Episode 1135 of One Piece sets Bonney free in a sequence that is as cathartic as it was welcome.
This week, we get a lot of the silver linings to the dark cloud of the tangled history of Kuma and Bonney. Seeing Kuma try to continue doing good while also writing back to Bonney was endearing and further proof of his good nature. It's easy to call him a big ol' teddy bear because, well, come on, it's almost too easy. This week underscores that Kuma continued to do good for as long as he could, despite the difficult situation he had been placed in.
Bonney being cured was a huge relief as well as a joy to watch. Her escape with the help of the townsfolk and battle with Alpha are exhilarating. They're also well animated, particularly in the latter's case, and well-paced. The way Bonney's powers manifest through the stories of Nika imparted by Kuma is a very poetic moment - and of course, the best poetry culminates in a knockout punch from an inflated super-fist.
Perhaps the most impactful scene took place much earlier. The particular moment in question was Alpha ripping up Kuma's letters, and the framing was excellent. The way it was focused on the trash can as the shredded scraps fell from above while Kuma's voice read over the lines – mwah, heartbreaking stuff. This destructive act of violence against the family bond is the bloody red underline for all the other wanton destruction that the World Government causes. It is the most bitter betrayal because of its needless cruelty. If you didn't think the whole situation with Kuma's medical transformation was deeply upsetting and evil before, then surely this scene brings it home like no other.
This game drags its feet so hard you would think it had 2 ton weights strapped to them.― Man, I was so excited when this game started up because it really just throws you right into the swing of things. There's no extended prologue or even much of a summary. One of the first screens you see once you boot up this game for the first time is you're thrown into a fight with a simple command list in the ...
Surprise, it's a special comic celebrating Anime News Network's 25th anniversary. Enjoy a new comic each Thursday for the next five weeks!― Surprise, it's a special comic celebrating Anime News Network's 25th anniversary. Artist Robin Sevakis returned to draw a short series of comics focusing on Anime News Network's mascots of the past and present and what would happen if they all met. Enjoy a new c...
Lucas and Steve compare and contrast SHIMONETA and Nukitashi to see which show does it better.― Lucas and Steve compare and contrast Shimoneta and Nukitashi to see which show does it better. 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. Shimoneta and World End Harem are str...
Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answered our questions about certain game mechanics and how they came up with the game's name.― During Anime Expo 2025, we got to sit down with Spike Chunsoft and talk about No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES. It's the latest entry in the visual novel series. Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answe...
The real secret sauce of Maebashi Witches is that it fearlessly tackles thorny topics with an uncommon degree of sensitivity.― Maebashi Witches is a “just trust me” anime. The premiere is much clumsier than I would like, and to be frank with you, I bounced off it when I first watched it. Among the chaotic mélange of a motormouth heroine, wisecracking mascot, local Maebashi landmarks, bizarre aesthet...
This month we're checking out murim time-travel action comic The Frostbound Warrior, plus idol antics, dark romance, and Solo Leveling with a twist!― July is always a packed month, and I'm just talking about the new season of anime without factoring in the various holidays that fill the month around the world. But busy or not, there's still plenty of new manhwa to read across a variety of platforms....
A remake of the 2008 Nintendo DS title of the same name, Grand Bazaar completely revitalizes the game for a brand new generation of fans and newcomers alike.― Thanks to Marvelous, Anime News Network was given a chance to preview Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar on the Nintendo Switch 2. A remake of the 2008 Nintendo DS title of the same name, Grand Bazaar completely revitalizes the game for a brand ne...
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the gory franchise back to its 2D roots in a fun way.― Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound feels like a game straight out from the 1980s and 90s, especially with its story and higher difficulty threshold. The game's plot is rather one-note, with Kenji vowing to take revenge on the demons and Kumori attempting to double-cross the Demon Lord. Eventually, both Kenji and Kumori develo...
Get ready to spike! Garena today announced the global launch of HAIKYU!! FLY HIGH, a mobile sports card game based on the smash-hit volleyball anime HAIKYU!!.― Dive into the HAIKYU!! universe and assemble your very own Dream Team featuring beloved characters like Shoyo Hinata and Tobio KageyamaClaim rare pre-registration rewards such as Recruit Tickets, Diamonds, and a Special Hinata Chat Frame to P...
We spoke with director Yusuke Suzuki about adapting Sai Naekawa's manga to the screen, casting the perfect voice actors for the main character trio, and how he set the stage for this supernatural human drama.― Hinako Yaotose's life hasn't been easy. After surviving an accident that killed her family, she goes through her school days in her quiet seaside town under a cloud of survivor's guilt. It's t...
It's a little ridiculous that a game meant for such a young audience wouldn't be a lot more clear and direct with its instructions.― When I first got ahold of Tamagotchi Plaza for my Nintendo Switch 2, I was shocked to see the little doodads I used to carry around in those plastic egg toys as full-blown video game characters. My surprise made more sense when I realized that I wasn't just utterly out...
Are the best things in life really free? Chris and Coop head over to the Tubi streaming service to find out.― Are the best things in life really free? Chris and Coop head over to the Tubi streaming service to find out. 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. @RiderStr...
The storybook-style epilogue confirms what readers have hoped for since the beginning: that here, living her own life, Athanasia truly becomes the Lovely Princess.― The fact that Who Made Me a Princess is a double-isekai story has largely been left by the wayside for several volumes. It's easy to forget that this is Athanasia's third try at life: her second as the princess, following one in modern S...
With hits like “Midnight Reflection,” “afterimage,” and “HALO,” we spoke with NOMELON NOLEMON about crafting songs for one of anime's most iconic franchises.― Japanese music duo, NOMELON NOLEMON, made an explosive U.S. debut on the Anime Expo stage during the Gundam GQuuuuuuX panel. While 2025 also marks their fourth anniversary, they're only just getting started on their launch into stardom. Their ...