Summary Demon Slayer draws inspiration from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in its portrayal of vampires, namely the Pillar Men from Battle Tendency. Demon Slayer expands upon JJBA‘s vampire ideas by giving the theme more prominence within its overall plot, with the goal of conquering the sun being central to the archvillain, Muzan Kibutsuji. Demon Slayer explores…
Summary Time-reversal anime explore the desire to change or relive past experiences, combining nostalgia with the ability to see the outcome of changes in the future. Time-reversal allows characters to detach from their previous reality and overcome difficulties, living fuller lives and satisfying viewers’ desire for rewarding overcoming adversity narratives. Time-reversal anime satiate the human…
Summary Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is a weird and ridiculous isekai anime about a man who is reincarnated as a sentient vending machine. The franchise is not that big, with only three light novel volumes released and a short-lived web novel adaptation. The second season of the anime may…
Summary The Admirals in One Piece, often deviate from the Navy’s sense of justice and have shown discontent with the World Government’s orders. Admirals like Aokiji, Fujitora, and Kizaru have displayed doubts about their duties and have the potential to reject their regime’s expectations in favor of doing what they believe is right. However, Admirals…
Summary Gojo Satoru emerges as the world’s strongest sorcerer after defeating Sukuna, but the battle is not yet over as he still has to face the ancient sorcerer Kenjaku. The upcoming battle with Kenjaku is expected to be different from the previous death match, as Gojo will likely have the support of his students and…
Summary Captain Kuro, originally a forgettable anime villain, became a true horror monster in Netflix’s adaptation. In the anime, he was just a boss fight on a sunny, open battlefield. Live-action adaptations of anime have their own strengths, such as horror, while anime horror is weak. Netflix’s One Piece capitalizes on these strengths. Netflix’s One…
Summary “Rampaging Cell Max” focuses on the intense battle against Cell Max. Goten and Trunks finally get their redemption story as they showcase their skills and transform into Super Saiyans to fight against Cell Max. The four-person alliance between Goten, Trunks, Gamma 1, and Gamma 2 shows promise as they work together to take down…
Summary Zom 100 challenges capitalism and its negative effects on workers’ psychological well-being, highlighting how patriarchal leadership exacerbates these issues. The series explores the intersection of capitalism and patriarchy, showing how patriarchal values like domination and objectification are upheld by both men and women in power. The show demonstrates the consequences of patriarchal systems through…
Summary Luffy’s victory over Kaido is a significant achievement, establishing him as an Emperor of the Sea and one of the strongest characters in One Piece. Arguments that Kaido wasn’t at his best due to lifting the island or fighting multiple opponents are invalid. Shonen traditions dictate that fighters give their all in a final…
Summary Netflix’s One Piece streamlined the recruitment process, focusing on the characters’ motivations rather than creating fake tension. By cutting redundant material, Netflix’s One Piece presents a condensed and more briskly-paced narrative. Sanji’s recruitment was handled perfectly in the series, with a focus on his relationship with Chef Zeff and his dream of finding the…
Summary The office romance rom-com is a growing subgenre of shojo anime, largely due to the fact that it allows a slice-of-life story to grow with its audience and tackle more mature subjects than would be possible in a high-school show. My Tiny Senpai is a great new addition to this field, as it hits…
Summary Understanding the watch order for the sprawling A Certain Magical Index takes some work, but it’s worth the effort. The franchise has multiple spin-offs for both the light novels and anime, and they’re interwoven with each other. The three series can be watched in either broadcast or chronological order. In the early 2000s, a…
Summary Dracule Mihawk’s origins and backstory in One Piece have been shrouded in mystery, prompting fans to speculate about who his parents might be. Mihawk bears a striking resemblance to Shakuyaku, the former Empress of Amazon Lily, and Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Roger Pirates, suggesting a potential connection. Mihawk, Shakuyaku, and…
Summary The announcement of a teaser trailer at New York Comic Con has sparked speculation about a potential new Dragon Ball series. Fans have expressed hope for a televised continuation of Dragon Ball Super or a remake of the original Dragon Ball anime. While some fans are excited about a modern version of Dragon Ball,…
Summary One Piece Film: Red is the latest animated film in the franchise, but fans debate whether it’s canon. There have only been four One Piece films out of 15 total to be considered canon. One Piece Film: Red could potentially fit into the story after “The Wano Country” arc, but it has not been…
One of the most iconic series in anime history, Yu Yu Hakusho has stood the test of time. Over 30 years after its premiere, not only has the series continued to attract fans, but its legacy can also be felt in many shonen titles that came later. For that reason, many anime fans consider it…
Summary Tokyo Ghoul saw Ken Kaneki’s personality and appearance change drastically during major life events. Kaneki can be categorized into six distinct personalities, each with their own unique traits, style and outlook on the world. Kaneki’s final transformation into the One-Eyed King symbolized a complex convergence of his other personalities, creating an existential version with…
Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, has been sailing the seas for over 1,000 chapters. He’s now closer than ever to achieving his dream of finding the titular One Piece, not to mention becoming the Pirate King. Although Luffy set out on his own, he gradually gathered a talented crew now renowned…
On his quest to avenge his family and find a way to save his younger sister Nezuko, Demon Slayer‘s main protagonist Tanjiro Kamado grows stronger with every story arc. Considering everything he’s faced, from the brutal murder of his entire family to fighting anyone who would try to kill his demon sister before he can…
Summary Saint Seiya‘s iconic armor represents more than just a symbol — it embodies heroism, sacrifice, and battles against powerful foes and Gods. The strength of the Saints lies not only in their armor, but in their mastery of Cosmo, a mystical energy that dictates their ranks and represents their growth and challenges. While the…
Summary FLCL Grunge was recently released, and the sequel struggles to live up to the original FLCL, which was a unique product of its time. The Pillows’ soundtrack for FLCL defined the anime’s unique and contemporary feel, setting it apart from other shows. No other anime had ever had one singular group compose its soundtrack….
Summary The Sabaody Archipelago Arc introduced significant characters like Bartholomew Kuma and Admiral Kizaru who are still major players in the New World. The forced separation of the Straw Hat Pirates by Bartholomew Kuma in the Sabaody Archipelago Arc sets the stage for subsequent arcs and the entire narrative post-timeskip. The current conflict on Egghead…
Summary Bleach’s zanpakuto are soul-cutting swords with unique powers. Various characters, from Soul Reapers to Arrancars and humans, wield zanpakuto, each with their own distinct abilities. The best zanpakuto among the characters in Bleach include Zangetsu, Benihime, and Engetsu, each with their own impressive powers and abilities. Bleach is a shonen “big three” anime that…
Summary Undead Girl Murder Farce intricately weaves together iconic literary figures into a fresh and riveting anime narrative, creating a world that is both eerie and witty. The Banquet, a group of notorious characters from literature and urban legend, forms the heart of the plot, with figures like Moriarty, Jack the Ripper, and Aleister Crowley…
Summary My Hero Academia features a wide range of diverse Quirks. MHA student’s, Pro-Heroes, and villains have unique Quirks that they have trained to master and utilize in combat. All of these Quirks collide in the battle of good vs. evil for the fate of Japan. My Hero Academia is a superhero anime series with…
Summary Tokusatsu, a genre of live-action special effects storytelling, is not commonly seen in anime due to the loss of its realistic appeal in animated form. The upcoming anime adaptation of “The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World” combines tokusatsu and the popular isekai genre, showcasing the clash of a tokusatsu hero in…
Summary Saint Seiya: Omega introduced a fundamental shift in the understanding and use of the Cosmo, intertwining it with elemental forces. The infusion of the seven elements into the Cosmo added a strategic depth to combat, where affinity to a particular element could determine victory. Mastery over one’s element became crucial in the new paradigm,…
Becoming a respected Pokémon Trainer is nearly everyone’s dream in the Pokémon world. Fortunately, there are boundless career paths a Pokémon Trainer can take to elevate their status; whether it be as a Pokémon Master, an Elite Four member, or a Pokémon Contest Champion. But one of the most well-known and respected of these Pokémon…
Summary My Clueless First Friend is an anime that focuses on the importance of genuine friendships and uses misdirection to address the issue of bullying. Taiyo’s optimism and empathy attract friends to Akane, helping her overcome her bullies and gain confidence in herself. The series prioritizes friendship over romantic relationships and showcases the heartwarming and…
Summary Welcome To Demon School Iruma-kun offers a fresh take on the isekai genre, with a relatable protagonist and a plot that focuses on bonding and changing the demon world. Unlike other shonen anime, this series gives equal importance to all its characters, exploring their backstories and creating organic connections within the ensemble. Protagonist Iruma…
Summary Mahito is a malevolent cursed spirit who thrives on emotionally manipulating and breaking humans by using his Idle Transfiguration Cursed Technique. Mahito’s cursed technique allows him to mold souls and alter physical appearances through touch, instantly killing humans and turning them into Transfigured Humans. As a living weapon of destruction, Mahito can shape-shift and…
Summary Itachi Uchiha committed the Uchiha massacre to prevent his clan from inciting another war. The massacre shaped Sasuke, leading him on a path of revenge. Itachi’s guilt and stress slowly killed him, a burden that he hid from everyone, even Sasuke. Early on in the Naruto anime, Sasuke Uchiha made one thing clear: He…
Summary Anime based on video games are not limited to mainstream titles but also come from niche games created using RPG Maker, a versatile tool for aspiring developers. RPG Maker is accessible and encourages creativity, allowing writers and non-game designers to create complex maps and images that are perfect for horror anime. RPG Maker has…
Summary Children of the Sea is a visually stunning and philosophically complex film, comparable to Neon Genesis Evangelion. The climax of the film is visually outstanding but narratively complex, with protagonist Ruka experiencing a perspective change of a lifetime as she becomes immersed in intergalactic sea life. The film explores deep concepts of the microcosm-macrocosm…
Summary Chinese animation, or donghua, is gaining popularity and giving anime a run for its money—but it is unlikely to compete with anime in the near future. Donghua has historically been overlooked and faced a reputation stigma due to clunkier animation and being associated with bootleg products. Donghua’s true potential for success is limited by…
As the weather gets cooler, the desire for a certain amount of coziness is to be expected. Much of anime is about the grandiose battles, the over-the-top rivalries, the intense longing romances, and so on, but sometimes even the most die-hard anime fan just wants to curl up in a warm blanket and have some…
Summary Turn A Gundam was an experimental entry in the Gundam franchise that stood out with its unique aesthetic, tone, and narrative style. The series combined various continuities from previous Gundam shows into its own separate timeline, known as the Correct Century. The Turn A Gundam itself was the most powerful mobile suit in the…
Summary The anime adaptation of I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness challenges the traditional iyashikei genre with its over-the-top plot and emphasis on hedonistic pleasures. Iyashikei anime, known for its minimalist and relaxing vibe, focuses on everyday protagonists living serene lives in rural environments, offering a form of…
The following contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 223, “Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 1” by Gege Akutami, John Werry, and Snir Aharon, available in English from Viz Media. Summary Chapter 223 of Jujutsu Kaisen reveals the shocking massacre of the Jujutsu society’s higher-ups, and plenty of evidence points towards Gojo Satoru as the culprit….
Summary Jujutsu Kaisen‘s lore is intricate and unique, with a power system based on cursed energy and its effects on individuals who possess it. Cursed energy is generated from negative emotions and can manifest as cursed spirits in trauma-filled areas; Jujutsu sorcerers have control over their cursed energy and can manipulate it for their abilities….
Summary Buichi Terasawa is an unsung creator in the anime and manga worlds; he recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence the industry. Terasawa’s iconic works, such as Cobra and Goku Midnight Eye, were examples of more “adult” manga that had gritty storylines, mature content, and unique art styles. Terasawa’s…
Summary Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop faced unfair backlash and ridicule from fans of the original anime, despite not being the worst live-action reinterpretation of anime. The series made some mistakes in adapting the anime and didn’t appeal to a broad audience, leading to disappointment from both fans and newcomers. Despite its flaws, Netflix’s…
Summary All Might’s Iron Man-style combat suit is the best way for class 1-A to support Deku in spirit. Deku’s classmates have completed their personal arcs and aren’t relevant any longer. This also allows All Might to honor his students and gain something from them in return. This article contains spoilers for My Hero Academia’s…
Summary Oshi No Ko’s latest interlude chapter explores Aqua and Ruby Hoshino in more heartfelt ways, showing what they could have been as true siblings without drama and tragedy. This emphasizes the innocence of Aqua and Ruby, providing a break from the darkness and reminding readers of their Dr. Gorou/Sarina days. Aqua’s kind gesture of…
Summary The isekai genre is facing a problem of repetition, with many anime using the same tropes and story beats, resulting in a loss of audience interest. A new area of isekai anime is being explored, focusing on what happens to a fantasy world after the events of a generic isekai narrative, which opens up…
Summary Bad English spoken by supposedly native English-speaking characters in anime is not a new issue and has been present in the industry for decades. Limited budgets, tight deadlines, and competition in the voice acting industry contribute to the challenges of accurately portraying English-speaking characters in anime. Bad English isn’t always bad – it can…
With One Piece‘s Wano Country Arc concluded, Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates are finally prepared to head into the final leg of their journey across the Grand Line. Thanks to his intense fight with Kaido, Luffy has achieved two of his biggest goals: becoming an Emperor of the Sea and Awakening his…
Summary The protagonist, Deku, is an average height teenage boy who must work hard to become a symbol of peace. Ochaco Uraraka, Deku’s friend, is one of Class 1-A’s shortest students but has a special personality that makes her stand out. Mezo Shoji, one of the tallest students in Class 1-A, has a “gentle giant”…
Season One of Hell’s Paradise did not shy away from plot twists and shocking deaths. The anime follows a group of desperate criminals who are each offered a chance at being pardoned if they are able to find the Elixir of Life on a mysterious island named, Shinsenkyo. Each criminal is assigned to an Asaemon…
Not a lot is known about One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda. Like most mangaka, he keeps his personal life under wraps and rarely comments on anything unrelated to his work. However, fans know a little about the mangaka’s family life. It turns out Oda’s wife is a real-life version of Nami, one of his most…
