Sakamoto Days is one of the major hidden gems currently running in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and one awesome cosplay has gone viral with fans for showing off manga's biggest action star today, Taro Sakamoto! Yuto Suzuki first debuted Sakamoto Days within the pages of Shonen Jump back in 2020, and while the series got a lot of attention from fans early on (and even getting shout outs from Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami), it's not until fairly recently that it's starting to feel like there's a groundswell of support behind the manga as fans can't wait to see it expand into a full franchise.

It's starting to pick up speed as fans are hoping to see Sakamoto Days get its own anime adaptation in the future as one of the next wave of Shonen Jump hits (following the wave that had Undead Unluck, Mashle: Magic and Muscles, and Mission: Yozakura Family) to get recognition on that bigger stage. What's going to help matters is fans showing off why its central character, the titular Sakamoto, is such a major player in the manga space. Artist satuki45440 on X has done just that with a cosplay that perfectly encapsulates just how cool Sakamoto is! Check it out:

SAKAMOTO DAYS????????...
??!??????!!
????!? pic.twitter.com/Ms3sgJdCk3

-- ? (@satuki45440) April 13, 2024

What Is Sakamoto Days?

If you wanted to check out the manga for yourself, you can find the three most recent chapters of Sakamoto Days completely for free (and the entire back catalog with a paid subscription) with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library or Shueisha's MangaPlus service. They tease the manga as such, "Taro Sakamoto was the ultimate assassin, feared by villains and admired by hitmen. But one day...he fell in love! Retirement, marriage, fatherhood and then... Sakamoto gained weight! The chubby guy who runs the neighborhood?store is actually a former legendary hitman! Can he protect his family from danger? Get ready to experience a new kind of action comedy series!"

Originally debuting back in 2020 with over 160+ chapters under its belt as of the time of this publication, Sakamoto Days follows the rule of cool in which assassins have otherworldly abilities that often see their fights lead to the destruction of pretty much everything around them. Sakamoto himself might not look like it, but he's got the skills to fight off even the toughest opponents. This dynamic is just why fans love each new chapter of the manga, and hopefully one day, it'll get an anime too.

Go! Go! Loser Ranger! has been setting up for the next major arc of the anime quicker than expected, and the director behind it all addressed why the anime has been cutting out scenes from the manga for its adaptation! Go! Go! Loser Ranger! has been one of the standout hits of the Spring 2024 anime schedule because of its twisted take on Super Sentai shows, and fans have been excited to see what comes next. But fans of Negi Haruba's original Sentai Daishikkaku manga have noticed how some moments from the original story have been skipped over in the anime.

Go! Go! Loser Ranger!'s anime moves into Fighter D's next phase of action much quicker than in the original manga series, and that means there's some material that didn't make the cut for the adaptation. Director Keiichi Sato was asked about this in a recent interview with Febri, and revealed that while the original slower pacing was fine for the manga, it wasn't the same case for a much shorter release like the anime. It was necessary to "remove various elements, extract the interesting parts, improve the story, and increase the sense of speed" while keeping in touch with Haruba for this new version of the franchise.

Why Go Go Loser Ranger Makes Changes to the Manga

"The story begins to take a big turn when the main character, Fighter D infiltrates the [Ranger Corps] in order to defeat [Red Keeper] but the original story has a slightly different flow up to that point. It felt slow," Sato began. "However, that sense of tempo is necessary in order to develop the story while helping the reader understand the unique worldview and setting, and it is natural that it takes time to build the foundation." But while the slower pace was fine for manga readers, it's not necessarily as captivating for an anime.

"However, since anime is short, lasting just over 20 minutes each week, the most important thing is how much the story can be driven to attract viewers," Sato explained. "Therefore, it was necessary to remove various elements, extract the interesting parts, improve the story, and increase the sense of speed. We had many discussions with the original author, Negi Haruba, about arranging this story, and we proceeded with the project while gaining his understanding."

If you wanted to check out the Go! Go! Loser Ranger! anime, you can now find the series exclusively streaming with Hulu. They tease what to expect from the anime as such, "Tired of the Sunday Showdown charade, Fighter D finally steps up to make a change once and for all!"

via Febri

My Adventures with Superman is officially joining Adult Swim's Toonami line up with the premiere of Season 2, and Toonami has revealed their new schedule ahead of the new season's premiere. Toonami's going through a few changes in the coming weeks as now that Ninja Kamui has come to an end, it's time to see what next shows are going to be added to the programming block next. It turns out that one of these new shows is My Adventures with Superman, which will air with Toonami when Season 2 begins its release later this month.

My Adventures with Superman Season 2 will be making its debut with Toonami on Saturday, May 25th with the first two episodes of the new season. The Toonami block is gearing up for the release of the new season with the announcement of some updates to its schedule announced on the official Facebook page. With the new episodes making their debut next month, now is the time to set your DVRs and other recording devices in anticipation of the new addition to the block.

My Adventures with Superman Season 2 Joins Toonami

Toonami's schedule for Saturday, May 25th breaks down as such (in EST):

• 12:00AM - My Adventures with Superman Season 2
• 12:30AM - My Adventures with Superman Season 2
• 1:00AM - One Piece
• 1:30AM - Naruto: Shippuden
• 2:00AM - Dragon Ball Z Kai
• 2:30AM - Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc (One Hour)

Toonami will then be moving to its more regular schedule following the My Adventures with Superman Season 2 premiere week starting on Saturday, June 1st. That schedule is as follows:

• 12:00AM - My Adventures with Superman Season 2
• 12:30AM - Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
• 1:00AM - One Piece
• 1:30AM - Naruto: Shippuden
• 2:00AM - Dragon Ball Z Kai
• 2:30AM - Ninja Kamui (Dub)
• 3:00AM - Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc

As for what to expect from the new season, Adult Swim teases My Adventures with Superman Season 2 as such, "In the latest season, the three best friends face a host of new threats. Powerful foes will emerge from Clark's alien past, Amanda Waller will take aim at Superman, Lois will grapple with the future, and Jimmy Olsen will spend an unbelievable amount of money. Krypton is coming for our young heroes, and its arrival will test their strength, loyalty, and love like never before."

Nickelodeon's Spongebob Squarepants and Cartoon Network's Adventure Time have become two of the biggest animated series in recent memory. The denizens of Bikini Bottom recently celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary and the Land of Ooo is planning to continue by following the story of Fionna and Cake in a second season on MAX. In one interesting exchange, it seems that the voice of Jake The Dog stuck with Adventure Time thanks to input from the voice actor who brings to life the Krusty Krab's best fry cook.

John DiMaggio might be Jake The Dog in Adventure Time, but the voice actor has brought to life countless well known characters during his illustrious voice acting career. Perhaps most recognizably, DiMaggio plays the part of Bender, the crude-talking, steel bending member of the Planet Express in Futurama. He has also played some surprising roles in a number of animated projects from the DC Universe, taking on roles like the Joker, Commissioner Gordon, the Mad Hatter, King Shark, and Mr. Freeze to name a few. Since Fionna And Cake takes place in time periods that don't feature Jake that often, it will be interesting to see if DiMaggio gets the chance to return to the role.

Spongebob's Adventure Time Advice

Originally, DiMaggio didn't quite understand what he was getting into when joining the cast of Adventure Time, but Tom Kenny reassured him that this was a project that was worth sticking with. Of course, Kenny isn't just Spongebob, as he played the role of the antagonist, the Ice King, in the Cartoon Network series as well. Since Simon Petrikov played a massive role in Fionna and Cake's first season, Kenny returning to the role seems like a safe bet. While no release date has been set for Fionna And Cake Season 2, we'll be sure to let you know once it does.

Here's how DiMaggio stated that Kenny kept him onboard for Adventure Time, "Tom Kenny said to me, 'This is this generation's "Yellow Submarine"' and I was, like, 'All right, let me let it go and follow that advice."

Do you want to stay updated on Bikini Bottom and the Land of Oooo? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest on these two animated universes and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the surreal animated universes of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.

Via Cartoon Base

One Piece is now in the works on Season 2 with Netflix, and Taz Skylar opened up about how he felt seeing reactions to his casting as Sanji for the very first time! One Piece's live-action adaptations was not only one of the most successful launches with Netflix in recent memory, but it was also one of the most well received anime to live-action adaptations as well. This was due to the strength of the core cast at the center of it all, but fans were much less open to the cast when they were first announced to be involved with the project.

Skylar and the rest of the live-action Straw Hats were suddenly faced with tons of reactions when Netflix first announced they would be leading the live-action One Piece cast, and opening up about during Paris Fan Festival (as shared by Roster Con on YouTube), Skylar met a lot of that criticism head on as he experienced suddenly getting waves of reactions from thousands of people for the first real time.

Taz Skylar on One Piece Casting Reactions

"The day the announcement came out, all our names went to the top of the list on Twitter..." Skylar began. "I was getting screenshots from my friends saying like, 'Hey bro, your name is trending on Twitter. And I was like 'Huh,' and he sent me the screenshot and it was like, 'Sanji Eminem.' I laugh because I was like, 'You know what they have a point. I do kinda look a little bit like Eminem" So it didn't really offend me."

But while the initial react didn't phase him, things changed when he got negative reactions to trying Sanji's kicks for the first time, "Then when I first started trying to kick, I think that was the first one that really hurt my feelings because I admittedly came from nothing. Like I never tried that before, and I wanted to try. I wanted to do my best and so I started kicking, and like anything when you first start it, you suck. You're really bad at it, and it's normal cause that's what not knowing how to do something looks like. But I was trying...I don't really know how people got those videos because they were on my phone and nobody knew who I was."

Continuing further, "Somebody had those videos and they leaked them, and that kind of went a little viral. There was a lot of negativity there. I remember kind of scrolling through them thinking, 'Oh, this is going to be hard.' It was, having never dealt with that before. Having never dealt with thousands of people saying at the same time, 'This is going to fail. This is horrible. You are horrible.' It took me a minute to deal with it, and my way of dealing with it was I went and I got two black belts, and a blue belt. And now nobody can say shit."

Netflix's One Piece Season 2 has yet to announce a release date or window as of the time of this publication.

It looks like Megan Thee Stallion has big plans this week. Over the past week, the A-list rapper has been posting teasers on social media, and it turns out the theories were right. Megan Thee Stallion has a new single in the works, and the track "Boa" will go live with an impressive cover inspired by... One Piece.

Oh yeah, you read that right. One Piece's own Pirate Empress is giving Megan Thee Stallion some guidance, and we are living for it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

As you can see below, Megan Thee Stallion debuted the main cover art for her upcoming single "Boa" on Instagram. The piece puts the rapper center stage, and she's donning an outfit that would make Sanji bleed out. After all, the racy photoshoot has Megan Thee Stallion in an outfit inspired by Boa Hancock, but it is a bit more revealing than what Shonen Jump allows.

Of course, fans of the rapper are eager to see what "Boa" has in store. The album cover does mention the Curse of Thee Serpent Woman, so just about anything is game. In the One Piece Universe, we know Boa Hancock has her own curse to bear. The pirate's stunning looks made her the envy of all, leading men and criminals to plot kidnappings or worse. Boa Hancock is hardly a damsel, however. Not only does the pirate wield Love Love Fruit, but she is skilled at fighting. So when the new single "Boa" drops, we're sure Megan Thee Stallion will tap into the empress' impressive strength.

For those unfamiliar with One Piece and Boa Hancock, it is easier now than ever to check out the series. The One Piece anime is streaming on Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll, and more. So for more info on the hit seafaring series, you can read its official synopsis below:

"As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But Luffy's life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure...one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world..."

What do you think about this latest Megan Thee Stallion teaser? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Godzilla Minus One is considered to be one of the greatest movies ever to feature the king of the monsters and for good reason. Not only did the film have amazing visual effects, which is the reason it won an Oscar at this year's Academy Awards, but its story was both riveting and terrifying for the characters and the audience watching. While Godzilla has had many looks over the decades, director Takashi Yamazaki had his own vision and the first concept art for the new take on the lizard king has hit the internet.

Godzilla has had quite a few forms since first making landfall in 1954. In many ways, Minus One felt like a return to the kaiju's roots as the beast was dead set on wiping out Japan and had no other giant monsters sharing the spotlight. While humanity was ultimately able to claim victory against the King of the Monsters in the latest Godzilla movie out of Japan, director Takashi Yamazaki was clearly setting the stage for a sequel as he laid the seeds for the idea that the kaiju king might not be dead. In the final moments of the film, what was left of Godzilla's body was shown to be regenerating, meaning humanity isn't out of the woods yet.

Godzilla Minus One's First Appearance

While this initial take on the king of the monsters for Minus One doesn't look exactly like the one we would witness on the silver screen, it captures the terror and intensity of the world's most popular kaiju. Should Yamazaki's dream come true of introducing more giant beasts to this universe, we imagine that they will take similar approaches in streamlining their design to use what works about each. Here's hoping that Godzilla MInus One is only the first of many movies in this new universe.

Takashi Yamazaki's initial concept art for Godzilla Minus One pic.twitter.com/pGfBUEx9K6

-- Kaiju No. 14 (@14_kaiju) May 4, 2024

2024 has been a big year for the lizard king, as Legendary Pictures' Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has become one of the biggest kaiju movies of all time. While there are no other projects focusing on the king of the monsters this year, Apple TV+ is working on a new season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and spin-offs further focusing on this Western take on kaiju.

Want to learn more about Godzilla Minus One? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest on kaiju and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of the MonsterVerse.

It seems like One Piece is gearing up for its next adventure, and we have Netflix to thank. While the anime and manga carry on with the series' final act, Netflix's live-action adaptation has a mind of its own. The hit show is looking towards season two, and a new report has surfaced breaking down the show's new (spoiler-filled) casting call.

So be warned! There are alleged spoilers for Netflix's One Piece season two below.

Earlier today, reports surfaced online as One Piece sleuths got their hands on a new casting call from Netflix. The reported call details a total of seven new characters who are set to join One Piece in season two. Some of the characters may take you by surprise, but for One Piece fans, they knew Princess Vivi had to be on the docket.

According to the casting call, Vivi is looking for an actress who can play a "female (17-20), Middle Eastern/North African or South Asian." Given what we know of the Arabasta kingdom, this casting most certainly makes sense. The desert region borrows iconography from the Middle East, so One Piece is hoping to find an actress who can represent the region.

As for the other casting calls, it seems Nico Robin is on the horizon. The heroine is a major figure in One Piece, but during the Arabasta saga, we know the fighter as Miss All Sunday. Netflix is said to be interested in female actors (20-39) who are Hispanic/Latino. And of course, the character will have plenty more to do in One Piece beyond the Arabasta saga as Nico Robin is a member of Luffy's current crew.

The other roles listed in the call include Smoker, Tashigi, Mr. 5, Crocus, and Miss Valentine. Looking at this list, some might be surprised by Crocus, but the character did make their debut in the Reverse Mountain arc. Crocus is the one who fishes the Straw Hat crew out of the whale Laboon, and he passes on a gift to Nami that promises to guide the pirates through the Red Line to the Grand Line.

Currently, Netflix's One Piece is expected to begin filming this summer for a 2025 release. If you have not seen season one, the live-action adaptation is streaming right now. So for more info on the series, you can read the synopsis of One Piece below:

"As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But Luffy's life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure...one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world..."

What do you think about this One Piece report? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!one

Kagurabachi has been taking over Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and the creator behind it all explained why the manga series uses goldfish as part of Chihiro Rokuhira's main ability! Kagurabachi went viral with fans around the world before the first chapter even released with the magazine, and a large part of the reason why is due to the fact that it looked so different than the rest of the action series within it. Kagurabachi series creator has gone on record about their inspirations from Western movies and other action franchises, and this also led to the addition of the goldfish at the cetner of it all.

When asked about the inclusion of Japanese aesthetics surrounding the swords, goldfish and more in a recent interview with Asahi (as spotted by @brkagurabachi on X), Hokazono noted that this is due to the exaggerated way that Japanese culture was often shown in Hollywood. Getting excited as a Japanese person every time he saw something like that, Hokazono revealed that he originally intended to go with a koi fish before settling on a goldfish due to how the ratio of its body and fins fit better with Chihiro's attacks and central relationship with his father.

Why Kagurabachi Uses Goldfish

"In Hollywood movies, you often see an exaggerated version of Japan. As a Japanese person, I'd get excited every time I saw that," Hokazono began. "It looked really cool. So, I thought it would be great to someday create a story set in such a town." Elaborating further, Hokazono explained why goldfish were incorporated into Chihiro's Enten attack and how it was almost a different fish entirely. "Initially, I planned to draw carp. I thought Koi would look beautiful in black and white."

"In a revenge tale where the protagonist's clothes are stained black with blood, the colors white, black, and red match well, making colored illustrations look cool," Hokazono continued. "I really intended to go with Koi until the last minute, but when finalizing the storyboard, I realized that goldfish would be easier to symbolize the daily life between Chihiro and his father. Plus, it's about the ratio of the body to the fins. With Koi, the body is long, and even if you draw the fins beautifully, they end up looking chubby. When I tried drawing the scene where Chihiro unsheathes his sword in the first [chapter], I found that goldfish have a good balance with the fins, and there are also fantails, providing more variety in shape."

My Adventures with Superman is almost ready for its season two drop! If you did not know, the hit anime-centric series is gunning for a comeback. Toonami will bring My Adventures with Superman season two to life later this month, and a brand-new peek at the premiere has gone live.

As you can see below, the team at Adult Swim posted the epic sneak peek. My Adventures With Superman season two will pick up with Clark Kent and his usual gang. In this special clip, we can see Clark in full Superman gear as he escorts Lois Lane through an armed prison of sorts. It is there we encounter Amanda Waller, and it seems like she doesn't get along with Superman in the least.

If you are are eager to check out My Adventures with Superman, it will be going live in a few weeks. The show is slated for a double-premiere on May 25th. The episode will then move to Max next day, so netizens will be able to peep the much-awaited comeback ASAP.

For those unfamiliar with the series as it, My Adventures with Superman is the most recent title to tackle the DC Comics icon. Starring Jack Quaid, the animated series features some gorgeous anime-inspired art by the team at Studio Mir. My Adventures with Superman premiered in July 2023 to rave reviews, and it did not take long for a season two order to drop. So for more info on the series, you can read the official synopsis of My Adventures with Superman below:

"Clark Kent builds his secret Superman identity and embraces his role as the hero of Metropolis, while sharing adventures and falling in love with Lois, a journalist, who also takes Jimmy Olsen under her wing."

What do you think about this latest look at My Adventures with Superman? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Fans might have noticed similarities between Go! Go! Loser Ranger! and The Boys, and it turns out that this was exactly what the director behind the anime was going for! The Quintessential Quintuplets creator Negi Haruba's Super Sentai inspired manga series, Sentai Daishikkaku, was already a hit among manga fans, but is now being introduced to a whole new audience thanks to the debut of its official anime adaptation as part of the Spring 2024 anime schedule. As the anime is now airing its episodes, fans have seen this dark new take on the popular Tokusatsu heroes seen elsewhere.

This dark shift of childhood heroes has been seen in the West with The Boys on Prime Video and other media, and it turns out that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! director Keiichi Sato was actually looking to The Boys as inspiration for telling this anti-hero story. Speaking in a recent interview with Febri, Sato noted that after being introduced to Haruba's original work, it had an anti-hero story with unexpected twists much like seen in The Boys and foreign dramas. And this is what the team wanted to channel for the anime adaptation.

How Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Takes Inspiration From The Boys

"There are many anti-hero works in Japan and overseas, including [the] overseas drama The Boys," Sato began. "Among them, [Go! Go! Loser Ranger!], in which the main character from the bad side confronts a hero of justice with a hidden dark side, has similarities to The Boys, and the story develops in an unexpected direction, which is similar to foreign dramas. I had a similar image. So, if I were to make an anime about [Go! Go! Loser Ranger!], I wanted the overall tone to be similar to a foreign drama."

So if fans might have noticed a similar vibe to The Boys while watching the first few episodes of Go! Go! Loser Ranger!, it turns out this was totally intentional from the director behind the series. But that's also a high bar, so it definitely makes one excited to see where the anime goes from here on out. If you wanted to check out the Go! Go! Loser Ranger! anime, you can now find the series exclusively streaming with Hulu. They tease what to expect from the anime as such, "Tired of the Sunday Showdown charade, Fighter D finally steps up to make a change once and for all!"

via Febri

Let's be real. These days, manga is growing by the second. The medium has become a go-to for readers across the globe, and the sales show as much. Here in the United States, manga sales account for more than half the graphic novel sales annually. The demand for manga is only getting higher, and now, it seems a company has raised nearly $20 million to craft localizations faster than ever before.

The report comes from Orange Inc., a startup company focused on entertainment technology. The organization's motto is to create a world where everyone can enjoy manga, and it is making moves to do so. After all, the company has earned $19.5 million USD in pre-financing to create a localization tool that translates manga using the power of AI.

"The funds will be used to develop a localization product based on deep learning models and to launch their digital manga store in the summer of 2024," Orange Inc. writes. As for who funded the tool, Shogakukan stands on the list with Globis Captital Partners, ANRI, JIC Venture Growth Investments, Miyako Capital, Chiba Dojo Fund, and more.

As for how the localization tool will work, Orange Inc. says it will utilize propriety AI technology with manpower. The combination, as the company suggests, will help up production for localization to meet the demand for manga globally.

"Orange has been developing a manga-dedicated localization system since it was founded. It enables significant efficiencies in the localization profess of manga by integrating cutting-edge computer vision and natural language processing technologies," Orange Inc. shared.

"Their proprietary system uses their localization operation process, enabling a capacity for Japanese-to-English localization of up to 500 manga volumes per month. This is 5x more than the current production capacity of the whole localization market."

As you can imagine, this tool will help boost the accessibility of manga outside of Japan, but that doesn't meant this new initiative is without fault. There are plenty of localizers and translators who work in the industry questioning this choice. Whether you like it or not, localization is an art that uses subtle context clues and historical notes. It is hard to imagine an AI being able to match the nuance of a human localizer, and AI skeptics are making their concern loud and clear.

What do you think about this latest manga project? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

My Hero Academia's manga is in its final arc, meaning that the Shonen Jump publication is going to need some big new manga to step up to the plate. Luckily, one manga in particular look like it might just be the next big thing for Shueisha as Kagurabachi continues to sell out its manga volumes with each passing publication. Now, worlds are colliding as Takeru Hokazono responded to praise from the author responsible for the creation of UA Academy.

During the interview, prior to discussing Horikoshi's kind words, Hokazono described some of the biggest influences on his manga career, "I've always loved Marvel superhero movies. They're cool and exciting. That initial impression has always been strong. The things like Marvel and "NARUTO" that I've been exposed to since childhood, I've been so engrossed in watching them that I've never really thought about what's good about them. They're already part of me. But "Kagurabachi" is probably influenced by movies like "John Wick" that I watched after "Enten." I mainly watch Western movies, and directors like Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Christopher Nolan. I think the pacing of the panels is influenced by Tarantino."

My Hero Kagurabachi

In the new interview, creator Takeru Hokazono responded to the ringing endorsement from My Hero Academia's Kohei Horikoshi, "I wonder if I really understand (laughs). Maybe I don't. But I think it's not just about the art. I'm sure there's a flow and buildup too. What is it... I want to find it too. I want to keep challenging myself by trying things I've never seen before and presenting something new."

If this is your first time hearing of Kagurabachi, Viz Media describes the series as such, "Young Chihiro spends his days training under his famous swordsmith father. One day he hopes to become a great sword-maker himself. The goofy father and the serious son--they thought these days would last forever. But suddenly, tragedy strikes. A dark day soaked in blood. Chihiro and his blade now live only for revenge. Epic sword battle action!"

Do you think Kagurabachi will hit the same levels as My Hero Academia in the future? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook to see if Chihiro's manga future shines bright and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of Shonen Jump.

Via Kagurabachi Brasil

Hetalia is the series that never dies. You may think the anime's time has come and gone, but that would not be accurate. After all, the series has a comeback at hand thanks to Hetalia: The Glorious Road. The IP is working on a new stage musical, and its first trailer has just gone live.

As you can see below, Hetalia: The Glorious Road is ready to tap into the anime's favorite nations. From America to England and Prussia, the main cast of this show is packed. So if you need a full list of who's who, you can read the cast breakdown below:

• Ryoki Nagae as North Italy
  
• Yusuke Ueda as Germany
  
• Ryuuko Isogai as America
  
• Daisuke Hirose as England
  
• Juri Aikawa as France
  
• Yuki Yamaoki as Russia
  
• Gaku Takamoto as Prussia
  
• Yuta Higuchi as South Italy/Romano
  
• Tooru Isono as Netherlands
  

For those wanting to see this Hetalia musical, the stage production will kick off in Kyoto this August before moving across the nation. Its final performance will be on September 8th in Tokyo. This musical acts as the third in a series as Hetalia has been on stage before. The first musical of the series went live in December 2021, and the second debuted in April 2023.

Obviously, Hetalia has made quite the comeback, and we're not just talking about its stage ambitions. If you did not realize, the series itself returned as Hetalia World Stars was given an anime run in 2021. The launch coincided with the return of Hetalia World Stars' manga. The series originally debuted in 2014 but went on hiatus in 2018; The manga returned under Hidekaz Himaruya in 2021, and it has been a constant presence in Shonen Jump+ since.

If you are not familiar with Hetalia, the series has a long history. You can find the original anime streaming on Crunchyroll as well as Amazon Prime. So for more info on Hetalia's historical angle, you can read its official synopsis below:

"The awesome international incidents never stop in Hetalia World Series! All your fave Allied and Axis boys are back, and they've brought a bunch of new guys to the party. You like to party, right? Duh. Feel the tension build as Prussia plots an invasion of Austria's happy little place. Try on a codpiece! Share in Spain's pain as he does his best to look after little Romano. Run with stampeding kittens! Swoon at the awkward new bromance blossoming between Japan and Greece. Eat a yummy churro! Listen and learn as France teaches Italy about the birds and the bees. Avoid Sealand! Cheer as America befriends space aliens and whales. Truly, no matter whose flag you fly, it's about to get all SQUEE up in here. Like, big time."

What do you think about this new look at Hetalia? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

When it comes to television, there is something for everyone to watch. From dramas to romances and thrillers, the entertainment industry has range. This is especially true in anime as the industry embraces shows of every genre and demographic. And thanks to a recent report, Naruto has been crowned the world's most popular kids' TV series.

The information comes from The Toy Zone as the team pulled television data across 158 countries. The report took a seed list of popular kids series that show on a number of TV networks. Those titles were analyzed to see which pulled the most volume on Google Search, and it seems like Naruto pulled a win over CoComelon by taking first place.

"Naruto is the most popular kids' TV show in 83 countries - more than any other program in the world. CoComelon is the next-most popular," the report shares. "Adventure Time is the most popular children's show in the U.S. - the only country in the world to favor it."

Looking at the data, it is clear that Naruto pulls a ton of search volume. It topped the list in 83 countries of the 158 taken into account. CoComelon took second place while Peppa Pig courted third place. In a surprise throwback, fourth place when to Tom & Jerry, and then Dragon Ball took home fifth place.

Now, you may argue that Naruto is not a kids series, but the truth is nuanced. There is no denying that Naruto is one of the most popular series in anime, and its shonen legacy draws in audiences of all ages. Its fandom is diverse, but at its core, Naruto is a shonen series targeted to mostly male readers between 9 and 18 years old. So yes, it is a totally valid member of the kids' television circuit.

If you have never checked out Naruto, the series is easy to stream these days. The hit anime can be found on Crunchyroll as well as Hulu. So for more info on the series, you can read its official synopsis below:

"Twelve years ago the Village Hidden in the Leaves was attacked by a fearsome threat. A nine-tailed fox spirit claimed the life of the village leader, the Hokage, and many others. Today, the village is at peace and a troublemaking kid named Naruto is struggling to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal may be to become the next Hokage, but his true destiny will be much more complicated. The adventure begins now!"

What do you make of this new report? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Jolyne Cujoh was the first female protagonist of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, locked in a maximum security prison for a crime she didn't commit. Sporting a Stand known as Stone Free, the daughter of Stardust Crusader Jotaro Kujo fought against a villainous priest known as Pucci. While the Stand user's story might be finished, anime cosplayers are still taking the opportunity to revisit Jolyne's story despite the ending of the series placing her in very strange circumstances.

While Jolyne might have been the daughter of Jotaro, there was no love lost between the father and daughter at the beginning of the storyline. Abandoning her and her mother, Jotaro would return to his child's life once she had been framed for a crime she didn't commit. Jotaro might not have been the father of the year, but he was able to assist his daughter in giving her her Stand. Pucci wasn't just the villain of the arc, but was also a dear friend of Dio Brando, the vampire that Jotaro fought during his time leading the series. Wanting to achieve heaven and looking for revenge against the Joestars, Pucci had a score to settle with Jolyne and her father.

The Stone Ocean's Tides Roll Back In

Jolyne did make a return in a spin-off manga chapter that focused on a new adventures that took place in Green Dolphin Street Penitentiary. Titled "Fujiko's Bizarre Worldly Wisdom -Whitesnake's Miscalculation-", the one-shot saw the Stone Ocean star taking on a rather unbelievable challenge. While no anime adaptation has been confirmed for this spin-off, it goes to show that the franchise isn't scared of revisiting old characters.

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Presently, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has yet to confirm what the future holds for its anime adaptation. Rumors have been circulating that the next arc of the manga, Steel Ball Run, might have an anime production in the background, thanks to a previous JoJo animator releasing an interesting social media post. While nothing has been confirmed, many Joestar fans believe that the next chapter of the anime is on its way and manga fans know, this will be an anime season to remember.

Want to get the latest on the world of the Joestars? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest updates on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and Stand Users.

My Adventures With Superman is the latest animated take on the Man of Tomorrow, using an anime aesthetic to tell a new chapter for Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen. While the trio learned a lot about one another in season one, season two is looking to up the stakes by introducing some familiar villains and heroes to Superman's life. In a new clip released by Adult Swim, fans can witness Clark taking on Amanda Waller once again who has some serious back-up with a new addition to her Task Force X squad.

For those who didn't have the chance to watch the first season of My Adventures With Superman, Amanda Waller was a big part of the animated series. Working alongside Lois' father, Sam Lane, Waller sees Clark as a threat to humanity, believing that he might be the first arrival of an alien army that is looking to make Planet Earth its own. While Sam was able to see Clark for who he was in the first season, Amanda remains deadset on protecting the world by any means necessary, which includes putting together a team of supervillains working under her command. We'll see more of this fight when the second season premieres on May 25th.

My Adventures With Superman: The Suicide Squad Returns

One of the biggest members of Waller's crew in season one was Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke. In this new season, it would seem that the crew has added the "Atomic Skull" into the mix, a classic Superman villain who has the ability to blast radiation on the regular. From the clip, you can see that the Skull is just as strong as his comic book counterpart if not more so.

If you want some hints about what is to come in the second season of Adult Swim's take on Metropolis, here's how Cartoon Network describes season two, "In the latest season, the three best friends face a host of new threats. Powerful foes will emerge from Clark's alien past, Amanda Waller will take aim at Superman, Lois will grapple with the future, and Jimmy Olsen will spend an unbelievable amount of money. Krypton is coming for our young heroes, and its arrival will test their strength, loyalty, and love like never before."

Want to know more about this new take on the Man of Steel? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest updates on Adult Swim's take on Superman.

Mackenyu has been no stranger when it comes to bringing anime characters to the world of live-action, as One Piece has been but one of his projects that recreated anime classics. On top of playing the role of Roronoa Zoro, the sword-wielding actor has also had roles in live-action takes on Fullmetal Alchemist, Knights of The Zodiac, and Rurouni Kenshin. Prior to filming this summer, Mackenyu is hinting that the second season of the live-action hit will be fit to bursting with action.

Aside from hinting at season two's action scenes, Makenyu in a new interview also discussed speaking with One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda and the lack of advice the mangaka had to give, "It would've been easier if he did, but he didn't. He respects the actors & wants us to build our own characters. At the end he really liked it & it's important that he likes it & the fans like it." One of the big things that helped make the live-action take on the Straw Hats has been the involvement of Oda as Executive Producer. In the past, showrunners like Matt Owens have stated that many decisions needed to get Eiichiro's approval before moving forward, which might have been instrumental in making the show a hit.

One Piece Season 2's Action Is On The Way

In taking on the role in season one, Mackenyu was expecting a lot more "challenging fights" and is looking to bring the heat when it comes to season two, "It wasn't that hard. I was expecting a lot more challenging fights for Zoro, but it's still season 1. So we can do better season 2 and in the future, hopefully."

At present, One Piece's second season has yet to reveal when we can expect it to hit Netflix, but with filming set for this summer, 2025 seems like a solid bet for a release window. Should the live-action series continue to follow its source material, One Piece fans should expect to see the likes of Loguetown, Little Garden, Drum Island, and Alabasta to name a few anime locales.

What are you most looking forward to seeing in live-action from the Grand Line when One Piece returns? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest on the Straw Hats and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of the Monkey D. Luffy.

Via Philazora

Monogatari has been teasing fans with some big reveals in recent days, and one of the biggest has made its way online thanks to a new trailer for the next story in the franchise, Off & Monster. Holding around one hundred episodes throughout several seasons, the supernatural anime adaptation has a long history in the anime world and isn't afraid to break its own mold. Now, you can get a sneak peek at the upcoming season thanks to a new trailer.

Along with Studio Shaft making a comeback to the anime adaptation, having been a part of Monogatari since the beginning of its television series, a well-known musical act is lending their talents to the supernatural story. Yaosobi, who anime fans might know recently thanks to the the creation of Oshi no Ko's killer intro, will be creating a new tune for the series, which is sure to top some charts when the series arrives later this year on July 6th.

Off & Monster Trailer

Here are the additional staff members that will aid in bringing the latest season of Monogatari to life:

• Script Writer: Miku Oshima

• Chief Animation Directors: Nobuhiro Sugiyama, Kana Miyai

• Art Director: Hisaharu Iijima

• Color Designer: Yasuko Watanabe

• CG Director: Hisato Shima

• Directors of Photography: Hiyori Hashimoto, Mizuho Ishikawa

• Editor: Rie Matsubara

• Sound Director: Yota Tsuruoka

• Music Composer: Satoru Kosaki

If you need a breakdown of Monogatari, the various seasons of the franchise are available to stream on Crunchyroll and Hulu. Here's an official description of the light novel series that started it all, "There's a girl at their school who is always ill. She routinely arrives late, leaves early, or doesn't show up at all, and skips gym as a matter of course. She's pretty, and the boys take to whispering that she's a cloistered princess. As the self-described worst loser in her class soon finds out, they just don't know what a monster she is. So begins a tale of mysterious maladies that are supernatural in origin yet deeply revealing of the human psyche, a set of case files as given to unexpected feeling as it is to irreverent humor. So begins the legendary novel that kicked off the MONOGATARI series, whose anime adaptations have enjoyed international popularity and critical acclaim."

Are you hyped for the return of Monogatari this summer? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest updates on Off & Monster.

All eyes are on Bleach today, and we have a special trademark to thank. On May 7th, a new trademark for the IP was registered after a filing in late 2023. It seems the franchise has a project called Bleach: Rebirth of Souls in the works, and fans are already buzzing about the mysterious note.

After all, the trademark registration gives us little information about the title. Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is the name, and the trademark has been registered globally. After being filed in December 2023, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls was registered this week.

Of course, fans are curious about the nature of this new Bleach title. It seems camps are stuck in two main groups right now. Some believe the project concerns a video game while others believe Bleach: Rebirth of Souls concerns a new manga one shot.

If we are destined for a Bleach game, it is definitely overdue. While we have mobile games like Bleach: Brave Souls keeping the IP afloat, it has been a hot minute since a console title has tackled the anime. Bleach: Brave Souls got a console port in 2022 for the PlayStation 4, but before that, Bleach: Soul Ignition held the record in 2011 with the PlayStation 3. So clearly, Ichigo could stand having a new video game to their name.

And as for the manga theories? Well, Bleach does owe fans an update. Tite Kubo revived the manga a few years back with a one shot titled New Breathes From Hell. The release acted as a sequel to the original Bleach run, and it teased an entirely new arc. So maybe, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls will continue that story?

If you want to catch up on all things Bleach, the anime is streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu. So for more info on the series, you can read its official synopsis below:

"Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits and, along with Rukia--who is slowly regaining her powers--it's Ichigo's job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace."

What do you think about this new Bleach update? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

My Hero Academia's anime has returned as the first episode of season seven focused on the arrival of Star And Stripe and the top hero of America fighting Shigaraki above the clouds. As shonen fans know, the manga is quite far ahead of the anime, laying out what might be the final fight of the series. In a new fan theory, one UA Academy follower speculates on what is to become of One For All's Vestiges thanks to the drastic plan that both them and Deku has put into place.

Warning. If you have yet to read the latest chapters of My Hero Academia's manga, be forewarned that we'll be diving into serious spoiler territory. As readers of My Hero Academia know, Izuku Midoriya has been trying one major gambit to take down Shigaraki. Finding that physical attacks aren't getting the job done, the Vestiges informed Deku that their best shot at taking down All For One's heir is to attack him on the mental plane. Allowing Shigaraki to absorb the Vestiges, Deku's predecessors are attempting to take down All For One from within, but have run into a major roadblock. Now that Shigaraki has been consumed by All For One, it's unclear what strategy the Vestiges can now employ.

The Future of One For All

One fan theorist comes up with an in-depth take as to what will happen to the Vestiges now that they have been absorbed by Shigaraki/All For One. Even with his powers reduced significantly, Deku hasn't let this fact stop him from remaining a part of the battlefield as he is continuing to fight the villains with his fellow Class 1-A students. Creator Kohei Horikoshi has yet to state how many chapters the manga has left, but however My Hero Academia ends, it will do so with a bang.

#MHA421

The final fate of OFA and the vestiges. A thread/Theory pic.twitter.com/4OgLquvpQJ

-- ALMIGHTY PLUS ULTRA HERO- Jay: #1 Deku CEO (@TheGameAllStar) April 26, 2024

2024 is quite the year for the superhero shonen series and not just thanks to the events of the manga and television series. This summer will see the release of the fourth movie of the franchise, My Hero Academia: You're Next, which will pit Class 1-A against a dark iteration of none other than All Might.

What do you think of this theory regarding One For All's Vestiges? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook to see if this theory comes true and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of UA Academy.

While there are some highly anticipated anime adaptations that are set to take the small screen by storm, there is no story quite like Tougen Anki. Confirmed by REMOW, the new television series is based on a surreal, supernatural manga that hit the pages of Shonen Champion in 2020 and continues to this day. To get a first look at the upcoming anime, you can check out the first poster and trailer for a big new anime addition to the medium that is set to take the world by storm in 2025.

Tougen Anki was created by mangaka Urushibara Yura and follows its main character, Ichinose Shinki, as he grapples with his "Oni" powers while attempting to get revenge for the death of his father. Taking a page from Chainsaw Man, Shinki can transform into a ghoulish being when he feels the need, but the anime story harbors a twist in that the main character is going to "Oni School". To learn more about his powers and how best to use them to get revenge, Shinki attends Rakshasa Academy to both fight Momotarous and attain his bloody goals.

Tougen Anki's Anime Arrival

Besides confirming the anime adaptation and revealing a new trailer and poster, the announcement also revealed its main cast. Kazuki Ura (Blue Lock) will be taking on the role of Shinki Ichinose, Hiroshi Kamiya (Attack on Titan) will play the part of Naito Mudano, and Kotaro Nishiyama (Haikyu) will breathe life into Jin Kougasaki.

If this is your first time hearing of this bloody, supernatural franchise, here's how REMOW describes the series, "You inherit the blood of an Oni (demon)... The bloodlines of "Oni" and "Momotaro" have been passed down among certain humans for generations. Long ago, the Oni, aware of their own ferocity, lived in seclusion. However, their peace was shattered by an invasion led by Momotaro. Over thousands of years, these two factions formed the "Momotaro Agency" and the "Oni Agency," respectively, and have been locked in conflict ever since. The protagonist, Shiki Ichinose, suddenly learns of his Oni lineage following an unexpected attack by Momotaro. This revelation sets Shiki on a path to discover the destiny that lies within his blood -- a meeting with the Oni dwelling within him. A new generation of dark heroics begins here in this tale of demons!"

Want to learn more about the upcoming Oni war? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest on Tougen Anki and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The Apothecary Diaries has proven itself a major hit, and the anime has more on the way. With season two on the horizon, all eyes are turning to the manga to keep fans satisfied. After all, The Apothecary Diaries kickstarted its manga in 2017 some years after the novels launched, and now one of the manga titles is going on hiatus.

The report comes from Shogakukan as the publisher announced The Apothecary Diaries: The Palace Cloister Mystery-Solving Notebook of Mao Mao is going on hiatus. It is taking a break as artist Minoji Kurata is going on maternity leave. The artist gave birth in January, and Kurata plans to take time away from work through the summer.

Now to be clear, Kurata's manga adaptation is separate from the one The Apothecary Diaries fans know best. The artist oversees a spin off of sorts while the full manga adaptation of Nekokurage's light novels lives under Square Enix. The adaptation began in May 2017, and it is overseen by writers Natsu Hyuga and Itsuki Nano.

Obviously, fans of The Apothecary Diaries are sending their best wishes to Kurata as they tackle maternity leave. In the meantime, readers can brush up on the series' main manga or revisit its anime. In October 2023, The Apothecary Diaries made its anime debut under OLM and Toho Animation Studio. The historical drama earned rave reviews, sparking buzz from fans across the globe. A season two has already been ordered for The Apothecary Diaries. So if you want to know more about the series, you can read its official synopsis below:

"Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn't long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a "curse" afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and...solving mysteries?!"

What do you make of this latest update on The Apothecary Diaries? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

HT - ANN

While Shonen Jump has a lion's share of the attention in the anime world, there is more than a little competition in the medium. Kadokawa has been in operation since the 1940s and is riding high on the ever-increasing popularity of both anime and manga. The company has helped forge major anime adaptations including, but not limited to, Delicious in Dungeon, Konosuba, Re:Zero, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, and Sword Art Online. Now, the company is forging a new studio that goes by the name Bellnox Films.

The new studio will be run by Koji Kajita, who anime fans might know thanks to his role in founding David Production. David is the production house responsible for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Cells At Work, Fire Force, Undead Unluck, and Urusei Yatsura. Bellnox will act as the fifth anime production studio from Kadokawa, which includes the likes of Kinema Citrus, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull Co., and ENGI Co. While Bellnox has yet to announce any projects following its formation reveal, we're sure that Kajita and future animators will add some dazzling entries into the medium down the road.

Bellnox Films Enters The Anime Arena

In a new press release, Kadokawa stated that Bellnox was created specifically to "incorporate a new production style to resolve industry issues". In the same statement, the anime company stressed that for many anime productions, there aren't enough animators and creators working on said projects to bring them to life. While Bellnox hasn't confirmed how it will be approaching tackling industry issues that have become more apparent in recent years, they did state that they are aiming to "further develop the industry based on a new system that is not limited by traditional animation production positions or job areas."

In a new statement, Bellnox President, Koji Kajita, had this to say when it came to the formation of this new studio under the Kadokawa banner, "Through actual production activities, I would like to work hard to make the animation production industry "systematic'' and "rational'' so that it can grow more "flexibly.'' Bellnox Films has already begun forming a new organization with the enthusiasm and enthusiasm of "creating useful works.''

Do you think Bellnox Films will be able to change the anime game with its mission statement? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook for all the latest on this new anime player and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of Kadokawa.

Via Kadokawa

It's official! Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is gearing up for a home release. Following its launch in late March, the new MonsterVerse movie is ready to wind down its theatrical run. Today, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures shared Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will hit Blu-ray and DVD on June 11th.

According to the schedule, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will hit digital on May 14th, so fans will be able to access the movie in just a week's time. The film will then roll out its 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD options on June 11th. So if you want a taste of what these home videos will cover, you can check out an exclusive peek in the video above!

For those wondering about pricing, the digital version of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will land at $24.99 USD. If you would rather rent, your options are a bit cheaper. Services like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video will have the digital title available for 48-hour rental at $19.99 USD.

This MonsterVerse release is not the only one on the radar. As it turns out, an anniversary collection is being planned for the titan franchise. The six-film set will collect the MonsterVerse on 4K UHD. "The 6-disc collector's edition will include Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), along with a disc of special features including the new "Directors of the Monsterverse" featurette with Monsterverse directors Gareth Edwards, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Michael Doughtery and Adam Wingard," Warner Bros. Pictures shared.

If you cannot wait to see Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at home, the movie is still screening in theaters across North America. The movie has grossed more than $520 million to date, making it the second top-grossing MonsterVerse movie to date. So for those wanting more info on the title, you can read its official synopsis below:

"The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures' cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of "Godzilla vs. Kong" with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence-and our own. "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond."

Are you ready to bring Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire home? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

My Hero Academia will be hitting theaters in Japan later this Summer with its fourth major movie, and the team behind it all has shared a new update on how My Hero Academia: You're Next is coming along! My Hero Academia's TV anime is finally back in action with Season 7 airing as part of the Spring 2024 seasonal schedule, but it's not the only new anime release the franchise is hitting fans with this year. Later this Summer, fans will be treated to a new movie exploring more of the ruined Japan in between the events of Season 6 and 7.

My Hero Academia: You're Next is slated for its debut this August, and fans have been steadily getting updates on its production the closer it gets to its theatrical premiere. The latest behind the scenes update comes those working on the sound production for the new movie as they reveal that it's almost done with a fun look at it all coming together. While the new movie has yet to set its international release plans as of the time of this publication, but it's at least one step closer to being finished! Check it out below:

?#???????????
THE MOVIE YOU'RE NEXT?
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???????????!!
TV?????????
???????
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?( ? )??????????!

????????? pic.twitter.com/KYIyJkWnO3

-- ???? ???? (@Sunma47) May 4, 2024

What Is My Hero Academia: You're Next?

My Hero Academia: You're Next will be releasing in Japan on August 2nd, but has yet to announce an United States release date as of the time of this publication. Featuring My Hero Academia series creator Kohei Horikoshi as the supervisor and new character designer, My Hero Academia: You're Next will be directed by Tensai Okamura for studio Bones. Yosuke Kuroda will be returning from the TV anime to write the script, Yoshihiko Umakoshi returns to provide the character designs, and Yuki Hayashi returns to compose the music.

The story for the new film is still being kept a mystery, but Horikoshi previously teased the setting of My Hero Academia: You're Next as such, "It'll take place after the War from Season 6, meaning that the collapsed society will be the stage this time. After having been through so much and learning so many things, who will Deku and his friends fight against this time? What will they protect?! Look forward to it!" There's also been the reveal of what seems to be a villain directly inspired by All Might, so we'll soon see how it all shakes out.

Avatar: The Last Airbender has quite a lot of new projects now in the works, and one awesome cosplay is helping to highlight Toph Beifong's role in it all! Avatar: The Last Airbender made waves earlier this year with the release of the first season of its new live-action TV series with Netflix, and thus it was quickly announced that this series would be continuing with not one, but two more seasons in the future. As Netflix begins work on what's next, fans have been excited to see new takes of characters who have yet to be introduced like Toph.

But the live-action series is only one of the new Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise projects in the works as the animated iteration of the franchise is also in the works on its debut movie with a release planned for some time in 2026. That means fans will be seeing much more of Toph for the first time in quite a long time, and now fans are getting in on the fun early by showing Toph even more love through great examples such as this cosplay from artist miruqi on Instagram. Check it out:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by milky (@miruqi)

What's Next for Avatar: The Last Airbender?

Netflix has announced that Avatar: The Last Airbender will be returning for both Season 2 and 3 in the near future. A production start date has yet to be announced as of the time of publication, nor has there been a release window or date announced for the new episodes. But you can catch up with everything that's happened in the eight episode first season (which adapts the first season of the animated classic) now streaming with Netflix. It stars a core a core cast of Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, Elizabeth Yu as Azula, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Iroh, Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai and more.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is also working on a brand new animated feature film set after the events of the original series. Under the current working title of Aang: The Last Airbender, Lauren Montgomery will be directing the film for Avatar Studios with original series co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino producing the film alongside Eric Coleman. The voice cast currently includes Eric Nam as an adult Aang, Dave Bautista as the currently unnamed villain, and Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, and Roman Zaragoza in unconfirmed roles.

Kagurabachi is currently selling out Volume 2 of the manga all across Japan according to a new report! Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi manga has been wildly popular even before the first chapter hit the pages of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and that popularity among fans has been continuing even further without slowing down since the series dropped last Fall. This success has even continued with the launch of the manga's physical volumes in Japan, and the first one went on to sell like hotcakes. And it seems that is the same case with the release of Volume 2 so far.

Kagurabachi Volume 2 recently released in Japan, and according to @brkagurabachi on X (who has been noting accounts of Japanese fans of the series), the manga is selling out in stores. The latest update has revealed that restocks of the volume have yet to take place, as there might be a need to have an immediate reprinting of the series. But as Kagurabachi Volume 2 has only started to sell itself in stores, it's only a matter or time before more full numbers start to roll in.

What Is Kagurabachi?

Takeru Hokazono's original Kagurabachi manga series first hit the pages of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine last Fall, and currently has 31 chapters under its belt (as collected into two volumes) as of the time of this publication. The series has been a huge hit with fans long before the first chapter was released with the magazine, so it's probably time to catch up with the mega hit. If you wanted to check out the series as it releases (before it becomes even more popular in the future), you can find new chapters online for free with either Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library or Shueisha's MangaPlus service (and the entire back catalog with a paid subscription).

As for what to expect from this new manga that's been taking over Weekly Shonen Jump magazine even before it officially started its run, Kagurabachi is teased as such, "Young Chihiro spends his days training under his famous swordsmith father. One day he hopes to become a great sword-maker himself. The goofy father and the serious son--they thought these days would last forever. But suddenly, tragedy strikes. A dark day soaked in blood. Chihiro and his blade now live only for revenge. Epic sword battle action!"

Destroy All Humans. They Can't Be Regenerated is an official manga series with Magic: The Gathering serving as one of its core story components, and Viz Media will finally be bringing this manga to the United States very soon! Magic: The Gathering is no stranger to anime or manga as Wizards of the Coast has teamed up with all sorts of pop culture juggernauts like Godzilla, Hatsune Miku and more for special cards in the official trading card game. It seems these collaborations go the other way as well as an official manga series based on the game has been a big hit in Japan.

Katsura Ise and Takuma Yokota's original Destroy All Humans. They Can't Be Regenerated manga follows a pair of students in the 1990s that form an unlikely friendship thanks to their mutual love of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. First debuting as a one-shot in 2018 before being picked up into a full series with fifteen volumes under its belt as of the time of this publication, Viz Media has announced they have licensed Destroy All Humans. They Can't Be Regenerated for an English language release later this Fall. Check out the official announcement from Viz Media below:

Announcement: Attention Magic: The Gathering fans! The original Japanese manga, "Destroy All Humans. They Can't Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga," with story by Katsura Ise, and art by Takuma Yakota, releases Fall 2024. Includes an exclusive card! pic.twitter.com/IVpEbr12ID

-- VIZ (@VIZMedia) May 3, 2024

What Is the Magic: The Gathering Manga?

Originally crafted as a one-shot from Katsura Ise and Takuma Yokota, Destroy All Humans. They Can't Be Regenerated is currently running as a full serialization within the pages of Kadokawa's Monthly Shonen Ace magazine since its debut in 2018. It's a series released in full cooperation with Wizards of the Coast, and Viz Media will even be launching the English version of the manga in the United States with an exclusive trading card packed together with it when it hits shelves in the Fall later this year.

As for what to expect from this new Magic: The Gathering manga series coming our way, Kadokawa teases the story for Destroy All Humans. They Can't Be Regenerated as such, "Seems like in everything he does, geeky Tokigawa Middle School student Hajime Kano always comes in second place behind popular honor student Emi Sawatari. But when Hajime takes a trip to a new game store he's been hearing about, their rivalry takes an unexpected turn. Welcome to the early days of Magic: The Gathering, when a trading card game shaped a generation forever!"

My Hero Academia has kicked off the highly anticipated Season 7 of the anime this past week, and fans have crowned Star and Stripe the MVP of the newest episode! Star and Stripe might have been introduced to My Hero Academia at the end of last season, but it wasn't until Season 7 premiere in full that fans got to see what America's number one hero was truly capable of as she fought against Tomura Shigaraki in the skies above Japan. While it's far from the end of the fight, it's still enough for fans to fall in love with this newest hero.

Much like seen with My Hero Academia Season 6, fans are asked to vote for the character that they think was the major standout of any particular episode. It seems with Season 7 it was a particular no-brainer as Star and Stripe had the biggest debut of the series to date. Responding to a call for help from All Might after everything that's happened in Japan, My Hero Academia is starting to show off what Star and Stripe can do as her fight against Shigaraki continues in the coming episodes.

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-- ???????????/???? ????? (@heroaca_anime) May 6, 2024

My Hero Academia: Where to See More of Star and Stripe

My Hero Academia's Season 7 Episode 1 made its debut with Japan this past week, and is currently available for streaming with both Crunchyroll and Hulu. My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 1 is titled "In the Nick of Time! A Big-Time Maverick From the West!" and the synopsis for the episode teases it as such, "As jailbreakers run rampant in Japan, Star and Stripe flies from the U.S. to Japan to help and finds Shigaraki waiting for her in the middle of her flight path."

My Hero Academia Season 7 will be releasing its new episodes weekly from here on out, and that means we'll be seeing even more of Star and Stripe in action as she figures out that Shigaraki is just as tough as a villain as All Might warned. But as she showcases more of her New Order quirk, it's also putting her in danger as All For One wants to get a hold of her power to make it his as well. You can see how this fight comes to an end with My Hero Academia now streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

One Piece's anime has crossed a turning point with the Egghead Arc in the anime, and the cliffhanger from the newest episode of the series has brought Monkey D. Garp back to the spotlight for a new rescue mission! One Piece: Egghead Arc has been focusing the last few episodes on Luffy and the Straw Hats as they not only get to know Dr. Vegapunk more, but also have found themselves in the crosshairs of the World Government as they seek to wipe out the scientist and all of his experiments. But that's not the only major story happening at the moment.

Before shifting its attention to how Luffy and the Straw Hats will need to escape Dr. Vegapunk's future island laboratory, updates from the rest of the world have shown how the seas are in total chaos following Big Mom and Kaido's defeat on Wano. One of the big reveals was that Koby was caught in Blackbeard's attack on Boa Hancock, and he's since been capture by the Emperor's crew. But as of the newest episode, Garp is mounting up for an attack on Blackbeard to save Koby from this predicament.

SUCH HEROIC ENERGY HERE ?? I FREAKIN LOVE GARP #ONEPIECE pic.twitter.com/rusd3bpKIn

-- ?Jami ???????? (@JamiUwUs) May 5, 2024

One Piece: What's Next for Garp?

One Piece Episode 1103 revisited the World Government following cries from Helmeppo that Koby was in danger, but help was refused. The end of the episode changes things dramatically, however, as Garp suddenly arrives and reveals that he's there to mount an attack on the pirate island in a new attempt to save Koby from his current kidnapping. But while Garp is here to save the day, this is only one of the many spinning plates fans will have to follow over the course of the Egghead Arc moving forward.

One Piece Episode 1103 so far has not only revealed more of the unfolding chaos that's happening on the titular island itself, but is also setting up Garp's rescue mission. We had also seen Law previously defeated by Blackbeard and nearly disappeared, and Eustass Kid's first new island after Wano was revealed to be the legendary giant island, Elbaph. Now it's just a matter of seeing which of these stories unfolds next over the coming episodes.

You can check out One Piece: Egghead Arc's newest episodes now streaming with both Crunchyroll and Netflix on a weekly basis alongside their initial debut in Japan.

Total Drama Island is gearing up to make a comeback to screens later this Summer, and Cartoon Network has given fans a new look at the revival series with a new poster! Total Drama Island had been on a hiatus for nearly a decade, and though the franchise continued with the Total Dramarama spin-off, fans had been hoping to see a full return of the original series someday. This ended up coming to pass surprisingly with a brand new reboot series introducing a new cast of contestants competing for a big cash prize once more just like the original series.

After airing both of its two planned seasons in international territories last year, the Total Drama Island reboot series is finally coming to the United States next month. Premiering on Cartoon Network this June, the network has shared a special poster for Total Drama Island giving fans the first real look at the new cast at the center of this new take on the classic animated reality series competition. You can check out the promo for Total Drama Island's revival series below.

Ready for more irresponsible reality TV? ??? NEW Total Drama Island returns 6/1 at 9 - next day @StreamonMax#TotalDramaIsland #CartoonNetwork #TotalDrama #TDI pic.twitter.com/bRmLCUiv4e

-- Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) May 6, 2024

How to Watch Total Drama Island 2024

Total Drama Island will be premiering on Cartoon Network in the United States on June 1st at 9AM, and will be made available for streaming with Max the next day. This revival series gathers a new set of contestants on a new island modeled after the original Camp Wawanakwa (as seen in the original series). While there are a new group of characters, the original host Chris McLean (now voiced by Terry McGurrin, who also serves as executive producer for the new series) and his chef assistant, Chef Hatchet (now voiced by Deven Mack), make their comeback to steer the ship.

When WarnerMedia first announced the new Total Drama Island revival was in the works, they teased the upcoming series as such, "The world's most hilarious reality show is back and better than ever with two new seasons. With no parents, no phones, and no mercy, the new animated series will introduce an updated cast of quirky, iconic teen contestants as they face hardcore competition, brutal eliminations, and more drama than ever before. Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV for Cartoon Network and HBO Max, and distributed internationally by CAKE."

Total Drama Island has yet to announce a potential third season of the reboot, so fans will definitely need to check out the revival series if there are any hopes of seeing it continue with new episodes.

In the world of manga, there are few people more revered than Yoshihiro Togashi. The artist is a consummate professional, and over the decades, he has become an icon in the fandom. From Yu Yu Hakusho to Hunter x Hunter, the artist is nothing short of a genius, but even geniuses need to be looked after. And if given the chance, the creator of Vinland Saga would gladly take the job.

Over on social media, the artist behind Vinland Saga shared his love for Yoshihiro in a simple post. The whole thing came to light after a netizen tried to insult Makoto Yukimura by saying they'd never be at the level Yoshihiro is at. So in response, the Vinland Saga creator agreed.

"I know. He's a really great mangaka," Yukimura shared. "I heard that he is not feeling well. I'm worried about it."

Honestly? How pure is Yukimura? The artist is one of the nicest people in the industry, and his concern for Yoshihiro is hardly surprising. The creator of Hunter x Hunter has been through a lot, and his health has suffered for it.

After all, Yoshihiro has never been shy about his health status. The artist was in okay condition when Hunter x Hunter began in March 1998, but Yoshihiro saw his health decline from there. In the past five years, the artist has been on hiatus far longer than he's been at work, and that is due to his health. Fans have been nothing but loving as they've wished the Hunter x Hunter creator the best. And just days ago, Yoshihiro rewarded supporters by teasing his return to Hunter x Hunter on social media.

If you are not familiar with Hunter x Hunter, the manga is easy to find. The series is published by Viz Media in English, so it can be located on the Shonen Jump app. So for more info on the series, you can read the official synopsis of Hunter x Hunter below:

"Gon is a young boy who dreams of following in his father's footsteps to become a Hunter. But first he must pass the notoriously difficult and dangerous Hunter Qualification Exam. Throughout his journey, Gon overcomes many obstacles, while making new friends along the way!"

Are you excited for Hunter x Hunter's eventual return? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has been taking over the box office around the world, and the newest update has clinched its spot as the currently second highest grossing film in the MonsterVerse! Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has been doing very well for itself ever since it first hit theaters earlier this Spring, and that success has only continued even further thanks to its release across international territories. Still making bank at the box office as of this latest weekend, it turns out that it's now become one of the most successful MonsterVerse releases yet and might even go on to be the most successful.

According to the newest update from Box Office Mojo, the current international box office total for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is now up to an estimated $358,800,000 million, bringing the current worldwide estimated total to $546,867,009 million USD. This makes it second to Kong: Skull Island (which is currently on $568,652,812 million USD) and surpassing Godzilla 2014's $524,976,069 million USD. There's a chance that Godzilla x Kong will surpass this total to become the highest grossing MonsterVerse film before long if this success continues.

MonsterVerse Box Office Totals, Ranked

The current worldwide box office totals for the MonsterVerse films break down as such:

1. Kong: Skull Island - $568,652,812
2. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - $546,867,009
3. Godzilla - $524,976,069
4. Godzilla vs. Kong - $470,116,094
5. Godzilla: King of the Monsters - $387,300,138

Directed by Adam Wingard (who returns from Godzilla vs. Kong) with Simon Barrett writing the script, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will be available for purchase on digital platforms beginning on May 14th. As for what to expect from the story of this newest entry in the Monsterverse, Legendary Entertainment teases what to expect from the new film as such:

"This latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise follows up the explosive showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong with an all-new cinematic adventure, pitting the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence - and our own. The epic new film will delve further into the histories of these Titans, their origins, and the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever."

One Piece has been around for decades now, and in recent years, its English dub has been on a warpath. After an iffy launch years ago under 4Kids Productions, One Piece made a comeback at Funimation with its dub. These days, the anime is thriving on Crunchyroll, and the streaming service just added a slew of episodes that bring Luffy's Gear 5 debut to light.

As you can see here, One Piece's dub has several new episodes available on Crunchyroll. You can binge episodes 1062 - 1073 right now, and that batch includes Wano Country's Gear 5 debut. So for a full list of those new dub episodes, you can read their titles below:

• "The Three-Sword Style of the Supreme King! Zoro vs. King"
  
• "Luffy is on the Move! A Turning Point to a New Era!"
  
• "Drunken Dragon Bagua! The Lawless Dragon Closing in on Luffy"
  
• "The Destruction of the Alliance?! Fire up, the Will of the New Generation!"
  
• "Here Comes Main Act! Powerful Techniques of Shockwave and Magnetism"
  
• "To the New Era! Settled! The Determination of the Brats"
  
• "Moon Princess Echoes! The Final Phase of the Land of Wano!"
  
• "There is Only One Winner - Luffy vs. Kaido"
  
• "Luffy is Defeated?! The Determination of Those Left Behind"
  
• "Luffy's Peak - Attained! Fifth Gear"
  
• "The Ridiculous Power! Fifth Gear in Full Play"
  
• "No Way Out! A Hellish Scene on Onigashima"
  

Want to know more about One Piece? No worries! You can read up on its official synopsis below for all the details:

"As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But Luffy's life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure...one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world..."

What do you think about One Piece's latest dub drop? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

My Hero Academia fully unleashed America's number one hero to the anime with Season 7's first episode, and the team behind the anime and other franchise releases are celebrating Star and Stripe with special sketches! My Hero Academia first introduced Star and Stripe to the anime at the final moments of Season 6 as America's number one hero heeded All Might's call for help and rushed to fight Tomura Shigaraki in the skies above Japan. Now that Season 7 is here as part of the Spring 2024 anime schedule, fans are finally getting to see this fight play out.

My Hero Academia's Season 7 premiere sees Star and Stripe unleash her power against Shigaraki, and it's been made immediately clear why she's such a notable hero in America due to how much damage she does to him so far. It's quite the massive debut for such a notable character, and thus the team behind the anime is celebrating. Not only does this include My Hero Academia: Vigilantes artist Betten Court, but many of the animators behind the premiere as well. Check out the special Star and Stripe sketches below.

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-- ???? (@bet10co10) May 4, 2024

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-- ????? (@jason2937tw) May 4, 2024

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-- ??? (@love_mobu_love) May 4, 2024

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-- ??????????? ???????????6???? (@akiyamayoco) May 4, 2024

Where to Watch My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 1

My Hero Academia's Season 7 Episode 1 made its debut with Japan this past week, and is currently available for streaming with both Crunchyroll and Hulu. My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 1 is titled "In the Nick of Time! A Big-Time Maverick From the West!" and the synopsis for the episode teases it as such, "As jailbreakers run rampant in Japan, Star and Stripe flies from the U.S. to Japan to help and finds Shigaraki waiting for her in the middle of her flight path."

My Hero Academia Season 7 will be releasing its new episodes weekly from here on out, but if you wanted to get back up to speed, you can catch up with all six seasons of the My Hero Academia anime with those streaming services as well. You can also find the newest chapters of Kohei Horikoshi's original My Hero Academia manga with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library or Shueisha's MangaPlus service. As the final battle kicks into high gear, now is the perfect time to jump into the anime the closer it gets to its grand finale in the coming episodes.

Delicious in Dungeon is inching closer to the end of its debut season, and the anime has revealed the first look at what's coming next with the promo for Episode 19! Delicious in Dungeon has made a major turn as it heads towards the finale as Laios and his party have no choice but to defeat the Mad Mage in order to save Falin from being a monster. But as the anime begins this next phase of their adventure, Laios and the others are still stuck within the ever changing dungeon and coming across many different challenges. But that's until they eventually get back to the surface.

Although Shuro and his party had escaped back to the surface after the run in with Falin, they lost track of one of the party members and assumed they would be making their way back on their own. But with the end of Delicious in Dungeon Episode 18, it was revealed that this party member had taken Marcille hostage and Laios and the others are already in an intense new predicament. To see the first look at what's next, check out the promo for Delicious in Dungeon Episode 19 below.

How to Watch Delicious in Dungeon Episode 19

Delicious in Dungeon Episode 19 will be premiering on Thursday, May 9th with Netflix, and Kadokawa teases what to expect from the new the episode as such, "While eating, Laios and his friends are ambushed by someone. Her true identity was a servant girl who was accompanying Shuro through the dungeon. She takes Marcille hostage and demands that she release the spell placed on her. When Marcille asks what kind of magic is being cast on her, the girl unravels her own hood and reveals herself."

If you wanted to catch up with the rest of Delicious in Dungeon so far, you can find it now streaming with Netflix. They tease the anime as such, "Delicious in Dungeon. That is, 'to eat', or 'to be eaten' --- Within the depths of the dungeon, his younger sister was eaten by a Red Dragon - and adventurer Laios barely made it back to the surface with his life. He attempts the dungeon again, but money and food are deep within its bowels... Faced with the critical situation where his sister may be digested at any moment, Laios decides: 'Food shall be self-providing from within the dungeon!' Slimes, basilisks, mimics and even dragons! While eating those that attack you, aim to traverse the dungeons, adventurer!"

It seems congrats are in order for one of the top stars of Avatar: The Last Airbender. This week, Dante Basco took to social media to share some happy news with fans. The voice actor behind Zuko is expecting his first child with wife Alice Rehemutula.

Taking to Instagram, Basco's wife shared a video detailing her pregnancy journey so far. "The announcement... We're having a baby!!! We're excited! And a little nervous... what's going to happen when you mix an Uyghur and a Filipino?!?"

As you can see here, the announcement is nothing short of adorable, and the happy couple are fielding plenty of congratulations. Basco and Rehemutula got married in September 2023 in China following their engagement that April. As for Rehemutula, the mother-to-be is an actress and television host, so the couple are a perfect match. And now, they are preparing to welcome their first child.

Basco's work as a father is going to make the actor even busier in the coming years. After all, Avatar: The Last Airbender has made a comeback in recent years, and its future is looking good. Following the show's resurgence in 2020, Avatar: The Last Airbender is headline news. Earlier this year, Netflix released its successful live-action adaptation of the animated series, and two more seasons have been ordered. Plus, the team at Nickelodeon is overseeing its own plans for Avatar: The Last Airbender.

If you did not realize, Paramount launched Avatar Studios in partnership with Nickelodeon to revive the animated IP. The goal is to release a number of animated projects in the Avatar Universe, but first, a movie is on the horizon. The feature, which will debut in 2026, has cast Dave Bautista as its original villain while singer-actor Eric Nam will voice Aang. Basco is expected to reprise is role as Zuko in the feature, but beyond that, the main cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender will be filled by new talent.

Are you looking forward to the next era of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Jujutsu Kaisen is living its best life as one of the top anime series in the game. Overseen by Studio MAPPA, the hit series left social media pressed over season two, and now all eyes are on its future. With season three in the works, Jujutsu Kaisen is far from done, and now one gorgeous makeover is walking the supernatural series into the past.

After all, social media came together this week to fawn over a clever Jujutsu Kaisen makeover. As you can see below, fans pooled their praises for a '90s anime take on Jujutsu Kaisen, and it turns the modern hit into a Yu Yu Hakusho competitor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sukuna | Jujutsu Kaisen (@sukuuna.official)

As you can see above, the '90s artwork is deliciously gritty, and it has a texture to it that we rarely see in modern anime titles. The makeover also gives some gorgeous backgrounds that bring the atmosphere of Jujutsu Kaisen to life. After all, Gege Akutami's series is plenty dark, and this '90 aesthetic suits that perfectly.

Of course, Jujutsu Kaisen has its own aesthetic under the care of Studio MAPPA. The company brought together some of the industry's best artists to portray sorcerers such as Gojo and Nobara. If you are not familiar with the series, well - there is always time to check out Jujutsu Kaisen. The hit anime is streaming on Hulu, Netflix, and Crunhyroll these days. Plus, you can find the Jujutsu Kaisen manga on the Shonen Jump app.

Want more info on the supernatural series? No worries! You can read its official synopsis here: "For some strange reason, Yuji Itadori, despite his insane athleticism would rather just hang out with the Occult Club. However, her soon finds out that the occult is as real as it gets when his fellow club members are attacked! Meanwhile, the mysterious Megumi Fushiguro is tracking down a special-grade cursed object, and his search leads him to Itadori..."

What do you think about this Jujutsu Kaisen makeover? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Anime has been around for well over a century, and it is ever evolving. The anime of 1940 is very different from that of 1990 and so on. When it comes to anime prior to World War II, it can be difficult to unpack history as there aren't many surviving anime pieces from that time. But now, a rare anime dated to 1923 has surfaced, and it was inked by the forefather of anime himself.

The whole thing came to light in Japan courtesy of NHK and Lion, an operating studio in Japan with a long history. This week, Lion recovered an old anime in its archives that once belonged to a cinema collector. The silent anime bears the title "Dental Health", and it comes in at under nine minutes.

As you can see above, NHK was able to share several stills from the anime, and its style will be familiar to scholars. After all, the short is credited to none other than Kitayama Seitaro. ""This roundish font really resembles the letters Kitayama used to write," Yasuda Takeshi, Kitayama's grandson, told NHK.

Sano Akiko, an associate professor at Doshisha University, also reviewed the rare anime finding. The scholar, who has dedicated their work to anime, said this uncovered short shows how animators at the time were starting to key into anime's now-iconic traits. "People are drawn to the relatively large faces in front, looking straight at the viewers. This apparently takes into consideration the purpose of the film, which was for an advertisement," they explained.

In the 1920s, the anime industry was not a thing by any means, but its roots were starting to take place. In fact, Kitayama is often regarded as the forefather who ushered in the medium's growth. The animator was born in 1888 in Tokyo, and they taught some of anime's greatest artists like Yasuji Murata and Noburo Ofuji. The importance Kitayama had on anime cannot be overstated, and now, a rare piece of his work has been uncovered that generations to come will be able to trace back.

What do you make of this rare anime find...? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Netflix's One Piece is gearing up for a big comeback. Following its hit launch last year, the live-action adaptation quickly earned a season two order. All eyes are on the One Piece team as its new season is expected to start filming this summer. And in a new promo, Netflix's One Piece is teasing the arrival of an important character in season two.

The whole thing went live on Monkey D. Luffy's birthday as Netflix celebrated in kind. The streaming service posted a video featuring Inaki Godoy, the actor behind Luffy on screen. It was there the star showcased a birthday cake, and its candle featured a familiar '3' wick.

As you can see above, the candle wick was shaped after Galdino from Baroque Works. The character, who is also known as Mr. 3, will be familiar to One Piece fans at a glance. After all, they debuted during the Arabasta saga in Little Garden, and the Baroque Works agency was plenty involved with the storyline.

After all, Netflix's One Piece is ready to bump into the Arabasta saga, and it will gives Luffy his biggest challenge yet. The Straw Hat crew arrive at the drought-ridden country after meeting its desperate princess Vivi. It doesn't take long for Baroque Works makes itself known before long as it wants the Straw Hats out of Arabasta. The organization was founded specifically to destabilize the nation in the name of the Warlord Crocodile. And of course, Mr. 3 is part of that gang.

Clearly, Netflix's One Piece has big plans for season two, and they seem to involve Mr. 3. From Loguetown to Baroque Works and Tony Tony Chopper, the show's comeback will have a lot of content to cover. So if you haven't checked out season one of Netflix's One Piece, it is streaming now. As for the anime, it is ongoing, and it can be streamed everywhere from Hulu to Crunchyroll. So for more info on the series, you can read its official synopsis below:

"As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But Luffy's life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure...one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world..."

What do you make of this One Piece teaser? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

It's official! Blue Lock season two has been in the works for months now, and the anime has landed a release window. The hit sports series will return in 2024, so fans better mark the fall season down on their calendars.

After all, Blue Lock season two has announced it will premiere in October 2024. As you can see below, the team behind the series confirmed the window with a special new sketch. It seems artist Yusuke Nomura brought the quick illustration to life, and it was signed off on by artist Muneyuki Kaneshiro.

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-- ????????TV?????|???4.19??!&TV?????2?????! (@BLUELOCK_PR) May 6, 2024

Now if you are not familiar with Blue Lock, well - you best lock on to the series before season two drops. Back in October 2022, Studio Eight Bit brought the anime to life to quick acclaim. The series found itself on a high as its popularity was upped by Japan's stellar performance at the FIFA World Cup. By the end of season one, Blue Lock was a definitive hit, and it did not take long for the series to earn a season two order.

Of course, the anime's rise also put the manga center stage. Blue Lock sold a record number of copies in 2023, and to date, it has more than 30 million copies circulating. With its story ongoing, Blue Lock now stands as one of Kodansha's most popular series. And in a few months, its second season will come to life!

Want to know more about Blue Lock? No sweat! You can read up on its official synopsis below for all the details:

"After a disastrous defeat at the 2018 World Cup, Japan's team struggles to regroup. But what's mising? An absolute ace striker. The Football Union is hell-bent on creating a striker who hungers for goals and thirsts for victory, so Blue Lock -- a rigorous training ground for 300 of Japan's best and brightest youth players -- is created. To survive this battle royale, the last striker standing will have to out-muscle and out-ego everyone who stands in his way!"

Are you excited for Blue Lock to make its return? Let us know what you think over on Twitter and Instagram. You can also hit me up @MeganPetersCB to share your take!

Hunter x Hunter's creator seems to be back on work on the manga, and fans are more ready than ever for the franchise to make a big comeback! Hunter x Hunter released Chapter 400 of the manga towards the end of 2022, and this was following one of the longest hiatuses in the series' history to date. This update had ten new chapters launch within the pages of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine towards the end of that year, and ever since fans have been waiting patiently for series creator Yoshihiro Togashi to resume work on the series amidst his health issues.

Hunter x Hunter went on hiatus following the release of Chapter 400, and there was no clear indication of when the series would be returning. But on Togashi's official social media account, the creator has been sharing updates on the manga creation process for the last few days. The last time this happened a few years ago, a return from the series in full wasn't so far behind. Which means that fans have been absolutely loving seeing all of these new pages in their early drafting stages.

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-- ???? (@Un4v5s8bgsVk9Xp) May 5, 2024

When Is Hunter x Hunter Coming Back?

Unfortunately, Hunter x Hunter has yet to announce when it could possibly be returning with complete chapters. Shueisha's editorial department shared the following message when it went on hiatus back in 2022, "Thank you for reading Hunter x Hunter. As for the publication of the manga, Chapter 401, and after, we have discussed with Togashi about his health condition, and as a result, we have decided to publish Hunter x Hunter in a format other than weekly serialization."

The statement then continued with Shueisha noting that they intend to support the creator through the hiatus and beyond, "Togashi-Sensei will continue to write the following chapters, and the editorial department will continue to support him until the completion of the manga. Specific publication dates and methods will be announced in future issues of Weekly Shonen Jump. Thank you for your continued support of Hunter x Hunter."

Togashi himself has shared concerns about not being able to ever finish the series, and has released what Hunter x Hunter's ending could be if he himself is never able to do it. But as progress on the new releases continues, fans can stay hopeful about the manga's return in the (hopefully) near future.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is back in action with Season 3 as part of the Spring 2024 anime season, and one awesome cosplay is helping to celebrate the anime's comeback with Shion! That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was just one of the major Isekai anime franchises returning for new episodes this Spring, and the first few episodes of the new season have helped to catch fans up with everything happening now that Rimuru has officially become a Demon Lord as of the end of the previous season. Which means big battles are coming soon.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3 has thrown fans back into the mix as Rimuru and Tempest are dealing with the fallout of what it really means for him to become a Demon Lord, and that means now he has to deal with a ton of neighboring kingdoms and regions who are taking aim at the country. Thankfully, he still has the support of many followers at his side like Shion, who has been brought to life through cosplay from artist seracoss on Instagram. Check it out:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ?????????? (@seracoss)

How to Watch That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3 is now available for streaming with its episodes released for fans with Crunchyroll in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. New additions to the cast for Season 3 include the likes of the Inori Minase as Mariabel Rosso, Kenji Nojima as Leonard, Eiji Takemoto as Arnaud Bauman, Hajime Iijima as Bacchus, Haruka Aikawa as Litus, Wataru Komada as Garde, Taishi Murata as Fritz, Shoya Chiba as Saare, Mari Hino as Glenda Attley, and Masashi Yamane as Grigori.

As for what to expect from the new season, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3 is teased as such, "Rimuru has officially become a Demon Lord after defeating Clayman. Following Walpurgis, the Demon Lords' banquet, Rimuru's domain is expanded to include the entire Great Forest of Jura. Anticipating a flood of representatives from all races showing up to pay their respects, Rimuru decides to throw a festival to commemorate the opening of Tempest, using it as an opportunity to gain new citizens and present Demon Lord Rimuru to the world."

You can now catch up with the first two seasons of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, OVA specials, spin-offs, and movie streaming with Crunchyroll as well.

Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura will be colliding in a new crossover event, and Netflix has released a new trailer and poster for the upcoming Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura! Netflix has quite a few hard-hitting fighting anime franchises under its belt as it has licensed some of the biggest fighting releases of the last few years. Following the end of Baki Hanma's latest season and amidst the release of Kengan Ashura's latest, it was announced that these two juggernauts would be crossing over in a new project testing the mettle of their strongest fighters to see who is truly the strongest overall.

Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura will be premiering with Netflix later this Summer, and it brings together the extended casts from both Keisuke Itagaki's Baki the Grappler series and Yabako Sandrovich and Daromeon's Kengan Ashura series. This new crossover will be pitting a few select fighters with one another in a surprise collaboration between their respective martial arts tournaments, and you can find the newest trailer for Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura in the video above and newest poster below.

The two titans of martial arts manga brings the two worlds together in Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura.

?? Saw Paing Yoroizuka VS Kaoru Hanayama
?? Raian Kure VS Jack Hammer
?? Baki Hanma VS Ohma Tokita@baki_anime @kengankai #BakiKengan pic.twitter.com/inct9VqJb0

-- Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) May 5, 2024

What Is Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura?

Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura will be releasing with Netflix worldwide on June 6th. Nobunaga Shimazaki will be returning from Baki Hanma to voice Baki Hanma and Tatsuhisa Suzuki will be returning from Kengan Ashura to voice Oma Tokita. Their fight is only one of the ones teased alongside bouts featuring Saw Paing Yoroizuka vs. Kaoru Hanayama and Raian Kure vs. Jack Hammer. The opening theme for the new anime has also been revealed to be "Fly High" as performed by Atarashii Gakko!.

It's yet to be revealed how long this new crossover anime project will last for when it hits Netflix, but as for what to expect from the Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura crossover event, Netflix teases it as such, "This unlikely alliance between underground fighting organizations brings together two titans of martial arts manga as the dream collaboration between 'Baki' and 'Kengan Ashura' finally becomes a reality! Iconic badasses from both series clash in extreme and unpredictable matchups so thrilling they're sure to get your blood pumping! Become witness to a legend!"

If you wanted to get the lowdown on each of the anime before the crossover, you can catch up with both Baki and Kengan Ashura's anime runs so far streaming with Netflix as well.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- will finally be coming back for new episodes later this year, and Crunchyroll has announced they will be the official streaming home for the new episodes! Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- is one of the final Isekai anime titans returning for new episodes later this year, and fans have been anxious to see what kind of intense fights and moments are heading for Subaru in the new season. But while it was already slated for a release in the Fall, fans outside of Japan now know where they will be able to watch the new season as it airs.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3 is scheduled to debut later this year, and Crunchyroll announced during their panel at CCXP Mexico that they will be exclusively streaming the new episodes for fans in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS alongside their initial debuts in Japan. To celebrate the confirmation of the anime license, Crunchyroll has shared a new teaser for Re:Zero Season 3 that you can check out below.

What to Know for Re:Zero Season 3

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- will be making its premiere some time in October as part of the Fall 2024 anime schedule, but has yet to confirm a concrete release date as of the time of this publication. If you wanted to catch up with the anime before the new episodes arrive (there's plenty of time to do so), you can also find the first two seasons of the TV anime and Frozen Bond OVA special now streaming with Crunchyroll as well. With the third season throwing fans right back into the thick of it, it's going to be necessary to be fully refreshed before the new season.

As for what to expect from the new season of episodes, Crunchyroll sets up Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3 as such, "A year has passed since Subaru's victory at the Sanctuary. He savors a life of fulfillment while Emilia's camp stands united for the royal selection--until a fateful letter arrives. Anastasia, a royal selection candidate, has invited Emilia to the Watergate City of Priestella. But as the party begins its journey, crisis stirs beneath the surface and Subaru meets a cruel fate once again."

One Piece is now in the midst of the major action for the Egghead arc, and the anime has shared the first look at what's coming next with the promo for Episode 1104! One Piece's Egghead Arc has been building towards its first major set piece as Luffy and the Straw Hats are now tasked with somehow getting Dr. Vegapunk off of his future island laboratory as CP-0 and the world government seek to kill him and wipe all of his discoveries off the map. But as the chaos starts picking up, the anime has already begun to complicate things further.

One Piece's newest episode revealed that Dr. Vegapunk is not only the target of the government, but Jewelry Bonney as well. But their story is only one of those unfolding for the arc thus far. With the Labophase closing off once more, it's time for even more fights to kick off as the Straw Hats are caught in some more wild struggles while trying to escape the island (while other events unfold in the rest of the world). Giving fans the first look at what's coming in the next episode of the series, One Piece has shared the promo for Episode 1104 that you can check out in action below.

How to Watch One Piece Episode 1104

One Piece Episode 1104 is titled "A Desperate Situation! The Seraphim's All-Out Attack!" and the promo for the episode teases it as such, "CP-0 descends on the Labophase with overwhelming force! The Seraphim unleash laser beams without mercy! Will that flash of light accomplish the assassination of Vegapunk? The lab is on the verge of destruction. Is it all over for the Straw Hats?!" Premiering in Japan on Sunday, May 12th (and Saturday, May 11th internationally), One Piece Episode 1104 will be streaming with both Crunchyroll and Netflix.

If you wanted to go back and check out more of the One Piece anime from the very beginning (along with various OVAs, movies, and other specials), you can find the entire back catalog streaming with Crunchyroll in Japanese and English language dubbed audio. You can also find the newest chapters of the One Piece manga (with the three most recent chapters being available for free) with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library if you wanted to read ahead to see what's coming next for the Egghead Arc instead.

Studio Pierrot, the studio behind hit series such as Bleach, Naruto and more, is setting out to address one of their biggest flaws moving forward! Pierrot has been in the headlines this past Spring as they teased that they could be moving away from their traditionally long produced shows, and might be moving towards a more seasonal production schedule following the success of releases like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. But in a new interview with one of the producers at the studio, it seems like the team at Pierrot might have their sights set on a much bigger goal beyond this.

In a recent interview with Men's Non-No in Japan, Studio Pierrot producer Yoshihiro Tominaga noted that those at the studio are noticing that a change in current trends in the anime industry are making it necessary to adapt. While Pierrot has made its branding delivering high-quality works over a long term production cycle, success of shows such as Jujutsu Kaisen (which is currently on a seasonal release schedule) are now having them consider potentially delivering higher quality releases in a shorter time.

Studio Pierrot Wants to Deliver High-Quality Anime in Shorter Time

"In recent years there has been a trend among other production companies to produce animation of extremely high quality while dividing the broadcast season into separate seasons," Tominaga began. "While Pierrot has a long history and is highly regarded for consistently delivering high-quality works, I think we are also seen as a company that specializes in long-term series. Of course, there is value in having people enjoy our animation without interruption over a long period, such as two to three years, but we are not good at producing high-quality works such as Jujutsu Kaisen in a short period of time."

As it gets tougher to keep up with the demands of higher quality competition and still keep up its long term production cycles, Tominaga teased that Pierrot is going to have to re-assess how they do things moving forward, "In light of the current situation, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue to produce the high quality demanded of us without interruption," Tominaga explained. "I believe that the time has come for us to consider how our production company should operate and what structure we should have in place. I believe that Pierrot should continue to emphasize the production of long-term series as it has in the past, while at the same time balancing its strengths in producing high-quality works in a short period of time. To achieve this, we also want to focus on branding the company."

So it seems that Tominaga is expressing the need to have a more seasonal release schedule with breaks in many of their works, but also continue to emphasize the long runs of anime as they have in the past. But that's all in how Pierrot wants to brand itself moving forward.

via Men's Non-No

Total Drama Island's new revival series is finally coming to the United States later this Summer, and has dropped the first trailer for the new series to help celebrate! You might not have realized that Total Drama Island returned from its nearly ten year hiatus with not one, but two new seasons of the original animated series. Despite the franchise continuing further with the Total Dramarama spin-off, Total Drama Island fans had been waiting quite a while to see a full return to form for the original reality game show animated series. And one has been airing internationally in the last couple of years.

Total Drama Island returned for a new revival series titled Total Drama Island, and both seasons of the series released in Italy and a few other select territories in 2023. But Total Drama Island has finally confirmed that the new series will be premiering on Cartoon Network in the United States on June 1st at 9AM. To celebrate the confirmation of the release date for the United States at last, Total Drama Island has shared a full look at this new reboot series with the first trailer that you can check out in action below.

What Is Total Drama Island (2023)?

Total Drama Island's new revival series takes place 15 years after the first season of the original series, and gathers a new set of contestants at a new island modeled after the original Camp Wawanakwa. But while there are a new group of characters, the original host Chris McLean (now voiced by Terry McGurrin, who also serves as executive producer for the new series) and his chef assistant, Chef Hatchet (now voiced by Deven Mack). McGurrin even took to social media to urge fans of the series to watch the reboot as the "ratings will likely be the difference between a renewal or not" as Total Drama Island has yet to announce a Season 3.

When WarnerMedia first announced the new Total Drama Island revival was in the works, they teased the upcoming series as such, "The world's most hilarious reality show is back and better than ever with two new seasons. With no parents, no phones, and no mercy, the new animated series will introduce an updated cast of quirky, iconic teen contestants as they face hardcore competition, brutal eliminations, and more drama than ever before. Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV for Cartoon Network and HBO Max, and distributed internationally by CAKE."