The summer anime "Thunder 3" will begin broadcasting on July 8, 2026. It was expected to be a heartwarming everyday anime, but the first episode has left fans stunned with its dark and unexpected turn of events.
The story follows Pyontarou, a middle school student, and his friends Tsubame Azuma and Hiroshi Ochanomizu, who are known as the "Small 3". Pyontarou is loved by his younger sister Futaba, but he also feels annoyed by her every day.
The Inspiration Behind the New Arc
"Thunder 3" has been serialized by Yuki Ikeda in Kodansha's "Monthly Shonen Magazine" since 2022. The anime adaptation has been highly anticipated, and the first episode has exceeded expectations with its shocking twist.
The first episode starts with Pyontarou and his friends living their daily lives, but it takes a shocking turn when Futaba gets sucked into a TV and finds herself in a different world. The episode ends with Pyontarou and his friends determined to rescue Futaba and bring her back home.
Reactions from Fans
Fans have taken to social media to express their shock and surprise at the unexpected turn of events. Many have praised the anime for its bold and daring storytelling, while others have expressed their concern for the characters and their well-being.
The official website for the anime has also been updated with a new main visual and a main PV using the opening theme song, Yuri's "Thunderbolt".
Main Visual and PV Released
The main visual depicts the brave "Small 3" in action, while the PV gives a glimpse into the anime's story and characters. The staff and cast have also been updated on the official website.
"Thunder 3" will be broadcast every Wednesday at 24:45 on Fuji TV "+Ultra" and other channels. Streaming will be exclusively distributed worldwide by Netflix.
Original work: Yuki Ikeda (published in Kodansha's "Monthly Shonen Magazine")
General director: Hiroyuki Seshita
Director: Keisuke Ide
Deputy Director: Susumu Sugai, Ryunari
Series composition/screenplay: Koji Seko
Original character design: Naoyuki Onda
Animation character design: Junko Yamanaka, Yuuki Moriyama
Animation director: Kouji
Production design: Naoya Tanaka, Ferdinand Paturi
造形監督／光画監督：片塰満則
メカデザイン：帆足タケヒコ
Art director: Yusuke Kamei, Keigo Nakamura
Sound director: Takayuki Yamaguchi
音楽：フレデリック・シャトー、立山秋航
Opening theme: Yuri "Thunderbolt"
エンディング・テーマ：音羽-otoha-「しゅるれりら」
Planning/Production: Slow Curve
アニメーション制作：UNEND
手塚ぴょんたろう：鈴代紗弓
吾妻つばめ：川井田夏海
お茶の水ひろし：秋山絵理
Futaba Tezuka: Bee Honoka
Doc: Shogo Sakata
Teiichi Segami: Yasuto Saka
田代涼花：広瀬ゆうき
如月 澪：前川涼子
皇 恭治：石谷春貴
(C) Yuki Ikeda/Kodansha/「Thunder 3」 Production Committee
