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This Week in Anime - Merging Lanes: TOHO's Acquisition of GKIDS

With the recent announcement of TOHO's acquisition of GKIDS, Lucas and Steve discuss the rise corporate influence in the anime space. ― With the recent announcement of TOHO's acquisition of GKIDS, Lucas and Steve discuss the rise corporate influence in the anime space. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler War...
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This Week in Anime - DAN DA DAN's Tokusatsu Connection

Coop joins the TWIA team just in time to discuss how DAN DA DAN is a love letter to Ultraman with Chris. Tokusatsu love is the purest love of all. ― Coop joins the TWIA team just in time to discuss how DAN DA DAN is a love letter to Ultraman with Chris. Tokusatsu love is the purest love of all. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anim...
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This Week in Anime - Reincarnated in Another Column

Another season, another glut of isekai. Chris and Lucas do their best to tackle the unending pile. ― New season, new glut of isekai! Chris and Lucas hold their noses and jump into this season's pool, looking for new species as the genre evolves. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of t...
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This Week in Anime - Anime Pirates Off the Port Bow

Amidst a record number of site closures, Nick and Lucas discuss sailing the high seas of anime piracy. ― Amidst a record number of site closures, Nick and Lucas discuss sailing the high seas of anime piracy. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. One Piece, Naruto, De...
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This Week in Anime - The Tribulations of Fan Anime

The new Berserk animation has been disavowed, but is this the only case of publishers coming down hard on fan creations? Steve and Chris dive into the world of doujin to find out. ― The new Berserk animation has been disavowed, but is this the only case of publishers coming down hard on fan creations? Steve and Chris dive into the world of doujin to find out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expre...
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This Week in Anime - The Movie Game

Chris and Steve dig into the venerable institution that is game-based movies and anime and the relationship between anime and video games. ― Chris and Steve dig into the venerable institution that is game-based movies and anime and the relationship between anime and video games. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.S...
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This Week in Anime - Cashing In

Chris and Lucas dive into the Sargasso Sea of marketable plastic goodies and the all-consuming monster that is capitalism in the anime world. ― Chris and Lucas dive into the Sargasso Sea of marketable plastic goodies and the all-consuming monster that is capitalism in the anime world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Net...
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This Week in Anime - Banned Together

Demonizing comics hasn't gone out of style since 1954. Nick and Steve discuss the most recent round of bans of such horrifying series as Sasaki and Miyano to look at what book bans mean for manga today. ― Demonizing comics hasn't gone out of style since 1954. Nick and Steve discuss the most recent round of bans of such horrifying series as Sasaki and Miyano to look at what book bans mean for manga t...
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This Week in Anime - Retro Anime, Kickstarter, and Broken Promises

This week, Steve and Chris use the whole Dirty Pair Kickstarter/Crunchyroll acquisition fiasco to explore the relationship between crowdfunding and anime. ― This week, Steve and Chris use the whole Dirty Pair Kickstarter/Crunchyroll acquisition fiasco to look into the relationship between crowdfunding and anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not...
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This Week in Anime - So Your Favorite Manga is Ending...

With the recent end of My Hero Academia and impending conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen, Nick and Lucas spoiler-tastically talk all about manga endings—the good, the bad, and the utterly insane. ― With the recent end of My Hero Academia and impending conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen, Nick and Lucas spoiler-tastically talk all about manga endings—the good, the bad, and the utterly insane. Disclaimer: The view...
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This Week in Anime - Having Fun with Deadpool's Fourth Wall-Breaking Manga

With Deadpool & Wolverine becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, join Nick and Chris as they dive headlong in Deadpool's recent foray into manga. ― With Deadpool & Wolverine becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, join Nick and Chris as they dive headlong in Deadpool's recent foray into manga. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this...
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This Week in Anime - Visual Novels Aren't A Joke

Now that the Type-Moon's visual novels have a new lease on life in English, Lucas and Steve look at other great entries in the medium. Visual novels aren't just April Fool's jokes! ― Now that the Type-Moon's visual novels have a new lease on life in English, Lucas and Steve look at other great entries in the medium. Visual novels aren't just April Fool's jokes! Disclaimer: The views and opinions exp...
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This Week in Anime - The Anime Community's Leak Culture

Nick and Steve discuss the recent episode leaks and how they connect to the anime community's larger culture of speedscans and other leaked announcements. ― Over the last week, a major leak seemed to stem from compromised files at Iyuno, which led to the first season of the Ranma 1/2 reboot and Terminator Zero, as well as multiple episodes of DAN DA DAN and the Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa movie app...
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This Week in Anime - The Staying Power of the Monogatari Series

This week, Chris and Steve talk about Monogatari's long-lasting appeal—and see how far they can go before mentioning the infamous toothbrushing scene. ― This week, Chris and Steve talk about Monogatari's long-lasting appeal—and see how far they can go before mentioning the infamous toothbrushing scene. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views...
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This Week in Anime - Sports Anime and the Olympics

This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the most "anime-like" moments of this year's Olympics as they dive into the greater relationship between sports anime and the Olympics. ― This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the most anime-like moments of this year's Olympics as they dive into the greater relationship between sports anime and the Olympics. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the part...
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This Week in Anime - Can an Anime be "Carried by its Animation"?

This week, Nick and Lucas sit down and tried to decide if saying a show is "carried by its animation" actually has any meaning due to the subjective nature of art. ― This week, Nick and Lucas sit down and tried to decide if saying a show is "carried by its animation" actually has any meaning due to the subjective nature of art. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this...
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This Week in Anime - The Algorithm Demands More Anime

Christopher and Steve look into the recent mini-trend of content creator-focused anime series and how it reflects current entertainment trends. ― Christopher and Steve look into the recent mini-trend of content creator-focused anime series and how it reflects current entertainment trends. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News...
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This Week in Anime - How to Make Your Anime a Meme

My Deer Friend Nokotan made a big impression before its premiere with an hours-long video and other social media efforts to stay at the forefront of the otaku consciousness. Did it work? ― My Deer Friend Nokotan made a big impression before its premiere with an hours-long video and other social media efforts to stay at the forefront of the otaku consciousness. Did it work? Disclaimer: The views and ...
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This Week in Anime - Crunchyroll Silences Their Viewers

No more commenting on episode pages or news articles! Crunchyroll has axed their comments section completely. Was this change due to homophobic content or simple corporate laziness? Lucas and Steve try to shed some light on what happened. ― No more commenting on episode pages or news articles! Crunchyroll has axed their comments section completely. Was this change due to homophobic content or simple...
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This Week in Anime - Caught Up in this Season's Whirlwind of Romance Anime

This week, Lucas and Nick sit down to talk about the surprisingly vast number of romance anime this season—and struggle to decide which are actually worth watching. ― This week, Lucas and Nick sit down to talk about the surprisingly vast number of romance anime this season—and struggle to decide which are actually worth watching. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in th...
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This Week in Anime - Isekai Fans Are Eating Good This Season

Chris and Steve do the seasonal isekai anime gauntlet and find that summer's is looking exceptionally good in another world. ― Chris and Steve do the seasonal isekai anime gauntlet and find that summer's is looking exceptionally good in another world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussio...
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This Week in Anime - What Is This, An Anime Crossover Episode?

Lucas and Chris recall some of the strangest and most surprising crossover episodes in anime history. Which are your favorite? ― Lucas and Chris recall some of the strangest and most surprising crossover episodes in anime history. Which are your favorite? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discu...
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This Week in Anime - Is Suicide Squad ISEKAI DC's Best Anime Adaptation to Date?

Suicide Squad ISEKAI is DC Comic's latest journey into the world of anime and manga but it's far from the first. So how does it stack up to previous attempts? And what about the anime-inspired critical darling My Adventures with Superman? Suicide Squad ISEKAI is DC Comic's latest journey into the world of anime and manga but it's far from the first. So how does it stack up to previous attempts? An...
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This Week in Anime - Yatagarasu Is the Anime to Watch Right Now

Nick and Steve dive into the political intrigue of supernatural crow people and discover one of the best anime airing right now. ― Nick and Steve dive into the political intrigue of supernatural crow people and discover one of the best anime airing right now. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for d...
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This Week in Anime - How to Watch Anime on a Budget

Chris and Lucas find their pockets stretched by the multitude of anime streaming services; let's see how far we can get using legal, free streaming! ― Chris and Lucas find their pockets stretched by the multitude of anime streaming services; let's see how far we can get using legal, free streaming! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of ...
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This Week in Anime - The House that Gainax Built

Once upon a time, Gainax was the infallible studio that birthed Evangelion, Gunbuster, FLCL...and that magical girl show sponsored by car brand Subaru. It wasn't all giant robots and rainbows. Steve and Nick look back on the animation studio in the wake of its bankruptcy. ― Once upon a time, Gainax was the infallible studio that birthed Evangelion, Gunbuster, FLCL...and that magical girl show sponso...
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This Week in Anime - Is OEL Manga Really Manga?

Viz debuted its new Originals One-Shots comic program, making way for the age-old discussion of whether manga is a "style" or based on country of origin. ― Viz debuted its new Originals One-Shots comic program, making way for the age-old discussion of whether manga is a "style" or based on country of origin. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the...
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This Week in Anime - It's Anime Convention Hunting Season

Some of the biggest anime conventions are just around the corner, but things are looking a little off. Chris and Steve discuss the changing landscape and smaller cons folding across the U.S. ― Some of the biggest anime conventions are just around the corner, but things are looking a little off. Chris and Steve discuss the changing convention landscape and smaller cons folding across the U.S. Disclai...
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This Week in Anime - Sex in Anime is Complicated

Nick and Lucas use last week's Chainsaw Man manga chapter as a springboard to discuss sex and sexuality in manga, from messy to raunchy to endearing depictions. ― Nick and Lucas use last week's Chainsaw Man manga chapter as a springboard to discuss sex and sexuality in manga, from messy to raunchy to endearing depictions. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatl...
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This Week in Anime - Why Was Code Geass Such a Big Deal?

Chris and Steve make the highly questionable decision of watching all of Code Geass in 48 hours. Is the series just as good as it was nearly two decades ago? ― Chris and Steve make the highly questionable decision of watching all of Code Geass in 48 hours. Is the series just as good as it was nearly two decades ago? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are...
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This Week in Anime - A Tale As Old As Time: Subs or Dubs?

We're taking the age-old argument and updating it for the simulcast era! Is getting a dub now a mark of an anime's overall quality? Are sub-only fans gatekeeping? ― We're taking the age-old argument and updating it for the simulcast era! Is getting a dub now a mark of an anime's overall quality? Are sub-only fans gatekeeping? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this c...
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This Week in Anime - Toonami Kids Strike Back

Following the upcoming retro programming block Toonami Rewind, Chris and Lucas look back fondly on the afternoons spent watching Naruto and Sailor Moon. ― Following the upcoming retro programming block Toonami Rewind, Chris and Lucas look back fondly on the afternoons spent watching Naruto and Sailor Moon. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the v...
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This Week in Anime - Are Some Manga Truly "Unadaptable"?

With the release of Dead Dead Demon's Dededededestruction, Nick and Steve take a look at it and some other manga that were thought to be "unadaptable"—and see if that was truly the case. ― With the release of Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction, Nick and Steve take a look at it and some other manga that were thought to be "unadaptable"—and see if that was truly the case. Disclaimer: The views and...
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This Week in Anime - Anime Director Tsutomu Mizushima's Wild Ride

Nick and Steve look back on director Tsutomu Mizushima's work so far, from his latest Train to the End of the World to Shirobako, Girls und Panzer, and more. ― Nick and Steve look back on director Tsutomu Mizushima's work so far, from his latest Train to the End of the World to Shirobako, Girls und Panzer, and more. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are...
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This Week in Anime - Darkly Deconstructing Japanese Super Heroes for Fun and Profit

There's no question that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is a dark deconstruction of Super Sentai/Power Rangers in anime form—but is that all it is? Chris and Lucas dive in to find out. ― There's no question that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is a dark deconstruction of Super Sentai/Power Rangers in anime form—but is that all it is? Chris and Lucas dive in to find out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by ...
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This Week in Anime - When A New Studio Takes Over Your Favorite Series

Steve and Chris compare some of the highs and lows of an anime studio change-up, from Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man to Spice and Wolf. ― Steve and Chris compare some of the highs and lows of an anime studio change-up, from Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man to Spice and Wolf. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.S...
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This Week in Anime - The Anatomy of an Anime Waifu

What's the perfect recipe for waifu supremacy? Lucas and Nick look at fan-favorites from Yu Yu Hakusho to Spice & Wolf. ― What's the perfect recipe for waifu supremacy? Lucas and Nick look at fan-favorites from Yu Yu Hakusho to Spice & Wolf. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the s...
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This Week in Anime - Why Hunter × Hunter is Worth the Wait

Lucas and Steve catch up on the Hunter × Hunter manga in time for the long-awaited new chapter and gush about why, even with years between releases, Hunter × Hunter is worth it. ― Lucas and Steve catch up on the Hunter × Hunter manga in time for the long-awaited new chapter and gush about why, even with years between releases, Hunter × Hunter is worth it. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed...
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This Week in Anime - Will We Ever Know Why Anime Get Cancelled?

Nick and Chris recount some of the most frustrating anime cancellations, from the Yuri on Ice movie to the second half of Stars Align. ― Nick and Chris recount some of the most frustrating anime cancellations from the second half of Stars Align to the 2007 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood movie. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views...
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This Week in Anime - Is The Anime Girl Band Era Here?

Chris and Nick put on their headphones and dust off their vinyl records for a look at this season's guitar-strumming, mic-swinging girl groups. ― Chris and Nick put on their headphones and dust off their vinyl records for a look at this season's guitar-strumming, mic-swinging girl groups. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News...
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This Week in Anime - How The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio Captures the Reality of Gig Work

The new anime series is far more forthright about the idol and seiyū industry, from maintaining relevance on social media to subsisting on substandard wages. ― The new anime series is far more forthright about the idol and seiyū industry, from maintaining relevance on social media to subsisting on substandard wages. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are...
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This Week in Anime - What's Weekly Shonen Jump's Next Big Manga?

Some of Shonen Jump's biggest manga hits are approaching their end. Does the magazine have new heavy-hitters lined up to take up the mantle? ― Some of Shonen Jump's biggest manga hits are approaching their end. Does the magazine have new heavy-hitters lined up to take up the mantle? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Netwo...
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This Week in Anime - So, Is Sound Euphonium Queerbaiting or Not?

The third season of Sound Euphonium reignites the fandom controversy over Reina and Kumiko's relationship. Chris and Steve delve into it and why 'queerbaiting' is such a loaded term. ― The third season of Sound Euphonium reignites the fandom controversy over Reina and Kumiko's relationship. Chris and Steve delve into it and why 'queerbaiting' is such a loaded term. Disclaimer: The views and opinions...
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This Week in Anime - Are This Season's Isekai Anime Any Good?

Lucas gets his first taste of the TWIA's seasonal isekai sampler. Is there any spice this season, or is it all the same comfort food? ― Lucas gets his first taste of the TWIA's seasonal isekai sampler. Is there any spice this season, or is it all the same comfort food? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler War...
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This Week in Anime - What Do You Do When Your Fav Anime Isn't Simulcast?

In the modern streaming landscape, almost every anime series is simulcast for fans. Almost. Chris and Steve discuss what happens when a highly-anticipated series gets passed over. ― In the modern streaming landscape, almost every anime series is simulcast for fans. Almost. Chris and Steve discuss what happens when a highly-anticipated series gets passed over. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expre...
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This Week in Anime - What Is An 'Anime Game,' Anyway?

Chris and Lucas try to quantify the 'vibe' that makes something an anime game; is it point of origin, art style, or something else? ― Chris and Lucas try to quantify the 'vibe' that makes something an anime game; is it point of origin, art style, or something else? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning...
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This Week in Anime - Are We Experiencing a Retro Anime Gold Rush?

With shows like the original Urusei Yatsura and GTO coming to Netflix, Chris and Lucas take a deep dive into the retro anime world to answer the question: "Are we getting more releases and re-releases of older anime than ever before?" ― With shows like the original Urusei Yatsura and GTO coming to Netflix, Chris and Lucas take a deep dive into the retro anime world to answer the question: "Are we ge...
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This Week in Anime - Anime Adaptations That Aren't As Good As They Should Be

This week, Nick and Steve talk about sub-par anime adaptations of great books and manga—and end up dunking on The Witch and the Beast, Berserk, and Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer (just to name a few). ― This week, Nick and Steve talk about sub-par anime adaptations of great books and manga—and end up dunking on The Witch and the Beast, Berserk, and Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer (just to name a few)...
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This Week in Anime - Did Birdie Wing Start a Golf Anime Renaissance?

With no less than three new golf anime coming this spring season, Chris and Steve as the big question: Is this Birdie Wing's fault? ― With no less than three new golf anime coming this spring season, Chris and Steve ask the big question: Is this Birdie Wing's fault? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warnin...
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This Week in Anime - The Legacy of Akira Toriyama

This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the recent, ongoing, and not-yet-released works of the late, great Akira Toriyama—as well as the potential future of his most popular franchise. ― This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the recent, ongoing, and not-yet-released works of the late, great Akira Toriyama—as well as the potential future of his most popular franchise. Disclaimer: The views and opinions e...
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This Week in Anime - When Criticism Meets Anime Fandom

More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with their views. This week, our resident reviewers Chris and Lucas weigh in on what it means to approach anime works critically as reviewers. ― More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with th...
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This Week in Anime - What Manga Should Become Anime Next?

Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. ― Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Netwo...
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This Week in Anime - How Would You Like Your Fantasy Anime Served?

Chris and Steve discuss all the ways a fantasy anime can get it right and the shoddy mimics that catch viewers in their traps. ― Chris and Steve discuss all the ways a fantasy anime can get it right and the shoddy mimics that catch viewers in their traps. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. Delicious in Dungeon and...
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This Week in Anime - The Rise and Fall of Rooster Teeth

Lucas and Nick reflect on Rooster Teeth's legacy, from RWBY to gen:LOCK to Red vs. Blue following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to dissolve the production company. ― Lucas and Nick reflect on Rooster Teeth's legacy, from RWBY to gen:LOCK to Red vs. Blue following Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to dissolve the production company. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants...
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This Week in Anime - AI Is Here, But Who Is It Helping?

If this tech is making things worse for the people who work on this material and those who want to enjoy it, then who exactly is it for? ― Following Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini's confirmation that the company is already testing generative A.I. uses on subtitling and closed captioning, Chris and Lucas discuss where the technology could benefit more broadly and management's misjudgment on how t...
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This Week in Anime - Are the Anime Awards Broken?

What were the biggest snubs of the Anime Awards, and did what earned their rightful place as one of the best? Or is the whole thing a cover for marketing and business relationships? ― Nick and Steve are here with your after-awards banter. What were the biggest snubs of the Anime Awards, and did they earn their rightful place as one of the best? Or is the whole thing a cover for marketing and busines...
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This Week in Anime - Previously On Final Fantasy VII

Before you boot up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, let's remember Squaresoft's foray into feature films, including Spirits Within and the divisive Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. ― Before you boot up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, let's remember Squaresoft's foray into feature films, including Spirits Within and the divisive Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed...
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This Week in Anime - Off-Brands In My Anime

With the new, official WcDonald's campaign, Nick and Nicky revisit some of the off-brand appearances of real products in anime and other official campaigns that seem too weird to be true. ― With the new, official WcDonald's campaign, Nick and Nicky revisit some of the off-brand appearances of real products in anime and other official campaigns that seem too weird to be true. Disclaimer: The views an...
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This Week in Anime - A Look Back at Tatsuki Fujimoto Of The Prophecy

Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama will adapt Tatsuki Fujimoto's Look Back manga into an anime film this year, so there's no better time for review the inimitable creators' other one-shots. ― Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama will adapt Tatsuki Fujimoto's Look Back manga into an anime film this year, so there's no better time for TWIA to look back at the inimitable creators' other one-shots. Disclaimer: The views ...
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This Week in Anime - A New Age of Anime Delinquents

Bucchigiri is reintroducing the anime world to delinquent culture, but is this homage to old-school bad boys refreshing or lost on modern audiences? ― Bucchigiri is reintroducing the anime world to delinquent culture, but is this homage to old-school bad boys refreshing or lost on modern audiences? Bucchigiri?!, Tokyo Revengers (first season), Kenka Banchō Otome: Girl Beats Boys, Yu Yu Hakusho, Haji...
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This Week in Anime - The Amazing Action Anime of Director Sunghoo Park

Director Sunghoo Park's latest anime is a blood-soaked action spectacle that builds off years of stellar choreography and gripping fight sequences. ― Director Sunghoo Park's latest anime is a blood-soaked action spectacle that builds off years of stellar choreography and gripping fight sequences. Find out more about his work below. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in ...
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This Week in Anime - When Your Fav Anime Couple is Problematic

Chris and Nicky take on fandom shipping discourse and coming to grips with your problematic favorite couple. ― Chris and Nicky take on fandom shipping discourse and coming to grips with your problematic favorite couple. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders, BanG Dream! It'...
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This Week in Anime - Metallic Rouge and 25 Years of BONES

Nicky and Steve renumerate on the history of BONES' various original anime and take a look at its 25th year anniversary project Metallic Rouge. (There may also be an excessive amount of bone-related puns.) ― Nicky and Steve renumerate on the history of BONES' various original anime and take a look at its 25th-year anniversary project Metallic Rouge. (There may also be an excessive amount of bone-rel...
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This Week in Anime - Getting into Gundam (and Other Long-Running Anime)

Nick and Chris tackle the issue of getting into long-running anime series—and why it's not really the intimidating prospect it might appear to be at first glance. ― Nick and Chris tackle the issue of getting into long-running anime series—and why it's not really the intimidating prospect it might appear to be at first glance. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this c...
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This Week in Anime - Why Do We Love Animated Food?

Nick and Steve dive into some of the most delicious-looking anime around while talking about why they have been (and continue to be) so popular. ― Nick and Steve dive into some of the most delicious-looking anime around while talking about why they have been (and continue to be) so popular. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime Ne...
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This Week in Anime - Do Game Mechanics Make or Break Anime?

Chris and Nicky discuss the gamification of anime narratives from Solo Leveling to BOFURI. What's the best way to integrate familiar game elements into a story (hint: it's not stat screens). ― Chris and Nicky discuss the gamification of anime narratives (and life in general) from Solo Leveling to BOFURI. What's the best way to integrate familiar game elements into a story (hint: it's not stat screen...
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This Week in Anime - Is Cygames a Mark of Anime Quality?

Known primarily for their involvement in mobile games, Cygames has quietly been producing some of the best, most farcical anime of the last decade. ― Known primarily for their involvement in mobile games, Cygames has quietly been producing some of the best, most farcical anime of the last decade. Steve and Chris look back on Zombie Land Saga, Uma Musume, and this season's Brave Bang Bravern! Brave B...
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This Week in Anime - Mari Okada's Rise: From Anohana to Maboroshi

Nick and Nicky look back on how Mari Okada's voice as a writer and director lead up to her strangest anime entry yet, maboroshi. ― Nick and Nicky look back on how Mari Okada's voice as a writer and director lead up to her strangest anime entry yet, maboroshi. Maquia - When the Promised Flower Blooms, anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, Kiznaiver, and Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine are avai...
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This Week in Anime - What is the Anime Localization Controversy?

Nick and Chris weigh in on the vitriol and misinformation swirling around AI usage and localization in anime and manga translation. ― Nick and Chris weigh in on the vitriol and misinformation swirling around AI usage and localization in anime and manga translation. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning...
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This Week in Anime - What's the Recipe for a Good Isekai?

Nicky and Nick return to this season's isekai mines and manage to excavate one (1) actually good anime. ― Nicky and Nick return to this season's isekai mines and manage to excavate one (1) actually good anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the series ahead. @Lossthief @BeeDubs...
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This Week in Anime - When Does an Anime Need a Reboot?

Steve and Chris consider the necessity of rebooting popular anime like One Piece and Hunter x Hunter in the larger anime media landscape. Strap in, they talk about Fullmetal Alchemist in this one. ― Steve and Chris consider the necessity of rebooting popular anime like One Piece and Hunter x Hunter in the larger anime media landscape. Strap in, they talk about Fullmetal Alchemist in this one. Discla...
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This Week in Anime - What Happens When Magical Girls Grow Up?

Nicky and Chris, inspired by the recent raunchy Gushing Over Magical Girls, look at other more mature iterations of the magical girl genre. ― Nicky and Chris, inspired by the recent raunchy Gushing Over Magical Girls, look at other more mature iterations of the magical girl genre. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network...
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This Week in Anime - On the Last Day of Anime Christmas...

Discover the stranger side of anime with Tatami Time Machine Blues, Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo, and whatever the heck Flying Phantom Ship is. ― For the second half of TWIA's Secret Santa, Nicky and Chris get retro with their anime surprises. Discover the stranger side of anime with Tatami Time Machine Blues, Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo, and whatever the heck Flying Phantom Ship is. Ma...
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This Week in Anime - On The First Day of Anime Christmas...

Nick and Steve secretly decide what anime the other will watch from their backlogs. These stocking stuffers include classic (and infamous) anime series like BECK, Guilty Crown, Key the Metal Idol, and more. ― Nick and Steve secretly decide what anime the other will watch from their backlogs. These stocking stuffers include classic (and infamous) anime series like BECK, Guilty Crown, Key the Metal Id...
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This Week in Anime - Fast Cars, Anime, and Eurobeat

Steve and Nicky put on their helmets for a high-octane discussion of Initial D, its successor MF Ghost, and the dark horse of the season, Ei Aoki's Overtake! ― Steve and Nicky put on their helmets for a high-octane discussion of Initial D, its successor MF Ghost, and the dark horse of the season, Ei Aoki's Overtake! The anime discussed in this column are streaming via Crunchyroll and HIDIVE. Disclai...
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This Week in Anime - An Anime Night at the Movies

Chris and Nick head to the cinema to see Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron and discuss why seeing an anime film in theaters is the preferred viewing experience. ― Chris and Nick head to the cinema to see Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and The Heron and discuss why seeing an anime film in theaters is the preferred viewing experience (if you can find a showing, that is). The films discussed in this col...
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This Week in Anime - How Do You Manage Your Anime Backlog?

Nicky and Chris wax about the anime they keep meaning to get to and what methods help them just sit down and watch. ― Nicky and Chris wax about the anime they keep meaning to get to and what methods help them just sit down and watch. This series is streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and HIDIVE Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime...
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This Week in Anime - Frieren's Demon Problem

Steve and Nick tune back in to Frieren: Beyond Journey's End to discuss the series' primary antagonists: demons and how fantasy often handles "evil races." ― Steve and Nick tune back in to Frieren: Beyond Journey's End to discuss the series' primary antagonists: demons and how fantasy often handles "evil races." Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not...
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This Week in Anime - Made in Abyss Ignites Firestorm in K-Pop Fandom

Chris and Steve revisit the dark fantasy series' controversy after several K-Pop idols come under criticism for watching or reading the series. ― Chris and Steve revisit the dark fantasy series' controversy after several K-Pop idols come under criticism for watching or reading the series. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News...
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This Week in Anime - What the Hell is Going on at MAPPA?

Nicky and Nick look at the production issues at Jujutsu Kaisen studio MAPPA following several social media posts from animators working there. ― Nicky and Nick look at the production issues at Jujutsu Kaisen studio MAPPA following several social media posts from animators working there. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News N...
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This Week in Anime - Scott Pilgrim Takes Off in a New Direction

Nick and Chris dive into the brand-new adaptation of the fan-favorite comic, although something is missing...where's Scott? ― Nick and Chris dive into the brand-new adaptation of the fan-favorite comic, although something is missing...where's Scott? Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is streaming on Netflix Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of An...
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This Week in Anime - Shigeru Mizuki

Halloween may have passed but that won't stop Nicky and Steve from taking a deep dive into the OG of horror manga, Shigeru Mizuki. ― Halloween may have passed but that won't stop Nicky and Steve from taking a deep dive into the OG of horror manga, Shigeru Mizuki. Akuma Kun (2023) is available through Netflix, GeGeGe no Kitarō (2018) is available through Crunchyroll, NONONBA and Onwards Towards Our N...
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This Week in Anime - 100 Girlfriends Is The Endgame Of Harem Anime

Chris and Nick find the true meaning of a harem anime: choosing all the girls instead of one. ― Chris and Nick find the true meaning of a harem anime: choosing all the girls instead of one. All the series mentioned in this column are streaming on Crunchyroll Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for di...
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This Week in Anime - Key, The Landmark Visual Novel Studio

The visual novel studio Key created some of the most heartwrenching stories adapted to anime. Christopher and Steve look back on CLANNAD, Kanon, Planetarian, and more to see if the emotional beats are still devastating. ― The visual novel studio Key created some of the most heartwrenching stories adapted to anime. Christopher and Steve look back on CLANNAD, Kanon, Planetarian, and more to see if the...
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This Week in Anime - It's the Anime Rap Battle of the Century!!

Do rap sequences in anime hold a sincere appreciation for the art form? Nick and Nicky look at two rap-focused anime and the musical genre in series over the years. ― Do rap sequences in anime hold a sincere appreciation for the art form? Nick and Nicky look at two rap-focused anime and the musical genre in series over the years. HYPNOSIS MIC, Paradox Live The Animation, Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ul...
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This Week in Anime - PLUTO is a Masterclass in Anime Reimaginings

Chris and Steve dive into Naoki Urasawa and Studio M2's Pluto anime and discuss why "aging up" a property intended for children can be a perfect sandbox for broader commentary. ― Chris and Steve dive into Naoki Urasawa and Studio M2's Pluto anime and discuss why "aging up" a property intended for children can be a perfect sandbox for broader commentary. The anime discussed in this column are streami...
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This Week in Anime - Halloween Anime Spooktacular

Happy Halloween, anime fans! We have a special TWIA on this extra spooky Tuesday. Nick and Nicky discuss their favorite horror series and compare notes on which anime monsters are perfect for the season. ― Happy Halloween, anime fans! We have a special TWIA on this extra spooky Tuesday. Nick and Nicky discuss their favorite horror series and compare notes on which anime monsters are perfect for the ...
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This Week in Anime - Director Masaomi Andō, from School-Live! to SHY

Director Masaomi Andō (SHY) has quietly created some of the best series in the last decade. Steve and Nicky look back at his past work to see how he utilizes different tricks to create engaging entertainment. ― Director Masaomi Andō has quietly created some of the best series in the last decade. His latest outing is SHY, a superhero action series starring a hero with overwhelming anxiety. Steve and ...
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This Week in Anime - Mecha Anime You May Have Missed

It's always Gundam this and Macross that, but what about those ready to enter a new mecha-verse? There's more to giant robots than decades-spanning franchises. Nick and Chris uncover some mecha anime you may have missed. ― It's always Gundam this and Macross that, but what about those ready to enter a new mecha-verse? There's more to giant robots than decades-spanning franchises. Nick and Chris unco...
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This Week in Anime -Narou-ing Down Your Anime Watchlist

This season is bigger than ever, but surprisingly, there isn't much isekai to sift through. Instead, Nick and Steve look at web novel adaptations and which are worth your time. ― During the last few anime seasons, TWIA alums have taken up the mantle to wade through the seasonal isekai to find the cream of the crop. This season is bigger than ever, but surprisingly, there isn't much isekai to sift th...
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This Week in Anime - What's the Deal with Extra-Long Anime Premieres?

Chris and Nicky examine the recent spat of feature-length anime premieres, whether the story calls for it, or if it's all in pursuit of the elusive "prestige" designation. ― Chris and Nicky examine the recent spat of feature-length anime premieres, whether the story calls for it, or if it's all in pursuit of the elusive "prestige" designation. This series is streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and ot...
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This Week in Anime - We Love Boys' Love

In celebration of the Sasaki and Miyano film, Chris and Nicky share their favorite BL series and why the genre is for everyone. ― In celebration of the Sasaki and Miyano film, Chris and Nicky share their favorite BL series and why the genre is for everyone. You can watch the series and movies mentioned here on Crunchyroll (Sasaki and Miyano, Junjo Romantica, Classmates, The Stranger by the Shore, Gi...
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This Week in Anime - What Crunchyroll Purchasing RightStuf Means To Us

The changeover is finally happening. One of the community's long-standing favorite online shops will become "The Crunchyroll Store" next month. Nick and Steve reflect on the change and what it might herald for the anime community at large. ― The changeover is finally happening. One of the community's long-standing favorite online shops will become "The Crunchyroll Store" next month. Nick and Steve r...
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This Week in Anime - Osamu Tezuka Anime Through Time

Nick and Nicky check out the newest take on legendary manga creator Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix and take time to reflect the many iterations of his work through the years. ― Nick and Nicky check out the newest take on legendary manga creator Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix and take time to reflect the many iterations of his work through the years. You can watch the Tezuka series mentioned here on Hulu/Disney+ (Ph...
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This Week in Anime - The Legacy of Buichi Terasawa

Join Chris and Steve as they dive into Space Adventure Cobra, Goku Midnight Eye, and other Terasawa's works that made him one of the legends in the industry. ― The anime and manga world lost yet another legend with the recent passing of Buichi Terasawa, the author behind the iconic 1978 manga series Space Adventure Cobra. Join Chris and Steve this week as they dive into Terasawa's works that made hi...
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This Week in Anime - The Dynamic Direction of Mamoru Hatakeyama

Mamoru Hatakeyama, the director of Undead Murder Farce has a career as colorful as the anime. Steve and Chris invite us to take a look at his other amazing and stylish works. ― Mamoru Hatakeyama, the director of Undead Murder Farce has a career as colorful as the anime. Steve and Chris invite us to take a look at his other amazing and stylish works. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by th...

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