Combatants Will Be Dispatched! ‒ Episode 9

As punishment for not only failing to get the water the Kingdom needs but also instigating a war, Six and crew find themselves tasked with getting water seeds from the most dangerous part of the desert, where the Sand King lives.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/combatants-will-be-dispatched/episode-9/.173395

Those Snow White Notes ‒ Episode 9

You can practice, apply yourself, sharpen your skills to a razor's edge, and put your whole heart into something, but none of it guarantees anyone else will think it's as good as you feel it is.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/those-snow-white-notes/episode-9/.173401

Megalobox 2: Nomad ‒ Episode 9

The episode is all about showing us the ways that our cast have found to survive, both in regard to the elements of nature, and against the demons that haunt them on the inside.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/megalobox-2-nomad/episode-9/.173393

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 2 ‒ Episode 7

I just noticed this but, who is that student who keeps fading out of existence and then reappearing on either side of the Misfit Class when they're all in shadow?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/welcome-to-demon-school-iruma-kun-season-2/episode-7/.173367

SSSS.Dynazenon ‒ Episode 9

This week's episode of SSSS.Dynazenon opens with a lavish tease: An abstract illustration of the long-speculatory nature of Chise's issues and withdrawal.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ssss.dynazenon/episode-9/.173346

Urobuchi, History, and the Wuxia Hero of Thunderbolt Fantasy

Through Shāng and wuxia, Urobuchi demonstrates to audiences just how inspiring an idealist can be, especially one that's been tempered by experience.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-31/urobuchi-history-and-the-wuxia-hero-of-thunderbolt-fantasy/.172801

Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 2021 (First Half)

Demon Slayer finale sells 4.98 million, followed by 5 more Demon Slayer books, 16 Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Attack on Titan, SPY×FAMILY

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume-2021/.173396

Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 2021 (First Half)

Demon Slayer sells 26.4 million, Jujutsu Kaisen sells 23.8 million, followed by Tokyo Revengers, Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series-2021/.173392

Black Clover Manga Has 15 Million Copies in Print Worldwide

This year's 26th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that Yūki Tabata's Black Clover manga has more than 15 million copies...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-05-30/black-clover-manga-has-15-million-copies-in-print-worldwide/.173375

This Week in Games - The Floodgates

This week was full of big announcements for two major franchises: Dragon Quest and Sonic the Hedgehog. Heidi breaks down all the new installments in This Week in Games! Which are you most looking forward to playing?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2021-05-28/this-week-in-games-the-floodgates/.173294

How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord Omega ‒ Episode 8

Alicia apparently still having her connection to the King also lets Demon Lord round back to the recurring point of government institutions versus religious ones, even as Diablo has left Laminitus in the dust.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/how-not-to-summon-a-demon-lord-omega/episode-8/.173295

Full Dive ‒ Episode 8

The question of Hiro's motivation in Full Dive, what he's getting, or at least trying to get out of Kiwame Quest, has been a slow-burn one.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/full-dive/episode-8/.173266

PREVIEW: Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis Beta

Myles got to try out three classes for Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis in what he's calling a "seamless open-world MMORPG experience with perfectly choreographed action."

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-28/preview-phantasy-star-online-2-new-genesis-beta/.173078

Super Cub ‒ Episode 8

Episode 8 is soundly the food episode, in my book, even if food isn't the sum total of the episode. It's even better than episode 4's okonomiyaki, which lives rent free in my mind.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/super-cub/episode-8/.173261

Who Would Win? Tanjiro VS. Zoro

So now there's two great anime swordsmen to talk about, the question is...who would win in a battle between Tanjiro and Zoro? Let's find out!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-05-28/who-would-win-tanjiro-vs-zoro/.173302

Love Live! Superstar!! Anime Premieres on July 11

The official Twitter account for the Love Live! franchise announced on Friday that Love Live! Superstar!!, the franchise's new television anime, will premiere...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-05-28/love-live-superstar-anime-premieres-on-july-11/.173329

Jun Maeda's Debut Novel is a Queer Romance about Depression

The writer and musician of popular works like Angel Beats! and CLANNAD has published his first novel. Kim Morrissy checks out his newest story about two women bonding over a near-death experience.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-28/jun-maeda-debut-novel-is-a-queer-romance-about-depression/.173125

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Eden

”Getting the job done” is a perfect way to describe Eden as a whole: While it's far from an anime masterclass, the show ends up handling things well enough to get in and out of your Netflix queue without any raising too many gripes.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/eden/streaming-episodes-1-4/.173260

This Week in Anime - The Rock and Roll Spirit of Those Snow White Notes

Nick and Jean-Karlo jump into the deep end of shamisen music in this stellar drama about a strumming prodigy and his search to find his own sound in the wake of his grandfather's death.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-05-27/.173257

So I'm a Spider, So What? ‒ Episode 19

Despite these ominous forebodings, Shun, Katia, and Fei's reunion with the other reincarnations in the village was genuinely heartwarming.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/so-im-a-spider-so-what/episode-19/.173210

PREVIEW: ConnecTank

The Natsume Indie Program has paired up with developer YummyYummyTummy to present a game that's shaping up to be one of the better multiplayer arcade romps of the year.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-26/preview-connectank/.173225

The Power of Family: Mamoru Hosoda's Narrative Driving Force

Over the past few years, Mamoru Hosoda has solidified his place in the animation industry as a juggernaut of the art form and his use of familial bonds to drive the plot of his narratives forward sets him apart from his contemporaries.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-26/the-power-of-family-mamoru-hosoda-narrative-driving-force/.170130

NFL Nerd Night Out with Cam Jordan, Mike Daniels, Lawrence Guy, and Melvin Gordon

Why is Gohan the biggest disappointment? Could Cam beat Megalobox's Joe in the ring? Does Sk8 capture the real fear of sports injuries? Tune in right here on Wednesday, May 26 at 6pm EDT/3pm PDT to find out!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-05-25/nfl-nerd-night-out-with-cam-jordan-mike-daniels-lawrence-guy-and-melvin-gordon/.173221

To Your Eternity ‒ Episode 7

You think we don't know what's coming next, To Your Eternity? You think we don't know that Gugu exists only for us to love him, and for us to be broken when his inevitably dark fate is thrust upon us? We're getting wise to your tricks!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/to-your-eternity/episode-7/.173213

Back Arrow ‒ Episode 20

It's hard not to enjoy the sheer spectacle of it all. Whatever reservations Back Arrow had early on have been completely shattered, and we are entering the kind of existential god-fighting that I, personally, love in my super robot shows.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/back-arrow/episode-20/.173181

One Piece ‒ Episode 975

Perhaps one of the most dramatic revelations in One Piece has finally arrived in the anime as Toki's origins are revealed.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-975/.173179

Megalobox 2: Nomad ‒ Episode 8

In addition to giving some much-needed insight as to how Yuri is doing all of these years after his fateful bout with Joe, we learn why Mac's nickname is “Mac Time”, and that's a lesson that Liu might end up taking to his grave.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/megalobox-2-nomad/episode-8/.173163

This Week in Anime - Zombie Land Saga Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold

Our favorite undead idol group is back and they're still kicking it with a pitch-perfect sequel. Steve and Nicky check in on Franchouchou to see how they're handling crippling debt, the trials of being a local idol group, and you know, undeath.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-05-25/.173161

Fruits Basket the Final ‒ Episode 8

Against an evocative backdrop of rainy gloom, the majority of this episode is a flashback of Kyo's most excruciating repressed memories.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/fruits-basket-the-final/episode-8/.173177

BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia I: Promise

BanG Dream has proven itself as a consistent, ongoing success, with the band Roselia as a performing powerhouse. With that in mind, the role of Episode of Roselia I: Promise is, for better or for worse, a greatest hits release.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bang-dream-episode-of-roselia-i/promise/.173158

The ANN Aftershow - Has Bakugo REALLY changed??

Bakugo gets the short end of the stick with only ONE episode dedicated to MHA's most explosive boy. His classmates hail him as new and improved, but has Bakugo really earned the praise?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/aftershow/2021-05-25/.173182

Tropical-Rouge! Precure Episodes 1-12

Although the villains aren't particularly threatening thus far – in fact, they're downright goofy at times – the magical girl action is quite good.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tropical-rouge-precure/episodes-1/.173061

The Creation of Netflix Original Anime Eden w/ Producer Justin Leach

Justin was given one month to recruit the core staff of Eden, and this was his opportunity to cash in what he jokingly refers to as “friendship tokens.”

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-24/the-creation-of-netflix-original-anime-eden-w-producer-justin-leach/.172888

Moriarty the Patriot ‒ Episode 19

The idea of a straight-laced politician trying to work towards equality is interesting in and of itself in the context of the show, but in some ways this episode is more interesting in what it does with its setting.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/moriarty-the-patriot/episode-19/.173123

86 ‒ Episode 7

Lena is already at her breaking point, being lambasted by Kurena and only being able to offer symbolic assistance.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/86/episode-7/.173117

Those Snow White Notes ‒ Episode 8

Turns out Yui, for all her confidence and assertiveness, is just as insecure as any teenager – she's just better at hiding it than her chinchilla-like best friend.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/those-snow-white-notes/episode-8/.173111

Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song- ‒ Episode 9

For all the amazingly animated action, this episode really is a character piece for our long-running villain, Yugo, more than anything else.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/vivy-fluorite-eye-song/episode-9/.173109

Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro ‒ Episode 7

Nagatoro may let slip to Senpai that she would indeed like him to ask her out sometimes, but both of them are still hiding their genuine feelings behind the veneer of the pet-play bullying scenario that fuels most of their interactions.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/dont-toy-with-me-miss-nagatoro/episode-7/.173108

Shadows House ‒ Episode 7

When the shadow is separated from the body, does that make it a different entity entirely? That's certainly been a question throughout all of Shadows House, but this one brings it into starker relief.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/shadows-house/episode-7/.173107

My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 97

Alright you losers, you've had your fun with these “training matches” and their so-called “tests of skill” going across multiple episodes. But Bakugo has been there, done that, and bought the novelty t-shirt with Deku's lunch money.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-hero-academia/episode-97/.173104

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 2 ‒ Episode 6

It has finally happened – Evil Iruma's here. Thanks to a spell cast on him by Alicred, Iruma is currently going through a simulated Evil Cycle.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/welcome-to-demon-school-iruma-kun-season-2/episode-6/.173102

I Cannot Reach You GN 1

I Cannot Reach You is a simple story in a lot of ways. It's built around the trope of childhood friends becoming lovers, but the story comes off as one of quiet yearning, rather than just a rehash of the same-old same-old.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/i-cannot-reach-you/gn-1/.172655

Hatsune Miku's Twitter Account Briefly Suspended Over Age Restrictions

Yesterday, the official Twitter account of Hatsune Miku was suspended over supposedly failing to meet Twitter's age requirements, which stipulates that all account holders must be at least 13 years of age.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-05-22/hatsune-miku-twitter-account-briefly-suspended-over-age-restrictions/.173079

$10,000 is Amazing, but we can raise so much more.

Yesterday the anime community raised $10,000 for The Trevor Project via our fundraiser. I am extremely grateful and extremely proud of this community....

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/site-news/2021-05-22/10000-is-amazing-but-we-can-raise-so-much-more/.173106

Spirit Hunter: NG

Aksys Games' release of Spirit Hunter: NG is the second in Experience, Inc.'s Spirit Hunter horror visual novel franchise, serving up over 15 hours of creeping horrors.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/game/pc/spirit-hunter/ng/.152367

Super Cub ‒ Episode 7

The main plot of episode 7 is the school culture festival. In the case of Koguma's class, they're running an Italian-style café, which will serve espresso and the like for the event.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/super-cub/episode-7/.173065

SSSS.Dynazenon ‒ Episode 8

The show has been slowly teasing out the exact origins of Kaiju across its run, with this one fully confirming the suspicions they'd planted previously and we're finally getting some answers.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ssss.dynazenon/episode-8/.173075

Yen Press Licenses 6 Manga, 4 Light Novels for November

Yen Press announced on Friday the following light novels and manga for release in November. Title: The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-21/yen-press-licenses-6-manga-4-light-novels-for-november/.173066

Beauty and the Feast GN 1

This story takes for its premise that feeding someone is in itself rewarding and can become the catalyst for a better outlook on life.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/beauty-and-the-feast/gn-1/.172528

French Artist Jérôme Alquié and Captain Harlock - Memories of the Arcadia

Jérôme Alquié has a uniquely enviable position. The story is Alquié's very own series starring iconic Captain Harlock, and it comes with all the approvals of the manga's originator.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2021-05-21/french-artist-jerome-alquie-and-captain-harlock-memories-of-the-arcadia/.172921

Full Dive ‒ Episode 7

This choice of focus on Hiro's decision against all sense also just brings the pacing of the episode to a grinding halt as he and Reona have another repetitious, circular conversation about the shittiness of the game and what parts of it Hiro thinks he can work against.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/full-dive/episode-7/.172986

One Piece ‒ Episode 974

Oden is such an interesting case study for me as a One Piece fan. I'm not sure I'd say Oden himself is an all-time favorite character - like Sabo, I find him much more interesting for what he means to other cast members.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-974/.172848

Daytime Shooting Star GN 12

In this final volume, Daytime Shooting Star adopts a message nearly unheard of for its genre: your first love is not necessarily going to be the person you stay with forever.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/daytime-shooting-star/gn-12/.172739

This Week in Anime - Why You Should Watch Backflip!!

This season has plenty to yell about, but if Backflip!! flew under your radar then now is the time to correct that immediately. Nick and Nicky look at its amazing choreography, and why it's more than just a routine sports series.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-05-20/.172976

Berserk Manga Creator Kentarou Miura Passes Away at 54

Publisher Hakusensha announced on Thursday that Berserk manga creator Kentarou Miura passed away on May 6 at 2:48 p.m. due to acute aortic dissection....

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-19/berserk-manga-creator-kentarou-miura-passes-away-at-54/.172988

MARS RED ‒ Episode 7

While it could have sustained the apocalyptic momentum of last week's episode, MARS RED instead languishes in the last cliffhanger, leaving Maeda behind to bleed on the concrete so we can turn the clock back one year to focus on Misaki.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/mars-red/episode-7/.172935

To Your Eternity ‒ Episode 6

If anything, what I appreciated the most about “Our Goals” is that it delivers exactly what it says on the tin: We have a stronger sense of Fushi's goals, and we get our first real outlining of what The Beholder's long term plans are.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/to-your-eternity/episode-6/.172931

Dr. Ramune: Mysterious Disease Specialist Streaming

The problem arises in the show's treatment of each of the cases: while they all start out well, giving us a clear understanding of the problems that cause the mysterious diseases, the resolution typically comes far too easily.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/dr-ramune/mysterious-disease-specialist/streaming/.172323

Why Date A Live Will Win Your Heart

Date A Live is simply built differently especially compared to current light novels. The very idea that Date A Live is out of time works in its favor by serving as greater juxtaposition to what gives the franchise its identity.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-05-19/why-date-a-live-will-win-your-heart/.171697

The World Ends with You the Animation ‒ Episode 6

However, for now, Neku has no choice but to work with and trust his murderer, because there's bigger fish to fry. Looks like hot boy Minamimoto is up to no good.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-world-ends-with-you-the-animation/episode-6/.172841

The ANN Aftershow - Castlevania's Season 4 is THE Best Season

One of Netflix's most popular animated series comes to an end and despite the DRAMA, we're pretty sure it's the best season, hands down!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/aftershow/2021-05-18/.172911

Megalobox 2: Nomad ‒ Episode 7

Now that Joe has taken his first steps back into his old world, and his old life, we're seeing the return of some familiar themes and plot beats.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/megalobox-2-nomad/episode-7/.172837

Moriarty the Patriot ‒ Episode 18

The episode is framed by the discovery of Charles Augustus Milverton that the Lord of Crime (or at least one of them) is William James Moriarty – and that the man calling himself that isn't the original middle Moriarty brother.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/moriarty-the-patriot/episode-18/.172836