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In recent times, anime with the flashiest animation has taken the biggest priority. Demon Slayer is the biggest example of the phenomenon. Even though its plot isn’t revolutionary, it still conquered the world because of its animation techniques. Frieren, on the other hand, is a series unlike anything else in the current anime environment.

It does have action sequences and beautifully animated ones at that. But it does not rely on them entirely. In fact, some of the most impactful scenes of the anime come from sequences that are simple. So, is it really necessary to depend on flamboyant animation and over-the-top action scenes to prove an anime’s worth?

One of the best scenes in Frieren forsook extravagant animation

The biggest example of Frieren beating the flashy animation stereotype is the Frieren Vs. Aura episode. In episode 10 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Frieren faces off against Aura. Fans...

Takehiko Inoue’s heartfelt and intense sports drama The First Slam Dunk is releasing on Zavvi-exclusive Limited Edition 4K Uhd + Blu-ray Steelbook, and Collector’s Edition 4K Uhd + Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD from 24th March 2025, to celebrate we are giving away a Blu-Ray copy of the film!

Written and directed by the beloved manga’s original creator Takehiko Inoue, The First Slam Dunk follows the underdog Shohoku High School’s basketball team through the eyes of point guard Ryota Miyagi as they face stunning rivals in the final of the National High School Tournament in a narrative that simultaneously explores the tumultuous past of its players.

“A masterful sports drama” according to Yahoo Movies, The First Slam Dunk was celebrated by critics and films alike, earning a certified 100% Fresh critics rating and a 99% Popcornmeter audience score at Rotten Tomatoes. The film was celebrated for its cutting edge 3D-2D hybrid...

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,...

Like all art, anime is almost always a reflection of its creators. Even the medium’s most fantastical exemplars often weave their author’s experiences and personal perspectives into the narrative, the characters mirroring them in sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious ways.

However, some anime creators take it a step further, blurring the line between fiction and reality by inserting themselves into the story more definitively. Author avatars — be it a comical background character or a prominent protagonist — are a unique way for creators to inhabit the universes of their anime. From autobiographical works to brief cameos, these legendary anime and manga creators made themselves part of their fictional worlds.

Related10 Anime Inspired By Their Creators' Lives

Some anime creators are open to borrowing elements of their own lives to incorporate them into their works of art.

Insufficient Direction Is a Comical Tribute to Moyoco & Hideaki Anno’s Married Life Moyoco Anno...

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.

Fans of Slam Dunk know this better than anyone: it wasn't exactly easy to locate the anime movieThe First Slam Dunk when it slammed into theaters. The movie premiered in U.S. theaters in July 2023, but only found a streaming home in June 2024, almost one year later. Since no streaming title is permanent in any catalog, fans will be happy to know that soon they will be able to own The First Slam Dunk in the best quality possible: Anime Limited announced this week that the movie is getting a Steelbook with 4K Uhd and Blu-ray editions on March 24 in the UK (meaning that those outside the UK will need a region-free Blu-ray player).

You can transport yourself to the NBA All-Star Game without leaving the comforts of home this season.

NBA fans with Meta Quest mixed reality headsets likely already know how cool it can be to watch games using these devices. The Meta Quest can transport you into the stadium, allowing you to watch the game courtside even though you’re really just sitting at home. For the first time in 2025, the NBA All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 will also be presented for Meta Quest owners. Find out more about how to stream it below!

How to watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Meta Quest When: Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. (All-Star Game) TV: Xtadium or NBA Arena on Meta Quest From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a Vpn. About watching the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Meta Quest

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will...

The excitement builds as “NBA All-Star Saturday Pregame” gets ready to air on truTV at 7:00 Pm on February 15, 2025. This special preview will showcase the thrilling events lined up for the night, including the highly anticipated Skills Challenge, the 3-Point Shooting contest, and the iconic Slam-Dunk contest. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere as the show takes place at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

As the players prepare to showcase their talents, this pregame event will highlight what makes All-Star Saturday such a popular tradition. Viewers will get insights into the competitors, their strategies, and what to watch for during each contest. The Skills Challenge will test players’ agility and precision, while the 3-Point Shooting contest promises to bring some intense shooting action.

The Slam-Dunk contest is always a crowd favorite, and this year is no different. With some of the league’s most athletic players ready to take flight,...

Few anime franchises (if any) are more iconic than Akira Toriyama's flagship series, Dragon Ball. The beloved shonen manga debuted all the way back in 1984, and by the end of the decade, it had spawned two of the most popular anime adaptations — Dragon Ball & Dragon Ball Z — of all time.

From 1986 to 1996, Dragon Ball & Dragon Ball Z aired on Fuji TV, and by the end of the 20th century, the adventures of Son Goku had spread their roots around the world. However, Dragon Ball was far from the only notable series that came out during this 10-year window; in fact, there were many iconic series that aired during the same window as Akira Toriyama's seminal work.

Rurouni Kenshin Helped Define the 1990s Aired: January 10, 1996–September 8, 1998

Of all the anime to debut in the 1990s, few have had a bigger impact on the anime medium than Rurouni Kenshin. Nobuhiro Watsuki...

On Tuesday February 4 2025, Fox broadcasts 25 Words or Less!

Slam Dunk! Season 6 Episode 92 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “25 Words or Less” titled “Slam Dunk!” promises to be an exciting showcase of wordplay and quick thinking. Set to air on Fox, this episode presents a fun challenge for the contestants as they navigate the game with a basketball twist. The description hints at the unpredictability of the game, where some attempts at clever word combinations may succeed while others may fall flat.

In “Slam Dunk!”, players will face off in a series of rounds that test their ability to assist each other with just the right words. The stakes are high as they strive for the perfect assist, aiming to score points and avoid getting their ideas blocked. The energy will be high, and the competition fierce, making for a thrilling viewing experience.

Fans of the show can expect plenty...

Sakamoto Days, Netflix’s biggest anime release of this year, has left fans thrilled and bewildered. At the heart of the discussion is none other than Taro Sakamoto, the legendary hitman turned convenience store owner, whose shocking appearance has sparked some confusion among anime fans.

Taro Sakamoto’s dramatic transformation from elite assassin to a peaceful family man | Credit: Tms Entertainment

Fans often wonder how can the greatest assassin of all time, a man who was feared across the underworld, look more like Coach Anzai from Slam Dunk than the sleek and deadly killer he once was. Let’s break down the shocking truth behind Sakamoto’s age and how fatherhood (and obviously food) changed him forever.

The dad bod transformation: How old is Taro Sakamoto?

For those unfamiliar with Sakamoto Days, the plot follows Taro Sakamoto, a former top-tier assassin who abandoned his hazardous past to begin a calm life with his family.

Official Blue Lock series artist Yusuke Nomura has taken to social media to hype up a brand-new manga coming to Weekly Shonen Jump, calling it and its own artist -- a well-known acquaintance of his -- 'scary.'

Embers is a new soccer-focused manga set to debut in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #10, written by Kei Kurumazagi and illustrated by Soutarou Nishii. The story will center on Haitani, a delinquent who is very good at fighting, and his introduction to soccer. Manga fans have been showing growing excitement for the title, as it is reminiscent of classics like Slam Dunk. Nomura, seeing some strong competition for Blue Lock in the newcomer, has joked that Nishii is "out to crush" Blue Lock. His good-natured support isn't all that surprising, given that Nishii was originally a staff member of Blue Lock's manga team and was responsible for many of the dynamic backgrounds.

Related...

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...

For a medium that was created in Japan, and often pulls from the country's folklore, mythology, and history, anime about samurai are surprisingly few and far between. Samurai warriors, Ronin, with their signature armor and katanas, all feature heavily across the medium, albeit alongside supernatural forces, magic, dark powers, giant mech suits, or all of the above. Of the few historical samurai anime available, there are a few that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Shinichiro Watanabe's Samurai Champloo is a classic, but it's incredibly difficult to find on streaming. But, one of the greatest samurai anime, Rurouni Kenshin, is about to find a new streaming home for new fans to enjoy.

Rurouni Kenshin, written by disgraced writer and artist, Nobuhiro Watsuki, is set in the Meiji era of Japan (1868-1912) and follows Hitokiri Battosai, a former assassin of the Bakumatsu, who abandons that life, starting fresh as a Ronin,...

It’s no secret that Shonen Jump is heading into its most precarious era in decades. With My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen both recently ending and even One Piece set to end soon, Shonen Jump is running out of big franchises to draw in readers, and before long, it could be facing its biggest drop in readership since the back-to-back endings of Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk in the 1990s.

With so many major Shonen Jump manga having ended or on the verge of ending, Shonen Jump needs something to prop up as their next big thing. Kagurabachi and 2024’s Ichi the Witch have both proven to be critical and financial successes, so either one of them getting an anime would be an easy way to maintain readership. Both of those stories are fairly new, however, so for something a little older than them, one Shonen Jump manga has...

It's no secret that the anime industry has experienced a boom in recent times. Coming off a record-breaking year which saw the industry generate nearly 20 billion dollars in revenue, 2024 swung for the fences with new releases from some of the biggest franchises around. Now, a new report has surfaced which lists the highest-grossing IPs of the past year, and a few of the names might just take fans by surprise.

The report, which shares the sales totals from physical media releases in 2024, features both predictable franchises and a few unexpected titles as well. Whether certain IPs were simply dormant throughout the year, or might have even taken a long tumble down the popularity rankings, it's notable that some heavy-hitter franchises are surprisingly absent from the top 30. In a year that featured several popular releases from acclaimed titles, only a few can stand above the rest in earnings.

Big Releases Led...

For decades, Weekly Shonen Jump has been the beating heart of the manga industry, setting trends and introducing readers to some of the most iconic characters and stories in Japanese pop culture. Known for publishing thrilling action series, heartfelt coming-of-age tales, and unforgettable adventures, Shueisha's flagship magazine has been home to many of the best-selling manga in history. With each passing year, the magazine's bestsellers have not only captivated millions of readers but also defined entire eras of manga.

While the magazine has plenty of forgotten gems that deserve more recognition, it's the best-sellers that are most remembered for making waves around the world. Except for five years, the best-selling manga in Japan between 1980 and 2024 was always a series published on Weekly Shonen Jump.

1980

Dr. Slump

1981

Dr. Slump

1982

Dr. Slump

1983

Kinnikuman

1984

Kinnikuman

1985

Kinnikuman

1986

Hokuto no Ken

1987

Dragon Ball

1988

Dragon Ball

1989

Dragon Ball

1990

Dragon Ball

1991

Dragon Ball

1992

Dragon Ball

1993

Slam Dunk...

One of 2024's best new anime, Dandadan, has reached the final episode of its wildly popular first season. A series defined by its incredible blend of genres, strong character writing, and absurd plot elements, fans have fallen in love with the weird and wonderful paranormal adventures of Momo and Okarun. And amidst all the strange plot developments throughout the anime, Dandadan hasn't missed an opportunity to cite its inspirations, or occasionally throw in a random pop culture reference.

Whether it be with callbacks to influential series like Ultraman and Science Saru's own Devilman Crybaby, or references to popular music by Abba, Dandadan seems to enjoy checking if its viewers are paying close enough attention to catch its smaller details. The season finale, titled, "Let's Go to the Cursed House", also contains an unexpected reference, and this time the series' calls back to one of the greatest sports anime of all-time.

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers for Dandadan episode 12.

Dandadan’s season finale shows Taro running across the city, getting trampled and dismantled by a truck and somehow still managing to fix himself up in one night just to meet Hana and they say I have high standards in men. I had a lot of expectations for the episode and to say that it met all of those would be an understatement. In a series that focuses so much on the supernatural and science fiction, the humanistic side of the characters stands out almost by default.

Taro | Credit: Science Saru

The episode manages to use the supernatural as a tool for its story rather than the brunt of it. Not everything needs to be explained and they don’t waste their time in explaining it either. How Taro and Hana can talk or even why the former can function like...

10 Anime Shows That Desperately Need A Reboot - Main Image

As times change, some anime from earlier generations could reach a broader audience with a reboot. Many have great concepts, but their outdated art and animation may not appeal to modern viewers.

Then, there are those that didn’t get a faithful adaptation or left fans hanging with abrupt endings. Fruits Basket and Shaman King, for example, both had original versions reimagined and received massive acclaim afterward.

There are many more classic anime titles that could use an overhaul, so here are 10 of them.

Record of Lodoss War

Considered the grandfather of fantasy anime, Record of Lodoss War tells the story of medieval knights, dwarves, and elves battling the forces of evil. The most notable thing about it is that the story is a retelling of the creator’s own Dungeons and Dragons campaign, with some original lore added in.

Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi is a fairly new Shonen Jump manga, but it’s already made a big name for itself. While the fandom for Kagurabachi started ironically due to how dark and edgy the initial presentation was, the strong writing and action made it genuinely popular worldwide, and it’s already become one of the most popular Shonen Jump manga in recent years.

Kagurabachi is on its way to becoming the next big thing, and all it needs to complete that is an anime. A Kagurabachi anime is allegedly in development courtesy of CygamesPictures, and while it hasn’t been officially confirmed, everything that’s made Kagurabachi such an unexpected hit could easily translate into one of the biggest anime adaptations of the decade. There are a few reasons, in particular, why that’s something to look forward to, and as Kagurabachi’s story continues, those reasons are only going to get stronger.

Kagurabachi has the potential to be the next ‘it’ Shonen series, and within just a year of its debut, the manga has solidified its place in the hearts of otakus. With its edgy protagonist and awesome battle scenes, it ticks every Shonen requirements box. In fact, rumors of its anime announcement have entered the chat just in time.

The series has already amassed a huge fanbase with people praising various aspects of it. Takeru Hokazono has done a splendid job of creating intriguing characters with various motives, and it’s time to see how well the series performs as an anime.

Kagurabachi Gets Nominated for 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards Kagurabachi’s edgy protagonist, Chihiro | Credits: Viz Media

The Shogakukan Manga Award is one of the most prestigious manga awards in Japan. It is awarded annually and features a variety of candidates from all kinds of genres. It is also the oldest manga award in Japan,...

Since 1968, Weekly Shonen Jump has entertained and inspired readers with action tales starring powerful and idealistic heroes. However, one specific character has now achieved the title of Japan's #1 favorite Shonen Jump protagonist, triumphing against major contenders such as Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto and Kohei Horikoshi's Izuku Midoriya.

Per PR Times, a prominent Japan-based media company held an online survey asking manga readers to choose their "favorite main character from a Jump work." The majority of the participants chose Son Goku, the protagonist of Akira Toriyama's iconic action-comedy series, Dragon Ball. The second most popular character is Monkey D. Luffy from Eiichiro Oda's One Piece series. Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist of Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer manga, came in third place. The full top 10 list, listed from most to least popular, is included below.

Related Dragon Ball Recreates Its First-Ever Shonen Jump Cover in New International Bandai Release...

I got my friend and I into Haikyu!! properly earlier this year, and immediately became enthralled by its approachable yet brilliant premise, of the lovable teamwork of Karasuno High School's volleyball team. While the series prominently focuses on Shōyō Hinata, an energetic and short middle blocker for Karasuno with aspirations to play like his idol, the Little Giant. While the series is phenomenal and bingeworthy, as its adaptation will conclude after the final film, I couldn't help but think of my true favorite sports manga-turned anime now streaming, Blue Box, and what it offers.

Blue Box, much like Haikyu!! follows its athlete protagonist as he strives for greatness among his school's best athletes, and in Taiki Inomata's case, it's with his badminton team, the world's fastest racket sport. While Taiki and the Eimei Academy badminton team push for their best players and doubles teams to reach the nationals, another crucial...

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...

When Squid Game was released in 2021, it quickly became the talk of the town. From YouTube reaction videos to discussion forums, everything was flooded with general and critical analyses of the show. The show was an undeniable success and on top of everyone’s minds, however, there were many questionable decisions and plotlines that are still unanswered. For instance, Gi-Hun’s sudden change in appearance with the glaring bright red hair.

Gi-Hun in Squid Game | Credits: Netflix

The director of the show, Hwang-Dong-hyuk, recently opened up about this questionable creative decision and he once again commands the attention of anime fans with the revelation of his source of inspiration. One of the most highly regarded and influential mangaka, Takehiko Inoue, was the director’s inspiration behind Gi-Hun’s new hair.

The Questionable Twist in Squid Game was Inspired by Takehiko Inoue Sakuragi Hanamichi | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

Hitting a hat-trick...

If there's one thing Netflix has been good at since the streamer began producing original titles, it's going viral. The company isn't great at making lasting works of fiction that people cherish after many years, but they've proven able to occasionally release something that everyone on the planet talks about for a couple of weeks before moving on (unless Netflix keeps the conversation going through things like sequels or merch).

Perhaps the biggest hit Netflix has ever had in terms of worldwide reach is "Squid Game," the Korean thriller TV series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk about contestants engaging in a deadly competition where they have a chance to win big money as long as they survive increasingly sadistic high stakes versions of children's games. It makes sense, then, that Netflix is going all in on the "Squid Game" universe, with a (very misguided) reality game show, a second season, and...

J-pop band Be:first has had a whirlwind of a 2024. They've completed both an arena tour And a dome tour plus opened for K-pop supergroup, Ateez, at their two-night Los Angeles stadium kickoff of their "Towards the Light World Tour." Not only that, the seven-member group hailing from all over Japan recently announced they would be performing the ending theme to One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga (streaming first on Crunchyroll this weekend)! Related: One Piece Anime Reveals Be:first as New Ending Song Performer We caught up with Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, Ryoki and Leo for a quick chat about what One Piece and Besty (their fandom) mean to them. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us! Could you please introduce yourself to our Crunchyroll News readers? Sota: Hi, Crunchyroll. We’re Be:first, and I’m Sota. My favorite anime is One Piece ! Shunto: I’m Shunto.

Haikyuu is one of the most celebrated and popular anime in the sports genre. Even a decade after its release, it continues to be relevant. This is especially true with the themes of team play and coordination.

The series stands as an inspiration for several sports anime. It is praised for its well-written and developed characters. So much so that even the Director will vouch for it.

Shoyo Hinata in a still from the anime | Credit: Production I.G

In a recent interview, Susumu Mitsunaka revealed his favorite character from the show. Unsurprisingly, it isn’t Shōyō Hinata or Yū Nishinoya but Ryūnosuke Tanaka.

His reasons for picking the character may seem absurd to most fans but it’d make sense. Especially when we think about how it ties well to the core themes of the series. By and by, the series has excelled in its portrayal of teamplay and coordination.

Independent Chinese film distributor Road Pictures has already tasted success with a succession of imported Japanese animation films. But the company says that China’s youth market is best accessed through a vastly broader strategy that embraces IP, fandom, events, retail and merchandizing.

“Our aim is to be a Chinese Disney – not in scale. But in terms of being a integrated service,” said Cai Gongming, the company’s entrepreneur founder and CEO. He was speaking Wednesday in Tokyo at a seminar organized by Tiffcom, the rights market that is allied with the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Many in the audience were his suppliers, purveyors of Japanese content, who have witnessed Cai’s China box office success with titles including “Suzume,” “The First Slam Dunk” and “Spy x Family Code: White.”

In a market where imported films were last year squeezed down to a less than 15% share, Japanese film have held up well.

Anime is bigger than ever. With each passing year, the industry continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. From Slam Dunk to Hajime no Ippo, sports anime like Haikyuu! and Blue Lock offer intense rivalries, engaging characters, and stunning animations.

All Karasuno Volleyball Team members from Haikyuu | Production Ig

With so many fan-favorite titles, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine which deserves the top spot; however, Haikyuu! undeniably remains the most influential and popular sports anime in the industry. Not to forget, Japan carried on Haikyuu‘s legacy and represented the fan-favorite sports anime on a bigger stage, the Olympics 2024.

Despite Haikyuu‘s manga concluding years ago, not many fans are aware of the mangaka’s struggles during the final chapters. Haruichi Furudate initially struggled to give each character the best possible ending.

Haikyuu‘s Final Chapter: Creator’s Struggle to Deliver the Perfect Ending

Undoubtedly,...

Being an artist means drawing influence from your favorite artists to create your own style, and being a mangaka is no different. Before a mangaka can serialize their work, tons of research goes into precedents set by famous works as well as the best art styles in the field, and Yuki Tabata is no different.

Black Clover is Yuki Tabata’s masterpiece, but it is also an amalgamation of everything that has inspired the author. And the list includes everything: from the manga he read in his childhood, to the ones he had to compete with as rivals.

Yuki Tabata’s Art in Black Clover Shows Influences from Various Shonen Favorites Asta in Black Clover by Yuki Tabata | Credits: Viz Media

As I stated before, Yuki Tabata‘s art has been influenced by various other mangakas who are also masters of their crafts. The first similarity that I found was...

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.

For as long as sports anime has existed, the concept of teamwork and camaraderie has gone hand in hand with it. The biggest examples are series like Slam Dunk, Haikyuu, and countless others. Naturally, Blue Lock‘s derailment from this trend is not received positively.

Even solitary sports such as boxing have the theme of friendship and teamwork in it, as seen in Hajime no Ippo, where Ippo receives the help of his seniors and vice versa to prepare before a match. So, can Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s experiment with Blue Lock be called a real sports series?

Why Blue Lock will Never be as Legendary as Haikyuu Tobio Kageyama in Haikyuu Battle of the Garbage Dump | Credits: Production I.G.

Haikyuu introduced an egoistic setter with Kageyama. However, it was evident that without teamwork, he could not win a match alone, and he was often alienated from his previous team.

In the realm of the sports manga community, the one series that stands at the pinnacle is Hajime no Ippo. Based on the theme of boxing, Hajime no Ippo follows the story of high school student Ippo Makunouchi, who is often bullied but learns the importance of boxing through Takamura Mamoru and then goes on to change his life for the better.

Hajime no Ippo | Credit: Studio Madhouse

Hajime no Ippo is one of the greatest series of all time, which started in 1989 and now has over 141 volumes with over 100 million copies in circulation. The series is the third best-selling sports manga in the world, behind Slam Dunk and Touch. And the majority of its credit goes to George Morikawa, the writer and illustrator of the series.

While Morikawa earned the fame that came with Hajime no Ippo, the creator had one thing that he liked to change about the story.

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,...

Slam Dunk is one of the very few manga and anime series that have achieved immortal status in the industry. Created by Takehiko Inoue, Slam Dunk follows the basketball journey of a team from Shōhoku High School and the way they move up in rank. The story was one of the first sports shonen manga that earned international recognition in the 90s.

A Still From The First Slam Dunk | Credit: Toei Animation

Slam Dunk was Inoue’s second project, but it quickly became his most successful project and is continuing the legacy. The main reason behind Slam Dunk’s success was Inoue and his secret recipe for creating the story. The manga creator once revealed how he worked on Slam Dunk and what led to the success of the series.

He pointed out that he wrote Slam Dunk from the character’s perspective and how they would build their own stories and experience development.

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...

Despite critical acclaim, most mangaka fail to address pitfalls in their series. This holds especially true for pacing issues as well as plot inconsistencies. It also extends to the sidelining of supporting characters. The Superhuman Era, however, is an exception to this pitfall. It stands out in most aspects as a well-written manhwa as compared to other visual novels. And there’s more to it.

A still from the webtoon | Credit: Naver

Several fans on Reddit praised the manga for its character designs and plot. However, it stands out in its aspect of character building. This is further reflected in its treatment of the side characters. Furthermore, it also points to a major pitfall associated with most mangas, especially the two-man trope.

The Superhuman Era excels in the manhwa genre through its outlining of side characters.

The Superhuman Era is a dark fantasy webtoon series written by Seop-i. The story...

Throughout our lives, there are moments when we question our choices. However, the ones that result in friendship and love are the ones that stick with us the most. Look Back — adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto‘s (Chainsaw Man) 2021 manga of the same name — forces us to consider the impact of small moments in our friendships. What might seem like an innocuous moment may change someone’s life, and the ripples of our decisions echo across time. Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama lovingly adapts the heartbreaking tale, making it as impactful as Fujimoto’s initial story.

Related Unlike Every Other Anime, Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man Desperately Needs a Live-Action Adaptation Look Back Plot

Two young artists decide to draw and write anime for an elementary school newspaper. Ayumu Fujino establishes herself as a popular manga artist amongst her classmates, but despite her success, the teacher running the school newspaper asks if another student can contribute.

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 is bigger than ever. With each passing year, the industry continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. From Slam Dunk to Hajime no Ippo, sports anime like Haikyuu! and Blue Lock offer intense rivalries, engaging characters, and stunning animations.

With so many fan-favorite titles, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine which deserves the top spot; however, Slam Dunk and Haikyuu!, undeniably remain the most influential and popular sports anime in the industry.

A Still From The First Slam Dunk | Credit: Toei Animation

Not to forget, Japan carried on Haikyuu‘s legacy and represented the fan-favorite sports anime on a bigger stage, the Olympics 2024. On the other hand, Slam Dunk is arguably the greatest sports anime in existence, as it created the foundation of the entire genre back in 1993. Interestingly, The First Slam Dunk‘s director, the film that topped the Japanese...

Slam Dunk is widely acknowledged to be one of the most influential sports series in anime and manga, period. But sooner or later, its impact left the industry and entered into the real world of sports. In fact, many of the current Japanese national basketball team players grew up reading Slam Dunk.

Slam Dunk manga | Credits: Viz Media

Ace Japanese basketball player Yuta Watanabe said the phrases from the manga, such as “If you give up, that’s the end of the game” and “Having experienced defeat will someday become a great asset,” have become ingrained as a mentality for many players when they compete. Another player, Yudai Baba, admitted that basketball wouldn’t be this popular in Japan today if it wasn’t for Slam Dunk, and thinks all the national team players have a desire to do their best for Inoue-sensei.

The reason for Slam Dunk‘s author...

The cinematic triumph of The First Slam Dunk movie crossed all the borders and created waves in the 2023 box office, snatching the hearts of millions. It certainly grabbed slam-dunk levels of success, both at home in Japan and worldwide.

However, South Korea responded to it somewhat exceptionally, and the movie rocked the Korean fans, driving it onto a historical, year-long streak of screening. It cemented the record of the longest continuous screening ever in Korean history. While the outside world changed with the seasons, inside the theatres, the movie silently accompanied its audiences from one winter to another.

Shohoku High School team from The First Slam Dunk | Credits: Toei Animation and DandeLion Animation Studio

While commemorating its 1st anniversary in Korean theatres, the creator, Takehiko Inoue, gave a special interview wherein he presented a further glimpse into the mind behind this masterpiece that had the world under its spell.

Would...

In recent times, anime as a whole has grown to be immensely popular, and several Shonen series have made a name for themselves. However, Blue Lock has quickly grown to be the most popular title and newest sports project that has taken over not only in Japan but the whole world.

Team Z in Blue Lock. Credits: 8Bit Studios

Otakus who are ardent followers of football have already grown a quick liking to the series because of how different the title is from other sports series. The series has easily toppled its competitor, Haikyuu, without even dropping a sweat.

However, that’s not all because greatness followed it, as it was different from previous football titles, which brings forward the best of new and old worlds. The series now returns with a second season that has got the fans on their tiptoes as the unique show with a never-before-seen plot...

Last month, Masanori Morita, creator of the iconic Rookies delinquent manga, unveiled his submission for Dragon Ball's 40th Anniversary Super Gallery Project. However, he recently apologized to Dragon Ball's late creator Akira Toriyama for making a major stylistic change to Krillin.

For his official gallery entry, Morita redrew Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Krillin using his signature art style, which gives a unique delinquent-esque makeover to the iconic Z fighters. However, Morita recently apologized (possibly in a tongue-in-cheek manner) via X for failing to depict Krillin accurately. "Toriyama-sensei, I'm sorry for drawing Krillin with a nose," he wrote. While he doesn't give a reason for this stylistic choice, it may have been due to his initial concerns about a noseless Krillin design not meshing well with his own style, which is comparatively less cartoonish than Toriyama's.

Related Dragon Ball Daima Reveals First Look at New Akira Toriyama Character Designs...

While were nearly halfway into September, Netflix has just unveiled the perfect surprise for die-hard anime fans, and it couldn't have come at a better time. According to ComicBook, the streaming giant has added this legendary anime series, Slam Dunk, to its catalog for the month, which comes a little over three decades following its launch in the nineties. For those who are new to the game, Slam Dunk, comprising 101 episodes, premiered in 1993 and was produced by Toei Animation as an adaptation of the original manga series by Takehiko Inoue.