https://www.cbr.com Read up on the latest Anime News, Reviews and Features from the team at CBR. Mon, 16 Oct 2023 22:31:34 GMT en-US hourly 60 Some anime characters are so charming that fans want to know as much about them as possible. It's helpful to have some extra identifying criteria to help paint a picture for fan works. Zodiac signs, especially, can say a lot about a character's personality.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 22:31:34 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-husbandos-birthdays-heights-zodiac-signs/ Throughout the series, the Pokémon anime teased about potential love interests for Ash Ketchum. This led to fans shipping him with several female companions like Iris, Lillie, and everyone’s favorite character, Misty.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 22:00:32 GMT https://www.cbr.com/ash-ketchum-love-interest-pokemon/ Most characters play fair in anime, and follow the rules of the established combat system. This leads to balanced fights where everyone has a chance to win, and the characters must rely on creative thinking and resourceful tactics to be victorious. There will always be rule breakers, however, who simply deploy overpowered and unfair attacks or skills to easily win.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 21:01:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/overpowered-anime-villain-attacks/ From its success this past Summer of 2023, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead has wowed viewers with its intriguing use of zombies. Instead of focusing on the horrors of a zombie apocalypse and the main characters being shocked into a constant survival mode, the series takes a different route that is profoundly and unexpectedly meaningful. The anime has been hailed as one of the most original zombie stories, but as revolutionary as it is there are other anime that have their own spin on zombies.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:15:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/zom-100-unique-anime-zombie-plot/ The bestselling manga series Blue Giant, created by Shinichi Ishizuka, ran from 2013 to 2016 with a number of sequel manga series, receiving an English-language translation through Seven Seas Entertainment. Telling a group of young men's obsessive quest to achieve jazz music excellence and recognition in Tokyo, the manga has been adapted into a new anime movie of the same name, directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, who previously helmed the popular anime Mob Psycho 100. Released in North America by GKIDS, the film is a celebration of the awe-inspiring power of music and the friendships forged in the midst of joining forces towards a common cause.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:49:36 GMT https://www.cbr.com/blue-giant-review/ In the world of One Piece, those who consume Devil Fruits acquire special abilities. Despite the drawbacks associated with Devil Fruit consumption, most users eventually learn to control their powers and use them to their advantage. Nico Robin is one such character. However, even among the unique abilities of the countless Devil Fruits out there, she has one of the most unusual powers. Robin plays a villain's role in the Arabasta saga, later joining Luffy's crew and becoming one of the most beloved Straw Hats.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:20:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-nico-robin-devil-fruit-abilities-explained/ The dark fantasy light novel series The Unwanted Undead Adventurer is soon getting an anime adaptation, and fans finally have their first look at the series with an animated trailer.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/the-unwanted-undead-adventurer-light-novel-anime-series-teaser-reveal/ The isekai subgenre of Japanese anime has been soaring in popularity in recent years, and every anime season adds a few more titles to the isekai pool. Even if some anime fans feel burnt out by now, plenty more are eager for new isekai anime series to lose themselves in.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:46:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-isekai-on-crunchyroll/ Anime rivalries entrance fans with continuous tension. Their ongoing struggles to best each other drive many anime stories. In some anime rivalries, however, one party always outsmarts the other. Try as they might, the losing side can never seem to eclipse their rival.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:10:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/10-anime-characters-who-always-outsmart-their-rival/ The online light novel publisher J-Novel Club is expanding its reach to Europe with its newest brand, JNC Nina.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:00:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/j-novel-club-jnc-nina-europe-french-german-translations/ Although One Piece's Monkey D Luffy is most easily recognized by his trademark straw hat, he does have something else that stands out: his scars. Luffy has two scars: a stitch below his left eye, and a brutal X burned across his chest that's difficult to miss. His chest scar is so big that it leaves many wondering not only how did Luffy get his scar, but how he managed to survive the grievous wound that caused it.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:50:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-how-did-luffy-get-x-scar/ Classic battle anime like Dragon Ball and Hunter X Hunter set a standard for complicated power systems that most modern anime have adopted. My Hero Academia and One Punch Man are prime examples of modern battle anime that lean heavily into the idea of superpowers and abilities. On the other hand, Demon Slayer tries something different by simplifying its power system.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-tanjiro-water-breathing-techniques-forms-explained/ Makoto Yukimura's Vinland Saga is an acclaimed Viking epic across manga and anime, with the former providing some of the best artwork in the medium. The creator's storytelling and artistic talents are arguably in the same tier as Kentaro Miura's Berserk and Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:21:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/vinland-saga-best-manga-panels/ The musical slice-of-life anime Bocchi the Rock! received a major announcement this week with new visuals and the reveal of a two-part format for the film adaptation Theater Omnibus Bocchi the Rock!.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:01:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bocchi-the-rock-movie-new-trailer-two-parts-2024-release/ My Hero Academia's main character is Izuku Midoriya/Deku because he has the true heart of a pro hero, and that's what inspired All Might, the symbol of peace, to grant him One For All. Deku lived up to All Might's expectations with his actions and his idealism, and a few of his best classmates have cleared that bar, too. However, the story's actual main trio of great heroes isn't Deku/Shoto/Bakugo. It's Deku/Shoto/Ochaco.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:50:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-new-shonen-trio/ The hit shonen anime One Piece is packed with a dazzling variety of characters who all have different powers, personalities, and goals, including the villains. Some of One Piece's villains seem evil or antagonistic just for the fun of it, such as Foxy the Silver Fox, and some are just following orders, like Rob Lucci. Meanwhile, the most conniving One Piece villains are those who coldly use underhanded, dishonest means to accomplish a particular goal.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:30:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sneaky-one-piece-villains/ Major character deaths and mass murders of entire communities are practically a tradition in horror anime. Having memorably gory kills plus a high casualty rate that doesn't spare named characters are surefire ways for a horror anime to gain fame or notoriety. Notable anime, however, went the extra mile.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/horror-anime-where-everyone-dies/ Yen Press revealed at New York Comic Con that it had gotten the licenses to several major manga and light novel franchises and continuations.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/yen-press-sword-art-online-black-summoner-license-nycc/ The My Hero Academia manga has just brought a beloved character despite them being declared dead.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-spoilers-manga-katsuki-bakugo-not-dead/ My Hero Academia is packed with terrific action scenes, but despite all the fighting, surprisingly few characters got themselves killed in the main story. My Hero Academia has generous plot armor for the heroes and villains alike, since pro heroes are supposed to capture villains and the heroes use the power of hope and friendship to survive anything the villains can throw at them. Still, some fatalities are inevitable, and a handful of characters have died on-screen in the My Hero Academia anime.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:16:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/every-death-in-mha/ There are many ways to write a villain in a Japanese anime series in terms of their personality and powers, and for some villains, those two things are closely intertwined. Antagonists such as Akaza in Demon Slayer and Muscular in My Hero Academia have brutish, strength-oriented techniques and an attitude to match, but other anime villains believe brains beat brawn, and that makes them even more dangerous and unpredictable.

]]> Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:01:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sneaky-anime-villains/ The Pokemon anime is one of the longest-running and most successful anime in history, so it's no surprise it's got its fair share of memorable quotes. Despite how long the series has been continuously airing, the original anime still retains all the charm that made it a global phenomenon in the first place.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 22:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-original-pokemon-anime-quotes/ The most powerful anime characters are only as strong as their greatest weaknesses. Many of the strongest animated characters of all time are found in anime, but some of them have surprising or unusual vulnerabilities. Their heroics almost always shine through, but these strong characters falter when their weaknesses are exploited.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:45:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strong-anime-characters-surprising-weakness/ There are many great mecha anime, as it is one of the oldest subgenres in anime, but its history also means that there is a great variety within the subgenre. As might be obvious, many of these are nowhere near scientifically accurate, but they don't let realism get in the way of telling a good story.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-least-scientifically-accurate-mecha-anime/ One of the most important characters in all of Dragon Ball, Piccolo has filled many roles throughout the series' history. From villain and arch-rival to hero and father figure, and despite how much his character has changed, he still remains the same stoic icon of strength that made him so popular from the start.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dbz-piccolo-most-iconic-scenes/ Digimon may have done a lot of things right since the franchise's debut in the '90s. However, it fell a little short of its female representation. Even though every Digimon season has a female protagonist, most of them don't have an arc as strong as the franchise's iconic goggled heroes.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 20:20:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/digimon-greatest-female-leads/ Boys' love manga Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! is receiving an anime adaptation that will premiere in 2024.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 20:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/boys-love-anime-cherry-magic-thirty-years-of-virginity-can-make-you-a-wizard-trailer-release-date/ Universally acknowledged as the unequivocal master of horror manga, Junji Ito is beloved worldwide for his exceptional ability to capture the most raw and unimaginable fears through art. His most notable works — Uzumaki, Tomie, and Gyo — as well as countless other short stories and series, have developed an unprecedented cult following that spreads beyond fans of horror media. The art Ito creates can be appallingly disquieting and even downright disturbing due to the mangaka's hyper-detailed, unsettling art style and uncanny ability to evoke the readers' primal fears.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:51:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/junji-ito-uzumaki-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ Bleach is a long-running shonen anime series with a huge cast of characters. This includes Soul Reapers, humans like protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki, the villainous Arrancars, and the entire Quincy tribe as well. Plenty of the best Bleach characters have survived throughout the anime to see action once again, but not everyone will survive. For the sake of tension, stakes, and certain character arcs, some Bleach characters must die.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/every-death-in-bleach/ Avatar: The Last Airbender premiered on Nickelodeon in 2005, and it is considered one of the best cartoons of all time. It may have been marketed towards younger audiences, but Avatar: The Last Airbender tackled dark and serious subject matter, which made it appealing to all ages. The show introduced an interesting power system known as bending. Four of these bending arts involve physical elements, while the fifth deals with energy. The elements are air, fire, water, and earth, and they can all be manipulated through separate martial arts styles. Many humans in Avatar: The Last Airbender are born with the ability to bend, but the original benders had to learn how to bend their respective elements. Some humans learned to bend after being given the power, while others had unlikely teachers.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 18:30:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-bending-origin/ After fans discovered the true identity of Naruto's parents, it was only natural to wonder why he was given Kushina Uzumaki's surname instead of Minato Namikaze's. When tasked with the responsibility of keeping Naruto safe, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, took a lot of precautions, including distancing him from the Namikaze clan. While this goes against traditional Japanese naming conventions, the Third Hokage had ample reason to be cautious.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 17:51:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/why-naruto-last-name-not-namikaze/ Falling in love can make anyone a little bit awkward. Some anime love interests get so beside themselves that they're a total tripping ball of nerves. The most awkward love interests are full-on yandere characters who lose their composure entirely and get whiny and territorial about the person they're crushing on.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:50:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-awkward-shojo-love-interests-ranked/ The realm of One Piece fan theories is a wild place to explore, especially given the recent surge in popularity that the series has enjoyed since the airing of the live-action adaptation on Netflix. Whether it's off-the-wall head canon or reasonable logic, there is a convoluted fan theory regarding virtually every single character in the series and why something is the way it's presented in a piece of media. This is especially true in long-form storytelling mediums like manga, and doubly so for a series as long as One Piece.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:30:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-fan-theory-luffy-mother-crocodile/ The creator of the award-winning webcomic series Let's Play has a new series up her sleeve, which will premiere exclusively on Manta Comics.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/krecic-dragon-king-oath-manta-exclusive-webcomic-2024-premiere/ This season may have the best anime lineup ever, with numerous strong new releases and established series releasing anime. Among the new releases is the third season of Uma Musume, an anime about horse girls that is once again making a compelling argument for why it could be the best anime in possibly the strongest anime season of all time.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:41:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/uma-musume-horse-girls-top-fall-anime-season/ An adaptation of Keisuke Itagaki's Baki the Grappler manga and a continuation of the 2001 series by Group TAC, Netflix's Baki debuted its second season on June 4, 2020. While the first season of the streaming service's anime covered the "Most Evil Death Row Convicts" arc, a brutal saga that saw five high-profile criminals head to Japan in hope of tasting defeat, the second season revolves around a Chinese martial arts tournament that attracts the world's strongest fighters.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/netflix-baki-anime-series-similar-recommendations/ New York Comic Con saw the release of a new trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, showcasing its cast and setting in a whole new anime-style light.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/scott-pilgrim-takes-off-netflix-science-saru-anime-trailer-release/ Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba is a smash hit, having sold millions of tankobon volumes since its inception. The anime series proved to be just as popular, making it a pop-cultural landmark. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after Muzan Kibutsuji kills his entire family.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:55:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-arcs-chronological-order/ The Rising of the Shield Hero has returned for another season of isekai mayhem in the Fall 2023 anime season, and the plot, setting, and characters are more complex than ever. Shield Hero may not have worldbuilding on par with the Overlord anime and is more straightforward than Re:Zero, but after two seasons, Shield Hero has still given fans plenty to think about and keep track of. And Season 3's first few episodes didn't exactly slow down to provide a thorough recap, either.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:50:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shield-hero-nafumi-character-development-s3/ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamodo, a young warrior who turns to demon-slaying after the death of his family and the cursing of his sister, Nezuko. Tanjiro has made incredible allies and mastered unbelievable skills over the course of his adventures, which arguably reach their apex during the anime's action-packed third season.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:30:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-s3-all-episodes-ranked/ VIZ has unveiled its Summer 2024 publication lineup, which features several popular franchises among its ranks.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:01:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/viz-media-summer-2024-manga-spy-x-family-naruto-junji-ito-ghibli-totoro/ The Digimon franchise has plenty of action, music, and stories, but one thing the popular franchise does better than anyone is glorify the precious bond of friendship. The digimon-human relationship is an essential aspect of what connects the audience to the anime.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:01:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-digimon-human-frienships/ This message was inscribed on the inside of Edward Elric's State Alchemist pocket watch and the date has even become a real-world day for fans to show their love for Fullmetal Alchemist. It was a personal secret of Edward's, and he sealed the watch with his alchemy. The only way to open it was with alchemy or tools. The fact that he kept this message in such an important and personal place spoke to its significance, but what does it mean?

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 13:16:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fullmetal-alchemist-october-3rd-explained/ Gou Tanabe's newest manga Short Stories about Dreamlands is a visual retelling of H.P. Lovecraft's tales set in his grotesquely fantastic Dream Realm.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hp-lovecraft-dream-cycle-short-stories-new-manga-adaptation-gou-tanabe/ Many audiences were first introduced to Dragon Ball through its anime adaptation rather than Toriyama’s original manga. Certain anime veer incredibly off course from their source material, but Dragon Ball benefits from an accurate adaptation that’s true to the manga.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-manga-spoilers/ Jujutsu Kaisen has fans around the world. Since its debut, the show has become one of the most popular anime in recent memory and has sparked a renewed interest in darker shows. The latest season has just aired, and many fans are looking to other series that have the same feel as this dark shonen anime.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:15:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-anime-similar-to-jjk/ Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball has endured for nearly four decades, and it's made as much of an impact as an anime as it has as a manga. There's no right or wrong way to experience Dragon Ball's story, but there are distinct differences between these contrasting mediums that may be better suited for some individuals over others.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-fan-favorite-manga-only-characters/ As the second-most popular character of Spy x Family, one would think that the character Yor would already have a great role in the plot. While she is undoubtedly a lovable and original character, her purpose and definition are lacking. With the newly airing second season, there's hope for more Yor-centered scenarios, but the first episode only scratches the surface of what Yor needs.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 23:16:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/spy-x-family-s2-yor-potential-problem-character-development-balance/ Even without watching Jujutsu Kaisen, many anime fans have recognized the central character Satoru Gojo as a modern-day anime icon. Some may only recognize his image, while others may know him for his bold personality or his incredible strength. Without question, Gojo has become a viral sensation among anime fans whether they've watched JJK or not, and a new meme puts him in the spotlight yet again.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 22:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jujutsu-kaisen-satoru-gojo-breathing-meme-meaning/ The original Mobile Suit Gundam anime blew the lid of the mecha genre within anime. Creating the "Real Robot" subgenre, it eschewed the more unrealistic and cartoonish elements of previous works for a more military-based story. This was reflected in the mechs themselves, and while they weren't as over the top as some other giant robots, they were still every bit as cool.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 21:00:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-original-gundam-mechs/ The Rising of the Shield Hero has returned for a third season of isekai fun in the Fall 2023 anime season, picking up not long after Season 2's ending point. By now, the worldbuilding and plot of The Rising of the Shield Hero have become impressively complex, from Naofumi's network of allies and friends to his handful of enemies and rivals. He doesn't have to face those Waves alone anymore, but he still seems determined to do just that.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 20:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shield-hero-naofumi-still-battling-solo-huge-problem/ The fantasy-action manga Chained Soldier is being adapted into an anime that's set to release early next year, and in anticipation of its release, the first character trailer featuring protagonist Yuki Wakura has been revealed.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 20:00:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/chained-soldier-anime-first-character-trailer-release/ The late Kentaro Miura's Berserk is one of the most acclaimed manga ever written and illustrated, and this dark fantasy world is packed with fascinating lore that should properly immerse readers into its mythos. The core of the manga is the deeply personal journeys of Guts, Casca, and the rest of the group going through grueling trials and finding ways to overcome and heal.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 19:50:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/berserk-important-lore-for-beginners/ Demon Slayer has become one of the best and most popular shonen action anime series of the current era. It's a straightforward but charming and gripping story about protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and his quest to restore his sister Nezuko's humanity while fighting demons, and there is plenty of carnage along the way. More than a few characters have already lost their lives in Demon Slayer, including major ones, and many more will perish in future seasons.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 19:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-every-character-death-when-they-happened/ The anime landscape is saturated with shounen staples: ceaseless battles, soaring power levels, and the never-ending quest for greatness. Then there's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, an anime that defies the very framework of traditional shounen. This emotional fantasy tale, which focuses on Frieren – an elf mage haunted by existential angst – contemplates the subtler dimensions of life and friendship that shounen often glosses over.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 18:10:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/frieren-destroys-shonen-anime-tropes/ High School DxD began as a light novel, but in time, it became a fairly popular anime series as well. In many ways, it was a precursor to current trends in the anime and light novel industries. Despite this popularity, the show hasn't had a new season in over five years, leaving many to wonder if it will ever happen.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:50:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/will-high-school-dxd-get-s5/ Ninjas, mutants, demons, cyborgs, and aliens battle across anime with sword strokes powerful enough to slice through steel and energy blasts that can level mountains. There are many powerful characters in Japanese anime, so it's hard to determine exactly which characters are the strongest of all time.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:35:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-anime-characters/ Upon release, The Legend of Korra was regarded as an unpopular sequel to Avatar the Last Airbender. Fans who had grown up watching Aang’s journey to mastering the four elements didn’t appreciate how different Korra was to the young airbending prodigy or the series’ steampunk setting. Although the Legend of Korra has since secured a cult following, the public opinion about the changes it made hasn’t improved.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:20:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/atla-theories-tlok-disproved/ Anime is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the entire world, and with each passing year, the medium becomes even more popular among international viewers. However, as impressive as the contemporary success of anime is, it would be nothing were it not for the influential anime series that paved the way in previous decades.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:51:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/groundbreaking-80s-anime-moments/ In Bleach, there are dozens of overpowered characters who could take over the world if they wanted. From the protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki to the legendary Head Captain Yamamoto Genryusai, the series never holds back in its portrayal of such iconic characters. However, one character who is often overlooked is Yhwach's right-hand man and Wandenreich's Sternritter Grandmaster, Jugram Haschwalth. With his regal attire and European appearance, Jugram is the personification of what one would expect from a Quincy — pristine, holy, and angelic. His long golden hair, paired with his white attire, perfectly captures his prideful and elegant personality.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:30:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bleach-jugram-haschwalth-powers-abilities-explained/ Crunchyroll has the world's biggest library of Japanese anime. It's perfect for watching ongoing series since the newest episodes arrive on the platform an hour after their Japanese premiere. In Spring 2022, Funimation merged with Crunchyroll, making its vast library even bigger.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:10:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-best-streaming-anime-recommendations/ Crunchyroll will release the third season of Classroom of the Elite in January 2024.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-classroom-of-the-elite-season-3-release-announced/ One Piece's Wano Country Arc is the longest in anime history, giving the sequence plenty of time to showcase the series' large cast of characters. One of the most important individuals during the arc is Kozuki Momonosuke, the young boy that joins the Straw Hat Pirates during the Punk Hazard Arc. At first, Momo lies about his true backstory, but as he spends more time with Luffy and his crew, he reveals more and more about his history. Eventually, it is revealed that his guardian, Kin'emon, isn't actually his father; rather, Momonosuke is the son of the legendary swordsman Kozuki Oden, who previously served alongside both Gol D. Roger and Edward Newgate.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:41:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-kozuki-momonosuke-powers-abilities-explained/ Anime is an extremely versatile storytelling medium that’s made a huge impact not only on television, but also in movie theaters. There’s an easy appeal in long-running anime series that have hundreds–or even thousands–of episodes to explore. That being said, the average anime fan may not have the necessary time to commit to such sprawling narratives like the ones seen in One Piece or Dragon Ball. A popular way to enjoy anime, but in a fraction of the time, lies in the concise stories told in the top anime movies.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-movies-best-ranked/ Studio Bones has released more details about its upcoming sci-fi anime, Metallic Rouge.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/metallic-rouge-bones-new-anime-trailer-staff-reveal/ One Piece may revolve around the actions of its protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, but none of the events of the series would be possible were it not for the influence of a different figure — Gol D. Roger. By the time that the Straw Hat Pirates set sail in the Grand Line, Roger is more myth than man, having served as the catalyst for the Golden Age of Pirates decades before the series. Thanks to his legendary status and long list of accomplishments, the King of the Pirates is one of the most interesting characters in the entire series. One of the more noteworthy parts of his character is his striking similarity to Monkey D. Luffy, who seems poised to follow in Roger's footsteps as the series approaches its final narrative.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:50:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/luffy-gol-d-roger-one-piece-relationship-explained/ Romance plays a big role in many anime series. However, not every anime love story has a happy ending. Some of the best romances in anime are the ones that never come to be. Passionate and heartfelt, these stories tell of star-crossed lovers who will never get their happily ever after.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:30:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/doomed-anime-couples/ The Spy x Family anime series will launch a brand-new art book this year. Spy x Family Animation Art Book will arrive in December with only a week separating its Japanese and international releases.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:01:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/spy-x-family-new-animation-art-book-international-release/ Haikyu!! is one of the most prominent sports anime of all time. Focused on an unconventional game, Haikyu!! elevated volleyball for the better, and that's all thanks to its creator. Haruichi Furudate is an influential Japanese mangaka who won the audience with his intricate yet passionate depiction of the sport through well-developed characters and an emotionally sated story.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:01:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/haruichi-furudate-haikyu-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ It's hard to overstate the impact Gundam has had not just on anime but on pop culture worldwide. As the single most prolific mecha anime franchise, Gundam is responsible for cementing giant robots in the collective human subconscious. Thanks in no small part to relentless merchandising, Gundam has successfully made space opera mainstream in Japan in the same way Star Wars has in the West.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/gundam-every-anime-chronological-order/ An alternate Gundam timeline is often judged by how much it differentiates itself from the original Universal Century timeline. The fewer parallels that can be drawn, the more intrigue is generated regarding what's different. There will always be aspects present, like the Gundams, the Char clones, the space colonies, psychic powers of one sort or another, etc. However, if enough effort is put into the worldbuilding and characters, they can be much different from anything that came before. For example, a series like Gundam SEED or Gundam AGE can be criticized for how many of its story elements and plot points mirror UC plot points; they stick to what worked in the past.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:16:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/gundam-needs-new-ibo-anime/ Famed director Guillermo del Toro is a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki, admitting he was so overwhelmed by Studio Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro that he wept while watching the entire film.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/guillermo-del-toro-studio-ghibli-movies/ Izuku Midoriya works hard to become the greatest hero he can be in My Hero Academia. Although he began with nothing, Midoriya is finally granted a power and trains diligently to not just match his peers, but surpass them. Because of Midoriya's extreme determination and inherent heroic spirit, he has become the center of the show's most iconic moments.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 12:00:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-deku-scenes/ Yoshihiro Togashi is one of the most influential manga artists of all time. Author of all-time great shonen series Hunter X Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho, Togashi is definitely a mangaka's mangaka, with the artists behind iconic series like Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen citing him as an inspiration.

]]> Sat, 14 Oct 2023 00:01:30 GMT https://www.cbr.com/yoshihiro-togashi-hxh-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ Dragon Ball is a global phenomenon that’s become far bigger than just a manga or anime series. Dragon Ball has been at the top of its game for decades and influenced countless other shonen series, but fans have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of a new anime series. New York Comic Con 2023 marked the announcement of Dragon Ball Daima, an upcoming anime spin-off that will give fans plenty of new Dragon Ball adventures.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:31:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-daima-new-series/ Crunchyroll has announced its acquisition of the hotly-anticipated Kaiju No. 8 anime, expected to premiere in Spring 2024.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:42:45 GMT https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-exclusive-production-ig-studio-khara-kaiju-no-8-anime-premiere-date-reveal/ Some romance conventions are so popular that they can become old hat if they're not written really well. One way to keep these romance clichés fun and fresh is by turning them on their head by unpacking them and inverting them to subvert expectations. An anime may set up a character to be a stock tsundere only to show that they are the complete opposite upon further examination.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:01:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/romance-anime-surprise-viewers/ Compared to most shonen, Jujutsu Kaisen has an astronomically high death toll. No matter how fan-beloved or how important they may seem to the story, no character is safe from Gege Akutami's pen. The series goes to great lengths to illustrate how dangerous the lives of its jujutsu sorcerers and curse users are, showing them no mercy in situations that a simple hospital trip in other titles might have solved.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 19:00:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jjk-every-character-death-when-they-happened/ Given that manga and anime geared toward shonen are so ubiquitous, it's easy for some of them to have fallen through the cracks. Such was the case with Zatch Bell!, a series that was brought over to the West through the Toonami programming block. Despite its somewhat generic appearances, the series was actually an exemplary showcase of how the battle shonen formula could be used.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:50:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/zatch-bell-great-shonen-despite-appearance/ Compelling and intricate power systems in anime come in a surprising number of variations. From grounded and skill-based combat abilities that barely rely on the supernatural to world-altering fantastical powers, each anime decided what kind of approach to battle mechanics would make the clashes between characters the most tense, engaging, and unique. Nevertheless, regardless of how unorthodox the series’ ability structure is, superpowers in most anime are still fundamentally rooted in the canons of magic.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:21:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-magic-systems-with-no-magic/ Since its debut in 1998, the Hunter x Hunter franchise has become one of the most beloved in the entire anime medium. Gon Freecss and his friends in the Hunter Association are a staple of shonen anime, and during their journey, they travel far and wide, encountering a wide variety of characters and creatures across the world.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:50:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hxh-scary-monsters/ Ever since it debuted, the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has been a landmark property within the mecha anime genre. Beforehand, the genre was dominated by "Super Robot" anime, with Gundam ushering in the age of the Real Robot. It did so by circumventing several tropes and expectations, with these changes, additions, and absences cementing the Real Robot subgenre.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/og-gundam-anime-subverts-giant-robot-cliches/ Fans of Japanese anime enjoy watching heartbreaking series just as much as the producers want to make their audiences experience cathartic sadness. Though many upbeat, happy anime series instantly uplift the audience, there are just as many sad anime sure to have viewers walking away with tears streaming down their faces. With plenty of sad anime on Crunchyroll, fans who prefer a good cry will have a lot to choose from.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:11:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/saddest-crunchyroll-anime/ My Hero Academia has released the first stills for the upcoming anime-original episode of the series titled "My Hero Academia: UA Heroes Battle."

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:00:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-anime-original-episode-card-game-first-stills-reveal/ Fans describing Attack on Titan to new viewers and readers would have to discuss a few things: the last of mankind is battling man-eating giants and the story that unfolds only gets more twisted from there. Fans more willing to give out spoilers may also bring up child soldiers turning into giants (or controlling them from the nape of the neck), the fact that AOT is a war story, and that there's tragic moral ambiguity throughout.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:40:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/aot-mecha-anime-comparison/ The world of anime overflows with unique experiences and stories. With the sheer quantity of anime made and aired every day, it's a given that some will be far from brilliant. This is a hard yet somewhat hilarious reality that anime fans aren't just aware of, but one that fans embraced. These anime aren't just guilty pleasures; they're beloved failures.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:21:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/lowest-rated-anime-ever-ranked/ Netflix's live-action series adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho is set to premiere this December.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:01:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/netflix-yu-yu-hakusho-live-action-series-release-date-announced/ Anime is a versatile medium that caters towards every imaginable genre, but horror is especially popular and a strong area where series can thrive. Horror is a broad genre that covers everything from serial killers to monsters to alien invasions. However, the simple structure of a haunted house is hard to deny and territory that anime has explored to great effect.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:30:28 GMT https://www.cbr.com/haunted-house-anime/ Much like Katsura Hoshino's manga on which it is based, the D.Gray-man anime was extremely popular when it started airing in 2006. As was the case with Naruto, One Piece and other shonen series of the early 2000s, D.Gray-man had length on its side, and surpassed 100 episodes. Despite its long-running tenure, the series abruptly ended even as the manga continued.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:20:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/what-happened-to-d-gray-man-anime/ Crocs is teaming up with the popular Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise for a newly announced footwear collection.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-crocs-new-footwear-collab/ Dragon Ball has no shortage of powerful characters and most of its main characters are now strong enough to wipe out a small planet if they’re so inclined. Dragon Ball often gets lost in the struggle for greater strength and who’s the most powerful one of all. There’s a great sense of pride in showcasing one’s full power and exactly what they bring to the table.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-characters-with-hidden-powers/ A central question of Chainsaw Man is what it means to be human, and how to stay human in the face of dehumanization. Its world building, character development, and themes all touch on this question. From the varied roles of fiends and hybrids, to Denji's character arc as he struggles to overcome his exploitation, Chainsaw Man looks at the complex and often ambiguous lines between human and not-human.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:15:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/chainsaw-man-tackles-humanity/ More details and insights into the newly-revealed Dragon Ball Daima have come via New York Comic Con.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-daima-trailer-release-akira-toriyama-insights/ A new canon anime titled Dragon Ball Daima was announced by Toei Animation in a panel at the New York Comic Con.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:01:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-daima-canon-anime-nycc-announced/ Having ran from early 1992 to early 1997, the original run of Sailor Moon is packed full of memorable episodes that fans can't help but come back to. Usagi and her friends grow exponentially throughout the course of the series, each grappling with their own insecurities that they confront and learn to deal with over time, and many of the episodes that focus on this growth are still powerful fan-favorites to this day.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:01:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-sailor-moon-episodes/ The shonen genre is full of memorable anime series, but few are as unique or well-received as the beloved classic, Hunter x Hunter. Released in 2011 as a reboot of the original 1999 series, Hunter x Hunter follows the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy hoping to pass the Hunter Exam and reunite with his long-lost father.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 01:15:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hxh-kurapika-quotes/ The famed shonen anime series Bleach is best known for its robust combat system, exciting characters, and unique approach to fantasy anime worldbuilding. Fans usually remember iconic moments such as Ichigo's fight with Byakuya in the Soul Society, Orihime's almost-kiss with Ichigo, and the satisfaction of seeing Aizen's final defeat. But fans should also pay close attention to the dialogue, which may reveal much about Bleach's characters and the world they live in.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/bleach-main-character-quotes/ LEGO bricks have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike for decades. There have been sets based on Mario, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more. Some fans wish there were sets based on their favorite anime series. With the LEGO Ideas program, they can get their chance and build a custom set.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:30:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-shonen-anime-lego-sets/ Dragon Ball has become an evergreen anime property for many reasons, but the series’ strong cast of characters are hard to top. Dragon Ball’s characters are driven by the need to grow stronger and prove that they’re the very best. For certain characters, like Goku and Vegeta, their progress is front and center to Dragon Ball’s storytelling.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:00:37 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-characters-with-the-most-potential/ While most anime are fun to watch, fans often have a yearning for something a bit different. Most anime feature main characters who are school age, with a few focusing on characters in their early 20s. For older viewers, it leaves them craving more relatable stories, focusing on characters who are closer to their age.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 19:00:50 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-over-30/