Dark Horse Comics has announced it is bringing back the sequel to the cult classic Gunsmith Cats manga into print. Anime News Network shared the official press release for the new Gunsmith Cats re-release by Dark Horse. The company will release a two-volume omnibus edition of Gunsmith Cats Burst, the direct follow-up to the original Gunsmith Cats. The original manga was published monthly in the Monthly Afternoon magazine for Kodansha from 1991 to 1997. Burst was published in the same magazine from 2004 to 2008. Dark Horse published the initial five volumes of Gunsmith Cats Burst from 2007 to 2010, but those copies have been out of print for years.

Dark Horse has been reprinting the original Gunsmith Cats manga in three omnibus editions. The first volume of the Gunsmith Cats omnibus was released on March 4th, 2025, with the next two volumes scheduled to launch later in the year. The first volume of the Gunsmith Cats Burst omnibus will consist of 476 pages and will ship on December 16th, 2025, whereas the second volume of the omnibus collection consists of 496 pages and will release on March 17th, 2026. The Gunsmith Cats Burst omnibuses will include new translations, lettering, and retouching by Studio Cutie, a company specializing in lettering.

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What Makes Gunsmith Cats a Classic?

Gunsmith Cats and its sequel, Gunsmith Cats Burst, were written and drawn by animator Kenichi Sonoda, who imbues the manga with a unique Western style. The series stars young woman Rally Vincent, who operates the Gunsmith Cat gun store out in Chicago. Rally moonlights as a bounty hunter on the side and often works alongside her partner, Minnie May. Colorful characters join the two ladies as they navigate through Chicago’s seedy underbelly. The series achieved acclaim for its dynamic artwork, charming leads, and fun tone.

The original Gunsmith Cats manga was adapted into a three-episode Original Video Animation by OLM. The anime became a cult standout, earning a reputation for its kinetic action scenes and strong character designs. AnimEigo, an American licensing company, hosted a Kickstarter to produce a new Blu-ray edition of the anime to release in North America. The Gunsmith Cats Kickstarter was a success, and the Blu-ray was officially released in 2019. AnimEigo previously hosted a Kickstarter for the animated adaptation of Sonoda’s Riding Bean, another cult classic with a strong Western aesthetic, in 2016. The Riding Bean Kickstarter was another hit, with the Blu-Ray hitting shelves in 2017.

H/T: Anime News Network

The post Dark Horse is Reprinting a Cult Favorite Manga Classic appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One aspect that stands out from Machu in Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is how different she is from Suletta Mercury from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. Fans were shocked that the follow-up to the Gundam franchise’s first mainline series with a female lead would also have a female protagonist. Not only would she be another woman protagonist, but she would also have red hair, just like Suletta. However, that’s where the connection between the two characters ends, besides some potential Yuri overtones for both protagonists. Whereas Suletta was friendly and socially awkward, Machu is more assertive and a throwback to the Gundam protagonists made by Yoshiyuki Tomino.

Machu, real name Amate Yuzuriha, comes off more in line with Kamille Bidan from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, as both are anti-authority and distrustful of the adults in their lives. Amuro from the original Mobile Suit Gundam also had some anti-establishment characteristics, but he was also less of a willing participant in the story than Machu and Kamille were. Amuro was forced to join the war because he was the only one who could pilot the Gundam, whereas Machu and Kamille piloted their Gundams by their own choice.

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Machu Is a Teen Making Stupid Decisions in Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Machu’s infatuation with Shuji, her partner in the Clan Battles, has earned some criticism, as many find it weak motivation. It makes her seem boy-crazy rather than a person with deeper and complicated feelings. However, Machu’s adoration for Shuji matches the overall themes established by Tomino in the classic Gundam shows. Many of the male protagonists in Tomino’s Gundam series do foolish things because they have a crush or want to impress a girl. Kamille is constantly trying to fix or save every broken woman he comes in contact with, neglecting his childhood best friend, who is emotionally stable and available. Zeta Gundam also has the adults do ridiculous things for sexual attraction, with one of the main supporting cast members literally switching sides because she found the lead antagonist to be handsome.

Attraction doesn’t only play a role in Tomino’s work, but in other Gundam series where he isn’t involved. Kira from Mobile Suit Gundam Seed was manipulated into a relationship with Flay, a girl to whom he had a physical attraction from school. Flay was using Kira to give him motivation to fight off the Coordinators, the people who killed her parents. Kira would end up doing questionable things to impress Flay, including pushing away his friends. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury focuses almost exclusively on the Yuri relationship between the two leads. People doing nonsensical things for love (or attraction) have been part of Gundam’s DNA since its inception, and Machu is simply continuing that tradition.

Gundam is about contradicting beliefs and feelings, and how, ultimately, we are creatures motivated by desire and selfishness. Gundam has also been a metaphor for teenage hormones, which is peppered within its overall war is bad message. When children are given weapons of mass destruction, expect them to do things grown-ups wouldn’t dare to do.

Machu Represents the Unheard Youth

Gundam typically stars teens or children because the shows are usually aimed towards young teens or older kids. However, Tomino twists the power fantasy of owning a giant robot, making the prospect of being a Gundam pilot as unappealing as possible. Amuro and Kamille’s superiors would constantly abuse or berate them, giving them PTSD throughout the war. While protagonists like Amuro and Kamille were a vital cog in the war, they were still ultimately underappreciated. Superiors would often drown out Amuro’s and Kamille’s voices and opinions, making the teen boys seem as if they had no choices. Amuro’s and Kamille’s lack of agency represents how teenagers often feel like they don’t have a voice in the world.

Machu, in contrast to the classic Gundam protagonists, had a pretty safe and luxurious life. She didn’t face any war before the events of Gundam GQuuuuuuX, and she lives a standard home life with her mother. Yet still reacts as if she isn’t being heard, especially from her mother. She feels disconnected from the adults in the same manner as Kamille did from his parents. However, Kamille’s parents were horrible in comparison to Machu’s parents. Machu’s angst can be drummed up to teenage hormones, which isn’t always the most exciting backstory, but it is honest. Even though Machu’s characterization and potential character development feel aimed more at the teenage crowd, there is something poignant about watching a young girl coming into her own in the world.

Her issues go deeper than being in love with a boy, and her outgoing and aggressive personality hammers home the idea that she is not like the other female protagonists in the series. She may be only focused on Shuji and getting to Earth, but she at least has agency in her own story. Her mistakes, which include shooting Annqi in Episode 7, are motivated by her personality and desires. Her overall goal and intentions may seem flat for some fans, yet they help sell the idea of how disinterested adults are towards teenage emotions.

The post Gundam GQuuuuuuX’s Machu is Already One of the Best Heroes Since Classic Gundam appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Neji was one of the first rivals that Naruto had to face off against, who truly believed that Naruto’s ninja way was nonsense. This positioned both Neji and Naruto as absolute foils to each other for the Chunin Exams and would allow for the victor’s beliefs to be the ones deemed worthy of the narrative. For most Naruto fans, this fight was a huge step in the right direction for our protagonist as he managed to assert his belief that hard work and determination are enough to change anyone’s destiny, especially your own. However, keen-minded fans may have realized that as the series continued into Naruto Shippuden, suddenly Neji’s assertions began to ring more and more true. Throughout his entire fight with Naruto, he proclaimed that people are set in the destiny they are born to and that there is no changing those truths, and even though our protagonist fought tooth and nail to disprove this, the eventual narrative may have proved the Genin right.

As Naruto Shippuden marched confidently towards its eventual climax and resolution, many things came to light through the many battles fought by our protagonists. Early on in Shippuden, Naruto continued his hard work and mastered and created multiple techniques and jutsus to aid him in the oncoming strife. Yet the crux of Naruto’s final arc boiled down to a cycle of reincarnation that has Naruto and Sasuke as two halves of a whole savior prophecy, meaning that all things leading up to that point in the series were parts of Naruto’s eventual “destiny.”

A Clash of Destiny

This matchup between Neji and Naruto seemed destined to come about, as much of the Chunin exams’ one-on-one matches consisted of genius Genin facing off against determined Genin. As thematic as the trend was, there were certainly moments where it appeared our hero might lose, but the reality of the matter is that during these competitions, the fans were set to learn just how they should view the world of Naruto. Naruto fought for the sake of “weaklings” who wanted to rise above the way they were perceived and wanted to win for the sake of Hinata and Rock Lee, who lost during the previous matches of the exams. As the two clashed, Neji regaled his past and how he was born to a destiny that he could not change. By the end of the battle, Naruto had proven to Neji that, according to his ninja way, anyone could craft their destiny and break free of their predetermined lives.

This faceoff was, in a sense, destined as well, as the two Genin were diametrically opposed, and only one of them could emerge victorious, proving the other’s views as inferior beliefs. Even with the fight being dominated by Neji’s overwhelming techniques, the battle boiled down to the fact that Neji consistently underestimated those he felt weren’t destined for greatness. Neji was blinded by his belief system, and on the opposite side of that coin was Naruto, who was liberated and empowered by his personal beliefs. Naruto drove forward, creating his destiny as he tapped into Kurama’s chakra to down his opponent and demonstrate just how capable he was of changing his path.

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The Man Destined for Greatness

Much of early Naruto, such as the showdown between Neji and Naruto, insisted that the young ninja was simply a product of grit and determination. Yet, every fan who watched further into Naruto, as well as Naruto Shippuden, would soon realize that Naruto may be more than a hardworking Shinobi. The narrative of the series truly begins to lend itself to a savior story during the Shippuden war arc as Naruto rapidly begins surpassing characters left and right and is even revealed to be one-half of the reincarnated “God of Shinobi.” If that’s not destiny, we’re not sure what is. This simple fact alone is enough to condemn Naruto to be a bit full of himself and to gratify any long-standing Neji fan, but there are still many earlier moments that set Naruto apart from a basic, hardworking character.

Going through a handful of Naruto’s victories, it quickly becomes evident that much of his success stems from the Tailed Beast sealed inside of him, as well as the large reserve of chakra his lineage had granted him. Suddenly, there’s substantially more context to Neji vs. Naruto, and it wasn’t some underdog ninja facing a clan’s genius, but two genin granted power beyond much of the ninja world fighting it out to defend the concepts they respect the most. With all of this in mind, it is easy to quickly dismiss the savior of the Shinobi world as a hypocrite, but there is still something to be said for Naruto’s undying will to fight for those under him and even inspire them to become better versions of themselves.

The post Neji Was Right, Naruto Was Destined For Greatness the Whole Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 took place on May 25th to celebrate the wide array of anime released from October 2023 to December 2024. This lineup included a diverse range of titles, with various categories designed to highlight the many elements that go into making great anime. While fans were excited to see the award reveals, all eyes were undoubtedly on the prestigious “Anime of the Year” category, which aims to define the best of the best from the said period. The nominees in this category were exceptionally strong, making it a surprise when Solo Leveling was announced as the winner.

Unlike many major award shows that select nominees and winners through internal panels, Crunchyroll’s event allows fans to vote for the winners. While this approach appears democratic, it often turns the awards into a popularity contest rather than a true assessment of the category’s criteria, and Solo Leveling‘s win is a testament to that. Though Solo Leveling was an entertaining and unique debut, it didn’t break major records in its first season. In fact, it was the more recent second season that achieved significant milestones, suggesting that many fans may have based their votes on the latest installment rather than the eligible season, and given the timing of the voting, that may very well be the case.

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Solo Leveling Won Anime of the Year Prize Thanks to Season 2

The Crunchyroll 2025 Awards were held on May 25th, much later than their usual schedule. Voting for the nominees began on April 3rd, just days after the conclusion of Solo Leveling Season 2. Given the numerous records this season broke, it’s clear that when fans cast their votes for categories featuring Solo Leveling, they were influenced by the impact of the most recent season, even though the awards were meant to evaluate season one. This isn’t meant to diminish the excellent quality of Season 2, but it doesn’t change the fact that fans were voting on the quality of its debut season, which received far less hype by comparison.

It seems likely that the hype surrounding Season 2 propelled Solo Leveling to win nine out of the 13 categories it was nominated for. Otherwise, it’s hard to justify the debut season winning awards like “Best Main Character” and “Best Voice Actor Performance” for Sung Jinwoo in three different languages. This strongly suggests that the anime had global popularity, turning the event into more of a popularity contest, one that Solo Leveling undoubtedly would have dominated if such a category officially existed. Had Season 2 not aired so close to the awards, it’s evident that the next most popular contender, Dandadan, would likely have taken the win; however, unlike Solo Leveling, Dandadan delivered on all fronts and would have fully earned the title of “Anime of the Year.” That’s without factoring in other beloved hits of the past year, including the the reigning champion of MyAnimeList’s ranking, Frieren, and Netflix’s runaway success, Delicious in Dungeon.

In a way, it benefits fans of the series that Solo Leveling claimed the award this time due to the momentum of Season 2, as with no Season 3 releasing early next year, the hype will likely subside, and the series may not have this opportunity again. However, it also makes it evident that next year, whichever anime gains the most popularity closest to the awards may win, further underscoring the flaws in Crunchyroll’s award process.

Solo Leveling is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

The post The Real Reason Solo Leveling Won Anime of the Year Isn’t What Fans Think appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Gary Oak has been the longest-standing rival of Ash and a mainstay of the Pokemon series and he has had numerous Pokemon along his journey, repeatedly adding iconic allies to his roster even as he’s become a Pokemon Researcher. The anime’s representation of the original games and manga character Blue, Gary, is the grandson of Professor Oak and continually battles Ash Ketchum while the two travel the regions of the Pokemon world. Gary, much like Ash, has been shown to have captured plenty of Pokemon throughout the long history of the series, but today we will be looking specifically at Gary’s 10 best Pokemon that have had the best on-screen showings.

From Blastoise to Regidrago, Gary has had multiple impressive and powerful Pokemon, but the lists must persist, and we will have to narrow down just which Pokemon Gary should keep in continuous rotation. Considering Gary’s low Pokemon count compared to the 1,025 Pokemon in the current Pokedex, the list will ideally provide insight into Gary’s evolution as a trainer through the regions and will hopefully platform and highlight fan favorites that we’ve all gotten to know and love through the OG rival. Being the grandson of Kanto’s titular Pokemon Professor gave Gary some early advantages when it comes to his development as a trainer, but as the series has evolved much like the Pokemon it features, Gary has become a rival proper and even a friend, growing alongside plenty of his and fan favorite Pokemon.

1) Blastoise

The first entry on this list is the iconic and ever-present member of Gary’s team, Blastoise. Once a scrappy starter Squirtle, this Blastoise has grown alongside Gary and has featured in every single important battle the trainer has taken part in. One of Blastois’ most impressive moments comes in the form of his fight against Ash’s Charizard, which even ended in his defeat, showing his pure power.

Along with this fight, Blastoise also had multiple instances of saving Pikachu or generally aiding the main gang and ensuring Ash and his electric mouse never got into too much trouble as long as Gary and Blastoise were around. Blastoise is so notable as Gary’s ace that he was even the first pick by the trainer when aiding Goh and friends in researching and battling the Mythical Pokemon Mew. Any trainer or avid gamer worth their salt knows that it takes nothing short of a finely tuned ace Pokemon to help capture any important Mythic or Legendary.

2) Arcanine

Much like our previous entry, Arcanine is an early member of Gary’s team and has traveled alongside the trainer since the Kanto region. Arcanine may not have as many on-screen battles and showings as Blastoise, but the classic Fire-type Pokemon has shown itself to be an invaluable asset on the battlefield. Arcanine’s greatest feat in Kanto was aiding Gary in his battle against Giovanni, where it was able to defeat the gym leader Kingler despite their typing disadvantage.

Arcanine is also one of the few Pokemon amongst the core characters who has the honor of facing off against Mewtwo, win or lose. Arcanine traveled a handful of other regions with Gary and was even recently shown to be a willing and powerful team member in aiding Gary and his allies in a battle, as Gary studied Pokemon as a researcher by tanking a Sheer Cold. Not only is Arcanine an iconic OG Pokemon, but it is a fan favorite and has served as one of Kanto’s greatest successes, making Gary’s Arcanine one of the most iconic team members in the series.

3) Krabby

Gary’s Krabby isn’t exactly a powerhouse; in fact, not much is known about the crab-like Water-type Pokemon, but as another one of Gary’s Kanto captures, the Pokemon had to make the list. However, Krabby wasn’t just any Kanto Pokémon but was Gary’s first captured Pokemon after beginning his journey alongside Ash.

Not only was Krabby one of Gary’s first Pokemon, but Ash also notably caught a Krabby and sent it to Professor Oak, which allowed fans to get another one of the classic comparisons between rivals, showing us how much larger Gary’s Krabby was compared to the protagonists.

4) Scizor

Scizor was featured as a key member of Gary’s team when the trainer entered the Johto Region’s Silver Conference after earning all eight badges. Scozpr earns a spot on this list from principle alone. Scizor is a fan favorite, and it is implied that this Scizor had been on Gary’s team for some time before the Silver Conference. Any Pokemon that can be a part of your team to secure all eight badges and enter a tournament with you is undoubtedly a notable one.

Scizor’s speed and attack power were also clearly on display in this match as the vibrant red Bug-type Pokemon made short work of two of Ash’s team members, Snorlax and Muk. Scizor was quick and decisive and was represented as a powerhouse only fainting when faced down by Ash’s Charizard, which is notable for two reasons: the protagonist’s ace Pokemon is no joke, and Scizor has a four times weakness to Charizard’s Fire-type.

5) Umbreon

Once a humble Eevee during the Orange Island Arc, the Dark-type Eeveelution has proven itself a worthy team member as it has persisted through the anime and all of Gary’s adventures up to his time as a Pokemon Researcher in Pokemon Journeys: The Series. Umbreon was featured in several episodes and has been shown to make quick work of Team Rocket grunt Pokemon, and was a savvy enough team member that Gary was able to help Ash work on and better understand his Gligar’s phobias in battle with Umbreon.

Umbreon, much like many other Pokemon featured on this list, bears the honor of having faced down a Legendary Pokemon. Umbreon was capable of confusing Articuno, but was eventually defeated with the one-hit KO Sheer Cold. Not only is Umbreon a faithful and powerful member of Gary’s team, but any avid Pokemon game enthusiast would recognize how much care and friendship go into getting an Eevee to evolve into an Umbreon, meaning that Gary must have a powerful bond with his friend.

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6) Magmar

Magmar may be a simple flaming duck, but his contributions to Gary’s team are still noteworthy. Magmar was notably a member of Gary’s Silver Conference team, which places it amongst the upper echelon of the trainer’s Pokemon. Magmar’s feats aren’t necessarily the most impressive throughout the match, as his main opponent is Ash’s Heracross, which Magmar has a type advantage over, but still ends up KO’d.

Even though Magmar lost the match, it was an impressive show of techniques like Flamethrower and Fireblast, and simply being a member of a tournament team is enough to earn Magmar a spot on this list.

7) Hatterene

This intense Fairy-type Pokemon is another of Gary’s newer additions; however, its representation in battle showed off just how capable it is. Hatterene has shown herself to be a team player and close with Gary by breaking the trainer out of the ice where he was trapped. Hatterene was then shown to face off against Regidrago and Regieleki, two Legendary Pokemon.

Much like Pokemon featured earlier on this list, going blow for blow with any Legendary Pokemon is a badge of honor. Hatterene may not have won, but her contributions are undeniable, as Gary was eventually able to capture Regidrago and add the Pokemon to his team.

8) Nidoking and/or Nidoqueen

These two members of Gary’s team may have been featured at separate times, but given that they are of the same line and can fill similar niches within the team, they share a spot. Nidoqueen has been seen a handful of times, including one instance of defeating Team Rocket, and her greatest showing is during the Silver Conference, where she managed to fell Ash’s Tauros.

On the other hand, Gary’s Nidoking was featured in the Indigo Plateau Conference, where he lost to Melissa’s Golem. Nidoking’s most impressive showing is one that continues to catapult Pokemon to this list, and it’s that he got the chance to face off against Giovanni’s Mewtwo.

9) Electivire

Electivire is not only one of the coolest Pokemon from Sinnoh, but is also the first Pokemon Gary attained post becoming a Pokemon researcher. Electivire has an incredibly impressive entrance given that it single-handedly defeats Team Rocket, and when Ash attempts to scan it with the Pokedex, there appears to be no information on the Pokemon.

Ash and Gary then face off with their two Electric-type Pokemon, and Electivire has the impressive feat of coming out on top and defeating Ash’s ace. Aside from Electivire’s entrance in Sinnoh, the fans have also gotten to see Electivire aid Gary in attaining a feather from Moltres during Pokemon Journeys: The Series.

10) Regidrago

All the talk about Legendary Pokemon, it should come as no surprise that the final entry on this list is, in fact, a Legendary Pokemon. Regidrago stands as one of the two new Regi Pokemon added to the Pokedex during the most recent series.

Regidrago was captured after a hard-fought battle against Gary and Goh, and was the last Pokemon caught by Gary before completing Project Mew. Regidrago is one of the rare onscreen captures of a legendary Pokemon, and that is enough to have it round out Gary’s 10 Best Pokemon.

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Having mostly seen and experienced the vast world of One Piece through its protagonist Luffy and the Straw Hats, instances such as the latest God Valley flashback are quite rare in the series. As the series has proved over the years, there is much more to One Piece’s world and history that fans still do not know, and the mysterious God Valley Incident is one of these things. As such, besides telling fans Kuma’s backstory, One Piece’s latest flashback is also revealing precious information about the series’ history, including a legendary battle where the former King of the Pirates and the Hero of the Marines joined forces.

After referencing the event multiple times and leaving fans with only brief teases for years on end, Episode 1130 of One Piece finally gives fans a good look at the infamous God Valley Incident. The episode reveals that the island was the location of the Celestial Dragons’ cruel Native Hunting Competition, with Ginny being the one to lure in the Rocks Pirates and the Roger Pirates as part of their escape plan. Besides giving fans a brief glimpse of the Rocks Pirates in their heyday, the latest episode also reveals young versions of Roger, Garp, and their respective crews as they jump into battle on God Valley, hyping up the mystery surrounding the historic event even more.

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Roger and Garp Make Their God Valley Debut in One Piece

So far, the only other time fans have gotten a proper glimpse at the God Valley Incident was when Sengoku first introduced the island and the mystery of what took place there 38 years ago. This was in Episode 958, wherein One Piece first revealed the young version of Garp that fans see in the latest episode, with Sengoku revealing that this was when Garp earned his famous title as the Hero of the Marines. Episode 958 was also when Sengoku revealed the nature of the battle at God Valley, which involved Garp and Roger joining forces to defeat the fearsome Rocks Pirates.

At this point, other than Garp, the series hadn’t yet revealed the younger version of any other characters, including Roger and his crew, which is why Episode 1130 has fans so excited. It is safe to say that the anime nailed the character designs, especially with Roger, who is seen without his signature mustache for the first time in One Piece. Sadly, beyond a few exchanged battle cries between Rocks and Roger, Episode 1130 cuts away without giving fans a good look at Rocks D. Xebec or the battle between him, Roger, and Garp. However, with One Piece headed into the Final Saga at breakneck speed, it likely won’t be long till the series reveals the entire clash, and it’s sure to be just as epic as fans imagined when that time comes.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post One Piece Teases Roger and Garp’s Most Legendary Battle With First Look appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen fans are about to be treated to yet another screening of one of the franchise’s movies this year, and it will be exciting. With the screening of the Hidden Inventory compilation movie already underway in Japan and soon in North America, there has been some buzz after cryptic and mysterious information about the movie has been revealed officially, potentially teasing the third season and more info regarding it.

In a post by the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, promoting the release of the Hidden Inventory movie and the acoustic ending, the tweet left a message at the end urging fans to watch out for the end and pay attention to it. This small message left fans very excited and wondering what it could mean, and while it is possible that it might not be as big as it seems, there is a real chance of information regarding Season 3, such as a promotional video to be included at the end.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Hidden Inventory Movie Confirmed To Include Original Content by Creator

The Culling Games Might Receive An Update Sooner Than We Thought

Season 3 was announced shortly after the finale of the second season, and it wasn’t until this past Jump Festa event that the season got its first news: a gorgeous red key visual of Yuji sitting on a staircase. However, it has been radio silence since, and now could be the perfect opportunity for more updates about the anime to be revealed. With the hype being very high and a large audience there on the opening weekend, there is no better place and time to surprise fans with a teaser trailer about the long-awaited and action-packed season that adapts the Culling Games arc.

The Hidden Inventory Arc is the story’s fifth arc, preceding the Shibuya Incident, which was a major shift in the narrative. It flashed back to Satoru Gojo’s teenage years and his life in Jujutsu High, alongside Geto, Shoko, Nanami, and others. It also introduced the incredible antagonist, Toji Fushiguro, who almost killed Gojo and Geto, as well as led to the severing of their relationship. Hailed as one of the story’s best arcs, if not the best, the Hidden Inventory is a short but incredibly sweet ride that signals the story ramping up in pace and quality.

While it is equally possible that the account wanted fans not to miss the new JujuStrolls that were recently announced to be included in the movie, there similarly exists the chance that there’s content regarding Season 3 at the end of the movie. Whether fans’ wishes do end coming true or not, there is definitely progress on the season that is going on, and it will not be long until the sequel receives new information and updates. With the voice actor of Gojo confirming that Season 3 and future seasons will outdo the second installment to the franchise, it is no wonder everyone is excited about the anime’s return and, once again, to dominate.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Movie Tease Has Fans Speculating About Season 3 News appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Crunchyroll and Netflix are anime fans’ go-to places to stream the best anime around. It’s understandable because the streaming giants hold a duopoly over the medium in Western countries like the US, Canada, and the UK. But, sometimes, an amazing series is tucked away behind one of the smaller anime streaming services. HIDIVE, Hulu, and Prime Video are slowly building up their reputations as established streaming houses for anime, but they still have a long way to go before being able to comfortably compete with Netflix and Crunchyroll.

That’s why it’s unfortunate that one of the best action/fantasy anime of the 21st century is hidden away on less prominent platforms, desperately waiting for fans to find it. The show blends classic samurai action with yokai and a heartbreaking story about brotherhood, duty, and revenge. The animation is stunning, with Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Studio MAPPA overseeing the intense action. What’s more, the series is a reimagining of one of the most iconic and legendary classic anime of all time.

Dororo Is Waiting to Be Watched on HIDIVE, Prime Video and Hulu

As you may have guessed from the sub-heading, Dororo is the fantastical fantasy anime that deserves more love from anime fans. The series is available to stream on HIDIVE, Hulu, and Prime Video. But, it has missed out on a bunch of potential fans as a result of being held back from the big two anime streaming platforms.

Released in 2019, Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a limbless, skinless, blind, deaf, and mute infant who was offered to demons by his father in exchange for a prosperous land. As he’s grown older, Hyakkimaru has trained to battle the demons his father unleashed upon the world as part of the deal. Upon killing each demon, Hyakkimaru regains a part of himself, and so he sets off with his adoptive brother, the titular Dororo, to slay demons and seek revenge on his father.

Those who have watched Dororo have fallen in love with the series. The single-season, 24-episode show holds a strong 8.2-star rating on IMDb and a similar 8.25 rating on My Anime List. Fans of the show praise its incredible world-building, its nuanced and complex characters, and its frequently shifting morality, which manages to humanize and empathize with even the most despicable of characters.

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What Makes Dororo So Iconic?

For fans who have only been introduced to the series through MAPPA’s 2019 series, you’ve got nearly 60 years of catching up to do. Dororo is based on the titular manga by the legendary Japanese creator, Osamu Tezuka. If that name rings a bell, it’s because Tezuka is also responsible for giving the world Astro Boy, Princess Knight, and Jungle Emperor (once erroneously believed to be ripped off by The Lion King).

Osamu Tezuka first published Dororo back in 1967. Surprisingly, considering the character’s legacy, the series wasn’t successful when it was first released, and Dororo was cancelled after just a year in print. But a 1969 anime adaptation, created by Mushi Production, gave the franchise a second life, resulting in Dororo becoming one of the most iconic classic anime characters ever produced.

MAPPA’s series retells Hyakkimaru’s iconic story with the animation quality it deserves. The action is intense, rivaling that of MAPPA’s more recent releases like the aforementioned Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. There’s also something indescribable about the atmosphere of 2019’s Dororo. Despite having all of the visual appeal of a modern anime, the storytelling structure and tone feel more reminiscent of an episodic anime from the ’80s and ’90s.

Each episode follows a new demonic battle, with the occasional overarching story diving deeper into the world-building and recurring supporting characters. What potentially makes Dororo so special is the attention it gives to fleshing out even its smallest characters. It’s the same vibe given off by ’90s classics like Cowboy Bebop, where each episode acts as a standalone adventure. But, put them all together and you get a phenomenal overarching story.

Dororo was also adapted into a live-action movie in 2007. While the action was servicable, and the overall movie wasn’t bad, the story of Dororo is too far-reaching and winding to be compressed into a feature-length runtime.

Dororo (2019) is streaming on HIDIVE, Hulu, and Prime Video.

The post This Underrated Fantasy Anime Isn’t on Crunchyroll or Netflix (But It’s a Must-Watch Elsewhere) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Rick And Morty’s eighth season started with a bang as the season premiere saw Morty and Summer trapped in a “Matrix-like” environment thanks to stealing their grandpa’s phone charger. While the episode to kick off season eight was one with plenty of laughs, it appears as though the second episode is planning to bring back Beth Smith’s doppelganger once again. Adult Swim might have previously shared a brief preview for the next installment, the Cartoon Network programming block has gone one better and released the full two-minute intro for Rick And Morty’s next episode.

The next episode is titled “Valkyrick” and will air on Sunday, June 1st at midnight. Not only is Space Beth making a comeback but it appears as though the Gromflomites will be returning as well. The alien bug race has had a major part in Rick And Morty since the very start of the series, routinely causing some major headaches for Rick Sanchez. In “Valkyrick,” it appears as though Space Beth will be undergoing an assassination mission to take out the Gromflomite queen. Rather than waiting for any sort of plan, the Beth of the stars immediately flies into action but gets more than she bargained for.

[RELATED: Rick and Morty Premiere Puts New Spin on Adult Morty & Summer]

The Question of Space Beth

One of the biggest questions surrounding both Beth and her doppelganger is which Beth Smith is the real Beth Smith. Space Beth first appeared in Rick And Morty’s season four finale, “Star Mort Rickturn of The Jerri,” introduced as a Beth who was far closer to her father in the technological awareness department. Ever since, Space Beth has been a regular part of the cast, appearing throughout the subsequent episodes and even having a fling with Beth herself. To this day, many wonder which Beth might be the real deal and perhaps that question will finally be answered in season eight.

Rick And Morty’s eighth season will house ten episodes in total. While there might not be previews for future installments, Adult Swim had previously released episode titles to give fans a glimpse at the animated series’ future. Here are the current episode titles for season eight.

• Summer of All Fears
• Valkyrick
• The Rick, The Mort & The Ugly
• The Last Temptation of Jerry
• Cryo Mort a Ricker
• The Curicksous Case of Bethjamin Button
• Ricker Than Fiction
• Nomortland
• Morty Daddy
• Hot Rick

As of the writing of this article, Rick And Morty has been renewed all the way up until season twelve, meaning that the Smith family isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. While Justin Roiland might have departed the series, his voices have since been recast and co-creator Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder are sticking with the Adult Swim series.

Want to see what the future holds for Adult Swim’s biggest original series? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Rick And Morty and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Rick And Morty Season 8 Shares New Lore-Building Opening For Episode 2 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

To Your Eternity is about to come back for its third season, which will be a massive shift in tone and environment, and a much-needed change of pace to hook people back in again. A new trailer as well as information on the project such as cast and staff, has been revealed, and the season is looking very strong and will hopefully deliver on the series’ most anticipated and popular arc.

As confirmed by the official X (formerly Twitter) account and website of To Your Eternity revealed season 3’s first trailer, showing the main character, Fushi, coming back from the dead and being confronted with a new world and exploring modern society. The season is set to be released this October, joining the jam-packed lineup of 2025’s fall anime, and will be streaming on Crunchyroll like the previous seasons have. With a completely new arc that takes in a different timeline, To Your Eternity season 3 has all the ingredients to come back to the spotlight again and show why it’s such a gripping tale.

RELATED: 10 Best Sad Anime That Break Viewer’s Hearts Every Time

To Your Eternity‘s New Season Will Be A Huge Flashforward

The arc the season will cover is the New World Arc, which is set in the Second Act of the story. Covering chapters 117 to 129.2, the episode count be 12-13, or a single cour. However, the season could also go further than this arc and adapt the Mimori arc as well, which would make a 2-cour 23-episode season possible, just like the past two seasons were structured.

Five centuries later, Fushi the Immortal adjusts to modern technology alongside revived lifelong friends. He meets new allies and foes, including Mizuha, her controlling mother Izumi, and Satoru—the human form of the Beholder. Complications arise when the Nokkers return, claiming they now seek peace with humanity, casting doubt on their true intentions and stirring conflict.

As expected from the anime, the visuals and soundtracks are as gorgeous as ever, probably even more so this season. Another exciting thing about this season is that the creator, Yoshitoki Oima (who also created A Silent Voice), will be personally more involved with the anime than in previous seasons, so fans should expect more original scenes and a more polished storyline in the anime. To Your Eternity might have lost popularity in the past few years, especially compared to its perfect first season, but hopefully, this season will rejuvenate the interest as it gears up to adapt a popular arc.

The post To Your Eternity’s Season 3 Return Drops New Trailer: Watch appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is now in its second story arc, and while it has been intense so far with shocking reveals, great fights, and character moments, there are even more amazing moments to look forward to. The first part of the story has laid the groundwork for everything, and the timeskip has been in full gear to deliver all the interesting plot points that it meticulously set up, and these are the biggest ones to look forward to.

Three years after being branded a traitor due to Eida’s reality-warping powers, Boruto Uzumaki returns dramatically during Code’s attack on Konoha. He successfully thwarts the immediate threat but reveals a deeper mission. Boruto is focused on preventing a far greater catastrophe looming over the entire world, indicating his goals go well beyond defending his village. His reappearance marks the beginning of a larger battle, as he takes on a powerful enemy to protect everything he holds dear.

1) Naruto And Sasuke Could Return

This plot point is still up in the air as to whether it could happen, but nonetheless, there is still a possibility that the duo will be integrated back into the story. It would be interesting to see how they would contribute to the narrative, given how they have lost their most powerful abilities, and how strong the current villains are. Whichever direction the creators decide to go about it, fans can only hope the faces of the franchise come back sooner or later.

2) Momoshiki Is Still A Wild Card

The first villain of the story is as relevant and menacing as ever, but no one knows where the story is taking him or what he is going to do. However, one thing is for certain: Momoshiki is definitely plotting something, and this makes the protagonist uneasy, especially given how powerful Boruto has become and how much damage Momoshiki could cause if he were to take over.

3) Kurama’s Revival Is Yet To Be Fully Explained

With the reveal of Kurama’s revival inside Himawari, one of the series’ biggest plot twists thrusts the young Uzumaki into the spotlight. While it is exciting, how Kurama came back is yet to be explained. There are main theories that hold weight, but the series still needs to address this and fully reveal the reason why. This has the potential to be a great addition to the Tailed Beast lore.

RELATED: Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Unleashes the Greatest Sharingan Power Since Naruto

4) Kakashi’s First Appearance Will Be Massive

While the story focuses on the next generation of the verse and has sidelined most characters Naruto fans grew up with, the series still needs to answer the question of Kakashi’s disappearance, especially after Naruto and Sasuke were written out of the story. With Konoha in turmoil and a lack of a powerful leader, there is no better time than now for the Sixth Hokage to come out of retirement and make his first appearance in the story. Fortunately, Ikemoto alluded to his return in an interview years ago, so there is plenty of hope that he will come back sooner or later.

5) Amado Is Still Shrouded In Mystery

The laid-back and reserved scientist might be friendly with Konoha at the moment, but there is no doubt that he is the most secretive character in the series. While it has been recently revealed how he plans to revive his daughter using Kawaki’s Karma, there is much more that he is still hiding. Furthermore, there is a possibility that he will be one of the series’ endgame villains, as his knowledge and goals could put him head-to-head against the heroes.

6) Who Destroyed Konoha?

The opening scene of the series was a flashforward that showed a destroyed Konoha, and an adult Boruto and Kawaki fighting on top of the Hokage statues. While it was initially assumed that Kawaki was behind the carnage, there is no telling anymore who destroyed the village, as there are now multiple characters who could have done it, such as Code, Momoshiki, and Kawaki.

7) Boruto and Kawaki’s Final Fight

While the series is currently very interesting, if there is one thing fans want to see the most, it is the long-awaited battle between Kawaki and Boruto, as well as the circumstances that led up to it. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that is one of the main hooks of the series, and the way Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is setting it all up is very good. With Kawaki recently receiving a power boost, the two are finally equal and some of the strongest characters in the series. How the series will reach this fight and conclude it will be some of the most interesting in the entire franchise.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most with new chapters of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex and the anime’s return? Do you want to see Boruto and his allies cross over into other shinobi countries, or the return of more underrated characters? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 7 Most Anticipated Moments In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Netflix is coming in hot this Summer with the next big thing in horror anime. Over the past few years, the streamer has slowly built up its library of original anime to become a strong contender with Crunchyroll, and it’s finally making the leap to the horror genre with The Summer Hikaru Died. The new series blends a BL romance with grotesque body horror, creating a unique effect. Fans of Mokumokuren’s manga can’t wait for the show to premiere this July, especially after the newest promo.

The Summer Hikaru Died is set to premiere on Netflix this July, although an official release date hasn’t yet been revealed. Even against major returning series like My Dress-Up Darling, Dandadan, and Kaiju No. 8, The Summer Hikaru Died is one of this Summer’s most anticipated releases. Manga readers know there isn’t a series quite like Hikaru‘s uniquely unsettling tone and vibe, and it’s almost time to see it brought to life in animation.

The Summer Hikaru Died Reveals New Duality Promo

The official The Summer Hikaru Died X (formerly Twitter) account has been treating fans over the past few weeks with sneak peeks, snapshots, and behind-the-scenes looks at the upcoming anime. But the newest promo might be the best, and most unsettling yet. The new promo is a still from the anime that depicts the titular Hikaru’s duality.

As you might have guessed from the title, Hikaru’s death is the catalyst for the manga’s story. The eponymous character died during a trip to the mountains, but when he returned, his best friend, Yoshiki, knew that something strange had replaced him. The still depicts both the duality of Hikaru’s character, as well as the juxtaposition of the show’s Summer setting and horrific story.

In the still, Hikaru looks back at Yoshiki after being confronted about being replaced. Half of Hikaru’s face is lit by the gorgeous sunset, with the other half in pitch black silhouette. The shot reflects the ominous and uncertain morality of the thing that has replaced Hikaru. Fans of the manga will remember this shot, and the manga is filled with similarly striking imagery depicting the two sides of Hikaru’s new character. To see it given the animation quality it deserves in the promo is a great sign.

[RELATED – Highly-Anticipated Netflix Return Earns Perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score (But Fans Disagree)]

What Is The Summer Hikaru Died About?

We’ve already given a brief description of The Summer Hikaru Died above, but the series is about so much more than the creature possessing Hikaru. Yoshiki realizes straight away that the person he sees before him isn’t his best friend. But he struggles to fight against his own feelings for the old Hikaru, which he displaces onto the new version. Much of the manga is told from Yoshiki’s perspective as his emotions battle with his logical thinking about the creature in front of him being dangerous.

The Summer Hikaru Died has been animated by Cygames Pictures under director Ryohei Takeshita. Shuichiro Umeda will voice Hikaru, and Chiaki Kobayashi will voice Yoshiki. The official synopsis reads, “It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy…but when it looks so very like Hikaru…and acts so very like Hikaru…”

H/T: The Summer Hikaru Died Official X

The post Netflix’s New Horror Anime Releases Creepy Promo Ahead of Summer Release appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is heading towards its finale after unveiling a major antagonist in the recent episode. Maomao is forced to leave the Inner Court and travel to a village far from the capital with Suirei and Shusui. It’s been several days since she went missing, but Jinshi still has no clue where to find her. Luckily, she’s being treated fairly well in the village, which suggests that the sisters didn’t have evil motives towards “kidnapping” Maomao. However, Shenmei’s appearance shakes everything up, as the young apothecary finds herself in danger yet again. The series will reveal more about this menacing woman in Season 2 Episode 20, set to release on May 30th.

Just like the first season, Season 2 is scheduled for 24 episodes, and it will wrap up its ongoing season in July 2025. The anime season is divided into two cours, but doesn’t have a single break between them. However, now that the story is in a crucial phase, the series has announced its second hiatus. The anime delayed Season 2 Episode 19 this month, which introduced Shenmei, a high-ranking noble lady. According to the official X account of the anime, Season 2 Episode 23, which was scheduled to release on June 20th, will broadcast a special program instead.

[RELATED: The Apothecary Diaries Fans Aren’t Ready for the Biggest Plot Twists in Season 2]

The Apothecary Diaries Delays Season 2 Episode 23

The official account shares, “Just before the climax, ABEMA special program to be broadcast! Let’s look back on the story together as it reaches its climax.” The news was also shared on the official X account of ABEMA, the broadcast channel of the series. The special program will include the voice actors of Maomao (Aoi Yuki), Jinshi (Takeo Ōtsuka), Shisui (Asami Seto), and Suirei (Kaori Nazuka). The voice actors will be looking back at everything that has happened in the season so far and share their personal experiences.

Unlike most anime series these days, which release 12-13 episodes per season, The Apothecary Diaries still follows double consecutive cour seasons. The schedule will remain the same for the other episodes, where we will learn more about this new villain and the reason behind the sisters’ actions so far. If the finale isn’t delayed either, Season 2 will conclude on July 4th, barring any special airdate changes to prevent issues with the upcoming summer season. The story is planning to unravel more mysteries, including the true identity of the runaway Concubine Loulan.

She went missing around the same time as Maomao, and no one is able to track her at all. Not only that, but she had the entire escape planned from the beginning since her heavy makeup and fashionable outfits weren’t just her hobby. She would not only dress herself up but also her maids after carefully picking them to have similar features to her. Her escape would’ve remained a secret if Jinshi hadn’t quickly caught on that a maid was impersonating her.

H/T: The official X account of The Apothecary Diaries

The post The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Confirms Yet Another Delay appeared first on ComicBook.com.

While bending fans are waiting for Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender to release its second season, work has already begun on the third season that is set to conclude the live-action adaptation. The streaming service has yet to confirm when we can expect Aang and the gang’s live-action comeback but that doesn’t mean earth-shattering news isn’t making its way to the ‘net. In a new report from Deadline, Netflix’s live-action adaptation has confirmed that a major player in Sokka and Katara’s life won’t just be making a comeback but they’ll be played by a new actor.

Adam Beach is set to take on the role of Sokka and Katara’s father, Hakoda, in the upcoming third season of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The final season won’t be the first time that we saw Hakoda, as the Water Tribe father was previously featured in a flashback in Avatar’s first season. Played by Joel Montgrand originally, Netflix did not share the reason as to why the character was ultimately recast. Beach is no slouch when it comes to works in the pop culture sphere, as fans might know him for his roles in The Good Doctor, The New Mutants, Suicide Squad, and Joe Dirt.

[RELATED: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 3 Starts Production, Avoiding Stranger Things’ Biggest Issue]

Hakoda’s Impact on The Series

Hakoda might not have been traveling alongside his children with the last airbender but he was spending his time wisely in the fight against the Fire Nation. In the original animated series, Sokka and Katara’s father left to lead the Water Tribe against the potential conquerors, looking to do all he could to stop the Fire Lord Ozai’s advance. As fans know, Hakoda would play a significant role in the third season, reuniting with the gang to once again fight the Fire Nation. Unfortunately for Hakoda, not everyone was thrilled with his actions.

When Hakoda returned, Katara was quite angry with the fact that he had left both herself and Sokka alone to fight the war. While the water bender understood why her father needed to leave, it didn’t make it any easier to be abandoned. Needless to say, adapting these scenes to Netflix’s live-action adaptation will be no easy feat.

Avatar: The Last Airbender News Incoming

Luckily, fans might not be waiting long for news on Aang and his friends’ return. On May 31st, Netflix is planning to air their major event for the future of the streaming service known as “Tudum.” On top of seemingly releasing new information about Avatar: The Last Airbender, the platform also will be revealing tidbits regarding One Piece, Squid Games, Stranger Things, Wednesday, and many more. While nothing has been confirmed as to what Avatar might have in store this weekend, we’re crossing our fingers for a season two release date and/or trailer.

Want to see what the future holds for the live-action benders? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Avatar: The Last Airbender and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Deadline

The post Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Recasts Major Character For Season 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Phineas and Ferb is coming back for a new season of episodes ten years after the original came to an end, and we got to talk to some members of the original voice cast all about coming back for the new episodes. Phineas and Ferb is still one of the most popular Disney Television Animation franchises ever produced, so it wasn’t that big of a surprise to see that the animated series was going to come back for another round after all this time. What was a surprise, however, was that this new series was going to pick up right where everything left off.

Phineas and Ferb is returning for Season 5 this Summer, and ComicBook got the chance to talk with original Phineas voice star Vincent Martella, returning Ferb star David Errigo Jr., and original Isabella Garcia-Shapiro all about coming back for the new wave of episodes. It’s here they opened up about how much has changed (and not change), and their excitement for potential new seasons to come. Read on for our full interview below (which has been edited for length and clarity).

RELATED: Phineas and Ferb Season 5 Has Some Surprising Guest Stars (Including Leslie Jones)

NICK VALDEZ, COMICBOOK: It’s been ten years since Phineas and Ferb originally ended, and I can’t imagine how it feels for you all. How was it being in that booth and bringing these characters to life again?

VINCENT MARTELLA: It’s incredibly surreal getting to bring these characters back and getting to to breathe life into them again. Phineas has been a part of my life for twenty years, and I’ve worked on a lot of really wonderful things in my career that have meant a lot to me. But by far, Phineas and Ferb has meant the most to me because not only do I love working on it, but what it means to all the fans of the show and what it means to Disney fans. So, I’ve said this many times before, but, just the fact that we’re back right now, I really hope they let us keep telling stories and keep playing these characters for as long as possible because it is truly a great joy working on this show and playing Phineas.

DAVID ERRIGO JR.: It’s a dream come true, honestly, to be a part of something that’s that’s so iconic…to have been brought on late in the game too. The journey was kind of like, “Oh, we’re gonna have this crossover episode.” And, “Okay, yeah, it might only be this.” And then at the end of that session, they’re like, “but we might be working on something next Summer,” which was Candace Against the Universe. And then, of course, we’re recording Candace Against the Universe, and I was like, “Oh, well, that’s probably it.” And then at the end, they’re like, like, “But we might be having something else…”

So to to actually get to go in and now be a part of the series proper, it’s a dream come true. Getting to know all of these wonderful, talented people. People who have now become some of my best friends in the world. I would not trade it for pretty much anything.

ALYSON STONER: I would say that Phineas and Ferb is actually my longest and most stable and secure relationship in my life. And that is true. It has consistently been positive, nurturing, mutual, inspiring. So it’s a deep joy, and it’s so beautiful that when you’re speaking about professional endeavors, you can actually feel your heart warm when talking about a project. I mean, just to to feel like you’re your whole self, you’re fully connected in your body when you go to work. It’s not, “Oh, gotta go to the office, check out for the day.” It’s so embodied, and it’s just so lovely. The people are great. Every part of the team is special.

I’ve always wondered if there’s a process for getting back into that mindset of these characters after all this time, but it sounds like they’re really just been a part of you this entire time.

MARTELLA: It’s been such a part of my life that even when I’m doing Phineas’ voice and when I’m speaking like Phineas, to me all I hear is Phineas. I just hear him. I hear Phineas Flynn. It’s not even like I’m hearing myself. So whenever I watch the show and things like that, I really separate myself from it. So for me at this point, it’s such second nature to me, that there’s no huge great process anymore for it because it’s been such a big part of my life.

ERRIGO JR.: I think Ferb was always kind of a part of me. Literally, when the audition came out, my ex-wife listens to it, and she goes, if you don’t get this, I don’t understand your business at all. I think he was just always in there.

STONER: I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to hit the register of Isabella. I had stopped singing for other projects in that period. So knowing that there were going to be so many songs, I did get myself back into some voice lessons and make sure that I was trained up because with Danny and some of the other music folks, because I do have a singing background, they’ll throw me in as a variety of voices to do different layers of harmonies and what have you.

So I was like, “Oh, I have to put my music theory hat back on and make sure that I can hear Danny’s super interesting choices.” Because he won’t just go for the simple third harm[ony]. He’ll be like, “Can you give this a dissonant rub for half of that note and then switch over, and it’ll be a little Beatles-esque? And then we’ll go to Doo-wop.” Like okay, Sure. And right in the moment, you have three minutes to do it.

ERRIGO JR.: That’s one of the astounding things about Alyson. I’m gonna puff you up a little bit right now because, Swampy has been kind enough to let me shadow some of his voice direction, recently. So I’m in for a good chunk of the records, and I get to see a lot of people doing their work. One day some some wires had gotten crossed and somebody hadn’t gotten Alyson the information that they needed to know that they were gonna be singing that day.

It was like watching magic happen because Alyson was like, “Give me ten minutes with the music, and then I’ll come back, and I will nail it to the wall.” They didn’t say that, but that’s what happened. And it wasn’t ten minutes. It was three minutes, and it was perfect. I didn’t get to tell you that day because I had to run away. But I was so impressed with how quickly you turned that around.

STONER: We were lucky that that had a lot of rapping in it. Rapping I can do with my eyes closed.

Phineas and Ferb Season 5 premieres with Disney Channel on June 5th and Disney+ on June 6th.

The post Phineas and Ferb Cast Talks Returning to Series After 10 Years, Singing and More appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Chainsaw Man has always been a series that prides itself on the sheer level of chaos that is injected into its manga. Creator Tatsuki Fujimoto has spent years following the titular devil, aka Denji, as he struggles with mudane and supernatural problems in his life. In recent manga chapters, the mangaka has held nothing back as both the Chainsaw Devil and War Devil are fighting against Primordial Fears that are threatening mankind. Unfortunately, a brand new player has entered the battlefield who might just put creatures like the Gun Devil and the Falling Devil to shame in the power department.

Warning. If you have yet to read the latest manga chapter of Chainsaw Man, Chapter 204, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into spoiler territory. Death has been firing with both cannons when it comes to making sure her plans go off without a hitch. Employing the use of devils like Famine, the Chainsaw Man doppelganger, and the Falling Devil, the Primordial Fear who might be the current arc’s biggest threat simply wants to die herself. Hoping for the War and Chainsaw Devils to become strong enough to put her out of her misery, another major player has entered the battlefield in the “Fire Devil.” While we have yet to see what the Fire Devil can do, there’s reason to believe it will be one of the strongest devils to date.

[RELATED: Chainsaw Man Pushes Denji Across the Line in Darkest Moment Yet]

The Fire Devil Rises

The Fire Devil emerges once Denji cuts the “Fake Chainsaw Man” in half, freeing several of the villain’s victims while seemingly hinting at a tie between the Primordial Fear and the Chainsaw Devil’s darker half. In fact, the Fire Devil’s arrival hints at the idea that the Chainsaw Devil doppelanger is about to have his identity revealed. The final panel sees the Primordial Fear asking Denji if he recognizes the now-revealed human identity of the doppelganger, whose head is laying on the ground in front of them.

The reasoning behind why the Fire Devil might be so strong is thanks to the power that fuels all devils in the Tatsuki Fujimoto series. All devils gain their strength from how much mankind fears the concepts and/or objects they are tied to, with previous devils like the Gun Devil and Control Devil remaining major figures. Long before the creation of guns, man feared fire ever since it was discovered so long ago and thus, the Fire Devil might stand far above some of the other devils walking the Earth. The next manga chapter is slated to release in a little under two weeks, meaning readers will have to wait a little longer than usual to witness the big reveal.

Chainsaw Man Anime Fans Will Wait

Those hoping to see the Fire Devil hit the screen will be waiting for a long time. The next chapter from Studio MAPPA will arrive later this year in the film Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc, covering one of the wildest storylines from the manga. As of the writing of this article, MAPPA has yet to confirm a second season for the television series, leaving many to wonder if Denji’s future will entirely take place on the silver screen.

The post Chainsaw Man Introduces New Terrifying, All-Powerful Devil appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen had many things going for it in its 8-year run that crowned it as this decade’s biggest manga, without a doubt. There are many things the series is renowned for, such as the incredible action and fights, deeply complex and explored power system to the masterful characterization, but there is one aspect of the story that it is by far the best at, and most international fans might not be able to fully grasp its brilliance.

Jujutsu Kaisen, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in March 2018 and is expected to conclude in 2025. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a jujutsu sorcerer after ingesting a powerful cursed object—the finger of Sukuna, a legendary curse. He joins Tokyo Jujutsu High to fight curses and protect humanity while navigating dark secrets and intense battles. With more than 100 million copies in circulation and much more to come, the series has solidified itself as one of Jump’s greatest.

Gege Akutami’s Mastery of Japanese Is One To Behold

One thing that many translators and Japanese fans have said about Jujutsu Kaisen is how complex and interesting Akutami’s use of the language is. This is probably why many fans dislike the official English translation by John Werry, as they feel like what was being conveyed wasn’t transferred over. While most manga do end up getting lost in translation, Jujutsu Kaisen was particularly notorious, no thanks to Akutami’s expertise with words. In fact, the voice actors of Choso and Yuji did talk about how difficult Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Kanji can be.

The way he plays with different styles of dialogue across different eras in Japan, occasionally using difficult-to-understand Kanji, integrates poetry effortlessly and makes playful references to folklore and contemporary culture is one to behold. The series also expects some familiarity with Japanese history to understand it. For example, Jujutsu Kaisen makes a lot of callbacks to the Heian and Meiji eras, and while international fans might consider it a flaw not to expand on this, Japanese fans do not need further information because they know those periods of time and can understand the references. Sukuna is also an interesting character, as his manner of speaking and dialogue is very ancient, and he uses vocabulary from past eras, nailing the depiction of him as a living legend.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Final Volume Solves a Major Misunderstanding About Sukuna

Akutami Is Rivaled By Few In Dialogue

Jujutsu Kaisen‘s greatest strength and one of its most praised aspects is how brilliant the dialogue, narration, and interactions are. Akutami’s masterful weaving of prose and poetry makes the series a treat to analyze and dissect, and the rich colloquy between the characters makes them truly human-like and realistic. It’s rare for a shonen to balance existential weight with a slick character voice this well. Akutami doesn’t waste words—when a line hits, it hits.

The layered characterization the series manages to achieve very efficiently is incredible, as Akutami can give an insight into a character’s personality almost immediately with the fewest of words. For example, you can tell Gojo is arrogant and confident within seconds of his introduction based on his relaxed tone despite seeing his student bloodied and fighting for his life. Nobara’s tomboyish attitude, while also leaning into her femininity, was something that was understood from the beginning.

Another very unique aspect of Akutami’s dialogue is how philosophically potent it can be. Jujutsu Kaisen is obviously a philosophical story by nature as it discusses the meaning of a good death, the gap between generations, and more topics that one would not expect from a story aimed at 12-year-old boys. In Jujutsu Kaisen, dialogue serves as a vehicle for deep philosophical inquiry, exploring themes like identity, morality, death, and existential choice. Characters don’t just fight—they question the meaning of strength, the value of life, and the weight of their decisions, making the series incredibly rich and introspective.

Jujutsu Kaisen is already an extremely enjoyable and fun manga to read without fully grasping what it’s trying to say, and it’s designed to be digestible for casual fans. However, there lies an even greater realm of enjoyment if fans can take the time to research and try to understand the undertones and subtext the series offers. It has many layers of depth that are basically screaming to be dissected, and anyone passionate enough to engage with the story at a deeper level will surely be rewarded with one of the best manga to come out of the last decade.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen’s Greatest Strength Is Lost on International Fans appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Frieren, Fern, Stark, and a consortium of supporting characters are back in a new series of promos, as fans desperately await Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2. As well as beautifully animated fight scenes, introspective story arcs, and intricate worldbuilding, Frieren also boasts adorable character designs. Tsukasa Abe’s original designs, brought to life by Madhouse’s stellar animation, have managed to turn even the series’ most despicable, demonic characters into fan favorites due to their relaxed visual aesthetic. That cuteness is being pushed to its limits in the newest promo, as Frieren and the gang have been given a chibi makeover.

Season 1 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End debuted in 2023 to immense critical acclaim and a wave of adoration from fans. The show was recently nominated for Anime of the Year at Crunchyroll’s Anime Awards, although it lost out on the grand prize to Solo Leveling. Season 2 was recently confirmed to be in the works, and fans are hyped following the newest promo.

Frieren Gets a Chibi Redesign

Of the few complaints leveled at Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, none are aimed at the animation or visuals. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate a great redesign when it’s given to us. Frieren‘s official X (formerly Twitter) account recently shared a new promo for the franchise, and it includes a new look for Frieren, Fern, Stark, and the rest of Season 1’s cast of characters.

All of the major characters from Frieren‘s first season, which covered the “Beyond Journey’s End,” “Aura the Guillotine,” “Travels to Äußerst,” and “First-Class Mage Exam” arcs, have been given cute new chibi sketches. The “official deformed lineup” shown in the promo image is part of the chibi tradition, a sort of anime caricature of pre-existing characters that captures their spirit in a different light.

As well as Frieren, Fern, Stark, and Himmel the Hero’s party, a second sheet of sketches also includes the characters from the “First-Class Mage Exam” arc, including Übel, Denken, Richter, Land, and Sense.

[RELATED – Frieren Studio Madhouse Unveils New Anime Project’s First Look Coming in 2026]

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 Is in the Works

The countdown to Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 has begun. Season 1 wrapped up the “First-Class Mage Exam” arc, and fans are desperate to rejoin Frieren on her journey North with Fern and Stark. We didn’t have to wait long for the show to be renewed for a second season, as the announcement came as soon as Season 1 concluded in 2024. More recently, the second season’s release window was also revealed, and it’s much closer than anyone was expecting.

In March 2025, the show’s official X account revealed that Season 2 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will begin airing in January 2026. An exact release date hasn’t been revealed, and likely won’t be until the Fall season. So far, fans have only been privy to a few posters and pieces of promotional art. With over six months until the show’s return, the first full trailer is still likely a ways away.

H/T: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End on X

The post Frieren Hypes Season 2 With Adorable Chibi Promos appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: Confessional is the latest live-action anime adaptation to hit Japan as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure once again gains screen time thanks to its expansive universe. Unfortunately, Hirohiko Araki’s creation has made headlines for an unexpected reason that many might see as extremely controversial. In a startling new interview, the composer of the film, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, confirmed that almost the entirety of new music in the latest live-action Rohan film was made entirely by artificial intelligence. As AI remains a controversial topic in the entertainment world, this revelation is one that is sure to be discussed by Joestar fans for some time.

This isn’t the first time that Kikuchi has experimented with AI as the previous JoJo film, Rohan At The Louvre, had two tracks that were made via the technology in “A Horror Film” and “Simultaneous Performance of Two String Quartets.” The recent reveal was shared on Naruyoshi Kikuchi’s social media account, stating that all of the film’s songs were made by AI, “This is the first original soundtrack in the history of global entertainment films in which all tracks were composed by AI (not just partially used, but fully composed, excluding pre-existing songs). We at the SHIN-ON-GAK Production Studio have combined all our strength and worked at full throttle to dedicate terrifyingly solemn compositions to this work. To all members of the fandom, please look forward to it!!”

[RELATED: After Over 20 Years, JoJo Fans Finally Got This Anticipated Release Today]

Rohan’s Composer Discusses The Process

In a pamphlet released with the theatrical run of the latest Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan live-action film, Naruyoshi Kikuchi discussed the use of AI but didn’t address the controversial choice in this initial description. The composer stated, “The history of Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan also overlaps with the development of the group I founded, SHIN-ON-GAK Production Studio, and synchronizes with the rapid evolution of generative AI. For example, in Episode 8 of Season 3 of the drama series, “Rock-Paper-Scissors Kid,” there was already one track composed entirely by AI. With the current level of generative AI technology, it’s now possible to create music that sounds as if it were performed and sung by humans, ranging from full orchestras to ethnic music, and even vocal-included soundtracks.”

In a wild statement, Kikuchi stated that he simply input the term “orchestra” into the AI to create some of the music, “For this production, I didn’t show the visuals to the members of the studio. All I told them was that it was a work titled Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional and that it was “shot entirely on location in Venice.” Just with that information alone, around 50 tracks were generated over the course of three days. Even without giving detailed imagery, you can still generate music in a reasonably usable state—and in fact, having a bit of mismatch can actually be a good thing. If you simply input the term “orchestra,” the AI will produce a perfectly fitting piece that could play in the climax of a movie where two lovers embrace. By intentionally withholding content details and limiting information to a minimum, we selected tracks that seemed usable and handed them over to Director Kazutaka Watanabe.”

Kikuchi Responds To Controversy

In a social media post dated May 25th, the Rohan composer defended both his work and the use of AI in the live-action anime adaptation, “Of course that’s obvious, lol. We’re fighting against idiots who don’t know anything yet assume we used AI out of laziness. The world is filled with anxiety, and people move toward witch hunts as a way to numb that fear. Personally, I think that’s fine, and actually, it excites me, lol. So I’ll continue dedicating myself to live performance, composition, the pursuit of music theory, and the study of music technology, including AI.”

In the past, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure creator Hirohiko Araki has confirmed that he isn’t a big fan of artificial intelligence. While he has boosted the idea of using digital tools to help artists work on their craft, he has worried about the idea that “scammers” could exploit the method. As of the writing of this article, Araki has not shared any comment regarding the controversial soundtrack choice.

Via JoJo News

The post JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Live Action Movie Soundtrack Was Almost Made Entirely By AI appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is currently in its final phase, and the story has never been more intense. The entire season has been a rocky ride, with several mysteries unraveling and the growing intimacy between the series’ lead duo, Maomao and Jinshi. However, now that the second season is in its final phase, the plot twists are dropping one after another. Suirei is a crucial character in the series, who orchestrated every minor incident in the first season, which all led to an assassination attempt on the Crown Prince. Her plan would’ve worked if Maomao hadn’t figured everything out at the very last minute.

Suirei escapes the palace after taking a resurrection drug that puts her in a near-death state. Unexpectedly, her job wasn’t done, and she returned in the second season, only to take Maomao away with her. Shisui also goes with them while being threatened by Suirei. The anime later reveals that both are sisters and have been working together for a long time. The anime has yet to reveal their goal and the reason they took Maomao with them. However, we are getting one step closer to the truth with Shenmei’s arrival, a major antagonist in the series.

[RELATED: “They Were Tasteful and Elegant”: The Apothecary Diaries Stars Shed Light On Its Steamiest Scene]

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 20 Will Be the Most Shocking One So Far

Apart from Maomao, Concubine Loulan, who replaced Concubine Ah-Duo, the previous Pure Consort, disappeared as well. Loulan was always fashionable and would always dress up in varying attire. Even the maids in her pavilion would all wear the same makeup and eye-catching uniforms. Not to mention, they all had similar facial features, so it would be difficult to determine who’s who.

However, it was all a clever ploy to hide the fact that she was using her maids to impersonate her most of the time, even while serving the emperor. Jinshi, who excels in remembering people’s faces, saw through the disguise and found out that a high-ranking Concubine had committed treason by betraying the emperor. The upcoming episode will be released on May 30th, will finally unveil the true identity of Concubine Loulan, and it’s someone we are familiar with.

Additionally, the preview shows a glimpse of Jinshi and Lakan, which will be a major turning point in the story. The anime hasn’t specifically confirmed that Lakan knows Jinshi’s true identity, but considering what happened during the ceremony in Season 1 Episode 19, it wouldn’t be difficult for someone of his intellect to put two and two together. Of course, with his daughter missing for several days, Lakan is extremely desperate to do anything he can to save her.

Not only that, but Shenmei’s appearance spices things up, and she could have a major role to play in all this confusion. In the preview, she hits Suire without a second thought, meaning she’s not only cunning but is too comfortable with abusing the girl, even if it’s in front of everyone.

The post The Apothecary Diaries Fans Aren’t Ready for the Biggest Plot Twists in Season 2 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Anime and baseball have been uniting in quite a few partnerships recently. Major League Baseball has been teaming up with shonen franchises such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia to create new videos and special evenings to join forces with the anime world but they aren’t stopping with these. In a new press release, the Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed that the team will be joining forces with One Piece’s Straw Hat Pirates for a major event this summer. Read on to learn more about what “One Piece Night at Dodger Stadium” will entail when it arrives on July 3rd in California.

In the latest press release, the MLB team not only confirmed the special anime collaboration but also shared the details of what the night will offer to baseball and anime fans alike. Here’s how the Dodgers and Toei Animation describe the event, “During ONE PIECE Night at Dodger Stadium, which will include a variety of ONE PIECE activations in and around the stadium, the Dodgers will give away ONE PIECE co-branded straw hats to the first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance, while supplies last, at the guest’s point of entry.  Following the game, ONE PIECE Night will conclude with a special drone show featuring fan-favorite characters from the series.”

[RELATED: MLB Announcer Tries Explaining One Piece, Fails Spectacularly]

A Ballpark Anime Extravaganza

To help hype up the summer anime crossover, the Los Angeles Dodgers shared a brand new piece of art from none other than One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, showing Monkey D. Luffy sporting Dodger apparel as he readies quite the curveball. Senior Director and Head of Marketing at Toei Animation, Lisa Yamamota, teased the upcoming event with the following commentary, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers to bring the global hit series ONE PIECE to Dodger Stadium on July 3 for a very special one-day promotion. We invite fans to join us for ONE PIECE Night, which will offer a truly memorable, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, complete with a not-to-be-missed ONE PIECE drone show after the game!”

On the flip side, Los Angeles Dodger Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen shared the team’s excitement to team up with the Grand Line, “This exciting partnership between the Dodgers and Toei Animation will bring a fun-filled event to Dodger Stadium. It’s great to showcase ONE PIECE, one of the most popular franchises in the world, to the best fan base in the world.”

One Piece’s Past Baseball Collabs

The Los Angeles Dodgers are far from the only Major League Baseball team that has united with the Straw Hat Pirates in the past. In recent days, One Piece has had special events with the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox. Luffy and crew have also teamed up with the NBA as earlier this year, a special Los Angeles Lakers collab saw the Straw Hats hitting the court. As One Piece’s popularity grows, we fully expect far more collabs in the future in the sports world.

The post One Piece Announces New MLB Partnership With The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There is no doubt that Solo Leveling has become the anime of a new generation, drawing more fans into the anime world and prompting many to see what the buzz is all about. Much of the credit goes to Season 2, which arrived even stronger than the first, delivering fluid, stunning animation alongside a compelling narrative that kept fans engaged. It’s no overstatement to say that Season 2 surpasses the first and may even stand as the best season the series will offer. While the animation is expected to continue improving, it’s the narrative that truly made Season 2 stand out.

This season continues Sung Jinwoo’s solo journey toward strength, finally portraying him at his peak. The narrative has long built toward the moment where he can protect both himself and his family, the central motivation driving his character. That dream grows even larger as he becomes capable of protecting his entire nation. While this perfectly encapsulates Jinwoo’s growth, other aspects fall short. Characters meant to become more significant later, such as Hae-in, who is supposed to become his romantic interest and endgame, feel underdeveloped and lack depth. Rather than standing as meaningful figures, they seem more like narrative tools to highlight Jinwoo’s greatness, which ultimately makes the story feel a bit shallow.

[RELATED: Solo Leveling Star Shares Thoughts on His First Ever Award]

Solo Leveling Season 3 Will Have to Shed Light on Characters Other Than Jinwoo

Season 3 is expected to continue Jinwoo’s journey as the strongest, further exploring why he is chosen by the “System”. With even more powerful characters introduced at the end of Season 2, it’s evident they will serve as stepping stones for Jinwoo’s continued growth. This aligns with the source material, the manhwa, which focuses heavily on his development but fails to give meaningful attention to other characters. It’s clear that Hae-in is meant to be Jinwoo’s romantic interest, a direction the manhwa already sets, but it lacks a compelling foundation for their relationship. The story remains centered on Jinwoo’s solo journey, staying true to its title and offering little space for anyone beyond the enemies he faces.

As many anime adaptations include original scenes to provide depth lacking in the source material, A-1 Pictures has a valuable opportunity to expand Hae-in’s character from how she is portrayed in the source material. Given that the series consistently focuses on Jinwoo reaching new heights and battling stronger foes, introducing anime-original content with a romantic angle would offer a refreshing change. This not only adds diversity to the narrative but also gives Hae-in a chance to shine, and it is especially important given that the end of Season 2 clearly showed that even S-Ranks are becoming mere fodder for future threats. However, there’s an even bigger oversight looming that could lead to Solo Leveling‘s decline starting in Season 3.

The Narrative May Start Going Downhill in Solo Leveling Season 3

With the debut of Season 2, Solo Leveling has broken several records. While fans often credit this success to the series’ fluid animation, the narrative this season was also notably strong. What makes this season special is how it culminates Jinwoo’s journey and his desire to become stronger. The entire premise of the series revolves around Jinwoo’s growth and his dream of protecting his family and building a complete life. This is why the narrative of the latest season feels particularly meaningful — Jinwoo has achieved S-Rank status and even found a cure for his terminally ill mother. More importantly, Jinwoo’s narrative arc feels complete, and with his dream fulfilled, Season 3 may lack the central driving force that once defined the story.

With Jinwoo no longer desiring to grow stronger, his continued battles and leveling up could feel hollow. His journey risks falling into a repetitive cycle of defeating enemies, gaining power, and collecting rewards without purpose. What once made Jinwoo’s story so compelling was the clear motivation behind his strength, making each victory feel earned and rewarding, much like leveling up in a video game. Without that motivation, Season 3 may feel like a “new game plus” — all action, but with a story that’s already resolved. These are the glaring issues that A-1 Pictures could address by adding original content in Season 3 of Solo Leveling to provide more depth, rather than relying solely on intense action and impressive animation, fixing the manhwa’s mistake by not only fixating on Jinwoo. But if the manhwa’s final arcs are any indication, the viewers are still in for a pleasant surprise.

Solo Leveling is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

The post Solo Leveling Season 3 Needs to Fix the Manhwa’s Biggest Mistake appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Some days it feels as though no animated series is safe on HBO Max. Most recently, Townsville’s finest, The Powerpuff Girls, had their series removed from the Warner Bros streaming service, leaving many to wonder if any Cartoon Network series would remain on the platform. Luckily, some of the cable network’s biggest series have been given a recent lifeline as many of their licenses have been extended past their previous expiration dates. If you’re looking to see whether your favorite animated series made the cut, read on to see if today is your lucky day.

Unfortunately, Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup weren’t the only animated figures of Cartoon Network fame to lose their spot on HBO MAX this month. Earlier in May, the likes of The Flintstones, The Smurfs, Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, Scooby-Doo And Guess Who?, and Tom And Jerry were all stricken from the platform. A new report regarding license extensions has been revealed that confirms the likes of Samurai Jack, Adult Swim’s Home Movies, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Robot Chicken will all, seemingly, remain on the service past their initial expiration dates. Unfortunately, the extensions aren’t equal across the board as some series have been given longer lifelines than others when it comes to the

[RELATED: HBO Max Removes One of Cartoon Network’s Biggest Shows]

Cartoon Network’s Lifelines Explained

To start, Home Movies and Robot Chicken received the longest extensions, with both the Adult Swim series originally set to lose their licenses this month. Both adult-centric series have been extended to May 2026, leaving fans plenty of time to either revisit or watch the cult classic series for the first time. Unfortunately, in the case of Samurai Jack and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, both animated series were given far less time before their licenses fade into the night. The stories of Jack, Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad have been given a month-long reprieve as their licenses will now expire in June rather than May. While not confirmed to be leaving MAX, there might be a faster timeline for potential expulsion so if you want to revisit these series, now is as good a time as any.

Even if MAX does lose many of these shows eventually, it doesn’t mean that they’re sure to be gone forever from the digital landscape. In the past, many Warner Bros animated series have made the jump from their premiere platform to streaming services such as Netflix, Tubi, Hulu, and more. While nothing has been set in stone, there is always a call for amazing animated content so some of the WB’s finest might return in unexpected places in the future.

The License Expiration List

While some of Cartoon Network’s animated series have been given new life on MAX, many were stricken in conjunction with their license expiration dates. You can check out the series that were, and perhaps still are, on the chopping block below.

• The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries – April 1
• Baby Looney Tunes – June 1
• New Looney Tunes – June 1
• Tom And Jerry Tales – April 1
• Tom And Jerry – May 1
• The Tom And Jerry Show – July 1
• Jonny Quest – April 1
• The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries – April 1
• A Pup Named Scooby Doo – April 1
• Yogi Bear – May 1
• The Flintstones – May 1
• The Jetsons – May 1
• The Smurfs – May 1
• Scooby-Doo And Scrappy-Doo – May 1
• Be Cool, Scooby Doo – May 1
• Scooby-Doo And Guess Who – May 1
• The New Scooby-Doo Movies – June 1
• Scooby-Doo, Mystery Incorporated – June 1
• What’s New Scooby-Doo – August 1
• Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! – September 1
• The Scooby-Doo Show – September 1
• Apple & Onion – February 11
• The Powerpuff Girls – May 27
• Courage The Cowardly Dog – August 1
• Adventure Time – October 1
• Squidbillies – January 11
• Robot Chicken – May 10
• Home Movies – May 27
• Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Seasons 1-11) – May 27
• Samurai Jack – May 27
• Harvey Birdman – August 31
• Moral Orel – August 31
• Black Dynamite – August 31
• Sealab 2021 – September 1
• The Brak Show – September 1
• Superjail – September 1

Want to see what Cartoon Network series are safe in the ever-changing world of streaming? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for all the latest on the world of animation and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Animation on MAX

The post Cartoon Network Series Given Lifelines as HBO Max Slashes Content appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece’s anime commenced its best backstory yet in its Spring 2025 return, with many questions still left unanswered about Kuma’s past and his decision to become a Pacifista. While Bonney has already seen through Kuma’s memories before the main fight began, we are just now learning the truth. The latest Episode 1130, was absolutely horrifying because of the Native Hunting Competition in God Valley. The Celestial Dragons were already hated for their atrocities before, but there’s no limit to how low they can get after getting free rein from the World Government to do as they please.

The World Government allows them complete freedom while the Admirals do everything they can to protect them while ignoring their horrible actions. Although Kuma may have escaped the hell in God Valley and doesn’t live as a slave anymore, the happiness he felt in the Sorbet Kingdom is nothing but a fleeting moment. We have yet to see the worst part, and for some of us, including One Piece’s most beloved animators, there’s a strong possibility it’ll be the first time seeing how much worse it can still get. Kuma’s backstory is extremely dark, and it’s difficult to process how one character can suffer so much. It’s not just fans, but even the animators have difficulty when it comes to learning more about him, so much so that one of them hasn’t even read the backstory yet.

[RELATED: It’s Been Two Years Since One Piece Dropped Its Coldest Manga Panel Ever]

Megumi Ishitani Didn’t Even Read Kuma’s Backstory

Megumi Ishitani shared on her X account, “I don’t like watching stories that I know from the beginning will be sad, so I haven’t even read the original manga, let alone the Kuma Arc anime… (It took me a long time to decide to read Summit War as well.) Everyone tells me that if they read it, they will cry, so it’s hard to read… The sadness of not being able to ride this big wave.”

In another post, she shared her experience of working on the Fan Letter, which showed glimpses of the Summit War: “The Summit War makes you feel like you’re left alone on a devastated battlefield, so while I was making it, I kept saying I didn’t want to reread it.”

Ishitani is a famous animator, especially for her work in One Piece. She first joined the team in 2022 and has contributed significantly to visually striking episodes, openings, and the fan-favorite special episode, One Piece Fan Letter. It was released to commemorate the anime’s 25th anniversary and won fans’ hearts with brilliant storytelling and unparalleled visuals.

Although she has yet to work on any Egghead episode after Episode 1089, Ishitani is still a part of the team just as any animator. Now that the anime is featuring Kuma’s backstory, she not only confirmed that she hasn’t read it but also talked about her difficulty navigating through the Summit War during the Fan Letter’s production, which is the most heartbreaking arc in the series.

H/T: @ishigyunyu on X

The post “If They Read It, They Will Cry”: Renowned One Piece Animator Still Hasn’t Read the Series’ Best Backstory appeared first on ComicBook.com.

McDonald’s of Japan has shared a new post on its social media accounts that hints at a new partnership with JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The post features an image of a desert with the iconic “menacing” Japanese text from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure plastered in the middle. The image also has a circular shadow behind the text, hinting at something foreboding. The desert appears similar to the deserts found across America, matching the setting of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure‘s Seventh Part, Steel Ball Run. David Production, the studio behind the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime adaptation, recently announced that the company would be adapting Steel Ball Run into an anime.

The desert image is posted alongside some words that roughly translate as “What’s coming?” The Japanese McDonald’s social media account has not officially revealed what the post is alluding to. Given that McDonald’s Japan has made multiple collaborations with other anime series, it is likely that the fast food chain is foreshadowing a new partnership with another franchise. A collaboration between McDonald’s and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure makes perfect sense with the recent announcement of Steel Ball Run, serving as great advertising for the upcoming anime and gifting fans a potential new meal or toy.

[RELATED – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Reveals Startling Multiverse Fact About Rohan’s JoJoLands Return]

Japanese McDonald’s Gets All The Great Anime Collaborations

McDonald’s of Japan has collaborated with multiple anime franchises, including Yu-Gi-Oh and Neon Genesis Evangelion. The fast food chain would often sell exclusive Happy Meal toys based on anime series or create a limited-time meal option for fans to purchase. McDonald’s gave out Hello Kitty plushes dressed as Yu-Gi-Oh‘s monsters as part of its partnership with the former brand. McDonald’s shared a new Evangelion animation to promote the chain’s collaborations with the brand, which includes a new transforming Evangelion toy. McDonald’s of Japan also sold a special Hatsune Miku Shakashaka Potatoes at Japanese restaurants for a limited time. Shakashaka got its name from customers mixing french fries with flavored powder in a bag. People will shake the bag, creating the “Shakashaka” noise, with the fries and powder to create specially flavored french fries.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a shonen-turned-seinen series that is split into multiple parts. Each part centers on a different member of the Joestar family, with each succeeding part focusing on the next generation of Joestars. Steel Ball Run, the Seventh Part in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga, actually goes backward and into an alternate universe to star a pair of horseback racers from the late 1800s. Johnny Joestar and his companion Gyro race across America to win a distinguished race, getting involved in a nefarious plot by the US President.

The post Is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Teaming up with McDonald’s for New Anime? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece‘s anime is finally adapting Kuma’s backstory, and what no one could have expected is that the flashback took fans to God Valley. The latest episode debuts the younger versions of many of One Piece’s most legendary characters, both pirates and marines alike. Some star appearances in Episode 1130 include the Rocks Pirates, such as Kaido, Big Mom, Whitebeard, and Shiki, as well as Garp, Roger, Scopper Gaban, Rayleigh, and the rest of the former Pirate King’s crew at the time. All that said, Episode 1130’s most interesting cameo is actually a character who hasn’t appeared in One Piece in nearly eighteen years, and fans may have entirely missed it.

While fans were focused on the Rocks Pirates and the new lore about God Valley, Episode 1130 of One Piece subtly snuck in a cameo by Bogard, Garp’s right-hand man, who can be seen in the bottom right of the scene drawing his sword as Garp and his crew jump into battle at God Valley. The latest episode marks Bogard’s first appearance in One Piece’s anime in eighteen years, with his last appearance being before the time skip during the Post-Enies Lobby Arc. The cameo not only proves that Bogard has been by Garp’s side for much longer than fans initially thought, but also adds to the intrigue surrounding his criminally underutilized character.

[RELATED: Demon Slayer Beats One Piece For Major Award]

Bogard Re-Appears in One Piece’s Anime After 18 Years

While One Piece has many mysteries that are far more important, Bogard is an enigma that has haunted fans for decades. Bogard, who appears to be Garp’s right-hand man, was first introduced in Episode 68 when Garp was sent to arrest and transport Captain Morgan and went on to train Koby and Helmeppo. His next, and last proper appearance in One Piece’s anime would be directly in Episode 323 when Garp met Luffy during the Post Enies Lobby Arc. After this, Bogard would only appear two years later in Chapter 0, the special chapter released at the time of Film: Strong World, with Bogard featured during Garp’s meeting with Kong. This confirmed that Bogard had been at Garp’s side for at least 27 years.

Interestingly, even though Bogard appears in the manga in Chapter 1087 during SWORD’s raid on Fullalead, the anime completely leaves him out in Episode 1121. As such, Episode 1130 is indeed his first appearance in a long time, and Bogard fans are understandably over the moon. Given his long absence, the latest episode especially does him justice, featuring him much more prominently than in the manga and making him look the coolest he’s ever looked in One Piece.

Overall, despite being one of the most important members of Garp’s crew and one of the few people who have been at Garp’s side the longest, One Piece has revealed little else about Bogard, who went completely missing from the anime after the Water 7 Saga, not even appearing at Marineford. In fact, Bogard hasn’t even been formally named or introduced in One Piece yet, and isn’t featured even in any of the series’ databooks, vivre cards, or SBS sections, with his name being revealed from the credits of Episode 68 and confirmed only through a brief entry on the official One Piece website.

This has only led to an increased interest in Bogard over the years, with many fans eager to see more of him, believing he could possess great potential. The series has seemingly recognized this interest in Bogard, as he was also prominently featured in Netflix’s live-action One Piece.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The post One Piece Fans May Have Missed This Cameo in the Latest Episode appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece’s anime is currently in the most crucial phase of the Egghead Incident Arc. The first arc of the Final Saga has been one surprise after another, but nothing will shock you more than finding out about Kuma’s tragic past. Just when we thought the world couldn’t be more broken, Eiichiro Oda unveils the dark truth about the God Valley Incident. While Episode 1129 focused primarily on Kuma’s childhood and the tragedy that befell his family when he was four, Episode 1130 unveiled the horrors of the God Valley.

Kuma simply had the misfortune of being born with the blood of a Buccaneer, and the World Government did everything to break his spirit. His parents died one after the other when they were forced to become slaves, while Kuma endured senseless torture for several years. Just when the Celestial Dragons thought they had no use for the child, they threw him in God Valley to become one of the “rabbits” who would be hunted for their amusement. The Native Hunting Competition in God Valley is only the beginning, and we will get to learn more about Kuma, as well as his beloved friend Ginny, who settled in the Sorbet Kingdom with him after escaping the hellish tournament.

[RELATED: One Piece’s Newest Flashback Is Just Getting Sadder & Sadder]

What Is the Release Date and Time for One Piece Episode 1131?

One Piece Episode 1131, titled “A Fleeting Moment of Happiness – Kumachi and Ginny”, is scheduled to be released on June 1st, 2025. The series broadcasts new episodes every Sunday at 11:15 PM Japan Standard Time (JST) as per the new time schedule after the anime’s hiatus. New episodes drop on Crunchyroll at 8:45 AM Pacific Time (PT), 11:45 AM Eastern Time (ET), and 3:45 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the Western regions. Crunchyroll is the primary streaming platform for One Piece fans based outside of Japan. While Netflix does add the Egghead Incident Arc episodes, it’s always one week after the official release.

Additionally, the release date mentioned above is only for the subtitled version, as the anime has yet to release a dubbed episode after the hiatus. One Piece has dubbed episodes up until 1122, right before the hiatus, and there hasn’t been a release date for the new ones yet.

What Should You Expect From One Piece Episode 1131?

According to the promo, we will continue to witness Kuma’s journey, along with the fleeting years of happiness he spent with Ginny. The two of them have grown quite a bit, but their peaceful days don’t last when the king of the Sorbet Kingdom is revealed to be a tyrant. The duo decides to put an end to his ruthlessness for their sake as well as for the innocent people in the kingdom.

We will soon get to meet Ivankov and Dragon, whose silhouettes appear in the preview. After their successful escape from God Valley, Ivankov parted ways with Kuma and Ginny. So, we may get to see their reunion and learn how he joined the Revolutionary Army.

The post One Piece Episode 1131 Release Date and Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As the anticipation for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 builds, fans are eager to dive back into the dark, action-packed world of sorcerers and cursed spirits. The upcoming season is set to adapt the highly anticipated “Culling Game” arc: a brutal battle royale orchestrated by the insidious Kenjaku that will push the characters to their absolute limits, show Yuta Okkotsku back in Tokyo at his full strength, and introduce a slew of new, powerful players.

To properly prepare for the chaos and excitement that awaits, there’s no better way than to revisit some of the anime’s most impactful and thrilling episodes. These selections not only showcase the series’ signature blend of intricate cursed techniques and visceral combat, but also highlight key character developments and plot points that will be crucial for understanding the stakes of the Culling Game. Get ready to refresh your memory and rekindle your excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable new season!

1) “Hidden Inventory, Part 4″ (Season 2, Episode 4)

This episode is a masterclass in showcasing the tragic turning point for Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, picking up on the heels of a massive cliffhanger: Toji Fushiguro killing Riko Amanai and leaving Gojo for dead. The raw emotion, the devastating betrayal, and the unraveling of their friendship are all brought to life with stunning animation and poignant storytelling. It’s a foundational episode that explains the ideological rift between the two strongest sorcerers and sets the stage for Geto’s eventual descent into villainy, directly impacting the events of the Shibuya Incident and, by extension, the Culling Game.

The fight choreography is exceptional, particularly Gojo’s awakening as “the Honored One” and his subsequent ruthless display of power against Toji Fushiguro. Witnessing Gojo shed his carefree persona and embrace his true strength is chilling and exhilarating, exquisitely brought to life by Kaiji Tang’s captivating voice performance. This episode provides crucial context for Gojo’s isolation and the burden of his power, which becomes a central theme in the larger narrative, especially with his current predicament. Understanding this past is vital for appreciating the future of the jujutsu world.

2) “Nonstandard” (Season 1, Episode 20)

“Nonstandard” stands out for its incredible display of teamwork and growth, primarily between Yuji Itadori and Aoi Todo. The episode features their joint fight against the Special Grade Cursed Spirit Hanami during the Kyoto Goodwill Event. Todo’s eccentric mentorship and Yuji’s rapid adaptation to his combat style lead to some of the most dynamic and entertaining fight sequences in the entire series, culminating in Yuji’s impressive consecutive Black Flashes.

Beyond the superb action, this episode is critical for establishing Todo’s unique perspective and his unexpected, yet effective bond with Yuji. Their bizarre but genuine camaraderie is a refreshing contrast to the grim realities of the jujutsu world and the tragedy that is to come from the series. It also gives us a taste of Gojo’s overwhelming power with the reveal of Hollow Technique: Purple, reminding us of the immense strength that the forces of good possess, a strength that will be desperately needed in the Culling Game.

3) “Thunderclap” (Season 2, Episode 16)

This episode is an unadulterated spectacle of power, focusing on the brutal clash between Sukuna and Jogo during the Shibuya Incident. The animation reaches dizzying new heights as Sukuna, inhabiting Yuji’s body, unleashes a torrent of destructive cursed energy. Jogo, despite his immense strength as a Special Grade cursed spirit, is utterly outmatched, highlighting the terrifying gulf between even the strongest curses and the King of Curses.

“Thunderclap” is a pure adrenaline rush, demonstrating the sheer destructive potential of Sukuna and hinting at the true horror he represents. It also finally reveals Megumi Fushiguro’s untamed shikigami, Mahoraga. Though hinted at throughout the series, “Thunderclap” shows Mahoraga in full glory battling against Sukuna, who ultimately defeats the shikigami and in turn, saves Megumi from suspended death. This display of Sukuna’s might is a stark reminder of the immense threat he poses, a threat that will only escalate in the Culling Game arc as his influence continues to spread.

4) “Right and Wrong, Part 3” (Season 2, Episode 20)

As the Shibuya Incident reaches its devastating climax, this episode focuses on the harrowing experiences of Yuji Itadori as he grapples with the aftermath of Sukuna’s rampage and the shocking turn of events for his best friend, Nobara Kugisaki. The sheer despair and helplessness Yuji feels is palpable, making this a deeply emotional and character-driven episode. It forces Yuji to confront the horrific consequences of his existence as Sukuna’s vessel and reinforce what he and his friends are fighting for, setting him on a path of profound personal growth and determination.

The return of Aoi Todo provides a much-needed beacon of hope amidst the devastation, reigniting Yuji’s fighting spirit. Their reunion, though brief, is a powerful moment that emphasizes the importance of their bond and how much Todo believes in Yuji when he needs a friend the most. This episode is crucial for understanding the emotional toll of the Shibuya Incident and the resolve of characters like Yuji, who will undoubtedly carry these burdens into the Culling Game.

5) “Transformation” (Season 2, Episode 21)

This episode delivers the long-awaited and utterly visceral showdown between Yuji Itadori and Mahito, a battle that has been building since the first season and the litany of atrocities Mahito committed. The fight is a brutal ballet of cursed energy and physical combat, pushing both characters to their absolute limits. Yuji’s unwavering determination to land blow after blow, despite Mahito’s insidious Idle Transfiguration, is a testament to his resilience and newfound understanding of his role as a sorcerer. Yuji is not only fighting for the future, but to avenge those Mahito killed, including Junpei Yoshino, Kento Namami, and Nobara Kugisaki.

The animation in this episode is nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the fluid and grotesque nature of Mahito’s techniques and the raw power of Yuji’s strikes. It’s a deeply satisfying culmination of their rivalry, as Yuji finally corners his tormentor and delivers a series of devastating blows amidst an imaginary backdrop of snow and a pack of ravenous wolves. This intense confrontation marks a significant turning point for Yuji’s character, showcasing his growth and hardening him for the trials that await him in the Culling Game. After experiencing tragedy upon tragedy in the Shibuya Incident, Yuji’s win against Mahito was a sorely needed victory for viewers.

RELATED: “Sure to Exceed Expectations”: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Star Hints the Anime Could Top Season 2

6) “Shibuya Incident – Gate, Close” (Season 2, Episode 23)

The official conclusion to the Shibuya Incident arc, this episode ties up many loose ends while simultaneously unraveling the terrifying implications of Kenjaku’s master plan. We witness the full extent of the chaos unleashed and the devastating impact on the jujutsu world. The episode sets a grim tone for the future, highlighting the fragility of human-sorcerer relations and the new, dangerous landscape that lies ahead.

Crucially, this episode features the long-awaited return of Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu, a character of immense power and importance from Jujutsu Kaisen 0. His reintroduction, coupled with his declaration of intent to kill Yuji, immediately raises the stakes and introduces a powerful new dynamic heading into the Culling Game. The final moments of this episode are a chilling preview of the challenges and betrayals that will define the upcoming arc.

7) “The Origin of Obedience – 2” (Season 1, Episode 23)

While often overshadowed by the Shibuya Incident, this episode from Season One is a pivotal moment for Megumi Fushiguro, showcasing his growing power and his willingness to push his limits. The battle against the cursed womb brothers, Eso and Kechizu, culminates in Megumi’s incomplete Domain Expansion: Chimera Shadow Garden. This moment is a thrilling display of his potential and his evolving understanding of his own cursed technique.

Megumi’s decision to take a calculated risk and unleash his Domain Expansion, even in its incomplete form, signifies a crucial shift in his character from a self-sacrificing mindset to one of strategic self-preservation for the sake of his allies. This development is vital, as Megumi will play a central role in the Culling Game, where his intelligence and unique cursed technique will be indispensable.

8) “Small Fry and Reverse Retribution” (Season 1, Episode 9)

This early episode serves as a powerful introduction to the horrors of Mahito and the tragic consequences of his cruelty. The arc focusing on Junpei Yoshino is a heart-wrenching descent into despair, as Yuji witnesses firsthand the devastating effects of Mahito’s harrowing Idle Transfiguration. The emotional weight of this episode, as Yuji fails to save his friend, is a pivotal moment in his development, fueling his hatred for Mahito and his resolve to protect others.

The episode also introduces Yuji’s new mentor, Kento Nanami, whose calm demeanor and pragmatic approach provide a grounded contrast to Yuji’s raw emotions and Gojo’s shenanigans. Nanami’s insights into cursed energy and his dedication to his duties further highlight the harsh realities of being a jujutsu sorcerer. This episode establishes the emotional stakes and the ever-present danger that permeates the Jujutsu Kaisen world, a grim precursor to the Culling Game’s brutal nature.

9) “Shibuya Incident – Gate, Open” (Season 2, Episode 9)

“Assault” is the beginning of the Shibuya Incident arc and plunges viewers directly into the coordinated attack on Shibuya by Kenjaku and his allied curses. The sheer scale and meticulous planning of the villains are immediately evident, creating an atmosphere of intense tension and dread. This episode rapidly escalates the stakes, showing how the jujutsu sorcerers are strategically outmaneuvered and forced onto the defensive.

The episode also highlights Gojo’s overwhelming power as he single-handedly confronts a multitude of cursed spirits and transfigured humans. However, it’s also the episode where Kenjaku’s plan to seal Gojo is set into motion, leading to one of the most shocking and impactful moments in the entire series. Witnessing Gojo’s vulnerability at the sight of what he thinks is his dead best friend, despite his strength, sets the stage for the desperate struggles that define the rest of the arc and the path to the Culling Game.

10) “Accomplices” (Season 1, Episode 24)

The Season One finale, “Accomplices,” culminates in a thrilling tag-team battle between Yuji Itadori and Nobara Kugisaki against the Death Painting Wombs, Eso and Kechizu. This episode brilliantly showcases the unique synergy between Yuji and Nobara, highlighting their evolving combat styles and their unwavering trust in one another that redefines their friendship. Their combined cursed techniques and strategic thinking make for a dynamic and satisfying conclusion to the season.

This episode is a testament to the growth of the Tokyo Jujutsu High first-years and their potential as a formidable unit. The emotional impact of Nobara’s resonance and Yuji’s Black Flash on the cursed spirits adds a layer of depth to the action. The camaraderie and determination of all Jujutsu High students will be essential moving forward, especially as they face the unprecedented challenges and moral ambiguities of the Culling Game.

The post 10 Best Jujutsu Kaisen Episodes to Get Excited for Season 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Demon Slayer is easily the most successful anime project by Ufotable, and its immense popularity speaks volumes about the incredible work done by the studio. It even won the Best Continuing Series Award in the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 for the Hashira Training Arc, the least favorite arc of the series. While the arc itself didn’t have a lot of action, the finale episode was more than intense enough to make up for it. It also teased the highly anticipated Infinity Castle Arc. Even before the fourth anime season, Ufotable had confirmed that the final arc would be made into a trilogy movie in a clear bid to outdo the record-breaking box office success of Demon Slayer – The Movie: Mugen Train.

That’s a bold decision from the studio, as not a lot of anime make canon movies beyond the recent trend of compilation movies, and especially not a trilogy at that. It caused a lot of controversy, especially among the younger fans who would rather sit at home and enjoy a series, with us collectively spoiled by global simulcast releases in recent years. Personally, after experiencing the Infinity Train film in the theatres, I’m looking forward to the upcoming movies as well. Not a lot of studios can compete with Ufotable in terms of animation and cinematic experience, and I have no doubt that the Infinity Castle films will be like that as well. However, if there’s one thing that’s bugging me, it’s how utterly boring and repetitive the promotion has been so far. The series is only 50 days away from the Japanese release date, but Ufotable hasn’t even released an official trailer yet.

[RELATED: Demon Slayer Warns Fans Against Leaking New Infinity Castle Movie Trailer]

Demon Slayer – The Movie: Infinity Castle’s Countdown Promo Is Painfully Disappointing

Unlike most official anime accounts, Demon Slayer’s PR is always active, a little too active if you ask me. They post several updates each day, but nothing too substantial to catch your eye. They also started a 100-day countdown for the film, but it’s just unnecessary information that’s not enough to build excitement among fans, especially at the rate of its current output. Even the 50-day countdown they shared today, May 28th, is just the sixth installment of the special announcement video. The film will be released this summer on July 18th in Japanese theaters. Keep in mind that this countdown is only for Japanese fans in consideration, with more than 50 additional days to wait for the September 12th release date in the United States and Canada.

The video begins with the staff members at Machi ★ Asobi Vol. 28 before beginning another random slideshow-quality tease of the famous characters inside the castle. Additionally, up until a week ago, all we saw was Rengoku being the face of the Mugen Train film that was re-released in the theatres. After going all out with the promotion of an older blockbuster, you’d think that Ufotable would finally focus on its biggest project at hand. The character visuals and teasers we have seen so far have been great, but the redundancy is unbearable.

I don’t think wanting to see a proper glimpse at the arc or the fights with the release date approaching so quickly is a lot to expect. Even the fans have started to lose patience at this point, and are asking to see something new in the replies to the countdown posts, with the main demand always being for a proper trailer above all else. Maybe the studio will release something in a couple of weeks, but so far, there’s no guarantee. This is genuinely a disappointing way to count down to such an exciting movie, banking on fan enthusiasm to stay alive when they trot out the same set of character posters and Rengoku seat covers.

Demon Slayer Could’ve Benefited With More Engaging Promotion

I’m not the only one who would easily be happy with some teasers highlighting key moments, voiceover monologues, the fight matchups, etc., instead. Any mixture of these promos could’ve built some real hype during the countdown. Fans, including myself, are keeping our eyes peeled for any exciting news from the studio, and would love to discuss the content if it were actually interesting. Unfortunately, we are heading towards the release date completely blind. Even the so-called official trailer released in December last year was just a short recap of the Hashira Training Arc finale, the Demon Slayer Corps charging at Muzan and falling into the castle.

The lack of engaging content from the studio makes it challenging for me to maintain my enthusiasm during the long wait as a longtime fan. That is especially the case since the movie is already getting a delayed release date outside of Japan. It’s almost as if the countdown is less about building hype and more about fulfilling an obligation. Not only that, but even the second and third installments are nothing but mysteries to fans. We already know by now that the Infinity Castle Arc will stage the final fight against Muzan and the Upper Ranks. With stakes higher than ever, the Demon Slayers will put everything on the line for the sake of humanity.

What would you like to see in Demon Slayer’s promo countdown for the Infinity Castle movies? Let us know in the comments below!

The post I Hate to Say It but Demon Slayer Is Fumbling Its Movie Countdown Badly appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The latest episode of One Piece has focused on one of the most tragic storylines in the history of the Grand Line and considering what shonen fans have seen so far, that is saying something. Kuma might have arrived as an opponent of Luffy and his friends, in the employ of the World Government but his backstory tells viewers a very different story. While Kuma’s early days were filled with woe, he was still able to get slight moments of happiness with his daughter and one of those moments has gone super viral as fathers and daughters recreate the pivotal One Piece dance.

Nika the Sun God has long been a legendary figure within the shonen universe of One Piece. Thanks to Monkey D. Luffy achieving the power of Gear Fifth, many now, rightfully, believe that the Straw Hat captain might be the reincarnation of the liberator that meant so much to those in the past. Early on in Kuma’s life, when both himself and his family were captured by the Celestial Dragons, Kuma’s father shared with him the “Nika Dance” before being graphically murdered by one of the aristocrats that had captured them. In showing his daughter the legendary dance moves, Kuma helped to solidify a bond that might have been suppressed for years but has recently returned with a vengeance on Future Island.

[RELATED: One Piece’s Newest Flashback Is Just Getting Sadder & Sadder]

The Nika Dance Goes Global

While One Piece has been looking to the past, things aren’t going so well for those on Dr. Vegapunk’s island. Kuma is still struggling with the World Government’s mind control while a certain member of the Five Elders has made landfall. The terrifying Saturn is now looking to do what his underlings could not and take Vegapunk’s life, hoping to stop the mad scientist from revealing a secret that will turn the Grand Line upside down. As the forces collide in the final saga, viewers are still taking the chance to celebrate the happier times featuring Kuma and Bonney as you can see below.

So far, Luffy has been living up to the Nika name with Gear Fifth. Transforming himself into a living cartoon during his fight against Kaido in Wano Country, the Straw Hat pirate has been wielding the power of his ultimate transformation against Kizaru on Future Island and has shown he’s becoming more adept at this ludicrous upgrade. Even though he isn’t routinely dancing during his fights, Luffy’s connection to Nika might be the thing that saves the Grand Line and helps him become King of the Pirates.

Heartbreak In The Grand Line

Those who have been following One Piece’s manga know that not everyone is making it off of Future Island alive, a fact that has already presented itself with the arrival of Saturn. WIth the Final Saga still potentially having years of stories under its belt, creator Eiichiro Oda is sure to inject some more tear-jerking moments before we say goodbye to the Straw Hat Pirates.

The post One Piece Fans Are Performing Family “Nika Dances” In Heartwrenching Trend appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In the absence of Shonen Jump’s former pillars, Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia, which both wrapped up their run a year ago, one particular series that has risen up to the challenge and absolutely stolen the vacant spotlight is Ichi the Witch by Osamu Nishi. This charming, magical series has become Shonen Jump’s new rising star, showing so much promise that it nearly started a feud between two major manga publishers. Having said that, Nishi’s oeuvre consists of far more than Ichi the Witch, and a new crossover just brought together two of her best works in the most wholesome way possible.

A recent post on X by Ichi the Witch’s official handle has revealed that Ichi the Witch and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, Osamu Nishi’s other series published in Weekly Shonen Champion, will be jointly celebrating the release of their upcoming volumes in June. Ichi the Witch will be releasing Volume 3 on June 4th, while Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun will be releasing Volume 43 on June 6th, commemorating the occasion with a crossover featuring new art and merchandise of both series’ respective protagonists. The announcement was accompanied by a joint poster of Ichi and Iruma taken from previous volume covers, as well as a preview of the adorable two crossover illustrations.

[RELATED: Ichi the Witch’s Female Cast Should Be the New Standard for Shonen Jump]

Ichi the Witch and Welcome to Demon School Iruma-kun Release Crossover Art

In the two crossover illustrations, Iruma has been drawn by Nishi, while Ichi has been drawn by Shiro Usazaki, the artist for Ichi the Witch, with the two dressed as witches in one illustration and demons in the other. In one, Iruma dons a witch’s hat, matching with Ichi, while in the other, the duo is pictured with adorable little horns. Both illustrations also feature adorable chibi versions of Kalego, Iruma’s familiar, and Uroro, the Majik that grants Ichi his powers, further highlighting the similarities between the two series.

While many may have discovered Nishi from Ichi the Witch, her previous work, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun has been making waves on Shonen Champion since its debut in 2017, growing into one of its flagship series with over 17 million copies sold as of November 2024 and a fourth season of its anime by Bandai Namco Pictures presently on the way. Although Baki has certainly sold way more copies, Iruma has all but become the face of Weekly Shonen Champion in the last couple of years, much like Luffy has been for Shonen Jump.

Safe to say, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun has acquired quite a sizable fanbase, though the series still remains niche internationally by simple virtue of being a Shonen Champion series. As such, it’s nice to see both of Nishi’s works come together for a crossover, giving both series more exposure as a result. For fans of Ichi the Witch looking for more of Nishi’s whimsical storytelling and a protagonist just as precious as Ichi, now’s the best time to pick up Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, while fans of the latter need to pick up Ichi the Witch before it becomes the next big sensation.

Source: @Ichi_the_Witch on X.

The post Shonen Jump’s New Hit Series Releases Wholesome Crossover appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Black Clover manga is currently in its final stretch as Asta and Yuno once again join hands to defeat a common enemy. Ever since the final arc began, the Magic Knights have barely been able to catch a break after Lucius Zogratis’ appearance. The intense fight at the Spade Kingdom should’ve been the end of the devils’ terror in the Clover Kingdom, but no one would have expected that Julius’ body would be overtaken by Lucisu, his twin brother and the eldest Zogratis sibling. Julius and Lucius are two separate souls born in the same body, with Julius being the dominant one for over 44 years. That is, until Lucius, the host of the devil Astaroth, took over completely.

Julius’ current condition remains unknown since he is unable to fight back and is letting Lucius commit all kinds of atrocities with his magic. Asta and Yuno are easily the best duo in the series, and they often team up against powerful enemies. Even in the final arc, they finally managed to overpower the villain before the latter unveiled his true form. Not only that, but Lucius has linked himself to all the Grimoire Towers, meaning he can use the abilities of deceased wizards and every skill they accumulated when they were alive. In front of such an overwhelming force, Asta, who is already struck down by Lucius, has no choice but to entrust Yuno with his powers. But beyond Asta empowering the Black Bulls’ abilities with his own, can a conventional mage really use Anti-Magic?

[RELATED: Black Clover Shocks Fans With Three Major Deaths in Spring Return]

Yuno Can Use Anti-Magic in Black Clover, But a Major Question Remains

During the Dungeon Exploration Arc, Asta acquired the ancient Demon-Dweller Sword that was later revealed to be a weapon of Licht, the leader of the elves. When Julius held the sword, he realized that not only is the sword heavy, but his magic is being sucked out. The sword can only be used by someone like Asta, who has no magic. However, in Chapter 380, Yuno isn’t simply able to wield the sword, but his new transformation suggests he is using both magic and Anti-Magic together. The sword belonged to his soul father, and with Asta’s trust, he may have gotten a temporary power-up.

However, the only explanation behind Yuno being able to use Anti-Magic is the special ability of the Demon-Dweller Sword. It is able to connect the wielder to their allies and draw their powers over a large distance to help the wielder. So far, Asta has been on the receiving end of this ability, but what if he can also share his Anti-Magic in a similar way? The manga will return in Summer 2025 and might answer our questions. The exact release date is still unknown, but we should be able to get an update in June 2025.

The post Black Clover: Can Yuno Use Asta’s Anti-Magic? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Anime fans are approaching the thirtieth anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the anime mech franchise that remains in the conversation for many when it comes to discussing the greatest anime of all time. Following the latest release of Evangelion 3.0: Thrice Upon A Time, no news has been released as of the writing of this article regarding the EVA pilots returning for a sequel and/or spin-off series. Luckily, this fact isn’t stopping the franchise from creator Hideaki Anno from celebrating its big anniversary as the 30th Anniversary won’t just receive an exhibit but its own festival.

Opening up an official website for the 30th anniversary festival, which you can check out by clicking here, Neon Genesis Evangelion shared the following description, “The “Evangelion” series will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025 since the TV broadcast of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” in 1995. This event is a chance to enjoy the “Evangelion” series from various angles as a culmination of the anniversary planning that will continue from 2025. A variety of content is planned, including exhibits, stage events, and merchandise sales. This will be an anniversary festival where we can celebrate the 30th anniversary together with all the fans who support “Evangelion“! Further details and ticket information will be announced in the summer of 2025. Please look forward to the event!”

[RELATED: Gundam, Evangelion, and Macross All Share One Thing in Common (And Not That They’re Mecha)]

The Evangelion Exhibit

For those looking for more information on the upcoming 30th anniversary Evangelion exhibit, the official site also shared details on the event that will be held from February 21st to the 23rd in Japan. Here’s how the official breaks down the event arriving in 2026, “The exhibition will be themed around the past, present, and future. We plan to feature entertainment that can be enjoyed by fans of the “Evangelion” series as well as those who have never seen the original work, as well as booths with collaborating companies, and other content that will cover “Evangelion” from multiple angles for both domestic and international audiences.”

Alongside the exhibit, the official site for the 30th anniversary has revealed that a “popular concert” titled the “Evangelion Wind Symphony” will unveil a new live performance project. Said project will include live music and special videos, along with a special stage that will see performer Yoko Takahashi performing “Cruel Angel’s Thesis.”

Evangelion’s Mysterious Future

Of course, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno currently has his hands full with another mech franchise as the prolific artist is working on Gundam GQuuuuuuX with Bandai Namco Filmworks. While nothing has been set in stone, Anno has hinted at the idea that new Evangelion projects are in the works, stating “someone other than [himself]” might be helming the project.”

Want to stay in the loop when it comes to the world of NERV? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Neon Genesis Evangelion and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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One Piece Chapter 1150 is the next installment in the series, which will continue to deepen the lore surrounding Elbaph. The events on Elbaph have once again taken a turn, but for the worse for both the Giants and the Straw Hats. Just when it seemed the Giants had the upper hand, with Scopper Gaban breaking through the defense of the God’s Knights and even taking down one of their members, Gunko gains the advantage by using his son, Collun, to land a devastating, possibly fatal blow on Scopper.

With Scopper’s fate hanging in the balance, there is already much to look forward to in the next chapter. However, near the end of One Piece Chapter 1149, events take an even darker turn, as it becomes clear from the context that Gunko is possessed by Imu, seemingly the greatest threat in the world of One Piece. This revelation has amplified the anticipation for the upcoming chapter dramatically, and, fortunately, its release is just around the corner.

[RELATED: One Piece Teases A Popular Imu Theory May Be True]

One Piece Chapter 1150 will be featured in issue 27 of the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, which is set to be released on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, at 12 AM Japan Standard Time. Given the time difference, the chapter will be available on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, at 11 AM Eastern Standard Time (ET), 8 AM Pacific Time (PT), 10 AM Central Time (CT), and 4 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the Western regions. Once released, the chapter will be free to read on Manga Plus and Viz Media. Both of these platforms allow visitors to read the first and the last three chapters of the series for free, while a subscription is required to access the chapters in between.

One Piece Chapter 1149 Sets Up a Seemingly Exciting Confrontation That Fans Have Been Waiting for a While

One Piece Chapter 1149 wasn’t just an installment that gradually pushed the narrative of the latest arc forward with dramatic twists but it also set the stage for a potential confrontation between Imu and Monkey D. Luffy in his Gear 5, Nika form. Ever since it was revealed that Imu, who may be the final villain of One Piece, fears Joy Boy and Nika, fans have eagerly awaited a clash between Imu and Luffy, whose Nika form embodies both figures Imu dreads. This confrontation promises not only excitement but also an important test of Gear 5’s capabilities, helping determine whether Luffy might still need to unlock an even stronger form to face the final threat of the series.

Meanwhile, the latest chapter also provides subtle context that sheds more light on Gunko, hinting at a potentially traumatic backstory. The brief details suggest it involves Gunko’s father, which is particularly intriguing, as there appears to be a connection to Brook of the Straw Hats. Given that Brook has lived longer than any other Straw Hat and that much of his past beyond his pirate journey remains unexplored, the possibility that Gunko is his daughter could add significant emotional depth to his character, beyond his usual comedic role. Fortunately, with One Piece Chapter 1150 just around the corner, fans may soon receive more clues about her story. If not, the chapter still promises a heavy and action-packed sequence, with Imu now having taken over Gunko.

One Piece is available to read on Manga Plus and Viz Media.

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Rick and Morty Season 8 has officially made its premiere with Adult Swim, and the first look at its next episode is teasing a new adventure for Space Beth. Ever since she was first introduced to the series, Space Beth has been an interesting character. Initially serving as a mirror to Beth had she gone on a lived her dream life away from her family, Space Beth has since made her return to the series and has become a member of the extended Smith Family dynamic. But as a character herself, there’s still a lot of material to explore with solo stories.

Space Beth has been intriguing in the family as following her romance with Beth, Space Beth herself has been on the sidelines with little else developed about how she ticks. This could be getting a big change in the coming episode as Rick and Morty Season 8 has dropped the first look at Episode 2 as it teases Space Beth is going to be at the center of the next big story. Check it out below as spotted by @swimpedia on X as it teases what’s coming next.

How to Watch Rick and Morty Season 8 Episode 2

Rick and Morty Season 8 Episode 2 is titled “Valkyrick” and it will be making its premiere with Adult Swim on Sunday, June 1st at 11:00PM ET. Adult Swim teases the episode as such, “Space Beth calls her dad for a ride.” Naturally, there’s so much that could go down in an episode that’s teased like this as this could be from the episode’s opening minutes before getting into a much larger episodes with Space Beth and her father. And considering Space Beth’s expanded role in the Smith Family, there is a lot of potential ground to cover with such an idea.

Space Beth has been an intriguing addition to the series as it offers up a new chance for Beth herself to be explored in a new kind of way. Not only does it mean that there’s potential for more space faring adventures with her at the center, but it’s been made clear in the preview that Space Beth is even going to be reaching out to her father for some help in her current situation. And that’s just an interesting dynamic.

RELATED: Rick and Morty Season 8 Review: Back in Action for 100 More Years

What’s Next for Rick and Morty Season 8?

Rick and Morty’s premiere for the season didn’t really seem to tee up any major serialized story, but at the same time it made some great advancements for both Morty and Summer as characters. That’s the same hope for this coming episode as while it could end up being another episodic story, this episode could end up giving us more of Space Beth as a character herself. There’s so little we understand about her at this point as we’ve only seen her through Beth’s point of view, so this could be the chance to make that happen.

That’s the key to Rick and Morty’s longevity as well. While Rick and Morty might not want to focus on a grander serialized narrative that carries between episodes, but it makes some major updates across multiple seasons. Space Beth is one of the characters who could stand to help make that happen as there’s still so much that can happen out in space across multiple seasons, and she could even be at the center of a big story arc. As Rick and Morty works through Season 12, everything could be on the table for the future.

The post Rick and Morty Promo Teases New Space Beth Episode appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The ongoing arc in the Spy x Family manga begins with Anya’s new term. The story is one step closer to unraveling a lot of mysteries in the Term Break Arc, only for them to take a side step while Yor’s new mission commences. So far, the only known assassins from the Garden were Yor and Matthew. The Garden is an unofficial assassin group doing the dirty work from the shadows in hopes of maintaining the fragile peace between Ostania and Westalis. Their main task is to get rid of the traitors by any means necessary. Because of the nature of their jobs, they use code names and live among ordinary citizens in order to avoid arousing suspicion.

Chapter 115 of the manga introduces two new members of the Garden, Hemlock, and Gympie, with the former being unusually hostile towards Yor. While Yor has absolutely no interest in him, Hemlock doesn’t leave a chance to attack her or make snide remarks. However, he is still professional enough to lend her a hand as a colleague – or so we thought. Since each assassin in the Garden works for the same cause, it’s not a surprise if they are assigned the same mission as a team. Yor and Matthew have worked together before, so the Shopkeeper trusts them with another critical mission in the ongoing arc. Since they needed another member to go with them, Hemlock volunteered to help them out. Nonetheless, no one could’ve figured out that Hemlock had another plan all along.

[RELATED: Anime Fans Voted for Best Mom This Mother’s Day (& You Won’t Believe the Winner)]

Yor’s Colleague Is Making Her Mission More Difficult With One-Sided Rivalry

The latest mission takes Yor and her colleagues to Southwest Ostania, where they have to deal with the numerous poachers targeting a rare species, Miteran elk. The poaching happens near the border, which means the targets have easy access to the West, where they do illegal business. Not only that, but a portion of the forests are demilitarized zones between the East and West and could cause friction between the two nations. The Shopkeeper wants to do everything he can to put an end to the poaching business. While the poachers aren’t strong, there’s strength in numbers. Which is why he sent three assassins without noticing Hemlock’s ulterior motives.

In Chapter 116, he acts normally with Yor and Matthew throughout the journey and even asks them questions about their marital lives. Later, after confirming he’s allowed to kill the poachers except for their leader, he tries to make a bet with Yor about who gets to kill the most people. As expected, Yor refuses him without a single thought. He shows exceptional skills against the poachers, as expected from a member of the Garden.

Unfortunately, when Yor is distracted by trying to get the Miteran elk near the water, he attacks her from behind, just like he did in Chapter 115. His reason is simple: no rules specify he’s not allowed to kill the Thorn Princess. The chapter ends with a menacing look on his face, but Yor hasn’t done anything yet to accept him as her rival.

The post Spy x Family’s New One-Sided Rivalry Isn’t Backing Down appeared first on ComicBook.com.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has kicked off the second half of its debut season this Spring, and the anime’s English dub release has recruited a major Dragon Ball star to help bring America’s new top hero to life. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has revealed a whole new side of how the hero world works in Japan, and with it has been able to explore how much has actually changed since Izuku Midoriya and the other young heroes enroll in U.A. Academy years later. But this also has been sharing a new look at the rest of the world too as we learn more about hero society on a whole.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has been showcasing more of the grittier sides of the hero system as it’s been made clear that not only are there some criminals who are lumped into this system with bad luck, but the episodes have also showcased that the heroes aren’t exactly all on the up and up either. That’s the case with the debut of its newest hero, Captain Celebrity, who is brought to life by Dragon Ball franchise legend Sean Schemmel (who’s done the voice of Goku and many more).

Dragon Ball Star Joins My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Episode 8 officially debuted Captain Celebrity to the anime. He’s a hero who comes from the United States, and was one of the top heroes in the region. Koichi Haimawari quickly runs into this hero in the neighborhood and finds out that the American hero is really only doing all of this for fame. Making things as big as possible so that he can show off to the press, he can fly and seems to have super strength. But he really only uses that strength when he’s either asked to by the police or the media can report on his actions.

He also comes with his fair share of controversies as Knuckleduster reveals that Captain Celebrity has only come to Japan in order to reform his image. He’s got a ton of scandals involving multiple women back in the United States, and is clearly going to be playing a big role in Koichi’s life from now on. So that means the two are going to be crossing paths in some wild ways, and he’s got the perfect star to help bring him to life in the English dubbed release.

RELATED: My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Censors Major Moment in Latest Episode

Captain Celebrity Spotlights My Hero Academia’s Broken Heroes

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has been highlighting how the hero world might be a more broken system than fans would have expected at first, and that’s the case with heroes like Captain Celebrity. Not only was it first revealed that the hero system came from the United States in the first place, but it has sparked a debate over whether or not it was meant as a way to control those with quirks. At the end of the day, only a small number of people were officially recognized as heroes in the United States.

Having Dragon Ball‘s Sean Schemmel bringing Captain Celebrity to life as a hero with more of an edge is a hilarious counterpart to fellow Dragon Ball star Christopher R. Sabat as All Might. The two heroes are pretty much mirrors to one another, and it reflects the kind of relationship that Goku and Vegeta have in Dragon Ball. The two have a lot in common, but their differences at their core bring the dynamic to life. Now that spirit has come to My Hero Academia: Vigilantes as well.

The post My Hero Academia Dub Recruits Dragon Ball Star for America’s New Hero appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The MonsterVerse is looking to expand in quite a few ways in the near future, with the Godzilla-centric universe already confirming a handful of projects following the success of both Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova hits theaters in 2027, the third entry in the crossover series that will once again see the King of the Monsters and Hollow Earth’s new ruler take center stage. While the concept of an alien kaiju invading Legendary’s universe might not be a wild idea, a new manga series has beaten the live-action universe to the punch as Godzilla Galaxy Odyssey has introduced a new alien monster from the stars.

Godzilla Galaxy Odyssey recently released its first chapter via the manga publication Young Champion. Written by Jyu Ishiguchi (Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online), the new manga presents a new take on the popular kaiju as it takes on threats from the stars. Specifically, the new alien kaiju that has landed on Earth known as “Volga.” Considering the latest chapter is one that presents a Godzilla who stands over one hundred meters tall, aka over three-hundred and twenty-five feet, the alien monster is going to have some serious power backing it to present a threat to the lizard king.

[RELATED: Godzilla Drops First Look at New Manga Debut]

Volga Makes Landfall

The alien kaiju also stands around the same height as Godzilla though Volga is clearly packing quite a few tricks that the King of the Monsters doesn’t have up its sleeves. On top of having the ability to fly with energy wings, the alien threat also has a giant blade for an appendage that is sure to cause problems for ‘Zilla. Since the first chapter of Godzilla Galaxy Odyssey wasted little time in introducing the extraterrestrial threat, the bi-weekly release of the manga is sure to move quickly in pitting kaiju against one another.

While Godzilla Galaxy Odyssey doesn’t have an official English translation as of yet, you can check out the first chapter for free by checking out Young Champion’s official website here. Here’s how the manga publisher describes the series, “Godzilla, the monster king and Japan’s greatest disaster, attacks Young Champion! The battle between mankind, Godzilla, and a new space monster begins! What will become of the Earth?”

Alien Kaiju History

While Volga is an entirely new creation for Godzilla Galaxy Odyssey, the lizard king has plenty of history in fighting against extraterrestrial threats. Originally, beasts such as King Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla hailed from the stars though their origins have been changed in the MonsterVerse to make them both Earth-born beasts. In the original Japanese franchise, the villainous Hedorah was born from a space-bound organism with Toho even introducing a “Spacegodzilla” as a dark reflection of the popular monster.

Godzilla x Kong: Supernova has yet to reveal any of its story details but its title alone could be hinting at the idea that a creature from space will be arriving in the MonsterVerse. So far, there have been no creatures that have landed in Legendary Pictures’ universe that were born outside of the Hollow Earth so it should be interesting to see what alien creatures might look like in the future.

The post Godzilla: New Alien Kaiju Revealed In Latest Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Phineas and Ferb is coming back for new episodes later this Summer, and the original creators behind it all haven’t ruled out a return to the ten year time skip seen in the original series. Phineas and Ferb is now back in action with a new revival series ten years after its original run with Disney came to an end, and everyone is picking up right from where it all left off. With the original creators and voice cast from the original series returning for their respective roles with the new episodes, fans are getting a special kind of reunion for Phineas and Ferb.

But one of the most exciting episodes from the classic Phineas and Ferb era was fittingly an episode that moved the series’ timeline forward ten years. “Act Your Age” came shortly before Season 4 came to an end, and offered a whole new look at the future for everyone. Speaking to ComicBook ahead of the new Phineas and Ferb revival premiere, series creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh reveal that a return to this future timeline is still potentially on the table, “We haven’t said no to anything yet…”

Will Phineas and Ferb Keep Acting Their Age?

When asked about a potential return to the “Act Your Age” future timeline with Phineas and Ferb‘s new revival, Marsh explained that there’s a freedom to explore whatever stories they want, “We haven’t said no to anything yet, and it’s been kind of fun. Although I think we had the same freedom when we made the first episodes, it felt this time like, ‘Oh, we’re getting a whole fresh batch. We can go explore things that we didn’t think we could.'” In fact, it feels like the team can have all sorts of ideas to explore for their episodes, “And I’m sure we could’ve, but now it feels like we can give some air to a whole Buford episode or a whole Baljeet episode. So it means things like that are a lot more possible.”

As for potentially returning to the ten year time skip seen “Act Your Age,” Marsh explained that it would just need to have a story that would make it compelling to make, “I think, if we were to go back and do something with the older characters, it would just have to be a good enough story and an emotional enough story to make that compelling.” So for fans hoping to see more of this future in the Phineas and Ferb revival, it sounds like it’s on the table along with many ideas that are now possible too.

RELATED: Phineas and Ferb Season 5 Has Some Surprising Guest Stars (Including Leslie Jones)

When Does Phineas and Ferb Season 5 Come Out?

Phineas and Ferb will be officially returning to Disney Channel for its new season on June 5th, and will begin streaming with Disney+ on June 6th. Series creator Dan Povenmire will be providing the voice for Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz once more, and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh will return for Major Francis Monogram. They will be leading their returning fellow stars from the original series (and sequel projects) Vincent Martella as Phineas Flynn, David Errigo Jr. as Ferb Fletcher, Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn, Caroline Rhea as Linda Flynn-Fletcher, Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus and Alyson Stoner as Isabella Garcia-Shapiro.

Disney teases what to expect from the new Phineas and Ferb series as such, “[T]he new season of ‘Phineas and Ferb’ will follow the inventive stepbrothers as they tackle another 104 days of summer. Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave Agent P, whose sole mission is to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz from taking over the Tri-State area.”

The post Phineas and Ferb Creators Tease Return to 10-Year Timeskip: “We Haven’t Said No” (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Isekai, or an anime or manga “featuring a protagonist who is transported to or reincarnated in a different, strange, or unfamiliar world”, are some of the most popular types of series, yet also some of the strangest. They even often contain well-known tropes such as the infamous Truck-kun (the trend of protagonists initiating being isekai’d to another world via being run over by a truck) or bearing ridiculously long titles that may as well be an entire synopsis, or in one case, is comprised of the entire 196-page story itself.

But while there are many an isekai out there with plots that would seem fairly odd, from The Vision of Escaflowne where the villain is literally heavily implied to be Sir Isaac Newton to Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear where the heroine wears an absolutely adorable bear onesie as armor, there are plenty more with plots that are beyond insane. So if you’re up to add some of the most bizarre isekai to your watchlist, you’ve come to the right place!

1) Uncle From Another World

After a near fatal accident with being hit by a truck, Takafumi Takaoka’s uncle, Yousuke Shibazaki, suddenly awakens after being in a coma after seventeen years. Spouting gibberish in an unknown language, Takafumi at first dismisses his uncle asserting that he’d been transported to a magical world called Gran Bahamal. But upon witnessing his uncle effortlessly recite an incantation that makes a cup of water hover in the air, Takafumi immediately inverses his opinion and invites his uncle to live with him. The two then team up and create a YouTube channel to showcase Yousuke’s magical abilities. As Takafumi acquaints his uncle with updated society and technology, Yousuke recounts his adventures in the other world to his nephew, who realizes just how many opportunities his uncle had ignorantly squandered in the magical world.

Typically isekais focus on, well, the isekai plot — introducing going to another world, the trials of learning about a foreign magical system and society, the thrills of being in the midst of battle and not knowing the outcome. Instead, Uncle from Another World focuses on returning to one’s original world to regale time spent in another as though it was no big deal.

Uncle from Another World can be streamed on Netflix.

2) So I’m A Spider, So What?

After the entire student body is wiped out by a sudden mysterious catastrophe, some of the students are granted reincarnating into another world as prestigious citizens such as nobles and royalty. Except for one girl who is reincarnated as a weak, unintimidating spider. As such, her situation proves dire and so must endeavor to either learn how to survive or perish. Even as a spider, she learns that this new world works like a video game, allowing her to level-up skills and experience to aid in her survival. And so, as a former-gamer-turned-spider, she may start as a small spider girl, but has potential to evolve into not just a better arthropod, but a better life.

While it’s a nice concept to be reborn into an upper-class, magical society as a prodigy or a highly-skilled adventurer, this spider proves just how difficult it can really be to struggle your way from the bottom as a lower-tier monster.

So I’m A Spider, So What? can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

3) Butareba -The Story of a Man Who Turned into a Pig-

After recalling a vague memory of collapsing in a subway after consuming raw pig liver, the former scientist awakens to find himself face down in a pigpen in a fantastical world. If it weren’t for the aid of a telepathic maid, he might have not been discovered at all and been left to be mistaken as a regular pig. With the ability to read his mind as only means of communication, although Jess shows kindness and generosity towards the pig with the mind of a man, she herself faces much discrimination due to her Yesma telepathic servant caste. Although he shows he’s a pig in both body and lewd human mind, the pig resolves to repay Jess’s kindness along his quest to the royal capital to beg the king to return him to his human form.

While the girl in So I’m A Spider, So What? may feel as though she drew the short end of the stick with her weak reincarnation, this series proves that there’s always someone worse off. After all, when being transported to a world full of magic and potential, who’d want to awaken as a pig?

Butareba -The Story of a Man Who Turned into a Pig- can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

4) Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

These famous racehorses aren’t sent to glue factories at the end of their lives — they’re reincarnated into horse girls in a parallel world! Continuing their legacies and passions for racing, they each strive to become the fastest in Japan. One such racehorse is Special Week who moves to Tokyo to attend the Tracen Academy and achieve such a dream. Learning about others’ unique running styles like that of sophisticated Silence Suzuka, Special Week finds herself recruited into her team, Spica, and on her way to become the best and race her way to the top.

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, or simply Uma Musume, puts a twist on what is thought of typical isekai formulas by instead isekai-ing racehorses into a parallel world as equine sports idols.

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

5) Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a run-of-the-mill salaryman, is transported to another world upon being summoned as a hero to the Kingdom of Reijseger. But when its revealed that his only skill is “Online Grocery”, he’s able to weasel out of the situation since his only skill, a non-combative one, is considered essentially useless. Fortunately for him, striving to live a quiet, simple life in the new land, the skill actually proves incredibly useful, allowing him to cheaply purchase items and food from Japan considered luxuries in this world. When his delicious cooking piques the interest of the legendary wolf Fel, the two create a contract for Fel to become Mukouda’s familiar. Traveling the world together, Mukouda and Fel spend their time adventuring, trading, and, of course, cooking.

While many RPG-like isekais may include protagonists who endeavor to gain experience in more classical skillsets such as swordfighting or magic, shopping for groceries online may seem pretty unorthodox and as though it’s a useless skill in a world of fantasy, but Mukouda proves otherwise.

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

[RELATED: One of The Strangest Isekai Anime Shares Good News For Fans]

6) Saga of Tanya the Evil

With the world plunged into war, there is one soldier more ruthless than any: Tanya Degurechaff. Despite her short stature and young, innocent looks, you can be sure there’s reason behind being given the title of “Devil of the Rhine”. After having previously lived a life as a typical Japanese salaryman, when a bitter employee murders him by pushing him in front of an oncoming train, the self-proclaimed God he dubs “Being X” confronts his staunch atheism just as his end is about to be met and resolves to reincarnate him as a little girl in world of magical warfare as punishment. With a high magical aptitude and determination to dominate the challenges of this new world, Tanya quickly rose in ranks in the military despite her age and disinterest in war itself.

If a character denying the existence of a higher power after literally coming face to face with an all-powerful entity that reincarnates them into another world isn’t an insane plot device to begin with, Saga of Tanya the Evil makes the concept even more ridiculous with many dubbing the former salaryman turned magical girl as a psychotic loli Nazi.

Saga of Tanya the Evil can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

7) Thermae Romae

Struggling to think of new, innovative ideas, Lucius Modestus, an ancient Roman architect, becomes despondent in job-hunting. So, his friends try taking him to a bathhouse to cheer him up and relax. Frustrated with the all the bathhouse hubbub, he tries to find solace beneath the surface only to find a tunnel that transports him to a modern-day Japanese bathhouse. Armed with knowledge ahead of his time and inspired by the technologically advanced foreign bathhouse, Lucius tries his hand at recreating what he’s witnessed in hopes that his ingenuity will garner attention and regain his reputation.

As if having an ancient Roman architect time-traveling to Japan to be inspired by modern bathroom technology wasn’t ridiculous enough, Thermae Romae certainly doesn’t miss any opportunity to showcase the bathroom as an entire experience, from discovering the splendor of department store toilets to musing over onsen town trinkets. While not a traditional isekai, the premise of being transported in another place and another time, albeit not another world, is absurd enough to match the vibe of a typical isekai without ever leaving Earth.

Thermae Romae is available for streaming on Prime Video and Crunchyroll.

8) Reincarnated as a Sword

A sword wakes up after living a previous life as a human and uses telekinesis to move around and fight to gain new skills and abilities. But although it quickly levels-up its skills, a nameless sword without someone to wield it can feel lonely and purposeless. When the sword happens upon a forest full of monsters and a young cat girl trying to flee them and her captors, the sword offers for the girl to wield it, aiding in her survival and freedom. With the two deciding to become partners, the girl receives her old name of Fran and decides to dub the sword as Teacher. Although they already make quite the formidable team, the duo face plenty of challenges standing in their way of becoming adventurers and gaining the ability for Fran to evolve into a stronger beast.

Although most reincarnation stories can range from being reborn into a similar body to their previous one to becoming an entirely other species, this series instead creates a twist of a character being reborn as a weapon themselves. Beyond that, what kind of weeb wouldn’t perk their ears at a plot involving a cat girl wielding a giant sentient sword?

Reincarnated as a Sword can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, or HiDive where available.

9) Ya Boy Kongming!

As one of the greatest tacticians of the Three Kingdoms period of third-century China, Zhuge Kongming, after a life filled with many grueling battles, falls gravely ill during the Battle of Wuzhang Plains and wishes to be reborn into a more peaceful era. With a younger body and an intact mind, Kongming awakens in modern-day Tokyo. Meandering his way through his new surroundings, he finds his way into a nightclub where he meets Eiko Tsukimi, and aspiring singer whose performance sparks Kongming to take interest in contemporary music. As Eiko helps Kongming better understand the modern world of the music industry, Kongming makes it his mission as her new manager to make the world recognize her talents, even tapping into his skills in strategy he’d previously utilized for war.

Time traveling from being a tactician in ancient China to becoming a modern-day music manager has got to be one of the wildest career changes, but is pretty on-par for an item on a list about strange isekai, or in this case, reverse isekai.

Ya Boy Kongming! can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, or HiDive where available.

10) Reborn As A Vending Machine, I Now Wander The Dungeon

A man with a passion for vending machines awakens to find he’s become one! As a modern machine in a fantasy world, he is unable to move or speak and requires money in order to keep functioning. When a girl named Lammis stumbles upon him and is wowed by the products he sells, she decides to use her own “Blessing of Might” ability in order to carry him back to her village, Clearflow Lake. Naming him Boxxo, he easily becomes a favorite among the community, eventually gaining new abilities and products and helping his friend Lammis in elevating her own skills as a hunter.

Although Reincarnated as a Sword also includes someone reincarnating into an object, at least a sword makes sense for combative purposes, but a vending machine? Now that’s definitely stretching the notion of “no bad ideas”. Even so, it is interesting to see how Boxxo adapts to his varying situations in a fantastical world by selling items apt for the circumstances.

Reborn As A Vending Machine, I Now Wander The Dungeon can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

What isekai plot do you think is the most bizarre you’ve bore witness to? Let us know in the comments if there’s any more insane isekai we should know about!

The post 10 Wildest Isekai Plotlines That Stretch the Limits of “No Bad Ideas” appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Simpsons has wrapped up a new season helping to mark the 35th anniversary of the long running series, so now it’s time to see which of the new episodes were actually the best of the best for Season 36. The Simpsons is one of the longest running television shows of all time, and is gearing up to continue even further as Fox has chosen to renew the animated series for four more seasons in the future. As we wait on what’s coming for everyone next, it’s the best time to go back and look at what’s come before in the last wave of episodes.

The Simpsons Season 36 was a pretty eventful year for the animated series. Continuing with the experimental spirit that has been present for the last few years, The Simpsons has aired episodes exploring new sides of its core characters while also showcasing much of its extended side cast in a whole new kind of way. There were some episodes that made some big swings, and either did or didn’t pull it off in the process. But either way, read on for our rankings of every Season 36 episode.

#18 – Desperately Seeking Lisa (Episode 3)

One thing that needs to be clarified about this list is that just because this episode is on the bottom, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily “bad” by any means. In fact, this is a rather solid episode that sees Lisa going on a new adventure. But what makes it stick out in a bad way from the rest of the season is how it feels too much like previous seasons’ episodes. It comes right after two experimental episodes that kicked off the season, so it’s almost too much of a return to standard that it ends up on the bottom of this list. It’s just kind of there.

#17 – The Yellow Lotus (Episode 2)

The Simpsons is far from the only animated series to offer a parody on The White Lotus lately, and is not even the only one to kill off a long time character in the process. That’s why it’s ended up so low on this list because it’s not entirely an original parody of the HBO series. Although it has Chloe Fineman doing a Jennifer Coolidge impression, it sort of wastes having Sideshow Bob returning for a new story. It’s ultimately revealed that he wasn’t scheming anything overall, but it’s a decidedly less punchy version of the character that fans have come to love. It’s ultimately just sort of there.

#16 – The Last Man Expanding (Episode 13)

The Simpsons does often take on current pop culture topics, so this was the inevitable Ozempic episode. When Springfield gets hooked on a new weight loss drug known as “Othinquic,” it turns out Homer is the last person in town who refuses to take the drug. It naturally turns out that he’s right in the matter as the drug comes with such severe side effects that the rest of the town tries to steal Homer’s body fat. It’s a fun Springfield episode as the town is great when they go full mob in situations like this, but it hits its ceiling pretty quickly.

#15 – The Man Who Flew Too Much (Episode 10)

This is one of the more experimental episodes this season that didn’t quite work out so well. It starts out promising with the return of the Pin Pals with a new line up, and even brings Fausto back to kill him later in the episode (to only reveal he was just fine during the end credits). The episode sees Homer and the others trapped on a mountain, and even nearly resigns all of them to a bleak fate before Homer saves them all when he’s woken back to life by the smell of Marge’s cooking. But it also makes some odd choices like bringing back Mona Simpson through a hallucination. It’s a solid story for the episode, but not all of it ultimately connects as well as other episodes this season.

#14 – Homer and Her Sisters (Episode 9)

This season in particular had some pretty fun character pairings that have either been rarely seen in the past, or still have room to explore. This episode brought Homer, Patty and Selma together in a fun way as they saw things eye to eye for one of the actually few times they have agreed on things. It leads to some cute moments where we can see what their dynamic is like when the three of them get along, and even ends with Marge realizing that she likes everything broken the way it is. It’s a cute episode, but also just largely not memorable when compared to some of the heavier hits of the season.

#13 – Bottle Episode (Episode 11)

Speaking of rare character pairings, The Simpsons delivers a unique Marge and Smithers team up with this episode. When Marge uses Mr. Burns’ very expensive wine for some stew, she works with Professor Frink and Smithers to craft a new wine that tastes just like. Then Marge and Smithers start to sell the fake wine to reach people to give their profits back to the poor. It’s a pretty fun way to team up the two characters without needing much involvement from Homer, and really opens the floor for the two of them maybe teaming up more in the future. There’s clearly a good vein of material here.

#12 – Treehouse of Horror XXXV (Episode 5)

The milestone 35th Treehouse of Horror special unfortunately wasn’t one of the best out there. While the three shorts themselves are fine (with the Thanksgiving inspired Mr. Burns special standing out in particular), it wasn’t the best Treehouse of Horror special we got this season. It has some cool animation with its blend of Homer together with stop-motion jeans from Robot Chicken’s Stoopid Buddy studio, a dash of Pacific Rim between Bart and Lisa, and even an opening from the legendary Jorge R. Gutierrez, but this season hits so much harder with Treehouse of Horror later.

#11 – Shoddy Heat (Episode 4)

This episode was one of the first real changes to The Simpsons‘ canonical past fans got this season. This revealed that Grampa Simpson was a detective for a short while following Mona leaving him and Homer behind, and that’s a completely new kind of angle than fans have ever gotten on the father and son duo. It might conflict with a few things shown in past seasons, but it ultimately is for a great result as it adds new wrinkles to Abe’s past overall. Not only revealing he’s got a close history with Agnes Skinner, but Abe was also a lot more competent than fans knew. It’s a pretty fun episode.

#10 – Abe League of Their Moe (Episode 15)

Grampa got his fair share of focus episodes this season, and this one was the better of the two that looked into his past. Not only did we get to see that Abe spent a lot of time with his own grandfather as a kid, but all Abe wants to do is watch a baseball game together with his own grandson. That desire to do so eventually leads to a fun connection with Moe, and the two rather lonely adults make great friends. It’s such a great idea that it’s a surprise it’s taken so long for it to happen, but the episode itself then detours to a focus on an international player Moe and Abe get to Springfield. It really doesn’t end as well as it starts, but still very enjoyable.

RELATED: The Simpsons Showrunner Addresses How Canon Really Works in the Series

#9 – Stew Lies (Episode 16)

“Stew Lies” is one of the more complicated episodes to rank as it has one of the best cold opens in recent memory, but the rest of the episode doesn’t reach those heights. That being said, it’s not like the episode is lackluster. The episode opens with Bart and Lisa connecting in a whole new kind of way, but soon detours to then focus on Fat Tony’s origin story for the first real time in the series. It’s here we get to see the mafioso as a child, and he teams up with Homer when a Guy Fieri rip off steals a thought to be stolen recipe. It all comes to a heartwarming end, and is a great episode overall. It’s just that it starts so hot but ends so mildly that it can’t get higher on this list.

#8 – Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes (Episode 7)

The second of the Treehouse of Horror episodes for the season was miles better than the first. Continuing through with the Treehouse of Horror Presents tradition of offering a new Horror story outside of the traditional format, this episode offers three stories inspired by the works of Ray Bradbury. One sees Bart hearing a woman screaming from under the ground, one sees Superintendent Chalmers replacing himself with a robotic clone, and the third sees Homer secretly watching dumb TV shows in a world dominated by high brow entertainment. They’re just better crafted than the other shorts seen in Treehouse of Horror XXV and uses the characters better.

#7 – Full Heart, Empty Pool (Episode 17)

But the best Grampa focused episode of the season brought him closer together with Homer. The two don’t really see eye to eye often, but when they do it usually ends up with some hilarious shenanigans revealing just how close to one another they actually are. This episode sees the father and son duo creating a brand new game that seniors can actually play (because it doesn’t take much motion), and it becoming such a big deal that Homer eventually sells out to become an officially recognized sport. It’s not the episode with the highest stakes or big changes to the canon as earlier entries in this list, but it’s just a nice dash of fun.

#6 – Convenience Airways (Episode 8)

There are a few episodes this season that don’t make big changes to the characters, nor do they shift the status quo in any big ways, but “Convenience Airways” is a very strong example of what can be done with a self-contained episodic story. When the family has to fly with the titular airline (because Homer has been banned from every other service), they soon realize that they are stuck on a plane with the worst kind of flyers. Every single bad habit you can think of is at play, and soon they find the plane is actually an experimental flying prison that everyone needs to break out of. It’s a fun reveal making for one of the most fun stories of the season.

#5 – The Flandshees of Innersimpson (Episode 12)

The Simpsons Season 36 was really focused on telling emotional stories with its characters, and finding new ways to explore these long running relationships. One of the most effective examples of this came in this episode as Homer and Ned’s long running rivalry/friendship was broken down once more. These episodes are often great as Ned’s patience is tested to unbelievable lengths, but the climax of it also reveals that Ned and Homer actually need each other to be happy. It’s a complex relationship where neither side is actually served, but without one another they really fall apart. It’s an unique and effective way of looking at the duo even after all these years.

#4 – Women in Shorts (Episode 6)

This one might not be as emotional as the others, but it’s definitely one of the most experimental episodes of the season and one of the most experimental episodes The Simpsons has released in a long time. Mirroring a format once seen in Season 7’s “22 Short Films About Springfield,” this episode highlights the women across Springfield for the first real time for many of the characters. Each of them gets a short moment that results in a funny or wild kind of sketch, and it’s certainly such a unique experience. Especially for fans of these characters who rarely get the spotlight.

#3 – P.S. I Hate You (Episode 14)

Speaking of characters who don’t always get the spotlight, Marge has a really great standout episode of her own this season. This not only pairs her against Shauna Chalmers, but also reveals that Marge is definitely more complex than she had been seen on the surface in the last few years. It’s a retcon to her character that doesn’t really shake up the series for the worst as it continues Marge’s trend of burying her emotions, but reveals those emotions in a unique way. It’s such an fun episode that it goes out on a high when Marge tells Helen Lovejoy to kiss her ass, and it’s completely earned emotionally. It just hits all the beats you’d want in an effective Marge episode.

#2 – Bart’s Birthday (Episode 1)

The Simpsons made headlines with its Season 36 premiere as fans who tuned in unknowingly were surprised to see that it was billed as the actual series finale. Recruiting massive guest stars tied to its past like Conan O’Brien and Tom Hanks for the occasion, The Simpsons pokes fun at A.I. as Bart is trapped in what a “final episode” for the show would look like. Surprise guest stars like John Cena, Danny Devito returning as Homer’s brother Herb for a sudden reunion, and Bart celebrating his 11th birthday, it was an episode where The Simpsons openly challenged the fact that its end seemed to be coming year after year.

But at the same time, it was made clear that the show was not slowing down any time soon. You couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season for long time fans.

#1 – Estranger Things (Episode 18)

The Simpsons kicked off Season 36 with a hilarious take on what a series finale for the show could look like, and followed it up with a season finale that actually served as a perfect finale for it overall. “Estranger Things” is one of the best episodes the show has released in a long time. Not only putting an emotional new context on Bart and Lisa’s love of The Itchy & Scratchy Show, but also added a layer from Marge as she loved seeing her two children bond. Then when the two drift apart, a time skip leaping ahead 35 years into the future showcases a new take on what their future looks like.

Offering a much more grounded future for The Simpsons than seen in the past, Bart and Lisa once again bond over the fact that they shared a tough childhood together. Realizing that the two of them really only have each other in the future, they decide to support one another and return to the good relationship they once had as kids. It’s such a good finale for the season that it would almost serve as a great finale for the show. But as of now, The Simpsons is running through at least Season 40.

The post Every The Simpsons Season 36 Episode, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

English voice actors Bryson Baugus and Juliet Simmons spoke with Comicbook.com about their roles in the popular Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon, or DanMachi for short. The two talk about their characters, Bell and Syr, and how both have evolved throughout the series. Bell is the lead protagonist of DanMachi, and Syr is the cute maid who is infatuated with him. While Bell will encompass several female suitors throughout the series, Syr was noticeably into him before he became renowned. Bell has become a more confident and capable warrior, whereas Syr is revealed to have a secret identity.

DanMachi exists in a world where travelers and warriors make pacts with literal Gods or Goddesses to become part of their family. Bell is part of the Hestia Familia, one of the lower-ranked families, due to the Goddesses’ lack of reputation. His main goal is to become a great warrior to earn the respect of Ais Wallenstein, a powerful swordswoman of the Loki Familia. The Hestia Familia grows as Bell becomes stronger, developing a reputation for his rapid growth and kind heart. The manga and anime adaptation is filled with memorable moments and great action, some of which rank among the favorites of Baugus and Simmons.

Spoilers for Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 5

[RELATED – Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Starts Final Arc]

Bryson Baugus and Juliet Simmons’ Favorite Moments

The big twist of Season 5 is that Syr has been the Goddess Freya the whole time. Baugus and Simmon discuss more about their characters in our interview, while also sharing their favorite moments across the show:

ComicBook: What have been some of your favorite moments so far?

Juliet: I have two different answers! As a fan, I really liked the moment in season three when the minotaur makes a comeback and beats Belle into the ground. And then he says he’ll be back? Like, when? I keep trying to guess when he’ll show up again! My other answer, the voice actor answer, is when Syr goes through her toughest time in Season Five. Not to spoil anything, but it definitely happens in the rain. And I think watching this moment for the first time is really makes my heart ache. They do such a good job leading up to this moment, and solidified her as a realistically written female character in my mind.

Bryson: I definitely love the more dramatic scenes in any given season, such as season 3 with Wiene after her rampage, Season 4 against the Juggernaut, and trying to get out of the dungeon with Ryu, as well as the emotional moments shared with Syr in this season.

Baugus and Simmons admit that some of the emotional moments between Bell and Syr are some of their favorite scenes in Season 5. The two characters’ relationship became increasingly complicated after Syr revealed her true persona and tried to brainwash Bell into loving her. Even though Syr/Freya is the main antagonist of the season, Freya is a much more complicated character than she was initially perceived to be. Bell and Freya end the season in a weird, yet hopeful spot that offers potential redemption for the manipulated Goddess. However, a potential romance between the two is effectively dead, something Baugus and Simmons establish in our interview.

Baugus and Simmons also cover their characters’ relationships with each other at the end of the fifth season, focusing on how Bell needs to set boundaries for the women in his life. Baugus reiterates Bell’s love for Ais, while Simmons expresses curiosity about how their characters will progress after the season finale. DanMachi Season Five finished airing on March 7th, 2025, whereas the light novel series has officially entered the final arc.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity, and was made possible via HIDIVE. All episodes of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? through Season 5 are available to stream on HIDIVE.

The post DanMachi Bell & Syr Stars Weigh in on Their Favorite Moments (EXCLUSIVE) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fans of the undead have plenty of options when it comes to consuming zombie media, with new movies and television series focusing on the walking dead rising from the grave at a steady clip. The Walking Dead, Black Summer, and Zom 100: Bucket List of The Dead being only a few examples of properties that are available on Netflix alone. While these zombie franchises were big in their own right, many fans have been waiting years for a big undead show to make its return. All Of Us Are Dead was confirmed for a second season all the way back in 2022 and it appears as though cameras are set to roll soon.

For those who might need a refresher, or an introduction, on All Of Us Are Dead, the South Korean zombie show debuted on Netflix in 2022. Taking place mostly within the walls of a high school, a science experiment goes awry as most of the student body is transformed into the walking undead. In a struggle to survive, those who were able to dodge the virus were forced to band together and work toward escaping their school while also learning to put past grudges to bed. According to a new report online, All Of Us Are Dead’s long-awaited second season will begin filming this summer, so fans waiting to see what the future holds for the undead won’t be waiting for years.

[RELATED: All of Us are Dead Renewed for Season 2 by Netflix]

All Of Us Are Dead Speedbumps

While many fans might be thrilled to learn that All Of Us Are Dead will return for a second season, this doesn’t mean that everything is smooth sailing for the zombie series. Initially, the Netflix project had revealed that South Korean actress Roh Yoon-seo, an actress/model best known for her work in series like The Frog and Black Knight, was in talks to join the series. Unfortunately, the plans fell through apparently and no word has been revealed regarding the fate of her potential character.

All Of Us Are Dead returning for a second season should be no surprise if you look at the original success the horror series saw when it landed on Netflix. Not only did the show become the third-highest non-English television series for the streaming service, it grew to become the sixth-highest-watched television show on Netflix at the time. In the first twenty-eight days of release, All Of Us Are Dead was streamed for a stagger 536.39 million hours, showing that this zombie series had serious legs.

The Walking Dead’s Competition

Most zombie media these days will at least be slightly compared to The Walking Dead, especially if the undead arrive in the form of a television series. Despite the AMC franchise bringing its main series to a close, it has continued via new spin-offs that also are finding their way to Netflix. While All Of Us Are Dead might not be as big as The Walking Dead, it could well be on its way.

Want to see what the future holds for all members of the undead? Follow along with ComicBook.com for all the latest updates on All Of Us Are Dead and every property expanding on zombie lore.

Via What’s On Netflix

The post Netflix’s Biggest Zombie Original Has Big News For Its Return With Season Two appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Ever since 2017, Crunchyroll, the largest global streaming platform for anime, has held an annual award ceremony for the industry. The awards are mostly based on public votes, so it’s no surprise considering how Solo Leveling dominated the 2025 awards with its massive popularity. This was only for the first season, which doesn’t even cover the most intense arcs like Season 2. Apart from winning the Anime of the Year award, beating critically acclaimed shows like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Dandadan, The Apothecary Diaries, etc, Solo Leveling also won in several other categories such as Best New Anime Series, Best Action Anime, Best Main Character, and so on.

While the results have been controversial, just like any year, at least fans agree that Jinwoo’s English voice actor, Aleks Le, was more than deserving of the Best Anime Voice Artist Performance – English category. Although Aleks accepted the Asta Awards on behalf of the Solo Leveling team for the series winning another “Best Anime” category, this one is specifically honoring his work as a voice actor in a separate category. The 26-year-old voice actor began his career by voicing Male Hoyoung in MapleStory, a video game, in 2003. He then returned to be the voice behind Punk Rampage in 2010, a video game character in Heroes of Newerth. Aleks’ first anime project was voicing Akashi in Kuroko’s Basket, and he has been working in the video game and anime industry ever since. Over the years, he gained massive popularity and is now globally recognized for his efforts.

[RELATED: At Least the Anime of the Year Awards Got Something Right]

Solo Leveling’s Star Aleks Le Thanks Fans on Social Media

Aleks has a major fanbase on social media, especially on X (previously known as Twitter), where he has over 184k followers. After the results were announced, he shared, “I just woke up and found out that I won best English voice actor for the Crunchyroll Awards! (I don’t know what the trophy looks like.) 1st award I’ve ever won! I didn’t expect to win (especially with so many other talented nominees). I put actual blood & tears into my work, so thanks for believing in me, you all.”

AJ Beckles, who was also nominated in the same category for voicing Okarun, the main male protagonist of Dandadan, also congratulated the star, “Congrats @AleksLeVO !! This year’s Anime Awards nominees were STACKED. I can’t believe they even considered me. Thanks to everyone who voted for me even once.

He continues, “I NEVER expected to win, but seeing some of your wonderful comments really made me happy. I hope I can do a good enough job to be included again in the future, and I’ll work hard not to disappoint you, maybe I’ll bring it home someday!! Thank you for your support, and congrats to Aleks once again for the much-deserved recognition for your amazing performance!”

AJ has worked with Aleks, who happens to be the voice behind Jiji, another major character in Dandadan, who was introduced in Episode 10. Solo Leveling Season 3 may not have a release date yet, but fans are more than eager to prove their love for the show.

H/T: Aleks Le and AJ Beckles on X

The post Solo Leveling Star Shares Thoughts on His First Ever Award appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A lesser-known but very popular sports manga, Ao Ashi, has finally been confirmed to be receiving an English release, and by a very good publisher. With the manga about to end very soon and the recent arc and chapters being very excellent, it is high time the popular series is made available to English-speaking fans all around the world. The release of the first issue of the English release might be a bit far off, but the manga finally being picked up after years of fans asking for it is nothing but great.

As confirmed by Anime News Network and the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Titan Manga, Ao Ashi has been confirmed to be receiving an English publication courtesy of the publisher. The manga will be released in omnibus format, with the first omnibus compiling the first three volumes of the manga. The first issue will be released starting May 12th, 2026, and while the release schedule after that is still unknown, the publication will catch up fast, given that the manga is about to end, plus the omnibus format will allow more hurdles to be cleared faster.

RELATED: Legendary Sports Anime Ao Ashi Reportedly Confirms Season 2

Ao Ashi Is Finally Available In English

Ashito Aoi, a determined young soccer player from rural Japan, dreams of joining a top high school team. However, his mistake during a crucial match led to his team’s defeat and tournament elimination. Despite this setback, he attracts the attention of Tatsuya Fukuda, a coach from Tokyo City Esperion FC’s youth team. Impressed by Ashito’s raw talent after a brief training session, Fukuda invites him to try out for the club. Clinging to hope, Ashito travels to Tokyo, determined to pursue his goal of becoming a professional soccer player.

While it is quite unfortunate that the series has been recently confirmed to be ending, even though there is still a lot of potential to continue the story and more plot points to be wrapped up, fans have definitely been pleased with how it is all being wrapped up. The current Barcelona match is possibly the series’ best one so far, and it is quite amazing that Kobayashi is sending off the manga by making the last match the best one. With 19 million copies in circulation, the very popular series will finally be available to fans around the world who wish to officially support the manga and decorate their shelves with the incredible art of the football manga.

When Will Ao Ashi Season 2 Be Released

Another piece of great news that Ao Ashi fans received recently is that season 2 has been confirmed to air in 2026, after more than 2 years. While the studio switch to TMS Entertainment from Production I.G might have some worried, the anime return is still great news that is worthy of being celebrated. 2026 was already a great year for Ao Ashi, but with the confirmation that the English publication will begin release next year, fans are being treated.

The post Move Over, Blue Lock: This Huge Soccer Manga Is Getting an English Release appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Hideo Kojima has become a legend in the video game world and rightfully so. Helping to forge the video game franchise Metal Gear Solid, Kojima would go on to create his own video game company known as Kojima Productions. While the studio is still relatively new in comparison to many other game producers in the world, it has made waves thanks in part to the idiosyncratic entry known as Death Stranding. With the franchise already confirmed for a live-action film, Kojima himself has upped the ante by confirming that the dystopian series is set to become an anime as well.

In a recent interview with Vogue Japan, Kojima spilled the beans on Death Stranding’s anime future while discussing the upcoming live-action movie, “I am also currently working with A24 on a live-action film adaptation of “DEATH STRANDING“. When it comes to film adaptations of games, there have been recent films like “The Last of Us” that keep the plot of the original intact, and films like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” that are more like a service to game fans. Each of these works has its own merits, but as a film lover, I want to pursue expression as a film. I am aiming to make “DEATH STRANDING” in a way that can only be done as a film, and that will win awards at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. In fact, we are also currently working on an anime adaptation.”

[RELATED: Death Stranding 2 Cast: Every Confirmed Actor So Far]

Death Stranding’s Future

Next month, the sequel to the wildly idiosyncratic game will arrive as Kojima Productions plans to release Death Stranding 2: On The Beach on June 26th. In the same interview, Kojima himself detailed more about the Norman Reedus-led property’s future, “To strengthen our IP, we’re doing a sequel, and this is a game and we’ll continue to add more to various platforms. What comes next are different forms of media – movies, anime, TV dramas, etc. Basically, expanding the game IP to other media. That’s the second phase. That’s what we’re aiming for next.”

As of the writing of this article, details regarding what the anime adaptation will cover are a mystery. While it’s possible that it could be a retelling of the original story, there are plenty of characters and stories that are a part of Death Stranding’s universe that could be further explored. There has yet to be a studio attached to this project but we can think of some anime production houses that would be perfect in bringing Kojima’s latest universe to life.

The Death Stranding Movie Developments

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that A24’s Death Stranding was set to be written and directed by Michael Sarnoski. Sarnoski has had some big hits in Hollywood, with one of the latest being A Quiet Place: Day One, while also tackling the Nicolas Cage film, Pig, with both of said entries admired by critics and audiences alike. Much like the anime, no release date has been attached to this project, though we’ll be sure to let you know everything revolving around the world of Death Stranding.

Want to learn more about Death Stranding’s upcoming projects? Follow along with Teams Anime and Gaming on ComicBook.com for the latest updates.

The post Death Stranding Announces New Anime Adaptation appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With the spring anime season rapidly coming to an end and many of summer’s most anticipated new and returning releases not dropping until July, many anime fans have been forced into an unfortunate limbo while they wait for the new seasonal lineup, but, thankfully, anime streaming services like HIDIVE have massive catalogs of hidden gems and binge-worthy series worth diving into during the early summer months.

Housing everything from JRPG-inspired isekai franchises to laid-back slice-of-life romance series, HIDIVE offers anime fans a mix of unique underground anime trying to break into the mainstream and seasonal blockbusters with massive fanbases around the globe.

1) 2.5 Dimensional Seduction

For anime fans looking to fill the hole left in their hearts while waiting for Season 2 of My Dress Up Darling, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction is another cosplay-focused romance series. Instead of focusing on just developing the relationship between the two leads, though, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction leans far more into harem territory. This, surprisingly, works in the series’ favor: 2.5 Dimensional Seduction follows Masamune Okumura, a loner in his second year of high school who runs the school’s manga club on his own.

In a twist of fate, a first-year student named Lilysa Amano, a passionate cosplayer and manga fan joins the club and pushes Masamune into being her photographer. This eventually leads to more cosplayers joining the club and opening up Masamune’s world to not only get himself out there socially, but, maybe, to fall in love, too. Relatively laid-back but still filled with plenty of fun moments, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction is a quick 24-episode series that’s perfect to add to a summer watchlist.

2) From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!

One of the funniest and most inventive isekai of the decade, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! is a perfect spin on isekai and its extremely popular subgenre, “villainess reincarnation” that follows a salaryman in his 50s after valiantly giving his life to protect a young boy from getting hit by a truck. To his shock, he awakens as the villainess from his daughter’s favorite otome game, Magical Academy: Love & Beast. While he’s familiar with the concept of being dubbed a villainess, the newly reborn Grace Auvergne is unfamiliar with the otome genre and doesn’t seem concerned at all with what his fate may have been in the original game’s story, nor what his natural demeanor as a fatherly salaryman may do in social interactions with other characters in the game’s world.

In a very fun twist, back in the real world, Kenzaburo – the salaryman-turned-villainess – is in a coma. His wife and daughter, back at home, can see everything that he’s doing in the game and try to help him advance with hopes of bringing him home once the game’s story comes to an end. For those looking for the perfect subversion to a popular subgenre of one of the most oversaturated anime genres to date, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! is a funny, earnest pick with lots of passion behind it.

3) Flower and Asura

From the same studio behind Mushoku Tensei and Flower and Asura is a gorgeously animated seinen slice-of-life series that desperately deserves a larger fanbase. The series introduces its audience to Hana Haruyama, who, after seeing a recital of An Asura in Spring, develops a passionate adoration for the art of storytelling. Once she makes it to high school, she’s scouted by a fellow student named Mizuki Usurai to join her school’s broadcasting club. While Hana is a bit socially awkward and reluctant, Mizuki supports her as a friend and is constantly find ways to encourage her to continue to develop her performance skills.

With only twelve episodes, Flower and Asura is a powerful exploration of creative passion, and the most powerful way to get your voice out there is to just jump into creating and doing exactly what it is that you love. Handling all this through the art of poetry recital, while niche, gives the audience the opportunity to see themselves in Hana and resonate with her self-doubt and growth as a character throughout the show.

[RELATED: HIDIVE Is Kicking Off the Spring 2025 Anime Season Early With Fantasy Release]

The Eminence of Shadow

A parody of edgy anime tropes that pushes its isekai premise to hilarious extremes, The Eminence in Shadow very much feels like a love letter to self-aware anime fans who grew up creating insanely over-powered self-inserts, only to realize later in life that they were absolutely ridiculous in the best of ways. The anime follows Minoru Kageno, a young man with ambitions to become an evil mastermind capable of controlling society from the shadows. In true isekai fashion, he’s never able to realize this dream as he’s unceremoniously struck by a truck and wakes up in a fantasy world.

Reborn as Cid Kagenou, the protagonist decides to wear a constant facade of mediocrity and slowly build a shadowy organization of evil-doers and manipulators to gain political power from under the table and seize control over the people of his new world. But, as Cid begins to gain notoriety among other underbelly dwellers, he begins to become increasingly embroiled in greater threats that turn him on the path of almost being a reluctant hero. Silly, edgy, and ridiculous – The Eminence In Shadow’s 32 episodes make a great series to binge casually.

[RELATED: HIDIVE Will Lose a Staggering 14 Anime Series Next Month]

5) Call of the Night

Based on the smash hit manga by Kotoyama, Call of the Night puts a unique spin on the concept of vampires with some almost shockingly poignant social commentary on today’s youth. The show follows Ko Yamori, an insomniac who regularly goes out on late-night walks to deal with sleeping troubles. One night, he runs into a mysterious young woman who calls herself Nazuna Nanakusa. She quickly reveals herself to be a vampire, and after showing Ko just how good life can be as a permanent night owl, Ko asks his new vampiric friend how to be like her.

Much to his disappointment and frustration, Nazuna reveals that the only way to be turned into a vampire is by falling in love with one. This, of course, results in the naive Ko being determined to fall in love with Nazuna. While the premise may not seem to have much to it on the surface, Call of the Night is an interesting coming-of-age tale that uses its supernatural twist to constantly bring a new challenge to the table for Ko and Nazuna to navigate as they bond.

6) My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me!

One of the most ridiculous isekai titles of all time, My Instant Death Ability is a surprisingly self-aware, over-the-top comedy that opens by showing a bus filled with high school students suddenly being transported to another world and told that they must train to fight demons. Only the strong are favored, and the two students are left behind for being unremarkable in the eyes of the Sage that transported the students, Yogiri Takatou and Tomochika Dannoura, who are left to serve as fodder for a dragon.

In a hilarious – but very much expected – twist, Yogiri is able to instantly kill the dragon, realizing he’s been blessed with an “Instant Kill” ability. While it may lack some deeper exploration of the isekai genre, My Instant Death Ability is infectiously fun for what it is, and for anime fans looking for a bingeable popcorn watch, Yogiri’s adventures are more than worth a watch.

7) The Dangers In My Heart

For anime fans looking to polish off the waiting period between the spring and summer anime seasons, one truly can’t go wrong by binging The Dangers In My Heart, a high school slice-of-life series based on the original manga by Norio Sakurai. The anime follows Kyotaro Ichikawa, an extremely moody teenager who’s isolated himself from his peers and become something of a loner. Combating this is Anna Yamada – a quirky, albeit popular girl from Kyotaro’s class who he regularly fantasizes about killing.

While the series initially throws a very bizarre, and in many ways, concerning curveball at audiences regarding the relationship between its two leads, the development in Anna and Kyotaro’s relationship is absolutely adorable, and as Kyotaro begins to open up socially, his whole world opens in ways he never could have imagined. The Dangers In My Heart is a 25-episode love letter to quirky kids learning how to be themselves amid a bustling society that tries to mold young adults into behaving a certain way socially.

The post 7 Best Anime to Binge on HIDIVE in June 2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Phineas and Ferb is coming back to Disney with brand new episodes a decade after the original series came to an end, and we got to talk with the creators behind it all about how they’re making it happen. Phineas and Ferb wrapped up its original run with four seasons back in 2015, and the animated series is still one of the most popular animated franchises to ever come from the company. But even with that popularity, it’s still a big surprise to see that the animated series is coming back for new episodes picking up from where it all left off.

Phineas and Ferb has returned for a new season that not only brings back the original creators, but the voice cast as well. Speaking to ComicBook ahead of the new season’s premiere, Phineas and Ferb creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh opened up all about returning for the new episodes, getting back to work with Disney, what might have or haven’t changed from the original, and more. Read on for our full conversation with the creative duo (which has been edited for length and clarity)!

RELATED: New Phineas & Ferb Preview Ends With Massive Twist

NICK VALDEZ, COMICBOOK: My mind’s been blown ever since it was announced that Phineas and Ferb was even coming back for a revival, so I can’t imagine what it’s like for you all. So how how did it feel to actually get in there and work on new Phineas and Ferb after all this time?

DAN POVENMIRE: Well, we were a little worried that because we did 222 episodes, seven hour long specials, and two movies…there’s a lot of content out there. We were a little worried we’d get into the writer’s room and just be going, “No, we already did that. No. We already did that. We already did no. Sorry, that doesn’t work.” And it has not been like that at all. I mean, those things happen periodically, but that may happen, like, once or twice a week. And all the other [time] we’re getting so many great pitches for new ideas for episodes. We’re like, “Why did we never do that?” Things that we had always wanted to do and hadn’t quite figured out how to do it. We’ve been able to break some stories that we like, “I always wanted to do this, but how would we make that work in our universe?”

It’s maybe my favorite season of the show. After all those episodes, there’s so many iconic episodes that people have as “This is their favorite episode or this is their favorite episode.” I think there’s probably eight or ten episodes this season that will supplant those episodes in people’s minds as their favorite. I think there’s gonna be people who are like, “Okay. This is now my favorite.” And then five episodes later, they’ll go, “Mow this is my favorite episode of all time.” There’s some that I put up in that top 10 in my brain.

JEFF “SWAMPY” MARSH: It was every so often in the downtime, since the first series ended, we’d get calls from Disney kind of saying, “Hey, if we brought back Phineas and Ferb, would you guys wanna make more?” It was always tentative over the years. And we were always like, “Yeah, sure we love these characters. We’d love to come back.” So when they when they finally called and said, “Yeah, we really wanna do more, and we just want more of the same.” I was thrilled because I didn’t wanna have to reinvent it, reimagine it. I just liked what we were doing, and I thought we still had stories to tell. Again, it doesn’t mean we didn’t have the fear that we weren’t gonna be able to find new things, but it was exciting to do it.

I was curious about that myself too because usually when you get a new show like this, it usually is a reboot after such a long period of time. So I was wondering why the approach was, “Oh, we’re just picking it up right back with the next Summer” rather than reinvent the wheel. Was it a Disney initiative then to bring it back the same way?

POVENMIRE: Yeah. What they said was, “Look, we just want more Phineas. We don’t think it’s broken. We don’t think you need to fix it. That being said, you can do whatever you want with it. We trust you to to make this show.” My goal has always been if people were watching fourth season and they just continued right into fifth season, they wouldn’t notice a bump. You know? They wouldn’t notice anything different about it. It would just feel like, “Oh, fresh new episodes!”

Speaking of that final season, one of the biggest events among fans that I still kind of hope we get to see more of was the “Act Your Age” timeline of ten years in the future. So I do have to ask a little bit about that. Is there potential to revisit that [timeline] or maybe even some other points in their life now that you brought the series back?

MARSH: We haven’t said no to anything yet, and it’s been kind of fun. Although I think we had the same freedom when we made the first episodes, it felt this time like, “Oh, we’re getting a whole fresh batch. We can go explore things that we didn’t think we could.” And I’m sure we could’ve, but now it feels like we can give some air to a whole Buford episode or a whole Baljeet episode. So it means things like that are a lot more possible. We have episodes that are just focusing on the Fireside Girls.

POVENMIRE: We have an episode that focuses on a zoetrope that just rolls around the city and and solves crimes.

MARSH: And has a full and rich emotional life, and a song of its own.

POVENMIRE: Yet no sentience.

MARSH: I think, if we were to go back and do something with the older characters, it would just have to be a good enough story and an emotional enough story to make that compelling.

One thing I did notice was that it also visually looks different. Is it a change in technology? Is it a change in just how you are doing the process after all these years?

POVENMIRE: When we first did Phineas and Ferb, we were drawing on paper. But by the end of that, we were drawing pretty much digitally. We’re drawing digitally on screens. It’s still drawn by hand, but it has a cleaner look now than it did then so that works. We’ve tried to make it look pretty much like the old stuff, but we’ve done little slight changes. The characters are all the same design except for Phineas. He’s not any taller, but we did draw an extra stripe on his shirt so that’s how you know he’s older. It’s like dating a tree, you know? You just count the rings. As soon as the art as soon dropped, people were like, “Wait, they put too many too many stripes on his shirt.” That’s on purpose.

Phineas and Ferb Season 5 premieres on the Disney Channel June 5th, and is available for streaming on Disney+ beginning June 6th.

The post Phineas and Ferb Creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh Talk Series Return, Time Skips and More appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival has revealed its 2025 lineup, and among the exciting presentations is a brand-new short animated movie titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey. The project is directed by Kent Seki, who served as the cinematographer on the critically acclaimed 2023 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. That film, a reboot of the Turtles franchise directed by Jeff Rowe, was lauded for its unique stylized animation influenced by school notebook sketches, its heartfelt storytelling focusing on the teenage aspect of the characters, and its strong vocal performances. It garnered positive reviews and was considered by many to be one of the best Turtles films to date. With a direct sequel to Mutant Mayhem delayed, the upcoming short film will bring fans back to the stylish world the movie has crafted. 

The upcoming short, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, offers a playful nod to the classic holiday film Home Alone, suggesting a comedic scenario for one or more of the Turtles. Given the “Lost in New Jersey” subtitle, the story could see a Turtle separated from his brothers, navigating the distinct environment of the Garden State. Seki’s role as director for this short is noteworthy. His experience as cinematographer for Mutant Mayhem, which was animated by Mikros Animation and Cinesite, means he has an intimate understanding of the visual language that made that film a standout. So, while details on the short are still under wraps, it’s fair to assume that Chrome Alone 2 will draw some stylistic inspiration from Mutant Mayhem‘s unique aesthetic.

[RELATED: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem Director Teases Shredder’s Role in Sequel]

The success of Mutant Mayhem, which grossed $180.5 million worldwide, has already spawned further projects. A follow-up television series, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, debuted on Paramount+ in August 2024, designed to bridge the gap between the first film and its upcoming sequel. That theatrical sequel is currently set for release on September 17, 2027, with Jeff Rowe returning to direct and Shredder teased as the main antagonist. Additionally, a video game set in the Mutant Mayhem universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed, was released in October 2024. The new short, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, is another addition to this ever-expanding and beloved franchise.

All the Highlights of 2025’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, running from June 9 to 15, 2025, will be a hub of animation excellence, featuring presentations from other major studios. For example, Paramount & Nickelodeon Animation’s showcase extends beyond the Turtles. They will present their upcoming Smurfs movie, directed by Chris Miller, featuring Rihanna as Smurfette, and aiming to explore Smurf origins with a style inspired by Peyo’s original drawings. Also on their slate is The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, directed by SpongeBob veteran Derek Drymon. This fourth theatrical film for the porous hero, blending CG animation and live-action, features Mark Hamill as the Flying Dutchman. A new SpongeBob short, SpongeBob: Order Up, directed by Sean Charmatz, will also be presented.

Adding more star power to Annecy, there will be a first look at Paul McCartney’s 3D animated film High in the Cloud, directed by Toby Genkel. Based on McCartney’s children’s book and produced by Gaumont, it boasts an all-star voice cast including Celine Dion and Himesh Patel. For audiences seeking mature action, Predator: Killer of Killers will also be spotlighted. This original animated Predator universe adventure, written by Dan Trachtenberg and co-directed by Trachtenberg and Josh Wassung, will debut on Hulu soon after its Annecy presentation. Finally, Universal will offer a preview of the live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy.

What are you most looking forward to in the new TMNT short film? Let us know in the comments!

The post A New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Film Is Debuting Next Month (& It Sounds Wild) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Even in the aftermath of an apocalypse, the future looks lush and green to these girls in Touring After the Apocalypse. After all, traveling across the country must be much easier when there’s no traffic nor other pesky tourists crowding the otherwise popular sites like the Hakone hot springs and the Tokyo Big Sight.

Although a general release window for Touring After the Apocalypse had previously been announced with a teaser trailer and key visual in February to be released sometime this year, now we know more definitively when to expect this bright, hopeful post-apocalyptic anime!

A Lush Post-Apocalypse to Extend the Carefree Summer Vibes into the Fall

On the official Touring After the Apocalypse X/Twitter account, it’s officially been confirmed for the anime’s release window of October 2025! The release window was also announced on the official Aniplex YouTube channel where the voice actresses Konomi Inagaki as Youko and Miyu Tomita as Airi hosted a livestream along with other key staff members. During the live stream, the crew also discussed their experiences working on Touring After the Apocalypse as a production. As an adaptation of the ongoing 7-volume manga by Sakae Saito, the mangaka also shared a celebratory illustration upon the release window announcement. Although the anime is definitively set to release sometime in October, an official date is yet to be announced.

While many anime may feature a post-apocalyptic setting as more dystopian with bleak backdrops and hopeless atmospheres, Touring After the Apocalypse, or Shuumatsu Touring, views the prospect of life after the apocalypse as more hopeful and fun. Akin to Girls’ Last Tour showing a more chill and relaxed depiction of a post-apocalyptic world where two girls are just exploring, this sci-fi adventure slice-of-life will be more like a tourist road trip across Japan rather than the former’s vague desolate wasteland.

The following tweet’s translated details read as follows:

“Broadcast decided to premiere in October 2025
Watch the live send-off broadcast
Thank you very much!
Stay tuned for the broadcast to begin in October!
We will strive to make every effort to breakdown the proposal at today’s promotional meeting.
Thank you for your continued support.”

Yen Press is the North American publisher for Touring After the Apocalypse. Being the host to a wide range of approachable and cozy manga and light novels, on top of manhwa and other offerings, the publisher has carved out a niche for itself among the other great North American manga publishers. Its official synopsis describes the series as the following:

“All alone after the end of days, two girls ride through the desolate ruins of Japan—but they’re not about to let the collapse of civilization get in the way of sightseeing! From the hot springs of Hakone to the massive Tokyo Big Sight, they’ve got the run of the country’s most popular tourist spots all to themselves, so why not make the most of it?”

Are you hyped for Touring After the Apocalypse? Let us know in the comments!

The post New Postapocalyptic Adventure Anime Confirms Fall Release Window appeared first on ComicBook.com.