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[en]What You Need to Know: [/en][es]Lo que necesitas saber: [/es]

• Today, DeNA Co announced a number of special in-game rewards and events for Attack on Titan TACTICS, an officially licensed mobile game based on the popular anime series Attack on Titan. Most notably, players will get the opportunity to see some of their favorite Attack on Titan characters such as Reiner Braun, Jean Kirschtein, Annie Leonhart, and Bertholdt Hoover, dressed up in spooky Halloween costumes. More information on these special in-game rewards and events is shown below
• Attack on Titan TACTICS is a tower defense and real-time strategy game where players build and deploy an elite team of Scouts to defend their base from a relentless onslaught of Titans. The game features fan-favorite characters like Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackermann, Captain Levi, and more, and follows the story from the first season of the Attack on Titan anime. The game is free-to-start with in-app purchases on compatible iOS and Android devices in the US, Canada, and Australia.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

Special in-game Rewards and Events

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[en]What You Need to Know: [/en][es]Lo que necesitas saber: [/es]

• Spike Chunsoft is excited to release a Conception PLUS: Maidens of the Twelve Stars game overview trailer! This trailer includes an introduction to the charming Star Maidens and key battle elements! Curious about how Star Children are made in Conception PLUS?
• Conception PLUS: Maidens of the Twelve Stars is available for digital pre-order! Pre-order Conception PLUS for PlayStation 4 (NA) and get a PlayStation 4 exclusive theme and 10% discount! PlayStation Store page.
• Conception PLUS will be available for PlayStation 4 and Steam(PC) on November 5, 2019 (NA) and November 8, 2019 (EU)! The physical Day 1 Edition includes a mini astrology-themed calendar featuring each Star Maiden. The Steam version of Conception PLUS will include digital soundtrack and 10% off for a limited time! Steam store page

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

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10. Machikado Mazoku (The Demon Girl Next Door)

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" July 2019 - September 2019 " post_id=""]

High school girl Yoshida Yuuko wakes up one day to find out she has grown horns and a tail. Yuuko’s mother Seiko finally reveals their family secret: They’re descendants of demons of the Dark Clan who were defeated and become impoverished through a curse by their mortal enemies, the magical girls of the Light Clan. Yuuko is destined to one day slay a magical girl and lift herself and her family from poverty. Yuuko’s target is her classmate Chiyoda Momo, the resident magical girl and is more experienced and more powerful than her. Thankfully though, Momo happily agrees to help Yuuko draw out her latent powers, so Yuuko can beat her. Machikado Mazoku is essentially a “cute girls doing cute things” show featuring two frenemies getting along, despite their clans’ long history of, uhm, “disagreements.” Momo, the magical girl, finds Yuuko, the demon girl, interesting to talk with, easy to tease, and sees her as a friend. Yuuko is too timid and clumsy to become the next demon girl to slay a magical girl, but you still get to appreciate that Yuuko is trying to live up to her family’s expectations.

9. Gabriel DropOut

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" January 2017 - March 2017 " post_id=""]

Gabriel Tenma White is a top student in heaven and as a graduation requirement to become a full-fledged angel, Gabriel must live amongst humans as a high school girl and help them by spreading kindness, peace, and happiness. Unfortunately, Gabriel wasn’t prepared for the temptations that lie waiting in the human world: video games. Tainted after eating the forbidden fruit, Gabriel becomes a shut-in and her personality changes from a helpful energetic girl to a slob who doesn’t care about anything else other than her video gaming lifestyle. Is this the path Gabriel will go or is there a chance for her to redeem herself and become a true angel? Gabriel DropOut is a story about angels and demons living together in the human world. The roles of angels and demons in Gabriel DropOut aren’t clear cut because our main heroine Gabriel isn’t a perfect example of how an angel should be. Gabriel’s classmate and fellow angel Raphiel is an ideal angel on the outside, but she’s secretly a sadistic stalker who bullies her classmate Satanichia, a demon. Despite being a demon, Vignette is a responsible, kind, and friendly girl and people mistake her for an angel. And let’s not forget the bumbling and “evil” demon Satanichia who wishes to cause mischief and chaos but whose plans always end up backfiring. Despite her diabolical intentions, she’s not as extreme as Gabriel. Angels causing mischief and demons doing good deeds? That pretty much sums up Gabriel DropOut.

8. Overlord

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[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" July 2015-September 2015 " post_id=""]

Momonga is a high-level undead spellcaster in a Dive Massively Multiplayer Online RPG called Yggdrasil and he’s one of the most powerful players, possessing powerful spells and commanding powerful NPC servants. His reign will soon come to an end after the popular MMO finally closes its servers. Momonga remains in the server until the expiry date, but instead of getting logged out, he is transported into an unknown world as his undead avatar. Unable to log out, Momonga organizes his now-sentient NPC servants to scour the land for clues and signs of other people stuck in the world like him. Overlord is like watching an evil villain planning to conquer the world through fear and despair using his demonic magic and with the aid of his army of powerful demonic minions. Instead of telling the story through the lens of the weak humans, Overlord tells the story focusing on the demons themselves. They kill, they consume human flesh, but at the same time, they’re very likable due to their colorful personalities. You just can’t help but cheer them on in their conquest to rule the world.

7. Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu (How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord)

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" bookwalker_id="" cdj_product_id="" text="crunchyroll" url="http://www.crunchyroll.com/how-not-to-summon-a-demon-lord" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" July 2018 - September 2018 " post_id=""]

In the MMORPG Cross Reverie lies the most powerful and undefeated player, Demon Lord Diablo. Possessing the rarest of items, the most powerful of spells, the most exotic of equipment, and an unrivaled player level, Diablo defeats every player he encounters without taking damage. Behind this menacing reputation is Sakamoto Takuma, a socially awkward shut-in who devoted his secluded life to making his avatar Diablo the most powerful in Cross Reverie. As with any Isekai anime, Takumi is summoned to a magical world and takes the form of his avatar, also possessing all of the magic and equipment the Demon Lord Diablo has acquired! Demons are a race in the fantasy world of Cross Reverie and their striking features among other races are, well, just horns on their heads. It’s not the most creative way to depict demons, but hey, they’re called demons, so they’re demons. But anyway, there are two main demons in Isekai Maou and we get to spend the entire series with the self-proclaimed Demon Lord Diablo. That’s pretty much it, actually. But hey, let’s hope we get a season two for more answers and hopefully more demons.

6. Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho (Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files)

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[Information episodes=" 112 " aired=" October 1992 - January 1995 " post_id=""]

Urameshi Yusuke is a delinquent who, on one fateful day, throws himself in front of a car to save a young boy and dies. Due to his unexpected good deed, Koenma, the heir to the throne of the spirit realm gives Yusuke another chance in life by making him a spirit detective to fight against evil spirits who are disrupting the balance of the human realm. Yusuke encounters supernatural friends and foes in his adventure as a spirit detective to not only fight for his right to a new life, but to save the human world as well. Now, we can’t make a list without mentioning the classic Yuu Yuu Hakusho. Dragon Ball, Flame of Recca, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, My Hero Academia… Yuu Yuu Hakusho is a traditional shounen anime with a focus on action, adventure and insane power levels. Unlike Dragon Ball Z’s androids and aliens, or Naruto’s ninjas and mystical ninjitsu, Yuu Yuu Hakusho is more focused on the supernatural, involving spirits, apparitions, and youkai. If it’s demon-slaying or demon-befriending you want, you can find it here.

5. DEVILMAN crybaby (Devilman: Crybaby)

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[Information episodes=" 10 " aired=" January 2018 " post_id=""]

Fudou Akira and Asuka Ryou have been friends since childhood and they are complete opposites of each other. Akira cries when someone close to him passes away, and Ryou is more calculating, cunning and cold-hearted, and won’t hesitate to take a life. 10 years later, Ryou asks for Akira’s help in uncovering the truth about demons living among humans by going to where the demons congregate; the Sabbath, an underground party of sex, drugs, sacrifices, and debauchery. Amidst the bloodshed, Akira is possessed by a powerful demon and becomes Devilman—a man with the body of a devil but with the heart of a human. Devilman is one of the oldest series in Japan and it has been remade for each generation of audiences who are looking for a grim story of gods and demons, and at the same time not as extreme or pornographic as the grandfather of hentai Urotsukidoji. Devilman Crybaby is the series’ current iteration and just like its predecessors, it has violence, sex, demons, a whole lot of blood and gore, and lots of Christian symbolism. Unlike the majority of the titles on this list that feature demons as a class, race, or a type of monster that casts magic, Devilman has actual demons—in the traditional sense—and they’re not pretty.

4. Endro~!

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" January 2019 - March 2019 " post_id=""]

Yusha, the Hero, Seiran the Priest, Fai the Warrior, and Mei the Magician all face the Demon King in a fierce battle that will determine the fate of the world. And with their combined powers, they banish the Demon King into the void and the world is saved from evil. Roll credits! But wait, there’s more to the story! The Demon King wasn’t banished into the void, but instead, he was sent back through time in the body of a loli demon. Concealing his identity, the Demon King, now known as Mao, infiltrates the Adventurer School as a teacher to stop the girl Yusha from becoming the destined hero. While half of the story focuses more on Yusha and the gang, the other half of it is more on Mao, the cutest demon king ever. After several failed attempts at stopping Yusha from becoming the new hero destined to defeat the demon king, Mao gives up her plans to rule the world and continues living as a teacher for young adventurers. But Mao can’t avoid her fate as the demon king, so there will be a time when Mao discards her loli form and rises up to fight the hero. Mao is the only demon character in the show, but you can forgive Endro~! for the lack of demons because Mao and her antics are so darned cute!

3. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer: Kitsumetsu no Yaiba)

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[Information episodes=" 26 " aired=" April 2019 - September 2019 " post_id=""]

Kamado Tanjirou returns home to find that his family was brutally murdered and eaten by demons. The only survivor of the massacre is his sister Nezuko who has been cursed and turns into a demon herself. But a part of her humanity still remains, so Nezuko and Tanjirou trek across the Japanese countryside to find a way to lift the curse. In order to achieve his goals, Tanjirou must train hard to be stronger by joining the Demon Slayer Corps, a secret group of warriors who specialize in hunting down demons. Some of the fans may have been disappointed at the deception—fans expecting a depressing story about finding a way to end the demonic curse instead of a shounen-esque action-adventure story. But it’s a fact that the story revolves around fighting against man-eating demons. The demons in Kimetsu no Yaiba are your typical grotesque humanoid monsters with modern twists like having a wide arsenal of magical or elemental powers at their disposal. Though the real meat of Kimetsu no Yaiba is its multi-layered story and a huge cast of characters with their own motives as to why they joined the Demon Slayer Corps.

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2. Beelzebub-jou no Okinimesu mama. (As Miss Beelzebub Likes.)

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" October 2018 - September 2018 " post_id=""]

Hell, also known as Pandemonium, is where fallen angels go to become demons. Under the new management by the Great Demon Beelzebub—a fallen angel who has fought against Heaven alongside Satan—Pandemonium has drastically been changed to become a peaceful and great place to live in, rivaling Heaven’s high standards of living. Demons live peacefully together in actual towns bustling with life and full of color, gone are pesky things like fire, brimstone, and eternal agony. Just who is this Beelzebub? Oh, Beelzebub is just a cute petite girl who loves fluffy things. Beelzebub-jou no Okinimesu mama. is simply a slice of life anime about the always-lovely and always surrounded by fluffy things Beelzebub, and a huge cast of interesting demon characters working together to make Pandemonium a great place to live in. If you’re looking for a more comfy demonic experience without the blood, fighting, and eternal damnation, then Beelzebub-jou no Okinimesu mama. is a great way to convince yourself to become a fallen angel.

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1. Maoyuu Maou Yuusha (Maoyu ~ Archenemy & Hero)

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" January 2013 - March 2013 " post_id=""]

The war between humans and demons has raged on for 15 years. Many lives on both sides have been lost, chaos has ensued and the once fertile lands have been reduced to ash. A hero has appeared in this time of need and with the help of his companions, they lead the human army into the Demon Realm and strike at the heart—the Demon King. With the slow advancement of the army, the hero grows impatient and recklessly rushes to the Demon King’s castle alone. Upon arriving at the castle, the hero confronts the Demon King—a woman of unparalleled beauty who is seeking the Hero’s help to stop the war… Using economics and agriculture. Maoyuu Maou Yuusha isn’t your typical fantasy anime because it focuses more on the backbone of every military—industries like agriculture, farming, infrastructure, and the like. Both human and demon races benefit from the war by providing new jobs, improving trading with neighboring nations, and bringing supplies and aid to outlying colonies with little natural resources to exploit. But war isn’t the perfect solution to maintain prosperity so the Demon King convinces the Hero to find better solutions by researching new technologies for food production by introducing potatoes and corn.

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Final Thoughts

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Introduction

10. Kyoukai no Kanata (Beyond the Boundary)

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Oct. 2013 – Dec. 2013 " post_id=""]

As a spirit warrior, it is Mirai Kuriyama’s duty to take down “youmu”, demons that are created by the congregation of negative human emotion. However, one day, she attacks Akihito Kanbara, a youmu half-breed who also happens to be immortal. Thankfully, her attack doesn’t kill the boy and they are able to form a friendship that helps boost Mirai’s confidence. Though it is not the most unique plot, Kyoukai no Kanata takes the common and makes it beautiful. This is both in the literal sense as well as a more figurative one. As to the literal, one of the strongest aspects of this anime is its wondrous animation, both on and off the field of battle. As we watch spirit warriors battle against demon, we are mesmerized and brought into an incredible fantasy. In regards to the figurative, there are several touches here and there of humor and tenderness throughout the story. The timing and placement of these moments show a certain amount of care and an understanding of how to embellish a narrative.

9. Hataraku Maou-sama! (The Devil is a Part-Timer!)

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[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" Apr. 2013 – Jun. 2013 " post_id=""]

The Demon Lord Satan had put into action his plans of conquering of Ente Isla. His plans, sadly, are ruined by the hero Emilia as she cuts through his forces. Before she can land the finishing blow though, Satan and his most loyal servant, Alsiel, are transported to a new world, Earth. The writers behind Hataraku Maou-sama! did a great job flipping the typical demon storyline on its head. Instead of focusing on epic battles and gore, this anime finds relief and enjoyment in the most ordinary aspects life. In this way, the show succeeds tremendously as you truly feel connected to the relationships that grow within its 13-episode run. You feel connected and you realize just how important relationships are vs. money and other facets of society. Admittedly, the animators did a tremendous job on the initial battles and most people might have just been perfectly content watching 13 episodes of that glorious action.

8. Bakemonogatari

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[Information episodes=" 15 " aired=" Jul. 2009 – Jun. 2010 " post_id=""]

Bakemonogatari follows Koyomi Araragi after he’s been cured of vampirism and by some circumstances of fate, continuously runs into people who have been affected by supernatural events. The first he meets and who holds a major role in both Koyomi’s development, as well as the plot, is Tsubasa Hanekawa. Many of you are probably wondering why Bakemonogatari isn’t higher up on this list. In terms of production quality, story, and most other components in an anime, this show is one of the best. However, its actual focus on demons is more conceptual. Despite relying heavily on a spirit world, this show isn’t the typical demon anime. Yes, there are demons that must be faced and handled on an episodic basis, but the true demons are inside. The true demons are the thoughts and feelings that live within us after an event and cause us to rescind from normal and healthy interactions.

7. InuYasha

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[Information episodes=" 167 " aired=" Oct. 2000 – Sep. 2004 " post_id=""]

As mentioned above, this list has some oldies. Now if you haven’t seen or heard about Inuyasha then you have some catching up to do. Following Kagome into a past world full of demons, InuYasha tasks Kagome with the responsibility of gathering the shards of a sacred jewel before they fall into the wrong hands. Both action/adventure and love story, InuYasha has something for everyone. It deftly handles social constructs, prejudices, and other conflicts as Kagome befriends and works with the half-human, half-demon Inuyasha. The best part of this show though, is that the primary demon antagonists all have massive and intriguing personalities. The early antagonisms of Sesshomaru force a lot of action as well as character development. The reasons behind Kagura’s attacks will break your heart. Overall, it’s the backstories of the demons and their personal struggles that really add a certain flavor to the show.

6. Claymore

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[Information episodes=" 26 " aired=" Apr. 2007 – Sep. 2007 " post_id=""]

It’s a morbid world to begin with, and the fact that demons, which feast on human flesh, can easily blend into society doesn’t make things easier on humans. Luckily, there are women who are able to fight off these demons. However, their bravery comes at a cost. These women themselves are half-demon and so are shunned by the very society that they protect. Claymore, for those who haven’t seen it, is somewhat like an older, gorier, and more adult version of Madoka Magica. Female guardians alone have the power to take out these demons. However, their powers ostracize them and can ultimately turn then into that which they hunt. Specifically, following Clare through this setting, we get a first-hand glimpse of the daily hardships that these women face. We are also asked what power relationships, even the lack of them, have on a person.

5. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

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[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" Oct. 2008 – Mar. 2009 " post_id=""]

Cecil Phantomhive’s parents were murdered when he was still a very young child, leaving him in charge of one of the most prosperous houses in England. In order to achieve revenge and thrive in the cut-throat world he’s been thrust into, the young master makes a contract with a demon. The demon shall be his butler and fulfill Cecil’s each wish in exchange for the boy’s soul when all is said and done. Sebastian. Sebastian Michealis is all that needs to be said. This demon is one hell of a butler and on an episodic basis proves his incredible. Whether it’s cooking the best dish of curry or dispatching threats to Cecil, he is perfection incarnate. Pulling off the contrasting personas of obedient servant and ultimate bad boy, Sebastian charms just about anyone and everyone who watches the show.

4. Ao No Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

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[Information episodes=" 25 " aired=" Apr. 2011 – Oct. 2011 " post_id=""]

Following Rin Okumura, Ao no Exorcist throws us into a world where demons consistently try to find their way into the human world. In fact, Rin Okumura himself is sort of one of the demons as he has been infused with Satan’s power, which in a way makes him the son of Satan. Well, he’s not only the son of Satan, but also the possible gateway for the demon king into the human world. In terms of enjoyment and action, few can compare to Ao No Exorcist. Its production qualities are top notch and engage viewers immediately. Its first episode is dramatic and powerful and will hook you in on the spot. From there, it has good character development that is joined by the common ‘power vs. control’ motif. Admittedly, the story does feel a little drawn out over its run, but it’s all worth it when you watch Rin unleash his inner demon.

3. D.Gray-Man

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[Information episodes=" 103 " aired=" Oct. 2006 – Sep. 2008 " post_id=""]

Similar to Ao No Exorcist, D.Gray-Man is an action shounen that chases after Allen Walker as he and his fellow exorcists try to dispel demons and stop the Millennium Earl from destroying the world. For those asking why D.Gray-Man is higher up than Ao No Exorcist, the answer is story. D.Gray-Man’s story is a step or two above the normal shounen arc. Yes, it still has a lot of typical elements, but there’s a lot more focus on the emotional and mental viewpoints of the characters. Each character has quite a bit of depth that he/she must wade through and each character has their own motives for fighting. In the end, the show is even able to blur the lines between who is good and who is bad. Would you expect anything less though from a show that has its initial and constant conflict arise from the fact that the deceased are being called back into torture by the suffering and love of their loved ones?

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2. Berserk (2016)

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[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Jul. 2016 – Sep. 2016 " post_id=""]

Berserk continues to follow Guts when Guts is more pissed off than you could ever imagine. He’s been betrayed and branded and he’s out for blood with a determination that is akin to the hell-bent forces that chase him. The man’s taken up an iron slab to literally smash his enemies in a rather personal and brutal manner. Berserk is one of those anime that lives off the presence of demons. Demons in human form control so many aspects of this world’s setting and provide numerous threats and obstacles. However, what truly pushes this show forward is how easily human nature can be molded into that of demons. Political intrigue, corruption, blind faith and so much more depict the uglier side of humanity as humans fight one another as much as they do the forces of the undead.

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1. Hoozuki no Reitetsu (Hozuki’s Coolheadedness)

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[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" Jan. 2014 – Apr. 2014 " post_id=""]

Let’s be real. Hell, whether acting as simply the after life or the specific destination for eternal damnation, has a lot of souls going its way. Now, one might argue that such a world doesn’t require law, but the truth is that punishment and favors need to be met. As a result, a well-functioning bureaucracy is key to a successful Hell. Go figure. In terms of demons, you don’t get much better than the setting being the underworld. Yokai fill up every minute of this anime and in a rather unique way, as the show focuses more on discourse than fighting. Showing everyday moments that deal with Hoozuki hustling other spirits and handling grievances, Hoozuki no Reitetsu proves that life isn’t so different on the other side. Helping to push this mold-breaking anime, is it incredible use of sound, especially its awesome intro song, and its beautiful artwork that incorporates a more traditional look. Altogether, these factors mix into a fresh and respectable comedy that will have you laughing each time Hoozuki enacts some form of torture.

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Conclusion

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" cdj_product_id="" text="viz" url="https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/shonen-jump-new-chapters-10-11-19" ]

Discussion Time

The doctor in chapter 246 of Boku no Hero Academia brought up a good point. All for One was a powerhouse with his ability to not only use one Quirk but several. In hindsight, as Tomura’s power has clearly grown—now he’s able to destroy all those connected to what he touches—we saw other villains and heroes have their Quirks advance as well! The future of Quirks seems to be a scary one where more people will get different versions of Quirks that could become even stronger and deadlier than the past generations. Beyond even that realization, the doctor seems to have a plan to enhance Tomura—albeit through a grueling process—that can be done in four months! This possible threat to the world could be devastating and we might see Tomura becoming even more powerful than his master All for One!!! Meanwhile, our training heroes are all under the careful tutoring of various pro-heroes and agencies with their skills only increasing as well. As we hear at the end though, will the next season bring more joy to our heroes or will something sinister be in store for them? We have eight days to wait for the next Boku no Hero Academia chapter, but till then, let’s dive into some great reasons why you need to check out Boku no Hero Academia chapter 246!

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1. Tomura is Going to Evolve!?

Our evil doctor seems to have some plans in store for Tomura that he didn’t get to activate on All for One. Apparently, after 4 months of testing, Tomura will gain an even stronger version of himself! What will this version of decay look like? Tomura Shigaraki has always been a true threat, but in four months, he might be comparable to All for One…

2. Hero Training Continues!

Despite what possibly awaits our young heroes, their training must continue forward! With time running out, our pro-heroes will need to truly take their young heroes and mold them into pros themselves. Can Endeavor bite back his pride and truly reign in heroes like Bakugo? Their training is truly beginning and we can’t wait to see what challenges they will face!

Final Thoughts

Boku no Hero Academia chapter 246 was a truly ominous one. Behind the scenes, our leader of the newly established Paranormal Liberation Front is about to evolve into a new threat and our heroes are none the wiser. Can our pros and heroes in training gather their strength and be ready in only four months’ time? What do you readers think? Comment below with some thoughts and what you’re loving about this series so far! Be sure to keep stuck to our hive for even more Boku no Hero Academia chapter reviews done by us busy bees here at Honey’s Anime!

Let’s Say Something Amazing Right Now!

Joshikousei no Mudazukai (Wasteful Days of High School Girl) Introduction and Story

As the title suggests, Joshikousei no Mudazukai chronicles the ‘wasteful days’ of a group of high school girls, namely Nozomu Tanaka, Akane Kikuchi, and Shiori Saginomiya, who each acquire nicknames befitting their personalities early on in the series along with the rest of their class. These nicknames were first thought up by Nozomu and include "Ota" for Akane, who is an aspiring manga artist and avid vocaloid and BL otaku, “Robo” for the virtually emotionless, bacteria-obsessed Shiori, "Loli" for their diminutive classmate Saku Momoi, and "Baka" for Nozomu herself (this one given to her by Akane and Shiori) for reasons immediately obvious. In terms of plot, Joshikousei no Mudazukai is quite light. Baka is determined to get a boyfriend during high school despite her lack of social graces and mental facilities (not realizing the school she signed up for was girls-only isn’t helping either). Ota struggles with trying to become a manga artist, particularly when it comes to drawing bent knees, and Robo is mostly preoccupied with her various experiments. The trio mostly jokes around with each other and their classmates as they live their everyday lives.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" cdj_product_id="" text="crunchyroll" url="https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/06/30-1/foolishness-intensifies-in-wasteful-days-of-high-school-girls-pv" ]

1. Solid Comedy

Obviously, the most important part of a light series like this is the humor and we think that Joshikousei no Mudazukai overall delivers. This series has a sense of self-awareness but still embraces a lot of chaotic stupidity that keeps things entertaining throughout as Baka’s ridiculous antics frequently spiral out of control. We thought the balance of physical, wordplay, and situation comedy was also well done, offering up some nice variety.

2. Good Character Dynamics and Development

While a lot of similar shows struggle with giving enough time and development to the whole cast, Joshikousei no Mudazukai is actually one of the best shows in recent memory when it comes to this. Each character is given their chance to shine and their stories all intertwine naturally as well, keeping the show feeling connected. This focus on side characters and their relationships, like their teacher Masataka Sawatari (aka "Waseda") and his funny interactions with chuunibyou misfit student Minami "Yamai" Yamamoto, are a big part of the appeal without sacrificing from the core trio.

3. Strong OP & Voice Acting

We’re always fans of original music sung by the voice actors and Joshikousei no Mudazukai’s opening song "Wa! Moon! dass! Cry!" is no exception and really stands out with its infectious offbeat rapping and charming, “homemade” qualities that work well with the visuals. Likewise, the voice work is excellent throughout with big names like Haruka Tomatsu and Aki Toyosaki (who are also members of Sphere) Rie Takahashi and Chinatsu Akasaki all giving great performances.

"Wa! Moon! dass! Cry!"

1. Familiar Character Archetypes

While poking fun at itself a bit with its on-the-nose nicknames, Joshikousei no Mudazukai’s characters largely draw from established tropes and when your show is built entirely around character interactions, sometimes it can feel a bit samey with other cute girl school comedies. We think the execution and overall feeling of the show more than make up for this but if you’re looking for highly original characters with complicated backstories and whatnot, Joshikousei no Mudazukai is not the show for you.

2. “Nothing Happens”

This goes with the genre, but some might argue that nothing happens in Joshikousei no Mudazukai. In some respects, this is true as there aren’t that many moments of tension, complicated plot developments, or amazing animation sequences that will leave you awestruck. Compared to some other shows, though, we’d say that things like Ota discovering the true identity of her favorite vocaloid producer actually add more depth than your typical cute girls doing cute things anime out there so this is a nitpick at best.

3. Fanservice

While unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most folks, there is a tiny bit of fanservice in this anime that might put off some, particularly with Lily’s somewhat over-the-top lesbian antics. There are a couple of skits revolving around breast size jokes and also a character literally called Loli but everything is kept very PG-13 so unless you are really sensitive to stuff like that, it doesn’t really factor into the show as a whole. If you’re looking for a lot of fanservice, this is also not the anime for you.

Final Thoughts

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Altogether, Joshikousei no Mudazukai surprised us a bit in a good way and has a ton going for it that makes it a standout in its genre. In some ways it feels similar to last year’s Asobi Asobase, and is definitely worth checking out if you liked that show, while still being very much its own thing. We highly recommend Joshikousei no Mudazukai for fans of wacky school comedy. Let us know your own thoughts in the comments section below and be sure to stick around Honey’s for more of all things awesome, anime and otherwise! See ya~!

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" cdj_product_id="" text="" url="" ]

[en]What You Need to Know: [/en][es]Lo que necesitas saber: [/es]

• VIZ Media proudly presents exciting panel events, special guests and other fun activities for Anime NYC 2019. Anime NYC will take place November 15th – 17th at the Javits Convention Center in New York, NY. Full details are available at: animenyc.com
• This year, DR. STONE manga creators Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi will participate in Anime NYC 2019 as Official Guests. VIZ Media will also mark NARUTO’s 20th Anniversary with a special YEAR OF NARUTO celebration by bringing out English voice actors Maile Flanagan (Voice of Naruto) and Amanda Miller (Voice of Boruto) for a series of signing sessions and panel discussions.
• The VIZ Originals imprint continues its participation in portfolio review sessions at Anime NYC. Reviews will be conducted by Fawn Lau, Executive Editor for VIZ Originals. For more details and to sign up please visit: viz.com/originals.
• During the convention, VIZ Media’s Booth #641 will offer a wide array of exclusives and early releases for sale. Attendees can also take part in fun booth activities including a SAILOR MOON-themed photo-opportunity! Pose with Sailor Moon and share your experience directly via social media.

[en]Source: [/en][es]Fuente: [/es]Official Press Release

VIZ Media’s Anime NYC 2019 Official Panels & Signings

Friday, November 15th

Saturday, November 16th

Sunday, November 17th

VIZ Media Booth’s Retail Area

Do We Think This Means You’ve Won?

Machikado Mazoku (The Demon Girl Next Door) Introduction and Story

High school freshman Yuko Yoshida awakens one day to find that she has grown a pair of small, curly horns and a long, black pointed tail after encountering a distant ancestor in a dream. She learns from her mother that she is a descendent of a dark clan of demons cursed to a life of poverty and weakness by their mortal enemies, the magical girls. In order to lift the curse, she must get the blood of a magical girl and spread it over her family’s statue which contains the spirit of that same ancestor. Unfortunately for the newly-named "Shadow Mistress" Yuko, while there is a magical girl nearby—in her same class, in fact—the pink-haired Momo Chiyoda is no pushover, especially compared to Yuko’s fumbling attempts to attack. Thus begins a surprisingly lighthearted and silly relationship where Momo agrees to train Yuko, who she (and others) start calling "Shamiko" for the rest of the series, so she can put up more of a fight.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" cdj_product_id="PCBE-56264" text="" url="" ]

1. Fun Premise & Humor

There have been a lot of interesting takes on the magical girl genre throughout the years, from serious deconstructive works like Madoka Magica to playful comedies like Nurse Witch Komugi. Machikado Mazoku definitely falls into a silly interpretation and stands out with its “villainous” protagonist severely lacking in power level befriending their supposed enemy. The modern setting that frequently drives home the mundanity of certain things mixed with the magical girl and demon powers, like Shamiko’s dad being magically sealed within a cardboard box, pokes fun at the genre even more and gives the series a unique sense of humor.

2. Cute Character Designs

Something that stood out to us immediately were the character designs in Machikado Mazoku, especially for the two mains Shamiko and Momo. Mai Otsuka’s work here feels reminiscent of her similarly excellent designs for Non Non Biyori but allowed some more playfulness with its modern magical setting. Needless to say, kawaii-factor is high in this series. Shamiko’s diminutive horns and expressive demon tail make her a joy to watch and we also thought her embarrassing ‘Crisis Management Form’ was used well in integrating character design into the story. Likewise, both of Momo’s usual forms feel simultaneously distinctive and familiar in evoking the classic Magical Girl feeling. Her various other casual outfits in the series were also appreciated with their added variety and cuteness.

3. Stellar Soundwork

Both the opening "Machikado Tangent" and ending "Yoimachi Cantare" were performed by the voice actresses. These are solid and do a great job showcasing the series’ moods with the OP feeling very soft and sweet but still energetic, and the ending embracing the frantic energy often exhibited in over-the-top comedic moments. We like the voice work as well, with quality all around. Another aspect that we particularly enjoyed in Machikado Mazoku were the sound effects that often seemed to take inspiration from retro video games, which seem to be another subtle influence on the whole show as seen in the opening animation and elsewhere. While perhaps not super critical to the whole experience, it was a memorable part of the series we definitely appreciated.

1. Somewhat Lackluster Side Characters

Machikado Mazoku largely relies on its two main characters to move each episode along, arguably at the expense of its side characters. That’s not to say that this seriously harms the overall experience, but we do think this was one of the weaknesses of this series. Momo and Shamiko’s classmates Anri Sata and Ogura Shion feel particularly underdeveloped as does orange-flavored magical girl Mikan Hinatsuki, albeit to a lesser extent.

2. Possible Lack of Resolution

We’re saying "possible" here because another season, OVA, and/or movie could already be in the works for all we know, but as things stand, Machikado Mazoku does not have a real conclusion to the story. Even if that true ending never comes, we still think the series is very much worth watching. As with a lot of other comedies, the overarching plot is less important than its character interactions and execution and Machikado Mazoku is no exception.

Final Thoughts

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In sum, Machikado Mazoku is a fun comedy that feels fresh and enjoyable thanks to its unique premise, well-designed characters, nice production values, and engaging humor that will particularly appeal to fans already well-versed in common anime tropes and situations. In closing, we’d like to invite you to discuss the series or share any other thoughts in the comments section below this article and to check out more reviews and other awesome anime stuff all around Honey’s! Until next time, don’t think this means we’re done!

[en]Honey’s Highlights[/en][es]Comentarios de Honey[/es]

[en]Key Visuals[/en][es]Visuales[/es]

[en]Official Images / Key Visuals[/en][es]Imágenes oficiales[/es]

[en](Credit Honey’s Anime when you use our description.)[/en][es](Dale créditos a Honey’s Anime cuando uses nuestra descripción)[/es]

[en]Honey’s Highlights[/en][es]Comentarios de Honey[/es]

[en]Honey’s Highlights[/en][es]Comentarios de Honey[/es]

[en]Key Visuals[/en][es]Visuales[/es]

[en]Official Images / Key Visuals[/en][es]Imágenes oficiales[/es]

[en](Credit Honey’s Anime when you use our description.)[/en][es](Dale créditos a Honey’s Anime cuando uses nuestra descripción)[/es]

Fighting Fire with Fire

Enen no Shouboutai (Fire Force)

In the future, most of Earth is burning and the surviving humans try to live their lives in peace. But for some unknown reason and without warning, some humans burst into flames and lose all their consciousness as they attack others mercilessly. They’re called Infernals, the first generation of victims of the “Spontaneous Human Combustion”. Second generation and Third generation survivors don’t lose their human form and even gain powers, which is why most of them join the Fire Force, a special group of Firefighters who have sworn to destroy the Infernals and find out why the fire keeps going and destroying what’s left of humanity. Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic who can burst flames from his feet, has just joined the Special Fire Force Company 8. Although he was blamed for the death of his mother and younger brother, Shinra is determined to become a hero and save innocents from the flames. But as he realizes that being a hero is harder than he thought, he and the Eight Company will find themselves flung into a huge conspiracy that could engulf the world in flames.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" cdj_product_id="" text="crunchyroll" url="https://www.crunchyroll.com/fire-force" ]

1. The Plot Is Very Original

Let’s be completely honest here: Pyrokinetic Firefighters are a winning concept. Fighting fire with fire is a valid strategy in real life, and Enen no Shouboutai takes it to the extreme. And as the story advances and we find out about the conspiracy within the Fire Force itself, it’s impossible to figure out what the next twist will be.

2. The Fire Animation Is Gorgeous

Fire is not easy to animate while still making it look both beautiful and menacing when you have a week to make each episode. And yet, Enen no Shouboutai has fire everywhere. Everyone’s powers have a distinctive look and even the infernals manage to be different from each other. Just for that, every episode is worth watching for the great effort of the animators.

3. Every Character Is Special

Shounen anime sometimes don’t have the time to develop every character except for the main one and maybe his rival. But in Enen no Shoboutai everyone gets the spotlight, even more than Shinra himself. We get to see every Fire Force member’s past, as well as their reasons to join the force, and because of that, it’s easy to fall in love with all of them.

1. It Takes a While to Get to the Main Plot

While the anime is a lot shorter than the manga, and it doesn’t have any filler episodes, it still takes some time to show the real villains of the piece. Enen no Shouboutai has an interesting world-building and most the first half of the season is dedicated to it so we don't really get to see the big bad villains until episode 9. If you are not a fan of slow-burn stories, Enen no Shouboutai my not be for you.

2. The Comic Relief Characters Can Get Annoying

With a story that relies on people being burnt to death, it’s not surprising that Enen no Shouboutai needs to lighten the mood from time to time. For this, we have characters like the incredibly dense Arthur, and the unlucky Tamaki. Unfortunately, while the mood change is welcomed most of the time, after a while of seeing Arthur just not get what’s going on or Tamaki getting naked yet again, their presence can be tiresome to some.

3. The Fanservice Can Be Obtrusive to The Plot

Fanservice is a part of anime, we all know that. But we also know that there is a time and a place for it and that the middle of a hugely important battle where children's lives are at stake may not be it. With Tamaki's "Lecher Lure" bad luck power that leaves her naked and in precarious situations with every male around her, the fanservice in Enen No Shoboutai can interrupt important scenes, so if that’s not your cup of tea, we recommend you avoid the series.

Final Thoughts

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If you like original shounen with a likable cast, menacing villains and an intriguing story, Enen no Shoboutai, or Fire Force, is going to be worth your while. If you’re a fan of the manga, the adaptation is fast and loyal to the story, so you will enjoy it too. Of course, if you have already watched it, we’d love to hear your opinions on the story, the plot and the characters. Don’t forget to leave them in the comments below!

Who it Caters to

What to Expect

Story

Gameplay

Honey's Gameplay Consensus:

Honey's Final Verdict:

Never give up on your family

Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)

In the Taisho Era, nights are very dangerous. Man-eating demons roam the roads around villages and forests, devouring any human they find. Tanjiro Kamado learned this in the worst possible way when he was 13 years old and came home after selling charcoal in the nearby village to find his mother, and four of his five siblings massacred. The only survivor, his sister Nezuko, was on the brink of death but before he could take her to a doctor, she transformed into a demon herself, ready to eat him. When a demon slayer named Giyuu saves him, Tanjiro begs Giyuu not to kill Nezuko as he is determined to find a way to return his sister’s humanity. Amazed at the way Nezuko protected Tanjiro, Giyuu agrees and lets Tanjiro know who can train him to become a demon slayer. As he joins the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro is originally berated because he is compassionate and empathic, even to demons, but this proves to be a great advantage as he and Nezuko keep facing more and more powerful demons as well as the First Demon himself, a creature known as Muzan Kibutsuji.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" cdj_product_id="" text="crunchyroll" url="https://www.crunchyroll.com/demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba" ]

1. Tanjiro and Nezuko Are Easy to Love

Tanjiro and Nezuko are adorable, there’s no other way to describe them. And it’s not just that Nezuko is asleep in her basket looking like a stray kitten most of the time, or that Tanjiro seems to find it in himself to feel sorry even for demons. It’s that their sibling relationship is so strong that it lets both of them perform amazing feats, and the viewers want to see them succeed in their quest.

2. The Fights Are Very Exciting

As demons are supernaturally strong and can’t be killed even by beheading unless it’s with a special sword, it’s obvious that demon slayers must be strong and agile too, which means that ufotable gets to show off all their talent when animating the fights and powers of everyone involved. From heads sprouting arms to elemental powers created by swords, every fight is an epic event for the action lovers.

3. The Mythology of The Series Is Very Diverse

Besides demons, the world of Kimetsu no Yaiba is filled with magic and different kinds of supernatural creatures, which make it feel more real. Not only that, but since demons were originally human, each has a different, sometimes very tragic, backstory that makes Tanjiro’s habit of feeling sorry for them more logical and the battles more interesting as you really hope a cure can be found.

1. Kimetsu no Yaiba Doesn’t Shy Away from Gore

Because Kimetsu no Yaiba’s main villains are man-eating demons, there are a lot of scenes with dismembered people and blood all around. More importantly, demons don’t have any compassion for humans, so children and babies are among their victims. While the gore is still PG-13, some people may find it a bit too much for their taste.

2. Nezuko Is Absent From a Lot of Episodes

If you want to watch Kimetsu no Yaiba just because you’ve seen Nezuko fanart or screencaps, or even her action in the opening, you’re going to be a bit disappointed. While she is an important part of the series and has great scenes, because of her vulnerability to sunlight and lack of food, she spends a lot of time either asleep or in her box. So if she’s the only thing that really calls your attention, the series itself won’t be good enough for you.

3. It Ends on a Cliffhanger

Because the manga is still ongoing, it's not really a surprise that the anime ended without Tanjiro having found a cure for Nezuko. So an ending where we know the adventure will continue is to be expected. However, the anime literally ends as Muzan kills most of his low-powered followers and Tanjiro and his friends board a train infected by a demon. While there’s going to be a second season and a movie coming soon, if you dislike open endings, you may want to wait before watching this.

Final Thoughts

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Kimetsu no Kaiba has become one of the most talked-about anime of the summer season for very good reasons: The animation is dynamic and, as expected from ufotable, really shines in the battles, the music is atmospheric and memorable, and the characters are equally hard to forget. If you haven’t watched it, we suggest you give it a chance, especially if you enjoy learning about Japanese mythology. And once you do, please come back and let us know what you thought of the series in the comments below

“SideM and T.M. Revolution together on stage?! What a dream come true!!”

Intro: An Explosion of Excitement topped with Immaculate Performances

What a time to be alive...A time in which some of Japan’s most talented share the stage and come together to celebrate not only a culture, but a lifestyle that many of us otaku love. Many esteemed artists such as T.M. Revolution and Bonnie Pink took to the stage to perform some of their most iconic tracks, while fan favorites like THE IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls along with IDOLM@STER SideM kept the crowd on their feet with elation. Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival 2019 wasn’t just a concert to celebrate some of the best anime and gaming music in their illustrious history, it was a coming together of many gifted individuals who helped to set the tone, and paved the way for new artists to bring us wonderful content. Whether you’re a loyal fan or are taking your first baby steps into the world of seiyuu and idol music, Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival 2019 allowed everyone to align themselves and unite as one under one enormous roof.

Before all of the action took place on the stage, both MCs took to the center and gave fans a little pinch of what to expect, along with details of upcoming events. Shortly after, IDOLM@STER SideM came to the stage to greet fans and thank them for attending the event. Once all of that was out of the way it was time to perform, and these guys went above and beyond to please their fans. The first song they performed was ‘Beyond the Dream’, a very catchy and upbeat melody that brought everyone to their feet and had neon lights being waved in the air from every direction. The entire arena exploded with excitement as the wave of lights created a beautiful orange and red illumination, which really helped to emphasize just how full of energy everybody was.

With no breaks in between it was SideM’s time to shine and give everyone what they wanted, as they brought on another part of the cast, THE IDOLM@STER SideM WORLD TRE@SURE to perform their single, ‘Treasure Party’. For every song that was played the neon light sticks change and that really helped to exemplify the emotion conveyed from each track, especially when the song ‘Baile Apasionado’ came on, which featured elements of Salsa to really get fans fired up. The main stage lit up with a cornucopia of colors while the team danced their hearts out, and their animated counterparts synchronized with them on the back screen. It was truly something to marvel and could only be experienced to its best potential live !‘MEET THE WORLD’ was the final track from SideM WORLD TRE@SURE before the next big performance came up, one which we were highly anticipating...

Growing up in the 90’s era is something we totally take pride in because it was the era that helped pave the way for some of the greatest anime and games of our time. It was the birth of a new generation of material that fans could dive into and really feel a sense of joy, and that’s precisely what we felt when iconic artist FLOW made their way to the stage. The Tales of series has been around for a very long time and still continues to remain relevant in a time where the constant influx of new titles creates a gaming landslide that not many can keep up with. FLOW kicked things off with ‘BURN’ a fiery track from Tales of Berseria, one of the more recent titles from the series that had everyone screaming with passion, and singing along to the lyrics. The next performance was from Tales of Zesteria the Cross, which featured both the OP (風ノ唄) and ED (INNOSENSE) and once again was an electrifying performance that was unforgettable. Before the next segment began, both FLOW and the MCs came to the stage to discuss their upcoming live tour in 2020 (2/24/2020) and that had our eyeballs popping far out of our heads in surprise, but also hype since it’ll be an event we must attend. However, that wasn’t what we were most hype about with FLOW since they have an enormous catalog of blazing hits, with two of them coming from the iconic Code Geass series (Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2). The first song they sang was the unforgettable and heart pumping OP (COLORS), which had us jumping up and screaming “JIBUN WO, saemo kaete shimaesouna..” singing along to every part with a jovial feeling. The entire arena filled up with a wave of red lights as the song pierced through our hearts and the vocals left everyone mesmerized. Their next song was another classic hit which was the opening titled, (WORLD END), a more emotional track than COLORS but still produced enough venom to really dig deep into your soul and captivate you with its powerful lyrics, along with the OP on back screen to bring that emotion to the surface even more. The performance was nothing short of spectacular and was hands down one of the best performances of the entire day 1 lineup.

Next up in the music catalog was none other than the illustrious duo, Do as Infinity, who are known for their contribution to the Tales of series. The arena at this point really needed to settle down from all of the thrills that FLOW provided, and Do as Infinity gave us some truly emotional tracks that put our hearts at ease. Their first song was from Tales of Legendia titled, ‘TAO’, while their second title, ‘believe in you’ came from popular smartphone game Tales of Asteria.

MORE Performances: Non-Stop Energy from Here on Out!

Just when you thought things would eventually slow down and allow fans to at least readjust themselves, another talented artist hits the stage with passion and flare. Gundam is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary and so what better way to juice things up than to bring Nami Tamaki (玉置成実) to the main stage and have her sing some of the greatest Gundam opening and endings of all time. Her first song was ‘Believe’, which was the OP for Gundam SEED DESTINY then followed up with ‘Reason’, the ED for the same series. Tamaki-san not only brought her astonishing voice to the table, but her captivating dance choreography that had fans screaming beyond comprehension. It was a sight to see and one that fans of the Gundam series would definitely enjoy. BONNIE PINK was up next to the plate and if you remember, we did a pretty big write up about her in our coverage of the Tales of Festival, which took place earlier this year. BONNIE PINK is known for her youthful charm and brilliant use of her vocal range, which can be clearly heard in the iconic opening theme song for Tales of Vesperia, (鐘を鳴らして) or ‘Ring a Bell’ in English. This song is a nostalgic one and comes from a game that took not only Japan by storm, but ended up becoming an instant hit in the overseas market. BONNIE PINK wrapped up with ‘We Belong’, one of her more notable tracks which really showcases her powerful vocal capabilities and came from the game Tales of Asteria.

T.M. Revolution!?! Cinderella Girls?! GIVE US MORE!

As if our vocal chords couldn’t take enough from the elation, the evening was just getting started at the Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival. Next up was IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls who came out to sing (できたてEvo! Revo! Generation!) as well as (ドレミファクトリー！). IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls U149 was up next and brought us hits like (クレイジークレイジー) along with (美に入り彩を穿つ). This segment was perhaps the most explosive because so many fans at the event were actually IDOLM@STER enthusiasts, so the screaming sounded a lot louder this time around. THE IDOLM@STER Million Live! 765 Million Stars arrived and roused fans with songs ‘Eternal Harmony’, ‘HOME, SWEET FRIENDSHIP’, (深層マーメイド), and ‘Beat the World!!!’. THE IDOLM@STER: Million Live! Theater Days then came out and performed ‘Flyers!!!’, another popular hit that brought idol fans to tears of joy. Tamaki-san returned back to the stage after the impactful performances and did a quick little talk portion before doing introducing the next performer, Every Little Thing, to the stage to sing ‘good night’ from the series Tales of Reverse. Then came the moment we were waiting for...the artist that we had dreamed of seeing live for so long and finally had the opportunity to do so, and that was none other than T.M. Revolution. Whenever this man comes to the stage he controls it, the entire arena erupted with orange neon lights as T.M. Revolution jumped straight into the action with (INVOKE -インヴォーク-), (ignited -イグナイテッド-), and (vestige -ヴェスティージ-), all of which came from Gundam SEED DESTINY. At this point our voice was destroyed from singing along with T.M. Revolution but it was absolutely worth it because it’s not often you get to see him perform these classics at the Tokyo Dome of all places! T.M. Revolution didn’t stop there though as he gave us another taste of Gundam SEED and its powerful track titled (Meteor -ミーティア-), which once again only helped to totally eradicate our vocal chords for pretty much the remainder of the evening.

After a bit of settling down both the MC and SideM returned to the stage to discuss the groups plans for the future as well as bless us with one of their most prestigious titles, (PRIDE STAR), which is now currently celebrating its 5th anniversary. What was truly shocking however was when unit DRAMATIC STARS came on stage to sing (DRAMATIC NONFICTION), then suddenly out of the blue, T.M. Revolution ascended from the heavens to lace his vocals on the track. Our souls ascended into nirvana at this point and we totally lost all control of our senses once the performance was over. Not only was it a total surprise to the entire audience but it was the very first time anyone has heard DRAMATIC NONFICTION with T.M. Revolution on it, which was truly historical. For the remainder of the night, THE IDOLM@STER SideM group took over with their respective side groups FRAME, S.E.M, and Jupiter, which once again was a testament to just how incredible day 1 of Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival 2019 was. There’s no topping this at all. We had a blast and can only thank Bandai Namco for giving us this incredible opportunity to share with all of you! Until next time!

The Zodiac is Back

Fruits Basket (2019) Introduction

20 years after the manga was first published, Fruits Basket returns with a beautifully crafted remake that promises to surpass the 2001 anime by adapting the entire original storyline and using the wonders of modern production to do justice to Natsuki Takaya’s iconic shoujo masterpiece. The story stars Tooru Honda, a chipper but down-on-her-luck teenager who is taken in by the enigmatic Souma family. 13 members of this massive clan are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac whenever they’re embraced by someone of the opposite sex, which leaves them emotionally distant from their families and throws a wrench into any romantic relationships they pursue. Is Tooru the bright ray of change that they need to move forward with their lives, or will they remain trapped by their destiny?

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1. It’s a Gorgeously Made Modern Anime

We love old-school anime as much as the next person, but there’s no denying that the art style used in the beginning arcs of the manga and the entire 2001 anime hasn’t aged particularly well. Everyone has long noodle limbs, angular faces, and blank eyes that struggle to convey the subtle emotions at the heart of Fruits Basket’s best scenes. The updated character designs in the 2019 anime bring these classic characters to life in a refreshing way while the vibrant colors and sounds make the world seem so much more real. This is how Fruits Basket was meant to look!

2. It’s Much More Faithful to the Manga

Because the 2001 anime was canceled after its first season, we never got to see the last 2/3s of the story. And since the narrative shifts from a high school romcom to more of an introspective character study right at that point, anime-only viewers didn’t get to experience the most interesting and emotionally satisfying parts of Fruits Basket. But this time, the plot closely follows the manga, which means it can lay the foundation for some of the darker subplots in its first season. Shigure has some kind of devious motivation for keeping Tooru around, Yuki relives traumatic flashbacks when Akito visits, and we even get small teases of manga-only characters who will appear later.

3. The Obnoxious Filler is Gone

Much to Natsuki Takaya’s annoyance, the first anime added some silly filler that distracted from the more serious elements of the story. Perhaps the worst casualty from the filler invasion was the cat’s true form arc, which felt the need to add several characters who weren’t present in the manga to clutter up the quiet moment between Kyo and Tooru that solidifies their unbreakable bond with one another. In any case, that’s all gone now.

4. The English Cast is Back and Better Than Ever

The Japanese vocal cast has been completely replaced for this remake, but many of the original English voice actors returned to reprise their roles from the 2001 anime. It’s amazing to see how much they’ve all improved over the years—over a decade of experience and a much more professional dubbing community have worked wonders!

5. Ritsu’s Situation is Handled Better

Ritsu, the monkey of the Zodiac, really got the short end of the stick in both the manga and the first anime. Not only was he barely present in the story after his introduction, but his crossdressing was treated as something to be made fun of. The 2019 anime treats him more kindly, allowing him to remain in women’s clothes throughout his introductory episode and changing the Soumas’ reactions from annoyance at his antics to concern that he may have a hard time fitting into the working world. We hope we get to see him more in the next season!

1. Tooru Can Be a Bit of a Mary Sue

Tooru is so pure-hearted that she essentially acts as the Souma family therapist for the first half of the story. She always seems to have wise words and a relevant quote from her mother to fit any situation, ensuring that even people who initially disliked her grow to love her after just one impassioned speech. She does become a more complex character later on, but early Tooru can be grating for some viewers.

2. The Plot is Mostly a Retread So Far

Aside from the aforementioned manga plotlines and filler extermination, this first season is mostly a retread of the 2001 anime. It’s wonderful to see these iconic scenes in glorious 2019 production quality, but we’ll be even more excited when the second season finally begins adapting scenes we’ve never experienced in animated form before.

3. The Setting Update is Inconsistent

The manga and first anime are both presumably set in 1999, but the 2019 anime isn’t clear about whether or not the story has advanced 20 years into the future. Uo has a wall-mounted house phone with a cord and nobody uses GPS when it would be handy, but Shigure has a flat screen TV and the younger gang girls use a camera with pinch zoom capabilities. Just... try not to think about it too much.

4. The Cat’s True Form Scene is Over-the-Top

This pivotal moment is handled very well for the most part, but there is one tension-destroying point where Kyo’s monster form slashes Tooru’s arm and launches her into the creek so hard that we half expected her to fly off into the sky with a twinkle like Team Rocket. Will we ever see a definitive, true to the manga, animated version of this scene? Likely not...

5. Some Unfortunate ‘90s Anime Tropes Still Remain

Kagura is a sweet girl with a kind heart, but her constant physical abuse of Kyo is still played off as comedy in the 2019 anime. When Yuki’s forced isolation and Hatori’s blinding injury are treated seriously but Kyo being punched through the wall by Kagura is not, it’s difficult to know how to feel. “Funny abuse” should’ve been left back in the ‘90s where it belongs.

Final Thoughts

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Despite a few shortcomings, Fruits Basket (2019) is well worth your time. Be sure to binge it before season 2 comes out and let us know in the comments what you think about this long-awaited remake!

A Classic Manga Finally Gets Its Dues

Vinland Saga Introduction

Growing up in 11th century Iceland, Thorfinn always admired his Viking father, Thors, for his bravery and ruthless efficiency in battle. Even though Thors tried to instill peaceful values in his son, Thorfinn tosses them all aside once an unscrupulous warrior named Askeladd kills Thors right in front of him. And thus begins Thorfinn’s journey—he weaves himself into Askeladd’s army so he can one day become strong enough to avenge his father in a duel to the death with his murderer. But the harsh life of a Viking will mold Thorfinn into a battle-hardened soldier, far from the empathetic family man that his father wished he would be...

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1. A Classic Manga Has Come to Life

Makoto Yukimura’s opus Vinland Saga has been in continuous publication since 2005, but until this year, it had never been adapted into an anime. Fans of grand historical epics have been begging for Vinland Saga to get its time in the spotlight, and Wit Studio’s stellar production blows the adaptations of poor Berserk and Kingdom out of the water. Can Wit just be in charge of every historical anime from now on?

2. It’s Based on Real-World Viking History

Thorfinn, Thorkell, Prince Canute, and others are based on actual people from the 11th century. Although the exact details of their lives are often fictionalized, their famous deeds and the society in which they lived are presented with the utmost accuracy. This anime is as much a history lesson as it is an entertaining action show!

3. It’s as Dark and Violent as It Should Be

Life as a Viking wasn’t pretty. They didn’t just pillage villages—they killed the men and raped the women as well. The idea of dying honorably on the battlefield was so deeply ingrained into their culture that they would sooner burn to death in a pointless skirmish than retreat. Vinland Saga doesn’t shy away from showing any of these gruesome details, portraying the horrors of war with the kind of unflinching realism that sticks with you long after you finish an episode.

4. The OP is Killer

“Mukanjyo” by the band Survive Said the Prophet is exactly the kind of hard-hitting rock song that should accompany Vinland Saga’s dark tale of violence and revenge. The lyrics are told from Thorfinn’s perspective as he screams to the heavens, demanding to know “what went wrong” to leave him so empty inside after he becomes a murderous warrior for the sake of vengeance. Make sure not to skip this opening!

5. It’s Able to Tell the Story in Chronological Order

The manga’s first chapter actually begins with the skirmish among the Franks that happens in episode 7 of the anime, and then flashes back to Thors’ backstory and Thorfinn’s upbringing. While this was necessary for a new manga that needed to make a memorable first impression, it’s a bit confusing and disrupts the flow of the narrative. Luckily, the anime already has a guaranteed audience, so it can tell the story in chronological order and show Thorfinn’s progression into a battle-hungry teenager more naturally.

1. It’s Trapped in Amazon Prime Jail

If you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, there’s no good way to watch Vinland Saga legally until it comes out on DVD. And since Amazon’s streaming service isn’t very well designed, it’s difficult to find the show in the first place. Why couldn’t it have been on Crunchyroll...?

2. The Pacing Takes Its Sweet Time

Even though it’s nice to see the story play out in the correct order, new fans may have a difficult time staying invested throughout the first six episodes that focus on the younger, brattier Thorfinn. Try to enjoy these slower paced episodes for what they are; this is a lengthy, epic narrative, so it doesn’t operate at the same rapid clip as other seasonal anime.

3. The Foreign Language Representation is Confusing

Thorfinn’s journey takes him across England, Wales, French-occupied territory, and all kinds of other foreign lands, so it’s only natural that language barriers would crop up now and then. In the manga, the characters speak their actual language and a translation is provided in parentheses underneath their lines. But the anime goes for a somewhat confusing approach where everyone speaks in Japanese and just comments about how they can’t understand one another. Granted, hiring English and French-speaking voice actors would be a hassle, but it would’ve been worth it.

4. It Can Be Spoiled Just by Skimming Wikipedia

The only bad thing about Vinland Saga’s characters being based on real people is that the events of their lives can be spoiled just by looking up their real-world counterparts on the internet. Most of us weren’t taught ancient Norse history in school, so we’re hearing these stories for the first time (unlike, say, the Revolutionary War as portrayed in Hetalia). So stay away from Wikipedia when it comes to this series!

5. The Darkness Hardly Ever Lets Up

Vinland Saga is a bit like Black Mirror—if you watch too much of it at once, you’ll lose your faith in humanity. It hardly has any moments of levity to distract you from the grimness of wartime life, so you may be better off watching only one or two episodes at a time rather than marathoning everything in one sitting. Watch some cute dog videos to cheer yourself up between episodes if you have to.

Final Thoughts

Vinland Saga is a seminal work of historical seinen manga, finally brought to vivid life by the incredibly talented staff at Wit Studio. This first cours has been more than we ever could’ve hoped for in an adaptation, and we can’t wait to see what the second cours has in store! What did you think of our review? What are you looking forward to seeing most in the Vinland Saga anime adaptation? Let us know in the comments, and thanks so much for reading!