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The official website for singer Ado revealed a collaboration project with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves , the latest entry in Snk's Fatal Fury fighting game series. Snk's official YouTube channel has started streaming a collaboration music video featuring Ado's 2022 song "Freedom." The music video personifies the cellular level of excitement felt by the player during battles in the Fatal Fury game, synchronizing the game characters with the characters in their internal world. Popular illustrator Teru designed The Player, while Yorugata was in charge of the inner world characters. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves x Ado Collab Music Video "Freedom" was originally included in Ado's first full album "Kyogen" released in January 2022. "Freedom" Original Music Video Related: Masami Obari Directs Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Music Video All of the earlier Fatal Fury anime is available on home video from Discotek Media and streaming on Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll...

Masami Obari worked on some action-packed anime based on the Fatal Fury fighting games in the ‘90s, and now he’s back for more. Snk shared a new music video for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves , featuring the music of DJ Salvatore Ganacci, who is also in the game as a playable character. Obari is credited as creative producer, director, storyboarder and key animation director for the video. Check it out, set to Ganacci’s remix of Fatal Fury music, below. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Music Video Related: Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Launches in Early 2025 Obari’s previous contributions to the series include character designs for 1992’s Fatal Fury: Legend of the Hungry Wolf and 1993’s Fatal Fury 2: The New Battle OVAs . Obari also directed 1994’s Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture . All of the earlier Fatal Fury anime is available on home video from...

Giant robot anime mainstay Masami Obari has designed a lot of iconic cards for the Cardfight!! Vanguard Tcg, including Super Dimension Robo Daikaiser. He also directed the mind-bending Brave Bang Bravern! , a giant robot series combining over-the-top mecha action with military intrigue. Now, at last, his creations meet. Bravern will be joining the upcoming "Super Brave Explosion" pack, set to release in Japan on June 6. In celebration of the collab, we get a cool new trailer where Daikaiser and Bravern meet in battle! Related: Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening Locks in August 26 Launch The final shot of Daikaiser and Bravern shaking hands in front of Mt. Fuji has been a dream of Obari's since last year, with the director adding that he never imagined his request would actually come to fruition. Get more giant robot action: watch all of Brave Bang Bravern! right here on Crunchyroll ! In the future, humanity...

Classic Ova series Bubblegum Crisis is getting ready to return to home video in an updated Blu-ray release from AnimEigo. Bubblegum Crisis Perfect Collection includes the full eight-episode series with the same HD remaster as first seen in the three-disc Kickstarter Ultimate Edition release that launched in 2014. Unlike 2015's High Definition Disctopia version, though, this one is on two discs with a bunch of extras.  Priced at $49.99, Bubblegum Crisis Perfect Collection packs the Ova with a 50-page booklet, original Hurricane Live 2023 and 2033 Music Video Specials, the Holiday in Bali voice actor special, color art and line art galleries and a new interview with Kenichi Sonoda.  Related: Full Moon wo Sagashite, Time of Eve and More New Anime Releases Announced from AnimEigo Katsuhito Akiyama ( Armitage III ), Masami Obari ( Detonator Orgun ), Fumihiko Takayama ( Patlabor III ), Hiroki Hayashi, Kenichi Yatagai, Yasunori Ide and Hiroaki Goda directed episodes of Bubblegum Crisis , with Kenichi Sonoda ( Gunsmith Cats ) on character designs,...

In a year characterized by presenting amazing anime productions that have already taken their place in history, such as Solo Leveling, Dandadan, or Delicious in Dungeon, other series have unfortunately not reached the same level of impact, going unnoticed by many viewers. However, there are worthwhile animes that are hidden gems that promise to deliver an equally or even more enjoyable experience to the audience than the most popular titles.

2024 has left many refreshing and unique series that serve as incredible recommendations despite being overshadowed. Whether because they are niche series, their particular animation style, or troubles during their simulcast, these underrated animes didn't get the attention they deserved during their airing time but will definitely impact those who give them a chance and leave them wondering why they didn't watch them sooner.

Brave Bang Bravern! Original Anime Series Directed by Masami Ōbari & Written by Keigo Koyanagi

Animation Studio:...

Ashi Productions' classic robot anime Dancouga: Super Beast Machine God will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its broadcast in 2025. To celebrate the momentous year, a Blu-ray box set is set to release on March 26, 2025 . The price is 44,000 yen (excluding tax / 292 Usd). A trailer for the Blu-ray box featuring memorable scenes from the anime is now streamed on Emotion label's official YouTube channel . The original TV series Dancouga: Super Beast Machine God aired for 38 episodes from April to December 1985, then followed by the four OVAs — Ushinawareta Monotachi heno Chinkonka (" Requiem for Victims" ) in 1986, the video clip collection Song Special Jusenkitai Songs in 1986, God Bless Dancouga in 1987, and the four-episode Hakunetsu no Shusho ("Blazing Epilogue") in 1989-1990. In addition to the TV series, all of the Ova series are included in the box. Masami Obari , who was in charge of mechanical design of the anime, draws the box illustration. Meanwhile, Kazuko Tadano...

Pony Canyon announced on Nov 28, 2024, that the second season of Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc anime is scheduled to release on Jan 12, 2025.

It was also revealed that Netflix will stream the new season worldwide weekly from Jan 13, 2025.

Season 2 continues the saga with the second stage of the battle, which unfolds at the Tottori Sand Dunes, pitting the allied forces of Seigi and Akuma, including Kinnikuman, against the Perfect Large Numbers Corps, including Nemesis.

A newly released key visual featuring Nemesis and Robin Mask was also released along with the announcement.

The visual also highlights prominent members of Seigi Chojin, including Ramenman, Warsman, and Brocken Jr.

© Yudetamago/Shueisha, Kinnikuman Production Committee

Season 1 of Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc aired from July 7 to Sep 22, 2024, with Netflix licensing it for streaming worldwide weekly starting on July 8 of the same year.

Staff of the anime includes:

Director: Akira Sato Assistant Director: Jun Soga Series Composition：Makoto...

Numerous spinoffs of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise have become fan favorites over the years. Now, one of these shows is returning to streaming in honor of the sub-series' latest game release.

Gundam Breaker Battlogue is an original net animation (Ona) that was originally released in 2021. Similar to works such as Gundam Build Fighters, it celebrates one of the most popular aspects of the franchise: Gunpla plastic model kits. The sub-series has grown so popular that the fourth video game entry is now set to be released on modern consoles.

Related Mobile Suit Gundam and Seed Freedom's New Apparel Collection Gets International Release

New shirts, hoodies and other merchandise will soon be released in a collaboration celebrating the original Gundam anime and Gundam Seed Freedom.

Gundam Breaker Battlogue Can Now Be Watched on YouTube Streaming on GundamInfo:Gundam Breaker Battlogue - Episode 1~3 https://t.co/2nTWHwVgcV Wtk (@Wtk) August 8, 2024

The...

This summer, Isami and Lewis are putting the "fun" in "fundoshi" with a festival for the fans! In honor of Masami Obari's anime series Brave Bang Bravern! , the Bang Brave Festival will be held August 4 at Tokyo's TBS Akasaka Blitz. A visual for the event shows Isami, Lewis, Lulu, Bravern and Superbia dressed in traditional summer festival wear: Related: Brave Bang Bravern! Anime Collabs with Sweets Paradise for a Tasty and Heroic Crossover Scheduled to appear at the event are: Ryota Suzuki (the voice of Isami Ao) Yohei Azakami (the voice of Lewis Smith) Saya Aizawa (the voice of Lulu) Kenichi Suzumura (the voice of Bravern) Tomokazu Sugita (the voice of Superbia) The cast will talk about the production and do a live reading of a new scene. Exclusive event goods have also been unveiled, including shirts, acrylic stands, pins and more: Related: A Condition Called Love and Brave Bang Bravern!

Masami Obari's Brave Bang Bravern! may be over, but its legend will never die. The hot-blooded, surprise-filled anime comes back to life through an upcoming collaboration with café chain Sweets Paradise . While the menu is still in the works, we have a first look at the goods that will be available to diners who order off the collab menu. New art created for the event (seen above) features Bravern, Isami Ao, Lulu, and Lewis Smith all decked out to serve patrons in style. This art, as well as chibi variants, will be available on goods such as acrylic stands, pins, and mugs: Related: Take Afternoon Tea with Eevee at New Pokémon-Themed Event Related: Leeks and Birthday Cake, A Review of the Hatsune Miku Cafe Collab The Brave Bang Bravern! x Sweets Paradise collab café is set to begin on July 1 at various Sweets Paradise locations and on the app.

Two of the best new trends we have seen in anime lately is the emergence of original series, as in not based on manga, with titles like “Bna” and a combination of parodying/homage to the style of titles (or even genres) of the past as in series like “One Punch Man” and “Mob Psycho 100”. “Bang Brave Bang Bravern” manages to combine both, this time functioning as an homage/parody of mecha titles.

on Crunchyroll

by clicking on the image below

Lewis Smith and Isami Ao are two professional soldiers who meet each other in Oahu, Hawaii during joint American-Japanese military exercises under Ad-rimpac. During one of the exercises, a mysterious enemy invades the island and starts wreaking havoc, with the Earth forces and particularly the mechas not being able to even pose a threat. When all hope seems lost, a mysterious talking robot named Bravern...

If there's one thing you can expect from Brave Bang Bravern! , it's the unexpected. Masami Obari's genre-bending series may technically be over, but it's getting one last surprise in a collaboration visual with this season's A Condition Called Love . The visual features Hotaru Hinase, the heroine of the new spring rom-com, in the mighty hand of Bravern: Related: Brave Bang Bravern Anime Reveals Fumihiko Tachiki, Rie Kugimiya Casting for Episode 12 There actually is a method to the madness, though— A Condition Called Love will be taking over the Brave Bang Bravern! programming slot on Japanese TV channel TBS. TBS Anime will also be participating in a spring quiz rally in Akasaka, the location of the TBS studios. Fans can test their knowledge of different shows and receive themed prizes. Among the prizes up for grabs will be a sticker featuring this visual. The event kicks off April 8. Related: Romance...

The final episode of the Brave Bang Bravern anime held one more surprise in terms of casting, with the confirmation that both Fumihiko Tachiki and Rie Kugimiya were the latest mystery cast members officially revealed in the action-packed episode. Their roles and character settings are featured below. Popalchipum voiced by Fumihiko Tachiki Venum Vita voiced by Rie Kugimiya Bravery Explosion Festival poster Related: Brave Bang Bravern! Anime Casts Katsuyuki Konishi and Kenjiro Tsuda In addition to the character reveals, the series will hold a celebration event on August 4 in Tokyo under the title of Bravery Explosion Festival where cast members Ryota Suzuki, Yohei Azakami, Kenichi Suzumura, Saya Aizawa and Tomokazu Sugita are slated to appear to celebrate the popularity of the series with its newfound and appreciative fandom. More details will be available closer to the event. Brave Bang Bravern!   is credited to Cygames ( The Marginal Service ), series direction to...

We're very close to the 12th episode of the Brave Bang Bravern!   anime, and the 11th held more surprises in its casting. Katsuyuki Konishi and Kenjiro Tsuda were the latest actors to be revealed voicing Deathdrive robots in Segnities and Ira, respectively. The character settings are featured below. Segnities voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi Ira voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda Brave Bang Bravern!  is credited to Cygames ( The Marginal Service ), series direction to Masami Obari and animation to CygamesPictures ( Princess Connect! Re:Dive ). Crunchyroll streams the series every Thursday and describes it: In the future, humanity wages war with giant humanoid weapons called Titanostrides. Isami Ao of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Lewis Smith of the United States Marine Corps meet on the battlefield in Oahu, Hawaii. An enemy aircraft attacks, scattering their forces. To survive the battle and save their friends, unlikely comrades must find the courage to defeat this new threat.

Masami Obari's Brave Bang Bravern! is full of surprises right from the very beginning. However, if you're not caught up to the most recent episode (episode 9 as of this writing), we recommend you get caught up before proceeding. While we'll sidesteps some of the biggest spoilers of the episode, the videos we're about to share go all in. Viewers of the mecha anime will be familiar with the Deathdrives: robots whose main goal appears to be attaining a glorious death. With the series nearing its conclusion, several Deathdrives have achieved this goal in one way or another. And the Cygames YouTube channel is allowing them to memorialize themselves in their own words with a series of videos titled "Memories of Deathdrives." These short recap videos show each bot's final moments, as well as other key moments from across the series, along with voiceovers from the Deathdrive themselves. First up are some thoughts from Cunus,...

Brave Bang Bravern! , a currently broadcasting original mecha TV anime, has revealed two additional cast members that will be joining the show beginning with Episode 6 of the series. Brave Bang Bravern! is currently broadcasting in Japan, and it also streams on Crunchyroll as part of the winter 2024 anime simulcast lineup. The new cast members include: Akira Mashima voiced by Shiori Izawa Akira Mashima character setting Shelley Rolen voiced by Saki Yoshida Shelley Rolen character setting Related: Brave Bang Bravern! Anime Adds Tetsu Inada to Cast Masami Obari directs Brave Bang Bravern! at animation studio CygamesPictures. Crunchyroll describes Brave Bang Bravern! : In the future, humanity wages war with giant humanoid weapons called Titanostrides. Isami Ao of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Lewis Smith of the United States Marine Corps meet on the battlefield in Oahu, Hawaii. An enemy aircraft attacks, scattering their forces. To survive the battle and save their friends,...

Following the airing of the fifth episode of Brave Bang Bravern! on Thursday night in Japan, the latest cast member to be confirmed is veteran voice actor Tetsu Inada , voicing the giant robot Cupiridas. The character setting and actor portait are featured below. Cupiridas and Tetsu Inada Brave Bang Bravern!  is credited to Cygames ( The Marginal Service ), series direction to Masami Obari ( Gundam Build Divers  action director) and animation to CygamesPictures ( Princess Connect! Re:Dive ). Crunchyroll streams the series and CyGames Pictures describes it: In the future, humanity wages war with giant humanoid weapons called Titanostrides. Isami Ao of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Lewis Smith of the United States Marine Corps meet on the battlefield in Oahu, Hawaii. An enemy aircraft attacks, scattering their forces. To survive the battle and save their friends, unlikely comrades must find the courage to defeat this new threat. Sources: Official Site , Comic Natalie...

Following the premiere of the second episode in Japan, the official site and social channels for the Brave Bang Bravern! anime have announced four new cast members along with the release of the creditless Ed. "Soen no Shozo" - Ryota Suzuki and Yohei Azakami Related: Bang Brave Bang Bravern Original TV Anime Premieres January 2024 The latest cast additions to the series start with famed Japanese actor and TV/film narrator Cho, who was revealed in the second episode in the role of Bob Crave, followed by Tomokazu Sugita in the role of Superbia, Yu Asakawa in the role of Heidemarie Barrow and Hiroshi Shirokuma in the role of Isao Kawada. Bob Crave character setting Superbia character setting Heidemarie Barrow character setting Isao Kawada character setting Brave Bang Bravern!  is credited to Cygames ( The Marginal Service ), series direction to Masami Obari ( Gundam Build Divers  action director) and animation to CygamesPictures ( Princess Connect! Re:Dive...

Following the premiere of the original TV anime Bang Brave Bang Bravern on Thursday night in Japan, the official site and social channels were updated with a new cast addition, creditless opening, second trailer, a new key visual and celebratory art. Beginning with the cast addition, following the airing of the first episode, Kenichi Suzumura has been announced as the voice of the giant robot Bravern. Additionally, Suzumura was also announced as the performer of the opening theme "Bang to Suisan! Burn Bravern", featured below. In addition to the opening theme, a second trailer was released for the show. The official site also confirmed that lead cast members Ryota Suzuki and Yohei Azakami will be performing the ending theme "Soen no Shozo". An updated key visual has also been released. Finally, to celebrate the premiere of the first episode, ex Smap member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi provided a celebratory illustration of the robot Bravern.

Satoshi Iwataki, the animation director behind Attack on Titan and Berserk, has died at 60.

On Jan 2, 2024, a post from Iwataki's wife to X (formerly Twitter) revealed that the beloved animator had passed away. The post reads, "I'm Satoshi Iwataki's wife. After fighting illness for 2 months, my husband passed away the night of December 30th. Even on his deathbed, he never lost his composure and passed with consideration for those around him until the very end. I believe my husband, who loved animation, still wanted to create many more works. I thank everyone who cared for and supported him in life." She added in a second post, "Thank you for your understanding."

The post was met with an outpouring of love from those who knew, worked with and were fans of Iwataki. Dangaioh animation director Masami Obari expressed his "deepest condolences," praying that his soul rested in peace. "It was my...

Cygames' upcoming original anime, Bang Brave Bang Bravern, sees the return of mecha veteran Masami Obari in a creative role. Unusually for the latter, the new anime seems to be skewing more towards grounded visuals, with robots that look plausibly mass-produced for conflict. The official trailer has set a premiere date for January next year, so mecha fans can look forward to a heavy metal winter.

Cygames Pictures doesn't frequently produce anime on its own, and Obari hasn't directed a full-length anime in a while, so it's surprising - but welcome - to see them team up for a mecha show. More surprising is that, despite its outlandish title, the trailer shows a grounded military thriller.

While the footage is certainly action-packed, it's still a far cry from the colorful battles of Gundam. Still, fans of the genre will surely be happy to see Obari back at work, and they...