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There's no movie I'm more excited for in 2025 than Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." The sumptuous-looking trailer hints that del Toro's "Frankenstein" could be the truest adaptation yet of Mary Shelley's "The Modern Prometheus," but it's also unmistakably his movie; he considers this to be part of a thematic trilogy with "Nightmare Alley" and "Pinocchio."

Del Toro is one of the foremost fantasy and horror directors we have working today. "Frankenstein" will bring him back to directing outright science-fiction for the first time since 2013's "Pacific Rim."

Besides "Frankenstein," there's another classic sci-fi story that del Toro has long wanted to adapt: H.P. Lovecraft's "At The Mountains of Madness." Published in 1936 (shortly before Lovecraft's death), the story follows a university research team in Antarctica. When some of the explorers are found brutally murdered, geologist William Dyer and his student Danforth investigate and come across a prehistoric city, home...

With anime’s global rise to fame, our favorite streaming platforms are getting even more into the game. Services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video are seeing the potential in producing anime series. Some of the most successful ones are exclusively on Netflix.

Netflix offers a range of genres, too, not just sticking to typical Shonen or Shoujo stories. In recent years, they’ve offered so much, from complex, tearful narratives to action-packed, political masterpieces. This list consists of 5 of the best Netflix-exclusive anime series that are a must-watch.

1. Delicious in Dungeon

This fantasy anime is the ultimate comfort watch. It’s easy to process and wholesome, while also blending some fantasy and action into it as the characters go deeper into the dungeon.

Delicious in Dungeon will also make you incredibly hungry in the process, as its narrative focuses more on the cooking. The performances of the voice actors are impeccable,...

The 90s were a golden age for anime, packed with bold stories and unique styles, but not every gem got its due. While Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon stole the spotlight, many shows faded into obscurity despite their brilliance.

We’ve ranked 12 overlooked 90s anime, from quirky comedies to epic sagas, that capture the decade’s magic. Here’s why these forgotten series deserve a spot on your watchlist.

12. Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! (1992-1997) Pierrot

Mitsuhashi and Itou, two teens, decide to become delinquents, sparking hilarious fights and rivalries. Its retro art and mix of comedy and heart outshine modern hits like Tokyo Revengers.

The scrappy brawls and vibrant characters scream 90s charm. We love its raw, chaotic energy. Not currently available for streaming.

11. Golden Boy (1995-1996) Appp Company

Kintaro, a wandering dropout, takes odd jobs and wins hearts with his earnest chaos. This six-episode Ova blends raunchy humor with surprising depth.

Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime on a global scale. Many new fans in this generation watch the series as their first introduction to anime, leaving them with rather high expectations.

Many fans believe this is a terrible introduction to anime, considering not every series will receive the same quality and effort as Attack on Titan did from Mappa. Moreover, not every anime dealing with the same themes will be dark and gritty. They chose an alternative style to drive the same point.

However, there’s also a different side to this perspective. Attack on Titan is hardly the only anime in existence, and not the first one to have complex characters, real-world allegories, and intense action. Fans can use the opportunity to explore some underrated anime.

Attack on Titan is an excellent anime to start with, as it becomes a gateway to exploring other series...

Look Back, the anime film adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s titular one-shot manga, was released just last year. The past few years have seen a rapid rise in the development and usage of AI, and even the anime industry has been infiltrated by it. Thus, the morals of using AI in art have become a hot topic.

Is it right to use AI to create art? Can something created by AI even be called art? There are multiple questions surrounding the topic and endless online discourses. The director of the Look Back movie, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, also threw in his two cents on the topic.

Look Back director compares AI to the prevalence of washing machines

In an interview with Anime News Network, Oshiyama was asked about his views on AI art.’ The director revealed that he saw AI as a tool that prevented people from doing things the old/traditional way.

When we first meet rebel leader Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) in "Star Wars: Andor," he's helping Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) escape the Ferrix police and recruiting him for a heist job. Then we see Luthen lives a double life, working as a luxury antiques dealer on Coruscant, the capital of the Empire he's fighting. Kleya Marki (Elizabeth Dulau) is Luthen's assistant in both halves of his life.

So from the beginning, Luthen has had an air of mystery; we see early on that he wears one mask so are there others? In "Andor" season 1 episode 8, "Narkina 5," Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), a radical anti-Imperialist, asks Luthen what his ideology is. Luthen answers he's a "coward" who's afraid of letting the Empire grow unbeatable. Ok, but that's not really answering the question. What made him so afraid in the first place?

For that matter, how did Luthen and Kleya forge such an unbreakable trust,...

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Robert Kirkman is definitely one of the superstar writers in modern American comics. He broke out writing at the publisher Image Comics, thanks to his superhero book "Invincible" and his zombie apocalypse comic "The Walking Dead."

Both "Invincible" and "The Walking Dead" are some of the biggest and most successful comics that exist outside the Marvel/DC duopoly. They're not just popular among comic fans, they've broken into the mainstream with popular TV adaptations too. "The Walking Dead" TV series is AMC's golden goose (just look at all the spin-offs) and "Invincible" has been adapted into a cartoon on Prime Video. ("Invincible" season 4 and more are on the way.)

Kirkman co-creating "Invincible" and "The Walking Dead" is already an achievement. You know what makes it even more impressive? That he wrote both series for about 15 years — and not just any 15 years,...

The world of manga was left in utter despair as the legendary mangaka, Kentaro Miura, passed away in 2021, at the age of 54. Because of that, he couldn’t even finish his signature work, Berserk, which is arguably the best-written piece of fiction to ever exist.

While Miura’s friend and fellow artist Kouji Mori stepped in to continue the series, you can still feel there’s something off. That unmistakable touch of Miura that made Berserk, “Berserk,” is nowhere to be found.

However, ever since then, many fans have tried to come up with their own interpretation of how Miura must have planned the ending. Recently, one such fan theory has popped up, and quite surprisingly, it has also resonated deeply with the community. This homemade conclusion might just be the perfect sendoff for Guts’ epic storyline.

Guts could use Sonia’s powers to turn her against Griffith

We already know how powerful Sonia is,...

The winners of this year’s 29th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize were announced today . Top honors went to the semi-autobiographical manga 1-Byo 24-Koma no Boku no Jinsei (My Life at 24 Frames per Second) by famed anime director Rintaro, best known for directing Metropolis , the Galaxy Express 999 film, X/1999, and many more. The Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize began to commemorate manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka and is awarded to manga that promotes the progress of the medium. Previous winners include Naoki Urasawa for Monster , Uoto for Chi: On the Movements of the Earth and Satoru Noda for Golden Kamuy . Alongside the Grand Prize, Shiho Kido won the New Creator Prize for their work When the Chameleon Flowers Bloom and Shunji Enomoto won the Short Work Prize for The Kinks . Rintaro will get a bronze statue and 2 million yen for the Grand Prize, while Kido and Enomoto receive a bronze statue and 1 million yen.

Few anime villains come close to the sheer dread evoked by Naoki Urasawa’s Johan Liebert and Kentaro Miura’s Griffith. There are antagonists, and then there are these guys. Where one would usually use an antagonist to prop up the protagonist, these antagonists are just innately evil and corrupted. They are different, calm, composed, and committed to their goal. There is something extremely chilling about being that single-minded.

But if it comes to the question of who is more evil, terrifying, or unnerving, who among these two wins? That is a difficult question to answer, but one thing is sure.

No matter how many viewers were affected by Urasawa’s Johan and got chills, there is no denying that Miura’s Griffith is much more unnerving.

Griffith’s corrupted nature vs Johan’s innate evil

The two antagonists are similar yet different, possibly because of the different circumstances in which they were placed.

In September 1963, American audiences received their first introduction to anime via the televised debut of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy. Recently, the classic black-and-white series was given a brand-new, full-color restoration and a prime-time broadcast slot on Japanese television.

Per Osamu Tezuka's official site, a "re-edited version" of Astro Boy: Hero of Space (1964) -- the franchise's first-ever compilation film -- was re-broadcast on March 30 (effectively March 31) by Nhk General TV. Prior to the film's release, the network spotlighted it via its online blog, stating that it has "now been restored to full color using AI-restoration technology." The original 1964 version was shown with only some colorized scenes. Certain sequences, such as transitions between individual episodes, were redrawn by human animators for the restored edition.

North America’s First Anime Re-Airs Following AI Restoration After 60 Years Image via Tezuka Productions

Widely perceived as one of Tezuka's most iconic creations, Astro Boy revolves...

Alluring futuristic worlds, scientific speculations, and reality-bending scenarios — all of these enticing concepts make sci-fi anime the medium’s most acclaimed and fascinating genre. Science fiction in anime is prolific and varied, the genre’s exemplars making up some of the best, most celebrated titles of all time. However, like with any other genre, finding a sci-fi anime that is immaculate from start to finish is no easy task.

While high-concept sci-fi series with enticing premises aren’t hard to come by, titles that maintain the initial excitement throughout — or even exceed fans’ expectations — are rare gems that embody the genre’s most outstanding merits. These sci-fi anime series don’t feature a single dull moment, keeping the viewers engrossed in their worlds from the first episode to the moment the credits roll.

Flcl Is 6 Episodes of Non-Stop Exhilaration Stream Flcl on Adult SwimImage via Gainax

A kinetic coming-of-age story...

Horror manga legend Junji Ito has been nominated for the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame this year. He is one of 18 nominees, with voters set to choose the six new inductees. Alongside Ito, Shigeru Mizuki, a late manga creator, has already been pre-selected for induction.

Ito, who won the Inkpot Award from Comic-Con International in 2023, has also had his work nominated for Eisner Awards in the past. His Black Paradox manga was nominated for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia in 2023.

Related: All 24 Junji Ito Books in Order

In addition to his manga success, Junji Ito is making waves in film and TV. Through the Lens Entertainment and Fangoria Studios are working on adaptations of his works ‘The Mystery of the Haunted House’ and ‘Bloodsucking Darkness’ into films.

Ito’s latest anime, Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, which adapts 20 of his stories, launched...

Most people would think that any show should have a little bit of humor in it to make up for a worthwhile viewing experience. For instance, something like Spy x Family proves it perfectly. It’s a masterclass in blending genres and having a blast while doing it.

Yor, Anya and Lyod from Spy x Family | Credits: CloverworksXWIT

But, there’s another show that actually deserves the same, if not more, recognition like Spy x Family, and that’s Joker Game!

This, however, doesn’t follow the similar genre norms mentioned earlier, as it is purely a psychological take on the spy thriller genre. Did it fly under the radar because it didn’t follow the same formula as Spy x Family and most other popular spy-thriller shows in general?

Joker Game did not need cheap humor to present a good story A still from Joker Game anime | Credits: Production...

Guillermo del Toro is a celebrated name in Hollywood. The esteemed and illustrious filmmaker has produced some of the finest works in the gothic and fantasy genre. His films are in a league of their own in terms of storytelling, narrative, and characters.

What stands out the most is his admiration for Hayao Miyazaki and his films. Frequently, Toro has commended the Ghibli animator for his style as well as compelling storylines and in doing so, he may have ultimately debunked his secret to success.

Chihiro and Haku in a still from Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

With The Boy and the Heron’s success, Toro opened up about Miyazaki’s style and past works in an interview. He shed light on the animator’s title of an auteur and how he truly lives up to it by expanding his vision in the films. But that is not the end of it all.

This week on The Anime Effect: Leah and LeAlec chat with comic book artist Joe Eisma about why comic fans should read manga, the inspiration he's gotten from Naoki Urasawa and more! In our audio-exclusive episode we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world including Yu-Gi-Oh! games coming soon and a Sanrio collaboration, when you can watch Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- in the United States , and more! Episode 49 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 49 Summary In this week's news episode, LeAlec, Leah and Alex discuss the live-action Solo Leveling adaptation announcement , Kaiju No. 8 getting the Fortnite treatment, among other updates. Plus, we talk to Joe Eisma about...

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of its epic conclusion in 2025, Monster is a must-see TV thriller for Japanese animation fans on Netflix. The disturbing R-rated psychological crime drama concerns Kenzou Tenma, a young Japanese brain surgeon in Düsseldorf, Germany. Nine years after risking his profession to rescue a young boy, the boy grows up to become a psychotic serial killer, forcing Tenma to reconcile with the consequences.

Lauded across the board for its gripping story, outstanding animated artwork, rich character development, and genuinely unnerving R-tared violence, Monster remains one of the most acclaimed anime series of the past 20 years. With all 74 episodes available on Netflix, hardcore crime enthusiasts, and serious adult anime aficionados should flock to watch Monster before it inevitably leaves the platform.

Monster TV-14Crime Release Date April 7, 2004 Directors Masayuki Kojima, Morio Asaka Writers Tatsuhiko Urahata, Naoki Urasawa Cast

Liam O'Brien

Keith Silverstein

Karen Strassman Stream

Where to watchCloseWHERE...

Naoki Urasawa is an underrated master of storytelling in the manga industry. From Monster to Pluto, nobody can match how brilliant his thrillers are. The genius behind the characters and the mysteries can only be replicated by him.

So, it’s not a surprise Urasawa put a lot of thought behind the villain of 20th Century Boys, Friend. Against the backdrop of nostalgia and friendship, the cult leader and main antagonist of 20th Century Boys left us all shivering in fear.

Friend from 20th Century Boys. [Credit: Shogakukan]

The Friend aims to create a dystopian world that he wishes to control. He uses his charisma, manipulation, and exploiting loneliness to gain followers and there are at least two characters who have assumed the mantle. Considering the theme of friendship in 20th Century Boys, it’s curious why Naoki Urasawa chose to make an antagonist named Friend.

Friend is a mirror of...

Monster, by Naoki Urasawa, is certainly a landmark in the history of Seinen anime. One can argue there’s nothing else that has managed to surpass its intricate storytelling and psychological depth yet. And now on the rise of popularity in anime live-action adaptations, out of all the other anime, Monster seems to have everything that would fit into such a perfect adaptation.

Kenma and Johan from Monster | Credits: Madhouse Studio

In fact, one of the most well-known filmmakers, Guillermo del Toro showed interest in adapting Monster into a live-action show, as some might already know that he has an immense enthusiasm for the anime medium in general. However, things apparently don’t always go as planned. Although Toro’s idea was put to a hard stop for a certain reason, he is still in search of a way to make it a reality.

What exactly happened to Toro’s initial idea?...

Osamu Tezuka reshaped Japanese pop culture with his manga "Astro Boy." In a future world, Japanese science minister Dr. Tenma loses his son Tobio in a car accident. He recreates Tobio as an android, Astro (known as Atom in the original Japanese). The manga is a futuristic reimagining of "Pinocchio" that becomes a superhero story.

You can trace Japan's love affair with robots to "Astro Boy" — modern mecha and shonen manga/anime wouldn't exist without it. Despite being foundational in Japan, Astro Boy isn't much of an icon in the United States. One attempt to import him, a 2009 CGI animated "Astro Boy" picture from Imagi Animation Studios, failed and left Imagi underwater.

Imagi was founded in Hong Kong in 2000, first producing the 2002 CGI cartoon series "Zentrix." In 2007, they secured a three-picture distribution deal with Warner Bros — the first fruit of that deal was the 2007 animated "Tmnt" film. "Tmnt" was a success,...

Monster, by Naoki Urasawa, is certainly a landmark in the history of Seinen anime. One can argue there’s nothing else that has managed to surpass its intricate storytelling and psychological depth yet. Set against the dark backdrop of post-wwii Germany, the very themes of trauma and horror of wars make it a must-watch.

A still featuring Johan Liebert on the right | Credits: Madhouse Studio

Now, this may come as a big surprise to those who don’t know yet, but fans have finally agreed upon the cast for the long-awaited Monster Live-Action adaptation. And at the center of attention remains the enigmatic role of Johan Liebert, which has gone to Louis Hofmann!

Louis Hofmann as Johan Liebert is Perfection! Louis Hofmann from Dark | Credits: Netflix

The news of Louis Hofmann being the cast of Johan Liebert has met much-expected enthusiasm within the fandom. Not only do they look the same,...

Naoki Urasawa is a genius when it comes to storytelling and creating villains. Both Friend from 20th Century Boys and Johan Liebert from Monster are regarded as some of the best antagonists in all of fiction. His way of connecting the plot after introducing completely new characters is fascinating, making every one he creates important to the story.

Wolfgang Grimmer | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Pluto is one of his works that is inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. He stated that he felt enormous pressure while creating the manga so much so that it began affecting his physical health. After he finished Pluto, Urasawa-sensei decided never to attempt anything like it again. Nevertheless, Pluto‘s fame even succeeds Astro Boy, a feat Naoki Urasawa never expected to happen.

Comparing Pluto with Astro Boy in terms of plot Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

Of course, every mangaka regards Astro Boy as the godfather of Shonen,...

Monster, by Naoki Urasawa, is certainly a landmark in the history of Seinen anime. One can argue there’s nothing else that has managed to surpass its intricate storytelling and psychological depth yet. Set against the dark backdrop of post-wwii Germany, the very well-entwined and torn themes of trauma, and horror make it a must-watch.

Dr. Kenzo Tenma from Monster | Credits: Madhouse Studio

Yet this revolutionary series had quite an unexpected origin, which one could never expect. In a resurfaced interview, author Naoki Urasawa himself shed light on what exactly inspired him to come up with this all-time masterpiece. This revelation that he made in the past, will leave even the die-hard fans shocked.

A Certain TV Show Directly Inspired The Thrilling Storyline of Monster A still from the TV series, The Fugitive | Credits: Qm Productions and United Artists Television

During a 2019 interview, with the world-class mangaka, Naoki Urasawa, fans...

Unlike shonen, which has something to offer to all age groups, the content usually featured in seinen series can be quite exclusive, even more so when a slow burn like Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is concerned. Yet, Monster has appealed to a substantial audience around the world. It has become a standard for many fans that most series fail to meet, simply because of Urasawa’s genius.

Johan | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Known for its excellence as a thriller, the series presents a wide cast of compelling characters. From the duality of Grimmer to Eva’s redemption arc, every character is fleshed out in a realistic way that is both believable and emotionally impactful. Among the many famous anime-manga series, Monster clearly sets itself apart with its distinctive traits.

Naoki Urasawa on His Intentions Behind Monster A still from the anime featuring Dr. Kenzo Tenma | Credits: Studio Madhouse

The mantle that...

Horror both is and isn’t one of my favorite genres. I say “isn’t” because I scare easily, but if that’s the case, how can horror also be a genre I love? Simple. I love good storytelling, and horror is full of some fantastic narratives. One of my favorite things about the horror genre is how it isn’t afraid to tackle some pretty distressful emotions. Characters will face feelings they don’t always want to admit to, but horror pushes them forward — whether they’re prepared for it or not. Such is the case with Gigi Murakami, a manga artist whose work, Resenter , approaches resentment in such a uniquely haunting way that I found myself saying, “Wow... I don’t want to admit how much I relate to this.” I mean, who wants to admit to feeling resentment, of all things? Especially toward loved ones? But that...

Dragon Ball Z is packed with intriguing characters, but few are as tragic and underrated as Android 16, and through extension, his creator, Dr. Gero. As a former scientist for the Red Ribbon Army, Gero was capable of many ingenious feats, some of which led to the creation of the androids. Android 16 was created with the likeness of Geros son, Gevo, and as a weapon to use against Goku to exact revenge for the Red Ribbon Army's defeat. However, 16 defied his programming and became gentle and peaceful with an admiration for the world around him.

In a post on Reddit, user Cheripi-art, creates a comic that takes inspiration from Pluto by Naoki Urasawa to recreate Dr. Geros relationship with Android 16. In this touching and tragic scene, Gero reflects on his real Gevo and all the little details that made him unique. As the two sit over a meal, Gero recalls Gevos habits and in response,...

Veteran actor Jack Nicholson is known for his signature style of psychotic acting, which he achieved the peak of in films like The Shining, The Departed, and his Oscar-winning role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Based on the book of the same name, the latter reportedly had a long journey to production and eventually won big.

Nicholson mentioned that his process in acting involved finding what he called the ‘secret’ to each character. He said that his character Randy McMurphy in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was a man who genuinely believed that he would be able to seduce the villainous Nurse Ratched and that is what guided his entire performance.

Jack Nicholson Figure Out What Made His Character Tick In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest | Credits: United Artists

The 1975 film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest...

The Beginning After the End is among the most exciting manga that gained immense popularity for its well-crafted story of redemption and self-discovery. The story revolves around the protagonist Arthur Leywin, who turns out to be the rebirth of a former king, struggling through the chaos of his past and present life while finding another chance for redemption and another new beginning.

Arthur from The Beginning After The End Manga | Credits: Yen Press

But underneath its excellent narrative, there is a fact that disappointed many viewers. Will the anime adaptation overcome these defects of the manga, making it more entertaining for the fans? Only time can tell, but one thing is for sure, The Beginning After the End has it all to turn into one unforgettable anime experience.

The Beginning After The End Manga Has Some Serious Character Writing Issues A panel from The Beginning After The End Manga | Credits:...

The anime industry is thriving more than ever. With each passing year, it continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. While many anime fans hail Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece as the greatest masterpiece, Osamu Tezuka significantly shaped the key elements that continue to enhance Op’s compelling narrative.

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece | Credits: Toei Animation

After enthralling fans for over 25 years, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece narrates an epic tale of friendship and adventure, captivating generations of viewers. Undoubtedly, One Piece is regarded as the most influential anime with the largest fanbase worldwide. On top of the high-spirited journey in search of treasure filled with adored comedic references, the series covers serious issues such as racism, slavery, and even human experimentation.

Not to mention, Eiichiro Oda is celebrated for his exploration of the gray areas of human morality, along...

Owing to Season 2’s immense popularity, Oshi no Ko stands out as one of the best returning anime in Summer 2024. What makes Oshi no Ko a huge hit is its unique storyline and compelling characters. Aka Akasaka’s Oshi no Ko is a complete anime that revolves around revenge and music idols.

Ai Hoshino in Oshi no Ko | Credit: Doga Kobo

The mangaka brings the harsh struggles of pop idols to the screen, offering a dark and often unsettling look at the Japanese idol industry, while exposing the exploitation and abuse that occurs behind the scenes. Aka Akasaka’s manga is revolutionising the way fans view the idol industry, raising awareness about its darker side. The mangaka has openly acknowledged his effort to portray the harsh truths and struggles of the industry.

Aka Akasaka Sheds Light on the Harsh Realities of the Idol Industry with Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko Season 2 premiered in July,...

Kentaro Miura narrates an epic tale of adventure and revenge filled with intense action and a gripping story, captivating several fans with Guts’ journey. Following a tragic backstory to his path of vengeance, Guts’ struggle is an admirable one. Berserk is an incredibly violent and gory seinen genre masterpiece, that I can assure is not for the faint of heart.

The Sea God Vs Guts in Berserk Manga| Credit: Viz Media

While I do believe that the sexual violence can be a little excessive to the point where it can be uncomfortable for newcomers, diving into Berserk‘s mature themes reveals why it’s a top manga recommendation, including mine. The themes and characterisations within Berserk are so powerful that the manga can drastically change a person’s outlook on life.

If you are a Berserk fan like me and are seeking for some violent theme anime, you will find some recommendation below.

Train to the End of the World has recently attracted much more attention in the anime community with its post-apocalyptic narrative but with a very different approach. The series follows protagonist Chikura as she journeys to rescue a friend in a post-apocalyptic Japan devastated by an experimental 7G cellular network. All the while it may sound familiar to fans of the genre, but the series has distinguished itself through its unorthodox narrative choices that have erotic situations and surreal comedic elements.

The Zombie Queen, Mito Kuriki | Credit: Studio Emt Squared

As the spring 2024 anime season continued, viewers were held up by a recent episode featuring the character Mito Kuroki. The episode contains a scene so utterly bizarre and hilarious that it has propelled the series into viral status. The event has not only increased the show’s visibility but also raised questions about what boundaries storytelling may go to in post-apocalyptic anime.

Manga artist Naoki Urasawa has scooped out about the intense personal struggles he faced when starting his series Pluto, a reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s iconic Astro Boy storyline The Greatest Robot on Earth. Overlapping with the Netflix anime adaptation of Pluto, Urasawa publicized the effect the project had on his psyche and creative process.

Pluto | Credit: Studio M2

The manga was published in 2003, which made a departure from the more optimistic tone of Tezuka’s original work. It dived more into the darker themes of conflict, artificial intelligence (AI), and the nature of humanity. His candid reflections offered a rare sight of the psychological toll he had to endure while adapting such an influential piece.

The Weight of Legacy

Naoki Urasawa first encountered The Greatest Robot on Earth at the tender age of five, and describes the story as “the manga that sat at the center of all manga in my heart.

Robert De Niro has been one of Hollywood’s most critically and commercially successful actors. Thanks to his acting skills and collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, he has an extremely well-decorated filmography. But, when his Heat co-star Al Pacino chose Raging Bull as his favorite De Niro film, the choice surprised most fans.

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in The Irishman | Credits: Netflix

Al Pacino and the Taxi Driver star have been frequent collaborators and seen together in 4 films yet: The Godfather: Part II, Heat, Righteous Kill, and The Irishman. When Robert De Niro was asked about his favorite Pacino film, he could not think about anything but The Godfather I and II. However, hardly anybody expected Pacino to name De Niro’s 1980 sports drama as his favorite.

Al Pacino picked an underrated Robert De Niro classic Robert De Niro in Raging Bull | Credits: United Artists

Except for Righteous Kill,...

‘AI is dominating the future!’ We’ve all heard this phrase, but Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto brings this struggle to big screens. From thrilling action scenes to the emotional journeys of robots, Urasawa’s Pluto conveys an anti-war message and emphasizes the importance of peace. Naoki Urasawa is a prominent figure in the manga industry, hailed as the master of thrill and suspense by many anime fans.

Not many fans are aware of this, but Pluto draws its inspiration from one of Astro Boy‘s main villains. The legendary mangaka is responsible for several iconic titles, such as 20th Century Boys, Monster, Pluto, and many more.

Inspector Gesicht from Pluto | Credits: Netflix

Pluto follows the quest of an Interpol detective, Inspector Gesicht, and his investigation into the surprising death of the seven most advanced robots. Urasawa introduced viewers to a futuristic world in which humans and robots coexist, though within...

Amidst all the competition and hustle, praise and acknowledgment is truly refreshing. CloverWorks is an animation studio known for its notable works such as Bocchi the Rock! and Spy x Family. Their adaptation of Jump’s The Elusive Samurai has garnered popularity. However, the praise extends beyond that.

Bocchi in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio CloverWorks

Takeru Hokazono, the author of Kagurabachi, acknowledged the studio for its anime adaptation. With several fans sharing the author’s comment, a collaboration might likely be in the works. To say the least, praise from a budding and promising mangaka is nothing short of iconic.

Fans respond to Takeru Hokazono acknowledging Studio CloverWorks

CloverWorks has animated some of the most popular anime. These include Black Butler, Spy x Family, and Horimiya. Their animation of Satoru Nii’s manga Wind Breaker is more than promising. The series bagged the award for Best New...

Robert De Niro doesn’t appear to back down with his anti-Trump comments. The actor joined The Godfather II director Francis Ford Coppola and director Spike Lee at the New York Film Festival for the premiere of Coppola’s Megalopolis. De Niro’s appreciation for the film quickly turned into a criticism of Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.

Adam Driver in Megalopolis | Credits: Lionsgate Films

The Taxi Driver actor made comments about Trump making the movie and shared that the 45th President of the USA cannot hold anything together. De Niro’s comments could potentially worsen Megalopolis‘ box office situation, adding to its already mediocre reviews.

Robert De Niro Made Comments Against Donald Trump at the Screening of Megalopolis Robert de Niro in Taxi Driver | Credits: Columbia Pictures

Robert De Niro made audiences laugh with a hypothetical about Donald Trump at the Q&a session before the screening of...

‘AI is taking over humanity’ We’ve all heard variations of this statement, but have you ever wondered how it will go down in the history books? Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto sheds light on this conflict, bringing it to big screens and captivating many with its portrayal of human rebellion against artificial beings.

Hailed as a master of thrill and suspense, Naoki Urasawa is a prominent figure in the manga industry. The legendary mangaka is responsible for several iconic titles, such as 20th Century Boys, Monster, Pluto, and many more. Urasawa already regards Pluto as one of their best work, which holds a special place in the mangaka’s heart compared to his other iconic titles.

Pluto robot | Credit: Netflix

Interestingly, Pluto draws its inspiration from one of Astro Boy‘s main villains. The anime follows the quest of an Interpol detective, Inspector Gesicht, and his investigation into the surprising...

In the vast and creative world of manga, Naoki Urasawa stands out as a master of concise and naturally woven narratives. Best known for his critically acclaimed works such as Monster, 20th Century Boys, and Pluto, Urasawa has established a reputation for consistently ending his manga series within a digestible number of volumes. This ensures a precise storyline without interruptions that readers would never get confused or bored by.

Dr Kenzo Tenma from Monster by Naoki Urasawa. [Credit: Madhouse]

Urasaw’s writing style contrasts several manga artists who tend to go on for longer than they should have, like Kohei Horikoshi and the 41 volumes of My Hero Academia. Even fans of the manga and anime argue that the storyline dragged on for an unnecessarily long time. While Horikoshi’s series was initially exciting and had a unique perspective of a hero world, it started to fall short of its vision. This...

Hailed as a master of thrill and suspense, Naoki Urasawa is a prominent figure in the manga industry. The legendary mangaka is responsible for several iconic titles, such as 20th Century Boys, Monster, Pluto, and many more. Interestingly, Urasawa credits Robert De Niro and Jack Nicholson for inspiring his creativity to craft every fan-favorite character with layers of emotional depth.

Urasawa is renowned for crafting gripping narratives featuring realistic characters dealing with extraordinary situations that leave a long-lasting impression on the audience. From Monster‘s psychopathic serial killer to Pluto‘s emotionally complex robots, the mangaka has enthralled many fans with several compelling characters.

Dr Kenzo Tenma from Monster by Naoki Urasawa. | Credit: Madhouse

Urasawa’s work breathes a new life into his characters, with many emerging as the crowd favorite later. Apart from The Fugitive‘s deep influence, Naoki Urasawa revealed two famous actors who left a profound impression...

The world of manga is defined by the creators’ long tales of perseverance and passion in the face of countless resistance, and Naoki Urasawa’s journey is no exception. Known for iconic works like Monster, 20th Century Boys, Pluto, and many more, this genius mangaka’s creative journey, especially in terms of Monster‘s success was far from smooth.

Kenzo Tenma from Monster manga cover | Credit: Viz Media

Naoki Urasawa faced an uphill battle, not from critics or fans, but from his own publisher, who initially refused to see the potential of Monster, which would become one of the most celebrated works in manga history. His fight against the odds earned a place for Monster as one of the greatest psychological thrillers in the manga industry to this day.

Skepticism Over Monster‘s Success by Naoki Urasawa’s Publisher

In 2019, Naoki Urasawa showed a group of journalists around the free...

Osamu Tezuka is one of the most important persons in the history of Japanese anime, which is defined as all animated content from Japan, and he is regarded as the father of Japanese anime. His works are considered nothing short of legendary and are still used as a source of inspiration for not only modern anime and manga but media in general.

Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

He won the right to be called the God of Manga, he popularized genres and revolutionized Japanese animation. A lot of fans consider Tezuka’s works like Astro Boy to be child-friendly or family-friendly content after watching the adaptations but they couldn’t be more wrong, as confirmed by another legendary author, Naoki Urasawa.

The problem with Astro Boy’s anime adaptation Retro Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

According to an interview with Crunchyroll in February 2019, 20th Century Boys and Monster author Naoki...

Ever since the manga industry was created, there have been quite a few manga creators who have managed to leave a legendary impact on the community. One of them is Naoki Urasawa, the creator of widely successful projects like Monster, 20th Century Boys, Master Keaton, Billy Bat, etc. Urasawa has been deemed by many as the best storyteller in the industry.

Monster by Naoki Urasawa | Credit: Studio Madhouse

However, one of his biggest works is Pluto, the dark interpretation of Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka. Astro Boy follows the story of a young android boy with human emotions who goes through different aspects of life and tries to make a place for himself in society. The story was a big influence on Japanese television and ultimately earned global fame.

After being influenced by Astro Boy, Urasawa decided to make it in his own tone and called it Pluto. The series...

Monster, by Naoki Urasawa, is certainly a landmark in the history of seinen anime because nothing else has really managed to surpass its intricate storytelling and psychological depth yet. Set against the dark backdrop of post-wwii Germany, the very well-entwined and torn themes of trauma, and horror make it a very gripping watch.

A still featuring Johan Liebert on the right | Credits: Madhouse Studio

Yet, thanks to Urasawa’s editor, Monster went from just an engaging story into a revolutionary work of genius. He contributed much to the basic premise of this series so that Monster has become such a masterpiece of an art form, which continues to resonate with audiences even years later, setting new standards for seinen anime.

Monster Wasn’t Originally Planned to be Set in Europe! A still from Monster featuring kid Johan | Credits: Madhouse Studio

Although the setting of Monster is European, it wasn’t what Naoki Urasawa initially planned.

Known for his creations Monster, 20th Century Boys, and Pluto, Naoki Urasawa is a renowned figure in the anime-manga industry. His works stand out among the seinen lot for his nuanced storytelling and his mastery of the thriller-mystery genre. Although his popular works have become definitive of his genius, the mangaka was already a prodigy at a young age.

Not simply because of his talent, but also for the understanding of the industry at a young age. He was always aware of the state of the industry, and even dabbled with the idea of pursuing a different career path.

Naoki Urasawa, A Genius Ahead of his Time Kenzo Tenma | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Any fan of the creator knows that the content of Monster is not for the mainstream, yet Monster’s success is extraordinary. Naoki Urasawa’s style depends on gradual pacing and a mature storytelling approach. There’s no...

For the anime uninitiated, "gritty cat-and-mouse thriller about a serial killer" probably doesn't sound like what you'd imagine. Yet, that's exactly the premise of one of the best works produced in the medium: "Monster," the 74-episode anime adapted from Naoki Urasawa's manga.

Inspired by the original "The Fugitive" television series with a European twist, "Monster" follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma. Many years ago, he saved the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert. Now, the doctor has been framed for murders committed by Johan, so he hunts Johan across Germany while dodging the cops. Tenma is not out to prove his innocence or bring Johan to justice, though. He wants to fix the mistake he made by reviving a monster.

The "Monster" anime is basically a shot for shot adaptation, but it colors in Urasawa's realistic Osamu Tezuka-flavored art-style with stellar music and voice-acting. The title sequence, "Grain,...

Even after enthralling fans for over 25 years. Eiichiro Oda has yet to unveil several mysteries of the One Piece world. Despite the long list of 1000+ chapters and manga, One Piece continues to captivate many new viewers to the series, without leaving a moment of boredom.

Undoubtedly, One Piece is regarded as the most influential and popular Shonen Jump series worldwide. Not to forget, Netflix’s One Piece live adaptation has broken the infamous curse of anime adaptation into a live-action series, establishing itself as an instant hit within the community.

One Piece live-action series | Credits: Netflix

While the anime’s enormous popularity did play a vital role in Netflix’s adaptation’s immense success, Eiichiro Oda was directly involved in supervising, which helped the directors stick to the original plot and keep fans engaged. Interestingly, a famous manga author has revealed their challenges with the transition to live adaptation, revealing...

Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is often acclaimed as one of the greatest psychological thrillers in anime and manga history. But at the same time, this series is still one of the most discussed and polarizing anime series to this day. Despite its success, Monster also receives its fair share of criticisms for its pacing issues, cliché plot, and unsatisfying ending. These contrasting opinions have led to a passionate divide in the anime community.

Tenma and Johan’s final confrontation in Monster manga | Credit: Viz Media

Although some viewers find the series’ philosophical depth to be fascinating, others find it difficult to ignore the plot inconveniences, character choices, and slow pacing. This ongoing debate has raised the question: How well has Monster aged in today’s media landscape? With the rise of fast-paced, action-heavy anime that deliver instant enjoyment, is there still a place for a methodical slow-burn like Monster?

The...

Naoki Urasawa’s critically acclaimed psychological thriller, Monster, is a gripping saga of suspense, multifaceted characters, and complex ethical issues. Concurrently, the anime adaptation by Madhouse Studio has also been praised for its faithful representation of Urasawa’s original work. However, bringing the essence of the manga into its anime adaptation wasn’t a piece of cake for the animators.

Johan Liebert from Monster | Credit: Madhouse Studio

Shigeru Fujita, the lead animator for the series, has revealed that bringing Monster to life was far from an easy task since Naoki Urasawa was fully involved in the creative process. From providing strict directives to checking the end product — Urasawa’s contribution along with the dedication of the animation team, brought the story to life.

Shigeru Fujita’s Journey with Monster

In an interview during the 24th edition of the Paris Manga Salon in 2017, Shigeru Fujita spoke at length about the difficulties...

Every once in a while, an anime or manga series decides to change the norms of the Shonen genre and introduce a protagonist who defies all the stereotypes. But none of them have been able to reach the level of Light Yagami from Death Note. He may be considered by many as an anti-hero, but still, he managed to make a large impact on the anime community.

Light Yagami from Death Note | Credits: Madhouse

The most important aspect that made him different from others was his manipulative powers. He was able to hide his identity as Kira for the longest time by manipulating other characters and events in his favor. As it was a unique concept, fans loved it a lot and hoped for more anime series and their protagonists to be developed like this.

However, Light may not be the only manipulative protagonist in the anime industry. There are...