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Shelf Life - Aoharu x Machinegun
Gabriella enters a world of bishounen and airsoft with Aoharu x Machinegun, but is this strange creation any good? Plus, all this week's new releases!
― It's that magical time of Black Friday/Cyber Monday/General Holiday Season sales, and I hope you've already found some good deals if bargain-hunting is your thing. Since I moved into a new apartment a few months ago, I've been buying boring things l...
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 34
"Nothing major happens in the plot this episode, but it still strengthens our cast and story through glimpses of what passes for mundanity in the worlds of Tekkadan and Gjallarhorn."
Jinsei: Life Consulting Sub.Blu-Ray + DVD
Jinsei is a bare-bones slice-of-life comedy and not much else. Nick Creamer breaks down whether this humble show is worth checking out.
― Some shows feel like they're just barely even there. You can watch them run for twelve or thirteen episodes, but by the time you come out the other end, you're not even really sure you've watched anything at all. They hew so closely to what is minimally expected of...
Flip Flappers ‒ Episode 8
"Most of this episode was more frivolous and predictable than what I expect out of Flip Flappers, ultimately wasting too much time in a series approaching its final quarter."
Poco's Udon World ‒ Episode 8
"Souta goes into full-on “worried parent” mode in a powerful and funny Poco's Udon World."
ClassicaLoid ‒ Episode 8
"This week on ClassicaLoid, it's all about the ladies!"
Kiss Him, Not Me ‒ Episode 8
"The spotlight is once again on Nanashima as things start to heat up on Kiss Him, Not Me."
The Mike Toole Show - The Strange Saga of Star Anime Enterprises
Mike details the long, odd and twisty tale of Star Anime Enterprises, a little-known anime company that released a whopping two titles in America.
― There's a pretty simple, obvious Thanksgiving tradition in my household. We get up early, we go to our pals' place (they host), and as we start to prepare for the multi-hour eat attack later in the day, we put on the big parade in New York. You know, the...
Izetta: The Last Witch ‒ Episode 9
"The big plot twist that lands this episode – one that I didn't see coming – depends on some incredibly shaky logic."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 35
"Things just keep getting better and better for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, as Part Four barrels toward its conclusion."
Magical Girl Raising Project ‒ Episode 9
"As odd as it sounds, Magical Girl Raising Project might have to sneak some happy moments into the mix if it wants to keep successfully breaking our hearts."
WWW.WAGNARIA!! ‒ Episode 9
"Winter seems to be the prime season for getting sick, and that applies to anime characters just as much as us regular folks."
Haikyu!! 3rd Season ‒ Episode 8
"Although many points are scored this week, the story still revolves around the players themselves, making this as much about wanting your favorite characters to win."
Bungo Stray Dogs ‒ Episode 21
Dazai takes on Lovecraft this week, as an uneasy alliance begins to form between the Port Mafia and the Agency.
Lostorage incited WIXOSS ‒ Episode 8
"The forecast is looking a bit better, but it will have to improve even more if WIXOSS is going to leave any lasting impressions by the time this season ends."
The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service [Omnibus] GN 1
Gabriella Ekens steps into a world of both horror and comedy with the adventures of the Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, now in special collectors' omnibus form.
― It takes something special for a procedural to stand out from the pack nowadays. When half of what comes out is some variation on “[blank] solves crimes,” you have to have something good to sell your variation on the formula. Published in...
Drifters ‒ Episode 8
"Things are moving at much more of an even keel now, and this episode ends with a clear direction in mind for the Drifters, and therefore much more clarity of purpose."
All Out!! ‒ Episode 8
"All of a sudden, it's not about Sagami vs. Jinko anymore, but instead about Jinko's players against themselves."
Keijo!!!!!!!! ‒ Episode 8
"The respect for the spirit of competition and sense of camaraderie that the series has shown so far is unquestionably one of the keys to its success."
Psycome Novel 2
Psycome loses its way a bit in a second volume that focuses too much on the "comedy" and not enough on the "psycho."
― Authors' afterwards in light novels can be anything from sneakily informative to long lists of rambling thanks, so you could be forgiven if you usually skip them. Mizuki Mizushiro's epilogue to the second volume of Psycome, however, is definitely in the former category; Mizushiro men...
Yuri!!! on Ice ‒ Episode 8
"Following his absence for most of the Cup of China, Yurio is back!"
Brave Witches ‒ Episode 7
"Brave Witches combines the practically obligatory holiday episode with the practically obligatory “protagonist gets sick” episode for efficiency's sake."
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 33
"It's hard not to feel like this is a rut the show is working through, and I hope it picks up speed soon."
Nanbaka ‒ Episode 8
"Dangling questions (and some lopsided pacing and structure) make this week's Nanbaka one of the weaker episodes."
The Holiday 2016 Gift Guide Part 2: Fashion
From Pikachu pullovers to Dragon Ball socks to One-Punch Man shirts, here's our guide to the best otaku-friendly fashion for your gift-giving needs!
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This Week in Games - Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
Dustin takes a deep dive into the new Sword Art Online game, for better and for worse. PLUS: Pokemon Sun & Moon, Final Fantasy XV and much more!
― We're closing in on the end of the holiday release season, though we've still got a couple of huge games to go—one of which is out this week! Yes, folks, the artist formerly known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII is nearly among us, and while I think I will su...
Honey So Sweet GN 4
Honey So Sweet continues to live up to its title in this fourth volume, even though a bit of angst is rearing its dangerous head.
― If Horimiya is the sweetest shounen romance currently being published in English, Honey So Sweet is its shoujo equivalent. Amu Meguro's story about an adorably awkward high school couple is much tamer than its shounen counterpart and at times sweet enough to rot your tee...
Sound! Euphonium 2 ‒ Episode 8
"Kumiko's relationship with her sister Mamiko finally blew up this week, in the aftermath of Mamiko declaring she wanted to quit college to be a beautician."
Girlish Number ‒ Episode 7
"By taking the focus off Chitose, Girlish Number has demonstrated its ultimately compassionate heart."
Natsume Yūjin-Chō Go ‒ Episode 7
"This episode is as much Natsume's story as it is his friend Tanuma's."
Answerman - Why Aren't There More Classic Anime Kickstarters?
Escaflowne, Bubblegum Crisis, Otaku no Video - classic anime kickstarters seem to do great, so why don't we see more of these?
― Reed asks: How come more anime companies don't run Kickstarters or other crowd-funding options to pay for recording English dubs or for funding Blu-ray releases? AnimEigo has done a few titles, some manga has been done this way, and Funimation did Escaflowne's redub throug...
Girls und Panzer der Film
The Girls und Panzer movie may not be Shakespeare, but it sure is fun! Nick Creamer discusses the dub premiere of this diamond in the rough.
― Tsutomu Mizushima is not an arthouse director. In contrast with those directors who generally leave a clear aesthetic signature on their productions, or who impart all their works with some socially relevant commentary, Mizushima's work is defined by polish, m...
The Holiday 2016 Gift Guide Part 1: Art & Books
In the first part of our 2016 gift guide, browse through piles of the year's best anime artifacts and books - from the art of Ghibli to an encyclopedia of Monster Girls, we've got you covered!
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The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Nov 12-18
Gundam leaps to the front of the pack this week, while Izetta seeks redemption from its recent plummet. See where your own faves rank!
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Fall 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 these rankings are based on...
One Piece ‒ Episode 765
"Between the second half and the Cat Viper song, this is a very strong episode."
Trickster ‒ Episode 8
Hanasaki's somewhat poignant backstory frames yet another accidentally silly mystery plot in the present day, as Trickster continues to juggle its strengths and weaknesses.
"Who Is The Next Hayao Miyazaki?"
Seems like every new anime director with half a success gets called "the next Miyazaki". Kevin Cirugeda considers the most common "Next Miyazakis", and why that title is totally dubious.
― If every anime viewer were to write a shortlist of the most essential creators in the industry, I have no doubt that Hayao Miyazaki would receive the most mentions with a massive lead over everyone else. And that's...
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 2 GN 4
The finale of the Battle Tendency arc is an amazing combination of insane fighting and Victorian melodrama as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure continues to impress.
― The world of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a strange one, even by the standards of shounen or seinen battle manga. Part of this is the necessary supernatural element of the story – the hamon, the Pillar Men's powers and lifespans, and the amazing...
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 67
The Future Trunks arc wraps with mixed results, pushing Super into uncharted territory for the future.
Answerman - Why Are Some Dubs Adapted So Much?
Justin explains why some dub scripts are so heavily modified for an English-speaking audience and just how much the Japanese side knows about these changes.
― Victoria asks: I like watching Hetalia since the beginning because of the little references to world history. I tried watching the dubbed version, but all the dialogue changed to have a lot of cursing and pop culture jokes which I can't stand ...
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 33
"As usual, the characters shine brighter than any other aspect, but there's still too much complex politicking in this episode for my tastes."
Shelf Life - Gatchaman Crowds Insight
James jumps back into the world of Gatchaman with its striking second season, while Paul runs down all this week's new anime releases!
― I can always tell if a video game has me hooked by how often I catch myself talking to the characters. I bought a car racing version of all those sports manager games recently, and I've already fallen into the habit of berating my imaginary drivers every time they ...
Sword Art Online: Progressive Novel 4
A long-overdue split between Kirito and Asuna's viewpoints results in the best and most complete novel of the series to date. Theron Martin dives in.
― Volumes 2 and 3 of the Progressive series were told entirely from Kirito's viewpoint, which I felt was a disservice to his co-star Asuna. That changes with this volume, making it the best and most complete story to date for this branch of the franchis...
Occultic;Nine ‒ Episode 7
"Occultic:Nine is running out of time, and it can't afford to keep spinning its wheels for much longer."
ClassicaLoid ‒ Episode 7
"There's a lot about this week's episode that should not have worked, starting with the whole premise, but ClassicaLoid is good at wringing maximum emotion out of minimum plot."
Flip Flappers ‒ Episode 7
"Even in its most thematically straightforward episode, Flip Flappers offers viewers way more questions than answers."
Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! GN 1
As a parody of the swords-and-sorcery fantasy genre, Konosuba is worth checking out if you need a laugh. Rebecca Silverman dives in.
― They say that life doesn't always work out the way you planned. Sometimes that can be a good thing, but other times, not so much. Kazuma Sato falls into the latter category courtesy of a fate with a rotten sense of humor. Normally a teenage shut-in, Kazuma dared to ve...
Poco's Udon World ‒ Episode 7
"For my money, this was the outright funniest episode the show has given us."
Kiss Him, Not Me ‒ Episode 7
"Every semblance of realism is thrown out the window in this week's supernatural-flavored episode."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 34
"This episode exemplifies JoJo's Bizarre Adventure at its strongest, offering both the absurd humor and the ensuing horror."
Magical Girl Raising Project ‒ Episode 8
"Magical Girl Raising Project comes across as more grim than clever this week, but it still has strong visuals and some intriguing plot threads working in its favor."
Izetta: The Last Witch ‒ Episode 8
"Episode 8 had a lot of good story content, but it also left me with a lot of mixed feelings."
March comes in like a lion ‒ Episode 7
"After a full episode spent deep within Rei's depressed psyche, it was nice to get a breather this week."
WWW.WAGNARIA!! ‒ Episode 8
"It's usually a big deal when two main characters start dating, but there's not much about the relationship between Higashida and Miyakoshi that you could call “usual.”"
Haikyu!! 3rd Season ‒ Episode 7
"As Karasuno and Shiratorizawa go into the final set of their qualifying game, the stakes couldn't be higher."
Bungo Stray Dogs ‒ Episode 21
"Things have well and truly been set into motion now, as this episode enters heavy thematic territory."
Lostorage incited WIXOSS ‒ Episode 7
"We need some honest to goodness plot development soon, because “Chinatsu Being Creepy and Manipulative” has lost its shock value and its entertainment value."
The List - 7 Movies That Need Licenses ASAP
There are a whole lot of incredible anime feature films that have never - or only rarely - seen the light of day. Here are seven anime films we'd love to see get an official US release!
― Access to the latest anime releases in Japan is at an all-time high. The convenience of streaming allows viewers access to a huge library of current and past shows with the click of a button. Whether someone wants ...
My Hero Academia GN 6
My Hero Academia’s sixth volume sees the manga returning to a stable rhythm in the wake of its first true peak.
― My Hero Academia's school tournament arc was a staggering high point for the series so far. Matching clever, fast-paced battles with poignant personal stories, it further humanized a solid subset of the manga's immense cast while never letting up as immediate entertainment. It was essenti...
Drifters ‒ Episode 7
"Pound for pound, this is the most action packed, visceral, and entertaining episode the show has given us since its premiere."
Keijo!!!!!!!! ‒ Episode 7
"It's heartening to see that the series isn't letting itself get bogged down by these training sequences."
ANNCast - Quite A Number
Zac and Jacob catch up with Yuri on Ice, Girlish Number, All Out and much more, plus your Twitter questions!
― ANNCast Episode 276: Quite A Number Zac and Jacob catch up with Yuri on Ice, Girlish Number, All Out and much more, plus your Twitter questions! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the MP3 version here, check out the show on Stitcher here, and we're also on Google...
All Out!! ‒ Episode 7
"Training camp ends with Jinko more or less ready to face the future as a team."
How Keijo Won the Gold in Fanservice
Booby shows come and go, but Keijo!!!!!!!! is making major waves this season! Jacob Chapman explains what makes this anime about girls fighting with their butts such a hit.
― No ifs, ands, or butts about it, Keijo!!!!!!!! is one of the biggest hits of the Fall 2016 season. Fanservice-driven anime come and go with the mercurial whims of thirsty otaku, but it looks like Keijo(x8!) is really making wave...
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Novel 2
Things keep getting worse for ol' Subaru in the second Re:ZERO novel, which also introduces everyone's favorite twin maids, Ram and Rem!
― Immortality sounds great, but it's much more of a double-edged sword. Usually we see the sadder side of it in literature, such as Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting, but sometimes an author decides to go for the more depressing or frustrating aspects of the inabil...
Yuri!!! on Ice ‒ Episode 7
"As of this seventh episode, Yuuri on Ice has reached a point of no return."
Broadcast Dub Review Roundup
We've got reviews of Funimation's biggest fall season simuldub premieres, and you can find them all right here!
― This fall, Funimation partnered with Crunchyroll to dub a heaping helping of their seasonal simulcasts. Now that we're several weeks into the season, we have reviews of most of these new dubs available from our daily streaming reviews team! (Shows from past seasons like 91 Days and Orange...
This Week in Games - Switch Rumor Roundup
There's a new Nintendo console coming - and the rumors are flying fiercely. Dustin runs down everything we think we might know about the Switch - plus Persona 5 and more!
― After a couple of very slow news weeks—in the world of video games, anyway—the valves have been opened and we're now drowning in a deep, dark ocean of announcements, reports, and rumors. So much so that there isn't even room enoug...
Twin Star Exorcists ‒ Episode 32
"What a weird episode, especially after the emotional heaviness of the past few weeks."
To Love Ru Darkness 2 Sub.Blu-Ray
One of the most successful long-running fanservice franchises rolls out its fourth season. But how does Darkness 2 stack up against shinier new fanservice franchises of today?
― With 78 episodes spread amongst OVAs and four TV series (and a 79th pending in an upcoming OVA release), To Love-Ru is now the most expansive anime harem franchise that covers one single storyline. Over the course of eight ye...
Brave Witches ‒ Episode 6
“In the carousel of featured characters that the series seems to be rotating through, the turn has now come for Sasha and Nipa.”
Sound! Euphonium 2 ‒ Episode 7
"Sound! Euphonium is always a visually impressive production, but it's nice when its story is just as strong as its performance."
Girlish Number ‒ Episode 6
"It's time for a beach episode! Of course, this is Girlish Number we're talking about, so Kuzu-P's motives in planning this trip aren't exactly pure."
Nanbaka ‒ Episode 7
"A shift in gears was exactly what Nanbaka needed emotionally, and presenting it as a form of trolling makes it all the more fun and unexpected."
Interview: Pop Idols Momoiro Clover Z
World-conquering idols Momoiro Clover Z sang theme songs for anime like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball, and they're bringing their incredible show to New York and LA this weekend!
― Where do idol groups come from? They don't burst out, fully-formed, upon the streets of Akiba, that's for sure. A look under the hood of the Japanese entertainment business reveals that the girls’ idol singing business is ta...
The Beginner's Guide to Natsume Yūjin-Chō
As this beloved series enters its fifth season, it may be tempting to see what all the buzz is about for yourself. Lauren Orsini has the lowdown on how to get into Natsume's Book of Friends!
― Since long-running, intimidating anime franchises tend to fall into the shounen action genre, it's rare that a gentle, supernatural shoujo series gets similar treatment. At first glance, it's downright mystifyi...
Natsume Yūjin-Chō Go ‒ Episode 6.5
Natsume's fifth season takes a breather this week, airing a little-seen OVA from last year in place of a recap episode. How does this Nyanko-sensei adventure hold up?
Ten Count GN 2
Ten Count is a good story for its subgenre, but this may be the point where it will lose readers less willing to forgive its twisted take on love. Rebecca Silverman investigates.
― If you're studying or practicing psychology, or are just particularly well-informed on the subject, this is the volume of Ten Count that may make your skin begin to crawl. Whereas volume one was more focused on Shirotani b...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Nov 5-11
A new show snatches the top spot in the overall rankings, dethroning both Sound Euphonium and Yuri on Ice! Find out where your faves ranked this week.
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Fall 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 these ranki...
Trickster ‒ Episode 7
"At times, Trickster is too much in love with itself to reflect upon its clumsier side, but I cannot help but be impressed by the show's devotion to its core ideas."
One Piece ‒ Episode 764
"We're twelve episodes into Zou and it only now feels like the arc is in full motion."
Interview: The Cast of Sailor Moon R: The Movie
The English voice cast of Sailor Moon R: The Movie chat about what it's like to be voicing some of the most iconic anime characters ever - in their most beloved theatrical film. No pressure!
― Sailor Moon R: The Movie was originally released in 1993, and by the time it finally arrived on bilingual uncut DVD in the year 2000 courtesy of then-licensee Pioneer Entertainment, the film had already gained ...
Review: NES Classic Edition
This little console full of Nintendo nostalgia might be the most sought-after gadget of the holiday season! Todd Ciolek breaks down the NES Classic Edition and all 30 games available in its library.
― The Nintendo Entertainment System wasn't just a gray-and-black box that played video games. It was a paragon of late 1980s pastimes. Seizing an industry left vacant after a widespread collapse, Nintendo...
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 66
"The Future Trunks/Zamasu arc seems to be wrapping up now, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, I'm a little disappointed if the conclusion is really going to be this unexceptional."
Answerman - Why Is Anime's Animation Style So Hard To Imitate?
Plenty of Western animation teams have tried to imitate the look of Japanese anime, so why do these projects still look so different?
― Kiza asks: In the past 15 years, we've seen more and more of anime influenced animation: we've had the colorful Totally Spies, the gag-action Teen Titans, two stories from the Avatar franchise, etc. And then we've seen animation that didn't go out of it's way to be ...
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ‒ Episode 32
"Iron-Blooded Orphans makes the horrors of war especially visceral this episode."
Shelf Life - Knights of Sidonia Season 2
This cel-shaded CG space opera continues into its second season with a renewed sense of purpose. Paul Jensen explores this set along with the week's other new releases!
― One thing I've noticed about reviewing anime is that strange things happen when you try to type too quickly. I have, on several occasions, turned Magical Girl Raising Project into "Magical Girl Raisin Project" while writing episode...
Izetta: The Last Witch ‒ Episode 7
"Izetta's quick thinking is probably as much the strength of this series as the Izetta/Finé relationship."
Super Mario Adventures GN
Super Mario Adventures is a fun trip down memory lane, but risks not appealing to those who missed out on the Nintendo Power era. It's time to do the Mario!
― Originally running over the course of 1992 in Nintendo Power magazine, Super Mario Adventures is the second of Viz's large-format, full-color collected editions of the magazine's nostalgic comics. That's really the chief appeal here – the nosta...
The Mike Toole Show - Japan's Superhero Legacy
An encounter with My Hero Academia in Shonen Jump sends Mike on a whirlwind tour of Japanese superheroes like Golden Bat, 8 Man, and even Batman himself!
― I was at lunch when I got the notification: somebody had bought that Yu-Gi-Oh! card I had on eBay. I don't play Yu-Gi-Oh!, but I get a couple of cards every year as part of my Shonen Jump digital subscription. The cards are immediately placed on e...
Poco's Udon World ‒ Episode 6
"This week's Poco's Udon World promptly takes us from the rural quiet of Kagawa to the hustle-and-bustle of metropolitan Tokyo."
Occultic;Nine ‒ Episode 6
"Occultic;Nine's visual execution continues to be its saving grace."
ClassicaLoid ‒ Episode 6
"Classicaloid has a lot of exciting spectacle and some important emotional scenes, but it needs to work on keeping its plot threads together."
Kiss Him, Not Me ‒ Episode 6
Kae's new fujoshi friendship is torn asunder by an unexpected shipping war this week, and Amy takes a listen to Funimation's first simuldub episode of Kiss Him, Not Me!
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