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Ever since it first aired in the 1990s, Yu Yu Hakusho has remained a shonen anime staple, with many comparing it favorably to even the acclaimed Dragon Ball Z. Unfortunately, it's about to become a bit harder to watch, as the '90s classic is joining an unfortunate class on one streaming platform.

Yu Yu Hakusho is about to say "Sayonara Bye Bye" to Hulu, with it and several other anime leaving the platform at the end of the month. There are over 20 anime total hitting the road, but Yu Yu Hakusho might be perhaps the biggest loss, especially among old-school anime fans. Thankfully, there's another place to stream it,...

For years, Hulu has been one of the most convenient streaming platforms for anime fans in the U.S. Its library balanced classics, cult favorites, and recent hits, making it a one-stop service for both casual viewers and die-hard otaku. But that era is coming to a close. A major wave of departures is already underway, and the shift signals bigger changes ahead.

By the end of August, Hulu subscribers will lose access to some of anime’s most iconic titles. From Cowboy Bebop to YuYu Hakusho, beloved shows that helped define generations of fandom are moving elsewhere. While these series are still available on other platforms, their exit from...

Many anime don’t have a sequel, even though they deserve one immediately, which is understandable since incomplete adaptations were the norm. Now we get more full adaptations, whether it’s mainstream anime like Demon Slayer or those with a more niche appeal like Quintessential Quintuplets.

Things are definitely changing, but some anime are yet to benefit from this change. Yes, that includes both Nana and No Game No Life. Read on to know what else is on the list of the top 10 anime that never got the sequel they deserve.

10. Nisekoi Chitoge and Raku in a still from the anime | Credits: Studio Shaft AnimeNumber of seasons Chapters left in the mangaNisekoi2 (2014-2015)123 (Chapters 107-229)

With harem anime, the most important part is who the main character ends up with. The manga has a great conclusion and ties up most loose ends. Nisekoi anime never reaches that point. The anime...

It’s been over a decade since Yona of the Dawn first aired during the fall 2014 anime season. Created by Mizuho Kusanagi and produced by Studio Pierrot, the fantasy shojo quickly gained popularity and built a loyal fan base. With its strong female lead, supporting cast, and political drama, the series attracted viewers with its compelling story.

However, despite its success, the anime wrapped up with only 24 episodes and three OVAs. Eleven years later, fans hoping for a continuation of Yona’s journey are being faced with an underwhelming update regarding the potential of a second season. Cindy Yamauchi, one of the series’ animation directors, recently acknowledged that the show’s future depends on continued support from fans.

Season 2 of Yona of the Dawn Is Still Undecided Continued Fan Support Is the Driving Factor

More than a decade after its original release, Yona of the Dawn remains a popular anime.

Yona of the Dawn anime debuted in 2014, yet a decade later, its season 2 remains elusive. The case of Yona of the Dawn perfectly highlights how the anime industry is dictated by profitability. Back when the anime debuted, it captured the hearts of fans with its blend of shoujo romance, beautiful storytelling, and fantasy adventure, yet it might never even receive a second season.

There are several reasons why the anime might never return, and unfortunately, none of them are because of its plot. In fact, Yona of the Dawn boasts a splendid plotline, but its lack of commercial success got it sidelined.

Yona of the Dawn’s Insufficient Commercial Success Handicapped It

In today’s world, anime is more of a business than an artistic venture. Yona of the Dawn might be a beloved series for those who watched it, but it couldn’t generate enough revenue to guarantee a second season.

Yona of the Dawn enjoys a special status in the shojo world, and fans are fully engrossed in the developments of the final arc. That trance is about to be interrupted as the manga goes on a three-month-long hiatus, as mentioned in this Anime News Network article. The last chapter was painful, but it showed us everything that makes Yona such a great protagonist.

While the manga goes on a break, it’ll be a good time for fans to refresh their memory of the story so far. The wait can be a bit excruciating, but this approach by Mizuho Kusanagi can prove to be a blessing for the story’s conclusion. Read on to know why!

A 3-Month Hiatus Right After an Intense Chapter

The most recent issue of Hana to Yume magazine, which is home to Yona of the Dawn’s monthly serialization, announced that the manga is...

Just imagine you’re sitting with a group of friends, and start dropping facts about Norse mythology. While they’re busy being blown away by how knowledgeable you are, you’re busy reminiscing and crying about Thorfinn’s journey in Vinland Saga! Or you explain heliocentrism to someone, and while they’re amazed by this random chapter from history, you revisit the glorious animation and engaging storytelling of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.

It’s always fascinating to walk away from an anime or manga as a completely changed person. Not just because the story is touching, but it explores world events with great detail and caution. As rewarding and entertaining as it can be when anime and history come together, it’s still a rare phenomenon–an unexplored territory for the most part.

Both Vinland Saga and Orb: On the Movements of the Earth open up different...

The Apothecary Diaries is an anime that would leave you wanting more because of how good it is. Not many stories can depict a strong and independent woman faithfully, and this show has managed to do just that.

Its rich storyline and dynamic characters, especially its very likable protagonist, make it an experience that is sure to leave a void when it ends. Thankfully, there are some alternatives for this, and one of them is Yona of the Dawn.

Though these shows are very different from one another, the depictions of complex heroines are just the same. Yona of the Dawn is also much more inclined towards action, a quality that is absent in The Apothecary Diaries.

Similarities in storytelling and character growth

In The Apothecary Diaries, we see the journey of Maomao, a girl who is trying to survive with her wit within the rear palace. As she grew up in a brothel,...

Looking back through the years, it wouldn’t be wrong to say the 2010s were a truly remarkable era for the anime world, with 2015 particularly standing out as an unforgettable year. It gave birth to anime titles that were the first introduction to the extraordinary realm of anime for countless viewers. As with every year, some series disappointed and some lived up to the hype, but there were those that just exceeded expectations.

Now, looking back from 2025, it would surprise fans to know how some of the biggest names in the anime industry right now made their groundbreaking debut in 2015, forever etching their names as modern classics. From intense psychological thrillers like Death Parade to highly beloved romance anime like Yona of the Dawn, these are 2015’s top anime titles that still stand tall today.

My Love Story!! Subverts the Romance Anime Genre With Its Wholesomeness Streaming on Hulu

Ore Monogarati!

Many romance anime focus solely on love, often reducing their protagonists to passive figures swept along by fate. Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) breaks this mold entirely. While romance is an integral part of the story, it does not define it.

Yona, the princess of Kouka [Pierrot]

At its heart, Yona of the Dawn is a story of a girl forced to confront the brutal realities of the world. It is about breaking free from privilege, learning to stand on one’s own, and understanding the true weight of leadership. The romance, though beautifully woven into the story, is secondary to Yona’s personal evolution.

Yona’s evolution from a sheltered princess to a fierce leader

At the beginning of the series, Yona is soft, naive, and entirely dependent on the comforts of royal life. She is the only child of King Il, a pacifist ruler who has...

Shojo anime often struggles to achieve satisfying conclusions. As a genre less popular than shonen anime or isekai anime, shojo anime adaptations sometimes face rushed endings or incomplete storylines, leaving fans with unresolved plot points. While these series might not always get the full treatment they deserve, the conclusions they offer can still resonate, providing closure even when they don't fully match the source material.

When shojo anime does manage to land satisfying endings, the payoff is all the sweeter. For fans who’ve longed for a complete narrative, these final episodes are a gratifying release, delivering emotional closure and tying up long-running story arcs. Whether an adaptation diverges from the manga or offers its own interpretation, a solid ending can make all the difference.

Yona of the Dawn's Promising, Open-Ended Finale Ensures Yona’s Journey Feels Both Complete & Full of Potential Stream Yona of the Dawn on CrunchyrollImage via...

Often, romance anime only last for one season. There's only a handful of romance anime, like From Me To You and Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, that have gotten more seasons. Other beloved romance anime are stuck in season one limbo and deserve another season to adapt their immersive story. Yona of the Dawn is a prime example of a romance anime that wholly deserves another season.

Giving romance anime another season gives the series the proper development it deserves. Sometimes, since many romance anime are locked to one season, their story ends up feeling rushed. Fortunately, some romance anime have had a resurgence, such as From Me To You, getting a third season after a decade. As fans of anime head deeper into the 2020s, the future of romance anime is looking more promising.

The World Is Still Beautiful & Has a Captivating World Worth Exploring Streaming on Crunchyroll

The World is Still Beautiful...

Anime has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity over the past decade, transcending cultural barriers and expanding its influence worldwide. Once considered a niche form of entertainment, anime now has a huge, dedicated audience and generates billions in revenue. While high-quality animation, diverse storytelling, and global streaming platforms have all contributed to this growth, two key demographics have played a crucial role in making anime more mainstream than ever before, and those are female viewers and adult audiences.

According to grandviewresearch.com, industry trends from recent years indicate that these groups have driven revenue to new heights, shaping the type of content being produced and consumed. However, the anime boom is far from over. As content creators adapt to evolving audience preferences, a shift is expected in the coming years. Female viewers and teenage audiences are projected to be the next dominant forces in anime consumption, influencing the future of the medium.

HBO's juggernaut Game of Thrones' cutthroat politics and fantasy warfare left many viewers hungry for more after the credits rolled on its divisive finale. While House of the Dragon is the obvious successor to the Westeros TV crown, a bounty of anime has quietly cultivated political fantasy that rivals—and often surpasses—Game of Thrones content of late.

From war-torn space nations to fantasy realms where access to reading causes a revolution, there's no shortage of anime Game of Thrones alternatives that deliver the intensity and magic that made the Westeros saga appointment viewing. Discover the most politically intriguing of them all below.

Requiem For The Rose King Is An Underrated Anime About Richard III Streaming on Crunchyroll

The Wars of the Roses sparked countless stories of power and betrayal, from Shakespeare to a Benedict Cumberbatch miniseries. Requiem for the Rose King puts its spin on the legend of Richard III,...

Anime characters have a way of catching audiences’ attention. Many characters utilize their exuberant charm to entice audiences into their fandom. The most potent of these captivating characters continue to plague viewers with their stories, even long after their anime have ended.

The most charismatic anime characters weasel their way into fans' hearts and minds with their unbridled coolness. Every step they take makes viewers love them all the more. These characters are so charming that it almost seems like they can do no wrong in fans’ eyes. Whether they are fresh or timeless characters, there is no denying how much space they take up in audiences’ hearts.

Related10 Most Charismatic Studio Ghibli Anime Characters of All Time, Ranked

Studio Ghibli has a charming cast of characters but all for different reasons, from youthful innocence to a devoted resolve to change the world.

Kakashi Hatake Is Distant But Relatable Stream...

The shojo anime genre has been around for decades and has provided fans with some of the best series. Fan favorites like Fruits Basket and Yona of the Dawn have led many viewers to try other shojo properties as well. Newer fans typically go for more recent anime, but some old gems are just as good (if not better) than a lot of the current shojo anime series.

The best older shojo anime give audiences a feeling of nostalgia, from more fantastical plotlines to an “exaggerated realism” animation style. They also portray a wider breadth of surprisingly empowering female characters for the time of their creation. Shojo anime nowadays are great, but these lost diamonds should not be kept in the dark, either.

Related10 Most Underrated Classic Shojo Anime, Ranked

From the ‘60s to the 2000s, these underrated shojo anime classics shaped the genre but remain overlooked gems that every fan should revisit.

It's easy for any anime fan to find a popular new title to try, such as action series like Kaiju No. 8 or romance anime like Komi Can't Communicate, but the real fun is finding hidden gems or half-forgotten anime. Those titles feel like a fresh treat when anime fans stumble upon them on the major streaming platforms, and even if those anime were never 10/10 classics, they are still rewarding to watch after being found in remote corners of the anime world.

Some of these hidden gem anime were once fairly mainstream but have since fallen into partial obscurity with the lack of new seasons, or got overshadowed by a bigger, more popular anime of a similar genre. All of them deserve another chance at popularity, so if enough anime fans track down these half-forgotten gems and try them out, these series might re-enter the conversation, at least for a brief time.

Valentine’s Day is here, and one should make the most of it. And what better way to celebrate love than romance anime, right? From meet-cutes to friendly banters, love is celebrated in every form and way. The subtle yet slow-burn romance is what we all live for.

Kazehaya and Kuronuma in Kimi ni Todoke | Credit: Production I.G

And these four anime are an ode to love itself. Other than action, adventure, and fantasy, these series blended romance, relationships, and intimacy brilliantly within their premise. These are sure to make your heart flutter in the best way possible. Do stay tuned for our honorable mentions as well.

1. Fruits Basket – A wholesome Valentine’s Day anime

Based on Natsuki Takaya’s manga of the same name, Fruits Basket is anything but a bog-standard romance anime. It is a perfect blend of love, friendships, and betrayal. It is gripping in its portrayal of dysfunctional families.

Yona of the Dawnis a shojo high fantasy anime based on the manga series by Mizuho Kusanagi. The manga series began in the early 2000s, and is forty-four volumes long as of June 2024. Despite Kusanagi's work having such an epic story and committed readership, the anime was canceled after its first season.

The Yona of the Dawn anime tragically joined the shojo graveyard where so many promising and extremely well-received series were canceled after only one or two seasons. Similar to the Ouran High School Host Club fan base, there will always be a committed and hopeful audience that would love to see a renaissance for the Yona of the Dawn anime.

Yona of the Dawn's Anime Adaptation Only Covers 6 Manga Story Arcs The Shojo Anime Should Have Had at Least 2 More Seasons

Story Arc

Manga Chapters

Episodes

Fugitive Arc

1-10

1-6

Prophecy Arc

11-14

6-8

Dragons Arc...

Romance continues to be one of the most popular and delightful genres in anime today, with each new year bringing in new romance stories that overlap with other genres like slice-of-life, high school, drama, fantasy, and certainly comedy. All of the biggest streaming platforms feature an impressive collection of romance anime, most of all the streaming giant Crunchyroll.

Crunchyroll might have a few gaps in its library, but otherwise, it is positively loaded with most of the best and most popular romance titles out there. Most of them are short series, and a few are quite lengthy or are a high-quality anime film that will make for cozy viewing.

Update on February 10th, 2025 by Louis Kemner: This list of the best romance anime on Crunchyroll has swapped out several entries for newer, stronger ones and has been streamlined for an easier reading experience. That includes some mega-hit romance series that...

Hundreds of thousands of manga have been released across countless genres, ensuring every fan can find something that resonates with them. However, some series stand out as a cut above the rest—must-reads that every manga fan deserves to experience at least once.

These incredible manga feature stellar storytelling, beloved characters, and beautiful art. From fantasy to realism, romance to action, each series brings something unique to the table. While they may differ in style and genre, they all have one thing in common: they set the standard for what makes a truly unforgettable manga.

Yona of the Dawn's Rich World-Building & Great Female Main Lead Make it Worth the Read Read on Viz Media; Manga Status: In its Final Arc

Yona of the Dawn is an epic fantasy romance by Mizuho Kusanagi. The series follows the princess of the Kouka Kingdom, 16-year-old Yona, as her cousin Su-won kills her...

In recent times, a new trend has been going around in the anime industry, where the studios are opting to remake the classic series, where they would ride on the nostalgia and the emotions that are attached to it while bringing in new fans that will add to its fame.

Princess Yona. Credits: Studio Pierrot

A good remake or a reboot can indeed breathe new life into the classic story, where they get engrossed in the iconic story that adds to the legacy of the title. With series like Hunter x Hunter, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Devilman Crybaby, and so many more being infectiously popular, fans have been asking for the remake of Yona of the Dawn as well.

Well, getting a remake of your favorite series sounds exciting to the ears, but fans have a condition that the series must follow while remaking the 2014 series.

Yona of the Dawn must...

When it comes to well-written shojo series, Yona of the Dawn takes the cake. Be it characters, premise, or pacing, the series is a cut above the rest in more ways than one. It is also one of the finest works by Studio Pierrot in the genre.

Be it adventure, or action, the series seamlessly blends different elements into the premise. And though it encompasses fantasy and magic, the anime took it to a whole new level in this aspect.

Princess Yona in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

In particular, the English dub adds to the comical aspects of the series. While dubs are looked down on by the purists, it makes the series stand out. It is one of the standalone features which deems it wholesome in every way.

But more than that, Pierrot left no stone unturned in its rendition of the manga. The animation...

The world of Bleach is filled with complex power systems, and one of the most debated aspects among fans is the difference between reiatsu (spiritual pressure) and reiryoku (spiritual energy). This also raises one of the biggest supposed “plotholes” in the series that revolves around how Aizen was able to incinerate a human simply by strolling past him, yet Ichigo who should be at least as powerful as Aizen does not accidentally vaporize humans as he casually travels through the Human World.

Ichigo vs Aizen in Bleach | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Before the climactic battle with Ichigo, Aizen showed his spiritual superiority by casually walking through a town, causing an individual to dissolve under the sheer pressure of his reiatsu. Later, when a Royal Guard approached Aizen, his spiritual pressure was enough to dissolve the man’s fingers. Given that Ichigo’s power should be at least equal to Aizen’s...

Bleach has a massive amount of characters, all of whom have unique and memorable personas. Especially the Soul Reapers, the Vice-Captains, and the Captains, all have their own development arcs and backstories.

Be it Byakuya, Hitsugaya, or even Aizen, they are all important characters that stand at the core of Bleach’s narrative. One such enigmatic and intriguing character has a particularly grand and shocking background.

As one of the lieutenants in the 13 Divisions, she wielded a massive amount of power and influence from the very beginning. Her zanpakuto can be said to have one of the most terrifying powers in all of the series. So why has Rangiku not been able to achieve Bankai or get highlighted? Let us delve in and understand.

Rangiku Matsumoto’s true power has been stolen

Rangiku Matsumoto has always been a somewhat background and underrated character in Bleach. She has been seen on the screen many times,...

Contrary to popular belief, Tite Kubo’s road to success was rather perilous. The mangaka went the extra mile for his magnum opus. The serialization is anything but easy considering the overworking and backbreaking schedule.

To top it off, it is one of the landmark series among Jump’s Big 3. Though it is often considered weak, its return after the hiatus had most critics chew their words. It was made possible because of yet another Shonen series.

Ichigo Kurosaki in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Most specifically, Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga Demon Slayer played a pivotal role in its kickstart. The series set a benchmark in the genre through its accolades, acclaim, popularity, and most of all, quality.

Studio Pierrot followed in its footsteps to ensure Bleach gets its due and deserved recognition. This also marked Kubo’s comeback in the shonen, which is a banger.

Demon Slayer...

A decade back, Yona of the Dawn took the shoujo anime scene by storm. From its visuals to its premise, the series stands as one of the underappreciated gems produced by Studio Pierrot. But that is not the end of it all.

It is praised for its strong characters and compelling storyline but most of all it changed the course of the shojo genre. The studio went above and beyond in carving it a masterpiece. While it is impeccable, there are downsides to it as well.

Yona in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

With Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’s soaring popularity, Pierrot is all set to go the extra mile. In terms of its production quality and finesse, the studio is amping up its game for good. It is a win-win situation for the franchise.

In retrospect, the studio is making a grave mistake by sidelining the shojo series.

February will be a fantastic month for Demon Slayer fans. Aniplex will release a rarely-seen series associated with the Shonen Jump franchise for free.

According to the Japanese entertainment website Comic Natalie, all four Demon Slayer stage plays will be released for free on the official Aniplex YouTube channel. While this is terrific news for domestic fans in Japan, English viewers in North America will be thrilled to hear that videos uploaded on the Aniplex YouTube channel are (as of writing) available region-free.

RelatedOfficial Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Movie Listing Inadvertently Leaks Own Premiere Release Date

CineStar's film listing for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle seemingly reveals its rapidly approaching overseas release date.

Demon Slayer's Live-Action Shows Get Free Streaming Home This February Image via Shueisha and Aniplex

The first Demon Slayer stage play will be released on YouTube for free on Feb. 1, 2025. Afterward,...

The anime community as a whole, even including the major animation studios in charge of bringing them to life, has held an unconscious bias towards Shonen anime. It’s become the flagship genre for anime that becomes the first taste to any fans exploring the world.

When thinking about anime, names like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Naruto pop up. It’s curious how it’s rarely a Shojo anime that comes to mind, unlike how people can instantly name at least 5 Shonen in comparison. What exactly happened to make the Shonen genre tower over Shojo?

Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Liking the Shojo genre ends up being met with a level of ridicule and shame. On the flip side, if you aren’t familiar with popular Shonen anime, the reaction is the same.

Since Shojo mainly caters to a female audience, it’s...

If you’re a fan of fantasy anime set in ancient times, Yona of the Dawn is definitely a must-watch. Sadly, it’s an often-overlooked shojo anime from 2014 that never got renewed for a second season; nevertheless, it still boasts a dedicated fanbase eager for a Season 2.

Princess Yona from the anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Yona of the Dawn takes place in a fictional, historical world filled with magic and ancient dragons. While the story is packed with adventure, at its core, it’s a shojo romance that embraces many of the genre’s classic tropes.

It is a Reverse-harem anime with many bishonen characters and plenty of romantic tension to go around. Princess Yona starts as a typical helpless shojo protagonist, but the series’ beautiful writing and narrative show how she breaks the mold, setting a powerful example for other shojo heroines.

How Yona of the Dawn redefines Shojo Tropes with a strong,...

This year is about to see the return of beloved anime and the release of new exciting ones, and while there is plenty to look forward to, there will be even more anime to choose from once the Anime Japan 2025 event ends. After Jump Festa treated fans to great news, this upcoming event, which will be held only a few months later, will bless them even more.

Anime Japan is an annual convention where people from all over the anime industry, such as voice actors, executives, studios, and more, meet to announce news to fans of many different franchises. Last year had many great announcements, such as Oshi No Ko's season 2 release date, Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World season 3 trailer and release date, and many more. However, this year promises even bigger and more explosive news, and with only 2 months left until Anime Japan 2025 kicks off, fans should watch...

Scheduled to air in September 2023, Naruto's four anniversary episodes were unfortunately put on an indefinite hiatus to improve quality. Ever since, fans have heard nothing official about Studio Pierrot's progress on Naruto's four new episodes, nor any release window. However, this may change soon as the date for one of the anime industry's biggest conventions draws near.

Anime Japan 2025 is coming on March 23-24. While there are many exciting possible news such as Hunter X Hunter's anime news, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3, and a trailer for One-Punch Man season 3's anime, fans should look out for Studio Pierrot's booth where they will reveal their new projects and anniversary releases for 2025 going forward. While there are many series the studio has put on hold that could be announced to air soon, such as Black Clover season 5, the possibility that Naruto's 4 new episodes will be announced is very...

Yona of the Dawn may not hail from the ’90s, but with nearly a decade since its release and the story left incomplete, a reboot feels overdue. Unlike other romance anime that might need a reboot to fix lackluster animation or poor adaptation choices, Yona of the Dawn doesn’t suffer from these pitfalls. Instead, it stands as a prime candidate for revitalizing the romance-adventure genre, offering a refreshing alternative to predictable plotlines and clichéd twists.

Much like Kimi ni Todoke, which recently returned to great fanfare, Yona of the Dawn could capture a new generation of viewers while reigniting its devoted fanbase. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and a plot that balances romance and adventure, a reboot has the potential to redefine how anime tackles these genres. Fans have long expressed their desire to see Yona’s journey continue, especially with so much of the manga left untouched.

The Medieval Era, also called the Dark Ages, takes place between the 5th and 15th centuries. Medieval anime tends to take place in Europe, or a fantasy country or realm inspired by England, France, or Germany. It's also one of the most popular time periods to base historical fantasy anime in. The titles vary in tone from dark to whimsical.

Medieval high fantasy takes place in a world that's completely different from the real world, often in a fictional kingdom that's inspired by a real world place. Fantasy is a great addition to a medieval historical. Medieval people had many pagan practices and understandings of the world, as well as superstitions.

Related 10 Anime That Would Be Great Studio Ghibli Movies

Studio Ghibli has created masterful fantasy films, which leave fans wanting more. Here are anime series that have the Studio Ghibli charm.

Slayers Is One of the First Popular Medieval...

Shojo anime are stories adapted from light novels and manga, written and marketed for a young female audience. Romance tends to be a big part of shojo, and it's often the main plot, with other subplots surrounding it rather than the reverse. Fantasy shojo is a subgenre that covers many kinds of stories, from isekai and high fantasy to urban paranormal and magical realism.

The best shojo anime have well-developed protagonists and love interests. Kuudere and tsundere love interests are one of the more popular character types in new release shojo fantasy. These characters are nuanced, and are more than simple archetypes or stereotypes.

Related 10 Best Anime Studios of All Time, Ranked

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Fushigi Yugi's Tamahome Is a Classic Magical Girl Anime Love Interest Tamahome & Miaka Bicker a Lot, but They Adore Each Other...

Every anime cast has a set of handsome characters that fans simply cannot resist. Jujutsu Kaisen has Satoru Gojo and Kento Nanami. One Piece has the swordmaster Roronoa Zoro and the flirtatious Sanji. And the Naruto franchise has the aloof Sasuke Uchiha. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is simply another great shonen anime with a plethora of excellently written and intriguing men.

Like other classic and popular shows, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood carries a myriad of timeless male characters. Many of them, with the series' fame lasting well over a decade, were the childhood crushes of countless viewers who had picked up the show in their youth. Others became more appreciated for what they brought to the table later on, when those same fans grew older. But whether a viewer is new to the Fma fanbase or a well-versed veteran, the anime presents several heartthrobs that no one can ever forget.

Related 10 Most...

For the longest time, Shojo as a genre has faced flak from the audience. Compared to Shonen, many readers and viewers have looked it down upon. It is a gross misconception that the genre caters simply to young women and girls.

This demographic, however, is changing for the better. For the past decade, the anime industry has given us some of the finest stories written by both men and women. But that isn’t the end, especially with the latest developments and updates.

Yona and Hak | Credit: Studio Pierrot

A Sign of Affection and My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 getting a second season is a piece of delightful news for most fans. This holds especially true for their riveting premise that reshaped the landscape of storytelling.

In retrospect, it leaves room for hope for several fans awaiting a second season for Yona of the Dawn. The series had...

Shojo anime is character-driven, and romance-heavy. Even if a shojo anime isn't a romantic comedy, plenty of shojo couples are absolutely hilarious because they end up in their fair share of zany situations. The most well-written couples aren't funny because of cheap prat falls or cheap jokes. They're humorous because they're quick-witted.

A romance anime doesn't have to be a comedy to be funny if two love interests have diametrically opposing personalities or experiences. They clash against each other in classic tsundere fashion, or tease each other in a battle of wits. In a well-crafted anime, sometimes just watching a character try to make sense of their love interest trying to flirt with them is hilarious.

Hak & Yona Love to Tease Each Other in Yona of the Dawn Hak Has Known Yona Since Childhood

Yona may be beyond Hak's station as his princess in Yona of the Dawn, but the pair grew up together,...

If you are a fan of fantasy anime set in an ancient period, then Yona of the Dawn would definitely be one of the many titles that would be on the long list of the genre. The series was much more than a fantasy series, where the series was fairly popular but not enough to receive mainstream fame.

Yona. Credits: Studio Pierrot

With a wide variety of characters and a refreshing take on harem, the title has left a strong impression on its viewers. However, the fame and fan following are not enough for the Shoujo anime to receive a second season.

It has been a decade, and the followers are still optimistic that a sequel season will take place. Sadly, that will not be the case because of how it had mistakenly advertised itself among the viewers.

Yona of the Dawn’s misinterpretation led to its cancellation

Akatsuki no Yona,...

Shojo is technically a demographic; it's anime and manga written and marketed for a young, female audience. It's also referenced almost as a wider genre of its own, because shojo anime follows certain conventions, like telling romance and character-driven (rather than plot-driven) stories. Some shojo stories are incredibly melodramatic, to where fans often compare them to soap-operas.

Fans enjoy those shojo titles for the drama. They push the envelope, and keep the audience hooked, making them wonder what could happen next. Not all zany anime is written equally. While some anime are poorly written but enjoyed for their shock value and humor, others are well-written soap operas with nuance and purpose.

Takeo Embodies Knightly Goodness in Modern Day in My Love Story!! Takeo Saves Rinko on a Bus

My Love Story!! is a romantic comedy that has a very playful and sincere tone. It follows the very likable hero, Takeo Gouda,...

With thousands of anime to choose from, it’s no wonder that many series have been forgotten despite past popularity or widespread acclaim from viewers. Some anime became sidelined due to incomplete manga, while others failed to catch the attention of fans quickly enough, resulting in the cancelation of new seasons. Even so, works like Fruits Basket and Kimi no Todoke, which made returns after years without continuation, give fans hope for the future.

With the rise of reboots and the growing popularity of anime, there is a possibility that classics and fan favorites may make a comeback on screen. Reboots can provide updated animation, more faithful adaptations, or a chance to give closure to a favorite series. They offer an opportunity for both old and new fans to rediscover forgotten gems, and many of these series deserve a reboot Asap.

Yona of the Dawn With the Manga Approaching Its End,...

Shojo anime, a demographic targeted primarily toward young women, is often relegated to the shadow of its male-dominated shonen counterpart. This is reflected in the production of these series, as a typical shojo anime will be cut short after one season and never allowed to finish its story. Where shonen series such as My Hero Academia or One Piece can span several seasons, many shojo anime are forced to pack several manga volumes of content into just 12 or 24 episodes.

This leaves shojo anime shows in the tough spot of having to exclude quite a bit of manga content, much to the dismay of fans who argue that the series does not do justice to the manga. Yet, some shojo anime received high praise from viewers and critics despite this. These anime series provide satisfying endings for their characters and leave an impact on the genre, even if some may remain forever unfinished.

Shojo manga and anime offerings boast many strong series that are good for the soul, and with Colette Decides to Die, even the souls of the Underworld can benefit from the genre's healing influence. Hailing from the storied Hakusensha magazine Hana to Yume, home to Yona of the Dawn, Fruits Basket, and Kamisama Kiss, Colette Decides to Die follows a romantic fantasy twist with a Greek mythological twist. Despite the series debuting in 2013, it's finally getting an English print release thanks to Viz Media, with volume #1 holding a mighty 402 pages of Alto Yukimura's Greek myth romance manga.

Hana to Yume's manga series tend to receive wildly successful anime adaptations, with many of its iconic series often gracing best romance anime lists before mentioning its series' uplifting explorations of human connection. Even though many of these cases involve non-humans in the mixture, such as deities, the principle remains the same. Colette...

Many fans are extremely pleased with the new two-part movie Sailor Moon Cosmos, which concludes the full Sailor Moon storyline from the manga. Both parts are now available to stream on Netflix, and they are the final piece of the Sailor Moon Crystal reboot. Sailor Moon Crystal adaptation writers and animators work closely with the original Sailor Moon mangaka, Naoko Takeuchi.

Sailor Moon Crystal is meant to be completely faithful to the original 18-volume shojo series by Naoko Takeuchi. Sailor Moon Cosmos concludes the series by adapting the Sailor Stars arc. The original anime series also adapted the Sailor Stars arc, but the anime team made so many cuts and additions which disappointed manga readers.

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There are few better combinations than fantasy and romance together. Many audiences affectionately call the genre-combo "romantasy." Fantasy anime often has a romantic subplot, but it tends to take a back burner to the main plot, but romantasy anime puts the romance plot close to the same level as the external conflict--be it an evil overlord that needs to be toppled, or a magical tournament.

Romantasy anime can have fluffy romance, or heart-sweeping, incredibly dramatic love stories. It really depends on the world the story takes place in. Shows like InuYasha and Yona of the Dawn combine well-written romance with some of the best fantasy tropes.

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Related 10 Best Dark Fantasy Anime That Deserve A Second Chance

From stories of magical lands and creatures to sizzling vampire love stories, these are the most underrated fantasy anime that deserve a second look.

A Princess...

Cbr Anime Week is brought to you by Hulu Animayhem

With just about every streaming service adding anime to their catalogs, there are more ways than ever for fans to watch their favorite series. Though anime-centric sites like Crunchyroll or Funimation are the go-to for most fans, Hulu has become a great place to explore romance anime in particular.

In anime, romance can include everything from shojo to action to slice-of-life. Hulu has tons of classics and new favorites for romance fans, from swoon-worthy titles like Say I Love You to heartbreakers like Your Lie in April.

Updated on July 2nd, 2024 by Louis Kemner: Hulu is one of the best places to find anime representing a wide range of genres, including romance. In honor of Animayhem on Hulu, this list of the best romance anime on that platform has been trimmed and refined to feature the 15 most delightful romance series...

Cbr Anime Week is brought to you by Hulu Animayhem

Sailor Moon's art style is elegant, girlish, and ethereal, with influences from Naoko Takeuchi's personal interests and experiences. The anime's art style evolved with each story arc, incorporating elements of horror and whimsy, while staying true to Takeuchi's vision. Sailor Moon Crystal is a manga-loyal reboot with a more streamlined story, retaining the original uniform designs and character color palettes.

Sailor Moon is a magical girl shojo anime from the 1990s, and it's based on the manga series Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi. The art style is elegant, girlish, ethereal, and even creepy at times. The series' story and aesthetic is so influential that other shojo fantasy anime and manga, like Yona of the Dawn, were made to emulate it.

Fans may associate Sailor Moon with quintessential '90s-style anime, but the series extends well beyond the '90s.

Performances of the Yona of the Dawn stage musical adaptation are just over the horizon, and the first light is shining through in a brand-new key visual released today that depicts the glorious main cast in costume. Yona of the Dawn stage musical key visual Tokyo's Theater H will play host to the Tsuneyasu Motoyoshi-directed show from July 20 to July 28 later this year, featuring a screenplay penned by Aoto Tani, music compositions by Masato Kamata and choreography by Shinji Rachi. The show's cast is as follows: Yona played by Mirei Hoshina / Aya Akane Hak Son played by Keisuke Kaminaga / Ryono Kusachi Ki-Ja played by Rui Kihara Shin-Ah played by Shion Yoshitaka Jae-Ha played by Sho Kato Zeno played by Dion Yun played by Tsukasa Hiryu Tae-Jun played by Hisanori Sato Kum-Ji played by Daisuke Yanase Soo-Won played by Shinji Rachi Gi-Gang played by Miyuki Tsurugi Related: Demon Slayer -Kimetsu No...

The previously announced stage musical adaptation of Mizuho Kusanagi's Yona of the Dawn manga today revealed a full set of solo visuals depicting the fantastical cast in costume, adding to Yona and Hak Son's spotlight from last week . Tokyo's Theater H will play host to the Tsuneyasu Motoyoshi-directed show from July 20 to July 28 later this year, featuring a screenplay penned by Aoto Tani, music compositions by Masato Kamata and choreography by Shinji Rachi. The show's cast is as follows: Yona played by Mirei Hoshina / Aya Akane Hak Son played by Keisuke Kaminaga / Ryono Kusachi Ki-Ja played by Rui Kihara Shin-Ah played by Shion Yoshitaka Jae-Ha played by Sho Kato Zeno played by Dion Yun played by Tsukasa Hiryu Tae-Jun played by Hisanori Sato Kum-Ji played by Daisuke Yanase Soo-Won played by Shinji Rachi Gi-Gang played by Miyuki Tsurugi All Solo Visuals Ki-Ja Shin-Ah Jae-Ha Zeno Yun Tae-Jun Kum-Ji Soo-Won...

Is the Yona of the Dawn Manga Finished? Creator Shares Update on Final Arc - Main Image

It has been nearly a decade since the Yona of the Dawn anime premiered. For fans who have not been keeping up with the series, they may be wondering if the Yona of the Dawn is finished.

While there’s still no word on plans for a new season for the anime, the manga’s creator did share an update regarding the manga’s final arc, implying that the series will conclude soon.

Is the Yona of the Dawn Manga Finished? Current Status

Yona of the Dawn is a fantasy romance manga by Mizuho Kusanagi that began serialization back in August 2009. Since then, the series has continued to get new chapters in the HanaYume magazine by Hakusensha.

The series got a boost in popularity thanks to the anime adaptation by studio Pierrot (of...