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Horror Manga Creator Minetaro Mochizuki Prefers the Darkness
"When I wrote Dragon Head, the financial bubble had just burst. Money had become this worthless piece of paper in the span of a night. That feeling of depression or uneasiness kind of seeped into me, I guess."
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Nov 12-18
Spy×Family hits the mark once again with a #1 this week, climbing two steps higher in the cumulative. Find out how your favorite shows stacked up according to viewer votes.
HowKamen Rider Helped Me Recover from Trauma
When faced with a life-changing accident, Jean-Karlo turned to Hiroshi Fujioka's performance as Kamen Rider and the series' enduring story of hope.
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A Special Evening with Ultraman
Anime News Network was allowed to check out the tour as it stopped by the Japan Society in New York City, where I was able to enjoy a lot of the strong enthusiasm for this franchise firsthand.― Sixty years is a long time. Even if you've never actually sat down and watched a piece ofUltraman media, no doubt you have come across something that has been either directly or indirectly inspired by this ...
REDLINE,Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline Director Takeshi Koike
Acclaimed director professes his love for Chainsaw Man, closing the door on Lupin.― Takeshi Koike is best known in the West for directing 2009's high-octane sci-fi car-racing action epicREDLINE. Since then, he's mostly worked within the long-runningLupin III franchise, first as character designer and animation director for 2012's acclaimed TV animeLupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, be...
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Special Game Preview
Overall I am fairly optimistic about this remake. It does seem a bit redundant to remake this game for a second time, but this seems like a great opportunity to update a beloved game in an established franchise for more modern audiences.―Dragon Quest is one of the most established and recognizable RPG franchises in the world. Not only are there over a dozen games, but a few of those games have eve...
Kodansha House Returned to New York withGhost in the Shell, BLUE LOCK, More Manga
Visitors could experience the iconic building-leap scene from theGhost in the Shell movie in first-person perspective.― Kodansha returned once again to New York City to present a fun, casual experience for manga fans. Despite renting out a different building from last year, Kodansha House still brings the same chill, laid-back vibes with a few noticeable additions. Admission was still free, and de...
Pursuing a Unified Vision at FLAT STUDIO: Director loundraw and Producer Ryu Ishii
Founding a new studio is never easy - loundraw , an illustrator and the founder of FLAT STUDIO , and FLAT STUDIO producer Ryū Ishii sat down with ANN to share how they managed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.― Founding a new studio is never easy—even without all of the logistics involved, there's pressure to prove that a new venture is worthwhile, that it can produce quality work, and that...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Nov 5-11
This week,a Hero, a Spirit and a Reincarnator are beaten only by aFated Magical Princess. See how all your favorites fared in our weekly user rankings.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are based on...
Samus' New Psychic Abilities inMetroid Prime 4 Adds Fresh Gameplay
The Morph Ball Bomb is forever changed.― I already got to try out the first 15 minutes ofMetroid Prime 4: Beyond at the Nintendo Holiday Showcase in September and liked what I saw. Now I've had the chance to play an additional hour of the long-awaited first-person adventure game, and the more I get to play of this, the longer the wait feels for its December 4 release on the Switch and Switch 2. Ni...
A Mini-Interview with Creator Yasuhiro Nightow onTrigun Stargaze and His Way of Writing
With Trigun Stargaze firmly on the horizon, we had the opportunity to speak with Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow about how the previous anime, Trigun Stampede, came to be and how he develops both his characters and story.― WithTrigun Stargaze firmly on the horizon, we were recently able to talk withTrigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow at New York Comic Con 2025 about how the previous anime,Trigun Stam...
How the Staff Tackled Trauma inTakopi's Original Sin Anime
We spoke with director Shinya Iino and producer Kotaro Sudo about the emotionally difficult developments and what they hope audiences take away from theTakopi's Original Sin.― Taizan 5'sTakopi's Original Sin manga is not for the faint of heart. The single-volume manga series depicts the difficult, and often times torturous existence of three different elementary school children. Shizuka is neglect...
Solo Leveling Composer Hiroyuki Sawano Prepares for LA Concert
Ahead of his solo concert in Los Angeles, the prolific composer shares “THE ANSWER” to our burning questions.― If you've ever found yourself tapping your toes to the tunes ofSolo Leveling,Gundam Unicorn, orAttack on Titan, it's all because of one man—Hiroyuki Sawano. Over the past twenty years, Mr. Sawano has established himself as the go-to composer for adrenaline-pumping anime scores—beats that...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Oct 29-Nov 4
Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider comes out #1 just ahead ofSANDA — two standout shows brimming with originality. Find out where your favorites rank this week!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are ba...
The Fall 2025 Manga Guide After Dark (18+)
Welcome to the steamy side of ANN's Fall Manga Guide.― Welcome to the steamy side of ANN's Fall Manga Guide. All of these titles are intended for readers 18 and older, ranging from spicy to something a bit more, and featuring a variety of tropes, groupings, and fetishes. Come find your next adult read - there's plenty to choose from. SEPTEMBER Let Me See the Real You, Senpai! Lauren Orsini, Rebecca...
Does the Light Novel Translation Process Need AI?
As machine translation tools under the banner of AI become increasingly accessible and easy to use, the light novel landscape is at a crossroads. Do light novel publishers compromise their product for more speed, and if so, by how much?― Tristan “Arkada” Gallant was hooked onAscendance of a Bookworm, an isekai light novel series that is currently being translated by J-Novel Club. But when Part 5 Vo...
WEBTOON Disputes Union's Unpaid Labor Allegations
Naver WEBTOON: "Although extremely rare, even if serialization does not proceed, we compensate the creators for the work produced. Claims of unpaid labor are, therefore, inappropriate and untrue."― Following Anime News Network's November 5 article on allegations of unfair labor practices at Naver WEBTOON, Kiel Hume, VP and Head of Global Communications at WEBTOON Entertainment, reached out to provid...
Unpaid Labor Allegations Cast Shadow Over Naver WEBTOON's Market Dominance
South Korea's largest webcomic platform has found itself in the spotlight for two reasons: its rising global profile and growing criticism over alleged unfair labor practices.― Naver WEBTOON, South Korea's largest webcomic platform and a publicly listed company in the U.S., has recently found itself in the spotlight for two contrasting reasons: its rising global profile, boosted by a collaboration w...
The Fall 2025 K-Comics Guide
Vertical scrollers, we have your guide to the latest manhwa right here. Whether it's steamy romance or cosmic horror, you'll want to check the K-Comics Guide!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 K-Comics Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included manhwa was published in September, October, or November, although some are ongoing titles without a physical release. This guide focus...
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Interview: Director Tatsuya Yoshihara×Assistant Director Masato Nakazono
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc's director and assistant director share how the blockbuster anime film was born from creative challenges.―English translation of articles from the Japanese entertainment magazineNikkei Entertainment! ReadNikkei Entertainment! on the web! FindNikkei Entertainment! on Instagram and X We sat down for an interview with Director Tatsuya Yoshihara, who oversaw the pr...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Fall 2025, Oct 1-28
My Hero Academia is going out all guns blazing in this final season, butMay I Ask for One Final Thing? is giving it a run for its money. The new season is gearing up!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ranking...
Laugh, Cry, and Cheer for the Stories inTatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Anime Anthology
In their first-ever overseas interview, directors Seishirō Nagaya and Nobuyuki Takeuchi and producer Ryo Oyama share how they went from page to screen for the wildly creative anime anthology.― Tatsuki Fujimoto's two-volume anthology collection comes alive in eight separate animated episodes, each told by seven different directors and six animation studios. The adaptation ofTatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 de...
The Fall 2025 Manga Guide
It's the final update for this season's Manga Guide! Come find your new favorite, whether it's a brand-new series or a rescued title.― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the beginning of a season. Now, doing something like that for manga ...
Interview withCat's Eye, City Hunter Manga Legend Tsukasa Hōjō
To celebrate the English release of his beloved manga, Hōjō-sensei shared memories of his early work, including how his editor backed upCity Hunter in the face of criticism.― Tsukasa Hojo is an acclaimed mangaka with decades of experience writing and illustrating countless works. His series are beloved around the world, including esteemed titles likeCat's Eye,City Hunter, andAngel Heart to name ...
The Fall 2025 Light Novel Guide
From kaiju to K-Pop, we have a bevy of books to choose from! Find your next light novel series obsession or read the ultimate guide to 100 essential anime in our Light Novel Guide! Sponsored by Yen Press.― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Light Novel Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included novel was published in September or October or is an upcoming November release. This ...
A Chat with Junji Nishimura, Director ofMechanical Marie
Nishimura has accrued over three decades of industry experience, including credits on numerous anime. We talked to him about his latest series, favorite robots, and pink-haired anime girls.― Fall 2025's action romcom anime Mechanical Marie is highly anticipated by fans of Aki Akimoto's original six-volume manga series. Anime News Network was thankful for the opportunity to interview director Junji ...
Becoming Two Hikarus with Voice Actor Shūichirō Umeda
Shūichirō Umeda has the task of becoming two characters, Hikaru and "Hikaru." He shares the subtleties of his performance in our new interview!― Known for smash hits likeZom 100: Bucket List of the Dead andMakeine: Too Many Losing Heroines, we at ANN are no strangers to Shuichiro Umeda's prolific body of work over these past few years. Now that Umeda has scored another big hit withThe Summer Hika...
The Fall 2025 Manga Guide
Find your next must-read manga! The Fall 2025 manga guide updates with six new titles every day, from just-released comics to highly anticipated releases through November! Sponsored by Yen Press!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Manga Guide! You may have seen one of our seasonal Anime Preview Guides, where a team of critics writes up each new anime television premiere as it airs at the be...
The Fall Anime 2025 Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll
The Fall Preview Guide is back with the second episodes ofLil Miss Vampire, One Punch Man, andGnosia!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Anime Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic will cover as many shows as they can handle, giving you alternate takes on almost ...
The Mouth-WateringDelicious in Dungeon Exhibit Comes to NYC
The exhibit at the Chelsea Walls Gallery on 10th Street was inspired by a similar show in Japan and featured artwork spanning Kui's entire career thus far.―Delicious in Dungeon was one of the breakout series of 2024, combining dungeon adventure with gourmet, locally-sourced meals. The arrival of an art exhibit centered on author Ryoko Kui in New York City was met with great excitement, and many fan...
Your Halloween 2025 Anime Watchlist
This Halloween season marks the perfect occasion to sit down and watch some of the best horror anime out there—and the ANN staff is here with their recommendations!― Horror is a broad genre with many facets. For some, it's simply ghosts and monsters—the eldritch and the unknowable. For others, it's more psychological—the twisted aspects of the human soul and the terror born therein. And for still o...
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Voice Actor Interview: Kengo Kawanishi/Muichiro Tokito × Kana Hanazawa/Mitsuri Kanroji
Nikkei Entertainment! shares a behind-the-scenes interview with the cast of the summer's hottest film,Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle!―English translation of articles from the Japanese entertainment magazineNikkei Entertainment! ReadNikkei Entertainment! on the web! FindNikkei Entertainment! on Instagram and X On July 11, a Pre-release Blessing Event was held at Zojoji Temple in ...
Preparing for Anime's Greatest Race: TheSteel Ball Run Cast Take the Stage
The voices of Johnny Joestar, Gyro Zeppeli, Diego Brando, Lucy Steel, and Steven Steel shared their excitement for the next installment ofJoJo's!― April 12, 2025, fans ofJojo's Bizarre Adventure waited with bated breath during the final JOJODAY 2025 announcement, “Total Distance: Roughly 6,000 km. Prize money: 50 million dollars. Humanity's first horse race across America.Steel Ball Run Jojo's Bi...
100 Meters Anime Film Director Kenji Iwaisawa's Attention to Detail Puts Artistic Originality First
Iwaisawa's attention to natural movement and his team's stylistic take on the camera angles help to visually elevate the movie's message about chasing one's passion.― Six years ago, Kenji Iwaisawa took the world by surprise with his hilariously charming adaptation of Hiroyuki Ohashi'sON-GAKU. Now, with a larger budget and a team of industry professionals, Iwaisawa has taken on the challenge of adap...
From Lovecraft to the Fear of the Unknown:Silent Hill f andFatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly
Why is this niche so beloved, and what else can we expect to see as we return to games that focus on Japanese folklore, culture, and horror?― Japan-set games are experiencing a much-needed Renaissance, withSilent Hill f's releaase on PC and consoles this month, as well as the announcement of aFatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly Remake coming in 2026, along with a release forNioh 3 in February andGhos...
The Fall Anime 2025 Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll
The Fall Anime Preview Guide is almost complete! Read our reviews ofWith You, Our Love Will Make it Through, Li'l Miss Vampire Can't Suck Right, Spy×Family Season 3, One Punch Man Season 3, Gnosia, Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, Digimon Beatbreak, My Hero Academia Final Season, and more!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Anime Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll! Here's how it goes: our t...
EXCLUSIVE: Interview withTurkey! Time to Strike's Hana Hishikawa and Noriko Hidaka
We spoke with voice actors Hishikawa and Hidaka about their work onTurkey!-Time to Strike- and their thoughts on bowling, time travel stories, and the Sengoku Period of Japan.― On August 21, fans of Turkey! Time to Strike gathered at the Loft Plus One bar in Shinjuku for a talk show with voice actors Hana Hishikawa (voice of Mai Otonashi) and Noriko Hidaka (Sumomo), Yutaka Omatsu and Gen Oishi from...
The Fall Anime 2025 Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll
It's the perfect time to catch up on the fall anime season! Read our reviews ofThis Monster Wants to Eat Me, The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess, Wandance, GINTAMA - Mr. Ginpachi's Zany Class, and more!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Anime Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here ...
Overcoming Insecurities withPlus-Sized Misadventures in Love Manga Creator mamakari
After digesting so much comedy that punches down on people's weight, it's a refreshing change of pace when a story like Plus-sized Misadventures in Love! comes to flip the script― After digesting so much comedy that punches down on people's weight, it's a refreshing change of pace when a story likePlus-Sized Misadventures in Love comes to flip the script and use its fat jokes in a wholesome, body-p...
Turkey! Time to Strike Staff and Cast Pick Favorite Scenes at Talk Event
The voice actors and staff came together to discuss one of the most unique anime of the season, the time-traveling bowling anime Turkey!― In the heart of Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku ward, anime fans gathered at the Loft Plus One bar for the anime talk show for one of the most interesting series of Summer 2025. That series is none other than Turkey! Time to Strike. The time-traveling bowling anime seri...
The Fall Anime 2025 Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll
The fall anime season is cooking up something delicious withCampfire Cooking in Another World Season 2. Read all the reviews for in the Preview Guide, now withtwo episode reviews!― Welcome to Anime News Network's Fall 2025 Anime Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll! Here's how it goes: our team of critics writes up their impressions instantly, to be posted here as they go along. Each critic will...
Interview:My Hero Academia: All's Justice Producer Aoba Miyazaki on Creating More than a Sequel
"We're not just making [One's Justice 3]; as a team we said, 'We're going to make a new, even more fun game,' so we've drastically redesigned the inside of the game."― With My Hero Academia heading into its final season and the battle between series protagonist Izuku “Deku” Midoriya and villain Tomura Shigaraki heating up, it's only natural for fans of the series to want to do more than just watch t...
Pass The Monster Meat Milady is Cooking Up a Delicious Anime Confection
A manga about food is a surefire way to leave one hungry enough for the juicy details regarding its creation. To satiate our appetite, ANN sat down with manga creator Chika Mizube and Melphiera voice actor Kanna Nakamura to get the inside scoop.― A manga about food is a surefire way to leave one hungry enough for the juicy details regarding its creation. Surely, the first ten minutes ofPass the Mon...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025
To Be Hero X zigged-zagged all season but finishes with the best episode, while in the cumulativeMy Dress-Up Darling lost to some stiff competition. Find out how your favorite shows fared in the final rankings of the Summer!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page w...
Realities Merge at the 'Art of Manga' Exhibit in San Francisco
Some of manga's most iconic images are currently on display at the de Young Museum—from Tetsuya Chiba to Eiichiro Oda.― On its opening day, San Francisco's de Young Museum welcomed patrons to the first large-scale manga exhibit in North America. “Art of Manga” is a visual buffet for experts and newcomers alike, immersing visitors into the same plane as the very panels they see before their eyes. Fan...
Live-Action Film Director Yoshiyuki Okuyama on Adapting Makoto Shinkai's Classic5 Centimeters Per Second Anime
One of Shinkai's beloved works is now a live-action film. We spoke with young director Yoshiyuki Okuyama about what probing the past can do for the audience and the filmmaker.― Makoto Shinkai's anime classic 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007) received a live-action adaptation this year, which premiered this week at the Busan International Film Festival. Directed by photographer and filmmaker Yoshiyuki ...
The Fall Anime 2025 Preview Guide summoned by Crunchyroll
It's a five-star knockout forMay I Ask One Final Thing? Read all our reviews, including: The Banished Court Magician Aims to Become the Strongest, Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota, My Hero Academia Final Season, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!, A Star Brighter Than the Sun, This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Dusk Beyond the End of the World, A Wild Last Boss Appeared!, Who Made Me a Princess, and more!
Yokai Cats and Time Travel: Twenty-One Volumes of Rumiko Takahashi'sMao
Taking a more aggressive horror angle, Mao bridges time from the Heian Era to the Taishō Era to today, telling a story about insatiable greed for power and those who try to stop it.― I always try to admit when I'm wrong.Mao, Rumiko Takahashi's current long-running manga series, didn't wow me with its first volume. I uncharitably compared it to earlier Takahashi works in both look and plot, and I ad...
An Ode to Kikyo: In Defense of one of Takahashi's Most Hated Characters
Kikyo is the best character inInuYasha, and I will die on this hill (and be brought back to life 50 years later).― If “Density of Fan Hate Per Onscreen Minute” were a quantifiable metric,FullMetal Alchemist's Shou Tucker would undoubtedly be the record-holder. But Kikyo, from when theInuYasha fandom was at its most active, would still easily crack the top 10, if not the top 5. To phrase that a bi...
My First Rumiko Takahashi Series
Soon approaching her 50th anniversary as a manga artist, Rumiko Takahashi has introduced generations to manga and anime through her stories.― Soon approaching her 50th anniversary as a manga artist, Rumiko Takahashi has introduced generations to manga and anime through her stories. Her work spans the breadth of genres, from the hilarious mishaps in Urusei Yatsura and Ranma ½ to the horrific folktal...
WhyMaison Ikkoku is the Greatest Love Story of All Time
Pride and Prejudice. Romeo and Juliet. The Notebook. These are some of the stories considered the greatest romances of all time, but to me, none of them compares toMaison Ikkoku.―Pride and Prejudice.Romeo and Juliet.The Notebook. These are some of the stories considered the greatest romances of all time, but to me, none of them compares toMaison Ikkoku, Rumiko Takahashi's seminal love story. I...
Interview:The First Descendant Director on the Issues with the Game And How They're Fixing Them
We sat down with Director Min Seok Joo at Tokyo Game Show 2025 to talk frankly about the issues currently facing the game and their plans to overcome them.―The First Descendant is a free-to-play, sci-fi looter shooter filled with fast-paced action, attractive characters, and tons of explosions. Now, more than a year since the game's release, I had a chance to sit down with Director Min Seok Joo, ac...
The Fall 2025 Anime Trailer Watch Party is Tonight!
Come find your new must-watch anime with us on Friday at 5pm PT/8pm ET!― The leaves are changing, and the anime season is, too. Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge, James Beckett, and Jacki Jing are happy to announce that YouTube personality Geoff Thew (Mother's Basement) is joining us to watch over 50 trailers from the upcoming anime season. Find your next must-watch anime, from the biggest hits ...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Sep 16-22
The Rising of the Shield Hero is dropping like a rock each week whileDr. Stone is rising like a hero. See you next week for the final results!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are based on how peopl...
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is More Than Just a Remake, AndDark Ties Proves it
One of the common criticisms of the originalYakuza 3 is that Mine didn't get enough screen time. Well,Dark Ties certainly remedies that.― Sega and Ryu ga Gotoku have made sure that older games in theYakuza/Like a Dragon series are accessible to newer audiences. By remaking the first two games asYakuza Kiwami andYakuza Kiwami 2, as well as remastering the older PS3 titles, almost all of the game...
Mother's Basement Joins The Fall 2025 Anime Trailer Watch Party!
Come find your new must-watch anime with us on Friday at 5pm PT/8pm ET!― The leaves are changing, and the anime season is, too. Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge, James Beckett, and Jacki Jing are happy to announce that YouTube personality Geoff Thew (Mother's Basement) is joining us to watch over 50 trailers from the upcoming anime season. Find your next must-watch anime, from the biggest hits ...
The Most Anticipated Anime of Fall 2025
Fan-favorites like Spy×Family and Ranma ½ are set to return, but it was those little digital pals and a monstrous new series that really grabbed our critics' attention.― As some of the biggest anime of the year wind to a close, our team looked to October and beyond for their next must-watch anime series. Fan-favorites like Spy×Family and Ranma ½ are set to return, but it was those little digital pa...
Will Nintendo's Holiday Showcase Sell Me on a Switch 2?
IsKirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond andPokémon Legends: Z-A the push console fence-sitters need to upgrade?― This is the third year in a row I've been invited to Nintendo's Holiday Showcase event for Anime News Network — but my first year where the games on display are for the Nintendo Switch 2. I have yet to upgrade to Nintendo's latest console, and with the majority of games showcased h...
The Worst Anime of Summer 2025
In a season full of great anime, we had to dig a bit deeper to find the clunkers; most of the series on this list are competent but otherwise dragged down by unlikable characters and tired, one-note jokes.― In a season full of great anime, we had to dig a bit deeper to find the clunkers; most of the series on this list are competent but otherwise dragged down by unlikable characters and tired, one-...
MAN WITH A MISSION's Jean-Ken Johnny Shares Insights on New EP, World Tour
Jean-Ken Johnny discusses what goes into creating an anime intro song, their new tour, movies, and what's new for MAN WITH A MISSION.― Few musical artists can hold a candle to the impressive list of anime that the wolf-headed Japanese rock band MAN WITH A MISSION has done intros for, which includes iconic titles like Vinland Saga, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans,Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Ya...
The Best Anime of Summer 2025
Even if you didn't love everything that came out, it's still hard to deny that there was a surfeit of delights for viewers to sample. Our editorial team weighs in with our favorite series from this packed season.― The summer of 2025 has been one of the strongest anime seasons in recent memory. Perhaps that's hyperbolic, but even if you didn't love everything that came out, it's still hard to deny t...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Sep 9-15
Turkey! may have thrown off a lot of people at the beginning, but it seems to have found its audience as evidenced by its climb back from the pits of the cumulative. Check out our weekly user rankings!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcast...
The CompleteTo Be Hero X Timeline
To Be Hero X is a massive superhero chronicle that jumps back and forth over the course of 41 years. If you're chronologically confused, we're here to help.― The story ofTo Be Hero X is a massive chronicle taking place over the course of 41 years. However, that is not to say it is told in any semblance of chronological order. Instead, the series hops back and forth across the decades, following ea...
Kagurabachi Manga Creator Takeru Hokazono Shares His Inspirations
From Hollywood's version of Japan to Marvel films, Takeru Hokazono shares what media made an impact on his hit manga series.― While the Kagurabachi panel featuring creator Takeru Hokazono wasn't advertised as one of Anime NYC's biggest events, you couldn't tell by the crowd size, as the room was stuffed full of one of the most enthusiastic audiences at the convention. The truth is,Kagurabachi's pop...
BringingApocalypse Bringer Mynoghra to the Fans with Director Yuji Yanase and Producer Yuki Mukai
Even when your lead characters are villains,Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra shows they're still someone to root for.― There's nothing quite likeApocalypse Bringer Mynoghra—an isekai series that takes place within the world of a 4X-type of strategy game, in which our protagonist (with the help of characters from the game) creates and rules over an evil kingdom. It has dark moments, villain protagonists...
For Webtoon Creator Mongie,Let's Play is Personal
Leeanne M. Krecic shares how comic series' characters are all reflections of herself, from Charles to Monica.― Leeanne M. Krecic has accomplished what many fans only dream about: a studio is adapting her original story into an anime series. Also known as "Mongie," Krecic first launchedLet's Play online comic on the WEBTOON platform in 2016, where it grew to 7.5 million readers, earned an Eisner Awa...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Sep 2-8
Spots 4-7 of the cumulative are in a hot race, withCITY The Animation currently leading. Find out how your favorite shows performed in our weekly user rankings.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are ...
King's Maker Creators Share How It's All About Love
Writer and illustrator duo, Haga and Jiyoung Kang, share insights on how they work together on their popular Korean BL series,King's Maker.― The world of digital Korean comics is infamously demanding as full-colored chapters are released weekly. Writer and illustrator duo, Haga and Jiyoung Kang, share insights on how they work together on their popular Korean BL series,King's Maker. Currently, th...
No Character is Safe inHell's Paradise
In our interview with creator Yūji Kaku, we learn that every character has a "bad end" route, even protagonist Gabimaru.― Hells Paradise captured the hearts of many people thanks to its unique setting, likable characters, and gorgeous animation. A great deal of thought went into how the anime presented itself visually and how the story effectively communicated its various potential branching paths. ...
PREVIEW:Digimon Story: Time Stranger Bares its Brave Heart
Never mind monster-taming,Digimon Story: Time Stranger is shaping up to be a great RPG,period.― Bandai Namco has madeDigimon Story: Time Stranger impossible to ignore, promoting the game as much as they can. If you haven't seen any of the many videos highlighting specific Digimon and their unique special moves, you've at least seen the news about Digi-riding. We were granted permission by Bandai ...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Aug 26-Sep 1
We see some tectonic shifts in the cumulative, asCall of the Night grabs #1 andAnne Shirley knocks downMy Dress-Up Darling. Discover what else is moving in the rankings!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ra...
SHUTEN ORDER Creators Open Up About Its Secrets
Writer Kazutaka Kodaka, director Takumi Nakazawa, and artist simadoriru have a new mystery game full of intrigue and psychadelia.― Spike Chunsoft'sSHUTEN ORDER's promises to combine five different gameplay styles with intrigue, mystery, and psychadelia. With the game about to release, Anime News Network was given the opportunity to sit down with three members of its development—director Takumi Naka...
WhyChainsaw Man is Going Theatrical with MAPPA President Manabu Ohtsuka, Vice President Hiroya Hasegawa
MAPPA Studio president hopes theatrical release will expand the hit series' audience.― The familiar faces ofChainsaw Man are set to make their return in the fall with the upcoming movie:Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. As a direct sequel to the first season, the story will continue from the events following the end of the season. Tatsuya Yoshihara, who was the action director of season one, wil...
TOUGEN ANKI Producer, Voice Actor Discuss Blood-Soaked Premiere
“I feel that I'm quite a reasoned person. Even when I get angry, I hold it back,” he said. “[Since] I started acting as Shiki's character, I've started to allow myself to let my true self out. It's okay to let your feelings out.”―TOUGEN ANKI might seem on its surface like a typical shonen work: a young man is told he has a higher calling and is thrust into conflict. He's part of a long line of Oni ...
FromThe First Slam Dunk toELECEED: DandeLion Animation Studio CEO Kazuhiro Nishikawa
We spoke with the studio CEO behind the critically-acclaimedThe First Slam Dunk to find out more about their next project: the 2D-3D hybrid animeELECEED.― DandeLion Studios has been around for almost 20 years. You may know them as the production company responsible for the critically acclaimed movie The First Slam Dunk or the Oscar-nominated film Magic Candies. The studio's CEO, Kazuhiro Nishikawa...
Best New K-Comics to Read in August
Whether you're looking for a romcom, the world's scariest dating sim, or an unusual shapeshifter, browse our picks for what to read this August to make the transition to fall a little easier.― As the summer winds down, it's the perfect time to settle in with some easy, engaging reads. K-Comics sites have plenty to offer in the usual variety of genres, with a definite emphasis on tales of the ghostly...
Anime Dubs as Good asCowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop may be the gold standard of English dubs, but it's hardly alone. There are plenty of shows that make the case for watching in English. Our editorial staff shares some of their favorites.― Cowboy Bebop may be the gold standard of English dubs, but it's hardly alone. While some fans prefer subs over dubs, there are plenty of shows that make the case for watching in English. Our editorial...
Producers Talk Shop aboutAtelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian Game
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian banked on the franchise's history, and now it's making the transition from a mobile game to a full-fledged console RPG.― With its magic shops and the many Alchemists who run them, Gust'sAtelier series has quietly continued over the decades as a fan-favorite thanks to its charming characters and comfortable atmosphere.Atelier Resleriana: Th...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Aug 19-25
Call of the Night andAnne Shirley see their best episodes yet, but it's not enough to move the top 10 cumulative. Below #10 everything is shifting around though.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are...
Tower of God Creator SIU Looking Back on the Series a Decade Later
Since its debut, the series has evolved into a full-fledged franchise, with adaptations in anime, mobile games, and other formats. Despite its immense popularity worldwide, its creator, SIU, had never met his North American fans in person before.― Tower of God, one of the most iconic titles on WEBTOON, has captivated global readers with over 1.3 billion cumulative views. Since its debut, the series ...
Influencers Gigguk, Dillon Goo, and OtakuVS On Making Their Own Anime
One might scoff at the notion: “Influencers are making anime now?” Such reductive thinking conflicts with the reality that the lines between industry professionals and content creators have been steadily blurring.― GeeXPlus made waves here at Anime Expo by announcing GeeXProductions, a new IP division. As an internet influencer talent agency, GeeXPlus has been a supportive home for a range of varie...
Bringing K-Comics to the Next Generation: Inside Ink Pop's Vision for Young Readers
As manga and manhwa surge in global popularity, Penguin Random House launched Ink Pop—a new imprint bringing age-appropriate manga, manhwa, and webtoons to young readers.― As manga and manhwa surge in global popularity, Penguin Random House has launched Ink Pop—a new imprint dedicated to bringing age-appropriate manga, manhwa, and webtoons to young readers in the U.S. The line, which debuted this su...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Aug 12-18
Panty & Stocking bounce back from the previous week's stumble to take #1, just a hair ahead ofThe Summer Hikaru Died. Find out how your favorite shows fared in our weekly user rankings.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind...
HowCyberpunk: Edgerunners' Lucy JoinedGuilty Gear -STRIVE-
We thoughtEdgerunners was done. Then came the stunning announcement that Lucy would be coming toGuilty Gear -STRIVE- as a fully playable DLC character. How does the anime character translate to a fighting game?― Bet you thoughtCyberpunk: Edgerunners was done! The highly-regarded surprise collaboration between CD PROJEKT RED (CDPR) and Studio Trigger was a bright spot in the tumultuous early years...
How To Make a Whale Fly: An Interview withLeviathan's Scott Westerfeld, Christophe Ferreira, and Yūichirō Kido
We talked at length about the adaptation process, potential influences, and how the politically fraught world of Leviathan resonates with our own.― When I sat down to watch Leviathan for review, it wasn't long before I was swept up by the series' rousing score, gorgeous visuals, and poignant storytelling. Studio Orange and Qubic Pictures crafted a tale that constantly put itself in my own mental con...
The Real Yokai ofDAN DA DAN Part Two
Yokai expert Zack Davisson is back with six more monsters from DAN DA DAN, from the Mongolian Death Worm to the kasaobake!―“Spirits, Paranormal Abilities, Urban Legends, UFOs, Ancient Civilizations, Alternate Worlds. In this world exists every conceivable mystery.” – Count Saint Germaine, DAN DA DAN Chapter 122. InThe Definitive Guide to Japanese Yokai, folklorist and manga artist Shigeru Mizuki ...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Aug 5-11
If you thought food court equals boring and uninspired,See You Tomorrow at the Food Court is challenging that notion with a steady rise in the rankings. See how your favorite shows stack up this week!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcast...
How The Answer Studio Breathed New Life Into a Classic WithAnne Shirley
Producer Yoshiko Nakayama and voice actor Honoka Inoue share their affinity for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved heroine and how they tackled bringing her tale to a new generation of anime fans― Anne Shirley, animated by The Answer Studio, joins the long-standing tradition of adapting author Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables for new audiences. While the novel is near and dear t...
HowThe Summer Hikaru Died Voice Actor Chiaki Kobayashi Learned a Rural Dialect
Kobayashi shared how he became familiar with his character Yoshiki's unique rural dialect used inThe Summer Hikaru Died, and his friendship with co-star Shūichirō Umeda.― The TV animeThe Summer Hikaru Died is shaping up to be one of the best anime of the season. The horror series marries small-town life, supernatural occurrences, and the human emotions of grief among the sweltering heat of a Japa...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Jul 29-Aug 4
CITY The Animation is rocking this week's charts. Will it bumpAnne Shirley out of the top 7 cumulative? Find out how your favorite shows stacked up according to viewer votes.― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these...
The Next Big Shōnen Anime:Gachiakuta Creator Kei Urana, Graffiti Designer Hideyoshi Andō, Producer Naoki Amano
It was no small feat taking Gachiakuta from the pages of the manga to screens in full animated glory, and the results speak for themselves.― WithGachiakuta, it feels like we're on the precipice of something big. Its distinct style sets it apart from other shonen anime, and the fiery attitude it exudes resonates with audiences right now. The time is ripe for a fresh series that lets us channel our ...
Dinosaur Sanctuary Manga Creator Itaru Kinoshita Wants to Show a Different Side of the Prehistoric
How does a triceratops sit? What are dinosaurs like as they enter old age? Itaru Kinoshita spoke with ANN about his passion for prehistory and how he's bringing dinosaurs to life.― After a rousing panel with special appearances by “real” dinosaurs,Dinosaur Sanctuary manga creator Itaru Kinoshita sat down with ANN to speak more on his journey as a manga artist, why he chose to humanize dinosaurs, an...
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Brings Mecha Action To A New World
Titanic Scion offers a ton to people looking for a great open-world action-RPG, especially if you need more mecha in your life.― I had an ongoing regret regarding the originalDaemon X Machina from Marvelous: I never played it. I knew it was a game about mech suits, I knew there was action, and I knew there was some degree of customization—and that was it. Marvelous is putting in extra effort in no...
A Celebration of 25 Years: An Interview with Manga Creators PEACH-PIT
FromRozen Maiden toShugo Chara! Jewel Joker, PEACH-PIT has captivated manga readers for decades.― Celebrating twenty-five years together, the manga artist duo behind PEACH-PIT made their long-awaited return to Anime Expo 2025 after a decade away. In addition to their anniversary, Anime News Network had the well-timed opportunity to speak to them after ANN's first interview with them twenty years a...
TheSilent Hill f Staff on Moving the Horror to Japan
Amidst the screams of onlookers, I had the opportunity to discussSilent Hill f's new setting in Ebisugaoka, and try our best to avoid major story spoilers.― In Anime Expo's Entertainment Hall, there was a plethora of booths dedicated to gaming and merchandise, but one of the largest was Konami'sSilent Hill presentation. Enveloped by black walls covered in red spider lilies, a huge line of fear-s...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Summer 2025, Jul 22-28
Since coming back from its half-year hiatus,One Piece has been hitting in the top 5 nearly every week! Find out where your favorites rank this week!― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviewsand on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are based on how...
HowNo Sleep for Kaname Date Developers Gave the Game Its Name
Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answered our questions about certain game mechanics and how they came up with the game's name.― During Anime Expo 2025, we got to sit down with Spike Chunsoft and talk aboutNo Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES. It's the latest entry in the visual novel series. Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answe...
Best New K-Comics to Read in July
This month we're checking out murim time-travel action comicThe Frostbound Warrior, plus idol antics, dark romance, andSolo Leveling with a twist!― July is always a packed month, and I'm just talking about the new season of anime without factoring in the various holidays that fill the month around the world. But busy or not, there's still plenty of new manhwa to read across a variety of platforms....
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Revitalizes a DS Classic
A remake of the 2008 Nintendo DS title of the same name,Grand Bazaar completely revitalizes the game for a brand new generation of fans and newcomers alike.― Thanks to Marvelous, Anime News Network was given a chance to previewStory of Seasons: Grand Bazaar on the Nintendo Switch 2. A remake of the 2008 Nintendo DS title of the same name,Grand Bazaar completely revitalizes the game for a brand ne...
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