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Shelf Life - July 15, 2019
There's a plethora of new hit manga out this week, from Goblin Slayer to BEASTARS to Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-san. Check out our full list of anime, manga, and game releases!
― Welcome to Shelf Life, covering every week's new releases in anime, manga, and Japanese games! The latest part of Boruto looks like the headline act in this week's anime lineup, while it's a week of endings and beginnings ...
Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō GN 6
This volume brings Saint Seiya's story back to its true focus, after several prior chapters of stumbling. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― While Saintia Sho is a direct spin-off of the original Saint Seiya series, the past few volumes might have done a bit better to forget that fact. Beginning with the tournament, where Shoko briefly meeting Seiya is the highlight, the series has been relying too...
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side: Sword Oratoria Novel 9
Aiz gets some detailed backstory in this otherwise lackadaisical entry in DanMachi's story. Theron Martin has the details.
― Over the last two volumes Sword Oratoria has explored the backgrounds of three of its other key members, including how they came to join Loki Familia. With this volume author Fujino Omori finally deals with the person in the franchise whose background has most conspicuously bee...
The List - 7 More Deadly Games of Survival
There's no shortage of death game stories in anime, where a group of players, willing or unwilling, must outwit and outlast one another in a brutal game of survival. Here are 7 more of 'em!
― There are few quicker ways to ramp up tension between a group of strangers than throwing them headfirst into a battle of kill or be killed. There are tons of manga centered on the topic, for example Yen Press' ...
ANNCast - The Soothing Sounds of Summertime
Zac and Lynzee briefly reconstitute themselves to wrap up the highs and lows of both Anime Expo 2019 AND the Summer 2019 anime season!
― ANNCast 352 - The Soothing Sounds of Summertime Zac and Lynzee briefly reconstitute themselves to wrap up the highs and lows of both Anime Expo 2019 AND the Summer 2019 anime season! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the MP3 version her...
Interview: Wit Studio
A handful of the creative forces at Wit Studio - including president George Wada and character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto - go in-depth on their new anime for 2020, Great Pretender.
― When WIT Studio announced that President and CEO George Wada, manga artist Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, director Hiro Kaburagi, and scriptwriter Ryota Kosawa would be appearing at Anime Expo 2019, questions were raised as to wh...
Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar Blu-ray
Is this forgotten Norse-themed isekai series from last year worth a second look on blu-ray? Theron Martin has the answers.
― Whether or not this 12-episode light novel adaptation should properly be called an isekai series is a matter of some debate, as it may instead actually be a time travel tale. However, its structure and virtually all of its other characteristics are consistent with isekai storie...
Fruits Basket ‒ Episode 12
"The new school term brings both a zoo of freshmen and a malicious overlord to Tohru's ongoing life with the Soma family."
Fruits Basket ‒ Episode 11
"This charming combination of humor, healing, and heavenly scenery turns what could have been a more slow-paced and forgettable diversion into the most impressive episode of this remake so far."
Pokémon GO Game Launches One Piece, Kumamoto Collaboration
One Piece statues to be Pokéstops, with in-game straw hats available
― The official Japanese Twitter account for the Pokémon GO smartphone game announced on Tuesday that the game is collaborating with One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda and Kumamoto prefecture's "revitalization campaign" by turning the Straw Hat Pirates statues in the prefecture into in-game Pokéstops. In addition, a Pikachu wearing with ...
Sword Art Online Director's Hello World Anime Film Previews Songs In Trailer
OKAMOTO's, Official HiGE DANdism, Nulbarich, others compose music for film
― The official website for Hello World, the original anime film by director Tomohiko Ito and Graphinica, began streaming a new trailer and teaser trailer for the film on Tuesday. The trailers reveal and preview the film's theme songs "Yesterday" by Official HiGE DANdism and "Shin Sekai" (New World) by OKAMOTO'S. OKAMOTO'S is p...
Manga Creator Arina Tanemura Designs Virtual YouTubers for Tokyo Cinderella Story Channel
Virtual YouTubers have a multitude of entertainment uses, although the most popular like Kizuna AI and Kaguya Luna are known for their Let's Play videos and first-person antics. The channel Tokyo Cinderella Story is taking a different approach by creating a dramatic love story starring two virtual YouTubers that also offer romance advice. Popular manga artist Arina Tanemura designed the characters...
Fire Emblem: Three Houses Switch Game's Video Introduces Golden Deer House
Game launches on July 26
― Nintendo revealed a new trailer on Monday for Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo Games' Fire Emblem: Three Houses Nintendo Switch game. The video highlights the characters of the Golden Deer House. The game will launch on July 26 after a delay from spring. The Seasons of Warfare Edition of the game will bundle an artbook, sound selection CD, steelbook case, and calendar. Ni...
One Piece ‒ Episode 893
"The action looks consistently good enough to keep us entertained, while the pacing is putting in the work to encourage our patience."
Tezuka's Phoenix Inspires Compilation CD in October
Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix is finding new life as a promotional anime for the Dogo Onsen hot spring bath house, a sequel novel, and now a full-length CD. The latest reimagining was announced on Monday and includes songs by 10 different artists all inspired by Tezuka's Phoenix. The participating artists are Kenichi Asai (Bleach), GLIM SPANKY (One Piece Film Gold, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin: Advent ...
Doraemon: Story of Seasons Game's English Promo Video Streamed
Game launches for Switch, PC in West, S.E. Asia in fall
― Bandai Namco Entertainment Southeast Asia began streaming a promotional video for the Doraemon: Story of Seasons (Doraemon: Nobita no Bokujō Monogatari) game on Monday. The video is a new version of the game's Japanese system introduction video that shows townspeople interactions, and it includes English text. Bandai Namco Entertainment Americ...
Otakon Hosts JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Animator Naoki Yoshibe
Opening animation director, key animator attends July convention in D.C.
― The official Twitter account for Otakon revealed on Sunday that this year's event will host animator Naoki Yoshibe of Orange Ltd. Yoshibe has directed the opening animation for anime such as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Hanebad!, and Gatchaman Crowds. He has also served as key animator for Attack on Titan, Inazuma Eleven, Wagnari...
Comic-Con Looks to Make Dragon Ball History with Kamehameha World Record Attempt
This year's San Diego Comic-Con wants to make attendees part of the Super Saiyan action. Toei Animation Inc., Funimation, Bluefin, and Bandai are planning an impressive assortment of Dragon Ball Z programming for the convention, including a Guinness World Records attempt on opening day. Attendees are welcome to join in to create "the largest gathering of people simultaneously performing the iconic...
Azur Lane: Crosswave PS4 Game's Videos Preview Gameplay
Game based on Azur Lane naval combat game ships in Japan on August 29
― The official YouTube channel for Felistella and Compile Heart's Azur Lane: Crosswave game began streaming two gameplay videos for the game last week. The first video shows a story scenario in the game's "Episode Mode." The second video shows the game's combat in Hard difficulty. The game will ship in Japan for the PlayStation 4 o...
Yu-Gi-Oh! Creator Kazuki Takahashi Wants Fans to Vote
Takahashi shared art of Yugi, Black Magicians in political cartoon
― Yu-Gi-Oh! creator Kazuki Takahashi shares artwork of his characters on his Instagram account. One image, posted on Monday, caught fans' attention when they noticed that Yugi and the Dark Magicians had a message for Japanese citizens, "Vote!" Takahashi wrote that the Yu-Gi-Oh card game's 20th anniversary Monster Art Box will be relea...
Shelf Life - July 15, 2019
There's a plethora of new hit manga out this week, from Goblin Slayer to BEASTARS to Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-san. Check out our full list of anime, manga, and game releases!
― Welcome to Shelf Life, covering every week's new releases in anime, manga, and Japanese games! The latest part of Boruto looks like the headline act in this week's anime lineup, while it's a week of endings and beginnings ...
Ottawa Int'l Film Festival Nominates Ohashi's On-Gaku: Our Sound Anime Film for Award
Film opens in Japan in January
― The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) revealed on Wednesday that On-Gaku: Our Sound, the anime film adaptation of Hiroyuki Ohashi's "Ongaku" manga, will screen in competition for the festival's Grand Prize for Features award. The OIAF will take place from September 25 to 29 in Ottawa. Masaaki Yuasa's The Night is Short, Walk on Girl film won the festival'...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 115
"This week, the series shines a spotlight on the seldom-seen Team 25."
Child of Kamiari Month Anime Film Project Launches 2nd Crowdfunding Campaign
Original project by Cretica Universal centers on runner girl, Izumo's Kamiari tradition
― Cretica Universal launched a second crowdfunding campaign for its Child of Kamiari Month (Kamiari no Kodomo) anime film project on Monday. The campaign seeks to raise 1.6 million yen (about US$14,800) to support the production of the anime, which is slated to debut in 2020. As of press time, the campaign has rai...
Revue Starlight Gets 3rd Stage Musical in Summer 2020
2nd stage musical ended run on Monday
― The official website for the Shōjo☆Kageki Revue Starlight franchise revealed on Monday that the franchise will get a third stage musical in summer 2020. The website will announce more details in the future. The Shōjo☆Kageki Revue Starlight -The LIVE- #2 revival musical ran at Maihama Amphitheater in Maihama, Chiba from July 12 to 15. The cast members reprised t...
Ciconia When They Cry, Umineko When They Cry Saku Games Delayed to September
Opening video for Ciconia When They Cry also unveiled
― The official Twitter account of doujin game circle 07th Expansion announced on July 7 that its Ciconia When They Cry (Ciconia no Naku koro ni) visual novel and Umineko When They Cry Saku (Umineko no Naku Koro ni Saku) game compilation have both been delayed until at least the end of September. The post noted that 07th Expansion is still adjustin...
Macross Streaming Program's BD to Include Concert CG Anime Shorts
Macross ga Tomaranai special disc includes special animation for 35th anniversary, openings from concerts
― The official portal site for the Macross franchise revealed on Monday that the "special Blu-ray Disc" for the live-streaming program Macross ga Tomaranai will include, as bonus extras, the animation shorts that debuted during four recent Macross concerts. These bonus extras include a special an...
Fafner the Beyond Anime's Episodes 4-6 Debut in Theaters in November
1st 3 episodes of anime screened in theaters in May
― The official website for the Sōkyū no Fafner THE BEYOND anime project revealed on Saturday that the anime's fourth, fifth, and sixth episodes will screen in theaters in Japan beginning on November 8. The site also unveiled a new visual for the anime. The site also began streaming a "digest video" on Monday that recaps the story of the anime franch...
New Line Cinema Hires Greg Russo to Write Proposed Space Invaders Film
Russo also pens planned Death Note sequel, rewrote proposed Resident Evil reboot
― Entertainment news website Deadline reported on Friday that New Line Cinema is producing a film based on Taito and Tomohiro Nishikado's classic arcade game Space Invaders, with Greg Russo penning the script. Greg Russo is the scriptwriter for the proposed sequel to Netflix's Death Note film, as well as the rewrite of t...
Junichi Suwabe, Kana Hanazawa Narrate Trailers for Kōtarō Isaka's Latest Novel
Voice actors Junichi Suwabe and Kana Hanazawa narrated four promotional videos for mystery writer Kōtarō Isaka's latest short story collection novel Kujira atama no Ōsama (The king with the whale head). Both actors narrate lines over a video of a shoe-billed stork (otherwise known as the whale-headed stork). The videos were posted by the NHK's online magazine on Monday. Each video narrates lines f...
Weekly Shonen Magazine Launches Advice-Giving Twitter Account
Magazine celebrates its 60th anniversary with collaboration with Mitsuya Cider
― Weekly Shonen Magazine launched a Twitter account on Monday called the "Single Panel Advice Box" (@mitsuyamagazine) which sets out to answer life questions with one-liners from 10 series featured in Weekly Shonen Magazine. The series are Ahiru no Sora, Kindaichi Case Files, Cromartie High School, GTO, Attack on Titan, Th...
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ‒ Episode 15
"Now that we've all had more than enough time to figure out the gang's dynamic, I hope future arcs strike a better balance between eliciting chuckles and screams."
This Week in Anime - What the Hell is Happening in 7SEEDS?
7SEEDS is based on an award-winning science fiction manga, but something went very wrong in the adaptation process. Nick and Steve navigate this unfortunate trainwreck on Netflix.
― 7SEEDS is based on an award-winning science fiction manga, but something went very wrong in the adaptation process. This week, Nick and Steve navigate this unfortunate trainwreck on Netflix. Disclaimer: The views and opi...
Furniture Store Shows Off How Framed Artwork of Manga Classics Would Look In Your Home
Roughly 80 pieces of artwork from Urusei Yatsura, The Rose of Versailles, Princess Knight, Astro Boy, others were on display
― Ever thought of having picture frames from your favorite manga series inside your house, displayed like works of high art? Last month, the IDC Otsuka furniture store in Ginza, Tokyo, held a mini-exhibit inside the store to show off how exactly that would look. The exhibit, wh...
Fairy Tail: Final Season ‒ Episodes 316-317
"Although human bonds have always been a central theme of Fairy Tail, these two really do feel like the “friends and family” episodes of the season."
Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō GN 6
This volume brings Saint Seiya's story back to its true focus, after several prior chapters of stumbling. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― While Saintia Sho is a direct spin-off of the original Saint Seiya series, the past few volumes might have done a bit better to forget that fact. Beginning with the tournament, where Shoko briefly meeting Seiya is the highlight, the series has been relying too...
Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle Anime Reveals Cast, Staff, 25-Episode Length, October Premiere
Daisuke Ono plays protagonist Ash
― Sega announced on Sunday the staff, cast, episode count, and October premiere for Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode Oracle, the new television anime adaptation of its Phantasy Star Online 2 game. The anime stars: (the cast members aside from Daisuke Ono are reprising their roles from the game) Daisuke Ono as the protagonist Ash Hiro Shimono as Afin Satomi Satou as Ma...
Aoko Sasaki Launches New Seven Days War Manga in August
New manga adapts upcoming anime film
― The website for Kadokawa's Monthly Comic Gene magazine announced on Saturday that Aoko Sasaki is launching a new Seven Days War (Bokura no Nanokakan Sensō) manga in the magazine's September issue on August 16. Sasaki (Jingai CP Catalogue.) launched a different Seven Days War manga (pictured at right) in Monthly Comic Gene in April, and ended that series on Satur...
Saori Hayami Joins Cast of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Anime
Voice actress plays Shinbou Kochō
― The official Twitter account for the television anime of Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga revealed on Saturday that Saori Hayami is joining the show's cast as Shinobu Kochō, one of the "Pillars" of the Demon Killing Corps. The character appeared in the show's 15th episode on Saturday. The series premiered on April 6, and Aniplex of America ha...
Serial Experiment Lain Goes 'Open Source' In Japan Until 2028
Residents of Japan have permission to create derivative works strictly for fan activities
― NBC Universal announced on its website on Saturday that residents of Japan have express permission to create derivative works of the TV anime series Serial Experiments Lain for non-commercial fan activities until July 2028 as part of an "Open Source Project." The guidelines clarify that they are only permittin...
Italy Tour Takes Aria Fans to Venice to See Locales That Inspired Anime
Kinki Nippon Tourist Kanto is following up it's award-winning Banana Fish tour of New York with an Aria-themed excursion in Venice, Italy. The "Aria the Manhome ~una bella passeggiata~" tour will take a maximum of 80 attendees on an accompanied one-week trip of Venice from February 27, 2020 to March 4, 2020. The trip costs 438,000 yen (US$4,000) per person. The itinerary includes a talk show and p...
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side: Sword Oratoria Novel 9
Aiz gets some detailed backstory in this otherwise lackadaisical entry in DanMachi's story. Theron Martin has the details.
― Over the last two volumes Sword Oratoria has explored the backgrounds of three of its other key members, including how they came to join Loki Familia. With this volume author Fujino Omori finally deals with the person in the franchise whose background has most conspicuously bee...
The List - 7 More Deadly Games of Survival
There's no shortage of death game stories in anime, where a group of players, willing or unwilling, must outwit and outlast one another in a brutal game of survival. Here are 7 more of 'em!
― There are few quicker ways to ramp up tension between a group of strangers than throwing them headfirst into a battle of kill or be killed. There are tons of manga centered on the topic, for example Yen Press' ...
Voice Acting For JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind Anime Concludes
The 38th and 39th finale episodes will premiere on July 28
― Voice acting for the final episodes of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind concluded as of Monday. The 38th and 39th finale episodes will premiere on July 28. The main voice cast submitted comments after the recording. Some of the comments are listed below: Kensho Ono (Giorno Giovanna): "I want to keep playing as Giorno, but even more tha...
Shironeko Project TV Anime's Teaser Unveils Staff, Cast, Title, April Debut
Prisma Illya's Masato Jinbo pens, helms project No.9 anime
― The "Yarō yo! Shironeko Project 5-Shūnen Kinen Special Nama-Hōsō" (Let's Do This! White Cat Project 5th Anniversary Special Live Stream) event debuted the first teaser promotional video and visual for the television anime of Colopl's Shironeko Project smartphone game on Saturday. The video announced the anime's main staff, main cast, Shiron...
XFLAG Previews Monster Strike Dream Company Spinoff Smartphone Game in Video
Dice battle game launches this summer
― XFLAG began streaming a promotional video on Saturday for Monster Strike Dream Company, a new spinoff smartphone game in the Monster Strike franchise. The game will launch this summer, and pre-registration is available now. The dice battle game will feature new character artwork. Social networking service mixi released the Monster Strike game on iOS and Android...
Monster Strike Anime Previews New Noah Hakobune no Kyūseishu Series in Video
New series premieres on July 27
― The official YouTube channel for the Monster Strike The Animation anime began streaming a promotional video on Saturday for a new "series" in the anime franchise titled Noah Hakobune no Kyūseishu (The Savior of Noah's Arc). The anime will premiere online on July 27 at 7:00 p.m. JST. The new arc will star: Sōma Saitō as Noah Azusa Tadokoro as Opeko Shigeru Chiba as Ke...
San Diego Comic-Con Lists Sound & Fury Anime Film by Takashi Okazaki, Junpei Mizusaki
Duo work with Grammy-winning artist Sturgill Simpson on new film
― The official website for Comic Con International: San Diego revealed last week in its panel schedule listings that Takashi Okazaki (Afro Samurai) and Junpei Mizusaki (Batman Ninja) are teaming up to work on a new anime film titled Sound and Fury. The duo are working on the film alongside Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sturgill Simps...
futekiya Launches Boys-Love Manga Subscription Service in English
US$6.99 monthly service launched with 10 Shodensha titles plus independent artists
― The futekiya boys-love manga news website launched a new subscription service for boys-love manga in English on Monday. The subscription service allows access to its entire library of manga for a monthly fee of US$6.99. The service debuting 10 titles from Shodensha this month: Hitomi Takano's Shining Stars in Line (T...
Ninja Box Switch Game Gets Web Anime Starting on August 8
"Secret base creation RPG" launches for Switch on September 26
― Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on Saturday that its Ninja Box Nintendo Switch game is inspiring a web anime series that will premiere on August 8. The anime will stream on the official Ninja Box game website, YouTube, Coro Coro Channel, and Bandai Channel. New episodes will air on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. JST. The anime's cast inclu...
SOZO Comics to Release ZAN, Marin, Prince of Lan Ling, Enchanted Racer Manga in English on ComiXology
All 4 manga debut on Tuesday with plans to release manga in 5 other languages
― Digital comics publisher SOZO Comics announced on Friday that it will release four manga in English on ComiXology starting on July 16. The four manga include: Title: Enchanted Racer Authors: writers Akira Itō (Yu-Gi-Oh! R, Cardfight!! Vanguard) and Yoshio Sekine, artist Jun Ikeda Summary: Retra and Turbo, who are the main...
Yen Press Issues Correction Regarding 2 Persona 5 Manga Licenses Mistakenly Announced at Anime Expo
Company stated it "has not been granted rights" to publish 2 manga in English
― Publisher Yen Press announced on its website and on Twitter on Friday that "due to an error" on the company's part, the company mistakenly announced licenses to the Persona 5 Mementos Mission and Persona 5 a la Carte manga at its Anime Expo panel on July 4. Yen Press added, "To be clear, Yen Press has not been granted the...
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Anime Reveals Visual, More Staff
Astra Lost in Space's Masaomi Andō directs 2020 series
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Iro Aida's Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun) manga revealed more staff details and a visual for the series on Saturday. Masaomi Andō (Astra Lost in Space, School-Live!, Hakumei and Mikochi) is directing the anime at Lerche (School-Live!, Scum's Wish, Kino's Journey - t...
Black Clover ‒ Episode 91
"With the secondary Black Bulls escaping death to fight another day, we return our attention to the attack on the Eye of the Midnight Sun."
Hentai Artist Aiue Oka Asks Readers to Not Pirate, Buy Officially Licensed Manga
The hentai manga artist Aiue Oka made a public statement on Twitter in English on Friday to let their readers know that they are aware of illegal distribution of two of their manga. Oka asked readers to instead support their works by purchasing through the official licensor ENSHODO (Link NSFW). It has come to my attention that two of my latest works are currently being illegally uploaded and distr...
'Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?' Original Video Anime Green-Lit
6 BD/DVD volumes planned for TV anime before OVA's March 25 release
― The official website for the television anime of writer Dachima Inaka and illustrator Pochi Iida's Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (Tsūjō Kōgeki ga Zentai Kōgeki de Ni-kai Kōgeki no Okā-san wa Suki desuka?) light novel series announced on Saturday that an original video anime (OVA) has been green-lit. The...
Kaguya-sama, Demon Slayer, Kemurikusa Top Gadget Tsūshin 2019's Anime Buzzwords (So Far)
Gadget Tsūshin's Anime Ryūkōgo Taishō is a yearly list of the most popular anime-related buzzwords. Last year's top choice was less of a buzzword and more of an inescapable character with Detective Conan: Zero's Executioner's Tōru Amuro. "Amuro's Women," a nod to his female fandom, took second place followed by Pop Team Epic's "Sate wa Anti Dana Ome" (So, you're a hater?) from the anime's seventh ...
Hana to Yume Apologizes For Publishing Manga Strongly Resembling Arina Tanemura's Work
Nosora Uwa's 'Romance and Battle' manga was removed from magazine's digital version
― Hana to Yume editor Kazuya Satō posted a message on the magazine's website as well as the parent publisher Hakusensha's website on July 5, apologizing for publishing a manga with "a female character that strongly resembled an existing creator's artwork" in this year's issue 14 of Hana to Yume. The apology appears to...
ANNCast - The Soothing Sounds of Summertime
Zac and Lynzee briefly reconstitute themselves to wrap up the highs and lows of both Anime Expo 2019 AND the Summer 2019 anime season!
― ANNCast 352 - The Soothing Sounds of Summertime Zac and Lynzee briefly reconstitute themselves to wrap up the highs and lows of both Anime Expo 2019 AND the Summer 2019 anime season! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the MP3 version her...
Manga Answerman - Is the Word “Hentai” Misunderstood or Misused by Fans Outside of Japan?
When Western fans think "hentai" they think "lewd," but the word actually has origins beyond just cheesecake.
― Is the word “hentai” misunderstood and/or misused by fans outside of Japan? This isn't exactly an Answerman mailbag question, but one that came up thanks to anime producer and industry veteran Yoshihiro Watanabe. Watanabe happened upon an article from The Guardian, describing how a contest...
Interview: Wit Studio
A handful of the creative forces at Wit Studio - including president George Wada and character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto - go in-depth on their new anime for 2020, Great Pretender.
― When WIT Studio announced that President and CEO George Wada, manga artist Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, director Hiro Kaburagi, and scriptwriter Ryota Kosawa would be appearing at Anime Expo 2019, questions were raised as to wh...
Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar Blu-ray
Is this forgotten Norse-themed isekai series from last year worth a second look on blu-ray? Theron Martin has the answers.
― Whether or not this 12-episode light novel adaptation should properly be called an isekai series is a matter of some debate, as it may instead actually be a time travel tale. However, its structure and virtually all of its other characteristics are consistent with isekai storie...
My Hero Academia Gets New Spinoff Manga This Month
Yōkō Akiyama draws spinoff manga in Jump GIGA, Saikyō Jump magazines
― This year's 33rd issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Saturday that Yōkō Akiyama (Saguri-chan Tankentai) will launch a spinoff manga of Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia manga, titled My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission. The manga will get a prologue chapter in the Summer Volume 2 issue of Shueisha's Jump GIG...
Megumi Han, Mariya Ise Join One Piece Anime's Cast
Voice actresses to play Otama, Okiku
― This year's 33rd issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed two more cast members on Saturday who are joining the One Piece anime for the show's "Wano Kuni" arc. The new cast includes: Megumi Han (Hunter × Hunter's Gon) as Otama Mariya Ise (Hunter × Hunter's Killua) as Okiku Voice actress and singer Nana Mizuki has also joined the cast as the chara...
Dr. Stone's Boichi Draws One Piece 1-Shot Manga About Zoro for Manga's 22nd Anniversary
Also: Shonen Jump to feature "latest information" on Hollywood adaptation on manga's 22nd anniversary on July 22
― This year's 33rd issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Saturday that artist Boichi (Dr. Stone, Origin, Sun-Ken Rock) will draw a one-chapter official spinoff manga for Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga. The one-shot is titled "Roronoa Zoro: Umi ni Chiru" (Fall Into the...
Hinomaru Sumō Manga Reaches 'Climax' in Next Chapter on July 22
Manga inspired 24-episode anime series last year
― This year's 33rd issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Saturday that Kawada's Hinomaru Sumo manga is reaching its "climax" in the magazine's 34th issue on July 22. The chapter on July 22 will have a center color page to say "thanks for everything." The manga inspired a 24-episode television anime series that premiered in October...
Disaster Report 4 Plus -Summer Memories- Game's Switch Release Launches on September 26
― Granzella announced on Friday that it will release the Nintendo Switch version of its Disaster Report: Summer Memories (Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4 Plus -Summer Memories-) game in Japan on September 26. Granzella released the game for the PlayStation 4 on November 22 after a delay. The PS4 version is compatible with PlayStation VR. The PS4 version of the game received a "sequel" DLC in late May. NIS A...
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yūto Uemura Join Cast of Ahiru no Sora Anime
Basketball anime premieres in October
― The official website for the television anime of Takeshi Hinata's Ahiru no Sora manga revealed two more cast members for the series on Friday. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Hyou Fuwa (left) and Yūto Uemura as Yozan Kamiki (right) The anime will premiere in October. The previously revealed cast includes: Yuuki Kaji as Sora Kurumatani Yūma Uchida as Momoharu Hanazono Ka...
My Hero Academia Manga Tops U.S. Monthly Bookscan June List
Komi Can't Communicate, Splatoon, Promised Neverland, One-Punch Man, Smashed, Berserk also rank
― Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia manga volume 19 topped NPD BookScan's Top 20 adult graphic novels list for June. This month's list featured 13 manga volumes, including: #1 — Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia volume 19 #2 — Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia volume 1 #4 — Tomohito Oda's Komi Can't Com...
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox PS4 Game's Video Previews Combat
Game slated for release on September 26
― Nihon Falcom began streaming a video for Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, its latest entry in its Ys role-playing game series, on Thursday. The video previews more of the game's combat. The game will launch for the PlayStation 4 on September 26. The game's story takes place in Baldug, northeast of Esteria in the Gria Eldlingen region. A new adventure will unfold in this ...
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Infinite Combate Game Ships in November
Game will now also have Switch, PC releases; PS4, Switch versions will have Asian release with English subtitles
― The official website for 5pb.'s Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Infinite Combate PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita game revealed on Friday that the game will ship on November 28. In addition, the game will now have a Nintendo Switch release, and a PC release via DMM Ga...
Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Ohki OVA Series Gets 5th Season
New season to include returning staff, cast
― Animation studio AIC launched a website on Friday to announce that it is producing a fifth season of the Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Ohki OVA series. The studio also revealed the staff, cast, and a visual. Masaki Kajishima is again credited as the original creator, original character designer, and as chief director at AIC. Hideki Shirane is both writing and overseei...
Konami Details TurboGrafx-16 Mini Console's Full Lineup, March 19 Release
Console releases in N. America, Europe, Japan worldwide simultaneously
― Konami announced the lineup on Friday of its TurboGrafx-16 mini, a compact console pre-loaded with games from the catalog of NEC's original TurboGrafx-16 console. The console will launch in North America on March 19, 2020, and is available exclusively on Amazon. The lineup includes 24 games in English and 26 games in Japanese (g...
Kodansha's Comic Days Website Launches Hop Step Sing! Manga in English
Manga adaptation of VR idol group launched on Thursday
― Kodansha's "Comic Days" manga website launched Rei Kodama and Yui Asube's Hop Step Sing! manga in both English and Japanese on Thursday. Kodansha describes the manga: The original Virtual Reality Idol is comicalized for the first time. Niina Nijikawa is a high school freshman who loves to sing. Contrary to her love, she is not good at singing i...
Akagi Sequel Manga Yami Ma no Mamiya Launches
New manga centers on mahjong player who settles disputes through mahjong
― Nobuyuki Fukumoto launched a serialization of his Yami Ma no Mamiya (Yami-Mahjong Fighter Mamiya) manga in the August issue of Takeshobo's Kindai Mahjong magazine on July 1. Fukumoto previously published a one-shot for the manga in May. The manga marks Fukumoto's newest work in the magazine, 15 months after he ended his Akagi ...
New Young Animal Zero Magazine Launches on September 9
New magazine centers on "fighting young men"
― This year's 14th issue of Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine revealed on Friday that Hakusensha will launch a new sister magazine to Young Animal named Young Animal Zero. The tagline notes that the magazine will center on manga about "fighting young men (seinen)." The magazine will launch on September 9. Hakusensha will publish the new magazine every oth...
Crunchyroll, Funimation to Stream A Certain Scientific Accelerator Anime
Crunchyroll stream begins on Friday, Funimation English dub debuts on July 26
― Crunchyroll and Funimation announced on Thursday that they will stream the television anime of A Certain Scientific Accelerator (Toaru Majutsu no Index Gaiden: Toaru Kagaku no Accelerator) manga. Crunchyroll will begin streaming the anime worldwide outside of Asia on Friday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Funimation will begin...
Hōkago Saikoro Club Anime Reveals Staff, October Premiere
Kenichi Imaizumi directs, Liden Films produces anime about Kyoto high school board game club
― The August issue of Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine revealed the staff and October premiere date on Friday for the television anime of Hirō Nakamichi's Hōkago Saikoro Club (Afterschool Dice Club) manga. Kenichi Imaizumi (Reborn!, Student Council's Discretion Lv. 2, Komori-san Can't Decline) is d...
Chihayafuru Anime Season 3's Video Previews Opening Song, More Returning Cast
99RadioService returns for opening song "COLORFUL" for October anime
― The official website for Chihayafuru 3, the third Chihayafuru anime season, began streaming a promotional video for the anime on Friday. The video previews the anime's opening theme song "COLORFUL" by 99RadioService, who performed the opening themes for both previous seasons, and it also confirmed more returning cast members. The ...
Anohana Team's Her Blue Sky Anime Film Reveals Aimyon Theme Song in Trailer
New poster also unveiled for October 11 film
― The official website for Her Blue Sky (Sora no Aosa o Shiru Hito yo), the original anime film by the Super Peace Busters creative team, began streaming a trailer for the film on Friday. The video reveals and previews the film's theme song "Sora no Aosa o Shiru Hito yo" by Aimyon. The site also revealed a new poster visual for the anime. The taglines in t...
Val x Love Anime's Teaser Reveals Staff, October Premiere
Real Girl's Takashi Naoya directs anime at Hoods Entertainment
― The official website for the television anime adaptation of Ryousuke Asakura's Val x Love (Ikusa x Koi) manga began streaming a teaser video for the anime on Friday. The video reveals the anime's staff and October premiere. The site also unveiled a new visual for the anime. The anime will premiere on AT-X, Tokyo MX, Sun TV, and BS 11 in...
Shōjo Magazine Nakayoshi Plans 65th Anniversary Exhibition
Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine has been the home for influential girls' comics for the better part of six decades. Game changers like Princess Knight, Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth, and Shugo Chara were all serialized in the pages of Nakayoshi. The magazine is celebrating its 65-year history in an upcoming exhibition in Yayoi Museum in Tokyo in October. The first issue of Na...
Monster's Urasawa Draws Poster for Charity Car Rally Event
Event was founded by 20th Century Boys' actor Toshiaki Karasawa
― Monster and 20th Century Boys manga creator Naoki Urasawa has drawn a poster for an upcoming classic car charity event to support the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami-affected Miyagi prefecture. The poster reads "GO! GO! Rally in Tohoku -Classic car meeting 2019-" with Urasawa's rendition of founder and actor Toshiaki Karasawa. The ra...
2 More Suspects Arrested in Mangamura Piracy Site Case
More than 10 young people reportedly involved in site's operation
― Fukuoka prefectural police and other agencies arrested a 26-year-old man and 24-year-old woman on Wednesday in relation to the ongoing criminal investigation regarding the Japanese manga piracy website Mangamura. The two Tokyo residents allegedly illegally uploaded Chapter 866 of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga onto the website around...
Lapras Calls Miyagi Prefecture Home as Prefecture's Support Pokémon
Lapras boats, floaties launched with more collaborations to come
― The gentle Pokémon helped revitalize Miyagi Prefecture in Tōhoku after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. The water Pokémon was the star of Pokėmon Go's very first in-game event and drew collectors to Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima. The Miyagi government made the collaboration a long-standing tourism draw when it chose Lapr...
This Week in Anime - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind Goes Out With a Bang
Part Five has reached its final climax! Micchy and Andy break down the highs and lows of this wildly ambitious arc in Hirohiko Araki's saga.
― Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind has reached its final climax. This week, Micchy and Andy break down the highs and lows of this wildly ambitious arc in Hirohiko Araki's saga. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlo...
Kimi ni Todoke, Wotakoi, Gintama Protagonists Top Character Boyfriend Poll
Women pick ideal boyfriend, husband, teacher, and even pet??
― Arguments over "best girl" and "best boy" can get pretty serious in fandom. Anime and manga fans can get very invested in their particular characters. The bookstore Honto decided to find out which guy tops girls and women's list of the perfect boyfriend. The website ran a poll with 204 different perfect boyfriend options along with additi...
Persona 5 Game Gets Stage Play in December
Play starring Hiroki Ino runs in Osaka, Tokyo
― Atlus' Persona 5 role-playing game is inspiring a stage play in Osaka and Tokyo in December. The play, titled Persona 5 the Stage, will run at Hotel Mielparque Osaka from December 13 to 15, followed by The Galaxy Theatre from December 19 to 29. The play's cast includes: Hiroki Ino as protagonist (seen above) Kouhei Shiota as Ryūji Sakamoto Yuki Odera as...
Listen to the Serene Sounds of Carole & Tuesday's 2nd OP 'Polly Jean'
Carole & Tuesday singers Nai Br.XX and Celeina Ann are back for the sci-fi musical anime's second opening song "Polly Jean." The live-action music video focuses on the bond between the two singers as they've worked together over the course of the series. The upcoming single will feature both the opening theme and the ending theme "Not Afraid" on August 28. Singer Alisa (vocals for Angela) performs...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 114
"While the episode's premise doesn't feel fully realized, it's nice to see Boruto and company enjoy the occasional no-stakes misadventure and act like the children they are."
'If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die' Anime Reveals Video, Cast, Staff
Ai Fairouz stars as Eripiyo in 2020 series
― The official website for the anime adaptation of Auri Hirao's Oshi ga Budōkan Ittekuretara Shinu (If My Favorite Pop Idol Made it to the Budokan, I Would Die) manga revealed a teaser video, visual, staff, and cast for the series on Friday. Ai Fairouz (How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?'s Hibiki) will star as Eripiyo. Yusuke Yamamoto (Encouragement of Cl...
Bungo Stray Dogs Stage Plays Get Live-Action Film
3rd stage play's final performance ran on Wednesday
― The final performance of Bungo Stray Dogs: Sansha Teiritsu, the Bungo Stray Dogs franchise's third stage play, revealed on Wednesday that the stage plays are getting a live-action film adaptation. Staff will announce more details in the future. The franchise's third play ran in June in Iwate, Fukuoka, Aichi, and Osaka, and in July in Tokyo. Norihi...
SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays Game's Video Reveals November 28 Release
Game also slated for English release this year in Southeast Asia
― Bandai Namco Entertainment revealed on Thursday that its SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays game will launch for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in Japan on November 28. The company also began streaming the second promotional video for the game. The Premium G Sound Edition of the game for PS4 and Switch will include 35...
Tanaka-kun is Always Listless Manga Ends on July 25
Manga inspired anime adaptation in 2016
― Square Enix's Gangan Online website revealed on Thursday in the 139th chapter of Nozomi Uda's Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge manga that the manga will end in the next chapter on July 25. Uda launched the series on the Gangan Online website in 2013, and Square Enix published the manga's 12th volume on March 22. Square Enix will release the 13th volume along wit...
Fire Emblem: Three Houses Switch Game's Videos Introduce Blue Lion, Black Eagle Houses
Game launches on July 26
― Nintendo revealed a new trailer on Wednesday for Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo Games' Fire Emblem: Three Houses Nintendo Switch game. The video highlights the characters of the Blue Lion House. Nintendo streamed a similar video for the characters of the Black Eagle House on July 2. The company also streamed a new commercial for the game on Wednesday. The game will laun...
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Game's Glavenus Trailer, Dev Diary Videos Streamed
Expansion launches on September 6
― The official YouTube channel for Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise began streaming a new trailer and a developer diary on Thursday for Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, the upcoming new expansion for the Monster Hunter World game. The first video below previews the Glavenus monster as well as a new gathering hub, and teases a possible appearance of Brachydios in the ...
'King of Fighters for Girls' Smartphone Game's 2nd Promo Video Streamed
"Love adventure" game launches this summer
― The official website for The King of Fighters for Girls, SNK Corporation and Victor Entertainment's spinoff smartphone game in SNK's The King of Fighters franchise, began streaming the game's second promotional video on Wednesday. The video features the song "Last Heaven" by voice actors Daisuke Hirakawa, Makoto Furukawa, and Haruki Ishiya. The game is aim...
Metal Wolf Chaos XD Game Launches on August 6
FromSoftware's game launches on Xbox One, PS4, PC
― Devolver Digital announced on July 3 in a video that it will release FromSoftware's Metal Wolf Chaos XD game for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on August 6. The game was originally slated to launch last year. The game will feature upgraded visuals, and will support widescreen formats. The updated game will also contain the original game's Engli...
Kabukichō Sherlock Anime's 3rd Promo Video Previews Ending Theme
Lozareena performs ending theme for series premiering on Animeism block in October
― The official website for Production I.G's original Kabukichō Sherlock television anime project began streaming a third promotional video for the anime on Thursday. The video reveals and previews Lozareena's ending theme song "Hyakuoku Kōnen" (10 Billion Light Years). The anime will premiere in October on MBS, TBS, an...
Yuzuki N Dash Launches New Manga on July 23
Kareshi ga Iru no ni manga centers on relationship between boy, girl who already has boyfriend
― This year's 15th issue of Akita Shoten's Young Champion magazine revealed on Tuesday that Yuzuki N Dash will launch a new manga titled Kareshi ga Iru no ni (Even Though I Have a Boyfriend) that will launch in the magazine's next issue on July 23. The manga will be an omnibus series, and the first chapter ...
Evangelion Gets Smartphone Game in 2020
Game will include content from Rebuild of Evangelion films
― Japanese mobile game developer Mobcast announced on Thursday that it is developing a smartphone game for the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. Mobcast noted that the game will debut in 2020, and will include material from the Rebuild of Evangelion films. The company will announce more details about the game at a later date. Netflix began s...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, July 1-7
Natsuzora episode earns 22.8% rating, Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! earns 1.0%
― The latest episode of the Natsuzora live-action series about the early Japanese animation industry aired on NHK on Saturday, July 6 at 8:00 a.m. and earned a 22.8% rating. An encore airing of the episode aired on the same day at 12:45 p.m., and earned a 6.6% rating. The Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! anime film aire...
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, June 24-30
your name. airs with 12.4% rating
― The latest episode of the Natsuzora live-action series about the early Japanese animation industry aired on NHK on Friday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m. and earned a 21.9% rating. The special episode of the live-action series adaptation of Tomohiro Yokomaku and Taishi Mori's Radiation House medical drama manga aired on Fuji TV on Monday, June 24 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 15...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, July 1-7
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers debuts at #2
― Japan's Game Ranking: July 1-7 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 1NSwSuper Mario Maker 2 Nintendo June 28 83,204 279,357 2PS4Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers Square Enix July 2 22,260 22,260 3NSwYo-kai Watch 4: Bokura wa Onaji Sora o Miageteiru Level 5 June 20 19,407 210,504 4NSwAttack on Titan 2: Final Battle Koei Tecmo...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, June 24-30
Super Mario Maker 2, Samurai Showdown debut at #1, #4
― Japan's Game Ranking: June 24-30 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 1NSwSuper Mario Maker 2 Nintendo June 28 196,153 196,153 2NSwJikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū Konami June 27 75,505 75,505 3NSwYo-kai Watch 4: Bokura wa Onaji Sora o Miageteiru Level 5 June 20 40,376 191,097 4PS4Samurai Shodown SNK June 27 16,662 16,662 5N...
Mill Creek Entertainment Licenses Most of Ultraman Franchise
1st release from license will be original Ultraman, Ultra Q on October 15
― The Scifi Japan website reported on Wednesday that U.S. home video distribution company Mill Creek Entertainment and U.K. distribution company Indigo Entertainment have licensed more than 1,100 episodes and 20 films of Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman tokusatsu franchise for both physical and digital distribution. Mill Creek E...
Nana Haruta's 6-gatsu no Love Letter Manga Ends in August
Manga launched in June 2018
― The August issue of Shueisha's Ribon magazine revealed on July 3 that Nana Haruta's 6-gatsu no Love Letter (Love Letter in June) manga will end in the magazine's next issue on August 3. The manga centers on Momoko, a clumsy and airheaded first-year high school student. Her best friend Mahiru is her source of emotional support. She has constantly been worrying for Igarash...
Yuuki Kaji Narrates Ni no Kuni Film's 'Introduction Video'
Film based on RPG franchise opens on August 23
― The official website for Warner Bros. Japan and Level 5's Ni no Kuni anime film began streaming an "introduction video" for the film on Thursday. The character Danpa (Yuuki Kaji) narrates the video and explains the film's story. The film will open in Japan on August 23. The film stars: Kento Yamazaki as Yū Mackenyu as Haru Mei Nagano as Asha/Kotona Mam...
Masaaki Yuasa's Shin-chan Spinoff Super Shiro Reveals Cast, October 14 Debut in Video
Akio Ohtsuka voices Shin-chan's dog as a superhero, Yukana plays alien
― The official website for Super Shiro, an anime spinoff of the Crayon Shin-chan franchise, began streaming a promotional video for the anime on Thursday. The video reveals the anime's cast and October 14 debut on the AbemaTV and Video Pass streaming services. The comedy story follows the Nohara family dog Shiro becoming a superhe...
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