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It can be tough trying to figure out what to watch. After a long day at work, figuring out what to eat for dinner, and finally sitting down to relax, sifting through dozens and dozens of movies can be a chore in and of itself. With so many series and films to choose from, sometimes it can feel easier to just fall asleep to YouTube videos.

Luckily, Crunchyroll has an impressive catalogue of anime films available for viewing on right now. These movies range from family-friendly fare to more mature stories best suited for adults. From science fiction to fantasy, from martial arts epics to tales of silly adventures, these movies cover it all.

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate Brought the PS3 Action Straight to Anime Stream Bayonetta: Bloody Fate on CrunchyrollImage via Gonzo

The forces of Heaven and Hell are constantly at war with one another. On Earth, two groups of powerful magic users,...

Dragon Ballis a 40-year-running franchise by the late Akira Toriyama. Because of its popularity and the number of years it's been running, there have been quite a few TV specials based on the series. These range from action-packed adventures featuring Goku and others to informative safety PSAs for children to take to heart.

Many of these TV specials are one-offs that have no effect on the canon or plot, but some frequently do. While a lot isn't available in the West or online to view, there's still a lot even the most dedicated fan can learn from studying. For example, some may not even be aware of this, but Vegeta has a secret younger brother.

"Dragon Ball: The Return of Son Goku and Friends!" is a Canon Dragon Ball Ova "Dragon Ball: The Return of Son Goku and Friends!" Was The First Animated Dragon Ball Special in Nearly a Decade...

Every week, fans will be able to watch a weekly MLB doubleheader on Apple TV+, with no blackouts.

The arrival of March means that the 2025 MLB regular season is about to begin! There are plenty of questions surrounding the league entering the year; will the super team built by the Los Angeles Dodgers mean their ticket for back-to-back titles is already stamped? Will the New York Yankees shake off last year’s World Series defeat? Who else will enter the conversation as legitimate challengers? You can see for yourself with a subscription to Apple TV+, which will begin offering its weekly “Friday Night Baseball” doubleheaders starting later this month.

Key Details: “Friday Night Baseball” begins on Friday, March 28. Teams playing will include the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and other contenders. There is no extra fee to stream “Friday Night Baseball” on Apple TV+, nor are there any blackouts in local markets.

Despite a lifelong reputation for creating kid-friendly manga with universal appeal, Unico: Awakeninga manga inspired by Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezukas prior work was recently banned by the Richmond County School District in North Carolina after a local parent complained that it contained material unsuitable for children.

As reported by Manga Mogura according to The Richmond Observer, the local North Carolina newspaper that broke the story, when Nikki Fletcher's six-year-old son expressed interest in purchasing Unico: Awakening at a Scholastic Book Fair, she didn't think twice about buying the book. She'd assumed the content was suitable for children. However, upon reviewing the manga at home, she was shocked to discover depictions of animal cruelty and gun violence. Disturbed by the content's availability to children, Fletcher complained to the school board, which promptly removed the manga from circulation.

All Unico Wants To Do Is Help The People He Meets Be...

The influence of Western comics on Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has always been evident. All Might’s illustrations are often portrayed in the Western comics art style, and the mangaka has admitted his love for comics on more than one occasion.

My Hero Academia itself is full of references to Western superheroes. The series’ influence from Western comics and homage to them is probably one of the many factors that led to its overseas popularity.

Spider-Man Largely Inspired Kohei Horikoshi Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man | Credits: Marvel

The creation of All Might gave Kohei Horikoshi the idea to sprinkle in American comic elements and references in My Hero Academia. However, the author’s love for comics began in 2002 with the release of the first Spider-Man movie in the Sam Raimi trilogy. In an interview, the author was asked if he saw Spider-Man as an extension of Japanese ‘special effects heroes.

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...

Iconic Events Releasing, a company specializing in distributing limited engagement theatrical events to movie theatres, has partnered with Bandai/Namco to announce the addition of several new titles to its previously announced 2024/2025 Ax Cinema Nights lineup including Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, Mobile Suite Gundam III: Encounters in Space, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. These immersive, experiential community screenings commence in October and will continue into April of 2025. The Mobile Suit Gundam films will be presented with English subtitles and original Japanese dialogue tracks.

The latest Ax Cinema Nights series will be shown in more than 500 theatres across North America.

Tickets, participating theatres, and more information are available at:

https://www.ax-cinemanights.com

Film descriptions, screening dates and info follows below:

Mobile Suit Gundam (Toho)

Screens Oct. 2nd (sub), Oct. 6th (encore screening)

In Universal Century year 0078, the space colony Side 3 declares itself the...

Los Angeles, CA – Iconic Events Releasing, a company specializing in distributing limited engagement theatrical events to movie theatres, has announced an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed classic anime films scheduled to screen across the U.S. and select cities in Canada as part of the latest edition of Anime Expo Cinema Nights (“Ax Cinema Nights”). These immersive, experiential community screenings commence in September and continue into Q2 of 2025. Subtitled and dubbed screenings will be presented for most titles. Each film will be shown in more than 500 theatres throughout North America.

This season's Ax Cinema Nights program includes some of the most influential anime films ever made. The lineup includes the 30th anniversary theatrical release the acclaimed samurai period action adventure, Ninja Scroll, the futurist cyberpunk mindbender, Metropolis 2001, based on a story by the “Godfather of Manga,” Osamu Tezuka, a special 15th Anniversary 4K restoration of director Satoshi Kon's groundbreaking anime,...

Iconic Events Releasing has unveiled new line-up of classic anime films set for theatrical screenings in more than 500 theatres across the U.S. and select Canadian cities as part of the latest edition of Ax Cinema Nights (Anime Expo Cinema Nights).

The screenings will take place from September 2024 through Q2 2025, with both subtitled and dubbed versions available for most titles.

Checkout the film schedule and details below:

1. Ninja Scroll 30th Anniversary (Hidive)

Screening Dates: Sept. 11 (sub), Sept. 12 (dub), Sept. 15 (encore)

When Jubei saves a young ninja woman from the unthinkable, he assumes that’s the end of it. To his surprise, it’s only just the beginning. Together, the two investigate the mysterious deaths of an entire village which uncovers a conspiracy of demonic proportions! Getting closer to the truth, the demonic forces will stop at nothing to silence Jubei and his companion for good!

2. Osamu Tezuka’s Metropolis 2001 (Sony Pictures)

Screening Dates: Nov.

Baseball’s $700 million man is proving to be worth every bit of his contract, as Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has been named to the starters for the 2024 All-Star Game.

The game is set for Tuesday, July 16 at 8 p.m. Et at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.

The most votes were cast for Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper and New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Both earned automatic spots as the most-voted-on players during Phase 1 of voting. The top two players (and top six for outfielders) advance to Phase 2 of fan voting. Pitchers are determined by a player ballot and the Commissioner’s Office.

Here are the Nl All-Star starters:

Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks Trae Turner, Philadelphia Phillies Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers Jurickson Profar,...

Astro Boy set the gold standard for all anime as the first animated series to air on Japanese television in 1963. Astro Boy's story of loss, love, and rebirth captivated audiences, creating a poignant narrative deeper than it appears. Multiple reboots since 1963 have kept the Astro Boy legacy alive, each with unique interpretations and commercial success.

Much like the American comics that came before it, anime has become one of the world’s largest and most popular entertainment industries. Existing within television, film, books, manga, video games, and more, anime has become a global cultural behemoth. Series such as Dragonball Z, Sailor Moon, and countless others have taken the world by storm. Through every genre and medium imaginable, anime has reached audiences young and old, bringing joy and delight to generations of fans. As omnipresent as it is today, anime’s earliest days began with a single boy possessing the most fantastic of powers.

Quick Links Everything Pluto Did Right Netflix Is a Critical Reason Why Pluto's Popularity Is So Low The Sci-Fi Genre Is Overshadowed By Fantasy Pluto's Competition Has Been Too Intense Pluto's low popularity and lack of nominations in Crunchyroll's Anime Awards can be attributed to Netflix's limited promotion and the choice of a batch release, which hindered the series from gaining a wider audience and generating sustained hype. The sci-fi genre in anime has a smaller fanbase compared to fantasy, resulting in fewer nominations and recognition for sci-fi series like Pluto. The industry tends to thrive on fantasy and comedy genres. Pluto faced tough competition from other critically acclaimed and popular anime titles in 2023, such as Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, which received more attention and praise from a larger and fresher fanbase.

This past January of 2024, Crunchyroll announced its nominations for its annual Anime Awards. While the...

Fans of the supernatural anime series Mononoke, produced by Toei Animation, can represent the show's Medicine Seller with fashionable shoes that are just what the doctor ordered.

Created by the prominent Japanese fashion brand Mayla, these shoes perfectly echo the design of the series' main character. This unexpected collaboration comes in two varieties, and both are truly worthy of the protagonist. Pre-orders for the items are now closed, with the pumps being the latest king of anime-affiliated footwear, although the elaborately styled high heels are well worth a look even without purchasing thanks to their extravagant design and intricate detailing.

Related Two Decades On, Iconic Shinichiro Watanabe Anime Soundtrack Streams Worldwide Samurai Champloo is turning 20 years old, and it's celebrating the way of the samurai by streaming its classic soundtrack on multiple major platforms. Mononoke Fans Can Now Sport Medicine Seller High Heels Close

The new shoes, as mentioned, are...

A renowned Japanese shoe and style brand is teaming up with the Mickey Mouse of anime for a 75th anniversary celebration, giving Astro Boy merchandise an all-new look.

In 2024, fashion legend Onitsuka Tiger is turning 75 years old. In honor of the anniversary, the company is releasing a collection of merchandise worthy of the greatest robot in the world, Astro Boy himself. This collaboration makes sense given the history of both brands. Onitsuka Tiger was founded in 1949, with Japan's first sports shoe company being formed in the shadow of World War II. Meanwhile, the Astro Boy manga and anime were created by Osamu Tezuka, widely considered the godfather of the mediums. In many ways, Tezuka is viewed as the Walt Disney of Japan, making the iconic Astro Boy the country's equivalent to Mickey Mouse.

Related Naruto Unveils Limited-Edition Replica Wedding Ring of Fan-Favorite Pairing Pierrot reveals a gorgeous replica of a...

Based on the homonymous manga series by Naoki Urasawa, which, in its turn, is based on Osamu Tezuka's “Astro Boy”, specifically “The Greatest Robot on Earth”) story arc, “Pluto” fosters one of the most intricate stories we have seen lately in an anime, with the author reinterpreting the story as a suspenseful murder mystery, in a style that will remind many of another masterpiece of the category, “Monster”.

Click the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix

The series follows an alternative format, since, instead of 24 20-minute episodes, it is streaming on Netflix in 8 episodes that range between 56-71 minutes. The story revolves around Europol robot detective Gesicht in his attempts to solve the case of a string of robot and human deaths around the world where all the victims have objects shoved into or positioned by their heads, imitating horns. As the story progresses, it is revealed...

Sailor Moon may be the most famous Magical Girl series, but Princess Knight actually predates it and established many of the genre's familiar trends. Princess Knight features a gender-non-conforming hero, Sapphire, who defies traditional gender roles while still conforming to them, making it a remarkably open-minded series for its time. Princess Knight's concept of transforming and a fantasy-themed warrior with a secret identity became the central premise of later Magical Girl series, making it a major influence on the genre.

Sailor Moon is one of the most recognizable series of all time, and is probably the most famous and influential Magical Girl series in recent memory, but Sailor Moon didn't invent the Magical Girl concept. The Magical Girl genre as a whole is much older than fans may think, and the first Magical Girl Series was way ahead of its time. This is largely thanks to the creative mind of iconic mangaka Osamu Tezuka,...

Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy franchise has been reimagined in different ways over the years, with Atom: The Beginning taking a dark and mysterious approach. The Atom: The Beginning anime adaptation failed to impress viewers due to its rushed pacing and underdeveloped characters. The current anime adaptation of the manga, Pluto, has generated positive hype and has a better chance of succeeding than Atom: The Beginning.

Astro Boy was one of the first major anime franchises with a flashy boy robot mascot who instantly became recognizable in Japan. Astro Boy's success has turned the titular character into one of anime and manga's biggest icons and there's a strong case to be made for why he's also Osamu Tezuka's greatest creation. Astro Boy lives on as an evergreen property that's recently been reimagined as a darker, grittier series--Pluto--that comes from Naoki Urasawa of Monster fame. Pluto's anime...

Astro Boy's optimistic and hopeful personality shines through in Netflix's Pluto adaptation, appealing to both new and old fans. The series successfully updates Astro Boy for modern audiences, capturing his iconic attributes while introducing him to a new generation. Despite the darker themes of Pluto, Astro Boy remains relatable and kid-friendly, providing hope and inspiration to children everywhere.

With the premiere of Netflix's anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's Pluto, Astro Boy returns to the small screen once again, but like so many anime characters who existed before the turn of the century, there's always the question of whether it's possible to meld his traditional persona and mindset with today's sensibilities. Moreover, with so many new anime characters, there's the additional question of whether it's necessary to bring back a classic character at all. In regards Astro Boy, the answer to both questions is yes – and the anime...

Netflix's Pluto is a reboot of the popular manga series by Naoki Urasawa, and has proven itself to be an adaptation that rivals the quality of the original work. Based on a story arc from Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, Naoki Urasawa expanded upon the original story's perspective and adds a mystery element, making it more interesting and captivating. The anime adaptation of Pluto refines the story, with stunning art, a powerful soundtrack, and thought-provoking discussions about human-robot relationships.

One of the main source matrials for anime is manga, which is the case for Netflix's new series Pluto. However, the adaption of Pluto is a bit different from other anime, as it is a reboot of the popular manga series of the same title, that is a reboot of a chapter of the original Astro Boy manga. Comparatively speaking, Netflix's Pluto is the best version of the three.

Pluto...

Astro Boy is an incredibly popular series following the titular protagonist Astro Boy, a robot created with human emotions who attempts to live a normal life. With all of his superhuman powers, though, Astro Boy ends up becoming a pivotal figure in fighting against crime and injustice.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Yoshihiro Togashi, The Creator Of Hunter X Hunter

Its creator, Osamu Tezuka, is a well-known and beloved creator who's often considered the father of manga in Japan for the sheer number of characters and manga he created. With so many works under his belt and themes of environmentalism and caring for humanity intertwined into them, there are a lot of details about Osamu Tezuka's works, inspirations, and messages that fans might not know.

Osamu Tezuka Is Considered The Japanese Equivalent Of Walt Disney

Because of how much manga Osamu Tezuka pumped out in addition to using new and...

Netflix’s latest anime, Pluto, is a delightful treat that shines far brighter than the run-of-the-mill anime the streaming giant has been serving up lately. It’s a nostalgia trip to the golden age of classic anime that once had us glued to our screens as kids. It reminds us of our beloved Astro Boy, and Pluto serves as a delightful spinoff, bringing all seven of out favorite robots and tickling those cherished memories for us. In Layman’s terms, streaming Pluto on Netflix is like revisiting old friends on a fresh and exciting new adventure.

Spoilers Ahead

Atom

Created by Professor Tenma, the former Head of the Ministry of Science, Atom is the strongest robot ever to take part in the 39th Central Asian War. Even though Atom didn’t take part in the war directly, he was part of the peacekeeping force that was dispatched to Persia to install peace.

Golden Bat, the first Japanese superhero, predates even the iconic Superman, with his debut in 1931. While the character had several adaptations in movies, manga, and anime, he is mostly irrelevant in Japanese and global popular culture. The influence of Western heroes like Superman and Batman on Japanese superheroes is evident, but characters like Golden Bat are often overlooked and forgotten.

Superheroes are many times seen as a "Western" concept, namely because of the success of characters published by Marvel Comics and DC Comics. The superhero comic book genre was itself started by DC's Superman, who was created by two young men from Cleveland, Ohio. There have since been several Japanese heroes in anime and manga, but the character who's perhaps the first "true" superhero actually predates the Man of Steel himself.

The Golden Bat is considered by many to both be the first Japanese superhero and the first superhero in general.

The final trailer for the highly anticipated upcoming anime Pluto has finally been released.

The new video from Netflix's official YouTube account foreshadows the series' tone and the wide divergence it makes from its "original" source material. Based on the manga of the same name, Pluto is a darker, more mature reimagining of Osamu Tezuka's classic Astro Boy. The trailer showcases the protagonist Gesicht, a humanoid robot investigating the titular Pluto. Also seen flying amid the many explosions and vast amount of destruction is Atom, the show's equivalent to Mighty Atom/Astro Boy. Toward the climax of the trailer, the series reveals its apparent tagline: "Someone, stop this hatred."

Related: Netflix's Upcoming Astro Boy Reboot Pluto Reveals New Cast Details

Fittingly, the show's themes explore the relationships between humans and robots, the likes of which are often tumultuous. The result is the destruction seen frequently in the trailer,...

Phoenix is one of the most distinguished and extensively expanded works by the legendary mangaka and father of anime, Osamu Tezuka, alongside his notable creations like Astro Boy and Princess Knight. Created in the 1950s, it is notable for its complex subjects as well as its vast breadth. Rather than telling a single plot, Phoenix tells a series of self-contained stories set throughout history, from the Stone Age to the far future.

The title ‘Phoenix,’ the mythological firebird supposed to provide perpetual life, connects all of the stories. While the stories vary in genre and tone, they all address similar themes such as immortality, rebirth, reincarnation, and what it means to be human.

Phoenix: Eden17 Key Visual (credit: Disney+)

“Phoenix: Eden17,” an anime adaptation based on the manga, was announced by Studio 4°C. It will be the fourth anime series adaptation of Tezuka’s manga, following “Phoenix: Yamato/Space Chapter...

Netflix has revealed additional cast members for its highly-anticipated Pluto anime.

Based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, Pluto revisits the futuristic world of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy series, focusing on the darker elements of a universe where robots live only to serve humans. As detailed on Crunchyroll, Netflix recently unveiled via X (formerly Twitter) seven new cast members for the upcoming anime that previously appeared in popular works like Dragon Ball, One Piece and Attack on Titan. Pluto is set to debut on the platform starting Oct. 26.

Related: 10 Anime That Feel Like Western Cartoons

Just In: Joining the cast of #Pluto are Toshio Furukawa (Piccolo from Dragon Ball) as Dr. Ochanomizu, Eizou Tsuda as Dr. Tenma, Romi Park, Michio Hazama , Hideyuki Tanaka, and Kenyu Horiuchi! #Pluto streams worldwide October 26, only on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/Vq0qdpaJV8 — Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) September 6, 2023

Dr. Ochanomizu, who served...

Netflix's upcoming anime series Pluto, adapted from a revered manga epic, holds the promise of being the anime of the year. The widespread excitement for Pluto's anime adaptation is not only due to the manga itself but also the legacy of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy and Netflix's support. Pluto offers a creative reinvention of Astro Boy's world, delving into a noir mystery that explores the psyches of both human and robotic characters. Viewers are eagerly waiting to see if it can redefine anime excellence.

Netflix has unveiled its plans for an upcoming anime, Pluto, adapted from a revered manga epic. In a time when media consumption has reached unprecedented levels, anime is undeniably entering its golden era. The streaming giant appears to be leading the charge. Set for an October release, this new series holds a promise that might just crown it the anime of the year.

When Netflix announced earlier this summer that the premiere of its new anime series Pluto was set for late October, manga and anime fans across the globe rejoiced at the news some had waited over a decade to hear. Many fans believe that Pluto has the potential to be anime of the year.

Since rumors began surfacing back in 2017 that an anime adaptation of Pluto was being made, a tremendous amount of hype was generated surrounding the series. The reason for the hype isn't just based on the fact that Naoki Urasawa's original Pluto manga is widely considered by fans and experts alike a masterpiece of the genre, but that the anime Pluto is based on Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, one of the most beloved and important shows in the history of animation. As fans know, those two factors, along with Netflix's influential support mean Pluto has all...

Manga artists need to be detailed when creating their characters. They understand their characters' personalities and morals and even know things like a character's exact height and weight. Height seems like an insignificant detail, but extreme height differences can help characters stand out from each other.

For example, the creator of One Piece Oda is known for making characters that are larger than life, which is why his art style is so recognizable. Many anime characters are known for their height, especially when they are the smallest members of the cast. These characters may be little compared to everyone else, but they have big personalities that make them unforgettable.

Related: Naruto: The Akatsuki, Ranked By Chakra Level

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto has a big personality and even bigger dreams, but he's the smallest member of Team 7. At a mere 4'9", it's no wonder most full-grown ninjas don't see 12-year-old Naruto as a threat.

Famous artists are often highly associated with a single title or franchise. Usually, the one they are associated with is their most successful project or their original breakout hit. However, this means that a lot of their other, equally good work, can get overlooked, as it's rare for an artist to do just one thing for their entire career.

And this is especially true in anime, where many of the medium's most famous creators have worked on many amazing shows and movies that, while fantastic in their own right, don't get the attention they deserve because they're overshadowed by the more famous works made by the creator.

Related: 10 Biggest Anime Letdowns Of 2023 That Can Still Redeem Themselves

His and Her Circumstances (Hideaki Anno) Known For: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, and others

Based on the manga written and illustrated by Masami Tsuda, Kare Kano (often localized...

In many forms of media, pacifists wind up being some of the strongest characters in a cast, and anime is no exception. The oldest styles of martial arts, such as kung fu and karate, came into being not as methods of attack or even, strictly, self-defense. They were intended to train a healthy body and a disciplined mind, and were largely spiritual: many practitioners viewed it as a source of shame to have to fight at all. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t handily defend themselves or others if they had to.

Pacifism is the practice of observing nonviolent solutions to problems, which can often be misconstrued as weakness. This is especially noteworthy in some of the best shounen anime, where power in battle and willingness to fight is everything for most heroes. However, the best and strongest pacifists in anime take it all in stride: not only do they have world-destroying strength,...

Astro Boy is one of the most iconic manga and anime characters ever introduced in fiction, with his creator Osamu Tezuka being seen as the godfather of anime as a whole. Essentially analogous to Disney's Mickey Mouse, Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom in Japan) is in many ways the pride and joy of Tezuka's legacy. Sadly, legal issues at one point forced the artist to create an arguably lesser version of the boy robot.

Jetter Mars was a series that was meant to be a remake of Astro Boy's classic stories. Unfortunately, preventive circumstances made Osamu Tezuka "change" the character entirely, resulting in a robot who was essentially Astro Boy in name only. Now that the android boy is getting an anime adaptation of his darkest interpretation, here's a look back at the time he became another character entirely.

Related: Why Sunrise Took 15 Years to Release the Gundam Seed Movie...

Most, if not all, anime fans know about the legendary Osamu Tezuka and his globally recognized, iconic series Astro Boy. Back in the '60s, the powerful robot boy named Atom captivated the hearts of children with his fearless heroism and thrilling adventures. While adults could enjoy these stories as well, the childlike humor and simplistic storytelling wouldn't captivate a more mature audience. Flash forward to today, and adults are finally given a mature version of Astro Boy that takes the world by storm and has already proven a massive hit.

When Netflix released its trailer for its upcoming series Pluto, viewers who had never heard of the title were awestruck by the dark and gritty version of an Astro Boy story. At the same time, diehard fans of the franchise were ecstatic that an iconic comic is being given the attention it deserves. The upcoming Fall anime Pluto is...

Osamu Tezuka is often mentioned along with the title of “Father of Manga” and in many ways, he is, thanks to the prolific nature of his works and the fact that he managed to walk the perfect line between entertainment for kids and profound storytelling that took the medium of manga to an entirely new era. Characters like Astro Boy, Kimba, the White Lion, and Black Jack are still present in the audience’s minds even after so long, and thus the influence of Tezuka cannot be understated. Pluto is a new anime series based on the Astro Boy Universe, and Netflix has released the first official teaser for it.

Pluto is based on a manga of the same name written and illustrated not by Tezuka, who sadly passed away at the age of 60 in 1989, but by Naoki Urasawa, a more contemporary manga artist that has acquired an amazing reputation...

Superhero movies have garnered an enormous following since gracing the big screen. From comic book adaptations often hailing from publishers DC and Marvel, as well as independent stories, the world of superheroes is endless. There's an entire genre of superhero movies designated for kids that make fantastical worlds more accessible for children.

Whether familiar characters are thrown into a newfound life of the supernatural or a brand-new cast of characters is waiting to be explored, every kid can find and connect to a story that's their own. While many newer stories have found their way into fans' hearts, there are many classics that remain fan favorites.

Related: 10 Best Superhero Films About Found Family

Bratz: Super Babyz

A sub-brand of Mga Entertainment's popular Bratz line of dolls, Bratz Babyz first made its debut in 2004 before releasing a series of successful animated films. The ninth film in the Bratz series, Bratz: Super Babyz,...

The godfather of anime and manga is still inarguably Osamu Tezuka, who jumpstarted the mediums as many know them several decades ago. His manga works include the iconic Astro Boy, as well as Kimba the White Lion, Dororo, and others. Unfortunately, one of his classic works is being revisited, and the result is rubbing many fans the wrong way.

Black Jack is one of several famous works by Tezuka, with the manga receiving a new chapter for its 50th anniversary. Said chapter will be developed using AI, which has become an increasingly controversial element of manga, anime, and creative fields as a whole. Given the subject matter of the mangaka's most notable franchises, this makes Black Jack a particularly ironic choice to use for AI experimentation. It all sounds like something out of a dystopian hi-tech horror story, and it very well may be.

Related: Why AI Anime Will Never...

Anime is more popular than ever, but the genre that fans have come to love had to start from somewhere. Fans look back at the anime that inspired modern anime with nostalgia, but even they can admit most of those groundbreaking series don't stand up to current standards.

Related: 20 Best Manga Without An Anime Adaptation

Whether it's a problem with the animation, voice acting, or story, old anime just isn't as good as people remember. Even if an anime changed the game of animation when it was first released, that doesn't mean it's still a story that most people would recommend to others.

Speed Racer

Speed Racer is known for popularizing anime internationally. For older anime fans, it was a gateway series that got them hooked on the genre, especially since most people didn't even realize Speed Racer was anime when they first watched it.

However, it's hard to take Speed Racer seriously these days,...

For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…

Chogrin...

Welcome to the 208th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.

Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).

Joining us this week is Joe Davis, the Dodgers play-by-play broadcaster who replaced the legendary Vin Scully less than a decade ago. Davis, who joins us pegged to the start of the 2023 Major League Baseball season, opens up about calling the thrilling World Baseball Classic, what the big leagues can learn from the Wbc, the league’s new rule changes and so much more.

Other topics during this week’s TV’s Top 5 include headlines of the week (featuring The Night Agent, Blue Bloods,...

After going extremely viral with the recent release of its outlandishly oversized Big Red Boots — which were worn by the likes of Janelle Monaé and Lil Nas X, among others — Brooklyn-based creative collective Mschf has another stunt shoe ready to roll out soon.

The footwear, dubbed the Bwd Shoe, are a pair of sneakers in which each shoe has two openings to select, allowing the shoe to be worn either forward or backward, depending on what the wearer feels like at any given time. The shoe is predominantly made in white leather, with red suede at the heel, plus a grey stripe and black-speckled midsole.

Founded by Gabriel Whaley, Mschf is also known for creating buzzed-about items such as the Satan Shoes, in partnership with Lil Nas X, said to include a drop of human blood in the sole, and the Jesus Shoes, worn by Drake and containing holy water from the River Jordan.

Baseball fans across the globe were delighted to learn that 2023 would see the return of the World Baseball Classic. Teams from around the world have spent the last two weeks competing to see which would have the honor of winning the tournament and bringing home a $1 million prize. Team USA has already stamped its ticket for the championship game on FS1 and Fox Deportes on Tuesday, March 21, where it will face Japan. You can watch the game with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off).

How to Watch 2023 World Baseball Classic Final When: Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Et TV: FS1 in English, Fox Deportes in Spanish Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off). Get 50% Off $40 / month sling.com About 2023 World Baseball Classic Final

The return of the World Baseball Classic in 2023 was marked by an expansion in the number of teams competing to win it. The field grew to 20 teams this year,...

The Major League Baseball season is still a few weeks off, but if you’re a baseball fanatic who just can’t wait, good news! The World Baseball Classic, a global tournament featuring some of the best players from around the world, begins Tuesday, March 7 on Fox, FS1, Fox Sports 2, and Tubi. All-Star American players like Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and many others will be in attendance, so hardball fans from coast to coast will want to make sure they tune in! You can watch the 2023 World Baseball Classic with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off).

How to Watch 2023 World Baseball Classic When: Starts Tuesday, March 7 at 11 p.m. Et (See schedule below.) TV: Fox, FS1, Fox Sports 2 and Tubi Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off). Get 50% Off $40 / month sling.com Dtv Stream fuboTV Hulu Philo Sling TV YouTube Free Trial Free Trial Sign Up Free Trial...

The global video streaming giant Netflix continues its push into the anime space with Pluto, an exciting anime adaptation of an Astro Boy story that is filled with intrigue, tension, and classic tech noir drama.

In a February 15, 2023, statement, Netflix announced that it will stream Pluto, the animated series based on Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki's manga of the same name later this year. The series is being produced by the long-time Japanese anime production unit Genco in collaboration with Astro Boy's creator Osamu Tezuka's animation company Tezuka Productions. In response to the announcement, creator Urasawa stated, “I applaud the courage of everyone that has taken on the challenge of making an anime based on Pluto. I am excited about the birth of this new series to win over people’s hearts. I hope that now more than ever, Osamu Tezuka's message reaches the world.” The series...

A legend of comics, manga and pop culture joins the Ablaze catalog as the publisher announces that it has licensed four acclaimed manga titles by Osamu Tezuka from Tezuka Productions, in cooperation with Di Books, for English publication under the Ablaze Manga imprint.

The first title will debut in August of this year, with the rest slated to launch in print and digitally in the later part of 2023 and in 2024.

The titles licensed for publishing are:

One Hundred Tales – slated to launch August 2023

Shakespeare Manga Theater – slated to launch in Q4 2023

Tomorrow the Birds – slated to launch in Q2 2024

Neo Faust – slated to launch in Q4 2024

This is the first time any of these works will be published in English. Osamu Tezuka is known worldwide as the most influential person of the past century in the development of manga and anime. A medical school graduate who pursued a career in comics instead,...

The legendary Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy widely known by many as the "Godfather of Manga," will finally be seeing four of his works released in English for the first time in the coming years, thanks to publisher Ablaze.

The works recently licensed by Ablaze include One Hundred Tales, an adaptation of the legend of Faust set in a samurai-era Japan, as well as Shakespeare Manga Theater, which adapts many of the Bard's most famous plays into manga form, with both set for release in 2023. 2024 releases include Tomorrow The Birds, a sci-fi story about a future world where birds evolve to be as intelligent as humans, and Neo-Faust, one of the final manga he worked on before his death in 1989.

Related: Graphic Novels vs Manga: What’s The Difference?

Osamu Tezuka is One of Manga's Most Influential Creators

Tezuka, known for creating many iconic series and characters such as Astro Boy,...

With Spy x Family's second season on the horizon and Buddy Daddies entering the fray as well, fans in the mood for upbeat humor and heartwarming slice-of-life scenarios have plenty of new favorites.

Whether the reader is a young fan just starting who can relate more to younger characters, or an older fan looking for a mood lightener after finishing a bleak seinen, there are plenty of manga featuring adorable kid protagonists navigating life with their friends and family.

Sweetness And Lightning

In one of the best anime about parenting, based on an equally good manga, newly widowed father Kouhei is struggling to balance work and raising his young daughter. One of the skills he most needs to work at is cooking, which he learns with the help of his student Kotori, a chef’s daughter.

Tsumugi gets just as much of a spotlight as the adults in the series.

J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and likely first-ballot Hall of Famer, said today that he will retire after the 2022 season. The defensive end made the announcement in a tweet, saying, “My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.” See the post below.

His Arizona Cardinals will finish the year with a pair of road games at Atlanta and San Francisco.

Related Story Franco Harris Dies: Hall Of Famer Who Caught "The Immaculate Reception" & Won 4 Super Bowls Was 72 Related Story 'Sunday Night Football' Sacks Scheduled L.A. Rams-l.A. Chargers Game On January 1 In Favor Of Steelers-Ravens Related Story Franco Harris Tribute Fumble: NFL Network Cuts To Commercial During Ceremony For "Immaculate Reception" Legend

Watt was a first-team All American at Wisconsin before being drafted No. 11 overall by the Houston Texans in 2011. He spent his first 10 seasons with the club,...

Apple TV+ has stepped up to the plate and revealed the first half of its inaugural Friday Night Baseball slate, to stream this summer.

The games scheduled to stream on Apple TV+ will be available to anyone with Internet access for free (though “for a limited time”), across devices where Apple TV+ can be found (including on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and HD, and on tv.apple.com, along with smart TVs, gaming consoles and — whew! — cable set-top boxes).

More from TVLineDark Matter Sci-Fi Adaptation Ordered at Apple TV+, Starring Joel EdgertonOscars: Apple...

Baseball is back! Well, sort of.

Mlb The Show (The Show) is here for all you fans itching for action on the diamond, even if it’s of the simulated, digital variety. The new series from Den of Geek offers highlights from the (currently non-existent) 2020 season, produced using Mlb The Show 20. Each week, we’ll break down a game in the season alongside guests from the baseball, entertainment, and comedy worlds.

In Episode 1, “Almost Famous: Mike Trout,” (The Show) will center on the biggest star in the game, Mike Trout, and the hottest topic of the winter: the Houston Astros. We’ll examine their simulated Opening Day matchup against the Los Angeles Angels and reigning American League Mvp Trout, a vocal critic of the sign stealing scandal Houston was found to have pulled off on their way to winning the 2017 World Series.

Former major league pitcher and Emmy-winning broadcaster Nelson Figueroa...

I usually open my annual Mlb The Show review talking about coming out of a long, cold winter and how great the weather here is in Arizona as Mlb teams gear up for Spring Training, but this year is markedly and historically different. The coronavirus pandemic has suspended all organized sports, including NBA, NHL, and Mlb, and suddenly, instead of getting ready for the 2020 season, baseball fans and players alike have been left in the dust, hunkered down in their homes. While baseball might be on hold for the foreseeable future — last estimates had the season starting sometime in May — Sony’s San Diego Studio is looking to fill the void with Mlb The Show 20, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Real baseball might be on pause, but for PlayStation 4 players, the game is just getting started. Mlb The Show 20 is a welcome sight, as many...

New York Yankee fans weren’t the only ones whose dreams were dashed on Saturday night when Jose Altuve smacked a two-run homerun in the bottom of the 9th to send the Houston Astros to the World Series. Fox Sports executives should mourn the missed opportunity of having the Yankees battle for the championship, which has historically led to huge TV audiences. Instead, the Astros will be going for their second title in three years and will do so against the Washington Nationals, who are making their first ever appearance in the Fall Classic (even dating back to their Montreal Expos days). Outside of the Super Bowl, TV ratings in sports championships come down to two key ingredients: The size of the two teams’ home markets and the competitiveness of the series. Also Read: 'Watchmen' Series Premiere Is HBO's Most-Watched Debut on Digital Platforms Since 'Westworld...