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Handa-kun ‒ Episode 7
"Instead of scrambling to keep up with an endless line of newcomers, the audience is able to sit back and enjoy the antics of the Handa Force this week."
91 Days ‒ Episodes 6-7
"All in all, 91 Days managed to recover from its momentary dip in quality, and the visuals have as well."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 21
"Ever since day one, the show has been teasing the eventual inclusion of Yoshikage Kira, and this week finally pays that foreshadowing off."
Thunderbolt Fantasy ‒ Episodes 6-7
"These two episodes explore over how well this ragtag group of strong personalities can possibly function as a group, and the prognosis isn't good."
Sweetness & Lightning GN 1
Comfort food takes on a new meaning in the endearing and adorable first volume of Sweetness & Lightning, even as it stumbles a little when combining its genres.
― Manga has always excelled at creating genres you might not have expected to see, much less enjoy, and Gido Amagakure's Sweetness & Lightning is no exception. It combines “single dad raising a daughter” literature with a cooking story, and t...
Amanchu! ‒ Episode 7
"Although virtually no time is spent in the water this week, episode 7 is carried by fun character interactions and a relaxing atmosphere."
Alderamin on the Sky ‒ Episode 7
"This episode is nothing too spectacular, but the series is definitely smoothly sailing right now."
ANNCast - Otakon Special with Mike & Daryl
Mike Toole and Daryl Surat are fresh off the plane from Otakon 2016 and they're here to tell the tale! PLUS: Char's Counterattack, Berserk and much more!
― ANNCast Episode 269: Otakon Special with Mike and Daryl Mike Toole and Daryl Surat are fresh off the plane from Otakon 2016 and they're here to tell the tale! PLUS: Char's Counterattack, Berserk and much more! You can listen to the show on our pl...
This Art Club Has a Problem! ‒ Episode 7
"This week's Art Club did make me smile, even if those smiles were tempered by a few checks on how much time was left in the episode."
Yona of the Dawn Part Two BD+DVD
Yona's first season concludes open-ended, but the journey is still well worth the price of admission. Rebecca Silverman explores the twists and turns of this shojo adventure.
― If part one of Yona of the Dawn's anime adaptation was about Yona's journey from pampered princess to a young woman who could survive in the world, part two is about her realization of what she wants to do in that world as she...
Battery the Animation ‒ Episodes 5-6
"Battery the Animation continues to be naturalistic in both its drama and production, depicting intense – if commonplace – adolescent struggles in a realistic way."
Answerman - Why Are Later Volumes Of Anime and Manga So Hard To Find?
Sometimes finding middle or late volumes of an older anime or manga release is next-to-impossible and can run you some serious cash; Justin explains why.
― Vincent asks: I started buying anime on DVD back in high school and have gradually transitioned to buying Blu-rays. I've happened to notice that later volumes of certain series tend to sell out and go out of print significantly faster than the be...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Despair Arc ‒ Episode 6
"Just as the Future Arc starts looking more hopeful, the Despair Arc finally begins living up to its name."
Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 472
"Naruto Shippūden is bound and determined to make the audience feel something for Uchiha Obito."
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 19
"This is the show's new benchmark, with the kind of emotional intensity and tightly-wound conflict that I look for in anime."
My Monster Secret GN 2
Asahi's life gets more complicated when the monster secrets in his life just keep piling up! But as its harem expands, how does this offbeat romcom hold up overall?
― There's something inherently charming about a good manga romcom. You know the character relationships are probably going to stagnate, and you know any steps toward true romance will likely be walked back in a chapter's last few panels, ...
Cheer Boys!! ‒ Episode 6
"The show decided to push itself to hard mode by more than doubling the size of its main cast."
The Irregular at Magic High School Novels 1 & 2
Although it suffers from some overwriting, The Irregular at Magic High School's first two novels generally go to show that sometimes the book really is better.
― After the release of its anime version and two manga variants, the original light novels of Tsutomu Satou's The Irregular at Magic High School have arrived in English, courtesy of Yen On. While they aren't likely to win over any readers who ...
Berserk ‒ Episode 7
"Even if it still doesn't do its source manga justice, this was easily the best episode of Berserk 2016 yet."
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Future Arc ‒ Episode 6
"This episode is uncharacteristically optimistic, but things can only get way worse before they get better."
D.Gray-man Hallow ‒ Episode 7
"As romantic as the idea of love stronger than death might be, I find myself pitying Kanda more than admiring his loyalty."
Vice & Luna - #10
It's finally date night for Luna, and Maybell has big plans, but Vice has a little something to say about that first!
―
Sweetness & Lightning ‒ Episode 7
"This episode takes a turn for the dramatic—but not to the point of feeling like a different show."
ReLIFE
This season's offbeat dramedy about an unemployed 27-year old getting a second chance at high school was released to Crunchyroll as a full series for binge viewing, but is it worth a 13-episode marathon?
― The Summer 2016 anime season has given us a number of unusual releases – one series that's only five episodes long (Planetarian), two concurrent series from the same franchise meant to be viewed si...
Taboo Tattoo ‒ Episode 7
"Outside of some admittedly cool moments littered throughout the fight against Cal, almost nothing about this episode works at all."
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Despair Arc ‒ Episode 5
"After four episodes of solid pacing, episode 5 has to fudge around with some transparent padding to get us in place for the Tragedy."
New Game! ‒ Episode 7
"New Game! continues to feel like it's in a holding pattern, neither moving forward nor slipping back as it circles around the possibility of advancing the plot."
The Morose Mononokean ‒ Episode 7
"The Morose Mononokean is good at many different things, in a way that allows it to appeal to a wide array of viewers."
Mob Psycho 100 ‒ Episode 6
"The show's storytelling is as strong as ever, and I was happy to see that the events of last episode are actually resulting in lasting repercussions."
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance ‒ Episode 7
"The fast pace of this episode is truly the root of its problems, even if it's understandable considering the pace of this season."
Answerman - How Superstitious Is Japan, Really?
Anime and manga frequently reference superstitious tradition - but just how superstitious is Japan in real life? Justin gets into it.
― Brooks asks: Are Japanese people in real life really as superstitious as they're portrayed in anime? Like in every anime that takes place at a school, there always seems to be that one character that's deathly afraid of ghosts to the point of absurdity. Or you often...
Shelf Life - After War Gundam X Part 2
After War Gundam X ramps up the stakes in its second half, but is it enough to elevate the overall story? Plus, all this week's new releases!
― I think I've been doing this unconsciously for a few seasons now, but I've figured out a method of watching simulcast shows that's been working well for me. I follow the episodic comedies and slow-paced slice of life stuff from week to week, then start the m...
Queen Emeraldas GN 1
Queen Emeraldas runs the risk of only appealing to fans of Matsumoto or older manga, but it is worth giving a chance even if neither of those are within your usual purview.
― Technically, this review could simply consist of the words “lady space pirate” and possibly “Leiji Matsumoto” and pique a prior fan's interest in Queen Emeraldas. But as with most, if not all, Matsumoto titles, there's far more ...
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 20
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the battle against the White Whale is going to take more than one full episode."
Orange ‒ Episode 7
"Things moved forward quickly in this week's episode of Orange."
DAYS ‒ Episode 7
"We're starting to get a lot of repetition here."
Tales of Zestiria the X ‒ Episode 7
"These two episodes could possibly be an ad for Tales of Berseria stuck into the middle of Zestiria's show, and I find that possibility frustrating."
Love Live! Sunshine!! ‒ Episode 7
"Tokyo really was a turning point not only for the characters, but also for the series."
Yatterman Night Sub.DVD
Despite some pitfalls along the way and a shaky final episode, Yatterman Night comes together well enough overall. Theron Martin explores this unusual reboot.
― The original Yatterman TV series aired in the late '70s as the second and longest installment of the Time Bokan franchise. It featured a 13-year-old boy and his like-aged girlfriend who took on the identities of Yatterman-1 and Yatterman-2 to...
Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Future Arc ‒ Episode 5
"We haven't known Kimura and Ando for long, but this episode manages to wring the maximum amount of sadness from their relationship before its bitter end."
Rewrite ‒ Episode 7
"The disappearance of Inoue at the end of last episode seemed to mark a turning point in the series."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 20
"It's time for us to embrace a humbled, much more humanized version of Yukako."
Food Wars! The Second Plate ‒ Episode 7
"This episode didn't waste any time getting to the conclusion of the Autumn Election semi-finals, which means it only touched on the cook-off between Akira and Ryo."
Handa-kun ‒ Episode 6
"As Handa-kun continues to introduce us to Handa's unusual classmates, I find myself starting to wonder if he's actually one of the saner people in his school."
The List - 7 Cruel Gods
Life in our world isn't always fair, but these dastardly deities make it clear that the powers-that-be could always be a whole lot nastier to the puny humans under their heels.
― Famine, rivers of blood, locusts, or a death game of mentally unstable teenagers trying to kill each other with their cell phones, life is hard enough without the powers that be actively working to make things as horrible a...
Magi: Adventure of Sinbad
This Magi spinoff about Sinbad's early adventures has some rushed pacing problems, but its combination of adventure, humor, and backstory still tally up to a good time. Rebecca Silverman dives in.
― Thirty years before Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana meet in Balbadd, a boy was born in Parthevia to a wounded soldier and his wife. Does that sound a bit melodramatic? So is the very beginning of this spin...
Amanchu! ‒ Episode 6
"Futaba takes center stage once again in this week's feel-good Amanchu!"
Alderamin on the Sky ‒ Episode 6
"This is a totally fine direction to go in, as it presents numerous possibilities for both military and diplomatic tactics, though it hardly rouses enthusiasm."
ANNCast - Hater Patrol
Zac and Jacob didn't intend to sound like a pack of haters when discussing Mob Psycho 100, but here we are. PLUS: Sweetness & Lightning, Love Live! Sunshine!!, Suicide Squad and much more!
― ANNCast Episode 268: Hater Patrol Zac and Jacob didn't intend to sound like a pack of haters when discussing Mob Psycho 100, but here we are. PLUS: Sweetness & Lightning, Love Live Sunshine, Suicide Squad and mu...
Answerman - Why Are Anime Conventions So Expensive?
For some, anime convention badges seem like they're going up in price, and ticketed events - an extra expense after you've paid for your badge - are on the rise. Justin gets into the rising costs of conventions.
― Kasra asks: I want to ask why in the world of cons is so expensive. I went to my first con on Friday and the cost of the ticket was so much that it was unbelievable -- 57 dollars to get in...
Interview: Your Lie in April Mangaka Naoshi Arakawa
The award-winning creator of the smash hit tearjerker Your Lie in April discusses his biggest hit, sudden success, his first trip to the US (or even on an airplane) and his brand-new manga series.
― Anime Expo 2016 was notable for having not just one, but several noted manga creators from Japan featured as their special guests. One such guest was Naoshi Arakawa, the award-winning creator of the drama...
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."
This Week in Games - Metroid's Saddest Birthday Ever
ANN's new weekly gaming feature launches with this week's big news - including a remake of Metroid II that Nintendo doesn't want anyone to play - and next week's biggest new releases!
― Greetings and welcome to This Week in Games, our new weekly gaming feature here on Anime News Network that probably reminds you a whole lot of our previous column, The X Button. But where the X Button was a roundup of...
Yurikuma Arashi BD+DVD
This yuri series of yesteryear can often be too weird for words, but its artistic ambition and thought-provoking ideas must be seen to be bear-lieved. Jacob Chapman explores this unusual gem.
― Yurikuma Arashi is a show about lesbians, written and directed by a man. For some people, this might not mean anything one way or the other. Countless other yuri anime have been written or directed by men, alo...
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...
Interview: Love Live Sunshine - Aqours
Six brand-new school idols appeared at Anime Expo 2016 to introduce the world to Love Live! Sunshine!! We sat down with the group to find out what their visit to America was like and what inspires their music.
― It's been a big year for the girls from Love Live Sunshine. It's the first voice role for many of the girls; they're the new "school idols" from the Love Live project, an all-media project th...
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 ...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Jul 29-Aug 4
Alderamin on the Sky shoots up the rankings in an unprecedented bid for the top spot - but Re:Zero remains king of the hill. See how all your favorite shows fared in our weekly rankings!
― 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...
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."
Vice & Luna - #9
It's anime night at Vice & Luna's office, and it's never a simple task deciding what to watch!
―
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."
Shelf Life - Karneval
Gabriella takes us on a wild ride through the Lisa-Frank-trapper-keeper world of Karneval. Plus, all this week's new releases!
― I fell into one of the world's biggest time sinks the other day: shopping for anime figures online. After hours of price comparisons, shipping calculations, review browsing, and financial guilt-tripping, I finally decided to buy… absolutely nothing. Is there someone I can ...
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...
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...
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