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With season two of Star Wars: Visions coming in 2023, I wanted to look back at each short from season one and celebrate why they’re great. This is Visions Remembered.

It took me a long time to truly appreciate Akakiri. As Science Saru’s second entry after To-B1, I did appreciate it had a completely different tone and style from the cute Astroboy-inspired episode earlier in the season. Still, I struggled with this short for a long time. I thought it was a real bummer tone to end Star Wars: Visions on. But the more I sat with Akakiri, I began to see it in a different light. Each time I watched it, I came to appreciate the story more and more. That’s because I had a realization after talking with a friend of mine about Rey and Ben Solo’s relationship.

The truth is Akakiri is one...

With season two of Star Wars: Visions coming in 2023, I wanted to look back at each short from season one and celebrate why they’re great. This is Visions Remembered.

Astro Boy is considered one of Japan’s most iconic anime series. It’s often considered the first successful anime in the United States to help the rise of the medium in Western cultures. So it’s no surprise that one of the Star Wars: Visions shorts would pay homage to the series with To-B1. And of course, there are plenty of nods to Mega Man too in there too!

Like The Twins and The Elder both from Studio Trigger, I like watching To-B1 back to back with a later entry in this series being Akakiri. That’s because they’re both from studio Science Saru. It shows the range of the studio by showcasing the more cute side of...

With season two of Star Wars: Visions coming in 2023, I wanted to look back at each short from season one and celebrate why they’re great. This is Visions Remembered.

The Ninth Jedi is actually incredibly hard for me to write about. Brought to us by Production Ig aka Studio I.G., the reason this was the hardest one for me to tackle is the fact that The Ninth Jedi is so good. It’s the most solid entry from Star Wars: Visions. There’s a reason why it’s universally thought to be the best of the group or at least in people’s top rankings. When things are this good, it’s hard to point out just one or two things that make it stand out. I could probably write a full-length essay on this episode. I’ll do my best to keep this somewhat short.

I think...

For generations, the anime medium has only grown more and more popular in the West, with brand-new titles being announced constantly. There is truly a genre for any viewer, and a story that is sure to remain in their memories for years to come. Alongside several animated series, a wide roster of movies also expands over time, with many films correlating to existing anime and manga.

When it comes to movie nights, it can be hard to pick a film to watch that everyone will enjoy. However, there is a great variety of anime films for the whole audience, even for those who do not usually like anime. These are stories that truly stand the test of time, and may even change someone's perspective on the anime medium if they initially do not care for it.

My Neighbor Totoro Is Wonderful for the Whole Family Stream My Neighbor Totoro on Max

My Neighbor Totoro,...

Hello Kitty fans now have a free streaming treat available. After its international Blu-ray release last year, Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space -- officially described as a Hello Kitty-inspired 'fever dream' anime -- has arrived on a free streaming service.

Via Wtk on X (formerly Twitter), Darkroom is now streaming the animated film Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space. Released in 2002, the 1-hour and 32-minute film was directed by the two-member team t.o.L., taking place in a dystopian society ruled by the evil super-corporation Catty & Co. Darkroom allows users to stream the film for free with ads or subscribe for an ad-free experience. Readers can check out the official trailer below.

Hello Kitty-Inspired Anime 'Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space' Finds Free Streaming Home Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is streaming on Darkroom https://t.co/luDYJmPkZTBlu-ray is still available:LEhttps://t.

Quick LinksThe History of Manga vs. Manhwa vs. ManhuaCensorship Is Typically Very Apparent In ManhuaManga, Manhwa, and Manhua's Ideal ReadershipCultural Content & Reading Direction in Manga, Manhwa, and ManhuaArtwork & Text in Manga, Manhwa, and ManhuaBlurring the Lines Between Manhwa, Manhua and Manga Through Anime

In recent years, the international popularity of manga has led to an increased interest in manhwa and manhua. Manga, manhwa, and manhua sound the same and, generally speaking, are similar in artwork and layout, which can result in accidentally categorizing these comics as all being Japanese in origin. The question of what manhwa and manhua is a frequent refrain, especially given that one of these has historically been kept out of the West.

However, there are several subtle but important differences between the three. This can be noted in the art styles of the creators involved, not to mention the country-exclusive names. Since there is so much anime being produced today,...

It's sometimes a rare treat to see an anime series actually finish its story, since it's rather common for an anime to either go on hiatus or never finish the original manga's story at all. Recent anime titles, meanwhile, haven't even had a chance to finish their stories yet, such as My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, so anime fans end up with a lot of unfinished stories. However, there are some wonderful exceptions to that trend.

In past decades, fantastic anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood finished their stories, and more recently, other great anime titles have done the same. From 2020 to the present, fun anime series in all different genres crossed the finish line and aired their final seasons or concluded with anime movies. Anime fans can either watch these series for the first time or revisit them so they can get a complete viewing experience.

Anime has been an exponentially increasing market since its inception. With the help of streaming and network distribution, anime has also become a worldwide phenomenon. A multibillion-dollar industry that doesn't show any signs of stopping, anime is probably Japan's largest and most influential cultural export.

With a seemingly endless supply of shows and stories, even the most dedicated fans couldn't keep up with everything being released. There are lots of different ways to measure the success of a franchise, but the most obvious one would be in terms of its commercial success and financial revenue.

Updated on February 26th, 2025 by Chelsea Steele: Anime is an ever-increasing market, with franchises raking in billions of dollars in sales through manga, merch, and more. While popular new titles will always be big sellers, the most iconic franchises have a staying power that's lasted for decades. We've updated this list to meet Cbr's current publication standard,...

In response to growing criticism and international scrutiny, Japan is taking decisive steps to address the long-standing issue of worker exploitation within its thriving anime industry.

New legislation aimed at protecting freelancers and a formal study by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) signal a significant shift towards improving labor practices in a sector that has seen exponential financial growth but persistent concerns over worker welfare.

This move comes in the wake of a United Nations report highlighting the anime industry’s poor treatment of workers, contrasting sharply with the industry’s global $21 billion sales and its importance as a key Japanese export.

New laws to protect anime industry staff:

The new law for freelancers, which took effect in November 2024, mandates written contracts for all freelance workers, including those in the anime industry. These contracts must clearly specify pay details and working conditions.

Furthermore, businesses are now legally restricted from...

Anime has a long history, dating as far back as the 1960s with Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy and even earlier than that. Since then, scores of anime series and films have come to fruition. From Studio Ghibli to Tms Entertainment, the industry has kept anime fans entertained throughout the decades and created masterpieces that are both a feast for the eyes and the soul.

A good anime film leaves impressions on its viewers that can last anywhere from an hour to a lifetime. Some titles have even affected the way future anime were written, influencing the genre in such a way that it changed the course of history. However hard they hit their audience or the industry, there are certain films today that every anime fan should have the pleasure of experiencing at least once.

RelatedLooking Back On the 10 Best Anime That Debuted in 2024

2024 introduced fans to some of...

The job of an anime voice actor can be extremely difficult and excruciatingly long. And for legendary characters like Goku, the difficulty of the role is on a completely different level. However, the burden of this role has been taken on by one voice actor, and she is none other than Masako Nozawa, the voice artist who has been voicing Goku for almost four decades.

Nozawa’s journey as a voice actor started in 1963, and since then she hasn’t stopped at all. Among her most prominent roles, it is safe to say that Goku is her biggest achievement. She started voicing him in 1986 when the first Dragon Ball series came out, and ever since then, everywhere Goku goes, she is chosen to voice the character.

Considering the fact that Nozawa is 88 years old, Dragon Ball fans often fear that she may retire from her job, and all the future...

As more and more time passes, retro anime continues to fall out of the public eye. Anime that were once the pinnacle of their time fall into obscurity. However, this doesn't need to be the end of such anime. All it would take to return them to popularity is a proper remake, perhaps even one by Studio Ghibli.

Although the studio typically creates their own works, they're no stranger to creating films for other franchises. One of their earliest works is Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, bringing the gentleman thief Lupin more attention as he steals the audience's hearts. Studio Ghibli could revitalize other retro anime with a movie, if that was something they chose to do.

Speed Racer's Main Character Would Make a Great Studio Ghibli Hero Streaming on Amazon Prime

Speed Racer was a racing anime that first aired in 1967 and 1968. The series follows protagonist Go Mifune,...

The vast world of anime has gained quite a lot of recognition in the past few decades. The industry has become mainstream and is now considered one of the greatest art forms in the field of entertainment. It has taken center stage and will only continue to grow till the end of time.

Astro Boy Anime Series | Credit: Tezuka Productions

And while this growth feels exponentially incredible, the main reason behind this is the brilliantly created anime series and their protagonists, who have contributed the most by portraying a narrative that connected with fans. Among these protagonists, the ones that rank at the top are Luffy, Goku, Naruto, Ichigo Kurosaki, etc. They have helped the anime community earn global recognition and become an important part of the entertainment universe.

However, there is one protagonist who became globally famous before these Shonen protagonists. This main character was one of the first...

Few anime franchises are more popular than Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball and Kishimoto Masashi's Naruto. These two iconic anime series have introduced millions of fans around the world to the anime medium, and although they're both decades old, they continue to spawn new sequels like Dragon Ball Daima and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex that still entertain audiences.

As one of many shonen anime series that were inspired by the success of Dragon Ball, the Naruto franchise features no shortage of references to Goku's many adventures. This includes one attack from Boruto: Naruto Next Generations that clearly parallels what is arguably the most climactic moment in Dragon Ball Z's entire narrative: the Father-Son Kamehameha used by Gohan to defeat Cell.

The Father-Son Kamehameha Is One of the Most Iconic Team-Ups in Anime History The Father-Son Kamehameha Debuted in Dragon Ball Manga Chapter 221

When Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball...

Anime is one of the most celebrated art forms in the world, with a history stretching back more than 100 years and a significant international cultural legacy dating back to the 1960s. After the legendary cartoonist Osamu Tezuka created the template that most anime would base itself on with the classic Astro Boy, the form exploded into a juggernaut that continues to dominate film and television.

One of the oldest and most venerated anime series of all time is Speed Racer, becoming one of the first series to be successfully imported into America. When the legendary American directors the Wachowski sisters were able to adapt the classic anime Speed Racer into a live-action film, audiences were stunned by how faithful the adaptation was to the original source material.

The Wachowski Sisters Understand How to Adapt Anime

After decades of living in development hell, Lana and Lilly Wachowski teamed up with producer Joel Silver,...

Quick Links How Astro Boy Predicted the Jurassic Park Series Was Jurassic Park Based On "Dinosaur Dilemma?" How Jurassic Park Built Upon a Legacy of Dinosaur Stories

Jurassic Park is one of the most influential stories in modern mythology, but a bizarre theory connects it to an iconic 61-year-old sci-fi series. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places. Without Akira Kurosawa's films, Star Wars might have been a very different story. Similarly, The Lion King is said to have been inspired by Kimba the White Lion and It! The Terror From Beyond Space reportedly inspired Alien. These examples raise questions about the fine line between homage, inspiration, and convergent evolution in pop culture. In the case of Jurassic Park, while it emerged as a defining blockbuster of the '90s, its origins may be traced back decades earlier to the legendary anime Astro Boy.

Debuting in 1952, Astro Boy (or Mighty Atom...

Anime, a genre that has recently captured the hearts of global audiences, has long served as an inspiration for Hollywood filmmakers, earning them recognition among the greats. 30 years ago, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King made its debut in theaters, eventually becoming one of the most successful franchises of all time, spanning film, live theater, streaming, experiences, and beyond.

Simba, Timon, and Pumba iconic Walk | Credits: Walt Disney Studios

Over the years, numerous anime films have not only captivated viewers with their unique storytelling but also inspired adaptations and retellings in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films.

After the immense success of Mufasa: The Lion King, the photo-realistic animated prequel to The Lion King, Disney surpassed the $5 billion milestone, proving the franchise remains beloved by fans worldwide. While Disney’s Lion King franchise continues to break records and win over fans, many are unaware of the controversies regarding...

From ‘Bad Boys’ to ‘Fargo,’ Tubi is bringing a few great titles to streaming in January 2025. All titles below begin streaming for free on January 1 unless otherwise noted:

Originals Action Don’T Mess With Grandma (1/24):

A drunk Army ranger must fight off the vicious robbers who plan to loot the cabin belonging to his sweet, oblivious grandmother.

Documentary TMZ Presents: UFO Revolution S2 (1/15):

Embed with UFO journalist Jeremy Corbell on his mission for transparency culminating in the explosive November 13, 2024 UFO congressional hearing.

Thriller Sugar Mama (1/3):

When a businesswoman pursues a relationship with a sugar baby for research purposes, her curiosity with him spirals into obsession.

A Kill For A Kill (1/17):

A deceptive motivational speaker becomes entangled in a deadly game with a fan who suggests they kill each other’s spouses.

Happy Anniversary (1/31):

A young woman assumes three identities to prey upon the men who...

Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel/sequel to 2019's The Lion King, itself a remake of the 1994 animated classic. Mufasa sees Rafiki telling the story of Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) to his granddaughter, Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter). Kiara and the audience learn how Mufasa became king of the Pride Lands, how his brother Scar, formerly named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), got his namesake, and how a rift grew between the brothers.

Mufasa's main antagonist is Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), a white lion who looks to kill every bloodline so that he is the true Lion King. Mufasa: The Lion King's intent with Kiros is a commentary on colonization, but there might be another underlying reason behind making the villain of a Lion King movie, specifically a white lion. It all comes back to a popular manga, one that many have accused Disney of ripping off. While Disney has denied these claims,...

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,...

The creator of the Gundam franchise isn’t afraid to speak openly about the industry, his rivalries, and his feelings about his own work. Yoshiyuki Tomino is considered the father of the “Real Robot” mecha anime genre and the Mobile Suit Gundam series is his legacy in the anime industry.

Despite his accolades and influence, the director is convinced he lacks what it takes to be a true auteur in the anime industry. Tomino has stayed with Sunrise since the 1970s and since he specializes in the mecha genre, he has only stuck with them.

Turn A Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino. [Credit: Sunrise]

He consistently compares himself to Hayao Miyazaki and talks about how he would never be able to surpass him. However, he says that no director would be able to do so. Even so, sticking with Sunrise has limited Tomino’s options of which genre he can direct. Beyond the Gundam franchise,...

2009 marked the 13th Anniversary of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, created by the legendary Yoshiyuki Tomino. The director has shaped the mecha anime genre to lengths he doesn’t even acknowledge and refuses to accept his status as an auteur. For this anniversary, he directed Ring of Gundam, a 5-minute special short film made with CGI, introducing a completely new artistic style to the world of Gundam.

Despite taking up the challenge of a CGI style, Tomino’s preference and loyalty always remain with hand-drawn animation. He’s true to his word as he speaks about this in an interview detailing how CGI was a huge challenge for him as the industry at the time hadn’t evolved beyond Pixar’s animation.

Ring of Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino. [Credit: Sunrise]

In Tomino’s classic candid fashion, he also criticized an Imagi Animation Studios film, Astro Boy, that came out in the same year.

It is a known fact that Osamu Tezuka revolutionized the manga industry. From Astro Boy to Metropolis, Tezuka created iconic masterpieces as a stalwart. The legendary mangaka is often referred to as the Godfather of anime.

Apart from his contributions to the manga industry, he influenced the advancements in the animation industry. On the whole, he was a true visionary with strong beliefs. Something that his son wouldn’t quite agree on.

A still from Astro Boy anime | Credit: Tezuka Productions

With AI-generated anime Twins Hinahima’s release, Tezuka’s son Makoto released a contentious statement. This contrasts with technological advancements that cripple the manga industry. It goes against Tezuka’s beliefs as a visionary and pioneer in every sense.

Moreover, his claims about the late mangaka accepting assistance from AI are beyond controversial. The upcoming series reflects utter dependency on technology and has garnered a negative reception from most anime viewers.

Tubi, Fox’s free streaming service, has announced its list of January titles. The Tubi January 2025 slate features new Tubi Originals, TV series, and numerous action, art house, Black cinema, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, kids and family, romance, sci-fi and fantasy, thriller, and Western titles.

As a leading ad-supported video-on-demand service, the company engages diverse audiences through a personalized experience and the world’s largest content library of over 250,000 movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of exclusive Originals, and nearly 250 live channels.

You can watch the Tubi January 2025 lineup for free on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, Comcast Xfinity X1, and Cox Contour.

You can also watch the service on connected television devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on the Tubi site.

Tubi Originals...

Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino is known for his fearless words, as he never holds back from speaking his mind in interviews. He openly criticizes everything he doesn’t like, and this time around, he shares his opinion on the present state of Disney during an interview. As the anime industry becomes more and more busy with the growing demand and popularity, he fears that it doesn’t replicate the same journey as Disney.

A still from Gundam | Credits: Studio Sunrise

Repeating Disney’s mistakes is a likely possibility, and if it happens anime will lose its charm, something that none of us want. Even in harsh words, Tomino highlighted a very real possibility by using Disney as an example, and here’s everything he said.

Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino Doesn’t Want Anime Industry to Repeat the Same Mistake As Disney

From Astro Boy to the Gundam series, Yoshiyuki Tomino...

The mecha genre once ruled the roost among anime, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. From cartoonish Super Robot anime to the more grounded Real Robot shows, these shows helped make the anime medium what it is. While mecha eventually saw a downturn in popularity, it's currently seeing something of a resurgence, which could see some classic and overlooked shows remade.

Several mecha anime are ripe for remakes, including entries in one of the biggest mecha franchises. Other shows were ahead of their time or missed the mark, but they're still worthy of new incarnations. With anime remakes all the rage in the past decade, it's time for mecha to take advantage of this.

Bokurano Is One of the Best Evangelion Clones Streaming On: Crunchyroll

The mecha anime genre has almost always featured young kids piloting giant robots, and this was played to a dark effect in Bokurano. The premise...

Anime has a long and storied history, with the mecha genre standing as one of its most enduring and influential pillars. This naturally sparks the timeless debate: what is the greatest mecha series of all time? Spanning over 50 years, the genre features a wide range of iconic series and films, each striving to be named the best and captivating generations of fans globally.

The rise of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy in 1963 set the stage for the mecha genre. In 1972, Go Nagai's Mazinger Z introduced the concept of piloted mecha, sparking the genre’s popularity. This momentum led to iconic series like Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) and The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982). Over the years, mecha has evolved into diverse forms, including piloted, sentient, remote-controlled, transformable, biomechanical, and even biblical variations.

Patlabor is A World Politics Type of Suspense Thriller Patlabor: The Movie 2

Patlabor: The Movie 2 is a unique film,...

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...

Howl’s Moving Castle had some of the best music in animated films, but most people think of Joe Hisaishi and his creations for the Hayao Miyazaki films. Most of the ending themes of his movies are always by a separate artist and for Howl’s Moving Castle, it was The Promise of the World, sung by Chieko Baisho and written by the famous poet and translator, Shuntaro Tanikawa. Unfortunately, Tanikawa passed away on 13 November 2024, at the age of 92, as reported by his son, Kensaku Tanikawa.

Sophie and Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

His touching words of poetry and music were a gem of Japan. His legacy will never be forgotten, especially his contribution to Japanese literature and in terms of music, to Howl’s Moving Castle and the theme of Astro Boy. Shuntaro Tanikawa was a master of free verse and his long career is a testament to his brilliance.

Shuntaro Tanikawa, iconic poet, essayist, translator and lyricist, has passed away of old age, leaving behind a long-lasting legacy among fans of Studio Ghibli and anime more generally, among his many other media and literary contributions.

Via Nhk, Shuntaro Tanikawa passed away at 10:05 p.m. Jst on Nov. 13 in a hospital located in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, at the age of 92. He was with his daughter in his final moments, with his son Kensaku sharing in a post on X (formerly Twitter), "I was on my way back from a performance in China and couldn't make it in time, but my sister rushed over and was with him at the end. It was a peaceful end. Like everyone else, I was surprised and impressed by Shuntaro's poems, they made me laugh and cry, and I enjoyed it. It may be a clich, but his poems will always be with you.

A legendary shonen sports anime centered around boxing is finally coming to Crunchyroll, allowing audiences to stream the series in full for the first time in U.S. history.

The arrival of Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow's Joe) on Crunchyroll's streaming platform marks the first time that all 79 episodes will be available to stream legally in America. The first season, comprising 79 episodes, made its way onto the site earlier this week, while the 47-episode second season is set to debut on Crunchyroll on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Pt. Subtitles are available in English, Latin American Spanish and Portuguese. Tms Entertainment teased the release earlier this month, dropping the first three episodes on YouTube for free.

Related Beloved Series Breaks Its Own Guinness World Record for Longest-Running Anime TV Show of All Time

A massively popular anime series has broken its own world record for the longest-running anime TV show series at over 55 years on air.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Hayao Miyazaki’s movies have become a breath of fresh air, as they are synonymous with the idea of life and its transience. The director is often praised for his detail-oriented and compelling storytelling.

As opposed to modern animation, Ghibli has set its benchmark in filmmaking. Through their traditional and handcrafted methods, the studio has produced some of the most iconic works of all time. But even Miyazaki can go overboard with his criticism.

Haku in Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

In an interview, the Director opened up about his views on the Godfather of Anime. To say the least, it is nothing short of controversial as usual. From his views on anime to technology, he has been at the epicenter of contention.

And while this may vex most anime fans, his perspective highlights the perils of the animation industry.

Hayao Miyazaki and his mixed...

In the world of anime and manga, Tatsuki Fujimoto has made a name for himself after his magnum opus, Chainsaw Man, went viral. The series was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, which features a world filled with devils and devil hunters, showcasing a dark and horrific theme.

Denji. Credits: Studio Mappa

Part of the series’ instant popularity was how it showcased an intriguing and unorthodox art style that cemented the mangaka as one of the biggest names in the industry. However, this is not his first work that redefined the industry because of his other mangas like Fire Punch, Look Back, and Goodbye, Eri made fans take notice of him, and he sent waves across the industry with his brutal works.

Even though Fujimoto-Sensei is immensely talented, his parents were never too supportive of his passion for being a manga artist. During an interview, he explains how he eavesdropped on a conversation,...

Ashita no Joe, one of the best and most beloved boxing anime of all time will release its first three episodes to stream for free, as announced by a press release from Kodansha USA. Courtesy of the Anime on Tms YouTube channel, Tms Entertainment is releasing the first three episodes of Ashita no Joe on November 1, 2024, for a limited time. This gives fans a chance to watch the original 1970 anime, also known as Tomorrow's Joe, to get into the series, one of the many benefits of anime continuously becoming mainstream in the present.

Ashita no Joe began its anime run on Fuji TV in 1970, based on the original Kodansha manga from 1968 written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba. The series has poignant countercultural significance and a lasting influence on anime and manga for decades, including Hajime no Ippo, Kengan Ashura, and the famous cross-counter movement. Now, thanks to Tms Entertainment,...

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,...

From its well-written characters to its slice-of-life trope, Skip and Loafer is an appealing series. Especially when it comes to the representation of teen relationships.

As a popular seinen series, the manga was awarded Shogakukan. The series’ success extends to the anime as well, especially with its popularity. However, there’s a controversial backstory behind the series’ production.

Mitsumi Iwakura in a still from the anime | Credit: P.A. Works, Inc.

The voice actress Tomoyo Kurosawa’s approach to the anime was a bit contentious. This is especially true with her methods and techniques. As revealed in an interview, the actress’ method resonates with Mayumi Tanaka’s approach to One Piece. Safe to say, it did work out well in the end considering Tanaka’s relationship with the series.

Skip and Loafer Va opens up about her controversial method

Skip and Loafer is a slice-of-life, rom-com series written by Misaki Takamatsu.

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...

Japan is looking to preserve its largest cultural export -- anime and manga -- and is now in talks with some of the industry's most prolific creators to explore how to achieve just that. The Agency for Cultural Affairs recently sat down with Hideaki Anno, the famed creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, to find a path forward to preservation.

While post-war Japan became known for its cost-effective automobiles and innovative technology, its contemporary image has been shaped by anime and manga. While not the first of its kind, the global success of Osamu Tezukas Astro Boy (also known as Mighty Atom) set off a chain of events that culminated in former U.S. president Barack Obama thanking then-Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe for the countrys cultural contributions. This also aided in shaping what many current anime fans view as the common '90s American childhood experience.

Related Evangelion's...

This month, an anime movie directly inspired by both Sanrio's Hello Kitty and Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy will get an English Blu-ray release for the very first time in North America.

Blu-ray restorationist and distributor Deaf Crocodile will release Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space in late October, describing the 92-minute anime film as a "futuristic techno fever dream that flows back and forth in time, following the adorable wide-eyed kitty Tamala on her home world of Meguro City, Cat Earth." It will ship in Standard and Deluxe editions for $24.95 and $33.95, respectively. Below, readers can check out the Blu-ray trailer, cover art and shipping information for fans in both the United States and overseas.

Related Hello Kitty Makes Friends With Another 'Cat' in New Sanrio & Natsume Yuujinchou Crossover

Sanrio's Hello Kitty and friends partner up with Natsume Yuujinchou's Nyanko-sensei for all-new merchandise ahead of the anime's Season 7 release.

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man may be a product of Japan, but is highly adored worldwide. Besides Csm, the mangaka is famous for Look Back and Fire Punch, which gained massive popularity for its unflinching portrayal of complex themes like trauma and human nature. Amid the dissipating release of Joker: Folie à Deux, which was expected to be 2024’s dark-themed masterpiece, fans should keep an eye on Fujimoto’s upcoming Look Back‘s theatrical release.

Credits: Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux / Warner Bros. Pictures

Mappa’s CEO’s admiration for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work and commitment to bringing every project to life underscores the mangaka’s extraordinary talent, which is truly beyond words. Indeed, Indeed, Joker: Folie à Deux‘s disappointing theatrical release has upset many Hollywood fans, opening doors for Look Back to make a significant impact on American theaters.

Joker: Folie à Deux...

Chainsaw Man is a celebrated and popular Shonen anime, known for its dark themes. The series underscores blood, violence, and gore. Moreover, it has a unique power system. It straight-up reminds fans of a slasher style, and also outlines a spectrum of relationships. From love to friendships, characters display complexities. However, there’s more to it.

Makima and Denji | Credit: Mappa

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s idea of love goes beyond absurdity. However, he took it to new extremes. In a post on X, the author shared his plans for a romance horror, which aren’t quite palatable. This is reflected in his works as well. Moreover, love is a far-fetched dream in his series.

Fans on X react to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s plans for a romantic horror manga

Tatsuki Fujimoto is a promising manga artist in the dark fantasy genre known for his notable work Fire Punch. Conversely, he rose to...

The current American presidential scenario very much replicates the worlds of One Piece and Hunter x Hunter. The people are going to use every opportunity to cast their valuable vote for the candidate; they seem ideal. The upcoming presidential elections are going to play a major role in the country.

A still from Hunter x Hunter. Credits: Madhouse

The subject of the ideal American president has been a topic of intense curiosity and concern among the citizens of America. With the voting tradition right around the corner, the people are reevaluating their decisions as the campaign for the candidates progresses.

However, every voter must hear these words by the mangakas of the two titles, which would compel every citizen to rightfully cast their vote. This was instead of choosing their candidate shaped exclusively by societal norms and practical considerations.

One Piece and Hunter x Hunter Influence The American Citizens Ahead...

Lewis Carroll's 1871 fable "Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There" features a notable scene wherein the young titular protagonist runs across a pair of whimsically dunderheaded identical twins while lost in an alternate dimension. The characters are named Tweedledee and Tweedledum and are based on numerous 18th-century folk poems variously attributed to John Byron, John Pope, and Jonathan Swift. In an early epigram by Byron, the two characters agree to have a battle but are startled by a crow, and forget to fight each other. It wouldn't be until the publication of "Through the Looking Glass," and John Tenniel's illustrations therein, that Tweedledee and Tweedledum would be depicted as identical twins. 

In Carroll's book, the twins reenact the Byron epigram and flee when a crow appears. Some might say that Tweedledee and Tweedledum represent easily distracted governments, or merely the capriciousness of children. Either way,...

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...

Jujutsu Kaisen has finally reached a major milestone just ahead of its manga's ending, making for the perfect conclusion to its six-year-long journey. Just as the final chapter is about to drop, Gege Akutami's hit battle manga has finally joined the ranks of the highest-selling manga, marking a major achievement for the series.

According to posts on X by WSJ_manga and MangaMoguraRE, Jujutsu Kaisen has finally reached 100 million copies in circulation as of Volume 28, right in time for the manga's ending. This achievement appears to be the happy announcement that Jujutsu Kaisen teased in the previous issue of Weekly Shnen Jump. As for the final two volumes, both volumes 29 and 30 will be released together on December 25, 2024.

According to the post, the series will also be commemorating the manga's ending with a variety of events and merchandise, including an official guidebook which is set to release on October 4, 2024. Jujutsu Kaisen...

‘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...

‘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...

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...