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Gushing Over Magical Girls - SEASON FINALE
In the end, Gushing Over Magical Girls truly becomes an analysis of someone's interfacing with their BDSM fetishism and its impact on their relationships.
Tales of Wedding Rings Episodes 1-12 Streaming Anime Review
What you're left with is a dull fantasy with stock, underdeveloped characters with uninteresting relationships that never look as good as they insist they should.
― The isekai subgenre is no stranger to harems. These days, it seems like every Tom, Dick, or Harry who gets transported to a fantasy world is instantly gifted with a gaggle of giggling girls glomming over his gormless gonads. Tales of Wedd...
SAND LAND: THE SERIES ‒ Episode 8
With every episode, I continue to be impressed by Sand Land.
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic ‒ Episode 12
This show is the epitome of unrealized potential.
Sengoku Youko ‒ Episode 12
This episode still features some important and impactful moments for our characters, but it is, first and foremost, a rip-snorting good time full of hotblooded beatdowns.
Villainess Level 99 ‒ SEASON FINALE
This was always entertaining, and since that's the goal of television shows, I'd call this more of a success than not, ugly CG dragons and other visual issues aside.
Urusei Yatsura ‒ Episode 34
Overall, it's not my favorite episode of the season, and I would almost recommend skipping it. It doesn't feel like there's a real payoff to any of the setup, and the humor felt repetitious or drawn out.
Shangri-La Frontier ‒ Episode 24
This episode did lean into a lot of the show's strengths, tapping into what it means to be a gamer who likes to explore and experiment in a new area.
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life ‒ SEASON FINALE
This final episode puts the final nail in the coffin of the series' title – Rishe is anything but a villainess, and she never has been.
The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 ‒ Episode 24
It's time for the school trip—which means plenty of potential for a lot of classic romantic comedy hijinx!
Solo Leveling ‒ Episode 11
Are these fights visually interesting? Absolutely—especially in the fight with Igris. The problem is that it's eye candy and nothing more.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End ‒ SEASON FINALE
If there is a single thing that ties this final episode of Frieren together, it is the theme of legacy.
Ninja Kamui ‒ Episode 7
When Lil is defeated, he's sure that Higan will kill him on the spot. Instead, Higan says that he's gonna make sure he dies slowly.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2 ‒ Episode 23
If an all-powerful hyper wizard, like this series' big bad, is questioning if the world can be changed on that level, then you know it's going to be an uphill battle.
Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga ‒ Episode 12
Man, “Hidden Feelings” is a weird episode of Blue Exorcist.
One Piece ‒ Episode 1098
I got the feeling that Dr. Vegapunk was spending a bit of World Government money on the side to build up his Mall-of-Tomorrow island.
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out Anime Film Review
In theaters as a double-feature, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out changes up the formula for a unique yet satisfying film.
― As a fan of the previous Rascal Does Not Dream anime, this film is not at all what I expected. Up until this point, the series has followed a set pattern. Our protagonist Sakuta becomes involved with a young woman who is dealing with some aspect of growing up—be ...
Bucchigiri?! ‒ Episode 10
Arajin has now spent two full episodes doing nothing on the sidelines, waiting for either Matakara or Senya to seek him out and explain things without ever taking the initiative.
A Sign of Affection ‒ SEASON FINALE
While it might not be the most eventful season-ender you'll ever see, it stays true to what made A Sign of Affection so enjoyable all season.
The Apothecary Diaries ‒ SEASON FINALE
Lakan knows that she's not well but it doesn't matter to him now that he's finally reunited with her.
Undead Unluck ‒ SEASON FINALE
Akira's story climaxes in the thrilling moment when he draws a copy of a time manipulation artifact and sacrifices over a century of his lifetime to bring Rip back to his adult form.
The Spring 2024 Anime Trailer Watch Party Will Be Live from Japan!
THIS TUESDAY! Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge and Richard Eisenbeis, and Trash Taste Pod's Gigguk as they watch over fifty anime trailers from the Spring 2024 anime season!
― The Trailer Watch Party is growing up with a live stream from Trash Taste Pod's After Dark studio. Join Anime News Network executive editor Lynzee Loveridge, ANN Japan correspondent Richard Eisenbeis, and Trash Taste Pod's...
Brave Bang Bravern! ‒ Episode 11
Not only do we have Bravern tackling Isami to the ground while shouting “I love you!”, we also get to see Superbia try delicious fish.
Rooming With My Two Lovers Volume 1 Manga Review
Rooming With My Two Lovers does something that I wish a lot more BL stories would do: the characters sit down and have a proper conversation like adults.
― Rooming With My Two Lovers is a series that I wouldn't say I liked when it started. In many ways, it falls into the typical conventional trappings you'd see in most other adult BL stories. There is this emphasis on teasing and gaslighting in a way...
The Witch and the Beast ‒ Episode 10
The Witch and the Beast is by no means a perfect adaptation but this is a perfect episode of The Witch and the Beast.
Chained Soldier ‒ SEASON FINALE
Despite all of the crazy stuff that has happened since Yuuki joined the 07th Regiment, it doesn't feel like much has changed for anyone.
My Ultramarine Sky Manga Review
My Ultramarine Sky is a slow burn, which may drag for some readers, but it's ultimately a very rewarding reading experience.
― Nagisa Furuya excels at writing gentle, yearning BL stories. Her previously released titles, The Two Lions from Seven Seas and My Summer of You from Kodansha, have demonstrated this knack, and My Ultramarine Sky is no exception. The story follows two friends, Kai and Ren, who...
Delicious in Dungeon ‒ Episode 12
Senshi almost blows up the entire party by cooking in a big flammable ring of dragon guts.
This Week in Games - Mourning Mutsumi Inomata
This week, Jean-Karlo morns the loss of artist Mutsumi Inomata and takes a look at her contributions to gaming. Also in the news, there's a new Fatal Fury on the way as well as new title Mega Man Battle Network fans are sure to enjoy.
― Welcome back, everyone! As you read this, Dragon's Dogma 2 is already out and folks are likely going nuts making and sharing pawns. I still haven't had a chance to pl...
The One And Only Animerica Magazine
Brian Stremick flips through the pages of the seminal Japanese pop-culture magazine and how it helped shape anime fandom in the U.S.
― My first contact with anime was during my college years. I used to scour the web and look through the tiny manga section at my local bookstore in search of information. One day, a particular publication in that store's magazine section caught my eye. It was called Ani...
Metallic Rouge ‒ Episode 11
“A show starring puppets controlled by hands you can't see.”
A Kingdom of Quartz Manga Volume 1 Review
Sometimes, with an exceptional manga, all it takes is a few pages to fall hopelessly in love.
― Sometimes, with an exceptional manga, all it takes is a few pages to fall hopelessly in love. That was my early experience with Canadian mangaka BOMHAT's first published manga A Kingdom of Quartz. I'd describe it as Witch Hat Atelier meets Haibane Renmei by way of The Ugly Duckling. Initially published (wi...
Villainess Level 99 ‒ Episode 11
Yumiella found herself stumbling around a confession of love for Patrick, attempting to figure out how he felt about her and managing to nearly botch the entire thing.
Gushing Over Magical Girls ‒ Episode 12
The aftermath of any big scene has to include time for some comedown and aftercare, and that's exactly what the girls of the Gushing world are working towards this week.
This Week in Anime - When Criticism Meets Anime Fandom
More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with their views. This week, our resident reviewers Chris and Lucas weigh in on what it means to approach anime works critically as reviewers.
― More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with th...
Sengoku Youko ‒ Episode 11
You'd think undergoing supernatural training, multiple new power-ups, and losing an appendage last week would prompt our heroes to chill out for a bit and collect themselves, but nope.
SAND LAND: THE SERIES ‒ Episode 7
With episode 7, Sand Land moves beyond what both the manga and film covered. However, this means there is a major issue to overcome right off the bat.
Frieren Knocks Full Metal Alchemist Out of the Top Spot on Both MAL and ANN
After roughly a decade with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as the highest-rated anime on both sites, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has now taken the top spot.
― [Editor's Note: An incomplete draft of this article was accidently published previously. It has been taken down and replaced with this, the completed version.] What is the greatest anime in the world? The show that's generally agreed to be ...
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2024, Mar 11-17
Metallic Rouge and Meiji Gekken started the season high, but have been steadily dropping both in the weekly and cumulative. Discover what else is moving in the rankings.
― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,
based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviews
and on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts. Keep in mind that these ranki...
Blood Blade Volume 1 Manga Review
Fans of The Case Study of Vanitas and Undead Girl Murder Farce are likely to find much to enjoy in this classic monsters-turned-manga characters tale.
― Chapter two of this dark supernatural fantasy begins with the words, "Why does Vlad the Impaler look like a young girl?" The obvious, facetious answer that immediately springs to mind is "because Japan." If Oda Nobunaga can be reborn in multiple form...
Interview: JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa Talks About Composing Songs for Junji Ito and Banished From the Hero's Party
Daijirō Nakagawa talks about his band, their evolution, and what it's like to compose anime theme songs.
― If you've seen either of the Junji Ito anthology anime or either season of Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, you've heard the music of JYOCHO's Daijiro Nakagawa. Recently, Anime News Network sat down with him to talk about his band, their evolutio...
Shangri-La Frontier ‒ Episode 23
Hey, remember when there was a massive in-game world-changing event that happened just a few episodes ago that was set to change the entire trajectory of how our players would interact with the world moving forward? Those were good times, right?
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End ‒ Episode 27
Serie offers Fern all she has to become her apprentice—limitless knowledge and power. And Fern's immediate response? “What? No.”
Kowloon Generic Romance Manga Volume 1-6 Review
What started as a lushly drawn nostalgia piece about a long-gone city soon delves into sci-fi mystery material and a burgeoning sense of dread.
― This is one of those mystery-focused manga that's almost impossible to discuss without some significant spoilers for at least the first volume. Author Jun Mayuzuki holds her cards incredibly close to her chest, so if there's even a chance you'd consider rea...
Solo Leveling ‒ Episode 10
Jinwoo's life along with his current lifestyle is on the chopping block.
This Week in Anime - What Manga Should Become Anime Next?
Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit.
― Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Netwo...
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life ‒ Episode 11
The way Arnold refers to Rishe as “my future wife” indicates his disbelief that the future will ever come to pass.
One Piece ‒ Episode 1097
One Piece episode 1097 is a solid entry, though it is almost entirely exposition with mixed levels of engagement.
The Apothecary Diaries ‒ Episode 23
Lakan's history is wholly tragic, from his father's rejection to the de facto loss of his would-be wife and daughter.
The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 ‒ Episode 23
If Kyotaro is supposed to be the insecure teenage boy who tries to hide behind a veneer of dark complexity, then Adachi is the type who tries to hide his insecurities with bravado.
The Blue Wolves of Mibu Volume 1 Manga Review
Soon to be an anime series, The Blue Wolves of Mibu is a safe bet for fans of the Shinsengumi historical subgenre.
― The Shinsengumi is pretty inescapable in Japanese fiction, and I fully admit that most of my reading about them in the manga and visual novel sphere has been on the shōjo side – the Hakuouki franchise and the incomparable Kaze Hikaru, in particular. But there's undoubtedly more than ju...
Ninja Kamui ‒ Episode 6
It's one thing for the show to fridge Higan's family for motivation but it's another thing to do the same to Emma.
How Oshi no Ko Got Its Extra-Long Premiere
Director Daisuke Hiramaki, assistant director Ciao Nekotomi, and producer Shimpei Yamashita discuss the series' extra-long premiere, its depiction of the idol industry, and what fans can look forward to in season two.
― The 【Oshi No Ko】 anime series was a breakout hit last year. The series smashed records at streaming service HIDIVE to become its "#1 series launch in the streamer's history." The ani...
Bucchigiri?! ‒ Episode 9
Arajin has distanced himself from his Matakara so much that he has to be pushed into even speaking to his friend again.
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic ‒ Episode 11
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is the right way to defeat the Black Knight!
Delicious in Dungeon ‒ Episode 11
The party's plan to take down the dragon is a pretty smart one.
Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga ‒ Episode 11
Rin's attempt to “bring Renzo back” by impersonating him was the highlight of the episode.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Novels 17-18 Review
The conclusion of the "Fertility Arc" drags in places, but it's bittersweet and remarkably fulfilling, and that makes up for many of its deficiencies.
― Spoiler Warning: This review will contain spoilers for volumes sixteen and seventeen of the light novel series. Freya is tired of waiting. She's decided that if she can't have Bell through fair means (or at least "fair" in her mind), she'll resort to...
Mashle: Magic and Muscles Season 2 ‒ Episode 22
It's not just about the strong protecting the weak, it's about accepting and respecting others and using your power for them.
A Sign of Affection ‒ Episode 11
This week transitions through several different plot points without changing or resolving much of anything and winds up feeling pretty aimless.
Brave Bang Bravern! ‒ Episode 10
We get a preview of the bad ending so to speak, a vision of things going awry should Lulu, Bravern, and Isami fail.
Undead Unluck ‒ Episode 23
As with every other Negator in Undead Unluck, Akira's powers manifested in the exactly perfect way to ruin his life forever.
Bocchi the Rock! Anime Series Blu-ray Disc Review
One of "the most unorthodox and innovative" anime is out on Blu-ray in this subtitled-only release. We'd like more extras, but you can't say no to Bocchi.
― Unless you're a brand-new anime fan, you probably have heard of Bocchi the Rock!. If you are a new fan, welcome! When it came onto the scene in the fall of 2023, it was an easy crowd-pleaser with the way it combined cute girl hobby anime aestheti...
This Week in Games - The Gaming World Says Good-Bye to Akira Toriyama
Jean-Karlo invites us to take a look at Akira Toriyama's influence and legacy in the gaming industry. There are also good/bad news for Puyo Puyo and The Super Mario Bros.
― Welcome back, folks! I didn't get a chance to plug it last week, but my column on monster-collecting games came out last week! The timing on that column was... something. That weekend turned out to be the 25th anniversary of the D...
The Witch and the Beast ‒ Episode 9
Unfortunately, the smartest writing in the world can't salvage this episode's “climactic” battle scenes.
The Spring 2024 Anime Trailer Watch Party Will Be Live from Japan!
Join Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge and Richard Eisenbeis, and Trash Taste Pod's Gigguk as they watch over fifty anime trailers from the Spring 2024 anime season!
― The Trailer Watch Party is growing up with a live stream from Trash Taste Pod's After Dark studio. Join Anime News Network executive editor Lynzee Loveridge, ANN Japan correspondent Richard Eisenbeis, and Trash Taste Pod's Gigguk a...
Gushing Over Magical Girls ‒ Episode 11
In this episode alone, the anime breaks new ground by featuring giant nun feet and characters getting swallowed up by giant slime monsters.
Urusei Yatsura ‒ Episode 33
While it doesn't feel like any development is carrying over from one episode to the next, I do find myself respecting Ataru more as a character from episode to episode.
Chained Soldier ‒ Episode 11
I have to give the segment props for one of the most idiotic and absurd power-ups I've ever seen. It involves Himari unleashing her fury and might with what I can only describe as An Afro Made of Guns.
Metallic Rouge ‒ Episode 10
Watching a Metallic Rouge episode with an intelligible thematic and emotional core is a welcome surprise.
A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Volumes 1-3 Manhwa Review
Despite hitting a lot of very familiar beats, there's something about A Returner's Magic Should Be Special that's incredibly readable.
― Despite hitting a lot of very familiar beats, there's something about A Returner's Magic Should Be Special that's incredibly readable. Yes, our hero Desir Herrman is the typical overpowered protagonist seen in so many isekai and time loop stories, and yes, he's faci...
Sex Work, Kink, and Consent: Here's How the Anime Community Can be Better With Adult Content and Its Creators
"I'll spit on you for $5!" Lucas DeRuyter spoke to pro adult content creators about con attendees LARPing as sex workers, and how a more consensual experience is better for everyone.
― Note: The images in this article are likely NSFW. Cosplay model, panel host, and sex worker Ronnie/Bunni Black described the anime community as having "cognitive dissonance" towards adult content. As sex workers in th...
The ANN Aftershow - And the Anime Oscar Goes To..
Lynzee and James discuss the Oscar results, the untimely passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, Solo Leveling, and more!
― And the Anime Oscar Goes To.. Lynzee and James discuss the Oscar results, the untimely passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, Solo Leveling, and more! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You can l...
This Week in Anime - How Would You Like Your Fantasy Anime Served?
Chris and Steve discuss all the ways a fantasy anime can get it right and the shoddy mimics that catch viewers in their traps.
― Chris and Steve discuss all the ways a fantasy anime can get it right and the shoddy mimics that catch viewers in their traps. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Delicious in Dungeon and...
Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog Manga Review
Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog is, by and large, a pleasant read, but it feels like a story that was shoved into a one-volume format when it might have benefitted from having two.
― BL series about veterinarians seems to be a budding, if not booming, subgenre. Alongside Therapy Game and Honey Darling we now have Seven Seas' release of Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog. Like Honey Darling (released by ...
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic ‒ Episodes 9-10
I've been saying it all season: Too little, too late.
Sengoku Youko ‒ Episode 10
This episode does a lot to make up for the faults of the previous episode—putting our main characters back in the driver's seat while providing some solid spectacle.
Shangri-La Frontier ‒ Episode 22
There's some nice setup and some cute moments but this feels like nothing more than a transitional episode overall.
Your Anime Rankings - Best of Winter 2024, Mar 4-10
Villainess Level 99 has been doing consistently great for the past few weeks, and climbed the cumulative up to #10 as a result. Find out how your favorite shows stacked up according to viewer votes.
― Let's have a look at what ANN readers consider the best (and worst) of the season,
based on the polls you can find in our Daily Streaming Reviews
and on the Your Score page with the latest simulcasts.
...
Fairy Princess Minky Momo Episodes 16-30 Anime Review
With this second batch of episodes released for Western audiences, Fairy Princess Minky Momo feels like it really hits its stride.
― With this second batch of episodes released for Western audiences, Fairy Princess Minky Momo feels like it really hits its stride. By this point, the formula is well-established: Momo, in her guise as the daughter of an Earth couple in an unnamed European country, finds...
Who Can Beat Goku? The Monumental Legacy of Akira Toriyama
When we shout Kamehameha, we speak the same tongue.
― On March 1, 2024, Akira Toriyama passed away. He was a husband, a father, and a friend to many. Those closest to him – including many of his industry peers – have shared fond memories of their interactions and deep sadness at his passing. To be loved in life and mourned in death by those nearest us is often the greatest legacy many can hope for, a...
Villainess Level 99 ‒ Episode 10
Unlike other villainess/otome isekai stories, the game's plot is alive and well in this one, and it's forcing Alicia's hand.
This Week in Anime - The Rise and Fall of Rooster Teeth
Lucas and Nick reflect on Rooster Teeth's legacy, from RWBY to gen:LOCK to Red vs. Blue following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to dissolve the production company.
― Lucas and Nick reflect on Rooster Teeth's legacy, from RWBY to gen:LOCK to Red vs. Blue following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to dissolve the production company. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants...
Pokémon Horizons: The Series Anime Episodes 1-12
With Ash's story done and its focus on new adventures and characters, can Pokémon Horizons live up to its legendary predecessor?
― With the end of one era comes the beginning of another. We saw the original Pokémon anime officially come to an end with the wrap up of Ash Ketchum's journey. None of us thought for a second this would be the end of Pokémon anime as a whole because the Pokémon Company had...
Ninja Kamui ‒ Episode 5
Despite a warning from his mysterious benefactor that this is a trap, Higan is so juiced up on revenge that he rushes in and starts carving up ninja mooks left and right.
Solo Leveling ‒ Episode 9
With this new inner calmness, Jinwoo questions his humanity.
Urusei Yatsura ‒ Episode 32
There's a surprising amount of guilt swirling around Ataru throughout this episode.
The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 ‒ Episode 22
"Are we dating?" I nearly fell out of my seat from pure cuteness overload just hearing that line because those three simple words perfectly sum up this entire episode.
Marginal Prince Anime Series Review
It's far from groundbreaking, and every episode is filled with so much cheese that you risk getting indigestion, but I think if you take your time digesting it like I did, there's a lot of fun here.
― Crunchyroll recently added Marginal Prince to their streaming service. It's an adaptation of a love simulation game of the same name from the early 2000s. Boy, does it feel like it! It's always interest...
Bucchigiri?! ‒ Episode 8
This is the beating heart and personal tragedy the show has needed for a long time.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Where to Start and What's Worth Watching [2024 Edition]
Lauren Orsini is back with an update to our Gundam guide. If you're not sure where to start in this mecha franchise, start here.
― Forty-five years ago, Mobile Suit Gundam was a cartoon designed to sell robot toys to kids, and it initially received such low viewership ratings that it ended up being canceled. It was only later that the anime's hardcore fans, many of whom were teens and young adults a...
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life ‒ Episode 10
She has been forcibly reminded of Michel's dangerous discovery – black powder.
Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga ‒ Episode 10
Izumo gets one final, emotional opportunity to connect with her mother.
The Witch and the Beast ‒ Episode 8
Helga gets her first kiss, and Guideau prepares to step out of the coffin for the first time since the premiere.
A Sign of Affection ‒ Episode 10
When Itsuomi just casually brought the phone to Yuki without playing interference, it was genuinely a shock.
Tokyo These Days Volume 1 Manga Review
Taiyo Matsumoto turns his talents to exploring the manga field from various creative angles and the inescapable hold creative work (and manga, in particular) has on us.
― Many authors and illustrators have tried to write about what it means to work in a creative field. For my money, John Kendrick Bangs' 1896 novel A Rebellious Heroine best captures the writing life, and that's illustrious company for...
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