, automata served as weapons in the great war, fulfilling the bloody purpose for which they were created. Now that the war has ended, these machines with human hearts search for their place in an unfamiliar, peaceful world…”
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Third Anniversary Celebration – 1-2:20 p.m. – Location Main Events
While not technically post-apoc, Demon Slayer is dystopian enough to be included here. Special guest Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado) and Producer Yuma Takahashi will attend this event.
The House of the Lost on the Cape – U.S. Premiere – 1:15-3:15 p.m. at Regal Cinemas
The House of the Lost on the Cape has a touch of apocalypse in it, and that’s good enough for our list!
My Anime List notes: “17-year-old Moeka, who lost her parents, and Yurie, seeking to escape her violent husband, got off at a Kitsunezaki station one day. The great earthquake and tsunami had changed their destinies. Their lives were saved, but they were perplexed when asked about their identities at an evacuation site…”
One Piece Film Red Panel – 3-3:50 p.m. at Main Events
This one isn’t technically post-apoc, but we’ve seen some people in the fandom argue that some interpretations might lend you to thinking it’s apocalyptic. Since it has such a big fandom, we can’t help but include the panel in this list!
Anime Expo notes: “Join Toei Animation for an exciting panel where attendees will be among the first to learn news and updates on the highly anticipated “One Piece Film Red.” Learn about the film and updates on all things One Piece from a producer, the english dub ADR Director and members of the cast!”
Trigun Stampede: Lock ‘n Load Panel – 8-8:50 p.m. at JW Marriott Ballroom
This includes the world premiere of a special Trigun sneak peak!
Anime Expo notes: “Vash is back! Join Crunchyroll in welcoming Japanese staff, including Yasuhiro Nightow (the author), Kouji Tajima (concept artist), Kiyotaka Waki (producer, Orange), Yoshihiro Watanabe (producer, Orange), and Katsuhiro Takei (producer, Toho), for an exciting new announcement regarding the future of Trigun! With first hand insights and the world premiere of a special secret sneak peek, this bounty will be out of this world!”
One Piece Film Red Presents: Steve Aoki Live – 8 pm.-1 a.m. – The Novo
This one requires a special ticket. It’s a special private DJ performance by Steve Aoki.
July 3 Events
Dr. Stone Special Episode – RYUSUI World Premiere – 10-10:50 a.m.
Dr. Stone definitely fits the post-apocalyptic theme of this site.
Anime Expo notes: “Join Crunchyroll and TMS Entertainment in celebrating the world premiere of Dr. STONE Special Episode – RYUSUI. Anime Expo offers a one time chance to see this exciting new chapter of Dr. STONE as well as access to news and updates on the series before the rest of the world.”
Make Mine Mecha: A History of Giant Robots – 5:30-6:20 p.m. at Location 411
Anime Expo notes: “From the early days of Tetsujin-28 to the iconic Gundam, Super Robots have defined anime. This panel will explore the long time history of the super robot genre spanning from the late 1960s to modern day and how each title built the world of giant robots righting monsters (and other robots).”
The Music of Neon Genesis Evangelion – 7:30-8:20 p.m. at Location 404AB
Anime Expo notes: “From the opening theme to the soundtrack music of Shiro Sagisu, the music of Evangelion provided the dramatic and emotional backdrop to this amazing saga. Join Professors David F. Lopez, Elliott Jones, and John Marr, as they explore the music that intrigued us, thrilled us, and broke our hearts!”
This anime series may have been super confusing, but the music will be great to hear!
July 4 Events
Made in Abyss Premiere – 10-10:50 a.m. – Main Events Location
This is a big one! HIDIVE will stream the premiere episode of Made in Abyss Season 2 before it premieres July 6 on HIDIVE’s streaming platform.
Chainsaw Man Panel – 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. – Main Events Location
This is another big one. This is only described as a “producers’ panel,” but we have high hopes about what will be revealed!
As you can see, there are a lot of major events to keep up with. We’ll likely see some major announcements about these as the Expo continues.
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