I get it – the point isn't a challenge; it's vibes. And I must confess, Hookah Haze's vibes are impeccable. ― Not to sound judgmental, but some of y'all out there are really into the aesthetic of anime girls blowing clouds of smoke. If you number among them, I have good news! Hookah Haze is a game about watching anime girls exhale billowing clouds of smoke. Based on my social media feeds, that alone ...

watch

The Fall 2024 Anime Trailer Watch Party Returns with Mother's Basement!

Sep 21, 15:00 anime

The Anime Trailer Watch Party returns next week for another huge anime season! The stream will be live on Wednesday, September 25 at 6pm Pacific/9pm Eastern. ― The Anime Trailer Watch Party returns next week for another huge anime season! Find your next must-watch anime with Anime News Network executive editor Lynzee Loveridge, ANN video producer Jacki Jing, ANN reviewer James Beckett, and Mother's B...

feature

This Life-Size Ainz Ooal Gown Statue is Only One of the Cool Things at the Overlord Exhibition in Tokyo

Sep 21, 14:00 anime events

There's also original animation materials, photo spots, and tons of figures! ― To coincide with the release of the new movie, Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom, a limited-time Overlord gallery is now open to the public in Tokyo. Aptly named “Overlord Exhibition,” this art exhibition is filled with everything from animation keyframes and original light novel artwork to photo spots and life-size recreations...

news

17 comments

Kyoto Animation Produces Anime of Keiichi Arawi's CITY Manga

Sep 21, 13:57

17 comments

manga anime

Violet Evergarden's Taichi Ishidate directs anime starring Mikako Komatsu, Aki Toyosaki, Yui Ishikawa ― Kyoto Animation revealed during a 2025 lineup livestream on Saturday that it is producing CITY The Animation, a television anime based on Keiichi Arawi's CITY manga. The anime will debut in 2025. The anime will be the first non-sequel anime for Kyoto Animation in six years. Taichi Ishidate (Violet ...

news

5 comments

Kyoto Animation Reveals Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved Film for 2025

Sep 21, 13:29

5 comments

anime

Tatsuya Ishihara returns to direct new film ― Kyoto Animation revealed during a 2025 lineup livestream on Saturday that it is producing a film for the Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid franchise titled Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon: Samishigariya no Ryū). The film will open in 2025. Tatsuya Ishihara (Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S; Love, ...

column

The ANN Aftershow - The New Madoka Anime is Really Happening!

Sep 20, 23:30 anime

Aniplex made some big announcements this week, including a new teaser trailer for Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht! ― The New Madoka Anime is Really Happening! Aniplex made some big announcements this week, including a new teaser trailer for Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht! Tune in to find out more about the latest anime news and the penultimate episodes of Yatagarasu and Dead Dead Demon's Dedededestruct...

review

2 comments

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom Anime Film Review

Sep 20, 20:00

2 comments

anime

There's a reason that this is one of the series' most popular arcs and the film captures the story's essence expertly—even if a bit too much was left on the cutting room floor. ― One of the most interesting choices that came from adapting Overlord IV is that the series skipped an entire arc—two entire light novels worth of story. This left an odd gap between episodes seven and eight of that series—wh...

column

36 comments

This Week in Games - Nintendo Lays Down the Law

Sep 20, 16:00

36 comments

games

Jean-Karlo evaluates Nintendo's decision to file suit against Pal World developer Pocketpair, has some advice for fighting game fans, plus more game news than you can shake a joystick at! ― Welcome back, everyone! It's the week before the Tokyo Game Show, so there's very clearly not a lot to talk about. Yep, this is definitely a slow column, I tell you what; no big surprises happened this week. ... O...

game review

3 comments

Reynatis Game Review

Sep 20, 14:00

3 comments

games

Reynatis is a high-flying action RPG that stands on its own, but it has a rather shaky stance. ― Reynatis is a high-flying action RPG that, to its credit, has a solid identity and visual aesthetic. A lot of comparisons have been drawn between it and Kingdom Hearts, and while they're not uncalled for, it's worth pointing out that about all Reynatis has in common with Kingdom Hearts is a teenaged prota...

interview

2 comments

Shangri-La Frontier Cheat Codes: How Its Creators Built Its Video Game World

Sep 20, 14:00

2 comments

manga novels anime

Before Sunraku returns in season two, ANN spoke with light novel author Katarina and manga creator Ryōsuke Fuji on fleshing out its VR world. ― Shangri-La Frontier is an exciting action anime showcasing the fun exploits of our main character Sunraku. With a spoonbill bird mask and an assortment of daggers by his side, Sunraku seeks to overcome challenges and learn more about the god-tier game Shangr...

your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2024, Sep 9-15

Sep 19, 17:30 anime

This week Ossan Newbie climbs to spectacular heights while The Magical Girl and The Evil Lieutenant takes quite a nosedive. See how your favorite shows stack up this week! ― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season, based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviews and on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ran...

review

Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron Documentary Review

Sep 19, 17:00 live-action

By the end, it’s hard to feel like you don’t have a more well-rounded—and certainly much more human—understanding of Miyazaki as both a creative and a person. ― Having previously directed Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki and 10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki, Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron (henceforth Heron) is far from the first time director Kaku Arakawa has gotten up close and personal with the legendary...

column

37 comments

This Week in Anime - Anime Pirates Off the Port Bow

Sep 19, 15:00

37 comments

anime

Amidst a record number of site closures, Nick and Lucas discuss sailing the high seas of anime piracy. ― Amidst a record number of site closures, Nick and Lucas discuss sailing the high seas of anime piracy. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. One Piece, Naruto, De...

review

3 comments

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia Game Review

Sep 18, 17:00

3 comments

games

DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia doesn't serve as a good entry point to see whatever positives the series has to offer, and this title is best reserved for more dedicated fans and true believers. ― DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is one of the most difficult games I've had to review. Not in terms of actual difficulty but more in trying to sort out how best to quantify my experience playing it. I was walking into ...

feature

2 comments

Creating a Game Space Where Anyone Can Gather: Hidetaka 'Swery' Suehiro on VR

Sep 18, 14:00

2 comments

games

Swery is best known to gamers for his off-the-wall characterization and unconventional genre mixes. For a great example, look no further than his new VR multiplayer: Death Game Hotel. ― Hidetaka Suehiro, best known to gamers as "Swery," has long been appreciated for his off-the-wall characterization, unconventional genre mixes, and unique settings in games. For a great example, look no further than S...

Crossplay Love: Otaku x Punk (manga)

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