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This Week in Games - Mourning Mutsumi Inomata

This week, Jean-Karlo morns the loss of artist Mutsumi Inomata and takes a look at her contributions to gaming. Also in the news, there's a new Fatal Fury on the way as well as new title Mega Man Battle Network fans are sure to enjoy. ― Welcome back, everyone! As you read this, Dragon's Dogma 2 is already out and folks are likely going nuts making and sharing pawns. I still haven't had a chance to pl...
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This Week in Anime - When Criticism Meets Anime Fandom

More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with their views. This week, our resident reviewers Chris and Lucas weigh in on what it means to approach anime works critically as reviewers. ― More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with th...
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This Week in Anime - What Manga Should Become Anime Next?

Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. ― Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Netwo...
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This Week in Games - The Gaming World Says Good-Bye to Akira Toriyama

Jean-Karlo invites us to take a look at Akira Toriyama's influence and legacy in the gaming industry. There are also good/bad news for Puyo Puyo and The Super Mario Bros. ― Welcome back, folks! I didn't get a chance to plug it last week, but my column on monster-collecting games came out last week! The timing on that column was... something. That weekend turned out to be the 25th anniversary of the D...
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The ANN Aftershow - And the Anime Oscar Goes To..

Lynzee and James discuss the Oscar results, the untimely passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, Solo Leveling, and more! And the Anime Oscar Goes To.. Lynzee and James discuss the Oscar results, the untimely passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, Solo Leveling, and more! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You can l...
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This Week in Anime - How Would You Like Your Fantasy Anime Served?

Chris and Steve discuss all the ways a fantasy anime can get it right and the shoddy mimics that catch viewers in their traps. ― Chris and Steve discuss all the ways a fantasy anime can get it right and the shoddy mimics that catch viewers in their traps. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Delicious in Dungeon and...
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This Week in Anime - The Rise and Fall of Rooster Teeth

Lucas and Nick reflect on Rooster Teeth's legacy, from RWBY to gen:LOCK to Red vs. Blue following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to dissolve the production company. ― Lucas and Nick reflect on Rooster Teeth's legacy, from RWBY to gen:LOCK to Red vs. Blue following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to dissolve the production company. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants...
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This Week in Games - Nintendo Stamps Out Emulator Yuzu Devs

Jean-Karlo discusses the recent emulator debacle, some of the most interesting games from the Microsoft Partner Stream, and KOS-MOS creator Monolith's 25th anniversary! ― Welcome back, folks! Over the weekend, I saw Dune Part 2. It was really fun, but it reminded me of how disappointing it is that we haven't gotten a new Dune real-time strategy game to tie in with it. Dune II: The Building of a Dynas...
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This Week in Anime - AI Is Here, But Who Is It Helping?

If this tech is making things worse for the people who work on this material and those who want to enjoy it, then who exactly is it for? ― Following Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini's confirmation that the company is already testing generative A.I. uses on subtitling and closed captioning, Chris and Lucas discuss where the technology could benefit more broadly and management's misjudgment on how t...
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The ANN Aftershow - Are the Anime Awards Broken? (Podcast Edition)

Lynzee and James discuss the Crunchyroll Anime Award winners and try to explain why a single show can sweep so many categories. Plus: Solo-Leveling and more Delicious in Dungeon food! Are the Anime Awards Broken? (Podcast Edition) Lynzee and James discuss the Crunchyroll Anime Award winners and try to explain why a single show can sweep so many categories. Plus: Solo-Leveling and more Delicious in...
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This Week in Anime - Are the Anime Awards Broken?

What were the biggest snubs of the Anime Awards, and did what earned their rightful place as one of the best? Or is the whole thing a cover for marketing and business relationships? ― Nick and Steve are here with your after-awards banter. What were the biggest snubs of the Anime Awards, and did they earn their rightful place as one of the best? Or is the whole thing a cover for marketing and busines...
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This Week in Games - How Zygarde Got His Game

Jean-Karlo goes over all the good news from this year's Pokémon Day and worrying developments in the world of emulation. ― Welcome back, folks! It's been a fun week on my end; some good stuff came in the mail (I finally have a nice copy of the Valis collection). I still really want that one LGR physical edition of VA-11 Hall-A; it sure would be nice to find one at not-price-gouge-y prices. I also nee...
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This Week in Anime - Previously On Final Fantasy VII

Before you boot up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, let's remember Squaresoft's foray into feature films, including Spirits Within and the divisive Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. ― Before you boot up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, let's remember Squaresoft's foray into feature films, including Spirits Within and the divisive Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed...
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The ANN Aftershow - Best, Worst, and Weirdest Pokémon

James, Jacki, and Lynzee pick their favorite Pokémon from every type to celebrate Pokémon Day 2024! Best, Worst, and Weirdest Pokémon Jacki, Lynzee, and James share their Pokémon memories for Pokémon Day 2024. What Pokémon gave them nightmares, what was their first starter, and what is their trainer persona? The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6p...
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This Week in Anime - Off-Brands In My Anime

With the new, official WcDonald's campaign, Nick and Nicky revisit some of the off-brand appearances of real products in anime and other official campaigns that seem too weird to be true. ― With the new, official WcDonald's campaign, Nick and Nicky revisit some of the off-brand appearances of real products in anime and other official campaigns that seem too weird to be true. Disclaimer: The views an...
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This Week in Games - Directly To The Lands Between

Return to the world of Elden Ring and all the gaming lands in between, and Jean-Karlo breaks down the Nintendo Direct and Shadow of the Erdtree DLC! ― Welcome back, folks! What a week for news this has been. I imagine folks want to get right into stuff, but I had some fun stuff I wanted to show off! I got some long-awaited goodies from @Kamaniki featuring KOS-MOS! Thank you kindly for everything, Gig...
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This Week in Anime - A Look Back at Tatsuki Fujimoto Of The Prophecy

Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama will adapt Tatsuki Fujimoto's Look Back manga into an anime film this year, so there's no better time for review the inimitable creators' other one-shots. ― Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama will adapt Tatsuki Fujimoto's Look Back manga into an anime film this year, so there's no better time for TWIA to look back at the inimitable creators' other one-shots. Disclaimer: The views ...
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The ANN Aftershow - Is Ninja Kamui Worth Watching?

Lynzee and James check out the first two episodes of Sunghoo Park and Adult Swim's new anime series, NINJA KAMUI! Is the new blood-soaked action spectacle worth watching? Is Ninja Kamui Worth Watching? Lynzee and James check out the first two episodes of Sunghoo Park and Adult Swim's new anime series, NINJA KAMUI! Is the new blood-soaked action spectacle worth watching? Plus, Solo-Leveling and one...
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This Week in Anime - A New Age of Anime Delinquents

Bucchigiri is reintroducing the anime world to delinquent culture, but is this homage to old-school bad boys refreshing or lost on modern audiences? ― Bucchigiri is reintroducing the anime world to delinquent culture, but is this homage to old-school bad boys refreshing or lost on modern audiences? Bucchigiri?!, Tokyo Revengers (first season), Kenka Banchō Otome: Girl Beats Boys, Yu Yu Hakusho, Haji...
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This Week in Games - Not My Elena

Capcom's "Trendy Elena" sparks controversy, Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama leaves behind a legacy of great games, and three Japanese RPGs pass the 1 million sold mark this year! ― Welcome back, folks! We had some fun stuff come in this past weekend. In the wake of our Another Code: Recollection review, another really fun game I anticipated came in for review. I'll talk more about it in the comin...
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The ANN Aftershow - WTF is Going On in this Mecha Anime?!

Jacki, James, and Lynzee try to figure out WHAT is happening in Brave Bang Bravern! WTF is Going On in this Mecha Anime?! Jacki, James, and Lynzee try to figure out WHAT is happening in Brave Bang Bravern! Plus, new Delicious in Dungeon food to eat, Tatsuki Fujimoto's new anime, and a dark turn for Solo Leveling. Join us and chat live! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twit...
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This Week in Anime - The Amazing Action Anime of Director Sunghoo Park

Director Sunghoo Park's latest anime is a blood-soaked action spectacle that builds off years of stellar choreography and gripping fight sequences. ― Director Sunghoo Park's latest anime is a blood-soaked action spectacle that builds off years of stellar choreography and gripping fight sequences. Find out more about his work below. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in ...
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The ANN Aftershow - Solo Leveling Levels Up!

Finally out of the hospital, Jinwoo encounters his first boss battle one-on-one, and the animation team at A-1 Pictures didn't hold back! Plus, we rate the newest dish for this week's Delicious in Dungeon anime. Solo Leveling Levels Up! Finally out of the hospital, Jinwoo encounters his first boss battle one-on-one, and the animation team at A-1 Pictures didn't hold back! Plus, we rate the newest ...
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This Week in Anime - When Your Fav Anime Couple is Problematic

Chris and Nicky take on fandom shipping discourse and coming to grips with your problematic favorite couple. ― Chris and Nicky take on fandom shipping discourse and coming to grips with your problematic favorite couple. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders, BanG Dream! It'...
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This Week in Games - Is This Really A Final Fantasy VII Trailer? We Still Don't Know Sephiroth Or Nothing.

Jean-Karlo gets polygonal as he goes over the newest details for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the upcoming Sonic game and state of Microsoft. ― Welcome back, everyone! You've likely seen our review of Another Code: Recollection by now. What a wonderful experience that was. It's great that it got a second chance at bat. And it's been selling so well! Nintendo must've underproduced that title because it ...
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This Week in Anime - Metallic Rouge and 25 Years of BONES

Nicky and Steve renumerate on the history of BONES' various original anime and take a look at its 25th year anniversary project Metallic Rouge. (There may also be an excessive amount of bone-related puns.) ― Nicky and Steve renumerate on the history of BONES' various original anime and take a look at its 25th-year anniversary project Metallic Rouge. (There may also be an excessive amount of bone-rel...
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This Week in Anime - Getting into Gundam (and Other Long-Running Anime)

Nick and Chris tackle the issue of getting into long-running anime series—and why it's not really the intimidating prospect it might appear to be at first glance. ― Nick and Chris tackle the issue of getting into long-running anime series—and why it's not really the intimidating prospect it might appear to be at first glance. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this c...
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This Week in Games - Kojima Can Strand Servants, Discuss

Layoffs hit Activision Blizzard, Sony shows off a ton of upcoming titles, and Fate/stay Night is finally getting an official English-language release. ― Welcome back, folks! I'm still here, plugging away at stuff. Udon put out the word that they're making another one of their comic book spin-offs for a Capcom series. On the one hand, I'm excited because they announced a Darkstalkers book featuring Je...
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This Week in Anime - Why Do We Love Animated Food?

Nick and Steve dive into some of the most delicious-looking anime around while talking about why they have been (and continue to be) so popular. ― Nick and Steve dive into some of the most delicious-looking anime around while talking about why they have been (and continue to be) so popular. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime Ne...
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This Week in Anime - Do Game Mechanics Make or Break Anime?

Chris and Nicky discuss the gamification of anime narratives from Solo Leveling to BOFURI. What's the best way to integrate familiar game elements into a story (hint: it's not stat screens). ― Chris and Nicky discuss the gamification of anime narratives (and life in general) from Solo Leveling to BOFURI. What's the best way to integrate familiar game elements into a story (hint: it's not stat screen...
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This Week in Games - Not The Best Of Pals

"I think a lot of folks who wring their hands about The State Of Pokémon™ would be better off just realizing that they outgrew Pokémon and stop making that GAME FREAK's fault." ― Welcome back, everyone! It was very nice to have such a warm welcome from everybody last week. And! We got something fun in the mail! Never mind me getting my copy of Another Code: Recollection (Look forward to a review shor...
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This Week in Anime - Is Cygames a Mark of Anime Quality?

Known primarily for their involvement in mobile games, Cygames has quietly been producing some of the best, most farcical anime of the last decade. ― Known primarily for their involvement in mobile games, Cygames has quietly been producing some of the best, most farcical anime of the last decade. Steve and Chris look back on Zombie Land Saga, Uma Musume, and this season's Brave Bang Bravern! Brave B...
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The ANN Aftershow - And the Winner for Best Anime of the Year is....

Jacki, James, and Lynzee talk about the nominees for the Oscars and Crunchyroll's Anime Awards. What was snubbed? What anime is over-represented? Who do you think will win? And the Winner for Best Anime of the Year is.... Jacki, James, and Lynzee talk about the nominees for the Oscars (The Boy and the Heron! Godzilla Minus One!) and Crunchyroll's Anime Awards. What was snubbed? What anime is over-...
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This Week in Anime - Mari Okada's Rise: From Anohana to Maboroshi

Nick and Nicky look back on how Mari Okada's voice as a writer and director lead up to her strangest anime entry yet, maboroshi. ― Nick and Nicky look back on how Mari Okada's voice as a writer and director lead up to her strangest anime entry yet, maboroshi. Maquia - When the Promised Flower Blooms, anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, Kiznaiver, and Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine are avai...
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The ANN Aftershow - What New Anime Should You Watch?

The Winter 2024 anime season is well underway, so it's time to find out which shows pass muster to join our watchlist! What New Anime Should You Watch? The Winter 2024 anime season is well underway, so it's time to find out which shows pass muster to join our watchlist! Also, some amazing news this week: Discotek has picked up the Berserk anime (the good one) and we're finally getting more Dorohed...
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This Week in Games - A Return With Arms, And Cats

Jean-Karlo returns from medical leave to get everyone up-to-date on the latest news out of Final Fantasy Fan Fest! ― Before We Begin... I do need to apologize. I didn't quite keep to my word when I last said my usual "see you in seven" sign-off. On November 4 (the very next day after my last column went live), I went out to do some chores. I was going to get a haircut in preparation for Kumoricon, an...
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This Week in Anime - What is the Anime Localization Controversy?

Nick and Chris weigh in on the vitriol and misinformation swirling around AI usage and localization in anime and manga translation. ― Nick and Chris weigh in on the vitriol and misinformation swirling around AI usage and localization in anime and manga translation. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning...
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The ANN Aftershow - So, About That Jujutsu Kaisen Ending

James, Jacki, and Lynzee give their final thoughts on Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident Arc, social media, and gear up for Solo Leveling! ― Is So, About That Jujutsu Kaisen Ending James, Jacki, and Lynzee give their final thoughts on Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident Arc, social media, and gear up for Solo Leveling! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays a...
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This Week in Anime - What's the Recipe for a Good Isekai?

Nicky and Nick return to this season's isekai mines and manage to excavate one (1) actually good anime. ― Nicky and Nick return to this season's isekai mines and manage to excavate one (1) actually good anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. @Lossthief @BeeDubs...
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This Week in Games - Brace Yourself For Gamer Discourse In 2024

More layoffs, Genshin Impact developer miHoYo adopting AI, and the fear of harassment for a Last of Us TV series actress are the focus this week. ― Hello all, I hope your week was equal parts chill and exciting because this week is gonna be a mixed bag of not-so-fun news with a dash of neato news for good measure. Yes, I know we're only two weeks deep into 2024 to have bad news. Unfortunately, like a...
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This Week in Anime - When Does an Anime Need a Reboot?

Steve and Chris consider the necessity of rebooting popular anime like One Piece and Hunter x Hunter in the larger anime media landscape. Strap in, they talk about Fullmetal Alchemist in this one. ― Steve and Chris consider the necessity of rebooting popular anime like One Piece and Hunter x Hunter in the larger anime media landscape. Strap in, they talk about Fullmetal Alchemist in this one. Discla...
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This Week in Anime - What Happens When Magical Girls Grow Up?

Nicky and Chris, inspired by the recent raunchy Gushing Over Magical Girls, look at other more mature iterations of the magical girl genre. ― Nicky and Chris, inspired by the recent raunchy Gushing Over Magical Girls, look at other more mature iterations of the magical girl genre. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network...
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This Week in Games - You Can't Keep Shigeru Miyamoto Down

Miyamoto and two other game industry titans have no interest in retiring any time soon. Plus: Jack Black's new video game film role, Twitch's nudity snafu, and more! ― Welcome to 2024, otherwise known as the sequel to last year. Hopefully, the first week of the new year has been equally restful and kind to you as you batten down the hatches for what is sure to be a busy few months of video game and s...
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This Week in Games - So Long, Kotick! Thanks for Nothing

Controversial CEO Bobby Kotick is out at Activision Blizzard, Hideo Kojima has a movie in the works, Twitch tries to find a middle ground on sexual content, and a data breach sparks ethical conversations among gaming journalists. ― Good day, morning, afternoon, and whatever in-between time you happen to be while reading yet another edition of this Week in Games. Surely, the week before Christmas spel...
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This Week in Anime - On the Last Day of Anime Christmas...

Discover the stranger side of anime with Tatami Time Machine Blues, Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo, and whatever the heck Flying Phantom Ship is. ― For the second half of TWIA's Secret Santa, Nicky and Chris get retro with their anime surprises. Discover the stranger side of anime with Tatami Time Machine Blues, Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo, and whatever the heck Flying Phantom Ship is. Ma...
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This Week in Anime - On The First Day of Anime Christmas...

Nick and Steve secretly decide what anime the other will watch from their backlogs. These stocking stuffers include classic (and infamous) anime series like BECK, Guilty Crown, Key the Metal Idol, and more. ― Nick and Steve secretly decide what anime the other will watch from their backlogs. These stocking stuffers include classic (and infamous) anime series like BECK, Guilty Crown, Key the Metal Id...
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This Week in Games - The Long Death of E3

The gaming industry says goodbye to an old friend as E3 is finally put out to pasture. Plus, Sega is accused of threatening its recently unionized works, and Epic Games may have scored an epic win in court. ― If you're reading this, you've survived yet another week in games. Huzzah. Surely, this week was chill in comparison to last week's hectic Game Awards-centric week. Right? Nah, this week was pre...
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The ANN Aftershow - Is The Boy and The Heron Miyazaki's Worst Film?

The possible last film from the acclaimed director has the ANN After Show hosts divided! James and Lynzee go head-to-head over Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron. ― Is The Boy and The Heron Miyazaki's Worst Film? James and Lynzee go head-to-head on their reviews of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's The Boy and The Heron (How Do You Live?). The possible last film from the accla...
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This Week in Anime - Fast Cars, Anime, and Eurobeat

Steve and Nicky put on their helmets for a high-octane discussion of Initial D, its successor MF Ghost, and the dark horse of the season, Ei Aoki's Overtake! ― Steve and Nicky put on their helmets for a high-octane discussion of Initial D, its successor MF Ghost, and the dark horse of the season, Ei Aoki's Overtake! The anime discussed in this column are streaming via Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Disclai...
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This Week in Anime - An Anime Night at the Movies

Chris and Nick head to the cinema to see Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron and discuss why seeing an anime film in theaters is the preferred viewing experience. ― Chris and Nick head to the cinema to see Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and The Heron and discuss why seeing an anime film in theaters is the preferred viewing experience (if you can find a showing, that is). The films discussed in this col...
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This Week in Games - Give Game Developers Their Flowers

The Game Awards honored some of the year's best in entertainment, but the same can't be said for the program's treatment of the industry's developers. Plus, Twitch exits South Korea and concern over a new Splatoon 3 weapon. ― Congratulations, reader, you've made it to another Friday. It's crazy to believe this week would be busting at the seams with video game news outside of Geoff Keigley's not-E3 e...
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The ANN Aftershow - What Is the Real Monster in Godzilla Minus One?

Jacki, James, and Lynzee saw the newest Godzilla film from Japan, Godzilla Minus One! The latest entry in the kaiju franchise goes back to its historical roots, taking place at the tail end of WWII...with a unique message. ― What Is the Real Monster in Godzilla Minus One? Jacki, James, and Lynzee saw the newest Godzilla film from Japan, Godzilla Minus One! The latest entry in the kaiju franchise goe...
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This Week in Anime - How Do You Manage Your Anime Backlog?

Nicky and Chris wax about the anime they keep meaning to get to and what methods help them just sit down and watch. ― Nicky and Chris wax about the anime they keep meaning to get to and what methods help them just sit down and watch. This series is streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and HIDIVE Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime...
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This Week in Anime - Frieren's Demon Problem

Steve and Nick tune back in to Frieren: Beyond Journey's End to discuss the series' primary antagonists: demons and how fantasy often handles "evil races." ― Steve and Nick tune back in to Frieren: Beyond Journey's End to discuss the series' primary antagonists: demons and how fantasy often handles "evil races." Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not...
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This Week in Games - That Naruto Sounds Different...

Controversy unfolds this week, from strange-sounding lines in Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections to what qualifies as an "indie" game. ― Happy Friday, fellow weeb gamers. Although this week has been pretty light on announcements and trailers from video game companies outside of Capcom's release date announcement (and $70 price tag) for Dragon's Dogma 2, it's also had its fair share of ...
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The ANN Aftershow - Is Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Falling Apart?

The ANN After Show crew catch up on Jujutsu Kaisen's latest episodes, although the production has raised alarm bells after multiple staff members shared concern, disappointment, and more on social media. ― Is Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Falling Apart? The ANN After Show crew catch up on Jujutsu Kaisen's latest episodes, although the production has raised alarm bells after multiple staff members shared c...
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This Week in Anime - Made in Abyss Ignites Firestorm in K-Pop Fandom

Chris and Steve revisit the dark fantasy series' controversy after several K-Pop idols come under criticism for watching or reading the series. ― Chris and Steve revisit the dark fantasy series' controversy after several K-Pop idols come under criticism for watching or reading the series. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News...
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The ANN Aftershow - Is the PLUTO Anime a Masterpiece?

The ANN Aftershow Crew dive into the long-awaited anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's PLUTO, and it might be one of the best series we've ever watched! ― Is the PLUTO Anime a Masterpiece? The ANN Aftershow Crew dive into the long-awaited anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's PLUTO, and it might be one of the best series we've ever watched! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twit...
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This Week in Anime - What the Hell is Going on at MAPPA?

Nicky and Nick look at the production issues at Jujutsu Kaisen studio MAPPA following several social media posts from animators working there. ― Nicky and Nick look at the production issues at Jujutsu Kaisen studio MAPPA following several social media posts from animators working there. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News N...
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This Week in Anime - Scott Pilgrim Takes Off in a New Direction

Nick and Chris dive into the brand-new adaptation of the fan-favorite comic, although something is missing...where's Scott? ― Nick and Chris dive into the brand-new adaptation of the fan-favorite comic, although something is missing...where's Scott? Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is streaming on Netflix Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of An...
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This Week in Games - Sega Wants More Adaptations And Tekken's New Blood

Sega's looking into taking Persona and Like a Dragon to the big and small screens. Tekken 8 gets its final new character with Reina. ― Congratulations fellow weeabo sailors, you've made it to the weekend. Let's round up some of this week's gaming news. This is... In an interview with CNBC, Sega chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi said that Sonic the Hedgehog's Hollywood movie success has the company...
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This Week in Anime - Shigeru Mizuki

Halloween may have passed but that won't stop Nicky and Steve from taking a deep dive into the OG of horror manga, Shigeru Mizuki. ― Halloween may have passed but that won't stop Nicky and Steve from taking a deep dive into the OG of horror manga, Shigeru Mizuki. Akuma Kun (2023) is available through Netflix, GeGeGe no Kitarō (2018) is available through Crunchyroll, NONONBA and Onwards Towards Our N...
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This Week in Anime - 100 Girlfriends Is The Endgame Of Harem Anime

Chris and Nick find the true meaning of a harem anime: choosing all the girls instead of one. ― Chris and Nick find the true meaning of a harem anime: choosing all the girls instead of one. All the series mentioned in this column are streaming on Crunchyroll Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for di...
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This Week in Anime - Key, The Landmark Visual Novel Studio

The visual novel studio Key created some of the most heartwrenching stories adapted to anime. Christopher and Steve look back on CLANNAD, Kanon, Planetarian, and more to see if the emotional beats are still devastating. ― The visual novel studio Key created some of the most heartwrenching stories adapted to anime. Christopher and Steve look back on CLANNAD, Kanon, Planetarian, and more to see if the...
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The ANN Aftershow - The Attack on Titan Ending Explained

What made this ending so divisive, and what does it mean for all the characters? A decade later, we say goodbye to Attack on Titan. ― The Attack on Titan Ending Explained The monumental anime series finally comes to an end, and Eren's fate is sealed. What made this ending so divisive, and what does it mean for all the characters? A decade later, we say goodbye to Attack on Titan. The ANN After Show ...
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This Week in Anime - It's the Anime Rap Battle of the Century!!

Do rap sequences in anime hold a sincere appreciation for the art form? Nick and Nicky look at two rap-focused anime and the musical genre in series over the years. ― Do rap sequences in anime hold a sincere appreciation for the art form? Nick and Nicky look at two rap-focused anime and the musical genre in series over the years. HYPNOSIS MIC, Paradox Live The Animation, Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ul...
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This Week in Games - Wouldn't That Be Level-5 Five Times Over?

Jean-Karlo looks back on 25 years of Level-5 games, plus a new customer-unfriendly move from GameStop and the gacha games that's putting its players into gem debt. ― Welcome back, folks! It seems like my easygoing weekends are ending; I've got a game I'm working on at the moment. Look forward to that review sometime next week! For now, I hope you've checked out my colleague Kennedy's column on the .h...
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This Week in Anime - PLUTO is a Masterclass in Anime Reimaginings

Chris and Steve dive into Naoki Urasawa and Studio M2's Pluto anime and discuss why "aging up" a property intended for children can be a perfect sandbox for broader commentary. ― Chris and Steve dive into Naoki Urasawa and Studio M2's Pluto anime and discuss why "aging up" a property intended for children can be a perfect sandbox for broader commentary. The anime discussed in this column are streami...
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This Week in Anime - Halloween Anime Spooktacular

Happy Halloween, anime fans! We have a special TWIA on this extra spooky Tuesday. Nick and Nicky discuss their favorite horror series and compare notes on which anime monsters are perfect for the season. ― Happy Halloween, anime fans! We have a special TWIA on this extra spooky Tuesday. Nick and Nicky discuss their favorite horror series and compare notes on which anime monsters are perfect for the ...
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This Week in Games - Special Feature: First Look At One Punch Man World Closed Beta

Jean-Karlo explores the super-powered world of the newest One Punch Man mobile game and it's surprisingly good! Plus, hints about .hack, a Muv-Luv port, revamped Metal Gear and more! ― Welcome back, folks! It seems like last week's dual releases for Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Wonder really brought up the old Sonic/Mario rivalry... but as a Sega fan, it seems like Mario won this one? Not that So...
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This Week in Anime - Director Masaomi Andō, from School-Live! to SHY

Director Masaomi Andō (SHY) has quietly created some of the best series in the last decade. Steve and Nicky look back at his past work to see how he utilizes different tricks to create engaging entertainment. ― Director Masaomi Andō has quietly created some of the best series in the last decade. His latest outing is SHY, a superhero action series starring a hero with overwhelming anxiety. Steve and ...
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The ANN Aftershow - Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Shibuya Incident Arc...Good?

Lynzee and James catch back up on the subway battle for Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen, but is it living up to the hype? ― Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Shibuya Incident Arc...Good? Lynzee and James catch back up on the subway battle for Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen, but is it living up to the hype? Plus, our immortal elf continues on her quest to discover what it means to live in Frieren! The ANN After Show streams live...
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This Week in Anime - Mecha Anime You May Have Missed

It's always Gundam this and Macross that, but what about those ready to enter a new mecha-verse? There's more to giant robots than decades-spanning franchises. Nick and Chris uncover some mecha anime you may have missed. ― It's always Gundam this and Macross that, but what about those ready to enter a new mecha-verse? There's more to giant robots than decades-spanning franchises. Nick and Chris unco...
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This Week in Games - Trust The Fungus. Touch The Fungus.

Nostalgia wave hits us this week with Gigabash x Ultraman collab, Super Mario Bros. Movie 30th anniversary, and Touch Detective coming back to the US! ― Welcome back, folks! So, uh, confession time: I had forgotten all about the Portland Retro Gaming Expo being last week. (I tunnel vision badly.) Last Friday, I even considered going on a lark to visit the Retronauts booth... but then I remembered tha...
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This Week in Anime -Narou-ing Down Your Anime Watchlist

This season is bigger than ever, but surprisingly, there isn't much isekai to sift through. Instead, Nick and Steve look at web novel adaptations and which are worth your time. ― During the last few anime seasons, TWIA alums have taken up the mantle to wade through the seasonal isekai to find the cream of the crop. This season is bigger than ever, but surprisingly, there isn't much isekai to sift th...
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This Week in Anime - What's the Deal with Extra-Long Anime Premieres?

Chris and Nicky examine the recent spat of feature-length anime premieres, whether the story calls for it, or if it's all in pursuit of the elusive "prestige" designation. ― Chris and Nicky examine the recent spat of feature-length anime premieres, whether the story calls for it, or if it's all in pursuit of the elusive "prestige" designation. This series is streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and ot...
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This Week in Games - Slim Pickings

Among the delight of anticipating the Izuna sequel, Lego Isabelle, Silent Hill: Ascension, and Gungrave G.O.R.E.'s Switch port, there is a questionable new PS5 Slim. ― Welcome back, everyone! Great news: I finally got to play Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for once this past weekend! It's nice to have spare time. The game is still introducing some phenomenal characters (even if I'm tilting my head a little a...
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This Week in Games - Not So Epic

Layoffs continue in the gaming industry, and the creator of Hatoful Boyfriend reveals he's been stiffed by Epic on his royalties. Plus, new Digimon devices and Square Enix goes all in on its "Cait Sith" pronunciation. ― Welcome back, folks! We picked up on some cool news over the weekend—Bandai Japan is making a new series of Digimon virtual pets: a reissue of the Digital Monster Pendulum toys, modif...
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The ANN Aftershow - The Best Fall Anime Premieres So Far...

We're in the midst of one of the biggest anime seasons yet! What anime premieres are must-watch worthy and which are clunkers? ― The Best Fall Anime Premieres So Far... We're in the midst of one of the biggest anime seasons yet! What anime premieres are must-watch worthy and which are clunkers? The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You...
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This Week in Anime - We Love Boys' Love

In celebration of the Sasaki and Miyano film, Chris and Nicky share their favorite BL series and why the genre is for everyone. ― In celebration of the Sasaki and Miyano film, Chris and Nicky share their favorite BL series and why the genre is for everyone. You can watch the series and movies mentioned here on Crunchyroll (Sasaki and Miyano, Junjo Romantica, Classmates, The Stranger by the Shore, Gi...
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This Week in Games - Big Names, Big Departures

It's a week of shake-ups in the gaming industry as Platinum Games and Sony see off Hideki Kamiya and Jim Ryan. Plus: CAPCOM president Haruhiro Tsujimoto thinks games are due for another price hike. ― Once again, I'd like to thank my readers who thought of me amidst the Izuna news last week. I appreciate being thought of like that. I like it when friends think of me when they see stuff they know I lik...
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This Week in Anime - What Crunchyroll Purchasing RightStuf Means To Us

The changeover is finally happening. One of the community's long-standing favorite online shops will become "The Crunchyroll Store" next month. Nick and Steve reflect on the change and what it might herald for the anime community at large. ― The changeover is finally happening. One of the community's long-standing favorite online shops will become "The Crunchyroll Store" next month. Nick and Steve r...
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This Week in Games - VIDEO GAME DREAMS DO COME TRUE

It's an extra big TWIG this week as Jean-Karlo discusses exciting developments in the retro game scene: Wizardry, Cotton 2, and the unexpected return of his personal favorite ninja, Izuna! ― Welcome back, folks! I must say, Thousand-Year Door fans wasted no time sticking true to form in the week-and-change since Nintendo announced the remake. Between concerns over the 30fps framerate or bellyaching a...
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This Week in Anime - Osamu Tezuka Anime Through Time

Nick and Nicky check out the newest take on legendary manga creator Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix and take time to reflect the many iterations of his work through the years. ― Nick and Nicky check out the newest take on legendary manga creator Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix and take time to reflect the many iterations of his work through the years. You can watch the Tezuka series mentioned here on Hulu/Disney+ (Ph...
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The ANN Aftershow - Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Throwdown!

The series' biggest battle is underway and Itadori is fighting...a bug? Zom 100 is back with a new episode, so let's check in on Akira and see if he's still human. ― Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Throwdown! The series' biggest battle is underway and Itadori is fighting...a bug? Zom 100 is back with a new episode, so let's check in on Akira and see if he's still human. All this and more anime hot takes, s...
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This Week in Anime - The Legacy of Buichi Terasawa

Join Chris and Steve as they dive into Space Adventure Cobra, Goku Midnight Eye, and other Terasawa's works that made him one of the legends in the industry. ― The anime and manga world lost yet another legend with the recent passing of Buichi Terasawa, the author behind the iconic 1978 manga series Space Adventure Cobra. Join Chris and Steve this week as they dive into Terasawa's works that made hi...
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This Week in Games - The Game Industry Uniting Against Bad Decisions

Japan sets a precedent for Let's Play content, and Unity just pissed off the sleeping dragons that are The Pokémon Company, Disney, Activision-Blizzard, and China. Plus: the announcements from Nintendo Direct and Sony's State of Play. ― Welcome back, everyone! Y'know, I thought this would be a pretty calm week; I hadn't had a game assigned to me, and it didn't seem like there would be any big announc...
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The ANN Aftershow - Attack on Titan the Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2 is a real anime

We've got a release date for the last installment of the Attack on Titan anime and it's only taken 10 years! Plus, Miyazaki might be 82 years old, but he's still not ready to hang up his director's hat. ― Attack on Titan the Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2 is a real anime We've got a release date for the last installment of the Attack on Titan anime and it's only taken 10 years! Plus, Miya...
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This Week in Anime - The Dynamic Direction of Mamoru Hatakeyama

Mamoru Hatakeyama, the director of Undead Murder Farce has a career as colorful as the anime. Steve and Chris invite us to take a look at his other amazing and stylish works. ― Mamoru Hatakeyama, the director of Undead Murder Farce has a career as colorful as the anime. Steve and Chris invite us to take a look at his other amazing and stylish works. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by th...
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This Week in Anime - Do You Have Pokémon Nostalgia?

Ready to bid farewell to Ash Ketchum and his timeless adventures? Not quite? We get you. Join Nick and Nicky this week as they explore the 25-year legacy of Pokémon before the start of a new era. ― Ready to bid farewell to Ash Ketchum and his timeless adventures? Not quite? We get you. Join Nick and Nicky this week as they explore the 25-year legacy of Pokémon before the start of a new era. Disclaim...
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The ANN Aftershow - The Jujutsu Kaisen Anime is Finally Back!

After a dry August, we're finally back with new episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen. Yūji Itadori just might get a girlfriend and Geto is there...wait, Geto?! ― The Jujutsu Kaisen Anime is Finally Back! After a dry August, we're finally back with new episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen. Yūji Itadori just might get a girlfriend and Geto is there...wait, Geto?! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and ...
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This Week in Games - There Is No Joke, Just Treat Game Developers Better

SAG-AFTRA eyes a strike on the video game industry to get the same wage increases for video game performers as for those who work under the film and television contracts. Plus updates on Nikke/Nier, Zelda DLC, and more! ― Welcome back, everyone! As you might have seen, my Rune Factory 3 Special review went up on Tuesday (and right after Laybuh Day). It's a fun game, definitely worth interrupting a Xe...
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This Week in Anime - Why Is It So Hard to Make Anime Into Live-Action?

With live-action One Piece receiving favorable reviews from critics and fans alike, Nick and Steve look back and previous attempts to bridge the gap between anime and live-action in Hollywood...and why they didn't work. ― With live-action One Piece receiving favorable reviews from critics and fans alike, Nick and Steve look back and previous attempts to bridge the gap between anime and live-action i...
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This Week in Anime - What is the Future of Anime and AI?

The AI wave reached anime shores a long time ago - will anime ever be the same again? Join Chris and Nicky this week in their discourse about anime and AI. ― The AI wave reached anime shores a long time ago - will anime ever be the same again? Join Chris and Nicky this week in their discourse about anime and AI. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not...
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This Week in Games - Nintendo Presents: Super Mario Elephants

Plenty of news coming from every corner of the gaming industry this week ranging from a new character in Street Fighter 6 and free distribution of Cave Story to Nintendo Direct! ― Welcome back, everyone! With Autumn creeping ever closer, we're seeing the last of the big games getting released this summer. As you read this, my retrospective on the Armored Core series should be out by now. It's very gr...
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This Week in Anime - Why You Should Just Buy the Anime Blu-rays

It's become increasingly common for anime and other media to disappear from streaming services, be it contractual reasons or a tax write-off. Steve and Nicky go over some of the pros for buying physical releases of your favorite anime series. ― It's become increasingly common for anime and other media to disappear from streaming services, be it contractual reasons or a tax write-off. Steve and Nicky...

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