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Are NFTs a Viable Collaboration for Creating Anime?
Goro Taniguchi's AX panel tries to frame the sale of NFTs as a form of collaboration.
― The Azuki panel on Anime Expo's second day was something that I arrived at with mixed feelings. On the one hand, Code Geass creator Goro Taniguchi was there, and how can I deny the man whose Dostoevskian yarn about crime, punishment, politics, robots, waifus, and Pizza Hut became a staple for me in my early colleg...
MFINDA: A Journey Between Worlds, presented by N LITE
I challenge you to find an anime out there that's channeling the soul of Studio Ghibli as well as N LITE 's upcoming film MFINDA .
― I challenge you to find an anime out there that's channeling the soul of Studio Ghibli as well as N LITE's upcoming film MFINDA. N LITE aims to redefine the boundaries of the anime industry by drawing from authentic cultures and untapped stories of the African diaspora,...
Frieren Panel Lets Fans Journey Through The Anime's Soundscape
Composer Evan Call reveals that he wants the music in Frieren to be "the voice of the world."
― The Frieren: Beyond Journey's End panel at the Peacock Theater proved entertaining to those curious about the sounds that go into the anime's production. With Stark's voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi and composer Evan Call on stage alongside producer Yuichiro Fukushi, the panel took on a very sonic nature to a...
Crunchyroll's Let's Play Panel Discusses Anime Production's Cultural Exchange
Creator Mongie's inspiration is just part of the reason this series should appeal to viewers around the world.
― The first episode of the anime adaptation of popular webcomic Let's Play made its way into the JW Marriott on the very first day of Anime Expo. I'll admit, it wasn't exactly the most densely populated panel I attended that weekend, but it did boast the most party-hard preshow of 'em all. I...
Ninjas, Cats, and Roosters Abound at Viz's Anime Expo Panel
Just imagine those Family Guy bits where Peter has to fight a giant chicken, except now the chicken's the main character of a seinen and he has to fight something more monstrous than some shlubby ex-toy factory worker.
― As far as panels go, there was nothing earth-shattering in the way Viz presented itself and its products at its Anime Expo panel this year. What you expected is exactly what you got...
Kaiju No. 8 Panel Brings Plenty of Energy to Anime Expo
Masaya Fukunishi is probably one of the most animated people I have ever seen.
― Kaiju No. 8 has established itself as one of the more popular shows to have come out in the past year. That reality hits hard when you sit in the middle of the Peacock Theater in LA and find almost its entire main floor filled with loud and dedicated Kaiju No. 8 fans. Their presence and cheers were rewarded with the appe...
What If the Samurai Era Lasted in Japan Until 2026? – World Premiere of a Scene from the Theatrical Anime KILLTUBE!
With its mix of samurai and modern sensibilities, KILLTUBE looks like nothing else.
― KILLTUBE is an audacious work. It's bold in its confidence. It's pure in its artist-first approach. But when it's finally complete in 2026 – when CHOCOLATE Inc. says it will be done – will it be any good? Anime Expo attendees filed into the Crunchyroll Stage in the Platinum Ballroom for the look behind the scenes to...
Every Anime Production is Connected: From Land of the Lustrous to Leviathan
Studio Orange continues to refine its technical and artistic skills after each production, acquiring new tools for future projects.
― Returning for Anime Expo 2025, animation studio Orange shares a behind-the-scenes look at how they make anime. Led by speaker Yoshihiro Watanabe, producer at Orange, the panel shared material from their upcoming anime series Leviathan, as well as some fun sequences on ...
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun's Cast and Staff Bring Mokke and Candy to AX
“In season one, we only had twelve episodes and there were things that didn't quite make the series. Season two is two cour , so there's a lot that we can do, which is what I'm excited about.“
― Fans of popular anime series, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, were in for a treat as the voice of Hanako-kun, Megumi Ogata, made an appearance alongside two producers. Producers Yuki Katayama (TBS) and Shota Komats...
JUJUTSU KAISEN Special Event Previews Upcoming Excitement
The compilation film is billed as the perfect place for newbies to start ahead of upcoming developments.
― TOHO animation brought two heavy-hitting voice actors to the JUJUTSU KAISEN panel at Anime Expo 2025. Arguably, as one of the most attended panels this year at the convention, the 7,100 capacity venue looked fairly filled out to the brim on the first floor and spotty open seats on the second flo...
NBCUniversal Japan Debuts A Wild Last Boss Appeared!
Fans were also treated to a sneak peek of the new season of Reincarnated as a Sword.
― Ryo Hino, manager and anime producer from NBCUniversal Japan, presented the company's anime slate to a full house at Anime Expo 2025. The Tokyo-based production and distribution company is a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, previously known as Geneon Entertainment Inc., since 2003, until it adopted its current name in ...
Maomao and Shisui Perform at The Apothecary Diaries Panel
The two actresses wow the crowd with their live performance.
― Coming off hot from a fiery season finale of The Apothecary Diaries, voice actresses Aoi Yuki and Asami Seto were welcomed onstage to thunderous applause. The ballroom was filled to the brim long before the panel started, with some fans left disappointed as they were turned away. But with the sequel fresh off the press, there will be more...
The Summer Hikaru Died Premiere Brings the Unsettling
This is a thrill ride, not a walk in the park.
― Mokumokuren's genre-bending title, The Summer Hikaru Died, drew a massive July 4th crowd to JW Platinum Ballroom. Starting on time and jumping immediately into the screening, fans didn't have time to catch their breath before the lights went out. Cygames Pictures dove headfirst into emphasizing the horror, placing those aspects of the story front and c...
Baku Kinoshita's The Last Blossom Gives Plants a Voice
A talking flower replaces talking animals in Baku Kinoshita's latest work.
― ODDTAXI creator Baku Kinoshita returns to Anime Expo with his newest creation, The Last Blossom. The story follows an elderly yakuza man and a talking Housenka flower who retells the man's story before he arrived in prison. As a bit of fun, Kinoshita brought a talking flower toy that repeats whatever it's told. Hirofumi Ito...
Science SARU's SANDA Premiere with Paru Itagaki
Santa gets a makeover in Science SARU's adaptation of Paru Itagaki's manga.
― A packed July 4th room waited eagerly for the arrival of BEASTARS author, Paru Itagaki, for Science SARU's adaptation of her 2021 manga, SANDA. Joined onstage by Director Tomohisa Shimoyama and Producer Kohei Sakita from Science SARU, the trio was happily greeted with thunderous applause. Itagaki and Shimoyama thanked the ...
Let This Grieving Soul Retire! Season 2, May I Ask for One Final Thing? Kick Off Premieres at Anime Expo
If you love a lady that can kick your ass, Scarlet is sure to be your new favorite villainess this October.
― The Platinum Ballroom in the JW Marriott hotel, located here at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles, is fully dedicated to anime premieres throughout the entire convention. Crunchyroll hosts it, so the stage is adorned with its signature orange. It's a guaranteed way for attendees to get an exclus...
HIDIVE and TV Asahi Present The Dangers in My Heart Movie Sneak Peek
The original show was already very high-quality to begin with, so if we're getting something even bigger than that, then we will definitely be in for a treat.
― The Dangers in My Heart became one of my favorite anime of all time, and it was one of the best I've had the pleasure of reviewing in the past couple of years. While I think it ended perfectly, it turns out that there is still more story to t...
Found Family and Making Jokes Land with the WITCH WATCH Director and Dub Cast
“You can't just slap images on the screen and call it an anime,” notes director Hiroshi Ikehata.
― WITCH WATCH's blend of comedy and magical shenanigans has made it a fan favorite, and at Anime Expo 2025, a special panel featuring the director of the anime, Hiroshi Ikehata as well as some main members of the dub staff like LilyPichu (Nico), Stephen Fu (Morihito), and Caleb Yen (Kanashi), took a look ...
Final Fantasy XIV's Yoshi-P Reveals the Anime, Movies, and Games That Have Influenced Him the Most
Surprising absolutely no one who has played Final Fantasy XIV, Berserk and Gundam were among them.
― During Anime Expo 2025, Final Fantasy XIV/Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida (known affectionately as Yoshi-P by fans) hosted a panel to reveal what his biggest influences were growing up. These included everything from TV shows and anime to movies and video games. He broke down his panel into 7...
NBCUniversal Delivers Laughs with Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota World Premiere
Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota's first episode put a smile on my face that just wouldn't go away.
― Producer Genta Ozaki took the stage alongside host Kwok-Wai Hanson at NBCUniversal Japan's world premiere of Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota at Anime Expo. Having worked at the company for about two years, Ozaki took the time to discuss some of NBCUniversal's anime productions, a...
Bandai Namco Filmworks Pulls All the Stops for Gundam Rising Panel
Despite a late start, Bandai's GQuuuuuuX panel was full of excitement.
― The highly anticipated panel for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX opened to a welcoming Anime Expo Day 1 at the Peacock Theater. As an out-of-the-convention-center panel, there were understandable technical troubles. For a three hour panel with a movie screening, a Q&A, freebies, and a concert, the panel felt like a standalone event...
A Star Brighter Than The Sun First Episode Impressions from Anime Expo 2025
Not only does this anime check off a lot of boxes that I look for in a good solid romance, but it's also just filled with so much heart.
― A good romance can be hard to make sometimes because a lot of them are presented the same way. Often you have a shy girl looking up to a popular boy and them needing to learn to come into their own. I watch so many shows exactly like that yet I was far from bored ...
Getting Summoned to the Premiere of Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four!
I just wish this series was willing to embrace its goofiness more.
― There's a place for everyone in the demon lord's army—including, apparently, an ordinary salaryman. Dennosuke Uchimura is living a pretty standard salaryman life until the demon lord summons him to another world, and tells him that he wants Dennosuke to join his army as one of his Heavenly Kings—a member of the titular Big Four. Spe...
The Cat-astrophic Premiere of Beheneko: The Elf-Girl's Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!
The catch with this premiere is that the elf girl seems weirdly not-unhorny for the behemoth/cat, and it gives the whole episode an uncomfortable vibe that’s hard to shake.
― There was a moment at the premiere of Beheneko: The Elf-Girl's Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster! (henceforth Beheneko) where a signed script was given away to a member of the audience. The host of the premiere, Star Butler fr...
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad's Been Reincarnated!'s Premiere Episode is Just as Funny as it Sounds
Through the protagonist’s fatherly filter, the villainess becomes more akin to an older sister, or a helpful senpai. But as far as he’s concerned, the villainess may as well be Regina George.
― Whilst giving the audience a primer on From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad's Been Reincarnated! (henceforth FBtV), HIDIVE's own Star Butler couldn't help but profess their immense love for this series, and it's...
Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You's Premiere at Anime Frontier
It was really fun to watch this premiere in a group setting like this, because you could tell everyone liked what they were watching and having a good time.
― The first episode of Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You (henceforth Love) was the chaser to the first two episodes of Honey Lemon Soda, which managed to fill the room to capacity. A few people left before Love began, but there was still a pre...
Drinking up the Honey Lemon Soda Premiere at Anime Frontier
In many ways, this feels like a completely by-the-books wish fulfillment high school romance series.
― I very nearly didn't get to see the premiere of Honey Lemon Soda at Anime Frontier. Both it and Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You were in the same round of premieres, and the first two episodes of Honey Lemon Soda (henceforth HLS) were the ones playing first. The room would get filled to capacity...
Checking into the Tasokare Hotel's Premiere at Anime Frontier
Of the premieres that I watched at Anime Frontier Friday, this one was probably my favorite, and I definitely intend on watching more once it starts airing.
― I don't know whether this was a happy coincidence or done on purpose, but the decision to put the Tasokare Hotel premiere during Anime Frontier's Friday night was a good call—it turned out to be a great way to close the convention's first day. ...
Checking for Style and Substance at the Aquarion: Myth of Emotions Premiere
All in all, this premiere was a mixed bag.
― Of all the anime out there to get such a gorgeous and stylized new series in 2024, I don't want to call Aquarion a totally unpredictable guess—after all, it's been steadily getting new series every few years ever since 2005. Still, I don't think it would've been my first guess. Or my second. Or my third. Or my tenth. All the same, I welcome it. It's remini...
Finding out if I'm Impervious to the Charms of Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms at its Anime Frontier Premiere
This first episode is more over the top than it looks at first glance, and if this series continues to build on that as it progresses, we could be in for something really funny.
― We've all known a Mona Kawai at one point in our lives—someone who's so effortlessly cute, charming, and charismatic, and loved by all. Mona's aware of it, too—that she's been a queen bee her whole life—and she basks in it....
That Time at Anime Frontier that I Watched an Anime Premiere with an Absurdly Long Name, even by Anime Standards! It's Called Bogus Skill < < Fruitmaster > >?!
I can’t be bothered to remember that behemoth of a full name—let alone type it out.
― I've encountered many anime and light novels with absurdly long names. Remember WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? But even among whatever you want to call that genre of title, nothing I've yet encountered can hold a candle to Bogus Skill < < Fruitmaster > > ~About that...
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Could Pull it Off
The War of the Rohirrim has big shoes to fill, but early looks at the Kenji Kamiyama-directed film show early promise.
― One of the most anticipated and ambitious projects of the year is the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime, produced by Philippa Boyens, Jason DeMarco, and Joseph Chou, with directing being done by Kenji Kamiyama. At the New York Comic Con, the main stage ...
Cowboy Bebop Creator's Next Anime is 'His Masterpiece'
The acclaimed Shinichiro Watanabe is ready to add to his legacy with a new action-packed sci-fi series.
― Shinichirō Watanabe is a legend in the anime community, having directed and been involved in some of the most well-known properties in the entire medium. Watanabe pointed out at New York Comi Con 2024 that this year marks the thirtieth anniversary of his directing career. Whenever he announces a...
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League is Still in Production, But it Looks Fantastic
Batman takes on a corrupt Justice League with a fresh aesthetic as two worlds collide.
― One of the most popular superhero characters continues to find himself in unconventional situations. The best example is Batman Ninja, a CG animated film that transported Batman and many of his villains to feudal Japan. Right off the film's success, there's the much-anticipated sequel, Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza Lea...
The Late Akira Toriyama Planted Mysteries in the New Demon Realm Just For Dragon Ball Daima
NYCC panel showed original Toriyama artwork, new mecha designs.
― While the New York Comic Con Dragon Ball Daima panel launched with whoops and cheers, it must have also packed an emotional gutpunch for the Dragon Ball fans. The passing of mangaka Akira Toriyama on March 1 has left a hole in the hearts of the franchise's acolytes. On Dragon Ball's 40th anniversary, many of them assembled at New York...
Macross: Past, Present, Future
Tuck yourself in and get ready to hear the tale of one of the greatest mech franchises ever created.
― Have you ever wanted to learn the history behind Macross, from its early inception to its many iterations? The attendees who packed into the Macross: Past, Present, and Future panel had the chance to do exactly that, straight from the memory of legendary Macross creator and mech designer extraordin...
Loner Life in Another World Lives and Dies by Its Protagonist
Unless the humor picks up later on, there's not much to recommend with this one.
― After a few technical delays and some brief promotion for HiDive, the panel dived straight into the premiere of the show's first episode. As is evidenced by the title, Loner Life in Another World is an isekai parody starring a loner kid named Haruka who gets isekai'd alongside his classmates but ends up separated from...
MF Ghost Is Still for the Car Tech Superfans
There's just less to cheer about this time around, unless you're really, really into cars.
― It's hard to describe the chokehold that Initial D had on some of us '90s kids. It was this… honestly, ugly, goofy show that convinced an entire generation of nerds that street racing was the stuff of legends, that heroes were born in the early-morning hours of tofu delivery, and that drifting old 'Rollas wa...
Yakuza Fiancé Anime Premiere is One of the Strongest Contenders for Fall
Maybe the characters' thick necks, buggy eyes, and alien giraffe-like limbs aren't the most beautiful, but Yoshino should more than make up for it. Am I in love? Maybe.
― In the pantheon of great literary love stories, there are enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, ex-lovers-to-lovers, and about a dozen other combinations on the route to true but unexpected love. Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii ...
Voice Actor Chiwa Saito Shares the Importance of a Supporting Role
Many lead roles tend to go towards younger, more junior actors, while seasoned veterans take on mentor positions.
― Legendary voice actor Chiwa Saito stepped out to cheers and applause on Friday afternoon to a crowd eagerly waiting in line to hear her chat about her life and experiences. She's played several notable roles, including the titular Yona from Yona of the Dawn, Hitagi Senjougahara from th...
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle Anime Film Had 1,200 Animation Cuts
Lead animator Hideki Takahashi provided around 300 animation cuts himself.
― The panel began with a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the anime and played a trailer for the film, HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle. To talk about the film, they brought in the anime's producer, Keiko Matsushita, TOHO producer Shochiro Taguchi, and Riki Azuma, the current editor of the manga. Following their introductio...
Arming Up with the Mecha-Ude Anime Premiere
I'm 95% certain the creators of Mecha-Ude are trying, at least subconsciously, to make a kid-friendly, less fanservice-y version of Kill la Kill.
― After watching the first two episodes at Anime NYC, I'm 95% certain the creators of Mecha-Ude are trying, at least subconsciously, to make a kid-friendly, less fanservice-y version of Kill la Kill. Instead of alien clothing, it's sentient robot arms draw...
Ranma 1/2 Returns, The Same As It Ever Was
If you've seen or read Ranma 1/2 before, you know exactly what will happen in this premiere, but the comedy's still funny, the action packs a punch, and the characters remain as lovable as ever.
― Excitement was high at Anime NYC on Saturday for the premiere of the new Ranma 1/2 anime from MAPPA. Cosplayers gathered for photos at the front of the panel room. Before the screening, Viz Media's “Commun...
Shangri-La Frontier Season 2 Premiere Dives Right Into the Action
There is a certain satisfaction akin to watching a streamer figure out how to take down a demanding boss. I just hope there's less grinding this time.
― As the original creator Katarina, manga artist Ryosuke Fuji, and the anime producer Hiroyuki Aoi made their way to Anime NYC, we were blessed with another glimpse into the godlike game Shangri-La Frontier. While it is a hit series with many fans and...
Love Live! Superstar!! Idols Prepare for a 'Sparkling' 3rd Season
With the third season of Love Live! Superstar!! on the horizon, three members of Liella! made the long journey to New York to entertain Anime NYC attendees with a talk show on Friday.
― With the third season of Love Live! Superstar!! on the horizon, three members of Liella! made the long journey to New York to entertain Anime NYC attendees with a talk show on Friday. Present was Sayuri Date, who pla...
Good Bye, Dragon Life Anime Premiere is Another Ho-Hum Fantasy Entry
It's hard to talk about this one beyond a general summary because, for the most part, nothing much really happens.
― After a brief greeting to the crowd, the screening of Good Bye, Dragon Life's first episode kicked off immediately. The story here follows a dragon whose long, nearly eternal life ended by human hands and reincarnated into the body of a young man named Dolan. Dolan lives peacefully in...
A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics' Connection to Gifu Prefecture
Novelist Yomi Hirasaka is a Gifu native and has some food recommendations for you.
― The staff of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics stepped up to the stage to host their two Q&A panels during the first and final days of Otakon. Both panels starred light novel author Yomi Hirasaka, who shared the stage with editor Kentaro Iwaasa, character designer Kazuhiro Fukuchi, and TBS Sparkle producer Maiko Higa. Howev...
Building An Anime's Soundtrack with Composer Yuki Hayashi, Producer Hiroya Nakata
The My Hero Academia composer shared when he listens and when he follows his heart to create his iconic songs.
―
During Otakon 2024, fans got a rare glimpse into how animation producers and music composers collaborate to create the soundtracks to some of our favorite anime. Producer Hiroya Nakata and composer Yuki Hayashi, both guests at the convention, are frequent collaborators. Most notably, they...
The Art is in Nature's Details: Laid-Back Camp at Otakon
When director Tosaka and crew did on-location research and scouting, they took ten terabytes of cherry blossom photos for the staff to reference.
― For such a relaxing and comforting series like Laid-Back Camp, you'd think that the production would be rather, well, laid back. But in reality, there were a lot of details the team had to make sure to get right to properly bring this fan-favorite back t...
Passion Defies Genre: A Spirited Talkback with the Creatives of The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic
Some may see isekai and fantasy series as dime a dozen, but the passion this quartet spoke with made it clear that Healing Magic is one of a kind.
― Only an hour before the announcement that The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic anime series will be receiving a second season, some of its key creatives sat down to speak about the production in the first of two Otakon talkback sessions. Taking to the sta...
Trigun Stampede Pays Respect To The Original Anime, Manga
The idea was to create something Yasuhiro Nightow might create today using this technology.
― Studio Orange pulled out all the stops to realize the world of Trigun Stampede in glorious 3D. At Otakon 2024, producers Yoshihiro Watanabe and Kiyotaka Waki and CG director Akihiko Orikasa made it a point to break down how every decision is dedicated to creating something that fully manifests as the world ...
Original Book Artwork is Integral in Orange's Leviathan Anime
Westerfeld attributed much of his book to Keith Thompson's artwork, so it was important to ensure that Thompson was an integral part of the anime's designs.
― Leviathan should be one of your most anticipated anime of 2025. Studio Orange has proven time and time again that they pull from a variety of different sources to create a distinct world that feels lived in. Based on the book series by acclaime...
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History's Lackluster Visuals Hide Potential
This is probably one of the whitest shows I have ever seen, with incredibly washed-out colors and skin tones.
― I'm a big fan of this recent trend in anime that focuses less on the standard fantasy theatrics of being a hero and more on trying to exist in these worlds uniquely. Not everybody shares the same fantasy about being born or sent to an alternate world. Some people want to gain power in a sp...
Upcoming Anime Series Will See Guilty Gear Break New Ground
Anime News Network spoke with Dual Rulers' producers and series writer about new characters, fighting game mains, and more.
― At Anime Expo 2024, one of the very first panels of the entire show was something rather special. Arc System Works announced less than a month prior that their darling fighting game franchise Guilty Gear would be adapted into an anime series, and they've come to AX2024 to mak...
DanMachi Panel Honors Syr's VA to Kick Off Season 5, Unveils New Key Visual
Warner Bros. Japan's DanMachi panel was a feast for the fans clamoring for the anime's fifth season.
― Warner Bros. Japan's DanMachi panel was a feast for the fans clamoring for the anime's fifth season. It dedicated itself to all of the loyal DanMachians in attendance, but a special spotlight was cast on dub voice actress Juliet Simmons, whose longtime commitment to the series made her a special gu...
Crying in AX: Frieren, Beyond Journey's End & The Apothecary Diaries Panels
Frieren and Maomao share the spotlight as fan-favorites.
― The dual Frieren, Beyond Journey's End and The Apothecary Diaries panel was a hotly anticipated event, with fans being turned away from the line long before the panel even started. As the moderator introduced the first slate of guests—Himmel voice actor Nobuhiko Okamoto, TV series director Keiichiro Saito, animation producer Yuichiri Fukushi...
TO BE HERO X Has Incredible Momentum and Energy
Please refrain from screaming too loud when the episode concludes.
― There's happy and chaotic energy at the front of the Crunchyroll stage. There's a pair working the crowd before the panel gets under way, and once the program's ready to get started, they cede the stage to Tim Liu of Crunchyroll, who strides in confidently and commands the audience's attention. After whipping up the well-attended r...
Mamoru Miyano Brings Charm to the Kinnikuman Panel
It's no surprise that Mamoru Miyano's presence helped to elevate Kinnikuman's panel.
― Pony Canyon hosted a premiere screening for the newest anime within the Kinnikuman franchise: The Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Hen. Longtime fans, as well as die-hard Mamoru Miyano fans, attended the moderately full panel with bated breath. Despite the voice actor's appearance at the event, the episodes focused very...
BLUE LOCK panel – Meet the EGOISTS at AX!
At the BLUE LOCK panel, guests fed off of the room's energy and were clearly having a great time.
― The BLUE LOCK panel at AX2024 was electric from start to finish. The hall was packed, seeming to validate the series' meteoric rise to the top tier of the latest popular shonen titles in recent memory. With the much-anticipated second season airing in October of 2024, and the recent release of Blue Lo...
Jujutsu Kaisen Panel Celebrates Success of Season 2
This was a celebratory victory lap to thank fans for their support.
― Anime Goliath Jujutsu Kaisen dominated the latter half of 2023 with an intense two-part season. Ending on the unforgettable Shibuya Incident arc, season two brought fans to their knees. MAPPA brought three guests to the Anime Expo panel—Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori), Shota Goshozono (Director of Season 2), and Keisuke Seshimo (Animat...
3… 2… 1…“GIYUUUUUU!" Demon Slayer's Fifth Anniversary Event
Let me tell you: Everyone was losing their damn minds.
― Is there a hotter property than Demon Slayer right now? Certainly, it springs immediately to mind if you try to think about what's popular right now. Judging by the energy in the Main Events hall at AX this year, Demon Slayer seems like it's comfortably sitting on the throne. The panel kicked off with a video clip, showing moments from the rec...
BLUE BOX and that "Waku Waku" Feeling
During the panel, the original manga creator texted, "It's 3 AM over here, but I'm very happy that all of you so far away in a different time zone love Blue Box. Let's enjoy the anime together!"
― The Platinum Ballroom at the JW Marriott had another packed audience for the Blue Box panel. Soothing music, blue lighting, and soft shapes swirling on the walls set a calm, cool tone for the panel. As the...
Bocchi Crew Rock Out at Anime Expo Panel
The crowd burst into thunderous roars of “Bocchi!” before being reminded that the panel wouldn't make it to the end if the cheers continued.
― Anime Goliath, Bocchi the Rock, stole the hearts of many introverts (and extroverts) in late 2022. No surprise that a late-night group of die-hard fans were willing to wait in hour-long lines to see Bocchi's voice actress Yoshino Aoyama and Director Keiichiro...
He Said He'd Be Back: Terminator Zero
Gripping and suspenseful with top notch animation, there's a lot to be excited about in Terminator Zero.
― An energetic Jacki Jing takes the stage in front of a packed ballroom at the JW Marriott here at Anime Expo 2024. Jacki drops one of the iconic lines from the storied Terminator franchise: “Come with me if you want to live.” The eager crowd responds with cheers. The excitement in the room is pa...
Passionate Fandoms Never Die - The Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II Panel
While the anime community tends to put an increased focus on new series premiering titles, this panel made it clear that the Sword Art Online fandom is still thriving and just as passionate as ever.
― Fandom was the focus of the Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II panel at this year's Anime Expo. While there was some new information about the second season and broader franchise, the hig...
Everybody Talks Too Much:The Return of Re:Zero
When the first episode of Re:Zero season 3 comes out, do not expect a lot of action or intense drama - it's a whole lot of moments of characters talking.
― This has definitely been one of the longest and densest anime premieres I have sat through. The return of Re:Zero has been years in the making and there is a lot here to catch fans up to speed. While the premiere didn't default to a generic serie...
The Apocalypse is Nigh: Season Two of The Seven Deadly Sins Four Knights of the Apocalypse
It’s clear there’s a great deal of passion being poured into
this production and it’s always nice to know more about the
relationship between the original creator and the anime production
staff. ― When we last left off, our titular four knights had finally been brought together despite the warning of the prophecy and we're now staring down the big bad of the series, King Arthur. The preview displaye...
this production and it’s always nice to know more about the
relationship between the original creator and the anime production
staff. ― When we last left off, our titular four knights had finally been brought together despite the warning of the prophecy and we're now staring down the big bad of the series, King Arthur. The preview displaye...
Studio Bones Brings Plenty of Passion to Gachiakuta Adaptation
Considering Bones' track record, the fact that there is a clear passion for this manga, and the uniqueness of the material,Gachiakuta will be in good hands.
― Studio Bones is one of the most established and highly respected animation studios in the industry. They are responsible for modern classics that still live rent-free in the minds of anime fans everywhere from Eureka Seven, to Soul Eater to Fu...
Orange's Steampunk Leviathan Anime Project Shows Promise
This panel got me more excited for Studio Orange's new upcoming series than I was originally expecting.
― The Studio Orange panel at Anime Expo 2024 mainly served to act as a teaser and set up for things to come. There was a little information about a future Trigun project and even a confirmed release date for the much anticipated season three of Beastars. However, the star of the panel was Studio O...
GoHands' Momentary Lily Is What We Expect from the Studio, For Better or Worse
I felt like I was having keys dangled in my face while multicolored bleach was poured into my eyes.
― This might be one of the worst anime premieres I've ever seen. GoHands productions need to be studied to some extent. They can look very technically impressive with many experimental animation techniques, unique lighting, and ambitious use of camera movements. However, their shows are also a perfect...
Hundreds Miss the Best Part of Toho's SpyXFamily and Kaiju No. 8
This panel reminded me that everything featured at or premiering at Anime Expo is made by people. Whatever trailer, artwork, or other media is on display could have been someone's passion project.
― Between three tremendously popular seasons and a movie that grossed nearly 60 million dollars, it's clear that Spy×Family and Kaiju No. 8 are Toho's latest anime darlings. It's no surprise then that dist...
Blue Miburo Anime Series World Premiere
The new historical anime about the Shinsengumi holds a lot of promise judging from its first impression.
― For many anime fans, merely mentioning the Shinsengumi will usually elicit some reaction. Awe, perhaps historic reverence. But almost always, there will be a twinge of nostalgia—not for the swordsmen themselves, but for the outsized role they've played in manga and anime. For all their controve...
Anime Boston 2024: Whisper Me a Love Song Premiere
Whisper Me a Love Song centers around the complex (and often romantic) relationships of a group of high school girls in a band.
― HIDIVE's second big premiere of Anime Boston 2024, Whisper Me a Love Song, has a few things in common with their first, Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night. Both shows center around the relationships between high school girls in a band. Where the nature of the relationships ...
Anime Boston 2024: Jellyfish Can't Swim at Night Anime Premiere
The first two episodes of Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night arrived with relatively little fanfare but ended up being the clear highlight of the first day of Anime Boston 2024.
― Compared to new series premieres at Anime Boston's past, the first two episodes of Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night arrived with relatively little fanfare. There were no exclusive giveaways or special guests to talk about t...
Sakura-Con 2024: Gundam Seed Freedom Panel
Voice actors Soichiro Hoshi and Rie Tanaka took some time to sit down with fans and talk about Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom at Sakura Con this past weekend.
― This year, Sakura-Con welcomed the voice actors Soichiro Hoshi and Rie Tanaka among their special guests. Hoshi and Tanaka took some time to sit down with fans and talk about Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, the film sequel to Mobile Suit Gu...
Anime NYC 2023: A Sign of Affection, The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, Classroom of the Elite Season 3 Premieres
Get a sneak peek of three shows coming this fall, including the incredibly charming romance A Sign of Affection.
― The last round of Crunchyroll premieres featured A Sign of Affection, The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, and Classroom of the Elite season 3. There were no transitions between any of these premieres, which felt incredibly awkward shifting from a sweet romance series like A Sign of Affectio...
Anime NYC 2023: Great Pretender razbliuto World Premiere
Dorothy takes the lead in the new anime set in Taipei!
― It's time to return to the sundrenched world of con artists with WIT Studio's freshly announced sequel, Great Pretender razbliuto. Studio president George Wada, anime director Hiro Kaburagi, and producer Hitoshi Ito held a panel at Anime NYC on Saturday to discuss the new work. The anime's actual format and length are still under wraps; it wil...
Anime NYC 2023: High Card Season 2 Anime Premiere
Finn's backstory and political intrigue take center stage for the next season of High Card!
― Last year, I found myself in one of the premiere halls at Anime NYC, watching the first episode of an original anime called High Card. Now, I found myself in that same hall to watch the premiere of season two. This premiere wasn't as involved as last year. The original creator, Homura Kawamoto, could not ma...
Anime NYC 2023: The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2 Special Panel
When conventions host a live drawing panel with a manga artist, you don't usually expect them to be working on their actual manga!
― When conventions host a live drawing panel with a manga artist, you don't usually expect them to be working on their actual manga. They often spend such panels doing sketches, sometimes to give away to people in the audience. This is one of the big things that made The...
Anime NYC 2023: The Sasaki and Peeps Anime Premiere
Can a cute wizard bird and a 40-year-old salaryman inject new charm into the isekai genre?
― The Sasaki and Peeps premiere event at Anime NYC 2023 started by showing the recently released trailer, leading into a discussion between host Allie Norado and Kadokawa producer Kosuke Arai. This was Arai's first time in New York, which excited him as a fan of American TV shows like 24, Heroes, and Gossip Gi...
Anime NYC 2023: Behind the Scenes of Dr. Stone
Staff members share their favorite characters and the unique research required to bring Dr. Stone to life.
― With the third season of Dr. Stone airing on Thursdays, Crunchyroll hosted a panel looking behind the scenes at the making of the hit Shonen Jump anime. Kyle Cardine moderated the discussion with producers Shusuke Katagiri and Hiroto Matsukuma, director Shuhei Matsushita, character designer Y...
Anime NYC 2023: Sengoku Youko Anime Premiere
"Even though this series takes place in an era of battle, it is really a story about weakness and people overcoming that weakness to improve and improve the world."
― The panel began with the introduction of series director Kagetsu Aizawa and the series producer, Ailian Cai, who briefly introduced the setting and characters before the premiere began. The Sengoku Youko premiere follows a cowardly swo...
Anime NYC 2023: Chained Soldier Anime Premiere
From the creator of Akame ga KILL! is a harem anime with a few splashes of battle shonen painted over it. If that sounds like a negative, let me clarify that it's hard to be annoyed with something this shameless.
― After a quick introduction to the show from the presenter, the panel immediately kicked off with the premiere of the first two episodes. Chained Soldier takes place in a world where human...
The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 Anime NYC Premiere
A solid start for what is shaping up to be my most anticipated sequel of 2024.
― The Dangers in My Heart was a warm and welcoming surprise. While waiting in line for the premiere of season two, I was able to bond with people who thought about how the show would be based on its initial description. What we thought would be dark and edgy ended up being one of the sweetest and most wholesome adolescent...
Anime NYC: Crunchyroll Premieres Bartender: Glass of God and 7th Time Loop
The first of three “Crunchyroll Premieres” events at Anime NYC 2023 debuted the first episodes of two very different anime: Bartender: Glass of God and 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
― The first of three "Crunchyroll Premieres" events at Anime NYC 2023 debuted the first episodes of two very different anime: Bartender: Glass of God and 7th Time Loop: ...
First 2 Minutes of Digimon Adventure 02 The Beginning Teases Franchise Change-Up
What if the first DigiDestined was a lonely child, with no friends and a poor home life?
― With Digimon Adventure 02 movie just on the horizon, New York Comic Con 2023 and TOEI Animation hosted a panel with long-time Digimon franchise producer Hiromi Seki. Seki answered questions and shared some insight on what it was like working on the franchise, what fans can expect from the movie, and what she h...
My Hero Academia UA Heroes Battle OVA is a Well-Animated Trading Card Game Commercial
There's fun to be had in this My Hero Academia: Jet Burn tie-in, as cooped-up UA students try to entertain each other.
― At New York Comic Con 2023, Crunchyroll premiered the latest My Hero Academia OVA, "My Hero Academia UA Heroes Battle." Convention attendees were the first in the world to lay eyes on the OVA. Shown dubbed in English, the story revolves around an exclusive My Hero Academia card ga...
Inside Daicon IV's 40th Anniversary Exhibit
Back in 1983, a group of amateur animators called DAICON FILM created a short, yet high-quality, anime opening for the fourth DAICON convention—and it launched the careers of anime legends Hiroyuki Yamaga and Hideaki Anno.
― Back in 1983, a group of amateur animators called DAICON FILM created a short, yet high-quality, anime opening for the fourth Nihon SF Taikai convention (or "DAICON") as it's mo...
San Diego Comic-Con: Shinichiro Watanabe Deep Dives into LAZARUS
“Because it's been a while since I worked on a sci-fi action series, I didn't want to retread that. This is a new version, updated for modern times.”
―
Shortly before San Diego Comic-Con, Jason DeMarco (SVP of anime at Warner Discovery) announced Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe's appearance at the Adult Swim Toonami panel. There, they were joined alongside Gill Austin (Adult Swim VP and cr...
Anime Expo 2023 - I'm in Love with the Villainess Anime Premiere
I'm in Love with the Villainess is a show that wastes no time in getting to the heart of what it wants to be.
― I'm in Love with the Villainess is a show that wastes no time in getting to the heart of what it wants to be. In fact, this show probably breaks the record for how quickly someone gets transported to a new world and immediately accepts their circumstances. This anime tells the story of Rae...
Anime Expo 2023 - Rurouni Kenshin U.S. Premiere Was Lackluster
For anime fans suffering from a strong case of FOMO, don't worry. You're not missing anything.
― Aniplex brought special guests—voice actors Soma Saito and Rie Takahashi, as well as producer Masami Niwa—to kick off the 2023 adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin at Anime Expo. Coming twenty-seven years later, the second TV anime series comes at a controversial time in light of Nobuhiro Watsuki's criminal rec...
Anime Expo 2023 - Production I.G, Studio Wit Share Psycho-Pass, Haikyū, More Project Details
Don't believe the rumors! Uzumaki is still happening!
― The Production I.G x WIT Studio panel took place on Sunday in the Main Events hall of the convention center, the largest room at the venue for panels. Even the sections in the back were well populated with fans waiting for it to start. At the top of the hour, the lights shined down on the three-panel guests on stage. On the left was Maki Terash...
Anime Expo 2023 - Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 and MF Ghost Anime Premieres
If Shield Hero season two left you cold, season three could win anime fans over again.
― The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3 Premiere The Rising of the Shield Hero is still going on, apparently. I was given the pleasure of reviewing season two for this website, and I say "pleasure" with all the sarcasm I can muster. I don't know how we went from a relatively OK series with controversial elements ...
Anime Expo 2023 - Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange Anime Premiere
There are no supernatural elements here, but the intensity of the characters' dangerous careers is more than enough to carry Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange.
― Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange is a show that does its best to highlight that you don't need to kill fire demons to make a firefighter's job seem interesting. When I initially sat down for the premiere, I thought I was in for a new...
Anime Expo 2023 - BUNGO STRAY DOGS S5 World Premiere
The upcoming fifth season of Kafka Asagiri's novel continues from the cliffhanger where the previous season ended.
― The upcoming fifth season of Kafka Asagiri's novel continues from the cliffhanger where the previous season ended. It jumps straight into the tense ending of the Sky Casino arc, where the Armed Detective Agency has been cornered by various arms of the government. Longtime fans are ver...
Anime Expo 2023 - One Piece Episode 1000 Dub World Premiere Mired by Poor Planning
The One Piece Episode 1000 Dub World Premiere had perhaps more logistical issues than any other event in or around Anime Expo this year.
― The One Piece Episode 1000 Dub World Premiere had perhaps more logistical issues than any other event in or around Anime Expo this year. It was held a block and a half away from the Los Angeles Convention Center at the GRAMMY Museum, and the line to enter the Roo...
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