Big Order
by James Beckett, Apr 16th 2016⬈
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Anime's Fiercest Frenemies
anime
Even when they're locked in a battle between good and evil, sometimes our favorite anime characters can't help picking a fight with their friends instead! Jacob Chapman explores what makes a great anime rivalry.
― Sometimes they're called rivals, and sometimes they're called foils, but I think there's no finer word than "frenemy" for one of the most enjoyable tropes in anime. Of course, the dynamic b...
Overlord Novel 1
novels
The skull-faced hero from 2015's popular fantasy series Overlord is back in the first volume of the light novel series the anime was based on. Theron Martin sees how it stacks up to the adaptation.
― The 13 episode Overlord anime series aired during the summer 2015 TV season, but first came this novel (the first of 10 to date) by author Kugane Maruyama. It was originally published online in 2010 and ...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of May 27-June 2
anime
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure claims the top spot in the cumulative rankings and the rest of the list is shaken up! Find out how your favorite shows ranked this week!
― Our team of reviewers are following 25 anime series of the Spring 2016 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 tha...
Inside Tokyo's New Sailor Moon Exhibition
anime
High in the sky above Tokyo with a spectacular view of the city, a special exhibition of Sailor Moon rarities and treasures is currently being held - here's a tour inside!
― The February 1992 issue of Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine introduced a genre redefining manga series to the world: Naoko Takeuchi's Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. The series quickly captured the imagination of Japanese girls and was...
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ Blu-Ray
anime
It's a direct sequel to Zeta Gundam, and it's hilarious! Lauren Orsini discovers the hidden pleasures of this otherwise somewhat confounding entry in the Gundam franchise.
― The first two Gundam shows were serious business. In Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, director Yoshiyuki Tomino wasn't afraid to kill off even beloved main characters to prove a point. So it must have been a major ...
Shelf Life - Dororo
anime
Discotek's release of the 1969 TV anime Dororo, with contributions from some of anime's most legendary artists, is out on DVD - Gabriella Ekens explores this fascinating piece of anime history.
― Oh my good golly gosh, y'all. We've got a lot of new releases this week. In fact, we've got so many that I'm not even going to hold you up with a lengthy introduction. Go on, dive into that bottomless sea o...
Answerman - Why Is Animation Only For Kids In The US?
anime
There's a common notion out there among fans that "cartoons are for kids in the US, but they're considered mature entertainment for adults in Japan" - which isn't the case. Justin gets into it.
― James asks: In the United States, most people seem to be under the impression that animated works are primarily for children and families, while the same attitude does not exist in Japan. Yes, the western w...
First Impressions: Netflix's Voltron Legendary Defender
anime
We sent super robot expert Mike Toole to watch the 70-minute pilot episode of Netflix's brand-new re-imagining of Voltron, by the folks who brought you The Legend of Korra! Is it any good? How faithful is it to the original?
― As the content wars of the current days heat up, it's not surprising to see major players like Netflix spreading their wings—they've underwritten original hits, brought a serie...
Your Lie in April Vol. 2 Blu-Ray
anime
The tragic conclusion of Your Lie in April is out on bluray now - Theron Martin takes the long view on a show that generated plenty of controversy as it aired.
― Let's cut to the chase: the second half of Your Lie in April is, at least in part, a tragedy, somewhat in the spirit (though definitely not the style) of major “tragic girl” tales like Air and Kanon. Enough hints were dropped about this dire...
Yamibo DVD
anime
This 13-episode mind-bending series based on an adult visual novel is a true oddity in more than one way.
― This 13-episode series is a true oddity in more than one way. It originally aired in 2003 but then languished for 9½ years before finally being picked up by Media Blasters in 2013. They originally solicited the title for a late 2013 release, but the title then languished again with unspecified ...