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Season Finale: Love Tyrant ‒ Episode 12
"Thankfully, Love Tyrant pulls its many different tones together for this one, and the series goes out strong."
Season Finale: Clockwork Planet ‒ Episode 12
"This isn't the worst anime I've watched during my time writing streaming reviews, but it's easily the most forgettable."
Revolutionary Girl Utena ‒ Episodes 13-14
"Mysteries pile upon mysteries as the Black Rose arc gets off to a shocking start."
Answerman - How Do Small Indie Theaters End Up Showing Anime?
One of the best places to see anime in the theater is at an independent cinema - but how do these mom 'n pop theaters get the films? Justin gets into it.
― Kevin asks: Going based off the Kizumonogatari movies, Mahouka movies, and plenty others, a lot of anime movies which get theater releases tend to be in small private theaters. How did these theaters get these anime movie screenings? Was it compa...
Tsukigakirei ‒ Episode 11
"This week's Tsuki ga Kirei was lifted by an unexpected hero - Kotarou's mom."
The Seven Deadly Sins: Seven Scars They Left Behind Novel
Ten years before Princess Elizabeth set out to find Meliodas and the other Sins, her older sister Margaret and Gilthunder struggle to keep a terrible secret in this prequel to The Seven Deadly Sins. Rebecca Silverman investigates.
― If you're a casual fan of Nakaba Suzuki's manga The Seven Deadly Sins or its anime adaptation, you should be aware that this novel is intended to be read either after the...
Season Finale: Saekano Flat ‒ Episode 11
"This final episode isn't Saekano's strongest moment, but it doesn't diminish the things that the season has done right either."
Sagrada Reset ‒ Episode 12
"If there's a high point here, it's that this material might turn out more interesting than everything else that's happened so far, but I'm not placing those types of bets at this point."
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 12
"Sakura Quest hasn't shied away from "victory lap" stories in the past, but that style feels the most earned this week."
Dagashi Kashi BD+DVD
Is this slice of life comedy about convenience store candy a sugar rush worth indulging, or is it just as frivolously forgettable as its subject matter? Nick Creamer finds out.
― Anime has already offered us long-running dramas about baking bread and entire franchises predicated on idols fighting interstellar wars, so it's tough to be surprised by basically any premise these days. Slice of life in pa...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 12
"Seeing Boruto, various classmates, and the Uzumaki family dynamic through Mitsuki's eyes makes for an interesting if uneventful episode."
Season Finale: The Royal Tutor ‒ Episode 12
"While the whole plot to bring Heine back left a bit to be desired in terms of nuance and creativity, this wasn't a bad episode, just the least interesting one overall."
Season Finale: Natsume Yūjin-Chō Roku ‒ Episode 11
"Even after six seasons, there are still compelling reasons to keep tuning in, and a wealth of new additions to Natsume's story I didn't even know I was missing."
SukaSuka ‒ Episode 11
"With no big narrative stumbling blocks to hinder it, the series is able to deliver one of its best efforts to date."
Answerman - What Happened To The "Watch This Program In A Well-Lit Room" Warnings?
Ever since one Pokemon episode caused an unanticipated medical emergency, there have been viewer warnings in front of many anime on TV. Why are they starting to go away now?
― Chris asks: Back in the day, after that infamous episode of Pokémon gave viewers seizures, many anime would start with an on-screen warning to watch with the lights on and at a safe distance from the TV. A bunch of my late-90'...
Season Finale: Akashic Records of Bastard Magical Instructor ‒ Episode 12
"The series never achieved great heights, but it definitely managed far better than its rough start initially suggested."
Grimoire of Zero ‒ Episode 11
"All of the suspense the series has built up over its last third begins to peter out at the worst possible moment."
Yowamushi Pedal New Generation ‒ Episode 24
"I admire the show for its ability to keep the tension taut for an entire episode, but get to the climax already!"
One Piece ‒ Episode 793
"I'm starting to really enjoy seeing Sanji's family in color, though I enjoy seeing what they actually do to poor Sanji a whole lot less."
Atom The Beginning ‒ Episode 9
"Ran may end up being the most important person in Six's life as we approach the season finale."
Alice & Zoroku ‒ Episode 11
"Assuming the finale is able to wrap things up in a satisfying manner, Alice & Zoroku's latter half will prove stronger than its first."
The Eccentric Family 2 ‒ Episode 11
"The Eccentric Family 2 may not be as tightly written or dramatically satisfying as its predecessor, but spending a few hours with these characters is still a lovely time."
Answerman - Quick Answers Part 3
It's time for another lightning round - theme parks in Japan, live-action anime adaptations, the fate of Yahoo Japan auctions and more!
― It's time once again to tackle the questions that I couldn't get a whole column's worth of information out of! Ready? Let's go! Chris asks: What will happen to Yahoo! Japan after the finalization last week of Yahoo!'s merger with / absorption into Verizon? Some of...
Re:CREATORS ‒ Episode 11
"This episode has been too long in coming for some viewers, as Sota finally spills the beans about Setsuna."
Shelf Life - Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
Things get steamy on Shelf Life this week as Paul dives into the deep end of a fanservice yuri action extravaganza. Plus, all this week's new anime releases!
― I was going to talk about E3 this week, but then I watched the latest episode of Sakura Quest and decided I really wanted to rave about that show instead. I've been watching it all season, but it only just recently hit me that it's really wel...
Endride BD+DVD part 1
This fantasy adventure based on a mobile game came and went without much fanfare last year, but is it worth a second look? Theron Martin finds out.
― When this mobile game adaptation debuted back during the Spring 2016 season, I was so unimpressed by the first episode that I gave it my lowest rating of that Preview Guide and never bothered to watch another episode. Funimation's announcement of a simu...
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 95
"The big question of "Can we trust Frieza?" is the star of the show this week."
Eromanga Sensei ‒ Episode 11
"For all its frustrating faults, at least I can't say Eromanga Sensei wasn't interesting to watch this week."
Granblue Fantasy the Animation ‒ Episode 12
"As Gran and his crew sail off into the distance, it's made clear that this is just the start of their adventure."
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 25
"I guess I'll have to wait and see where else this arc is going to fit into the broader story, because I'm pretty surprised at how self-contained it feels right now."
Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul ‒ Episode 11
"Charioce's prison seriously needs a better chain of command."
Sword Oratoria ‒ Episode 10
"Sword Oratoria is winding down in terms of episode count, so I'm not sure how much of the Floor 59 story we'll get."
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash Novel 3
Grimgar's story continues where the anime adaptation left off, becoming far more brutal as our heroes lay siege to an orc fortress. Rebecca Silverman gets into the details.
― Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash's third novel is the first to go beyond what the anime covered, and it brings with it more answers about the past and an increased brutality to the combat aspect of the series. It sees Haruhiro and his...
Berserk ‒ Episode 23
"After the events of the Eclipse left Casca broken beyond the capacity to process her pain, Guts is the only one of the Golden Age trio still holding on to his suffering."
Season Finale: Attack on Titan ‒ Episode 37
"Season 2 of Attack on Titan has been superb, eclipsing the first season in nearly every way. One of the most exciting, visceral, and gut-wrenching anime I've seen in years."
The List - 7 Anime About the Woes of the Workplace
Beyond the bubble of high school life lies the 9-to-5 grind of the working world, a place many anime fear to tread. These seven shows are prepared to run the rat race!
― The world of adulthood is wracked with responsibilities. There's the nine to five grind, house maintenance, bills, and sometimes even a spouse or children to take care of at the end of the day. This isn't the world of swords and sor...
Tokyo Ghoul GNs 11-13
Kaneki must find the balance between monster and man within himself if he wants to succeed in his quest to protect his friends. Rebecca Silverman follows this antihero's darkening path through these three intense volumes.
― A work doesn't need to be subtle to be good, neither in its symbolism nor its references to earlier literature. That's a good thing in the case of Tokyo Ghoul, which is being more...
KADO - The Right Answer ‒ Episode 10
"Kado The Right Answer came into this episode with a lot of explaining to do, which means it's time for a flashback."
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."
Answerman - Will China or Korea Ever Compete With Anime?
You might expect China and Korea to have their own robust slate of anime for Japan and the world to contend with - but why hasn't that happened?
― Marlon asks: It seems that the Chinese and South Koreas want to have their own equivalent of the anime/manga market. With their webtoons and such, Chinese investors seem to be putting a lot into forming their own market like Japan, even licensing or creat...
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."
Making First Contact with KADO: The Right Answer
While it's not rare to find space aliens in anime, KADO The Right Answer takes a unique approach to extraterrestrial encounters. Paul Jensen explores the history of first contact with the unknown in anime past and present.
― When visitors from another world show up in an anime series, it's usually not a good sign for the inhabitants of Earth. The typical chain of events involves a sudden burst of vio...
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."
ANNCast - Programmed To Feel Pain
Friends from the Internet Dave Riley and Graziella Mattie join Zac to stare longingly into the void with Nier: Automata. PLUS: Persona 5 and our most anticipated games from E3!
― ANNCast Episode 299 - Programmed To Feel Pain Friends from the Internet Dave Riley and Graziella Mattie join Zac to stare longingly into the void with Nier: Automata. PLUS: Persona 5 and our most anticipated games from E3! ...
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 11
"Sakura Quest plays the audience like a fiddle this week, and I was happy to play along."
This Week in Games - Seven E3 Takeaways
Dustin has seven major takeaways from this year's E3, and we promise they aren't all about Dragonball FighterZ. PLUS: next week's new releases, including Nintendo's ARMS!
― E3 sure did happen. As always, it was a rough combination of the celebratory creativity of an entire medium and the cynicism its marketing and business has cultivated over the years. But look: video games are cool, the people who ...
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...
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of June 3-9
Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul makes a daring break for the top spot, but it has some tough competition on the way! Find out how your favorite shows fared 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 seas...
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 ...
Your Complete Guide to the Spin-Offs of Attack on Titan
From prequels to spoofs to even coloring books, we've got you covered when it comes to picking the best Titan side materials from the pile. Theron and Rebecca run down what's worth checking out and what you should skip.
― In a franchise as titanic as Attack on Titan, where is the line drawn between canon and fanfiction? With spin-off media from anime to manga to light novels to choose from, some adhe...
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."
Final Fantasy's 30th Anniversary Event Lives In The Present
Projection-mapping and Amano artwork descend on Yokohama for the 30th anniversary of Final Fantasy, but the series' past is conspicuously absent.
― Full disclosure: I'm a retro Final Fantasy fan. I haven't played any Final Fantasy game past FFVI. So I've teamed up with Callum May, who hasn't played any Final Fantasy game before FFVII. Hopefully, we've covered all the bases between us. The Final Fanta...
This Week in Anime - Yutapon Cubes
My Hero Academia steals the show with a jaw-dropping battle, but the shockwaves just keep coming with dark twists in Attack on Titan, Re:Creators, and even Anonymous Noise. Nick and Micchy have their hands full for this week in anime!
― Previous Weeks in Anime Week 1 - Week 2 - Week 3 - Week 4 - Week 5Week 6 - Week 7 Nicholas Dupree got into anime in high school, and manga even earlier. From One Piec...
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."
Vice & Luna - Based on a True Story
Vice is confronted with the full Comic-Con outdoor line waiting experience, and he may never be the same again.
―
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...
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