Views
— Archives —
- All
- •
- Anime
- Manga
- Novels
- Games
- Music
- Merch
- Events
- Industry
- People
- Live-Action
Text-only Compact View
Text-only List View
Text-only Grid View
List View with Images
Grid View with Images
Tsukigakirei ‒ Episode 10
"This episode conveyed both the highs and lows of Akane and Kotarou's relationship with sensitivity and grace, firmly establishing this as a relationship worth fighting for."
Love Tyrant ‒ Episode 11
"This is probably Love Tyrant at its most ambitious, but ambition doesn't always equal execution."
Revolutionary Girl Utena ‒ Episodes 11-12
"While I wouldn't call it the highest watermark for this series, the Student Council arc finale is still some of the most cathartic and satisfying stuff in any anime ever."
Clockwork Planet ‒ Episode 11
"Our heroes finally come to the same conclusion everyone else in the world came to in the show's first episode: a planet made of clockwork should not work."
your name. [Hardcover] Novel
The movie may be a phenomenon, but how does Shinkai's novelization of his film hold up? Theron Martin finds out.
― In 2002 Makoto Shinkai effectively shouted his name to the anime industry and fandom with the release of Voices of a Distant Star, an OVA that caught attention both for nearly one-man production team and its simple, potent story about teenage lovers trying to stay in contact even as the ...
Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Flat ‒ Episode 10
"The writing in the last couple of episodes has been particularly sharp, and this one is no exception."
Sagrada Reset ‒ Episode 11
"This show has become ambitious in its capacity for dullness."
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 11
"Sakura Quest plays the audience like a fiddle this week, and I was happy to play along."
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 11
"Since the main group has felt fragmented as of late, it was nice to see everyone come together and collaborate on a plan."
The Royal Tutor ‒ Episode 11
"We've now entered anime original ending territory, and it fits well, for the most part."
Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions BD+DVD
This unusual take on isekai stories sees its adventurers struggling to take down even one goblin in exchange for a decent meal. Theron Martin takes a look at the special edition release.
― This 12-episode series from the Winter 2016 season debuted just three days before fellow isekai light novel adaptation Konosuba. These two series were diametrically opposed in their differing approaches to the same...
Natsume Yūjin-Chō Roku ‒ Episode 10
"This episode covers very little new ground, but what it suggests is promising to any viewer who's hungry for more information about Reiko's life."
Answerman - Is It Still Socially Unacceptable To Be An Otaku In Japan? (Revisited)
Justin takes another crack at his answer to a question from last week - is the social stigma around being an otaku in Japan still prevalent?
― Today we're gonna revisit a question we published last Friday, submitted by James: I have seen a rather large number of anime and manga series in recent years in which a character (either male of female) is extremely popular and successful at school and with ...
The Water Dragon's Bride GN 2
The Water Dragon's conflicted feelings for Asahi lead him to enact his wrath in the second volume of Rei Toma's take on a tragic mythical story. Rebecca Silverman dives in.
― Tales of girls sacrificed to water gods exist world-wide, although the story seems to have particular appeal to creators of manga and manhwa. Rei Toma's The Water Dragon's Bride combines with the ever-popular isekai genre to bri...
SukaSuka ‒ Episode 10
"SukaSuka continues to frustrate me by giving itself unnecessary baggage to deal with, and it continues to impress me by turning in solid episodes in spite of those obstacles."
Akashic Records of Bastard Magical Instructor ‒ Episode 11
"Whatever may happen, this has been an unexpectedly enjoyable series so far, and I don't see that changing with the finale."
Yowamushi Pedal New Generation ‒ Episode 23
"Onoda's genuine enthusiasm for cycling made me fall in love with Yowamushi Pedal in the first place, and it's great to see it again."
Grimoire of Zero ‒ Episode 10
"While I'm definitely glad that things have remained steadily entertaining for the past few weeks, I still can't help but feel frustrated at how long it took us to get here."
One Piece ‒ Episode 792
"I think I've finally gotten to the point where Whole Cake Island's molasses pacing is getting to me."
Gosick Part One BD+DVD
This mystery series starring a gothic lolita Sherlock is finally available on Blu-ray after lingering in licensing limbo for over five years! Rebecca Silverman finds out if it's still worth watching.
― The year was 1924. Waistlines were low and hemlines were high, Koshien Stadium was built, the Prince of Wales visited Japan, and Calvin Coolidge made the first-ever presidential radio address. The worl...
Answerman - Why Are Hentai Characters Labeled As Being Over 18 (Even When They're Not)?
Justin explains what might be the oldest trick in the hentai industry localization book.
― Yousef asks: I noticed most DVD and Blu-ray releases of hentai contain a message stating that all participants in the work are 18 years of age or older; however, this seems to be incredibly subjective and in many cases not true (I've heard interesting stories first hand from one licenser on how this has been w...
Revolutionary Girl Utena ‒ Episode 10
"This big ole downer may not be the most inspirational episode in Utena's first arc, but it's definitely an important one."
Shelf Life - Himouto! Umaru-chan
James Beckett faces off with the world's laziest and craziest otaku imouto to see if her comedy adventures are worth owning on Blu-Ray, plus all this week's new anime releases!
― I spent the better part of last week driving around the northeastern US for family stuff, so I don't really have anything interesting to talk about this week. I can compare the quality of highways and drivers from state to ...
Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy Sub.Blu-Ray
After all these years, is this trilogy still the best introduction to the Gundam universe? Lauren Orsini explains what makes these films timeless classics, now available on Blu-Ray for the first time.
― Not long ago, I went to a sold-out showing of the first Mobile Suit Gundam movie at the Japanese Information and Cultural Center, a branch of the Japanese Embassy here in Washington DC. The theater wa...
Atom The Beginning ‒ Episode 8
"It's the start of the Robo Wrestling Tournament, and it very quickly becomes apparent that Six is not like the usual contenders."
Alice & Zoroku ‒ Episode 10
"Unlike the conclusion of the show's first major storyline, this one appears to be heading in a far less action-heavy direction, which is better suited to the series' overall tone."
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 94
"The clock is ticking down for the Tournament of Power, and there's finally a shift in tone as the whole Universe 7 team comes together."
The Eccentric Family 2 ‒ Episode 10
"I wasn't quite sure how all of this season's diverse story threads and themes would come together, but it's looking like I needn't have worried."
My Monster Secret GN 4
My Monster Secret runs through a bevy of romcom staples in its fourth volume, bringing some personality to potentially tired stories. Nick Creamer digs in.
― My Monster Secret has established its romcom platform at this point. Having started off with the classic will-they-or-won't-they bond between Asahi and Shiragami, the manga has proceeded to introduce the requisite romantic rivals, perverted frie...
Attack on Titan ‒ Episode 36
"Never, ever get between Mikasa Ackerman and her Eren."
Eromanga Sensei ‒ Episode 10
"The writers' round-table scene is another distinct flash of brilliance in a series that's otherwise content to be as stock as possible."
Granblue Fantasy the Animation ‒ Episode 11
"Ultimately, it's Lyria who has to decide that she wants to come back to her friends. Gran can only try to convince her."
Re:CREATORS ‒ Episode 10
"The huge question lingering at the end of this episode is whether or not we'll even see another episode this season."
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 24
"Since My Hero Academia got as emotional as this arc can probably get last week, it makes sense for this next episode to be a little more laid-back."
Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul ‒ Episode 10
"This was one of Virgin Soul's strongest standalone episodes so far, thanks to the heartwrenching journey of Jeanne's fall, Mugaro's birth, and their tragic separation."
Berserk ‒ Episode 22
"Usually, the source material's strength helps carry the adaptation even through its clumsier moments."
Sword Oratoria ‒ Episode 9
"While this episode is enjoyable in parts, Lefiya's overblown jealousy doesn't do it any favors."
The List - 7 Brother-Sister Romances That Went Too Far
Things get incestuous in this edition of The List, with seven couples who might be a little TOO close for comfort.
― This week, we're talking about the elephant in the anime viewing room. It's a particular type of "forbidden relationship" that crops up on a pretty regular basis, where dudes have a chance at sleeping with their sisters. I'm not going to pretend to know why this trope is common beyond...
Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (English Dub)
Black Butler's feature film debut brings titanic stakes to the big screen, but its animation quality might leave you somewhat high and dry. Rose Bridges has the details on this English dub premiere.
― It's an interesting time to be a Black Butler fan, watching the anime franchise redefine itself as a horror anthology series. In the first two seasons, Sebastian and Ciel had plenty of one-off adventure...
KADO - The Right Answer ‒ Episode 9
"If you've been waiting for this series to lay its cards on the table, that wait is officially over when this episode's second half changes everything."
Clockwork Planet ‒ Episode 10
"This episode's first act was decent action-adventure entertainment, even if the show's roughshod animation limited the overall success of each scene."
The Spring 2017 Manga Guide
Looking for new manga to read? Our first-ever Spring Manga Guide has you covered!
Available Now: Delicious in Dungeon Vol. 1 - My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness Vol. 1 - Grimgar Vol. 1 - Your Name Vol. 1 - Tales of Zestiria Vol. 1 - Appleseed Alpha Vol. 1 - Aho-Girl Vol. 1 - After Hours Vol. 1 - Rakugo Shinju Vol. 1 - Re:Zero Chapter 2 Vol. 1 - and much more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's ...
Available Now: Delicious in Dungeon Vol. 1 - My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness Vol. 1 - Grimgar Vol. 1 - Your Name Vol. 1 - Tales of Zestiria Vol. 1 - Appleseed Alpha Vol. 1 - Aho-Girl Vol. 1 - After Hours Vol. 1 - Rakugo Shinju Vol. 1 - Re:Zero Chapter 2 Vol. 1 - and much more! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's ...
Love Tyrant ‒ Episode 10
"A sleepover at Seiji's provides a welcome half-hour of breezy entertainment, even as more serious matters once again loom on the horizon."
Answerman - Why Is It Socially Unacceptable To Be An Otaku In Japan?
Generally speaking, Japanese society still shuns the otaku - why is that? Justin has a few ideas.
― James asks: I have seen a rather large number of anime and manga series in recent years in which a character (either male of female) is extremely popular and successful at school and with their friends, but hides the fact that they are an otaku (approximately the Japanese equivalent of a nerd in weste...
Tsukigakirei ‒ Episode 9
"This episode was Tsuki ga Kirei at its best: endearing, understated, and achingly true."
Rakugo Shinju, Kabukibu and The Traditional Arts of Japan
From Touken Ranbu to Kabukibu to Rakugo Shinju, anime has been embracing Japanese traditional arts more than ever. Lynzee Loveridge examines the phenomenon.
― Japan is a country with a very old cultural history, dating back millennia before what we consider modern U.S. history. Those millennia produced a wealth of traditional art forms, ranging from the graceful strokes of shodo (calligraphy) to the ...
Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Flat ‒ Episode 9
"This episode revolves around a majorly earth-shaking issue for Aki."
Dreamin' Sun GN 1
This earlier work from the creator of Orange isn't quite as polished, but it combines an honest look at depression and anger with shoujo romance tropes in interesting ways. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― Originally published in Margaret magazine in 2007, a transfer of rights to a new publisher has resulted in a re-release of Ichigo Takano's Dreamin' Sun and its translation into English. (Takano...
Sagrada Reset ‒ Episode 10
"Finally, Kei and Sumire sit down to have a much-needed chat."
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of May 27-June 2
My Hero Academia races up the charts as the Spring 2017 season starts to wind down! Find out how your favorites performed in our weekly user rankings.
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Spring 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 ran...
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 10
"We're nearly through the first round of establishing arcs for Sakura Quest, which means it's finally Ririko's turn in the spotlight!"
This Week in Games - The Modest Life of Virtual Console
In the calm before the E3 storm, Dustin considers the legacy and future of Nintendo's Virtual Console service. PLUS: Pokemon, Final Fantasy Dissidia, more old Mega Man games and much more!
― Good god, E3 starts next week. Though I'm fortunate enough to not be going to LA, there's still a hint of dread mixed in with all the excitement for what's coming. It's a flood a-coming, one which comes in the af...
The Royal Tutor ‒ Episode 10
"Fortunately, The Royal Tutor once again manages to infuse serious plot developments with enough humor to take off the melancholy edge."
Prince of Stride: Alternative BD+DVD
This otome game adaptation eschews most reverse harem tropes in a surprisingly fun story about a bizarre blend of track and parkour. Rebecca Silverman gets into this show's Stride.
― If you were wondering, the “alternative” in Prince of Stride Alternative comes from the fact that this 2016 series is based on a 2015 otome game simply called Prince of Stride. That's mildly surprising, because the show ...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 10
"The plot thickens as additional light is shed on the overarching mystery in this week's Boruto: Naruto Next Generations."
Answerman - Why Isn't More Anime Shown On American TV?
There are countless hours of US cable television programming to fill, and yet only a few hours a week are filled with anime. Why is that? Justin gets into it.
― Kyle asks: How come some English dubbed anime only get released straight to DVD here in the US and never air on American TV? I know that a handful of them do air on Anime-only channels, such as the FUNimation Channel and Neon Alley, and also...
How Polygon Pictures is Changing the 3D Anime Industry
From Knights of Sidonia to Blame!, Polygon Pictures has led the charge in CGI anime innovation. Callum May explores what makes their production process so unique for the anime industry.
― At 10:00 PM in the Polygon Pictures studio, the lights turn off for the night. Polygon Pictures is like few other animation studios in Japan. In an industry where working overnight is painfully normal, a studio turn...
Natsume Yūjin-Chō Roku ‒ Episode 9
"Despite the things that go bump in the night, sweet interpersonal moments keep this show on message."
Horus: Prince of the Sun (Little Norse Prince) Blu-Ray
The directorial debut of Isao Takahata is now available on Blu-Ray for the first time. Theron Martin details how this ambitious film has held up.
― Also known in English as Little Norse Prince Valiant, this 1968 movie holds a place in anime history for two important reasons. It marks the directorial debut of Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata and his first collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki, who i...
SukaSuka ‒ Episode 9
"Chtholly gets the lion's share of screen time, and this is easily one of the best articulations of her perspective that we've gotten thus far."
Akashic Records of Bastard Magical Instructor ‒ Episode 10
"The start of this arc throws out such a bevy of potential story directions that it's hard to imagine the series wrapping things up neatly in two more episodes."
Grimoire of Zero ‒ Episode 9
"It looks like the show will be doing its best to maintain its upward trajectory for the remainder of the season."
Yowamushi Pedal New Generation ‒ Episode 22
"This build-up episode manages to fill twenty minutes without offering any real payoff."
This Week in Anime - It Came From DeviantArt
Re:Creators takes some fanfic-tastic turns, while the stakes shoot much higher in Rage of Bahamut and The Royal Tutor. Nick and Micchy discuss all this and more in shows from Attack on Titan to My Hero Academia!
― Previous Weeks in Anime Week 1 - Week 2 - Week 3 - Week 4 - Week 5 - Week 6 Nicholas Dupree got into anime in high school, and manga even earlier. From One Piece to The Promised Neverland, ...
Vice & Luna - Comic-Con Justice
Luna strikes a blow for freedom while showing Maybell the ropes at the Enchanted Grove Comic-Con.
―
Sound of the Sky Sub.Blu-Ray
Sound of the Sky marries wartime drama and slice of life storytelling in a rich and beautiful mix. Nick Creamer explains what makes this series special.
― Sound of the Sky opens with new soldier Kanata Sorami heading off to her first post, a guard post at the border city of Seize. Stark cliffs and cozy tiled roofs introduce us to her new city, a rustic town that's currently in the middle of a festiva...
One Piece ‒ Episode 791
"If you're down to watch Luffy and crew wild out in a Willy Wonka style environment, then you'll probably be A-OK for the next couple episodes."
Atom The Beginning ‒ Episode 7
"Despite having a whiff of filler about it, this episode does a good job balancing character development for Ran with the growing tension of Six's entry into the Robot Wrestling tournament."
Alice & Zoroku ‒ Episode 9
"With plenty of laughs, fun interactions, and character insights, episode 9 helps move the current storyline in the right direction."
Answerman - Is Shonen Jump Still Popular?
You often hear about Shonen Jump's declining print circulation in Japan - is Shonen Jump's star fading, or are times just changing? Justin explains.
― Jake asks: I had recently read an article on ANN that stated that shonen jump, arguably one of the most well known and popular manga magazines, had recently dipped below 2 million regularly purchased issues. This is down over two-thirds from there hig...
The Eccentric Family 2 ‒ Episode 9
"Overall, this episode was definitely below par for The Eccentric Family, but it still got us where we needed to go."
Shelf Life - Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
The boys of summer return for the first time in this unique release of a first season that came out after the second season. Plus, all this week's new releases and a Shelf Obsessed full of figurines!
― I've had a tough time keeping up with all the simulcasts I'm following this season, and I blame it on the warm weather. Not that I'm going outside, of course. It's just that there's so much for a car ...
Lu over the wall
Masaaki Yuasa's first family film may seem strangely similar to Ponyo at first, but it has a handful of charms all its own. Kim Morrissey weighs the movie's pros and cons.
― When Masaaki Yuasa, the auteur behind Ping Pong the Animation and The Tatami Galaxy, announced that he would be making not one but two anime feature films, there were a fair number of question marks. With his superflat drawings a...
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 93
"The bulk of this episode returns to the Universe 6 Saiyans, who have been thoroughly enjoyable so far."
Attack on Titan ‒ Episode 36
"In the span of a few episodes, Ymir has become one of the most compelling characters in Attack on Titan, due to the complicated and powerful love she has for Christa."
Granblue Fantasy the Animation ‒ Episode 10
Granblue Fantasy takes its turn at a Sleeping Beauty story with this week's tragic turn of events.
Uncomfortably Happily GN
Yeon-Sik Hong's autobiography of his move from Seoul to the mountains explores the difficulty of adapting to rural living and his efforts to become an adult. Rebecca Silverman dives in.
― Yeon-Sik Hong's Uncomfortably Happily, originally published in two volumes in South Korea and here given the omnibus treatment by Drawn & Quarterly, is the sort of autobiographical piece that makes you think about y...
Eromanga Sensei ‒ Episode 9
"Eromanga Sensei largely goes without its title character this week, and the result is an even more rote harem fanservice fest than normal."
Re:CREATORS ‒ Episode 9
"Magane is the star of the episode, and the whole plot revolves around the not-so-little games that she's playing."
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 23
"This is the point where My Hero Academia graduates to being something that people are going to carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul ‒ Episode 9
"The gang runs into old friends in prison who have been there for a while, making this whole thing more like a high school reunion than a state-sanctioned punishment."
Sword Oratoria ‒ Episode 8
"While this episode raises a lot more questions than it answers, the subject matter is so interesting that it doesn't matter; it feels like we're finally getting to the real story of Sword Oratoria."
The List - 7 Questionable Anime-Original Endings
When there's not enough source material to do the job for them, sometimes anime adaptations go in disappointing directions! Here are just seven examples of anime that dropped the ball at the most crucial moment.
― Anime-original ending can be known to cause viewers to uncontrollably gnash their teeth or scratch their heads. For some of the most incongruent cliffhangers, the reasoning is often that a...
Corpse Party: Blood Covered GN 3
While a few big mysteries are starting to resolve, the logical gaps in this horror thriller are beginning to widen as well. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― With each subsequent omnibus edition of Corpse Party: Blood Covered, the decision to release the series as two-in-one volumes makes more sense. Not that the game adaptation isn't capable of holding our attention, but the major plot points app...
KADO - The Right Answer ‒ Episode 8
"This isn't the first time Tsukai has been cast as the show's voice of dissent, but it feels like she gets a better chance to make her case this time around."
Clockwork Planet ‒ Episode 9
"The only saving grace of this episode is the ending, which finally seems to be righting the ship and steering the series in a slightly more interesting direction."
Spring 2017 Manga Guide: Light Novel Roundup
From Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash to Rokka, there are plenty of light novel series premiering this spring - here's a look at some of the most exciting new titles.
― Light novels, which are roughly equivalent to young adult fiction in the west, are increasingly being used as the basis for both manga and anime series. Luckily for us, there's been an interest in translating and publishing them for English...
Answerman - What Are The Yakuza Like In Japan These Days?
Times have changed a lot since the peak of yakuza activity in the 1960s. So what is yakuza life and business like now in 2017?
― Khada asks: I'm Italian and we have the "Mafia", however the situation with them is different from the past.. Usually they just have abusive property or ask for money in people's shop, but they are not a big treat like in the past, everyday police just find and arrest mafi...
ANNCast (Video) - A Silent Voice
Zac, Jacob and the hosts of This Week in Anime take on both the highly acclaimed manga and the brand-new film adaptation of A Silent Voice.
― ANNCast Episode 298 - A Silent Voice Zac, Jacob and the hosts of This Week in Anime take on Kyoto Animation's adaptation of the smash manga, A Silent Voice. You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the MP3 version here, check out the show...
Love Tyrant ‒ Episode 9
"As a parody of the harem genre, Love Tyrant has allowed itself to get unconventional with its takes, and this episode dances around the idea that someone can only having feelings for one person at a time."
The Asterisk War [Limited Edition] Blu-Ray 4
The Phoenix Festa comes to a close as The Asterisk War wraps up its second season. Did this magic high school light novel adaptation ever manage to break out into something more? Rebecca Silverman explains.
― The Asterisk War has made repeated mention of the corporations that run the world in lieu of governments (the IEF) over the course of its two seasons, but without really digging in too deeply. N...
For all articles, see the archives