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interview

Bringing Übel Blatt to the Screen - An Interview with Director Takashi Naoya

Director Naoya shares the reasoning behind some of the anime's story changes and how the team brought Köinzell's vengeance to life. ― Etorouji Shiono's Ubel Blatt manga may seem like an odd choice for a contemporary anime adaptation at first blush - the series was serialized between 2004 and 2019, and it definitely retains the feel of its era of dark fantasy with its grimdark qualities and moments of...
feature

The First ANN Readers' Choice Awards!

The readers have decided! Who was the best female protagonist? What anime was the most underrated? Which anime had the best soundtrack? Find out here! ― Hello, ANN Community! Thank you for participating in our first-ever ANN Readers' Choice Awards! We were absolutely blown away by the outcome! With over 300 participants joining us, the turnout was incredible, and so were the results! And so, without...
feature

Getting Started with K-Comics - WEBTOON

From a fantastical cat to an office space in Hell, here are some of the best K-Comic series to start reading on WEBTOON! ― K-Comics have exploded in popularity over the past few years, and there are a lot of sites and apps to choose from when you're looking for your next read. It might be helpful to give readers a place to start, especially since most of the sites have vast libraries that can be over...
newtype

Newtype Exclusive Interview with Creators Behind ONE PIECE FAN LETTER - Part 1

Newtype spoke with director Megumi Ishitani, character designer Keisuke Mori, and scriptwriter Momoka Toyoda about this truly incredible animated special. ― A story of the ordinary and unassuming every-day people A letter to convey one's feelings to the person whom they admire—a fan letter. On October 20, 2024—exactly 25 years since the anime's very first episode was broadcast—a special animated shor...
interview

Hiro Mashima Praises Fairy Tail 2 Video Game in New Interview

“The level of accuracy is high, and being able to walk to places that were actually in the manga is fantastic.” ― While video game adaptations of popular anime are now more than commonplace, few anime are as well suited to jump between the mediums as Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail. With its sprawling fantasy world, extensive cast of colorful characters, and focus on explosive action, it's no wonder there...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2025, Jan 22-28

It's been a while since Yuri on Ice, but now Medalist is drawing the spotlight back to figure skating. Find out how your favorite shows performed in our weekly user rankings. ― 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 ...
feature

The Complete Main Dragon Ball Anime Timeline

The main Dragon Ball story has been continuing across various anime TV series, movies, specials, and OVAs for nearly 40 years now. Here's when each takes place. ― Dragon Ball is a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon—to the point that calling it one of the most popular anime of all time feels like an understatement. From the first episode of the original series to today, there have been hundreds of epis...
feature

Was D.Gray-Man Actually Any Good?

I think part of the reason that D.Gray-man, as a series, stood out to so many people is that it used death as an overarching aesthetic and theme. ― There are plenty of things that a lot of long-running shonen series have in common, from over-the-top fights to themes of friendship and perseverance. One common complaint often thrown at some of the bigger shounen series is the lack of permanence and wei...
feature

The Depiction of Hikikomori in Japanese Pop Culture: Can the Anime Industry Help 'Social Recluses' Break out of Their Shells?

Maja Djordjevic compares the real struggles of hikikomori with their depictions in anime and how Japan is trying to offer solutions to families. ― Distorted representations are endemic to pop culture. By definition, the latter upholds the target ‘popular’ narrative and its basic purpose — instant gratification delivered by means of entertainment. When tackling complex concepts, pop culture prevalentl...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2025, Jan 1-21

Here comes our first rankings of the Winter 2025 season, and returning favorites such as Orb and The Apothecary Diaries are hogging the spotlight! ― 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 rankings are based on how pe...
interview

A Chat with Lena Atanassova, Editor-in-Chief of TOKYOPOP

Rebecca Silverman talks to Atanassova about her history with TOKYOPOP, the publisher's LGBTQ+ imprints, and how they're trying to maintain readers' trust. ― As a manga publisher, TOKYOPOP has undergone some difficulties, a statement some readers may think is an understatement. But in its new incarnation, the publisher has made a lot of good changes with solid choices in titles and a dedication to pr...
feature

The State of Isekai Anime

Miles Atherton Thomas crunched the data on one of anime's biggest sub-genres. What makes isekai anime popular, and what kinds of isekai are fans watching the most? ― The State of Isekai, 2025 If you wanted to characterize “the biggest trends in anime of the last decade,” you might be inclined to narrow in on anime's increasingly global presence or the exploding volume of new TV anime being produced....
feature

The Shōjo Anime Renaissance

After a long dry spell, there's finally an increase in shōjo anime adaptations. Which ones are worth watching? ― Anime is not always there for shōjo fans. Not that there isn't any in a given season, but at times it can feel like every other show that comes out is either an adaptation of a Shonen Jump property, a male power fantasy light novel, or something else that isn't all that concerned with attr...
interview

Overtime Is Bringing Sports and Young Anime Fans Together

Founded in 2016, Overtime looks to marry social media, youth sports, and anime fandom. Their latest project? The Overtime Elite webcomic created by Brandon Chen and Inuupen. ― The idea that dorky hobbies and media are niche and ridiculed by more mainstream culture persists in the public consciousness despite there being a growing number of examples to the contrary. Olympic 100-meter dash gold medali...
feature

Getting Started with K-Comics - Manta

K-comics and webtoons have exploded onto the scene with lots of legal sites offering readers an overwhelming amount of choice. Rebecca offers a few good series to start with on Manta's site and app. ― K-Comics have exploded in popularity over the past few years, which means there are many sites and apps to choose from when you're looking for your next read. So, we thought it might be helpful to give ...
feature

The Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide

All the Winter 2025 anime premieres are right here! Read our reviews and find your next-must watch! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic will cover as many shows as they can handle, giving you alternate takes on almost every show. The guide is o...
feature

We Ranked the Official McEva Burgers

McDonald's latest campaign combines fas food with one of anime's biggest franchises. But are the McEva burgers any good? ― In late December 2024, McDonald's Japan announced the unlikeliest of collaborations, one with Evangelion. Starting with the announcement of transformable Evangelion McDonald's toys, the fast-food chain subsequently released a trio of collaboration hamburgers. Dubbed the Cheese Do...
feature

40 Years of Newtype Magazine

Brian Stremick takes us on a journey through 1986 CD players, the anime "it" girls of decades past, and more. ― One of the most important things to any fan of anime, manga, or anything related to the fandom is having access to quality information. Whether the announcement of an upcoming anime in Japan or a license for the Western market, we have that knowledge coming across our screens within hours, ...
feature

A Tokyo Exhibition Celebrates Giant Anime Robots Through The Decades

The “Giant Robots: The Core of Japanese Mecha Anime” exhibition in Ikebukuro chronicles the genre from Gigantor to The Big O! ― The history of anime giant robots is, well, giant. It's pretty much inevitable that the current Tokyo exhibition, “Giant Robots: The Core of Japanese Mecha Anime,” which runs at the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro until January 13, offers only a select guide to the genre....
feature

The Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide

Rentarou's quest for 100 GIRLFRIENDS continues! What is it about this horny polycule that just...works? Check the ANN Anime Preview Guide for more reviews of this season's best shows. ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic will cover as many shows...
feature

ANN's Most-Read News and Interest Articles of 2024

These were the stories and events that shaped the anime community in 2024. ― 2024 was a year for monsters, whether laying waste to the nearest metropolis or becoming a feast for dungeon crawlers. Anime News Network readers were hungry for new information about the King of Monsters; news articles focused on Godzilla ranked high as fans tracked Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Oscar-winner Godzilla...
interview

Creating Realism in a Sports-Romance Anime: An Interview with Blue Box Director Yuichiro Yano and Series Composition Writer Yuko Kakihara

When the two began working together, they found they shared a bit of a problem when it came to making a high school sports anime: neither of them played sports in high school. ― Currently airing anime Blue Box is a love story about a pair of sports-playing high school kids. The way it mixes the romance and sports genres to create a grounded story has made it a hit with audiences both inside Japan an...
feature

The Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide

From the original writer of Sound! Euphonium comes Flower and Asura! Is it as good as its popular sibling? Also: Honey Lemon Soda, Unnamed Memory Act.2, I'm a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, My Happy Marriage Season 2, ZENSHU, Solo Leveling Season 2, and more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly,...
feature

The Worst Anime of 2024

It's time to cue the sad trombone. ― There's the worst anime of a respective season and there's "The Worst" of the entire year. Below are series that weren't just disposable and annoying; they failed so spectacularly that we couldn't stop thinking about it. ANN's critic choices are based on loose criteria for "worst;" below are series our writers found wholly disappointing despite initial first impr...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024

What a surprise! After reigning supreme all season, Dan Da Dan loses the top spot at the very last second! Were the fans frustrated by the last episode's cliffhanger? Check out the final ranking according to viewer votes! ― 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 ...
feature

The Best Video Games of 2024

From new, original masterpieces and powerhouse sequels to game-redefining expansions and reimagined classics, gamers feasted this year. ― 2024 was a great year for games. From new, original masterpieces and powerhouse sequels to game-redefining expansions and reimagined classics, gamers feasted this year. But which were the best of the best? Let's get into that, shall we? Here, in no particular orde...
feature

The Best Manga and Light Novels of 2024

Which manga and light novels kept you turning pages, chapter after chapter? If you haven't flipped through these titles yet, better late than never. ― Which manga and light novels kept you turning pages, chapter after chapter? Anime News Network's critics narrowed down their must-read lists to find the best series, both new and continuing, of the year. If you haven't flipped through these titles yet...
feature

The Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide

Jinwoo is back! Solo Leveling's second season is underway, and the reviews are in...plus ZENSHU, I Want to Escape From Princess Lessons, I'm Living with an Otaku NEET Kunoichi!?, Tasokare Hotel, Beheneko, Grisaia, Ave Mujica, and more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2025 Anime Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as...
feature

The Best Anime Moments of 2024

Here are the shocking, hilarious, and truly touching moments from anime that stayed with our writers all year. ― A truly great moment comes in multiple forms. Sometimes, the biggest payoff is the denouement. This is when all the threads come together to reveal the truth of the matter, and it can be shockingly effective in fiction. Anime is no exception, pulling back the curtain to reveal the true in...
feature

The Top 10 Anime of 2024

This was another great year for anime, from sci-fi spectacles like DAN DA DAN to the fantastical foodie adventures of Delicious in Dungeon. Read on to find the very best anime had to offer in 2024. ― This was another great year for anime, from sci-fi spectacles like DAN DA DAN to the fantastical foodie adventures of Delicious in Dungeon. In between were heart-pulling dramas about girls trying to mak...
feature

The Best Anime Characters of 2024

A character can bring catharsis when his journey mirrors our own. A villain can become sympathetic when we can relate to her backstory. Or sometimes we just love a funny dwarf who cooks a killer hotpot. ― An engaging story is often only as good as its characters. A character can bring catharsis when his journey mirrors our own. A villain can become sympathetic when we can relate to her backstory. Or...
feature

The Best Anime of 2024

Find out the top 10 anime of the year, the characters that inspired us, the moments that we couldn't stop talking about, the songs that are still on our playlists, and more. ― Welcome to our editorial team's countdown of the very best anime that aired this year! Below you'll find Anime News Network's top 10 anime of the year, the characters that inspired us, the moments that we couldn't stop talking...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Dec 17-23

Only one week remains, and Villainess secures a strong weekly score that tips the scales, propelling it five spots up the cumulative rankings! 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 ...
feature

Most Anticipated Anime of Winter 2025

New year, new anime season! Anime News Network's critics scanned the nearly fifty new shows coming in January for the most promising picks, and the answer is clear: you can't have too many girlfriends. ― New year, new anime season! Anime News Network's critics scanned the nearly fifty new shows coming in January for the most promising picks, and the answer is clear: you can't have too many girlfrien...
feature

The Worst Anime of Fall 2024

They can't all be winners, anime fans, but this season has a clear "worst" winner from ANN's critics: Uzumaki. ― They can't all be winners, anime fans, but this season has a clear "worst" winner from ANN's critics: Uzumaki. The four-episode series catastrophically imploded after multiple delays and a PR campaign that conveniently focused on its premiere episode; the only one truly helmed by director...
feature

The Best Anime of Fall 2024

It was another packed season of anime, but nothing could stop Science SARU's DAN DA DAN from rocketing to the top of critics and fans' lists. ― It was another packed season of anime, but nothing could stop Science Saru's DAN DA DAN from rocketing to the top of critics and fans' lists. Still, the series was in good company even if it dominated conversation. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Du...
watch

The Anime Trailer Watch Party with NIJISANJI EN VTuber Doppio Dropscythe Starts Soon!

Tune in live in one hour to join Doppio Dropscythe, Lynzee Loveridge, and Jacki Jing as they watch all the trailers for the latest anime season! ― The Anime Trailer Watch Party crew is excited to welcome NIJISANJI EN VTuber Doppio Dropscythe to this season's stream! Doppio will join us live from the arcade on Friday, December 20 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. You can join us and chat live on YouTube and X while d...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Dec 10-16

Natsume takes the top spot this week, bringing it neck-to-neck with Orb for second place in the cumulative. Negative Positive Angler is also doing well, displacing Ranma½ in the previously entrenched cumulative top 8. ― 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 ...
feature

Exploring How a Manga is Printed at the One Piece Only Exhibition

Rather than just a collection of art, this exhibit uses One Piece to both explore the history and art of printing and give an in-depth look at the process of creating modern manga. ― Recently, I was able to check out the "One Piece Only" art exhibition currently running in Tokyo. Rather than just a collection of art, the exhibit uses One Piece as a vehicle to both explore the history and art of prin...
feature

Best New K-Comics to Read: December 2024

Winter is the perfect time to snuggle in and do some reading. So, let's take a look at what Webtoon, Manta, Tapas, and Lezhin have to offer. ― It's the holiday season, that inescapable time of year when you can't avoid their mention even if you don't participate in the major festivals! For some of us, that means it's the perfect time to snuggle in and do some reading. Luckily for everyone, the major ...
watch

NIJISANJI EN VTuber Doppio Dropscythe Joins the Anime Trailer Watch Party!

Tune in live on Friday at 5:00pm PT/8:00 ET to join Doppio Dropscythe, Lynzee Loveridge, and Jacki Jing as they watch all the trailers for the latest anime season! ― The Anime Trailer Watch Party crew is excited to welcome NIJISANJI EN VTuber Doppio Dropscythe to this season's stream! Doppio will join us live from the arcade on Friday, December 20 at 5pm PT/8pm ET. You can join us and chat live on Yo...
feature

Fate Anime—Where to Start and What's Worth Watching

If you're interested in the Fate franchise but don't know where to start, Kevin Cormack has a handy guide to Nasuverse's many anime iterations. ― Ask a hundred fans of TYPE-MOON's intimidatingly huge Fate universe about the best place to start with the franchise, and get a hundred different answers. Founding writer Kinoko Nasu's even more expansive “Nasuverse” (of which the various Fate iterations a...
feature

K-Comic Creator Spotlight: Moscareto

From fluffy to fraught, the office to the palace, and everything in between, there's a lot to enjoy from this prolific author. ― With the increase in official translations of Korean comics, we have the opportunity to discover new-to-us creators, many of whom have several works, if not an entire body of them, available in English. While the sadly defunct Netcomics did a remarkable job of bringing mult...
feature

The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide

Stuck on what to get your friends this holiday season? There's still time to find the perfect present in our anime gift guide! ― Anime News Network's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Welcome to ANN's Holiday Gift Guide! Unlike boring catalogs, our gift guide is designed to help you find what the otaku in your life might be missing, from fancy Blu-ray sets to a Demon Slayer computer mouse to a solid gold Godz...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Dec 3-9

In the weekly ranking Danmachi grabs the first spot, and in the cumulative we see the first change in 5 weeks as Bleach climbs above Blue Box and Ranma ½. Discover what else is moving in the rankings. ― 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...
watch

The Winter 2025 Anime Trailer Watch Party Has a New Guest...

The Anime Trailer Watch Party returns on Friday, December 20, for another season, but what's this? A new player is joining the party... ― The Anime Trailer Watch Party returns on Friday, December 20, for another season, but what's this? A new player is joining the party... Find your next must-watch anime with Anime News Network executive editor Lynzee Loveridge, ANN video producer Jacki Jing, and our...
interview

Director Kenji Kamiyama Calls The War of the Rohirrim an 'Unprecedented Opportunity' for Anime

Kamiyama shares how The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime film is important to him as a unique chance to feature animators' work on a global scale. ― Director Kenji Kamiyama has been in the business of making anime for over 30 years and has since garnered acclaim for his work on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Eden of the East. His latest project offers an unprecedented opp...
feature

Not Your Average Anime about Cute Girls Doing Cute Things

Of all the tropes and genres to repeat themselves over the years in anime, perhaps none have garnered as controversial a reputation yet passionate a following as Cute Girls Doing Cute Things. ― Of all the tropes and genres to repeat themselves over the years in anime, perhaps none have garnered as controversial a reputation yet passionate a following as Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT). Well, bes...
newtype

Newtype Exclusive: Delicious in Dungeon Director Yoshihiro Miyajima Reflects on Season 1

Miyajima lets us go behind the scenes about casting the Canaries, bringing Izutsumi's cat-like qualities to life, and more! ― Delicious in Dungeon's first adventure has come to an end However, the second season is already underway, meaning many more future opportunities to meet Laios's party and the rest of the Delicious in Dungeon characters! First of all, we must give thanks to Laios, his companion...
feature

Brian Cox and Gaia Wise Share Their Voice-Acting Stories from LotR: The War of the Rohirrim Anime Film

The War of the Rohirrim film's leads, Wise and Cox, share their personal connections with the franchise, the difference between voice acting and live-action, and their characters' interiority. ― Actors Brian Cox and Gaia Wise lead the cast as Helm Hammerhand and Hera in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime film. The War of the Rohirrim expands on a scant few pages from J....
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Nov 26-Dec 2

Dragon Ball Daima scores a #2 spot this week, bringing it near the top of the pack currently competing over the middle of the cumulative. Check out our weekly user rankings! ― 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 r...
interview

Interview: BE:FIRST Vocal Group Returns to the High Seas of One Piece

We spoke with the seven-member dance and vocal group recently to learn more about the project, their creative process, their experience with One Piece, and more. ― The band BE:FIRST is collaborating with Toei Studios to perform the new ending song for the new version of the One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga anime arc. First formed via the reality program The First, Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Ju...
feature

Creators Discuss Reinventing the Dark Knight for Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League and Aztec Batman

We spoke with Batman Ninja's Jumpei Mizusaki and Kazuki Nakashima and Aztec Batman's José C. García de Letona and Juan Meza-León about adapting the iconic superhero for their unique projects. ― Batman is one of the most influential superheroes of all time. He's a malleable character, capable of fitting into different stories, and he has been adapted into many different mediums, from cartoons, comics...
feature

The Coolest Upcoming Figures Shown at Tamashii Nation 2024

From Gundam to Dragon Ball, One Piece to Dan Da Dan, the Tamashii Nation 2024 event was one of the best places to see anime figures coming out in the near (and not-so-near) future. ― From Gundam to Dragon Ball, One Piece to Dan Da Dan, the Tamashii Nation 2024 event was one of the best places to see anime figures coming out in the near (and not-so-near) future. So, of course, we dropped by to take a ...
feature

The Awesome Anime Replicas of Tamashii Nation 2024

While the majority of what was shown off at Tamashii Nation 2024 consisted of figures, there were also some items for cosplayers and other anime merch collectors—the Proplica series. ― While the majority of what was shown off at Tamashii Nation 2024 came in the form of figures, there were also some items for cosplayers and other anime merch collectors—namely the anime replicas of the Proplica series....
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Nov 19-25

Ranks 9 to 18 of the cumulative are in a heated and chaotic race, with Fairy Tail currently in the lead. Find out how your favorite shows stacked up according to viewer votes. ― 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...
feature

The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide

Black Friday is here! Have you checked out some of the best deals for the anime-lovers on your list? ― Anime News Network's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Welcome to ANN's Holiday Gift Guide! Unlike boring catalogs, our gift guide is designed to help you find what the otaku in your life might be missing, from fancy Blu-ray sets to a Demon Slayer computer mouse to a solid gold Godzilla figurine. It's organi...
interview

WEBTOON and A New Era of Digital Comics

Anime News Network spoke with David Lee, Head of U.S. WEBTOON, and Aron Levitz, president of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, to discuss the platform's creative process, what makes webtoons distinct as a medium, and the company's upcoming projects. ― WEBTOON is a global storytelling platform that features the work of creators from all over the world. Whether it's through their mobile app or through physical...
feature

LeSean Thomas Schools New York on 'Consumer' Fans and Uplifting Animators

When someone says they wish Yasuke was more like Samurai Champloo or Vinland Saga, he responds, “Why do you want the same shit?” ― Last week, the Japan Society in New York City hosted the film series "Foreign Exchange: Anime Inspirations & Visionaries with LeSean Thomas.” Thomas, the first Black American to work as an anime director in Japan, participated in three talks hosted by Coach Mike of The I...
newtype

Newtype exclusive interview: My Deer Friend Nokotan Megumi Han as Noko Shikanoko × Saki Fujita as Torako Koshi

Voice actors Saki Fujita and Megumi Han share the importance of a "straight man" in a comedy like Nokotan! ― Follow Your Heart, Not Your Horns! My Deer Friend Nokotan charges into chaos! The much-talked-about comedic anime My Deer Friend Nokotan first blew up a storm when its opening theme loop video dropped prior to the show's broadcast, and continues to be a topic even now well into its run. This “...
feature

A New Saber Debuts at Fate/strange Fake Episode Los Angeles Premiere

Series directors Shun Enokido and Takahito Sakazume joined character designer Yūkei Yamada and Saber VA Yūki Ono to bring the America-set series to Los Angeles. ― After nearly a year and a half since the Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn special, the upcoming TV anime series premiered for fans at the Fate 20th Anniversary event in Los Angeles. Shortly after the showcase, the full English dubbed ep...
feature

The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide

Unlike boring catalogs, our gift guide is designed to help you find what the otaku in your life might be missing, from fancy Blu-ray sets to a Demon Slayer computer mouse to a solid gold Godzilla figurine. ― Anime News Network's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Welcome to ANN's Holiday Gift Guide! Unlike boring catalogs, our gift guide is designed to help you find what the otaku in your life might be missing...
interview

Shinichiro Watanabe on How the John Wick Director Joined the Lazarus Anime Team

― Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Carole & Tuesday – the legendary director behind all those blockbuster anime – Shinichiro Watanabe – is dropping a new anime, Lazarus, premiering on Adult Swim's Toonami in 2025. Watanabe did a ton of promotion at New York Comic-Con, and Anime News Network was able to speak with him about Lazarus, past projects, music, and more. WATANABE MULTIVERSE How ...
interview

From Music Videos to Feature Film: An Interview with A Few Moments of Cheers Director POPREQ

Why don't I try [the art path] just once and see what I can do? And, if in the end, I find out that I don't have any talent, I will just give up. That's how I got started." ― Recently at the Tokyo International Film Festival, I sat down with POPREQ, the director of the recent film A Few Moments of Cheers. Throughout our conversation, we talked about the film's production and how much of its story com...
interview

Directors Takahito Sakazume and Shun Enokido on Adapting Fate/strange Fake to the Small Screen

Learn more about their philosophy when it comes to adapting the novels into animation and the involvement of the original author, Ryohgo Narita. ― As the Fate series celebrates its 20th anniversary, Anime News Network was able to speak with Shun Enokido and Takahito Sakazume, the directors of the upcoming anime Fate/strange Fake. Together we talked about their history with the series, their philosoph...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Nov 12-18

The Do-Over Damsel has been pulling herself up for the last two weeks; we'll have to see if she can keep it up from here. Find out where your favorites rank 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 ranking...
feature

Who is DAN DA DAN Heartthrob Ken Takakura?

The '60s-'70s era action film star stole Momo Ayase's heart. Here's why he should steal yours, too. ― “I am an awkward fellow, after all.” These are the words that make Momo Ayase's heart swoon in Yukinobu Tatsu's romantic paranormal phenomenon Dan Da Dan. Originally uttered by the man of her dreams, classic film actor Ken Takakura, these words eventually catch her off-guard when repeated by her UFO-...
interview

Interview: Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 REMAKE Producer Kazuhiro Echigoya

We spoke with producer Kazuhiro Echigoya for more insights into how the strategy video game remake promises to bring a beloved classic into the modern era. ― Koei Tecmo's Romance of the Three Kingdoms – known in Japan as Records of the Three Kingdoms - is a long-running and beloved strategy game series. It is set during the Three Kingdoms era, much like Koei Tecmo's famous Dynasty Warriors franchise....
feature

Tokyo Ghoul Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Gory Interactive Exhibition

The exhibition recreates iconic areas from the series, from Kaneki's favorite cafe to the gory site of his torture. ― It's been a decade since the original Tokyo Ghoul anime aired and became a major hit. In celebration of this milestone, the "Tokyo Ghoul Exposition TV Anime 10th Anniversary" exhibition has opened for a limited time in Tokyo. Inside, fans can immerse themselves in the world of the ani...
newtype

Inside DAN DA DAN Episode 7: Rising Talent Shuto Enomoto Discusses Storyboarding and Animation with Newtype

Did this episode tear your heart out? Int his interview, Shuto Enomoto discusses the hard work that brought this episode to life. ― *This article contains spoilers for Episode 7 of the anime DAN DA DAN. In the latest episode of DAN DA DAN, episode 7, viewers learn the reason for Acrobatic Silky's, or Acro-Silky for short, obsession with Aira. Fans of the original manga had high expectations for this ...
interview

The Importance of 'Blue' in Blue Period: Interview with Tsubasa Yamaguchi

At the Kodansha House pop-up venue in New York City, Tsubasa Yamaguchi made her U.S. fan event debut and revealed her own experience in fine art. ― Regardless of when you start or how much talent you have, there are always hurdles to creating art that can truly speak to people. The Blue Period manga has managed to speak to many readers, myself included, as a story that lays bare all of the trials and...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Nov 5-11

Natsume grabs the top spot this week, just one step ahead of Orb and Blue Box. See how all your favorites fared in our weekly user rankings. ― 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 rankings are based on how people r...
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The Complete Sword Art Online Anime Timeline

Sword Art Online is a massive anime juggernaut. With so much going on across the various story arcs, it can be hard to picture when exactly events occurred about one another. Don't worry, we've got you covered. ― Sword Art Online is a massive anime juggernaut. Since it first aired in 2012, it has expanded into a franchise with nearly a hundred episodes across four TV series, a feature film, and an O...
interview

The Complicated Process of Color Design in Anime - An Interview with Nokotan's Arisa Komatsu

Many unsung heroes have a vital part in getting your favorite anime made. Let's take a look at the art of color design with Wit Studio's Arisa Komatsu. ― When you think of anime production, you probably think of the directors, animators, and writers. But of course, there are many unsung heroes who have a vital part in getting your favorite anime made. Once such overlooked position is that of color d...
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The Fall 2024 K-Comics Guide

It's the final update of our K-Comics Guide! Be sure to come and find your next series; whether you're into social justice, historical romance, or isekai, there's something for everyone! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2024 K-Comics Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included manhwa was published in September or October or is an upcoming November release, although some are ongoing...
interview

Onward to the Alvarez Empire: Hiroshi Kataoka Discusses FAIRY TAIL 2

The longtime action RPG producer acknowledges the criticism levied against the original FAIRY TAIL game and how this sequel will offer a fundamentally different experience. ― Can you name a popular anime that doesn't have a tie-in video game? Sure, there are some rare exceptions, but just about every anime series that's even moderately popular will get the video game treatment sooner or later. Some ...
newtype

Newtype exclusive interview: Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night Ryōhei Takeshita and Composition Writer/Screenwriter Yūki Yaku

The series' director and composition writer discuss the difficult aspects of working on an original anime and their feelings on social media. ― Where are these drifting jellyfish headed? A jellyfish dives into the big unknown blue and begins to swim! Illustrator Mahiru Kōzuki quit drawing after having her artwork ridiculed. Idol Kano Yamanouchi left her group Sunflower Dolls after causing a scandal....
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Oct 29-Nov 4

dandadan dandadan dandadan DANdadan♫ dandadan♫ dandadan dandadan dandadan DANdadan♫ dandadan♫ dandadan dandadan dandadan danDADAN♫ dandadan♫ DANDADAN DANDADAN DANDADAN! ― 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 rankin...
interview

What Exactly Does an Animation Director Do? - An Interview with Nokotan's Karin Omura

To shine a spotlight on this job and what it entails, Richard Eisenbeis recently sat down with My Deer Friend Nokotan's animation director Karin Ōmura at Wit Studio's main office in Tokyo. ― While most people have an idea what directors, animators, or scenario writers do, these are only a few of the jobs involved in the creation of anime. Many jobs in the industry are relatively obscure at best to ou...
interview

How Witch Hat Atelier's Manga Creator Made Magic for Everyone

We spoke with Kamome Shirahama at Kodansha House in NYC to discuss disability representation in her work, her art studies, and, of course, Qifrey. ― A packed room of enthusiastic fans gathered in the hall at the Kodansha House pop-up in NYC for the chance to have a live Q&A session with the mangaka of Witch Hat Atelier, Kamome Shirahama. The session began by introducing the moderator and local librar...
interview

Miki Yamamoto, Creator of A Smart and Courageous Child Manga

Her single-volume book explores a couple's first pregnancy and their emotional trajectories as they go from thrilled to fearful, examining the role of news and how the written word impacts people. ― Miki Yamamoto's work isn't what most people think of when they hear the word "manga." Eschewing a typical manga style, the creator and picture book scholar has a deft hand with telling stories that rely e...
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The Fall 2024 Light Novel Guide

It's time to crack open your next book! Our guide includes light novels, deep-dives into anime series, and a retrospective from horror manga master, Junji Ito! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2024 Light Novel Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included novel was published in September or October or is an upcoming November release. This guide focuses exclusively on series premieres...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Oct 22-28

It looks like the Ranma ½ remake is living up to the legacy of its predecessor. Find out how your favorite shows performed in our weekly user rankings. ― 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 rankings are based on h...
interview

Making The Colors Within: An Interview With Director Naoko Yamada and Composer Kensuke Ushio

Yamada and Ushio discuss their latest film, that Trainspotting music reference, and designing different character body types. ― Naoko Yamada's newest feature film The Colors Within is due to open in the U.S. on January 24 next year, but some viewers will be able to see it sooner. The film is screening in Glasgow on November 2 (including a live Q&A with Yamada and composer kensuke ushio), Edinburgh on...
interview

New Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi is Risking it Big on KILLTUBE Anime Film

The team raised US$6.68 million for the first-ever film, described as an "experiment" that will blend 2D and 3D elements and audience participation. ― On April 8, a one-minute clip circulating on social media caught anime fans' attention worldwide. It's actually the pilot film of the newly-announced anime film titled KILLTUBE. The film is scheduled to be released sometime in 2026, but it's safe to s...
newtype

Newtype exclusive interview:Suicide Squad ISEKAI Director Eri Osada × Producer Sho Ohtani

Director Eri Osada and Producer Sho Ohtani discuss Harley Quinn's turn as an independent woman and the DC character that almost made it into the anime. ― A team of Super-Villains on a rampage in another world! The Suicide Squad, also known as Task Force X, is a special task force of Super-Villains forced to undertake top-secret government missions in exchange for lesser sentences. The nano-bombs imp...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2024, Oct 1-21

We all knew Dan Da Dan was going to be a hit this season, but did you expect Orb: On the Movements of the Earth to start so strong? Discover the first user rankings of the Fall 2024 season! ― 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 m...
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The Fall 2024 Manga Guide

Come get your fill of October releases, featuring fan-favorite yuri, horror for Halloween, and plenty of [pumpkin] spice! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2024 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something like that for manga is tricky ...
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Voice Actors Masakazu Morita and Noriaki Sugiyama Celebrate 20 Years of BLEACH

The voices of Ichigo and Uryu reminisce about their decades of memories among a cast that "improves together while supporting one another." ― JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles with VIZ Media hosted a panel with Masakazu Morita (Ichigo Kurosaki) and Noriaki Sugiyama (Uryu Ishida) of BLEACH. In promoting the third season of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 - The Conflict, the two were invited for a Q&A and...
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Which Summer 2024 Anime are Popular in the U.S. Compared to Japan?

We have a new deep-dive from Miles Atherton to find out which anime captured the most fans last season! ― Anime has never been bigger in the United States of America. It's a big statement to make but relatively easy to qualify. According to research from Polygon from 2023, “56% of Gen Z respondents and 41% of Millennial respondents say they watch anime at least once a month” with the supermajority o...
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The Fall 2024 Manga Guide

The manga guide continues with a fan-favorite yuri series, a recent anime adaptation, and plenty of horror! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2024 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something like that for manga is tricky - there's no e...
interview

Interview: Danganronpa Creator Kazutaka Kodaka is Gambling His Studio's Future on His New Game

Previously stuck in development hell, Kodaka and Uchikoshi are betting the very existence of their studio, Too Kyo Games, on the success of The Hundred Line. The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is an upcoming visual novel/TRPG from the creative minds of Danganronpa's Kazutaka Kodaka and Zero Escape's Kotaro Uchikoshi. At Tokyo Game Show 2024, Anime News Network was able to see a bit of the new ...
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Korea's WEBTOON Entertainment In Midst of Labor Dispute

WEBTOON Entertainment's labor union is requesting fair compensation after its CEO was awarded an eye-popping $30 million in cash and stock options. ― Since going public on the U.S. stock market, WEBTOON Entertainment, the world's leading platform for Korean webcomics, has been battling a series of escalating crises. The company's stock price has plummeted by 50%, and disgruntled stockholders have fil...
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The Fall 2024 Manga Guide

Check out the latest additions to the Manga Guide with gyaru, fantasy adventures, and more spicy series! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2024 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something like that for manga is tricky - there's no equi...
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From Vertical Scroll to Screen: Anime Adaptations of K-Comics

It's becoming hard to miss: anime is increasingly mining Korean comics for inspiration. Let's take a look at some of the popular adaptations so far. ― It's becoming hard to miss: anime is increasingly mining Korean comics for inspiration. It's hardly a new thing, though – back in 2004, Ragnarok started the ball rolling, followed by Black God in 2009. The former series was based on a game, while the ...
interview

Interview: Bridging Dungeon Fighter Online and Dark Souls with The First Berserker: Khazan

We got hands-on with the the big upcoming Souls-like games: The First Berserker: Khazan. ― One of the big upcoming souls-like games is The First Berserker: Khazan. I got some hands-on time with the title at the Tokyo Game Show 2024. I also got to sit down with the game's creative director, Junho Lee, and art director, Kyuchul Lee, to discuss the game's connection to the nearly 20-year-running Dungeon...

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