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review

Technoroid Overmind

Technoroid Overmind is not bad by any stretch of the imagination. The elements are all there for something great, yet the series cannot seem to settle on what it wants to do in the admittedly short window of only twelve episodes. ― I was unsure what to expect when going into Technoroid Overmind, as I do not have much experience with idol-themed anime. After twelve episodes, I… still don't have a good...
feature

Mamoru Nagano Speaks About His Theater-Exclusive Anime Gothicmade

Never shown outside of theaters on its director's orders, the 70-minute film has achieved a cult-like status among fans of The Five Star Stories manga series. ― For many outside of Japan, if they've heard of the film at all, likely only know of Gothicmade through an almost mythical, untouchable lens. This is a 70-minute animated film released in Japanese cinemas in 2012. At the explicit request of a ...
ep. review

Skip and Loafer ‒ SERIES PREMIERE

If viewers don't specifically relate to Mitsumi's brand of anxiety, one of the other characters is sure to feel familiar.
ep. review

My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999 ‒ SERIES PREMIERE

I'm happy to have a heroine like Akane, a messy girl failure whose "chemistry" with Yamada amounted to her simply ricocheting off of him in a way that served both of them well.
ep. review

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc ‒ SEASON PREMIERE

Did I mention that this episode has Tanjiro training with a badass six-armed mechanical doll thing? Because that badass six-armed mechanical doll-thing is pretty friggin' sick.
ep. review

One Piece ‒ Episode 1058

One Piece episode 1058 is a fine enough entry, though the pacing issue begins to rear its ugly head, and the entire proceeding seems a bit drawn out.
ep. review

My Clueless First Friend ‒ SERIES PREMIERE

For those who have experienced bullying, My Clueless First Friend could be the needed confirmation that things can get better.
ep. review

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion ‒ SERIES PREMIERE

As of the second episode, I imagine at least a few people are rooting for her to do her time with Duke Noah Wynknight and then run off with Sir Adam Taylor, the knight the duke assigns to her as part of their bargain.
ep. review

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury ‒ SEASON PREMIERE

Chickens are coming home to roost as we find out the truth behind Suletta and Aerial's origins.
interview

Makoto Shinkai Talks Suzume and the Earthquake that Inspired It

The acclaimed anime director discusses the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on his latest work and what sort of stories he's considering for the future. ― Director Makoto Shinkai made a public appearance at the BFI Southbank on March 1, appearing in a Q&A after a screening of his newest film, Suzume. His films have grown funnier over the years, and so has he. Speaking to the BFI's lead prog...
column

This Week in Games - I Just Miss Julia Voth As Jill, Man

Fans are thirsty for Ganon, we get a better look at Final Fantasy XVI, and Resident Evil 4 Remake sneaks in some microtransactions. ― Great to see you back, guys! I was delighted last week with the reactions to the Breath of Fire discussion! There were a lot more fans of Dragon Quarter than I expected to see. Remember, I'm always open to discussing matters you want to bring to my attention! I can't p...
review

Makoto Shinkai's Suzume

Finally in theaters in the U.S., this beautifully animated film is emotionally resonate and adeptly scored. Suzume's primary flaw is it feels too similar to Shinkai's previous works, your name. and Weathering With You. ― When it comes down to it, Suzume no Tojimari is the story of a girl on a literal journey to overcome her deeply seated trauma—a trauma she shares with a sizable portion of Japan. Suz...
feature

The Real Wall Maria: Surveying Hajime Isayama's Hometown for the 'Attack on Hita' Tourism Project

We went to Hita City to see how Attack on Titan has revitalized its creator's hometown. ― Years ago, when Attack on Titan manga creator Hajime Isayama was visiting his hometown of Hita City in Japan's Oita prefecture, he noticed many businesses had been shuttered and realized his hometown wasn't doing so well. He decided he "wanted to give something back to this town in which [he] came up with the i...
review

Re:cycle of Penguindrum

Ultimately, this is still the same Penguindrum people already know and love, just condensed, slightly restructured, and with just a bare minimum of new material. ― When Anime Boston announced they would be premiering the RE:cycle of the Penguindrum movies, I went ahead and did something I'd been meaning to do for a while but hadn't gotten around to: I watched the original Penguindrum anime. Theoreti...
column

This Week in Anime - Why You Should Watch the Kaguya-sama Movie

Steve and Chris tune in to The First Kiss That Never Ends and discuss the painfully relatable moments of teen love and the masks we all wear in our lives. ― Sure, maybe it's just a glorified mini-episode arc and not really a "film," but we'll take more Kaguya-sama however we can get it. Steve and Chris tune in to The First Kiss That Never Ends and discuss the painfully relatable moments of teen love...
ep. review

Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 14

Vinland Saga's greatest strength is the deft way in which Makoto Yukimura has weaved these tales of violence and tragedy with such soul-shattering empathy for the victims of the world's worst circumstances.
ep. review

BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 ‒ Episode 11

The big draw for this episode is that it is really showing off this time.
column

The ANN Aftershow - What Spring Anime Should We Watch?

Lynzee and James marathoned their way through the Spring Anime premieres, so you don't have to! Plus: the Mario movie has made a boatload of cash! What Spring Anime Should We Watch? Lynzee and James marathoned their way through the Spring Anime premieres, so you don't have to! Plus: the Mario movie has made a boatload of cash! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Space...
feature

The Spring 2023 Anime Preview Guide

The Anime Preview Guide is winding down, but Oshi no Ko proves being fashionably late can help you stand out!

Also: Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage, The [email protected] Cinderella Girls U149, Demon Slayer: The Swordsmith Village Arc, Marginal Service, Insomniacs After School, Dead Mount Death Play, Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Season 2, Birdie Wing Season 2, Mashle, Hell's Paradise, The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2, Dr. Stone, Yuri Is My Job!, Konosuba, and more!
review

Blue Giant

Blue Giant is one of those films you'll either fall in love with or be bored to tears by, and much of that hinges on your appreciation for jazz music. ― Blue Giant is a relatively straightforward story about three young guys. Dai is that rare person with talent and drive—an innocent person who loves what he does and never lets anything get him down. Unfortunately, this also means he is a relatively s...
feature

Katsuhiro Otomo's Domu Pilot: An Unnerving Movie Adaptation That Could Have Been

Domu remains a cursed affair: forgotten in the shadow of Otomo's more famous creation and repeatedly stumbling in attempts to bring it to a broader audience. It remains a story reserved for the select few who seek it out. ― Domu is a unique story within Katsuhiro Otomo's illustrious career as a mangaka and director, and not solely for its content. Despite being its predecessor, Domu is often compared...
ep. review

One Piece ‒ Episode 1057

Ultimately, what makes this episode so strong to me is that it focuses on the main cast of One Piece—the Straw Hats!—through the emotional beats and stories they still have to tell.
review

The Vampire Dies in No Time Season 2

If you've missed this underrated gem and you need a laugh, definitely make time to check it out. ― John the Armadillo is back, along with those other guys in the show. Yes, it's the second season of The Vampire Dies in No Time, one of the most consistently funny gag anime of recent years. This is largely because it successfully combines several subgenres of comedy. It melds slapstick with wordplay an...
ep. review

Buddy Daddies ‒ SEASON FINALE

The SpyxFamily comparisons were inevitable, but Buddy Daddies defines itself as a worthwhile story about found family, grief, and discovering what makes life worth living.
review

Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro 2nd Attack

Even if Miss Nagatoro has lost a lot of its hard-top edge, it can still hit a bullseye of a punchline and temper it with an understanding of hormonal teenage mating rituals. ― The first season of Don't Toy With Me Miss Nagatoro was a surprise in several ways. The depiction of fetish bullying was impressive in its craftsmanship, if not emotionally repelling. Beyond portraying particular pornographic m...
feature

The Spring 2023 Anime Preview Guide

Tanjiro will face new foes and forge new allies in DEMON SLAYER: THE SWORDSMITH VILLAGE ARC!

Also: Dead Mount Death Play, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion, Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Season 2, A Galaxy Next Door, Summoned to Another World for a Second Time, Birdie Wing Season 2, Mashle, Magical Destroyers, Otaku Elf, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2, Dr. Stone, Yuri Is My Job!, Konosuba, and more!
feature

Why International Anime Co-Productions Are So Rare

International interest in anime has never been higher, but the production committee system and small government funding windows are a roadblock. ― With anime growing ever more popular with a global audience, more and more international companies have become interested in working with Japanese companies on their latest projects. This isn't a new phenomenon; Ghost in the Shell was an international co-p...
feature

The Spring 2023 Anime Preview Guide

Suletta Sundays are back! It's the second season of Gundam: The Witch from Mercury! Also: A Galaxy Next Door, Summoned to Another World for a Second Time, Birdie Wing Season 2, Mashle, Magical Destroyers, Otaku Elf, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2, Dr. Stone, Yuri Is My Job!, Konosuba, and more! ― Adblock+ breaks this page, consider whitelisting ANN Welcome to A...
review

The First Slam Dunk

The First Slam Dunk is everything a megafan of the franchise could dream of. Those who can't name the Shōhoku High School starting lineup by heart may leave the theater quietly satisfied while wondering what all the fuss was about. ― If I were to summarize my thoughts on The First Slam Dunk in a single word, it would be 'bizarre.' The choices made when adapting this film to the big screen turn a film...
interview

Marry, F---, or Kill with Alternative Manga Artist Shiu Yoshijima

Shiu Yoshijima, an illustrator and manga artist who specializes in drawing cute yet edgy “poisonous” women, so we had to ask her the age-old question: marry, f---, or kill? ― Anime Boston's one Japanese guest this year was Shiu Yoshijima, an illustrator and manga artist who specializes in drawing cute yet edgy “poisonous” women, typically incorporating fantasy elements into her work. Yoshijima parti...
game review

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories is a bit deceptive in its title. What we actually get is, for lack of a better phrase, weirder than that. Melon Journey is far more irreverent and yet bizarrely touching, all at once. Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories is a bit deceptive in its title. With a title like that, players expect a much more emotional journey about reminiscing on their past and maybe e...
column

This Week in Games - I Didn't Plan For This Much Capcom, It Just Happened

From Breath of Fire's 30th anniversary to Resident 4 fandom shenanigans and Legendary acquiring Street Fighter adaptation rights, this week has coincidentally featured a lot of Capcom news. Jean-Karlo delves into it. ― Welcome back, everyone! I don't actually have much to ease folks into this week. I was working on a review for Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories, so no Xenoblade this time. We're wor...
feature

Hands on With April Fools' Game Fate/Grail League

A testament to the existence of the annual Fate/Grand Order April Fools' game, which was only playable for one day. Play baseball with your favorite Servants! ― Type-Moon has been famous for its April Fools' jokes since all the way back in 2005. In the past, these have been anything from fake movie posters to in-character Fate series live streams. However, in more recent years, Type-Moon has released...
feature

The Spring 2023 Anime Preview Guide

It's season's biggest day for new premieres. Check back regularly for updates. First up, the wizarding world is getting a punch to the gut with MASHLE! Also:: Too Cute Crisis, My One-Hit Kill Sister, The Ancient Magus' Bride Season 2, Dr. Stone, Yuri Is My Job!, Konosuba, and more! ― Adblock+ breaks this page, consider whitelisting ANN Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2023 Anime Preview Guide!...
review

Dr. Stone: Ryusui

While it's not the most exciting or climactic that the series has ever been, Dr. Stone: Ryusui is a solid continuation of the Dr. Stone story that should allow us to jump into some newfound adventure at the start of the third season. ― When it comes down to it, Dr. Stone: Ryusui serves as an epilogue to the second season while laying the groundwork for the third. Without Tsukasa, his people have been...
ep. review

Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 13

The peace that Thorfinn and Einar have been reveling in cannot possibly last, not in this world that they've been chained to, especially when so many storm clouds are converging over their heads.
review

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

30 years after the widely panned live-action Super Mario Bros. film, Illumination's newest effort finally does justice to the Mario franchise. But is it actually a good movie? ― Not only is this hands down my favorite movie from Illumination studios, it's squarely above average for a video game adaptation. A lot of this has to do with the creative team's reverence for the source material; it's the ty...
feature

The Spring 2023 Anime Preview Guide

Megumin's explosive spin-off is here! Does it hold up to the original Konosuba? See our reviews of Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!, KamiKatsu: Working for God in a Godless World, Skip and Loafer, I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World, Tokyo Mew Mew New Season 2, and more! ― Adblock+ breaks this page, consider whitelisting ANN Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2023 Anime Preview G...
column

This Week in Anime - Gacha Money Now

Don't you hate it when your favorite mobile game goes kaput? Chris and Steve look at the current gacha game landscape, its questionable game mechanics, and the bitter feelings left in their wake. ― Don't you hate it when your favorite mobile game goes kaput? Chris and Steve look at the current gacha game landscape, its questionable game mechanics, and the bitter feelings left in their wake. Disclaim...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2023

Despite Danmachi dominating the second half of the season, Vinland Saga keeps its lead by a hair. Come and see the final results for the Winter 2023 season! ― 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 Reviews and on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these rankings are based...
review

Tista GN 1

From the creator of SpyxFamily comes a difficult story, replete with themes of what we owe those who "save" us and just how much power any one person (or organization) should have. ― Before there was Spy x Family there was Tista. Tatsuya Endo's first serialized work shares some themes with his latest – heroine Tista Lone is an orphan who became an assassin after the Catholic Church experimented on he...
ep. review

One Piece ‒ Episode 1056

This episode is about fighting, and whew Lord it's the good stuff.
ep. review

"Ippon" Again! ‒ SEASON FINALE

Thus ends "Ippon" Again!, a thoroughly charming sports series all the way through.
ep. review

Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ SEASON FINALE

Truth be told, I'm happy to say goodbye to the previous story arc and move on to (hopefully) greener pastures.
ep. review

Spy Classroom ‒ SEASON FINALE

It is only fitting that this season of Spy Classroom would end with its favorite kind of episode: a mostly tangential flashback to a one-off story that happened before the big mission.
game review

Resident Evil 4 (2023)

RE4 was hailed as one of the greatest games ever made for a damned good reason. This remake takes everything that worked about that original game and makes all of it even better. ― For any of the youngsters or new fans that have only just recently been welcomed into the Resident Evil fold, it might be hard to believe that it wasn't even all that long ago that the entire Resident Evil brand was seen a...
column

This Week in Games - Aren't You Tired Of Being The Hero Of The Wilds? Don't You Just Want To Go Ape-Mode?

Jean-Karlo gets hyped for the upcoming Zelda release, discusses Congress' foray into the Sony-Microsoft spat, and spotlights game preservation efforts after the shuttering of the 3DS store. ― Welcome back, everyone! It looks like we're all having fun with the Resident Evil 4 remake! I must be honest; I didn't think Capcom could pull it off—but they did. It's entirely debatable and ultimately down to ...
ep. review

Tsurune: The Linking Shot ‒ SEASON FINALE

Ultimately, it's not really about what happens but who's making it happen: “Practicing kyudo has introduced me to so many people,” Minato tells Masa. Now that it's time to say goodbye, I realize that I will miss these people quite a lot.
ep. review

Tomo-chan Is a Girl! ‒ SEASON FINALE

The underlying plot with Tomo's dad being this random last-minute obstacle in the way of these two progressing in their relationship felt a little bit unneeded but I'd be lying if I said the buildup to the end of this episode left me unsatisfied.
ep. review

High Card ‒ SEASON FINALE

There are a lot of motives and ideas that are introduced in this episode that feel like they were foreshadowed or brought up earlier but I for the life of me cannot remember them being elaborated on.
ep. review

BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 ‒ Episode 10

One has to wonder how much the admins of New World Online were taking Maple's all-loving teamwork approach into account in designing this event's mechanics.
review

Hi Score Girl GNs 1-4

Hi Score Girl provides a light-hearted romantic comedy grounded in '90s video game culture. Yet despite its particular nuances, the general emotional throughlines are relatable enough that most readers can find something to enjoy here. ― Hi Score Girl provides a light-hearted romantic comedy with a specific sort of appeal. Yet despite its particular main nuances, the general emotional throughlines ar...
column

This Week in Anime - Can Makoto Shinkai Only Make One Movie?

Director Makoto Shinkai reached worldwide recognition with his film your name., one of the biggest box office successes in Japan's history. With his new movie Suzume on the horizon, Nick and Nicky discuss the director's thematic fixations. ― Director Makoto Shinkai reached worldwide recognition with his film your name., one of the biggest box office successes in Japan's history. With his new movie S...
ep. review

Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 ‒ SEASON FINALE

Reality is much more subjective than you'd think because it comes down to perspective.
feature

AnimeJapan 2023 Cosplay Gallery

Characters new and old turned out for the big convention last weekend! ― To change the opening line of Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven a bit, "Once upon a midday dreary" anime fans from across the world gathered at the Tokyo Big Site to enjoy the offerings of AnimeJapan 2023. Many come for the booth, stage shows, and merch. But there are those who come for the cosplay. Here are some of the cosplay w...
column

The ANN Aftershow - Trigun Stampede's Dimension-Shattering Finale!

Studio Orange's reimagining of Trigun comes to a close but this isn't the end of Vash's story! PLUS a rundown of someone of the biggest anime news from AnimeJapan! Trigun Stampede's Dimension-Shattering Finale! Studio Orange's reimagining of Trigun comes to a close but this isn't the end of Vash's story! PLUS a rundown of someone of the biggest anime news from AnimeJapan! The ANN After Show stream...
review

Ayashimon GN 1

This volume is packed with everything from yakuza action to twisted backstories to humans against monsters. Does this manga from the creator of Hell’s Paradise manage to bring it all together? ― Most of us have probably tried it at some point. What “it” means varies, but the definition is always “something that works in my favorite story.” Whether that was strapping brushes to your feet and skating a...
ep. review

In/Spectre Season 2 ‒ SEASON FINALE

While this dinner date lacks the likable characters and grandiose plotting of the prior arcs, it more than makes up for that by alternating between droll hilarity and steely justice.
feature

Could Taisu Be the Ideal International Anime Collaboration?

Producer Chirying Culture gave Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe the chance to fulfill his dream of creating "an animation like a picture book." ― International companies are increasingly involved in producing and commissioning new anime projects, with international talent playing a progressively integral role in bringing them to life. Outsourcing production to foreign studios and companies ha...
feature

Our Most Anticipated Anime of Spring 2023

What series are you most looking forward to watching? Here are the ANN Editorial Staff's picks for the most promising series for spring! ― Welcome to our Most Anticipated Anime feature for the Spring 2023 season. Below you'll find our editorial team's (tentative) top picks from the shows slated to premiere in April. There's a wide variety of shows to choose from and little cross-over for our team's ...
feature

The Best and Worst Anime of Winter 2023

Winter was a far quieter season compared to its loud, bombastic brother (aka Fall 2022). While media can live and die by its ability to hype up an audience, our editorial team still managed to uncover some worthwhile entertainment this season. ― Winter was a far quieter season compared to its loud, bombastic brother (aka Fall 2022). While media can live and die by its ability to hype up an audience,...
your score

Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2023, Mar 19-25

As the Winter season is gradually wrapping up, spots #8-13 in the cumulative remain furiously undecided! 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 Reviews and on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that thes...
ep. review

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill ‒ SERIES FINALE

Like nearly every episode before it, this final episode relies on the series' familiar formula to such a degree that, if it weren't for the somewhat schmaltzy end-credits sequence, you'd barely even recognize that it was the finale to anything.
ep. review

Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 12

This entire episode stands as a kind of manifesto against the sort of violent spectacle that so many stories, including the previous season of Vinland Saga, will romanticize and exploit for cheap thrills.
ep. review

Buddy Daddies ‒ Episode 11

If you strip away all the fantastical elements of their job, this episode is about two men losing custody of their daughter and trying to decide whether to continue their lives without her.
ep. review

One Piece ‒ Episode 1055

If you can't enjoy a cyborg dinosaur pew-pewing the place up with laser beams, then what can you enjoy?
review

Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection GN

The manga creator's grotesque artwork is in full force here, but unfortunately, there are a good number of stories in this anthology that feel a little bit undercooked. ― From the genius Junji Ito himself, we have another anthology book filled with a majority of short stories drawn and executed in his classic style. When you've read and reviewed enough of Ito's stories, there's always this worry of t...
column

This Week in Anime - How Inu-Oh Perfectly Captures Masaaki Yuasa's Work

Masaaki Yuasa's latest anime film is the beautiful culmination of his artistic career. Steve and Chris discuss the film's approach to art (and art criticism) and what it means to a transgressive creator. ― Masaaki Yuasa's latest (and possibly last) anime film is a culmination of his artistic career. Steve and Chris discuss the film's approach to art (and art criticism) and what it means to a transgr...
ep. review

Tsurune: The Linking Shot ‒ Episode 12

“The Linking Shot” may have been the penultimate episode of Tsurune: The Linking Shot, but it felt in many ways like a finale.
ep. review

Handyman Saitō in Another World ‒ SEASON FINALE

The craftsmanship wasn't always perfect, but like a reliable local handyman, you could always count on it to show up and get the job done.
ep. review

"Ippon" Again! ‒ Episode 12

Michi might be full of spirit, but she's also been performing well above her usual skill level for this tournament, and eventually, she was going to hit a wall.
ep. review

BLUELOCK ‒ SEASON FINALE

We're finally going to get out of Blue Lock and have Ego put his money where his mouth is.
review

I Fell for a Fujoshi GN 1

Ichiro's in love with Tae, who's in love with BL, and decides to just go with her misconception about him...will this eventually lead to romance? ― At some point we've probably all done something inspired by the fiction we've read that was, in hindsight, not a brilliant plan. Whether it was testing the theory of gravity or cooking and eating periwinkles, antics brought on by a good book aren't all th...
ep. review

Trigun Stampede ‒ SEASON FINALE

If there's one thing this finale made me realize, it's that STAMPEDE desperately needed to have more episodes in order for me to feel the full impact.
ep. review

Giant Beasts of Ars ‒ SEASON FINALE

Giant Beasts of Ars manages to stick the landing in the final episode, though it can't quite escape the issues that have plagued it for the whole season.
ep. review

Revenger ‒ SEASON FINALE

“So beautiful, yet so melancholic.” A fitting line for the show and its finale. Revenger ends its great season on a terrific note in episode 12.
ep. review

Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ Episode 12

This standalone episode was good, ramping up the tension and drama with reveals just as big as season one's finale. But I can't trust Tokyo Revengers to not make the same mistakes over and over.
ep. review

Spy Classroom ‒ Episode 11

I find it difficult to care about the conflicts and triumphs of these characters when the show keeps reminding me that this is all a ridiculous cartoon world that occasionally demands to be treated like a real story with real stakes.
review

Raven of the Inner Palace Novel 1

Raven of the Inner Palace's first novel should please fans of its adaptation. It's easy to see what changes were made and understand why they happened, and it never feels like one version negates experiencing the other. ― If you watched the 2022 anime adaptation of Kouko Shirakawa's Raven of the Inner Palace light novels and wondered how faithful it was to the source material, the answer turns out to...
ep. review

My Hero Academia Season 6 ‒ SEASON FINALE

I think we're in a very good spot to start an explosive finale as we enter the (possibly) last stretch of this story.
ep. review

ONIMAI: I'm Now Your Sister! ‒ SEASON FINALE

This was the perfect finale for Onimai because it exemplifies everything the show has ever been about.
ep. review

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale ‒ SEASON FINALE

If we didn't have an announcement for a second season, this ending would have ruined the series for me.
review

Shin Kamen Rider

Despite its loving connection to the original, you don't need to know anything about the 50-year-running franchise to enjoy and understand this film. However, its reverence for the TV show is also the source of the film's main problem. ― Shin Kamen Rider is both a retelling of and an homage to the original 1971 Kamen Rider TV series. There are many recognizable characters and numerous shot-for-shot r...
ep. review

Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ‒ SEASON FINALE

It's our last dip in the Snow Sea for now, and Kaina closes out the winter with a bang—and a giant laser cannon.
ep. review

Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte ‒ SEASON FINALE

I enjoyed the ending that Endo and Kobayashi Live arrived at here. It's an ultimately tidy, earnestly goofy resolution that feels appropriate for the story It's telling.
watch

The Spring 2023 Trailer Watch Party!

Watch all of this season's trailers with Lynzee Loveridge, Jacki Jing, James Beckett, and Geoff Thew from Mother's Basement!l We start live at 5pm PDT/8pm EDT tonight! ― Watch all of this season's trailers with Lynzee Loveridge, Jacki Jing, James Beckett, and Geoff Thew from Mother's Basement! Find out your next "must-watch" in the 48 anime series set to premiere in April. Will we survive the entire ...
ep. review

Tomo-chan Is a Girl! ‒ Episode 12

They did it, everyone! These two have done in 12 episodes what usually takes other anime a lifetime.
ep. review

The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess ‒ SEASON FINALE

It's cute, endearing, and pretty much the happiest ending we could have hoped for.
game review

Alice Gear Aegis CS: Concerto of Simulatrix

Despite it's huge roster and customization options, Alice Gear Aegis CS remains threadbare in the story department and is hindered by repetitive combat. Alice Gear Aegis CS: Concerto of Simulatrix is probably one of the most “ok” games I have ever played. It is perfectly functional and achieves everything it sets out to do. It is stable, runs at a consistent frame rate on the Switch, and has everyt...
column

This Week in Games - A Farewell To Legs

We might be saying goodbye to Ryza as a game protagonist, but she'll be back in her own anime! Also, some good news for a well-known Resident Evil modder and the push for a new American McGee's Alice game. ― Welcome back, everyone! It's been an emotional week. Between the death of Lance Reddick, whose presence in Destiny 2 was beloved by many of its fans, and the release of Atelier Ryza 3, we've had ...
feature

A Glance into Junji Ito's Horror: Uzumaki, Black Bird, and Enigma at Amigara Fault

In the context of pop culture, Ito's style has come to stand out from the norms with unique characters and stories that leap off the page. ― Over the years, Japanese media has earned a distinguished place on the stage of contemporary horror. Some may even consider them a forerunner, with works such as Ringu and Ju-On setting the bar for the genre. That said, the boom of J-horror in the 90s' was perha...
watch

The Spring 2023 Trailer Watch Party!

Watch all of this season's trailers with Lynzee Loveridge, Jacki Jing, James Beckett, and Geoff Thew from Mother's Basement! Find out your next "must-watch" in the 48 anime series set to premiere in April. Will we survive the entire stream? Will we unlock the hidden power of friendship and find our magical girl alter-egos? See for yourselves, live on Friday March 24 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern! ― Watc...
review

She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat GN 2

It's difficult to overstate both how good a chapter this is and how important it is, both for readers and for Nomoto as a character. ― Note: You can read our review of the first volume here. Kasuga and Nomoto are still at it—Nomoto enjoys putting her culinary talents to use in ways she's never been able to before, while Kasuga is happy to eat what she provides, and the two genuinely enjoy spending ti...
column

This Week in Anime - Is There More to Onimai Than Fanservice?

Onimai might have had a controversial first episode, but it's a surprisingly sweet and nuanced story at heart. Steve and Chris give the series a second look. Onimai might have had a controversial first episode, but it's a surprisingly sweet and nuanced story at heart. Steve and Chris give the series a second look. This series is streaming on Crunchyroll Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed...
game review

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

Ryza is and always will be that charming, winsome alchemist with an eager smile and boundless joy for seeing the world. And it just feels good to explore the world with her and her friends. ― In the grand tradition of the Atelier games, the series is divvied up into subseries connected by protagonists. With Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key, we not only see the end of the unpreced...
ep. review

Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 ‒ Episode 49

Dostoyevsky is a very smart man, and that is, of course, what makes him such a dangerous one.

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