by The synopsis and preview images for Episode 2, “ALA,” of the Winter 2026 TV anime Darwin’s Incident have been officially released. The series begins broadcasting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and early previews suggest the story will quickly escalate into a tense and thought-provoking drama.
What Is “Darwin’s Incident”? (Beginner-Friendly Overview)
Darwin’s Incident is a powerful human vs. non-human drama based on the award-winning manga by Shun Umezawa, currently serialized in Kodansha’s monthly magazine Afternoon.
The story follows Charlie, a so-called “humanzee”—a being born from a human and a chimpanzee. Raised as a symbol of scientific progress, Charlie is forced to confront harsh realities such as:
- Terrorism and political extremism
- Online harassment and mass outrage
- Discrimination against those deemed “different”
Rather than relying on fantasy elements, the series tackles real-world social issues, making it one of the most intellectually challenging anime of the Winter 2026 season.
Massive Manga Success and Global Recognition
The original manga has achieved remarkable success:
- Over 2.2 million copies sold across 10 volumes
- Grand Prize at the 2022 Manga Awards
- Ranked 10th in This Manga Is Amazing! 2022 (Men’s Edition)
- 2nd place in Publishers’ Comics Editors’ Recommended Comics 2022
- Winner of the Asia Section Award at the 50th Angoulême International Comics Festival in France
Thanks to these achievements, Darwin’s Incident has built a strong fanbase both in Japan and overseas, raising expectations for its anime adaptation.
Episode 2 “ALA” — Story Synopsis
In Episode 2, the narrative takes a darker and more dangerous turn.
Episode 2 Title: ALA
Synopsis:
The radical group Animal Liberation League (ALA) carries out a terrorist bombing in New York, shocking the public. Due to his origins as a humanzee, Charlie is immediately suspected of being involved, despite having no connection to the attack.
Meanwhile:
- Rivera, a dangerous ALA terrorist, begins plotting to draw Charlie into the organization
- Charlie continues attending school but becomes increasingly isolated and feared
- Lucy Eldred, Charlie’s only true ally, chooses to stand by him despite the growing danger
Just as tensions peak, a mysterious individual contacts Lucy, hinting at a larger conspiracy and placing her in unexpected danger.
This episode sets the foundation for the series’ central conflict: Can someone born outside humanity truly coexist within it?
Key Characters and Voice Cast
The anime features a high-profile cast that adds depth to its heavy themes:
- Charlie — voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki
- Lucy Eldred — voiced by Mitsuho Kambe
- Rivera Feyerabend — voiced by Akio Otsuka
- Gilbert Stein / Bart — voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa
- Hannah Stein — voiced by Rina Sato
- Philip Graham (Phil) — voiced by Yoji Ueda
- Gale — voiced by Kaito Ishikawa
- Leslie K. Lippman (The Major) — voiced by Hiroya Egashira
Anime Production Staff and Music
The anime adaptation is being handled by a skilled creative team:
- Director: Naokatsu Tsuda
- Series Composition: Shinichi Inozume
- Animation Production: Belnox Films
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
Opening Theme
- “Make Me Wonder” by Official HIGE DANDism
The music enhances the show’s unsettling atmosphere, blending emotional weight with suspense.
Broadcast and Streaming Schedule
TV Broadcast
- TV Tokyo Network: From midnight, Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- BS TV Tokyo: From midnight, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- AT-X: Fridays at 9:00 PM (from January 9)
Streaming
- Exclusive streaming on Prime Video from 12:30 AM, January 7, 2026
(Broadcast and streaming times may change.)
Why Episode 2 Is Especially Important
Episode 2 is a turning point in the series:
- It shifts the story from personal drama to global-scale conflict
- Introduces the terrorism narrative central to the plot
- Deepens Lucy’s role as more than just a supporting character
- Raises ethical questions about justice, prejudice, and fear
For first-time viewers, this episode clearly establishes Darwin’s Incident as more than a typical anime—it is a social commentary wrapped in suspense.
Final Thoughts
With its bold themes, award-winning source material, and strong anime production, “Darwin’s Incident” is shaping up to be one of the most intellectually stimulating anime of Winter 2026. Episode 2, “ALA,” intensifies the drama and introduces new mysteries that will keep viewers hooked.
If you’re looking for an anime that goes beyond action and fantasy to challenge how we view humanity itself, this is a must-watch series
