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Crunchyroll and Funimation, two of the world’s leading anime streaming services, are aggressively working to enforce copyright. Recently, they’ve filed more than 45 million URL takedown requests in a strong push to combat piracy.

Courtesy of Crunchyroll

According to some reports by Google, it’s revealed that it passed the rather unfortunate milestone of receiving over 10 billion URL takedown requests from its search results for sites accused of copyright infringement. This major initiative, revealed through transparency reports, underscores the ongoing challenge these platforms face in stopping the unauthorized online distribution of their licensed anime content.

Crunchyroll’s strict crackdown on pirate websites raises questions about how such a large organization is managing this effort behind the scenes.

Crunchyroll’s Undercover Approach to Taking Down Pirate Sites

Unfortunately, the surge in the popularity of anime around the world has also led to a significant rise in pirated content. Crunchyroll and...

Apart from his stellar and remarkable films, Hayao Miyazaki is celebrated for his exemplary work in the animation industry. From Princess Mononoke to Spirited Away, Miyazaki has animated some of the finest animated films.

To this date, his work continues to impact and influence generations in terms of its ideologies. Most of his films are reflective of his staunch ideas and perspectives. From AI to anime, the Studio Ghibli director has some strong opinions. However, that is not the end of it.

A still from Castle in The Sky | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Other than AI and anime, Miyazaki cited one show as failing children. And surprisingly, it isn’t Naruto or One Piece. Needless to say, this would prompt most fans to call him a grumpy grandpa for this opinion. But is the show that bad? Let’s find out.

Hayao Miyazaki has immense hostility toward this show

Despite his...

Spy x Family is one of the biggest anime TV shows.

The Japanese TV series, based on the manga series of the same name by Tatsuya Endo, has aired two seasons thus far, as well as a 2023 feature film Spy x Family Code: White.

Here’s a plot summary, via Crunchyroll: “World peace is at stake and secret agent Twilight must undergo his most difficult mission yet—pretend to be a family man. Posing as a loving husband and father, he’ll infiltrate an elite school to get close to a high-profile politician. He has the perfect cover, except his wife’s a deadly assassin and neither knows each other’s identity. But someone does, his adopted daughter who’s a telepath!”

Now, fans are eager to know if a third season is coming.

Keep reading to find out more…

Spy X Family Season 3 is officially in the works.

In a shocking revelation, Hollywood’s one of the most famous actors, Henry Cavill confesses that he absolutely loves the latest animated series done by Netflix, Arcane. We all know Cavill for his iconic roles in Netflix’s The Witcher and DC’s Superman, but who could’ve guessed he had such a fascination with this particular show?

A still from Arcane season 2’s trailer | Credits: Netflix

In a recent interview, he shared his amazement when he first found out about this show that is based on the rich lore of League of Legends. His feelings were mutual and resonated deeply with all fans of this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The excitement that Cavill harbors is truly worth all, as Arcane quite literally stands tall above all other anime series like Demon Slayer, and One Piece, with its humongous production values.

You Cannot Even Imagine How Much It Costs to Make Each Season of Arcane!

From Sukuna To Muzan: Here Are Our Top 5 Anime Villain Picks

The craze for anime has exponentially increased, especially after the pandemic. More anime content is being released and made into live-action movies or shows. So now, for the fans, it has become more important to go through every detail before starting a new anime.

Everyone already knows that the pillar of a good anime is well-rounded characters, especially villains who not only try to destroy the hero but also have a philosophy behind their actions.

When it comes to anime villains, they are not just your typical evil characters out for vengeance. They are more complex and interesting and have a back story explaining why they became what they became. There are many standout qualities that make a character a proper villain or dark character in an anime, so with that in mind, let’s see the five best villains in anime.

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime series in the world.

The manga series from Gege Akutami, published in Weekly Shonen Jump, was adapted into a hit anime series from Studio Mappa, spawning two seasons and a prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

From Crunchyroll: “Follow young Yuji Itadori in this dark supernatural action series as he begins training in the dangerous arts of jujutsu sorcery and explores the violent world of curses!”

Of course, fans are eagerly awaiting any news about the series.

Keep reading to find out more…

Season 3 is officially on the way, but there’s on release date set.

The show was officially renewed for a third season following the end of Season 2, which aired from July to December of 2023. Season 3 will adapt the manga’s Culling Games arc (chapters 159-221), via Games Radar.

The gap between Seasons 1 and 2 was around two years, meaning we’d...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains Solo Leveling Manhwa ending spoilers.

For many fans, Solo Leveling was their gateway to the world of manhwa as a result of the series’ insane popularity. While there may be narratively better manhwa than Solo Leveling, its status and glory as an introduction to this medium are unmatched. Sung Jin-Woo’s journey is a treasure trove for power-fantasy enthusiasts. The character development and leveling up that Jin-Woo undergoes are beyond impressive.

Sung Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling anime | Credits: Studio A-1 Pictures

From the weakest hunter to embodying astronomical strength and abilities, Jin-Woo came a long way. And during that journey, he forged valuable bonds with other hunters. He challenged some and inspired others.

The world revolved around him until the ending that undid all these precious moments and the relationships that Jin-Woo risked everything for. Most fans hated the final twist in the manhwa, but...

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of the biggest anime franchises in history, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Tanjiro and company!

Following the final episode of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc in Japan (also known as Season 4 on Netflix), the series’ official accounts revealed that a Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle movie trilogy will be released instead, adapting the final arc of the popular manga series into anime.

Keep reading to find out more…

There will not be a Season 5 in the TV show, but rather a trilogy of theatrical movies to conclude the series.

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have acquired the trilogy of movies for a global theatrical release, excluding select Asian territories and Japan.

No release date has been confirmed yet. However, an official trailer for Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle was released on June 30!

As Games Radar notes,...

The fall anime season may be in full swing, but Solo Leveling Season 2 is stirring up excitement online as 2025’s most anticipated anime. Despite its controversial debut, Solo Leveling Season 1 lived up to fans’ expectations, captivating several fans to the series.

Sung Jinwoo’s physique in Solo Leveling. [Credit: A-1 Pictures]

Amid the excitement for its first season debut, the anime quickly gained high status and a massive following among anime and isekai fans. While the manhwa has reached incredible heights and the anime is making its mark, there’s no denying that Solo Leveling arguably had one of the most hyped and anticipated animation debuts in recent memory. With the excitement surrounding the Season 2 release, some critics are suggesting that the fanbase may be overhyping the anime.

Critics Question Fan Hype Amid Solo Leveling Season 2 Buzz

Owing to manhwa’s immense popularity, Sl anime instantly took the entire internet by storm. With Season 2 excitement building,...

A month into the Fall 2024 anime season, and some clear winners have already surfaced. Of course, one of them is Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu, the quirky Shonen that has won the hearts of otakus all over the world.

Dandadan has set itself apart from other typical Shounen anime with a dynamic female protagonist and a hilarious yet complex plot. With the co-existence of both aliens and yokai in the same universe, Dandadan sports a mystery like no other.

A Dandadan Episode 5 Moment That Is a Nightmare for Voice Artists Okarun confessing he lost his family jewels again | Credits: Science Sarud Spoiler Alert !!!Spoilers for Dandadan Ep 5.

In episode 4 of Dandadan, Momo Ayase and Okarun successfully defeat Turbo Granny by using various methods and ploys. Both of them barely survive the onslaught of the yokai’s powers. After the deal is done, Okarun and Momo return to Seiko Ayase’s place and have crab dinner,...

This Halloween season, you may turn to the classics like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” or even “Hocus Pocus.”

But if your desire is to be scared, startled or completely spooked out, we present some horror anime options. Anime can take thrills, twists and gore to a level that live-action can’t.

Adding to all the witches, ghosts, killer pumpkins and vampires — yes, this list includes vampires — there’s also kid-sized crimefighting detectives, demon slayers and some man-eating giants.

Here’s a list of 13 anime series and films you should check out this spooky season.

1. “Tokyo Ghoul” (2014) “Tokyo Ghoul” (Photo credit: Studio Pierrot)

“Tokyo Ghoul” will take you into a dark, shadowy, gloomy world that illuminates its creepy characters with crisp artwork and vibrant colors. Beware, there’s lots of gore and unsettling storylines, but that all works for the Halloween season, right?

What’s it’s about:

“Tokyo Ghoul” blends sci-fi,...

The anime fandom is an overly enthusiastic one, and their excitement shows whenever their favorite anime gets mentioned anywhere. Especially when someone like Max Holloway expresses interest in popular anime.

Max Holloway | Credits: Holloway’s Official Instagram Handle (@blessedmma)

Renowned UFC Champion Max Holloway is appreciative of anime, and over the years he has remained a topic of discussion among anime fans for his cosplays. His wife and son accompany him as well, and the family is often seen cosplaying famous anime trios.

Max Holloway and His Demon Slayer Cosplay Demon Slayer characters | Credits: Studio Ufotable

One of the best and most famous UFC fighters, Max Holloway is the current UFC Bmf champion. He has many championships under his belt and maintains top positions in multiple UFC rankings. While he is known for his Mixed Martial Arts and his deadly moves against his opponents, he often garners special attention from the anime fandom.

Tensions are high with Kagurabachi and the race between four major studios that want the rights to animate the masterpiece. Takeru Hokazono has truly made it when studios can’t even decide who should take this incredible dark fantasy anime. Kagurabachi, however, doesn’t need a major studio to animate it to have the best adaptation possible. It requires a studio that can match its vibe accurately and not ruin it with unnecessary changes that would make Kagurabachi lose its essence.

Chihiro Rokuhira from Kagurabachi. [Credit: Shueisha]

The case with several popular anime that major studios animate is that they are treated as cash grabs or their employees are overworked and exploited. Mappa is notorious for this with its million of projects. Toei Animation, while they do a brilliant job of animating One Piece, drag out the scenes to milk the anime. However, if a small studio like Ufotable or CloverWorks picks up Kagurabachi,...

Welcome, readers, to Late to the Party , a column that's right on time when it comes to catching up on anime everyone's already watched. This column addresses a universal truth in regard to being an anime fan: an anime backlog is quite the powerful beast. Many of us have one, where we amass more and more content we have designated in the "planning to watch" category. How and why it takes so long to actually address this task varies from person to person, but the gratification of finally allocating the time is really quite splendid. Related: Why Did It Take Me So Long to Watch Buddy Daddies? Occasionally, it’s by watching a classic anime from yesteryear that you’ve had your eye on for quite some time. In other instances, it’s a more recent premiere that just slipped by. This October, I have been overly spooked by all the anticipation for Halloween.

After the ending of modern shonen like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, fans had their eyes set on DanDaDan due to its immense potential. With the anime’s premiere, one thing has become clear: it can easily become the next big thing. DanDaDan takes the shonen tropes and blends them with many other themes, giving it an overall refreshing feel. What stands out about the anime is that it introduces all its cards right from the beginning and juggles them quite well throughout the series.

Satoru Gojo and his six eyes in Jujutsu Kaisen | Credits: Studio Mappa

There’s one thing that could easily beat Jujutsu Kaisen, the execution of the horror element. So far, the anime has given us a great feel of what the spooky aspects are going to be like and there’s undoubtedly a lot of potential. If the execution lives up to the standard, then...

Following the immense success of Solo Leveling and Tower of God, the Korean manhwa series has generated significant buzz online, captivating several new readers to the lesser-known world of Korean Webtoons. Despite generating an enormous fanbase, many fans aren’t aware of the anime’s roots and rise as a popular Korean webtoon (manhwa) series.

Despite the four-year-long delay in its release, Tower of God Season 2 took the entire internet by storm. After Rachel’s betrayal, Season 2 showcases Baam starting from scratch on the quest to climb the Tower. The Tower is divided into multiple floors, each with unique environments and challenges, governed by powerful entities, called Administrators.

Tower of God Season 2 | Credits: The Answer Studio

In spite of Tower of God‘s immense popularity, the series is heading towards its ruin. This is a result of its excessive plot armor and lengthy chapters, which have tarnished its decade-long run...

From being looked down upon to becoming one of the most popular mediums of entertainment, anime has come a long way. The growing popularity of anime is a double-edged sword for its long-time fans, as most of them have some bad experiences of being heavily judged for something they enjoyed. They’ve gone from scouring for people to discuss their favorite shows with, to loathing this ‘new age of anime’.

Haikyu’s worldwide theatre release is a testament to anime’s growing popularity | Credits: Studio Production I.G.

The soaring popularity of anime becoming a mainstream phenomenon is not the problem, but the change in how anime is perceived is rather unpleasant. From its cultural essence to its consumption, everything is at stake. That might sound like an overstatement, but it’s truly not.

The New Age of Anime is Truly a Plague

Anime is a culturally rich medium, from...

For over a decade, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been the undefeated king of MyAnimeList (Mal). On the site’s Top-Rate Anime section, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood sat on its throne as the top-rated anime by users and was never usurped. Despite the barrage of new shows that have been massively successful like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer, no other anime, not even One Piece, has managed to dethrone Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from its right spot. However, now times have changed and a new contender made its presence known.

The Elric brothers in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. [Credit: Studio Bones]

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War just began its Part 3 and fans have already voted for it a lot on Mal. So much so, Part 3 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has surpassed the undefeated Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. A decades-long worth on its throne only to be knocked down a step by Bleach. In 2023, it went...

The official X account of Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi revealed that the manga has surpassed 1 million copies in circulation.

Currently four volumes of the manga have released, and all four volumes are getting a reprint on Nov 14, 2024.

In comparison, Jujutsu Kaisen manga had crossed 1.1 million copies by the time the 4th volume of the series (5 volumes in total considering Jjk 0) had released.

Meanwhile, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba hit the 1 million mark with the release of volume 6. Compared to these 2 best sellers, Kagurabachi has hit the milestone comparatively faster.

The fifth volume of Kagurabachi manga is scheduled to release on Dec 4, 2024. The fourth volume released on Oct 4, 2024.

Related:

Kagurabachi Manga’s Pacing Is Influenced by Jujutsu Kaisen & Chainsaw Man, Reveals Takeru Hokazono

Kagurabachi has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine since September 2023. The first tankobon volume was released on Feb 2, 2024.

Viz Media and Shueisha’s Manga Plus...

When it comes to popular manga, Kagurabachi is all the rage currently. Hokazono Takeru gives a new meaning to gore and vengeance through his work. Be it art or writing, the series does absolute justice as one of the bestselling manga. Interestingly, Hokazono doesn’t shy from revealing the inspiration behind his work. Especially when it comes to iconic movies.

Chihiro Rokuhira in a still from the manga | Credit: Shueisha

Like most mangaka, Hokazono’s work highlights Western influences. This is evident in his use of pop culture references. From Kill Bill to Marvel, the author took inspiration from legendary films. This also includes John Wick. Fans, however, feel that his love for the film is too obvious.

Kagurabachi and the not-so-subtle Keanu Reeves in John Wick reference

There are very few stories that manage to unpack grief and vengeance. Kagurabachi is one of them, especially with its compelling storyline.

Toei Animation left the One Piece fandom in pieces after the anime announced an unexpected six-month hiatus in the broadcast of its current Egghead Island arc. It’s remarkable that even with 1,100 episodes in, One Piece continues to push boundaries, promising fans an even better and more cinematic experience ahead.

While fans may have to wait till April 2025 to see the return of the Straw Hat Pirates, One Piece delivered an epic episode before the break, packed with stunning cinematic moments and featuring Koby in action. However, Kuzan joining Blackbeard’s crew was arguably the most shocking point for fans where they couldn’t believe the former admiral joined the corrupt pirates.

Monkey D. Garp in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

In the previous episode, fans finally witnessed the conclusion of the showdown between Garp and his former pupil-turned-pirate Kuzan, making the fight much more emotional than it originally seemed in the manga.

In the ever-evolving world of anime and manga, countless titles keep getting added to the monumental library that is well-adored by the Otaku community. As a result, when it was announced that Solo Leveling, the infectiously popular manhwa, would receive an anime adaptation, it was believed to be the next great thing.

Sung Jin-woo. Credits: A-1 Pictures

Hence, everyone started talking about the title, which resulted in unreal hype, and everyone set the bar way too high. The result was nothing but sheer disappointment as it failed to meet the audience’s expectations, where it featured a simple, game-like plot. The majority of the show showcased Sung Jin-woo farming Xp as if it were a video game character.

However, it looks like another worthy title has come forth, which has showcased the potential to become a piece of art that should become the rightful heir of the Manhwa adaptations.

From plot inconsistencies to side characters, Masashi Kishimoto has faced heavy backlash. The mangaka has been at the epicenter of major criticism. This holds especially true for his killing off fan-favorite characters including Neji. Amidst the deaths in the Fourth Shinobi World War, several ninjas survived. This includes a fan-favorite shinobi who should’ve been killed.

Might Guy and Rock Lee in a still from the series | Studio Pierrot

While he may not be as popular as Kakashi, this character deserves his due recognition. In his move of not killing the character, Kishimoto stripped him of his true glory. Considering how underappreciated the shinobi truly is, he deserved to die. Additionally, the mangaka took his plot and viewers’ emotional investment for granted.

Masashi Kishimoto stripped this character of their true glory

The Fourth Shinobi World War is arguably one of the greatest arcs in the series. It highlighted some of...

Spoiler Alert !!!The following article contains major spoilers from the Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Read ahead at your own discretion!

Demon Slayer had the worst endings in all of shonen anime. Well, that’s a statement which might have changed now that My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen have ended. The series had quite the buildup for its leading villain, Muzan Kibutsuji, from the start, and fans thought he’d have an amazing backstory and powers to defend himself.

Muzan’s entrance scene in Demon Slayer | Credits: Ufotable

However, the final fight of Demon Slayer‘s Infinity Castle arc was so predictable and linear that fans thought the author, Koyoharu Gotouge, rushed the ending and hence joined the Shonen manga ending curse. Muzan’s conclusion ultimately elevated villains such as Naruto‘s Kaguya and One Piece‘s Kaido to the level of supremely crafted characters.

The official website and X (formerly Twitter) account for the upcoming Sakamoto Days TV anime revealed three additional voice cast members today. Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ) plays Nagumo, a member of the Order, a special force directly under Jaa (Japanese Association of Assassins) and a colleague from Sakamoto's hitman days. Taku Yashiro (Kakeru Juouin in King Of Prism ) plays Shishiba, a cool, collected, and rational person who is also a member of the Order. And Saori Hayami (Yor Forger in Spy x Family ) plays Osaragi, a newcomer who joined after Sakamoto left the Order. Visuals and short promotional videos of the three were released, alongside an additional character video of Taro Sakamoto voiced by Tomokazu Sugita (Gintoki sakata in Gintama ). Nagumo character visual Shishiba character visual Osaragi character visual Taro Sakamoto character visual Additionally, the anime's official X account released a new...

Certain titles in manga and anime series leave a lasting impact on viewers, which reinforces the craze that is followed in the Otaku community. Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover is one of those names that was a sleeper hit until it passed My Hero Academia in terms of popularity and fan following.

The Black Bulls squad. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Though the series has been lambasted, weebs would call the series nothing but a cheap copy of Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto. However, it has prevailed and become the best new-gen Shonen series. Despite everything, Tabata-Sensei falls short in front of Eiichiro Oda and his magnum opus in one aspect that can never be matched by him.

In the manga industry, there has been no other manga artist who has been more consistent than Oda-Sensei. He has dedicated his life to telling the story of a young pirate who would go to...

In the history of Shonen Jump, there have always been different titles that have defined a generation. Well, the 2010s were firmly defined by Shonen series like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer, with Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover being a dark horse, which showcased glimpses of immense potential.

Black Asta. Credits: Studio Pierrot

However, after the lackluster ending with Kohei Horikoshi’s Mha and the recently concluded Jujutsu Kaisen have put Tabata-Sensei’s work in the limelight, that might prove how perfect the series is. The mangaka has featured an immersive world with a long list of characters that have emotionally resonated with the viewers of the series.

Though everything about the show is an absolute 10 out of 10, fans have one major complaint following a major character. For a major moment in the series, Nozel and Noelle Silva had a turbulent relationship, until it was not. Hence, making them...

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of those series that will go down in history but the ending may have tampered with it. Love or hate it, it has gripped Shonen and anime fans in general for more than 5 years and the fights were pretty engaging, to say the least. It’s safe to say that the Shibuya arc will still be deemed one of Shonen’s best arcs.

Shibuya arc | Credits: Studio Mappa

Those who have been following Jujutsu Kaisen and Gege Akutami since the beginning, will know that the author took a lot of inspiration from Bleach, Hunter X Hunter, and Naruto. But there’s another series they took references from for all the mythological aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen. This is a show that modern anime fans may not have watched at all.

The series that inspired the mythological elements in Jujutsu Kaisen Asuka in Evangelion | Credits: Studio Gainax

During...

When it comes to breathtaking animation, many in the anime community might think of Ufotable and their work with Demon Slayer. From gorgeous fight scenes to even the tiniest details during explosions, Ufotable does its best to make Demon Slayer a visual treat. Muzan Kibutsuji’s long and grand entrance in season 4, episode 7 of the anime adaptation was teased for being rather like an Indian soap opera, but still, an impressive scene that demonstrates his menacing nature. However, a new contender for the best entrance scene has emerged.

Muzan’s entrance scene in Demon Slayer. [Credit: Ufotable]

Yhwach from Bleach is the overarching antagonist of the series and the main antagonist of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. He made his full appearance in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and is already making history with an iconic entrance scene. While Muzan’s walk exuded evil, Yhwach was a symbol of superiority. The studio for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War,...

Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen manga has become a hot topic in the anime community, leaving fans with several bittersweet moments. While its final arc wasn’t deemed perfect, the shonen manga still managed to end on a largely high note. From thrilling action scenes to compelling characters, Gege Akutami introduced every key element to leave a long-lasting impression on the audience.

Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen. [Credit: Studio Mappa]

Although some fans were upset by Gege’s rushed narrative for the final chapters, many were happy with the reunion of the iconic Jjk trio: Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara. Not to forget, Gege Akutami messed up the biggest catastrophic event that readers were very excited to see unfold and never let Kenjaku’s 1000-year plans take place. Indeed, Gege Akutami’s masterpiece had its ups and downs, with most being disappointed by the final saga.

While many fans recognize Tite Kubo...

Every interaction for Demon Slayer characters in the anime was a matter of life and death. The world crafted by Koyoharu Gotouge was merciless, where characters often encountered life-threatening situations. And all they had to fight with these threats were their physical abilities. The demon behind this state of the world was none other than Kibutsuji Muzan.

Lady Tamayo | Credits: Studio Ufotable

He treated humans like puppets and created an army of his own, comprising menacing demons. There was one character in the series who could be the perfect successor to Muzan if she was evil. Lady Tamayo was the character who had the potential to match Muzan’s abilities. Even with her exceptional skills, she was an underrated character for the most part.

Everything There’s to Know About Lady Tamayo A still from the character’s introduction | Credits: Studio Ufotable

Lady Tamayo was introduced to us during the Asakusa Arc.

The vast character list of One Piece contains some of the most menacing villains in the history of anime. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the series, is specifically known for giving his characters some of the best storylines that make them relatable and iconic at the same time. Among these character arrays, two of the most legendary characters are Doflamingo and Crocodile.

Donquixote Doflamingo from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Crocodile was the main antagonist of the Alabasta Saga, while Doflamingo was the antagonist of the Dressrosa arc. The two are quite different, but their fan following within the One Piece fandom is similar. Both of them are authoritative figures who carry a secret that is unknown to everyone else.

The one aspect that fans always wondered about is what would happen if the captain of Donquixote Pirates and the leader of Baroque Works engaged in a one-on-one battle. Despite...

Bandai Namco just released what might not only be the greatest Dragon Ball Z video game in history but also the ultimate anime arena fighter with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. While the argument over what constitutes an exceptional Dragon Ball Z game is debatable, what’s undeniable is the enduring popularity of the franchise in the gaming zeitgeist. With Sparking! Zero, producer Bandai Namco and developer Spike Chunsoft are poised to let their proverbial crown jewels hang as the undisputed king of the anime gaming industry.

The enduring popularity of...

Just two years after Kōhei Horikoshi created “My Hero Academia” in 2014, his world-famous manga leapt from the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump and onto the small screen where it quickly became a world-famous anime too, bringing a quirky twist to the endless barrage of superhero fare that’s long dominated our screens.

Like Marvel’s X-Men, the heroes of “My Hero Academia” are born into a world where many people possess an innate power or “quirk” that sets them apart from the rest of humanity. Unlike the X-Men, however, super-powered people are in the majority here. And if you think the likes of Toad or Blob have strange mutant gifts, wait until you see the bizarre abilities that Horikoshi has plucked from the weirdest yet most creative recesses of his mind.

But you know all that already, right? Just as you know that the series stars an adorably plucky protagonist...

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a unique South Korean web novel that’s getting a barrage of adaptations. With an anime adaptation on the way and a live-action film adaptation set for 2025, the web novel also has an ongoing manhwa or webtoon adaptation. While the mediums are somewhat similar, the pacing of the webtoon has become a problem with fans of the original web novel. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint relies on its exciting and quickly moving plot, and this pacing works reliably well in the web novel.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. [Credit: Blackbox]

There is, however, a huge debate on whether the pacing of the webtoon is because the fans complaining have already read the original novel for Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint or if it’s truly that slow. The webtoon is undeniably compelling for its art and a chance for the visuals to be highlighted. However, this casts doubt on the future of its adaptations,...

When comparing Demon Slayer and Arcane, it’s easy to see why the two shows are rivals. They both push the boundaries of what animated shows have been capable of so far, from the unique art style to fluid fighting animation. However, when considering the core appeal of animated shows, Demon Slayer has the edge on Arcane with its beautiful animation. The fight scenes are what makes the anime worth it, despite not having the most fully fleshed-out characters or a satisfying ending to be worth sticking the end for.

Tanjiro vs Daki in Demon Slayer. [Credit: Ufotable]

While Arcane is an amazing show that even Henry Cavill couldn’t put down, it cannot match the pure spectacle and excitement of the battles in Demon Slayer. The vibrant colors and intense emotional impact are what make the fight scenes so hyped for the fans of Demon Slayer. Each fight is unique too,...

Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover has been one of the most popular titles that became an instant favorite in the fan community. The title has gone on to compete with other series such as My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and many more. On the one hand, the work is regarded as one of the greatest works of literature, while on the other, certain Otaku fanbases have harshly criticized it.

The Black Bulls. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Ever since the manga’s first chapter was published all the way back in 2015, it had divided its reader, mainly because the series featured a striking similarity with Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto. Since then, Tabata-Sensei and his work have been under constant scrutiny by the fans.

However, the true fans of the art do not care at all. Instead, they have all loved the series, taking its popularity to new heights that feature...

On August 8, 2023, anime fans were amazed by the stunning trailer of the upcoming Donghua (Chinese adaptation series), Lord of the Mysteries. With each passing year, the industry continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. Nevertheless, the Summer 2024 anime season has been a standout, introducing viewers to several fresh stories and captivating the hearts of many fans along the way.

While the animation style first got its start in Japan, China has released quite a few anime adaptations in the past years and is planning to do the same in 2025 with a gorgeous new series under the name, Lord of The Mysteries. The trailer features breathtaking animation captivating several viewers for its 2025 release.

Lord of the Mysteries | Credit: B.Cmay Pictures studio

Besides the thrilling trailer and Lord of the Mysteries‘ release date, the production team remains secretive about the anime, keeping fans anticipating.

Dandadan is only one episode in and the anime community has already decided to call it “overrated.” A common criticism that several anime faces is that the animation style carries the overall plot, making the storyline boring in comparison. One such popular anime is Demon Slayer, where many in the community truly believe the animation is what “carries” the popularity on its back. Now, Dandadan has garnered similar criticism. The only difference is it’s only one episode in.

The poster for Dandadan. [Credit: Science Saru]

The studio for Dandadan, Science Saru, has animated other popular series like Devilman Crybaby and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. The studio has proven its calibre with how creative and visually crazy it can get. Dandadan being animated by Science Saru was the perfect choice for the original manga and its insane blend of genres.

Is Dandadan Overrated or Are Anime Fans Impatient? Okarun’s Yokai form in Dandadan.

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is one of the most popular Shonen series at the current time; it has featured a ton of defining moments in 25 years. However, a major credit for the fame should ideally go to the voice actors of the Straw Hat Pirates. One such name that has resonated quite well with the fans is Kazuki Yao, the voice behind Cyborg Franky.

Franky. Credits: Toei Animation

The actor has been involved in voicing the character since 2000, first playing the role of Jango and later Mr. 2 in 2001, later becoming the permanent voice of the Straw Hat Member in 2005. Indeed, he was a core part of the show’s production.

Sadly, the deteriorating health of Yao-San will force him to lend his voice to the iconic character for one last time in the upcoming episode, 1120. The fans were heartbroken as they expressed their concern for the health of the actor.

It has been 25 years since One Piece began, but it is neither showing any signs of stopping or leaving the popularity throne for others. When the anime and manga industry was barely known outside of Japan, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach opened the path for the industry to go mainstream. Now, there are anime fans in every corner of the world.

Even though there are countless popular anime, including Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, etc., none of them ever managed to overthrow One Piece in popularity terms. Even Naruto and Bleach failed in this regard. Due to the loss in popularity, both of the Big Three suffered massively during their prime years, even after the hard work their creators put in.

One Piece’s Popularity Still Remains Unmatched One Piece [Credit: Toei Animation]

The Dragon Ball franchise was one of the most popular franchises in the anime and manga industry.

The 30th-anniversary celebration for Rurouni Kenshin is proving detrimental for many famous mangaka. Whether their decision to participate in the celebration is voluntary or not, they are receiving heavy backlash for associating with Nobuhiro Watsuki. From Eiichiro Oda to Yoshihiro Togashi, fans are disappointed with their favorite mangaka and are actively questioning their decision.

A still from Tite Kubo’s Bleach | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd

Almost every famous shonen mangaka is on the list except for a notable few. Not seeing Tite Kubo on the list has brought unparalleled joy to Bleach fans. The entire controversy has sparked debates and discussions. While praising Kubo, fans are also trying to understand the reasoning behind the other mangakas’ involvement.

Tite Kubo Wins Hearts With his Stance on Rurouni Kenshin Anniversary Celebration Ichigo Kurosaki | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

As a part of the 30th anniversary celebration of Rurouni Kenshin, a special...

Demon Slayer is undoubtedly one of the most popular new-gen anime, and it has captivated the attention of many viewers towards the Shonen anime genre. Not to forget, the franchise holds the record for the highest-grossing movie ever in Japan with 2020’s Mugen Train.

The biggest appeal of Koyoharu Gotoge’s DS shonen series is its brisk pace that prioritized getting straight to the big moments. With the end of Demon Slayer Season 4, Ufotable delivered the most cinematic experience the fandom could have asked for, ending with the Hashiras and Tanjiro’s group entering the Infinity Castle.

Demon Slayer Season 4 | Credit: Ufotable

As our beloved protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, finally confronts Muzan Kibutsuji and vows to behead the Demon King, viewers are left glued to their screens, anticipating Season 5. Nevertheless, the end of Season 4 left fans at the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the result of Infinity Castle.

One key...

The recently trending Shonen Jump anime series Dandadan has introduced a new and unexpected narrative that changed the entire action and supernatural thriller genre within the anime industry. Although the series has only witnessed the release of its first episode, it has already made its place as one of the best new anime series of 2024.

Dandadan anime | Credits: Science Saru

The Dandadan anime series is adapted from the Japanese manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu. It is being produced by Science Saru, and the story offers a unique perspective on the paranormal aspects of the world. The manga is already quite popular within the industry, and now the anime is shining even more brightly because of an unexpected twist.

Dandadan has brought the most unanticipated characters together that have united two different fanbases. These two characters are Luffy from One Piece and Tanjiro from...

In the last few years, very few new-gen titles have managed to become as popular as Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer. The series was everything that was expected of a series that would take the anime and manga industry to new heights. From an emotionally gripping plot to jaw-dropping animation that will glue the eyes of the viewers to the screen.

Tanjiro Kamado. Credits: Ufotable

The series’ protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, also had some incredible abilities and powers. For starters, he learned the ten forms of Water Breathing as well as Sun Breathing However, the series decided to add an interesting ability to the protagonist.

Gotouge-Sensei decided to give his main character a strong nose that not only gives him an edge over his enemies but also helps him sense when someone is going to die. This weird trait puts him on the same tier as Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who also has phenomenal foresight to avoid casualties.

For over 25 years, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has been enthralling fans without a single dull moment and is regarded as the most influential shonen series worldwide. With the manga coming close to its conclusion, One Piece will soon join the ranks of other great shonen manga, such as Naruto, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer.

Monkey D. Luffy- Gear 5| Credits: Toei Animation

Among all the beloved new-gen shonen manga series, Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen has taken the entire internet by storm. Despite becoming the most popular anime show worldwide, surpassing even One Piece, Jjk fandom is sad with the conclusion of their favorite manga.

Aside from concerns about Gege Akutami’s rushed narrative for the final chapters, many fellow creators have congratulated Akutami’s successful 6-year-long run in the anime/manga community, with even Oda-sensei offering his commendation.

Eiichiro Oda’s Touching Tribute to Jujutsu Kaisen...

Following the immense success of Solo Leveling Season 1, the Korean manhwa series has generated significant buzz online, captivating fans worldwide. Despite generating an enormous fanbase, many fans aren’t aware that the anime actually began as a popular Korean webtoon (manhwa) series.

Undoubtedly, Solo Leveling played a vital role in increasing the Webtoon series’ popularity, captivating several new readers to the lesser-known world of Korean Webtoons. With the highly anticipated Season 2 release approaching, anime fans are eager to see which other popular Korean webtoon series will dominate the internet with their rich storytelling.

Legend of Northern Blade manhwa | Credit: TappyToon

From The Beginning after the End to Omniscient Reader Viewpoints, there is plenty of manhwa series that fans consider true gems. Samurai anime enthusiasts who love medieval Japan or the philosophy of bushido should add The Legend of the Northern Blade to the top of their list. The Legend of...

Kagurabachi is an ongoing Shonen manga that managed to take the headliner spot at the esteemed Next Manga Awards 2024. However, it is causing significant ripples in the world of Japanese comics as it shares a few similarities with the Shonen genre standards. Under those familiar themes though lies depth and complexity that makes Kagurabachi rather unique among its peers.

Chihiro Rokuhira from Kagurabachi | Credits: Viz Media

As the popularity of the series continues to grow, people have started comparing it to Koyoharu Gotoge’s Demon Slayer. But just how deep do these similarities go? Does Kagurabachi owe a creative debt to Gotouge’s magnum opus? But dig a little deeper and there is a story that not only pays respects to its influences but also boldly forges its very own way from them.

Striking Similarities Between Kagurabachi & Demon Slayer Chihiro Rokuhira | Credit: Viz Media

The parental bonding of Kagurabachi’s...

Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer has been the talk of the town for years. From its unique premise to a heartwrenching ending, fans of the series could not have asked for a better treatment of the series. But as they say, haters will hate.

Recently, the series has received immense hatred from other fandoms. Many claim that the only saving grace of Demon Slayer is its superb animation. But fans beg to differ. Without the moving plot of the series, is it really possible to make fans leave theaters crying by the end of the Mugen Train movie?

Demon Slayer is Alleged to be a Hit Solely for Ufotable Tanjiro and Nezuko in season 1 of Demon Slayer | Credits: Ufotable

Demon Slayer was brought to a wider audience after season 1 of its name aired in 2019. Thus, an opinion was developed that the series is only popular because of Ufotable’s superior animation.

Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer has become one of the most wanted Shonen series of the new generation that has taken the world by storm. The series was first released in 2106 and received an anime adaptation, which has become a massive name in the anime industry as well.

A still from Demon Slayer. Credits: Ufotable

The story is set in the Taishō period in Japan, which features great historical accuracy, and next-tier animation quality just added to the popularity of the show. Hence, some members of the Otaku community even called the title the very definition of peak fiction.

However, it looks like Gotouge-Sensei’s magnum opus might not be an original idea, as an influencer shared how the mangaka might have been inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist. Though the statement sounds crazy, once the fans see the uncanny resemblance between the two titles, they can’t unsee it for the rest of eternity.