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First Impressions: Nights of Azure (PC)
Once a Playstation exclusive, this creature-raising action RPG by Gust hits Steam, and Dustin's a little underwhelmed by it all.
― Nights of Azure is that most rare of video games—utterly benign, yet completely unremarkable. There are neat elements, cool gameplay ideas, and occasional flashes of an interesting setting, but at a handful of hours in it's tough to manage any word beyond “humdrum,” espec...
The Worlds of Natsume Ono
Entranced by the delicate storytelling and graceful look of ACCA? Then get ready to dive into the incredible worlds of author Natsume Ono on this tour of her many masterpieces!
― Despite the fact that the English manga market has grown substantially since the early days of translation and publishing, it's still a fairly rare occurrence for any one manga creator to see multiple titles released. Even w...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Weeks of Jan 1-28
Our very first ranking of the Winter 2017 anime season is here! From Rakugo Shinjuu to Tanya the Evil, see how your favorite shows stack up!
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Winter 2017 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 ...
What's Your Biggest Guilty Pleasure?
From Twin Star Exorcists to School Days, we reveal our biggest guilty pleasures, the quirky, questionable shows we love anyway. What's yours?
― Now, right out of the gate you might be asking, "what is a "guilty pleasure"? Is it a show you love that you acknowledge isn't particularly great? Is it a show you love that everyone else demonstrably hates? Why should anyone feel guilty about enjoying anythi...
Anime Spotlight - Little Witch Academia
Ever since seeing Shining Chariot's magic show when she was young, Akko has dreamed of becoming a witch. In order to make her wish come true, she enrolls at "Luna Nova Magical Academy," a traditional all-girls school where Chariot used to attend.
― Little Witch Academia Official Website: http://tv.littlewitchacademia.jp/ Official Twitter: @LWA_jp Story Characters Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting...
No Scrubs: The Harem Protagonist Quiz
How many of these hapless harem anime boys can you name without their leading ladies around to help you?
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Interview: Legendary Anime Producer Masao Maruyama
A true titan of the anime industry with a 50-year career, veteran producer Masao Maruyama discusses his latest film, the touching, widely-acclaimed drama In This Corner of the World.
― In this Corner of the World, a period drama about a young woman growing up in the Japan of the 1930s and 1940s, is currently in Japanese cinemas and racking up rave reviews. (Screen Daily, for example, called it "an en...
Is Dragon Ball Super Super Enough?
Dragon Ball Super is finally on Toonami, the floodgates of opinion have opened and fans are split - is this the show fans have really been waiting for? Sam Leach considers the angles.
― It took about a year, but Dragon Ball Super finally has widespread accessibility for the North American public. The subtitled Japanese release was the first wave, proving just how much staying power that the Dragon Ba...
Anime Spotlight - Hand Shakers
High school student Tazuna meets a girl sleeping on a bed in a laboratory. When he touches her fingertip, as if guided by something unknown, he hears a voice coming from somewhere...
― Hand Shakers Official Website: http://www.project-hs.net/ Official Twitter: @hs_p_info Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 10, 2017 Key Staff Director: Shingo Suzuki (Coppelion, K: Mi...
How Mari Okada Writes Mobile Suit Gundam
Nobody knew what to expect when anohana scribe Mari Okada took on Mobile Suit Gundam - how has her distinctive, melodramatic style blended with this storied franchise?
― Mari Okada puts a very personal stamp on her work. From AnoHana to Hanasaku Iroha, you can always recognize this prolific author's screenwriting by the hallmarks of extreme melodrama, complicated character relationships, and sometime...
Anime Spotlight - The Dragon Dentist
Nonoko is a newly appointed dentist and her mission is to protect the dragon, the guardian of the country, from tooth-cavity bacteria.
― The Dragon Dentist Official Website: http://www.nhk.or.jp/anime/ryu/en/ Story Characters Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting February 18, 2017 Available at: NHK World (Television) Key Staff Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone) Sou...
Anime Spotlight - Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
After persuading the master to become his apprentice, Yotaro went on to refine his craft and become a star, inheriting the name of Sukeroku III.
― Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju Official Website: http://rakugo-shinju-anime.jp/ Official Twitter: @rakugoshinju Official Facebook: @rakugoshinju Story Characters Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 7, 2017 in Japan Streaming avai...
The Secret of Studio SHAFT
Widely known for megahits like Madoka Magica and Bakemonogatari, Studio SHAFT have developed a strong and unique reputation among anime fans - but what is it that truly makes the studio unique?
― There aren't too many anime studios with serious "studio reputations" in the broader anime community. Gainax is one of the big names, though their star has faded in recent years, leading into much of their c...
Anime Spotlight - Saga of Tanya the Evil
A little girl with blond hair, blue eyes, and translucent skin. She flies in the sky, shoots down enemies relentlessly, and commands the force. Her name is Tanya Degurechaff.
― Saga of Tanya the Evil Official Website: http://youjo-senki.jp/ Official Twitter: @youjosenki Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 6, 2017 in Japan Key Staff Director: Yutaka Uemura (The Mysti...
Interview: Tales of Berseria's Yasuhiro Fukaya
The producer of the latest Tales game, Tales of Berseria, dishes about what we can expect from the newest installment in this beloved JRPG series.
― The Tales series was long an underdog in North America. Rampantly popular in Japan, the RPG line made far more modest appearances in the West up until Tales of Xillia arrived in 2013 and Namco Bandai's overseas plans for one of the Japanese game industry...
Anime Spotlight - Gabriel Dropout
An angel at the top of an angel school has descended to the human world! However, she has been acclimated herself to the life of the human world so much that she ends up leading a self-indulgent life.
― Gabriel Dropout Official Website: http://gabdro.com/ Official Twitter: @gabdroanime Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 9, 2017 Key Staff Director: Masahiko Ohta (Mi...
Anime Spotlight - Chaos; Child
High school boy Takuru Miyashiro and his fellow newspaper club members at Hekiho Academy seek the truth behind a series of murders.
― Chaos; Child Official Website: http://chaoschildanime.com/ Official Twitter: @chaoch_anime Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 12, 2017 Key Staff Director: Masato Jinbo (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei Herz!, Fate/kaleid liner Pri...
The Death and Rebirth of Rakugo
As Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū enters its final arc, Anne Lauenroth reflects on the fate of its tragic hero and rakugo as an artform. Is there some hope on the horizon after all?
― The second season of Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū is upon us, and it's like this wonderful gem of narrative craftsmanship never left. After patiently waiting for us during the nine month intermission (did Yotaro never leav...
Anime Spotlight - ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
Jean Otus, the vice-chairman of the inspections department at ACCA headquarters, is one of the most cunning men in the syndicate's history.
― ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. Official Website: http://acca-anime.com/ Official Twitter: @ACCA_anime Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 10, 2017 Key Staff Director: Shingo Natsume (One Punch Man, Space Dandy) Series Str...
The Beginner's Guide to Blue Exorcist
Whether you're dying to get in to Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga and never watched the original or just need a refresher, our guide to Blue Exorcist will catch you right up for the sequel.
― A little less than six years ago, A-1 Pictures released their adaptation of Kazue Kato's hit shonen series, Blue Exorcist. The series chronicled the adventures of Rin and Yukio Okumura, two twin brothers that work as...
Anime Spotlight - KONOSUBA - God's blessing on this wonderful world! 2
What a life in another world really needs is a big, great adventure... Wait, no it doesn't!
― KONOSUBA - God's blessing on this wonderful world! 2 Official Website: http://konosuba.com/ Official Twitter: @konosubaanime Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 12, 2017 Key Staff Director: Takaomi Kanasaki (Tokyo Ravens, Is This a Zombie?) Series Composition: Makoto Uezu (...
Anime Spotlight - Urara Maze Town Book
In order to become the top Urara (fortune-teller), an energetic girl named Chiya, comes to Maze Town—a town where the best fortune-tellers gather— to start her training.
― Urara Maze Town Book Official Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/urara/ Official Twitter: @urarameiro Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 5, 2017 Key Staff Director: Youhei Suzuki (The "Hentai" P...
Our Most Anticipated Anime of Winter 2017
It's a brand-new year, so a fresh new season of anime is almost upon us! Here's some of the hottest new shows you should be checking out this winter!
― A fresh new year brings with it a fresh new slate of winter anime premieres! Our team of critics have picked out some of the most promising new titles of the season to look out for, and be sure to let us know what shows you're most excited about in th...
The Best and Worst of the Fall 2016 Season
The final user rankings of the Fall 2016 season are in - and they look pretty different from the Mega Poll results! Find out how your favorite Fall shows fared!
― 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 t...
Interview: Hunter x Hunter Voice Actress Erica Mendez
Hunter x Hunter's dark, gripping take on the shonen formula has thrilled fans for years - we ask the voice of Gon himself, voice actress Erica Mendez, about the journey.
― It doesn't always pay to rush things. For years, Madhouse's 2011 version of Hunter x Hunter seemed to shimmer and glint, just out of reach of collectors in North America… but eventually, patience was rewarded. The series has been ...
The Best Anime of 2016: Part Five
Jacob Chapman and James Beckett's top 5 anime of 2016 conclude our week-long celebration - along with our 2016 MEGA POLL results, the top 5 anime as chosen by YOU!
― Can you believe 2016 is nearly over? Of course, that means it's time to obsessively list our favorite anime of the year! All week this week we'll be presenting the Top 5 anime as selected by our team of critics, with the final results o...
The Best Anime of 2016: Part Four
Zac Bertschy and Lynzee Loveridge have Top 5 Anime lists to share, plus we reveal our choices for the worst anime of 2016!
― Can you believe 2016 is nearly over? Of course, that means it's time to obsessively list our favorite anime of the year! All week this week we'll be presenting the Top 5 anime as selected by our team of critics, with the final results of our enormous year-end Mega Poll release...
The Best Anime of 2016: Part Three
Mike Toole, Rebecca Silverman and Rose Bridges present their Top 5 Anime of 2016, and we reveal our picks for the best opening of the year!
― Can you believe 2016 is nearly over? Of course, that means it's time to obsessively list our favorite anime of the year! All week this week we'll be presenting the Top 5 anime as selected by our team of critics, with the final results of our enormous year-end ...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Weeks of Dec 17-23
The season is winding down, and the top of the charts are starting to firm up - how did your favorite shows fare in our weekly user rankings?
― 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 b...
The Best Anime of 2016: Part Two
Nick Creamer, Anne Lauenroth and Lauren Orsini present their Top 5 anime of 2016, and we explore the best characters of the year!
― Can you believe 2016 is nearly over? Of course, that means it's time to obsessively list our favorite anime of the year! All week this week we'll be presenting the Top 5 anime as selected by our team of critics, with the final results of our enormous year-end Mega Poll ...
Anime Spotlight - Super Lovers 2
"Hey, do you remember the day we first kissed?"
― Super Lovers 2 Official Website: http://superlovers-anime.com/ Official Twitter: @SUPERLOVERSinfo Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 12, 2017 Key Staff Director: Shinji Ishihira (Fairy Tail, LOG HORIZON) Series Composition: Yoshiko Nakamura (Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun, Hiiro no Kakera - The Tamayori Princess Saga) ↑ ...
Interview: Sword Art Online Composer Yuki Kajiura
Yuki Kajiura composed the amazing music for anime like Madoka Magica and Sword Art Online - and she's performing this January in Hollywood. Mike Toole has a few questions for her.
― Yuki Kajiura doesn't need much of an introduction – anyone who's been watching anime over the last 17 years or so is doubtlessly familiar with her instantly-recognizable style. Kajiura first became an international sensat...
The Best Anime of 2016: Part One
Our week-long celebration of the best anime of 2016 begins with Top 5 lists from Theron Martin, Amy McNulty and Paul Jensen, plus the best plot twists of 2016!
― Can you believe 2016 is nearly over? Of course, that means it's time to obsessively list our favorite anime of the year! All week this week we'll be presenting the Top 5 anime as selected by our team of critics, with the final results of ou...
The Best and Worst Anime of Fall 2016
From Flip Flappers to Haikyuu to Keijo to Yuri On Ice, Anime News Network's reviews team names the best (and worst) anime of the Fall 2016 season - and we can't wait to hear yours!
― The Fall 2016 anime season is winding to a close, and that means it's time to pick our favorites – and least favorites! Below, our Daily Streaming Reviews team has assembled their choices for the best anime of the last 3...
Anime Spotlight - SEIREN
Pure love stories between innocent and lovely girls
― SEIREN Official Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/seiren/ Official Twitter: @anime_seiren Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 5, 2017 Key Staff Director: Tomoki Kobayashi (Akame ga KILL!, Amagami SS+) Original Character Design, Story: Kisai Takayama (AMAGAMI SS) Character Design: Naoto Hosoda (Ghost in the Shel...
What is a Fujoshi?
As the anime market gradually changes, the word "fujoshi" has become almost as prevalent as "otaku." But just where did all these fujoshi come from? Lauren Orsini has the answers.
― Years ago, if an anime had an overwhelmingly male cast, you might say the intended audience was obvious; clearly, this was a show for male fans. However, recent years have seen a gradual rewrite of that old expectation. E...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Dec 10-16
Natsume Yujin-cho Go suddenly blasts to the top spot on BOTH charts - leaving the top of the weekly rankings in chaos! How did your favorite shows fare?
― 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 ran...
Anime Spotlight - Scum's Wish (Kuzu no Honkai)
A love that will never be returned. A lonely love. An unrequited love.
Are those really all that beautiful? ― Scum's Wish (Kuzu no Honkai) Official Website: http://www.kuzunohonkai.com/ Official Twitter: @kuzunohonkai_tv Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 12, 2017 Key Staff Director: Masaomi Andō (White Album 2) Series Composition/Scripts: Makoto Uezu (School Days)...
Are those really all that beautiful? ― Scum's Wish (Kuzu no Honkai) Official Website: http://www.kuzunohonkai.com/ Official Twitter: @kuzunohonkai_tv Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting January 12, 2017 Key Staff Director: Masaomi Andō (White Album 2) Series Composition/Scripts: Makoto Uezu (School Days)...
Interview: Makoto Shinkai
The director of The Garden of Words, 5cm Per Second and the international phenomenon Your Name takes questions from the press on his life, his work, the meaning of his film, and much much more.
― Makoto Shinkai's international smash Your Name is approaching the $300 million dollar mark at the international box office, and by now you've been likely inundated with an inescapable ocean of hype about thi...
Rise of the Dark Magical Girls
This season's Magical Girl Raising Project has a heavy body count - and is only the latest in a long line of dark, serious magical girl shows. Paul Jensen explores the genre's roots.
― If you showed this season's Magical Girl Raising Project to an anime fan from around ten years ago, they probably wouldn't know what to make of it. The series has the kinds of character designs that you'd expect to see...
Understanding Japan's Light Novel Rankings
Every year, the "Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!" rankings provide a snapshot of the books Japanese fans love most, from SNAFU to Re:Zero. LN expert Kim Morrissy breaks down this year's list!
― What is Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!? Every year, Takarajimashima publishes a light novel guide book called Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! (This Light Novel is Amazing!) which lists the top 10 light novel series of the y...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Dec 3-9
One Piece impresses this week while Drifters takes a dive. Find out where your own favorites 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 how people rated individual episode...
Why Does Pokemon Look So Different Now?
Pokemon Sun and Moon introduced a brand new visual style to the franchise that's left fans divided! Callum May explains how and why Pokemon's style has shifted so much over the years.
― The anime industry is constantly changing. In the past 20 years, we've seen new studios rise and old guards fall, we've lost extraordinary veteran talents and welcomed new hopeful faces, we've seen entirely new ways o...
Mixing Fact and Fiction: Historical Fiction in Anime
Like this season's Izetta: The Last Witch, historical fiction anime plays fast and loose with real events to spin some fantastic yarns that nevertheless teach us plenty about real history!
― Though it has never been a dominant anime genre, historical fiction has nevertheless persisted in anime since its earliest days. These days hardly a season goes by without some new interpretation(s) of Sengoku-er...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Nov 26-Dec 2
Keijo!!!!!!!! shoots up the charts and Sound! Euphonium 2 retakes the top spot in our weekly user rankings! See how your favorite shows performed!
― 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 ...
Interview: The Staff of One Piece Film Gold
One Piece Film Gold has taken the world by storm - and it's coming to select US theaters January 10. We got to chat with the staff of the Straw Hat Pirates' latest smash hit!
― At this year's Barcelona Manga Fair, One Piece Film Gold staff members Hiroaki Miyamoto (director), Masayuki Sato (character designer and animation director), and Hiroyuki Sakurada (producer) sat down with us to talk about th...
Interview: Director Keiichi Hara on Miss Hokusai
Director Keiichi Hara brought Edo Japan - and the enigmatic life of the daughter of Japan's most famous artist - to lush, vibrant life in Miss Hokusai. Justin Sevakis has some questions.
― Miss Hokusai (originally titled Sarusuberi), the new feature film from Production I.G, is the story of O-Ei, the young adult daughter of famous painter Hokusai and a hugely talented artist in her own right. The fil...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Nov 19-25
Bungo Stray Dogs begins to gradually climb, while Izetta continues to gradually fall as the chart stabilizes in its final quarter. Where do your favorites 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 t...
Interview: The Creators of Pokemon Adventures
At over 150 million copies sold worldwide, the Pokemon Adventures manga has creatively expanded on the beloved games for just about 20 years; meet the artist and creator!
― Norma Editorial, the publisher of the Pokémon Adventures manga series in Spain, invited its writer/artist team to the Barcelona Manga Fair this year. Upon meeting them, it became clear that Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto ar...
The Holiday 2016 Gift Guide Part 6: Games
From Final Fantasy to Attack on Titan to Dragonball Xenoverse, it's a giant pile of 2016's biggest and coolest games for anime fans - that just might make the perfect gift!
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The Holiday 2016 Gift Guide Part 5: Tech & Gadgets
Our holiday gift guide rolls on with a mountain of fun tech and cool gadgets to dig through - from Splatoon water guns to singing cats, if you haven't found the perfect gift, it might be here!
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The Holiday 2016 Gift Guide Part 4: DVD & Blu-ray
Browse through an avalanche of 2016's best and coolest DVDs and Blu-rays - From Haruhi Suzumiya to Summer Wars, there's something for everyone!
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The Holiday 2016 Gift Guide Part 3: Collectibles
It's a mountain of the coolest action figures, statues, nendoroids and a boatload of bonus cool stuff in our 2016 guide to the best anime collectibles for the otaku in your life!
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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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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...
"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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
Don't Get Jaded: Cynicism in Anime
Nick Creamer explores the snarky, biting, and sometimes wildly relatable cynicism in anime like SNAFU and this season's Girlish Number, shows that speak with a sardonic smirk.
― I've been watching some pretty jaded shows recently. Girlish Number is the new one - written by Wataru Watari, the author of My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, its protagonist harbors all the snark and world-facing resentment you...
The Biggest Animation Highlights of Fall 2016
As the year's fall anime slate reaches its midway point, Kevin Cirugeda explores this sakuga-heavy season's most jaw-dropping and soul-warming animation showcases!
― Every now and then we're blessed with particularly strong anime seasons, batches of new series with a surprising wide range that gives any viewer at least something to treasure. This wonderful fall didn't quite sneak up on us though, the...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Oct 29-Nov 4
Flip Flappers shoots up the rankings this week, while Bungo Stray Dogs takes a precipitous plummet! Find out where your own favorites 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 bas...
Interview: Studio SHAFT president Mitsutoshi Kubota
At this year's first annual Akiba Fest, Studio SHAFT's president sat down with a roundtable of interviewers to discuss his career and philosophy for creating great anime!
― Mitsutoshi Kubota is the president of Studio Shaft, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. His body of work includes popular and diverse titles ranging from the Hidamari Sketch, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, and Bakemono...
Inside the 2016 Barcelona Manga Fair
Spain's biggest anime and Japanese culture convention broke its attendance records once again this year with over 140,000 visitors! Manu G. has the inside scoop on this king-sized event.
― The 22nd Barcelona Manga Fair (also known as Salón del Manga de Barcelona) took place this last weekend, which has been the largest event related to Japanese culture in Spain from its very first year. Every new ed...
Fairy Tales in Anime and Manga
From Snow White with the Red Hair to Flip Flappers, anime and manga are no stranger to classic fairy tales, but their reinterpretations can be very strange, as Rebecca Silverman explains...
― Are there any words filled with more anticipation than “once upon a time?” They've moved beyond being a stock phrase in oral storytelling; that four-word phrase has become the signal that we're about to hear som...
What's So Gay About Yuri!!! on Ice?
In the wake of Yuri!!! On Ice, Jacob Chapman surveys LGBT characters throughout anime to explore what "representation" for the gay community really looks like in this medium.
― Even if you haven't seen this anime season's breakout hit Yuri!!! on Ice yet, it only takes a quick Google image search to make it clear that this show is pretty fabulous. Just five episodes into its run, Yuri!!! on Ice has ca...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Oct 22-28
Haikyu and Keijo race up the charts while Flip Flappers drops a few spaces - find out how all your favorite shows performed in our weekly user rankings!
― 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 ran...
Interview: Sword Art Online Hollow Realization's Yosuke Futami
SAO's newest RPG is getting a special edition english release in just one week! Producer Futami tells us all about it.
― Sword Art Online's stock is still rising if its attendant video games are any indication. Namco Bandai brought Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment to the West only in carelessly translated digital form in 2014, but this year's Hollow Realization gets a physical release with a lavish...
Interview: Ei Aoki
The director of Fate/Zero, Aldnoah.Zero and Wandering Son goes in-depth on his career, his influences, his most popular works and what's next.
― On a bright and sunny Saturday at this year's first annual Akibafest in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Ei Aoki sat down for a roundtable interview to discuss his accomplished career as an anime director. Since Aoki has helmed so many projects from Ga-Rei Zero to...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Weeks of Oct 1-21
The first round of rankings for the Fall 2016 anime season are here - and you won't believe what took the #1 spot! Find out where your favorites 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 ranki...
Interview: Dragon Ball Super's Toyotarou
First he was a super-fan of Dragon Ball - now he's drawing the official manga adaption of Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball! Find out what makes mangaka Toyotarou tick!
― Dragon Ball Super is a big step for Akira Toriyama's vast and influential action series. It's the first major follow-up to the original Dragon Ball Z storyline in a long time, and it's the first Dragon Ball TV anime series since Dragon ...
Twenty Years Ago: The Best Anime of 1996 (And Some Others Too)
Twenty years ago right now some of the most incredible anime ever made were released; Daryl Surat is here to run down the best of them, including Escaflowne, Gundam, Detective Conan and more!
― I've long been of the opinion that the number of great works in anime is a relatively constant thing from year to year. But as I noted in my previous feature, Thirty Years Ago: The Best Anime of 1986, the amou...
What's A Light Novel?
Light novel adaptations have overwhelmed the anime industry for years - but what's a "light novel", anyway? Who writes them, who reads them, and how did they come to dominate anime?
― Light novels are some of the most common sources of anime adaptations today. While light novels have served as a basis for anime for many years (think of titles like Slayers and The Record of Lodoss War), they have beco...
Interview: Assassination Classroom's Yusei Matsui
The creator of Korosensei, that iconic grinning yellow face from the smash hit manga and anime Assassination Classroom, sits down to discuss his career, his influences, and his thoughts on classroom bullying.
― Yusei Matsui does wonders with weird creatures. His widely successful Assassination Classroom poses an inventive battle: misfit students take on a Koro-sensei, a grinning yellow alien who thr...
The Fall 2016 Anime Preview Guide
The Fall 2016 Anime Preview Guide has begun! Check back daily for fresh previews of every new show this season!
Available Now: Girlish Number - Fall 2016 Short Anime - Magic of Stella - March comes in like a lion - Occultic; Nine - Poco's Udon World - Long Riders - ClassicaLoid - Kiss Him, Not Me! - Haikyu! Season 3 - Drifters - Lostorage incited WIXOSS - ALL OUT!! - Keijo!!!!!!! - FLIP FLAPPERS - Brave Witches - and much more!
Available Now: Girlish Number - Fall 2016 Short Anime - Magic of Stella - March comes in like a lion - Occultic; Nine - Poco's Udon World - Long Riders - ClassicaLoid - Kiss Him, Not Me! - Haikyu! Season 3 - Drifters - Lostorage incited WIXOSS - ALL OUT!! - Keijo!!!!!!! - FLIP FLAPPERS - Brave Witches - and much more!
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Strongest (And Strangest) Newtypes
X-Men has Mutants, Mob Psycho 100 has Espers, Mobile Suit Gundam has Newtypes. Here are some of the most powerful - and bizarre - superpowered citizens of the Gundam universe!
― Whenever a group of people with better-than-human abilities appear in popular fiction, creators come up with cool names to explain them. In the Marvel universe, they're X-Men. In Mob Psycho 100, they're espers. And in Gundam ...
Anime Spotlight - Drifters
Escaped from the jaws of death, military commander Toyohisa Shimazu arrived in an alternate universe where humans and "non-humans" called demi-humans lived.
― Drifters Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 7, 2016 (in Japan) Key Staff Director: Kenichi Suzuki (Gundam Evolve (OAV), JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (TV)) Series Composition: Hideyuki Kura...
Anime Spotlight - All Out!!
Anyone can be a hero in rugby
― All Out!! Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 6, 2016 Key Staff Chief Director: Kenichi Shimizu (Parasyte -the maxim- (TV)) Story Editor/Script by: Masahiro Yokotani (Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club (TV)) Script by: Shingo Irie (Kuroko's Basketball (TV)) Character Designs by: Masanori Shino (Black Lagoon (TV)) Music ...
Anime Spotlight - Sound! Euphonium 2
North Uji High School Wind Ensemble won a gold award in the Kyoto prefectural contest. Next stage: Kansai regional contest.
― Sound! Euphonium 2 Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 5, 2016 in Japan Key Staff Director: Tatsuya Ishihara (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Air, Nichijou - My Ordinary Life) Series Composition: Jukki Hanada (The...
The Best and Worst of the Summer 2016 Season
The final rankings are in - find out which shows took the top spots as Best of the Summer 2016 season!
― 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 these rankings are based on how people rated individual e...
Anime Spotlight - Girlish Number
Wanna be a Voice Actor? Wanna hit the Jackpot!?
― Girlish Number Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 6, 2016 in Japan Key Staff Director: Shota Ihata ("KanColle(TV)" as episode director (eps 2, 11),"Medaka Box (TV)" as episode director (eps 1, 5, 8, 12)) Series Composition: Wataru Watari ("My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO!" as original creat...
Anime Spotlight - Matoi the Sacred Slayer
Middle school student and part-time shrine maiden who wants nothing but an ordinary life ends up as an exorcist
― Matoi the Sacred Slayer Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 4, 2016 in Japan Key Staff Director: Masayuki Sakoi (Needless, Strawberry Panic!) Series Composition: Yousuke Kuroda (Big Windup!, Gundam Build Fighters,Hayate the Combat...
Anime Spotlight - Kiss Him, Not Me
"A prince should be with a prince."
― Kiss Him, Not Me Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 6, 2016 (in Japan) Key Staff Director: Hiroshi Ishiodori (Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (TV), Peach Girl (TV)) Series Composition: Michiko Yokote (Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion (movie), Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!, Genshiken, ReLIFE, xxxHOLiC)...
Anime Spotlight - World Witches Series: 502nd Joint Fighter Wing Brave Witches
Another group of girls with special magical powers fighting against Neuroi over cold skies of eastern Europe
― World Witches Series: 502nd Joint Fighter Wing Brave Witches Visit the Official Site Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 5, 2016 in Japan Key Staff Director: Kazuhiro Takamura (Strike Witches,Vividred Operation) Series Composition: Striker Unit (Strike Witc...
Anime Spotlight - Bungo Stray Dogs 2
Prolific American writers join forces with their Japanese peers
― Bungo Stray Dogs 2 Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery On air starting October 5, 2016 Key Staff Director: Takuya Igarashi (Ouran High School Host Club, Sailor Moon Sailor Stars, Soul Eater) Series Composition: Yoji Enokido (FLCL, Revolutionary Girl Utena (TV), Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Movie, S...
Anime Spotlight - BBK/BRNK: The Gentle Giants of the Galaxy
Can these teenagers take on the burden of saving their world?
― BBK/BRNK: The Gentle Giants of the Galaxy Visit the Official Site › Story Characters Trailer Cast & Staff Gallery Broadcast Begins October 1, 2016 (JST) Key Staff Character Design: Yusuke Kozaki (Fire Emblem Awakening, NO MORE HEROES) Music: Masaru Yokoyama (Your Lie in April, Plastic Memories) Introduction Can they pull it off? Story L...
The Best and Worst Anime of Summer 2016
The Summer 2016 anime season is over - so it's time to pick our favorites! From Mob Psycho 100 to Sweetness & Lightning, find out our critics' picks for the best and worst of the season - and don't forget to share yours!
― Summer is wrapping up, which means it's time to poll our Daily Streaming Reviews team and find out which shows they loved the most, and which shows they'll try the hardest to forge...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Sep 16-22
Mob Psycho 100 and New Game! race up the charts as we head into the final weeks of Summer 2016! Find out 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 season. Keep in mind th...
Inside Tokyo Game Show 2016
From Bandai-Namco to Square-Enix, we've got the inside scoop on the sights and sounds of this year's big Tokyo Game Show exhibition!
― While there are numerous gaming conventions held around the world, many of the larger news stories come from major tradeshows. For instance, E3 generally has the gaming community abuzz with news about major publishers' future releases. Unfortunately, E3 is closed to t...
Which Re:Zero Girl Should Win the Election?
Politics can be harrowing enough on their own, but when you throw five cute anime girls into the running, things could really get ugly! Who's the best choice to rule the kingdom and why?
― When Subaru Natsuki is pulled into the fantasy world of Lugunica, he hardly knows up from down, much less the political machinations that await him and his selected paramour. He's first introduced to the kingdom as...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of Sep 9-15
The summer season is winding to a close, but that doesn't mean it's too late for Jojo's Bizarre Adventure to suddenly leap up the charts! Find out how all your favorite shows did 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 (a...
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