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Few Shojo manga have garnered the same critical acclaim and devoted fan base as Ai Yazawa's Nana. The manga classic kept fans entranced and hungry for more until it was put on an indefinite hiatus in 2009. Now, after almost two decades of relative silence, Ai Yazawa just gave fans their first ray of hope in 16 years.

According to a post by X user Shae, Yazawa recently spoke for a Q&a with a Nana fanzine. Though Yazawa was coy about her response and gave no definitive timeframe for when Nana's story would continue, she did promise that the series isn't over and that she does intend to finish it one day.

The story of Nana is already in the final stages, so it's pretty much decided. But it's my manga that doesn't necessarily mean that... (laughs). No matter how the story goes, I will do my best to make sure everyone reads it again.

It truly feels like the end of an era! The monumental legacy that Vinland Saga has created is something many series can only dream of. With its final chapter finally out now, the stories, the lessons, and the journey it has left us with will keep resonating with the viewers for decades or centuries to come.

A compelling redemption arc with some of the most relevant societal messages is what makes Vinland Saga great, right? So, after finishing the masterpiece of a series that it truly is, if you wish to experience something, you’d better try these recommended ones. They may have different storylines and plots, but they’re all as narratively dense as Vinland Saga is.

1. Vagabond

Both Vinland Saga and Vagabond provide a rich historical setting with much accuracy. Even the protagonists are quite similar in terms of their motivations, but their goals might just be starkly different.

2025 has been one of the best years for anime. From Solo Leveling season 2, Dandadan season 2 to The Apothecary Diaries, some of the best series have been airing this year, with plenty more to come. However, there is one anime that rivals Berserk and One Piece, yet is being ignored by most viewers.

The anime in question is Grand Blue Dreaming, which has returned with its second season after seven long years of break. It is an A-Lister in the comedy department, yet it has been overshadowed and almost forgotten, and season 2 isn’t nearly getting the same attention as it deserves.

Summer 2025 Anime Season Has Overshadowed a Comedy Masterpiece

Summer 2025 has turned out to be not only one of the best seasons but also one of the most crowded ones. Plenty of well-known anime like Dandadan, My Dress-Up Darling, Kaiju No. 8, Sakamoto Days, Call of the Night, and Dr.

“Vagabond” in Hindi, “Awaara”, was Raj Kapoor‘s third feature as a producer-director and his twenty-second as an actor. His sense of scale was grand. His ambitions were even grander. His message was as clear as the lenses he chose. And the result was, for better, worse, and everything in between, one of the most extravagant explorations of love’s triumphs in the history of cinema.

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The tale starts with the main character Raj (Raj Kapoor) sitting in court, on trial for the attempted murder of Judge Raghunath (Prithviraj Kapoor). As the presiding judge explains, the case seems straightforward: Raj, a working-class man with a known past as a criminal, attacks a respected public servant without apparent provocation. That is, until his attorney and apparent lover Rita (Nargis) begins to argue that despite his flagrant guilt, there is a deeper story behind the act.

Netflix Global K-Drama Sequel Hits Big (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Netflix has once again struck gold with one of its fiercest K-dramas making a roaring return. It’s clear that the global appetite for high-stakes Korean storytelling isn’t slowing down anytime soon, as action-packed Weak Hero: Class 2 muscled its way to the top of the charts.

Over the week of April 21 to April 27, 2025, the series crushed competition, landing the Number 1 spot among all non-English TV content on the platform. That came with a hefty 6.1 million views and a staggering 34.9 million hours watched. (per Screenrant)

K-Dramas Continue to Thrive

South Korea’s slate of dramas on Netflix has been nothing short of a genre buffet, whether it’s romantic chaos in Queen of Tears or hospital drama in Resident Playbook, there’s a steady stream of hits. But while the rom-coms and heartfelt dramas do well, it’s the gritty, fast-paced...

Takehiko Inoue’s iconic manga, Vagabond, first came into the scene all the way back in 1998. Even after 27 years, it continues to spark the imagination of the fans owing to the breathtaking art, deep thoughts about life, and Musashi Miyamoto’s journey to becoming the greatest swordsman in Japan.

However, some fans are now picking up some issues with the series, like how Akemi sometimes seems like an awkward character, particularly her relationship with Musashi. Specifically, fans note that some issues with Akemi’s narrative seem dependent on the males around her, unlike the vibes of Musashi or the other men portrayed.

This might be the only dent in a near-perfect series, but it is what has now prompted some discussions around Akemi’s character. So, how do we assess her character arc, and does it really affect Vagabond‘s legendary status?

Why Akemi could feel like a missed opportunity...

With the release of The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been , French nu-metalcore giants Landmvrks have firmly planted their flag as one of the most powerful creative forces in all of heavy music. The album blends elements of metal, hardcore, and hip-hop flows, while also telling a riveting, terrifying story. This is the genre at its peak. So of course, there has to be anime involved somewhere, right? I had the chance to speak with Landmvrks frontman Florent Salfati about pushing the limits of their sound, anime fandom in France, and the ways that anime has affixed itself into his creative mind. To start things off, it’s been about four years since your last album! It seems like your fanbase has grown a lot since then, so how does it feel to have such a sense of anticipation for a new release of yours from fans around the world?...

Tim Curry will publish Vagabond: A Memoir in hardcover, e-book, and audio book on October 7 via Grand Central Publishing.

The 256-page book serves as a celebration of the actor’s life’s work — from his breakout role as Dr. Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and his iconic depiction of Pennywise in It to his critically acclaimed role as King Arthur in both the Broadway and West End versions of Spamalot and beyond.

Over the course of five decades and dozens of roles across a variety of mediums, Curry redefined what it meant to be a character actor, portraying heroes and villains alike with complexity, nuance, and a genuine understanding of human darkness. In the process, he also left an indelible imprint on audiences.

His memoirs takes readers behind-the-scenes of his rise to fame from his early beginnings as a military brat to his formative years in boarding school and university,...

Lee Seung Gi Wins Big Against Hook Entertainment(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Lee Seung Gi began his legal battle against his former agency back in 2022. He accused Hook Entertainment of not paying him any of his rightful income for the last 18 years for all of his music-related work. The actor sent a legal notice to the company, and the unpaid amount was settled. However, the dispute went further when Hook Entertainment filed a counter-lawsuit against Lee Seung Gi.

According to Korea Daily, on April 4, the Seoul Central District Court held a hearing for the lawsuit filed by the company. The court has dismissed all of its counterclaims, ruling in favor of Lee Seung Gi. Hook Entertainment has been ordered to pay 581 million Krw to the actor, excluding delayed interest. However, the legal costs should be split between both parties, as ordered by the court.

Lee Seung GI Won His Lawsuit!!

He...

The influence of the internet on our minds has come really far. The formula is relatively simple. It takes one post to make it go viral and suddenly millions of people are talking about it. For memes, it’s the reliability and reusability that makes them so popular.

Memes have become a daily part of our lives. Almost every day, I find myself referencing a bunch of memes for the most mundane things. It’s also infiltrating into other forms of media. Advertisements utilize memes to approach a broader audience, so why not manga?

A meme from The Brave of Sun Fighbird. [Credit: Sunrise]

Manga and anime too have created a lot of popular memes. An anime as obscure as The Brave of Sun Fighbird has generated one of the most non-sensical yet relatable memes.

You know a meme is popular when it somehow worms its way into a manga or anime.

Takehiko Inoue is often praised for his basketball opus Slam Dunk, but his Seinen manga Vagabond is second to none. It takes the cake in terms of its art, storyline, and character designs. It stands as one of the top rated manga on My Anime List, but the series may have found its archnemesis after all.

Musashi Miyamoto in a still from Vagabond manga | Credit: Kodansha

Not Berserk, but another Seinen manga is brilliantly breathtaking in its art and plot and deserves its place in The Louvre. And while it stands as one of the underappreciated gems in the genre, it hasn’t yet been adapted by any studio. This also applies to Takehiko Inoue’s samurai masterpiece.

The Seinen gem that deserves to be in the Louvre

There’s Shonen and Shojo and then there’s Seinen. The genre has had its popular masterpieces over the years. Shonen has Dragon Ball,...

The world of manga doesn't always give closure to its readers. For every satisfying conclusion to a long-running shonen manga series, there's a series suffering from long hiatuses. Even the most well-written series can suffer from their stories not continuing for years. These hiatuses can happen for various reasons.

A manga author's health plays a key role in the series' status. If a mangaka is ill and can't continue working on a series, it can take months or even years for them to get well enough to continue their stories. Other issues, like scheduling, can cause delays in stories that would have been released consistently. These issues can't be helped, but they still put a damper on stories that would have benefited from having a regular release schedule.

Freezing's Manga Is Still On Hold After The Creators Pursued Other Projects Freezing Manga Went on Hiatus After Chapter 225

Freezing is one...

It would be a total crime to not include Takehiko Inoue when we talk about iconic Shonen manga. His opus Slam Dunk stands as a cult classic in the sports genre for various reasons. Accuracy, charisma, and camaraderie are some of them. However, we often overlook his underappreciated work.

Musashi Miyamoto in a still from the manga | Credit: Kodansha

Although unpopular, Vagabond is stellar in its unique way. It’s a rendition of Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel and deserves all the praise. However, the hiatus bothered fans for a long time until Inoue revealed his plans for the manga. The break seems promising for the series

Takehiko Inoue reveals plans for Vagabond

Most Slam Dunk fans are aware of Takehiko Inoue’s love for basketball. So much so that he worked on two other manga Real and Buzzer Beater. The serialized works are less popular than his opus, yet they...

The anime industry has several incredible original stories, but most times, the biggest anime properties are based on manga. These adaptations make the manga even more popular, essentially acting as commercials for this source material. Most of the popular manga are turned into anime, but that's not always what happens, especially for a few hits.

Some of the best manga still lack anime adaptations, and the reasons are usually unique for each one. Sometimes, it's inexplicable why there's still no anime, whereas other properties have gone on hiatus and thus possibly missed their window. Others have only live-action adaptations, and given where they stand next to other franchises, they may not have enough proverbial juice in the tank to justify a worthwhile anime adaptation.

Vagabond Is Too Beautiful for a Generic Anime Created by Takehiko Inoue

Beginning its run in the late 1990s, Vagabond was created by the same mangaka behind Slam Dunk.

Vinland Saga is an iconic historical manga series, rivaled by behemoths like Vagabond or Attack on Titan. It is distinct for its exploration of the Viking Era rather than the typical Edo Period manga series that follows the journey of a samurai. Vinland Saga instead follows the vengeful warrior, Thorfinn.

Thorfinn from Vinland Saga. [Credit: Mappa]

Makoto Yukimura depicts the cost of war on humanity and how easy it is to get caught up in the cycle of hatred. Thorfinn became so obsessed with getting revenge on Askeladd that he dragged innocent people into it. Vinland Saga is an excellent story of redemption and how revenge isn’t the answer.

Vinland Saga has been running for nearly 20 years now, debuting in 2005. With 28 volumes, the mangaka has run weary of the genre. He confirmed that the manga will end soon even though we still don’t know the date. However, we will...

An official X (formerly Twitter) account for an A Star Brighter than the Sun TV anime was launched tonight, revealing not only the anime adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s Anan Manga Award-winning series but also the fact that the anime will premiere in 2025! Kawahara (who is also known for My Love Story!! ) released a commemorative illustration of Sae and Koki as children and teens to celebrate. A Star Brighter than the Sun Anime Announcement Illustration Related: Viz Media Announces Vagabond Definitive Edition, One Piece: Heroines and More Kazune Kawahara’s A Star Brighter than the Sun manga is currently serialized in Bessatsu Margaret , with ten collected volumes released in Japan. Viz Media is set to release the first volume in English on March 4, describing the romance series as such: Sae and Koki have been friends since childhood. One fateful day at the end of middle school, she has a revelation: Koki has grown up!

Some Japanese manga series are much heavier on dialogue and exposition than others, and readers will definitely have their preferences on whether to read manga rooted in intense dialogue or manga that's more reliant on visuals. For example, fans who prefer anime and games may not be keen on text-heavy manga like Death Note or Oshi no Ko, but they may enjoy text-light manga where a picture really is worth a thousand words.

A remarkable variety of manga series let the images and atmosphere do the talking, scaling back dialogue so readers can interpret and infer whatever they like from the visuals. Most importantly, even if these excellent manga series have relatively limited text, they can still tell deep stories to get fans thinking, making the most out of the images and the sparse dialogue alike.

Fist of the North Star Helped Create Modern Shonen Read on Viz Media

One...

In the manga scene, Takehiko Inoue is one of the most prolific manga artists there has ever been. Most of us know him for his two iconic basketball series, Slam Dunk and Real; however, his real masterpiece is a samurai epic titled Vagabond. The work has been considered a phenomenal piece of fiction, which none has been able to replicate since then.

A panel from Vagabond. Credit: Viz Media

Despite its greatness, the series does not have an anime adaptation; after all, they have big shoes to fill, where everything needs to be spot on. Now, in an interesting turn of events, Pascal Charrue, the co-founder of Fortiche, has expressed his views on wanting to create an adaptation of the iconic manga.

Fortiche’s desire to create an anime adaptation might be bad news for Vagabond fans

Getting inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa’s 1939 novel Musashi, Takehiko Inoue took his time...

“In Dreams Begin Responsibilities” is the title of a new Jonathan Rosenbaum reader, culminating nearly six decades of never-before-compiled writing on film, jazz, and literature. The legendary Chicago-based film critic known for iconoclastic takes on the canon has been published everywhere from Cahiers du Cinéma to Film Comment, Sight and Sound, and, of course, the Chicago Reader, where he succeeded Dave Kehr as head critic starting in 1987. He retired from that post in 2008.

Rosenbaum, turning 82 this February, is in conversation this weekend at New York’s Metrograph with filmmaker (and friend) Michael Almereyda. They’ll discuss Serbian director Dušan Makavejev’s cult classic, erotically charged political comedy “W.R.: Mysteries of the Organism” (1971), controversial for its montage throughline between sexual liberation and communist revolution, as well as the wild corporate satire “Giants and Toys” (1958) from Yasuzō Masumura. Rosenbaum has long championed the sociopolitically charged works of the Japanese director, who trained under Visconti,...

If you think classics like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach are all the anime genre has to offer, then simply think again! While these Shonen epics do hold their ground for plenty of solid reasons, it’s always the Seinen genre that finally takes the crown.

The more grounded storytelling approach in the Seinen genre easily leaves Shonen in the dust, offering complex characters, with ambiguous themes, and a depth that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Canute from Vinland Saga | Credits: Wit Studio

And one such series among the few is the historical epic, Vinland Saga! It is an anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura’s one of the most beloved manga which has certainly left its indelible mark on the entire entertainment media, and there are a bucketload of reasons for why it’s so popular.

What sets Vinland Saga apart so high up? Askeladd | Credits: Mappa Studio

First and foremost,...

The official YouTube channel for Dustcell , a two-member electric music unit consisting of Misumi and Ema , b egan streaming a music video for their latest digital single song "Different Expression," which is currently featured as the ending theme for the fall 2024 TV anime You Are Ms. Servant . The same team who worked on the unit's 2022 music video "Vagabond" reunited to produce the "Different Expression" music video, including the director/3Dcg creator Ray Wakui , character designer/animator Sowiti and art director Punch . The theme of the animation Mv is “Gravity and Me,” and it depicts the character as the protagonist of "Vagabond" grown up. Dustcell "Different Expression" Music Video You Are Ms. Servant Creditless Ending Video As Dustcell's first anime theme song work, "Different Expression" released digitally on October 4, 2024. Dustcell artist photo Related: Tricot Shares You Are Ms. Servant Anime Opening Song Music Video The TV anime adaptation of Shotan's...

Vagabond is the creation of the genius mind that is Takehiko Inoue, of Slam Dunk fame. The manga has depth and an inspired touch that makes it unique compared to the average Edo-period style samurai manga.

Musashi Miyamoto in Vagabond (Credit: Kodansha)

The fans of Vagabond have been clamoring for an anime adaptation of Takehiko Inoue’s masterpiece, ever since it has been on a hiatus. With Vagabond’s deeply philosophical narrative, intense character studies, and intense fights shown through exceptional art, Vagabond is one of the most iconic manga ever created.

Given the growing global appreciation for anime across the world, a high-budget adaptation of this beloved series doesn’t seem to be far off, especially since there have been discussions on and off regarding the anime adaptation, but hadn’t borne fruit.

There cannot be a better time for a Vagabond adaptation

With the current appreciation towards anime,...

Oscar-winning indie studio Neon emerged as the big winner at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association’s 50th annual selections of the best films and performances, clinching top honors for two of its major contenders: the poignant dramedy “Anora” and the politically-charged thriller “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”

“Anora” took home the best picture prize, following in the footsteps of past Lafca winners turned Oscar darlings such as “The Hurt Locker” (2009), “Moonlight” (2016) and “Parasite” (2019). It seems like smooth sailing to the Dolby Theatre (at least for a nomination) for the Sean Baker dramedy that won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Mohammad Rasoulof directed, co-wrote and produced “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” under immense political pressure, resulting in the filmmaker being forced to flee Iran after facing an eight-year prison sentence and demands from authorities to withdraw the film from its Cannes premiere. His win...

One Piece is a beloved manga that has been going strong since 1999 and continues on its journey to this day. There’s no end in sight for Monkey D. Luffy until he finds the legendary titular treasure and the audience is endeared by it, wanting and waiting for more. The manga is so good that even authors who influenced Eiichiro Oda himself love One Piece. This must’ve been the highest compliment to Oda to hear this from none other than Takehiko Inoue, the mangaka of Slam Dunk and Vagabond.

Shohoku Team from Slam Dunk. [Credit: Toei Animation]

The mangaka has expressed his love for the One Piece manga, claiming he hasn’t enjoyed a manga like this in a long time. When you’re in the industry, it’s surely tiring to read and be exposed to other ones. But with a story as expansive as One Piece, you can...

Martial arts techniques are seen in a variety of K-dramas, adding an appreciated kick to stories concerning revenge, paranormal hunters, and corrupt officials. Some of the most action-packed K-dramas contain martial arts sequences, which take the choreographed fighting to a whole other level. Like the best martial arts performances in films and TV shows, such scenes are executed best when they're filmed and choreographed with a creative approach. When these elements come together neatly in martial arts TV shows, the small-screen action can feel reminiscent of that seen in theatrical releases.

It isn't a requirement of martial arts K-dramas, but some choose to incorporate the learning of a martial art within a character's journey, as seen with boxing in Bloodhounds and taekwondo in Fight for My Way. Other series like Vagabond present their characters as already adept martial artists. Regardless of how it's introduced into the narrative, the best martial...

Takehiko Inoue is a celebrated name in the sports genre. His magnum opus Slam Dunk continues to be the rage decades after its release. Be it friendships or his passion for basketball, Inoue set a benchmark in storytelling.

Like most of his contemporaries, he took inspiration from other works. His inspiration from this lesser-known anime marked his glory as an artist. And there’s more to it.

A still from the slam dunk anime | Credit: Toei Animation

Apart from working on Vagabond and Real, he is commended for his realistic art style. From his inspiration to his art style, the mangaka’s feats are attributed to this great artist. Not only that, Inoue’s work is symbolic of the legacy of sports mangaka. His passion and love for basketball have inspired many artists for decades.

Takehiko Inoue was inspired by this 70s sports manga

Takehiko Inoue is a seasoned veteran in the manga industry.

Takehiko Inoue is possibly the best mangaka of all time, and his magnum opus, Vagabond, has not seen the light of day for many years because of the pressure to deliver. This dramatized historical story is lauded for its breathtaking art and often comes up in the discussion of the best manga of all time. The series has one of the longest hiatuses ever seen in manga and anime community, spanning more than 9 years, with the last chapter being published being chapter #327 back in May 2015. Despite widely being considered his best work, Inoue put down the pen and focused on his other manga, Real.

In an interview, Takehiko Inoue revealed that the main reason he put Vagabond on an indefinite hiatus is because the overwhelming pressure of making the series perfect drained him of all his passion, and it became more of a chore rather than something he enjoyed. This is a very valid reason,...

The recent spike in One Piece’s popularity is extraordinary. From fans to renowned figures of the anime industry like Takehiko Inoue and Yoshiyuki Tomino, many sing praises for Eiichiro Oda’s exceptional skills as a mangaka. It’s not common for those in the manga industry to openly criticize their contemporaries, and an exception to this norm is Hiroya Oku, the creator of Inuyashiki and Gantz.

A still from Inuyashiki: Last Hero | Credits: Studio Mappa

The creator has been quite vocal about his hate for One Piece, and he is seemingly proud of it, too. He never misses an opportunity to engage in some Oda and Op slander. Sometimes, he takes it too far by incorporating it into his works as well.

Hiroya Oku’s Hate for One Piece And the Frequent Reminders of It Hiro asks the girl her favorite manga | Credits: Studio Mappa

Inuyashiki is a fairly...

Takehiko Inoue is probably one of the biggest names in the anime and manga industry and is known by everyone in the community. The manager began his career at the young age of 20 and went on to give some of the most iconic works like Slam Dunk, Buzzer Beater, Real, and more.

A still from Slam Dunk. Credits: Viz Media

Fans think highly of his works, as they can’t get over how his most renowned work, Vagabond, revolutionized the manga industry. The historical manga series set the standard too high, as it was considered to be the first perfect series that was lauded by readers of every genre.

However, adding to the fans’ disappointment, the piece of greatness has been on a hiatus for an eternity. Well, the manga had big shoes to fill, especially with the name that it had created during its run. The mangaka once addressed...

The 30th anniversary should be a grand celebration for any series. Although, the same can’t be said about Rurouni Kenshin, given its creator’s controversial track record. A few years back, Nobuhiro Watsuki landed himself in some serious controversies. His actions were severe enough to have charges placed against him.

Rurouni Kenshin (2023) | Credits: Liden Films

With a recent development, many renowned mangaka including Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto are at the brunt of severe backlash for associating with Watsuki. Their association could be labeled as a mere obligatory gesture, but that doesn’t seem to be the case entirely.

The Rurouni Kenshin Creator Controversy A still from Rurouni Kenshin anime | Credits: Studio Liden Films

Nobuhiro Watsuki was convicted of the possession of child pornography in 2018. The repercussions he faced included a fine of $ 1500 approximately and a brief hiatus on the serialization of the Hokkaido Arc of Rurouni Kenshin. Most...

Takehiko Inoue is a celebrated mangaka known for Slam Dunk. It is one of his best-selling manga along with Vagabond. His series holds cult popularity in the sports manga genre. It is also one of the iconic 90s manga. Moreover, Inoue and Eiichiro Oda are contemporaries. This holds to their masterpieces. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Hanamichi Sakuragi in a still from the anime | Credit:

Despite the competition, they share a friendly rivalry. Both achieved their breakthroughs in the 90s. Moreover, both acknowledge their respective works. However, Inoue revealed his regrets regarding Oda. Especially with his failure to hire the One Piece author as an assistant. He revealed this in an interview along with his admiration for him.

Takehiko Inoue revealed his ‘regrets’ regarding Eiichiro Oda.

Takehiko Inoue has created some of the iconic mangas from the 90s. His notable works include Vagabond, Buzzer Beater,...

One Piece has become a colossal success, and several creators inspired his creation that turned Eiichiro Oda into a world-famous mangaka. Inspiration plays a huge role in any creative industry, but the manga industry is especially vocal about it. Often overshadowed by the challenging work conditions, an endearing aspect of the manga industry that often goes unnoticed is that the industry is closely knit together, and the dynamics between different mangaka are truly wholesome.

Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

The way Kohei Horikoshi and Gege Akutami speak fondly about the creators of the Big Three manga is heartwarming. Similarly, the creators of the Big Three are fond of the mangaka that started their careers before them. An instance of this shared love and respect was an interview between Takehiko Inoue and Eiichiro Oda, where both of them were genuinely excited about each other’s works.

The 2023 box office had never seen such a slam dunk before when The First Slam Dunk film created waves of cinematic greatness, touching the hearts of millions worldwide. This animated masterpiece, born from the iconic manga of Takehiko Inoue, was phenomenal in Japan and moved the rest of the globe capturing its position among the greatest works ever for modern times.

Ryota Miyagi from The First Slam Dunk | Credits: Toei Animation and DandeLion Animation Studio

Interestingly, South Korea proved to be an excellent ground for the unparalleled success of the movie. It was trending in Korean theaters for a record time: a whole year straight!

The First Slam Dunk cemented itself as the longest continuously screened film in South Korea. One year after the movie’s release in Korean theaters, Cine21 news channel got the exclusive privilege to peek at the creative mind behind this huge cinematic achievement of creator Takehiko Inoue.

Anime NYC 2024 had plenty of license announcements, including a fresh batch from Kodansha for September 2024 and Summer 2025. Among the print releases are some big box sets, chief among them being Attack on Titan Fly . The premium collector's set packs in the final Attack on Titan art book with a new interview with creator Hajime Isayama, replicas of Eren's key and Mikasa's scarf, and the first English release of exclusive manga booklet Vol. 35, featuring rough layouts of the final chapter and a new manga chapter centered on Levi. Kodansha Summer 2025 Print Licenses Last Samurai Standing by Tatsuz Synopsis: In a rapidly changing world, a sinister game of life-or-death brutally culls Japan’s fading warrior class. Who is rounding up the few who still cling to their swords and is forcing them to fight? And who will be the last samurai standing? It is the 11th year of the Meiji era in Japan,...

Kagurabachi became a sensation even before it started publishing. Soon after the first few chapters dropped on the MangaPlus app, the manga surpassed Jujutsu Kaisen to reach the second spot. Initially popular for being the treasury of memes, Kagurabachi has come a long way with a dedicated fanbase. Fans appreciate the way Takeru Hokazono is weaving the story, making every panel worthwhile.

Chihiro, the protagonist | Credits: Viz Media

Looking at the roster of titles that publish in the w\Weekly Shonen Jump, Kagurabachi sets itself apart with its stunning art. There’s more to the visual aspects of the manga than meets the eye. But that’s not all, it seems like the author already had an idea of where he wanted to take his creation. In an interview, Hokazono delved into what inspired him to create Kagurabachi.

The Inspiration and Ideation behind Kagurabachi One of the chapters with the...

The saddest, most heart-breaking movie in Studio Ghiblis profoundly emotional repertoire, Grave of the Fireflies, is all set to land on Netflix next month. Meaning that audiences everywhere will soon be able to share in the trauma. And while that may be a daunting prospect, Grave of the Fireflies is worth it, with the animation by far one of the most effective war films ever made, that is sure to leave you forever changed. Netflix has now picked up the rights to stream the deeply moving Grave of the Fireflies, with the platform making the movie available in over 190 countries, excluding Japan, from September 16.

Written and directed by Isao Takahata, and produced by Studio Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies is based on Akiyuki Nosaka's Naoki Prize-winning short story and takes place in Kobe near the end of World War II. The animated movie depicts the tragic fate of war...

The Tyrant is a South Korean spy action-thriller series written and directed by Park Hoon-jung. The Disney+ series revolves around four different people trying their best to find a bioweapon, which was stolen during a secret handover to the United States intelligence service. The Tyrant stars Cha Seung-won, Kim Seon-ho, Kim Kang-woo, and Jo Yoon-su in the lead roles with Mu Jin-sung, Kim Joo-hun, Lee Ki-young, Park Hyung-soo, Choi Jung-woo, and Justin John Harvey starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the spy drama, action, sci-fi elements, and a thrilling plot in The Tyrant here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Veil (Viki & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Mbc TV

The Veil is a South Korean spy action thriller series created by Hong Seok-woo. The Mbc TV series follows the story of Han Ji Hyuk, the top field National Intelligence Service agent who was betrayed and...

Very rarely does the anime world clash with the real one, but in one instance, fans saw Naruto come alive in front of their own eyes. No, it wasn’t a life-savior whose philosophy matches the character, but a WWE wrestler whose voice is scarily similar to Naruto.

The WWE world is full of anime fans like Ronda Rousey, John Cena, Mercedes Mone, Rhea Ripley, and more. They have openly expressed their interest in Japanese animations and their incredible plots. But the spotlight has suddenly shifted to another wrestler, and for a completely coincidental reason.

Meet Shayna Baszler, the Wrestler Who Sounds Like Naruto Shayna Baszler | Credits: @qosbaszler

Shayna Andrea Baszler is a professional wrestler hailing from South Dakota, USA. She is a former kickboxer and mixed martial artist, who is currently signed in with WWE. She is also the former two-time reigning champion of Nxt Women’s Champion. She...

Takehiko Inoue is a mangaka who has excellent expertise in his detailed and beautiful art style. Slam Dunk, Vagabond, and Real are all the masterpieces of Inoune. Yuiuchirou Fukushi, the producer of Studio Madhouse, has shown enthusiasm for adapting Inoue’s manga Real into an anime. This latest development gave rise to questions about whether is it possible or not to bring Inoue’s detailed artwork into an animated version.

Takehiko Inoue’s Real | Credit: Viz

Real is a sports manga with a different approach. It follows Nomiya Tomomi, the main character who wants to play basketball despite being disabled. The story explores wheelchair basketball and his personal struggles. However, it poses a difficult challenge for a studio to adapt this manga from artistic and economic perspectives.

Challenges in Shaping of Takehiko Inoue’s Art into Animation Nomiya Tomomi from Real | Credit: Viz

Takehiko Inoue has been a renowned mangaka...

The discussion about the best manga series of all time is incomplete without Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond. Known for his extremely entertaining sports (particularly basketball) manga series, Inoue in 1998 decided to try something different and thus came Vagabond, which went on to become one of the greatest manga series of all time.

A manga panel from Vagabond | Credit: Kodansha

However, the series never saw its conclusion, as while working on Vagabond, Inoue went on multiple hiatus because of his health, and finally, in 2015, he decided to completely stop working on it because of creative reasons. He then took up his other manga, Real, which is still going on after so long. But fans do await the return of Vagabond.

Inoue once revealed the real reason behind Vagabond’s indefinite hiatus. He not only talked about why he stopped working on Vagabond, but he also revealed when he will probably start working on it once again.

Berserk is one of the supreme manga that belongs to the seinen or dark fantasy genre. Kentaro Miura created a tale of pain and thrilling action sequences that often blur the lines between good and evil. Guts serves as a layered protagonist for the manga, but fans are of the opinion that his character carries some cliches that halt the manga from going beyond what it is now.

The manga is often compared to Vagabond, another manga from the same genre. Unlike Berserk, the protagonist of Vagabond is more complex and is not as protected by plot armor as Guts.

The Cliches Present in the Protagonist of Kentaro Miura’s Berserk Guts in Berserk | Credit: Hakusensha

According to fans, Kentaro Miura overused many cliches in Berserk, especially pertaining to Guts. The portrayal of the character is such that he always overcomes every obstacle. Yes, he undergoes pain and suffering because of it,...

Studio Fortiche, known for Arcane's stunning animation, expressed interest in animating Vagabond, a highly-regarded manga series. The complex artstyle and storytelling of Vagabond may pose challenges for adaptation into an animated series due to its intricate artwork. Despite Vagabond's massive fanbase and popularity, the cost and time-consuming nature of replicating its detailed art may hinder the possibility of an anime adaptation.

League of Legends: Arcane is one of the most beautifully animated series in a long time, and it seems the creatives behind the series want to tackle a highly regarded manga if they get the chance. Although this prospect does seem exciting, there are a few things that hinder this from happening.

In an interview with Fortische, the French studio behind Arcane, Crunchyroll discussed with Pascal Charrue, the co-founder, about the production of the series, the inspirations and the workings of the studio.

Studio Fortiche, the French animation Studio behind Arcane,...

Vagabond remains one of the few manga that has a massive fandom, even though it went on a hiatus more than a decade ago. Vagabond’s mangaka, Takehiko Inoue, could not cope with the spectacular details and found it difficult to find passion in his work. The manga belongs to the Seinen genre and has 37 volumes now. While the fans have lost all hope surrounding the manga, recent news got their heart beating faster again.

Recently, it was revealed that Studio Fortiche wants to adapt Vagabond into an anime. It is great news for the fans, but it remains a desire for the studio. Even though there has been no official confirmation, the fans have already found the best voice actor for Musashi Miyamoto’s role. He has one of the best voices in the anime and manga industry, and his joining the project could be huge news.

Kenjiro Tsuda...

Artist and writer Takehiko Inoue, best known for his series Vagabond, Slam Dunk, and Real, has a surprising secret. He expressed dissatisfaction with his own art style. The mangaka’s work has worldwide readers for his unique brush strokes and details.

Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk (1993) | Toei Animation

Yet, he sees a flaw he can not fix. His statement in a 2007 interview offers a glimpse into his mind. It shows that sometimes artists can be their own harshest critics. His honesty in this regard is both surprising and relatable.

The Restless Pursuit of Improvement

In the exclusive interview that was interpreted by Viz Media via Mangasplaining Extra, Inoue says that maintaining the same artistic style over an extended period would be creatively stifling. Instead, he embraces change and uses his boredom to improve more. His approach has resulted from a progression in his art from his earlier works.

He exclaims:...

In the vast world of anime, sports anime are irresistibly thrilling and grip their viewers with a heart-pounding narrative and profound character depth. Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk is one of those names that has established itself as one of the greatest watches alongside other classics like Inazuma Eleven, Hajime no Ippo, Air Master, and many more.

A still from Blue Lock. Credits: Eight Bit

Inoue’s magnum opus has been an inspiration to many because it not only shows a classic underdog story but also enlightens its viewers by showcasing the importance of teamwork.

Well, it has been 28 years since the cult classic series’ last episode was aired, and the mangaka has a surprising confession that will blow the minds of the fans.

Takehiko Inoue Makes a Surprising Confession Following the Art Style of His Magnum Opus

While a ton of anime series fall into anonymity after the series comes to an end,...

With anime becoming mainstream, there has been a surge in the number of anime released in a year. Many new animation studios have also come up due to the boom in the anime and manga industry. Even though there has been such massive growth, there are still a few popular manga that are yet to be adapted into an anime. One of those highly recommended manga is Takehito Inoue’s Vagabond.

Vagabond has been one of the go-to manga for several readers due to its plot and beautifully covered minute details. It has been long since the manga came into existence, but there is still no news about it getting an anime adaptation. But there is an ongoing rumor that it might change soon. A vastly popular animation studio might handle Vagabond’s case. But the fans are concerned about a certain aspect of Takehito Inoue’s magnum opus.

Vagabond...

Arcane Studio Wants to Adapt Highly Acclaimed Vagabond Manga into Anime - Main Image

Arcane's studio, Fortiche Production, has a lot on its plate with the Penelope of Sparta project, but co-founder Pascal Charrue expressed his desire to adapt Vagabond into an anime based on a new interview.

As of writing, Vagabond has yet to be adapted into an anime, but with Fortiche Production expressing interest in the series, they have the potential to bring the epic tale of Miyamoto Musashi to life should they truly pursue it.

Arcane Studio Co-Founder Eyes Anime Adaptation of Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond

Fortiche Production’s co-founder Pascal Charrue shared insights into their new project, Penelope of Sparta, and their anime inspirations in a recent interview.

When asked about any manga they could adapt into animation, Charrue revealed that “the first adaptation that comes to mind would be Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue”.

“It...

Pascal Charrue, co-founder of the animation studio Fortiche, which animated Arcane, has expressed an interest in adapting Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond manga into an animated series.

This was revealed during a recent interview with Crunchyroll when he was asked to name a manga that he would love to bring to life.

In response, Charrue expressed a desire to adapt Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue, calling it a masterpiece with incredible depth and stunning artwork.

“The first adaptation that comes to mind would be Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. It’s a masterpiece with incredible depth and stunning artwork that would be fascinating to bring to life in animation.“

However, he acknowledged the challenge of translating manga to animation effectively, particularly in terms of pacing.

Charrue explained that readers are in control of the pacing while reading the manga, and this does not always seamlessly translate into the animated format. And thereby it...

Plane crash series offer intriguing twists, from survival stories to conspiracies and experiments. Shows like Lost and Yellowjackets redefine storytelling in the aftermath of plane crashes. Air Disasters docuseries offers a gripping real-life look into high-stakes aviation tragedies.

Despite the fact that they are a relatively rare occurrence in the real world, there have been a number of plane crash series that use it as a key part of their story. These plane crashes have been tackled in many ways, and, often, the crash results in a group of people being stranded somewhere, usually a deserted island. In other instances, there's something questionable about the crash, why it happened, or the event spawns even more mysteries.

Many of these series launched to follow the success of Lost. It is hard to deny the thrills this can add to the story, immediately throwing characters into a harrowing situation and a fight for survival.

Only a legend can truly understand what goes on in the mind of another legend. Akira Toriyama left his mark on the world as one of the greatest mangakas in the world with a legacy left for many to follow through. For the creator of Dragon Ball, his was a world so immersive that every corner of the world found itself connected.

Goten meeting Goku in Dragon Ball Z | Credit: Toei Animation

When legends meet others with potential just as magnificent as their own, they recognize it. Toriyama was no different, finding himself enamored by the artistic prowess of one mangaka who left no stone unturned in expressing the subtly of his work through an even more captivating story. When it came to the art, even Toriyama had to admit that Takehiko Inoue was on another level, one that was too ambitious for the Dragon Ball mangaka to reach.

Akira...