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Solo Leveling just ended on the most exciting cliffhanger yet CrunchyrollSolo Leveling has given us some exciting twists and turns, but the best is yet to come. Episode 10 finished on a moment that fans who’ve read the manhwa know all too well. It’s fair to say Solo Leveling has come a long way in a short time from the opening episode. There, Sung Jinwoo manages to save a few hunters from a horrendous fate at the ends of a mysterious dungeon they’d become trapped in. His efforts in the anime show led to him surviving what seemed like certain death, only to awaken with access to a strange UI only he can see. Previously a low level hunter, he now has the proper to rank up, quickly becoming one of the strongest Solo Leveling characters. We’ve seen him defeat Cerberus and several other monsters, but an epic step up is about to occur. Warning: spoilers ahead! Solo Leveling is about to depict one of the manwha’s most epic scenes At the end of Solo Leveling Episode 10, Sung gets a message that reads, “A job-change quest can now be ordered.” To unsuspecting viewers, this is just another question mark for the next episode, but what’s coming has those in the know very excited. This is the mission that allows Sung Jinwoo to become the Monarch of Shadows, a radical title that allows him to wield an army of shadow creatures. Readers of the manhwa have been waiting for this, since it means we’ll get one of creator Chugong’s coolest scenes. “Goosebumps when I saw that quest. We eating good next episode,” says a commenter on Reddit. Others are trying to predict how the next two episodes will go. The belief is that we’ll get more storytelling in Episode 11, leading to the big moment in Episode 12. This season of Solo Leveling has been split into cours (two parts), so Episode 12 will be the end of this portion. Finishing on such a momentous bit of character work will make sure we’re waiting for Cour 2 with baited breath whenever it arrives. For now, we just have a week to wait. Check out our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling if you need something to help pass the time.

Solo Leveling: Does Sung-Jin Woo die? CrunchyrollThe end of Solo Leveling Episode 2 made fans believe that it was the end of the road for Sung Jin-Woo. That is because we see him almost getting butchered by the monstrous statue in the dungeon. So, does Sung Jin-Woo die? Let’s find out. Solo Leveling is a popular Korean Manhwa series that comes with an amazing storyline and battle sequences. Moreover, what makes the series a success is the protagonist, whose character development is worth appreciation. The Manhwa’s anime adaptation was one of the most anticipated projects of all time. A-1 Pictures finally decided to bring the anime to fans, and so far, the studio has done an incredible job with the animation and direction. The first two episodes made us fall in love with Sung Jin-Woo, so it’s no wonder every fan is worried about the E-Class Hunter. The fandom wants to know if and how Jin-Woo will survive the S-Class Dungeon. What happened to Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling Premiere? Jin-Woo, our main protagonist, cannot even get an upper hand on a lower-rank beast. He goes by the name of “humanity’s weakest hunter.” None of the hunters respect Jin-Woo, as they consider him useless. So, he is accompanied by a healer on every mission. However, hunting the monsters in dungeons is the only way for him to earn a living. So, when presented with an opportunity, Jin-Woo is initially reluctant, but he eventually decides to go deeper inside the dungeon out of necessity. As usual, Jin-Woo again fails as a hunter after being injured. He doesn’t get killed; instead, he gets severe injuries, which are healed by Joohee. After that, the troop of hunters reached a place full of big statues. Initially, the lights in the room attracted them, so some wanted to scout the area. However, before they could, the place started showing its weird nature. Jin-Woo started observing the statues, and finally, Joohee realized that the big statue’s eyeballs moved behind them. Initially, Jin-Woo doesn’t believe her, but soon, he learns that Joohee isn’t lying. The environment of the room suddenly changed as the gigantic statues started walking and killing the hunters who weren’t following the commandments of god. Eventually, almost everyone gets killed by the statues. Jin-Woo helps the others to survive with his analytical skills, but he loses a leg, which renders him helpless. So, he ultimately decides to sacrifice himself for the sake of his remaining peers. We see Sung Jin-Woo getting attacked by all the statues, and in the end, our boy is left bloodied with one of the statues moving its axe to kill him. Does Sung Jin-Woo die in Solo Leveling? No, Sung Jin-Woo doesn’t die during his Dungeon experience in the first two episodes of Solo Leveling. Of course, seeing Jin-Woo’s condition, anyone would think that the boy wouldn’t survive the whole ordeal. However, not only does Jin-Woo come out alive, but he also becomes incredibly strong after his experience with the Statue of God. Apparently, Jin-Woo and his peers were being tested by a supernatural entity called the Architect. The Hunters had to follow the commandments of God to stay alive until all the blue flames were extinguished. And, well, right before the statue could land its final blow on Jin-Woo, the timer runs out. So, you could say that Jin-Woo passes the test, and as a reward, the Architect grants our boy “The System.” “The System” will allow Jin-Woo to level up by beating different bosses inside Dungeons. Defeating different monsters will help Jin-Woo rise in power and get access to several powerful weapons. Eventually, Jin-Woo will become the strongest Hunter on the planet after passing the final level of Architect’s test. Jin-Woo will become a force to be reckoned with, surpassing even the S-Class Hunters. Our protagonist will become so strong that he’ll even beat the Statue of God, the same stone puppet that almost killed him in the first two episodes. Of course, Jin-Woo will go through several near-death experiences during his journey, but he never dies in the Manhwa series. He becomes an overpowered character who finally serves his ultimate purpose: saving humanity from the wrath of the Monarchs. Jin-Woo also commands an enormous Shadow army after becoming the vessel of the Shadow Monarch, Ashbron.

Solo Leveling documentary seems to confirm exciting news for anime CrunchyrollSolo Leveling has become one of the anime highlights of 2024 already, and the announcement of a documentary about the property has fans excited for the future. So far, Solo Leveling has be an awesome anime show. The story, following a low-level hero, Sung Jinwoo, who mysteriously gains the ability to enhance his ranking, has provided numerous thrilling moments, all while layering on mystery and teasing more incredible scenes. A-1 Pictures has not only done justice to Chugong’s manhwa, but exceeded it with longer battles and a higher attention to detail. It seems like we’ve plenty more coming, because a documentary so early in the first season suggests one thing for fans. Solo Leveling documentary appears to confirm Season 2 The Leveling of Solo Leveling, a two-part inside look at Sun Jinwoo’s journey from the manhwa to hitting our screens, was recently revealed by Crunchyroll. Such a robust celebration coming so early in the anime’s lifespan — we’re seven episodes in at time of writing — has fans believing that means another season is already on the way. “Looks like we’re gonna get a complete adaptation of Solo Leveling. No one does this documentary and stuff for a 12 or 24 episode anime,” one YouTube comment said. The gut feeling is that Crunchyroll wouldn’t make something like this without existing plans to follow through on the entire story. There’s more than enough material in the manhwa for a second season, and the current levels of popularity make it an easy call. Much of the trailer is dedicated to soundbites discussing the webtoon’s popularity, about how Solo Leveling is perhaps the most successful Korean work in that medium ever, so much so it opened up the marketplace to an international audience. Fans see this production as akin to to when Sung starts declaring “Arise” for his shadow army and becomes a much more proficient hunter. Right now, it’s hard to argue this isn’t Crunchyroll doing the same for the franchise. There’s no release date for The Leveling of Solo Leveling yet, but we’ll keep you informed. If you’re completely up to date, check out our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling for similar thrills.

Solo Leveling director breaks silence on major anime change The Solo Leveling director talks about one change in the anime that significantly differs from the manhwa – so here’s what you need to know. Solo Leveling is one of the best anime of Winter 2024, and it concluded its first season last week. The story is set in a world that drastically changed a decade prior due to the appearance of mysterious portals called “Gates” that connect the world to a realm of magic and monsters. Modern weaponization doesn’t work on these monsters. Hence, some humans are granted supernatural powers and are called “hunters.” The story follows Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter, who hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank gates to pay for his mother’s medical bills and his sister’s education. The changes are subtle, yet they have tangible effects on the story’s portrayal in an entirely new version. The narrative revises many scenes. Solo Leveling Director Shunsuke Nakashige talks about not including the chibi scenes in the anime. Twitter user chromat1cfire shares the translated interview where the director says: “I thought this work required the high-end visuals that are trending these days. Therefore, I tried to avoid cartoon-like expressions as much as possible and tried to use compositions, colors, and shooting processing similar to live-action footage.” “However, this would inevitably result in too much work and the video itself and could kill the uniqueness of each section. In order to come to terms with this, we had repeated discussions with staff from the reach section during meetings and video checks.” Solo Leveling anime studio A-1 Pictures was highly praised for its incredible adaptation. It’s clear that the studio was going for a more refined aesthetic in the story. Hence, they decided to remove the chibi scenes entirely. Additionally, creator Chugong also helped the studio with several anime-only changes. Also, have a look at our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling and the ranking of the 10 strongest characters.

Solo Leveling designer hypes “that line” in the final episode CrunchyrollSolo Leveling anime will be releasing its final episode. With the finale coming, the anime’s character designer asks fans to look forward to seeing “that line” from the Job Change Quest animated. The previous episode of Solo Leveling began the Job Change Arc and had Jinwoo sent to a mysterious dungeon by the system. In the dungeon, he faced Igris, a much-anticipated character. After defeating the red armor clad Igris, Jinwoo still has a long way to go before he completes his sudden quest. The upcoming episode, Episode 12 will be the finale of the first cour of Solo Leveling. Given the masterful adaptation of the manhwa and the positive response it earned, fans are beyond excited to see the conclusion of this arc. Now, the hype has increased numerous times after Tomoko Sudo, one of the character designers of the Solo Leveling anime, asked fans to look forward to seeing a particularly famous line from the manwha. They said, “Episode 12 continues the job change quest from episode 11. If you haven’t read the original work, please check it out to see how the quest is resolved. Also, if you have already read it, please look forward to seeing how that scene and THAT line will be visualized.” Fans who have read the manhwa already have an idea what Sudo is talking about. In the latter part of the job change quest, Jinwoo is finally leveled up to the Necromancer Level and becomes the Shadow Master. As the Shadow Master, he gains the ability to use those he’s already defeated as soldiers in his shadow army. The first soldier Jinwoo chooses for his shadow army is Igris. He makes Igris part of the shadow army with one super hyped word: “Arise.” The excitement for Episode 12 is now at a peak after the promise of a spectacular “arise” scene. The final episode of Solo Leveling’s first cour will be released on March 30 on Crunchyroll. Check out our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling for other great shows.

Solo Leveling creator made new scenes for anime CrunchyrollSolo Leveling anime has significant changes from the manhwa, and most of these scenes are included by the creator, Chugong. Solo Leveling is living up to its hype of the biggest Winter 2024 anime. It’s a dark fantasy series based on the manhwa of the same name. The original story is written by Chugong in a light novel published from November 2016 to October 2017 in 13 volumes. In 2018, the light novel was adapted into a manhwa illustrated by Jang Sung-rak. The anime created by A-1 Pictures debuted this January and is immensely popular among fans. However, manhwa fans are aware that the story is considerably different from the original. The changes are subtle, yet they have tangible effects on the story’s portrayal in an entirely new version. Many scenes and character roles are revised to fit the needs of the anime’s storytelling. For example, in the manhwa, team leader Song opens the door to the double dungeon, but the manga features Kim Sangshik taking on that role. Here’s how the Solo Leveling creator contributes to the new scenes exclusively for the anime. Solo Leveling creator Chugong made new scenes for the anime According to the latest documentary of Solo Leveling, one of the anime’s writers discussed the development of anime adaptations, and they revealed that Chugong was often deferred to on Solo Leveling. The writer says, “With regards to the advice we received from the staff of the webtoon, we got to speak with them as well as the original author. For example, there would be characters who didn’t show up in the webtoon. They’d be brought up in dialog but wouldn’t appear in the artwork, so we would ask, ‘Well, what are they like?’. Other than that, we’d ask things like, ‘While the protagonist is doing this, what are other characters up to around that time?’ and then seed those elements into the script,” the documentary shared.” “In order to overcome that, we added a bit of extra meat to the story with an eye towards the overall adaptation.” The documentary, available on Crunchyroll, shares intriguing behind-the-scenes information about the series’ development and success. The documentary is divided into two episodes, each running for about 20 minutes. The first part, “A Hunter Rises,” follows D&C Media in Korea, a web novel and webtoon publisher, as they discuss Solo Leveling’s adaptation from the light novel to the manhwa. The second part, “A Second Awakening,” is shot in Japan, where Aniplex and A-1 Pictures producers and anime director discuss the adaptation process.

Solo Leveling confirms English dub release date CrunchyrollThe most popular anime of Winter 2024, Solo Leveling, has confirmed the release date for the English dub. Solo Leveling made its grand anime debut this month and has established itself as the most popular Winter 2024 anime. Directed by Shunsuke Nakashige, the anime is based on the popular manhwa by Chugong (Story) and Jang Sung-rak (Art). The story is set in a world 10 years ago after the appearance of a “gate” that connects the world to a realm of magic and monsters. The gates drastically changed the world in every way. Modern weaponization doesn’t work on these monsters, but some humans are granted supernatural powers and are called “hunters.” The story follows Sung Jin-Woo, who hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank Gates to pay for his mother’s medical bills and his sister’s education. However, things take a turn for the worse when his team encounters a double dungeon. Delve deeper to find out the release date for Solo Leveling English dub. Solo Leveling English dub release date and time According to Crunchyroll, Solo Leveling English dub will premiere on January 20, 2024. It is a weekly anime that drops every Saturday. Tokyo MX and other Japanese networks broadcast the episodes at 12 am JST. Crunchyroll will stream new episodes at 9:30am PT. You can find your time zone below: 12:30am Eastern Time – 5:30pm British Time – 6:30pm European Time – 10:00pm Indian Time – 12:30am Philippine Time – The series is officially available in selected territories: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India. The subbed version has currently aired two episodes. As per Crunchyroll, the official synopsis of Solo Leveling reads: “They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter, Sung Jinwoo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.”

Solo Leveling has a “whole new batch” of announcements coming, teases producer CrunchyrollWe’re eagerly waiting for the return of Solo Leveling, and it seems like there might be a few different projects in the works, according to a producer on the show. In terms of breakout hits, Solo Leveling definitely stands as one of the biggest of 2024. Debuting in January, the DnD-like anime show swiftly garnered an audience thanks to the clever premise and some killer fights. Right now, we’re waiting to hear more about Solo Leveling Season 2. But there’s plenty more of Sung Jinwoo coming our way, according to A-1 Pictures producer, Atsushi Kaneko. “Solo Leveling is gearing up for a whole new batch of things for July,” he says. “My subordinates and creators around me are really good and I am looking forward to your reactions.” Anime Expo is happening July 4 to 7, and Solo Leveling was already confirmed to have a presence. Something on the upcoming season seemed likely, but now it seems we could see (or hear) more. Maybe an anime movie? Another video game, ala Solo Leveling: Arise? It could be anything really, but after such a strong opening season, it seems like A-1 Pictures is putting more resource into the property, and rightfully so. With Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia ending soon, and the Jujutsu Kaisen manga gradually coming to a close, it’s reassuring to see something like Solo Leveling come along and prove anime’s popularity isn’t bound to any particular franchises. That’s without mentioning Haikyuu!!, Blue Lock, and Spy x Family‘s strong reception this year, too. We don’t have long to wait to see what’s coming for Sung Jinwoo. Check out our upcoming anime list for other shows to keep an eye out for updates on, and we have guides to Dandadan, Sakamoto Days, and Oshi no Ko Season 2 as well.

5 most epic moments from the Solo Leveling anime so far CrunchyrollAs a popular dark fantasy anime, Solo Leveling has several epic moments where the protagonist rises up against the odds. As the most popular anime of Winter 2024, Solo Leveling has been an incredible blend of intense fight scenes and shocking plot twists. Although Season 1 has just ended, the story is far from over. Jinwoo is just getting started, and he will continue to level up. Crunchyroll has already announced Solo Leveling Season 2, which will continue his epic journey. Throughout the 12 episodes, the anime show featured countless incredible moments. So, here’s a look at the five best Solo Leveling moments so far. 5. Sung Jinwoo vs Lizards (Episode 6) Jinwoo has been hiding his skills ever since his reawakening. This is why several hunters underestimate him and try to take advantage. The term “Lizards” is used for those hunters who kill their weaker team members just to have a bigger share of the loot. The term originates from a lizard’s tendency to cut off its own tail and run off. One of the most unexpected moments in Solo Leveling is when Jinwoo effortlessly kills eight party members, who are all technically of higher rank than him. Although he had no choice since the system commanded him to do so, Jinwoo still pulled off such an impossible feat moments after defeating the dungeon boss. 4. Sung Jinwoo vs Cerberus (Episode 7) Jinwoo comes a long way in a mere seven episodes since he’s already able to defeat a Cerberus. It’s an A-rank magic beast that serves as the gatekeeper of the Demon Castle. The episode mostly focuses on the extended fight. Defeating the monster is by no means an easy task as Jinwoo has to use literally every skill at his disposal. He even lets the Cerberus bite him just to get in close range and stab the monster near his eye multiple times, which leads to his death. The Cerberus’ end is different in the manhwa, where Jinwoo stabs the beast’s neck. 3. Sung Jin-Woo vs Kang Taeshik (Episode 9) One of the most bone-chilling moments in Solo Leveling is Jinwoo’s fight with Kang Taeshik. Jinwoo defeats a B-rank Assassin Class hunter. After his horrible secret comes to light, Kang Taeshik plans to kill all the hunters inside the dungeon. The only one capable of stopping him is Jinwoo. Taeshik likes to play dirty. Pairing his insane tactics with his exceptional skill, it doesn’t take long for him to make Jinwoo go on the defensive. Even so, Jinwoo is someone who can level up mid-battle. As an Assassin, Taeshik should have the upper hand in speed and agility, but Jinwoo soon beats him at his own game. 2. Sung Jinwoo vs Igris (Episode 11) The best fight of Solo Leveling Season 1 has to be Jinwoo vs Igris. Not only is Igris the boss of the Job Change Quest Dungeon, but he is an exemplary knight. When the fight begins, Igris outclasses Jinwoo in every way imaginable. Jin-Woo even experiences the same horrifying feeling of the double dungeon. Nonetheless, the protagonist isn’t someone who will accept defeat. After he realizes that his dagger cannot penetrate Igris’ armor, Jin-Woo opts to fight bare hands. As if to honor his opponent, Igris also drops his weapon. What follows after is an insanely fast-paced fight sequence, which ends in Jin-Woo’s victory. 1. Sung Jinwoo says “Arise” (Episode 12) One of the best moments that literally every Solo Leveling fan waits for is the first time Jin-Woo says, “Arise.” Although in the Japanese version, Jinwoo says “Okiru,” that doesn’t diminish the brilliance of the scene. After gaining the powers of a Necromancer, he can create an army of the dead. However, to use his Shadow Extraction, Jin-Woo needs to assign a command and decide on “Arise.” Going forth in the story, this power has a lot of significance. And every time he uses the command, he ends up with insanely powerful shadows. Also, have a look at our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling and the ranking of the 10 strongest characters.

Solo Leveling anime gets a new trailer and key visual CrunchyrollThe highly-anticipated anime adaptation of Solo Leveling gets a new trailer and key visual. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Solo Leveling is the most highly-anticipated anime of 2024. This year’s Aniplex Fest brought us some exciting news about major franchises, including a new trailer and key visual of Solo Leveling anime. Based on a manhwa of the same name, the story follows Sung Jin-Woo, who hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank Gates to pay for his mother’s medical bills. The series is an action fantasy with lots of thrilling moments. Solo Leveling doesn’t have an official release date yet, but it will air in January 2024. Delve deeper to know more about the upcoming anime. The new trailer and key visual of Solo Leveling anime According to MyAnimeList, the official synopsis says, “Ten years ago, “the Gate” appeared and connected the real world with the realm of magic and monsters. To combat these vile beasts, ordinary people received superhuman powers and became known as “Hunters.” Twenty-year-old Sung Jin-Woo is one such Hunter, but he is known as the “World’s Weakest,” owing to his pathetic power compared to even a measly E-Rank. Still, he hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank Gates to pay for his mother’s medical bills. However, this miserable lifestyle changes when Jin-Woo—believing himself to be the only one left to die in a mission gone terribly wrong—awakens in a hospital three days later to find a mysterious screen floating in front of him. This “Quest Log” demands that Jin-Woo completes an unrealistic and intense training program or face an appropriate penalty. Initially reluctant to comply because of the quest’s rigor, Jin-Woo soon finds that it may just transform him into one of the world’s most fearsome Hunters.” Main cast and characters The cast and characters were introduced in the second trailer. Here’s a complete list: Taito Ban as Sung Jin-Woo – Genta Nakamura as Yoo Jinho – Reina Ueda as Cha Hae-in – Daisuke Hirakawa as Choi Jong-in Hiroki – Touchi as Baek Yoon-Ho – Banjo Ginga as Go Gun-Hee – Makoto Furukawa as Woo Jin-Chul – Additionally, the anime staff are as follows: Original creator: DUBU (REDICE Studio), Chugong, h-goon – Director: Shunsuke Nakashige – Screenplay: Noboru Kimura – Character Designer: Tomoko Sudo – Music: Hiroyuki Sawano – Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures – Producers: Aniplex, Crunchyroll – For more information on the anime, click Here to visit the official website of Solo Leveling. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. In the meantime, check out our other anime coverage below: Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 | Jujutsu Kaisen hand signs | Jujutsu Kaisen narrator | Straw Hat Grand Fleet | One Piece chapter 1092 delay | One Piece chapter 1092 spoilers | One Piece breaks records | One Piece Wano ending | One Piece anime and live-action differences Please note that if you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Solo Leveling fans are excited for one upcoming fight in the anime CrunchyrollWe’ve already had some awesome sequences in Solo Leveling, but there’s one moment that fans of the manhwa are particularly looking forward too. Sung Jinwoo’s journey in Solo Leveling thus far has been a thrilling one. From encountering the Statue of God at the start of the anime show, right through to just beating Cerberus before the Demon Castle, our protagonist has consistently grown through some beautifully created set-pieces and sequences. But the best is yet to come for the hit anime, as Chugong’s manhwa has some stellar scenes later in the storyline. Among the highlights of Sung’s ongoing battles and confrontations, there’s one that has longtime fans excited. Solo Leveling fans can’t wait for Sung Jinwoo to create his shadow army On Reddit, fans shared excitement for the adaptation of Sung Jinwoo’s fight with Tusk. In particular, when Sung decides to reveal a large battalion of shadow creatures in Chapter 72 that made for one of the most striking images in the whole story. Before raising his shadows, Sung tells Tusk that “this is a terrible match up… for you.” A truly monumental bit of storytelling that solidifies who Sung has become since we met him as a lowly E-rank hero. Sung and his shadows close out the chapter with a wide shot of them standing there, awaiting his command. We still have some time to go before we get this in the anime, since he doesn’t have his shadow extraction capabilities just yet, but it’s something to look forward to. In the thread on Reddit, fans discuss when we’ll get this scene. Solo Leveling’s first season has been split into cours, so we may see this in the second half. Alternatively it’ll be Season 2. It all depends on how much A-1 Pictures changes the manhwa. We had a pretty substantial alternation in Episode 7, when Sung Jinwoo decided against entering the castle after beating Cerberus right away, choosing to heal up first. We’ll have to wait and see what other differences await us. If you want some more action in the meantime, we have a list of the best anime like Solo Leveling.

Solo Leveling anime episode schedule explained CrunchyrollThe highly-anticipated Solo Leveling anime adaptation has become a smash hit – here’s the complete schedule of Season 1. Based on the popular manhwa by Chugong and Jang Sung-rak, Solo Leveling is already one of the best anime shows of 2024. Fans simply can’t get enough of the series’ protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, conquering dungeons. Noboru Kimura is the screenplay writer, with Tomoko Sudo designing the anime characters and Hirotaka Tokuda designing the monsters. The series is set in a world that drastically changed a decade prior, thanks to the appearance of mysterious portals that connect the world to a realm of magic and monsters. Modern weaponization doesn’t work on these monsters, but some humans are granted supernatural powers and are called “hunters.” The story follows the aforementioned Sung, who hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank gates to pay for his mother’s medical bills and his sister’s education. Here’s a look at the complete episode schedule of Solo Leveling. Solo Leveling episode schedule Solo Leveling debuted on January 6 and aired 12 episodes in Season 1. 6 January – Episode 1 – 13 January – Episode 2 – 20 January – Episode 3 – 27 January – Episode 4 – 3 February – Episode 5 – 10 February – Episode 6 – 17 February – Episode 7 – 24 February – Episode 7.5 – 2 March – Episode 8 – 9 March – Episode 9 – 16 March – Episode 10 – 23 March – Episode 11 – 30 March – Episode 12 – As per Crunchyroll, the official synopsis of Solo Leveling reads: “They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter, Sung Jin-Woo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.” You can also check out our guide for Solo Leveling Season 2. For now, we can all enjoy watching the strongest Solo Leveling characters reveal themselves to Sung Jinwoo. If you’re keen for similar shows, our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling has plenty.

Solo Leveling: 10 strongest character, ranked CrunchyrollThe universe of Solo Leveling is full of numerous powerful characters, but these are surely the strongest ones. Solo Leveling anime had a bang-on premiere in January 2024. The dark fantasy series introduced us to the weakest protagonist, so fans are obviously intrigued to learn who is the strongest. The new anime series follows Sung Jin-Woo, who is considered the weakest hunter of humanity. That’s because the boy gets overwhelmed even by the lowest-ranked monsters. The fascinating story has several twists and turns that will keep you hooked throughout. In the coming episodes, the television series will not only feature Sung Jin-Woo battling ferocious beasts but also introduce several powerful characters. In this article, we have shed some light on 10 such characters. 10. Legia Legia is a powerful monarch who was captured by the rulers after the Absolute Being’s death. He doesn’t have a physical body, but despite that, he is a formidable being who is sent to the human world to kill Jin-Woo. However, he wasn’t a match for our beloved protagonist, who was powerful enough to take him down in one strike. Regardless, Legia was a spiritual being who could cast a truth spell between himself and another individual, a strategy that he used against Jin-Woo. Since Legia was a Monarch, he boasted immense strength. Also, the fact that he couldn’t be turned into a Shadow (because he lacked a physical body) made Legia even a bigger threat. 9. Tarnak Tarnak, or The Monarch of Iron Body, was one of the most merciless characters in Solo Leveling. He believed that Jin-Woo wasn’t worthy to carry forward Ashborn’s legacy. Even though he wasn’t as strong as most Monarchs on the list, we can’t deny that Tarnak had some unique skills that made him sit among the series’ strongest characters. For instance, his physical powers helped him kill the national-level hunter Christopher Reed. However, in his arrogance, Tarnak sometimes couldn’t stop himself from taking the wrong steps. In the Final Battle Arc, he tries to confront Andre but gets captured and killed by Jin-Woo’s army and other hunters, including Bellion, Beru, and Andre. 8. Baran Baran is also called the Monarch of White Flames, and he is an arrogant and fearless enemy of Ashborn. During the fight between Rulers and Ashborn, Baran, alongside Rakan, was given the responsibility of taking down the Shadow Monarch. When Rakan backed out from the battle after realizing that they weren’t going to win, Baran still fought until his last breath. Years after his death, Baran was reimagined by the Architect and got an opportunity to take down Ashborn’s human vessel. However, just before he was about to kill Jin-Woo, Esil Radiru interrupted and helped the hero win the fight. 7. Bellion Bellion is the most loyal shadow of the Shadow Monarch or Ashborn. When Ashborn was alive, Bellion served as his right hand without any hesitation. Later, when Ashborn chose Jin-Woo as his successor, Bellion was the boy’s most powerful weapon. He possessed a potent sword that could also turn into a whip. Bellion’s true potential was seen in his conflict with Beru, in which he not only injured the enemy with powerful attacks, but also dodged numerous attacks with ease. It’s worth noting that Beru could not be beaten easily, but Bellion effortlessly forced the humanoid shadow onto his knees. 6. Beast Monarch Beast Monarch, also known as Rakan, is the most selfish character in the series. He would never think twice before withdrawing cowardly from a battle, leaving his fellow monarchs behind. Rakan believed Jin-Woo to be a weaker opponent, so he joined forces with the Frost Monarch to take down the human vessel. However, realizing the true potential of Ashborn’s vessel, Rakan quickly ran away from the battlefield. Despite his loser attitude, there is no denying that the beast also boasted some spectacular powers. So, it’s no wonder that with the help of Monarch of Plagues and Tarnak, Rakan killed Christopher Reed, one of the most brilliant and powerful National Level Hunters. 5. Frost Monarch Known as the King of Snow, The Frost Monarch comes with the ice manipulating ability. He can attack his enemies by crafting ice weapons and ice beasts. He can even create ice storms to buy time and plan his next move. The Frost Monarch was the one who helped The Beast Monarch to ambuscade Jin-Woo and stab him from behind. His immense speed often helped him survive the heavy attack from the opponents. For instance, in the battle with Gunhee, he was able to dodge several attacks with his flash-like speed. Another thing that made the Frost Monarch one of Jin-Woo’s most potent enemies was his physical powers that pushed the young man beyond his limits. 4. Sung II Hwan Surprisingly, Sung II Hwan is the father of our lead hero, Sung Jin-Woo. He worked as a firefighter until he learned about the rising of the magic beasts. The news became a turning point for Hwan, and he left his job as a firefighter to become an S-Rank hunter. Even though Hwan possessed amazing powers, he never used them to feed his ego. Instead, he always stepped in front to help the needful. When Hwang Dongsoo tried to kill his son, Sung II Hwan beat him to the point that Dongsoo wasn’t able to heal for several days. 3. Shadow Monarch Here comes one of the strongest and most formidable characters of Solo Leveling – Ashborn. He is someone who fought the entire army of the Rulers on behalf of The Absolute Being. Ashborn was feared even by the toughest and oldest Monarch, Antares (the Monarch of Destruction). The Shadow Monarch has a unique ability that allows him to turn his dead enemies into shadows and recruit them for his army. The Shadow Monarch, aka Ashborn, boasted an incredible physical strength that made him one of the strongest monarchs ever. In fact, it was Ashbron’s supernatural powers that unlocked Jin-Woo’s true potential. Honestly, there won’t be a Sung Jin-Woo without Ashborn. 2. Monarch of Destruction As evident by the name, the Monarch of Destruction – or Antares – wanted nothing more than chaos and calamity for humanity. Also known as the King of Dragons, Antares serves as the main villain in the storyline. Being the oldest Monarch, his powers and abilities are to such an extent that he is able to give Sung Jin-Woo a hard time in their final fight. With his Dragon Fear ability, he can create a panic situation for the weaker opponents. Antares’ Breath of Destruction can also eradicate the existence of everyone standing against him. 1. Sung Jin-Woo Initially, Sung Jin-Woo is introduced as someone who barely qualified as an E-Rank hunter. He almost lost his life fighting the weakest goblins in the dungeons. However, things take a U-turn when the architect grants him the opportunity to level up through the ‘System.’ With the help of the RPG-like interface, Sung Jin-Woo powers up to such an extent that he becomes the strongest character in Solo Leveling. After completely leveling up, Jin-Woo brings several fearsome monarchs to their knees, including the Monarch of Destruction. He also overwhelms one of the mightiest hunters, Thomas Andre, and brings him to the verge of death while still holding back.

Slay nearly 75% off Demon Slayer Akaza Figuarts Slay over 70% off an irresistibly cute Demon Slayer Akaza Figuarts mini figure capturing the villain’s menace in chibi form. A slayer-level deal has arrived. It’s for top demon Akaza as an irresistibly adorable Figuarts mini figure. On sale at over 70% off, this palm-sized character sculpture distills the hit anime antagonist into an expressive and easily displayed form. Part of Bandai’s Figuarts mini collectible series taking fan favorite pop culture characters to scaled-down stylized heights. This roughly 3-inch rendition translates Akaza’s menacing essence into charming chibi proportions. Intricate details elegantly recreate his battle attire mixing white, blue, and shocking pink shades. His demonic visage appears accentuated by angry eyebrows and hair to offset an otherwise cute form factor – an irresistible translation of Akaza’s intimidating power. Interchangeable arms allow you to pose Akaza poised to strike, while the included clear display stand presents him as if hovering mid-air. Demon Slayer Akaza Figurarts gets 75% discount at Entertainment Earth As a high-ranking member of the Twelve Demon Moons, Akaza plays a pivotal role in Demon Slayer. Now he’s ready to take a stand atop your shelves and desks similarly! Display beside other Figuarts mini like Tanjiro Kamado and Zenitsu Agatsuma, or group with Funko Pops to unite major characters. Expand your anime ensemble by catching over 70% savings on this skillfully sculpted palm-sized villain. But commit to the hunt faster than a Kasugai crow – tiny terror deals like this vanish quicker than Akaza in combat! The quest to capture Muzan Kibutsuji’s deadliest allies continues! Let the upper hand be yours in this dynamically posed desktop clash against Demon Slayer’s vicious Akuma! If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Slay 19% off this Demon Slayer Nezuko Kamado FiguartsZERO figure Slay 19% off the Demon Slayer Nezuko Kamado FiguartsZERO figure, depicting the fan-favorite heroine in fierce demon form. For anime fans and Demon Slayer collectors, the battle is on to catch a steep 19% discount on an incredible Nezuko Kamado figure from the hit series Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba. This highly detailed figurine depicts the beloved character transformed in her powerful demon form, launching into action surrounded by dramatic effect parts. Part of the FiguartsZERO line from Bandai Spirits known for dynamic, fixed-pose vinyls, this Nezuko Demon Form Advancing version figure brings the fan-favorite heroine to life straight from the show. The 7.9-inch figure shows Nezuko in full attack mode, fangs bared and claws unleashed as she lunges forward enveloped in effects. After her family was slaughtered and she was turned into a demon, Nezuko discovers the ability to fight and protect others while resisting her bloodthirsty urges. This allows her to assist her brother Tanjiro on his quest to battle evil demons and turn Nezuko human once more. Her determination and inner strength despite her transformation make Nezuko one of Demon Slayer’s most beloved characters. Nearly 20% off on Demon Slayer Nezuko Kamado figure This Nezuko figurine lets fans recreate pulse-pounding battle scenes on their shelves. For those already collecting Demon Slayer figures like Tanjiro and Inosuke, the Advancing Nezuko is a fierce companion ready to team up against any threat. Catch the 19% discount and add Nezuko Kamado to your Demon Slayer figure collection before this killer deal comes to an end! Expand your anime merch empire and unleash full demon-hunting power with Nezuko leading the charge. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Netflix quietly drops hugely influential ’90s anime NetflixA hugely influential sports anime from the ’90s has been added to Netflix, although the service hasn’t done much to tell subscribers. Netflix has become a platform for the best anime over the years, gradually building an array of licensed releases on top of bespoke investments. Many of the greatest anime shows and anime movies are on there, now including a classic that’s been having a resurgence. Slam Dunk, the sports anime from 1993 that helped popularize the sub-genre, is now streaming on Netflix, following on the heels of the hit film, which arrived last month. The series centers on Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school student for whom basketball is an escape from petty crime. He gradually helps build Shohoku High School’s team into one of the best in the region, and perhaps the country, gradually defeating rivals as the members tackle teenage woes. All 101 episodes, originally airing 1993 to 1996, are now streaming on Netflix, joining The First Slam Dunk to provide the complete on-screen franchise. Despite the film’s title, it’s actually a sequel, focusing on a huge match with Shohoku’s rivals, Sannoh Kogyo High School. It all comes from Takehiko Inoue’s popular manga, which kicked off in 1990 and ended in 1996. Alongside Captain Tsubasa and a handful of other properties, Slam Dunk pushed sporty storytelling into the mainstream of anime and manga, now leading to worldwide popularity. These days we have Blue Lock, covering soccer, and Haikyuu!!, centering on volleyball, both of which made strides on the small screen before jumping to the big screen, to huge returns globally. Cycling, golf and more have been getting the same treatment, too. Now you can watch a franchise that helped create that niche, all on Netflix if you’re a US subscriber. Sadly, UK subscribers can’t watch Slam Dunk there yet – but check out our guides on Dandadan and The One Piece for upcoming releases to look forward to nonetheless.

Singapore government gives surprising shoutout to Kagurabachi Shonen JumpKagurabachi’s popularity has made its way in Singapore as the government recently references the series in a social media post. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Kagurabachi made its grand debut on September 17 in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. Even before its official release, the series had a lot of hype among Shonen fans. The series’ popularity continues to increase every day. The protagonist of Kagurabachi has an elegantly streamlined look with a lot of mystical charm. There’s some wild swordplay, which Shonen lovers will always love. Despite having only seven chapters, Kagurabachi is a definite hit, and fans are certainly captivated. The manga currently ranks among the top three in Manga Plus’ hottest series. Kagurabachi’s popularity has made its way in Singapore as the government recently references the manga on Facebook. Delve deeper to find out more. Singapore government references Kagurabachi on a Facebook post The official page for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) Singapore shares a post referencing the popular manga series. The post states, “Our battle against waste will be hard-fought. There are several ways to join the fight, like arming yourself with a reusable bag the next time you go grocery shopping! Check here for more ways you can help combat waste!” There’s also a cute fanart of Chihiro, who is grocery shopping and carrying a leek as a sword. If you think it’s only a coincidence, then you can’t be more wrong. The post also has a Kagurabachi hashtag, which further proves that the Singapore government is also interested in the popular manga series. As per MangaPlus, the official synopsis of Kagurabachi is, “Young Chihiro spends his days training under his famous swordsmith father. One day, he hopes to become a great sword-maker himself. The goofy father and the serious son–they thought these days would last forever. But suddenly, tragedy strikes. A dark day soaked in blood. Chihiro and his blade now live only for revenge. Epic sword battle action!” New chapters are released every Sunday on Weekly Shonen Jump. You can read the Kagurabachi online on MangaPlus and Viz. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Shueisha breaks silence on manga leakers arrests NetflixShueisha, the manga publisher behind Shonen Jump, has released a statement following the arrests of two suspected leakers in Japan. The manga industry is expanding rapidly – and leaks are getting easier to find. Fans rarely have to wait for the official release of manga chapters, as leakers take to social media to reveal spoilers days beforehand. Two individuals were recently arrested by police in Japan on suspicion of breaching the country’s Copyright Act. It’s believed the leakers bought early copies of WSJ from wholesale shops in Tokyo, before taking photos of raw scans of popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Blue Lock on their phones and distributing them online. Following the arrests and the ensuing reaction on social media, Shonen Jump’s publisher has issued a statement. Shueisha responds to manga leakers arrests On February 5, 2024, Shueisha issued a statement addressing the arrests, and also shared its concerns about leaks affecting the manga industry negatively The press release reads: “On February 4, 2024, a company manager of a corporation in Tokyo and others were arrested by the Kumamoto and Niigata Prefectural Police Joint Investigation Headquarters on suspicion of violating the Copyright Act. The suspects are suspected of having obtained and digitized our publication ‘Weekly Shonen Jump’ prior to its release date and uploaded it to a pirate site without permission, and an investigation into the source of the ‘early-barrel’ leakage is currently underway. “The illegal uploading of manga magazines before their official release date, known as ‘early-bulletins,’ is spreading through social networking services and other means, depriving readers of the enjoyment they have come to expect from the magazine. “The author is also very distressed, and we consider this to be an extremely serious problem. Therefore, we consider the arrest of the suspect to be a major step forward toward solving the problem, and we hope that the clarification of the ‘early exposure’ route will lead to the deterrence of future damage. “Shueisha will continue to take all possible measures to protect the rights of authors and their works, which they have put their heart and soul into, and to ensure that readers can enjoy manga in an appropriate manner.”

Should you watch Castlevania before watching Nocturne? NetflixCastlevania is a popular video game franchise that has not only ruled the gaming industry but has also dug its name in the animation industry. The original Castlevania series bid us goodbye in 2021, and a new project was announced a year after, titled Castlevania: Nocturne. Now, when the series is about to premiere on Netflix, every fan is curious to know if there is a compulsion to watch the previous Castlevania series before proceeding with Nocturne. The first Castlevania storyline followed Tepes, a blood-sucking Dracula who went on a rampage following the death of her human wife, Lisa. Well, Nocturne brings a new antagonist in the form of Messiah, who wants nothing more than darkness for humanity. As Trevor Belmont stood against Tepes, we will see another Belmont (Richter) standing against Messiah and her minions. In the previous show, it was the trio of Trevor, Syphia, and Alucard standing against the Dracula Tepes. The spin-off series will show the alliance between Richter Belmont and the French Vampire hunter Maria Renard standing against the vampires. When the series was initially announced, every fan believed it to be a direct sequel to the previous Castlevania. However, the trailers for the upcoming show revealed that it will not be a sequel, instead, we can call it a spin-off, as it comes with a new story and new characters. Should you watch the 2017 Castlevania series before Nocturne? No, there is no need to watch the previous show as there is no direct link between the stories of the two series. Yes, the Belmont family will be a part of Castlevania Nocturne as well, and we will see another Belmont fighting the darkness caused by the vampire Messiah. However, the events will take place 300 years after the incidents of the original Castlevania. If you have watched the Castlevania already, you can obviously connect the dots between the two shows. However, it’s certainly not necessary to watch the 2017 series to understand what’s going on in Nocturne. The recently released main trailer showcased that Richter will flex the popular weapon that’s been passed for generations in his family, i.e., the vampire-slaying whip. Not only that, he is also seen using his magical abilities against the vampires. The trailer also reveals some well-choreographed fighting sequences that are enough to let us know what to expect from the show. Moreover, the animation style has improved, and that’s what makes every enthusiast restless to watch the first eight episodes of Nocturne. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. See our other Castlevania coverage below, and you can check out our other anime coverage here.

Should One Piece anime fans watch Netflix’s live-action series? NetflixNetflix’s One Piece live-action series is marketed towards those new to the franchise, and not just the anime community. So, should anime fans be watching this adaptation? As Eiichiro Oda and Netflix intended, One Piece rewrites the history of live-action adaptations. The series’s first season is now available to stream in various countries, and fans and critics globally have nothing but praise for it. Instead of recreating the original story, the series takes a different approach to the narrative while staying faithful to the character design and backstories. After seven long years of production, the amount of hard work is reflected in each scene. The series is marketed towards those new to One Piece, and it’s not a bright and bubbly adaptation like the anime. Therefore, will anime fans find this version of the story enjoyable? Netflix claims that One Piece live-action isn’t a remake Netflix has emphasized time and again that they aren’t creating a “remake” of the manga. The notion is to take One Piece on a global platform, and this is the only way to do that. The director of Episodes 1 and 2, Marc Jobst, shared: “It felt like we wanted to make something that complemented what already existed, didn’t try to replace it. “And also, you know, we wanted to make a show that everybody would love, not just the fans, and so adapting something very deeply loved with a very, very, very loyal fan base in ways which may not be completely 100% true to the manga, but honoring the spirit of it is always difficult.” As such, while viewers can easily enjoy a new story, anime fans will notice several changes every step of the way. Everything remains the same: the characters, their backstories, their bonds, but the narrative takes a different route. Memorable moments and characters are not included because of pacing The live-action One Piece covers 95 chapters of the manga, the first four arcs of the East Blue Saga into just eight episodes. Naturally, fans should have expected that the series would not include some important moments and a lot of characters. The series features a lot of original scenes apart from the ones that are already in the manga. Amid all this, we missed out on the first encounter of Luffy and Nami, which was chaotic and hilarious. Another detail we notice is the neglect of Usopp’s character development. Before joining the crew, the Straw Hats’ sniper was a liar and a good-for-nothing troublemaker. He doesn’t initially come off as a very likable character, but the more we get to know him, the more we understand him. However, the series seems to sideline his character development and instead focuses more on Zoro and Sanji. Additionally, Jonny and Yosaku are fan-favorite characters who appear in the East Blue Saga. They’re bounty hunters who previously teamed up with Zoro but were completely omitted in the live-action series. Anime fans will also be disappointed after not seeing Chouchou, Hachi, Momoo, and several more characters. One Piece live-action explains certain things the anime didn’t One Piece’s live-action adaptation stays faithful to the original story with an entirely different narrative. In the anime and manga, Gold Roger was executed on a platform with two executioners on each side. Apart from the three, no one else was there with Roger. However, Garp’s presence during Roger’s execution begs the question: why weren’t any high-ranking Marine officers present at the execution of the Pirate King? Roger journeyed across the world and gathered the world’s greatest treasure. Therefore, his mere existence challenged the Marines’ authority. Another major but important change was in Luffy’s introduction. In the manga and anime, Luffy is first seen when he comes out of the barrel. He later briefly shares why he got in there, but the live-action explains the entire situation, which is kind of important. Therefore, while the series neglects some manga scenes, it also features many changes that explain certain things that the anime didn’t. Final thoughts: One Piece live-action is worth a watch even for anime fans Considering the vast story of One Piece, changes are definitely inevitable. However, we should still give the live-action series a chance. The storytelling, cast, soundtrack, and everything else is simply incredible. Nonetheless, what solidifies the show’s more elaborate elements is the heart of the story, which it accomplishes through the relationships of the characters we love. Because the storytelling of One Piece live-action is completely different, the knowledge from anime and manga is only useful for the Easter Egg point of view. New viewers will not recognize the characters from several wanted posters, but anime fans will. One Piece live-action is currently streaming on Netflix. You can also check out our other One Piece coverage below: One Piece Luffy vs Kizaru | One Piece treasure | One Piece Episode 1074 | Oda’s message on live-action | One Piece strongest characters | Oda’s plans after ending One Piece | Gear 5 problem | One Piece live-action young Straw Hats | Luffy’s rise in popularity | Luffy’s Gear 5

15 short anime that deserve more recognition CrunchyrollWe get a lot of new anime ever year, leading to a lot of series not getting attention – so here’s a list of the 15 short anime shows that deserve more recognition. With the overwhelming influx of anime shows, some of them become massive hits while others are swiftly forgotten. Inevitably, a few incredible series tend to blend in with the crowd as the anime collection refreshes each new season. The depth and variety of the anime world is too vast to comprehend properly with just a few franchises. Once hooked, you’ll find yourself sliding through an unlimited collection of shows that’s difficult to wrap your head around. From sports anime to body horror anime, there’s just so much to choose from. Depending on one’s preferences, a 12-episode slice-of-life drama can be just as entertaining as a 1,000-episode Shonen series. In fact, they’re the perfect stopgaps while we wait for the likes of Demon Slayer Season 4 and My Hero Academia Season 7. From tear-jerking romance to intriguing thrillers, we bring you a list of the 15 short anime series that deserve more recognition. 1. Forest of Piano Forest of Piano is a short anime series based on the award-winning manga by Makoto Isshiki. The story follows the tale of two boys with different upbringings but the same passion for piano. Kai Ichinose grew up in the red-light district with his mother, who works there as a prostitute. Somehow, Kai is able to play an abandoned piano in the forest. On the other hand, Shuuhei Amamiya, who comes from a well-established family, dreams of becoming a renowned pianist like his father. Where to watch: Netflix 2. Guardian of the Sacred Spirit This historical short anime series is set in a world where a cataclysmic drought has spread an endless famine. The story follows a young woman, Balsa, who is tasked with the protection of a young prince, Chagum. The young boy is destined to die under his father, the Emperor’s order, and become a sacrifice for the Water Spirit. The story continues as the two embark on a journey as they form an unbreakable bond while figuring out a way to save the world without making the sacrifice. Where to watch: HIDIVE 3. Eden of the East Eden of the East is a sci-fi mystery series with a romantic subplot. The story begins with the narration of an incident called “Careless Monday” when a terrorist act failed to harm anyone. The incident was quickly forgotten, and people went on with their regular lives. Saki Morimi’s life is turned upside down when she encounters Akira Takizawa, who has amnesia and believes himself to be a terrorist. Despite his suspicious traits, Saki and Akira quickly become friends before a thrilling death game begins. As more secrets begin to unravel, Akira’s ties with Careless Monday come to light. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 4. Kids on Slope Kids on Slope is an intriguing tale of three students with different personalities and circumstances. With perfect storytelling, relatable characters, and mesmerizing melodious acts, viewers have every reason to enjoy this underrated gem. The story follows Kaoru Nishimi, who arrives in Kyushu for his first year of high school. Kaoru, who always had difficulty making friends due to his father’s regular transfers, finds his life turned upside down when he meets Sentarou Kawabuchi and Ritsuko Mukae. Kaoru breaks out of his shell as he relives his passion for music. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 5. Ghost Hunt Ghost Hunt is a hidden gem among horror anime. It features eight individual cases of ghost-hunting, drawing references from real-life ghost theories, making it all the more relatable. The protagonist, Mai Taniyama, begins to work for Kazuya Shibuya after accidentally destroying his ghost-hunting equipment. However, as she moves on from one case to another, Mai’s dormant psychic abilities begin to awaken. The crew consists of a researcher, monk, Catholic priest, Shinto priestess, spirit medium, and a high school girl. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 6. Given Given is a tear-jerking boy’s love and music series centering around Mafuyu Sato and his band members. It’s a story about heartbreak and moving on from your past shackles. The taciturn protagonist carries a Gibson guitar despite being unable to play it. As Mafuyu is unable to deal with his past trauma, he meets Ritsuka Uenoyama and joins his band while discovering his love for music. The story also focuses on the complex relationships of the other band members and Mafuyu’s childhood friends. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 7. Carole & Tuesday Carole & Tuesday is a sci-fi music anime series focusing on two girls who meet each other by a stroke of luck. Realizing their passion for music, they begin to live together and team up to make a name for themselves. However, their dream is nearly impossible to accomplish when they live in a world where AI makes 99% of music. The story is set on Mars fifty years after humanity had transferred there. However, not all hope seems lost when they catch the eye of an unknown manager. Where to watch: Netflix 8. Summer Time Rendering Summer Time Rendering takes you on a thrilling ride of mystery, supernatural beings, and tragedy. The premise of the story is a time loop to avoid certain tragedies. The protagonist, Shinpei Ajiro, travels back home to attend the funeral of his childhood crush, Ushio Kofune. However, he suddenly finds himself traveling back in time. Not only that, but his supposedly deceased friend, Ushio, suddenly appears before him. After learning about the existence of “shadows” and the impending tragedy that might befall the island, Shunpei must join hands with her to defeat that threat. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 9. Death Parade Who would expect that after death, the first thing you’re greeted with is a bar? Death Parade is an original anime series that questions the true essence of humanity. After death, a select few enter a bar called Quindecim in pairs. They must pass a test for the bartenders to determine if their souls should reincarnate or be sent to the void. These tests involve life-threatening games as they slowly begin to reveal the true nature of each patron while they wager their souls. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 10. Terror in Resonance Terror in Resonance is a psychological mystery drama centering around a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility in Japan. The only thing left behind after the attack is the word “VON” painted with red. As the police are unable to catch the culprit, a pair of teenage boys come to public view under the alias “Sphinx.” They challenge the police and threaten them to wreak havoc across Tokyo. As the public and the entire police department are led by the nose by two unknown boys, Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 11. Interviews With Monster Girls Interviews with Monster Girls is a story about three high schools who are a bit different from their peers. The series is set in a world where Demi-Humans with different abilities and psyches co-exist with ordinary people. High school biology teacher Tetsuo Takahashi is fascinated by these people and wants to learn more about them. The story follows his interactions with Hikari Takanashi (vampire), Kyouko Machi (dullahan), and Yuki Kusakabe (snowwoman). He also meets Sakie Satou, a fellow teacher, who is also a succubus. The story proceeds as Takahashi learns more about them. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 12. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 explores the grief, sadness, and loss that come from a natural phenomenon that’s severe enough to change Tokyo’s landscape. The story follows two young siblings, Mirai and Yuki, who were visiting a robot exhibition in Odaiba at the beginning of their summer vacation. Assisted by Mari, a motorcycle courier, they struggle to reach their parents in Setagaya. Mari is also striving to find her own daughter and mother. The three of them face the mostly destroyed city together, hoping to get home safely to their loved ones. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 13. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day Anohana depicts a tragic story of friendship, remorse, and pain. This wonderful short anime series progresses slowly, culminating in a surprising and powerful ending. Meiko Henmo is unable to die, even years after her unfortunate death. The plot revolves around Jinta Yadomi and his circle of pals, who fell apart after Meiko’s death. Jinta lives as a loner, spending all his time playing video games. Meiko begs him to grant her request, but Jinta dismisses her, believing she is an illusion. Soon after understanding she is Meiko’s spirit, Jinta and his pals gather to assist her in finding peace while also healing themselves. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 14. Assassination Classroom Assassination Classroom is an intriguing blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments. The story takes place in a small derelict building in the mountains, which houses the students of Class 3-E from the elite Kunugigaoka Middle School. The class is full of delinquents and dropouts, so they cannot study on the main campus. However, they’ve been tasked with a secret mission to assassinate their new teacher, who looks anything but human. On top of his strange appearance, he has destroyed the moon and now threatens to destroy the Earth by March of the following year if the students fail to kill him. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix 15. Nodame Cantabile Nodame Cantabile is a hilarious love story about Megumi Noda and Shinichi Chiaki. The duo who study Western art music performance in a Japanese music conservatory, are complete opposites of one another. Shinichi Chiaki is a perfectionist pianist and violinist who wants to be a conductor, and Noda Megumi (Nodame) is a pianist with below-average grades but a lot of latent talent. However, Shinichi’s fear of flying keeps him stuck in Japan. Contrary to Shinichi’s first impression of Nodame as an unkempt girl without any motivation, he becomes impressed with her when he hears her play the piano for the first time. Nonetheless, Shinichi is crushed to learn that Nodame is his neighbor; worse, she falls madly in love with him. Where to watch: Prime Video Those are the best short anime. If you want more viewing options, our lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling and the best anime like Demon Slayer have plenty more to offer!

10 short anime series with perfect endings CrunchyrollShort anime are often more interesting and intriguing than long shows – so here’s a list of 10 series with perfect endings. It may be challenging to define the term “perfect ending”, because viewers have subjective perceptions and opinions. Some may believe certain finales to be flawless, while others may think they are mediocre. That being said, a flawless ending requires tying up critical loose ends, providing fans with much-needed closure, and ensuring that all of this is accomplished while boosting viewers’ emotions. If the finale is perfect, it will leave a lasting impression – a quality shared by the best anime of any length. So, if you’re thinking about investing your time in some shorter stories that provide the ideal conclusion, here’s a list of anime shows you should watch. The list contains series ranging from all-time classics to hidden gems across various genres. 10. Carole & Tuesday Total Episodes: 24 (2 Parts) Carole & Tuesday is a science-fiction music anime series about two girls who meet by chance. Realizing their passion for music, they begin to live together and team up to establish a reputation for themselves. Sadly, their dream is practically impossible to realize in a world where AI produces 99% of all music. The story takes place on Mars 50 years after humanity has moved there. However, not all hope is lost when they capture the attention of an unknown manager. Where to watch: Netflix 9. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day Total Episodes: 11 & 1 Sequel movie Anohana depicts a tragic story of friendship, remorse, and pain. This wonderful short anime series progresses slowly, culminating in a surprising and powerful ending. Meiko Henmo is unable to die, even years after her unfortunate death. The plot revolves around Jinta Yadomi and his circle of pals, who fell apart after Meiko’s death. Jinta lives as a loner, spending all his time playing video games. Meiko begs him to grant her request, but Jinta dismisses her, believing she is an illusion. Soon after understanding she is Meiko’s spirit, Jinta and his pals gather to assist her in finding peace while also healing themselves. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 8. Assassination Classroom Total Episodes: 47 (2 Seasons) Unlike the name suggests, Assassination Classroom is an intriguing blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments. The story takes place in a small derelict building in the mountains, which houses the students of Class 3-E from the elite Kunugigaoka Middle School. The class is full of delinquents and dropouts, so they cannot study on the main campus. However, they’ve been tasked with a secret mission to assassinate their new teacher, who looks anything but human. On top of his strange appearance, he has destroyed the moon and now threatens to destroy the Earth by March of the following year if the students fail to kill him. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix 7. Forest of Piano Total Episodes: 24 (2 Seasons) Forest of Piano is a heartwarming and inspirational short anime series based on Makoto Isshiki’s award-winning manga. The story follows two youngsters, Kai and Shuuhei, from different backgrounds who share a passion for the piano. Kai Ichinose grew up in the red light area with his mother, who is a sex worker. Somehow, Kai can play an abandoned and broken piano in the forest. However, no one else can play it, not even Shuuhei. On the other hand, Shuuhei Amamiya, who comes from a well-established family, dreams of becoming a renowned pianist like his father. The two choose separate paths for music until they meet in the same competition years later. Where to watch: Netflix 6. Summer Time Rendering Total Episodes: 25 Summer Time Rendering takes you on an exciting journey through mystery, supernatural beings, and tragedy. The plot revolves around a time loop that prevents inevitable catastrophes from occurring. The protagonist, Shinpei Ajiro, returns home to attend the burial of his boyhood crush, Ushio Kofune. However, he finds himself suddenly transported back in time. Not only that, but his supposedly deceased friend, Ushio, reappears before him. After discovering the presence of “shadows” and the imminent disaster that may befall the island, Shunpei must team up with her to confront the threat. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 5. Nodame Cantabile Total Episodes: 45 (3 Seasons) Nodame Cantabile is a hilarious love story about Megumi Noda and Shinichi Chiaki. The duo who study Western art music performance in a Japanese music conservatory, are complete opposites of one another. Shinichi Chiaki is a perfectionist pianist and violinist who wants to be a conductor, and Noda Megumi (Nodame) is a pianist with below-average grades but a lot of latent talent. However, Shinichi’s fear of flying keeps him stuck in Japan. Contrary to Shinichi’s first impression of Nodame as an unkempt girl without any motivation, he becomes impressed with her when he hears her play the piano for the first time. Nonetheless, Shinichi is crushed to learn that Nodame is his neighbor; worse, she falls madly in love with him. Where to watch: Prime Video 4. Fruits Basket Total Episodes: 63 (3 Seasons) Fruits Basket is a heartwarming tale about Tooru Honda blending in with the cursed Souma family. After her only family, her mother, dies, Tooru’s grandfather takes her in. However, shortly after, he requests her to move in with her friends for a few months until he renovates his place. Unwilling to bother anyone, Tooru buys a tent and starts living in the mountains. However, the Soumas learned about her circumstances and offered her a place to stay. Things finally look good for Tooru until she gets mixed up in a fight between Kyo and Yuki and accidentally turns them into animals. She learns about the strange curse of the Souma family, where the Chinese Zodiac spirits possess 13 members and take on the forms of their respective animals when the opposite gender hugs them or if their bodies are weakened. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix 3. Steins; Gate Total Episodes: 24, 1 OVA, & 1 movie Steins; Gate is a classic short anime series created in 2011 by Hiroshi Hamasaki. It is based on a science-fiction visual novel game of the same name. The story revolves around a supposedly serious topic, such as time travel. However, it introduces us to this concept through the occasional comedy and deep friendship between the main character, Rintaro Okabe, and other lab members. Rintaro, who portrays himself as a crazy scientist, strives and suffers alone to save everyone. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 2. Code Geass Total Episodes: 50 (2 Seasons for main story) Code Geass depicts a harsh alternate reality in which Britannia has invaded the majority of the free world, including Japan, which has been reduced to being called “Area 11,” with its citizens treated worse than animals. The British citizens occupy the community and live with high status. Lelouch Lamperouge is one of numerous heirs to the British throne but prefers to live in exile with his blind sister, Nunally. After local terrorists nearly kill him, Lelouch is given the ability of Geass by a strange emerald-haired woman. It allows him to stare straight into a victim’s eyes and have them follow practically any single request. Using the power to survive, he quickly views it as his chance to overturn his father’s domination and begins his assault as the masked vigilante known as “Zero,” uniting the rebels of Japan to his cause. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Total Episodes: 64 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a reboot series. The first anime deviated too much from the manga’s storyline, as the creator requested, while the second anime, Brotherhood, aimed to adapt the manga faithfully. The series perfectly balances comedy, tragic moments, character development, and backstories while featuring a heartwarming ending. Although there had been another adaptation before, this one closely follows the manga and has a wide fanbase. The story follows two brothers who struggle to get their bodies back. They can only do that by acquiring a Philosopher’s Stone. However, the quest for the legendary item is more treacherous than they imagined. Where to watch: Crunchyroll If you need more great shows to check out, have a look at our lists of the best body horror anime and the best anime like Solo Leveling.

Shonen Jump manga’s anime rumor surfaces ahead of Jump Festa VizWith Jump Festa 2024 right around the corner, a new rumor suggests a popular Shonen Jump manga is finally getting an anime adaptation – so here’s what we know about it. Shonen anime and manga series have always been popular among fans, and for good reasons. These series always take fans down a roller coaster of emotions as they experience thrill, heartbreak, and laughter, all within a span of a few chapters/episodes. Every year, Shueisha organizes a Jump Festa, an annual manga and anime fan convention in Tokyo, Japan. During this event, new manga, anime, films, games, and merchandise are introduced. Manga artists from popular current and past Jump series are frequently present, and many of them have panels where they answer questions. Jump Festa is the perfect occasion to announce an anime adaptation of one of Shonen Jump’s manga. However, a popular manga has already sparked rumors about an anime adaptation. Delve deeper to find out more. Which Shonen Jump manga is rumored to get an anime adaptation? Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan manga is rumored to get an anime adaptation, although there has been an official announcement. However, the rumors have surfaced ahead of Jump Festa, which is scheduled for December 16 and 17. According to a leaker, the anime adaptation is currently in production, and there will soon be an official announcement. Another leaker claims that the announcement will be made during the Jump Festa 2024. They also reveal the director, character designer, and studio for the anime. The series debuted in 2021 and has been popular ever since. It’s often seen among the top 10 hottest manga in Manga Plus. According to Manga Plus, the official synopsis reads: “Ghosts, monsters, aliens, teen romance, battles…and the kitchen sink! This series has it all! Takakura, an occult maniac who doesn’t believe in ghosts, and Ayase, a girl who doesn’t believe in aliens, try to overcome their differences when they encounter the paranormal! This manga is out of this world!” Naturally, fans have already started sharing their excitement over the anime adaptation. One user shared: “We’re about to witness the pinnacle of shounen manga made anime! #Dandadan” Another user posted: “YO SCIENCE SARU!!!!!! THE DANDADAN ANIME IS GONNA BE PEAK!!!!!!!!” One fan also shared: “DANDADAN CHRIST COMING TO SAVE THE ANIME INDUSTRY FROM MID WE WONN!!!!” Despite all the excitement, there has been no official announcement at this point. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Shonen Jump almost rejected One Piece, but one person convinced them otherwise Eiichiro Oda/Toei AnimationEiichiro Oda’s One Piece has been the face of Shonen Jump for years now, so it’s difficult to imagine that the manga was once rejected by the publishing giant. One Piece was first released in 1997 in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump and ever since then, it’s been reigning as the company’s bestseller for nearly three decades now. Judging by its current popularity, it’s safe to say that the manga will keep its crown for years to come. However, its journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In a recent interview, Sheisha’s well-known former editor Kazuhiko Torishima shared the story of how One Piece found its home in the Shonen Jump. The editor revealed how the magazine faced a major dip in sales after Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball was finished. Torishima – who served as Dragon Ball’s editor during the early years – later took the position of Shonen Jump’s editor-in-chief. A few years later, One Piece was pitched by an editor who was on the verge of transferring. Torishima and the other decision-makers weren’t sold on the idea at first, keeping the discussion going on for hours, but after seeing the editor’s passion for the story, they eventually decided to publish Oda’s manga. And as they say: the rest is history. One Piece not only single-handedly stopped Shonen Jump’s plummeting sales, but it also became the first of many great shonen manga to come. Eventually, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter and Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto were also taken up by the magazine. This story is proof of how far One Piece has come and fans are inspired to know the struggles it had to go through to reach its status. As one wrote on X, “One Piece really is the backbone.” “The VALUE speaks for itself… No matter how much people hate on it … One Piece is just GOAT!!!” agreed another. “Believe in Oda in terms of making a masterpiece, big-hit fiction in history,” added a third. One Piece’s success is now higher than ever. While the manga is finally entering the Elbaf Arc with Chapter 1126, the anime show is wowing viewers with one great episode after another. Netflix is also all ready to charm us with both The One Piece anime reboot and live-action One Piece Season 2.

Best Shonen anime like One Piece CrunchyrollOne Piece is one of the most popular Shonen anime series in the world – so here’s a list of similar series you can watch. As one of the Shonen Big Three, One Piece is a classic manga and anime series. The manga debuted in 1997 and got its anime adaptation in 1999. The series is still ongoing and is more popular than ever. One Piece has literally all the Shonen tropes fans can look for – a lovable protagonist, reliable friends, powerful friends, and layers of mysteries. The series is currently in its Final Saga and will end in a few years. The story begins with a young boy, Monkey D. Luffy, setting out to sea in hopes of finding a legendary treasure and claiming the title of Pirate King. As he begins his journey, he gathers reliable crewmates. Here’s a look at some Shonen anime series similar to One Piece. 1. Hunter X Hunter Hunter X Hunter is another Shonen anime and manga classic that One Piece fans are sure to love. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the series is popular for its well-developed storyline, nuanced characters, and thrilling action sequences. The story centers around Gon as he sets out to become a Hunter, hoping to meet his father. During his journey, he befriends Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, who all have their goals to accomplish as they come to terms with their past. 2. Bleach As one of the Shonen Big Three, Bleach once stood at the top of the Shonen genre during the 2000s, which some anime fans refer to as the Shonen genre’s “golden era.” The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who has the rare ability to see ghosts and all supernatural things. One day, he is attacked by an evil spirit known called a Hollow. He also meets a Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki, who tells him all about the Hollows and the Soul Society. Ichigo finds it all hard to believe until he unlocks his powers and becomes a substitute Soul Reaper. 3. Naruto Naruto is another long-running Big Three anime and manga classic that One Piece fans will surely love. The series is popular for its iconic characters, shinobi clans, plot twists, backstories, tragedies, and so on. The story focuses on Naruto, a young Ninja who aspires to become the Hokage, the leader of Hidden Leaf Village. However, the title is only given to the village’s strongest and most respected Ninja, and Naruto is far from reaching that level. The story continues as he gains more strength while the secret about a monster sealed in his body begins to unravel. 4. Gintama While One Piece has a deep plotline, Gintama is pure comedy. It is a chaotic and hilarious mash-up of sci-fi and period drama, and it’s quite enjoyable. The series combines a variety of genres, tones, and situations. Set in the Edo period, the story follows Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric silver-haired man who carries a wooden sword while calling himself a Samurai. As the founder of Yorozuya, a small company for odd jobs, Gintoki often endeavors to help others. However, the situation always takes peculiar and unexpected turns. 5. Black Clover The primary difference between Black Clover anime and One Piece is that the former is set in a world of magic. However, both protagonists (Asta and Luffy) have similar goals to be Wizard and Pirate Kings. The series follows Asta, a magicless boy struggling in a world where magic is everything. He dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom, despite having no magic power. However, Asta has the power to nullify it. The story continues as he uses his unique ability to rise through the ranks among the Magic Knights. 6. Dragon Ball franchise The same Toei Animation studio creates both One Piece and Dragon Ball anime. Both series also have various movies and special episodes focusing on non-manga stories. Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball centers around the adventures of the martial arts-loving Son Goku. The series follows its protagonists on their mission to acquire all seven Dragon Balls while battling any enemies they come across. Luffy and Goku are both lighthearted, determined protagonists who swiftly fascinate everyone around them. The duo even share the screen in many crossover episodes, adding to the synergy between their respective shows. 7. Toriko From the same Toei Animation studio, Toriko is an epic adventure series that follows the protagonist, a Gourmet Hunter who strives to fulfill his ambition of eating the best food in the world. However, the path to completing this mission is not easy, as Toriko confronts various challenges along the way. Toriko and One Piece anime share an expansive world-building, which is portrayed brilliantly. Furthermore, these series have an incredible cast of Shonen characters that develop strongly throughout the series in a series of adventures and missions. 8. One-Punch Man One-Punch Man manga has one of the best arts in manga, and the anime also did it justice. The series has some overpowered characters, thrilling fight scenes, and lots of comedy. The protagonist, Saitama, is an extraordinarily powerful superhero capable of defeating opponents, aliens, and monsters with a single punch. One Punch Man’s plot skillfully tackles the grey moral area of being a hero. This, combined with the show’s beautiful animation, has viewers eagerly anticipating the show’s inevitable third season. The series’ comic stylings, as well as its dramatic moments, are remarkably similar to One Piece. 9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood One Piece is an anime that is known for its world-building and characters who grow stronger to achieve their dreams. While Brotherhood doesn’t feature an exactly similar theme as One Piece, it surely has some similar elements. In Eiichiro Oda’s world, we see Luffy traveling to several new places, meeting interesting people, and fighting powerful enemies — all to become the King of the Pirates. And, well, the Elric brothers in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood travel across the country to find a way to bring back their mother to life. In One Piece, we see characters mastering Haki, and in Brotherhood, it’s the Alchemy that drives everything. In the end, the protagonists of both series go on dangerous journeys with a single goal in mind. 10. Seven Deadly Sins Of course, not everyone loves Seven Deadly Sins, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good anime series. SDS has left a mark on the industry with its incredible world and unique characters. Like One Piece, Seven Deadly Sins features a wide range of characters that showcase diverse abilities. Meliodas, the overpowered protagonist of the series, is definitely the selling point of the series, but the side characters also shine bright because of the beautifully written story. Seven Deadly Sins is an action-packed story that has heart and depth, and One Piece fans will surely love experiencing this unique world. 11. My Hero Academia One of the best superhero anime out there, My Hero Academia tells the story of Izuku Midoriya, aka Deku, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming the No. 1 Hero like his idol All Might. When he finally gets an all-powerful Quirk from All Might, he gets a chance to fulfil his dream. Like One Piece, this anime show also has a dream and the protagonist’s journey towards it at its core. The series has everything a good shonen anime needs. From unbreakable friendships to exciting battles, it’ll keep you hooked for years like One Piece has done. 12. Boruto: Naruto the Next Generations Those who’ve watched Naruto may know about Boruto, too. It’s the sequel of the beloved ninja anime and follows the next generation heroes. At center stage is the titular protagonist Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto and Hinata, and his journey to come out of his father’s shadow. While highly controversial when it first debuted, Boruto has earned a loyal fanbase since then. A big portion of that credit goes to its classic shonen charm. Like One Piece, it has an excitable, though smarter, protagonist and his adventures to save his friends and the world from their many enemies. 13. Fairy Tail In the 2010s, Fairy Tail was considered one of the best shonen anime out there alongside the likes of One Piece and Naruto. However, its excessive fan-service garnered quite the criticism from viewers in later years. But its adventurous spirit, strong friendships, and silly comedy will definitely remind you of the Straw Hats. Fairy Tail follows Lucy, an heiress dreaming of adventures. She finally gets the chance when she meets Natsu and Happy, and joins the eponymous mage guild. Eventually, Gray, Erza, Wendy, and Charlés join the team, going on various quests. 14. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic One of the best traits of One Piece is its world-building. That’s why if you’re for a similar anime, Magi is one you should definitely try. Its magical world is intricate and well-crafted, with an ample dose of Arabian theme. On top of that, you have a trio setting out for a grand adventure. The anime revolves around Aladdin, a young boy who’s also a very powerful mage known as a ‘Magi’. His role is to find a worthy king candidate and aid them in clearing out the mysterious Dungeons. Joining him on this journey is the street rat Alibaba and the slave girl Morgiana. 15. Yu Yu Hakusho Yoshihiro Togashi has proven again and again why he’s considered one of the best mangaka of all time. Before his 1998 manga Hunter x Hunter became a nationwide sensation, he’d already published another masterpiece: Yu Yu Hakusho. True to every classic shonen, Yu Yu Hakusho delivers adrenaline-pumping martial arts and likeable characters flawlessly. The dynamic between Yusuke and his companions are as entertaining as Luffy’s hilarious incidents with his crewmates. 16. Inuyasha While Inuyasha is technically not a shonen anime, it’s surely an honorary member. It has plenty of kickass action and an intriguing plot. The story centers around Kagome, a seemingly ordinary girls who gets transported to the feudal era and finds her destiny to be intertwined with a hotheaded half-demon. In One Piece, Luffy sets out to find the titular treasure while this anime shows the heroes running after the Shikon Jewel shards. With that singular aim in mind, they face many troubles and demons in a classical shonen fashion. 17. Golden Kamuy Golden Kamuy is an underrated shonen anime that you need to check out. And though its tone and premise is quite different than One Piece, they have one thing in common: the tireless search for the treasure. While in the pirate anime, Luffy seeks the treasure to become the King of Pirates, Sugimoto looks for it to keep his promise to his dead best friend. The said friend died in the Russo-Japanese War while Sugimoto survived. Before death, the friend asked him to look after his widow, starting the course of the story. 18. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Unlike most of the entries on this list, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure isn’t just an anime show, but an entire franchise. Every part focuses on a different Jojo, starting from the first part’s Jonathan Joestar and the nemesis Dio. While every part of this franchise has its pros and cons, the most popular one is Part 3, titled ‘Stardust Crusaders’. It follows Jotaro Kujo and his companions as they travel through Egypt to destroy DIO once and for all. And like One Piece, expect plenty of adventure and battles. 19. Demon Slayer One Piece and Demon Slayer both have solidified themselves as most influential shonen anime of all time, though their legacies are entirely different. While Luffy’s journey is an ever-going adventure full of detailed lore and worldbuilding, Demon Slayer has jaw-dropping animation on its side. But in both cases, we’ll find strong friendships and a loveable protagonist with a heart of gold. And though Tanjiro’s quest is based on revenge instead of adventure, his knack for helping people will still resonate with Luffy’s fans. 20. Edens Zero Creator by Hiro Mashima, the mangaka of Fairy Tail, Edens Zero is a comparatively new addition to the shonen genre. It also doesn’t quite reach the level of predecessor. But it’s still an enjoyable anime you can check out if you’re in mood for something short and lighter. Edens Zero sees popular video streamer Rebecca and her robot cat Happy travel to the abandoned Granbell Kingdom. There they find the only living person, Shiki, who joins them on their quest. Throughout the story, Shiki tries to find loyal and powerful crewmates, similar to Luffy’s early days. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. For more, check out our lists of some of the best romance anime series, best upcoming anime, tear-jerking short anime, and best upcoming anime sequels. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Is Shinjuku Showdown the final Jujutsu Kaisen arc? Gege Akutami/MAPPAShinjuku Showdown Arc sees the sorcerers finally join forces to fight against Sukuna. This has led many to believe that this is the final Jujutsu Kaisen Arc ever, but is that true? Jujutsu Kaisen is currently one of the biggest manga and anime series in the world. Despite being relatively young, with its first chapter releasing in 2018, it’s already competing with older titles like One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Black Clover. Over its six years of serialization, Jujutsu Kaisen has had 11 arcs, with Shinjuku Showdown ongoing right now. This arc started in 2023 with Chapter 222 and has been running for 40 chapters. Shinjuku Showdown is known for the much-anticipated fight between Gojo and Sukuna, and shows the sorcerers hitting rock bottom as Sukuna regains his original body and full strength. It’s considered one of the best Jujutsu Kaisen arcs, but is it the last one? Is Shinjuku Showdown the final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen? Shinjuku Showdown is the final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen. After much speculation, the ending of the manga is finally confirmed by the author. In a recent interview, Gege Akutami revealed how the Culling Game Arc is the constructed as the penultimate arc of the manga, meant to set things up for the final arc. “I thought of it as a crutch for taking us towards the Inhumane Makyo Shinjuku arc (final section/saga). I had already decided on the things that had to happen (like characters and Colony stuff),” revealed the author, “but I kept each Colony segment contained to be its own individual volume, and thought about how to make them as exciting as possible as I progressed.” He continued, “I remember having a discussion with my Editor about how it’d be nice if each Volume should be like its own sort of album.” What’s more, the word the author used to address it means “final part”. This cements the fact that Jujutsu Kaisen is really ending with the ongoing arc. And it’s coming sooner than we’d like. As the manga’s author teased earlier: “Jujutsu Kaisen ‘Shinjuku Showdown’ arc is at its CLIMAX!!” In short, we have little time left with the beloved shonen manga. However, given the point the story is at and the number of plot threads left loose, it’ll be a while before we say goodbye to Jujutsu Kaisen. What happens in Jujutsu Kaisen after the Shinjuku Showdown Arc? Since the Shinjuku Showdown Arc hasn’t ended yet, it’s difficult to say what’ll happen next. Given the unpredictability of the author, it’s anyone’s guess, really. It’s possible that there won’t be a traditional happy ending to the story. But one thing is for certain: when the story ends, the villain must be vanquished. So, we can at least expect Sukuna’s defeat by the story’s end. Now the biggest question is the survival of Yuji and Megumi. What will happen to the rest of the cast is anybody’s guess. Many major character deaths, like Gojo, Choso, Higuruma, Kashimo, and Kenjaku, occurred in the current arc. Those who are left aren’t safe either. That’s particularly true for Yuta, as he’s fighting Sukuna again after taking over Gojo’s body. Other than the characters, Jujutsu Kaisen also has to resolve the merger issue before its conclusion. Given how important of a plot line this is, many believed the Merger Arc will follow the Shinjuku Showdown Arc. But since it won’t be the case, the manga will have to neat wrap it up. So, we may be looking towards a sizeable number of upcoming chapters in the future. At least, that’s what the manga will need if it doesn’t rush the story. But with Jujutsu Kaisen’s track record, we can safely believe that won’t be the case. For now, Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 262 will be released on June 9, 2024. For more on sorcerers and curses, check out our articles on Yuji’s cursed technique Shrine, Yuta Okkotsu’s Domain Expansion, and the strongest characters Sukuna defeated.

Sengoku Youko anime: Everything we know White FoxFantasy adventure Sengoku Youko is getting a TV anime. Here’s everything we know so far about it. Satoshi Mizukami’s dark fantasy manga Sengoku Youko, which serialized from 2007-2016, is finally receiving a TV anime adaptation. Considered by fans as one of the most underrated action shonen series of modern times, the anime adaptation will introduce a whole new audience into the Sengoku Youko’s dark fantasy world. So, with the release date right around the corner, here’s what you need to know about the series. Including, it’s release date, cast, plot and more. Sengoku Youko anime release date Sengoku Youko will debut on Tokyo MX and ABC TV in Japan on January 11, 2024 at 12am JST. In November 2023, it was announced that the fantasy anime Sengoku Youko would join the roster of exciting new series debuting in Winter 2024. And, as revealed at New York Comic Con, Crunchyroll will stream the anime as it airs in Japan for an international audience. Sengoku Youko plot According to the official website for the TV anime adaptation, they’ve currently scheduled the series to air for three cours. The story revolves around two siblings, Tama and Jinka, and is set in a fantasy world that’s divided into two factions: humans and monsters, known as katawara. Despite being a katawara, Tama loves humans and wants to protect them from evil. However, her brother Jinka, hates them. Together, along with their swordsman friend Shinsuke, they discover a plot to experiment on humans and transform them into monsters. This begins their quest to defeat whoever is behind it … Even if it means battling against an entire army of warriors. Sengoku Youko cast and crew Satoshi Mizukami’s manga serves as the basis for Sengoku Youko, directed by Masahiro Aizawa at the studio White Fox. Established in 2007, White Fox is known for producing Netflix’s 2023 smash hit Pluto, along with other incredible series including Chainsaw Man, Goblin Slayer, and Steins;Gate. The screenplay is by Jukki Hanada, the series music is by Evan Call, cinematography by Daisuke Horino, art directed by Masayuki Kurosawa and visual effects by Hisashi Akimoto. The official cast list is as follows: Sôma Saitô as Yamato Jinka – Maaya Uchida as Tsukiko – Ryohei Kimura as Shinsuke – Tomoyo Kurosawa as Shakugan – Yûki Takada as Tama – Is there a Sengoku Youko trailer? The anime released the official trailer in October 2023. Check it out below and see what you think. Considering White Fox’s credentials, Sengoku Youko looks set to be an epic addition to the winter season. You can check out our other anime coverage here.

Searches for Crunchyroll subscriptions skyrocket amid Attack on Titan Final Season hype Hajime Isayama, Kodansha / ATTACK ON TITAN COMMITTEE / CrunchyrollGoogle searches for Crunchyroll subscriptions have risen by a staggering amount amid the ongoing hype for Attack on Titan’s fourth and final season. Attack on Titan, a manga-turned-anime series that first aired in 2013, is finally coming to a close after nearly a decade of high-flying, Titan-slashing action. The beloved anime is currently undergoing the final half of its last season, the first episode of which aired on January 9, 2021. Fans’ excitement for the show was so great that premium anime streaming service Crunchyroll experienced crashes and outages for several hours after the episode was slated to broadcast, with viewers all over the world turning to the site to tune in. Searches for Crunchyroll subscriptions surge as Attack on Titan Final Season airs It turns out that this wasn’t the only phenomenon caused by anime fans, by far. Insights from VPNOverview show that Google searches for Crunchyroll subscriptions shot up by a staggering 525% on Sunday, January 9 (Monday, the 10 in Japan). That’s not all; similarly, searches for ‘Funimation subscription’ also rose a jaw-dropping 1,011% that same Sunday across Europe and America. The reason for these surges is simple: Both Funimation and Crunchyroll offer fans the chance to watch brand-new episodes of Attack on Titan as soon as they air in Japan, but only via Premium Subscriptions (those without will have to wait for a week). “It’s interesting to see how searches for subscriptions to the streaming services have shot up as much as they have due to the release of one anime,” a spokesperson for VPNOverview said of this phenomenon. “It shows the global interest in anime has increased over recent years, and popular series like Attack on Titan have helped surge demand for Japanese Animation.” Fans can tune into Part 2 of Attack on Titan’s Final Season via Funimation and Crunchyroll, with episodes airing every Sunday.

Scott Pilgrim creator addresses fans after divisive anime changes NetflixNetflix’s 2023 anime Scott Pilgrim Takes Off debuted to positive reviews. But that hasn’t stopped fans commenting on some noticeable and divisive changes. Netflix’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, based on Bryan Lee O’Malley’s popular comic book series, debuted on November 17, 2023, to critical acclaim. However, as every creator knows, you can’t keep everyone happy. Why? Well, if you weren’t already aware, the eight-part anime series is a little different from its source material. It doesn’t follow the same arc as the books or the movie, but instead uses them as the starting point of an original story, which was enough for some fans to voice their disapproval. With fans taking to Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Reddit commenting on the “shock twist” and “confusing” script, O’Malley took to his IG story to address their concerns. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and fans complain Referred to by some as the ultimate bait-and-switch, the new anime is describes as a progressive reimagining of the cult comic book. But with a shocking twist and deviations from the source material, many fans were delighted, but some had less than glowing reviews. So, what went wrong? It’s clear to see that many felt mislead into thinking that the series was a remake of beloved comic book. When in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Without giving any spoilers, the series contains all the characters that you loved from the movie and the comic book, but it opens with a shocking twist that sees the plot heading in a totally new direction. Basically, it’s a Scott Pilgrim spin-off, instead of an anime remake. Scott Pilgrim’s creator addresses fan concerns Following the negative response from some die-hard fans, On November 19, Scott Pilgrim’s creator, Bryan Lee O’Malley, took to Instagram to answer fan queries on his story. You can read the full post on Reddit here. To address complaints that the story no longer resembled what fans previously loved about Scott Pilgrim, in his post he said, “I personally wrote every script with @bdgrabinski. I constantly rewrote the dialogue to make it ‘feel more Scott Pilgrim.” He also discussed fans’ concerns about the marketing, clarifying that the anime exists on its own and isn’t a remake of the comic book or Michael Cera film: “I think the anime timeline is its own thing,” he says. “It comments on the book and the movie, but it isn’t meant to replace them … I know it’s pretty different and that might come as a shock, but it’s all intended in the spirit of fun.” Regardless of your opinion about the changes to the series, O’Malley continues to say, “if you’re confused or want more information, you can always read the books or watch the movie.” And concludes his statement with, “if you don’t like it, I still appreciate you.” The fan disappointment over the direction the new anime series took isn’t surprising, especially considering the marketing choices. However, with rave reviews and a unique story line, it’s definitely worth checking it out before writing it off. Check out our other Netflix coverage here, and our Anime coverage here.

Beloved sci-fi anime goes viral on Netflix as fans demand Season 2 NetflixA sci-fi anime series that’s gone under the radar arrived on Netflix recently, and the promise of another season has fans rallying across social media. If you missed Scavengers Reign, you’re definitely not alone. Released on Max in October 2023, the TV show was met with rave reviews, but an underwhelming viewership that resulted in the project being canned in March 2024. Netflix came to rescue, and the first season arrived on the platform on May 31, 2024. At the time the Netflix deal was revealed, Variety reported that a continuation was on the table, but nothing would be confirmed until ratings came in. Fans have been pushing for people to give the show a chance on Twitter, hoping to secure the renewal. “Please watch Scavengers Reign on Netflix today so that we get a Season 2 since HBO’s b*tch*ss cancelled it after one season,” reads a popular tweet. “Need every fan of sci-fi, every fan of animation, every fan of art, every fan of stories, every person ever to please watch Scavengers Reign and see what kinds of incredible things the human imagination is capable of,” says another. Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner co-created Scavengers Reign, drawing from a short film of theirs, Scavengers. The story follows survivors from a crashed ship, the Demeter 227, who have to survive a remote, alien planet. A pulpy adventure, that takes influence from some of the best anime such as Cowboy Bebop and Dragon Ball Z, as well other classics like Alien and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Scavengers Reign quickly developed a reputation among genre aficionados. At just 12 episodes, the first season stands as a refreshingly creative take on far-fetched sci-fi, the kind of thing that’s harder and harder to do in a landscape so full of established franchises. If you’d like to see what all the fuss is about, Netflix in the UK and US has you sorted, and you just might help bring more into the world, too. Check out our list of the best anime movies on Netflix if you want more fine viewing options, and we have guides to Mashle Season 3, Tower of God Season 2, and Solo Leveling Season 2 for other shows to keep an eye on.

Save an epic 34% off these Dragon Ball Z Dende & Porunga figures AmazonDragon Ball fans can grab a rare 34% off deal on highly coveted Porunga & Dende figures set with glow and audio features. Fans of Dragon Ball Z, rejoice. Tamashii Nations has released an incredible Porunga and Dende figure that brings the intensity of Planet Namek and the Freiza saga right into your display. One look at this figure makes it easy to see why. The hyper-detailed Porunga sculpture impresses with its enormous presence and intricate textures worthy of the Eternal Dragon. Thanks to adjustable limbs and posing options, collectors can recreate intense wish-granting scenes from the Planet Namek sagas. Dende also features in the figure, ready to summon Porunga with his alternate heads and hands. Place his figure on the display stand to activate the built-in NFC reader. This makes the seven Dragon Balls illuminate with an awesome glowing effect. Grab 34% off these Dende & Porunga Dragonball Z figures The set’s audio features make the deal even sweeter. You can push buttons on the figures to play actual voice clips from the characters. Hearing Porunga and Dende call out attacks mid-battle adds exciting realism. At over 30% off the retail price, this Porunga & Dende set gift wraps tremendous value for Dragon Ball collectors. It’s an iconic centerpiece sure to take any anime display to the next level. For DBZ fans, deals like this are as rare as a dragon wish. So act fast and power up your collection with these additions, especially given that it’s up at a hefty discount, too. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Satoru Gojo’s biggest strength and weakness in Jujutsu Kaisen are the same, says Gege Akutami CrunchyrollJujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami reveals Satoru Gojo has the same strength and weakness, much to the delight of fans. Jujutsu Kaisen‘s beloved Satoru Gojo may have fallen in the battle of the strongest, but his popularity is only increasing with time. Recently, Gege Akutami answered over 30 questions about this character, ranging from his past, family, and hobbies. Since the manga doesn’t reveal a lot of basic information about Gojo, the new Q&A session is a delight to Jujutsu Kaisen fans. A couple of questions enquire about both Gojo’s biggest strength and weakness in Jujutsu Kaisen, to which Gege Akutami gives the same answer. Longtime readers find this very amusing. One of the questions was, “Born and raised in high society and recognized as the ‘Strongest’ by both himself and others, he seems to have lived without much inconvenience. What do you think his weakness is?” Another question was, “What do you think are Gojo Satoru’s true essential strengths, beyond his innate abilities and biological advantages?” However, Gege repeats the same answer for both questions, “His personality.” According to the mangaka, Gojo’s personality is his biggest strength and weakness. However, fans bring up a WSJ comment by Gege in 2019, where he says, “Something Satoru Gojo doesn’t have… Probably a personality.” One fan shares, “When personality is your best value but also the reason for your defeat.” “His personality being both a weakness and strength, when it was developed from the crushing pressure of being the Honoured One of Jujutsu Society, Gojo Satoru you mean everything to me,” shares another. For more from Jujutsu Kaisen, you can check out the release date and spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 266. Also, have a look at our explanation of Yuji’s Domain Expansion and the 10 strongest modern-era sorcerers in the manga so far.

Sasaki and Peeps: Everything we know so far CrunchyrollFantasy comedy series Sasaki and Peeps’ upcoming anime adaptation is coming to our screens in the New Year. Here is everything you need to know. Buncololi and Kantoku’s light novel series Sasaki and Peeps (also known as Sasaki to Pii-chan) has gained a steadily growing fan base since it was first released way back in 2018. Why? Because the series offers a surprisingly relatable look at adult life. But with a fantasy twist, of course. While the anime adaptation has been in the works for almost two years, fans began to lose hope of seeing it on their screens. That is until a recent announcement has renewed their excitement. Here’s all the info we have on the upcoming Sasaki and Peeps anime series, including the premiere window, cast and crew, and a teaser trailer. Is there a Sasaki and Peeps release date? Sasaki and Peep’s anime adaptation will officially premiere on January 5, 2024. A lucky few fans were able to get an exclusive early screening of Sasaki and Peeps first episode at Anime NYC 2023. However, if you couldn’t make the event, the series is slated to officially air on Crunchyroll on January 5, 2024. Sasaki and Peeps plot The story follows Sasaki, a regular guy stuck in a boring office job that leaves him tired, unfulfilled and desperately lonely. One day, he decides to check out a pet shop to find himself a companion. But little does he know, this impulsive visit will set off a chain of events that change his life forever. At the pet shop, he picks up an ordinary but cute bird, that ends up being a wise sage from another world. This companion gives Sasaki supernatural abilities that he hopes he can use for a more peaceful (and easier) life. However, a bunch of quirky characters have different plans for him, which set the events of the story in motion. Sasaki and Peeps cast, crew and production Produced by Tokyo-based Silver Link animation studio, known for producing slice-of-life stories like WataMote and Mitsuboshi Colors, this upcoming series promises to be “kawaii.” On December 7, alongside the premiere date announcement, the anime revealed six new cast members. The official cast list is as follows: Pii-chan voiced by Aoi Yūki – Sasaki voiced by Tomokazu Sugita – Otonari-san voiced by Akari Kito – Hoshizaki voiced by Rie Takahashi – Shizuka Futari voiced by Naomi Ozora – Viscount Mueller voiced by Hiroki Yasumoto – Prince Adonis voiced by Jun Fukuyama – Marc voiced by Mitsuo Iwata – French voiced by Daisuke Namikawa – Sebastian voiced by Tessho Genda – Directed by Mirai Minato, known for Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World (2020), with the script by Japanese singer and writer Deko Akao (Komi Can’t Communicate), fans will be assured that this new series has the star-power behind it to make it a memorable hit. Is there a trailer? The first teaser trailer for Sasaki and Peeps came in July 2022. A full-length trailer hasn’t been released for Sasaki and Peeps yet. However, the first teaser trailer came over a year ago in July 2022, featuring the main characters Sasaki and Pii-chan, and offering a quick glimpse at the story. With the anime scheduled to be released in January 2024, and the first episode airing at Anime NYC 2023, we’re sure that a new official trailer will come any day now. What about the Sasaki and Peeps video game? A genre-bending MMORG game version is being developed. Sasaki and Peep’s official video game was first announced via Twitter in July 2023. And in August 2023, the first teaser trailer was released. The game, called Sasaki and Peeps: Mid-life Revolution is an MMORPG based on the upcoming anime and will be available on G123 in 2024. While the official release date is still unknown, the game says it will allow you to travel a 3D version of modern Japan and another world with Peeps by your side. What’s not to like? How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage below: Highspeed Etoile: Everything we know so far – Top 5 mangas getting anime adaptations in 2024 – One Punch Man Season 3: Everything we know – Top 12 upcoming anime in 2024 so far – Dragon Ball Daima: Everything we know – Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

LGBTQ+ manga banned in Florida county schools for being “inappropriate” CrunchyrollSasaki and Miyano, a popular queer manga, has been banned in schools in Brevard County, Florida, because the contents have been deemed not appropriate for young readers. Kicking off in 2016, Sasaki and Miyano has received 10 volumes so far, following the titular relationship between two teenage schoolboys. It comes from creator Shō Harusono, and has spawned one of the best LGBTQ+ anime ever. In a vote conducted on August 27, 2024, the Brevard County School Board chose to ban Vol. 1 of the manga from school libraries, on the basis the core relationship is “inappropriate”, and the manga format causes issues for one of the board-members. The book was tabled at the school board meeting for a discussion on its inclusion, starting at 47:40 in the above video, where District 1 representative and Board Chair Megan Wright voiced her opposition outright. “This book, it focuses on nothing other than a relationship that’s inappropriate,” she said. “You start the book, you read it backwards. I mean, when you start reading a book, which we’ve been teaching our kids from day one, you start at the beginning and you read from left to right, bottom to top, not that book you don’t.” She added that she believes this isn’t “the highest and best book that we can offer our kids”, then expressing concerns over where the plot goes after volume one. Needless to say, Sasaki and Miyano isn’t in any way special in how it’s presented, manga and Japanese literature are simply written differently to the left-to-right, top-to-bottom format of European and American publishing. This is pointed out by District 5 representative, Katye Campbell. “I don’t think there’s a problem with it being backwards because it’s Japanese, and it was a literal translation,” Campbell stated, after adding that she wouldn’t defend the manga either on the grounds that she thought it was “kinda stupid”. It’s worth noting this was a split vote. Jennifer Jenkins, representative of District 5, disagreed with Wright’s comments. “I am not comfortable removing a book because we don’t understand why it’s being read in the opposite direction,” she said, pointing a risk of potential legal blowback. In January of this year, a case was brought forward against Escambia County School Board, another part of Florida, for removing books in a way that violated First Amendment rights to free speech. PEN America, Penguin Random House, parents, and a selection of impacted authors are behind the legal action. Campbell argues the context is different in this case, and the motion goes through three votes to two. Jenkins expressed her unhappiness on X/Twitter, writing: “Today in Brevard County we banned a book because our chair couldn’t understand why a Japanese translation was being read from right to left. Well that & she accidentally said the LGBTQ relationship was ‘inappropriate’.”

Dragon Ball creator’s new anime show is coming this month Disney PlusSand Land, the upcoming anime from Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, finally has a premiere date, and you’re getting a whopping six episodes at once to boot. Although Sand Land might seem new, Akira Toriyama’s manga actually started over 20 years ago. Following a group of rogues and scavengers in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, it’s a Mad Max riff that’s as delightful as you’d expect from Toriyama. It was only last yeear, in 2023, an anime movie was produced, telling Beelzebub’s story. That production brings us to now, with a full anime show coming. Across two parts, we’ll get a retelling of the film, and new scenes and ideas that expand the world and story beyond what we’ve been shown already, Sand Land starts steaming on Disney Plus and Hulu in March Sand Land premieres on Disney Plus and Hulu in the US and UK on March 20. On that day, not only will you get the first episode of Sand Land on the service, but you’ll get another six as well, for a total of seven episodes. Another six will then arrive weekly on Wednesdays, giving you 13 episodes of Sand Land in total. That’s a pretty strong release strategy, giving fans a huge burst, before splitting the rest up piecemeal. Given that this will deviate from the film, the differences will be intriguing to parse, and the potential for any continuations, should Toriyama leave any. The mangaka is busy this year, not only putting out Sand Land, but returning to Dragon Ball for Dragon Ball Daima, a new sequel to Super. More comedic than we’ve gotten from Goku and the Z Fighters lately, this has them all becoming child-like versions of themselves thanks to an evil wizard. So now Kid Goku and Kid Vegeta and kid-everyone-else has to defeat the evil. That sounds fund anyway, but Toriyama back as a core creative, it bodes very well indeed. I’m always happy to have more Toriyama in my life, and Sand Land will make a fine preamble to Dragon Ball Daima.

Dragon Ball creator teases “intense action” in new anime show DisneyDragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama’s Sand Land is finally arriving in English-speaking territories soon, with an expanded story, and he’s commented on just what fans can expect. Based on his manga from the early 2000s, Sand Land is the first non-Dragon Ball anime show from Toriyama in decades. A slightly different speed from Goku saving the universe, it’s more akin to Mad Max and Tank Girl, following a bunch of rogues in a dystopian future where the world has become a desert landscape. An anime movie came out last year, and that’s now been recut into episodes, with a few hours of extra storytelling on top. Disney Plus will be hosting Sand Land starting March 20, and now Toriyama’s commented on what’s coming. Sand Land anime show will have “intense action” In an interview posted on the official Sand Land site, Toriyama explained how the second narrative was added. “The outline I received was full of dramatic content and fast-paced developments from the start,” he says. “I came up with the background information and design for a new character, Muniel, designed other characters like Ann, and also suggested various episodes and whatnot. And so this sequel was completed.” He teased that there’s a lot of energy in new episodes. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the new world-building and intense action,” he explains. “The trio of Beelzebub, Rao, and Thief have a new adventure and encounter new characters.” The Sand Land anime stretches 13 episodes. The premiere contains seven; the movie recut into chapters with new scenes. The proceeding six episodes, then, are all new for everyone. This isn’t especially unusual anime, with compilation films turning episodes into movies. In this instance, it gives everyone a reason to watch each iteration. Sand Land serves as a nice preamble to Toriyama’s other big project this year – Dragon Ball Daima! The sequel to Dragon Ball Super that has Goku and the Z Fighters turned into children by some ominous villain. We’ll keep you informed on when you should be able to see that. It’s a good year to be a Toriyama fan!

Sakura shows up for the first time in Boruto Two Blue Vortex Chapter 14 Studio PierrotThe new sneak peek of Boruto Two Blue Vortex Chapter 14 reveals Sakura will be making her first appearance in the sequel manga in the upcoming installment. It’s been a while since Boruto Two Blue Vortex started. Throughout the past 13 chapters, we’ve met a few new characters while reacquainting ourselves with some familiar faces. The manga has already given us a peek at most of the Konoha 13 members, including Naruto and Hinata. However, Sarada’s mom and the village’s most capable doctor hasn’t appeared in the sequel… until Chapter 14, that is. The preview reveals the chapter shows the aftermath of Inojin’s near-death experience. After he was impaled by Jura, Himawari healed him with her newly awakened Bijuu powers, before sending him off to the hospital with Shikadai and Chocho. In Chapter 14, he’s in the hospital with Sakura healing him with medical ninjutsu. His teammates are there with him and so are his mother Ino and Himawari. Sakura is surprised by how well Inojin has been healed. She reveals after being impaled, Inojin’s chakra flow stopped completely. But thanks to Himawari, it’s in perfect condition again. This proves how magnificent the girl’s Bijuu powers are that she can heal an injury of that level so well and without any training, too. Readers are divided over Sakura coming back in Boruto Two Blue Vortex Chapter 14. While some people are excited, some say that they’d rather have a different character make their reappearance than the pink-haired medic. “Bro Kakashi? I don’t even want Sakura like give us Kakashi we haven’t seen bro in a decade,” wrote one user on X. To this, someone replied, “Her husband is sealed and her daughter is in Team 7, not showing Sakura would be stupid.” “I want to know what Sakura thinks about the whole situation regarding Sarada supporting Boruto to the point that she lost her position as Jonin,” tweeted another. “Give me family drama. I NEED IT!” “Sakura finally! But what’s with her eyes, Ikemoto?” commented another, referring to the preview’s art. The sneak peek confirms that we’ll get the aftermath of the shinobi’s encounters with the Shinju in Boruto Two Blue Vortex Chapter 14. But what happened to the protagonist after his arrest is still unknown. The new chapter will arrive on September 20, 2024. Until then, find out the only way to save Sasuke and how Kurama came back. You can also find out the shocking truth behind Naruto and Isshiki’s fight.

Sakamoto Days has already revealed the identity of Fortune Teller Manga PlusShin and Heisuke turn themselves in so they can find the fortune teller and now Sakamoto Days has revealed her identity. The ongoing arc of Sakamoto Days focuses on the overall development of Taro Sakamoto, Shin, and Heisuke. While Taro busies himself by fighting Order member Torres, Shin and Heisuke train under Kindaka. However, Nagumo’s sudden appearance lands Shin and Heisuke in prison. Their task is to locate the Fortune Teller, who was once a JAA member. She is currently serving her sentence in prison after making a bunch of mistakes during X’s activities. Shin has to track down the mysterious person and find out how to improve his ESP. Heisuke accompanies his friend on the dangerous mission while keeping Taro in the dark. Sakamoto Days Chapter 181 then reveals the mysterious Fortune Teller is a young girl named Atari. It’s clear she will be an important character in the arc. Awaiting the appearance of her “prince charming,” we find out Atari is confident in her fortune telling skills. Therefore, the true reason behind her arrest remains a mystery. The upcoming chapters will shed on Atari’s past as well as the “prince charming” she’s talking about. Fans already love her design and some even wonder if the person she’s waiting for is either Shin or Heisuke. “Yuto Suzuki never ceases to amaze me. I genuinely wasn’t expecting the JAA fortune teller to be a young adult. It seems like in previous chapters, they were talking about them being some older person but nope, that’s not the case. This is why I enjoy Sakamoto Days,” writes one fan. Another shares, “I was not expecting the fortune teller to be like her. I wonder if she’s predicting Shin or Heisuke to rescue her.” For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, anime with the best story, and most underrated anime of 2023.

Sakamoto Days fans call out “weird” Jujutsu Kaisen fandom in online fight Crunchyroll/NetflixSakamoto Days is finally getting an anime adaptation, but fandom is already enraged with Jujutsu Kaisen fans for comparing the main character to Gojo and Geto. Sakamoto Days by Yuuto Suzuki is one of the most popular new-gen manga. The story follows Tarou Sakamoto, who was the greatest hitman of all time. However, he left the underworld after falling in love and now works as a convenience store clerk. The story continues as Tarou finds it difficult to leave his dark past. Netflix announced the highly anticipated anime adaptation with a new trailer and character design. However, some Jujutsu Kaisen fans compared Sakamoto Days’ main character’s appearance with Gojo and Geto, which didn’t sit well with the entire fandom. One fan commented: “No god, no, please, weird JJK fandom please, stay away from this franchise.” “Why do JJK fans always have to make it about themselves,” said another. However, some of the JJK fans spoke against the controversy. One fan said: “Us ‘fangirls’ have been reading Sakadays for years too, and we don’t plan to go anywhere. This manga doesn’t belong to you all. Stop acting like y’all are still 5 years old and grow up.” The controversy blew up so much that Jujutsu Kaisen leaker Go_Jover, who rarely talks about the discourse among the fandom, said, “Good Morning. News update of JJK fandom from 2nd Day of Break Week, JJK ‘Girlies’ are once again at war with Sakamoto Fans. JJK ‘Dudebros’ were also seen at the crime scene, catching some strays. That’s all for now. Signing off.” The discussion is still trending between both fandoms as anime enthusiasts await the debut of Sakamoto Days anime. You can find the release date and possible spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 262. Also, check out our explanation of the latest plot twist and all major character deaths in the manga so far.

Sakamoto Days Chapter 182: Release date & spoiler speculation Manga PlusSakamoto Days Chapter 182 will continue the struggles of Shin and Heisuke as they enter prison to seek out a fortune teller. The ongoing arc of Sakamoto Days features Taro and his team’s struggle to improve themselves before the fight against JAA. Shin and Heisuke were training relentlessly under Kindaka. The veteran assassin realizes Shin needs to improve his ESP more than his physical skills. That’s when Nagumo enters the scene and tells them about JAA’s fortune teller who was recently arrested after making some mistakes during X’s activities. Hence, Shin and Heisuke turn themselves in by claiming to be the ones behind the museum’s attack. Chapter 181 introduces the fortune teller, Atari, a young girl who’s serving her sentence in the prison as she awaits her prince charming. But who is she talking about? Sakamoto Days Chapter 182 release date and time Sakamoto Days Chapter 182 will be released on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 7am PT. You can read the latest chapters for free on Manga Plus. The Sakamoto Days Chapter 182 global release time zones are below: 11.00am Eastern Time – 4.00pm British Time – 5.00pm European Time – 8.30pm Indian Time – 11.00pm Philippine Time – Sakamoto Days Chapter 182 spoiler speculation Sakamoto Days Chapter 182 will likely reveal the identity of Atari’s Prince Charming. It could be either Shin, Heisuke or even someone else. Nagumo confirms there’s no guarantee that the duo can make it out of prison safely. Atari is being kept in the deepest level of the prison, which is not easy to access. The duo also meets Boiled, one of the assassins of the Dondenkai agency, who attacked Taro and Shin during the Amusement Park Arc. He was arrested soon after the incident. He may prove to be an ally in the upcoming chapter. However, what’s surprising is Atari’s introduction as she says her predictions are never wrong. Nagumo said that she was arrested because she made some “bad calls” which implies her predictions didn’t help JAA during X’s attacks. Hence, it’s possible she was wrongfully thrown into prison. The upcoming chapter will most likely shed some light on her past and how she ended up there. However, Shin and Heisuke may not meet her in next chapter because breaking through the security will be more difficult than they realize. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, and most underrated anime of 2023.

Sakamoto Days Chapter 181: Release date & spoiler speculation Manga PlusSakamoto Days Chapter 181 will continue the story as we find out what will happen to Shin and Heisuke after they turn themselves in. The ongoing arc of Sakamoto Days focuses on Taro and his team training relentlessly to improve their skills. They’re going to fight the JAA and attempt to take it over. However, even someone like Taro can’t handle the elite assassins all by himself. Meanwhile, Shin and Heisuke are currently training under Kindaka, who just woke up from a coma. Kindaka also joined them in their mission before revealing how he had always been frustrated by JAA. Chapter 180 reveals that JAA once had a fortune teller who was arrested recently after making a bunch of mistakes during X’s activities. However, Shin is determined to track down the mysterious person and find out how to improve his ESP. Sakamoto Days Chapter 181 release date and time Sakamoto Days Chapter 181 will be released on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 7am PT. So, You can read the latest chapters for free on Manga Plus. The Sakamoto Days Chapter 181 global release time zones are below: 11.00am Eastern Time – 4.00pm British Time – 5.00pm European Time – 8.30pm Indian Time – 11.00pm Philippine Time – Sakamoto Days Chapter 181 spoiler speculation Sakamoto Days Chapter 181 will focus on Shin and Heisuke as they navigate through the jail and locate the fortune teller. Kindaka realizes Shin is talented, so instead of focusing on his physical skills, he should be improving his ESP. Shin is also desperate to improve and be of help to Taro, which will give him a much higher advantage in battle. If they manage to get the fortune teller on their side, they will also have a valuable new member in their team. The upcoming chapter will likely introduce them. The only problem is Taro is unaware of what the two of them did in his absence. When Nagumo asks about it, Kindaka plans not to tell Taro about the situation. He also seems relieved to have the youngsters off his back. However, if Taro were to find out, he wouldn’t sit idly by. For now, however, he is focusing on how to fight more Order members and experience near-death situations. That’s the only way for him to improve and get one step closer to his goal. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, and most underrated anime of 2023.

Sakamoto Days Chapter 180: Release date & spoiler speculation Manga PlusTaro Sakamoto wants to take over JAA but it’s easier said than done. Here’s what you need to know about Sakamoto Days Chapter 180. The current arc of Sakamoto Days focuses on Taro and his team trying to improve their skills. Uzuki’s whereabouts remain unknown but he still wants to destroy JAA. On the other hand, Taro realizes he can’t live a peaceful life as long as JAA exists. So, he wants to take over the organization and turn his convenience store into a national chain store. Shin and Heisuke are in for one crazy training session since Kindaka never goes easy on young talents. On the other hand, Kindaka has nothing left to teach Taro. He says Taro can only improve after being on the verge of death. The only people who can push him that far are members of the Order. In Chapter 179, he fights Torres and realizes his limitations. Sakamoto Days Chapter 180 release date and time Sakamoto Days Chapter 180 will be released on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 7am PT. So, You can read the latest chapters for free on Manga Plus. The Sakamoto Days Chapter 180 global release time zones are below: 11.00am Eastern Time – 4.00pm British Time – 5.00pm European Time – 8.30pm Indian Time – 11.00pm Philippine Time – Sakamoto Days Chapter 180 spoiler speculation Sakamoto Days Chapter 180 will likely feature Kindaka training Shin and Heisuke. Shin and Heisuke may have potential but they’re nowhere near the level of Order members. They can’t join the other fighters like Taro, Kindaka, and Nagumo in the battle unless they significantly improve themselves. Kindaka is one of the rare talents in the assassin world and he joins Taro’s side in taking over JAA. On the other hand, Taro sees the difference in his power after fighting Torres. In the meantime, Taro might challenge Torres again. Torres is one of the strongest characters in the series and Taro knows he would’ve died if the former was seriously fighting him. However, as the chapter ends, Taro thinks about Kindaka’s words. The veteran assassin says Taro relies too much on luck and it’s all about how he plays the hand he’s dealt with. Taro ponders over what it means. This is a hint that Kindaka knows how Taro can turn this situation into an advantage which will likely be revealed in Chapter 180. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, and most underrated anime of 2023.

Sakamoto Days Chapter 179: Release date & spoiler speculation Manga PlusTaro and his team are training diligently to improve their skills, as Kindaka gives him a piece of valuable advice, so here’s what you need to know about Sakamoto Days Chapter 179. The ongoing arc of Sakamoto Days focuses on Taro and his team setting up the most difficult goal for themselves: to take over JAA. Kindaka wakes up from his eight-year coma, which is a blessing in disguise. He is still the fastest assassin and he gives Taro’s group a pretty hard time after waking up. Taro requests Kindaka to train him, Shin, and Heisuke. Shin and Heisuke have talent but lack experience and their skills are still incomparable to fighting the Order members. Additionally, Taro is not as skillful as before after living a carefree life for five years. Although Kindaka agrees to train Shin and Heisuke in Chapter 178, he sets up a new goal for Taro. Sakamoto Days Chapter 179 release date and time Sakamoto Days Chapter 179 will be released on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 7am PT. So, You can read the latest chapters for free on Manga Plus. The Sakamoto Days Chapter 179 global release time zones are below: 11.00am Eastern Time – 4.00pm British Time – 5.00pm European Time – 8.30pm Indian Time – 11.00pm Philippine Time – Sakamoto Days Chapter 179 spoiler speculation Kindaka agrees to join Taro in his mission to take over JAA. The goal seems out of reach for now, but he’s already been fed up with Asaki before he went into a coma. However, instead of training Taro, Kindaka asks him to fight Order members. He says he has nothing left to teach Taro and the latter can only gain more strength when he’s on the verge of death. Torres is the first Order member Taro comes across. The upcoming chapter will most likely feature their fight. Furthermore, Shin and Heisuke are in for one crazy training session since Kindaka never goes easy on young talents. We will likely see how those two deal with Kindaka’s intense training session. On the other hand, it’s unclear what Nagumo’s next move will be after he was expelled from the Order. The manga still hasn’t revealed his deal with Yotsamura. However, on the bright side, Nagumo is on Taro’s side and will still help him accomplish his goal. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, most underrated anime of 2023, and the best anime like Solo Leveling.

Sakamoto Days Chapter 178: Release date & spoiler speculation Manga PlusKindaka surprisingly wakes up from his coma as he reunites with Nagumo and Taro, so here’s what you need to know about Sakamoto Days Chapter 178. Sakamoto Days is a popular manga by Yuuto Suzuki, following Taro Sakamoto, the greatest hitman of all time. He left the underworld after falling in love and now works as a convenience store clerk. However, his past continues to haunt him after someone places a bounty of one billion on his head. The ongoing arc follows the aftermath of the chaotic incident of the Assassin Exhibition. Nagumo was expelled from the JAA and is now a target like Taro Sakamoto and Kei Uzuki. The recent chapter brings back Kindaka, the founding member of the order, who was in a coma for eight years. As soon as he wakes up, he challenges Taro and his team to test their strength. Sakamoto Days Chapter 178 release date and time Sakamoto Days Chapter 178 will be released on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 7am PT. Weekly Shonen Jump is taking a small break due to a holiday in Japan. So, You can read the latest chapters for free on Manga Plus. The Sakamoto Days Chapter 178 global release time zones are below: 11.00am Eastern Time – 4.00pm British Time – 5.00pm European Time – 8.30pm Indian Time – 11.00pm Philippine Time – Sakamoto Days Chapter 178 spoiler speculation Kindaka wakes up at the perfect time since Taro’s group needs a trainer more than ever. He’s back into action as soon as he wakes up. Kindaka is still the fastest assassin and he gives Taro’s group a pretty hard time after waking up. The recent chapter pretty much confirms Taro will request Kindaka to train him, Shin, and Heisuke. Shin and Heisuke have talent but lack experience and their skills are still incomparable to fighting the Order members and X. Taro is not as skillful as before after living a carefree life for five years. JAA will keep sending more assassins their way and they need to be ready for that. Furthermore, it’s unclear what Nagumo’s next move will be after he was expelled from the Order. However, he will most likely continue to be with Taro’s group and find a way to stop their enemies. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, most underrated anime of 2023, and the best anime like Solo Leveling.

Sakamoto Days Chapter 174: Release date & spoiler speculation Manga PlusRion and Uzuki are on the run but don’t have a particular destination in mind, so here’s what you need to know about Sakamoto Days Chapter 174. Sakamoto Days is a popular manga by Yuuto Suzuki, following Tarou Sakamoto, who was the greatest hitman of all time. However, he left the underworld after falling in love and now works as a convenience store clerk. Tarou still can’t fully escape his dark past when a bounty is on his head. While fans await the anime adaptation, which will be released in 2025, the manga continues the ninth story arc. This arc began in Chapter 164, and picks up after the attack on the exhibition. The new order considers Sakamoto, Nagumo, and Uzuki as dangerous targets. In the meantime, Uzuki attempts to use his new identity as Takamura to kill the rest of the JAA. The latest chapter revisits the moments following Kindaka’s death. Now that Uzuki and Rion have escaped, what’s next for them? Sakamoto Days Chapter 174 release date and time Since there’s no break this week, Sakamoto Days Chapter 174 will be released on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 7am PT. You can read the latest chapters for free on Manga Plus. Sakamoto Days Chapter 174 global release timezones are below: 11.00am Eastern Time – 4.00pm British Time – 5.00pm European Time – 8.30pm Indian Time – 11.00pm Philippine Time – Sakamoto Days Chapter 174 spoiler speculation Rion and Uzuki flee and take refuge in a local automobile. Rion asks Uzuki about his future ambitions. Repeating his wish to return to Al-Kamar, Uzuki tells Rion the name of the orphanage. She acknowledges her understanding but cautions him that returning would allow the same things to continue. Although the chapter has its fair share of lighthearted moments, it ends on a rather ambiguous note as a sense of impending doom lingers. The upcoming chapter will likely continue their journey as they fight against JAA. Their main goal will most likely be to devise a plan to free Gaku and the other youngsters from the repressive institution. The chapter will offer a mix of action, emotional depth, and significant plot twists that will impact the series’ future. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, most underrated anime of 2023, and the best anime like Solo Leveling.

Sakamoto Days anime reportedly coming to Netflix later this year Yuto Suzuki/ShueishaPopular shonen manga Sakamoto Days is reportedly getting an anime adaptation that will stream on Netflix later this year, and fans have mixed feelings about this. Sakamoto Days is an action comedy manga by Yuto Suzuki. The manga made its debut in November 2020, soon rising to become one of the most-read titles on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app. The manga’s popularity and intriguing plot had many readers hoping for an anime adaptation of Sakamoto Days. After four years of serialization, their wish is potentially coming true. The news of Sakamoto Days getting an anime surfaced in the License Global May 2024 issue. The list featured in the issue shows a number of productions that will premiere on Netflix in 2024. Sakamoto Days is one of the projects mentioned in the list, indicating that its anime adaptation will be released on Netflix sometime in 2024. However, there has been no official announcement from the makers about this anime. Right now, the License Global listing is the only confirmation. According to some rumors, all episodes of the Sakamoto Days anime are said to be finished. Given the shows listed alongside Sakamoto Days in License Global, including Squid Game Season 2, Senna, and Love Is Blind Season 7, the anime will purportedly be released in late 2024. Sakamoto Days is a unique story about a humble convenience store owner who used to be a legendary assassin. After falling in love with a woman he later married, Taro Sakamoto left his bloodstained days behind to live as a peaceful citizen. However, it soon becomes apparent that he can’t leave his past behind as easily as he hoped. There is plenty of humor, well-written characters, and stellar action sequences to be enjoyed in this manga, and these are expected to make its anime adaptation a must-watch for anime fans. As of now, Sakamoto Days has released 165 chapters and is still ongoing. Chapter 166 will be released on May 19, 2024. While a lot of fans are excited over the reports of the Sakamoto Days anime, many fans are expressing their disappointment over the Netflix release. Many viewers are saying that having all episodes of the anime released at once in the standard Netflix style will ruin the weekly anticipation for the episodes. “All episodes gonna come at once and ruin the weekly hype bro. Why Netflix man?” a user commented on X, joined by another who said, “It sucks that it’s coming from Netflix but I’m just happy it’s coming regardless.” TMS Entertainment is rumored to be behind the project. For more anime content, check out our recommendations on anime shows that have best stories, best superhero anime, upcoming romance anime series, and the best isekai anime you need to watch.

Sakamoto Days: Release window and everything else we know ©Yuto Suzuki/SHUEISHA, SAKAMOTO DAYS PROJECTSakamoto Days is becoming an anime show after spending months as one of the most-read manga currently running, so here are all the release details we know. It was clear soon after Sakamoto Days debuted in November 2020 that it would make a great anime show. The concept is funny but also thrilling and a little bit edgy, and the whirlwind popularity of Yuto Suzuki’s manga certainly made it obvious there was an audience for such ideas. Lo and behold, just a few years later, Sakamoto Days is getting animated, and by an extremely reliable production house at that. The potential to be one of the best anime is massive, and the right companies are coming together to see it to fruition. After all this time, though, when can you watch Sakamoto Days? What other details are there? We know our way around finding lucrative information, so we’ve put it all together for you. Sakamoto Days release window Sakamoto Days will release in January 2025. This comes from the announcement trailer for the anime adaptation. Sakamoto Days will be part of the winter anime season, and could be looking to repeat the success of Solo Leveling, which premiered in January 2024. The exact date for Solo Leveling‘s first episode wasn’t announced until December 2023, but that production had suffered a delay. In any case, we don’t expect to hear more until late 2024, but if we do, you’ll be the first to know. Sakamoto Days trailer The first Sakamoto Days trailer came out on May 27, 2024. The clips set up the show perfectly, introducing us to Taro Sakamoto, the former hitman who’s now just trying to live a normal life. There’s a quick montage of him transitioning from a being a hot shot gun for hire, to becoming a family man. Then his past life refuses to stay dead, and he has to step back into the fray of organized crime. He still has moves to spare, as we see him handle numerous tricky situations. Who is making Sakamoto Days? Sakamoto Days is being produced by TMS Entertainment, a legendary studio with history that stretches back to the 1960s. Popular shows that have come from there include Dr Stone, Bakugan, D.Gray-Man, and Sonic X. Masaki Watanabe is directing, and Taku Kishimoto is writing the script. Taku one of the most exciting writers working in anime right now, having penned The Deer King, Erased, and Ranking of Kings, with Blue Lock: Episode Nagi on the way this summer. Sakamoto Days is in good hands. What is Sakamoto Days about? Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired assassin who had a reputation for being the best in the game. He eventually settled down, now managing a convenience store with a wife and kids. Leaving organized crime isn’t so simple, and when some remnants of his past threaten to disrupt who he is how, Sakamoto is quick to defend himself and his family. He’s joined by Shin, an assistant at his shop, who also happens to be a telepath, giving the story a slightly supernatural edge. The manga by Yuto Suzuki started in November 2020, and it has 168 chapters thus far. Escapades include Sakamoto and Shin going undercover at Japan’s largest assassination academy, traveling to Bangkok, and working to stop another ruthless gun-for-hire, Slur. Where can you watch Sakamoto Days? It’s not confirmed where Sakamoto Days will air yet, but it will very likely be available on Netflix globally. The show was spotted in a Netflix listing on License Global magazine, before being removed after publication. Since then, there’s been no official word on any kind of deal with Netflix. But that probably just means promotion is being kept for closer the release window, in some form of showcase hosted by the platform. Watch this space. That’s everything we have on the Sakamoto Days anime. For other upcoming releases, check out our guides on Tower of God Season 2, One Punch Man Season 3, Dandadan, and Solo Leveling Season 2.

Sakamoto Days anime announced, and it’s coming soon TMS EntertainmentAfter some uncertainty, the Sakamoto Days anime has officially been confirmed, with a trailer showing off the adaptation and a release date. Sakamoto Days, an increasingly popular manga from Yuta Suzuki, has been tipped to become an anime show for some time. Just recently, an adaptation scheduled for Netflix was listed in a trade magazine, before being quietly removed from the list. Evidence was pointing towards something happening, and now we have full proof, with a proper reveal. There’s a trailer, special visual, and the announcement that the Sakamoto Days anime will release in January 2025. TMS Entertainment is handling the series, and given this is the historic production house behind Dr Stone, Fruits Basket and Bakugan, it’s in safe hands. Masaki Watanabe is directing, but more excitingly, Taku Kishimoto is writing the scripts. Formerly on the floor at Studio Ghibli, Taku cut out on his own, writing screenplays for Haikyuu!!, Erased and many more. He scripted The Deer King in 2022, one of the best anime movies of that year. What the trailer or official PR don’t address is Netflix’s potential involvement. It’s not unlikely Netflix have their own advertising for the subtitled and dubbed versions, if the service is distributing in English-speaking territories, but so far, that connection is unsubstantiated. There’s clearly a healthy amount of investment going into Sakamoto Days, as you can see in the trailer as well, where some CGI is used to complement bright, vivacious aesthetics and movement. If you aren’t aware, Sakamoto Days follows a retired hitman, Tara Sakamoto, who’s drawn out of hiding when his family is targeted by vengeful mobsters. Except plenty of style and more than a few laughs. We have an upcoming anime list, for more top releases, and you should keep an eye on our guides to Tower of God Season 2 and Solo Leveling Season 2 for when they’ll come out as well.

RWBY fan recreates main characters in classic anime style Rooster Teeth AnimationFans of the popular anime RWBY (pronounced ‘ruby’) cite everything from the show’s design to its colorful characters as reasons for why they love the franchise, but one artist gave the series a nostalgic twist that produced an incredible effect. The show that started out back in 2013 slowly built a following that eventually surged throughout its six seasons, which has now turned into a massive cult following. Tons of anime fans have poured hours watching young Huntresses Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang (RWBY) grow while learning the ins and outs of being a proper Huntress. While one of the initial draws of the show lies in its unique animation style, one fan had the idea of giving some of the main characters a classic OVA rendition. RWBY in OVA style needs to happen In a Twitter post, artist David Liu released an astonishing take on main characters Ruby Rose and her half-sister Yang Xiao Long that has the two modern anime stars transformed into a throwback style. “I’ve been toiling away at this slowly during warm ups, cool downs, and breaks from the work. AND I’ve finally finished,” Liu said. “I present to you, Yang and Ruby (from #RWBY of course) if it were adapted into a classic anime OVA.” For added measure, Liu also included a clean cel version of the design, but even more eye-opening was a VHS-style render that gave the art an extra dimension of authentic OVA feel. Different takes to RWBY’s iconic style RWBY turned a lot of heads when it first premiered online in July of 2013. While the production company behind it, Rooster Teeth, became popular for their series ‘Red vs. Blue,’ RWBY had made an instant impact for those who adopted the show early on. The American anime introduced such a unique take for their show, it has since led artists like Liu and others to give amazing renditions to see how the characters would look like in various styles.

Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions Season 2: Everything we know DiomedéaRon Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions has been renewed for Season 2. Here’s what we know so far. It’s good news for shonen anime fans everywhere. The TV anime adaptation of Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions has been renewed for a second season. Based on Akira Amano’s detective series titled Ron Kamonohashi: Deranged Detective, this mystery crime thriller has gained a large fan following since its debut in 2020. Now, following the successful first season of its anime adaptation – which aired from October to December 2023 – fans have got the news they’ve been waiting for. Ron Kamonohashi: Forbidden Deductions has been renewed for Season 2. Ron Kamonohashi: Forbidden Deductions renewed for a second season The anime line up for 2024 gets better every day. Especially following the announcement of the renewal of yet another hit series, Ron Kamonohashi: Forbidden Deductions. On December 25, it was officially announced that Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions was officially renewed. And fans have taken to X/Twitter to celebrate the news, with one commenting: “So Underrated”, and another posting that “the list for 2024 is insane!” What’s Ron Kamonohashi: Forbidden Deductions about? This amazing series revolves around the crime-fighting partnership between an eccentric private investigator Ron Kamonohashi (a sixth-generation descendent of Sherlock Holmes) and police-officer Totomaru Isshiki. Five years ago, Ron Kamonohashi was a top student at the Detective Training Academy Blue. However, a fatal moment of temporary insanity led to him losing his detective license and his expulsion from the academy. Having lost his detective status and unable to pursue his love for solving mysteries, Ron Kamonohashi shut himself away from the world. That is until police officer Totomaru seeks his help on a case, and the two form a mystery solving partnership. Ron Kamonohashi: Forbidden Deductions Season 2 cast Studio Diomedea animated the first season of the anime, which ran for a total of 13 episodes. And it was directed by Shota Ibata, known for The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent. Wataru Watari was in charge of the series composition, with Yo Tsuji behind the musical score. UNISON SQUARE GARDEN performed the opening theme song Ikenai Fool Logic and hockrockb performed the closing theme Lip-sync. The main cast, which we can expect to return for Season 2 includes: Yohei Azakami as Ron Ramonohashi – Junya Enoki as Totomaru “Toto” Isshiki – Taku Yashiro as Spitz Feier – The series aired from October to December 2023 on Tokyo MX in Japan, with Crunchyroll holding the international streaming rights. Is there a Ron Kamonohashi: Forbidden Deductions Season 2 trailer? While we don’t have a trailer for the newly announced Season 2, you can check out the trailer for Season 1 to see why this anime series gained such a huge following. While we don’t have an official release date for Season 2, we’ll make sure to keep you updated as soon as the details are announced. In the meantime, make sure to check out Season 1 on Crunchyroll. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage below: Spy x Family Code: White debuts at #1 in Japan box office – One Piece anime reveals new art style for Egghead Island arc – 5 best video games based on anime – 5 Jujutsu Kaisen moments inspired by other anime – Every anime sequel coming out in 2024 – Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Roger Corman was responsible for an infamously terrible anime movie VizRoger Corman, the iconic cult filmmaker behind Little Shop of Horrors, the Raven, and dozens more, has died. More than just a director and producer, he oversaw numerous other releases through his studios, including a particularly notorious anime dub from the ’80s. Corman started his own production company, New World Pictures, in 1970. Besides releasing his own movies, New World Pictures would also distribute pictures from other up-and-comers. The likes of Ron Howard, Jonathan Demme, and Joe Dante are among those whose first projects were picked up. Alongside American genre films, Corman had an eye for movies from further afield, especially from Europe and Japan. Among those he imported was the anime movie Galaxy Express 999, an extremely popular picture in Japan that didn’t exactly find its audience stateside. The dub and re-edit of Galaxy Express 999 swiftly became infamous within sci-fi circles and nascent anime communities. The film is a spin-off from the Galaxy Express anime show. In 1980, dubbing and broadcasting of properties like this was still very limited in English-speaking territories, so there was no way of guaranteeing the audience would know or understand the franchise. Thus, Galaxy Express 999 was trimmed down, from over two hours to a little over 90 minutes, removing chunks of plot and exposition. Beyond that, the script and character names were altered to a bizarre degree. Tetsuro Hoshino, the protagonist, became Joey Hanakanabobakananda Smith; Antares was turned into Olaf; and Captain Harlock became Captain Warlock. Sloppy edits make the whole thing difficult to follow at times, and the voice-acting left something to be desired (though was likely recorded in harsh time restraints, like a lot of dubbing through the ’80s and ’90s). Another version was put together in 1996, and Corman’s dub has become fodder for cult film aficionados. Although the New World Pictures cut of Galaxy Express 999 isn’t good, it’s commendable that Corman at least understood the appeal and potential of anime at a time when few others did. Sadly, the 1980 dub is difficult to find in its entirety these days, though clips permeate the internet. He was an innovator, and his other discoveries, such as Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese, have aged much better. Check out our upcoming anime guide for more rising stars.

The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3: English dub release details IMDBOn October 6, Naofumi, Raphtalia and friends returned for The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3. Now fans of the hit anime can enjoy the English dub on Crunchyroll. Over a year has passed since Season 2 of The Rising of the Shield Hero (which aired from April 6 to June 29, 2022) concluded. Following the second season’s less-than-stellar fan reception after the meteoric success of Season 1 (January 9 to June 6, 2019), with complaints voiced over world-building, character development, and pacing, the stakes are high for season three. So can it win the series place back into fans’ hearts? The third season – adapted from Aneko Yusagi and Seira Minami’s isekai light novel – maintains the 12-episode format of the previous season. However, it also comes with notable production changes. Director Hitoshi Hago – known for Made in Abyss – takes the reins as director from season two’s Masato Jinbo. Returning to the series’ successful origins, Kinema Citrus assumed sole responsibility for production, and the light novel’s authors confirmed their active involvement in shaping the storyline. With Kevin Penkin (Tower of God) returning as the music composer and the Japanese voice cast remaining unchanged, it’s safe to say that Season 3 is shaping up for an exceptional redemption season. The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3: English dub release details The English dub version of The Rising of the Shield Hero is released today – October 20, 2023 – on Crunchyroll. The series also has some behind-the-scenes changes. Lucien Dodge took on the ADR Director role, Eric P. Sherman stepped in as producer, and Henry Mason returned as the scriptwriter. Who’s the English cast? The English dub cast is as follows: Stephen Fu as Naofumi – Erica Mendez as Raphtalia – Brianna Knickerbocker as Filo – Taylor Henry as Aultcray – Imari Williams as Elhart – Kieran Regan as Fohl – Kimlinh Tran as Keel – Jackie Lastra as Melty – Katelyn Gault as Mirelia – Alice Himora as Nadia – Kira Buckland as Rishia/Shadow – Alexander Gross as Yuji – Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3: a quick recap With over a year to wait between seasons, it’s no surprise if you need a refresher before you jump into season three. So here’s a quick recap of the storyline: In season one, we were introduced to college student Naofumi Iwatani, who was summoned into a parallel world as The Shield Hero to combat demonic invasions known as “The Waves”. Despite being the weakest of the universe’s four cardinal heroes, he captured viewer hearts on his extraordinary journey filled with betrayal, hardship and unwavering determination. The second season saw Naofumi and his party face new challenges, including exploring alternate worlds and confronting giant monsters. However, it left fans wanting more. As the third season unfolds on Crunchyroll, will The Rising of the Shield Hero recapture the magic of its first and rekindle the excitement that made it a standout in the anime world? Stay tuned with our coverage to find out. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

The Rising of the Shield Hero: 5 biggest unanswered plot points CrunchyrollThe Rising of the Shield Hero is among the most popular isekai anime. However, the series has also left us with many unanswered plot points – here are 5 of the biggest. Praised for its dark tone, complex characters, and unique take on the zero-to-hero storyline as seen in Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Bleach, The Rising of the Shield Hero has won a place in fans’ hearts worldwide. The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, a gamer summoned to a parallel world as one of the four chosen heroes tasked with saving the realm from a looming disaster. However, things get more complicated when Naofumi is betrayed and falsely accused of assault by Princess Myne Melromarc, which results in him becoming a social outcast. Driven by rage, he begins a journey to clear his name and seek revenge against those who wronged him. However, since the series debuted in 2019, several unanswered plot points have emerged. With season 3 currently airing on Crunchyroll, perhaps it can provide the answers we’re seeking. The Rising of the Shield Hero: Our five biggest unanswered plot points The Rising of the Shield Hero is known for its unique journey and complex characters. However, as the series continues, it has left fans with numerous questions about its complicated world. Here are five of the biggest. 1. Who gave Fitoria her life task and why? Fitoria is first introduced in Season 1, Episode 16 as an ancient and powerful Filolial Queen. However, there are gaps in her backstory that have left fans questioning her overall role and motives. The series reveals that an unnamed ancient hero who raised her tasked her with maintaining order among the Legendary Heroes. But for many, this isn’t enough motivation. With the hero long gone, her true motivations and level of involvement in shaping their destinies remain vague. Putting the world and character-building in The Rising of the Shield Hero under the spotlight. 2. Why did Naofumi choose Raphtalia? Naofumi’s decision to select Raphtalia as his slave in the early episodes set many of the exciting elements of this series in motion. But besides her low price, the anime doesn’t explore why he was so drawn to her. Or why he decided to trust a stranger after so many people betrayed him in this world. Some fans speculate it’s because she was his slave, others because of some unknown force. However, the anime doesn’t reveal the true reason why (unlike the light novel). The light novel explains these complexities much better. However, since his choice significantly impacts the storyline, the anime would benefit from delving into Naofumi’s thought process. 3. What’s the significance of the Heroes’ weapons? The Legendary weapons are pivotal in the fight against the Waves of Catastrophe (we’ll come to these later). However, the anime once again left out significant plot details from the light novels resulting in unanswered questions for fans. For example, just like in Harry Potter‘s wands, the allocation criteria for the heroes remains shrouded in mystery. Is it based on personality? The sentience of the weapons? Or is it based on something else? This ambiguity has left fans wondering about the true nature of these extraordinary weapons and why they’re so strongly bonded to their hero – if they are chosen at all. 4. Why does the King hate Naofumi so much? This one falls into character-building again. Maybe we should just go with what the anime tells us without thinking too deeply. However, many fans can’t help but wonder why the King hated Naofumi from the get-go. This seemingly irrational disdain sets the stage for much of the internal conflict in the story. However, the exact reasons for this intense hostility remain unexplained in the anime. His ongoing animosity towards Naofumi, even after the latter has proven himself as a worthy hero, leaves fans questioning the King’s motivations. 5. The inconsistencies surrounding the Waves of Calamity The Waves of Calamity once made perfect sense – driven by ancient god-like entities, they serve as the core threat in the story. These waves cause fierce monster invasions and act as the catalyst for summoning Naofumi to this strange new world. However, why are other countries able to survive the waves without heroes to protect them? Why do they cause no significant loss of human life? Fans have turned to social media to raise questions about the actual level of danger posed by the waves and whether heroes are actually needed to fight them or if there’s a hidden reason behind Naofumi being summoned. You might think we’re being a little picky about these unanswered plot points in The Rising of the Shield Hero anime. Especially when many are answered in the light novel. However, the questions they raise offer opportunities for fans to explore the source material, engage in debate, and uncover the hidden aspects of this captivating isekai universe. Still, there’s a shared hope among fans that the world builders will eventually address these lingering questions. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

New anime from Seven Deadly Sins creator is now streaming on Netflix NetflixA new anime based on work by Nakaba Suzuki, creator of The Seven Deadly Sins, has just dropped on Netflix, but this series has a lot less dungeons and dragons in it. Rising Impact is a sports anime, centered around golf, and it arrived on Netflix Friday, June 21, 2024. The anime show comes from the first manga Nakaba Suzuki made, it’s pretty far removed from her later work. The story follows a young boy, Gawain Nanaumi, who’s a golfing prodigy. Originally, he wants to play baseball, but a golf pro spots how well he can swing and thanks he’s better off on the fairway, lighting a flame inside Nanaumi’s belly. The original manga ran over 25 years ago, starting in 1998 before finishing in 2002. Rising Impact marks the second collaboration between Nakabi and Netflix, after the runaway success of The Seven Deadly Sins, an adaptation that included four seasons and several anime movies. However, this is actually closer to Nakabi’s general style than Seven Deadly Sins, since several of his other works, such as Chiguhagu Lovers and Blizzard Axel, involve sports as well. Kongō Banchō is another outlier, a thriller set among gang violence. Whether Rising Impact manages to score a birdie with viewers remains to be seen, but you can watch the 12-episodes first season now. Meanwhile, Nakabi has been making a sequel to The Seven Deadly Sins called Four Knights of the Apocalypse, and the first season of that arrived on Netflix in January 2024. If you’re enjoying the recent bon of sporty shows, check out our interview with the stars of the Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle. Make sure to keep our upcoming anime list handy for other releases that are on the way. We have guides on Dandadan, Sakamoto Days, and Oshi no Ko Season 2 as well, to keep you right up to date.

Re:Zero season 2 has been delayed: New air date revealed White Fox / CrunchyrollThe highly anticipated second season to the 2016 breakout anime Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World has been delayed due to the coronavirus. According to the studio, the batch of new episodes will be getting a new air date later in 2020. 2016 was a stellar year for anime as breakout shows like Re:Zero sent shockwaves in the medium. Viewers connected to the series’ dark adventure story about protagonist Natsuki Subaru suddenly being taken away from modern Tokyo to a fantasy land. However after exploding in popularity and receiving critical praise, fans have been waiting anxiously for four years for new episodes. Now they will have to wait a little bit longer as the second season has been delayed. Re:Zero season 2 delayed In March 2019, a second season for the show was officially announced by Crunchyroll. But up until 2020, there still had been no concrete release date for when the anime would be making its return. However after months of silence, the official website for the series finally released an update on March 9. The post announced that season two has been delayed. It revealed that the new episodes were originally going to air in April, but were pushed back due to the coronavirus crisis. “Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which is a global problem. Since the schedule has been greatly affected, we have to postpone the broadcast start,” it says, according to Google Translate. The creators, however, stated that while they will be missing the original air date, they are still looking to get the new episodes out in July 2020. “Currently, we are planning to broadcast from July, so if the details of the broadcast date and time are decided, we will inform you again on the official website and official Twitter,” it read. The studio finished off the letter on their blog by thanking their fans for their patience and concern over the delay. Crunchyroll, who licenses the series in the US, also commented on the delay on Twitter. NEWS: Re:ZERO Season 2 Has Been Delayed Due to the Ongoing Coronavirus Crisis ✨ More: https://t.co/63zZLK1jpi pic.twitter.com/gZ699Ee9KP — Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) March 9, 2020 For now, fans will have to wait just a little bit longer. But it will be worth it, and of course the delay is understandable as the health and safety of the studio should be the biggest priority. Despite the delay, the Re:Zero community finally has an official release window for the next season. The most popular anime of 2016 will officially be making its epic return this year.

Renowned Jujutsu Kaisen animator refuses to work for MAPPA in the future NetflixMAPPA has already had several backlashes from the animators working on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, and now, one more popular animator has shared the not-so-good working culture of the studio. Jujutsu Kaisen is currently on its Shibuya Arc, and every fan is happy seeing the fantastic quality of each episode. For instance, the latest episode was regarded as one of the best anime episodes of the year by the fandom. Undoubtedly, Jujutsu Kaisen’s popularity has risen immensely because of the spectacular animation in the ongoing season. Everyone in the community is praising the hard work done by the animators at MAPPA. Despite Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 running smoothly, MAPPA has came under fire over their poor working conditions after many of the studio’s animators have called them out while working on the latest season. Jujutsu Kaisen animator will never work for MAPPA again Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Chapter 17 was a G.O.A.T episode –thanks to the hardworking animators of MAPPA. Also, Chansard Vincent, known for his work in Boruto and several episodes of One Piece, including the one in which Luffy got his Gear 5 transformation, played a pivotal role in the JJK latest episode’s success. However, recently, the famous animator took it to social media. “2 years ago, I said I would never work for MAPPA again. Hakuyu Go-san was the only one who made me reconsider, but this was the last time. Will see if I get permission to post Genga.” Vincent also shared some copies of his artwork that feature the scene in which Mahoraga is seen in the pool. It’s not the first time MAPPA came to the news for its reportedly toxic work environment, but as the studio’s staff recently opened their lips, it grabbed the entire community’s attention. Moreover, despite the latest episode being one of the greatest of all time, it’s worth noting that it didn’t feature everything that was expected. Several enthusiasts on social media revealed that the 17th episode of JJK Season 2 had some scenes that remained unfinished. That’s because the animators couldn’t do everything they had planned for the episode because of the strict schedule. Jujutsu Kaisen is indeed one of the most-talked-about anime series, and MAPPA is a mammoth studio that has worked on several big projects. So, the community is unhappy with the current situation, and everyone hopes the matter gets resolved soon. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. See our other JJK coverage below, and you can check out our other anime coverage here.

Reddit has picked the goriest anime – and they’re horrific AT-XReddit has a few recommendations for the goriest anime you can find, from well-known shows such as Devilman Crybaby and Elfen Lied to lesser-known releases, and the list is truly a pit of blood and guts. Within anime, you can find plenty of severed torn up bodies and grotesque scenes. Horror anime like the aforementioned Elfen Lied have a reputation for it, and then you have anime movies such as Urotsukidoji that live in infamy due to their comical level of gore and nudity. But there are some hidden gems – shows and films that have faded from memory, but are worth a watch if you’re a gorehound. Even if you’re not, they’re still entertaining, at the very least as representations of their creative eras and movements. Elfen Lied, Devilman Crybaby, Genocyber, and Blood-C are the goriest anime, according to Reddit Many infamous shows and movies are listed, but four come up again and again – Devilman Crybaby, Blood-C, Gencyber, and Elfen Lied. Each engage in their own particular version of nihilistic gore that may appeal to those looking to be unsettled. Genocyber, for instance, is a classic anime from 1994, when creators were looking to push the envelope. It’s a dystopian miniseries about a woman, Elaine, who develops the power of the eponymous cybernetic creature. Think Akira, but way more concerned with how many people die. Elfen Lied follows a young woman from a humanoid race with powerful invisible limbs who goes on a rampage after she’s tested in a lab. Blood-C contains some truly disturbing sequences, with the demonic antagonists wiping out humans en masse. Devilman Crybaby, the most recent of this selection, features heroes defending mankind from demons – and the sacrifices required for such things. It’s actually streaming on Netflix, if you’re curios. Truly, if you can sit through all of these, you’ll have a strong stomach, and a good understanding of what the underbelly to the cheeriness of Naruto and My Hero Academia looks like. Or you can just stick to the best romance anime if you’re more of a comfort fiend.

Reddit has picked the best short anime, and it’s an underrated gem NetflixFans on Reddit have been discussing the best short anime to watch, and among the selections, there’s one series that’s a clear-cut favorite. Anime can be a daunting medium. You’ve got anime shows like One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Bleach that have literally hundreds of episodes. Multiple anime movies too! There’s just so much to choose from, and as fun as immersing yourself in these lengthy franchises can be, it’s easier (and often more relaxing) to watch something that has significantly less episodes. A thread on Reddit for the best anime with less than 30 episodes has yielded numerous recommendations. You’ve got stalwarts like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, but one underrated show gets more mentions than others, and it’s a real hidden gem. Odd Taxi is best short anime, according to Reddit Odd Taxi, a quaint comedy about a walrus taxi driver, emerges as the best short anime show in the Reddit thread. The series features a universe of anthropomorphized animals, and we follow the protagonist on a number of routine drives that take a turn when he becomes complicit in someone’s disappearance. It’s charming, poignant, and mercifully quick at 13 episodes. You could bash it out in the time it takes to binge a new Netflix show! Crunchyroll began streaming Odd Taxi in 2021, and a film, Odd Taxi: In The Woods, came out in 2022. Other lesser-known highlights are historical drama Samurai Champloo, oddball thriller Paranoia Agent, subversive magic girl circus Madoka Magica, and a personal favorite, Ergo Proxy. If you like Ghost in the Shell, you’ll probably really enjoy Ergo Proxy. Take my word for it! If you want more recommendations, we have lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling and the best anime that never got a second season. Or if you want to get invested in something more longform, our guide to Demon Slayer Season 4 will get you up to date on that.

Red Cat Ramen manga is being turned into an anime Angyaman / Shueisha, Ramen Akaneko Production CommitteeIt’s time to get your chopsticks ready, because 2021 manga series Red Cat Ramen is getting its first anime adaptation. If you’re a self-respecting otaku, anime fan or food lover, chances are that you love ramen. So what about an adorable red cat that runs a ramen shop? Angyaman’s award-nominated web series Red Cat Ramen exploded onto the manga scene back in November 2021, with its adorable talking cats quickly gaining a wide fan base. The series later began serialization on Shonen Jump+’s website on March 2022. Months later, as its fanbase increased and the stellar reviews kept coming, it got promoted to a regular serialization. And now a brand new anime adaptation has just been announced. Red Cat Ramen’s anime announcement On November 26, 2023, the anime adaptation for Red Cat Ramen was first announced on the manga’s official X/Twitter. And, as the tagline says, “It all starts with a large portion”. With over 3,000 likes and 2,000 reposts within 24 hours, Red Cat Ramen’s announcement was well-received by fans – which is no surprise, considering it promises to provide a slice of comic relief among the many other darker series that have recently been released. Red Cat Ramen’s plot The story of Red Cat Ramen follows Tamako, a young woman who somehow managed to get a job interview at a ramen shop run solely by cats. However, she’s actually more of a dog person… and despite admitting this horrifying revelation to the feline manager, somehow, she gets hired on the spot! But the job isn’t exactly what she expected. Instead of serving ramen, she’s now a full-time cat carer. Which is probably a dream come true for many of you. Afterall, the cats might be able to talk, cook and serve food. But they don’t have opposable thumbs. So far, other than the key visual featuring an adorable red tabby carrying a delicious bowl of ramen, no other information has been announced. However, of course, a release window, cast list, and production crew will be revealed sometime in the future. So stay tuned for updates. While you’re here, check out our other anime coverage below:

Recent poll reveals which anime has most fans in Japan CrunchyrollA recent poll reveals the anime series that has the most fans in Japan – so here’s everything you need to know about it. The Japanese manga and anime industry has grown exponentially over the years. With the ever-increasing influx of series coming every year, it’s quite difficult for a series to truly stand out among the crowd in the new generation. However, the popularity of anime isn’t limited to just Japan. The anime culture is so widespread that it has been well-documented and celebrated all around the world for a long time now. A recent poll by Nikkei Entertainment reveals the beloved anime series that currently has the most number of fans in Japan. And the answer shouldn’t surprise you, since this is the series that everyone talked about for half of 2023. Which anime has the most fans in Japan according to Nikkei Entertainment? According to the poll by Nikkei Entertainment, Jujutsu Kaisen has the highest number of fans in Japan. The series has the highest overall fans and female fans in the country, while it ranked second in the male category, falling behind One Piece. Jujutsu Kaisen manga and anime took a huge leap in 2023. It’s currently at the peak of its popularity, with even celebrities like Bruno Mars, Megan Thee Stallion, Usher, and so many others posting their love for the series. In Chapter 221 (May 2023), the manga featured Gojo’s return after three years and commenced the battle of the strongest. Additionally, the series also debuted its highly-anticipated second season in July 2023. The second season adapted Gojo’s Past arc and Shibuya Incident arc from the manga. The anime was a massive hit, surpassing even its previous season. It snagged nominations in 12 categories, including Anime of the Year. Additionally, according to Oricon, Jujutsu Kaisen ranked third in the highest-earning anime and manga franchises in 2023. It earned 4.9 billion yen, falling behind One Piece, which earned 6.3 billion yen, and Blue Lock, which came in second with 6.1 billion yen. Jujutsu Kaisen has been making its presence known in almost all the popularity polls for a while now, with Gojo taking center stage in the character popularity polls. The series confirmed its third season in December 2023, which has yet to get a release date. The manga is currently ongoing and is in its final stretch. As such, Jujutsu Kaisen’s popularity continues to rise, not just in Japan but also across the globe.

Rascal Does Not Dream’s University Arc to get an anime adaptation CrunchyrollRascal Does Not Dream’s University Arc anime adaptation was recently announced with a vibrant key visual illustrated by Kēji Mizoguchi. The psychological supernatural series came into existence in 2014. A total of 13 volumes have since been published, with the series’ popularity leading to an anime adaptation and three movies. Rascal Does Not Dream follows Mai and Sakuta as they choose each other to be their partner-in-crime in each phase of life. Now, the new anime that will cover the University Arc will feature the duo embarking on a new journey together. The return of Rascal Does Not Dream is indeed great news for the community, and here’s everything we know about the announcement. Rascal Does Not Dream series gets a new anime adaptation Following the theatrical release of the franchise’s latest film, the official website of Rascal Does Not Dream announced the University Arc’s anime adaptation. The website also revealed a special Illustration along with the announcement, featuring Mai from her university days. For the time being, there is only a handful of information about the anime adaptation, but we should keep an eye on social media or the official website for any further details. Rascal Does Not Dream plot explained Rascal Does Not Dream revolves around a high schooler named Sakuta, who encounters a girl named Mai Sakurajime. She appears in a bunny dress in front of him on their first meeting. Strangely, no one except Sakuta can see or feel her presence. However, Mai isn’t disturbed seeing that none of her schoolmates can see her – instead, she gets excited. That’s because she’s at the heart of a rare phenomenon that makes her invisible to almost everyone – but, surprisingly, Sakuta can see her. When Sakuta realizes what’s happening, he names the phenomenon “adolescence syndrome” and decides to solve the mystery and find out more about it. During the investigation, Mai and Sakuta get romantically involved with each other. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Ranma 1/2 reboot is coming very soon, streaming home announced NetflixRanma 1/2 is being rebooted, and we’ll get to see the first episode soon enough as the release date and streaming service have been revealed. Running as a manga for nine years, Ranma 1/2 takes a novel approach to MMA with a protagonist who’s actively training to be fighter while harboring the ability to switch genders when hit with certain temperatures. Rumiko Takahashi created the story, which spawned one of the best anime ever back in 1989. Over three decades later, another version has been produced for screens by MAPPA, a production house that needs little introduction since it’s responsible for a little Shonen anime known as Jujutsu Kaisen. The new Ranma 1/2 kicks off on Saturday, October 5, 2024, and you can watch it on Netflix. Episodes will come out weekly, contrasting Netflix’s typical strategy of putting the whole thing up in one bingeable pile. Although this anime show is new and updated, MAPPA has preserved some elements of the original, specifically in the voice department. Kappei Yamaguchi and Megumi Hayashibara are back as the male and female Ranma, respectively, amid several other stars who are also reprising their roles. Teasers so far have demonstrated a very clean, bright, bubbly show that captures the lighthearted vibe of the property as a whole. The 1989 adaptation stands as one of the highlights of the era, and this could very well be a stand-out of the year. Netflix continues to push itself to the forefront of the industry, investing in big productions from beloved studios. Another large exclusive coming to the platform is Terminator Zero, premiering August 29, 2024. Conveniently, if you’d like to try the ’80s show before jumping into this, it’s all on Peacock in the US. Keep an eye on our upcoming anime guide for other big releases to watch out for.

Classic anime reportedly getting new show for 35th anniversary VizAn iconic anime, Ranma 1/2, is reportedly coming back soon, with a remake of Rumiko Takahashi’s manga allegedly in development. Premiering in 1989, Ranma 1/2 is a beloved anime show that merged martial arts and romance in a slightly bizarre, gender-bending concept. The titular hero is training to be a combat champion, when they suddenly develop the ability to jump between being a man and a woman if they’re hit with water at certain temperatures. The manga from Rumiko ran from 1987 to 1996, while the sports anime was more short-lived, running from April 1989 to September 1992. According to anime and manga leaker Sugio Lite, another adaptation is on the way. “Official announcement coming soon,” Sugio tweeted on June 21, quoting the initial reveal on June 15. Should this come to pass, it’d be right on the 35th anniversary of Ranma 1/2’s premiere, suggesting it’s part of some celebrations for the franchise. Fans are waiting with bated breath. “I can’t wait to see it!” says one. “We will be seated,” adds another. Ranma 1/2 is just one extremely popular property from Rumiko, as she penned Inuyasha and Urusei Yatsura as well, among others. Both of those have more modern adaptations, Inuyasha getting brought to the screen in the 2000s, and Urusei Yatsura being adapted twice, once in 1981, then again in 2022. As such, Ranma has stood out for some time among Rumiko’s works as something that could use a modern touch. There’s some speculation that Studio MAPPA is producing this new version, but no details have been revealed, beyond the adamant report it’s coming. We’ll keep you informed – definitely an upcoming anime we’re excited about. Check out our guides to Oshi no Ko Season 2, Tower of God Season 2, and My Hero Academia: You’re Next for more releases this summer.

6 biggest questions Solo Leveling Season 2 needs to answer CrunchyrollThe first season Solo Leveling ended with a bang, but there are still quite a few questions the anime’s Season 2 needs to answer. Solo Leveling is one of the biggest hits of 2024 and it has solidified its place as one of the top mainstream shounen anime. The anime show is adapted from the manhwa of the same name and is the most successful manhwa-based anime till now. Thanks to its huge success, Solo Leveling has been renewed for a second season. The final episode of Solo Leveling was a highly anticipated one and the finale delivered just as expected. Episode 12 was a continuation of the Job Change Arc and featured the most anticipated moment in the series: Jinwoo using his new power as the Necromancer and commanding Igris to “arise”, making him a part of his shadow army. Despite the incredible finale, the story is only a little way through and has a long way to go. So, it makes sense that there will be a lot of questions unanswered in the anime’s second season, titled Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadow. Thus, fans are hoping to get these questions answered in Solo Leveling Season 2. 6. What are Jinwoo’s powers as a Necromancer? The biggest moment of Solo Leveling Season 1 is when Jinwoo earns the Necromancer job after defeating Igris and the knights and the mages. Though the final episode of this cour ended with the much-awaited “arise” moment, it didn’t get a lot of chances to demonstrate the entirety of the power Jinwoo now holds as a Necromancer. Fans can expect to learn exactly what Jinwoo is capable of with his new Necromancer ability in Solo Leveling Season 2. The title of the upcoming season also hints at Jinwoo’s newfound power. Those who have read the manhwa know what comes next now that Jinwoo has recruited Igris to be the first soldier in his shadow army. But the anime fans who haven’t are in for a surprise to witness the full extent of the Necromancer ability. 5. What happened to Choi Jong-in on Jeju Island? Choi Jong-in is one of the few S-rank hunters of Korea and currently one of the strongest hunters in the anime. He’s the guild master of Hunters Guild which indicates his power as a hunter. In the first cour of the anime, an ongoing plot with Jong-in has been his determination to return to Jeju Island. Through the anime, he is seen as being tormented by whatever happened to him and his comrades during the third raid on Jeju Island that happened in the past. The anime gives brief hints that he and his comrades all suffered tremendous trauma but never clearly reveals exactly what happened back then. Towards the end of the anime, Jong-in gathers his fellow S-rank hunters and receives permission to go back to Jeju Island. What happens next and what happened in Jong-in past on the island may be revealed in the next cour. So, fans can expect it to be one of the questions that will be answered in Solo Leveling Season 2. 4. What is the purpose of the System? At the core of Solo Leveling’s plotline is the existence of the System and Jinwoo being a participant in it. This mysterious System appears after Jinwoo is granted a second chance following his death in the Double Dungeon. After waking up in the hospital, Jinwoo finds himself tied to the System that gives him challenges and quests to level up. Despite it being such a core part of the plot, there is virtually no information revealed about the System in the anime. This leads to fans wondering what is the purpose of the System and why does it choose Jinwoo as its participant. There must be a reason behind it giving Jinwoo all these opportunities to become stronger. Manhwa readers already know the answer to this question. However, for anime-only fans, the purpose of the System is the biggest mystery of the series. Hopefully, Solo Leveling Season 2 will answer this question. 3. Who is the Statue of God? Solo Leveling doesn’t take much time to jump into the good parts. From the very first episode, the anime makes it clear that something amazing was about to happen and a big part of that is the appearance of the first antagonist of the series: the Statue of God with that creepy smile. The Statue of God is seemingly the final boss of the Double Dungeon and the perpetrator behind the massacre of the hunters. Its presence leads to Jinwoo being killed and reawakening as the participant in the System. This implies that there must have been a connection between the System and the Statue of God. Though the Statue of God doesn’t appear in the latter episodes after the Double Dungeon Arc ends, it leaves fans with a question: who is the Statue of God? It’s a question that needs answering in the next cour. 2. Where is Jinwoo’s father? From the beginning, it is clear that family is very important to Jinwoo. Despite being a weak E-rank hunter, he perseveres to pay for his mother’s hospital bills and his sister’s education. However, it should be noticed that there is one person missing from Jinwoo’s family. There has been no mention of Jinwoo’s father as to why he is or what happened to him. It’s logical to guess that his father died years ago or maybe wasn’t in the picture. Fans who have read the manhwa know that it is a crucial plot point that will come in the story further down the line. As for anime, it’d be quite interesting to have this question about Jinwoo’s father answered in Season 2. 1. What will Hwang Dongsoo do? After starting to level up, Jinwoo soon discovers that it’s not only the monsters who will be on his list of enemies; humans are just as dangerous. He gets this lesson during the Dungeons and Lizards Arc where Hwang Dongsuk and his team conspired to get Jinwoo and Jinho killed. This is also the first time Jinwoo kills human beings. Dongsuk’s death leads to his brother, Dongsoo, the S-rank hunter contracted to America, intending to kill Jinwoo and Jinho. However, the anime ends without any development on that plotline, leaving fans to wonder what Dongsoo will do next to kill Jinwoo. This is one of the questions guaranteed to be answered in Solo Leveling Season 2. It’ll be amazing to witness Jinwoo battling the S-rank hunter. The release date of Solo Leveling Season 2 is still unknown. But hopefully, Crunchyroll will soon announce when the next season of the anime will drop. Until the anime comes back, check out our list of the best anime like Solo Leveling”, and why Solo Leveling is the Matrix TV show we’ve always wanted.

5 questions the Jujutsu Kaisen ending needs to answer Gege Akutami/MAPPAJujutsu Kaisen is going to end very soon, but the manga needs to answer a few questions before it finishes. Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most successful manga of the last decade. Debuting in 2018, it became the face of modern shonen manga in only six years. Now, the Jujutsu Kaisen ending is almost upon us. The manga is currently in the final stretch of the Shinjuku Showdown Arc. It’s the last arc and features the climactic battle between Sukuna and the jujutsu sorcerers, starting with the long-anticipated Gojo vs. Sukuna clash. Jujutsu Kaisen will wrap up with Chapter 271 on September 30, 2024. This means there are just five chapters left before the series is finished. However, there are still a lot of loose ends the story needs to resolve before it can end for good. 1. What happened to Jin Itadori? Jin Itadori is Yuji’s father. For a long time, he didn’t appear to be significant to the plot. He died sometime during Yuji’s childhood. Yuji must’ve been very young because he only vaguely remembers his father’s face, but we don’t know how he died. However, Jin’s role in the story became more complex when we learned Yuji’s biological mother was Kenjaku, possessing the body of Kaori Itadori, Jin’s real wife who died. What’s more, he’s also the reincarnated soul of Sukuna’s twin, whom he devoured in their mother’s womb. That means Jin is the connection between Sukuna and Yuji. Given that they are the main antagonist and protagonist, respectively, it’s safe to say that there’s more to Jin than we know. But so far, we have little to nothing on him – an oversight that needs to change before Jujutsu Kaisen ends. 2. What was the relationship between Kenjaku and Tengen? Kenjaku and Tengen are both very mysterious characters. While one is hellbent on destroying just for his own amusement, Tengen bears the fate of humanity itself. Despite their opposing roles, there are some similarities between them, too. Both of them are ancient sorcerers who escaped death and lived for centuries. They also used to be friends at some point in the past. However, we have no idea how two individuals who are so different from each other and standing on opposite ends of morality could be friends. Seeing a flashback of their past together would be interesting. Even though Jujutsu Kaisen only has five chapters left, it’d still be nice to get a better idea of their past together if only through a few sentences. 3. Does Yuji ever find out about his parentage? Yuji being the son of Kenjaku is one of the most shocking twists in Jujutsu Kaisen. Nobody saw it coming, and it changed both characters in our eyes forever. Kenjaku giving birth to the protagonist means there’s more behind Yuji’s origin than we’d predicted. Given Jin’s connection to Sukuna, his motives become more mysterious. Yuji doesn’t know the truth about his parentage – at least so far. Jujutsu Kaisen should address this plotline because not doing so would really be a waste. 4. How will Gojo and Sukuna’s deaths impact curses? It’s no secret that Gojo and Sukuna are two of the strongest jujutsu sorcerers of all time. Gojo’s birth altered the balance of the world. His overwhelming power tipped the scales for the sorcerers too much, increasing the strength of curses in the process to keep the balance. Sukuna, on the other hand, is the most powerful being in the manga at the moment. Dubbed the King of Curses, just the existence of his fingers as cursed objects was enough to increase the power and frequency of cursed spirits. But now that Gojo is dead and Sukuna will die soon, how will the curses be affected? It’s possible that they’d grow weaker than before since the threats are over. But we won’t know for sure until the manga resolves this storyline. 5. Will Yuki’s vision ever come true? Yuki Tsukumo might have been a jujutsu sorcerer but she was far from an average one. She was one of the four Special Grade sorcerers who wielded a powerful cursed technique. However, what made her so unique wasn’t her strength, but her vision. Yuki was intimately familiar with the cruel nature of the jujutsu world. Hundreds of sorcerers died to protect normal civilians from curses. However, while Geto wanted to eradicate the injustice by killing all non-sorcerers, Yuki had something nobler in mind. She wanted to eliminate cursed energy itself, making the appearance of cursed spirits impossible and the requirement of jujutsu sorcerers redundant. It’s a tall order, but it’s the only happy ending there that could be in the long run. Jujutsu Kaisen needs to let us know if her vision ever comes true before it ends. For more on the jujutsu world, check out our explainers on Nobara’s fate and Yuji’s domain expansion. You can also find out who are the strongest modern-day sorcerers are.

Psycho-Pass to release new movie for 10th anniversary FunimationThe hit anime Psycho-Pass is reaching its 10-year anniversary, and a new movie is being released for the occasion. The original Psycho-Pass premiered in 2012, making the 22-episode-long anime 10 years old this coming October. Celebrations for the anniversary have been in full swing, although the franchise is far from a relic, as the Psycho-Pass 3 anime premiered in 2019, with eight hour-long episodes showing on Amazon Prime Video. Naoyoshi Shiotani even returned to direct the series at Production I.G, and manga creator Akira Amano once again acted as the original character designer. And the gang is getting back together once again, as it seems that a new anime film will be on its way to mark the 10th anniversary. Psycho Pass celebrates turning 10 with a new anime film The anime’s 10th anniversary project carries the theme of “gratitude” for its fans, with voice actor Tomokazu Seki (Shinya Kōgami) serving as the ambassador. The project will feature the Psycho-Pass Radio program returning on Spotify in September, the Noitamina Shop & Cafe Theater holding a campaign with exclusive illustrations and a collaboration food menu available in the same month. Furthermore, there’s also the Psycho-Pass Online Exhibition in December, which will display key scenes from the three anime seasons. And of course, a new anime movie has been greenlit. It will be called the Gekijō-Ban: Psycho-Pass Providence film, and while little is known about the project, we know that it is currently in the works at Production I.G, and has director Naoyoshi Shiotani at the helm. The film will likely follow a similar plot to the anime, which is described by Crunchyroll as: “In the future, thinking about a crime makes you guilty, and justice is dispensed from the barrel of a gun. “Detectives work in teams made up of Enforcers and Inspectors. Enforcers take out the bad guys, and Inspectors make sure their partners don’t cross the line. “The equalizer in the war on thugs is the Dominator, a weapon that can tell when citizens are about to turn criminal.” This won’t be the first Psycho-Pass movie, as the first Psycho-Pass Movie opened in Japan in January 2015. Three movies were released in 2019, with the Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System project, which opened in January, February, and March respectively.

Psycho-Pass: Province release date in the UK announced CrunchyrollThe newest addition to the fan-favourite sci-fi thriller Psycho-Pass franchise, Psycho-Pass: Providence, is all set to release in the theatres of the UK. Psycho-Pass: Providence will bridge the gap between the anime movie Psycho-Pass Sinners of the System Case 3: On the Other Side of Love and Hate and season 3 of the Psycho-Pass TV series. The film continues the story of young inspector Akane Tsunemori and her partner Shinya Kogami, who take a hard position against The Sibyl System. The authoritarian system measures human personality. Sibyl’s insight dictates every aspect of the citizens’ future. The populace has a quiet life in exchange for Sibyl’s reign. The film has recently been released in Japan and is all set to expand its audience access with its debut in the UK. Psycho-Pass: Providence release date in the UK Psycho-Pass: Providence will hit 85 theatres all across the UK on 2 August 2023. The movie will be screened in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub. The movie was first released in Japan on 12 May 2023 and has yet to make its global debut. Psycho-Pass: Providence English dub trailer The film’s latest trailer features protagonists Akane Tsunemori and Shinya Kogami. It also has various other returning and new characters from the franchise. Fans are hopeful that the film, which serves as a prequel to the third season, will play a key role in securing a fourth season for the series. Click here for more information on Psycho-Pass: Providence.

Psycho-Pass: Providence review: A little too fast-paced Psycho-Pass: Providence gives new insight into this high-stakes sci-fi world, but the stakes are often resolved a little too quickly. Psycho-Pass: Providence is the newest film from the sci-fi anime franchise, set to bridge the gap between the movie Psycho-Pass Sinners of the System Case 3: On the Other Side of Love and Hate, and Season 3 of the Psycho-Pass series. The film has recently been released by TOHO in Japan and is all set to expand its audience access with its debut in the UK in August, distributed by Crunchyroll in partnership with Sony Pictures. The film continues the story of young inspector Akane Tsunemori and her partner Shinya Kogami, who take a hard position against The Sibyl System, which measures human personality and dictates their place in society from it, Orwellian style. Now this new movie is set to reveal the full story of our characters, and it certainly reveals a lot. And like the many explosion in this movie, every moment feels like a blast, for better and for worse. Let’s get into it, but first: Slight spoiler warning for Psycho-Pass: Providence! Psycho-Pass: Providence’s pace is polarizing The film begins with a rather shocking opening scene, as the body of Professor Milicia Stronskaya is discovered with her head missing. The action throughout the scene is eye-catching, and even if you haven’t kept up with Psycho-Pass for a while, it’s enough to pull you back in. The film helps you get back up to speed without talking down to you, explaining the world, its inventive technology, and the concept of hues in a way that doesn’t feel overly-expository. Sure, sometimes the constant serious tone of the film can prevent some of the characters from being memorable – as so often everyone is talking nothing but business – but the tone at least feels consistent in its maturity. This constant seriousness can carry over into the animation, as while it flows well enough during the action scenes, it’s not very imaginative or emotive, and the CGI can sometimes be lackluster. However, the staging and stakes of said action scenes are very effective, as there are moments where you truly don’t know who will live or die. The battles always move the plot along, and there’s also a nice change of locations for each fight, if some odd music choices sometimes. Debates are brought up and raced through The movie follows the struggle between the government and the Peacebreakers, and numerous allies and double agents are revealed, made all the more intricate with the concept of possession. Though these discussions, and the character arcs that go alongside them, are far too often sped through, with folks blipping out of the movie before you can even begin to care about what they have to say. This is partially out of the film’s control; it being a movie for a TV series leaves it feeling like just a very long episode, which gives you lots of information, but doesn’t let it sit in a complete way. The antagonists are intriguing, though their plight is another frustrating case of “fighting an authoritarian regime, but doing that too much and going too far,” à la villains like Killmonger. One of our leads even says: “Law will create co-existence,” which may lead to some viewers rolling their eyes. Granted, we can’t take this conclusion at face value. The ending, which we won’t spoil here, feels like a sudden blast, and shakes up your entire perception of the movie. It’s memorable, definitely, but once again feels a bit too fast paced to really sit well. Though it certainly leaves the door open for another welcome instalment in the Psycho-Pass series. Psycho-Pass: Providence review score – 3/5 Psycho-Pass: Providence is certainly a film to keep you interested, and as always, the ideas that the anime showcases is enough to spark a wider discussion. The ending alone is enough to get you talking. But, unfortunately, some choices and pacing issues hold the film back from being truly great. Psycho-Pass: Providence will release in UK cinemas on August 2. All previous Psycho-Pass instalments are available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Precure announces 2024 anime series and fans are excited Toei AnimationThe Precure franchise has announced its 21st instalment for the long-running anime. Let’s take a look at the upcoming series and how fans are reacting. Also known as Pretty Cure, the Precure magical girl anime franchise started back in 2004 and has spawned movies, mangas, toys, video games, as well as 850 episodes. You’d think that the franchise would slow down. But it isn’t showing any signs of being finished yet. With its 21st anime instalment – called Wonderful PreCure – on the way, let’s take a look at what’s in store for us in 2024. Wonderful PreCure announcement On November 29, the 21st Precure season was announced. Along with the revelation that there was going to be yet another new series in 2024, the anime also launched its official website and revealed the catchphrase to be: “Let’s be good friends, everyone. Wonderful …!” It’s safe to say, this new story is definitely going to be kawaii! Wonderful PreCure: What do we know so far? Produced by Toei Animations, directed by Tomoe and written by Higashi Satou, all we know is that the series was inspired by Smile PreCure! (the 9th instalment of the franchise), and will be based on fairytales. If you’re unfamiliar with the Precure universe, each series revolves around a group of teenage magical girls known as Pretty Cures. These girls have the ability to transform into legendary warriors and use their magical powers to against evil forces. Based on the title of the series and the released logo, many fans speculate that this season could be about pets. However, this is still speculation and hasn’t been confirmed yet. Fan reactions to Wonderful PreCure Since it was first announced, fans have taken to Discord, Twitter and Reddit to celebrate the announcement of this new series. Of course they’re excited, considering that many have grown up watching the Precure anime. And, with wonderful potentially being an onomatopoeia for a dog barking in Japan, fans are speculating that this new instalment could be animal themed. Woof-derful anyone? If it is pet-themed, it’s highly likely that the series will feature dogs and cats. Although, one fan questioned on Reddit if we’d even see some unconventional pets, like dragons and unicorns. Others took to Twitter to post their predictions and reactions, almost as soon as the news was announced. With Twitter posts gaining thousands of views and Reddit threads popping up every few minutes – all expressing their excitement for yet another instalment of their beloved franchise – it’s clear that the 21st season will be just as eagerly received as its predecessors. Stay tuned as we’ll make sure to update you with all the new and colorful information from the Precure universe as soon as its announced. Including release date, where to watch, and how to watch. While you wait, why not check out our other anime coverage here?

Popular mangaka forced to take break after Gojo’s shocking death CrunchyrollJujutsu Kaisen recently dropped Gojo’s shocking death, which forced the mangaka of Tonikaku Kawaii to go on a break for a while. Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime and manga series in the world. As the series’ most beloved character, fans were eager to watch him fight with Sukuna, the King of the Curses. However, the battle didn’t end in a way Gojo fans had hoped. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the masses are disappointed with Gojo’s death. Even though it’s been a few weeks since he died, many people continue to hope for his return. Whether or not it will happen, it cannot change the fact that the strongest sorcerer alive lost to Sukuna way too easily. As such, this year’s issue 46 of Weekly Shonen Jump revealed that the mangaka of Tonikaku Kawaii, Kenjirō Hata, is taking a long hiatus after being traumatized by Gojo’s death in Jujutsu Kaisen. Tonikaku Kawaii mangaka Kenjirō Hata takes a break to recover from Gojo’s death Jujutsu Kaisen’s chapter 236 features fans’ beloved Satoru Gojo losing against Sukuna in the most suspicious way possible. Not only does chapter 235 feature feral Gojo, but we almost see him claim yet another glorious victory. This is why chapter 236 is more shocking than ever, confusing fans and Gege’s fellow mangakas alike. Last week, it was confirmed that the manga will go on a hiatus after issue 46. However, the reason behind the hiatus was revealed in issue 46 in the author’s note. The mangaka is coping with Gojo’s shocking death – the same as the entire fandom. Tonikaku Kawaii will resume in the 50th issue. The manga debuted in 2018 and even has an anime adaptation, which premiered in October 2020 and aired for 12 episodes. As per Viz, the synopsis of Tonikaku Kawaii is, “From the day his parents named him, Nasa Yuzaki has felt connected to outer space… whether he likes it or not. “His efforts to outperform the space program veer off course when an accident introduces him to Tsukasa, a mysterious girl with strange powers. Is she an alien, a moon goddess, or something else? Since she insists on marrying him, Nasa will have plenty of chances to find out!” How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen. And thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription. There’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. See our other JJK coverage below, and you can check out our other anime coverage here. Jujutsu Kaisen: Gege Akutami comments on Nobara’s animation – Jujutsu Kaisen: 35 character deaths explained – Jujutsu Kaisen: Satoru Gojo appears in high school science exam – Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Popular director leaves MAPPA to work on a new venture MAPPAMAPPA continues to lose employees mainly due to the reported toxic environment. While some animators chose to leave the creative firm due to the aforementioned reason, a renowned director ended his journey with MAPPA for a different purpose. Chainsaw Man Season 1 was released in 2022, and in no time, the dark fantasy anime impressed every fan with its wonderful animation – thanks to the animators of MAPPA and Ryu Nakayama’s direction. Following the release of the finale episode of Chainsaw Man Season 1, the entire anime community awaited the announcement of Season 2. However, before the series’ renewal, the Chainsaw Man creators announced a movie at JUMP FESTA 2024. Of course, the upcoming movie was supposed to show Nakayama in the director’s shoes, but the latest news about him reveals a different story. Chainsaw Man’s director, Ryu Nakayama, starts his own animation studio After working on several massive projects like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more, Nakayama heads toward a new journey. The brilliant director recently shared the big news via his X account, which confirms that he’s leaving MAPPA to start his own animation studio. Nakayama’s post states: “We have recently established Andraft Co., Ltd. We aim to establish a better animation production system and deliver high-quality work to the world. I would like to challenge various genres without discrimination and open up new possibilities. Thank you for your continued support!” Apart from the announcement, we also got a glimpse of the animation Andraft will bless the industry with. While the first animation of the studio was directed by Nakayama, it also involved AoT’s animator, Fumika Ito, and Kenji Segawa, the animation director of Oshi No Ko. As disclosed by the official website of Andraft, the studio won’t restrict its employees to traditional animation; it will give them every chance to step out of the box and be unique. Recently, we have seen several renowned personalities in the Japanese animation industry leaving their reputed jobs to pursue their dreams. For instance, before Nakayama’s venture, we came across Yusuke Murata, the One-Punch Man’s author, who surprised every fan by talking about his acquired animation studio on January 1, 2024. Of course, we’ve yet to see what project Nakayama’s newly established studio will undertake. They might pick up an underrated manga series for an anime adaptation, or the studio might surprise us by getting their hands on an incredibly popular or awaited project. You can check out our Chainsaw Man coverage here and the rest of our anime coverage here.

Popular animator breaks silence on MAPPA’s working conditions CrunchyrollMAPPA’s poor working conditions are keeping some of the big names in the anime industry away from them. Here’s everything you need to know about it. MAPPA’s biggest anime of 2023, Jujutsu Kaisen, made headlines for not only the brilliant anime adaptation but also the studio’s poor working conditions. The studio is well-known for its overworking the animators, but this time, the heat of the controversy was more intense than ever. Although the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc went by smoothly, the issue surfaced in the Shibuya Incident arc. JJK animators started expressing their dissatisfaction with the studio overworking them with several last-minute cuts. Not only that, but one of the popular animators in the industry also steers clear of MAPPA despite it being one of the biggest studios taking over countless popular projects. Delve deeper to find out about this animator and why they refuse to work for MAPPA again. MAPPA’s poor working conditions described by the popular animator Animators Dourian Coulon and Vincent Chansard attended a podcast last week, where the latter announced working in-house with the One Piece team for a year. Vincent Chansard is popular for his work in the Wano Country Saga of One Piece. He is one of the key animators in One Piece Gear 5 debut (Episode 1071), Zoro vs King (Episode 1062), and 12 more Wano Saga episodes. He has also worked in three Gear 5 episodes. Apart from that, Vincent is also the animator of One Piece Film: Red, the highest-grossing One Piece movie. He joined the Jujutsu Kaisen team for Season 2 Episode 17. However, after the episode aired, he declared that he would not be working for MAPPA again. Vincent shared on Twitter that he only reconsidered because of Hakuyu Go, another animator from the JJK team who also contributed to countless popular projects such as One Punch Man, Fate series, etc. A Twitter user translated the interview where the interviewer asked Vincent why he doesn’t want to work for MAPPA anymore. Vincent replied, “I don’t want to support a company that ideologically doesn’t care about working conditions. Go asked me, and I like working with him. He also doesn’t want to work anymore for Mappa.” Furthermore, when the interviewer asked to choose between Studio Bones or MAPPA, Vincent picked Bones while Dourian picked the latter. Between Wit and MAPPA, Dourian again picked MAPPA, while Vincent chose Wit. He is standing his ground and sharing his dislike of MAPPA’s poor working conditions that restrict their creative freedom, thanks to the time crunch. Although the interview isn’t officially translated yet, it will be shared later on, where he talks about the studio in detail. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Pokemon unveils new weekly anime series with Snorlax short The Pokemon CompanyPokemon and Cubone have recently dropped a special new anime short. Let’s check it out. It’s been an exciting time for Pokemon fans, with a new manga and anime series featuring it’s first Ash Ketchum-less world, and even a video game. But that’s not all! The Pokemon franchise is known for releasing web shorts from all different regions, character and story arcs, and Winter 2023 is no exception. Snorlax and Cubone has just announced a brand new anime short project. Here’s everything we know about it. Pokemon and Cubone’s new Snorlax short Pokemon has been going into overdrive with anime short releases. And on December 8, fans were treated to yet another fun new video. Check it out below: Featuring the colossal Snorlax and the “Lonely Pokémon” Cubone, the 1:10 video is the first of four short episodes that will be released. Produced by Polygon Pictures, the studio behind Netflix’s Godzilla anime film trilogy, a new episode will be released each Friday as part of “Project Snorlax”. As of the time of writing this article, the official Japanese post has over 2 million views on Twitter, and the English post has over 300k views, and fans have posted appreciation comments about how adorable the characters are. So, what is Project Snorlax, you ask? Well, it’s the latest campaign to highlight on the sleeping Pokemon. These shorts come just before the latest Pokemon anime, Pokemon Horizons: The Series, debuts in the United States on February 23, 2024. Fan reactions to the new Cubone and Snorlax campaign The US Pokemon Twitter account posted: “While Cubone is looking to the full moon and remembering its mother, it notices the depths of the forest are shining brightly… Who could it be?” Of course, it’s the one and only Snorlax. This giant, greedy bear-like creature eats over 800lbs of food every day. So, it’s no wonder Cubone was terrified that it could end up being the next meal. Fortunately, Cubone survived (at the cost of its precious mushroom). How will their relationship unfold? On Twitter, one fan posted in the comments: “I love the highlight of my favorite Pokemon”, while others reflected the sentiment by saying “This is amazing” and “He’s so cute!“ What do you think about this latest video campaign? We agree with Pokemon fans that it’s one of the most adorable things we’ve seen all year. After you watch the video, check out our other Pokémon coverage here, and our other anime coverage here.

Pokemon Horizons Part 3 gets Netflix release date for next batch of episodes The Pokemon CompanyPokemon Horizons: The Series Part 3 is finally coming to Netflix for North American audiences early in August 2024. Pokemon Horizons began airing its first season in Japan on Tokyo TV in April 2023. The anime’s first 12 episodes didn’t start streaming in North America until March 2024, thanks to an exclusive deal with Netflix. Fortunately for fans, Episodes 13 through 23 have also hit the streaming platform in the months since then as they debuted on May 10. And those waiting for the next batch of stories won’t be sitting on the edge of their seats for too much longer, with Part 3 premiering later this summer on Friday, August 9. The Pokemon Company shared the news on July 10, promising that “more action-packed adventures await dual protagonists Liko and Roy — and their partner Pokémon, Sprigatito and Fuecoco, respectively.” Part 3 of Pokemon Horizons will see Liko and Roy learning much more about Trainer Lucius and the Six Heroes. In the sneak peek above, Liko slowly uncovers mysteries about the curious Terapagos, a creature gifted to her by her grandmother in an earlier episode. The Pokemon Company breaks down what else fans can expect from Part 3 in the following synopsis: “After meeting up with her grandma, Liko finally learns the identity of the Pokémon who transformed from her pendant — Terapagos! But the family reunion is disrupted when the Explorers go on the offensive, first pursuing Terapagos and then setting their sights on the black Rayquaza. “Meanwhile, the Rising Volt Tacklers try to learn more about the Ancient Poké Ball as they look for clues about the Six Heroes, Liko and Roy continue training to get stronger and the Brave Olivine gains two new Pokémon residents. Then, a rumor about a singing Pokémon leads the crew to another of Lucius’s Six Heroes — and the black Rayquaza isn’t far behind!” Part 3 of Pokemon Horizons: The Series hits Netflix on Friday, August 9.

Pokémon Horizons is coming to Netflix The Pokemon CompanyHow can you watch the new Pokémon Horizons series in the US? Well, look no further than Netflix, because it will be available soon. Pokémon Horizons: The Series is the franchise’s first adventure into a post-Ash Ketchum world. Don’t fret, because it will still feature the iconic Pikachu – although not as we’ve seen him before. This new series has been airing in Japan since April 2023. But its been an excruciating wait for overseas fans, who’ve been left wondering when and where they’ll watch their beloved franchise over the past few months. But that wait is now over. Pokémon Horizons is coming to Netflix US! And that’s not all, we have a release date too. So, let’s take a look. When will Pokémon Horizons debut? Pokémon Horizons will debut on February 23, 2024, exclusively on Netflix US. On November 29, The Pokémon Company’s official Twitter account broke the news that the wait would soon be over for its US fanbase. Pokémon Horizons will air exclusively on Netflix in the US, starting from February 23, 2024. This is two months after the series will be exclusively available on BBC iPlayer and CBBC in the UK from December 2023. What’s Pokémon Horizons about? If you’ve been living under a rock (or you’re just simply out of the loop), Pokémon Horizons: The Series takes place in a post-Ash Ketchman world. In fact, it’s the first series in Pokémon anime history that features an all-new cast of characters and a more linear plot. It features two main protagonists, Liko and Roy, who join a group of adventurers known as the Rising Volt Tacklers and travel the Pokémon world with them. Over the course of the series, they visit all the regions you know and love from the core series, including Kanto and Paldea. But it’s not all fun and games. Liko is being targeted by the mysterious Explorers organization because of her special pendent. What will happen next? You can check out more of our Pokémon coverage here, and our anime coverage here.

Pokemon Horizons Episodes 1-4 review: An enthralling refresh Pokemon Horizon: The Series is the much-anticipated new chapter of the Pokemon anime, and the first story without beloved Ash Ketchum. However, great character work, beautiful animation, and the potential for new stories promise an engaging new tale. For a series so focused on evolution and generation, there was always one element of the Pokemon franchise that stayed steadfast, almost frozen in time. Seen as a constant cultural touchstone for fans of the games and cards alike: it was beloved protagonist Ash Ketchum. Well, nobody can stop the march of time, and we live in a world where Avatar 2 is a real movie that finally exists, so it’s certainly interesting as a Pokemon fan to finally be able to see Ash’s adventures come to a natural conclusion. It’s time for a brand new story after 25 years with Ash, Brock, Misty, and more. The new series is called Pokemon Horizons: The Series (called Pokemon Horizons from here on out), and while it’s been available in Japan for a while, this month finally sees the show debut in the West as UK fans can watch the anime on BBC iPlayer. Recently we got the chance to watch the first four episodes, and while it’s tough to make a call on where the series will go and if any current issues will be addressed, we came away impressed. A fresh batch of characters, Pokemon, and an invigorated injection of passion are clearly working wonders. As noted, this review is of the first four episodes of Pokemon Horizons, and we are going to talk about story elements from all four episodes. Be warned, spoilers ahead! A battle with confidence In the opening moments of Pokemon Horizons, we’re introduced to the new protagonist Liko. A young girl from Kanto, Liko is on her way to Indigo Academy to learn all about Pokemon, and get experience in Pokemon battles. One great thing immediately is that Liko is unlike any previous Pokemon protagonist. She’s smart and passionate, but she’s also incredibly shy, and we see her battling an internal monologue as she desperately tries to connect with people around her. Liko is voiced by Alejandra Reynoso, and a stellar performance imbues the young character with a sense of quiet confidence, often betrayed by doubt. Soon enough Liko enrolls in Indigo Academy, and is introduced to her Pokemon Sprigatito the adorable grass-type cat from Paldea. After their first introduction, Liko and Sprigatito struggle to bond initially, a dynamic could easily tread familiar ground. Luckily Sprigatito is a scene-stealing delight, and fantastic work from both the animation and VO (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure alumni Kira Buckland voices Sprigatito) bring ‘Tito to life. What makes this dynamic work is that Liko and Sprigatito compliment each other perfectly. The grass-type Pokemon simply acts like a cat, hilariously aloof, and constantly on their own mission, only occasionally deeming Liko as acceptable company. As the two characters connect, they bring out the good in each other, and Liko’s continued efforts to care for Sprigatito are rewarded, as the foliage-based feline also helps remind Liko to be confident, speak her mind, and ultimately do things for herself. Team Rocket has blasted off forever It wouldn’t be much of a story without conflict, and pretty quickly into the first few episodes Liko is being hassled by strangers. for a particularly interesting family heirloom. While most of the details are a mystery, a flashback reveals that Liko’s grandmother left her a mysterious pendant. While her classmates head home to enjoy a school break, Liko stays behind at the Indigo Academy, only for several nefarious strangers known as the Explorers, led by the quietly terrifying Amethio, to start following her in the hopes of nabbing this strange bit of jewellery. Once confronted, the eccentric new character Friede swoops in on a Charizard to save the day. The first part of this series is pretty light on Pokemon battles, but it’s worth mentioning that the few glimpses we get are absolutely gorgeous. Obviously, we’re 25 years and change away from the original Pokemon anime, but it really is amazing to see just how dynamic and entertaining Pokemon battles are nowadays. An early battle sees Friede and his Charizard confront Amethio and their Ceruledge, and the fiery match doesn’t disappoint. Alongside a few other battles in later episodes, including Sprigatito showing off blasts of botanical power, both the direction and the detail showcased makes battles a thrill to watch. Whether it’s the sense of power behind a blasted beam or the stunning details of leaves wrapping around a Pokemon, it’s clear that a lot of attention has been paid in how battles look, and I’m really excited to see how much more visually interesting they get. Leaving on an airship While Pokemon Horizons focuses on Liko, and eventually the other protagonist Roy, if you’ve looked at promotional materials you may have spotted a new addition in the form of a floating airship and its crew, known as the Rising Volt Tacklers. The aforementioned Friede is a member of a friendly crew aboard this floating ship with his companion, the fantastic (and scene-stealing) Captain Pikachu: alongside these two is surly chef Murdock, the quiet but caring Mollie, spirited mechanic Orla, and the senior fishing fan called Ludlow. It’s an interesting crew, but Liko is picked up fairly abruptly by Friede and taken aboard the airship, and it’s a little overwhelming meeting both an established group of characters, and meeting so many at once. One great strength of the original Pokemon anime was that each character was slowly introduced, and people like Brock had a whole story arc before they officially joined the crew. If this is the gang we’re adventuring with from now on, I hope we get more chances to know and like them all. With a Liko bit of luck This brings us to another minor complaint, as Liko’s swift introduction to the Rising Volt Tacklers is played for laughs, with characters like Mollie chastising Friede for not properly informing Liko of their mission, but it also makes the early episodes feel as if they’re in a rush to kickstart the adventure. It feels almost jarringly quick before Liko is a full-fledged member of the Rising Volt Tacklers, and whisked away from her school and friends. Plus, she seems to have very little choice in the matter. I was really impressed with the early characterization of Liko, especially the importance of her relationship with Sprigatito, but she becomes something of a bystander to the events of the story as other characters act around her. Hopefully, she gets more agency moving forward. Thankfully this is a minor complaint, as soon she meets the young adventurer Roy, and Liko gets another chance to show why she’s a deserving protagonist. It’s clear that Liko isn’t the obnoxious optimist that Ash was early on, instead, she’s an intelligent and caring young girl, whose biggest flaw is her self-confidence. Everybody loves Roy After a few episodes, Liko finally meets Roy, a young boy stuck on an island, who dreams of a grand Pokemon adventure. Voiced by Anjali Kunapaneni, Roy is an endearingly hopeful character that showcases a deft touch with the Pokemon world. One of the Rising Volt Tackler’s many ship-mates is the Pokemon Fuecoco, and one morning the fiery croc is singing to itself, only to be abruptly interrupted, and flees from embarrassment. Finding itself deep in a nearby jungle, Fuecoco meets Roy, who works hard to make Fuecoco feel comfortable. In a nice display of character, Roy often uses stones to create sounds in the Jungle, and after Fuecoco eats some nearby Pokemon’s food, Roy uses this clever technique to save the pair. Soon after the two meet, it becomes clear that Liko and Roy’s dynamic is the heart of the show. Alongside the adorable Sprigatito and their perfectly portrayed cat-like attitude, and the wacky Fuecoco and its suspect singing, the core group is a joy to spend time with. Meanwhile, while Liko has a mysterious pendant that is sure to drive the plot forward, Roy also holds an ancient Poke Ball, and both feel like fun plot devices in their own right. Hopefully, the story of both McGuffins is given enough material to intrigue and impress in equal measure. A whole new world Minor story quibbles aside, the first four episodes are a fantastic way to kick off a grand new adventure, even if they do feel a touch rushed. We’ll have to wait and see whether Liko gets more chances to actually steer the story, but for now she’s a charming new hero with a different mission. One element that does not disappoint is the visual style, as while early episodes jump from many different locations, each is given a gorgeous coat of paint and a sense of variety that brings the Pokemon world to life. Whether it’s the soft tones of a sunset or the brewing clouds of a brutal storm, the environment and backgrounds in Pokemon Horizons are stunning, and this new adventure is working overtime to deliver some beautiful moments in every episode. Alongside the impressive battle animations, and the detail added to imbue Pokemon like Sprigatito with an overwhelming amount of charm, it’s really impressive just how captivating the new world of Pokemon Horizons is already. Pokemon Horizons review score: 4/5 A clean slate full of promise, Pokemon Horizons is a charming refresh that quickly introduces viewers to an endearing new cast of characters, and some interesting mysteries for our new heroes to solve. It’s clear that so much love and attention is being poured into the series, and great animation and vocal performances allow new characters like Liko, Roy, and their Pokemon to make a fantastic early impression. While we’re yet to learn more about either our protagonist’s motivations, or the crew members along for the ride, there’s so much to love already from Pokemon Horizons, and it helps that each episode is filled with fantastic fine-detailed animation and a wide variety of gorgeous environments and effects. It’s still early days, but a fresh cast of characters and regions to explore allows Pokemon Horizons to populate its world with some excellent personalities, adorable new Pokemon, and refreshingly different mysteries. Liko is a fantastic anchor for a new generation of Pokemon fans, and Horizons presents a whole host of engaging and enthralling new reasons to love the Pokemon world. Pokemon Horizons Episodes 1-6 are available on BBC iPlayer now, and the series arrives on Netflix in the US in February 2024.

Netflix “destroys” Pokemon Horizons hype with delay The Pokemon CompanyFans excited for Pokemon Horizons debut on Netflix will unfortunately have to wait a bit longer for the new anime series, after a fresh delay was announced for its arrival on the streamer. With the conclusion of the last major Pokemon series, we finally said goodbye to Ash as he claimed his rightfully earned position as champion during the World Coronation Series. So, speculation for the new Pokemon series began as “Horizons” made the news rounds. The new anime, Pokemon Horizons, was announced almost a year ago, in March 2023, featuring a new set of characters, moving away from Ash and Pikachu towards a new adventure in the Paldea region from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Excited fans have long waited for the new series, but unfortunately, they may have to wait even longer. Pokemon Horizons has been delayed on Netflix The official Pokemon X/Twitter account has announced that the new Pokemon Horizons anime has been delayed for its US release on Netflix. Pokemon Horizons was initially scheduled for a February 23 release on Netflix in North America but is being delayed for no presented reason. The delay will last almost two weeks, with a new release date on Netflix set for March 7, 2024, nearly a year after the initial announcement. The series previously made its English dub debut on BBC iPlayer for UK Pokemon fans to get their fix in December 2023. Still, Pokemon Horizons has yet to be released in any official capacity for North American streaming services, with the plan remaining to release the series on Netflix very soon. The new series will focus on the journey of new characters, Liko and Roy, following their adventures through the Paldea region. Also appearing is a Pokemon Professor in the Paldea region, Friede, and his partner, Captain Pikachu. Fans can watch Pokemon Horizons on Netflix on March 7 2024.

Pokemon Horizons anime just revealed new Terapagos form and it’s adorable The Pokemon CompanyPokemon Scarlet & Violet’s DLC Pokemon, Terapagos, just had its new form revealed live on air during an episode of Pokemon Horizons anime. As fans prepare for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The hidden treasure of Area Zero DLC, images from the most recent anime episode have sent shockwaves through the community. A baby form of Terapagos, from The Indigo Disk, reared its head for the first time in an interaction on screen. Terapagos new form revealed in Pokemon Horizons anime Pokemon Scarlet and Violet layers will explore a new storyline in a two-part DLC later in 2023, including new Legendaries and characters. One of which, of course, is Terapagos – joining the Paldean Pokedex. Seen below, the small light-blue turtle is even smaller and cuter in this newly unveiled form – compared to the larger version which had already been shown off. That’s not the only angle of Terapagos’ new form, either. Another shot – shared by Twitter user Makio & JRoses – shows its facial features. One fan said: “It is adorable,” and the vast majority have agreed with that sentiment. Another posted: “He’s so cute!!” This is just the start of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players’ interactions with Terapagos, as the game’s expansion is expected to launch in Winter 2023. For more information, check out the trailers and everything we know about it so far here.

Pokemon fans call out Pikachu’s blatant “racism” Pokemon fans are (jokingly) claiming that Pikachu is experiencing a fall from grace, after a thread of his “racist” Pokemon imitations went viral. We all love Pokemon, the games we pour countless hours into at home or on the go, the trading card game fans collect en masse, and the anime we grew up with. The face of Pocket Monsters, Pikachu, is a household name that brings happiness to the world, or so we thought after the adorable electric-type faces some awful accusations. What happens when Pokemon go bad? Do they join Team Rocket? Kick up a natural disaster that requires calling in the Pokemon Rangers to help? That is possibly true, but Pokemon Champion Ash Ketchum may need to answer for his Pikachu actions after a fan pointed out his hilarious imitations of other Pokemon. Pokemon fans list Pikachu’s “rude” imitations X/Twitter user and possible ex-Pikachu enthusiast “@MelohTweets” posted a thread with photo evidence documenting a history of imitating other Pokemon’s likeness, leading fans to go along with the joke that Pikachu is a “racist.” Of course, no one seriously considers Pikachu “racist” as this post pokes fun at the situation, fans joining in on the joke in the replies saying such jokes as, “When is he going to answer for his crimes?” and, “They really trying to cancel my brother Pikachu” as if the situation were really happening. Although if Pokemon were real, we’d hope for more fun-filled adventures rather than situations than this. While there’s photo evidence of Pikachu being a copycat directly to other Pokemon, it’s more of a showcase of the beloved Pokemon icon’s ability to pull off such hilarious impressions of other Pokemon to the degree where you can visibly guess who Pikachu is trying to be. That would make a game of “Who’s that Pokemon!” much more complicated. Pikachu has seemingly got away with these “innocent imitations” until an imitation of Ivysaur, posted by @raysinette_, was apparently the straw that broke the Camerupt’s back and lead to fans making these amusing accusations. The incident in question has drawn a lot of ironic attention to the beloved Pokemon icon. Fans pointed out Pikachu’s aggressive approach and imitation, laughing in Ivysaur’s face, and ran away. Anyone watching the clip will see Pikachu having fun with a buddy as Ash makes a phone call; fans took this clip and ran with the gag that Pikachu has been caught red-handed. While we know Pikachu is as innocent as he appears, fans like getting a chuckle at the thought of the face of Pokemon getting into some severe over-the-top trouble that would cause global celebrity tabloids to go crazy if they were true.

Pokemon assemble with epic Avengers: Endgame crossover Marvel Studios / JhayAlejo RedditThe build up for the last 11 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has led to the apex of the current phase with Pokemon. It seems everyone around the world has been loving Endgame as it made over $1.2 billion at the box office during its opening weekend. While there’s plenty to love about the film, the reimagining perfectly replaces the main heroes with Pokemon counterparts. In a Reddit post, artist ‘JhayAlejo’ showed off a masterful creation that makes a slight tweak to the iconic Infinity Gauntlet-inspired cover art which released in 1991. Avengers, I choose you! The poster centralizes around Thanos who has been fittingly replaced with Nidoking sporting the Infinity Gauntlet with all of the stones. From there the poster is split into a mosaic filled with sections that features Lucario as Captain America and Krokorok as Bruce Banner while Krokoodile is towering behind him as the Hulk. Moving around the compilation, JhayAlejo made a great choice by having Iron Man portrayed as Scizor while his buddy hero War Machine is framed around Escavalier. Loppuny gets an extremely powerful makeover as she takes the place of superheroine Captain Marvel, while Roserade fills in as the torn cyborg Nebula. Incredible Poké-casting for the team Some of the best replacements in the entire compilation comes from the obvious choices for Rocket Raccoon and Ant-Man displayed with Zigzagoon and Durant, respectively. The mighty Thor gets an electrifying reinvention seen by Zeraora wielding Stormbreaker with Meloetta as Valkyrie at his side. Other cameos come from Decidueye, Medichan, Grumpig, Bewear, and Vespiqueen taking the places of Ronin (Hawkeye), Okoye, Wong, Happy Hogan, and Pepper Pots, respectively. Even though there are tons of Pokemon represented, they’ve all been intricately drawn to include defining weapons, characteristics or features from the heroes they portray. If fans weren’t already hyped enough for Avengers: Endgame, this crossover piece has everything to love about the Marvel heroes in the film.

Pluto review: An robot anime that brims with humanity Fans have waited for Netflix’s Pluto adaptation for years. But was it worth the wait? Dive into our spoiler-free review to find out. Netflix’s Pluto, a loose anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa’s award-winning manga, which reinterprets a story arc from Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, is finally here, and it doesn’t disappoint. While many of Urasawa’s works, including Monster and 20th Century Boys, have received critical acclaim, only a handful of his creations have made the leap into anime. The beloved series Monster, widely regarded as one of the best anime series of all time, stands as a notable exception. And now Pluto has followed. But can it live up to the hype? With some fans already hailing Pluto as a contender for one of the best anime of the year, the answer is yes. So, let’s take a closer look at Netflix’s latest contribution to anime. Pluto examines AI’s place in a modern world Netflix’s Pluto, at its core, is a murder-mystery with a twist. Set in a dystopian science fiction world where humans and robots coexist, the story kicks off with a string of murders and unfolds over eight one-hour-long episodes. This eight-part series is essentially a reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s iconic Astro Boy manga’s ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth’ arc from the 1960s. However, what sets it apart is its unique approach to the man vs machine trope that’s prevalent in the science fiction genre. Instead of focusing solely on how these intelligent robots have reshaped society, Pluto explores the intricate relationship between the two, sparking a conversation (in a typical Urasawa-manga-style) about ethics, morality and the future of AI in human society. Despite the complexity of the storyline, the narrative is easy to follow and is divided into two distinct threads. The first follows renowned robot detective Gesicht as he investigates a string of linked murders. The second covers Atom, a human-like boy robot – also known as Astro Boy. As the plot unfolds, both Atom and Geischt find themselves targeted by an unknown assassin – a mysterious figure determined to take down seven of the world’s most powerful robots and humans advocating for AI rights – sparking a gripping series of events. Pluto explores the darker sides of humanity Fans met Pluto’s arrival to Netflix with immense excitement after waiting for six years since its announcement in 2017. And with its production under the experienced hand of Masao Maruyama, known for his pivotal roles in studios like MAPPA and Madhouse, now at his new studio M2, it’s easy to see why. Maruyama’s experienced touch is clear to see with this anime adaptation. But what really sets Pluto apart is how it weighs in on the debate around artificial intelligence – making it a topical watch for today’s climate. The series delves into the ethical dilemmas that arise in a society where human life and robots are inherently intertwined. It raises thought-provoking questions about the coexistence of humans and technology, exploring the limits of the human body, the exploitation of individuals, and, perhaps most importantly, challenging society’s treatment of those who deviate from the norm. The series skilfully balances these overarching themes with smaller plot moments to blur the lines between humans and robots. This includes the 39th Central Asian War storyline. Often regarded as an allegory for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, it delves into the trauma experienced by the characters and offers a lens through which we can examine how the psychological wounds of war can be expressed and eventually healed. Each episode of Pluto is densely packed, remaining faithful to its source material. However, don’t count on binge-watching this anime. All eight of its one-hour episodes demand your full attention and commitment. Pluto’s flaws and final thoughts Although Pluto is ground-breaking, it’s not without its flaws. Some fans of Urasawa’s work could find that the animation and pacing don’t quite match the high bar set by his previous masterpiece, “Monster.” Furthermore, the utilization of 3D computer-generated animation and backgrounds occasionally falls short, detracting from the vibrancy of Pluto’s universe. The choice to extend each episode into one-hour instalments is also different to what many anime fans have come to expect. This decision can make the series feel weightier than some viewers might prefer. However, it’s clear why the producers opted for this format. The decision allowed the anime to fully embrace the source material provided by the manga, ensuring it omitted no story arc or critical element. Pluto: a 4-star anime that’s out of this world Thanks to its producer and source material, Pluto is undeniably one of the best animes of the 21st century, living up to the legacy of Urasawa’s previous works and cementing Netflix’s place in the anime universe. While it has some minor visual hiccups, mainly related to background graphics, its storyline remains compelling, delving deep into the artificial intelligence debate with empathy and crafting memorable characters that will stick with you long after watching. This beautifully crafted sci-fi story brims with human themes and should be at the top of any anime enthusiast’s list, making it a strong contender for the best TV release of 2023. Pluto is available to watch now on Netflix. You can check out our other anime coverage here.

Pluto creator opens up on “monumental” Astro Boy reboot NetflixIn an interview with Netflix, the co-creator of Pluto, Naoki Urasawa, talks about his inspirations and what led him to work on the latest anime series on Netflix. The eight-episode anime series Pluto arrived on Netflix in October 2023, and it was a hit, garnering all the praise it deserved – it even landed at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Coming after a masterpiece like Monster, Pluto is another title proving to be a treat for his fans. It is an anime that can simultaneously bring you happiness and sorrow, thanks to its intriguing plotline. In a recent interview, Naoki Urasawa opened up about the creation of Pluto, which is actually a darker version of the famous manga Astro Boy. Let’s delve deeper into the article to learn about the creator’s vision and his thought process when he worked on the anime. Naoki Urasawa opens up regarding Pluto’s making Naoki Urasawa is a legendary manga artist who has worked on Pluto and gathered considerable appreciation. However, things were never straightforward when he decided to work on the sci-fi anime series. In a recent interview, Urasawa said that his first encounter with the Astro Boy universe was at the age of around four or five when his parents introduced him to Osamu Tezuka’s work for the first time. He was so mesmerized by the manga that he used to read it day and night. He also started copying the illustrations along with Tezuka’s autograph. He then talked about the day when Tezuka Productions decided to bring the manga industry together for a project to celebrate the birth of Astro Boy. And that’s when Urasawa asked: “Is there any manga artist with the guts to remake ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth?’” Initially, every editor asked Urasawa to work on it, but he refused, believing he couldn’t handle the pressure. One day, the topic came up again when he worked with an editor he had known for a long time. Urasawa and the editor discussed what would happen if the cool robotic detective Gesicht from the Astro Boy universe got his own story. Urasawa was so impressed with the idea that he wasn’t ready to let it go – so, finally, he sent his drawings to Tezuka Productions. After an entire year, he received a call from the director of Tezuka Productions, Macoto Tezuka, who invited him for dinner. After having their meal, Macoto surprised Urasawa by saying he wanted to hand over Pluto’s responsibility to him. At first, Urasawa continued drawing the characters the way Tezuka drew them, but Macoto asked him to draw everything his way. Even though Macoto Tezuka trusted him entirely, Urasawa remained under pressure to deliver the project to the readers without destroying it. You can check out our other anime coverage here.

What time is Pluto anime on Netflix? NetflixThe highly-anticipated Pluto anime is almost here – so here’s what time the new show will drop on Netflix and be available to stream. Netflix is adapting the Seinen classic manga Pluto, which Naoki Urasawa created in collaboration with Tezuka Productions to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Osamu Tezuka’s acclaimed Tetsuwan Atom. The manga shifts the focus from Tezuka’s protagonist, Atom, to his supporting character, Gesicht, in order to root the plot in realism and represent the modern world through this sci-fi tale. The manga was published between 2003 and 2009, but it’s getting its anime adaptation for the first time. The series looks impressive in the trailer, which has stellar animation, beautiful character designs, and thrilling action scenes. Pluto has been creating quite the buzz ever since the trailer came out, and now the wait is almost over. Here’s exactly what time it’ll drop on Netflix and be available to stream. Pluto anime release date and time on Netflix Pluto anime will start streaming on October 26, 2023. It will be available to stream across various time zones. You can find your time zone below: 12am PDT – 3am EDT – 5am Brazil – 8am UK – 9am Central European Summer Time – 1:30pm India Standard Time – 7pm Australia – 9pm New Zealand – Pluto official trailer and plot According to the official Netflix Anime YouTube channel, the synopsis of Pluto anime states, “A murder occurs in an orderly world where robots are unable to kill humans. The robotic Europol investigator Gesicht takes the case, but the mystery deepens when he finds no trace of a human at the scene of the crime. “As he pursues the truth, Gesicht uncovers the most evil manifestation of hate that history has ever seen, one that is bent on bringing destruction to the world…” The story is set in the Astro Boy universe and follows robotic investigator Gesicht as he attempts to solve the mystery of a string of murders that have both robot and human victims, and all share a common calling card. Robotic Europol detective Gesicht, a war veteran, is assigned to look into the unfortunate death of Montblanc. During his investigation, he finds evidence of a mysterious being known only as “Pluto.” Additionally, he finds out about an evil scheme to destroy the eight specialized robots from different parts of the world that took part in the conflict. Gesicht struggles with his memory, morals, and a hostile society while fighting to defend the precarious coexistence of man. You can also check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Pluto anime gets a mesmerizing final trailer and key visual NetflixThere’s no denying that anime is slowly approaching its golden era. Well, that’s because each day, when we scroll down our social media feed, we come across several anime sequels as well as new anime series. One of the latest anime series that caught everyone’s attention is, of course, Pluto. Pluto is an upcoming anime that took inspiration from Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. Basically, Urasawa re-crafted Osamu’s creation into a much darker environment. So, you could say Pluto is a spin-off series of the popular Astro-boy series. Moreover, anime enthusiasts must be already familiar with Urasawa, as he has given us series like Monster, which is said to be one of the best thriller anime series of all time. Even though it’s been decades since the Monster series ended, it is still considered legendary among the community. So, you can understand why Pluto has the potential to become a massive hit, and well, the latest trailer suggests the same. The Pluto anime series received the final trailer The forthcoming anime series has previously given us glimpses of its events through short trailers, but Netflix recently released the main trailer, giving us an idea of what can be expected from the series. The 2-minute trailer, which obviously features spectacular animation, doesn’t reveal the entire storyline, but it gives us enough hints about the events. And, well, that’s enough to get the community thrilled about the anime series. The trailer confirms that the anime will show the struggle of robots and humans as they try to coexist on Earth. The story will highlight the hatred that humans feel towards artificial life forms. On the other hand, we’ll see the Robots showcasing human emotions. There’s also a mention of artificial intelligence, and it would be interesting to see what role it’ll play in the story. In the end, it’ll be a story where Robots and humans will try to bridge the gap between them, and, of course, it’ll bless us with some spectacular and breath-taking action sequences. Apart from the trailer, the streaming giant also released a key visual featuring the main characters and a mysterious robotic entity. Pluto anime will feature eight episodes that will debut exclusively on Netflix later this month on Thursday, October 26, 2023. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! gets an anime series MamakariPlus-sized Misadventures in Love!, a hit slice-of-life manga, is finally getting its very own anime adaptation. Here is everything you need to know about it. Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! is a unique comedy-romance manga that won its place in fans hearts due to its refreshing depiction of its female main character. Now it’s getting an anime adaptation. But that’s not its first foray onto the screen, the series already has a well-received live-action version, which was released in 2022. So, what will the anime adaptation bring? While additional details about the project, like cast, crew and release date, are still unknown, let’s take a look at this just-announced series: Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! gets an anime series On November 17, the official Twitter account for the Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! manga announced that the series will be getting a new TV anime adaptation. The post reads: “TV Animation announced!!!! Fall from the roof?! Amnesia?! Reborn as a positive person, our heroine overcomes the worries of those around her.” Plus-sized Misadventures in Love plot The plot for the shouji manga is one that relates to many anime fans. It follows a plus-sized woman called Yumeko who’s held back by multiple insecurities – but all this changes after a terrible accident. After she survives a life-or-death fall, Yumeko wakes up a completely different person with a whole new outlook. And her new, extremely positive attitude also starts to impact her surroundings. Watch as Yumeko becomes her best self, able to cope with anything that life throws at her: love, work, relationships… and even a murder. This comedy-romance promises a feel-good series that will leave you feeling as bubbly inside as the loveable main character. Because the series has been just announced, we currently don’t know any more details about the cast, crew or even the production studio. Although, a celebratory image by mangaka Mamakari was released shortly after the announcement. Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming slice-of-life series. We’ll update you as soon as we get any new information. Meanwhile, you can check out our other anime coverage here.

Perfect anime gifts to give your fellow nerd for Valentine’s Day Here are our recommendations for what gifts to buy your anime-captivated partner so you’re prepared for Valentine’s Day. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the idea of what present to buy your partner can create stress with all the potential gifts you could get versus how much your soulmate would like them. While we can’t help out with that in particular, we do, however, have good news if they’re an anime fanatic. Anime has no shortage of merchandise across countless series’ of varying popularity, some dating back more than 40 years, so we’ve had a good look for the best gifts you could possibly buy your anime-obsessed partner for Valentine’s Day. We’ll warn you in advance; this may make them more of an anime obsessive. Best gifts for anime fans this Valentine’s Day If you’re stuck on what to buy this Valentine’s Day, here are our recommendations for the best gifts to buy for the anime-loving dork in your life. Dragon Ball Z Son Goku Bathrobe What does the strongest warrior in all of anime need? That’s right, to stay cozy and warm on a cold evening. This bathrobe replicating the style of Son Goku’s Gi can do just that, making it a perfect gift for the, most likely chilly, Dragon Ball fan as it comes with his iconic symbol on the chest and back, as well as the blue belt to perfectly replicate the ensemble. Dragon Ball Z Broly Gym Bottle Is your partner hitting the gym to get as big as Broly? They’d need to train for a long time, but, more importantly, they must keep hydrated! So a would make the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day and give them the drive to keep at the gym. Though admittedly, they’d need to put the work in to catch up to even Yamcha. S.H.Figuarts Son Goku Figure Treat your other half to an incredibly well-detailed and articulated figure of Dragon Ball’s leading man, Son Goku this Valentine’s Day. The Saiyan warrior comes with four interchangeable facial expressions, four pairs of hands, and single parts of his right hand waving and another right hand raising two fingers so fans can pull off his iconic “instant transmission” pose. Fair warning: if this is the first figure they’re gifted, this may start a figure-collecting craze. One Piece Chopper Plush You can finally give your partner the gift of hugging the most adorable doctor in all the Grand Line with this 10-inch tall plush of Tony Tony Chopper from One Piece in his post-time-skip attire. Though Chopper can’t fix your injuries, he could undoubtedly help fix your relationship with your anime-loving partner this Valentine’s Day. One Piece Thousand Sunny LEGO-inspired building set If you’re stuck inside this Valentine’s Day why not have a LEGO-inspired date night by building the Straw Hat crew’s ship the Thousand Sunny from One Piece? This brick-building set is created by JESGO and contains 432 pieces making up a great block-based replica of the mighty vessel, sporting the Straw Hat’ jolly roger. One Piece Chopper Hoodie Going back to the cutest medical professional in the New World, why not gift your significant other a Chopper-themed Hoodie to snuggle up in this Valentine’s Day? On the front, Chopper peaks at you, and on the back is the flag of his mentor and adoptive father, Dr. Hiriluk, as well as “Tony Tony Chopper,” embroidered on each sleeve in Japanese. S.H Figuarts Chainsaw Man Figures Nothing says “I love you” more than a figure of a high schooler with chainsaws for limbs. Well, except maybe three more potential figures to choose from from the ever-popular Chainsaw Man series. Though they may not seem like a romantic gift, we consider these perfect for your Chainsaw Man-obsessed partner. While more characters are available for pre-order, here are three S.H.Figuarts Chainsaw Man figures that are available now in time for Valentine’s Day: Chainsaw Man himself, the deadly Samurai Sword, and the ever-incorrigible Power. All figures are heavily articulated, making for great play and posing possibilities for collectors. All of the figures come with multiple handpieces; both Chainsaw Man and Samurai Sword include an alternate face piece. Power comes with a wide variety of accessories, many different weapons, faces, handsets, and her adorable cat, Meowy. JuJuTsu Kaisen Character Pin Set From Satoru to Makumi to Inumaki, it’s highly unlikely that your partner’s favorite Jujutsu Kaisen character, probably Gojo, is missing from the adorable collection of character pins. You’ll receive eight character pins in this set of “chibi” versions of the Jujutsu Kaisen cast, ready and waiting to be worn on your person or on your backpack. Jujutsu Kaisen Ramen Bowl DOMAIN EXPANSION: RAMEN BOWL. Well, that didn’t work, but thankfully, you can buy a Jujutsu Kaisen ramen bowl for your Gojo-obsessed partner just in time for Valentine’s Day. The bowl comes with a pair of chopsticks, which can be placed in the dent in the bowl, as well as a hole to put your chopsticks through so you don’t lose them. Anime Watchlist Scratch Poster Looking for that next anime to binge with your partner? Look no further with this anime watchlist scratchboard containing 100 different anime series to watch. We’ll warn you now: some of the anime included in this poster are substantial in length, to say the least, but you’ll be proud to scratch them off the list when you’re finished; you can’t scratch off One Piece just yet. Those are our suggestions for some great gifts you could give to your anime-obsessed partner this coming Valentine’s Day. If they’re more into Funko Pops, don’t worry. We also have some gift recommendations in that realm, or if they’re a foodie, they’ll be happy to know of Krispy Kreme’s Valentine’s Day promotion. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Parasyte: The Maxim live-action first look revealed NetflixHitoshi Iwaaki’s popular manga Parasyte: The Maxim’s live-action adaptation has received its first look- here’s everything you need to know about it. Parasyte: The Maxim is a spooky body horror series that messes with your brain with several gut-wrenching scenes. Not only the body malformations, but the anime features a plethora of other elements that keep on haunting you in your sleep for a long time. The 24-episode television series follows Shinichi, who accidentally permits a parasite to enter his body and coexist with him. Parasyte: The Maxim takes place in a world that is under the control of parasitic aliens that enter the minds of humans and take charge of their bodies. However, as our main protagonist shares his body with a parasite, they create an inseparable bond over time. So, the tale sees a parasite helping a human fight its own kind to win this game of survival. Now, as the first look at the live-action project has surfaced, let’s delve deeper to know more about it. Parasyte: The Maxim live-action features a distinctive setting Maxim: The Parasyte’s live-action is titled Parasyte: The Grey, and it comes with an entirely different setting from what we have seen in the Japanese manga. The live-action will take place in Korea, where we’ll witness the same tale of parasites taking over the society and causing disruption. Despite being inspired by Hitoshi’s work, Parasyte: The Grey has an entirely fresh storyline. To be precise, we’ll see a new narrative with a new set of characters. We should keep our hopes high because the K-drama will see the involvement of the famous director Yeon Sang-ho, who has given us projects like Hellbound and Train to Busan. In Parasyte: The Maxim, Shinichi gives shelter to a parasite in his right hand but the Korean live-action series features Jeon So-nee, as Jeong Su-in, who falls prey to the alien. The first look at the project showcases her devastating condition. Netflix has licensed the K-drama, and the cinephiles have already started wishing to see it following the footsteps of One Piece live-action instead of Death Note and Cowboy Bebop. The streaming platform has yet to confirm any further details regarding the series.

Gruesome live-action anime show has become a hit on Netflix NetflixNetflix has done the remarkable and made body horror popular. The service’s latest live-action anime adaptation is currently tenth on the TV charts, despite being completely grotesque. Parasyte: The Grey is a contender for the most ambitious anime show Netflix has made into live-action to date. The source material involves humans being turned into fleshy shapeshifters by alien parasites, with severe mutations and tentacles sprouting from every ligament. In other words, it’s a difficult job for any effects department to make work off the page. Yet, studios Climax Point and Wow Point managed it, and did so with flying colours, going by the viewership. At the time of writing, Parasyte: The Grey is in the tenth spot on the most popular TV shows on Netflix UK, right behind the distinctly more child-friendly Bad Dinosaurs. It’s a strong sign for something so leftfield of mainstream, but then South Korean productions have been proving extremely lucrative on the platform. Squid Game is the obvious example, the first season of which completely dominated the zeitgeist in 2021. But there have been others, such as Hellbound, Kingdom, and All of Us Are Dead. What’s particularly noteworthy is how many of these hits are firmly genre-focused, featuring demons, zombies, and other violent concepts. Through that lens, Parasyte: The Grey is yet another success in an area that seems to only be growing. The Grey will have drawn in longstanding fans, since the manga was popular in the early ’90s, with an anime in the 2010s, followed by a pair of live-action films. All had their audience, but none to this degree. If Parasyte: The Grey Season 2 happens, it’ll be interesting to see if it can maintain the viewership. Have a look at our guides to Parasyte: The Grey ending, and the biggest changes from the anime in Parasyte: The Grey if you want to dive even deeper.

Parasyte live-action gets a Netflix release date NetflixParasyte: The Grey, a new Korean live-action series based on the dark fantasy manga, has just revealed its release date on Netflix. Parasyte was originally released in 1989, becoming one of the most popular series of all time. Fans familiar with the franchise will know it’s not the first time it’s been adapted for live-action. A two-part Japanese live-action film series distributed by Toho was released in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Now, after its live-action One Piece series changed the perception of manga adaptations, Netflix is expanding its horizons with its own take on the material. When will Parasyte: The Grey arrive on Netflix? Parasyte: The Grey will be released on Netflix on April 5, 2024. Unlike the source material, the upcoming series will feature a new setting. While the original series takes place in Japan, Parasyte: The Grey is set in Korea. Secondly, the lead character, Shinichi, will be replaced by Jeong Su-in in the K-drama. The premise of the Netflix show revolves around a girl named Jeong Su-in, who falls prey to a parasite that tries to steal her brain. Even though it couldn’t enter her brain, it somehow managed to take over a part of her body, ending up co-existing with her. The majority of the population has been invaded by parasitic aliens, and the entire human population is on the verge of extinction. So, Jeong Su-in must discover the truth about these species and take a stand for humankind. The streaming platform has also disclosed that the project will also involve the famous South Korean actors Kim In-kwon and Kwon Hae-hyo. However, nothing has been revealed about the characters that they will be seen as. Moreover, at the time of writing this article, we only have the release date information of the series, but we can expect to learn more details about it as it inches toward the premiere date.

Parasite director announces upcoming anime movie UniversalAfter making waves in Hollywood, Parasite director Bong Joon-ho has his sights on the world of anime, as he announced during this year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards. It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Having made Snowpiercer, The Host, and Okja beforehand, Bong was already firmly established as a mastermind of genre filmmaking. However, Parasite’s success firmly shoved him into the mainstream, the South Korean satire opening many audiences to a vibrant new world of movies. That’s a tough act to follow, and Bong has been developing a number of projects since. We have his next live-action new movie, Mickey 17 with Robert Pattinson, due out in the near future. He’s confirmed a step into animation before, and has now announced another project, an anime movie happening in Japan. Bong Joon-Ho is working on an anime movie During the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Bong Joon-ho revealed that he’s actively developing an animated movie in Japan. He dropped the news as a preamble to presenting the award for Anime of the Year, and stated that just the day before, he was working on the project. Nothing else was said, but the news is exciting enough. Though he hasn’t worked strictly within animation before, Bong has done several effects-heavy pictures, such as Snowpiercer and Okja. A different realm, certainly, there’s crossover in terms of respecting the craft and process of artists across multiple disciplines. Bong Joon-ho stepping into anime could truly equal something spellbinding, especially if he collaborates with an outfit like MAPPA or Studio Bones. It’s worth noting he already has another anime film in the works in South Korea. As yet, we don’t know if these projects are linked, or if he’s casting a wide net while developing ideas. In any case, something to celebrate! More than we can say for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 winning Anime of the Year, as many fans made clear.

Oshi no Ko anime’s theme song breaks streaming records again Sony Music Entertainment JapanThe opening theme for Oshi no Ko has dominated on Spotify since its release back in April 2023. Now the results are in, let’s take a look. Spotify Wrapped 2023 was released on November 30 and the results will surprise no one. Oshi no Ko anime’s opening theme, YOASOBI’s third single Idol, has dominated on Spotify since its release – so, of course, it was number one. Anime theme songs often perform well on Spotify. However, YOASOBI’s single, which dominated Japan’s daily charts for three months between April and July 2023, has garnered nominations and won several awards in Japan. This includes The Best Anime Video and the Song of the Year awards at VMA Japan 2023 So, what makes the single so special? YOASOBI’s Oshi no Ko theme is Spotify’s most played song in Japan Oshi no Ko might be one of the biggest anime adaptations of 2023. However, it’s also one of the few anime where the opening theme song has surpassed its success. If you haven’t heard Oshi no Ko’s theme song, you might think that this statement seems improbable. But with its bubble-gum pop sound and catchy electronic beats, it’s no wonder that its stayed in the general publics minds for almost a year. After setting a new record back in July on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 list by recording 14 consecutive weeks at number one, Oshi no Ko has gone from strength to strength, now holding the title of the only song to maintain 20 consecutive weeks on top of Billboard Japan’s charts. It also managed to gain 300 million total streams within three months of its release, breaking Billboard Japan’s record for the fastest single to make this milestone. However, its success doesn’t end there. Known for its bright and poppy sound, Idol’s contributed to Japan’s 2023 musical triumph on Spotify. The song is said to resonate with Japanese pop culture by emphasizing the struggles of idols in the entertainment industry, topped the charts as the most streamed song in Japan and became the second most streamed Japanese song internationally. Who is YOASOBI? Known for their record-breaking hit singles including Idol and Into The Night, musical duo YOASOBI are making a name for themselves in the anime world. So, have you heard any of their theme songs? Featuring vocalist Ikura and Vocaloid producer Ayase, this superduo was first formed in 2019. From here the magic began and they created several electro-pop chart-topping singles. Just like most J-Pop groups, the duo are no strangers to anime – it’s almost like performing an anime theme is a right of passage for musicians in Japan. Along with Oshi no Ko’s chart-topping song Idol, YOASOBI performed the opening and ending theme songs for BEASTARS second season, the opening theme song for the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury anime, and currently airing Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’s opening theme Yusha. While none of these have come anywhere close to the success of Idol, with YOASOBI holding the title of Japan’s most streamed artist internationally for three years running, it’s easy to see how anime is contributing to J-Pop becoming recognized on the world stage. While you’re here, why don’t you check out our other anime coverage below?

Oshi no Ko Season 2 US premiere announced, but don’t get too excited HIDIVEOshi no Ko Season 2 is due this summer, and the US premiere has been announced. Sadly though, it’s an event not everyone can attend. Being one of the biggest and best anime of 2023, Oshi no Ko’s followup season has been highly anticipated. The Oshi no Ko Season 2 release date is set for early July, and the first showing in the United States will occur around the same time — but only for certain fans. If you’re lucky enough to attend Anime Expo 2024 in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 6, you’ll get to see the first two episodes of Oshi no Ko Season 2. These will be shown to attendees as part of a panel hosted by the streaming service HIDIVE. The panel will feature the first episodes of Oshi no Ko Season 2, as well as a celebration of the anime show. “The panel will be hosted by HIDIVE’s Star Butler, who will welcome two incredibly special guests from Season 2’s production, Yurie Igoma (voice of Ruby) and KADOKAWA series producer Shimpei Yamashita,” the platform says in a blurb. HIDIVE is the exclusive platform for Oshi no Ko outside of Japan, a major acquisition for the growing Crunchyroll competitor, so it makes sense to host something at a huge annual event for the medium. Since some of the filmmakers involved will be in attendance, there’ll likely be some neat information on production revealed as well. Focusing on the idol industry in Japan, Oshi no Ko follows twin daughters of a hugely popular popstar. These aren’t regular nepo-babies, though — they’re actually the reincarnated souls of two people who had peculiar associations with the star in their previous lives. It’s weird, funny, and utterly charming, just like the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari. The opening was the most listened to song in Japan in 2023, and with outings like this, Oshi no Ko shows no signs of waning. Check out our upcoming anime list for other shows you should keep an eye on, and we have guides to Tower of God Season 2 and Mashle Season 3 that are worth reading as well.

Oshi No Ko Season 2 release date revealed in new trailer Amazon Prime VideoThe premiere date for Oshi No Ko Season 2 has finally been announced, alongside a trailer teasing what’s to come in the upcoming episodes. One of the best anime of 2023, to say Oshi No Ko Season 2 has been highly anticipated would be an understatement. It’s so popular that the opening was the most listened to song in Japan for the last fiscal year. Now, we know the season will begin on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. This season is covering the Tokyo Blade Arc of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s manga, and though we already knew it was arriving in July, now we have a set date. Not only that, we have a full-length trailer full of new footage as well. The news came as part of a live event streamed globally on YouTube. Members of the cast took part, with fans in attendance to hear what was coming first. During the event, we got a new visual, the trailer, and the release date. A slightly bizarre anime show, Oshi No Ko follows twins Aqua and Ruby, who grow up in the shadow of their pop idol mother’s intense fame. More than just regular children, they’re actually two adults who’ve been reincarnated with all their memories, both of whom had some connection to the idol in their previous life. The Tokyo Blade Arc, renamed from the 2.5D Stage Play Arc, has Aqua and Ruby join the cast of a stage play. This feeds into the Private Arc, where viewers will learn about how and why they got reincarnated. The series is about to get deeper and even more fascinating, examining not just fame and idol culture, but life and death as well. The exact episode count wasn’t revealed, but hopefully we’ll have another 13 episodes. Check out our upcoming anime list for what else is coming out, and our guides on Tower of God Season 2 and My Hero Academia: You’re Next to make sure you don’t miss them.

Oshi No Ko Season 2 release window announced with a fancy key visual HIDIVEOshi No Ko Season 1 ended on June 28, 2023, setting the internet on fire with its cliff-hanger ending. Since then, every fan has been waiting for Season 2 of the anime. Well, here, we bring good news for the fandom. Oshi No Ko was released on April 12, 2023, with a 90-minute premiere episode, and shockingly, it became the most trending anime show on social media overnight – thanks to the adorable characters and the gripping storyline. The anime features a famous idol, Ai, who gets murdered by one of her psychotic stalkers, but as the story progresses, we learn that there is a mastermind involved in the murder. Several anime out there follow the same concept, but rarely do we get a series showcasing how dark the Entertainment industry actually is. And Oshi No Ko is one of those anime shows that focuses on the same issue. Well, Oshi No Ko’s first season, being one of the major hits of the 2023 Spring Season, enjoys a huge fanbase, and now, it’s to be seen how the renewed season will perform once it arrives. When will Oshi No Ko Season 2 be released? Given the success of its predecessor, Oshi No Ko anime didn’t take much time to get renewed for a second season. And now, finally, an announcement emerged on Twitter, stating that Oshi No Ko Season 2 is scheduled for 2024. We must wait for the exact premiere dates, though. The short teaser arrived with the release window featuring Aqua, Akane, and Kana Arima in a theatre, hints that the upcoming season will primarily focus on the banger stage performances. The final moments of the first season featured Aqua joining Lala Lai Theatrical Company to solve the mystery of his mother’s death while Ruby gets on the stage for the first time as a member of the new idol group, B-Komachi. For the unacquainted, Oshi No Ko Season 1 adapted the manga’s first 37 chapters, and as the source material has released 132 chapters until now, you shouldn’t worry about the content availability. Even though nothing has been made clear regarding how many chapters will be adapted by the second season or the total episode count, we should expect it to follow in the footsteps of the first season. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

When is Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode 11 out? Schedule explained Doga KoboThe popular drama anime Oshi no Ko is back with its second season. Here’s when Oshi no Ko Season 2 episodes will be released, and how many installments we can expect. Oshi no Ko Season 2 was one of the most highly anticipated anime in 2024. It premiered this year on July 3 as Summer 2024 anime, picking up where the first season left off. Oshi no Ko tells the story of a teenage idol, Ai Hoshino, and how she’s murdered after secretly giving birth to her twins. Unbeknownst to her, her kids – Aqua and Ruby – are reincarnations of her two fans. The anime show delves into the mystery of their reincarnation and their biological father who conspired in Ai’s death. The first season ended without any of these questions being answered. Now that Season 2 has begun, fans are eager to find out who Aqua and Ruby’s father is and why he betrayed Ai. When is Episode 11 of Oshi no Ko Season 2 out? Oshi no Ko Season 2 Episode 11 will be released on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Oshi no Ko Season 2 is running behind its original schedule after Episode 10 was delayed for a week. Though there was no statement about the sudden delay, many claimed it was due to the scheduling issues of the studio, Doga Kobo. This was not the first time the Oshi no Ko anime faced such set back. In Season 1, Episode 8 had been postponed for a week. It’d been initially planned to release on May 31, but had ended up coming out on June 7, 2023 instead. The second season is listed for 13 episodes, which is two more than Season 1. The episodes will be released weekly and will end in September before the Fall 2024 season starts. The Oshi no Ko Season 2 full release schedule is as follows: Episode 1: Tokyo Blade – Wednesday, July 3, 2024 Four months after B-Komachi made their JIF debut, Aqua, Kana, and Akane began rehearsals for the Tokyo Blade stage drama. Meanwhile, B-Komachi has been quietly gaining popularity, with countless local concerts for its admirers. – – Episode 2: Game of Telephone – Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Episode 2 features a brief flashback to the cast’s first meeting. Akane expresses her desire to co-star with Aqua again, causing Kana to be jealous. However, Melt later apologizes to Kana for his terrible performance on the Sweet Today series. – – Episode 3: Rewriting – Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Ruby is pleased that B-Komachi is gaining popularity but also disappointed that she is falling behind her friends. B-Komachi’s concerts remain on hold until Kana completes the play. Meanwhile, Akane takes Aqua to see a Smash Heaven theater production. – – Episode 4: Emotional Acting – Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Smash Heaven’s performance impresses Abiko a lot. Raida discovers Abiko’s presence in the audience and approaches her personally, urging that she give GOA another chance. – – Episode 5: The Curtain Rises – Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Akane swears to support Aqua no matter what, even after he tells her he wants revenge on someone. However, Akane also requests Aqua’s assistance against Kana and Taiki, as she has little chance of defeating them alone. – – Episode 6: Growth – Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Act 1 of the Tokyo Blade play is a success, with Taiki’s character, Blade, recruiting Kana and Melt’s characters Tsurugi and Kizami, and establishing the “Shinjuku Faction” against the “Shibuya Faction” commanded by Akane, Aqua, and Sakuya’s Princess Saya, Touki, and Monme. – – Episode 7: Sun – Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Akane decides to stay on the play after her co-starts persuade her. Elsewhere, Aqua has a new plan to boost Akane’s image. – – Episode 8: Trigger – Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Aqua is blown away by Akane’s portrayal of Ai. Unknown to him, she’s deduced a secret about the deceased idol. Aqua persuades Memcho to join the newly formed B-Komachi. – – Episode 9: Dream – Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Memcho joins B-Komachi. She visits Ichigo Productions to audition for the group, but Miyako thinks she’s hiding something. Kaburagi talks to Aqua about Ai. – – Episode 10: Liberation – Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Aqua tells Taiki about the DNA test and their relationship. Taiki reveals a shocking truth about his parents. With Memcho as the new member, B-Komachi’s dynamics change. – – Episode 11: Title TBA – Wednesday, September 18, 2024 – Episode 12: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – Episode 13: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 – Season 2’s first episode debuted through an advanced screening in Tokyo on June 30 before its official release on July 3. There was another special screening on July 6 at Anime Expo 2024 where the first two episodes were shown. What time are the new episodes released? Oshi no Ko Season 2 episodes are released at 11 pm JST in Japan and 7 am PST in the United States every week. The episodes will be released exclusively on HIDIVE. Oshi no Ko Season 2 episodes will be released globally at the following times: 10:00 am Eastern Time – 03:00 pm British Time – 04:00 pm European Time – 07:30 pm Indian Time – 10:00 pm Philippines Time – How many episodes are in Season 2? Oshi no Ko Season 2 will have 13 episodes. This upcoming anime sequel will adapt the 2.5D Stage Play Arc. It’s the fifth and longest arc of the manga so far. The arc focuses on the preparation and opening night of the theater adaptation of the popular Tokyo Blade manga. After learning Ai met their biological father at the Lala Lai Theatrical Company, Aqua joins their production of Tokyo Blade. Joining him in the cast are his pretend girlfriend Akane Kurokawa and childhood friend Kana Arima. Another popular actor – Taiki Himekawa – is joining them and will later go on to play a major role in the story. Aside from him, side characters like Abiko Samejima, Sumiaki Raida, and Go will also appear in Season 2. For more upcoming anime in 2024, check out our guides on Tower of God Season 2, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, Dandadan, and My Hero Academia: You’re Next.

Oshi no Ko Season 2: Release date, plot, trailer & more Doga KoboAfter a year of waiting, Oshi no Ko Season 2 is finally coming back — here is everything you need to know about the upcoming season. Oshi no Ko was a huge surprise in 2023, becoming one of the best anime of the year soon after its debut. Adapted from the manga by Kaguya Sama’s Aka Akasaka and Scum’s Wish’s Mengo Yokoyari, the drama anime show swept everyone off their feet with its unique plot and intriguing approach. While every other popular anime series was busy showing fights with superhuman powers, Oshi no Ko told an entirely human story about the dark side of the entertainment industry. From the get-go, it grips its viewers with such a stronghold that they’re left wanting more. But the wait is finally over as Oshi no Ko Season 2 is all set to grace our screens again. So, when will that be and where can you find it — there are a lot of questions to be answered. Fret not, we’ve got everything right here for you! Oshi no Ko Season 2 release date Oshi no Ko Season 2 will be released on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. This information was revealed with a trailer for the new season back in May this year. After its grand success, Oshi no Ko was renewed for a second season right after Season 1’s finale. It got its first release window in November 2023 during the “Ichigo Production ☆ Fan Appreciation Festival 2023”. Before its official premiere, the highly anticipated anime will have an advance screening of its first episode on June 30 at Tokyo. Another special screening will be held at the AnimeExpo 2024 where the first two episodes will be showed to the audience on July 6. So, if you find yourself in Japan or the US, don’t forget to catch the first episodes of Oshi no Ko Season 2 before the rest of the world. Oshi no Ko Season 2 plot Oshi no Ko Season 2 will pick up right where the first season left off. It’ll adapt the 2.5D Stage Play Arc, also known as the Tokyo Blade Arc, where Aqua joins the cast of the stage play adaptation of a popular manga. Joining him as cast members are some familiar faces from Season 1: Kana Arima and Akane Kurokawa. However, Aqua has just one goal in mind: to find out the identity of his biological father. But before that, he needs to face his trauma about Ai to learn to act with emotions. The 2.5D Stage Play Arc is the longest arc of the manga so far, spanning over 26 chapters and three volumes. It also introduces major characters like Abiko Samejima and Taiki Himekawa. But Ruby fans might be disappointed this season since she doesn’t have a significant role in this arc. The episode count of Oshi no Ko Season 2 hasn’t been revealed by. If it has 11 episodes again, it’ll take the entire second season to adapt the 2.5D Stage Play Arc. Judging by the trailer of the anime, that does seem to be the case. Oshi no Ko Season 2 trailer Oshi no Ko Season 2 was renewed with an announcement teaser trailer in June 2023. It featured major scenes from the first season, including Ai’s death, Aqua’s vow of vengeance, Ruby joining idol group B-Komachi, and significant scenes with Mem-Cho, Kana, and Akane. The second glimpse into Season 2 came in March 2024 when the official teaser was released. It revealed the new characters making their debuts in this season as well as their Japanese voice actors. The final trailer was released in May 2024 which finally revealed the arc Season 2 will be adapting. Like the previous season, Doga Kobo will be in charge of the animation in Season 2. Daisuke Hiramaki is helming the project as director. How to watch Oshi no Ko Season 2? Like the first season, Oshi no Ko Season 2 will be exclusively streaming on HIDIVE. As the streaming service has the sole rights of the anime, you won’t find it on Crunchyroll or Netflix. The second season will be available in both the US and UK regions from July 3 onwards. For other upcoming anime, check out our guides on Tower of God Season 2, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, Mashle Season 3, One Punch Man Season 3, and Sakamoto Days.

Oshi no Ko’s real protagonist is someone else after all Doga KoboThough the Hoshino twins sit at the center of Oshi no Ko, fans think another character deserves the title of the protagonist. The plot of Oshi no Ko revolves around Aqua seeking vengeance against his mother’s betrayer and his sister Ruby finding her way into the entertainment industry. But as more characters are introduced, both twins turn out to be bland compared to the newer additions. One character who attracts the most attention is Akane Kurosawa. With a dark backstory and a complex personality, she’s an intriguing character to follow. From imitating Ai to perfection to becoming Aqua’s closest ally in his goal, she’s had an impactful presence in the story. That is even more so after Oshi no Ko Chapter 159, which features a crazy twist to Ruby’s stabbing in Chapter 158. The chapter reveals Akane has disguised herself as Ruby to set Nino up, endangering herself in the process. It’s all because she wants to help Aqua. This incident has fans calling out the Hoshino twins and deeming Akane more fit for the protagonist’s role. As one wrote, “Akane is the real MC of Oshi no Ko.” “I think even Ruby and Akane did more for the revenge thing than he did. While Aqua was eating chips with ‘his sun’ lol,” commented another. “From start to finish, she carried the revenge plot on her shoulders,” weighed in a third, while criticizing Aqua. “He has been more talk than action in the revenge plot. Even though he did things for her several times, he is still spoiled by Kana’s unconditional love.” “Akane carries this manga so hard there’s no way she doesn’t win,” shared one more. Another fan wrote, “Ruby definitely doesn’t even tie Akane’s shoes. But also Kana, who Akane adores, is a solid and important presence throughout the whole manga.” Since Chapter 159 hasn’t been released yet, we don’t know the true extent of Akane’s role in this plan. But one thing is clear: she makes her presence in the story worthwhile. For more on the Oshi no Ko universe, find out its creator’s statement about the manga’s ending and how the series confirms the future of anime’s most hilarious couple.

Hit anime opening was the “most listened to song” in Japan for 2023 Amazon Prime VideoOshi No Ko was one of the biggest anime shows of 2023, and it turns out the opening was even bigger, topping a major chart in Japan for the whole fiscal year. One of the best anime of 2023, Oshi No Ko examines the intense, fraught idol industry through supernatural means, with the lead characters playing two people reincarnated as twin popstars. The opening theme is the appropriately titled ‘Idol’ by J-pop duo Yoasobi, a dramatic and extremely catchy tune. In fact, the song is so catchy, it was the most listened to song across Japan for 2023. The Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) recently put out the charts and data for the year, and, as reported by NHK, ‘Idol’ was the most popular single. According to the song’s blurb, 70% of the listens came from subscription services such as Spotify, while “interactive viewing” through karaoke and online videos was also substantial. These numbers reflect the rest of the world, since ‘Idol’ started climbing the Billboard Global Top 10 in May 2023, peaking at number seven. “In recent years, Yoasobi has been blessed with many new encounters and changes in our activities, but I believe that it is without a doubt this song that has allowed us to push forward this far,” Ayase, one half of Yoasobi, said in a statement. “I am truly happy that the song has become one that so many people love. It is the greatest reward for a composer.” Oshi No Ko Season 2 premieres in July 2024. Given the success of the first season, this is a major upcoming anime for the year. We expect ‘Idol’ to return as the intro, since they seem like a match made in heaven. For more of what’s on the horizon, check out our guides on Tower of God Season 2, MF Ghost Season 2, and My Hero Academia: You’re Next.

Oshi no Ko live-action reveals streaming release date, but fans are split HIDIVEOshi no Ko is making the jump to live-action this year, and the anime and manga audience aren’t sure about what’s coming. Oshi no Ko Season 2 is currently underway. The hit anime show is adapting the 2.5D Stage Play and Private arcs, where Aqua and Ruby take part in a stage and we learn about the former’s father. Besides the anime, there’s a live-action TV show coming. To alleviate some worry, it’s a Japanese production, not Hollywood, though it’s being distributed by one of the major streaming platforms. Oshi no Ko live-action will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Even though it’s coming from Japan, fans still have their reservations. “I’m just going to stick with the anime. Sorry not sorry,” one response on X/Twitter states. “We won’t be watching,” adds another. “Holy sh*t this looks incredible,” another states, in contrast. “That’s not Netflix so I would at least wanna give this a try before saying anything,” says another fan. Netflix has earned that shot, since Cowboy Bebop and Death Note happened, despite One Piece now redeeming the platform’s efforts to adapt more anime and manga. Oshi no Ko’s live-action counterpart is coming at the right time, since the anime is still rising and the manga is just starting to wind down. The audience is thriving, so if this could ever work, it’s now. The show is only the first part as well, with a movie lined up as part of the overall deal. Amazon hasn’t made huge strides in the anime space, Neon Genesis Evangelion being perhaps the biggest property the company obtained the rights for. So, it’ll be interesting to see how this shakes out for them. Taking on something Japanese as opposed to a slightly-more-cynical-feeling American remake is certainly a good start. We’ll find out come November if it works out! Have a look at our upcoming anime list for other properties to watch out for.

Oshi No Ko live-action projects finally announced NetflixToei Animation has finally announced the live-action adaptations of the Oshi No Ko anime series. Oshi No Ko‘s anime had an amazing premiere in 2023, breaking several records and becoming a sensation overnight. The opening episode featured a charming main cast and the darker side of the entertainment industry. The anime ran for 11 episodes on HIDIVE, becoming the most successful series in the streamer’s history. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Season 2, which is set to be released in Spring 2024. However, ahead of the new season, Toei Animation has announced the live-action adaptations of the popular animanga series. Oshi No Ko surprises fans with live-action announcement On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, fans were thrilled to learn that Oshi No Ko will be turned into a live-action television series and a film. The former has been licensed by Amazon Prime, while the latter will see Toei Animation as the distributor for the theaters. The announcement confirms that the projects will land on the screens sometime in Winter 2024. Both the TV show and movie have likely already started production. Adding to the hype, the official sources released a key visual showing off the star cast of the non-animated version of Oshi No Ko. Nagisa Saito, Nanoka Hara, Mizuki Kayashima, Asuka Saito, and Ano will appear in the lead roles. These actors have also posed like the anime characters in the poster. What is Oshi No Ko about? Oshi No Ko begins with Ai, an idol with a massive fanbase. One day, she gets pregnant, and she visits a gynecologist, who turns out to be one of her biggest fans. In the same hospital, there’s a patient who has only a few days to live and can’t stay without watching AI on TV in her final days. Soon after the girl’s passing, the doctor gets murdered by one of Ai’s stalkers. However, this is not the end for Ai’s biggest admirers as they are reborn as her twins, Aqua and Ruby. To hide her personal life from the media and fans, Ai never revealed that she is the mother of the twins despite living under the same roof. However, when things are finally moving smoothly for Ai, the psychopath killer who killed the doctor shows up and kills her. After her death, Aqua is determined to find the killer and murder him with his own hands.