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The Mike Toole Show - Love Live! The School Idol Column
Mike takes in the Love Live movie and gazes starry-eyed at the wonder, the excitement, the passion, and the disposable income of Love Live fandom.
― “You are awake and about to head to the theater, yes?” my wife, Prairie, texted me. I turned to the four women in front of me. “Hey, can I take your photo?” I asked. They quickly agreed. So I texted back this picture of Teragarm Cosplay and Starlightslk....
The List - 7 of Evangelion's Strangest Tie-In Goods
When it comes to merchandise exploitation, Evangelion is the Star Wars of Japan - and here are seven of the outright oddest knick-knacks the franchise has spawned.
― This year's the 20th anniversary of Hideaki Anno's genre-defining giant robot anime. The series has cultivated a large fan following dedicated to its immersive lore. Viewers still argue for Rei or Asuka and its iconic characters have, f...
Answerman - What Will Happen To A Convict's Voice Acting Work?
Voice Actor Scott Freeman was recently convicted of a crime and imprisoned; what happens to the work he's done that's already out there, and what are the responsibilities of the company that hired him?
― Lee asks: With the recent imprisonment of Scott Freeman, what is likely to happen with future releases of shows that he has already dubbed? I am a big fan of both Highschool DxD and Baka and Test am...
ANNCast - Supernerds vs. The World
Daryl Surat and Mike Toole return to the Supernerds headquarters for a couple hours of easy, breezy anime talk! PLUS: Metal Gear Solid 5, Symphogear, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust and more!
― ANNCast Episode 238: Supernerds vs. The World Get the Flash Player to see this player. Daryl Surat and Mike Toole return to the Supernerds headquarters for a couple hours of easy, breezy anime talk! PLUS: Metal G...
Answerman - Whatever Happened to Manga Entertainment? (PART TWO: UK Edition)
As it turns out, a whole lot is happening with Manga UK; Justin gets the inside information from Animatsu Ltd. CEO Jerome Mazandarani in this exclusive report.
― In Monday's installment, I wrote in detail about how Manga Entertainment had fallen far from their place of dominance in the late VHS era, when they had such titles as Ninja Scroll, Macross Plus, Ghost in the Shell and Perfect Blue. The his...
The X Button - On With the Show
This week: the first chunk of the Tokyo Game Show brings Todd’s favorite news all year! Plus new Street Fighter characters, more Kingdom Hearts, and a great bonus costume for Dead or Alive.
― This week brings the Tokyo Game Show, and with it some news I've wanted to hear for a long, long while. Before I get to that, however, Nintendo has a new leader up for discussion. The tragic loss of Nintendo Pr...
Answerman - Whatever Happened To Manga Entertainment?
Justin recounts the fascinating tale of Manga Entertainment, once the biggest name in anime in the US, but now a shadow of its former self. PLUS: the Answerman column is turning 15 years old!
― I was chatting with Zac last week when the two of us came to a major realization: In just a few short months, the "Answerman" column on Anime News Network turns FIFTEEN YEARS OLD. Think about that for a secon...
Shelf Life - Captain SNAFU
This week's new releases, including the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist on bluray. Plus: reviews of Captain Earth part 2 and SNAFU in HD!
― Well, folks, it's my second appearance as the new Shelf Life guy, and that can only mean one thing: I've managed to go a whole week without causing the column to burst into flames! Go me! Really, though, thank you for your support and continued readership. Let's jump r...
The List - 7 Dessert-Obsessed Manga
These seven dangerously sweet manga insist you eat dessert before your dinner.
― Elegant tea houses, delicately decorated cakes, and equally gorgeous chefs populate this week's sister list to "7 Manga To Improve Your Cooking." These manga focus on finding sweet love or using a little magic to become the next great patissier. Life is short, eat dessert first. 7. Yumeiro Pâtissière A children's manga,...
Answerman - How Are English Dub Voice Actors Cast?
If you've ever wondered exactly how voice actors are chosen for roles in anime dubs, Justin has the rundown for you.
― Dakota asks: After watching Shirobako I gained a general understanding of how the Japanese voice actors are cast for anime. The process was basically what one would expect, but it got me wondering: How do English distributors like Funimation choose who will voice each roll? I know t...
Answerman - Whatever Happened To Saban Entertainment?
Saban Entertainment brought over kids' anime en masse in the 90s; shows like Noozles, Flint the Time Detective, the original Dragon Ball Z dub, and more. So where'd they go?
― Drew asks: As a child of the late-80s/early-90s, I grew up with a lot of anime dubbed by Saban (not even knowing it was anime half the time, i.e. Maya the Bee). However with Saban being bought by Disney and then coming back re...
The X Button - Capsule Corps
Todd takes on Capsule Force for a double dose of retro-stuff! Plus Monster Hunter Tales, Arslan: The Warriors of Legend, and the best Project X Zone addition yet!
― I talked a lot about Mega Man last week, and I'll continue for just a little while. It seems that a new Mega Man movie, first rumored months ago, now has slightly more solid grounding. The Tracking Board reports that the film has produce...
Answerman - How Do Anime Budgets Compare to American Animation Budgets?
You hear a lot about how anime is inexpensive to make compared to American animation, but what exactly are the numbers? Justin breaks it down.
― Allan asks: I often read that anime is made with a much lower production budget than "western animation". That certainly makes sense when comparing the average TV anime with a big-name western production like a movie from Disney/Pixar. But I'm curious how a...
ANNCast - Code Geasscast
Zac, Hope and special guest Joe Dempsey dissect one of the biggest hit shows of the last decade, Sunrise's terrorism-and-pizza mecha epic Code Geass. It's a real Knightmare.
― ANNCast Episode 237: Code Geasscast Get the Flash Player to see this player. Zac, Hope and The Cart Driver's Joe Dempsey dissect one of the biggest hit shows of the last decade, Sunrise's terrorism-and-pizza mecha epic Code Ge...
Shelf Life - Rhythm and BlazBlues
Shelf Life has a new captain! Paul Jensen takes over the column with a look at this week's new releases, plus reviews of Re:Cyborg 009 and BlazBlue Alter Memory.
― Hi everyone, Paul here. Welcome to my very first outing as the new face of Shelf Life! I was an avid reader of this column for years before I started writing for it a few months ago. I'll do my best to keep it a fun and useful source of r...
The Mike Toole Show - Toriyama-rama
Mike inhales a bunch of nouveau Dragon Ball movies in anticipation of Dragon Ball Super and winds up coming to a conclusion about an old Toriyama character that needs to appear in the show.
― Last week I strolled the streets of Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, taking in the hipster ambiance-- the charmingly refitted former factories, the flea markets, the dive bars, and of course, the anime conv...
The List - 7 Anime Beach Episodes Worth Watching
Beach episodes are a time-honored cliche, but most of the time, they're only fanservice-infused filler. Here are seven that manage to do a little more than that.
― Hi readers! I'm writing to you from the from the future for this Labor Day-inspired column this week. I've been writing this column for three years now, with a total of 142 installments. Also, by the time you're reading this, I'm getting ...
Answerman - How Do Creators Get Fan Mail?
I want to send fan mail to my favorite artist/animator/director/screen writer/voice actor/key grip. How exactly does that happen?
― Scott asks: I've seen some creators write about letters and fanart that they receive. But who handles fanmail for people in the manga/anime business? Is it collected by a publisher, agency, or studio and sorted from there? Assuming they even feel compelled to read it, h...
Answerman - Are There Sports Anime With A Female Protagonist?
Sports anime seem to be dominated by male heroes - Cross Game, Prince of Tennis, et al. What about shows where women are the focus?
― Ogun asks: are there any sports manga with a female protaganist? with my introduction to the haikyuu franchise, i found my self empathizing & swept up in a world I never appreciated before - sports manga. This led to some reflection. slam dunk, real, I'll, prince of t...
The X Button - Lumine Nation
This week, we go importin’ with Super Robot Wars, Ray Gigant, and Luminous Arc! Plus the next Ace Attorney, a Cave shooter comeback, and new reasons to complain about Street Fighter!
― Nintendo has a depleted lineup for this holiday season, with a new Star Fox, Yoshi's Wooly World, and Xenoblade Chronicles X occupying space that normally would go to a new Mario or Zelda game. Of course, Nintendo has...
Shelf Life - Changing of the Guard
It's the end of an era as Bamboo passes the torch to a new generation of Shelf Lifers. PLUS: reviews of Patlabor 2, Vampire Hunter D, and .Hack//G.U.
― Dear readers... it's been a good ride, but I'm saying good-bye once again. After writing for Anime News Network for half my life, I am bidding farewell to my dear column, as well as any opinion-related content on the site. While I will deeply miss wo...
Answerman - Are UK and Australian Anime DVDs & BDs Any Different?
A collector with a region-free bluray player wants to start importing DVDs and blurays from the UK, but what happened to all those UK-produced English dubs?
― Vanessa asks: With the help of my region free blu ray player and easy internet shopping, I am excited to find anime series, not available in the US, come out in the UK or Australian markets. However, what is available overseas isn't much diffe...
The List - 7 Plucky Kid Detectives
These pint-sized sleuths will solve the murder, unravel the international conspiracy and catch the bad guys, all before it's time for Lunchables.
― Kid detectives are a staple of children's fiction. They're the Robin to Batman, the Scooby Doo gang unraveling the schemes of adults, or the hard-nosed Nancy Drew who can't get away from a good mystery plot. Sometimes they're pint-sized versions of adult...
ANNCast - What It Feels Like For A Monster Girl
Friend of the show and graphic designer Brady Hartel joins Zac and Hope for a rip-roaring live Q&A session wherein Zac reveals his secret monster girl crush. Also: Rokka, Dragon Ball Super and more!
― ANNCast Episode 236: What It Feels Like for a Monster Girl Get the Flash Player to see this player. Friend of the show and graphic designer Brady Hartel joins Zac and Hope for a rip-roaring live Q&A se...
Answerman - Will Anime Ever Come To My Country (Legally)?
A writer from Iran wants to know if there's even a slight chance the anime industry will legally come to his country with physical releases and streaming options.
― Vahid asks: I'm from Iran, and I always read your answers on ANN. (Access to ANN is denied in Iran and i have to use proxy software to visit.) My country doesn't allow us to buy or sell anime and manga (because of Islamic issues, you kno...
Answerman - At What Point Are You No Longer A Fan?
Ever feel your ravenous desire to consume all anime slowly fading? Do you find yourself only seeking out the small handful of shows that might interest you every year? Does that make you no longer a fan? Justin gets into it.
― Robert asks: From 2007-2010, I always considered myself a huge anime fan. I checked out every anime that came out in Japan each season (eventually sticking with no less than 5...
The X Button - Cyber City
This week: Bandai Namco’s future with Dark Souls III, Project X Zone 2, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth! Plus your chance to vote on Konami games, Dead or Alive rosters, and the future of Guilty Gear! And comics!
― Nintendo recently put a little The Legend of Zelda comic on its Play channel. It's drawn by Seitaro Komatsu, it's based on The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and it showcases a lazy, man...
Shelf Life - Group Therapy
This week's new DVD and Bluray releases, alongside fresh reviews of Kamigami no Asobi and the first season of fan favorite K-ON in HD!
― Jump to this week's reviews: Kamigami no AsobiK-ON! On Shelves This Week Fairy Tail - Part 16 BD+DVD Funimation - 300 min - Hyb - MSRP $54.98Currently cheapest at: $32.12 Rakuten Synopsis: Lucy and Yukino are arrested for their involvement in crimes against the sta...
Answerman - What Happens to a License When a Publisher Goes Under?
When an American anime company goes out of business, what exactly happens to all of their licenses? Justin examines the fallout from several angles.
― Robert asks: What happens to shows (or manga) that are licensed and then for some reason, something happens to the company? Shows like Gosick (which was licensed by Bandai) or manga like Alive: The Final Evolution (which was licensed by Del Rey). And ...
The Mike Toole Show - Ai Am Legend
Mike takes a very fashionable journey through the world of anime based on the manga of Ai Yazawa, including Paradise Kiss and Nana.
― This week, the anime director Osamu Kobayashi fired off some tweets in English. When asked if he'd done anything new lately, since his last project, an episode of Dantalian, was several years ago, he replied, “I directed the 13 episodes of the new Lupin III. And Garow2...
The List - 7 Anime for Grown-Up Romantics
The endless parade of anime about teenagers figuring out love for the first time is heartwarming but sometimes, if you're a little older, you want a show about adults who have been around the block a few times already.
― Romance anime, or the medium in general, is dominated by adolescent stories. Characters between the ages of 14-18 getting in trouble, saving the world, or enjoying club activities m...
Answerman - Why Does Anime Have "The Motion Picture" In The Title?
"Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture". "Slayers: The Motion Picture". "Lady Death: The Motion Picture". Why do US anime studios seem to insist on this antiquated label for anime films?
― Matt B. asks: I was wondering if all anime movies that say "The Motion Picture" were actually in theaters in Japan at some point? Often they don't seem much better quality than OVAs. Funny you should ask this, as this is...
ANNCast - Old Toys Club
Sometimes you have thousands of vintage Japanese robot toys, or thousands of anime DVDs, or artbooks, or whatever special thing filled that existential space inside of you. Sometimes, after many years of collecting, you're ready to let it all go.
― ANNCast Episode 235: Old Toys Club Get the Flash Player to see this player. Sometimes you have thousands of vintage Japanese robot toys, or thousands of ...
Answerman - How Popular Are Japanese Voice Actors?
Exactly how popular and successful are your average Japanese voice actors, and how do they compare to American VAs?
― DJ Alexander asks: Recently I discovered that Seiyuu surprisingly make quite the source of income off an anime compared to everyone else whom partake in the production of an anime, which leads me to wonder. How big is voice acting in japan? Are all Seiyuu seen as celebrities equivale...
The X Button - Lost in Blues
This week, Todd reviews the under-the-radar Vita RPG Lost Dimension! Plus Exist Archive, a Resident Evil return, and some extreme Guilty Gear nerding out.
― Fighting games play us for suckers. To be fair, just about any game series with semi-annual upgrades plays us for suckers, but fighting games at least do it predictably. The initial version of a new fighter comes out shiny and freshly redesigned...
Shelf Life - Love Me Like You Do
A jam-packed Shelf Life this week with three new reviews, plus week's new releases!
- My Little Monster
- Noragami
- Please Teacher ― Jump to this week's reviews: My Little MonsterNoragamiPlease Teacher! On Shelves This Week Hayate the Combat Butler Season 1 Complete Collection BD, DVD Sentai - 1300 min - Sub - MSRP $99.98|$79.98Currently cheapest at: $58.42 Rakuten|$46.73 Rakuten Synopsis: Because ...
- My Little Monster
- Noragami
- Please Teacher ― Jump to this week's reviews: My Little MonsterNoragamiPlease Teacher! On Shelves This Week Hayate the Combat Butler Season 1 Complete Collection BD, DVD Sentai - 1300 min - Sub - MSRP $99.98|$79.98Currently cheapest at: $58.42 Rakuten|$46.73 Rakuten Synopsis: Because ...
Answerman - Why Aren't More Races Represented In Anime And Manga?
Although wonderfully diverse in genre and subject matter, anime isn't particularly known for being as diverse when it comes to ethnicity among the cast. Justin gets into it.
― J. Sinclair asks: I'm very disappointed in the lack of variety of skin tones of manga and anime characters. If you were to break the shades down by Copic markers the only color you get is E00 Skin White, and rarely a dark skin...
The List - 7 Righteously Confident Protagonists
A new breed of hypercompetent badasses who know full well they're awesome are the headline attraction in a lot of new anime series these days. Here are seven of 'em. Try not to fall in love.
― The milquetoast protagonist is a well-known one. He's the guy in an anime where every girl wants him, for no discernible reason. His primary goal is to be a self-insert but this usually means he's generic in e...
Answerman - Do Japanese Businessmen Really Drink As Much As I've Heard?
The legends surrounding the drinking habits of Japanese salarymen are well-known and frequently depicted in anime. But is Japan's drinking culture really that hardcore?
― Leafy asks: I keep hearing about how Japanese businessmen would go out to bars for talks and such and that it's a major part of their culture, and that if one invites you to drink, it's very rude to turn it down (which, I would gue...
Answerman - What Do I Do With All These Bootleg DVDs?
Most fans in their early years accidentally bought some charming, illegal bootleg DVDs. But what are you supposed to do with them now?
― Vee asks: When I was much younger, my dad used to travel a lot to Hong Kong and Malaysia. I was big into anime then and so, he'd pick me up bootlegged anime DVDs and the occasional trinket here and there... That was about eight years ago and I now know how crappy p...
The X Button - Dragon Forces
This week: the creators of Dragon Quest Heroes talk of whacking slimes and stewarding Japan’s biggest RPG series! Plus SNK’s future, Fire Emblem’s resurgence, and a new way through an old favorite.
― I talked about Final Fantasy XII last week, and since we just don't talk enough about Final Fantasy games, I'll talk about Final Fantasy VI. It's one of my favorite games, but it sure is glitchy. The ga...
Shelf Life - Cutie Honeys
This week, cute baristas, cute magic weapons, and even some cute new releases.
- Is the order a rabbit?
- Soul Eater NOT! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Is the Order a Rabbit?Soul Eater NOT! On Shelves This Week Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! BD+DVD 1 (Collector's Edition) Ponycan USA - 109 min - Sub - MSRP $89.99Currently cheapest at: $71.98 Right Stuf Synopsis: The boys of the Binan High Schoo...
- Is the order a rabbit?
- Soul Eater NOT! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Is the Order a Rabbit?Soul Eater NOT! On Shelves This Week Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! BD+DVD 1 (Collector's Edition) Ponycan USA - 109 min - Sub - MSRP $89.99Currently cheapest at: $71.98 Right Stuf Synopsis: The boys of the Binan High Schoo...
Answerman - Why Did Otakon's Attendance Shrink?
Otakon 2015's attendance was down nearly 20% this year, in the same year most other anime cons saw serious growth. Justin examines the potential causes.
― Chris asks: Anime Expo attendance was up 12% this year, to 90,500, and it's not the only one. Poking around the sites of other big North American cons that post attendance numbers, Anime Central was up 5% to 31,113, and Anime Boston was up 7% to 2...
The Mike Toole Show - The Cat's Meow-nga
On the anniversary of welcoming two cats into his home, Mike takes a look at some of the most famous and beloved cat manga out there, including Chi's Sweet Home!
― I'm a cat person. I've always had cats around-- and in fact, seven years ago this week, my wife and I made a trip to the SPCA to get our current pair of cats, Roku and Nana. (Yes, my cats are named 6 and 7. My previous cat, a temperamental...
The List - 6 Misplaced Ninja
Anime features a lot of ninjas, even in shows with a premise where you really wouldn't expect a ninja to show up. Nobody expected THESE ninjas, though.
― At the top of the list of Japanese things people are familiar with, there are samurai and their shadowy ninja counterparts. Shrouded in mystery, the ninja's reputation as covert assassins that poisoned dignitaries while they slept, disappeared into...
Answerman - Why Isn't More Anime Made For Americans?
Americans love stuff like Ghost in the Shell and Cowboy Bebop - so why hasn't a Japanese company set up shop to make things like it for an international audience?
― Garry asks: I know that anime is made first and foremost for the Japanese people, but why hasn't some entrepreneurial Japanese company opened studios here in the U.S. (or abroad in the UK or Australia, etc.), to either acquire failed ani...
Answerman - How Is This Bubble Different From The Last One?
Most people acknowledge that the anime industry is currently in a bubble, which means higher licensing prices and inflated expectations. But if it pops, will it be as bad as the last one?
― Branko asks: There has been a lot of talk about the anime industry being in another bubble, which inevitably leads to the question: how is this one like or unlike the last one? How is this one similar and differe...
The X Button - Crime Scene, Part Fun
This week, imports appear with ace detectives, strategic moves, and hungry cities! Plus Red Ash’s fate, Konami’s saving grave, and second chances for several games!
― Hey, would you like a remastered version of Final Fantasy XII? I sure would! Maybe it's not your thing, but Final Fantasy XII is up there with Tactics and VI among my favorite parts of the whole Final Fantasy buffet. Sure, XII feels a ...
Shelf Life - Video Game Girl Ai
Video games! Breasts! Alchemy! All that and more.
- Atelier Escha & Logy
- Hyperdimension Neptunia
- Solty Rei ― Jump to this week's reviews: Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk SkyHyperdimension NeptuniaSolty Rei On Shelves This Week Please Twins! - Complete Collection DVD Nozomi Entertainment - 325 min - Hyb - MSRP $39.99Currently cheapest at: $23.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Maiku grew up an ...
- Atelier Escha & Logy
- Hyperdimension Neptunia
- Solty Rei ― Jump to this week's reviews: Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk SkyHyperdimension NeptuniaSolty Rei On Shelves This Week Please Twins! - Complete Collection DVD Nozomi Entertainment - 325 min - Hyb - MSRP $39.99Currently cheapest at: $23.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Maiku grew up an ...
Answerman - Has Convention Culture Affected The Anime Business?
Anime conventions are exploding in popularity and attendance - is that phenomenon impacting the anime industry at all?
― Kevin asks: Given the explosion of popularity of conventions over the last few years and the bleed over from similar interests(comics, ccgs, comic movies, etc), how has the industry changed as a result of the convention circuit being so popular now compared to 10 years ago. What's...
The List - 7 Eras of Japanese History via Anime
Travel back in time (and maybe have your gender swapped) to seven different periods of Japanese history, all from the comfort of your couch.
― The history of Japanese civilization is expansive, predating the Common Era by 10,000 years (the Jomon period). There's much more ground to cover compared to what kids get in U.S. history classes in high school, which rarely cover anything before the Boston T...
ANNCast - Podcastoes O'Brien
Voice actor/director/professional Dungeons & Dragons player Liam O'Brien returns to the podcast after a 5-year hiatus to discuss his roles in Fate/Zero and Sailor Moon, along with the landscape for anime voice acting now and what it's like to be Gollum.
― ANNCast Episode 234: Podcastoes O'Brien Get the Flash Player to see this player. Voice actor/director/professional Dungeons & Dragons player Liam ...
Answerman - What Needs To Be Approved By A Licensor?
Names, marketing, merchandise, key art - what aspects of an American home video release need direct approval from the Japanese company that owns the show?
― Hey guys, I could really use some new questions! It's the dog days of summer, so people are kind of checked out... and not sending in questions for me to answer. So come on, send me something! [email protected] Thanks!! Julian asks...
Answerman - Why Did So Many OVA Series End Prematurely?
So many of those classic OVA series from the 80s and 90s ended after only one or two episodes. Justin investigates why.
― Hey guys, I could really use some new questions! It's the dog days of summer, so people are kind of checked out... and not sending in questions for me to answer. So come on, send me something! [email protected] Thanks!! Parker asks: I recently purchased Discotek's D...
The X Button - Heaven Sense
This week: a chat with Final Fantasy XIV producer Naoki Yoshida! Plus Exist Archive, Red Ash, Dragon Quest, and a classic wonder-world!
― Some loyal readers may be tired of hearing about Red Ash, Keiji Inafune's Kickstarter attempt to relaunch Mega Man Legends in just about everything but name and storyline. You must forgive me, as I really enjoy the Legends games and want to see more in their gener...
Shelf Life - Sporty Spice
This week we get athletic with Ping Pong the Animation and Wanna Be the Strongest in the World.
― Jump to this week's reviews: Ping Pong the AnimationWanna Be the Strongest in the World! On Shelves This Week 009 Re: Cyborg BD+DVD Funimation - 104 min - Hyb - MSRP $34.98Currently cheapest at: $20.14 Amazon Synopsis: Long ago, nine humans were captured and weaponized into cyborgs. However, they rebell...
Answerman - Why Do Older Shows Go Unstreamed?
Every season there are a handful of shows that don't get licensed for simulcasting, and frequently they're never heard from again. What's up with that?
― Chris asks: So, I have noticed over the past few years or so that certain series that have a following already have gotten passed up for streaming rights (i.e., Nanoha ViVid, Dog Days", Milky Holmes, etc. just to name a few) for other properties th...
The Mike Toole Show -The Worst Anime of All Time
Fresh from his panel at Otakon, Mike runs down the absolute worst anime he's ever seen, and wonders what you might consider to be worse.
― Goku and Superman tangle furiously, then get caught up in a tender embrace; bystanders swarm them, holding up mobile phones to capture the moment. A massive line of kids, teenagers, and adults in an assortment of wigs, hats, and other odd clothes starts moving, it...
The List - 6 Deadly Maids
These six maids will wait on you hand and foot, but are also quite capable of wasting some fools. PLUS: results from last week's Love Live poll and a new Pokemon poll!
― Maids, like catgirls, are an anime staple. Heck, some characters are even both. There's something alluring about the frilly dresses and sworn dedication to their "Master," even if that dedication involves killing a tavern full of gr...
Answerman - Why Can't Idol Singers Have Lives Of Their Own?
Idol singers in Japan are held to some pretty strict and unrealistic standards of conduct by their fans. Is the Idol economy unfair? Justin takes a look.
― Chris asks: Singer Minami Kuribayashi — known for a number of anime OP and ED songs and as a voice actress for the Rumbling Hearts and Muv-Luv visual novels — recently admitted in a blog entry that she had a son, and that she expected that “becau...
ANNCast - ¡Kamui Caliente!
Zac and special guest Eryn head back to the 20th century for a double feature of two lavishly animated, terminally convoluted classics, X/1999 and Akira, and try not to lose their heads.
― ANNCast Episode 233: Kamui Caliente! Get the Flash Player to see this player. Zac and special guest Eryn head back to the 20th century for a double feature of two lavishly animated, terminally convoluted classics,...
Answerman - Why Doesn't Anime Have Deleted Scenes?
Ever wonder why American cartoons always have a ton of deleted scenes, but anime rarely ever does? Justin's on the case.
― Adam asks: For several American TV shows and movies, the home video releases tend to come with deleted scenes, which were edited out of the final version. Family Guy and Robot Chicken do this all the time. But I next to never see any deleted scenes for anime. And it's not just t...
The X Button - How Suda is Now
This week: further talk with Goichi “Suda51” Suda about Killer7, No More Heroes, and in-jokes! Plus new Street Fighters, Odin Sphere’s return, and the only election that matters!
― I was on the way home from Comic-Con when I heard the news: Satoru Iwata, the President and CEO of Nintendo since 2002, passed away at the age of 55. Iwata's time at Nintendo saw many momentous things: the DS replacing th...
The Top 10 Final Fantasy VII Themes
The FFVII remake can't come soon enough, but you can still enjoy that epic soundtrack while you wait! Hope Chapman counts down some of the best pieces from this legendary JRPG.
― At long last, Final Fantasy fanatics can look forward to a next-gen remake of the series' most popular entry: FFVII! There could be a long wait ahead of us before a shiny new version of this JRPG classic graces our PS4's, b...
Shelf Life - No Pain No Game
This week, characters go head-to-head in culinary and card game match-ups:
- No Game, No Life
- Yakitate!! Japan Pt 2 ― Jump to this week's reviews: No Game, No LifeYakitate!! Japan Pt. 2 On Shelves This Week .hack//G.U. Trilogy DVD Funimation - 94 min - Sub - MSRP $29.98Currently cheapest at: $17.26 Rakuten Synopsis: Things in "The World" are once again slipping into chaos. Haseo and his friend Ato...
- No Game, No Life
- Yakitate!! Japan Pt 2 ― Jump to this week's reviews: No Game, No LifeYakitate!! Japan Pt. 2 On Shelves This Week .hack//G.U. Trilogy DVD Funimation - 94 min - Sub - MSRP $29.98Currently cheapest at: $17.26 Rakuten Synopsis: Things in "The World" are once again slipping into chaos. Haseo and his friend Ato...
Answerman - What's with all the school uniforms in anime?
Nearly every student in nearly every anime (which is an enormous percentage of anime characters) wears a school uniform. But WHY?
― James asks: I have noticed that a large percentage of Japanese anime and manga series that I have followed feature schools, and almost invariably, the students at those schools wear uniforms (with Dragon Ball being the only series that I can recall where students do not...
The List - 7 of Anime's Friendliest Ghosts
Not all of the wailing spirits of the dead are here to cause trouble - some of them just want to lend a spectral hand. PLUS: the user poll to end all user polls!
― They haunt our homes, slam our doors, and break our best china. Poltergeists, vengeful spirits, and the residual energy of the wrongfully killed wreck all kinds of havoc. But what if all ghosts aren't creeping out of abandoned wells or hi...
Answerman - When Will Americans Stop Hating and Love the Maid Café?
A local overreaction to a maid cafe popping up in the midwest has one writer asking Justin when America will just accept otaku interests and habits as normal.
― Michael asks: I live in Ohio and recently a small group of people scheduled a maid cafe to be held in a suburb here. They rented out a cafe to use during its off hours and sold tickets, got everything setup, etc. On the day of the event, the...
ANNCast - A Midsummer Night's Podcast
Zac and Hope get Attacked by Titans, pull apart the summer season, get confronted by Fire Emblem Fates and take your questions both taped and live.
― ANNCast Episode 232: A Midsummer Night's Podcast Get the Flash Player to see this player. Zac and Hope get Attacked by Titans, pull apart the summer season, get confronted by Fire Emblem Fates and take your questions both taped and live. You can listen...
Answerman - Why Isn't More Anime Shown in US Theaters?
If you've ever wondered why there aren't more anime movies showing at your local cineplex, Justin has the reason why.
― Before we get started, a quick correction. Some time ago, I wrote about how back in the bad old days, many American editions of manga were literally photocopied from a Japanese tankoubon. None other than Carl Horn emailed me to let me know that, while that was true, it was really o...
Answerman - Why Hasn't Anyone Licensed Miyazaki's Future Boy Conan?
Hayao Miyazaki made only one TV series, and it's nowhere to be found on American shores. Why hasn't it gotten released here?
― Hey, it's not Friday, is it? Nope, it's our first "Main Feed" Answerman! From now on, we'll be answering questions one at a time, several days a week. It'll be much easier to search Answerman by topic this way, and hopefully the column will be more accessible as a result. En...
Answerman - Why Hasn't Anyone Licensed Miyazaki's Future Boy Conan?
Hayao Miyazaki made only one TV series, and it's nowhere to be found on American shores. Why hasn't it gotten released here?
― Hey, it's not Friday, is it? Nope, it's our first "Main Feed" Answerman! From now on, we'll be answering questions one at a time, several days a week. It'll be much easier to search Answerman by topic this way, and hopefully the column will be more accessible as a result. En...
Tales Of The Industry - Big Apple Anime Fest
Tales of the Industry is switching to a feature article format, but not before Justin shares the thrilling behind-the-scenes tale of the first Big Apple Anime Fest.
― This will be the last regularly published Tales of the Industry, as we are switching to an occasional schedule. We will still continue to bring you new stories as we get them, but padding it out with my own stories is proving to be a l...
Shelf Life - Don't You Forget About Me
This week, a slice-of-life about friendship and relationships, and an action show about historical figures with giant guns:
- Nobunagun
- One Week Friends ― Jump to this week's reviews: One Week FriendsNobunagun On Shelves This Week A Lull in the Sea Vol. 1 DVD, Vol. 2 NIS America - 308 min - Hyb - MSRP $49.99|$49.99Currently cheapest at: $37.99 Right Stuf|$37.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Humans used to ...
- Nobunagun
- One Week Friends ― Jump to this week's reviews: One Week FriendsNobunagun On Shelves This Week A Lull in the Sea Vol. 1 DVD, Vol. 2 NIS America - 308 min - Hyb - MSRP $49.99|$49.99Currently cheapest at: $37.99 Right Stuf|$37.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Humans used to ...
The Mike Toole Show - Need for Seed
Appleseed never seems to fade away, after a manga, an old OVA and a series of CG films. Mike investigates just what it is that has made the series endure.
― Some anime series are wildly popular, spanning decades in the form of TV series, movies, OVAs, and an ocean of tie-in projects. Others burn bright, but wrap up after a single TV series or film. But there are a few - just a handful, really - that ...
The List - 7 1990s OVAs to Revive After Ushio & Tora
Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon - everything old is new again. Here are seven OVAs from the 90s that deserve another shot.
― The gritty aesthetic of late 80s and early 90s anime is experiencing a small renaissance right now. Companies are reaching back into the vault and dusting off the action and sci-fi series, dated character designs and all, and giving them the anime treatment they missed out on during ...
Answerman - Being A Member of a Production Committee
Funimation just announced that they'll be a member of a production committee, but what does that mean? Also, Media Blasters sells anime on DVD-R, anime conventions just keep on growing, and nobody can explain the business behind Netflix.
― Hey guys! I have some news to share! As we announced at our Anime Expo panel, Answerman will be changing its format slightly. Starting next week, instead of posti...
The X Button - Wii U Ready
This week: Is the Wii U a failure or just misunderstood and cranky? Plus the pseudo-return of Mega Man Legends, more Digimon, and an amazing video-game relic!
― There'll be no X Button next week, due to my covering the San Diego Comic Con in all its crowded, blistering splendor this weekend. If you're there, you can see me host a panel for Goichi “Suda51” Suda, creator of delightfully weird games fr...
Shelf Life - Woman Power
This week, a timely look at the energetic Michiko & Hatchin, and a dive into the past with Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040.
― Jump to this week's reviews: Michiko & HatchinBubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 On Shelves This Week Atelier, Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky Complete Collection BD, DVD Sentai - Sub - MSRP $59.98|$49.98Currently cheapest at: $34.49 Amazon|$29.20 Rakuten Synopsis: Escha has ...
The List - 7 of the Worst Sore Losers
Some people just don't take defeat very well. These seven folks could use a lesson in being a good sport.
― Losing gracefully and admitting defeat is a skill and some characters, especially villains, aren't particularly good at it. It's never the losers fault that they didn't succeed. Blame is either passed around to the nearest person, or worse, the loser seeks revenge against whomever bested them....
Answerman - Why Are All The Parents Dead?
Why does anime delight in making its young heroes parent-less? Plus, how long does an episode take to animate? Does Funimation have DVD rights for the shows they're simul-dubbing? And what was ADV Kidz?
― Mitsuki asks: I was having a discussion (and by "discussion" I meant Tumblr post) about truly godawful cartoons, and someone brought up "Super Duper Sumos", and posted an image. Thing is, I noticed...
House of 1000 Manga Finale: Part II
In the final installment of House of 1000 Manga, Jason both looks back at some of his favorites from the last 5 years and looks forward at what's to come!
― House of 1000 Manga: The End If this column was a horror movie, like the one it's named after (I've actually never even seen it), this is the part when the House of 1000 Manga burns down and the traumatized survivors tell the sheriff about how t...
The X Button - Inner Stella
Have some imports this week with Tatsunoko tributes, Rhythm Heaven, and an RPG developer’s final days! And there’s Fire Emblem debate, Ace Attorney history, and Todd’s revelation of his favorite King of Fighters character!
― The Fire Emblem series has a few controversies, but you'll have to dig to find them. Those games with the more disturbing plot twists, such as Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy...
ANNCast - Criticulous
Zac and Hope are joined by two of our newest writers, Nick Creamer and Gabriella Ekens, to chat about writing anime reviews and what it's like to write about anime online.
― ANNCast Episode 231: Criticulous Get the Flash Player to see this player. Zac and Hope are joined by two of our newest writers, Nick Creamer and Gabriella Ekens, to chat about writing anime reviews and what it's like to write ab...
Tales Of The Industry - How To Torpedo Your Own License
A cautionary tale of a would-be licensee who spoke too soon, learning the hard way how business is done in Japan.
― Welcome to “Tales of the Industry,” a column where we will share stories from real working professionals in the anime business. This week, we have a story contributed by a long time industry member who acts as a consultant for companies looking to get into the anime business. We've rem...
Shelf Life - Alien HQ
This week, scrappy volleyball players and a sinister race of sex aliens.
- Captain Earth
- Haikyu!! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Captain Earth Collection 1Haikyu!! Collection 1 On Shelves This Week A Lull in the Sea - Complete Collection BD [Premium] NIS America - Hyb - MSRP $179.99Currently cheapest at: $134.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Humans used to inhabit the seas, until one day, a group of humans...
- Captain Earth
- Haikyu!! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Captain Earth Collection 1Haikyu!! Collection 1 On Shelves This Week A Lull in the Sea - Complete Collection BD [Premium] NIS America - Hyb - MSRP $179.99Currently cheapest at: $134.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Humans used to inhabit the seas, until one day, a group of humans...
The List - 7 Government Organizations That Would Make the CIA Blush
This rundown of shadowy cabals that perform their insidious machinations behind the scenes, secretly controlling everything, will get your SEELE of approval.
― America's Central Intelligence Agency has fueled numerous conspiracy theories and espionage plots in films, books, and real life. Anime is no exception, with many protagonists uncovering all the dirt their utopian governments swept under the ...
ANNCastle of Cagliostro
Discotek representatives Brady Hartel and Reed Nelson stop by to talk about their most recent prestige release, The Castle of Cagliostro on Bluray. PLUS: An announcement!
― ANNCast Episode 230: ANNCastle of Cagliostro Get the Flash Player to see this player. Discotek representatives Brady Hartel and Reed Nelson stop by to talk about their most recent prestige release, The Castle of Cagliostro on Blu...
Answerman - What's With The Bootlegs On Amazon?
Why are bootlegged anime products still such a problem on Amazon? Plus, the scoop on the new Funimation/Universal Studios deal, anime on Amazon Prime, and when anime will come out on 4K Blu-ray.
― Daniel asks: Who will produce the first anime Super Duper Blu-Ray when players start shipping at the end of the year? Sony via AniPlex? Do you think supporting three simultaneous disc formats will be beyon...
House of 1000 Manga Finale: Part I
The House of 1000 Manga is closing its doors after 5 years of excavation and discovery. Co-author Shaenon Garrity counts down her favorite manga from the column.
― Shaenon's Ten Favorite 'House' Manga It falls upon my bowed shoulders to announce the news: House of 1,000 Manga is ending. After five years of weekly columns, the time has come to move on. Among other things, we're kind of running out of...
The X Button - Chapter Plays
This week: Kickstarters bring tactical comedy, haunted echoes, and something called Shenmue. And we spy new Nier, celebrate Sonic’s birthday, and get all mushy about a giant puppy.
― You might've missed me during last week's E3 nonsense, when I came down with food poisoning. Fortunately, I wasn't at E3, so I just rode out the extravaganza by watching trailers and making feeble Twitter posts from my ...
The Set List - Top 10 EDs of 2009
Hope rounds out the year of 2009 with the best ending themes! Did your favorite song make the cut? Plus: vote for your number one pick in the poll!
― This week on the Set List, we continue our journey through the final year of the 00's with the top ten ending theme songs of 2009! As always, only shows that debuted in 2009 qualified for the list, and the same is true of this week's poll, so keep that...
Shelf Life - Star Power
This week's releases, a pint-size girl bent on world domination and a particularly lethargic entry in the .hack franchise.
-World Conquest Zvezda Plot
-.hack//Roots ― Jump to this week's reviews: World Conquest Zvezda Plot.hack//Roots On Shelves This Week Bleach - Season 25 Uncut Box Set DVD Viz - Hyb - MSRP $44.82Currently cheapest at: $27.58 Amazon Synopsis: Ichigo has been without powers for a ye...
-World Conquest Zvezda Plot
-.hack//Roots ― Jump to this week's reviews: World Conquest Zvezda Plot.hack//Roots On Shelves This Week Bleach - Season 25 Uncut Box Set DVD Viz - Hyb - MSRP $44.82Currently cheapest at: $27.58 Amazon Synopsis: Ichigo has been without powers for a ye...
The List - 7 of Hello Kitty's Most Expensive Accessories
Almost no other mascot in the world gets merchandise as expensive as Hello Kitty. Here's a collection of some of the most outrageously-priced luxury Kitty items.
― Hello Kitty is a cat, or a girl, or both that wants for nothing. She has her own pet cat and friends of all shapes and sizes. She's been to outer space and to countries all over the world. Collectors of Sanrio's popular mascot will quickl...
ANNCast - Game Show: Crass Materia-lism
It's a packed, enormous E3 edition of Game Show where our 90s teenage nerd dreams have all come true! Final Fantasy VII, Shenmue, The Last Guardian and much more!
― ANNCast Episode 229: Game Show: Crass Materia-lism Get the Flash Player to see this player. Todd Ciolek, Dave Reily, Joel White and Heidi Kemps join us for a packed, enormous E3 edition of Game Show where our 90s teenage nerd dreams have...
Answerman - Will Manga Go Public Domain?
Plus, what is digipaint, exactly? What ever happened to Record of Lodoss War? And what does it take to get a long-running show green-lit these days?
― No time for an intro today, let's get to it! Cyrus asks: The Mangaka of a popular series called say hello to black jack did what would surely give Alan Moore nightmares. He revealed that the series was now 100 percent public domain per his own wishes....
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