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UQ Holder! GN 2
UQ Holder maintains its polish and consistency, but has yet to truly find its voice in this second volume.
― In many ways, UQ Holder feels like the series Ken Akamatsu has been wanting to write for most of his career. His first major hit, Love Hina, started off as a traditional harem series, with serial failure Keitaro Urashima finding himself the manager of a lady's dorm and comedy predictably ensui...
There's a Pervert Impersonating ANN Staff
Sadly this isn't a joke. Someone out there is impersonating an ANN staff photographer to put female cosplayers in compromising positions.
― tl;dr version: Anime News Network staff will always contact you from an @animenewsnetwork.com e-mail address. Freelance journalists / photographers do not have @animenewsnetwork.com e-mail addresses and will never identify themselves as “staff.” If a freelancer c...
ANNCast - Supernerds: Civil War
Daryl Surat and Mike Toole return to Supernerds headquarters to chat about Turn A Gundam, Evangelion 3.33, Fullmetal Alchemist and much more! PLUS: a license announcement from Discotek!
― ANNCast Episode 251: Supernerds: Civil War Daryl Surat and Mike Toole return to Supernerds headquarters to chat about Turn A Gundam, Evangelion 3.33, Fullmetal Alchemist and much more! PLUS: a license announcement ...
Daimadaler: Prince V.S. Penguin Empire BD+DVD
This hyperactive sex comedy sendup of giant robot shows might be trying a little too hard to be ribald, but it also just might generate a few chuckles nonetheless. Theron Martin gets into it.
― The very first line of the opener should serve as a warning about what you're getting into here. It translates as “turn your roaring libido into strength,” and that fully embodies the essence of the show, for ...
The Boy and The Beast
Just as he tackled motherhood in the acclaimed Wolf Children, Mamoru Hosoda takes on fatherhood in his latest film, The Boy and the Beast. Absent his crucial screenwriting partner, Hosoda's film is an unfortunate and rare stumble for a promising artist.
― At first glance, The Boy and The Beast carries all the hallmarks of a Mamoru Hosoda film. The warm colors, wiggly lines, soft expressions, and hype...
Sunday, February 7
Hiroyuki Imaishi's Uchū Patrol Luluco TV Anime Reveals Cast, Characters, Staff, Story
Crunchyroll to stream April series starring M.A.O., Junya Enoki, more
― Studio Trigger opened a website on Sunday for Hiroyuki Imaishi's (Kill la Kill, Gurren Lagann, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt) Uchū Patrol Luluco (Space Patrol Luluco) TV anime series of shorts. The website reveals the show's full staff, main cast, character designs, story, and key visual. Studio Trigger had announced last mont...
Yuko Minaguchi, Kikuko Inoue Join Cast of Root Letter PS4/PS Vita Game
Kadokawa plans worldwide release, Chinese version of mystery game
― Kadokawa Games announced more "Mystery Actress" cast members at the Taiwan Game Show on February 2 for its upcoming √Letter (pronounced "Root Letter") PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita adventure game. The additional voice cast includes: Yuko Minaguchi as Shiori, the eldest of three sisters who is from Tokyo. Her blood type is A. She...
When Marnie Was There, The Boy and The Beast Shut Out of Annie Awards
Studio Ghibli's When Marnie Was There and Mamoru Hosoda's The Boy and The Beast films did not win any awards at the 43rd Annual Annie Awards on Saturday. Both films were nominated for the Best Animated Feature-Independent award, but Filme de Papel's Boy and the World film won the award. In addition When Marnie Was There's Hiromasa Yonebayashi was nominated for Outstanding Achievement awards in the...
Saturday, February 6
Voice Actor Noriaki Sugiyama Joins Daisuke Namikawa's Stay-Luck Agency
Voice of Naruto's Sasuke to serve as teacher at attached training school
― Voice actor Noriaki Sugiyama announced on his official blog on Monday that he has joined the Stay-Luck agency — the voice acting agency founded by fellow voice actor Daisuke Namikawa — as of February 1. Stay-Luck's official website notes that Sugiyama will also serve as a teacher at Stay-Luck's attached training school, Follow...
Luck & Logic Streams 4th 'We Are Luck & Logic Club' Anime Short
Newest episode in 1-minute short series to ship on 2nd BD/DVD on April 22
― The official YouTube channel for the Luck & Logic franchise began streaming the fourth episode of the "Watashi-tachi, Rakuroji-bu!" (We Are the Luck and Logic Club!) short anime series on Saturday. The one-minute anime series is airing before each full Luck & Logic TV anime episode. The anime short features the three high sch...
New Chinyūki Theater Ad Warns Patrons Against Using Cell Phones
Japanese theater patrons this month may find themselves being admonished not to using cell phones during the movie from an unlikely source: Chinyūki. The ad features Tarō (Ken'chi Matsuyama) bickering with his companion, Genjō (Kana Kurashina), apparently very profanely. But it turns out Genjō's chain isn't the only one Tarō's yanking. The tagline promises "A truly BLEEPing live-action movie." Chi...
UPPERS PS Vita Action Game's Videos Show Playable Characters in Action
Brawler game set on island where brawling is entertainment slated for April 21
― Marvelous streamed five digest gameplay videos this week for its upcoming UPPERS brawler action game. The videos show various characters in battle. Ranma Kamishiro (Freestyle) and Michiru Sakurai (Kickboxing): Seiya Koyanagi (Kenka) and Junya Koyanagi (Boxing): Max Guren Heart (Wrestling) and Nagi Shiraishi (Mixed Martia...
Utawarerumono: The False Faces ‒ Episode 18
"Like all the episodes before it, this installment of U2warerumono does a pretty poor job of detailing how Haku feels about much of anything."
Japanese Anime Fans Pick Which Characters They Want to Get Valentines From
Wide spread, though K-ON! is popular
― Valentine's Day is approaching, and in Japan that means women must give chocolates to their male coworkers, colleagues, classmates or friends. But of course there's a romantic element to it still, and men daydream about getting fine chocolate from their secret crushes. The college student-oriented website My Navi Gakusei no Madoguchi polled 205 male college stud...
Luck & Logic ‒ Episode 5
"The human equivalent of Luck & Logic would be an attractive face who can't express an original thought to save their life."
Jūhan Shuttai! Manga Gets Live-Action TV Series in April
Show about manga production stars Haru Kuroki, Joe Odagiri, Kentaro Sakaguchi, more
― A live-action television series adaptation of Naoko Matsuda's Jūhan Shuttai! (Second Print Run Confirmed!) manga has been green-lit. The show will premiere on TBS in April on Tuesdays. The show's cast includes: Haru Kuroki as protagonist and newbie editor Kokoro Kurosawa Joe Odagiri as "Vibes" magazine editor-in-chi...
Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū ‒ Episode 5
"While it's not for everyone, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju easily continues to be the most challenging anime of the year so far."
Learn How to Draw Character Designs with Kill la Kill's Syūichi Iseki
Course oriented towards aspiring animators
― In December 2015 and January 2016, animator Syūichi Iseki (Kill la Kill, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, The Mystic Archives of Dantalian) taught an online course on character design. That course is now available for purchase. The course is divided into four parts. Part 1 is an introduction and discusses the differences between character design for anim...
Haikyu!! Second Season ‒ Episode 18
"It wasn't a stretch of the imagination to think that this week's episode of Haikyu!! would be a tense one."
GATE ‒ Episode 17
"GATE excels here because it successfully generates a heavy degree of tension despite the viewer being reasonably sure that none of the main characters are going to buy the farm."
Joshiraku Creators Launch Nankuru Nee-san Manga
Series about young man who worries too much debuted on Friday
― The third issue of Kodansha's Young Magazine the Third magazine launched a new manga by Joshiraku creators Koji Kumeta (story) and Yasu (art) on Friday. The new manga is titled Nankuru Nee-san (pictured at right with image of girl holding flowers). The manga follows Issa Kinishi, a young man who worries and concerns himself too much over...
Aichi Prefecture to Build Major Convention Center at Nagoya Airport
Could it be home to Comiket in 2020?
― The 2020 Olympics has thrown the future of Comic Market (or Comiket), Japan's biggest dōjinshi convention, into doubt. Tokyo Big Sight and Makuhari Messe, Tokyo's biggest convention centers, have been earmarked to hold Olympics events. There is a scarcity of other suitable events spaces in the Tokyo area. A Comiket questionnaire recently asked dōjin circles whet...
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Video Shows Off Adventure Mode
PS4/Xbox One/PC game ships in N. America on February 9
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming an introduction video for its Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 game, hosted by CyberConnect2's CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama, on Wednesday. In the video, Matsuyama explains the new third mode, adventure mode, which allows players to freely explore Konoha and Suna villages and perform missions. Meeting ...
Take a Closer Look at Pokémon's 20th Anniversary Nendoroids
The Pokémon Company International kicked off 2016 with a series of announcements to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon Red & Blue. Included in that announcement were Nendoroids of the game's classic starters' evolutions and protagonist. The first of these Nendoroids are the characters Red, his rival Green, and Mew. They also come with a backpack and two Pokéball accessories. Both character...
Steins;Gate Creator Teases 'Science Visual Novel' Anonymous;Code in Video
Chiyomaru Shikura opens site with new video about hacker facing truth of the world's existence
― The teaser website for Anonymous;Code, the first standalone title from MAGES. President Chiyomaru Shikura's Chiyomaru Studio, opened on Saturday. The website is streaming a new teaser video for this "science visual novel." The story begins on February 6, 2036 at 06:28:15, when New York, London, Shanghai, ...
Mr. Osomatsu Coverage Leads to Pash! Magazine's Highest Ever 1st Printing of 100,000
March issue has Mr. Osomatsu cover, cast & staff interviews, clear file, poster
― Publisher Shufu-to-Seikatsu Sha is printing over 100,000 copies for the March issue of its monthly anime magazine Pash! on February 10. This is the magazine's highest first printing since it switched to a monthly schedule in 2012. The March issue features the Mr. Osomatsu anime on its cover, and the first special featur...
More Details Revealed for Toukiden 2 Game's Open World Gameplay
Sequel to March 2014 action game slated for this year
― Kadokawa's Famitsu.com website revealed an excerpt on Thursday from this week's Weekly Famitsu issue that highlights the features and combat of Koei Tecmo's upcoming Toukiden 2 action game. Players will be able to explore an open world, where they will see the culture of the mononofu (called "slayers" in the English release of the original game)...
UQ Holder! GN 2
UQ Holder maintains its polish and consistency, but has yet to truly find its voice in this second volume.
― In many ways, UQ Holder feels like the series Ken Akamatsu has been wanting to write for most of his career. His first major hit, Love Hina, started off as a traditional harem series, with serial failure Keitaro Urashima finding himself the manager of a lady's dorm and comedy predictably ensui...
GTO's Tohru Fujisawa Ends Soul Reviver South Manga
Series began in 2014 after end of original Soul Reviver manga
― This year's March issue of Shogakukan's Monthly Hero's magazine published the final chapter of Tohru Fujisawa's Soul Reviver South manga on Monday. The third and final volume will ship in Japan this spring. The magazine asked readers to await Fujisawa's next work. The story takes place in Okinawa and begins with 19-year-old Naki Kamisato...
Initial D Creator: If I Do a Sequel, It Will Be About Rally Racing
Creator is currently drawing Sailor Ace about girls' baseball
― Manga creator Shuuichi Shigeno said in an interview on Friday that if he makes a sequel to his Initial D manga, he would like it to be about rally racing as opposed to highway racing. "When Initial D was starting, I considered highway racing and rally racing," Shigeno said. "From here on I'd like to continue drawing manga, and if I do an...
Dagashi Kashi ‒ Episode 5
Dagashi Kashi pulled off another solid episode this week, and at this point seems to have largely figured out its own comic rhythm.
Magico's Naoki Iwamoto Designs Next Battle Spirits Anime
Battle Spirits Double Drive manga previewed as Burning Soul manga ends
― The March issue of Shueisha's Saikyō Jump magazine announced on Friday that Battle Spirits Double Drive, the next television anime series inspired by Bandai's Battle Spirits card game, will premiere on six TV Tokyo network stations this spring. Manga creator Naoki Iwamoto (Saikyō Jump's magico) drafted the original character des...
Valkyria Chronicles Remastered RPG's Video Previews Battle System
HD remaster for PS4 ships in Japan on February 10, in the West this spring
― Sega began streaming a battle system introduction video on Thursday for its Valkyria Chronicles Remastered PlayStation 4 game. Previous videos have introduced the game's story, world, and characters. Sega will release the game in North America and Europe this spring. The remastered edition features: HD "CANVAS" Graphics Engi...
Tekken 7: Fated Retribution Arcade Game's Introduction Trailer Streamed
Location tests start on February 12 with updated game hitting arcades this summer
― The official website for Bandai Namco Entertainment's Tekken 7: Fated Retribution arcade game began streaming an introduction trailer for the game on Saturday. The video reveals that the game is slated to hit arcades this summer. Tekken 7: Fated Retribution is an update for Tekken 7 that will include a graphics update...
Fields: New Ultraman Series to Premiere in July
Ultraman X TV seres garners around 400 million views overseas
― Fields Corporation, the parent company of Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd., revealed in a financial presentation on February 1 that a new Ultraman series will premiere in July. The report did not mention any other information about the new series. The report did add that the Ultraman X series (pictured at right) has received approximately...
1st Danganronpa Stage Play Returns in June With New Cast
Kanata Hongou reprises lead in June play with Yūichi Nakamura
― Theatrical troupe CORNFLAKES announced during the final performance of the Super Danganronpa 2 ~Sayonara Zetsubo Gakuen~ (Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Academy) stage play in December that the first Danganronpa stage play is returning to the stage with a new cast and director. The play's full title is Danganronpa The Stage 2016 ~Kibō no...
2016 Soreike! Anpanman Film's Title, July 2 Premiere Unveiled
Film features motif from late Anpanman creator's song "Yūki no Runda"
― The 28th and newest film in the Anpanman anime franchise will be titled Soreike! Anpanman Omocha no Hoshi no Nanda to Runda (Let's Go! Anpanman: Nanda and Runda of the Toy Star), and it will open in Japan on July 2. The film's heroine is the high-class clockwork girl Runda who comes from the toy star. Runda is a spoiled girl who ...
Nippon Ichi Software Opens Teaser Site for New Project
Nippon Ichi Software opened a teaser website for a new project on Friday. The website contains a teaser video but does not reveal the title. Nippon Ichi Software released an 8-bit style RPG ClaDun: This is an RPG for PlayStation Portable in 2010 and a sequel, ClaDun X2, in 2011. [Via Gematsu]
Square Enix Considers PS Vita Adventures of Mana Release in the West
Final Fantasy Adventure remake launched for iOS, Android on Thursday
― Square Enix responded on its official blog on Friday to requests for a PlayStation Vita release of its Adventures of Mana game in the West. The game's development team issued a message: Thank you for all of your comments on a PS Vita edition of Adventures of Mana. We've been listening to your feedback and because of your passion f...
Friday, February 5
XSEED Games Releases Popolocrois Story Manga in English Digitally
3-volume series debuted in 1981
― XSEED Games' official website for the Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale (PoPoLoCrois Bokujō Monogatari) Nintendo 3DS game began publishing an English translation of Yohsuke Tamori's Popolocrois Story (Popolocrois Monogatari) manga on Thursday. The manga is available for free, and it marks the series' first English release. The series served as Tamor...
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash's 'Episode 2.5' Video Previews Bath Scene
TV anime's 1st BD/DVD release ships with OVA on March 16
― TOHO Animation began streaming an "avant" video for the Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash anime's "Episode 2.5" original video anime (OVA) on Friday. The video previews a scene in the OVA, titled "Furo no Kabe ni Kaketa Seishun--One More Centimeter" (Youth Hung on the Bath Wall--One More Centimeter), in which Yume and Shihoru are taking a bath while...
Columbia Records Marks Dragon Ball's 30th Anniversary with CD Set
Dragon Ball anime series is in the middle of its 30th anniversary celebrations. V Jump published the Dragon Ball 30th Anniversary Super History Book, a look back at 30 years of one of Japan's most famous manga anime. Columbia Records is also celebrating with a three disc CD and DVD set. The track line up for the CD is still forthcoming, but Columbia did announce the seven videos included on the D...
Return to PoPoLoCrois 3DS Game's Trailer Shows Game's Features
PoPoLoCrois Monogatari, Bokujō Monogatari crossover game features farming, undertaking quests
― North American localizer and publisher XSEED Games began streaming an announcement trailer on Thursday for its upcoming North American release of Epics' Return to PoPoLoCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale (PoPoLoCrois Bokujō Monogatari) Nintendo 3DS game. The video confirms the game's March 1 release date....
Funimation Announces Psycho-Pass Film's Theatrical Dates
2015 film to run in 100+ theaters in N. America on March 15, 16
― Funimation confirmed on Friday that it will screen the Psycho-Pass film in more than 100 theaters in the United States and Canada on March 15 and 16. Advance tickets will be available beginning on February 18. The English dub cast includes: Kate Oxley as Akane Tsunemori Robert McCollum as Shinya Kogami Josh Grelle as Nobuchika Ginoza C...
New PreCure Illustration Collection Chronicles Heroines From Original to Latest
From Futari wa Pretty Cure in 2004 to this year's Mahō Tsukai Precure!, Toei's giant magical girl franchise has introduced 12 television series and even more tie-in films. An upcoming illustration collection will take fans through the timeline with 78 pages full of sketches, commentary, and artwork. Bonus posters are included in the back of the book. Futago Kamikita×All Precure Illustration Colle...
Kamen Rider Battride Genesis Game's Video Introduces More Heisei-Era Riders
10 Kamen Riders previewed for February 25 game
― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a new promotional video on Thursday for the Kamen Rider Battride War Genesis crossover game. The video introduces more Heisei-Era Kamen Rider characters who starred in various Kamen Rider TV series. The video previews the following Kamen Riders in action: Kamen Rider Kabuto Kamen Rider Gatack Kamen Rider Den-O...
There's a Pervert Impersonating ANN Staff
Sadly this isn't a joke. Someone out there is impersonating an ANN staff photographer to put female cosplayers in compromising positions.
― tl;dr version: Anime News Network staff will always contact you from an @animenewsnetwork.com e-mail address. Freelance journalists / photographers do not have @animenewsnetwork.com e-mail addresses and will never identify themselves as “staff.” If a freelancer c...
Arina Tanemura to Begin New Manga in March
Full Moon O Sagashite creator ended Neko to Watashi no Kinyōbi in November
― This year's fifth issue of Shueisha's Margaret magazine announced on Friday that Arina Tanemura (Full Moon O Sagashite, Phantom Thief Jeanne, The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross) will launch a new manga series. The manga will begin in the magazine's eighth issue on March 19. The magazine teases the manga as a "fantasy love" story...
Cerevo Inc's Psycho-Pass Dominator Gets Release Date
Cerevo Inc. first introduced its impressive replica of The Dominator from Psycho-Pass last summer. Originally dubbed the Dominator Maxi, the highly-realistic prop includes lights, sounds from the anime series, and an expanding Eliminator mode. The Cerevo version goes above and beyond previous Dominators created by Bandai's Proplica line and Ichiban Kuji's release with a camera viewer and wireless...
Lupin the Third (TV 2015) ‒ Episode 18
"This episode feels like the beginning of the series' grand finale."
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 447
"Yet another entertaining story arc and iconic villain have fallen victim to the whims of a terrible (and apparently clairvoyant) author."
Shimauma Manga Gets Live-Action Film in May Starring Ryō Ryūsei
Kenta Suga, Kyoko Hinami, Masaya Kato also star in film of Fumio Obata manga
― Toei announced on Friday that it is producing a live-action film adaptation of Fumio Obata's Shimauma manga. The film will open in Japan on May 21. Toei opened a website for the film, which is streaming a teaser for the film that reveals the film's main cast. The film's main cast includes (photos above, from left to right)...
Japanese University Tests Aspiring Students Using JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
"How many countries did the Joestar group pass through?
― It's college entrance exam season in Japan, and high school seniors are flipping through textbooks and study guides and crunching out math problems long into the night. At times like these, it's best to put down the manga and focus on your studies, right? Well, one university shows that a little understanding of manga can be educational too. ...
Himitsu - The Top Secret Film Opens in Japan on August 6
The official website for the live-action film of Reiko Shimizu's Himitsu - The Top Secret psychological science-fiction manga revealed the film's opening date of August 6. The mystery manga takes place in Japan five decades from now. Brain scanners have been perfected to the point that the government can retrieve up to five years' worth of memories from people's minds — even if they are dead. As t...
Love Live! Anime's English Dub to Premiere on US TV Tonight
English cast announced for 9:00 p.m. broadcast on Mnet America
― Asian entertainment television network Mnet America and North American anime distributor NIS America announced on Friday that the English dub of the Love Live! School Idol Festival anime will begin airing on the US network at 9:00 p.m. EST. Both the first and second season will air, with new episodes debuting on Fridays. The network is ...
Fire Emblem Fates Video Shows English Version Without 'Petting' Feature
Face-to-face animation, support bonuses still included
― Video game news website Polygon posted a 2.5 hour gameplay video for the English version of Fire Emblem Fates on Thursday. The video includes the section of the game where the "petting" feature has been removed for the western release. In the Japanese version, the player must "pet"one of their party member's face by rubbing on the screen or tap...
Compile Heart, Idea Factory, IFI Reveal Black Rose Valkyrie PS4 Game
Kousuke Fujishima designs characters, Takumi Miyajima writes scenario for new game
― Compile Heart, Idea Factory, and Idea Factory International announced on Tuesday that they are developing a new PlayStation 4 game titled Black Rose Valkyrie (Kuro Bara Valkyrie). The project is part of the new brand titled IDEA FACTORY INTERNATIONAL, and the game marks the first time Idea Factory's California-based ...
ERASED, Durarara!!, Dagashikashi Top Ranked for Winter 2016
We're four weeks into the Winter 2016 anime season. Japanese fans on Charapedia and Nico Nico Douga weighed in on their most anticipated shows in December, selecting Assassination Classroom and ERASED, respectively. Anime News Network readers also weighed in, selecting Assassination Classroom as the #1 choice, followed by Durarara!!×2 Ketsu, Snow White with the Red Hair, Ajin, and Fairy Tail Zero....
One Piece ‒ Episode 728
"Fourth Gear lovers rejoice as the action picks back up with our new Bounceman Luffy continuing to wale on Doflamingo as the two trade blows and flex their Devil Fruit-y muscles."
Exclusive: Discotek Licenses 8 Man After OVA
Series to be available for 1st time with English subtitles
― Discotek Media announced on ANNCast on Friday that it has licensed the four-episode original video anime (OVA) 8 Man After. The company plans to release a DVD with all four episodes with English and Japanese audio. Streamline Entertainment licensed the OVA and Image Entertainment released the OVA on DVD in 2001 with an English dub track onl...
ANNCast - Supernerds: Civil War
Daryl Surat and Mike Toole return to Supernerds headquarters to chat about Turn A Gundam, Evangelion 3.33, Fullmetal Alchemist and much more! PLUS: a license announcement from Discotek!
― ANNCast Episode 251: Supernerds: Civil War Daryl Surat and Mike Toole return to Supernerds headquarters to chat about Turn A Gundam, Evangelion 3.33, Fullmetal Alchemist and much more! PLUS: a license announcement ...
Answerman - Why Are Americans In Anime Always Blonde?
One reader wants to know why Americans in anime are almost always portrayed as blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Justin Sevakis, a non-blonde American, explains.
― Dana asks: My question is how Americans are labeled in anime. I have read and seen a lot of anime and manga. In all of them, Americans are all drawn being blonde and blue eyed. This just irks me sometimes. I'm American and I have brown hair an...
Final Code Geass: Akito the Exiled Episode's 1st 10 Minutes Streamed
5th & final episode to open in 36 theaters in Japan on Saturday
― The official website for the Code Geass: Akito the Exiled anime project began streaming the first 10 minutes from "Itoshiki Mono-tachi e" (To Beloved Ones), the fifth and final episode of the series, on Saturday. The episode will open in Japan in 36 theaters in Japan on Saturday, February 6, after being delayed from its original fall 2...
Daimadaler: Prince V.S. Penguin Empire BD+DVD
This hyperactive sex comedy sendup of giant robot shows might be trying a little too hard to be ribald, but it also just might generate a few chuckles nonetheless. Theron Martin gets into it.
― The very first line of the opener should serve as a warning about what you're getting into here. It translates as “turn your roaring libido into strength,” and that fully embodies the essence of the show, for ...
Assassination Classroom season 2 ‒ Episode 5
"This series is good enough that I'd like to see it take a few more risks, which is why I'm hoping we'll see more of Asano this season."
Ghibli's Isao Takahata to Receive Annie Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award
Director says he has "several projects" in mind he's currently working on, but might not be finalized
― Entertainment news website Variety announced on Thursday that Studio Ghibli's co-founder Isao Takahata will receive the Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement at the 43rd Annie Awards on Saturday. Takahata will receive the award alongside Phil Roman (Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown's co-dire...
Kitaro's Shigeru Mizuki, Singer Ichiro Mizuki Win TAAF's Lifetime Achievement Award
North Star helmer Toyoo Ashida, Jungle Emperor voice Yoshiko Ohta, Flanders writer Yoshiaki Yoshida, more also honored
― The staff of the Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) event announced the winners of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday: Character Designer/Director Toyoo Ashida (Cyborg 009, Space Battleship Yamato, Vampire Hunter D) Sound Director Yasuo Urakami (Doraemon television a...
Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū Manga to End in 10th Volume
Crunchyroll currently streams TV anime adaptation of manga
― The ninth volume of Haruko Kumota's Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū manga revealed on Friday that the manga's 10th volume will be its last. The announcement reveals the 10th volume will ship this summer. The manga's story revolves around a mature prisoner who was released on good behavior during Japan's Showa Genroku era (1960s to early 1970s)....
Gen Urobuchi, Good Smile Company Launch Thunderbolt Fantasy Puppet TV Series
Japanese/Taiwanese collaboration starring Kousuke Toriumi, Junichi Suwabe premieres this summer
― Nitroplus, Good Smile Company, and Taiwanese company PILI launched a website on Friday to announce Thunderbolt Fantasy: Tōriken Kōki, a new puppet TV series that will premiere this summer. Gen Urobuchi (Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, Psycho-Pass, Aldnoah.Zero) is credited with the show's original work, and is...
Naruto Shippūden: Itachi Shinden-hen TV Anime's Teaser Video Streamed
Naruto spinoff anime about Itachi Uchiha premieres on March 3
― The official website of the Naruto Shippūden anime began streaming a 30-second teaser video on Friday for the television anime adaptation of the Naruto spinoff novels Itachi Shinden. The end of the video features Itachi saying the phrase, "I will take the light." The anime will premiere on March 3. The title of the anime when it was anno...
Crunchyroll Adds Saint Seiya Hades Anime, More Square Enix Manga Volumes, Android TV App
Media distribution service Crunchyroll announced this week that it has added Saint Seiya Hades to its anime catalog, and it is also adding compiled volumes of select Square Enix titles to its manga catalog. Crunchyroll also announced that the Crunchyroll App is now available on Android TV. Crunchyroll added Saint Seiya Hades to its catalog on Wednesday, and the anime is available for members in th...
Naruto Stage Musical Runs Again in Tokyo, Osaka This Summer
Kōdai Matsuoka, Ryūji Satō to reprise respective roles as Naruto, Sasuke
― The Live Spectacle Naruto stage musical that ran last year will have another run this summer. The play will run first at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo, followed by performances at the Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka. Kōdai Matsuoka and Ryūji Satō will reprise their roles as Naruto and Sasuke, respectively. The musical covers the mang...
Macross Delta Gets 4 Manga, Novelization, New Visual, April Premiere
Kei Ichimonji, Tatsuwo, Shion Mizuki, Azuki Fuji write spinoff manga, Ukyō Kodachi pens novel
― The official website of the Macross Delta television anime unveiled a new visual for the anime on Friday. The visual, drawn by the anime's character designer Chisato Mita, reveals the anime's April premiere on the Tokyo MX and BS11 channels, and features the characters Hayate Immelmann, Freyja Wion, and Mi...
Flying Witch Anime Casts Minami Shinoda, Eri Suzuki, Shinsuke Sugawara
Character designs also previewed for anime premiering in April
― The official website for the television anime of Chihiro Ishizuka's Flying Witch manga revealed the main cast and character designs on Friday. Minami Shinoda as Makoto Kowata Eri Suzuki as Chinatsu Kuramoto, Makoto's cousin who lives with her in the Kuramoto household Shinsuke Sugawara as Kei Kuramoto, Chinatsu's older brother The comic...
Ace Attorney Anime's April 2 Premiere Revealed
The official website for the television anime of CAPCOM's Ace Attorney (Gyakuten Saiban) games has revealed the anime's April 2 premiere date. The Crank In! website describes the anime's full title as Gyakuten Saiban: Sono "Shinjitsu," Igi Ari! (Ace Attorney: That "Truth," Is Objection!), but the Akiba Sōken website describes "Sono 'Shinjitsu,' Igi Ari!" as the anime's tagline. The anime's officia...
Sentai Filmworks Announces Wizard Barristers' English Dub Cast
Brittney Karbowski, Rob Mungle, Kira Vincent Davis, Shelley Calene-Black star
― Sentai Filmworks announced the English dub cast for the Wizard Barristers television anime on Thursday. The cast, under director Christopher Ayres, includes: Cecil Sudou Brittney Karbowski Nanagenie Rob Mungle Natsuna Hotaru Kira Vincent Davis Ageha Chono Shelley Calene-Black Seseri Chono Mark X Laskowski Mitsuhisa Hachiy...
Creature Designer Yasushi Nirasawa Passes Away
52-year old designer worked on Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Dragon's Heaven
― The official Twitter account of creature designer, modeler, and illustrator Yasushi Nirasawa announced on Friday that he had passed away due to kidney failure on Tuesday. He was 52. Nirasawa started out as an assistant of illustrator Makoto Kobayashi, and debuted in the Hobby Japan Extra magazine in 1987 with a remodeled ki...
Thursday, February 4
Death Note's 2016 Live-Action Film Cast Photographed in Costume
Sōsuke Ikematsu, Masahiro Higashide, Masaki Suda star in sequel with original story
― The official website of this year's live-action Death Note film unveiled photographs of the film's main cast in costume on Friday. The film will star (from left to right): Sōsuke Ikematsu (The Last Samurai's Higen, MOZU's Kazuhiko Shingai) as Ryūzaki, L's successor and a world-famous detective Masahiro Higashide (li...
Kobe Women's University Produces Time-Travel Anime Short
Stars Takahiro Sakurai, Eri Kitamura
― The History Department at Kobe Women's University has an unusual idea for attracting students: a 12-minute anime short starring a time-traveling rabbit. Titled Historical, it is part one of an anticipated series of three episodes. The anime focuses on Shiki Kanotsuno (Ayaka Fujimoto), a high school senior with an upbeat personality but no clear idea of where she...
Live-Action Ghost in the Shell Casts Michael Pitt as Laughing Man
Boardwalk Empire actor plays "bitter & vengeful man with a body that is part robot"
― Entertainment news source The Hollywood Reporter revealed on Thursday that Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire) will play the Laughing Man villain in Dreamworks and Paramount's live-action Ghost in the Shell film. While trade magazine Variety previously reported that Sam Riley had been cast as the villain, The Hollywood ...
Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano's 'Candy Girl' Character Gets High-End Merch
The Ginza Mitsukoshi department store is hosting a pop culture-focused "Discover! Tokyo" event until February 16 with exclusive items designed by Final Fantasy and Vampire Hunter D artist Yoshitaka Amano. The department store's seventh floor will feature an art gallery of Amano's work and merchandise featuring his "Candy Girl" character. Some of the items for sale include a 100% silk scarves (19,...
Girls Beyond the Wasteland ‒ Episode 5
"I can't rule out the possibility of Girls Beyond the Wasteland climbing back up into something watchable, but it's dug itself a pretty steep pit."
New Halloween Eli Ayase Figure is Spooky & Sweet
Pre-orders are opening on Friday for Alter and MegaHouse's Halloween-themed Eli Ayase figure. The 1/7-scale figure was first shown off at the Mega Hobby Expo in November and shows the school idol and student council member in a bustier, mini-skirt, garters, and witch hat. She also wears pumpkin-orange shoulder puffs with bat wings and totes a jack-o-lantern full of candy. The figure is based on t...
ERASED ‒ Episode 5
"ERASED took an unfortunate step down this week, in an outsourced episode that demonstrated few of the show's great strengths and all of its weaknesses."
Japan's Animation TV Ranking, January 25-31
Pendulum, Nintama Rantarō films air
― The live-action film adaptation of Tekken's three minute "manga" animation Furiko (Pendulum) aired on TBS on Monday, January 31 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 5.4% rating. The Ninja Kids!!! Summer Mission Impossible (Nintama Rantarō: Natsuyasumi Shukudai Daisakusen! no Dan) live-action film aired on TBS on Wednesday, January 27 at 2:08 a.m. and earned a 1.2% rating. T...
Haruchika – Haruta & Chika ‒ Episode 5
"Most of HaruChika's mysteries deal with depressing personal issues like grief, but I think this episode feels not only darker, but also more resonant."
Rose to Tasogare no Kojō PS Vita Game's Promo Video Streamed
Game by htoL#NIQ director, composer slated for April 26 in Japan
― Nippon Ichi Software began streaming a promotional video for its upcoming PlayStation Vita game Rose to Tasogare no Kojō on Thursday. The video introduces the story and setting of the game. The game will ship on April 26 in Japan. Nippon Ichi Software had revealed the game on January 14 after opening a teaser website that had featured...
Lord Krishna in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final Gets Negative Reception from Hindu Statesman
Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, is none too pleased about the depiction of the Hindu deity Krishna in Sega's Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final role-playing video game. The Nintendo 3DS role-playing game is slated for release in Japan next week. It features the god wearing a feathered fedora, tailed coat, shorts, and boots with a golden flute. Zed pointed out that allowing...
One Piece: Burning Blood Game Adds 3 Admirals, Whitebeard, More
Marco, Joz, Jimbei join game as playable characters
― This year's 10th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine will announce on Monday that three admirals—Akainu (Sakazuki), Kizaru (Borsalino), and Aokiji (Kuzan)—are joining the One Piece: Burning Blood PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC, and Xbox One game as playable characters. Kuzan has already been announced with his post-timeskip design...
Meat-Loving Zeushi-kun Gets Brand New Animated Short
Japan's National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations' meat-loving mascot "Zeushi-kun" will get a new animated short on February 10. The previous ads' stars will return to reprise their roles. "Zeushi-kun" is a character created by ZEN-NOH, Japan's National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations, to promote the sale of domestic meats. Zeushi-kun (Kana Hanazawa) is a p...
Active Raid ‒ Episode 5
"As usual, Active Raid's actual episodic narrative was far less engaging than the slowly accumulating details of character and worldbuilding."
Tracking Board: Oldboy's Chan-wook Park to Direct Genocidal Organ Film
Project Itoh novel about future terrorism also inspires delayed anime film
― Hollywood news website The Tracking Board reported last week that director Chan-wook Park (Oldboy, Thirst, Stoker) will direct a film adaptation of Project Itoh's Genocidal Organ novel. Hollywood producer Sean Daniel (The Mummy film franchise, Everybody Wants Some, upcoming Ben-Hur remake) and The Sean Daniel Company will pr...
My Hero Academia Anime Casts Tasuku Hatanaka, Toshiki Masuda
TV anime of Kōhei Horikoshi's superhero manga premieres in April
― This year's 10th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is announcing on Monday that Tasuku Hatanaka will voice Denki Kaminari, and Toshiki Masuda will voice Eijirō Kirishima in the television anime of Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) manga. The magazine is also showing the character designs for both...
Manga of Dragon Ball Project Fusion 3DS Game Debuts in April
Bandai Namco Entertainment developing Nintendo 3DS Dragon Ball RPG
― The March issue of Shueisha's Saikyo Jump magazine announced on Friday that the previously announced manga adaptation of Bandai Namco Entertainment's upcoming Dragon Ball Project Fusion Nintendo 3DS game will debut in the magazine's May issue, which Shueisha will publish on April 1. Bandai Namco Entertainment is developing the Drago...
The Boy and The Beast
Just as he tackled motherhood in the acclaimed Wolf Children, Mamoru Hosoda takes on fatherhood in his latest film, The Boy and the Beast. Absent his crucial screenwriting partner, Hosoda's film is an unfortunate and rare stumble for a promising artist.
― At first glance, The Boy and The Beast carries all the hallmarks of a Mamoru Hosoda film. The warm colors, wiggly lines, soft expressions, and hype...
Naruto's Itachi Shinden-hen TV Anime Premieres on March 3
The March issue of Shueisha's Saikyo Jump magazine announced on Friday that the anime of the Naruto spinoff novels Itachi Shinden (The True Legend of Itachi) will premiere on March 3. The title of the anime when it was announced early last December was Naruto Shippūden: Itachi Shinden-hen ~Hikari to Yami~ (Naruto Shippūden: The True Legend of Itachi Volume ~Light and Darkness~). Saikyo Jump also l...
Bullet Girls 2 PS Vita Game's Promo Reveals April 21 Release Date
New cast from Elda Academy also previewed
― The official website of D3 Publisher's Bullet Girls 2 game began streaming a promotional video for the game on Tuesday. The video reveals the game's April 21 release date, and previews some of the game's features and new cast from Elda Academy. (Note: the videos below may not be safe for work.) D3 Publisher previously streamed a teaser video in December fea...
Production I.G Makes Anime of Korean Vampire Comic Noblesse
Jeho Son & Kwangsu Lee's high school story debuts on Crunchyroll, Webtoon
― The digital comic publisher Line Webtoon announced on Thursday that Production I.G (Psycho-Pass, Ghost in the Shell) animated a 30-minute short of the online Korean comic Noblesse by Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee. Shunsuke Tada (Kuroko's Basketball, Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations, STARMYU) and Kazuto Nakazawa (animation director on Kil...
New Live-Action Death Note Film Stars Sōsuke Ikematsu, Masahiro Higashide, Masaki Suda
Sequel film with original story featuring 6 Death Notes opens this fall
― This year's 10th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine is revealing the main cast on Monday for this year's live-action Death Note film. The film will star: Sōsuke Ikematsu (The Last Samurai's Higen, MOZU's Kazuhiko Shingai) as Ryūzaki, L's successor and a world-famous detective Masahiro Higashide (live-action Parasyt...
Cross Manage's Kaito Ends Buddy Strike Manga in Shonen Jump
One compiled volume to ship in April
― This year's 10th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump will publish the final chapter of Kaito's (Cross Manage) baseball manga Buddy Strike on Monday. The manga's final page also mentions that Shueisha will publish the manga's one compiled volume in Japan in April. The manga, which launched last November, follows a "no control" pitcher and a catcher who is call...
Mayoiga Original TV Anime Stars Kōdai Sakai, Yuka Aisaka
Character designs, key visual, ending theme artist revealed for series premiering on April 1
― The official website for the Mayoiga original TV anime series revealed the show's main cast, character designs, character descriptions, key visual, ending theme song artist, and broadcast information on Thursday. The series will star: Kōdai Sakai (Pupa's Yuuhei Arita) as 16-year-old student Mitsumune. His g...
Live-Action Wolf Girl & Black Prince Film's Teaser Highlights Premise
Film based on Ayuko Hatta shōjo manga opens on May 28
― The official website for the live-action film of Ayuko Hatta's shōjo manga Wolf Girl & Black Prince (Ōkami Shōjo to Kuro Ōji) began streaming a teaser for the film on Thursday. The video highlights the story's premise. Girl: Seriously? This is your boyfriend? Girl: He's pretty hot. Narrator: In reality, she has zero experience in love. Test: Lia...
New Berserk Anime is TV Series That Premieres in July
Series depicting Guts as Black Swordsman airs on WOWOW, MBS
― The official website for the new anime of Kentarou Miura's Berserk manga announced on Thursday that the project will be a TV series that will premiere in July. The series will air on WOWOW first, before airing in MBS's "Animeism" programming block. The new anime will be titled Berserk. Additionally, the Japanese entertainment news website ...
One-Punch Man Original Video Anime Episode 4's 1st Minute Streamed
Manga creator ONE pens new story about Bang for March 25 Blu-ray/DVD
― The official website for the One-Punch Man anime began streaming the first minute from the project's fourth original video anime (OVA) episode on Thursday. The fourth OVA, "Gōin Sugiru Bang" (Overly Pushy Bang), features a completely original story written by the manga's original author ONE. The OVA centers on S-class hero Bang, w...
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4's Secret Techniques Video Streamed
Game to debut in N. America on February 9 on PS4, Xbox One, PC
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming a gameplay video for its Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 game on Wednesday. The video previews the game's secret techniques, including moves available to the characters Boruto and Sarada from Boruto -Naruto the Movie-. Bandai Namco Entertainment previously streamed the game's o...
Qualidea Code TV Anime Casts Sōma Saitō, Yui Ishikawa
HENNEKO, Date A Live, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU authors create story for multimedia project
― The official website for the Qualidea Code television anime revealed the cast members for the Tokyo characters in the anime. The announced cast includes: Sōma Saitō as Ichiya Suzaku, the head of Tokyo City. He is cool and has a large amount of pride, and he despises inefficiency. He secretly longs to be ...
Nitroplus Blasterz PS4/PS3 Game's Launch Trailer Streamed
Crossover fighting game featuring Nitroplus characters shipped in N. America on Tuesday
― North American publisher XSEED Games began streaming the launch trailer for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 crossover fighting game Nitroplus Blasterz -HEROINES INFINITE DUEL- on Tuesday. XSEED released the game in North America on the same day. XSEED Games previously streamed character videos for Ruili, Ign...
Wednesday, February 3
Fairy Tail Stage Play Reveals Hirofumi Araki in Costume as Jellal
Play to run in Ikebukuro from April 30-May 9
― The official website for the stage play of Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail manga revealed a visual of Hirofumi Araki in costume as Jellal on Wednesday. The website unveiled a visual of D-BOYS actor Shuuto Miyazaki and Atsushi Shiramata in costume as the protagonist Natsu Dragneel and Gray Fullbuster, respectively, last month. The show's full cast includes: Shu...
Gintama ‒ Episode 308
"The Shogun Assassination Arc truly was a point of no return."
Prince of Stride: Alternative ‒ Episode 5
"Without the action, tension, and fluid animation of actual Stride matches, there's not much to see, which left this episode lacking."
Square Enix Teases Arcade Edition of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
Square Enix debuted a video during a Niconico presentation on Dissidia Final Fantasy on Wednesday, teasing an arcade version of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. The video did not confirm the announcement, but revealed that a teaser site will open next week. Source: Inside Games via Hachima Kikō
Arina Tanemura Draws Idolish 7 Project's 'GOOD NIGHT AWESOME' Album Jacket
The Idolish 7 "big media-mix project" has already collaborated with anime studio NAZ and BONES for the group's animated music videos while also including a smartphone game, music releases, manga, and a serialized novel. Manga creator Arina Tanemura (Full Moon O Sagashite, The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross, Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura) drafted the original character designs for the proj...
Future GPX Cyber Formula Celebrates Bleed Kaga's 20th Birthday With Wine
The racing anime Future GPX Cyber Formula first premiered in Japan in 1991, but the series itself takes place in the future. One of its supporting characters, Bleed Kaga is celebrating his in-universe 20th birthday this year the way most people do when they reach legal drinking age: with alcohol. The Shiraito Shuzo Company will offer a limited run of sparkling Chardonnay Rosé wine in his honor. O...
Japanese Comic Ranking, January 25-31
Kingdom, Magi, Giant Killing, Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, So Cute It Hurts!! in top 5
― Rank Title Est. Weekly Copies Est. Total Copies Release Date Publisher Author Highest Rank Weeks on List 1 Kingdom 41 110,057 507,395 2016/01 Shueisha Yasuhisa Hara 1 2 2 Magi 28 91,143 353,741 2016/01 Shogakukan Shinobu Ohtaka 2 2 3 Giant Killing 38 89,533 176,842 2016/01 Kodansha Story: Masaya Tsunamoto / ...
New Shiseido Ad Shows Make-Up's Versatility by Transforming 1 Woman into 8 Looks
Hair care and cosmetics company Shiseido previously used make-up to transform a room of high school boys into convincing female counterparts. The company is sticking with the theme of their products versatility with a new ad. The looks range from vampy to geisha to decora with one catch: they're all the same model. [Via Rocket News 24]
Crunchyroll to Stream This Boy is a Professional Wizard Short Anime
5th Kono Danshi/This Boy project will be 4 episodes
― Media distribution service Crunchyroll announced on Wednesday that it will simulcast the four-episode anime This Boy is a Professional Wizard (Kono Danshi, Mahō ga Oshigoto Desu.) as it airs in Japan. The first episode will premiere on Friday, February 4 at 11:50 a.m. EST. The anime is part of an overall Comix Wave Films Omnibus project that will ...
Terror in Resonance Stage Play Reveals Megumi Han as Five, Chad Mullane as Clarence
Han is reprising role from original anime
― The staff for the stage play adaptation of the Terror in Resonance (Zankyō no Terror) anime revealed two additional cast members in costume on Wednesday. Megumi Han, reprising her role as Five from the anime Chad Mullane as Clarence The staff previously revealed visuals for the two male leads: Ryunosuke Matsumura as Nine Mashū Ishiwatari as Twelve Mitsuaki ...
Japan's Video Game Rankings, January 25-31
Dragon Quest Builders, Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, Uta no Prince-sama Music 3, Three Kingdoms 13, Asterisk War games debut
― Japan's Game Ranking: January 25-31 Rank System Title Maker Release Date Weekly Copies Total Copies 4Gamer Reader Review 1PSV Dragon Quest Builders: Alefgard o Fukkatsu Seyo (Including Bundled Editions) Square Enix January 28 178,016 178,016 2PS4 Dragon Quest Builders: Alefgard o...
Viz Media Releases Judas Manga Digitally on February 23
Tokyopop previously published manga by Sora no Otoshimono creator Suu Minazuki
― Viz Media announced on Tuesday that it will release Suu Minazuki's Judas manga digitally. The first volume is slated for February 23. Viz Media describes the manga: Judas, cursed for his sins, is the spirit of Death – he is without form, and has enslaved young Eve to carry out the most heinous of acts. Together in spirit...
'Prius! Impossible Girls' Car Parts-as-Girls Project Adds Vocaloid Song in Latest Promo
Toyota's "Prius! Impossible Girls" project debuted last month with 40 car parts reimagined as girls, some even assigned voice actresses like Kana Hanazawa. On January 25, the site added its "Real Voice Song" section with the track "Shijō no Koe" (Test Drive Voices) produced by Oster Project with the Vocaloid GUMI. The song utilizes the thoughts of 50 Prius test drivers sang by GUMI. Toyota instruc...
Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun English Dub Casts Scott Gibbs as Mikorin
Series ships on DVD, Blu-ray, premium edition combo pack on March 29
― Sentai Filmworks announced with a video on Wednesday that Scott Gibbs will play Mikoto Mikoshiba (Mikorin) in its English dub of Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun. The series is available for pre-order now, and it ship on March 29. The DVD complete collection retails for US$59.98, the Blu-ray Disc collection retails for US$69.98, and the ...
Answerman - Why Do Guys In Yaoi Claim To Be Straight?
Justin navigates some of the fantasies and realities of the way men behave in yaoi manga and doujinshi, which, in a surprise to everyone, isn't particularly realistic.
― Quinn asks: Recently I stumbled upon "Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi - World's Greatest First Love" and all though I didn't know it was a yaoi title when I first started watching the show I did enjoy its story. However, one thing kept nagging ...
Hideo Kojima, Guillermo del Toro to Host Joint Presentation at D.I.C.E. Summit
Metal Gear creator, Pacific Rim director to discuss creative influences
― The official website for the 2016 D.I.C.E. Summit event announced on Wednesday that game developer and Metal Gear Solid series creator Hideo Kojima will present the Thursday afternoon Keynote Address with film director and screenwriter Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Mimic, Blade II, Pacific Rim). Producer Geoff K...
Zelda: Twilight Princess Manga's Monday Debut, Semimonthly Schedule, Visual Unveiled
Akira Himekawa's earlier Zelda manga gets 5-volume "Perfect Edition" this year
― The official website of manga creator duo Akira Himekawa revealed on Tuesday that their new manga The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will begin serialization on Shogakukan's MangaONE app on Monday, February 8 at midnight. Shogakukan revealed that the manga will serialize every other week and presented a visual, confi...
Twin Star Exorcists Anime Debuts in April, Casts Yū Serizawa & Junichi Suwabe
Wagakki Band performs opening song, Hitomi Kaji performs ending song
― The March issue of Shueisha's Jump Square magazine is revealing additional cast, staff, theme song artists, character designs, and April premiere for the television anime of Yoshiaki Sukeno's Twin Star Exorcists (Sōsei no Onmyōji) manga on Thursday. Yū Serizawa (Mushibugyō's Tenma, Shomin Sample's Aika) will play the character May...
Koei Tecmo's Attack on Titan Game Teases Group Tactics, Cleaning Costumes in Videos
PS4/PS3/PS Vita game slated for February 18 in Japan
― Koei Tecmo Games began streaming a fourth gameplay introduction video, the second commercial in two lengths, and a gameplay video for its upcoming Attack on Titan game on Wednesday. The gameplay introduction video demonstrates how a player can rally other characters to take on an overwhelming Titan onslaught — and how a player can wear "Cleaning"...
Q-Lia's Banana Cat Character 'Bananya' Gets Crowdfunding for TV Anime
Q-Lia character Shizuku-chan also received 3 TV anime
― Stationery maker company Q-Lia announced on Wednesday that it will launch a crowdfunding campaign to fund a television anime of its Bananya banana cat mascot character. Q-Lia has not yet announced when the campaign will begin, or the television anime's premiere date. Q-Lia previewed the characters for the anime: The backer rewards will include B...
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth PS4/Vita Game's Launch Trailer Streamed
Game shipped in the Americas on Tuesday
― Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streaming the English launch trailer for its Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita role-playing game on Tuesday. Bandai Namco Entertainment America released the game in the Americas on the same day. The PS4 version will has physical release, while the PS Vita version has a digital-only release....
Age 12 Shōjo TV Anime's Title, April Debut, Main Visual Unveiled
12-Sai ~Chiccha na Mune no Tokimeki~ follows girl's coming of age
― The March issue of Shogakukan's Ciao magazine revealed the full title, April premiere, and main visual for the television anime of Nao Maita's shōjo manga 12-Sai. (Age 12). The full title is 12-Sai ~Chiccha na Mune no Tokimeki~ (Age 12: A Little Heart-Pounding) and the main visual is below, although it is subject to change. The story...
Funimation Streams Evangelion: 3.33 Film's English-Dubbed Trailer
DVD/Blu-ray shipped on Tuesday
― North American anime distributor Funimation Entertainment streamed a trailer for the Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo anime film on Tuesday. The trailer previews the film's English dub. Funimation released the film on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday. Funimation announced in 2014 that it is working directly with Hideaki Anno's Studio Khara for the home video release. Stu...
Mr. Osomatsu Volume 1 Tops Both Blu-ray & DVD Anime Charts
BD sells 35,795 & DVD sells 43,313
― The first Blu-ray and DVD volume (shown right) of the Mr. Osomatsu (Osomatsu-san) anime topped Oricon's weekly anime Blu-ray and DVD charts for the week of January 25 to 31. Both the DVD and Blu-ray were released on January 29. The Blu-ray Disc release sold 35,795 copies during the week, and ranked #2 in the overall Blu-ray sales chart. The DVD release sold 43,313...
X Japan Goes on Temporary Hiatus After Pata's Hospitalization
March 12 concert in London postponed to next year
― The members of the rock band X Japan announced on Wednesday that they would go on a temporary hiatus after guitarist Pata was hospitalized in Tokyo on January 15. According to the band's label, Pata is currently being treated at an intensive care unit, and is no longer in serious condition. He has been diagnosed with diverticulitis in his large inte...
Tensai Bakabon Comedy Manga Gets Live-Action Show
Shinya Ueda, Ocarina star in show that updates Fujio Akatsuka's story setting to the year 2016
― NTV announced on Wednesday that it has green-lit a live-action television adaptation of Fujio Akatsuka's classic comedy manga Tensai Bakabon for a March premiere. The series will star the Cream Stew comedy duo member Shinya Ueda and Okazu Club comedy duo member Ocarina (Maki Inao) as Bakabon's father and ...
CAPCOM Develops New Mario Party Game for Arcades
CAPCOM unveiling 6-player game at JAE on February 19
― CAPCOM opened a website on Wednesday, revealing that it is developing a new Mario Party game for arcades titled Mario Party Fushigi no Challenge World (Mario Party Mysterious Challenge World). CAPCOM will unveil the six-player arcade game machine at the Japan Amusement Expo (JAE) on February 19 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, and it plans to laun...
Tuesday, February 2
Sekai Project's Root Double Kickstarter Reaches Goal
Game will be released on PC via Steam, PS Vita at a later date
― Video game localizer and publisher Sekai Project's Kickstarter campaign to localize and release Regista/Yeti and Takumi Nakazawa's Root Double: Before Crime * After Days: Xtend Edition visual novel reached its US$135,000 crowdfunding goal on Tuesday. As of press time, the campaign has raised over US$138,000. The project added a digital-...
Psycho-Pass Film's English-Dubbed Trailer Streamed
Funimation plans theatrical release for 2 days in N. America
― Entertainment news website IGN posted Funimation Entertainment's English-dubbed trailer for the Psycho-Pass film on Tuesday. Funimation plans to debut the film in North American theaters on March 15 and 16. Aniplus-Asia describes the film's story [Warning: The story summary below contain spoilers for Psycho-Pass season 1. Highlight text t...
Rumiko Takahashi Nominated for Eisner Hall of Fame
Prolific manga creator among 14 nominees for 4 spots; Moomin creator Tove Jansson already chosen
― Comic-Con International announced on Tuesday that the Eisner Awards judges have selected two individuals for the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame this year, as well as 14 nominees for four more inductees. The two pre-selected inductees are Human Torch creator Carl Burgos and Moomin creator Tove Jan...
Hatsune Miku iDoll Nendoroid Will Dance Her Way Into Your Heart
Hatsune Miku has seen many transformations. Fans have tried their hands at different techniques to bring the Vocaloid to life. Good Smile Company and Yukai Engineering's iDoll Tokyo might have finally nailed it down with a Hatsune Miku Nendoroid that both sings and dances. The video also hints at some communication abilities. iDoll first created its concept idols, Hikari and Miki, both pint-sized...
Win a Gundam!!!
No, not really a Gundam, but that would be cool. Instead, we're giving away 10 copies of Gundam on DVD or BD. We've got Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Turn A Gundam, and of course the OG (get it?).
― Right Stuf Anime's publishing division Nozomi Entertainment has given us some pretty awesome prizes!!! Sadly no real Gundams. 3 Winners: Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Collection 1 – Blu-ray or DVD 3 Winners: Turn A ...
Pokémon, One Piece, Eva, Rose of Versailles Prepare for Valentine's Day
You could send chocolates to your favorite tennis prince or chow down on potato chips this Valentine's Day. On the other hand, there's plenty of limited edition anime goods to enhance the romance, whether it's edible Eva Units or adorable cards to help you catch all the hearts. The Pokémon Company, One Piece, The Rose of Versailles, and Neon Genesis Evangelion will all offer their own tie-in for ...
North American Anime, Manga Releases, January 31-February 6
Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo, Blade Dance of the Elementalers, Pita-Ten anime; Behind the Scenes!!, Gakkyu Hotei: School Judgment, Giganto Maxia manga ship
― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Blade Dance of the Elementalers Blu-rayPlease Sentai Filmworks US$59.98 February 2 Blade Dance of the Elementalers DVDCite Sentai Filmworks US$49.98 February 2 Evangelion: 3.33 Yo...
Anime, Manga Stars Come Out to Pay Respects to Late Shigeru Mizuki
Prolific manga creator Shigeru Mizuki, the mind behind award-winning works like Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths, and Showa: A History of Showa Japan (Comic Showa-Shi) and the favorite Kitaro passed away at the age of 93 in November. A large memorial service was held on Sunday at the historic Aoyama Funeral Hall in Minato, Tokyo. The service was hosted by Mizuki's wife and chief mourner Nunoe Mura ...
New Tama and Friends Short Anime Announced
Last Tama and Friends anime aired in 2006
― Sony Creative Products (Sanchome no Tama: Uchi no Tama Shirimasenka?) announced on Tuesday that it will debut a new Tama and Friends short anime. The anime is slated for a 2018 release as part of a larger franchise revival for the 35th anniversary. The episodes will be one to two minutes in length. The anime will be produced at Kachidoki Studio in collabora...
Nintendo Planning Attractions at Universal Studios Japan Theme Park
Hot on the tail of Universal Studio Japan's second wave of "Cool Japan" attractions opening last month, Nintendo is throwing its hat into the ring. The company announced plans to expand its character licensing for attractions at the theme park in Osaka, with no other details. The Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka currently hosts "4D" experiences and rides based on Neon Genesis Evangelion...
7th Dragon III Code: VFD 3DS Game Heads to Americas
Sega's dungeon crawler RPG slated for this summer
― Sega of America announced on Tuesday that it will release the 7th Dragon III Code: VFD in the Americas. The game will be available both physically and digitally this summer. This will be the first game in the 7th Dragon series to be released outside of Japan. Sega released the first 7th Dragon video game on Nintendo DS in Japan in 2009, and released...
New Power Rangers Film Casts Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa
Film slated for March 2017
― The official Instagram account of the new Power Rangers film announced on Tuesday that it has cast Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games' Effie Trinket) as Rita Repulsa. The project previously cast Naomi Scott as the Pink Ranger, Ludi Lin as the Black Ranger, Dacre Montgomery as the Red Ranger, R.J. Cyler as the Blue Ranger, and Becky Gomez as the Yellow Ranger. The film is s...
MPD-Psycho Manga's 'Last Chapter' Debuts on Thursday
Additional "The End+One" chapter will then debut in March
― The March issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace magazine (cover shown right) is publishing the "Last Chapter" of Eiji Ohtsuka and Shou Tajima's MPD-Psycho manga on Thursday. However, the magazine will publish the manga's "The End+One" chapter in the magazine's next issue, which Kadokawa will ship on March 4. The 21st volume of Ohtsuka and Tajima's s...
Durarara!! ×2 The Third Arc ‒ Episode 4
"It feels like the climax is coming together like never before, incorporating every character and subplot in creative ways to seal Ikebukuro's last story."
Cardcaptor Sakura Gets 'New Project' to Celebrate Manga's 20th Anniversary
TV anime's Clow Card arc re-airs starting in April
― The March issue of Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine is revealing on Wednesday that CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura manga is getting a "new project" to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the manga. Details of the project will be announced on a later date. Additionally, the issue announced that NHK's BS Premium will rebroadcast the Clow Card arc of the Cardcap...
Funimation Still Has Rights to 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist Anime Series
North American anime distributor Funimation confirmed with ANN that it still holds the rights to the 2003-2004 Fullmetal Alchemist television anime series. The company announced on Monday that that its home video and streaming rights for the 2009-2010 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood television anime and the 2005 Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa anime film will expire on Mar...
One-Punch Man Original Video Anime Episode 3's 1st Half Minute Streamed
Manga creator ONE pens new story about Sonic for February 24 Blu-ray/DVD
― The official website for the One-Punch Man anime began streaming the first half minute from the project's third original video anime (OVA) episode on Tuesday. The third OVA, "Kojiresugiru Ninja" (The Overly Complicated Ninja), features a completely original story written by the manga's original author ONE. The OVA takes place ...
Nobunaga Concerto Tops Japanese Box Office for 2nd Weekend, Girls & Panzer Grosses 1 Billion Yen
2nd Yo-kai Watch film drops to #7, Orange drops to #10
― The live-action film of Ayumi Ishii's Nobunaga Concerto historical manga topped the Japanese box office for the second weekend since it opened. The film sold 461,321 tickets, and earned 604,122,100 yen (about US$4.996 million) on 324 screens over the past weekend. The film has sold a cumulative 1.30 million tickets, and grossed 1.7 billion yen ...
Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, January 25-31
Mr. Osomatsu sells 43,313, followed by Funassyi, AD-Live, Starmyu, Owarimonogatari
― Funassyi's Funa no Mix 3 ~Nassyi Bakansu Hokkaido-hen~ sold 5,936 to debut at #7 on the overall DVD chart. Takahiro Sakurai, Kenjiro Tsuda, and Kenichi Suzumura's "AD-Live 2015" Volume 1 was at #8 with 5,471 copies. Kensho Ono, Rie Kugimiya, and Kenichi Suzumura's "AD-Live 2015" Volume 2 was at #18 with 2,457 copies....
Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, January 25-31
Mr. Osomatsu sells 35,795, followed by Owarimonogatari, Overlord, Gundam 0083 box, Symphogear GX
― Rank Last Week Title Weekly Copies Total Copies Release Date Maker Artist/Category Highest Rank Weeks on Chart 1 - Mr. Osomatsu !st Matsu (Limited First Pressing Blu-ray Disc) 35,795 35,795 16/1/29 AVP Animation 1 1 2 - Owarimonogatari Vol. II/Sodachi Riddle (Limited Complete Pressing) 21,373 21,373 16...
Ryukishi07, More Launch New Manga in Shonen Sirius Magazine
Also: Concrete Revolutio, Odin's Sphere, Chaos;Child manga
― This year's March issue of Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Sirius announced last Tuesday that it will debut six new manga series and a one-shot manga in the coming months. The new series include an original work by Ryukishi07 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) and manga adaptations of Concrete Revolutio, Odin's Sphere, and Chaos;Child. In addition, the ...
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Slated for PC on February 18
The official English Twitter account of game developer Spike Chunsoft revealed on Monday that it will release its Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc game on the PC via Steam on February 18. Spike Chunsoft previously streamed an announcement trailer for the game's February PC release. NIS America released the PlayStation Vita ports of the first and second Danganronpa games in North America and Europe...
Sailor Moon Musical's Next Production Slated for Fall
DVD of 3rd new musical slated for February 24
― The official website of the Sailor Moon franchise announced last Friday that the next production in the Sailor Moon stage musicals will debut this fall at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo venue. In addition, the site detailed the bonus video extras on the DVD of the third Sailor Moon musical, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon -Un Nouveau Voyage-. The February 24 rel...
4th & Final Tamayura Film Delayed Until April 2
The official website for the Tamayura anime franchise announced on Monday that the fourth and final film, Tamayura: Sotsugyō Shashin Dai-4-bu Asa -Ashita- (Tamayura: Graduation Photos Part 4: Morning -Tomorrow-), has been delayed. The film will open on April 2 instead of February 20. The films' production committee explained that they decided on the delay to improve the quality of the work, as it ...
Boku dake ga Inai Machi/ERASED Manga Ends in March
Anime adaptation will portray ending of manga
― The March issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace magazine is revealing on Thursday that Kei Sanbe's Boku dake ga Inai Machi manga will end in the magazine's April issue, which ships on March 4. The magazine also notes that the manga's current seven volumes have 2.54 million copies. The story follows Satoru, a struggling manga artist who has an ability that force...
Funimation's Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood License to Expire in March
North American anime distributor Funimation confirmed on Monday that its home video and streaming rights for the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood television anime and the Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa anime film will expire on March 31. Both the television anime and film will be removed from Funimation's streaming service on that day, and Funimation will no longer reprint...
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