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The Mike Toole Show - Gundam of the Century
With Gundam MS IGLOO finally arriving on Blu-ray, it might seem like the entire UC library is finally at Western fans' fingertips, but Mike Toole has thoughts on some Gundam gems you might still be missing!
― Last month, MS Igloo, the oddball 3DCG member of the Mobile Suit Gundam family, came out on Blu-Ray, finally replacing the long out-of-print Bandai Visual USA release. I mentioned this on my Twi...
Katsugeki! Tōken Ranbu ‒ Episode 6
"I'm fairly happy with how much time they took to wrap things up before diving into the next arc, because these guys deserved some closure."
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 31
"The Stain conflict seemed like less of a standalone arc and more of an unexpected explosion that brought to light a lot of the unrest that goes on in this world."
If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord Novel 1
This fantasy twist on the single-dad-raising-a-daughter story is sweet and unique enough to be worth reading. Rebecca Silverman digs into this unusual title.
― Single dad stories have basically become their own subgenre at this point, although mostly they tend to be set in the here and now and focus on the struggles of a single man trying to raise a daughter. That's still true of If It's for My Daugh...
The Reflection ‒ Episode 3
"The Reflection continues its upward trajectory this week, delivering us an episode that finally moves the plot forward after spending two weeks setting everything up."
Made in Abyss ‒ Episode 5
"This episode stays true to the tone of its source material while also being more digestible for the average viewer."
Vatican Miracle Examiner ‒ Episode 5
"There are two stories going on this week, and both of them are incredibly stupid."
Combat Baker and His Automaton Waitress Novel 1
If you're tired of isekai stories or teen comedies, this is a good light novel to check out for a change of pace. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― Strange, overlong, or simply bizarre light novel titles have certainly become de rigeur, but even though we all at this point know better than to judge a series by its title, every so often that's still hard to do. But just like Is It Wrong to Try to P...
Revolutionary Girl Utena ‒ Episode 17
"We've met plenty of despicable teens in Utena so far, and we'll meet plenty more in the future, but there's absolutely nobody that fans seem to hate more than Shiori."
Answerman - Why Do Fans Ask Inappropriate Things At Convention Panels?
Fans ask weird, awkward and inappropriate things at anime convention Q&A panels all the time. Why does it happen so much?
― Jake asked: I enjoy attending conventions once or twice a year and one of my favorite things is attending panels with the Japanese animators, directors, producers, and voice actors. I find it interesting to find out more about there experiences in the industry and their influen...
Gamers! ‒ Episode 4
"Gamers! continues to put forward some inspired moments of comedy alongside thoughtful bits of dialogue."
Classroom of the Elite ‒ Episode 4
"Most of this episode was simply tedious, filling time as we waited for Sudo's new conflict to resolve itself."
My First Girlfriend is a Gal ‒ Episode 4
"The series isn't veering into any higher-class territory, but at least it's making an effort to be a little more than the most base kind of romantic comedy."
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 18
"Moreso than any previous episode, this week's Sakura Quest really digs into the mix of emotions that residents of a town feel in seeing its decline."
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 18
"In its last filler excursion before the Hokage and the Seventh Spring arc, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations elects to phone things in."
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Week of July 22-28
My Hero Academia pushes for the top of the heap while Vatican Miracle Examiner tumbles to the bottom. Find out where your favorites rank this week!
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Summer 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 rankin...
Answerman - What Should We Expect from the Sony - Funimation Deal?
Sony Pictures TV is absorbing Funimation. What should we expect? Justin provides the facts (and some informed speculation).
― Lots of people asked: I just saw the big news that Sony Pictures TV is going to acquire a 95% stake in Funimation, and I am really concerned. What will this mean for Funimation releases, their deal with Crunchyroll, their dubs, and their streaming platform? Press releases abo...
Fastest Finger First ‒ Episode 5
"Some questionable production decisions briefly took me out of the moment, but I was thrilled to see a return to form this week."
In Another World With My Smartphone ‒ Episode 4
"This episode effectively acts as a monkey's paw for anyone who wished Isekai Smartphone would develop an actual plot."
Why Legend of the Galactic Heroes is Worth Your Time
The space opera classic almost 10 years in the making is finally available streaming for the first time! Anne Lauenroth breaks down the intimidating barriers that might be keeping you from experiencing one of the all-time greats.
― For 20 years since its completion, Legend of the Galactic Heroes has been one of anime's classic holy grails, yet there never was a way to experience the monumental space ...
Magical Circle Guru-Guru ‒ Episode 4
"If you can look past the pacing issues, Magical Circle Guru-Guru remains a rollicking good time."
GATE Limited Edition BD+DVD
Both seasons of the JSDF's adventures fighting dragons in another world are now available in this special edition ammo box. Theron Martin delves into the series' strengths and weaknesses for military otaku and general viewers.
― In 2013 the anime series Outbreak Company presented a story about Japan discovering a gate to a fantasy world, establishing peaceful contact with an empire on the other side,...
New Game!! ‒ Episode 4
"Even though this episode spends more time coasting than some of its predecessors, it does at least feel like the series is continuing to move forward."
Elegant Yokai Apartment Life ‒ Episode 5
"While Elegant Yokai Apartment Life is a little rough around the edges in both writing and animation, there's a lot of engaging emotional stuff to be worked through."
This Week in Anime - What the Hell Just Happened in Vatican Miracle Examiner?
From two-headed babies to a cryogenically frozen Hitler, this Catholic-flavored mystery series has gone off the rails. Nick and Jacob make it their sacred mission to figure out how we got there.
― It may have seemed like a normal mystery series on the surface, but there's more than sacrosanct sleuthing going on in the world of Vatican Miracle Examiner! This week in anime, we try to exorcise the madne...
Interview: Yousei Teikoku
The goth metal band behind the themes for Future Diary and Katanagatari opens up about what it's like to rule over the "fairy empire" ahead of their live show at Otakon next weekend.
― “You're getting quite fired up, aren't you, my subjects?” says the woman in black as she gazes down imperiously at the crowd. Then, with a shrug of her head, she asks, “Are you enjoying yourselves?” The woman in the go...
Vice & Luna - Let The Good Times Roll
Vice's secret identity has been uncovered - and now he'd better make a quick escape from Comic-con!
―
Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin: Chronicle Of Char And Sayla Collection
These four movies fill in some longstanding blanks of the series while also serving as a polished introduction to the franchise for newcomers. Lauren Orsini delves into Char's story.
― Gundam: The Origin initially was released in North America as a 12-part manga, which Rebecca Silverman praised as “well-written, nicely illustrated, and full of interesting characters.” The collection quickly rocketed ...
Princess Principal ‒ Episode 4
"If you want a story where the lies are so multilayered that you practically need a score card to keep track of them, Princess Principal fits the bill."
Love and Lies ‒ Episode 5
"Love and Lies walks a very fine tightrope of being enjoyably stupid and tediously stupid."
Restaurant to Another World ‒ Episode 5
"Despite being in the same basic format as the previous four episodes, this week's Restaurant to Another World seems to be making an effort to expand its menu."
Answerman - What Is That Little Stamp That Japanese People Use To Sign Papers?
You often see characters in anime using a little stamp for signing documents. What's the deal with that stamp?
― Qashmal asks: I realized from watching Girls und Panzer (also mentioned in Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid) that people in Japan have something called "personal seal," which, I assume, works like an autograph or signature. If it's an organization, I can understand why a seal is needed, but w...
A Centaur's Life ‒ Episode 4
"The show's watchability rests 100% on the narrative, but that aspect of the show is still pretty interesting, tonal hiccups aside."
Interview: The Staff of Fate/Grand Order
As this hit mobile game breaches western shores, the executives behind its creation and the voice actress behind the many faces of Saber discuss Fate/GO's history and future.
― Fate/Grand Order is one of the most popular – and profitable – mobile games in Japan. Based on Type-Moon's bestselling Fate franchise, this smartphone RPG puts you in the role of a master who must travel back in time to win se...
Clean Freak! Aoyama kun ‒ Episode 5
"Despite its lack of depth, I did enjoy this week's return to the sports anime dynamic, focusing on team rapport and athletic feats."
Shelf Life - Monster Musume
Gabriella Ekens dives into the lewd and wacky world of monster girls, plus all this week's new anime releases including Sword Art Online!
― I went to a screening of The Ancient Magus' Bride last week (one advantage of living in a big college town is that the local theaters pick up a lot of anime events), and I have to admit I was pretty impressed. The art and animation were both strong, and the thre...
Knight's & Magic ‒ Episode 5
"After a few testbed teases, this episode features the largest amount of hot mech-on-mech action in the series by far."
The Ancient Magus' Bride—Episodes 1-3
Following its one-night-only premiere in theaters, Theron Martin reveals if The Ancient Magus' Bride is worth the hype.
― Kore Yamazaki's highly-regarded manga The Ancient Magus' Bride is set to air on Japanese TV (and stream on Crunchyroll) in the Fall 2017 season, but its first three episodes actually made their debut at 2017's Anime Expo, followed by a worldwide screening in theaters, courtesy of ...
One Piece ‒ Episode 799
"Last week got us going, but this week we barrel forward into a well-directed episode full of animated character acting and some fun twists to the battle."
Re:CREATORS ‒ Episode 16
"Thorough setup is all well and good, but the series may be taking too much time getting all of its ducks in a row."
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 101
"Thankfully, this episode rises to my expectations as we get some great interactions between Caulifla and Kale."
Sekirei GN 1
If you don't mind sci fi in your fanservice manga or boobs in your science fiction, Sekirei's first volume is a fun read with significant story potential. Rebecca Silverman has the details.
― Sakurako Gokurakuin's Sekirei manga was previously published digitally before getting its print release this year, two years after the series finished its 2004-2015 run. Both of those facts may be part of the re...
Katsugeki! Tōken Ranbu ‒ Episode 5
"Having only just joined the second unit after his flashy entrance, Tsurumaru gets to partake in his new comrades' last Bakumatsu fight."
Altair: A Record of Battles ‒ Episode 4
"Zaganos is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting characters in the series."
Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul ‒ Episode 17
"Ultimately, it looks like it'll be up to Nina to stop her idiot boyfriend from destroying the world."
My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 30
"The children's fight with Stain continues as the action kicks itself up a notch this week in My Hero Academia."
The Reflection ‒ Episode 2
"If you were really turned off by The Reflection's first outing, that's completely understandable, but this second episode goes a long way to make up for that premiere's mistakes."
Welcome to the Ballroom ‒ Episodes 4 & 5
"I'm not sure why Amazon put both episodes four and five up this week, but I'm not going to complain – especially since episode five marks a major change for Tatara"
The List - 7 Wildly Impractical Giant Robot Designs
These mecha might win the gold for creativity, but they're hardly combat-ready. Would you pilot any of these automated oddities into battle?
― Big robots routinely mean big business, maintaining a place in anime fandom thanks in no small part to Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino and staples like Voltron, Macross, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Eureka 7, Escaflowne, and Patlabor. While many series remain nos...
Vatican Miracle Examiner ‒ Episode 4
"This mystery-concluding episode leaped into a car and drove what little sense remained in its plot straight off a cliff at a hundred miles per hour."
Vampire Knight Memories GN 1
This collection of vignettes recounts the continuing adventures of Vampire Knight's cast as Kaname slumbers. Rebecca Silverman breaks down the best and worst of these epilogue stories.
― The main story of Vampire Knight left us with the basic idea that Yuki and Zero would end up together while Kaname slept in a case of ice for a thousand years, and that, essentially, life would go on. If that wasn't ...
Made in Abyss ‒ Episode 4
"Riko and Reg have finally reached the Forest of Temptation, and the Abyss will only go deeper from here."
The Best and Worst of the Season So Far: Weeks of July 1-21
It's the first official user ranking of the Summer 2017 anime season - find out which shows are already making a claim for the top spot!
― Our team of reviewers are following 27 anime series of the Summer 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 base...
ANNCast: Resurrection
Zac, Jacob, and Discotek's Brady Hartel round up the summer 2017 anime season, plus Anime Expo, San Diego Comic-Con, Castlevania and much much more!
― ANNCast Episode 301 - Resurrection Zac, Jacob and Discotek's Brady Hartel round up the summer 2017 anime season, plus Anime Expo, San Diego Comic-Con, Castlevania and much much more! You can listen to the show on our player here, direct-download the M...
Answerman - What Do Manga Artists Think Of Dirty Doujinshi?
There are mountains of smutty doujinshi for every anime, manga and game under the sun - but what do the original artists think of it in Japan? Justin explains.
― Aloysia asks: I understand that there's several mangaka that create BL/yuri doujinshi but there's also who don't. So how do they react to BL/yuri shipping? Do they get angry "My characters are not gay!" or just ignore it? Doujinshi, or smal...
The Real Anime Inspirations Behind the Creations of Re:Creators
Gabriella Ekens breaks down the secret inspirations behind every "fictional" character in Re:Creators' cast, ranging from manga to video games and beyond!
― Spoiler Warning for Re:Creators up through episode 15. Re:Creators is a copyright-safe version of that fanfiction every otaku has wanted to write at some point in their lives: a metatextual crossover showdown between characters from all the bigge...
Review: Splatoon 2
Combine your talents as both kid and squid to ink your way to victory once again! Dustin Bailey finds out if this highly anticipated sequel holds up against the original.
― Two things are true of the Wii U—it was Nintendo's biggest hardware failure since the Virtual Boy, and it served as a home for some of the most fun, original games the company has ever produced. When the Switch came along to deliv...
Gamers! ‒ Episode 3
"Instead of following the standard practice of having all the female characters fawn over one guy, Gamers! is building a much more tangled web of mixed feelings and romantic tension."
This Week in Anime - What's Really Going On In A Centaur's Life?
This world of mermaids, satyrs, and centaurs may seem peaceful at first, but are there more complex politics in play under its surface? Wild horses couldn't drag us away from solving this mystery!
― The world of A Centaur's Life is populated with six-limbed wonders like angelkin, goatmen, mermaids, and of course centaurs instead of the four-limbed humans of our world. But is there something deeper go...
Interview: Hironobu Sakaguchi and Kimihiko Fujisaka
The creator of the very first Final Fantasy and his chief character designer on Terra Battle discuss their new projects at Mistwalker and the legacy of their JRPG work.
― Since he's responsible for creating the most well-known JRPG franchise of all time, Final Fantasy's Hironobu Sakaguchi has a vast legacy of game development behind him. But he's also got a wealth of ambitious projects ahead of him a...
My First Girlfriend is a Gal ‒ Episode 3
"Thanks to the way this episode was handled, the series is at least showing a little more promise."
This Week in Games - Remember That Ghost in the Shell Shooter?
Dustin straps in for a look at the recently-relaunched Ghost in the Shell online shooter to find out if it's still worth joining Section 9. PLUS: Pokemon GO, Dragon Ball FighterZ and much more!
― Splatoon 2 is out, and it's great. It's been dominating game time for me since the weekend, and that's been across every single mode—casual, ranked, single-player, and Salmon Rush. But just because there's a...
Sakura Quest ‒ Episode 17
"Each time Sakura Quest starts feeling a little too cozy, it goes and surprises me with new ideas and energy."
No Game, No Life Zero
Despite being a far-flung film prequel to its source material, No Game No Life Zero might just outshine the original TV series. Kim Morrissy breaks down what makes this movie shine.
― No Game No Life Zero isn't like the No Game No Life you've seen before. It takes all the interesting themes of the original TV series and peels away all the fanservice and frivolities, resulting in a tonally different n...
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 17
"The filler train keeps on rolling as this week's Boruto: Naruto Next Generations shines a spotlight on Sarada."
Classroom of the Elite ‒ Episode 3
"Classroom of the Elite's third episode revealed more about the show's overall intentions, while generally plugging away at its larger game."
Fastest Finger First ‒ Episode 4
"After a momentous first three episodes with consistently rising action, Fastest Finger First has reached a dull interlude."
Did Netflix Make A Decent Death Note Film?
Our full, spoiler-free report from the premiere of Netflix's hotly anticipated live-action Death Note film, complete with photos and what you should expect from the movie.
― San Diego Comic-Con: The epicenter of western pop culture entertainment. As fans lined up for hours to get a peek at the latest Thor and Justice League movies, a few blocks away from Hall H, a smaller, but enthusiastic crowd vied...
Answerman - Why Aren't Tezuka and Ishinomori Anime Popular In The West?
Fans of Astro Boy, Cyborg 009 and other timeless classics have long asked: why isn't this stuff more popular with American audiences?
― Nik asks: Osamu Tezuka and Shotaro Ishinomori are two of my favorite manga/anime creators. My favorite aspect of their works is the "retro" and "rounded" look of the characters. Properties like Cyborg 009, Kikaider, and Astro Boy are extremely appealing to me in an ...
Interview: Castlevania producer Adi Shankar
The producer of Netflix's Castlevania answers a few questions about his favorite anime, working with an international team and dealing with fan expectations.
― Named “one of the most influential global Indian men” by GQ magazine in 2014, producer and director Adi Shankar has very quickly made a name for himself among anime fans as producer of Netflix's Castlevania, an animated adaptation of Konami's ...
Explaining the English Light Novel Boom with Bookwalker Global
There were 80 light novels released in English in 2016, and 2017 has already surpassed that number. Kim Morrissey takes a in-depth look at the blossoming light novel market.
― Light novels are becoming a hot new property in the English-speaking market these days. In 2016 alone, over 80 light novel volumes were published in English translation, a number that 2017 has already surpassed. These Japanese ...
In Another World With My Smartphone ‒ Episode 3
"For much of this third episode, things actually threaten to happen in this series, only to amount to nothing at all."
High School Life of a Fudanshi GN 1
This first volume about the life of a BL-loving straight boy struggles to be funny without too much cruelty. Rebecca Silverman weighs this comedy's pros and cons.
― If you distill it down to its most basic message, The High School Life of a Fudanshi is about all of the issues that come with being the “wrong” gender for a fandom. That's something plenty of people have experienced, from just not fittin...
Magical Circle Guru-Guru ‒ Episode 3
"While Magical Circle Guru-Guru remains as amusing as ever, the rapid-fire pacing of the show's humor doesn't work quite as well when applied to the overall plot."
New Game!! ‒ Episode 3
"We're only three episodes in, and it already feels like Aoba and company have faced as many challenges as they did throughout the first season."
Elegant Yokai Apartment Life ‒ Episode 4
"Yushi now has to decide how "normal" and free of troubles he wants his life to be."
Restaurant to Another World ‒ Episode 4
"I still like the premise of this series, but I shouldn't be starting to find it dull only four episodes in."
This Week in Anime - What's Stain's Real Problem With Heroes?
My Hero Academia's newest villain is bloodthirsty to a shocking extreme, but does he have a good reason to hate heroes so much? This week, we take a look at the world through his creepy red eyes.
― Welcome to our new twice-weekly format for This Week in Anime! Going forward, two members of our team will discuss just one hot new anime topic in each column, starting off with a discussion of My Hero Aca...
Interview: The Staff of Welcome to the Ballroom
We sat down with the talents behind the anime adaptation of this hit shonen manga to discuss what it was like bringing competitive dance to life through animation.
― Shortly before its first two episodes premiered at Anime Expo, we sat down with the staff behind this season's Welcome to the Ballroom, a visually ambitious action drama about the world of competitive dance. Animation Director Takahiro C...
Vice & Luna - The Leaked Jedi
Perry's dedication to the True Fan Comic-Con Experience wavers when the footage he's waiting to see leaks while he's in line...
―
Garo Season Two: Crimson Moon BD+DVD
Garo's second season never quite manages to redeem itself, resulting in a finale that's difficult to care about. Rebecca Silverman conducts her autopsy.
― It is a sad day when a series' explication takes so long that the monsters themselves get tired of listening to it and just attack. While that's not literally true of Garo: Crimson Moon, it still feels like the best explanation we've got for its ev...
One Piece ‒ Episode 798
"Suddenly, my exhaustion with the Seducing Woods vanishes as we're able to set our sights on one very clear and challenging conflict."
Love and Lies ‒ Episode 4
"While I appreciated learning more about this government's unsettling practices, there was simply too much flat exposition and not enough soapy angst and romantic entanglements this week."
Princess Principal ‒ Episode 3
"This week gave us nothing that wasn't fairly predictable, but it was still well-done nonetheless."
The Summer 2017 Anime Preview Guide
Looking for a fresh Summer anime? Our complete guide to the entire season is available now.
Reviews Include: Gamers! - Classroom of the Elite - My First Girlfriend is a Gal - Magic Circle Guru-Guru - In Another World with my Smartphone - New Game!! - Angel's 3Piece! - Chronos Ruler - Princess Principal - A Centaur's Life - Hitorijime My Hero - Action Heroine Cheer Fruits - and much more! ― Welcome t...
Reviews Include: Gamers! - Classroom of the Elite - My First Girlfriend is a Gal - Magic Circle Guru-Guru - In Another World with my Smartphone - New Game!! - Angel's 3Piece! - Chronos Ruler - Princess Principal - A Centaur's Life - Hitorijime My Hero - Action Heroine Cheer Fruits - and much more! ― Welcome t...
Clean Freak! Aoyama kun ‒ Episode 4
"There are no real laugh-out-loud moments this week, and I blame this undercurrent of anxiety on a show that doesn't quite know what it wants to be."
A Centaur's Life ‒ Episode 3
"It's time for our weekly dose of monster girl slice-of-life antics, along with the looming threat of totalitarianism!"
Answerman - Is It Ethical To Import Anime From Other Countries?
Anime fans in the UK will often import low-price American anime box sets - but is that ethical? What's the impact on their own local anime distributors? Justin gets into it.
― Jason asks: What do Japanese licence holders think of people in the UK importing US region 1 discs? How legal is this? Some times a show never seems to get a UK release and isn't available for streaming either. Japanese produc...
Knight's & Magic ‒ Episode 4
"Thankfully, Knight's & Magic was willing to meet me halfway this week by spreading its focus around more."
Interview: Attack on Titan's Trina Nishimura and Yui Ishikawa
The voices behind Mikasa Ackerman come together to discuss what it's been like to be part of Attack on Titan's legacy!
― As Attack on Titan's second season came to an end, and Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block aired a supersized marathon of episodes from the series over the weekend, both the Japanese and English voice actresses for Mikasa Ackerman convened at Anime Expo to celebrate this mega-series...
Dragon Ball Super ‒ Episode 100
"I enjoy the Universe 6 Saiyans, but the writing here is so bizarre and half-baked that I couldn't tell you what they were going for."
For all articles, see the archives