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The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance ‒ Episode 4
"The Heroic Legend of Arslan improved this week by indulging in a rare fun detour."
Selector Spread WIXOSS BD+DVD
This first installment in the WIXOSS franchise comes to a close, with shocking reveals and mixed results. Theron Martin takes a look at what's in the cards for this series going forward.
― Despite its partial name change, this 12 episode series from the Fall 2014 season is a direct follow-up to Selector Infected Wixoss. It assumes and requires full familiarity with Infected for it to make sense, so t...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Despair Arc ‒ Episode 2
"Danganronpa always likes to prove that you can even pick the lowest-hanging fruit in a creative way."
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 17
"As much as I love what the series has been doing lately, it's about time for Subaru to catch a break."
Orange ‒ Episode 4
"While Naho passes her days in an insecure daydream, her potential high school life is passing her by."
DAYS ‒ Episode 4
"This story does a better job than most of portraying a world where everyone actually is against the main character, at least at first."
Rewrite ‒ Episode 4
"The transition to stories focusing on each individual girl has begun, and Shizuru is up first."
Genshiken: Second Season GN 8
As Genshiken plows further and further into harem romcom territory, Nick Creamer weighs the pros and cons of putting these characters in an increasingly meta situation.
― Genshiken's claim to fame has always been its ability to capture the unvarnished humanity of its otaku heroes. Whether they were heading to a comics festival or arguing about pairings or introducing one of their members to a new hob...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Future Arc - Episodes 1-2
"Its production values may be less than exciting, but D3 starts off just as engrossing as its predecessors, at a much faster pace."
Love Live! Sunshine!! ‒ Episode 4
"It's a delicate balance between using μ's as a source of inspiration versus just a narrative crutch, and we can't be entirely surprised that Sunshine!! is having a hard time letting go of its safety net."
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 4
"Subaru's culinary style is hardly the kind of cooking most of the Totsuki students are here for."
Handa-kun ‒ Episode 3
"At this point, Handa-kun seems to have found a good balance of personalities within its main cast."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 17
"This is a modest episode, but the show is clearly gearing up for something very significant on the horizon."
91 Days ‒ Episode 3
"Like Avilio's revenge, this show looks like a slow but oh-so-satisfying burn."
Alderamin on the Sky ‒ Episode 3
"This whole episode is pretty much the Ikta Show."
Thunderbolt Fantasy ‒ Episode 3
"Thunderbolt Fantasy continues to be an exquisitely executed pile of clichés."
Amanchu! ‒ Episode 3
"After an emotionally resonant first half, the latter part of episode 3 is almost like an instructional video for first-time divers, with humorous commentary courtesy of Pikari."
Answerman - Is California The Otaku Promised Land?
Say like you want to move to Japan to wallow around in awesome anime and manga swag all day, but can't afford it - is California the next best thing?
― James asks: I've noticed that the state of California has a lot of Anime Stores and other shops (like Little Tokyo) for Anime. Would California be the ideal place to live in and have access to acquiring physical Anime, Manga, and other related mercha...
Den-noh Coil Blu-Ray
Despite taking nine years to be released in English, this unique series about how augmented reality tech could change the world is more timely now than ever. Theron Martin dives in.
― Den-noh Coil is an original anime production and the brainchild of Mitsuo Iso, a name that even dedicated anime fans probably aren't familiar with unless they are steeped in knowledge of key animators. (He has done work...
Battery the Animation ‒ Episode 2
"Slowly, Takumi is opening himself up to truly enjoying his calling as an athlete."
This Art Club Has a Problem! ‒ Episode 3
"None of the storylines within the episode are laugh-out-loud funny, but they are worth a chuckle, which nicely layers over the sweeter aspects of the show."
planetarian ‒ Episode 3
"Overall, Planetarian continues to tell a small but poignant story with understated grace."
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 468
"This week's Naruto Shippūden brings Ashura and Indra's story to a satisfying (albeit rushed) conclusion."
The X Button - First Impressions: I Am Setsuna
This week: Todd looks at Square Enix’s throwback RPG! Plus Gravity Rush 2, Nintendo classics, and a major announcement!
― I'll start this column with some very important news: The X Button is retiring. If all goes as planned, the final installment will go up next Thursday, July 28. I must preemptively fend off rumors that the column's being shuttered because of my controversial stand on the Breath o...
Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto GN 4
Sakamoto walks off into the sunset in this final volume of Nami Sato's breakout comedy manga. But do Sakamoto's adventures come to a surprisingly emotional conclusion instead?
― It's hard to believe, but with this volume of Nami Sato's breakout manga, our time with Sakamoto comes to an end. Whether it was planned this way or not, each volume ends up representing one season of Sakamoto's school life, ...
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 15
"This week, TSE shines the spotlight on Ryogo once again and tries to course-correct its lackluster character and worldbuilding. For the most part, it does a pretty good job."
Cheer Boys!! ‒ Episode 3
"The storytelling of Cheer Boys!!, complete with satisfying character development and a well-paced plot, is the heart of the show."
Answerman - Why Does Anime Go Unlicensed?
In an age when almost every anime series gets licensed, how and why exactly do some shows still fall between the cracks? Justin breaks it down.
― Imogen asks: With the recent news article about Sentai dubbing Amagi Brilliant Park I was curious to know if there's a reason why one of Kyoto Animation's other works 'Hyouka' hasn't had any distribution beyond Japan when all of their other shows have? Is ...
The Most (And Least) Relatable Gundam Heroes
Lauren Orsini lists the Gundam pilots whose decision-making skills and emotional fortitude she can relate to the most - while exploring how your favorite Gundam pilots can say a lot about you and the Gundam series you respond to most.
― Gundam has given us a lot of main characters who are strong, capable, and smart. But how many of them can you actually relate to? Since Mobile Suit Gundam first aired...
Gundam Build Fighters Blu-Ray
Lauren Orsini takes a look at the first Gundam series revolving completely around Gunpla models. Is there secretly much more to this series underneath its toy commercial polish?
― Let's address the elephant in the room: Gundam Build Fighters is a toy commercial. However, it's an amazing toy commercial with beautiful animation, innovative mecha designs, humor, and heart—one that I want to watch again ...
One Piece ‒ Episode 750
"It's not mind blowing or anything, but considering how benign and underwhelming the last three episodes have been, this Silver Mine Arc finale manages to offer some interesting things to talk about."
New Game! ‒ Episode 3
"This should be an encouraging sign for anyone who came into New Game hoping that the show would include some musings on the creative process."
Mob Psycho 100 - Episodes 1-2
"Mob Psycho 100 brings Mob and Reigen's feelings to life through dynamic layouts elevating crass, funny, and occasionally heartfelt material."
Interview: Studio Bones President Masahiko Minami
The president of the studio behind classics like Fullmetal Alchemist and recent smash hits My Hero Academia and this season's Mob Psycho 100 speaks his mind on the state of the industry and his studio's incredible output!
― Masahiko Minami is a co-founder and the president of BONES, the studio behind world-class anime classics like Fullmetal Alchemist, Eureka Seven, and most recently, the internation...
Vice & Luna - #6
Naming your brand-new pet can be a pretty difficult task, but nobody's up to the job like Blume!
― Art: Lanny Liu Script: Zac Bertschy Editor: Jacob Chapman
The Empire of Corpses BD+DVD
When young John Watson's friend dies, he tries to replicate Frankenstein's reanimation of a corpse in this darkly fascinating 19th-century adventure from Studio Wit. So how does this unusual horror tale turn out?
― When Mary Shelley published her novel Frankenstein in 1818, I wonder if she had any idea how enduring it would become. The tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein's efforts to create life from dea...
Sweetness & Lightning - Episodes 1-3
"This story of an unconventional family brought together by cooking hits all the right emotional notes without veering into “overly sappy” territory."
D.Gray-man Hallow - Episodes 1-3
"Hallow will have to fit the content of at least 40 manga chapters into 13 episodes. Saying this is going to be a challenge is putting it mildly."
Taboo Tattoo - Episodes 1-3
"Based on these first few episodes, Taboo Tattoo wants little more than to be a perfectly functional, by-the-numbers shonen action series."
Tales of Zestiria the X - Episodes 1-3
"All in all, this is a slightly slow but still interesting start to what looks to be an epic fantasy adventure."
The Morose Mononokean - Episodes 1-3
"Manages to find the perfect sweet spot between comedy and healing anime, so it feels like something new despite being made of the sum of many derivative parts."
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance - Episodes 1-3
"Whether it's production problems or sloppy character writing and plotting, The Heroic Legend of Arslan doesn't get the tender loving care it deserves."
Answerman - Why Do Girls In Anime Say, "Now I Can't Get Married?"
There's a common - and very old - joke in anime and manga where a female character will remark "now I'll never get married!". Justin explains exactly how old that joke really is.
― Juan asks: When it comes to anime jokes and phrases the one I that has intrigued me is the the situation were a girl has been seen naked by a guy and says the line "Now I can't get married.". I've been wondering were does...
DAYS - Episodes 1-3
"It's the story of an underdog, and everyone loves an underdog. Tsukushi might never amount to a soccer champ, but he wins everyone over one at a time."
Shelf Life - Sekirei
Does Sekirei have enough bounce per ounce to be worth your time? Paul Jensen has the answers, plus all this week's new releases!
― I'm not sure what kind of licensing deal led to every episode of ReLIFE being available at once, but it's kind of convenient. By the time I finish watching it, I should have a backlog of at least a couple episodes to binge through on all the other shows I'm following thi...
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 16
"Too often in stories like this, the protagonists can get away with a lot simply because they're the protagonists, but Re:Zero isn't cutting Subaru any slack."
Orange - Episodes 1-3
"So far, Orange is offering a rich bounty of endearing character moments while consistently hinting at poignant and universal themes about growing up and looking back on our past selves."
Assassination Classroom BD+DVD Part One
Assassination Classroom takes its bizarre premise to surprisingly sentimental heights in its first eleven episodes. Rebecca Silverman explores just what makes this shonen story so special.
― It isn't a perfect comparison, but in many ways Assassination Classroom is like a combination of Dead Poets' Society and Akame ga Kill. That's what you get when you take a story about a strange, smiley-faced mult...
Ace Attorney ‒ Episode 15
Lauren closes out her coverage of the Ace Attorney anime with a sum-up of how this low-quality production failed to deliver on the promise of its original material.
Berserk - Episodes 1-3
"Miura's compelling story and captivating world still shine as one-of-a-kind flights of dark imagination with poignant characterization, even as they struggle under such a lackluster production."
The Boy and The Beast BD+DVD
The Boy and the Beast is a disjointed but ultimately endearing story redeemed by the strength of its central father-son relationship. Nick Creamer breaks down this film's highs and lows.
― Mamoru Hosoda has a thing or two to say about families. Big families, like the one headlined in Summer Wars, which essentially posited “what if we made this film's protagonist an entire, multi-generational extended...
Rewrite - Episodes 1-3
"At this point, the series is throwing out just enough hooks and effective humor to sustain interest, though it still suffers from an uninspired feel."
Love Live Sunshine!! - Episodes 1-3
"With a soundtrack worthy of the original and improved dance animation, this new Love Live! creates an atmosphere where it's easy to get pulled into the communal dream of seeing the girls shine."
Thunderbolt Fantasy - Episodes 1-2
"A camp action fest that combines stunning practical effects with modern film techniques into a whirlwind of operatic artistry."
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 3
"Food Wars! The Second Plate is off to a mildly shaky start in terms of giving everyone their due, but it can still really play with your emotions while making you awfully hungry."
91 Days - Episodes 1-2
"These first two episodes amount to a pretty great first 20 minutes of a gangster movie."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 16
"We don't see Jotaro and Josuke problem-solving together often, but it seems like a natural fit."
The List - 10 Pokemon You Don't Want to Become Real
Pokemon Go showed us that the experience of catching monsters in the real world can be magical, but these ten terrors are a healthy reminder that some Pokemon dreams shouldn't come true.
― One week after the release of Pokemon Go, I think it's safe to say we're all living in a Pokemon world. Everyone's walking around town trying to complete their Pokedex now, from your littlest cousin to your great-...
Handa-kun - Episodes 1-2
"It's a big departure from Barakamon, but there's no reason Handa-kun can't stand perfectly well on its own."
Wagnaria!!3 Sub.Blu-Ray Part 1
Wagnaria kicks off its third season with the same gentle workplace comedy antics, but have things already begun to change in this more eventful series of episodes? Paul Jensen dives in.
― It feels very appropriate for Wagnaria to take place in a diner-style restaurant, as the series has several things in common with the kind of food you'd expect to find at such a place. It may not be the best thing i...
Alderamin on the Sky - Episodes 1-2
"Conventional but well-executed artistry combines with uneven but full-of-potential storytelling to make a series with promising prospects going forward."
Amanchu! - Episodes 1-2
"Like the various incarnations of Tamayura and ARIA, Amanchu! manages to maintain a relaxed pace and all-around soothing atmosphere without ever feeling padded, drawn-out, or just plain boring."
Battery the Animation - Episode 1
"Out of all the fujoshi sports shows we're getting this season, Battery looks like both the chilliest and most appropriate for younger audiences."
planetarian - Episodes 1-2
"You may have seen some sad robots before, but this is a sad robot to look out for. Planetarian is a small story told with care."
Answerman - What Happened To DVD "Easter Eggs"?
Ancient legend speaks of secret, hidden extras on DVDs and blurays you had to dig to find - whatever happened to those? Do they still exist? Justin gets into it.
― Jerome asks: What happened to Easter Eggs -- those little suprises that was on some old school DVD's? For example, on Phantom Quest Corp, you could press in a special code while in menu of DVD you see behind the scenes. On the old Irrespo...
In Memory of Innocence: A Guide to D.Gray-Man
D.Gray-Man Hallow is one of the hottest shows of the summer, but there are over 100 episodes to catch up on - hit the fast forward button on this supernatural blockbuster with our handy guide!
― Almost eight years have passed since Allen Walker and his fellow Exorcists vowed to continue fighting before the screen faded to what, back then, felt like a permanent fin. As the memory of even the show's m...
Cross Ange: Rondo of Angel and Dragon Blu-Ray 1
This controversial mecha action show finally lands on bluray - Theron Martin takes it for another spin to see how it holds up after a year.
― Cross Ange is an anime-original series which focuses on sexy female mecha pilots and is squarely aimed at a male audience. Yona of the Dawn is a fantasy series based on a shojo manga and decidedly skewed towards a female audience. Despite the differing origins,...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Despair Arc
"This prequel's premiere episode overflows with affectionate fanservice, wildly irreverent humor, and ten times more foreshadowing than its happy-go-lucky tone suggests."
This Art Club Has a Problem! - Episodes 1-2
"It may never become more than a light comedy, but that doesn't mean This Art Club Has a Problem! won't pay attention to its characters, which builds its potential."
The Summer 2016 Anime Preview Guide
The Summer 2016 anime preview guide has begun! Check back daily for reviews of all of this season's biggest new shows.
Available Now: Battery - Summer 2016 Short Anime - Danganronpa 3: Future Arc - Mob Psycho 100 - The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. - Active Raid - Ange Vierge - Qualidea Code - hitorinoshita The Outcast - Handa-kun - Time Travel Girl - Thunderbolt Fantasy - 91 Days - Amanchu! - This Art Club Has a Problem! - and much more!
Available Now: Battery - Summer 2016 Short Anime - Danganronpa 3: Future Arc - Mob Psycho 100 - The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. - Active Raid - Ange Vierge - Qualidea Code - hitorinoshita The Outcast - Handa-kun - Time Travel Girl - Thunderbolt Fantasy - 91 Days - Amanchu! - This Art Club Has a Problem! - and much more!
The X Button - Children of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus
This week, Todd checks in with some games inspired by Ico and Shadow of the Colossus! Plus Naruto Online, the latest Dead or Alive guest star, and the all-consuming Pokemon Go!
― I will make the broad assumption that everyone reading this has tried or at least heard about Pokemon Go. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I suspect that anyone curious about video games on an anime website cares enough about their c...
Umineko When They Cry Episode 6: Dawn of the Golden Witch Volume 1 GN 13
Umineko heads into meta territory as a new gamemaster takes over. While the mystery rapidly intensifies, real answers finally feel like they're just around the corner.
― And here we are again. This omnibus begins the sixth cycle of Ryukishi07's Umineko: When They Cry manga, which is the second of four “answer” arcs. This is the first time Battler's been in charge of the story, having defeated Beatric...
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 14
"Leave it to Twin Star Exorcists to save some of its best material for the episode that should have been its most disposable."
Cheer Boys!! - Episodes 1-2
"Cheer Boys!! is an irresistible watch that plays fast and loose with the circumstances of the sports anime genre while staying true to its core values."
Answerman - How Does Uncensored Hentai Make It Out Of Japan?
Risque anime is heavily censored on TV, and hentai itself is censored even on store shelves - so how does uncensored adult material make it out of Japan? Justin gets into it.
― Skikes asks: How does uncensored Hentai make it out of Japan? Is it released illegally in Japan or is a censored version produced for Japan and an uncensored version produced for other markets? And if that's the case, why are...
Interview: Xavier Lim, Bluefin's Gundam Guru
If you've ever bought a Gundam model from a store in America, chances are Xavier Lim was responsible for it. Gundam expert Lauren Orsini grills Lim about the market for Gundam models and why it's now bigger than ever!
― If you've bought a do-it-yourself plastic model kit from the Gundam anime franchise in the United States, you've probably got Xavier Lim to thank for it. Lim is Brand Manager at Bluef...
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is a sturdy and consistently rewarding start to the hit shounen adventure, even if it’s not quite as explosive it could have been. Nick Creamer breaks down its strengths and weaknesses.
― Debuting just two years ago, My Hero Academia has swiftly become one of the headline manga of Shounen Jump, a rip-roaring adventure elevated by strong art, charming characters, and consistent master...
One Piece ‒ Episode 749
"There's nothing especially bad about the Silver Mine arc thus far, but there certainly isn't much good either."
New Game! - Episodes 1-2
"These episodes offer an entertaining escape into a world where developing a video game isn't all that stressful, and it's possible for every single person in the office to be a friendly and attractive anime girl."
Vice & Luna - #5
Vice is convinced he's got it made with the cute girl behind the counter - but Luna has other ideas.
― Art: Lanny Liu Script: Zac Bertschy Editor: Jacob Chapman
Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign BD+DVD
This vampire-slashing action adventure succeeds as reliable popcorn entertainment, but does it have any ambitions beyond the same old predictable blood and spectacle? Theron Martin investigates.
― This release covers the first half of the 24-episode adaptation of Takaya Kagami's manga, which aired on TV in Japan during the Spring 2015 season. In many respects, it is a very typical Weekly Shonen Jump ...
Answerman - What Western Foods Are Popular In Japan?
Anime and manga characters are always chowing down on burgers and fries, but what western foods are actually popular in Japan? Justin was born to answer this question.
― Sam asks: How popular are burgers and fries in Japan? Is it just marketing in anime or are they actually popular? What other western foods are popular over there? Hamburgers are big business in Japan, and have become a prominent par...
Shelf Life - When They Cry: Kai
The second season of the blockbuster horror smash When They Cry is finally available on bluray - how well does it still hold up? Plus: an avalanche of new anime DVD and bluray releases!
― Working on the Preview Guide has taken up most of my time this week, and it's been kind of cool to have a legitimate excuse to watch the first episode of every single new show this season. The long and short of it ...
Space Patrol Luluco
Space Patrol Luluco is an uneven but often charming journey into first love and hot-blooded justice.
― Hiroyuki Imaishi's name is almost synonymous with the Studio Trigger brand. After providing dynamic key animation and highlights like FLCL's manga sequences early in his career, he became the flagship director for Gainax's last big hits, handling Gurren Lagann and Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt ...
Anime Spotlight - New Game!
Graduating from high school, Aoba Suzukaze starts working at "Eagle Jump", the game production company that created the game, “Fairies Story” she was engrossed in when she was young. There, she meets Ko Yagami, the character designer for that game.
― New Game! Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting July 4, 2016 Key Staff Director: Yoshiyuki Fujiwara ("P...
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 15
"The result is an episode as dark and intense as anything seen so far that once again raises some fresh new questions with long-term plot implications."
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 2
"The best part of this episode is that it showcases how Megumi has grown as a character."
Ace Attorney ‒ Episode 14
"There's a lot to look forward to next week, but this week was just average, setting up the barest minimum of pieces to help us process the fascinating trial still to come."
Haikyu!! GN 1
Haikyu's first volume is just as much about the players as the sport of volleyball as Hinata and Kageyama meet, hate each other, and have to learn to get along if they're ever going to be able to play as a team.
― For non-athletes, it can be difficult to understand the draw of a sports story, and if your memories of gym class (or volleyball) are mostly made up of getting a ball to the face or being p...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 15
"Between the new opening, the story of Josuke's childhood, and the all around energy of this sandbox of relationships, I've got a real soft spot growing in my heart for this series."
The List - Anime's 8 Deadliest Children
The kids are not alright in this Classic edition of The List. You definitely wouldn't want to get stuck babysitting this batch of anime's creepiest kiddos!
― Your list-maker extraordinaire is on maternity leave this week, so it's time for another Classic installment of The List! It seems only fitting that this throwback countdown be child-themed, and it also happens to be the first edition of The Li...
Psycome Novel 1
Mizuki Mizushiro's parody of the "special school" and harem genres can be kind of gruesome, but it succeeds more than it fails as a twisted satire. Rebecca Silverman digs in.
― Psycome is not a novel for the faint of heart. Featuring a hero framed for the brutal murders of twelve people and set in a school/penitentiary, there are plenty of moments of physical violence and references to rape. If you c...
ANNCast - Cruel for the Summer
Zac and Jacob wrap up Anime Expo 2016 and dive right in to the brand-new summer season - Berserk, Orange, Love Live! Sunshine!! and much much more!
― ANNCast Episode 265: Cruel for the Summer Zac and Jacob wrap up Anime Expo 2016 and dive right in to the brand-new summer season - Berserk, Orange, Love Live Sunshine and much much more! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download th...
Answerman - How Are Simulcast Subtitles Made So Fast?
Simulcast subtitles appear faster than the speed of sound sometimes, or so it appears; exactly how do these shows get subbed so quickly? Justin digs into it.
― Ashtur asks: With the rise of simulcasting, how do the foreign distributors prepare the subtitles that quickly? Do they get advance copies of the scripts? How do they work out subtitle timing on the video? Sometimes they get advance copies of...
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