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The Mike Toole Show - This Year's Model
The long and proud history of giant robot model building is forever connected to the anime industry. Mike's ready to build a robot - are you?
― I was surrounded. On all sides, people from a disconcertingly wide variety of age groups crouched in their chairs, as if ready to leap into action. They gripped a variety of sharp tools in their hands, and concentrated intensely, waiting for the right moment ...
Fate/Apocrypha Limited Edition Blu-ray Part 1
This epic Holy Grail War doubles the number of heroic spirits on the playing field, but does this twist enhance the story or leave it feeling overcrowded? Rebecca Silverman weighs in on Aniplex's deluxe release.
― While Fate/Apocrypha does share some basics with the game that started it all, Type-Moon's Fate/Stay Night, it's really best to think of it as totally separate from the story of Shirou, Rin...
Shelf Life - Space Runaway Ideon
James takes a look at an '80s mecha classic, while Paul breaks down this week's new blu-ray releases, along with a Yuri!!! on Ice-tastic Shelf Obsessed collection.
― I'm sure I'm just adding to an already loud chorus here, but y'all really should be watching Mob Psycho 100 (or catching up on the first season if you missed it). I can already tell I'm going to go back through this show a second or thi...
Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative
This Universal Century timeline film works well as a complement to Gundam Unicorn, but struggles to stand out as its own story. Kim Morrissy has the details in our full review.
― The only thing I knew about Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative before I watched it was that hilarious key visual showing three characters striking an awkward pose together. You might have seen it too because it was an Internet mem...
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits GN 2
Our feisty heroine has some choice words for a tengu who doesn't know how to treat his bride, as this soothing otherworldly romance continues.
― It feels very clear that Odanna (also known as Kijin) is playing a long game with Aoi. Whether he initially planned it that way or not is much more up in the air, because it seems as if he honestly didn't realize that the young woman wouldn't be thrilled to ...
Nyankees GN 1
Gang warfare between delinquents in Japan can be a dog-eat-dog world, but what if all the street toughs are actually adorable stray cats? Rebecca Silverman checks out this feline twist on classic gangster manga.
― If the cult '80s song “Stray Cat Strut” had a manga adaptation, it would look an awful lot like this. Nyankees is a gag manga about street toughs who are actually stray cats living in urban...
HiGH&LOW, Crows/Worst Franchises Inspire Crossover Film
Film about school delinquent gangs opens on October 4
― Image Field announced on Tuesday that it is producing HiGH&LOW THE WORST, a crossover film that integrates Hiroshi Takahashi's Crows and Worst manga with the HiGH&LOW franchise, for release in Japanese theaters on October 4. Takahashi drew an illustration of the "New Generation of Hōsen Academy" to celebrate the announcement. The movie will cent...
'Beyond Creation' Anime Short Created With Live2D
Aniplex acquired majority stake in Live2D last year
― Software developer Live2D began streaming a short animation titled "Beyond Creation" last Saturday. The animation was made largely through the company's own Live2D software, and was produced and planned by the company's Live2D Creative Studio design team. The short stars Natsumi Fujiwara as the drawing boy Louie, and Haruka Tomatsu as the mysterio...
Ace of Diamond Act II Anime Unveils New Visual
The official website for the anime adaptation of Yūji Terajima's Ace of Diamond Act II (Daiya no A Act II) sequel manga revealed a new visual for the anime on Wednesday. The anime will premiere on April 2. The anime will feature a returning cast, and new cast members include Ayumu Murase as Kaoru Yui and Tasuku Hatanaka as Hirofumi Asada. Glay will perform the anime's opening theme song. Glay prev...
2nd Fate/stay night Heaven's Feel Film Sells Over 1 Million Tickets
Film has earned over 1.5 billion yen since January 12 opening
― Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. lost butterfly, the second film in the Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel anime film trilogy, has sold 1 million tickets and earned a total of 1.5 billion yen (about US$13.54 million) in Japan as of Tuesday. Theaters will start giving filmgoers an A4-size commemorative board, with exclusive art by Tomonori ...
Otona no Bōguya-san Anime Gets 3 New Episodes in March
New episodes will tell original story; Yui Ogura joins cast as Emina
― The official website for the television anime of Fumi Ayamiya's Otona no Bōguya-san (Adult Armor Shop) manga revealed on Wednesday that the anime will get three new episodes titled Otona no Bōguya-san (Rimen) (Adult Armor Shop - Reverse Side). The new episodes will tell an original story, and will stream in Japan exclusively on th...
'If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord' Novel Series Gets TV Anime
Kanon Takao, Nobuhiko Okamoto star in anime about adventurer taking care of demon girl
― Hobby Japan announced on Wednesday that CHIROLU's If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord (Uchi no Musume no Tame Naraba, Ore wa Moshikashitara Maō mo Taoseru Kamoshirenai.) light novel series is inspiring a television anime adaptation. The announcement does not reveal a premiere date for the anime....
Dororo ‒ Episode 7
"This week, Dororo swaps its usual violent action for a sweet “opposites attract” love story."
Hypnosis Mic Collaboration Cafe Issues Apology For Tampering with Goods
Rap battle voice actor project Hypnosis Mic has been holding a collaboration with the Tanita Cafe since January 31. The collaboration involved the cafe selling Hypnosis Mic-themed food menu items, as well as original goods. On February 14, the cafe's Nagaoka branch issued an apology for tampering with the goods sales. After conducting an investigation, it was discovered that staff members were pro...
Nano Hazard Manga Reaches Climax
Shōshō Kurihara, Kazaana launched manga last August
― The 24th chapter of Shōshō Kurihara and Kazaana's Nano Hazard manga revealed on Monday that the manga will reach its climax in the next chapter on February 26. Shueisha's Manga Plus service publishes the manga in English and describes the manga: Enjou Shuuto's dream was always to become a detective and take down the scumbag who killed his father. ...
Quebec's Nadeshicon to Host Voice Actress Aya Hirano as Guest
Hirano will perform in concert featuring her songs
― The Nadeshicon convention announced on Monday that it will host voice actress Aya Hirano as a guest of the event. Hirano will perform in a concert featuring her songs. Hirano began acting as a child, but she received her big break when she starred in the title role of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya anime series. She has performed theme songs for...
Live-Action Saint Young Men Series Listed With 2nd, 3rd Seasons
1st series about Buddha, Jesus sharing low-rent apartment in Tokyo premiered in October
― Amazon Japan is showing the cover of the April issue of Kodansha's Morning Two magazine, which announces that the live-action adaptation of Hikaru Nakamura's Saint Young Men (Saint Oniisan) manga is getting both second and third seasons. The magazine ships on Friday. The first 10-episode season premiered on Kaka...
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ‒ Episode 20
"If you've been longing for a return to the original formula of friendly encounters in a fantasy world, this story arc may be just what the doctor ordered."
Fate/Extella Link Game Trailer Reveals March 19 Release for N. America
Game to launch worldwide for PC on same day
― XSEED Games announced on Tuesday that it will release Fate/EXTELLA LINK for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch in North America and on PC via Steam worldwide on March 19. The company began streaming two similar trailers, one for the Switch version and one for the PS4 and Steam versions. Switch Version: PS4/Steam Versions: XSEED games als...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 94
"While far from the franchise's funniest episode, this is an entertaining piece of sitcom fluff that helps lighten the mood after a mostly-serious five-month-long arc."
13-Year-Old Manga Artist Makes Debut in Bessatsu Margaret Magazine
A 13-year-old artist named Nana Hoshiki made her debut in the March 2019 Bessatsu Margaret Magazine, which went on sale on February 13. Hoshiki was the winner of Bessatsu Margaret's 609th "Manga School" competition, which is held every month for the purpose of debuting new artists. Her 16-page manuscript, titled The Tidings of Snow (Inshin no Yuki), was published in the magazine. The manga tells t...
This Week in Anime - What the Hell is VIRTUAL-SAN LOOKING?
This absurdist comedy is the first anime made by Virtual YouTubers like Kizuna Ai and Mirai Akari. Micchy and Steve will be your guide to this strange new world inhabited only by the Extremely Online.
― VIRTUAL-SAN LOOKING is the first anime made by Virtual YouTubers like Kizuna Ai and Mirai Akari. This week, Micchy and Steve will be your guide to this strange new world inhabited only by the Extreme...
GeGeGe no Kitarō ‒ Episode 44
"Being true to yourself is important and good for you, and that's a message worth hearing no matter who you are."
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Recap Film Trilogy Available for Digital Purchase on Amazon
Films debuted in 2017-2018
― All three Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion recap films are now available for digital purchase on Amazon via Funimation. The films are available with Japanese audio. The first film in the compilation recap trilogy, Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion I -Initiation- (Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch - Kōdō), opened in Japan in October 2017. The second film, CODE GEASS L...
Ikebukuro's Prince Hotel Transforms Into Fate G/O Hotel Chaldea
A hotel in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City will open with a renovated floor inspired by Fate/Grand Order in April. "Hotel Chaldea" will take over the 25th floor of the Sunshine City Prince Hotel. The entire floor will be renamed as "IKEPRI 25" and serve as a "concept floor" where rooms will have different themes. The "Hotel Chaldea" theme is meant to invoke a sense of playfulness and make the world of t...
One Piece ‒ Episode 873
"This was a serviceable send-off to the Vinsmoke kids, with brief yet potent moments of tenderness to keep the more complicated aspects of their role from weighing us down too much."
Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists Game's Overview Trailer Streamed
Pre-order bonuses announced for March Western release
― Koei Tecmo America began streaming an overview trailer for Gust's Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World game on Tuesday. The company also confirmed that those who preorder the game in North America and Europe will receive a DLC bundle with two music packs, an "Atelier 20th Anniversary Appreciation House," the "Mysterious Al...
Viz Media to Release The World Next Door Game on March 28
― Viz Media announced on Tuesday that it will release Rose City Games' The World Next Door narrative puzzle game on March 28 for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, the Humble Store, Itch.io and GOG.com. The title will be Viz Media's first game offering. The game follows Jun, a rebellious teen, who finds herself trapped in the parallel world inhabited by magical beings. Viz Media posted a trailer. Viz...
IDOLiSH 7 Mobile Game's Next 'Part' Teased in Promo Video
― The official YouTube account for Bandai Namco Entertainment's popular IDOLiSH 7 idol mobile game began streaming a promotional video for the game's next part on Sunday. Part four's first three chapters will launch in the game on February 20 and will introduce new characters. The game's idol groups currently include Id0lish 7, Trigger, Re:vale, and ŹOOĻ. New music videos for each group are currentl...
Glay Performs Ace of Diamond Act II Anime's Opening Song
Series premieres on TV on April 2
― The official website for the rock band Glay announced on Wednesday that the group is performing the opening theme song for the anime adaptation of Yūji Terajima's Ace of Diamond Act II (Daiya no A Act II) sequel manga. The band's vocalist Teru is writing the song. The website also revealed the series will premiere on TV Tokyo on April 2. Glay previously performed o...
The Devil is a Part-Timer! Author Reveals Real-Life Locations He Visited For Research
Satoshi Wagahara also teases his next work.
― The Devil is a Part-Time light novel author Satoshi Wagahara revealed the real-life locations that he visited on research trips for his stories in the March 2019 issue of Dengeki Bunko magazine. The report is the first in what the magazine promises to be a regular feature focusing on the research light novel authors perform for their stories. Wagahara wro...
City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes Anime Film Gets 4DX Screenings in Japan
The official website for City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes, the new anime film adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo's City Hunter manga, revealed on Tuesday that the film will have 4DX screenings in Japan beginning on March 1. In addition, the website revealed that the film will get screenings with Japanese subtitles for people with hearing impairments, and a special set of five trading cards will be the t...
Sentai Filmworks Confirms English Dub for Haikyu!! Season 3
Sentai Filmworks confirmed on Tuesday that an English dub is in the works for the third season of the Haikyu!! anime. The company has not yet announced a release date. The announcement had a teaser video featuring Greg Cote (Ryunosuke Tanaka), directed by Kyle Jones. Haikyu!! season three (Haikyu!! Karasuno Kōkō VS Shiratorizawa Gakuen Kōkō) aired in Japan in fall 2016, and streamed on Crunchyroll...
'4-Gatsu no Kimi, Spica.' Manga Gets 2 New Chapters
New chapters celebrate live-action film
― This year's sixth issue of Shogakukan's Sho-Comi magazine revealed on Wednesday that Miwako Sugiyama will draw two special chapters for the 4-Gatsu no Kimi, Spica. romance manga in the magazine's next two issues to celebrate the manga's upcoming live-action film adaptation. The first chapter will be 53 pages long, including a color opening page, and it will d...
The Mike Toole Show - This Year's Model
The long and proud history of giant robot model building is forever connected to the anime industry. Mike's ready to build a robot - are you?
― I was surrounded. On all sides, people from a disconcertingly wide variety of age groups crouched in their chairs, as if ready to leap into action. They gripped a variety of sharp tools in their hands, and concentrated intensely, waiting for the right moment ...
Fate/Apocrypha Limited Edition Blu-ray Part 1
This epic Holy Grail War doubles the number of heroic spirits on the playing field, but does this twist enhance the story or leave it feeling overcrowded? Rebecca Silverman weighs in on Aniplex's deluxe release.
― While Fate/Apocrypha does share some basics with the game that started it all, Type-Moon's Fate/Stay Night, it's really best to think of it as totally separate from the story of Shirou, Rin...
YU-NO Anime's 2nd Promo Video Previews Asaka's Opening Song
TV series inspired by visual novel premieres on April 2
― The official website for the television anime of Hiroyuki Kanno's Kono Yo no Hate de Koi o Utau Shōjo YU-NO (YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world.) visual novel began streaming the second promotional video on Wednesday. The video previews Asaka's opening theme song "Kono Yo no Hate de Koi o Utau Shōjo" (A girl who chants lo...
Gothic×Luck Performs Kemono Friends 2 Anime's New Ending Song
Voices of Greater lophorina, Western Parotia also performed 1st ending song
― The official Twitter account for Kemono Friends 2, the Kemono Friends anime's second season, revealed Gothic×Luck is performing the new ending theme song "Kimi wa Kaeru Basho." Junichi Satou (fhána) composed the song. The song debuted in the series' episode 6 on Monday. Gothic×Luck also performed the anime's previous ending...
Fire Force TV Anime Casts Daisuke Sakaguchi as Victor
Genius researcher on human combustion, with mysterious link to Joker
― The official website for the television anime of Atsushi Ohkubo's Fire Force (En En no Shōbōtai) manga announced on Tuesday that Daisuke Sakaguchi will play Victor Licht, a genius researcher at the Haijima Institute. His field is the applied science of combustion, studying human combustion in particular. He is apparently linked to...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, February 11-17
My Hero Academia movie sells 7,387 + 1,943, followed by Mr. Osomatsu event, live-action Zero show, live-action Real Girl film, My Hero Academia show
― Mr. Osomatsu Special Event Fes Matsu-san '18 sold 2,748 copies to rank #6 on the overall DVD chart. The DVD-Box for Zero Ikkakusenkin Game (Zero: Get Rich Quick Game), the live-action television series based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto's Tobaku Haōden Zero ga...
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, February 11-17
My Hero Academia movie sells 10,603 + 1,279, followed by JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, Mr. Osomatsu event, live-action Real Girl film, live-action Zero show
― Mr. Osomatsu Special Event Fes Matsu-san '18 sold 3,113 copies to rank #4 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. The live-action film of Mao Nanami's Real Girl (3D Kanojo) manga landed at #7 with 1,452 copies. The Blu-ray Box for Zero Ikka...
Some of the 13th Annual Seiyū Awards Winners Announced
Pop Team Epic, Kappei Yamaguchi, Mika Kanai, Kenichi Ogata, Hisako Kyouda win awards
― The organizers of the 13th Annual Seiyū Awards announced the winners of the Merit Award, Kei Tomiyama Award, Kazue Takahashi Award, and Synergy Award on Tuesday. Merit Award Award for the seiyū who have contributed to many genres, including foreign works, over the years Kenichi Ogata Agency: Office Umikaze Roles: N...
Power Rangers Beast Morphers Show Premieres on March 2
The official Twitter account for the Power Rangers franchise announced last Friday that Power Rangers Beast Morphers, the upcoming 26th season of Power Rangers, will premiere on Nickelodeon on March 2. Saban Brands describes the series: Set in the future, a secret agency combines a newly discovered substance called the "Morph-X" with animal DNA to create the Power Rangers Beast Morphers team. The ...
Johnny's Talent Agency Produces Its 1st Virtual Idols
Naniwa Danshi's Jōichirō Fujiwara, Kazuya Ōhashi voice new characters
― The Johnny & Associates (also known as Johnny's) talent agency announced on Tuesday that it is producing its first virtual idols. Jōichirō Fujiwara and Kazuya Ōhashi, who are members of the Kansai Johnny's Jr. sub-unit Naniwa Danshi, are voicing the new virtual idols Asuka Kaidō and Kanata Ichigoya, respectively. The pair will ha...
Sony to Halt PS Vita Production in Japan 'Soon'
SIE previously announced that production will halt this year
― The official PlayStation website reports that the production of the PCH-2000 ZA11 (Black) and PCH-2000 ZA23 (Aqua Blue) models of the PlayStation Vita handheld gaming platform is scheduled to end soon. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) had announced last September that production of the PS Vita will halt in Japan this year, and SIE sen...
City Hunter Film Drops to #5, Code Geass to #6
2nd Psycho-Pass SS film opens at #11
― City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes, the new anime film adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo's City Hunter manga, dropped from #4 to #5 in its second weekend. The film earned 153,734,680 yen (about US$1.39 million) from Friday to Sunday, and has earned a cumulative total of 757,770,500 yen (about US$6.85 million). The film opened in Japan on February 8 in 251 theaters. The...
ENDRO! ‒ Episode 6
"This episode finally puts Mao front-and-center for the first time in a while."
Japanese Government Expands Scope of Proposed Copyright Law Reforms
New proposal would ban screenshots of pirated media
― A subcommittee of Japan's Council for Cultural Affairs agreed on a plan on Wednesday to to create comprehensive laws banning the practice of knowingly downloading all illegal media from the internet. Japan's Agency of Cultural Affairs already announced its plans to propose laws and penal sentences against downloading manga, magazines, novels, essa...
W'z ‒ Episode 8
"The characters might technically be more developed, and the action is less nauseating than in Hand Shakers, but how much does any of that matter when the story has yet to justify its own existence?"
Kaguya-sama: Love is War ‒ Episode 6
"The elusive fourth member of Shuchiin Academy's student council makes his grand entrance in one of Kaguya-sama's funniest outings yet."
Rozen Maiden 0 Manga Ends Next Month
Peach-Pit launched manga in 2016
― The March issue of Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine announced on Tuesday that Peach-Pit's Rozen Maiden 0 manga will end in the next issue on March 19. The manga launched in Ultra Jump in February 2016, and the third compiled volume shipped in October. The manga is set in the Taisho era and follows a girl named Okiku who finds a beautiful doll in her attic. Peach-Pit c...
The Morose Mononokean II ‒ Episode 7
"I'm glad that Keshi's story seems to be taking us back to the heartwarming dynamic of last season's episodes, but I remain curious about the darker main story."
Fairy Tail: Final Season ‒ Episode 296
"Fairy Tail typically excels at mixing action with exposition, but this week doesn't quite live up to its standard."
Samsung Cancels Production of New BD Players in U.S.
― CNET reported on Friday that Samsung is halting production of new Blu-ray Disc players for the United States market. A Samsung representative told the website, "Samsung will no longer introduce new Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray player models in the US market." Samsung launched a new 4K-enabled player in 2017, but did not introduce any new models in 2018. According to a report from Forbes, the company was ...
Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka ‒ Episode 6
"This week we truly get an idea of the global scale of the Disas War."
Pokèmon GO Returns to Fukushima With Support Chansey in Tow
Niantic's Pokèmon GO mobile game will return to Japan's Fukushima prefecture for a limited-time event. A Pokemon Company representative announced at a signing ceremony on February 18 that Chansey will appear more frequently in the area as a support Pokemon to support tourism in the tsunami-affected area. Chansey was chosen because it's a Pokémon that brings happiness and connects with the kanji "f...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind ‒ Episode 19
"Golden Wind has a lot of emotional richness at its foundation, but I think its strengths are done a disservice by episodes that try to draw from that well to compensate for poor action and plotting."
Domestic Girlfriend ‒ Episode 6
"Miu isn't a bad character, but she's the first young woman we've met so far who doesn't yet feel like she belongs in this story."
Ghostbusters' Ecto-1 Gets Autobot Transformation
Ghosts have a new foe to fear. The Ghostbusters iconic car, the Ecto-1, is getting a formidable makeover as a paranormal investigating Autobot. The Transformers "Ectotron" toy is a GameStop exclusive coming to stores in July. The GameStop website is accepting pre-orders now to the tune of US$49.99. The product page describes the mash up as follows: Discover how these worlds collide in this Transfo...
The Price of Smiles ‒ Episode 7
"This war drama still works great when it's confident in its goals, but chafes a bit when it tries too hard for tragedy."
New Fruits Basket Anime's English Dub Brings Back John Burgmeier as Shigure
Burgmeier joins Laura Bailey, Eric Vale, Jerry Jewell in returning cast
― The official English Twitter account for the new television anime of Natsuki Takaya's Fruits Basket manga announced on Monday that John Burgmeier is joining the cast of the English dub. Burgmeier is reprising his role as Shigure Sohma from the original anime adaptation. Other returning cast members include Laura Bailey as Tohru...
Amazon Offers Kizumonogatari Anime Films for Digital Purchase
Amazon is now offering the Kizumonogatari anime films for purchase in the United States. The Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu, Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu, and Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu films are available digitally in Japanese with English subtitles. The first film in the trilogy, Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu, premiered in Japan on January 8, 2016. The second film, Kizumonogatari Part...
A Certain Magical Index III ‒ Episodes 18-19
"So much is going on in this ever-chaotic story, but at least this time the turn of events seems more coherent."
Answerman - What Do Actor's Unions Actually Do?
What's the difference between a "union dub" and a "non-union dub" and why does it matter? Justin digs in to the details.
― Anonymous asked: This might come across as a naive question but what does it mean when a role is 'non-union' and why are so many anime roles non-union? For clarity I am a trade union rep myself but for an office job in the UK and I have an idea of what SAG, Equity and the other ...
Voice Actor Takuya Eguchi's Weird Doodle Mascot Becomes Fashion Inspiration
Voice actor Takuya Eguchi is a highly sought after voice actor. He appears in multiple anime series each season (he's starring in six right now) while also filling in the gaps in with video game work, tech projects and commercials. He also fancies himself an artist, adding doodles to his friends' CD releases, movie posters, and weirding out the official Eevee Twitter account. His art has crossed o...
Anime Studio DLE Accused of Manipulating Financial Accounts
Japanese commission recommends fine of 135.4 million yen
― Japan's Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission reported on February 13 that anime studio DLE listed in the First Section (top tier of exchange for large companies) of the Tokyo Stock Exchange after reporting inflated sales from falsified transactions. The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission recommended that Japan's Financ...
This Life-Size Pokémon Plush is Probably Taller Than You
We've seen giant Snorlax, a hefty Pikachu, and a rideable Lapras. When it comes to practically life-size Pokémon, most of the options stick within the original 151 monsters. The Pokémon Center store's latest is branching out to the Johto region to create a very tall replica of the area's Furret. According to its PokéDex entry, Furret measures 5'11" long. This 1/1-scale replica is a very long boy a...
Keiichi Hara's Birthday Wonderland Film's Trailer Reveals More Cast, Theme Song
Film from Miss Hokusai director opens on April 26
― Warner Bros. debuted a trailer for director Keiichi Hara's Birthday Wonderland film on Tuesday. The video announces more of the cast and previews the film's image song "Wonderland" by milet. The newly announced cast, from left to right in the image below, includes: An as Chi Masachika Ichimura as Hippocrates Kumiko Asou as Midori Nao Tōyama as Pipo ...
Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. lost butterfly Film Strip Sells For US$2,600 on Yahoo! Auctions
In the fifth week (February 9 to 15) of Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. lost butterfly screenings in Japan, cinemas gave out film strips to viewers. The strips were chosen from random points throughout the entire film. Naturally, some scenes in the film stood out more than others, resulting in them being highly sought after when some film goers sold their strips on Yahoo! Auctions later. Sakura...
Happinet Transfers Packaged Video/Music Business to Subsidiary, Changes Name
Seikodo Marketing will become Happinet Media Marketing
― Entertainment product wholesaler Happinet announced last week that it is transferring its video and music package wholesale business to its wholly owned subsidiary Seikodo Marketing. With the transfer on April 1, Seikodo will change its name to Happinet Media Marketing. Happinets was founded in 1969 as a toy wholesale and distribution company, ...
Shelf Life - Space Runaway Ideon
James takes a look at an '80s mecha classic, while Paul breaks down this week's new blu-ray releases, along with a Yuri!!! on Ice-tastic Shelf Obsessed collection.
― I'm sure I'm just adding to an already loud chorus here, but y'all really should be watching Mob Psycho 100 (or catching up on the first season if you missed it). I can already tell I'm going to go back through this show a second or thi...
Masaaki Yuasa's Super Shiro Anime Series of Shorts to Have 48 Episodes
Turner Asia Pacific and TV Asahi revealed on Monday that the Crayon Shin-chan franchise's spinoff anime series Super Shiro will have 48 episodes. Each episode will be five and a half minutes long. The companies also announced that they are collaborating on the series. The collaboration is the first regional deal between the companies, and it includes broadcast rights in the Asia Pacific region out...
Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative
This Universal Century timeline film works well as a complement to Gundam Unicorn, but struggles to stand out as its own story. Kim Morrissy has the details in our full review.
― The only thing I knew about Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative before I watched it was that hilarious key visual showing three characters striking an awkward pose together. You might have seen it too because it was an Internet mem...
Mix Baseball Anime Casts Wataru Takagi, Kikuko Inoue
Series about siblings aiming for national tournament debuts on April 6
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Mitsuru Adachi's Mix baseball manga revealed on Tuesday that Wataru Takagi will play Eisuke Tachibana, and Kikuko Inoue will play Mayumi Tachibana. Eisuke is Tōma's father and Sōichirō and Otomi's step-father, and Mayumi is Tōma's step-mother and Sōichirō and Otomi's mo...
Boogiepop and Others ‒ Episode 8
"Everyone is now in place for a final confrontation between the Imaginator and Boogiepop."
Bakumatsu Anime's 2nd Season Reveals Title, Staff, Visual, April 4 Premiere
Mitsutoshi Satō replaces Masaki Watanabe to direct Bakumatsu Crisis
― The official website for Bakumatsu, the television anime of its Renai Bakumatsu Kareshi smartphone game, revealed the title, staff, visual, and April 4 premiere for the second season on Monday. The season is titled Bakumatsu Crisis, and it will premiere on TBS on April 4 at 25:58 (effectively April 5 at 1:58 a.m.). The series will ...
Kan Colle Illustrator UGUME Goes to Hospital After Losing Consciousness at Home
Artist posted that they were fine, but required more detailed tests
― Artist and illustrator UGUME posted on Twitter on February 13 that they visited the hospital after falling unconscious in their bathroom. UGUME mentioned that they also fell unconscious after having their blood drawn, and had to undergo an ECG test, but went home afterward. In another post, UGUME said that they were fine, but would...
Alex Kidd Game Releases on Switch in Japan Through Sega Ages Project on February 21
― Sega announced on Monday that it will release the Alex Kidd in Miracle World game on Nintendo Switch in Japan on February 21. The game is part of the Sega Ages project for Switch. Sega is reviving its Sega Ages project for Nintendo Switch in Japan, North America, and Europe. Games with specified release dates include: Sonic the Hedgehog and Thunder Force IV/Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar...
New Jersey's AnimeNEXT Event Hosts MAPPA's Banana Fish Staff
Convention takes place on June 7-9
― New Jersey-based anime convention AnimeNEXT announced on Sunday that it will host MAPPA staff who worked on the Banana Fish anime, including director Hiroko Utsumi, character designer and animation director Akemi Hayashi, supervising anime director Ayumi Yamada, setting producer Erika Andō, and international developer Andrew Michael Upton. The anime premiered on F...
Ring Horror Franchise Reveals Sadako Film With May Opening
Hideo Nakata returns to franchise for film based on 6th novel, Elaiza Ikeda stars as protagonist
― The teaser site for the new installment in the Ring horror franchise revealed on Monday that the franchise is receiving a new film titled Sadako on May 24. The site also revealed the cast and story, as well as Hideo Nakata's return to the franchise as director. Elaiza Ikeda will play the protagonist, a ...
Alita: Battle Angel Film to Earn Estimated US$41.7 Million in U.S. in 5 Days
Film's estimated worldwide gross is US$130,885,895
― The Box Office Mojo website is listing Alita: Battle Angel — James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez's live-action film of Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita (GUNNM) manga — with an estimated opening weekend earning of US$27.8 million, and a current four-day estimated domestic total of US$36,516,232, with a five-day gross of US$41.7 million. The film r...
Live-Action Chimamire Sukeban Chainsaw Red Films' 2 Trailers Posted
Nana Asakawa, Ano star in 2 films opening on February 22 with 4DX screenings
― Presidio began streaming two trailers for Chimamire Sukeban Chainsaw Red, the new live-action film adaptation of Rei Mikamoto's Chimamire Sukeban Chainsaw manga, on Monday. The first video below previews the first film, while the second video previews the second film. The project consists of two films that will both open i...
New Fruits Basket Anime's English Dub Brings Back Jerry Jewell as Kyo
Funimation to screen 1st 2 episodes in U.S. theaters in March before April debut
― Funimation Entertainment announced on Monday that Jerry Jewell will star in the English dub for the new television anime of Natsuki Takaya's Fruits Basket manga. Jewell is reprising his role as Kyo Sohma from the original anime adaptation. Funimation also announced on Friday that it will screen the first two episodes o...
Masaaki Yuasa's 'Kimi to, Nami ni Noretara' Anime Film Adds 2 Cast Members
Honoka Matsumoto, Kentaro Ito join cast of June film
― The official website for director Masaaki Yuasa's Kimi to, Nami ni Noretara (tentative English title: "Riding a Wave with You") anime film announced two additional cast members for the film on Monday. Honoka Matsumoto (pictured lower left in image above) will play Yōko Hinageshi (upper left), a curt and blunt high schooler and Minato's younger si...
50 Japanese Voice Actors Share Acting Tips in Interview Compilation Book
A new book titled The Way of the Voice Actor: 50 Voice Actors Share Their Knowledge and Hints (Seiyūdō: Meiyū 50-nin ga tsutaetai shigoto no kokoroe to ikiru hinto) went on sale in Japan on February 8. The book compiles interviews with 50 veteran Japanese voice actors, including Kenichi Suzumura (Masato Hijirikawa from Uta no Prince-sama, Sōgo Okita from Gintama) and Hiroyuki Yoshino (Yasutomo Ara...
Naoki Urasawa's Asadora! Manga Returns in April
Manga finished first arc, went on hiatus in January
― This year's 12th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine revealed on Monday that Naoki Urasawa's Renzoku Manga Shōsetsu Asadora! (Serial Manga Novel Asadora!) manga will return in the magazine's 19th issue on April 8. Urasawa published the final chapter of the manga's "first arc" in January in the magazine's ninth issue, and the ma...
Yu Aida's 1518! Manga Ends on March 11 (Update)
Gunslinger Girl author launched series in 2014
― This year's 12th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine revealed on Monday that Yu Aida's 1518! (pronounced Ichi Go Ichi Hachi) manga will end in its next chapter, which Shogakukan will publish in the 15th issue of Weekly Big Comic Spirits on March 11. The manga's story centers around Sachi Maruyama, a girl who has just entered high sc...
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits GN 2
Our feisty heroine has some choice words for a tengu who doesn't know how to treat his bride, as this soothing otherworldly romance continues.
― It feels very clear that Odanna (also known as Kijin) is playing a long game with Aoi. Whether he initially planned it that way or not is much more up in the air, because it seems as if he honestly didn't realize that the young woman wouldn't be thrilled to ...
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker Game's 9th DLC Character is Madara Uchiha
Game to have 9 total DLC character packs
― This year's 12th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that the ninth DLC character for Bandai Namco Entertainment's Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker game will be Madara Uchiha. Similar to other DLC character packs, the character will be playable, and the pack will also include Ninjutsu techniques available for players' avatars,...
I'm From Japan Anime Stars Minami Takayama
Series premieres in April within Oha-Suta TV program
― This year's 12th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that Minami Takayama (Detective Conan's Conan Edogawa) will star in the television anime adaptation of Seiji Hayashi's I'm From Japan (Jimoto ga Japan) manga as Japan Hinomoto (pictured center in image at right). The anime will premiere in April within the Oha-Sut...
Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Anime Premieres on April 28 (Updated)
― Pony Canyon began streaming a trailer on Saturday for the second part of the Attack on Titan Season 3 television anime, which reveals that the anime will debut in Japan on the NHK General channel on April 28 at 24:10 (effectively April 29 at 12:10 a.m.). The video is the same video that Funimation streamed earlier this month. The anime will stream on FunimationNow this spring. The first television...
Long Riders! Cycling Manga Resumes in Monthly Bushiroad on March 8 Under New Title
Manga that inspired 2016 anime had been on hiatus since March 2018
― Bushiroad's Monthly Bushiroad magazine revealed on Friday that Taishi Miyake's Long Riders! cycling manga is switching to Monthly Bushiroad and will resume under the new title Long Rider Stories! in the magazine's April issue on March 8. Miyake launched the manga in September 2012 in Ichijinsha's Monthly Comic Rex magazine, and Ichi...
Tekken 7 Game's Promo Video Highlights DLC Characters Julia, Negan
Both DLC characters join game on February 28
― The official YouTube channel for the Tekken franchise began streaming a new promotional video on Sunday for the Tekken 7 game. The video highlights the two DLC characters Julia and Negan. Julia will join the game as part of the eighth DLC, and Negan from AMC's The Walking Dead show will join as part of the ninth DLC. Both DLC launch on February 28. Negan...
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Game's Arcade Version Adds Naoto Kurogane, Teddie, Seth
Arcana Heart 3's Heart Aino also joins game
― Arc System Works revealed on Sunday that it will add Heart Aino from Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX SIX STARS!!!!!!, Naoto Kurogane from BlazBlue Central Fiction, Kuma/Teddie from Persona 4 Arena, and Seth from Under Night In-Birth to the arcade version of the BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle crossover fighting game. The arcade version will debut in Japan this spring....
Precure Miracle Universe Anime Film Reveals 2 New Visuals
― The Twitter account for Eiga Precure Miracle Universe, the newest movie in the Precure franchise, revealed two more visuals for the film on Sunday. The film will open in Japan on March 16. Yuuki Kaji (Attack on Titan's Eren, The Seven Deadly Sins' Meliodas) will guest star as the new character Yango. The new film will be primarily set in space, and the story will reveal the secret of the "Miracle ...
Shun'ichi Toki Performs Ending Theme for Mayonaka no Occult Kōmuin Anime
Modern fantasy anime premieres in April
― Voice actor Shun'ichi Toki announced on his Twitter account on Friday that he will perform the ending theme song "Yakusoku no Overture" (The Promised Overture) for the television anime adaptation of Yōko Tamotsu's Mayonaka no Occult Kōmuin (Midnight Occult Civil Servants) manga. The song will be Toki's debut single. The television anime will premiere in April...
Spira Spica Perform Ao-chan Can't Study Anime's Ending Theme
Comedy series premieres in April
― The official website for the television anime of Ren Kawahara's Ao-chan Can't Study! (Midara na Ao-chan wa Benkyō ga Dekinai) manga revealed on Saturday that three-member band Spira Spica (Gundam Build Divers) will perform the show's ending theme song "Koi wa Miracle" (Love is a Miracle). The anime will premiere in April in the Animeism block on the MBS, TBS, and BS...
Rika Tachibana Performs Nobunaga Sensei no Osanazuma Anime's Ending Theme
Series premieres on April 8
― The official website for the television anime of Azure Konno's Nobunaga Sensei no Osanazuma (Mr. Nobunaga's Young Bride) manga revealed on Saturday that voice actress Rika Tachibana will perform the show's ending theme song "Returner Butterfly." The anime will premiere on Tokyo MX on April 8 at 12:00 a.m. (effectively April 9). The show stars: (Note: Historical character...
Soul Calibur VI Game Adds Amy as DLC Character
Character joins game "soon" as part of game's season pass
― Bandai Namco Entertainment and Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming a video on Saturday to reveal that Amy is joining the Soul Calibur VI fighting game as a playable character. English Trailer Japanese Trailer Bandai Namco Entertainment America describes Amy: "For one to gain, another must lose..." Growing up with loss, Amy wil...
Crunchyroll Streams English-subtitled Trailer for YU-NO Anime
Series based on visual novel premieres in April
― Crunchyroll revealed during its The Anime Awards livestream on Saturday a new trailer for the television anime of Hiroyuki Kanno's Kono Yo no Hate de Koi o Utau Shōjo YU-NO (YU-NO: A girl who chants love at the bound of this world.) visual novel. We're proud to present an exclusive FIRST LOOK at the trailer for new anime "YU-NO: A girl who chants love...
Made in Abyss Art Director Osamu Masuyama Works with Crunchyroll on New Project
― Made in Abyss art director Osamu Masuyama revealed during Crunchyroll's livestream for its The Anime Awards on Saturday that he is working on a new project with Crunchyroll. Masuyama did not provide any further details about the project. Osamu Masayama, the art director of MADE IN ABYSS, wishes the nominees of ANIME OF THE YEAR good luck! ✨#AnimeAwards pic.twitter.com/PajWBeOEOr— Crunchyroll @ #An...
My Hero Academia Sweeps Crunchyroll's Anime Awards
Biggest prize goes Devilman crybaby with Anime of the Year
― Megalobox and Devilman Crybaby may have had the most nominations but it was My Hero Academia that went home with the prizes. Bones' superhero action series won the most categories with a total of five wins. The series protagonist Deku won Best Boy and antagonist All for One took Best Villain. Voice actor Christopher Sabat was recognized for...
1st Made in Abyss Compilation Film's Dub Trailer Streamed
1st film screens in U.S. theaters on March 20, 25
― Crunchyroll revealed during its The Anime Awards livestream on Saturday a new dub trailer for Made in Abyss: Journey's Dawn (Made in Abyss: Tabidachi no Yoake), the first Made in Abyss compilation anime film. Join us at a theater near you! MADE IN ABYSS - Journey's Dawn tickets are on sale TODAY! Thanks to our friends @SentaiFilmworks! #AnimeAwards✨...
The Island of Giant Insects Video Anime Producer: OVA is Prologue to Full Anime Project
Also: Crunchyroll to stream OVA, staff to launch crowdfunding campaign
― Crunchyroll announced during its The Anime Awards livestream on Saturday that it will stream the video anime of Yasutaka Fujimi, RED ICE and Shu Hirose's The Island of Giant Insects (Kyochū Rettō) manga worldwide outside of Asia. A special message from Tatsuya Ishiguro, the producer of the anime The Island of Giant Insects, comi...
Final Fantasy XV Episode Ardyn Prologue Anime Short Streamed
Also: Novel announced with Japanese/overseas versions, Ardyn DLC launches on March 26
― Square Enix began streaming the full "Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn Prologue" short anime on Saturday after premiering the short at the Katsucon convention. The end of the anime previews the previously announced "Episode Ardyn" DLC for the Final Fantasy XV game, and announces the DLC will launch on March 26. Squ...
Crunchyroll Streams The Royal Tutor Anime Film
Film opened in Japan on Saturday, will be available on Crunchyroll worldwide except Asia
― Crunchyroll announced on Saturday that it will stream the The Royal Tutor anime film starting on Saturday at 11:00 p.m. ET worldwide outside of Asia. The film opened in Japan on Saturday. Crunchyroll describes the film: The biggest threat to hit the Royal Kingdom?! Under the guidance of the royal tutor Heine Wi...
Love So Life Manga Artist Crowdfunds Animal Rights Manga
Love So Life manga artist Kaede Kochi opened up a campaign on crowdfunding website Green Funding for a manga volume to be published in May called The Truth of Fluffy Pets (Mofu mofu no Honto), which will focus on the real lives of animals in human homes. Kochi is planning to use the money raised by the crowdfunding campaign to gift the book to various elementary schools and libraries in order to h...
Nyankees GN 1
Gang warfare between delinquents in Japan can be a dog-eat-dog world, but what if all the street toughs are actually adorable stray cats? Rebecca Silverman checks out this feline twist on classic gangster manga.
― If the cult '80s song “Stray Cat Strut” had a manga adaptation, it would look an awful lot like this. Nyankees is a gag manga about street toughs who are actually stray cats living in urban...
You Are Already Drunk on This Fist of the North Star Potato Shochu
On March 1, Mitsutake Brewery will debut its latest collaboration drink: sweet potato shōchū featuring Fist of the North Star characters. The brewery is offering bottles featuring Kenshiro and Raoh. Kenshiro's is titled after his catchphrase "You are already dead," while Raoh's is titled "I have no regrets in this life." In addition, the brewery is offering a mini bottle set of a variety of alcoho...
Princess Kaguya, Other Classic Japanese Tales Reimagined as Boys-Love
A new book series is reimagining literary classics for a modern audience... as boys-love stories. The first volume of BL Selection Classic Literature launched last October with its own rendition of The Tale of Princess Kaguya and The Tale of Ise. A second volume shipped in January with a reimagined version of The Kojiki. The first volume is "translated" by Emma Yukifune, which in this case means s...
Nelvana, Sumitomo Reveal Geki Drive Animated Series Based on Bandai's Car Toy Line
Shigeki Fujiwara works on hybrid 2D/3D series with 52 planned episodes
― Corus Entertainment announced on February 7 that its Nelvana subsidiary and Sumitomo Corporation will produce the Geki Drive animated series as their first collaborative project. The 2D/3D hybrid animated series will have 52 11-minute episodes and will target boys aged six to eight. The show is based on Bandai Spirits' customiza...
Fate/Extella Link Game's English Character Trailers Preview Nero Claudius, Tamamo no Mae, Nameless
XSEED Games releases game for PS4, PS Vita, Switch, PC in March
― XSEED Games began streaming three character videos on Friday for its upcoming release of Marvelous and Type-Moon's Fate/Extella Link game. The videos preview the characters Nero Claudius, Tamamo no Mae, and Nameless. XSEED Games, a subsidiary of Marvelous, will release the game in the West for PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Nintendo ...
Anime Studio Production Reed Changes Name Back to Ashi Productions
Company founded in 1975 started using Production Reed name in 2011
― Anime studio Production Reed announced on February 12 that it is changing its name back to Ashi Productions Co. Ltd. Toshihiko Sato, the company's president, stated in the announcement that the company is returning to its original founding name "with the intention of pushing forward with new feelings and a theme of 'let's make somet...
Alita: Battle Angel Film Earns US$8.7 Million on Opening Day in U.S.
Film ranks at #1 on opening day
― The Box Office Mojo website is listing that Alita: Battle Angel, James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez's live-action film of Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita (GUNNM) manga, earned US$8,716,232 on its opening day in the United States on Thursday. The film screened in 3,790 theaters for a per-screen average of US$2,300. The film ranked #1 in the U.S. on Thursday. The m...
Furin Shokudō Manga's Live-Action Series Listed with 2nd Season
1st live-action net series premiered last March
― Amazon is currently listing the cover for this year's sixth issue of Shueisha's Grand Jump magazine, which reveals that the live-action series adaptation of Masakazu Yamaguchi's Furin Shokudō (Adultery Restaurant) manga will get a second season. The issue will officially ship on Wednesday. The magazine's fifth issue had teased that the sixth issue wou...
Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majū Sensen Babylonia Anime Reveals Character Visual for Ishtar
― The official website for Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majū Sensen Babylonia, the television anime adaptation of the Fate/Grand Order smartphone game's "Dai Nana Tokuiten Zettai Majū Sensen Babylonia" (Order VII: The Absolute Frontline in the War Against the Demonic Beasts: Babylonia) story, revealed another character visual on Saturday. Kana Ueda as Ishtar The television anime will premiere this year....
French Live-Action City Hunter Film Nicky Larson Opens at #3
Film opened in France on February 6, earned €3.1 million in 1st 5 days
― The Box Office Mojo website is listing that the Nicky Larson et le Parfum de Cupidon (Nicky Larson and the Cupid's Purfume) live-action film opened at #3 at the French box office for the February 6-10 time period. The film opened in France on February 6, and earned €3,111,807 (about US$3,515,249) in its first five days. The film...
Million Arthur: Arcana Blood Arcade Game Gets PC Release (Updated)
Game launches on Steam this summer
― Square Enix announced during a livestream for the EVO Japan 2019 event on Friday that it will release the 2D fighting game Million Arthur: Arcana Blood for PC via Steam this summer. Watch Evo Japan 2019 - Day 1! from evo on www.twitch.tv Square Enix began streaming a gameplay video for the release on Saturday. The original arcade version launched in Japan in Novem...
'Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?' Anime's 2nd Season Premieres This Summer
― Staff and cast for the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion anime film (visual pictured at right) revealed at a screening event on Saturday that the planned second season for the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? television anime will premiere this summer. The Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion anime film opened in...
Nobuo Kawakami Steps Down as Kadokawa Dwango President
Dwango reorganized as Kadokawa subsidiary
― Kadokawa Dwango announced on Wednesday that Nobuo Kawakami has stepped down as the company representative director and president. Managing director Masaki Matsubara has taken over his previous role, and Kawakami serve as a director instead. Kawakami has also stepped down as a board member of Dwango and will instead serve as an adviser. Likewise, Takashi Ara...
Funimation Lists Dragon Ball Super: Broly Film's BD/DVD for April 16
Funimation and Best Buy are listing an April 16 release date for a Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital combo pack for the Dragon Ball Super: Broly film. Best Buy will exclusively offer the film in a SteelBook case edition. Funimation will offer a Goku standee as a gift with purchase. Anime retailer Right Stuf is not yet listing a release date, but it will offer a Vegeta standee as a gift with purchase....
Double Decker! Doug & Kirill ‒ Episode 14
"Remember the halcyon days when Double Decker was a simple buddy-cop comedy? This first bonus episode of the series remembers."
Pokémon GO Game's Lawsuit Settlement May Remove PokéStops, Gyms Near Private Property
Lawsuit initially filed in 2016 after nuisance, trespassing complaints
― A proposed settlement filed in a Northern District of California court on Thursday in a class action lawsuit against Pokémon GO smartphone game developer Niantic may affect PokéStops, Gyms, and Raid Battles in the augmented reality game. The lawsuit relates to the plaintiffs' claims for nuisance and unjust enrichment against Nia...
Girly Air Force ‒ Episode 6
"Phantom's presence has pushed the show just beyond the bare-bones antics of its first arc, making this the most interesting episode yet."
The Fable Live-Action Film Reveals More Cast
Ryō Kimura, Kai Inowaki, more join cast
― The official website for the live-action film adaptation of Katsuhisa Minami's The Fable manga on Thursday. The newly announced cast includes: Ryō Kimura as Code, Hood's partner Kai Inowaki as Kuro, Ebihara's subordinate Ryōka Minami as Fable as a child Masao Yoshii as Kainuma, an employee at the company Fable works part time for in his normal life Toranosuke...
The Quintessential Quintuplets ‒ Episode 6
"With three out of the five quintuplets now showing up for his study sessions, Futaro is starting to feel optimistic about their chances of graduating."
Jouji Nakata's Seiyū Red and White Contest Adds 2nd Round of Performers
Jouji Nakata's inaugural Seiyū Red and White Singing Contest has added its second line-up of performers. Joining the Red (Women's) Team is Noriko Hidaka, the voice of Gunbuster's Noriko, Ranma 1/2's Akane, Touch's Minami Asakura, Inuyasha's Kikyō, and Wake Up, Girls' Junko Tange. Hidaka will compete with the previously announced voice actresses Kikuko Inoue, her daughter Honoka Inoue, Cardcaptor S...
Yutaka Yamamoto's Hakubo Anime Launches Kickstarter for English Subtitles
Project also seeks to expand Fukushima theatrical premiere
― Director Yutaka Yamamoto launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for his original anime project Hakubo (Twilight) on Wednesday. The project is seeking to raise 5 million yen (US$45,329) by March 31 in order to create English subtitles and expand the anime's theatrical premiere in Fukushima. Specifically, the project aims to give away t...
Crunchyroll Expo to Host Voice Actress Yuu Asakawa
Convention to be held on August 30-September 1
― Crunchyroll announced on Friday that it will host voice actress Yuu Asakawa at this year's event. Asakawa's many anime roles include Love Hina's Motoko, Azumanga Daioh's Sakaki, Bubblegum Crisis 2040's Priss, Amagami SS's Hibiki, Akame ga KILL!'s Leone, and Fate/stay night's Rider. She also lent her voice to the Vocaloid 2 virtual singer character Megu...
Karakuri Circus ‒ Episode 17
"Still being this on board for a story that's jumped at least half a dozen sharks since its inception is a testament to the weird power that Karakuri Circus still has to entertain and intrigue me."
Trinity Seven Smartphone Game Reveals Visual, Story
Previously cancelled game slated to launch this spring
― The official website for the Trinity Seven: Phantasm Library & Seventh Sol smartphone game revealed a teaser visual and story for the game on Thursday. In the game's story, Arata Kasuga is a Demon Lord Candidate at Royal Biblia Academy, where he studies magic alongside beautiful female mages known as the Trinity Seven. One day, Arata and his co...
Kemurikusa ‒ Episode 6
"Since we're only halfway done with the season, I expect Kemurikusa to develop a larger narrative, but I appreciate how this first half focuses on the small-scale drama of survival."
Live-Action Yu-Gi-Oh x Monster Strike Ad Shows a Rude Yugi
Smartphone game Monster Strike is collaborating with Yu-Gi-Oh! from February 15 to March 2 with prizes and social media campaigns. That's not all, however. The commercials for the collaboration, which feature the shenanigans of a live-action Yugi, have been causing quite a stir lately because of how ridiculously over-the-top and rude Yugi appears to be in real life. The commercials were written an...
Seven Seas Licenses Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! Manga
Manga about buxom, teasing underclassman debuts in September
― Seven Seas Entertainment announced on Friday that it has licensed Take's Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai!) manga. The company plans to release the series in print and digitally beginning on September 17. Seven Seas describes the story: Sakurai Shinichi's one wish is for a little peace and quiet. But Uzaki Hana–his bo...
Adult Swim's Jason DeMarco: FLCL Alternative/Progressive Subtitles Coming This Year
― Jason DeMarco, senior vice-president and creative director for Adult Swim, said on Twitter on Friday that the English subtitled versions of FlCL Alternative and FLCL Progressive are slated for sometime this year "for sure." DeMarco explained, "Due to agreements with Toho we had to wait on the subbed version, and now it's been caught up in legal details." The subtitled versions were originally slat...
New Fruits Basket Anime's English Dub Brings Back Laura Bailey as Tohru
Series premieres in April
― Funimation Entertainment announced on Friday that Laura Bailey will star in the English dub for the new television anime of Natsuki Takaya's Fruits Basket manga. Bailey is reprising her role as the protagonist Tohru Honda from the original anime adaptation. In addition, Funimation announced that Caitlin Glass is directing the dub. The new anime will have an entirely new Ja...
Hiriluk's Cherry Blossoms Replicated at Live-Action One Piece Job Ad Press Conference
Last year, the job search engine Indeed paired up with One Piece for a commercial. The ad starred the Straw Hat Pirates as they sing a little sea shanty about Indeed's site while staring out at the stormy sea. Arguably the most memorable thing about it was that it cast an actual reindeer as Chopper. After the launch of that initial ad, the Indeed web site listed a job for "Chopper's assistant", wh...
Anime Boston to Host Kingdom Hearts Composer Yoko Shimomura
Hi Score Girl, Napping Princess composer to attend April event
― The Anime Boston convention announced on Friday that it will host composer Yoko Shimomura at this year's event. She will appear on April 19 and 20. This will be Shimomura's second time attending the convention. Shimomura is perhaps best known in the West for composing the score for the Kingdom Hearts series, and she has also contribute...
Dorohedoro's Q Hayashida Draws Bloodborne Comic Cover
The Japanese release of the Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep comic got a new cover by Dorohedoro manga creator Q Hayashida. Ales Kot and Piotr Kowalski's comic based on From Software's action role-playing game was released in North America on October 23 and the Japanese language version hits store shelves on February 18. Hayashida launched the science-fiction manga Dorohedoro in Shogakukan's Monthly...
Ultraman R/B Select! Kizuna no Crystal Film's Trailer Previews Theme Song by Takeshi Tsuruno, DAIGO
Film opens in Japan on March 8
― Tsuburaya Productions began streaming a web-exclusive trailer for Gekijōban Ultraman R/B Select! Kizuna no Crystal (Ultraman R/B The Movie Select! The Crystal of Bonds), the film based on the newest Ultraman series Ultraman R/B, on Thursday. The video previews the film's theme song "Hikari no Kizuna" by Takeshi Tsuruno (Ultraman Dyna) and DAIGO (Ultraman Saga). Tsurun...
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Novels, Manga Win Bookwalker 2018 Award
Overlord and Goblin Slayer win runner-up awards.
― Kadokawa Shoten's e-book publisher BookWalker announced the results of its yearly book awards on February 8. The results of the award are determined by a combination of user votes, sales ranking, and general reputation among the literary community. This year's grand prize winner is Fuse's That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime novels and the corresp...
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Film Reveals New Footage
Live-action film opens on May 10 in the U.S.
― The official Twitter account for Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros.' live-action Pokémon: Detective Pikachu film began streaming a new short teaser for the film on Friday. Talking Pikachu. ✔️No Memory. ✔️Addicted to caffeine. ✔️☕✔️☕✔️☕☕☕☕☕#DetectivePikachu pic.twitter.com/mLuczQkLL2— POKÉMON Detective Pikachu (@DetPikachuMovie) February 15, 2019 Th...
NY Int'l Children's Film Fest Screens Okko's Inn, Penguin Highway
Event holds world premiere of Okko's Inn dub on February 23
― The New York International Children's Film Festival (NYICFF) will screen the world premiere of the English dub of the Okko's Inn (Waka Okami wa Shōgakusei!) anime film on February 23 and March 10. The festival will also screen Hiroyasu Ishida and Studio Colorido's Penguin Highway anime film with English subtitles on February 24, March 2, a...
Manga Answerman - Which forgotten or underappreciated manga do you think deserve a big splashy omnibus rerelease?
Which manga do you think deserve a lavish rerelease? Deb weighs in.
― Which forgotten or underappreciated manga do you think deserve a big splashy omnibus rerelease? Hm. This is a tough one, since a lot of terrific manga that would have otherwise not have had a chance to get an official release five or ten years ago are now getting picked up for publication. As a result, my “impossible dream” or “re...
The Promised Neverland ‒ Episode 6
"A master class in building an atmosphere of pure suspense and dread."
Jump Force Game's Remix Launch Trailer Streamed
Game launched for PS4, Xbox One, PC on Friday
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming a "launch trailer remix" for the Jump Force crossover game on Friday. The video is an updated version of the game's previous launch trailer that highlights different characters. Spike Chunsoft is developing the game, which launched on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam on February 15 in the A...
Black Clover ‒ Episode 70
"As a heartwarming celebration of our two main characters, it's a little underwhelming, but this is also as clear as the story has gotten about its themes and desired trajectory."
Rooster Teeth, Polygon Pictures Produce War For Cybertron Animated Series for Netflix
Series based on Transformers franchise debuts in 2020
― Netflix announced on Friday that it is partnering with Hasbro and Rooster Teeth (RWBY, gen:LOCK) to produce the War For Cybertron animated series that is slated to debut in 2020. Rooster Teeth is producing the original series based on the Transformers franchise for Netflix, and Polygon Pictures (Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Ajin, Knights of...
Cygames' Princess Connect! Re:Dive Smartphone Game Gets TV Anime
Mysteria Friends' CygamesPictures produces anime
― Cygames' Princess Connect! Re:Dive smartphone game is getting a television anime adaptation from CygamesPictures (Mysteria Friends, Blade Runner: Black Out 2022). An official website for the adaptation launched on Friday and revealed a visual. Cygames announced the game as a sequel to CyberAgent and Cygames' Princess Connect! smartphone game in 2016....
Death end re;Quest Game's Introduction Video Highlights Game Systems
PS4 game ships in N. America on February 19, in Europe on February 22
― Idea Factory International began streaming a five-minute introduction video on Wednesday for Compile Heart's Death end re;Quest PlayStation 4 game. The video summarizes the story and explains the various systems in the game. The game will ship in North America on February 19, and in Europe on February 22. Idea Factory Internation...
Nekopara Vol. 2 Game's Switch, PS4 Trailers Streamed
Neko Works' game launched on both consoles on Thursday in multiple langauages
― CFK began streaming two videos on Thursday or its release of Neko Works' Nekopara Vol. 2 game on Switch and PlayStation 4. CFK released the game for both consoles on Thursday, and the release features text in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Switch Version PS4 Version Nekopara Vol. 1 launche...
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Happiness Memories Smartphone Game's 2nd Promo Video Streamed
Bushiroad, Monstar Lab's smartphone game launches this year
― Bushiroad began streaming a second promotional video on Friday for it and Monstar Lab's Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card-hen Happiness Memories smartphone game. The game will feature a returning cast and will launch this year. Maaya Sakamoto is performing the game's theme song "Flash." Keiichi Tomita is writing and arranging the song. Preregis...
'How much heavy dumbbells can you lift?' TV Anime Premieres in July
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Yabako Sandrovich and MAAM's How much heavy dumbbells can you lift? (Dumbbell Nan-Kilo Moteru? or How Many Kilograms Can You Lift in Dumbbells?) manga revealed on Friday that the anime will premiere in July. The "body-building comedy" centers around Hibiki Sakura, a high school girl who loves eating, and Akemi Sōryūin, the beautiful and c...
Overlord's 'Mass for the Dead' Smartphone RPG Listed with February 21 Release
― Apple's iTunes store is listing that it will release Exys Inc.'s Mass for the Dead smartphone game inspired by Kugane Maruyama's Overlord novel series on February 21. Exyx Inc. also revealed on Wednesday that the game has received 500,000 pre-registrations. The game was originally slated to debut last year, but Exys Inc. delayed the game to 2019. Mass for the Dead will be available on both iOS and...
'Maō-sama, Retry!' TV Anime's Teaser Video Reveals Staff, Cast, July Premiere
New visual also revealed for anime based on light novel series
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Kurone Kanzaki's Maō-sama, Retry! (Dark Lord, Retry!) light novel series revealed the cast, staff, July premiere, teaser video, and a new visual on Friday. Hiroshi Kimura (Haitai Nanafa both seasons, The Irresponsible Galaxy Tylor, Danchigai) is directing the series at EKACHI E...
Yume Nikki -Dream Diary- Game Heads to Switch on February 21
"Reimagining" of Kikiyama's 2004 dōjin game launched on PC in February 2018
― Playism announced on Friday that it and Active Gaming Media will release the Yume Nikki -Dream Diary- game for the Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe on February 21. Playism is streaming a launch trailer for the game. Kikiyama used RPG Maker 2003 to make the original dōjin game, which launched for PC in 2004. In th...
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Anime's New Videos Reveal Theatrical Debut Before TV Airing
1st 5 episodes of anime to screen in theaters for 2 weeks starting on March 29
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga began streaming a new ad and a new trailer on Friday for the anime. The videos reveal that the first five episodes of the anime will screen in 11 theaters in Japan for two weeks starting on March 29. The th...
Live-Action Kakegurui Series' 2nd Season Trailer Posted
2nd season premieres on March 31
― The official website for the second live-action television season based on Homura Kawamoto and Tōru Naomura's Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler manga began streaming a trailer for the season on Thursday. The series will premiere on MBS on March 31 at 12:50 a.m. (effectively April 1), and will also premiere on TBS on April 2 at 1:28 a.m. (effectively April 3). The new s...
Bayonetta/Star Fox Zero's Yusuke Hashimoto Leaves Platinum Games
― Platinum Games director Yūsuke Hashimoto announced on Friday on Twitter that he resigned from Platinum Games. His last day at the company was on January 31. Like many of Platinum Games' founding and early members, Hashimoto was a Capcom veteran, where he worked on such series as Resident Evil and Devil May Cry. At Platinum Games, he most notably worked on the two Bayonetta games, God Hand, and Sta...
B Rappers Street Anime's Visual, Staff Revealed
Taketo Shinkai, Yūtarō Sawada direct anime, Haruka Suzuki designs characters
― The official website for the B Rappers Street anime revealed the anime's staff and visual on Friday. Taketo Shinkai (GraP & RodeO, Ahare! Meisaku-kun) and Yūtarō Sawada (Inui-san!) are both directing and penning the script at Pie in the sky. Haruka Suzuki is designing the characters. The anime will premiere in April within...
I'm From Japan Anime's Staff, New Visual Revealed
Anime will premiere in April within Oha-Suta program
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Seiji Hayashi's I'm From Japan (Jimoto ga Japan) manga revealed on Friday that the anime will premiere in April within the Oha-Suta ("Good Morning Star") children's television program. The site also revealed the anime's staff and visual. Isamu Ueno (PRECARIOUS WOMAN EXECUTIVE MISS BLACK ...
New Beyblade Burst Gachi Net Anime Premieres on April 5
Manga also launches next month
― This year's March issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comics magazine announced on Friday that a new Beyblade series titled Beyblade Burst GT (Gachi) will debut on April 5. The series will stream weekly on the CoroCoro YouTube channel, the official Beyblade portal website, and the Takara Tomy Channel. The magazine shared a visual of a new protagonist with short blond hair...
Saga of Tanya the Evil Anime Film's Clip Shows Tanya Attacking Enemy HQ
Film earns 100 million yen in 1st 5 days
― The official website for the anime adaptation of Carlo Zen and Shinobu Shinotsuki's Saga of Tanya the Evil (Yōjo Senki) novel series began streaming a 200-second clip from the franchise's anime film on Friday. The clip shows Tanya and her unit being fooled by an enemy stratagem, but turning the tables and assaulting the enemy headquarters. The film opened in...
Puzzle & Dragons Anime Starts 'Pro Gamer Arc' on April 1
This year's March issue of Shogakukan's Coro Coro Comics announced on Friday that the Pazudora anime based on the Puzzle & Dragons game series will begin its "Pro Gamer Arc" on April 1. The arc will focus on [Highlight white text to read spoilers] the protagonist Taiga, now a pro gamer, and a new character, a mysterious boy named Hayato. Pazudora premiered on TV Tokyo last April. The anime's story...
Kenka Banchō Otome 2nd Rumble!! Game's Introduction Video Streamed
PS Vita game ships on March 14
― Spike Chunsoft began streaming an introduction movie for Kenka Banchō Otome 2nd Rumble!!, the PlayStation Vita game sequel to the Kenka Banchō Otome PS Vita game, on Thursday. The video previews the game's characters, as well as the story and gameplay events. The game will ship on March 14. The game's limited edition includes a soundtrack CD, a drama CD, an art book t...
Laid-Back Camp Manga Moves From Magazine to New App
Houbunsha's new Comic Fuz app launches this spring
― The official Twitter account for Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine revealed on Thursday that Afro's Laid-Back Camp (Yurucamp) manga will move from the Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine to Houbunsha's upcoming manga website and app Comic Fuz, which will launch this spring. Comic Fuz will host Houbunsha manga, including Puella Magi Madoka Magic...
2nd Live-Action Tokyo Ghoul Film Brings Back Kunio Murai, Shuntarō Yanagi
Cast members for Yoshimura, Renji Yomo return
― The official website for the live-action films of Sui Ishida's Tokyo Ghoul manga announced two more returning cast members for the tentatively titled live-action Tokyo Ghoul 2 film on Friday. The cast members are: Kunio Murai as Yoshimura Shuntarō Yanagi as Renji Yomo The film opens in Japan on July 19. Masataka Kubota (center in image below) is returni...
Live-Action Radiation House Series Casts Masataka Kubota, Tsubasa Honda
Manga centers on medical professionals in radiology department of hospital
― The staff for the live-action series adaptation of Tomohiro Yokomaku and Taishi Mori's Radiation House manga revealed two main cast members for the series on Friday. Masataka Kubota (left in picture below) plays radiology technician Iori Igarashi, while Tsubasa Honda plays radiologist An Amakasu. The manga centers on the med...
Yūma Uchida Performs Ending Song for Kono Oto Tomare! Anime
Uchida also voices character Chika Kudō in April anime
― The official website for the television anime of Amyū's Kono Oto Tomare! (Stop This Sound!) manga revealed on Thursday that Yūma Uchida will perform the anime's ending song "Speechless." Uchida also voices the character Chika Kudō in the anime. The anime will air for two cours or two quarters of a year. The series will air the first half in Apr...
Yōkai Chiitan TV Anime Delayed From Planned April 3 Premiere
Anime for viral mascot originally slated to premiere in Kinder TV block
― The official website for TV Tokyo's children's programming block Kinder TV revealed on Friday that Yōkai Chiitan, the television anime for the mascot character Chiitan, has been delayed from its April 3 premiere. The site will announce a new premiere date for the anime once it has been decided. Natsuki Takemura (Hana Kappa conc...
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