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Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 471
"I'm glad that the latest Obito love fest was limited to half the episode—but it shouldn't have even eaten up that much time."
This Art Club Has a Problem! ‒ Episode 6
"As promised, this week introduces a new character to the cast, and like Usami, I'm not quite sure what to make of her."
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 18
"Twin Star Exorcists took a surprising turn this week, resisting the urge to jump right into the fray and taking some extra time to prepare our protagonists (and the audience) for the battle to come."
Answerman - Are Anime Companies Cutting Back On Convention Appearances?
A recent interview with one manga company prompts a reader to ask if anime and manga companies are cutting back on costly convention appearances. Justin gets into it.
― Jake asks: One of the things that I enjoy about going to conventions is meeting people from the industry and getting a more personal experience. But recently I was listening to an interview with Seven Seas and they stated that it was...
Ten Count GN 1
Despite a slightly uncomfortable premise, Ten Count's first volume treats its characters well in a slow but enjoyable first volume.
― Upon simply hearing the premise of Rihito Takarai's Ten Count, you could be forgiven for worrying that it would be just another exploitative yaoi series driven by an unequal relationship. That, however, would be allowing yourself to miss out on at least a first volume ...
One Piece ‒ Episode 752
"It's been a solid 90 episodes since the whole crew has been together, so we're inclined to make haste."
Sweetness & Lightning ‒ Episode 6
"This week, Sweetness & Lightning changes things up by allowing its supporting players to join in the culinary fun."
Lucky Star Blu-Ray
Lucky Star took the otaku world by storm and became a sensation nearly a decade ago - now that the entire series is out on bluray, how does it hold up? Nick Creamer takes it on.
― It's difficult to conceive of a show that better exemplifies “a product of its time” than Lucky Star. Airing just one year after the mega-hit The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, it was the first dedicated slice-of-life serie...
D.Gray-man Hallow ‒ Episode 6
"Its mixture of drama and brief (often intentionally awkward) moments of comedy sets this episode just a notch above previous ones."
New Game! ‒ Episode 6
"New Game is able to distinguish itself from the slice of life crowd when the characters talk shop at the office, but it loses some of that spark when it sends everyone out for a normal day on the town."
Taboo Tattoo ‒ Episode 6
"The series keeps adding new characters without bothering to flesh out the old ones, and the general conflict is getting murkier and less interesting every week."
Mob Psycho 100 ‒ Episode 5
"Mob Psycho has topped itself yet again."
The Morose Mononokean ‒ Episode 6
"This episode begins and ends strong but loses its way somewhere in the middle."
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 19
"The degree to which Subaru takes advantage of what he learned – especially in the last loop – is pretty impressive."
Orange ‒ Episode 6
"As an intimate portrayal of believable human feelings, many of this episode's scenes were clear winners."
Answerman - Why Don't Anime DVDs Have Other Languages?
One reader wants to know why anime DVDs have languages other than Japanese and English. Justin's ready for this one.
― Joel asks: I have been wondering why most anime titles released in the United States only include two language options, the original Japanese version and English Dub. Except for Disney's Studio Ghibli releases and Batman: Gotham Knight, I have not seen any other anime films or TV sh...
Tales of Zestiria the X ‒ Episode 6
"Sorey and Mikleo did warn us that it would happen – this week's episode is not about any of the characters we have met thus far."
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance ‒ Episode 6
"This week, several major players from the previous season—Guiscard, Etoile, and important new faces like Irina—take center stage once again."
Wandering Island GN 1
From its sweeping scenes of a biplane's flight to its mystical adventure plot, Wandering Island's first volume is the kind of book you can get lost in. Rebecca Silverman explores its depths.
― Whether you call it Brigadoon, Shangri-La, or Electric Island, legends and dreams of a mystical place just slightly removed from reality abound in both fiction and folklore. This fabled paradise is the backbone...
DAYS ‒ Episode 6
"Maybe it was the kinetic energy of the game, but this episode showed real movement, both in engaging animation and progression toward another stage in the plot."
Column - Mucha Wuxia
The high-flying puppety theatrics of Thunderbolt Fantasy come from a long and grand tradition of wuxia-inspired productions, including a whole lot of anime - which Mike just couldn't help but dig in to.
― It's a big, bright, hot summer in this year of 2016, and if you're not spending your weekend nights watching Thunderbolt Fantasy, you're missing out. It's proving to be one of the most exciting new ...
Love Live! Sunshine!! ‒ Episode 6
"Week after week, Love Live Sunshine is more about what it could be than what it actually is."
Rewrite ‒ Episode 6
"After focusing on specific girls for the last two episodes, Rewrite takes a broader approach with episode 6."
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 6
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's the match you've all been waiting for: Soma versus Mimasaka, concluded!"
When They Cry: Rei Blu-Ray
These five bonus episodes in the Higurashi franchise may not be must-see, but they're a neat treat for fans looking to spend a little more time in Hinamizawa.
― Spoiler Warning for the ending of When They Cry: Kai Based on a fan disc released in late 2006, this 2009 OVA is the third of five When They Cry anime – the remaining two are When They Cry: Kira (licensed by Sentai but with no release date ye...
Thunderbolt Fantasy ‒ Episode 5
"Thunderbolt Fantasy is starting to juggle a surprising amount of plot for how tight and propulsive the show feels."
Berserk ‒ Episode 6
"Berserk is all kinds of messed-up and disgusting, but the horror continues to be far more than skin-deep, and I'm eager to see what will happen when all these tragic forces finally clash."
91 Days ‒ Episode 5
"Despite all the switcheroos, this episode wasn't too eventful, mostly set up for dramatic reversals that will go off next episode."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 19
"JJBA continues to be a stylish monster-of-the-week show, but Diamond is Unbreakable seems to have a mission statement about who these monsters actually are."
Handa-kun ‒ Episode 5
"A fun second half does a lot to make up for this episode's lackluster opening, but the overall balance falls a little short of Handa-kun's usual standard."
The List - 7 Strangest Harem Set Ups
Just when you think you've seen every anime trope out there, Japan comes up with some of the weirdest harems you've ever seen. Take a look at these seven bizarre dating set-ups!
― Hey everyone! Lynzee here with what I plan to be the last classic column before returning to full capacity next week! I welcomed a healthy baby boy, named Felix, on June 25. I'm still recovering, but he's finally taking to...
Amanchu! ‒ Episode 5
"In the wake of episode 4's emotionally charged second half, this week's Amanchu! takes a turn for the silly."
Black Clover GN 1 & 2
Despite its reputation, Black Clover isn't the worst manga ever, but it sure is clumsy! Rebecca Silverman breaks down where this shonen adventure stumbles.
― How picky should we be when a new series feels like a compilation of series we've read before? To a degree, it really depends on how well the new one melds its influences together; after all, prevailing wisdom says that there are only six plots ...
Alderamin on the Sky ‒ Episode 5
"This flashback confirms the lingering suspicion from episode 4 that the relationship between Yatori and Ikta is fully reciprocal."
Battery the Animation ‒ Episode 4
"In this episode, Takumi continues to learn that no one will play ball with his emotional immaturity."
Answerman - What Was Anime Like Before World War II Ended?
A question about the prewar history of anime in Japan sends Justin on a journey back through the rich and fascinating origin of the medium.
― James asks: A few books talk about how Anime started after the US occupied Japan and great storytellers, like Walt Disney, helped to inspire some of Japan's very own early great Anime makers. But I saw once that Anime was earlier than that, well before WW2. So...
This Art Club Has a Problem! ‒ Episode 5
"The real strength of this series as it goes on is in the increasingly firm base of character relationships."
ANNCast Interview: Seven Seas Entertainment
Jason DeAngelis, Adam Arnold and Lissa Patillo from Seven Seas Entertainment, the scrappy independent publisher of the hit manga Monster Musume and much more, stop by ANNCast for a wide-ranging chat!
― ANNCast Episode 267: Seven Seas Entertainment Jason DeAngelis, Adam Arnold and Lissa Patillo from Seven Seas Entertainment, scrappy indie publisher of the hit manga Monster Musume, stop by ANNCast for...
Five Lessons I Learned From Assassination Classroom
Longtime Koro-sensei pupil Paul Jensen reflects on the lessons he learned from his time inside this chaotic classroom, after graduation.
― Now that Assassination Classroom's final season is over, it's time to take a look at some of the themes and ideas hiding under all the quirky comedy and over-the-top action. Open up those notebooks and turn your brains back on, because we've got some learning to d...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 470
"After a six-week trip to Filler Land, Naruto Shippūden unceremoniously plunks us back into the main story and the ongoing fight against Otsutsuki Kaguya."
Under the Dog
Kinema Citrus' action-packed dystopian sci-fi adventure is available now to the folks who helped get it made, so it's time for Mike Toole to dive in. Does the film live up to its lofty expectations?
― Full disclosure: I backed Under the Dog on Kickstarter at the “special agent” level. Look for my name in tiny print in the credits! Just two years ago, I sat in a packed ballroom at Otakon, waiting to h...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Despair Arc ‒ Episode 4
"Arcs intertwine in both goofier and grimmer ways as Danganronpa 3 barrels through one creative catastrophe after another."
Can You Name 10 More Anime From The 2000s?
It's time to reach back into the deepest parts of your otaku memory - can you name all 10 of these anime from the 2000s?
―
Series Finale: planetarian ‒ Episode 5
"In the end, I enjoyed my visit to the planetarium."
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 17
"This week, Twin Star Exorcists has decided to up the ante and really accelerate the conflict."
Re:ZERO Novel 1
This first volume of the light novel behind the hit anime series is finally available in English, but are Subaru's earliest adventures still worth reading? Theron Martin breaks it down.
― The Re:Zero anime has become a low-key hit over the past two seasons, so naturally the first of its source novels is now being released in the States. Given the timing, the novel was probably slated to come out rega...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Weeks of July 1-28
The first user rankings of the Summer 2016 season are finally in! Find out where Re:Zero, Mob Psycho 100 and all your other favorite shows landed on the list.
― Our team of reviewers are following 30 anime series of the Summer 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 that t...
Cheer Boys!! ‒ Episode 5
"Just like the rigidity of high school gives way to the unregulated freedom of college, this sports anime set in a university environment is refreshingly unstructured and chill."
Answerman - Why Did Some 90s Anime Mix Digital Shots With Cel Animation?
Classic anime like Cowboy Bebop on bluray often feature blurry digital shots mixed in with the nice crisp traditional animation - why is that, and is there any way around it?
― Laurence asks: Watching some of the classics of late 90s anime (eg. Cowboy Bebop, Great Teacher Onizuka etc.) I've always wondered why - despite the vast bulk of the show being comprised of traditional cell-painted animation,...
Interview: Okayado, The Father of Monster Musume
The man behind the smash hit manga Monster Musume opens up about his career, what inspires him, and just how much fan input influences where his beautifully bizarre creation goes next.
― Anime Expo 2016 in Los Angeles attracted an all-star array of top talent from Japan, including several manga creators. One notable guest making his first visit to a N. America comics convention was Okayado, the creat...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Future Arc ‒ Episode 4
"As the clues to the conspiracy pile up, it's time to draw up your bingo cards at home and let your wild assumptions fly free!"
A Good Librarian Like a Good Shepherd Sub.Blu-Ray +DVD
This overlooked harem anime from 2014 has more charm than meets the eye. Rebecca Silverman details what makes this forgotten series special.
― A Good Librarian Like a Good Shepherd is not a title designed to catch you with its first episode. The show begins by introducing us to Kyotaro Kakei, a self-contained bookworm with the ticket to a magical library given to him by a mysterious man in his childh...
Taboo Tattoo ‒ Episode 5
"Taboo Tattoo has officially gone over the border of being a “Guilty Pleasure”; right now, it's just plain guilty"
Sweetness & Lightning ‒ Episode 5
"On the off-chance that you've been on the fence about Sweetness & Lightning, this just might be the episode to bring you around."
Mob Psycho 100 ‒ Episode 4
"Mob Psycho 100 sets up conflicts with confidence, doesn't waste time, and sprinkles its narrative movements with consistent small visual rewards."
New Game! ‒ Episode 5
"The character development spotlight falls on Hajime this week, with the spunky character animator getting plenty of screen time throughout the episode."
D.Gray-man Hallow ‒ Episode 5
"With a significantly slower pace compared to previous episodes, there's a lot of time to digest all of Johnny's consternation, Kanda's denial, and Allen's unwillingness to render himself to fate."
Vice & Luna #8
Maybell rolls the dice and makes a bold move - something Vice & Luna never saw coming!
―
QQ Sweeper GN 3
It's the end of one story and the beginning of another in QQ Sweeper's final volume. Rebecca Silverman explores this abrupt conclusion.
― This is the final volume of QQ Sweeper, and that's a mixed thing. On the one hand, there's something wonderful about a series so short you can read it in its entirety in one sitting. On the other, this particular series doesn't end, but rather finishes the storylin...
One Piece ‒ Episode 751
"Even by bottom-of-the-barrel Toei filler standards, there's something weirdly alarming about some of this footage."
Report: Under the Dog's Tokyo Premiere
A quick report and early impressions from the premiere of Under the Dog, the highly-anticipated new crowdfunded OVA from Kinema Citrus and director Masahiro Ando.
― On August 9, 2014 at the Otakon convention in Baltimore, a unique and intrepid anime project was announced to the world: Kinema Citrus's Under The Dog. Many new anime projects are announced at conventions, but Under The Dog’s announcement...
The Morose Mononokean ‒ Episode 5
"These past two episodes have lacked the emotional punch of the previous three, mostly taking a breather on that side to beef up worldbuilding instead."
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 18
"It's a potently emotional experience to watch, and doubtless some kind of potent message aimed at NEETs was intended here too."
Orange ‒ Episode 5
"Orange continues to offer a distinctive slice of warmth, nostalgia, and regret."
Answerman - Why Hasn't Ultraman Been Given The Hollywood Treatment?
Why hasn't Ultraman had a Speed Racer or Voltron-style rebirth in the US? Justin considers the possibilities.
― Jean-Karlo asks: Tokusatsu fan that I am, I've kept up-to-date with the original Ultraman series, particularly after my mother mentioned it as a series she and other children enjoyed back in the day. In the past few years, we've seen big budget Hollywood adaptions of Japanese works--but in...
Tales of Zestiria the X ‒ Episode 5
"Ladylake's dark underbelly speaks to the overall condition of the kingdom, making it seem safe to assume that the worst is yet to come for Sorey's band."
Shelf Life - After War Gundam X Part 1
James takes a look at a not-so-exalted entry in the Gundam canon, while Paul runs down this week's new releases!
― So, it looks like Macross suddenly started streaming on Amazon last week. That's pretty cool, considering how influential the series has been. It's also pretty surprising, considering how much licensing drama it's gone through over the years. Before I run off to watch it, however, we've...
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance ‒ Episode 5
"As usual with this show, the more interesting conflicts come from the series' interpersonal interactions."
Shonen Hollywood: Holly Stage for 50 Sub.DVD
Shonen Hollywood continues to demonstrate its unique strengths as it moves into its final season. Nick Creamer has the details.
― Shonen Hollywood has always been an unusual idol show. Some entries in the genre do dabble in the ugliness hidden behind the industry's glamor, but many of the show's most popular entries focus on a significantly idealized version of showbiz. Love Live sidesteps the issue ...
DAYS ‒ Episode 5
"I've learned nothing about soccer from DAYS—but I've learned a ton about Tsukushi and what makes him tick."
Rewrite ‒ Episode 5
"Sadly, the mysteries behind the story are more compelling than the actual storytelling at this point."
Berserk ‒ Episodes 4-5
"There's a lot of information to hash out across these episodes, but apart from the ever-hideous production work, it works out pretty well!"
Plastic Memories Sub.Blu-Ray Part 1
This sci fi drama about expiring androids is good at bringing the waterworks, but struggles when it comes to the lighter side of things. Theron Martin breaks it down.
― Though I am a sucker for anime tearjerkers, I can easily count on one hand the number of series to get an emotional reaction out of me from their first episode. This original series from the Spring 2015 season is one of them. The firs...
Love Live! Sunshine!! ‒ Episode 5
"It's ironic that in a show about "being yourself," the staff is afraid of letting Sunshine!! thrive as its own entity."
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 5
"The issue with this episode is more that it feels like a collection of thrown-together scenes."
91 Days ‒ Episode 4
"Poignant and entertaining, 91 Days continues to be a standout show for mature audiences."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 18
"It feels like it's been a while since we've had an Okuyasu-heavy episode, so it's fun to see the boys-being-boys side of Diamond is Unbreakable."
Thunderbolt Fantasy ‒ Episode 4
"Four episodes in, and Thunderbolt Fantasy is fully comfortable in its rapid pace."
Handa-kun ‒ Episode 4
"Now that Handa's unwanted entourage has found a good balance of personalities, the supporting characters are beginning to carry their share of the series."
Amanchu! ‒ Episode 4
"There are still plenty of Muppet-y faces and humorous moments scattered throughout, but the show's general mood has grown more introspective with each new episode."
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Despair Arc ‒ Episode 3
"Episode 3 of the Despair Arc is finally getting into the spirit of true despair, but what it doesn't show is just as interesting as what it does."
The List - Six Anime Trips to New York City
NYC is no stranger to the big screen, but why should Hollywood have all the fun? Here are six anime that'll take you on a tour of the Big Apple!
― You don't have to make your bed in the city that never sleeps to know a lot about New York City. The Big Apple has been featured in so many movies and TV shows from blockbusters to indies that many of its landmarks are now international iconography. So it...
The Asterisk War GN 1
The Asterisk War's manga adaptation makes a perfectly serviceable debut, even if this magic high school adventure is nothing unique. Rebecca Silverman takes a look.
― If you've ever read or watched a Magic High School story before, you'll immediately be able to draw parallels to The Asterisk War. That's not because the manga adaptation of Yuu Miyazaki's light novel series isn't good, but rather becau...
Alderamin on the Sky ‒ Episode 4
"This is the crowning achievement for all the absolute trust and understanding that we've seen between this main pair so far."
ANNCast - Berserk du Soleil
ANN reviewer Sam Leach joins Zac and Jacob on a blood-soaked journey through the first few episodes of Berserk, along with Danganronpa discussion and much more!
― ANNCast Episode 266: Berserk du Soleil ANN reviewer Sam Leach joins Zac and Jacob on a blood-soaked journey through the first few episodes of Berserk, along with Danganronpa discussion and much more! You can listen to the show on our playe...
Battery the Animation ‒ Episode 3
"Battery the Animation has slowed its pace a bit. Considering that the show was pretty chill to begin with, the result is some real low-energy entertainment."
Answerman - Will Streaming Companies Free Anime From TV Format Limits?
Now that streaming has liberated programming from broadcast runtime standards, will anime production change too? Justin gets into it.
― Terry asks: I watched some House of Cards awhile ago, and I noticed the episodes were about 50 minutes each. I know no made-for-TV shows are 50 minutes, because of the commercial breaks. It got me thinking of the rise of streaming services and their in-house product...
This Art Club Has a Problem! ‒ Episode 4
"This Art Club Has a Problem! seems to have settled into a comfortable pattern of three themed segments."
Interview: Shoji Kawamori
Whe Shoji Kawamori gets creative, the results can be spectacular - and controversial! The visionary creator of Macross discusses his brand new, completely original sci-fi anime due out in 2017.
― Shoji Kawamori scarcely needs an introduction – as the father of the hallowed Macross franchise and a legend in the field, Kawamori has racked up hits both critical and commercial throughout his entire block...
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 469
"Taken on its own, this week's episode is sure to delight fans of Naruto's increasingly scarce lighter side."
Kagerou Daze Novel 4
Kagerou Daze is slowly improving as a series, but it continues to suffer from less than stellar writing and unlikable characters. Rebecca Silverman breaks down this twisted story.
― Kagerou Daze has the dubious distinction of being one of the most difficult light novels currently being published in English to follow. In part, this is due to the dense language of the first two books, although that tha...
The X Button - Signing Off
It’s the final X Button, and Todd retires the column with a rundown of his lesser-known favorites! Plus Sonic Mania, Lady Layton, and Nintendo rumors!
― Here it is, readers: the last installment of The X Button. Next month will see another video-game column take its place, with the talented Dustin Bailey (that's Dustin, not Justin) at its helm. I thought hard about how best to close this little attr...
planetarian ‒ Episode 4
"This was another solid episode of Planetarian, its thematic bite only somewhat softened by the show's consistently mediocre visual execution."
Liselotte & Witch's Forest GN 1
This fantasy romance from Fruits Basket creator Natsuki Takaya weaves a magical blend of sweetness and melancholy, but can it stand apart from her previous work? Rebecca Silverman takes a look.
― Despite several of her other works being translated and released in English, Natsuki Takaya remains best known for her series Fruits Basket, whose light fantasy premise hid surprising emotional depths. Lisel...
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