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The X Button - Roundup Sides
This week: the X Button’s strange and new awards for 2015! Plus new Smash characters, Kojima’s next move, the latest final PSP game, and some commercial signs!
― Gravity Rush Remastered is out in Japan. I've talked before about the game and its box set, which includes Kat and Dusty figures for an apparently exorbitant amount. But I haven't talked about its Japanese commercial. It's cute enough in it...
Durarara!! x 2 Blu-Ray 2
The bomb that Mikado lit the fuse on so many years ago has finally gone off, spreading shrapnel all through the heart of Ikebukuro. The next volume of Durarara!! x 2 is here.
― It finally happened. The bomb that Mikado lit the fuse on so many years ago has finally gone off, spreading shrapnel all through the heart of Ikebukuro. Now some very dangerous people know that he's the schmuck who started the...
Gintama ‒ Episode 302
"Like the previous two installments, episode 302 is rife with twists, turns, and surprising revelations."
Dance with Devils ‒ Episode 11
"Get ready for this, everyone – in this episode, Lindo takes off the shirt."
Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation ‒ Episode 11
"Beautiful Bones went big this week, in the way only a show with no understanding of its own dramatic reach can."
Answerman - Why Do Some Classic Anime Never Get Re-Released?
Justin runs down some of the reasons why plenty of anime from the 80s and 90s never saw a release in English and maybe never will.
― archivisth asks: Why have some shows, often of quite decent quality, never been reissued on modern digital media, like DVD, when all sorts of other stuff has? Some examples include OVAs like Oz, Sanctuary, Hi-Speed Jecy and Tomoe ga Yuku; and movies like 1992's Hashire...
Dragonar Academy BD+DVD
"Dragonar Academy offers tentacles and balloon boobs, but not much else."
― Great art often asks difficult questions - questions that speak to the human condition, that embody what we are and who we strive to be. “Why are we here?” is a classic art entreaty; “is true understanding of another possible?” is one of my personal favorites. Dragonar Academy centers its discourse on a similar question, one ...
The Irregular at Magic High School Sub.Blu-Ray 3
The third and final arc of the anime adaptation of The Irregular at Magic High School has its moments, but it doesn't really take off until the very end, which is sadly inconclusive.
― The Irregular at Magic High School has made some attempts at differentiating itself from its “magical high school harem adventure” brethren by being much more technical in how it both uses and discusses magic, it also ...
Mr. Osomatsu ‒ Episode 11
"Mr. Osomatsu may not offer up Christmastime warm fuzzies, but it certainly makes for a laugh-filled half hour."
Concrete Revolutio ‒ Episode 11
"If nothing else, Concrete Revolutio is truly unique and poignant amongst anime for its reflections on history."
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 11
"This episode also featured a Gundam battle, but it didn't give me the satisfaction that these beautifully animated fights usually do."
Answerman - Does Uncensored or Re-Animated Anime get Streamed?
Broadcast anime is frequently full of mistakes or edited nudity that get fixed later for bluray. Do these versions wind up getting streamed anywhere?
― Miguel asks: Most TV series are made on a tight schedule and because of that Blu-ray and DVD releases are usually fixed up here and there, series with nudity and gore are also usually censored because they can't air nudity on TV. My question is, if a...
One Piece ‒ Episode 722
"If you're willing to discard the time wasting of the first half (which I am) then I think there are a lot of props to give the editing of the backend."
Shelf Life - Capture the Flag
This week: Gabriella straps in for some vintage 1979 Gundam action, while Paul determines what happens If Her Flag Breaks. Plus: the last big flood of anime releases for 2015!
― As far as I can tell, there's no new anime coming out on disc in the US next week. Like, genuinely none at all. Not a single, solitary disc, not even a rerelease of some obscure OVA from ten years ago. If that turns out to b...
Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers Collector's Edition Blu-Ray Vol. 1
Rokka opens with an uneven but promising start, offering compelling hooks in spite of some fairly rough edges.
― Rokka's first episode is about as strong a statement of purpose as you could ask for. The first scenes introduce would-be hero Adlet Myer in a thrilling fight scene, as Adlet interrupts a holy tournament and gracefully careens between its two champions, tossing off caltrops and spitting fi...
Comet Lucifer ‒ Episode 11
"Comet Lucifer has always been more or less predictable in its story developments, but the sense of excitement that characterized its best episodes just isn't here."
One-Punch Man ‒ Episode 11
"For the citizens of City A, the day the invaders graced their world was the most important day of their lives. But for Saitama, it was just OK."
Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign ‒ Episode 22
"Pretty much the entire series has been building up to this moment – it's time for Yu and Mika's real reunion."
Utawarerumono: The False Faces ‒ Episode 11
"This was a good enough episode to renew my faith overall and remind me why I like this world and characters so much to begin with."
Haikyu!! Second Season ‒ Episode 11
"I've said before that there are “getting there” episodes, and this is clearly one of them."
The Mike Toole Show - The Anime Cult
Mike gets his Thetan levels checked while perusing the wierd, wild and seldomly profound world of anime made by religious cults.
― There were some dark portents at the turn of the millennium, but I don't think any were darker than the widely-circulated announcement that the Church of Scientology had commissioned a Japanese partner to produce an anime TV series based on Battlefield Earth, church found...
Chivalry of a Failed Knight ‒ Episode 11
"It's always rewarding when a show takes a risk and it pays off."
My Hero Academia GN 2
My Hero Academia turns up the heat in a second volume that exemplifies Jump action at its absolute best.
― My Hero Academia barreled out of the gate with an extremely polished first volume, featuring sharp, dynamic art and confident (if very genre-conservative) storytelling. The manga didn't lack polish, but it did feel possibly a bit impersonal - what with it going through the classic motions of big...
Young Black Jack ‒ Episode 11
"Young Black Jack can only do so much to hide that they haven't really built to this conclusion from previous arcs."
Attack on Titan: Junior High ‒ Episode 11
"Just let the cute and marginally funny sketches tide you over until the real Attack on Titan comes back."
Noragami Aragoto ‒ Episode 11
"With the second season drawing to a close, Noragami has grown from a good show to a great one."
Ushio & Tora ‒ Episode 24
"Move over, Ushio & Tora! It's time for my favorite new spinoff show, Mayuko & Tora!"
Owarimonogatari ‒ Episode 11
"In Shinobu and her first minion's case, four hundred years of longing and resentment haven't really simplified the situation."
The Asterisk War ‒ Episode 11
"In some respects episode 11 is the calm before the storm, as it features no battles from the Phoenix Festa but a big one is coming up next episode."
Answerman - Why Do Anime Discs Go On Clearance?
How DID that copy of UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie wind up at $2.99 in the discount bin? Justin gets in to the whys and hows of anime DVDs going on clearance.
― Andre asks: I always scour discount video bins for anime when i get the chance. Stuff from the 00s boom haunts them, with old Geneon, ADV & Funi discs to be had for cheap. But I've noticed some stuff never turns up, like Media Blasters, Honneamis...
The List - The 6 Most In-Demand Japanese Voice Actresses of 2015
We tallied up the six busiest, most in-demand voice actresses working in Japan right now, the ladies you heard most often during the anime of 2015. The results may surprise you!
― Last year we counted the most in demand English voice actors and actresses after Nikkei Entertainment published a similar list for the Japanese voice acting industry. We're keeping up the tradition by stepping into Nikkei ...
K: Return of Kings ‒ Episode 11
"K could have some interesting things going on here if it ever figured out how to pace itself properly."
Tokyo ESP GN 1
Tokyo ESP's first omnibus volume takes a little bit to overcome genre stereotypes, but when it takes off, it really flies.
― Vertical's decision to publish Hajime Segawa's Tokyo ESP in two-volume omnibuses turns out to have been a very good idea. Not only does it mean that this is a nice, thick book, it also ensures that we get not just the basic beginnings of the story, where Rinka is still torn abo...
Heavy Object ‒ Episode 10
"The return to longer story arcs means that Heavy Object is also returning to its regular methodical pace."
ANNCast - Custom Zaku
Zac and Hope talk about One-Punch Man, Iron-Blooded Orphans, Noragami, Utawarerumono, Digimon, a whole lot of other anime, and at no point do they discuss Star Wars. PLUS: Live questions from the chat!
― ANNCast Episode 246: Custom Zaku Zac and Hope talk about One-Punch Man, Iron-Blooded Orphans, Noragami, Utawarerumono, Digimon, a whole lot of other anime, and at no point do they discuss Star Wars....
The Best and Most Memorable Manga of 2015
2015 was a banner year for manga in the US, so it's time for our resident senior manga critic to run down her favorites and the most memorable (for better or worse) manga of the year!
― 2015 is coming to its inevitable close, something that we can say for every year but not for every manga series. It's been an interesting year for us manga readers, though – a drastic increase in digital content has b...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 441
"This new arc is set in the same book in the same imaginary world we've been stuck in for nearly three months."
GATE Season One
The second season is right around the corner, so Rebecca Silverman takes a look back at the first season of the military fantasy adventure GATE.
― It would be easy to brush GATE off as a version of Outbreak Company with a military twist – both shows are based on light novels and feature otaku leads whose “special” interests make them ideal candidates for Japanese expeditions to fantasy lands. But whe...
The Perfect Insider ‒ Episode 10
"This week featured the final confrontation between Magata and our two detectives, as the pair traded off interviewing her within her own dream chamber."
The X Button - Expert Ease
This week: Todd unboxes the Xenoblade Chronicles X limited edition! Plus: King of Fighters returns, Final Fantasy, Ni No Kuni, Street Fighter, Sony’s PlayStation Experience, and much more!
― Xenoblade Chronicles X is the sort of game meant for special-edition packaging. It's a gobsmackingly huge journey across an alien world where the player finds towering creatures, massive robots, and a generous f...
School-Live! Complete Series
Infamous for its first episode twist, the moe girls-and-zombies dramedy School-Live captured the imaginations of otaku everywhere this summer. Is the show worth all the hype?
― Spoiler Warning for the major plot point at the end of episode one! It's so easy to be taken in by appearances. School-Live!, based on the manga of the same title by Norimitsu Kaiho and Sadoru Chiba, starts out looking like ev...
Gintama ‒ Episode 301
"The second installment of the Shogun Assassination Arc is quite possibly the most frenetically action-packed episode Gintama has ever given us."
Dance with Devils ‒ Episode 10
"For those who have been curious, we finally see the face of the lead pink-haired vampire who has been popping up for the last ten episodes."
Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation ‒ Episode 10
"There honestly wasn't that much to dig into in this episode outside of the bare mechanics of the plot."
Answerman - Why is it so tough to buy Japanese digital media downloads?
Ever try to buy a song digitally, from a Japanese website? Ever actually succeed at doing that? Justin explains why it's so weirdly difficult.
― Vanessa asks: Hello, is it impossible to buy Japanese digital media from any website while living outside of Japan? Cds and books are easily attainable from Amazon Japan, which even will display the website in English for foreigners. While browsing mp3s and...
The Legends Behind Noragami
Noragami has captured the imagination of anime fans everywhere, but the show's mystical references can be a little dense. Here's your complete guide to the world of Japanese folklore, mythology, religion and customs that define Yato's world.
― With its second season almost over, Noragami has quickly established itself as one of the most beloved new anime of the past few years. As it follows the adven...
Fullmetal Alchemist Blu-Ray Collector's Edition
The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series left a smoking crater in anime fandom, and now it's out on bluray in a superdeluxe $300 limited edition. Hope Chapman revisits this modern classic and cracks open that pricey box.
― Few anime have had the opportunity to leave a thumbprint on pop culture the size of Fullmetal Alchemist's. Upon first airing on Cartoon Network's adult swim block in 2004, FMA became a ...
One-Punch Man ‒ Episode 10
"With such a massive cast to breeze through in such a short amount of time, episode 10 becomes mostly set-up narration with a few standout action scenes to carry the bigger picture."
One Piece ‒ Episode 721
"The episode goes on to reminds us of that the ultimate power of Law's Devil Fruit is the ability to make somebody immortal at the cost of his own life."
Resident Evil: The Marhawa Desire GN 5
Resident Evil 6's prequel manga ends after five tense (and intense) volumes, and while the finale may work better for those who know the game, it's still a pretty good horror series.
― You have to appreciate a manga series where you can read each volume in roughly twenty minutes because the action just moves that fast. Resident Evil: The Marhawa Desire has been one of those series for all of its five...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Nov 26-Dec 2
Our long national nightmare is over and One-Punch Man retakes the top spot. Find our how your other favorite shows fared in our weekly rankings!
― Our team of reviewers are following 24 anime series of the Fall 2015 season and readers are rating each episode as the reviews go up. So let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season. Keep in mind that these rankings ar...
Naruto Shippuden Uncut Set Volume 24
Gaara confronts his resurrected father in this decidedly uneven collection of Naruto Shippuden episodes from the Fourth Ninja World War.
― Volume 24 of Naruto Shippūden encompasses episodes 297 to 309, another collection of stories set during the Fourth Ninja World War. Episode 297 picks up where the previous set left off, with Gaara confronting the reanimated corpse of his father, the Fourth Kazekag...
Mr. Osomatsu ‒ Episode 10
"As usual, logic takes a backseat throughout the entire episode, but it's in service of a good cause: making the jokes even funnier."
Concrete Revolutio ‒ Episode 10
"This episode was a giant step forward for this series."
Answerman - How Does Old Anime Get Remastered?
Older anime shows are coming in out in HD at a remarkable clip, but how do these shows go from dusty and neglected to sparkling and new for the bluray treatment?
― Julian asks: So I know a couple people who like to collect old animation cels, and I've read before that materials get lost or destroyed so that when it comes time to re-master a show they have to use old releases (see the new Eva BD). My...
Shelf Life - Dragon Lagoon
This week it's all fighting and explosions as Black Lagoon and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F get full reviews, along with a complete list of this week's new anime releases!
― I've had a pretty bad run with the holiday season post office lottery this year. Everything from presents for my relatives to review copies for this column have spent extra time in shipping limbo. Maybe we should all unite and ...
Comet Lucifer ‒ Episode 10
"Considering how much time Comet Lucifer has spent getting these kids to the Altar, their visit is surprisingly brief."
Black Lagoon: The Complete Series Premium Edition Blu-Ray
Black Lagoon offers plenty of highlights for fans of ultraviolence, though those looking for something more may find its serious drama too little too late.
― It's no surprise Black Lagoon has maintained such an enduring reputation among action fans. Even on the level of base premise, the show presents something fresh and exciting - a multinational cast of smugglers and thieves terrorizing the souther...
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 10
"This episode is both emotionally complex and deeply suspenseful."
Utawarerumono: The False Faces ‒ Episode 10
"If cheeky yet chaste anime burlesque isn't really your speed, this is just a baffling slog of lazy humor out of nowhere."
Haikyu!! Second Season ‒ Episode 10
"The Karasuno team finally starts to put all of their new tricks into play."
Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign ‒ Episode 21
"Watching this show progress over two seasons, I feel as though the Titan comparison has grown from a criticism to a compliment."
Young Black Jack ‒ Episode 10
"It will take a lot for these final episodes of Young Black Jack to top the conflicts of previous episodes."
The Asterisk War ‒ Episode 10
"Despite the steady pacing, I still question whether or not the tournament can be concluded in only two episodes."
Idol Dreams GN 1
Arina Tanemura reworks the magical girl story into something for an older audience with the story of a thirty-one-year-old woman who wishes she could change the past.
― Most of us can probably remember a time in adolescence when we made a choice at a metaphorical fork in the road. Do you regret yours? Chikage Deguchi does, and she has carried the memory of the boy she let get away in her heart, conti...
Chivalry of a Failed Knight ‒ Episode 10
"You really have to appreciate it when a story goes out of its way to try and show what's going on with the less important characters."
Attack on Titan: Junior High ‒ Episode 10
"Sometimes you can't tell if this show borrowing directly from the original is a joke or just convenient laziness."
Garo: Crimson Moon ‒ Episode 9
"Between the characters' histories, relationships, and the subtle machinations of the Heian imperial court, there's the potential for drama here. The show just doesn't seem to be using any of it."
Owarimonogatari ‒ Episode 10
"Last week's episode almost let us forgot this is largely an Araragi-Kanbaru arc, but there were no illusions on that front this time."
Ushio & Tora ‒ Episode 23
"This episode shows abstract human emotions in a concrete way, proving that Ushio has won over a lot of allies into loving him."
The List - 6 Idols that Fandom Forgot
Anime idols have sung and danced their way into the hearts of otaku everywhere for years now, but here are six examples where the phenomenon failed to ignite.
― The popularity and success of the idol genre is undeniable; Love Live continues its almost unbelievable hold on Japanese otaku, and shows like Idolmaster: Cinderella Girls burn up the bluray sales charts. Unfortunately, not every idol anime ...
Devil Survivor GN 1
It's a clunky start for this manga adaptation of Atlus' Nintendo DS game, but not an entirely unpromising one.
― While any form of adaptation from one medium to another is difficult, games into another narrative format seem to be particularly troublesome. Whether this is because the choices present in the originals now have to be made for the reader, as opposed to the players making those decisions t...
Noragami Aragoto ‒ Episode 10
"Yato and Yukine's worst fears are starting to come true."
K: Return of Kings ‒ Episode 10
"For all that K has tried to make Munakata cool, has he ever looked cooler than in this episode?"
ANNCast - Visual Novel Invasion
The folks from Sekai Project, who just released a little visual novel called Clannad in English for the first time, are taking the visual novel world by storm. Today, they stop by ANNCast to talk about the past, present and future of the company.
― ANNCast Episode 245: Visual Novel Invasion The folks from Sekai Project, including co-founder Chris Ling, PR manager David Bruno, and European PR manager...
Answerman - How Is Online Streaming Doing in Japan?
Streaming video services are completely ubiquitous in America, and it's the #1 way people keep up with new anime, but how do these services perform in Japan?
― Wayland asks: So apparently everyone in US and Aust is loving streaming services, (despite issues with people trying to get on the US site). I've also heard that it hasn't really taken off in Japan, yet. Hulu wasn't really able to make a dent...
The Perfect Insider ‒ Episode 9
"This was a fun and speedy episode of Perfect Insider, even if the mystery only continues to get more absurd with each new variable."
What's The Best First Episode You've Ever Seen?
We asked our team of critics one simple question: what is the single best first episode of an anime series you've ever seen, regardless of how the show turned out? Find out what they said and sound off on your own picks!
― It's a pretty simple question, but it can tell you a lot about someone's taste in anime: what's the single best first episode of an anime series you've ever seen? It doesn't matter...
Danganronpa BD+DVD
The anime adaptation of Danganronpa, the twisted smash hit visual novel that's taken anime fandom by storm, is out now. But is it as cool as it should be?
― Danganropa is a Japanese video game franchise available primarily on PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Android platforms which has already seen American releases of some of its titles. This 2013 anime series is a more or less straight adaptation of the ...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 440
"Everything was set up to be neatly (albeit anticlimactically) wrapped up, but a filler arc this bad wasn't about to let us off the hook that easily."
The X Button - Net Started
This week, it’s an import watch with Shining Force fighters, knightly warfare, and a game all about Twitter squabbles! Plus Super Robot Wars, Darius, and another developer’s exit!
― We had fun last week. Koei Tecmo's Facebook page alluded to Dead or Alive Xtreme 3 not coming to North America or Europe due to potential issues over the game's ribald depictions of women, and arguments exploded. Koei Te...
The Honor Student at Magic High School GN 1
The Honor Student at Magic High School retells the story of The Irregular at Magic High School from Miyuki's point of view, and the franchise is much more accessible for it.
― Did you try to watch the anime version of Tsutomu Sato's The Irregular at Magic High School but just couldn't get into it because the protagonist, Tatsuya Shiba, was simply too good at everything except having a discernible per...
Dance with Devils ‒ Episode 9
"Things are definitely heating up in both the romance and the main plots, and while the show maintains a level of ludicrousness that is appealing, it also is trying to advance the story in a more serious way."
Gintama ‒ Episode 300
"The first episode of this long-awaited arc isn't bad by any means, but it has yet to live up to the full month of hype that preceded it."
Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation ‒ Episode 9
"I've gotten accustomed to not really feeling invested in its mysteries, and also getting very little at its attempts at characterization, but this time, basically every single thing worked."
Answerman - Why Are Anime DVDs More Expensive Than Western Animation?
Your average new anime series on bluray costs about $60, while your average new American TV series costs about half that. Why is that?
― Cody asks: I have a question about retail price differences between Japanese animation and Western animation, specifically regarding series. For example, if I wanted to buy Maoyu on Blu-ray from Amazon, I'd be paying $34.77, yet season four of Legend of Korra is on...
What Makes Kyoto Animation So Special?
Anime fans have been waxing rhapsodical about the glory of Kyoto Animation, the house behind megahits like K-On! and Free!, for years. What is it that makes their work so meaningful to so many? Nick Creamer tries to figure it all out.
― So I've been watching K-On! lately. This hasn't been difficult. It's a very easy show to watch! You can just sort of lie back on your couch and lean your head in its ...
A Bride's Story GN 6
A Bride’s Story shines in its most dramatic and propulsive chapters yet.
― When I reviewed the last volume of Bride's Story, I mentioned how my greatest hope for the series was that it would eventually turn its piercing eye towards a story more focused and dramatic than the slice of life vignettes so far. Though the manga was endearing and beautiful, it wasn't always gripping, and sometimes felt more...
One Piece ‒ Episode 720
"So I did the math and I learned that Bellamy has been in the middle of his big finishing move against Luffy for the last 12 episodes now."
Mr. Osomatsu ‒ Episode 9
"From gag-laden skits to moving melodrama, this episode goes to show that you never know exactly what to expect from Mr. Osomatsu."
The World is Still Beautiful Sub.Blu-Ray
This lighthearted shojo adventure about a girl sent to marry a prince she's never met had a warm reception with critics and audiences alike, but is it worth owning?
― As shojo romantic dramedies go, this 12 episode series from the Spring 2014 season is one of the most accessible recent offerings. Even those who do not normally care for such fare could find this to be a pleasing viewing experience, as...
One-Punch Man ‒ Episode 9
"This was an absolutely stellar episode of One-Punch Man not only for its amazingly visceral battle sequences, but its humor, heart, and sharp social commentary."
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Nov 19-25
The show that's dominated the top of the charts all season long drops to #2, while another king is crowned. It's an exciting week for your favorite shows!
― Our team of reviewers are following 24 anime series of the Fall 2015 season and readers are rating each episode as the reviews go up. So let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season. Keep in mind that these r...
Concrete Revolutio ‒ Episode 9
"We may not fully know what Concrete Revolutio is about until it reaches its conclusion."
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