https://www.cbr.com Covering comics, movies, TV like no other in the world. CBR.com is all you need! 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/ 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/ 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/ 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 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ When creating outstandingly strong characters, most of the best power systems in anime rely on a well-maintained balance between heroes and their opponents’ abilities in order to ensure that every battle remains tense, high-stakes, and unpredictable. However, there’s no denying that some of the most entertaining showdowns in anime feature characters who are basically indestructible. With overpowered heroes, fans rarely have to wonder who will come out on top. Nevertheless, endless entertainment can be found in watching a character with near-infinite potential destroy their opponents with elegant ease.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:20:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/op-anime-characters-that-lost-powers/ In the vibrant world of My Hero Academia, heroism is not simply a byproduct of epic Quirks; it's a moral compass guiding characters through their most vulnerable moments. My Hero Academia doesn't just offer a spectacle of heroes versus villains but delves into the nuanced layers of what it truly means to be a hero.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:51:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-heroic-moments-without-quirks/ Anime characters come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of personality types that fans all love. Among the most popular archetypes is the prankster. Mischievous, slick, and always up to no good, the pranksters of anime are constantly goofing around and tricking their peers in the most hilarious ways.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:10:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-funniest-pranksters/ Anime is filled with tons of terrifying titles, from gripping horror stories to psychological thrillers. These series are often not for the faint of heart and leave fans at the edge of their seats. But while these scary anime purposely shake up their audiences, plenty of other series do so without even trying.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:20:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-accidentally-scary-anime/ Dragon Ball is a totemic anime and manga property where Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Earth’s strongest do whatever it takes to protect their planet from incredible evil. There are many ways to become a hero and gain the advantage in Dragon Ball, but immense strength is typically the most popular path to power.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:31:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/underrated-strong-dragon-ball/ Even though he was the very first villain introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen’s main storyline, Ryomen Sukuna has managed to avoid having any secrets revealed about him. Till date, precious little is known about his ultimate plan, or whether he indeed has one. The effect portrays him as one of the series’, and truly all of shonen’s, most unpredictable characters. Every move Sukuna makes is simultaneously more impressive and terrifying than the last.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jjk-ryomen-sukuna-best-victories/ There are some anime husbandos and waifus who have earned their popularity several times over. Sometimes they overshadow other worthy anime love interests, though. Often they come from indie or older titles, but they're romantic and well-written.

]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/underrated-anime-love-interests/ Shonen is the most popular anime genre because it is generally aimed towards teenage boys and young adults. That means that most Shonen series feature a good amount of fighting. At one point in time, the anime world was dominated by One Piece, Naruto and Bleach – otherwise known as "The Big Three." These three Shonen became massive hits because of their action scenes, and several of those scenes set the bar a bit too high thanks to their stellar animation and effects.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:51:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-big-three-anime-fight-scenes/ Dragon Ball Z is still one of the most prolific and popular anime ever, with many in the West seeing it as synonymous with the medium. It's been particularly influential on manga and anime in the "battle shonen" demographic. Thus, anyone who can't get enough of what DBZ has to offer have several options when it comes to other shows.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:10:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-like-dbz/ Horror is a genre filled with blood, gore, violence, and jump scares. Plenty of horror franchises thrive off their fandom's fears in order to deliver exceptional storytelling that's as exciting as it is scary. Audiences may be aware of highly-acclaimed horror anime and manga like Shiki or Higurashi: When They Cry, but things aren't so cut and dry when it comes to South Korean horror manhwa.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/manhwa-horror-stories-if-you-like-manga/ Overprotective boyfriends and girlfriends are a popular character type in romance, and bodyguards are the zenith point of that trope. Bodyguards are assigned to guard a person who is powerful and precious, or someone who is related to a person in power. They need to be careful because they have a target on their back, and characters like Hagi from Blood+ and Yona Of The Dawn's Hak take their jobs seriously.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:30:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-bodyguard-romances/ There are many beloved shonen anime, but few have been nearly as influential as the iconic series Hunter x Hunter. The show rose to prominence in the late 1990s, but several decades later, it's still one of the most popular franchises still in syndication.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hxh-best-killua-quotes/ Each anime season is an exciting blend of brand-new titles, new seasons of returning shows, and even anime movies and other features. While no anime season has yet reached the incredible heights of the Fall 2022 anime season, the Summer 2023 anime season did well for itself and offered a remarkable variety of shows for fans to enjoy inside with the air conditioning on.

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/popular-2023-summer-anime/ Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most beloved cartoons of all time. The show's themes of war and morality are deftly handled without being out of reach for its young audience. It's also full of great characters and balances humor and sincerity in equal measure.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/iconic-avatar-the-last-airbender-scenes/ Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has collectively lasted for nearly four decades and continues to find new fans every year. One of the main reasons that Dragon Ball has endured for so long is because the franchise has been divided into separate series that tell the same story, but cater towards slightly different audiences and goals.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:10:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-z-dragon-ball-differences/ The Hunter x Hunter world is fascinating and sprawling and one of the most intriguing parts of the world is the Hunters and the bureaucracy surrounding them. To become a Hunter and join the Hunter Association, one must pass the Hunter Exam, a dangerous and convoluted series of tests only held once a year.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/hxh-confusing-hunter-exam-details/ Pokémon is one of the longest-running anime franchises, which has aced the formula of staying relevant to the masses. The franchise has excelled at producing wildly successful games, sequels, movies, and merchandise. However, the Pokémon anime will forever remain the fandom’s favorite medium for experiencing Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s adventure to “catch’em all!”

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:50:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-pokemon-in-anime/ In Hunter x Hunter, people become professional Hunters so they can search for treasure and unique animals. Many Hunters choose to protect people, archeological sites, and cultures. Some hunt violent criminals. In order for someone to get their Hunter's License, they must pass the Hunter Exam. Only elite members of humanity can pass the exam, and there are a number of shonen characters from other series who can pass the exam with relative ease.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:21:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-characters-who-could-pass-hxh-hunter-exam/ Regardless of one's age, gender, sexuality, or race, representation in media is important to all audiences. As the anime community continues to grow, the need for representation in the medium grows along with it. Over the years, more and more anime series are released, some of which went the extra mile to include the necessary and much-appreciated Black representation through their characters.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/black-anime-representation/ Zuko has the most character development in Avatar: The Last Airbender. As such, each episode that features his story carries a lot of weight. Zuko goes through much turmoil and inner angst throughout the show, and the conflict within himself is often highlighted to see which path he will ultimately choose.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 01:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-best-zuko-episodes/ InuYasha is a classic shonen anime with the traditional hallmarks preferred by the demographic. It's action-driven, with plenty of external conflicts in the form of grisly demons, legendary weapons, anti-heroes, and the vicious baddie Naraku. But the thread of romance that unites the pieces of the story is as legendary as Inuyasha's Tessaiga.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:31:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/inuyasha-is-like-a-shojo-anime/ After Nagato loses Yahiko in Naruto Shippuden, he changes his name to Pain and pursues his goal of inflicting pain and suffering throughout the shinobi world. His name reflects his philosophy, and he believes he's found a foolproof way to establish peace. Pain is an extremely compelling character because though he's a villain, he isn't entirely wrong.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-best-nagato-pain-quotes/ Every hero needs a lovable animal sidekick. For Avatar Aang, that sidekick is Momo. Although Appa and Aang have had more history together, Momo seems to mirror Aang's playful side. As such, Momo has many memorable moments throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:15:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-momo-moments/ Naruto's titular protagonist starts as an orphan who doesn't know anything about his parents, without any family to speak of. He gains acknowledgment and familial bonds from other characters, but still feels a sense of emptiness from not understanding his own lineage. Thankfully, not only does Naruto eventually learn about and meet his birth parents, Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze, but he even marries Hinata Hyuga and starts a family of his own.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 22:30:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-family-facts/ Hunter x Hunter follows the story of Gon Freecss, a talented young boy who hopes to one day join the illustrious ranks of the Hunter Association. The members of this exclusive organization are some of the most well-known and talented adventurers in the entire world, which is why it's exceedingly hard to be accepted into the organization.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:00:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/every-hunter-exam-phase-in-hxh/ With over one thousand different known species and counting, the titular creatures that make up the Pokémon world come in all shapes and sizes. Some, even when fully grown, are incredibly tiny while others tower above the rest, and that's without counting Dynamax or Gigantamax forms.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 20:15:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/tallest-pokemon/ As is the case with any other form of media, watching Japanese anime can be a deeply personal experience, with many series leaving a long-lasting mark on viewers. It's common for fans to take to the internet in support of their favorite series, with sites such as MyAnimeList making it easier than ever for like-minded fans to come together and do so. This allows sites like MyAnimeList to rank the most popular anime of all time according to the fans.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:50:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/myanimelist-popular-anime/ The Castlevania franchise is one of the most enduring in video game history, and after more than three decades, it’s still going strong as evidenced by Netflix’s recent anime adaptation, Nocturne. As a sequel to the titular series that completed its run after 4 seasons, Nocturne continues the Belmont saga – this time in 18th century France in the thick of the French Revolution.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:30:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/castlevania-nocturne-belongs-in-shonens-dark-trio/ The Dragon Ball franchise is quite possibly the most popular in anime history, and almost forty years after its initial debut, it's still incredibly popular among modern viewers. This is due in large part to its legendary protagonist, Goku, who is involved in several of the anime medium's most iconic scenes.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:20:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/db-iconic-goku-scenes/ In anime, the term "seinen" refers to television series that specifically target mature audiences. Specifically, works within this genre are marketed and aimed at young adult men, though the range of who it appeals to can be much broader, spanning across generations and genders.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-seinen-anime/ The Digimon franchise has been around since 1997, and fans have been able to enjoy a trading card game, as well as several anime series, video games, and movies. Digimon are digital monsters that live in the Digital World, which exists parallel to Earth and utilizes the data of Earth's communications network. Digimon come in various shapes, sizes, and levels, but there are certain Digimon who are far stronger than all the others.

]]> Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-digimon-ranked/ Since its inception in 1984, Dragon Ball has become one of the most recognizable media franchises in the entire world. Its protagonist, Goku, defined an entire generation of shonen anime, but he may have never become the iconic character that he is without the presence of his greatest adversary — Frieza.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:45:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-most-memorable-frieza-moments-ranked/ Throughout a series, even the weakest characters can grow to be the strongest. In anime, this sometimes means that the initially frail characters become so strong that they end up overpowered. Some use magic to enhance their skills, while others work tirelessly to achieve their unimaginable strength.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/weak-anime-characters-who-became-too-strong/ Some of the most popular anime classics are romance anime. They have such good romance arcs and character development that they help define the genre. Chasing nostalgia seems like it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Newer generations often look to the best stories and content that generations previous have to offer.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 22:46:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/classic-romance-anime-nostalgia/ Usopp is a character from the popular Japanese manga and anime One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. He is the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates and initially joins the crew with the reputation of a liar and a coward, known for telling tall tales and running away from danger. However, as the series progresses, some of these tall tales actually come true.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 21:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/every-usopp-lie-in-one-piece-and-if-theyve-come-true-yet/ Eiichiro Oda, one of the most influential figures in the world of manga, rose to fame by creating the most iconic shonen adventure of modern times — One Piece. The best-selling manga series in history, One Piece has seen unprecedented success since first beginning serialization in 1997. Over the decades, Oda's magnum opus has long since transcended the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, becoming a worldwide phenomenon through anime, video games, light novels, and even a recent Netflix live-action adaptation.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 20:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/eiichiro-oda-one-piece-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ It's October, which means it is spooky season, and what better way to celebrate the month than some spooky anime? It’s time to grab your blankets and dakimakuras to build your forts because Halloween is right around the corner. The anime on this list feature themes such as monsters, ghouls, vampires, and other spooky supernatural creatures.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:20:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/scariest-anime-halloween/ Manhwa are comics that originate from South Korea, and while their themes and art are quite similar to that of manga, there are a few significant differences. Like Western texts, Manhwa are read from left to right, and most of them happen to be in color.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:41:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/top-manhwa-myanimelist/ The Straw Hat Pirates are among the most notorious pirate crews in all of One Piece, racking up a combined bounty of almost nine billion Berries. Among their crew are the two members of the Worst Generation, a prince of the Germa Kingdom, a former Warlord of the Sea, and multiple Devil Fruit users.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:31:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-straw-hat-pirates/ Live-action anime adaptations have always been a hot topic of debate within the community. Plummeted by negative reviews from both critics and fans, most live-action films and series based on anime face overwhelming dismissal. Rightfully, striking a balance between capturing the magic of the original and accurately bringing larger-than-life anime storylines into a far more grounded medium is a strenuous task.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 15:00:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-live-action-anime-adaptations/ Jujutsu Kaisen rarely shies away from death or gore. The massively popular shonen series reminds its audience that no character is safe, and as the manga continues, the death toll of beloved characters continues to rise. With each subsequent chapter, many fans wonder if any heroes will make it out of the series alive.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:11:26 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jjk-manga-most-shocking-deaths-so-far/ Thanks in part to Netflix, it's safe to say anime is bigger than ever. With shows like Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man making their way into the American mainstream, the streaming service is chock-full of anime series old and new, including a few highly successful originals.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:06:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-netflix-anime/ Isekai anime exploded in popularity over the last few years and branched into multiple subgenres. This increased popularity was just the push creators needed to further embrace the genre. Roughly translating to "other world," isekai presents intriguing stories where protagonists from the real world find their way to a fantasy setting.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 00:16:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-isekai-manhwa-myanimelist/ During the Straw Hat Pirates' travels throughout One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy and his crewmates have received several wardrobe changes — Roronoa Zoro, the first addition to the crew, is no exception. Although his green-haired grit is ever-present, Zoro's aesthetic has changed alongside some of the best outfits seen in the series.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 18:30:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-zoro-best-outfits-ranked/ Whether it be through anime, video games, trading cards, or movies, the Pokémon franchise has been entertaining fans for nearly three decades. Over the course of nine generations, fans have met over 1,000 Pokémon. These Pokémon come in various shapes and sizes, and they all belong to a specific Type. Humans and Pokémon have always been close — in fact, many are each other's best friends — so it is hard to believe that humans actually eat some Pokémon.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:10:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/edible-pokemon-games-anime/ Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man is celebrated for many things, but beneath the quirks and thrilling shonen spectacles of Chainsaw Man lies a story so unexpectedly disturbing and twisted that most other dark fantasy manga seem tame in comparison. Fujimoto is not a creator who likes to take himself too seriously. Yet, when it comes to exploring the morbid implications of the dark, disquieting narrative he created, no other modern shonen story compares to Chainsaw Man’s grittiness and torment.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:41:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/chainsaw-man-darkest-manga-scenes-ranked/ Black Clover frequently brings in new opening and closing features. Each is highly tailored to the events in any given arc, with the song lyrics adding depth to the intro's visuals that either foreshadow or hint at what to expect in upcoming episodes. It's like a sneak peek into what's going to happen in that particular arc/season.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 14:10:24 GMT https://www.cbr.com/black-clover-openings-ranked-compared/