Wano's conclusive conclusion finally gets started concluding.
The scale of this arc – by every possible metric – is immense. We are witnessing so many plot threads, character arcs, and narrative themes coming to a head here at Wano that it can be a bit dizzying. Even Big Mom says at one point there is “too much going on at this party,” and it's hard not to agree with her. But I think it's a testament to the strength of the material that even after literal years of story material, Wano remains engrossing and dramatic more often than not.
In fact, the Wano-specific elements are what really drive the interest in episode 996. Luffy and Big Mom have a straight-up throwdown, and that is amazingly not the most interesting thing happening here. The Nine Red Scabbards plunging their weapons deep into Kaido's flesh, closing the circle on the cycle of Oden's hope and vengeance, is another high watermark for the arc and the series as a whole. We know the Akazaya Nine so intimately as individuals and as a group by this point that the visual of their swords glowing red in unison then blasting out flurries of cherry blossoms – all while Kaido's old wound glows bright crimson – is one that will stick with me for sure.
The other “side” fights feel as important as the main battles with the two Emperors. Yamato and Ulti's clash is not only visually engaging, but also carries the theme of how family is meant to be treated. It's even more important as I feel that, at least within my fandom bubbles, both of these characters have really struck a chord with many folks in fandom – more proof that Oda's character design sensibilities remain as sharp as ever. Meanwhile, the anime's adaptation of the Zeus and Nami drama retains all the grim terror of the manga and then some. The ridiculous close-ups on their faces with Nami laughing maniacally has got to be one of the most chilling moments in the arc, and the little touches like Zeus making Pac-Man noises chomping up the orbs sell the entire scene.
Lastly, Luffy closes us out with a declaration that this is all-out war. Buckle up, folks.
Nick and Lucas use last week's Chainsaw Man manga chapter as a springboard to discuss sex and sexuality in manga, from messy to raunchy to endearing depictions.― Nick and Lucas use last week's Chainsaw Man manga chapter as a springboard to discuss sex and sexuality in manga, from messy to raunchy to endearing depictions. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatl...
If the first part of Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture was bringing the story back to its roots, this second part is all about reminding us what sprang from those roots.― If the first part of Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture was bringing the story back to its roots, this second part reminds us what sprang from those roots. Lelouch inadvertently and intentionally changed the world, and many things c...
Mei Nagano, Takeru Satō star as Red, White Blood Cells― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the live-action film of Akane Shimizu's Cells at Work! (Hataraku Saibō) manga posted a "early teaser trailer" on Tuesday. The teaser announces the film's main cast and December premiere. Mei Nagano (live-action My Broken Mariko, Ni no Kuni, Peach Girl, Burn the House Down, Teasing Master Takagi-san)...
Voice actor admitted to 4-year affair with acknowledged abuse last month― Atlus announced on Tuesday that it has removed voice actor Tōru Furuya from the cast of its upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio fantasy role-playing game "due to various circumstances," and will announce the replacement cast member sometime in July. Atlus had not previously announced which character or role Furuya would be playing i...
Even if some small details are still missing, when finished, Look Back should, without a doubt, be acclaimed by most people.― Creating a manga is like creating a TV series: every week, readers wait for a new chapter to be published in their favorite magazine, and then they can also buy a full "season" when a compiled volume is published. Tatsuki Fujimoto is very familiar with this process as he seri...
Anime News Network's editorial team is digging deep into their repressed anime memories to trudge up the moments that left them in tears. What was the first anime to make you cry?― Anime News Network's editorial team is digging deep into their repressed anime memories to trudge up the moments that left them in tears. Below are some of the most affecting moments, from major character deaths to bitte...
Visual revealed for new season― The staff for the Spy x Family anime revealed on Sunday that the anime is getting a third season. The staff also revealed a visual for the third season. Anime character designer and chief animation director Kazuaki Shimada drew the below visual. Art director Yuni Yoshida designed the visual. The first anime season's first half premiered in April 2022. Crunchyroll stre...