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A Field Guide to Dating Monster Girls
Interested in dating a monster girl but don't know where to start? Our handy guide to the world of monster ladies will help you select the perfect mate while avoiding her crushing death coils or venomous fangs!
― The non-human ladies of Monster Musume have gotten a lot of attention this season, but actually dating a monster girl seems like quite a challenge. In the unlikely event that you find yourse...
The Secret Revolution of Ouran High School Host Club
Before Free!, before Uta no Prince Sama, before fujoshi merchandise filled every anime shop in Japan, there was Ouran High School Host Club, which secretly established an entire genre. Rose Bridges finds out how.
― I like Free! a lot. I started watching it between classes in the summer of 2013, and it helped me relax and adjust to the new semester. Many people who aren't part of Free!'s target audien...
Interview: Mega Man Legacy Collection Producer Rey Jimenez
Capcom's Mega Man Legacy Collection is out, featuring the first 6 Mega Man games and a ton of archival artwork. Todd sat down with one of the project's producers to get the dirt on what went in to this museum-quality collection.
― Mega Man is in the midst of a comeback. Well, a minor comeback. After spending a few years on Capcom's disabled list, the plucky robot hero returns with Mega Man Legacy Col...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of August 19-25
Your weekly rankings are here! Find out which shows soared to new heights and which fell a little in the public esteem.
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Summer 2015 crop. And this season, at the top of each Daily Streaming Review, we added a little rating widget to let our readers chime in. So let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the seas...
Why I Can't Stop Watching Prison School
Prison School is disgusting. Prison School is degenerate. Prison School is juvenile. Prison School has no likable characters. So why can't Hope Chapman tear her eyes away from Prison School? WARNING: NSFW imagery.
― I can't stop watching Prison School. I'm not sure I'd call myself a fan of the show, and I'm not sure why I can't stop watching it, but I'm definitely hooked. Unfortunately, I'm also the ...
Interview: International Otaku Expo Association
These three guys are attempting to create a global otaku community by encouraging communication and collaboration between otaku events (like, say Comiket and Otakon). Let's find out what they're all about!
― We had the pleasure of chatting with three representatives from the International Otaku Expo Association, an organization established this year to "encourage new developments within the wider ota...
Interview: Yuki Yuna director Seiji Kishi
The director of the late night magical girl anime Yuki Yuna is a Hero answers a few questions about the show, including what went in to writing a disabled character.
― We sat down with director Seiji Kishi to talk about Yuki Yuna is a Hero, which he was representing at Otakon 2015 as a special guest of Ponycan USA. Over his long career, Kishi has also directed other notable series, including Assassin...
Satoshi Kon 1963-2010
On the fifth anniversary of the day the world lost Satoshi Kon, we're reprinting our original retrospective of his ouvre for fans who may be reminiscing today about this great artist and his incredible work.
― Editor's Note: this retrospective was produced by Anime News Network shortly after Kon's death in 2010. We're reposting it today on the anniversary - some of the information may be a little ou...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of August 12-18
Your favorites of this season get shuffled around once again according to the voting decisions of our daily streaming reviews audience! Did your favorite show rise in the ranks?
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Summer 2015 crop. And this season, at the top of each Daily Streaming Review, we added a little rating widget to let our readers chime in. So let's have a look at ...
Ranpo Kitan: A Twisted Metamorphosis from Page to Screen
The gruesome mystery anime Ranpo Kitan serves as a flashier, gorier, modern adaptation of several famous Japanese horror stories by author Edogawa Ranpo. But how much did they change in the transition?
― Note: This article contains some spoilers for the first seven episodes of Ranpo Kitan. You've probably heard the names Edgar Alan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle before. They're two of English literat...
The Grim, Disgusting Magic of Tokyo Ghoul
The wildly entertaining, fantastically bloody and visceral Tokyo Ghoul has drummed up enormous enthusiasm from the fan community; Gabriella Ekens digs in to the manga and the anime to find out why.
― If you've been to an anime con lately, you might've seen flocks of people walking around in white wigs and black leather S&M masks. Don't worry, it's not the latest gimmick in salacious teen sex, but cos...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of August 5-11
Check out which episodes of the summer streaming season you and your compatriots loved the most in the last week!
― Our team of reviewers are following 26 27 anime series of the Summer 2015 crop, now with Shimoneta joining the fun. And this season, at the top of each Daily Streaming Review, we added a little rating widget to let our readers chime in. So let's have a look at what ANN readers consider...
Interview: Shinji Takamatsu
The director of the hit magical boy comedy Cute High Earth Defense Club Love! talks about what it was like creating a show for the fujoshi market.
― We had the pleasure of sitting down with Shinji Takamatsu at Otakon 2015, where he was an invited guest of PonycanUSA to promote the recent North American release of Cute High Earth Defense Club Love. How does it feel to be here at Otakon, promoting Cute...
Why Persona Is Still A Big Deal
The last game in the Persona series is around 7 years old, but the games remain wildly popular, maintaining a special place in the hearts of anime fans. With the fifth game right around the corner, Gabriella Ekens explores why Persona still means so much.
― When I first encountered Persona 3 as a young JRPG fan, it was a revelation. I'd grown up on Final Fantasy and just entered puberty. This JRPG di...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of July 29-August 4
Recently we enabled user voting on each new episode of the series we're covering. Here's what you thought the best (and worst) new shows of the summer season were (so far)!
― Our team of reviewers are following 26 anime series of the Summer 2015 crop. And this season, at the top of each Daily Streaming Review, we added a little rating widget to let our readers chime in. So let's have a look at what ...
Interview: Zero Escape series creator Kotaro Uchikoshi
Fresh off the announcement of Zero Escape 3, series creator Kotaro Uchikoshi talks about his creative process.
― Fresh off the announcement of the final installment in his Zero Escape game trilogy, scenario developer Kotaro Uchikoshi made a surprise appearance at Anime Expo this past spring. We sat down with him to discuss his work on this unique adventure game series, along with what might be in sto...
How To Satisfy Your Curiosity About Gintama
The sprawling, irreverent smash hit comedy Gintama has over 280 episodes in the can and it's more popular than ever, but how can new fans sample the best the show has to offer? Amy McNulty has some suggestions.
― When given the choice between the typical 12- to 13-episode anime, one that runs an additional cour or two, and a massive Shonen Jump series approaching 300 episodes, few people are likely ...
Interview: GARO Producer Toru Kubo and Director Yuichiro Hayashi
The producer and director of the mature, violent action-fantasy tokusatsu-turned-anime answer a few questions. PLUS: the complete fan Q&A from Otakon 2015, featuring Romi Park!
― The action-fantasy-drama anime GARO has an interesting genesis: it's the animated version of a live-action tokusatsu series that's undeniably for an adult audience. GARO the live-action series has spawned several sequels an...
Monogatari is a Disaster
Monogatari is a phenomenon, but it's also one of the messiest shows you could imagine. Nick Creamer dives into the contradictory quirks of this very strange anime.
― Look, Monogatari is a mess. I feel I have the right to say that. I've written thousands of words of glowing praise for the show, including several highly positive reviews here at Anime News Network. I've covered it from a thematic front,...
Interview: Studio Trigger
Two directors, the men behind Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, sit down with us for a few questions about their hit shows, Ninja Slayer, and just how much they held back on Panty & Stocking.
― Studio Trigger hasn't been on the scene very long, but they've already made a big impression. We sat down with two directors of their biggest hits, Kill La Kill (Hiroyuki Imaishi) and Little Witch Acade...
In Defense of Fullmetal Alchemist 2003
Most people these days will sing the praises of Brotherhood, Fullmetal Alchemist's bigger, flashier brother, but the 2003 series remains near and dear to a generation of fans. Rose Bridges offers this defense of the original classic.
― I've been watching anime since I was in grade school. Like lots of '90s kids, my Saturday mornings were dominated by Sailor Moon, Pokemon and Digimon. Anime was fun, b...
Interview: The Cast and Crew of live-action Attack on Titan
The director, producer and the two lead actors from the live-action Attack on Titan film take questions from the movie press. PLUS: a one-on-one interview with director Shinji Higuchi!
― This press conference was held before the world premiere of the first live-action Attack on Titan film in Hollywood, California. In attendance were the film's director, Evangelion storyboard artist and scriptwriter S...
Interview: Street Fighter V's Peter Rosas and Matt Dahlgren
Two of Capcom's company men discuss all things Street Fighter V, including some recently announced new characters and what to expect from the game.
― Capcom's presence at San Diego Comic-Con scaled back in recent years. No longer does the company put on panels for every series it backs, be it Monster Hunter or Resident Evil. Yet Street Fighter still merits its own panel, complete with an appearance b...
Anime Spotlight - Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA 2wei Herz!
Even magical girls need a little time to enjoy the summer!
― Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA 2wei Herz! Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 24, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Original Creator: Type - Moon (CANAAN, Fate/stay night, The Garden of Sinners) Director: Masato Jinbo (Fate/Kaleid liner Prisma Illya, Nozo x Kimi (OVA) ) Introduction Hot sun! Blu...
Anime Spotlight - Castle Town Dandelion
The Sakurada syblings every move is being televised before the national election. Who will win the hearts and minds of the town people and suceed in their father's footsteps?
― Castle Town Dandelion Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Noriaki Akitaya (Bakuman, BONJOUR Sweet love Patisserie) Series Composition...
Why Are Anime Fans Obsessed with Steven Universe?
If you went to an anime convention this summer or have used the internet lately, you may notice anime fans seem to have fallen in love with Steven Universe. Why? Because the show loves them right back.
― If you've been to an anime convention in the past year, you've probably seen colorful, gem-studded cosplay like this filling the hallways. Photo credit links: top left, top right, bottom left, bottom...
We Need Your Questions for the Director of The Pilot's Love Song
If you've got questions for the director of the high-flying fantasy series The Pilot's Love Song, we've potentially got answers for you!
― We've been given the opportunity to interview The Pilot's Love Song director Toshimasa Suzuki, and we need your help! NISA, who will be releasing the fantasy action drama The Pilot's Love Song on bluray September 22nd, asked for fan questions for Mr. Suzuki, whos...
Anime Spotlight - SHIMONETA: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist (Shimoneta to iu Gainen ga Sonzai Shinai Taikutsu na Sekai)
The revolution is about to begin!
― SHIMONETA: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist (Shimoneta to iu Gainen ga Sonzai Shinai Taikutsu na Sekai) Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 4, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Youhei Suzuki (The Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat ) Series Composition: Masahiro Yokotani (Free! Eternal...
Interview: Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches creator Miki Yoshikawa
The creator of the hit manga, recently adapted into a popular anime series, talks about her inspirations, how she got her start, and what it's like to watch your manga become a TV show.
― As you might guess from the story, the main character of the story is a high school roughneck named Ryu Yamada. Yamada meets cute, quiet, and studious Urara Shiraishi, who is his complete opposite in almost every wa...
Anime Spotlight - To loveru -Darkness 2nd
After a brief break To Love Ru Darkness returns for a second season!
― To loveru -Darkness 2nd Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 6, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Atsushi Otuski (Argevollen, Ladies versus Buttlers!) Character Design: Yuchi Oka (Argevollen , Motto To loveru) Music: Takeshi Watanabe (Strike the Blood, Saki) ↑ Top Story The fo...
Five Steps to Better Fanservice
Everyone loves fanservice - except, as the common wisdom goes, anime critics. Paul Jensen dismantles this age-old assumption with a recipe for how good fanservice can make a cool show even better.
― Speaking as both a fan and a critic, I'm of the opinion that fanservice is like a spice; just the right amount in the right recipe and it's fantastic, but too much overpowers the dish. Not every anime ser...
Anime Spotlight - AOHARU x MACHINEGUN
Hotaru Tachibana is introduced to the survival game world by an eccentric group of friends who may have what it takes to be the best team in Japan.
― AOHARU x MACHINEGUN Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Hideaki Nakano (Golden Time Episode Director (Eps.7), Yatterman Night Episode Director (Eps.2) ) Series ...
Interview: Fullmetal Alchemist and Concrete Revolutio screenwriter Shou Aikawa
The screenwriter behind the original 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist sheds some light on that show's deeper meaning, and talks about his latest project for the fall 2015 season, Concrete Revolutio.
― Screenwriter Shou Aikawa scarcely needs an introduction; he cut his teeth during the OVA boom of the 1980s, working on titles like Angel Cop, Dangaioh, Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma and more. As a television w...
Interview: Madoka Magica voice actress Ai Nonaka
The voice behind Madoka Magica's Kyoko Sakura and an enormous list of other fan favorite characters chats with us about her life, her hobbies, and her technique.
― Ai Nonaka is a veteran voice actress, having gotten her start in 2002 in shows like Kinnikuman and Platonic Chain; you likely know her as the feisty Kyoko Sakura from the smash hit Puella Magi Madoka Magica, but she's also well-known for h...
The Dream of Redemption in Haibane Renmei
Nick Creamer finds himself inside the walls of Haibane Renmei's mysterious town, pulling back the veil to reveal the show's many secrets. It's a beloved fan favorite, but what did it all mean?
― The town is a cage. It is a beautiful cage. Its streets are cobblestone and soft earth, its buildings rise and bloom in spires and steeples and tolling bells. Its people are kind, if distant. Lush, swaying pl...
Interview: Ayako Kawasumi
The voice of Fate/stay night's Saber (and countless other roles) answers a few questions about her life and career, and we didn't even have to use a command seal.
― Ayako Kawasumi is best known for the voice of Saber in the Fate/stay Night franchise and has a staggering number of roles under her belt from Nodame in Nodame Cantabile to Mahoro in Mahoromatic. She is also an accomplished pianist, lendi...
Interview: Danganronpa creator Kazutaka Kodaka
The creator of the mind-bending, reality-altering, shocking, funny and wildly popular Danganronpa series hits Hope Chapman with some truth bullets!
― Kazutaka Kodaka is the scenario writer and original creator of the Danganronpa game series, which is releasing its third entry, a midquel called "Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls," to Western audiences this September. The first game became a surpri...
Anime Spotlight - Sky Wizards Academy
Can this instructor use his unorthodox training methods to turn these delinquents into powerful Sky Wizards?
― Sky Wizards Academy Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 8, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Takayuki Inagaki (Desert Punk, Jewelpet Sunshine ) Series Composition: Hiroshi Yamaguchi (Comic Party, Nobunagun) Character Design: Osamu Horiu...
The Art of Japanese Video Game Design With Suda51
Todd Ciolek talks with the wildly creative and eccentric man behind famously strange games like Killer7, No More Heroes and Lollipop Chainsaw to crack the secrets behind his philosophy on game creation.
― Goichi “Suda51” Suda has a special place in the game industry. Several places, in fact. Some know him as the author of twisted, investigative games like The Silver Case and Flower, Sun, and Rain. So...
Anime Spotlight - Durarara!! x 2 The Second Arc
Ikebukuro is once again a hotbed of gang wars, random kidnappings, and supernatural activity.
― Durarara!! x 2 The Second Arc Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 4 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Takahiro Omori (Baccano!,Natsume's Book of Friends) Series Composition: Noboru Takagi (Baccano!, Kuroko's Basketball) Character Design: Takahiro Kish...
Interview: Kamisama Kiss mangaka Julietta Suzuki
The mangaka behind the hit shojo series Kamisama Kiss answers a few questions about her life, her career, and her favorite movie.
― Julietta Suzuki is the mangaka most known for the smash hit shojo fantasy Kamisama Kiss, which has developed an international fanbase and was subsequently adapted into a 2-season anime series. She's also responsible for Karakuri Odette, the tale of an android girl who go...
Anime Spotlight - Non Non Biyori Repeat
Let's hang out and spend a beautiful summer with our friends from the Asahigaoka Branch School.
― Non Non Biyori Repeat Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Shinya Kawatsura (Kokoro Connect, Non Non Biyori) Series Composition: Reiko Yoshida (D.Gray-man, Sugar Sugar Rune) Character Design: Mai Otsuka (Shakugan no ...
Interview: Lauren Landa and Erica Mendez, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus
Sailor Moon's most beloved couple have new English-language voices, and we got to ask them a few questions about what it's like playing two of anime's most iconic women.
― At this year's Anime Expo, voice actresses Erica Mendez and Lauren Landa were announced as the new English voice cast for two of Sailor Moon's most beloved characters, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. Initially introduced as “cou...
Interview: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure director Naokatsu Tsuda
The director of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure wants you to know that he knows about your memes. You thought it was internet culture, but it was him... Naokatsu Tsuda!
― Naokatsu Tsuda is the creative director in charge of David Production's enthusiastic anime adaptation of the iconic Jojo's Bizarre Adventure manga. The series recently finished Part 3 of its saga, Stardust Crusaders, with fan hopes riding ...
Anime Spotlight - Junjo Romantica 3
Misaki and Akihiko may not be perfect but what they have is worth more than anything in this world!
― Junjo Romantica 3 Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 8, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Original Creator: Shungiku Nakamura (Hybrid Child) Director: Chiaki Kon (When They Cry – Higurashi, Devils and Realist ) Character Design: Yoko Kikuchi (Kuroko's Ba...
Interview: The Cast and Crew of A Lull in the Sea
In this massive three-part interview with the show's director, producer, and star voice actress Kana Hanazawa, learn the secrets behind the enigmatic fantasy series A Lull in the Sea.
― A few months ago we put out a call for questions for the director, producer and star voice actress of the pastoral, contemplative fantasy drama A Lull in the Sea, which is out on standard edition DVD today (with a li...
Interview: Cruel Angel's Thesis singer Yoko Takahashi
The singer behind one of anime's most iconic and enduring theme songs took a few moments to chat with us ahead of her first-ever performance in America earlier this month.
― Yoko Takahashi is the iconic voice behind one of the most well-known anime theme songs of all time, A Cruel Angel's Thesis from the original 1995 TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The song is a classic around the world and conti...
Anime Spotlight - Hetalia - The World Twinkle
The popular Hetalia series returns for another season!
― Hetalia - The World Twinkle Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Hiroshi Watanabe (Fairy Princess Minky Momo, The Law of Ueki, Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) Series Composition: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (Denki-Gai, Magical Warfare, Hajime No Ippo Rising) Charac...
The Summer 2015 Anime Preview Guide
The Summer 2015 Anime Preview Guide has begun! Check back daily for fresh impressions of the season's newest shows.
Available Now: Prison School - SCHOOL-LIFE! - Junjou Romantica 3 - Himouto! Umaru-chan - Sky Wizards Academy - Seiyu's Life! - Overlord - Monster Musume - Aquarion Logos - Chaos Dragon - and much more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Summer 2015 Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our...
Available Now: Prison School - SCHOOL-LIFE! - Junjou Romantica 3 - Himouto! Umaru-chan - Sky Wizards Academy - Seiyu's Life! - Overlord - Monster Musume - Aquarion Logos - Chaos Dragon - and much more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Summer 2015 Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our...
Anime Spotlight - GANGSTA.
Worick and Nicolas are the perfect "Handymen" for the chaotic city of Ergastulum.
― GANGSTA. Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2015(JST) Key Staff Director: Shukou Murase (Witch Hunter Robin, Ergo Proxy ) Series Planner: Shinichi Inotsume (Hayate the Combat Butler, Nyan Koi, Sket Dance ) Music: TSUTCHIE (Samurai Champloo) Introduction The t...
The Three Naruto Filler Arcs You Shouldn't Skip
Naruto is an enormous show infamous for having a ton of poorly-received filler, but it's not all bad. We sifted through the show's anime-only episodes to dig up the hidden gems.
― If there's one thing that unites the Naruto fanbase, it's a shared distaste for anime-original episodes, more commonly known as “fillers.” Even viewers who gave the series a chance—perhaps watching over a hundred episodes—...
Anime Spotlight - Actually, I am... (Jitsu wa watashi wa)
Asahi and Yoko share a secret that could turn their high school lives upside down!
― Actually, I am... (Jitsu wa watashi wa) Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 6, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Yasutaka Yamamoto (Squid Girls, Hero Bank) Character Design: Hirotaka Marufuji (Nobunaga the Fool, Macross Frontier, Aquarion Evol) Script Supervisor...
Anime Spotlight - Overlord
The popular online game Yggdrasil was suppose to end it's service but as players waited to bid farewell something happened...
― Overlord Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Naoyuki Ito (Digimon: Data Squad, One Piece: Strong World Episode 0 (OVA) ) Character Design: Takahiro Yoshimatsu (Trigun, Future GPX Cyber ...
Anime Spotlight - AQUARION LOGOS
Aquarion celebrates it's 10th Anniversary with a new series!
― AQUARION LOGOS Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins July 2015 (JST) Key Staff Original Creator: Shoji Kawamori (Aquarion, Basquash, Macross Frontier) Director: Hidekazu Sato (Nobunaga the Fool, Slayers Next, Fortune Quest L) Character Design: Takashi Mamezuka (Outbreak Company, Listen t...
Anime Expo 2015 News Roundup: Final Update
If you missed anything from this year's Anime Expo, here's a roundup of everything you may have missed from the con!
― Days Three and Four: July 4-5 Production I.G Makes Show for Fox's Animation Domination High-Def Viz Adds Matsuri Hino's Shuriken & Pleats, Bisco Hatori's Behind the Scenes Manga Sunrise Announces New Gundam Series Crunchyroll to Stream Monster Musume, Million Doll This Summer; The P...
Interview: Unified Pictures and Vampire Hunter D: Resurrection
The American side of the freshly-announced CG animated Vampire Hunter D TV series spills the details on just what exactly it is they're trying to make.
― Vampire Hunter D: Resurrection was announced this past Tuesday ahead of its official unveiling at Anime Expo on Thursday, July 2nd. The show is a collaboration between the US-based Unified Pictures, the Japan-based Digital Frontier (responsible for ...
Determining the Best Ghost in the Shell
A new Ghost in the Shell movie has hit theaters in Japan, which means it's time to look back at the entire series and finally decide: which version of this cyberpunk classic is the all-time best?
― Firstly: I'm not here to argue whether Ghost in the Shell is the one of the best anime of all time. We already know it is. That first film? It was the best. The TV series? Also the best. And this new film ...
How to Create a New Anime Fan
Introducing someone to anime can be tricky - it's easy to scare people off, and finding the right show to make a great first impression is tough. Paul Jensen has some advice for sparking fan fervor in just about anyone.
― People love to talk about the importance of first impressions, mostly when they're trying to “help” college applicants by scaring them to death right before an interview. First impr...
How To Conquer One Piece
Eager to leap into the ocean-spanning superheroics of One Piece, but daunted by the 700+ episode count? This handy guide will help you navigate the expansive waters of Eiichiro Oda's magnum opus.
― So it's come to this. You're interested in catching up on One Piece. And why wouldn't you? It's the highest selling manga of all time in Japan and one of the most beloved anime franchises in the world. Per...
Anime Spotlight - Rokka - Braves of the Six Flowers -
The legend tells of six heroes who will defeat evil and bring peace back to their world. However seven have appeared! Who are the real heores and who is the imposter?
― Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers- Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Coming to TV in July 2015!! (JST) Key Staff Director: Takeo Takahashi (Spice and Wolf, Maoyu - Archenemy & Hero) Series Composi...
Beyond the Boob String: Why 'DanMachi' Works
Your eyeballs have been unable to escape Hestia, but Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? has unexpectedly captivated a growing fanbase for more reasons than you might think.
― I've been into Dungeons and Dragons for even longer than I've been an anime fan, so most of the people I regularly associate with in the casual realm are fellow RPG gamers. When I talk to them about this franchise (herea...
Growing Up Is Hard To Do: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
Few shows manage to capture and empathize with the complicated feelings of troubled teenagers like SNAFU; Nick Creamer, reformed Hachiman, explores how the show articulates those feelings so well.
― This'll get to SNAFU eventually, I promise. But let's start at the beginning. In fifth grade, I sketched out a mental map of all the various sympathies and alliances that made up my school's social hierar...
The Literary Secrets of Psycho-Pass
Gen Urobuchi's dark dystopian action hit is overflowing with references and themes pulled from some of the greatest books ever written. Gabriella Ekens deciphers them for us.
― Like many fans, my favorite part of Psycho-Pass was Shogo Makishima, the villainous mastermind whose love of literature left me intimidated. When he wasn't out serial killing (or killing cereal), he was reading, chatting about...
Why Sailor Moon Crystal Isn't a Total Disaster
The fans are divided and the arguments are fierce, but Rebecca Silverman has a few reasons why the much-maligned Sailor Moon Crystal just isn't as bad as people might say.
― Poor Sailor Moon Crystal – it's had a tough time. Hyped as the new, more faithful Sailor Moon anime that would delight fans of the manga, it turned out instead to be more of delight to critique, with blogs devoted to picking apar...
Hidetaka Tenjin
We interview master mecha artist Hidetaka Tenjin, who recently appeared at MCM London Comic Con.
― This May, visitors to the MCM London Comic Con had a chance to see a master mecha artist at work; Hidetaka Tenjin, who creates extraordinarily lush digital paintings based on Macross, Space Battleship Yamato and many other titles. He also has 'mecha' credits on such anime as Macross Frontier and Hellsin...
How to Destroy your Anime Backlog
Everyone has a huge list of anime they keep meaning to get around to. Here's how to conquer that list once and for all.
― Every fan has one: that enormous pile of anime you've “always meant to get around to watching” but never did. A backlog can quickly turn into an enormous bummer – you'll start a new show, only to wonder if you should take something from the backlog instead. As you start the latest...
How Sound! Euphonium Totally Nails Being a Band Geek
Band geeks everywhere can find something intensely relateable and recognizable in Kyoani's latest hit show. Rose Bridges boards the nostalgia train to examine just how perfectly the show captures the feeling and experiences of high school band.
― When I first found out about Sound! Euphonium, I was thrilled. I'd enjoyed what I'd seen of KyoAni shows, and now here was one that seemed tailor-made for m...
Three Reasons Why Blood Blockade Battlefront is the Best Show of the Spring
Hope Chapman explains why Yasuhiro Nightow and Rie Matsumoto's energetic Lovecraftian action-fantasy gumbo is the finest program of the spring.
― My name is Hope Chapman, and I am a Blood Blockade Battlefront addict. You may have seen this site enabling my addiction every week and wondered just why I'm so excited about this show. It's pretty simple, really. Whether you're an old-time casual fan pinin...
Five Things They Never Tell You About Attending Conventions
Every year you're inundated with convention survival tips; here are a few pointers those survival guides neglect to tell you about.
― It's summertime – or at least it's the part of late spring where the school schedules and movie marquees tell us it's summertime – and that means the yearly beast known as convention season has roared back to life once again, bringing a mountain of guests, concerts, ex...
Interview: Aya Kanno
The talented illustrator and writer behind Otomen and Requiem of the Rose King answers a few questions about her inspirations, the historical implications of her newest hit manga, and more.
― Aya Kanno is the successful mangaka behind the gender stereotype-skewering hit Otomen, which concluded its run a few years ago. She's back now with Requiem of the Rose King, a big shojo-flavored melting pot that...
Interview: Tow Ubukata
The man behind some of anime's biggest science fiction - Psycho-Pass 2, Mardock Scramble and more - has been handed the reins to Ghost in the Shell. We talked with Tow Ubukata about his career, the challenges of taking over a huge franchise, and more.
― Tow Ubukata is one of Japan's premier science fiction novelists and screenwriters, known for his work on Mardock Scramble, Le Chevalier D'Eon, Fafner...
Interview: Sword Art Online Producer Shinichiro Kashiwada & Voice Actor Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
A few questions for the producer of the global smash hit Sword Art Online and the man who voices Kirito himself.
― Shinichiro Kashiwada has served as a producer on every animated iteration of Sword Art Online, and voice actor Yoshitsugu Matsuoka is the man behind the series' main character, Kirito. We had the chance to sit down with these two for a few minutes earlier this year. Producer Shinichiro K...
Interview: SCANDAL
The rock group behind theme songs for Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist discusses their upcoming world tour. PLUS: an exclusive video greeting!
― All-female Japanese rock group SCANDAL formed in 2006 when high school girls Haruna Ono, Mami Sasazaki, Tomomi Ogawa and Rina Suzuki would play live performances in Osaka Castle Park until they were signed to Kitty Records in 2008. The band burst onto the scen...
Interview: Under the Dog's Jiro Ishii and Koji Morimoto
After the controversial exit of the show's original producer, Under the Dog's creative leaders sit down to clear the air. PLUS: a transcript of their Q&A panel from Sakuracon.
― First, a little backstory. Under the Dog is a sci-fi action anime directed by Sword of the Stranger's Masahiro Ando that successfully managed to close Kickstarter funding last year. At the time, the project's producer was Hir...
Anime Spotlight Spring 2015 - The List
The spring season has begun! Here is a recap of the shows that are in bloom.
― Featured Series (Click for more) (Jump to additional shows) Mikagura School Suite (Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku) Seraph of the End High School DxD BorN (Season 3) Sound! Euphonium (Hibike! Euphonium) Etotama (Chinese Zodiac Souls) RE-KAN! My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO! (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love-Come wa Machigatte iru -...
Interview: Jon Dobyns, Founder of Tiger Lab Vinyl
These guys are releasing the soundtrack to Yoshiaki Kawajiri's classic horror flick Wicked City on vinyl. We sat down to ask them why.
― Tiger Lab Vinyl recently announced that they'd be releasing the soundtrack to the classic Yoshiaki Kawajiri horror anime Wicked City on limited edition vinyl. They're the first record label to release classic anime soundtracks on the resurging format, and we sat dow...
Anime Spotlight - Wish upon the Pleiades
A story about hope that travels through space and time.
― Wish upon the Pleiades Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Shoji Saeki (FLCL (OVA), Medaka Box Abnormal) Character Design: Mai Otsuka ( Astarotte's Toy, Hanamaru Kindergarden) ↑ Top Story Subaru is a junior high student that loves the stars. One day, aft...
Anime Spotlight - Utano☆Princesama Revolutions
ST☆RISH and QUARTET NIGHT will put it all on the line for a chance to perform at the international sports festival!
― Utano☆Princesama Revolutions Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Makoto Hoshino (Uta no Prince-sama 2000% episode director (eps.1,7,12), Sword Art Online episode director (eps. 7,20)) Series Com...
Anime Spotlight - Hello!! KINMOZA
Alice Cartlet, Shinobu Omiya and friends are back for another season of high school comedy fun!
― Hello!! KINMOZA Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Tensho (The Fruit of Grisaia ) Series Composition: Yuniko Ayana (Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl, Locodol) ↑ Top Story Alice Cartelet, 16 years old. A Briti...
Anime Spotlight - Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma
Soma Yukihira is ready to take his culinary battle skills to the next level!
― Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Yoshitomo Yonetani (Brigadoon, Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up ) Series Composition: Shogo Yasukawa (Terraformars, Invaders of the Rokujyoma!?) Character Design: Tomoyuk...
Anime Spotlight - Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Adventure, wealth, and maybe a new girlfriend? Let the dungeon crawl begin!
― Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Yoshinobu Yamakawa (Little Busters!, Kill Me Baby) Series Composition: Hideki Shirane (Date A Live, Aria the Scarlet Ammo) Theme Song Performance (O...
Anime Spotlight - Triage X
Evil cannot hide from the swift justice of Black Label!
― Triage X Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Original Work: Shoji Sato ( High School of the Dead (Original Art)) Director: Takao Kato (Buso Renkin, Over Drive) Series Composition: Katsuhiko Takayama (Aldnoah.Zero, Baka and Test- Summon the Beasts) Introduction The...
Nagi no Asukara: We Need Your Questions!
We're taking questions for the director and producer of Nagi no Asukara (A Lull in the Sea), as well as voice actress Kana Hanazawa! Find out how to participate!
― We're currently working on an interview series with three members of the creative staff from Nagi no Asukara (A Lull in the Sea), which hits bluray this summer on June 30, with a standard edition DVD on July 14 from NIS America, and we wa...
Anime Spotlight - The Labyrinth of Grisaia / The Eden of Grisaia
Yuji Kazami saved the hearts of five girls at Mihama Academy however his heart still carries a burden that may never heal.
― The Labyrinth of Grisaia (Grisaia no Meikyu - Le Labyrinthe de la Grisaia)/The Eden of Grisaia (Grisaia no Rakuen - Le Eden de la Grisaia) Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 12, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Tensho (...
Fan Q&A: Sumi Shimamoto
The voice of Nausicaa, Maison Ikkoku's Kyoko, and dozens of other iconic roles takes fan questions about her legendary career.
― This panel was conducted at Sakuracon 2015. PANEL MODERATOR: Let's welcome our guest of honor, Shimamoto Sumi-san. She is an extremely talented and famous voice actress who has been in the industry for a long, long time. One of her most famous roles, her breakout role, was ...
The Spring 2015 Anime Preview Guide
The Spring 2015 Anime Preview Guide has wrapped up! Check out previews of this spring's biggest shows, including:
Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches - Blood Blockade Battlefront - Nisekoi: - PUNCH LINE - ETOTAMA - Wish Upon the Pleiades - Mikagura School Suite - and much more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2015 Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics write up their impression...
Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches - Blood Blockade Battlefront - Nisekoi: - PUNCH LINE - ETOTAMA - Wish Upon the Pleiades - Mikagura School Suite - and much more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2015 Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics write up their impression...
Anime Spotlight - The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki chan
Yuki Nagato has fallen in love....
― The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki chan Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Series Composition: Touko Machida (Lucky Star, The Idolmaster) Original Character Design: Noizi Ito ( The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Shakugan no Shana) Introduction This time around, the heroine in this "Dis...
Sakuracon 2015: Wit Studio Q&A
The creative team behind the smash hit Attack on Titan and Winter 2015's unique road trip anime The Rolling Girls take a bunch of questions at Sakuracon.
― PM: Hello everyone, it's an honor for me to introduce our four guests today from Wit Studio. First, I would like to introduce Wit Studio assistant producer Yusuke Ueda. YUSUKE UEDA: [English] Hello, everyone. I am Yusuke Ueda from Wit Studio. [Jap...
Sakuracon 2015: Kana Ueda Interview + Fan Q&A
Sakuracon 2015 played host to veteran voice actress Kana Ueda, who currently stars as Tohsaka Rin in Fate/stay night. We had the chance to ask a few questions, and transcribed her entire fan Q&A panel for you!
― Veteran voice actor Kana Ueda has brought a vast menagerie of characters to life over the years, most notably as Rin Tohsaka in the mega-popular Fate/stay night franchise. She's currently als...
Anime Spotlight - The Heroic Legend of Arslan
An epic tale of a young boy's destiny unfolds in this popular fantasy series!
― The Heroic Legend of Arslan Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 5, 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Noriyuki Abe (Bleach, Flame of Recca) Series Composition: Makoto Uezu (Arpeggio of Blue Steel, D-Frag!)) Music: Taro Iwashiro (Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Bla...
Anime Spotlight - Ninja Slayer From Animation
When his wife and child are killed in a ninja turf war Kenji Fujikido takes on the mantle of the Ninja Slayer to seek vengeance!
― Ninja Slayer From Animation Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Streaming Starts April 16, 2015 at 23:00 (JST) Key Staff Series Director: Akira Amemiya (Inferno Cop (ONA)) Theme Song Performance (OP): Boom Boom Satellites (Xam'd Lost M...
Anime Spotlight - My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO! (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love-Come wa Machigatte iru - Zoku-)
Your favorite Service Club members are back for another season of problem solving, romantic mishaps, and awkward social interaction.
― My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO! (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love-Come wa Machigatte iru - Zoku-) Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Kei Oikawa (Outbreak Company, Minami –ke: Bets...
Anime Spotlight - RE-KAN!
Hibiki Amami is a kind hearted high school student with the ability to speak to ghost.
― RE-KAN! Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Masashi Kudo (Hayate The Combat Butler:Quties, Ikki Tousen: Extravaganza Epoch (OVA)) Series Composition: Takashi Aoshima (KanColle, Survival Game Club) Character Design: Aoi Yama...
Anime Spotlight - Etotama (Chinese Zodiac Souls)
Nya-tan will enter the Divine Tournament and do what no Eto-musume has done. She will try to win it all!!!
― Etotama (Chinese Zodiac Souls) Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Fumitoshi Oizaki (Romeo X Juliet, Place to Place) Series Composition: Deko Akao (Arakawa Under the Bridge, BlazBlue Alter Memory) Introd...
Anime Spotlight - Sound! Euphonium (Hibike! Euphonium)
Kumiko Oumae is still on the fence about joining her high school wind ensemble. What will it take to make that sound leap of faith?
― Sound! Euphonium (Hibike! Euphonium) Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins April 2015 (JST) Key Staff Director: Tatsuya Ishihara (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Air, Nichijou-My Ordinary Life ) ) Series Compositio...
Let's Go To Tokyo: Days Five & Six
Bamboo spends her last couple days in Tokyo experiencing the fish market, a Love Live raffle, serene gardens, an enormous clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki, and more.
― My actual fifth day in Tokyo was spent at Anime Japan (you can see Part 1 and 2 for 600+ pictures from the event), but to be less confusing, I'm calling this post days five and six. I had a hankering for Daiwa Sushi while I was in Toky...
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