Rick and Morty: The Anime has wrapped up its debut season with Adult Swim, and the spinoff anime’s launch has been such an unfortunate story with fans that this could end up being the one and only season of the series. Rick and Morty: The Anime made its debut earlier this Summer following Rick and Morty‘s greater experiments with the world of anime. Starting out as a series of anime shorts developed by Tower of God director Takashi Sano, Adult Swim had approached the creator about taking on Rick and Morty in a more full way with a full spinoff anime series.

Featuring a brand new story of its own not connected with the original Rick and Morty animated series, Rick and Morty: The Anime started out with a mixed reception among fans. It was admittedly always going to be an uphill battle as anime fans aren’t exactly Rick and Morty fans, and Rick and Morty fans were actually just hoping for Season 8 instead. But this new series bridging the worlds together had the best chance at successfully appeasing both audiences. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it has hit that mark as the first season has come to an end without anyone really talking about it. And ultimately, that’s what’s going to make it a failure.

What Happened to Rick and Morty: The Anime?

Rick and Morty: The Anime got off to an impressive start with its first two episodes. It introduced a new anime take on the titular duo along with a brand new angle for the multiverse. Dealing with space and time in constant flux, the first two episodes were telling the story out of order as it teased that fans would get the blanks filled in the coming weeks. It was an intriguing start to this new era of the series, and offered a new vision of the titular duo from a different creator. But that storytelling twist continued through the weeks ahead.

Rick and Morty: The Anime told its story out of order as Rick’s new entropy device was revealed to be messing with the flow of time. But as it tried to lay out this mystery, it also started to further add even more questions before answering what it needed to. On top of introducing brand new characters like Elle and Frank (both of who play a significant role in one of the Morty’s lives across the multiverse’s timelines), and the anime always kind of felt like it was continuing to spin its wheels while trying to tell a story with a grand scope. It’s just that those pieces never quite connected properly in the way the anime seemed to have hoped.

This nonlinear style of storytelling is ultimately the fatal flaw for Rick and Morty: The Anime. With the anime having to tell its story out of order, conversations between characters could never really allude to anything happening because it was unclear as to when a particular scene was taking place. It wasn’t clear as to what the actual timeline of the series looks like, and that was an issue that was carried all the way to the end. Making matters even tougher to figure out was the fact that it all started with Morty getting sucked into a virtual reality game, so it was a whole other virtual experience on top of everything else happening.

Rick and Morty: The Anime Lost Its Fans

Due to the combination of its nonlinear storytelling and the fact it was an uphill battle anyway, Rick and Morty: The Anime had a high barrier to entry that only got higher with each new week. Though the final episode of the season (and likely series) was able to find a heartwarming conclusion for it all, it was still mired by the weight of its timeline. Rick and Morty is no stranger to these kind of science fiction shenanigans, but it’s usually solved within the span of a single episodic adventure. It’s a completely different case for a season long serialized narrative.

While Rick and Morty: The Anime still had a few standout episodes that had some fun ideas such as the Jerry focused adventure in Episode 5, each episode still had to deal with the fact that nothing felt tangibly connected with the others. This made it hard for fans to not only stick around, but hard for new fans to catch an episode and get hooked that way. Unlike the episodic main series that allows lapsed viewers to happen to catch an episode and seek out more, the serialized story (told out of order) in the anime doesn’t have that same welcoming nature.

Where Does Rick and Morty: The Anime Succeed?

Even with that fatal flaw that meant Rick and Morty fans are no longer around to see it, Rick and Morty: The Anime did tell a notable love story for Morty. He has a history of tragic romance in the main animated series, so creator Takashi Sano opted to start a love story here to make it stand out on its own. It’s a successful romance for Morty that allows him to actually have a full life with someone he loves. He goes on to marry Elle, have a child named Maria together with her, and dies within the virtual world as Rick brings him back to his own universe.

It’s tragic in how it hits, but the focus on the love story between Morty and Elle was ultimately the anime’s strongest quality. It’s a type of story that Rick and Morty hasn’t really explored in any kind of meaningful way, and made the anime significant. It was an interesting experiment to see play out that proves Rick and Morty can indeed work in other mediums with other creators. But if there’s another shot at taking Rick and Morty in an anime direction, maybe make it easier for fans to keep up with each episode. It might have gone for too big of an idea for its first outing.

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Delicious in Dungeon has firmly cemented itself as one of the best new anime releases of the past couple of years, and now Ryuko Kui’s original manga has earned its own honors by nabbing a prestigious award for Best Manga! Delicious in Dungeon has really been taking over as the anime wrapped up its debut season earlier this year. This was the second half of the series that kicked off its run last Fall, but this wave of episodes in particular really started to catch the attention of anime fans. With the original manga now ended, the anime is bringing it all to life.

Delicious in Dungeon‘s anime popularity has also been driving fans to check out the original manga as a result (making it one of Kadokawa’s top IPs in the process). Ryoko Kui’s manga had ended its run with Enterbrain’s Harta magazine last Fall, but really started to get cooking this year. It’s why the series has started to get recognition for everything that Kui had set out to do over the course of its run, and why ultimately it won the award for Best Manga during the Harvey Awards as part of the New York Comic Con 2024 weekend.

Delicious in Dungeon Wins Best Manga 2024

Announced during the New York Comic Con 2024 weekend, Delicious in Dungeon has won the award for Best Manga in a very tight category alongside other breakout hits such as Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Kamome Shirahama’s Witch Hat Atelier (which are also in the midst of their own anime productions to get a bigger audience) and more. To get an idea of how competitive it was this year, here’s the breakdown of all of the manga nominated for the Best Manga category at the Harvey Awards this year.

• The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokumokuren, translated by Ajani Oloye (Yen Press)
• Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama, translated by Stephen Kohler (Kodansha)
• Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui, translated by Taylor Engel (Yen Press)
• Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, translated by Misa ‘Japanese Ammo’ (VIZ)
• Soichi: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito, translated by Jocelyne Allen (VIZ)
• H.P. Lovecraft’s The Shadow Over Innsmouth by Gou Tanabe, translated by Zack Davisson (Dark Horse)
• Berserk Deluxe Edition Vol 14 by Kentaro Miura, translated by Duane Johnson (Dark Horse)
• Second Hand Love by Yamada Murasaki, translated by Ryan Holmberg (Drawn & Quarterly)
• My Picture Diary by Fujiwara Maki, translated by Ryan Holmberg (Drawn & Quarterly)
• Okinawa by Susumu Higa, translated by Jocelyne Allen (Fantagraphics)

What’s Next for Delicious in Dungeon?

Delicious in Dungeon might have ended its original manga run, but the anime still has quite a bright future ahead of it. The first season ended right at the halfway point of Kui’s original story, and thus only has half of the series left to go for the rest of its adaptation. It’s the later episodes that fans had enjoyed the most, and it’s because of the major pivot from its earlier wacky food based adventures to the more intense plan to eventually become the ruler of the dungeon.

Delicious in Dungeon’s anime future has been set in stone as well as the anime has confirmed it’s now working on a second season of the TV series. Confirmed to be in the works immediately after the first season came to an end, the second season of the series will feature a return from Studio Trigger to handle the animation production behind it all. If you wanted to catch up with the anime to find out what the fuss is all about, you can now check out Delicious in Dungeon‘s first season now streaming on Netflix.

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Dragon Ball Daima has ushered in a whole new era of the Dragon Ball franchise in celebration of its 40th anniversary, and the newest episode has already started raising questions about Trunks and Goten’s own secret ability. Dragon Ball Daima has kicked off its new adventure with Goku and the others being turned into children as a result of a new wish on the Dragon Balls. But as the new Demon King Gomah had discovered, Shenron hilariously needed some clarification on the wish to make those that were already children even younger and turned them all into babies. So, Kid Trunks and Goten are now Baby Trunks and Goten Mini.

Dragon Ball Daima saw Trunks and Goten reacting to the fact that they had been turned into babies, but the wildest part of their reactions is the fact that they are able to still communicate with one another. It’s not that their thoughts about turning into babies are being communicated to the viewers, but it’s clear that they are responding to one another at their surprise. So it turns out that Trunks and Goten can actually telepathically communicate with one another even if it is just a small joke tossed in. And it has some big implications.

Goten and Trunks Can Read Each Other’s Thoughts

Goten and Trunks are the closest duo in Dragon Ball’s history overall. The two have a unique position as young half-Saiyans who are interested in the sam things. While Trunks is more adept at training, Goten makes up for it with his inner prowess. It’s led to the two to have a very close friendship, and even a bit of a rivalry. Which means they were also the perfect candidates to use the Fusion Dance technique during the events of the Majin Buu arc to turn into the new fighter, Gotenks.

It’s possible that all of their time together makes it easy for the two of them to actually know what one another’s thinking, and can just easily tell what the other is saying even if they’ve become babies. But what if it’s actually a result of the Fusion Dance technique? They have fused so many times through trial and error and in the actual fights that it’s possible that they are now able to feel some kind of residual thoughts between the two of them that almost looks like telepathic communication from the outside.

Has Fusion Changed Goten and Trunks Forever?

Because Dragon Ball Daima takes place immediately after the events of the Majin Buu arc, Goten and Trunks are fresh off of their recent fight against Majin Buu as Gotenks. This is following all of the training they underwent to use the technique that saw them failing to fuse after a few attempts. But as the timeline continued through the events of Dragon Ball Super, we saw less and less of Trunks and Goten playing a role in the fights moving forward. So unfortunately we didn’t really get to see their full slate of abilities in action.

Because we’ve really only seen Fusion Dance used by Goten and Trunks on multiple occasions (with Goku and Vegeta only using it in the fight against Broly once), Dragon Ball has not really gotten to explore what the after effects of the Fusion Dance technique could actually be. Goten and Trunks just might be more connected than they had let on, and unfortunately it’s something that is left unexplored because Trunks and Goten themselves aren’t really interested in tapping into this unseen power. So for now, it’s just a one-off joke that teases there could be more happening than we see.

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Godzilla Minus One was a celebration of 70 years of Toho’s Godzilla‘s franchise, but it almost didn’t have a happy ending as one of its best characters was originally going to be killed off before the end. Godzilla Minus One was a groundbreaking entry for the Godzilla franchise. As the most critically and commercially successful Godzilla releases in Toho’s long history, Godzilla Minus One continues to dominate as fans are even going to get the chance to see the film in theaters again later this year as part of a limited screening event. But it almost had a much different, more depressing ending than what was seen in the film.

Godzilla Minus One writer and director Takashi Yamazaki spoke about the Academy Award winning feature film during a special panel as part of New York Comic Con 2024, and revealed some key details about its production. Because when asked about the ending that saw Koichi Shikishima (as performed by Ryunosuke Kamiki) reuniting with an injured Noriko Oishi (as performed by Minami Hamabe), Yamazaki revealed that the first draft of the film actually had Noriko dying. But he ultimately changed that in later drafts as he felt that Shikishima needed a win after everything he had been through.

Godzilla Minus One Almost Killed Off Noriko

In Godzilla Minus One, Noriko and Shikishima are caught in the crossfire of Godzilla’s then biggest attack in the film at that point. Noriko was presumed to be dead as Shikishima lost all hope, and then united with the others for a plan to take down the giant monster once and for all. It wasn’t until the film’s final moments that Shikishima sees that Noriko had survived the attack, and only got a few injuries from it despite the fact that it looked like she had been killed. It turns out she almost was.

As Yamazaki explained during the New York Comic Con 2024 panel, Noriko died in the first draft of the film. Yamazaki eventually changed it because he felt like Shikishima needed a win, “If he came home and she [wasn’t there], that would be tragic.” He even explained that when they filmed the scene where Noriko was caught in Godzilla’s attack, they made up Noriko actress Minami Hamabe in a way that could have CG placed over it if she had survived the attack. They did decide to keep her alive, and Yamazaki himself was satisfied with the choice.

What’s Next for Godzilla Minus One?

Godzilla Minus One might have ended with a tease for a potential future, but Toho has yet to announced their potential plans for the next Godzilla feature film. Yamazaki has noted his own interest in returning for another film, and even has some ideas about how to remake past films and use classic Kaiju such as Hedorah in a future project. But as of the time of this publication, Yamazaki also clarifies that he has yet to be contacted by Toho about potentially moving forward.

A direct sequel to Godzilla Minus One would make a lot of sense considering how well the film has done commercially and critically, and it’s won the Godzilla franchise notable awards such as its very first Academy Award. But with a franchise like this one, the next Godzilla film is also just as likely to try a brand new take from a new creative team at the helm. It likely won’t be releasing for a few more years at the earliest, and it could end up a much different kind of film that fans enjoyed with Godzilla Minus One. But that’s also what makes each new Godzilla exciting.

HT – Flixist

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Winx Club is going to be coming back in a whole new way with a fully CG animated reboot series, and now fans have gotten the first real look at how it’s going to be in motion with its first full trailer. The Winx franchise has been steadily releasing new projects over the course of the last couple of decades, but it’s really going all out as it celebrates 20 years since its first broadcast debut in 2004. Winx Club is getting a full reboot animated series, and the central Winx are getting new redesigns for the occasion as they make the jump to a new dimension.

Winx Club’s new reboot series is currently scheduled for a release some time next year with Netflix, and it teases a back to basics approach for the franchise. Because while the original run of the animated series went on for eight full seasons, both fans of the classic series and new animation fans will be able to jump into this new version of the series without much problem. To check out the first look at how it’s all going to look in motion when it releases, you can check out the trailer for the Winx Club reboot series in the video above.

What Is Winx Club?

Originally making its debut in Italy in 2004 before becoming an international success, Winx Club was created and directed by Iginio Straffi. Set in a magical world full of mythical creatures, the series stars Bloom, a young girl who has the ability to transform into a Fairy warrior. Enrolling in a school to better use her abilities, Bloom makes friends with other Fairy warriors as they take on all sorts of dangerous foes over the course of its run. It was such a success that it went on for much longer than Straffi had initially envisioned.

While the creator had reportedly only initially written out Winx Club to only last for a few seasons, it soon grabbed the attention of an international audience and became a full co-production with Nickelodeon. This is likely the version that many fans in the United States are more familiar with, and went on for several seasons in its own right before Paramount eventually sold their stake in Rainbow SpA, which ultimately then led to creator Straffi being able to pursue new Winx Club projects such as this full CG animated reboot coming our way next year.

How to Watch Winx Club

Although this new rebooted take on Winx Club will be the best way or new fans to enjoy the franchise, there is actually still a way to check out the original animated series if you wanted to catch up with it all. You can find all eight seasons of the series available for streaming legally through Winx Club‘s official YouTube channel, and there are two seasons of the now cancelled live-action adaptation, Fate: The Winx Saga, now streaming with Netflix if you wanted to see the series in that way.

While the cancellation of that live-action series (which continued in comic form) was a bummer to fans, it ultimately led to this new rebooted Winx Club series moving forward too. Rainbow teases this new but familiar feeling take on Winx Club as such, “We will rediscover the journey of Bloom, a teenage girl from Earth who finds out she is a fairy with extraordinary powers. As she enrolls in the Alfea College for Fairies, Bloom will form the Winx Club with her new friends, embarking on fairy adventures across magical dimensions. Let’s get ready to fly.”

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Earlier this fall, the anime fandom turned its eye to Junji Ito as the master of horror returned to television. His hit story Uzumaki was brought to life with an anime ordered by Adult Swim and Production I.G. After a long production period, Uzumaki went live to great fanfare as many horror buffs heralded the anime as Ito’s latest hit. That tune, however, changed as Uzumaki‘s animation took a major hit in subsequent weeks. And with its final episode now live, we are sad to say Uzumaki failed to reclaim the high peaks that its first episode reached.

If you did not realize, the final episode of Uzumaki recently, and it was there fans watched as Ito’s iconic tale whimpered to a close. Not only did Uzumaki set a fast pace with the finale that left netizens dumbfounded, but its animation was hard to take in. As you can see below, the last episode of Uzumaki was loaded with stilted animation, and some it could have been done using PowerPoint.

THE RISE AND FALL OF UZUMAKI

The brief rise and heavy fall of Uzumaki is one that anime fans never wanted to see. Junji Ito is a master of his craft, and for decades, he has been releasing some of the best horror stories in the world. When people relate Ito to Stephen King, well – the comparison is warranted. The two men are incredible storytellers with an eye for unsettling tales. For Ito, it is not just his writing but his art that imbues his work with such unease. So when Uzumaki was announced, fans were incredibly hopeful the anime would succeed.

Sadly, that dream was not realize. The first episode of Uzumaki was nothing short of perfection save for some tiny pacing issues; However, that all turned around within a week. The second episode of Uzumaki was dubbed a hot mess by fans given its laughable decline in animation. This continued with Uzumaki episode three, and finally, the anime wrapped with a disappointing finale.

As for why Uzumaki ran into so much trouble, the answer is not simple. For one, Adult Swim executive Jason DeMarco stressed COVID-19 impacted the production of the anime. The show was hit with a long delay due to the pandemic, and in that time, the anime industry’s staffing crisis only got worse. By the time Studio Drive and Studio Akatsuki began work on Uzumaki, things had reached critical mass behind the scenes. The situation was held together long enough for episode one to be finished as intended, but the same could not be said for the other episodes.

“The options were A) not finish it, air nothing & call it a loss, B) Just finish Ep. 1 & leave it incomplete or C) run all 4, warts & all,” DeMarco shared on social media after Uzumaki’s maligned animation went public. As you can see, the team chose the third option and let Uzumaki set forward all four episodes. But of course, fans are now questioning that logic. A longer delay could have given the anime staff more time to perfect Uzumaki, but such a choice requires time and money. There is no telling how much of those Adult Swim had for the anime, so in the end, it was best to cut losses and bring Uzumaki to life as is.

IS JUNJI ITO UNDER AN ANIME CURSE?

In the wake of Uzumaki‘s downfall, fans are desperate for answers that address how the situation came to light. Henry Thurlow, an animator on One Piece, tried to share their own understanding of the problem. His message put the blame on the anime industry’s crunch culture and the lack of understanding Western execs have about anime production.

“I’m truly not sure who’s to blame. Of course artists need time & resources to do great things. If that was taken from IG it’s terrible. It does seem though that IG recently (unlike its glory days) endlessly delays their projects. They go year after year completing very little. TO BE CLEAR. I love IG. I’m nostalgic for the days where IG, Madhouse, & 4C were at the top & always outdoing each other. All 3 though seem to have lost their ability to consistently & on-time turn out powerhouse work. It takes them forever to do just a little now,” Thurlow shared.

“As for the Uzumaki production, at the end of the day it’s almost certainly some western producer’s fault. “This is taking too long so force some other studio to finish it I don’t care what it looks like.” I’d bet everything I have that’s how it went down. Again & again these western-produced anime have problems because the western producers are fucking trash. Kawajiri’s last few anime, the unreleased AvP anime, now Uzumaki. Again & again I see western producers screw over the artists & anime studios here & it’s infuriating.”

Uzumaki had high expectations from fans, but in the end, a series of behind-the-scenes stumbles put the anime on the wrong track. For now, Ito fans will have to wait for the horror master to get an anime of the same caliber of his art. They watch the first episode of Uzumaki on repeat to see what that kind of project might look like. And someday if we are lucky, Ito will get the full-blown anime adaptation that he deserves.

What do you make of Uzumaki‘s rise and fall? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

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Family Guy has kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration with Peter Griffin making a surprise appearance on the hot wing eating talk show Hot Ones, and he actually made history with the messy end to the promo. First We Feast and Complex Media’s Hot Ones has grown into a massive show over the years as multiple stars and celebrities take on eating increasingly hotter hot wings while answering hard hitting questions about their respective work. It’s gotten so big that the last year has seen a few animated characters getting in on the action, and Family Guy is the latest to join in.

With Family Guy having a lot to celebrate this year despite the fact that its next season won’t be hitting until 2025, Peter Griffin was the latest animated character to join Hot Ones and take on the hot wings. This version of the interview makes history, however, as not only does Peter get his own Family Guy inspired hot sauces, but he’s also the first one to have full intestinal distress in the history of the show. While many guests have quit eating their wings before the end, it’s never really ended in just as messy of a way as Peter’s did. Check it out in the video above.

What’s New for Family Guy in 2024?

As Family Guy is now in the midst of celebrating 25 years since its initial debut with Fox, there’s quite a lot in the works for the franchise. There are still some new episodes of the animated series to enjoy as Peter mentions in the Hot Ones interview. There’s an exclusive Halloween special now streaming with Hulu that features Twisters and Hit Man star Glen Powell in a guest role (who serves as a rival to Joe Swanson in the annual pumpkin growing contest), and Peter also confirms that a second special is coming to Hulu later this year as well.

Family Guy previously announced that there would be two exclusive streaming specials released with Hulu this year, and they would be focusing on the Halloween and Christmas holidays. Peter further confirms this in the video as he notes that the second of these specials is the Christmas one coming later this year, but Hulu has yet to announce a release date for the new special as of the time of this publication. And the series in full will be returning to Fox some time next year.

Family Guy Season 23 Finally Airs in 2025

Family Guy Season 23 is currently scheduled to air with Fox some time in 2025. It has yet to confirm a concrete release date as of the time of this publication, and was recently hit with a major shake up from Fox as they changed their Animation Domination block’s schedule for the first time in many years. Family Guy was moved out of its Sunday time slot, and didn’t return for the Fall as expected along with the other animated mainstays The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers.

But while this is a big shake up for the series, it’s currently stronger than ever as it celebrates 25 years. It’s a funny anniversary too considering that it was cancelled on Fox for a few of those years before it was brought back, and has been releasing new episodes ever since. With a guest spot on a show like Hot Ones, it also goes to show how big Peter Griffin is as a character even with younger audiences. Proving it’s got a bigger reach online than some of its other counterparts, Family Guy really isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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Solo Leveling is gearing up for its second season, and it would put things lightly to say fans are excited. In the wake of season one, A-1 Pictures earned little but praise for its ambitious adaptation of the best-selling webtoon. All eyes are now on Solo Leveling‘s comeback as season two has some big things to unpack. But first, Solo Leveling has a movie to release, and its latest trailer just went live.

As you can see above, the trailer for Solo Leveling: Reawakening is out, and the official clip puts Jinwoo center stage. The movie, which debuts this winter, is meant to recap Solo Leveling season one ahead of its new season. A-1 Pictures has included all-new footage in this film along with updates scenes from season one. And in the second half of the movie, Solo Leveling: Reawakening will screen the first two episodes of season two. If that doesn’t make you want to check out the movie, then what will?

SOLO LEVELING: REAWAKENING WILL HIT U.S. THEATERS

From the movie’s official trailer, you can see that Solo Leveling: Reawakening looks gorgeous, and fans are eager to see how the movie cuts down season one. The anime’s first season had a strong back half, but the beginning was a bit slow. The biggest critique facing Solo Leveling in its first few weeks was pacing, so this movie could fix that issue. After all, the film will have to speed up season one, and the show’s slower pace is what angered fans to begin with.

If you want to check out Solo Leveling: Reawakening, the movie will be released in the United States on December 6th. Before then, the movie will premiere in South Korea as well as Japan. Naturally, this means some spoilers for the movie will hit social media ahead of its U.S. release, so netizens can start planning.

HOW TO CATCH UP ON SOLO LEVELING

Naturally, this new Solo Leveling project will help fans prepare for the anime’s second season. The show is expected to return in January 2025 with season two, and Solo Leveling: Arise From the Shadow is expected to be one of year’s must-watch series. Solo Leveling: Reawakening will give new fans a quick lesson on what they missed in season one, and of course, they can check out the show’s first episodes if they’d like.

Currently, you can stream Solo Leveling season one over on Crunchyroll. The anime is available subbed and dubbed. As for the hit webtoon, Solo Leveling is complete as the action fantasy began in July 2016. The story’s final chapter went live in December 2021, and Yen Press oversees its release in English. Currently, Solo Leveling is back in action, and we have a sequel to thank. Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is now available, and the sequel is set after the original webtoon’s finale. It tells the story of Sung Su-ho, the son of Sung Jinwoo, as he discovers his powers as the Shadow Monarch.

Want to know more about Solo Leveling before diving into the hit series? You can read its official synopsis here for all the details: “Over a decade after ‘gates’ connecting worlds appeared, awakening ‘hunters’ with superpowers, weakest hunter Sung Jinwoo encounters a double dungeon and accepts a mysterious quest, becoming the only one able to level up, changing his fate.”

Do you plan on checking out Solo Leveling: Reawakening when it hits theaters? What do you want to see from the anime’s second season? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

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Dragon Ball does a lot of things well, but nothing can compare to its fusions. If you thought Super Saiyan Goku was the pinnacle of the series, well – think again. From Vegito to Gotenks, we have seen a number of top-tier fusions tackle Dragon Ball. Still, there are some combos we’ve yet to see, but Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is helping fulfill those requests. After all, the game is going viral thanks to a mod that brings Goku’s fusion with Gohan to life.

As you can see below, the fusion in question just hit up Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, and it has the fandom buzzing. All it took was a bit of initiative and a mod design to get things going. The mod simple ties together Goku and Gohan using a Potara Earring, and the resulting fusion must be seriously strong.

I mean, this is Goku we are talking about. The only person who can outdo the Saiyan is his son, so imagine the power level a fusion between Gohan and Goku would boast.

GOKU DESERVES A NEW FUSION WITH GOHAN

Thanks to Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, a Goku x Gohan fusion is now a reality. The fandom has been begging for this combination since fusions were introduced. Back in the day, Vegito took the Dragon Ball fandom by surprise, and the character’s power made fans look hard at Gohan. The half-Saiyan is insanely powerful, and Goku has said before that Gohan is the one who could surpass him in power. To be frank, fans have begged for Gohan to get a fusion period, but one with Goku would be extra special. But beyond this fan-made mod, Gohan has never been given a fusion.

Of course, lots of characters have been given fusions over the years. Shin and Kibito fused using the Potara Earrings ages ago, and other temporary merges have come to light. Xeno Trunks and Xeno Vegeta have paired up, and the same goes for Goku Black and Future Zamasu. Honestly, the list goes on and on when you factor in God Fusions and the like. But when it comes to the canon, well – Gohan and Goku have never buddied up for a fusion.

So, c’mon. Throw us a bone, Dragon Ball! Gohan deserves a canon fusion, and Goku is the perfect person for the fighter to pair up with. Dragon Ball Daima just made its debut, and no one would complain if the character made an appearance there.

DRAGON BALL: SPARKING ZERO IS A BONAFIDE HIT

For now, it seems Dragon Ball fans will have to turn to mods to bring Gohan’s fusion with Goku to life. The game has become a sandbox for the fandam to explore, and gamers are flocking to the game. After all, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is being hailed as the anime’s best game in nearly 20 years, and the sales prove as much.

After all, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero sold three million copies in its first 24 hours, and those numbers are only rising. From Steam to Twitch, Dragon Ball is taking over the gaming community with ease. Now, top-tier modders are getting in on the action, and their impressive projects are making dreams come true for fans.

If you are not familiar with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, you can find the game easily enough. The title is available on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Plus, three DLC packs have been announced with the first one focusing on characters from Dragon Ball Daima.

What do you make of this Goku x Gohan fusion? Do you think Dragon Ball needs to make this fusion official? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Mod Makes Goku’s Fusion to Gohan a Reality appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece has been around for decades, and in that time, the anime has done a lot. We have seen Monkey D. Luffy overcome the most intense obstacles on his journey to become the pirate king. From movies to specials, One Piece has done it all, and now it has a new project in the works. This fall, One Piece will begin its remaster of the Fish-Man Island arc, but the new anime was just hit by a delay.

Yes, that is right. Even series as big as One Piece can be delayed. The team at Toei Animation confirmed the delay earlier today, so One Piece fans can expect to revisit Fish-Man Island in early November.

ONE PIECE WAYLAYS ITS NEW PROJECT FOR THE MLB

“The first episode of One Piece: Special Edit – Fish-Man Island arc scheduled for October 27th has been delayed due to the live broadcasting of the MLB World Series,” the One Piece crew shared. “We apologize to everyone who was looking forward to the event. The episode is now scheduled for November 3rd. Please make sure to tune in.”

As you can see, we have Major League Baseball to thank for the delay. The Yankees and the Dodgers may be the only powers alive that can cause One Piece to push back a release date. After all, the MLB World Series has six games scheduled, and the first will go live on October 25th. However, the big problem comes with Game 2 on October 26th. When you account for the time difference with Japan, the game is airing during One Piece’s slot overseas. So rather than air the game on a delay, One Piece is moving.

And if you are wondering why the MLB World Series is so powerful, well – Japan really loves baseball. The game is considered a staple in Japan, and to make things more pressing, we have Shohei Ohtani to consider. The breakout athlete hails from Japan, and Ohtani is a designated hitter for the Dodgers. His fanbase in Japan is massive, so interest in the MLB World Series is higher than ever. So when push comes to shove, Ohtani vs Luffy has a clear winner when the World Series is involved.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE FISH-MAN ISLAND REMASTER?

Thankfully, the new anime will not have fans waiting long. One Piece will bring the remaster to life on November 3rd, and we have already been shown a sneak peek at the project. The Fish-Man Island remake will begin at the arc’s start, so fans will get to visit Sabaody soon. The island is where the Straw Hat crew reunited after their time away training. The gang will have new abilities to show off when its members reunite, and of course, Luffy’s team runs into trouble along the way.

The Fish-Man Island arc marks a turning point for the anime, so fans are very eager to see how its facelift looks. From new Dolby sound to updates visuals and color filters, One Piece is pulling out all the stops for this remaster. The Fish-Man Island arc is ready to channel the aesthetic of the Wano Country saga, so fans better brace themselves for the stylish makeover. Of course, the original version of the Fish-Man Island arc is still available to watch. The One Piece arc, which first hit television in 2011, can be streamed over on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

What do you make of this latest One Piece project? Are you excited to check out the remaster? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post One Piece Makes Last-Minute Delay to Its New Anime (and Here’s Why) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When Godzilla Minus One hit theaters, no one could have seen just how big the movie would become. The project ushered in a new era for Toho as the Japanese company took Godzilla back to basics. With director Takashi Yamazaki at the helm, the movie has gone on to become one of the best in Godzilla’s history. Much of its success came on the back of its director, and now, it seems like Yamazaki is interested in revisiting the IP so long as he can remake a classic Godzilla film.

The confession comes from Yamazaki directly as the director appeared at New York Comic Con. It was there guests like Kaiju United got to learn more about movie monsters, and Yamazaki admitted he is interested in remaking Godzilla vs Hedorah.

TAKASHI YAMAZAKI WANTS TO TACKLE HEDORAH

“I think that for its time, Hedorah was a very cutting-edge kaiju. Thinking about the type of visual expression we can do with technology and how far it’s come today – I’m imagining how it would move, and I think that would be a really cool remake,” the director shared. And as you can imagine, the Godzilla fandom is now begging for Toho to greenlight such a movie for Yamazaki.

If you are not familiar with Hedorah, well – the monster is one of Godzilla‘s most famous. The character made their grand debut in 1971 with Godzilla vs Hedorah which Yoshimitsu Banno directed and co-wrote. Starring Akira Yamauchi and Toshio Shiba, the Toho film was moderately successful upon launch. As the years went by, critics began dubbing Godzilla vs Hedorah as one of the monster’s worst movies of all time. But these days, well – that sentiment has changed.

Just as Yamazaki noted, Godzilla vs Hedorah was ahead of its time in certain respects. From its take on environmentalism to its whacky action, the movie had a unique balance. Godzilla vs Hedorah could be serious in some places and then all-out in another. This tonal shift confused many in 1971, but these days, the fandom loves Godzilla vs Hedorah. From Adam Wingard to Roger Ebert, the film ranks as a personal favorite with Godzilla fans. And now, we know Yamazaki is also high on that list.

Given Hedorah’s history, the character is all but begging for a comeback. The monster embodies the worst of pollution, after all. In the ’70s, urban pollution was a big concern in Japan, and it is still a worrisome threat. To be frank, the state of global pollution makes Hedorah a great character for Godzilla to revive. The IP is at its best when it is timely and dealing with topics that feel relevant. Nothing could be more ominous to today’s society that pollution as things like climate change continue to threaten us. And given what we saw in Godzilla Minus One, Yamazaki could work magic with Hedorah.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR GODZILLA?

For now, the jury is out on whether Hedorah is eyeing a comeback. The monster may be a favorite with fans, but Toho is still navigating the waters after its latest film. Godzilla Minus One overcame all expectations with its debut and even won an Academy Award for the trouble. Toho wants to make sure its next Godzilla movie lives up to those standards, so here’s to hoping the team there is doing alright.

In the meantime, fans can look to the MonsterVerse for updates. The hit franchise brought Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to life earlier this year, and a follow up is already in the works. With a movie slated for launch in 2027, the MonsterVerse is thriving on the big screen. And given the success of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the franchise’s television pursuits are looking just as good.

Do you want to see Yamazaki tackle Godzilla vs Hedorah? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post Godzilla Minus One Director Is Down to Redo the Kaiju’s Best Film appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball is back with a brand-new series, and all eyes are on its heroes. After a long wait, Dragon Ball Daima made its debut this October, and the show has put Goku center stage. The denizens of the Demon Realm are causing problems on Earth, and their first move transformed Goku into a kid alongside his close friends. This shift meant a new cast was needed for Dragon Ball Daima as our heroes are all younger. For Vegeta, actor Yudai Mino stepped in to voice the Saiyan, and now the actor is breaking their silence on the gig.

After all, it is not every day that a character as big as Vegeta gets a new voice actor. Mino is stepping into the role with royalty, after all. Veteran voice actor Ryo Horikawa has been voicing Vegeta for decades, so Yudai knows the pressure is on.

VEGETA HAS A BRAND-NEW VOICE ACTOR

“The reality and joy of being able to be involved as a voice actor in Dragon Ball, a wonderful show that I’ve watched for so long, has gradually sunk in, and made me want to give my best performance,” the actor shared on social media after Dragon Ball Daima shared its official cast. The actor is just one of dozens joining the anime, believe it or not. Masako Nozawa will still be voicing Goku Mini, but as for the rest of the cast, Dragon Ball Daima switched things up.

Want to know what this new cast looks like? No sweat. You can check out the list of newcomers below:

• Bulma Mini – Mai Nakahara
• Vegeta Mini – Yudai Mino
• Piccolo Mini – Tomohiro Yamaguchi
• Krillin Mini – Aki Kanada
• Chichi Mini – Ai Kakuma
• Kamesennin Mini – Nobuaki Kanemitsu
• Trunks Mini – Tsubasa Yonaga
• Dende Mini – Erina Goto
• Mr. Popo Mini – Kimiko Saito
• Kibito Mini – Yusuke Handa
• Mr. Satana Mini – Toru Sakurai
• Majin Buu Mini – Shiho Amuro

As you can see, Dragon Ball Daima is going all-in with a new cast, but Goku was given an exception. When it comes to Goku, no Japanese star asides from Nozawa has touched the Saiyan. From Gohan to Goten, Nozawa has kept a tight lid on Goku’s family so far as the anime is concerned. For the sake of consistency, Dragon Ball Daima chose to keep Nozawa for the voice of Goku even in his mini form. But as for his allies, well – Toei Animation went out on a limb with its new stars.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL WITH DRAGON BALL DAIMA?

Of course, Vegeta Mini was given a very talented actor. Yudai has been in dozens of anime projects ranging from Love All Play to World Trigger and Edens Zero. Vegeta marks one of Yudai’s biggest roles to date, so you can imagine how big this opportunity is for Yudai. All eyes will be on the voice actor to see how their work goes, so we are wishing Yudai the best.

And when we say all eyes are on Dragon Ball Daima, we mean it. The anime marks the franchise’s return to TV following the finale of Dragon Ball Super in early 2018. In the years since, we have seen Goku do his own thing in the manga while a few Dragon Ball Super movies have kept the anime alive. More than a year ago, Toei Animation confirmed the TV anime would return in 2024, and series creator Akira Toriyama worked heavily on Dragon Ball Daima. Sadly, the artist passed away before the anime could launch, but his spirit has been keenly felt throughout the series. So if you have not checked out Dragon Ball Daima, you can find the anime over on Crunchyroll and Hulu right now!

What do you think about Dragon Ball Daima recasting main characters like Vegeta? Are you keeping up with the anime? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post Dragon Ball Daima: Vegeta’s New Voice Actor Breaks Silence on the Role appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Throughout the month of October WWE Superstar Zelina Vega is teaming with ComicBook for a special series, sharing first looks at her cosplays as the Halloween season draws closer. There are less than two weeks to go until the spooktacular day and over the course of the past few weeks, she’s shared jaw-dropping cosplays from Sailor Moon, Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Tokyo Ghoul.

This week, Zelina brings us on a journey to Sendai City with her Gojo cosplay from Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen. In her look which you can see in full below, she focuses on his shades, a key part of his character that acts as his armor. Not only that, she’s rocking his all-black suit which really makes the contrasting white eyelashes and eyebrows pop.

“As Megan Thee Stallion said, ‘Can’t touch me, like Gojo!’ Your cosplay queen is back at it again with Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen. Like many others, I fell for Gojo pretty quickly. Similarly to Kakashi, I love the hint of mystery with these characters, whether that’s in their backstories or literally hiding a part of their face,” Zelina tells ComicBook. “Gojo is both funny AND bad ass, YOWAI MO! Plus, anybody who literally cannot be touched will always be dope to infinity. I couldn’t do Halloween without having my cat (Totty) and I both doing a Gojo cosplay. Two different versions to really cover our bases!”

Totty, one of Zelina’s sweet fur babies, sports Gojo’s blindfolded look which is one of his most recognizable. Why does he wear the blindfold you might ask? Gojo has the Six Eyes ability — a rare technique that allows him to track cursed energy and manipulate it. If he keeps his eyes unprotected and uncovered for long, he will weaken quickly. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mess with his sight much — he’s able to see directly through the dark piece of fabric. Not only that, given his prestigious bloodline, he inherited Limitless as well. In other words, he’s super freaking powerful.

Who is Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen?

Gojo is a vital character in the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga. A teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High, he is one of the most powerful beings in the series’ universe and has been since he was born. His unique abilities outlined above put a target on his back and bounty hunters have tried — unsuccessfully — to claim the $100 million bounty.

As he’s grown older, the Gojo Clan member has a very complex personality. To his students he’s rather mischievous, cracking jokes and always lending a helping hand. However when faced with the old leaders, he turns quite cold and bitter. Jujutsu Kaisen fans love peeling back his many layers like an onion, and this has made him a fan favorite as his character has evolved.

Keep up with all of Zelina’s cosplays past and present (like her Queen of the Damned Akasha look) on her X and Instagram accounts!

The post Zelina Vega’s Cosplay Countdown: See WWE Star’s Limitless Jujutsu Kaisen Look (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

D-16 wasn’t always the nefarious Decepticon leader Megatron, at least according to the continuity of Transformers One. The recent animated prequel takes the opportunity to show off a new side of the villainous robot, walking viewers through his evolution from a well-meaning Cybertronian to the greatest villain in Transformers’ history. Following its run at the box office, Transformers One will arrive on home video on October 22nd and we here at ComicBook.com have an exclusive clip that dives further into D-16’s character, along with actor Brian Tyree Henry talking about taking on the role. D-16 is one of the film’s most complicated Transformers so getting a breakdown of his evolution works on quite a few levels.

To give you a quick breakdown of D-16’s character in Transformers One, the future Decepticon leader was originally best friends with Orion Pax, aka the future Optimus Prime. Long before they led their respective factions, the pair worked as mining robots who didn’t have the ability to transform. In discovering the truth of their world and how their leader, Sentinel Prime, secretly manipulated Cybertron for his benefit, D-16 wasn’t thrilled with the secrets he unearthed. As Brian Tyree Henry mentions in the video below, the future Megatron is a character seeking justice. However, it’s a justice that is his own, proving that every villain is the hero of their own story.

Transformers One Exclusive Video

If there is a Transformers project, it’s a safe bet that there will at least be some variation of Megatron within its story. While there have been major changes to the character over time, such as becoming Galvatron in the original animated movie or transforming into a T-Rex thanks to Transformers: Beast Wars, Megatron’s presence is one that is always looming large in the franchise. It makes sense that Brian Tyree Henry would be excited to step into the Decepticon’s shoes as documented in the video below.

Transformers Bonuses

Alongside the digital release on October 22nd this week, Paramount will release Transformers One on physical 4K Ultra, Blu-Ray, and DVD on December 17th. Here is a massive amount of bonus content that will be made available with the new take on Cybertron:

• In The Beginning — Witness the origin story of OPTIMUS PRIME (ORION PAX) and MEGATRON (D-16) and the evolution of their relationship from brothers-in-arms to sworn enemies. Filmmakers discuss the vision for the film and how it was brought to life.
• World Building On CYBERTRON — Hear from director Josh Cooley, the production design team, and the visual effects team about rendering the colorful world of CYBERTRON in a way that fans have never seen before.
• Together As One — Meet the A-list voice cast for each of the TRANSFORMERS: Chris Hemsworth (ORION PAX/OPTIMUS PRIME), Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/MEGATRON), Scarlett Johansson (ELITA-1), and more!
• The Iacon 5000 — Behold the most epic TRANSFORMERS race ever as competitors vie for the ultimate prize! Go behind the scenes with the filmmakers as they break down this breathtaking action sequence.
• The Battle For CYBERTRON — Cast and filmmakers take you through the film’s epic climax as OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON battle for CYBERTRON’s future.

As of the writing of this article, Transformers One has not been confirmed to receive a sequel, though the prequel certainly sets up a promising future. Thanks to the critical and audience acclaim, this new take on Cybertron is one that is widely considered one of the best Transformers movies of all time.

Want to stay up to date on the animated future of the Transformers? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for all the latest updates and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Transformers One Video Dissects Brian Tyree Henry’s Megatron (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball has introduced Gohan Black to its universe with a huge shake up, and it turns out that the newest villain has fixed one of the worst issues about Goku Black in the process. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero opened up all sorts of possibilities for the Dragon Ball franchise as it offers a special new story for Gohan that imagines how things could have gone differently if he had kept up his training during Dragon Ball Super and eventually became the strongest fighter in Universe 7. This would lead to him eventually fighting his strongest foe yet, which was an evil version of himself from the distant future.

Dragon Ball’s canon got shaken up with Gohan not only being capable of handling his own against Frieza during the Resurrection F arc, but defeating Golden Frieza at full power as well. Eventually getting recognized as the strongest fighter of Universe 7, Gohan faces an evil version of himself from the future in place of Goku Black in the main timeline. For all intents and purposes, Gohan Black and Goku Black play the same kind of role in the overall Future Trunks arc. But there’s one key difference between the two that fixes one of the big issues that fans had about Goku Black…his voice.

Gohan Black Improves on Goku Black’s Biggest Issue

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shakes up the Future Trunks arc in a huge way with Gohan Black being the main villain instead of Goku Black. It’s the same character at its core as Zamasu used the Dragon Balls to take over Gohan’s body, and in that timeline wiped out Videl and Pan instead of taking over Goku to kill Chichi and Goten. There aren’t any significant changes to the character’s role in the story, but swapping Goku’s place with Gohan already makes a massive shift with the fact that Gohan is allowed to play more of a role in Future Trunks’ story as a result of his new involvement.

The other key difference because of the swapping out Gohan for Goku comes through their performances as well. In the English dubbed release, Gohan voice actor Kyle Hebert provides the Gohan Black voice much like how Goku voice star Sean Schemmel voiced his own evil counterpart. Schemmel’s take on the character caused a bit of a debate among Dragon Ball fans, however, as Schemmel’s take on a Zamasu possessed Goku spoke with an English accent. But Hebert’s Gohan Black didn’t go this route and instead speaks like a darker, haughtier take on Gohan as fans would have expected from the character.

Gohan Black Changes Things for the Better

This change in performance helps to make Gohan Black stand out even more from his canonical counterpart. It’s a change in vibe for the arc as Gohan’s inclusion seems like one of those big missed opportunities from Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball teased that Gohan could become stronger than his father one day, but he instead chose to study and became the weaker version of the fighter that fans saw in the canon. So it meant when Future Trunks showed up and needed help, Gohan was nowhere near the area.

It would have been a much more fulfilling arc for Future Trunks is if the alternate timeline version of his late mentor was able to fight by his side rather than just living his life in peace. While that was a good sight to see for Trunks, but Gohan being able to contribute to the fight would have hit so much harder. It’s especially notable when Goku and Trunks help out as well as they would have stood aside while their respective sons delivered the final blow to the fused god. Now maybe this villain will pop up in the anime or manga’s future in some way.

The post Dragon Ball Fixes One of Goku Black’s Worst Traits With Gohan Black appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The spooky Halloween season is the perfect opportunity to go through The Simpsons‘ vast library of Halloween specials, but the best one actually isn’t one of the Treehouse of Horror specials at all. In fact, the best Halloween episode of The Simpsons was the actual first episode of the series set on Halloween that happened much later than fans might have ever expected. The Simpsons is now airing its milestone Season 36 of the long running animated series, and it’s getting ready for its next Treehouse of Horror special in a long line of specials taking the series in wildly different directions.

The Simpsons‘ Treehouse of Horror has become a Halloween mainstay as fans have come to expect three little horror inspired stories every year, and a fun way for The Simpsons to either kick off the Halloween holiday or commemorate it after when they air in November instead. But if you want the best Halloween episode of The Simpsons that’s ever been made, the spookiest and best character study comes in Season 27, Episode 4 with “Halloween of Horror.” It’s the first and so far only episode of The Simpsons to actually be set on Halloween outside of the Treehouse of Horror specials.

What Is Halloween of Horror?

“Halloween of Horror” is unlike the other The Simpsons Halloween specials as it’s set within the universe of the actual series, and actually features the Halloween holiday for the first time in the series’ history. It’s revealed that the entire family is really into the holiday, and even go the extra mile to make sure their house is fully decorated for the occasion. When Homer heads to the local Halloween pop up store for decorations, he ends up ticking off three of the temporary workers there as they lose their jobs when he inadvertently gets them in trouble. The family then heads to Halloween night at Krustyland, and Lisa’s scared out of her mind.

Lisa’s terror is so bad that Homer is forced to take down the house’s Halloween decorations, and on the night of Halloween itself, Homer and Lisa are home alone when the temporary workers show up and try to get their revenge. The episode then turns into a home invasion Horror story as Homer and Lisa not only try and escape from masked assailants, but also bond with one another in a father and daughter story that mirrors some of the best Homer and Lisa bonding stories in episodes past. And on the other side of things, Marge tries her best to make it up to Bart as he’s kind of stuck in the middle of wanting to celebrate the holiday but also wants to be kind to his sister for the moment.

It’s a relatively small story when looking at the scope of The Simpsons‘ horror specials, but it’s the first one that’s allowed to actually use the Halloween holiday to tell a new character story. It shows a new side of Lisa’s past as her panic gets her to revert to a time where she relied on a stuffed tail she named “Tailee,” and Homer is once again on the outside trying to figure out what’s really bothering Lisa. It’s made for a perfect dynamic for the duo that we’ve seen play out in past episodes like Season 9’s “Lost Our Lisa,” Season 10’s “Make Room for Lisa,” or classics like Season 3’s “Lisa the Greek.”

Why Is Halloween of Horror Special?

“Halloween of Horror” was a huge episode when it first premiered back in 2015. The later era seasons of The Simpsons are often ignored by fans who haven’t watched since its “golden era” of the early seasons, and that’s even truer for the mid-twenties seasons as it was before The Simpsons started to experiment in the fun ways that fans are seeing bear fruit now. So “Halloween of Horror,” in retrospect, is the first sign of the kind of changes that would be coming to the long running animated sitcom in the years that followed.

Funny enough, this was actually the same season that started to garner a lot of headlines for its plots like where Homer supposedly cheats on Marge (only for it to be part of an extended fantasy sequence in “Every Man’s Dream”), an episode where Sideshow Bob finally kills Bart in “Treehouse of Horror XXVI,” or the Boyhood experiment episode showing a new future for Bart in “Barthood.” So this was the first real sign that things were beginning to change behind the scenes in The Simpsons, and now we’re finally at the point where big changes are being taken notice of like Homer stopping his choking of Bart for a while.

The Simpsons “Halloween of Horror” might not be a special, but it’s truly special within the scope of the entire animated series. The Simpsons started to make some big changes after this episode came out as it started to reallyform a new era of its humor and voice. It was starting to tease that it wouldn’t be sticking to the old ways of the previous seasons, and it sparked a new evolution. It all started with one of the best episodes of the series in years, and still the best Halloween episode of the series even after all this time. Which might be why The Simpsons has yet to try something like it again.

The post The Simpsons’ Best Halloween Episode Isn’t a Treehouse of Horror Special appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima has shaken things up big time for Goku and the rest of his friends by turning them all into children, but the anime has already proved that the newest Shenron wish isn’t really all that bad for everyone. Dragon Ball is now celebrating the 40th anniversary of Akira Toriyama’s original manga debut, and the newest anime release has helped to bring the franchise full circle. As Goku and everyone involved with the Majin Buu arc has been turned into children, it’s kicking off a new adventure for Goku as he now needs to travel through the Demon Realm together with the Supreme Kai.

Dragon Ball Daima is now heading into the Demon Realm as Goku Mini tries to seek out the new Demon King Gomah in order to get to the bottom of things, and it’s clear that this new mission is going to be quite a bit of trouble. But at the same time, this wish to turn everyone into children isn’t exactly a huge issue for Goku and his friends. Hilariously, they have all been through so much at this point that turning younger ends up being a net positive for most of them…especially Master Roshi.

Dragon Ball Daima’s Worst Wish Isn’t All That Bad, Really

Dragon Ball Daima Episode 2 picks up shortly after Gomah made his wish to turn everyone into children, and it’s hilariously explained that Gomah only got a single wish because it was the first time he’d ever used the Dragon Balls (and Shenron only gives multiple wishes to regular users). That means the single wish used by the Demon King was to turn Goku and his friends into children, and it’s not long before he heads back to the Demon Realm. But as for Goku and his friends, they don’t really seem to have an issue with the changes.

Not only do they not have much shock to find out that they’ve all been turned into children, they adjust to their situation rather quickly. Both Bulma and Chichi remark about how great their youth looks, the baby Trunks and Goten joke with one another about getting turned into babies, and Goku himself seems rather fine with it outside of needing to learn how to use his younger body after training with his adult body this entire time. But the biggest beneficiary of all of this is actually Master Roshi as he’s having a great time.

Master Roshi Loves That He’s Young Again

While Bulma and Chichi don’t mind that they’ve been turned younger, Roshi is absolutely loving it. He’s hilariously not recognized by Goku when he’s trying to give his advice, but he quickly learns to love his younger looks as it’s easier to flirt with women. Roshi is then seen later when Goku gets the Power Pole from Kame House, and Roshi is getting ready to hit the town with a flashy new outfit befitting his new age. He’s absolutely loving it, and it’s just great to see.

In a hilarious way, Dragon Ball Daima is undercutting its stakes for Goku and the others. This is a rough situation for all of them, but they have also been through much worse at this point. They just survived the events of the Majin Buu arc and have been brought back to life, so another wish changing their bodies isn’t the worst thing they’ve ever dealt with. There’s no panic because Goku and the others are already working on steps to fixing things, so why even worry. It’s a conspiracy that launched the new anime, but the real tension of everything won’t kick in until Goku’s fully in the Demon Realm.

The post Dragon Ball Daima’s Worst Wish Isn’t Bad for Everybody appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece Fan Letter was a new anime special celebrating the anime’s 25th anniversary, and the new special revealed just how bad of a Paramount War at Marineford it actually was for every other person involved. One Piece‘s official 25th anniversary broadcast over the weekend was commemorated with a new anime special taking on one of the more beloved spinoff novel releases. One Piece Fan Letter told the story from the perspective of everyday people within the One Piece world, and went to showcase that Luffy and the Straw Hats pirates have had a much bigger impact on the rest of the world than they ever planned.

One Piece Fan Letter takes place just when Luffy and the Straw Hats are reunited at the Saobody Archipelago after their two years spent training, and reveals the perspectives of some of the other characters in the world around them have had their lives changed because of Luffy. The biggest example is a set of Marine brothers who actually fought in the Paramount War. While it was definitely a heartbreaking an intense situation for Luffy, those without his level of power or influence were caught in quite the hellish battlefield as revealed in this new special.

One Piece’s Stealth Marineford War Remake

Directed by Megumi Ishitani, One Piece Fan Letter adapts material from the One Piece Novel: Straw Hat Stories spinoff novel written by Tomohito Ohsaki. This novel shows new sides of the Straw Hats seen through the eyes of other people in the world, and Luffy’s angle is the most intriguing. It involves a set of two brothers in the Marines. The older brother is clumsy, and has started to resent his younger brother who openly picks on him for moving up the Marine ladder much faster than the older one. But even with all of this, the younger brother has a soft spot for Luffy.

It’s revealed that during the Paramount War, both brothers were nearly killed in the crossfire of the Devil Fruit powers that had been fighting. Caught between Hawkeye Mihawk and Sir Crocodile, and nearly being squashed by a thrown pirate ship, these two brothers are basically the unseen Marines that littered the background of the war that Luffy (or fans) really didn’t care about. And from their perspective, it’s all very terrifying as the both of them barely escaped with their lives. But in seeing Luffy fight to rescue his brother, the younger brother is inspired to help his own.

Marineford Continues to Be Important in One Piece

The Paramount War represented a literal turning point in One Piece’s story as Luffy and the others have never been the same ever since. It was also when the wider world began to change as a whole, and through new perspectives like this fans get to see why it’s been such a game changing kind of event. Because it wasn’t just a war where Luffy lost his brother in the chaos, but it had an impact on the everyday lives of the people who don’t really have the power to fight back.

One Piece’s anime really went out on a high this year as the production for the series is going to go on a lengthy hiatus. The production team is entering a charging period for the next few months in order to get ready for what’s coming next in the Egghead Arc, and won’t be returning in full with new episodes until some time in April 2025. It will be launching with a new timeslot when it returns in Japan as well, but we won’t get information on that until Jump Festa 2025 later this December.

The post One Piece Fan Letter Shows an Unseen Side of the Marineford War appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Blue Lock is back, but in all honesty, fans are not sure it should have returned. That harsh take has been shared time and again since the sports anime returned. Following its first debut, Blue Lock wowed fans with season one, and they expected big things from season two. Now, all eyes are on Blue Lock as its ‘painful’ animation has cast a shadow over its stars. It seems season two is in a rut, and this week marked a new low for Blue Lock as its animation slid further into the ditch.

As you can see above (and here), netizens have a lot to say about Blue Lock and its current animation. All eyes are trained on Isagi, and it is not for the best reason. From static animation to slideshow transitions, Blue Lock season two is not doing it for fans, and many are wondering how this sharp decline came to be.

Sadly, the answer is easy to figure out. Animators are incredibly overworked and underpaid. The anime industry is rough under the best circumstances, and Blue Lock is the latest series to be hit by this industry-wide crunch. So rather than blaming the artists themselves, let’s look at the industry and its sins as a whole.

THE DOWNFALL OF BLUE LOCK’S ANIMATION

After all, the animation in Blue Lock season one was rather impressive. Eight Bit, the studio behind the anime, made an impressive showing with the 2022 premiere. From its pacing to its character designs, Blue Lock was a hit when it debuted a couple years ago. This aura carried on through Blue Lock: Episode Nagi which premiered in April 2024. Eight Bit looked solid from the outside, but that facade went away once Blue Lock season two went live.

A number of scenes from the anime have gone viral this season and not for the right reasons. A certain level of animation is needed to make sports anime look good, but Blue Lock season two has yet to hit that balance. While its voice acting has been top notch, Blue Lock‘s soccer sequences have been nothing more than painful. I mean, scenes have shown up mid-match of an athlete kicking the ball without their foot moving. Usually, that kind of movement is key when playing soccer, but that is not the case in Blue Lock season two. Huh.

The disappointment fans feel about Blue Lock season two is valid, but it is important to contextualize the problem. Eight Bit had a long lead with season one, so the production schedule had room to breathe. That, however, changed for Blue Lock season two. Eight Bit, which is smaller studio, was tasked with animating a Blue Lock movie and second season for a 2024 launch. The company was overloaded with work thanks to these projects, so there is little doubt the production schedule was rough. And when you account for the stress and low wages facing animators, well – it is easy to see why Blue Lock season two has fallen into a rut.

IS BLUE LOCK DOOMED NOW?

Blue Lock season two is having a hard time, but the comeback is only getting started. We are just a few episodes into season two, so netizens are crossing their fingers for a miracle. Eight Bit could always turn this animation around as Blue Lock carries on with season two. But of course, there are also fans who are worried the sports anime is destined to pull a Tokyo Ghoul.

Given the popularity of Blue Lock‘s manga, the production committee backing the anime has reason to fix this issue. The series has a fanbase large enough to weather a few poor episodes, but that good grace will not last. The Promised Neverland experienced this upset, and other projects like Tower of God have been hit similarly. We can only hope Isagi is able to rally the troops for a comeback this season. And if Blue Lock is not able to retcon season two’s rough start, well – the anime could be in big trouble.

What do you make of Blue Lock season two so far? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post Blue Lock Season 2 Is Getting Worse By the Week With Its Painful Animation appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima is now in a new era of the anime franchise in celebration of Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary, and the new anime has revealed the first look at one of the original Supreme Demon Kings, Dabura’s father Abura! Dragon Ball Daima has been setting the stage to send Goku out on a whole new adventure through a brand new realm. While the Demon Realm has been a part of the Dragon Ball franchise since it all first began, Dragon Ball Daima will be the first real anime in the franchise to dive into this realm specifically to reveal new allies and foes.

Dragon Ball Daima has been expanding the Demon Realm through the first two episodes of its new anime series alone, and with it has already started to shake up the lore of the franchise as a whole. With Dabura previously being shown in the series as the Supreme Demon King that had been taken over by Babidi’s magic, Dragon Ball Daima revealed that he was far from the only Demon King in the royal line as he’s been both proceeded by his father and succeeded by the newest Demon King, Gomah, in the new anime series. And Abura himself has been revealed.

Who Is Abura in Dragon Ball Daima?

During Dragon Ball Daima‘s opening theme sequence (which features a hidden tribute to the late creator Akira Toriyama), there’s a spot introducing the new characters from the Demon Realm. These include the highlighted Demon King Gomah and his aide Degesu, and the mysterious scientist Dr. Arinsu. Behind them is the Demon King before them, Dabura, whose disappearance during the events of the Majin Buu arc sparks their interest in the outside world in the first place. But then there’s a mysterious figure next to them who can only be Dabura’s father.

Abura was first named in Dragon Ball Daima’s premiere episode as Dabura’s father and the Supreme Demon King before Dabura took over. Although his reign is still very much a mystery, it was teased by Gomah that the mysterious item, the “Evil Third Eye,” was lost within his reign. It had been passed down through the Demon Kings before Abura, but it got lost when he was crowned king. With his first look and design revealed in the new opening theme sequence for Dragon Ball Daima, it teases he’ll have a much larger role than expected.

Will Abura Appear in Dragon Ball Daima?

Abura was briefly mentioned by Gomah in the first episode along with the tease of the Evil Third Eye, and with both his appearance in Dragon Ball Daima‘s opening and the first look at what also appears to be the eye itself shortly after, it seems both of these figures will be playing a role in the new anime’s story. It’s likely that as we get to see more of the past behind the Demon Realm, and with it why the eye had gone missing during Abura’s reign as it’s not like we knew too much about that family before either.

Dabura only seemed like an evil figure during the Majin Buu arc because he was under the control of Babidi’s magic, and so far it doesn’t seem like the other demons are that much evil either. Gomah might be after something nefarious, but it wasn’t until Dabura disappeared and Gomah saw what happened on Earth that he decided to move into motion. Abura never made a move on the outside world during his reign, and we might actually get to see why in a later episode of Dragon Ball Daima. If he’s important enough to not only get a full character design, but a placement in the opening, he’ll likely pop up somehow.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Reveals the First Look at Dabura’s Father, the Original Demon King appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Rick and Morty is now in the works on Season 8 of the Adult Swim animated series, and new updates about the upcoming season shared with fans prove that the longer wait for its new episodes is going to be worth it. While Rick and Morty has been releasing at a steady clip with a near yearly release schedule for each season through to Season 7, Season 8 of the series is not coming our way until some time next year. But while it’s been a longer wait for the next batch of episodes, it’s been made clear that fans will have quite a lot to look forward to when it arrives.

Rick and Morty took the stage as part of Adult Swim’s offerings over the New York Comic Con 2024 weekend, and revealed the first look at Season 8. It was a classic episode kind of offering as Morty objects to something Rick is doing, only for the duo to dig their heels in further when it inevitably goes wrong. It’s showcasing a return to a semblance of normalcy after everything that happened behind the scenes ahead of Season 7, and that’s coupled with some new tidbits about the coming episodes from the cast and crew.

When Is Rick and Morty Season 8 Coming Out?

With the first animatic from Rick and Morty Season 8 being revealed to those in attendance and released online, it’s clear that the new season is in the early animation stages. Showrunner Scott Marder teased during the panel that the new season would be coming “before too long,” and the current first look teases that the season’s progress behind the scenes is far enough along that we’ll likely get the new episodes somewhere in the late Summer or Fall 2025 pocket depending on what other new shows or seasons Adult Swim is offering at the time.

It’s a steady production schedule as with Adult Swim renewing Rick and Morty through Seasons 11 and 12, Marder also revealed that Season 9 is also in its earliest animation stages while they are also in the final writing phase of Season 10. If it all continues smoothly, then Rick and Morty could potentially return to its yearly schedule. New Rick and Morty voice stars Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden will also finally be able to fully explore their roles through their own varied performances in the coming season and beyond, so we’re about to get a fresh take on the titular duo during all of this as well.

What’s New in Rick and Morty Season 8?

As for specifics, Rick and Morty stars Spencer Grammer and Chris Parnell teased that there would be both a Summer specific and Jerry specific episode in the coming season. Grammer teased that the Summer episode will also feature Beth challenging Summer in a way, and Parnell teases that Jerry would be challenging Jerry. The idea of potentially new alternate versions of the rest of the Smith Family seem to be coming in the new season as well according to the cast. Sarah Chalke teased that not only was she excited to perform new angles of Beth and Space Beth, but potentially alluded to a third alternate Beth in the second episode of the new season and the rest of the cast was excited about that too.

As for its take on episodic versus serialized storytelling, Marder teased that Rick and Morty Season 8 would fall in line with the previous seasons. Teasing that it would have a similar flow of silly episodic stories with the occasional canonical entry, and noted how it was the “perfect blend” of what he was looking for in the series as a fan. So it’s not like the series is going to dramatically change its style, but fans can still expect to see a few episodes working through that “ten season saga” that Marder teased ahead of Season 7’s debut.

The post New Rick and Morty Update Proves Season 8 Will Be Worth the Wait appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece is gearing up for a big new project, and anime fans are keeping an eye on the treat. Last week, the fandom was sent for a loop when One Piece announced its anime was taking a hiatus through April 2025. In the meantime, the show will keep fans fed with a remaster of the Fish-Man Island arc, and now, we have been given our very first look at the project.

As you can see above, the very first promo for the Fish-Man Island remaster is live, and the footage has us feelilng emotional. It has been over a decade since the arc was on the air, but One Piece fans look back upon the story with fondness. After all, the Fish-Man Island arc marks several major moments for the Straw Hat crew, and that includes their reunion after the Marineford War.

ONE PIECE REVISITS FISH-MAN ISLAND WITH A REMASTER

Graced with updated visuals and Dolby sound, this One Piece remaster is already looking strong. Toei Animation has announced this ‘special edit’ is meant to bring the Fish-Man Island arc in line with the anime’s latest arcs. This means some of the filters and visual additions from the Wano saga and the Egghead Island arc will appear in this remaster. And thanks to this new promo, we can see those filters are looking great on the Straw Hat crew.

On October 27th, the first episode of the Fish-Man Island remaster will go live, and it will follow the original One Piece arc as expected. The debut will follow the Straw Hat crew as the gang reunites on Sabaody after spending a couple years apart to train. While Luffy worked with Rayleigh to up his power, the rest of the Straw Hat crew trained hard to prepare for the Grand Line. The Fish-Man Island arc begins with our heroes reuniting at last, and they find themselves facing a rather strange threat.

I mean, it isn’t every day Luffy’s friends run into people impersonating them. A group of thugs are going around Sabaody pretending to be the Straw Hat crew, and the actual gang will teach the criminals a lesson when they reunite at the Thousand Sunny.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FISH-MAN ISLAND ARC

As you can imagine, One Piece fans are eager to see the anime bring back the Fish-Man Island arc. Not only does the storyline mark the end of One Piece‘s time skip after Marineford, but it kickstarts a new era for the Straw Hat crew. After training their bodies, the pirates are ready to navigate the Grand Line, and this arc puts them on the map. After all, Luffy makes a name for his crew with the Fish-Man Island royals and issues a challenge to Big Mom along the way. From secret weapons to Jinbe’s comeback, the arc is filled with important revelations, so One Piece could not have picked a better arc to remaster.

Now if you are not familiar with the original arc, we recommend you give the story a look. The Fish-Man Island arc hit televisions back in 2011, and it ran through 2012 before the Punk Hazard arc arrived. One Piece began the big arc with episode 523, and you can find the arc streaming on Hulu as well as Crunchyroll. And for manga readers, they can revisit the game-changing arc with ease as it began with chapter 603.

One Piece will spend the next few months working through its Fish-Man Island remaster, and then the mainline series will return. One Piece is set to resume its release of the Egghead Island arc in April 2025. This extended hiatus was ordered by Toei Animation to give the anime team time to prepare for One Piece‘s epic (and painstaking) visuals. The Egghead Island arc has put these visuals on display week after week, so you can imagine that work is exhausting. So when One Piece returns, it will do so with a well-rested staff on hand.

Are you excited for One Piece to kickstart its Fish-Man Island remaster? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post One Piece Promo Shares First Look at Fish-Man Island Remake: Watch appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dragon Ball Daima is now in the midst of its new anime series as part of the now airing Fall 2024 anime schedule, and it turns out the new series has recast all of its heroes except for one in the new adventure. Dragon Ball has ushered in a whole new era of the franchise as while it’s celebrating its 40th anniversary, Dragon Ball Daima has basically gone back to the beginning with its new series. Goku and the others have turned into children again as a result of a new wish on the Dragon Balls, and with it has ushered in a whole new voice cast.

Dragon Ball Daima has kicked off its new adventure with Goku and his friends (anyone involved during the Majin Buu arc, specifically) being turned into children, and Masako Nozawa returned to voice Goku in his new Mini form. But with the rest of the Japanese language voice cast being revealed with the release of its newest episode, Dragon Ball Daima has revealed that Nozawa is the only member of the cast that’s also voicing their younger version. Because every other Mini has been recast with a new voice actor behind the younger versions.

Dragon Ball Daima’s New Voice Cast

The new voice cast for Dragon Ball Daima‘s Mini characters break down as such:

• Mai Nakahara as Bulma Mini
• Yudai Mino as Vegeta Mini
• Tomohiro Yamaguchi as Piccolo Mini
• Aki Kanada as Krillin Mini
• Ai Kakuma as Chichi Mini
• Nobuaki Kanemitsu as Supreme Kai Mini
• Tsubasa Yonaga as Trunks Mini
• Erina Goto as Dende Mini
• Kimiko Sato as Mr. Popo Mini
• Yusuke Handa as Kibito Mini
• Toru Sakurai as Mr. Satan Mini
• Shiho Amuro as Majin Buu Mini

Each of these new Mini versions of the Dragon Ball cast officially made their debut with the anime’s second episode, and it’s now been made clear that they have been fully recast. Although some of the veteran Dragon Ball actors have performed for the younger versions of their characters in the past, it appears that for now Nozawa is the only member of the Japanese cast who will also be providing the performance for the Mini version of their character. With the English dub version also making some big changes for the cast, it all further cements that this really is a whole new era for the Dragon Ball franchise as a whole as well.

What’s Next for Dragon Ball Daima?

Although the voice cast has been changed for Dragon Ball Daima, it’s already starting to feel like a classic Dragon Ball adventure. The series has essentially returned to its roots for this newest anime series as not only has Goku literally gone back to square one in terms of his age, but he’s also having to rely on techniques he hasn’t needed to use for quite a long time. His new body comes with a limited range and physical ability, and thus will make his journey through the Demon Realm all the more intriguing.

As Dragon Ball Daima continues through the Fall, it’s the perfect time to jump into it. It’s yet to be revealed just how many episodes this newest anime series will have, but you can currently find the newest episodes now streaming with Crunchyroll and Netflix. The English dub release of the anime will be hosting its world premiere in theaters instead with a special limited screening event on November 11-13 with the first three episodes of the new dub. A streaming release has yet to be announced for the dub, but now is the time to check out everything as the anime starts off its newest grand adventure.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Has Officially Recast All Its Heroes Except for One appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When it comes to anime, few series escape oversight from censorship. Whether from Japan itself or the global market, censorship has a long history with anime. We have seen every series from Sailor Moon to Attack on Titan get raked over by censors. Now, the hottest anime of 2024 is contending with censorship, and Dandadan is drawing ire after episode three was hit hard by censors.

The ordeal came to light this past week as Netflix brought Dandadan episode three to life. It was there fans watched as Seiko Ayase made her long-awaited debut. The spirit medium is perhaps known best as Sexy Granny and for good reason. Despite being Momo’s grandma, the older woman defies any stereotype tied to her age. Not only does the woman know how to kick butt, but Seiko does not limit her wardrobe. She wears all sorts of revealing clothes, but fans in China did not get to see that firsthand.

DANDADAN DEBUTS AS ONE OF ANIME’S HOTTEST NEW SHOWS

As you can see below, the censors in China painted over several scenes of Dandadan. In episode three, the streaming service BiliBili surprised fans by covering up Seiko. From her chest-baring tops to her short shorts, Seiko’s outfits were being a modest makeover. The edit might not be a critical one, but it has left Dandadan fans scratching their heads. Seiko is defined in part by her sexy appearance, but the look was washed out by censors.

Here in the United States, the anime wasn’t touched by any sort of makeover. Seiko’s outfits appear as intended by Science Saru, but that did not happen for BiliBili users. Censorship struck once again, and that trend will continue as Dandadan goes on. Seiko’s wardrobe is not modest in any way, so future episodes will have to account for her style.

With this censored episode in mind, fans watching Dandadan on BiliBili are using social media to share their anger. Dandadan is an edgy show, and that truth is made clear in episode one. From Momo’s alien abduction to Turbo Granny’s introduction, the supernatural anime is meant for a more mature audience. There is no telling how else Dandadan will be throttled by censorship overseas. And of course, such a fate is not unique for anime.

THE TROUBLED TIE BETWEEN ANIME AND CENSORSHIP

When it comes to global censorship, anime has a troubled history. America was forced to dictate guidelines for anime censorship when 4Kids Entertainment and Cartoon Network began airing more anime titles. A slew of content was flagged for censorship including alcohol consumption, smoking, graphic violence, bloodshed, sexual content, offensive language, and more. Places like 4Kids Entertainment took editing even further with various localization efforts. The licensor wanted to make anime titles more palatable for young fans, so series like Pokemon transformed rice balls into… donuts. You know, because that definitely makes sense.

These days, streaming services stateside and globally have their own censorship guidelines to abide by. Some content can be put behind age restrictions, but that is not always the case. And in some countries like China and Thailand, these edits are taken to the extreme. Thanks to differing cultural customs and religious values, every nation is a bit different when it comes to censorship. For instance, some nations in Asia censored ,’s nudity by putting shirts on all of the titans. So really, Dandadan‘s recent run-in with censors was tame.

What do you make of this latest censorship incident? Are you keeping up with Dandadan now that it is live? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post Dandadan Anime Draws Ire Over Censorship in Episode 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There are a lot of kaiju in this world, but none of them can reach the heights of Godzilla. For decades, the atomic beast has been an icon, and their reach is only expanding. From Oscar wins to live-action comebacks, Godzilla is on a hot streak, but he is about to be challenged. After all, Mothra will demand everyone’s attention next year, and she will do so with a brand-new version of herself.

The update comes from New York Comic Con as IDW Publishing unpacked its next big titles. It was there artist Matt Frank and writer Sophie Campbell confirmed they were ready to tackle the Godzilla Universe. The pair will bring Mothra: Queen of the Monsters to life next year, and the comic will come complete with a new Mothra.

INTRODUCING THE WORLD TO MOTHRA GEMINI

“Following on March 5 is Mothra: Queen of the Monsters #1, the first issue of a five-issue limited series by writer Sophie Campbell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and longtime Godzilla comic artist Matt Frank (Godzilla: Rulers of Earth) for a story following time-traveling twins as they work to prevent a dark future by training a Mothra larva in the art of combat,” IDW Published describes the series.

Taking to social media, Frank was quick to address rumors about this Mothra being new or not. It turns out the artist worked with Campbell to create their own take on the mother moth. According to Frank, the comic’s monster is known as Mothra Gemini, and they are nothing short of cute. From their expansive wings to their crisp eyes, Mothra is as cute as they are powerful. We will get to learn more about this new Mothra when IDW Publishing rolls out its new comic next spring, so for now, you can read up on the title’s official synopsis below:

“Mothra has fallen after a fearsome battle with a terrifying new kaiju, Antra. Without its protector, the world has entered into a state of desolation. Kaiju roam freely, and what remains of humankind has been forced into hiding. But all hope is not lost! Mira is a young woman living in the wasteland, who believes she lost her entire family in Mothra’s final stand. That is, until her missing twin shows up at her door with two fairies! If her sister is to be believed, Mira might hold the key to the rebirth of Mothra and the Earth’s return to normalcy. They just have to travel back in time and get its egg from the Jurassic period first.”

WHAT IS NEXT FOR GODZILLA AND MOTHRA?

Clearly, Mothra is on a roll with this latest comic, and the project is very overdue. After all, Mothra has been one of Godzilla’s top allies for decades, and their recent work in the MonsterVerse has turned the moth into a legend. After appearing in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Mothra is chilling in Hollow Earth while Godzilla continues his reign topside. In 2027, Hollywood will bring the MonsterVerse back to theaters with a new feature, so fans are hopeful that Mothra will play a role.

Beyond the movies, Godzilla has plenty of comic content on the way. New York Comic Con hit up the kaiju with even more announcements including Godzilla vs America and Godzilla Heist. As for the team at DC Comics, it is also ready to pay Godzilla a visit The publisher just announced Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong 2. The sequel, which will debut in Summer 2025, will bring characters like Ghidorah and Rodan to life. And yes, Mothra will mark her presence known to the DC superheroes as well.

What do you make of Mothra: Queen of the Monsters so far? Will you be checking out the series? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post Move Over, Godzilla. A Brand-New Mothra Was Just Introduced. appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There are few things the anime fandom loves more than a good adaptation, and the webtoon industry is keeping track of that interest. Over the past few years, a number of high-profile webtoons have made their way to TV with anime series on hand. Now, a new report confirms yet another webtoon is ready to hit television, and fans of The Beginning After the End are pumped.

Yes, that is right. The Beginning After the End is getting its own anime. During New York Comic Con, Crunchyroll took to the stage to announced the big anime adaptation, and The Beginning After the End will be here before long. The show is slated for a 2025 launch, and Studio A-Cat will be handling the ambitious adaptation.

THE BEGINNING AFTER THE END IS A WEBTOON HIT

If you are not familiar with The Beginning After the End, the series got its start in January 2017. Created by TurtleMe and Fuyuki23, the fantasy webtoon has become a breakout hit in the United States. Published by Tapas, the webtoon was created with an American audience in mind. With 11 volumes to its name, The Beginning After the End is one of the top-read webtoons by Western readers, and its success in the United States has sparked a global push.

If you are not familiar with the webtoon, the series is an isekai title with ties to fantasy. It begins with an introduction to King Grey, a powerful king who is known for his strength, honor, and power. However, his life is far from ideal. Plagued by loneliness, King Grey is a hollow man, but his future is changed when his sudden death bring him into a new world filled with magic. Reincarnated as Arthur Leywin, our hero navigates a new life while avoiding the mistakes of his past. But as Arthur grows older, he learns a secret plot in this world is threatening the peace he has worked for.

Adorned with lovely colors and character designs, The Beginning After the End is a top-tier isekai series. Its plot has been begging for an anime for ages, so fans are eager to see what the show has in store. Keitaro Motonaga will direct the series while Takamitsu Kono heads up the scripts. And of course, Crunchyroll has licensed the anime for its millions of users.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WEBTOON AND ANIME MEET?

With this new project in the works, the webtoon industry is eating well overseas. A number of anime titles have risen up from webtoons, and a number of them have gone on to become hits. Years ago, titles like Noblesse and The God of High School led the charge at Crunchyroll to mixed reviews. Now, the lane is becoming more popular than ever, and we have series like Solo Leveling to thank.

From Tower of God to True Beauty and Lookism, a number of top-notch webtoons have been adapted for the screen The anime industry appears to be doubling down on the investment, and of course, webtoon titles are familiar with the adaptation process. For years, South Korea has looked to webtoons when drafting drama pitches. The Uncanny Encounter, Hellbound, Vigilante, and A Good Day to Be a Dog mark just a few of these adaptations. So just like manga before it, webtoons and web novels are becoming a go-to place for TV pitches.

What do you think about this latest anime order? Will you be watching The Beginning After the End? Give me a shout at @meganwpeters with your take! You can also let us know what you think over on X (Twitter) and Instagram.

The post One of Webtoon’s Top Titles Just Locked In an Anime Order appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The One Piece fandom is reeling right now, and we have a new anime special to thank. It was not long ago that Toei Animation confirmed One Piece: Fan Letter was in the works, after all. The ambitious special promised to embody the best parts of One Piece in a bid to honor the anime’s 25th anniversary. And now that the episode is live, well – we can say confidently that One Piece just dropped its best episode of all time.

Marineford? No. The awakening of Gear Five? Close but not quite. One Piece: Fan Letter is in a class of its own, and netizens are calling the anime special a masterclass in animation.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE: FAN LETTER?

This weekend, One Piece: Fan Letter stood tall with its debut, and the special came to life under director Megumi Ishitani and Nanami Michibata. The two directors came together with artist Nagisa Nishida to create something unforgettable. From the episode’s pacing to its sakuga and screenplay, every piece of One Piece: Fan Letter was honed to perfection. The special is now streaming everywhere from Netflix to Crunchyroll, so fans better not miss out on the treat.

After all, One Piece: Fan Letter is a love note to the franchise. The special adapts the contents of One Piece Novel: Straw Hat Stories, but it elevates the book with some key changes. From its narrative structure to its emotional stakes, this new One Piece special takes the anime’s story to new heights as it shows us how the world around the Straw Hat crew sees them.

For decades, we have followed the Straw Hat pirates, and the crew has been led by Monkey D. Luffy. The pirate has proven himself a hero in every sense, and that truth is felt by everybody on the Grand Line. In One Piece: Fan Letter, we follow every day people as they stumble across the Straw Hat crew. From young admirers to Marine skeptics, the special touches upon them all, and One Piece: Fan Letter proves Luffy’s adventure brings a powerful ripple. His actions impact the whole Grand Line, and more often than not, that motion is for the best.

THE FUTURE OF ONE PIECE IS BRIGHT

As you can see below, One Piece: Fan Letter is a clear winner with fans, and many are calling it the anime’s best release to date. The special features innovative animation, and its stylized design is a breath of fresh air. Filled with heartwarming asides, One Piece: Fan Letter is nothing less than hopeful, so you can see why it fits the Straw Hat crew perfectly.

With this new special out of the way, One Piece fans are looking to the future. The mainline anime is on hiatus until next spring, but One Piece will not leave us hanging. A remaster of the Fishman Island arc is on the horizon, and it will premiere next weekend. As for the manga, creator Eiichiro Oda is still working on the hit series. It will hit a short hiatus at the end of October, but One Piece will return to print well before November closes. So if you want to catch up on One Piece, now is the best time to get familiar.

If you are eager to brush up on the Grand Line, it is easier than ever to find One Piece. The hit anime is now streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll; Some of the anime’s older content can even been found through Tubi and Freevee. As for the manga, One Piece can be read through Viz Media’s Shonen Jump app as well as the Manga Plus website which Shueisha operates.

One Piece Fans React in Their Own Words

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Dragon Ball Daima’s new anime is a real back to basics kind of entry into the franchise, and nothing said it better with how suddenly important again that Goku’s Power Pole is to him now. Dragon Ball has kicked off the official 40th anniversary celebration of the late Akira Toriyama’s manga first hit the pages of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and its new anime series has taken that to heart. With the final new story and characters from the late Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Daima has turned Goku and the others into children once again thanks to a new wish on the Dragon Balls.

Dragon Ball Daima has turned Goku and the Z Fighters (and all of their friends) into children again after the defeat of Majin Buu, and Goku finds himself needing to adjust to his new younger body. Although he clearly retains a lot of the abilities he had trained for during the events of Dragon Ball Z, he still doesn’t have full control or spatial awareness with his new body. This means he’s got to make up the difference in a fun new way, and it brings him back to the Power Pole…which is in a hilariously appropriate place considering it hasn’t been important in a very, very long time.

Goku Gets Back the Nyoibo in Dragon Ball Daima

Dragon Ball Daima kicks off the story in full with Episode 2. While the premiere of the new series spent most of its time getting fans up to speed about where Daima would be set in the overall timeline, it wasn’t until its final moments that the new Supreme Demon King Gomah made a wish on the Dragon Balls to turn Goku and the others into children. It’s not long before Goku and the others react to their new forms, and find how much their bodies have changed.

As Goku and the others prepare to head to the Demon Realm to find Gomah and the others, Goku finds himself having issues adjusting to his new body. He has a bit of trouble flying at first since his new body needs a new center of gravity, but he’s also finding that his attacks are harder to gauge now as he doesn’t have the same impact or reach that he did in his adult form. But this also inspires him to return to the item he had as a child, the Nyoibo, or Power Pole.

Where Has Goku’s Power Pole Been All This Time?

As Goku gets inspired to seek out his Power Pole, Dragon Ball pokes fun at itself by how unimportant this legendary item has become ever since Goku left it behind all those years ago. Rather than being stabbed at the top of Korin’s Tower where he thought he left it, it turns out the Power Pole has been with Master Roshi this entire time. But also much like how Goku left his life with the turtle hermit behind, Roshi really hasn’t been treating the Power Pole with much care either.

It turns out Roshi has been using it as a clothesline to hang his laundry from, and it’s in line with Dragon Ball’s history. It’s always been the pattern with Dragon Ball to introduce something as huge at first only to then make it smaller in comparison to everything else later, so the Power Pole just being used for laundry after Goku used it so heavily as a kid makes a lot of sense. It’s poking fun at how Goku has grown to godly scales over the years, and it’s almost jokingly being thrown back into Goku’s life as everyone has to start over from nearly square one.

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YOLO is gearing up to return for its third season, and the first look at the new episodes go to show that it’s going to be perfect for the fans missing out on Smiling Friends right now. Michael Cusack has been working with Adult Swim for quite a while, but made a major name for himself with the breakout success of Smiling Friends, which he co-created with Zach Hadel. But even with all of the success seen from that series, Cusack’s own project YOLO has yet to reach that same level of popularity among animation fans online. That’s going to change soon, however.

Following the release of YOLO: Silver Destiny last year, it was quickly confirmed that Adult Swim would be bringing Cusack’s animated series back for another round of episodes. This third season, YOLO: Rainbow Destiny, is now in the works for a release in the near future, and Adult Swim has released the first look at the new episodes. This new season is already looking wacky for Sarah and Rachel, and it’s even combining a few of the special animated techniques seen in Cusack’s work on Smiling Friends too. Check it out below:

What Is YOLO: Rainbow Destiny?

YOLO: Rainbow Destiny is the third season of Michael Cusack’s YOLO animated series that first began with YOLO: Crystal Fantasy back in 2022. Renewed for Season 3 last Fall, the new season currently does not have a release window or date for its new episodes as of the time of this publication. But it’s going to be scratching that itch that Smiling Friends fans might have while that series is currently in the works on returning for its own third season as well. Because much of the humor, tone, and cadence fans loved in that series can be seen in this one as well.

YOLO carries much of Cusack’s humor that could be seen in other smaller projects before its debut. Starring a duo of young women named Rachel and Sarah, the two of them go on increasingly wild adventures in Australia as they both grow as friends and potentially apart as they navigate their changing lives. There’s a lot going on under the hood of any given episode, but watching is still a fantastic experience as the series’ absurd comedy makes each of their adventures wilder than the last. Fast jokes, wacky animated characters, and just a hint of cynicism makes it a great show.

What’s Next for YOLO?

With Smiling Friends Season 3 now in the works, YOLO: Rainbow Trinity is going to be a great show to tide you over in the meantime. If you wanted to get the jump on the new season by catching up with everything that’s happened already, you can now find the first two seasons of YOLO streaming exclusively with Max. These two seasons aren’t held down by serialized stories so you can just jump right into the new episodes, but they’re the perfect way to see the kind of humor and fun the show has.

YOLO is sneaky in the way it serializes its episodes, however. Because while there is now overt story tying each episode into the next, Sarah and Rachel themselves go through their own respective growth as their friendship changes. Sarah starts to think more for himself, and Rachel starts being less aggressive and uncaring of Sarah’s feelings. They ended the second season tighter than ever before, so now it’s only a matter of time before we get to see what’s next for them in the upcoming third season of Adult Swim animated original. It’s likely hitting sometime next year.

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Dragon Ball Daima is ushering in a brand new era of the anime with a classic star returning to the English dub, and Stephanie Naldony has shared her first reaction on performing for Goku’s voice once again for the new anime series! Dragon Ball Daima is a special celebration of the 40th anniversary for Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball making its debut with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. This has influenced how the new anime series itself has been developed as well. Not only is it going back to the beginning in many ways for Goku and the others, it’s going back to the beginning behind the scenes too.

Dragon Ball Daima kicks off its run with Goku and the other Z fighters being de-aged into children, and that means Goku (now labeled as “Goku Mini”) will be at the heart of a new Dragon Ball story for the first time in a long time. Dragon Ball Daima is going the extra mile for the occasion as well as the English dub will be featuring the return of Stephanie Naldony as the voice of this younger Goku, after previously voicing Kid Goku and Gohan for Funimation and ADV Films’ English dub release of Dragon Ball Z many years ago. With a special message to fans during New York Comic Con 2024, Naldony shared her first thoughts on the comeback.

Kid Goku’s Original Voice Actor Returns for Dragon Ball Daima

“It’s a tremendous honor to once again lend my voice to Goku, and this new chapter, Dragon Ball DAIMA, is filled with exciting adventures that fans of all ages will enjoy,” Naldony shared in a special statement to Dragon Ball fans during New York Comic Con 2024. Following reports of her possible inclusion earlier this year, Naldony’s voice was then very noticeable during the first dub trailer released for Dragon Ball Daima. Fans thought they could recognize her performance, so now it’s finally confirmed that Naldony is returning to the anime.

Naldony is likely the voice of younger Goku that most Dragon Ball dub fans will recognize. Voicing the character in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT in both the anime and manga releases, Naldony’s final recorded performance for the character was back in Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo, which hit shelves in 2009. Colleen Clinkenbeard took over as the voice of Gohan in Dragon Ball Z Kai and other future releases (such as being the voice of Goku GT in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero), so this will be Naldony’s first return to Goku proper in quite a long time.

Dragon Ball Daima English Dub U.S. Release Date

Along with the confirmed return of Stephanie Naldony as the voice of Goku Mini, it was also announced during New York Comic Con 2024 that Aaron Dismuke (Fullmetal Alchemist, Dr. Stone) will be voicing new character Glorio. He shared the following statement for the announcement, “It’s a tremendous honor to once again lend my voice to Goku, and this new chapter, Dragon Ball DAIMA, is filled with exciting adventures that fans of all ages will enjoy.” As for the English dub itself, it’s going to be hitting theaters soon.

While the streaming release date for Dragon Ball Daima‘s English dub has yet to be announced, Toei Animation and Fathom Events have announced plans to bring the first three episodes of the dub to theaters with a limited screening event from November 11-13. This is being touted as the world premiere for the English dub release overall, so it’s likely that a streaming drop (and a reveal of the rest of the English dub’s cast) won’t be until much later

The post Dragon Ball’s Stephanie Naldony Breaks Silence on Returning to Goku After Nearly 15 Years appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dr. Stone is gearing up to return for the anime’s fourth and final season, and Dr. Stone Science Future has revealed the first look at its new episodes as it sets its release schedule for its final episodes. Dr. Stone Science Future was officially announced to be in the works shortly after the third season of the TV anime wrapped up its end, but the real surprise in the announcement was that it was also going to serve as the final season for the series overall. With Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi’s original Dr. Stone manga ending some time ago, there’s really not that much left before it ends though.

Dr. Stone Science Future is the fourth and final season of the anime. It will begin airing some time in January 2025 as part of the Winter 2025 anime schedule. The new season will be exclusively streaming with Crunchyroll when it hits, and has confirmed that it’s going to have a rather lengthy run before it all ends too. You can check out the first look at Dr. Stone’s final anime season below with a special teaser trailer that shows how far Senku Ishigami and the Kingdom of Science have come thus far.

What to Know for Dr. Stone’s Final Season

Dr. Stone Science Future will kick off its final run in January 2025, and has been confirmed to run for three full cours of episodes. There will be breaks in between each of the cours, however, so it’s likely the final season will officially end some time in 2026. Each cour of an anime release lasts about 12-13 episodes, and corresponds to a seasonal anime schedule. That means that following the end of the first cour in the Spring, the anime will take off the Spring and maybe return in the Summer or Fall 2025 anime release windows for its second cour and Winter or Spring 2026 for its final wave of episodes.

So while the fourth season of Dr. Stone is going to be the final one, there will be enough episodes to tackle everything left to adapt from Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi’s original manga release. It initially was surprising to find out that the anime would ending after four seasons considering how much was still left after the end of the third season (seeing as how the final “antagonist” has yet to appear in the anime), but this length of episodes teases there’s room for everything to make it to screen before it all comes to an end.

How Does Dr. Stone End?

With the end of Dr. Stone Episode 57 in the third season, Dr. Stone’s TV anime took the first steps into the Truth of the Petrification Saga. This saga picks up after Senku and the others tracked down the source of the original petrification, and thus need to head to the former United States of America to farm enough corn to make revival fluid that could bring back everyone on Earth. It’s part of Senku’s grand plan to make advancements in this new stone world, and the first step on actually bringing it all to an end.

This final arc makes up the final 90 plus chapters of Dr. Stone‘s original manga as Senku and the others’ trip around the world introduces new allies and foes, and kicks off the desire to eventually make their way to space despite the technology seemingly being nowhere near the level it used to be. But that’s part of what makes this final half of the series all the more exciting, and will surely be just as big for anime fans when it finally gets there.

The post Dr. Stone Science Future Trailer Teases the Final Season’s Debut: Watch appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong is coming back for a new sequel, and the follow up is promising even more characters and kaiju will be wrapped up in the clash between superheroes, supervillains and giant monsters. Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong made its debut last Fall as fans got to see how the Monsterverse and DC Universe would collide with the unexpected crossover. With the final issue of this new collaboration between DC Comics, Legendary Comics, and Toho International releasing earlier this Spring, the team up has proven to be such a hit with comics fans that it’s coming around with a new entry.

Announced during the Jim Lee & Friends panel during the New York Comic Con 2024 convention this weekend, will be an official sequel crossover that will be making its debut on shelves some time in Spring 2025. The sequel will bring back the creative team behind the first series, writer Brian Buccellato and artist Christian Duce, and rather than Godzilla and Kong making their way into the DC Universe as seen in the first series, DC’s heroes and villains will be heading into the Monsterverse this time around instead.

What to Know for Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 will be primarily set within Legendary’s Monsterverse with teased appearances from Titans such as King Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra. Skull Island has been teased to be a key location for the upcoming sequel, and Suicide Squad member Killer Croc is being teased to grow to a Titan size in order to face off against the giant monsters in the sequel’s story as well. But as far as how many issues there will be or what other characters will play in the story, it’s still very much a mystery as of the time of this publication.

This is a much different kind of crossover than seen with the first miniseries as well that had the members of the Legion of Doom tap into the Titans in Legendary’s MonsterVerse. Opening a portal to that world, Godzilla, Kong, and a few of the other Titans broke their way into cities like Metropolis as Superman, Batman, and the other DC heroes tried everything they could to take on their massive new foes. It was part of Lex Luthor’s plan to finally find something strong enough to take down the Justice League, but ultimately did work out like they expected.

What’s Next for the Monsterverse?

The Monsterverse has also been growing as well. The follow up to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is currently in the works for a scheduled release on March 26th, 2027. The official title for the sequel has yet to be announced as of the time of this publication, however. The last significant update outside of its release date was that I Am Mother director Grant Sputore has signed on to direct the sequel following Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire director Adam Wingard’s exit from the franchise.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings writer Dave Callaham has also been tasked to write the script for the new film, but there has yet to be a big update since the initial staff and date had been set. With so many more Toho monsters in the Godzilla franchise, and even more potential original creations from Legendary’s Monsterverse, there are all sorts of stories that could come from this increasingly massive world filled with even more giant monsters. Coupled with comics, and the sky is the limit for these stories.

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Dragon Ball Daima has debuted its new opening and ending theme sequence for the new anime series, and with it has snuck in an emotional tribute to Dragon Ball’s late creator Akira Toriyama. Dragon Ball Daima is now in the midst of launching a whole new era of the Dragon Ball franchise as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the manga’s original debut with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. But while it’s an occasion to celebrate, there’s still a cloud hanging over it as Dragon Ball’s creator Akira Toriyama passed away earlier this Spring ahead of the premiere for the new Dragon Ball Daima anime.

Dragon Ball Daima has released its second episode with the first steps into the new anime series, and it sets up how Goku and the others will be traveling through the Demon Realm in order to confront the Supreme Demon King, Gomah. This newest episode also is the first debut of the new anime’s official opening and ending theme, and there are some hidden Akira Toriyama tributes in both. While one is entirely visible, there’s a second one that’s hidden in the lyrics that fans might not have noticed at first when the opening and ending aired.

How Dragon Ball Daima Honors Akira Toriyama’s Memory

The tribute to Akira Toriyama hidden in Dragon Ball Daima‘s opening is a bit tricky as it doesn’t entirely cross language barriers. The opening theme is titled “Jaka Jaan” as performed by Zedd and KEEN of C&K, and it features lyrics by Yukinojo Mori. The lyrics as translated to English don’t feature the direct tribute to Toriyama’s memory, but they are hidden within the Japanese version of the lyrics with the key words “AKIRA” and “TORI” appearing within the lines being sung. It’s a nice tribute to the creator who isn’t around, but it’s clear his spirit is all over the project.

The second tribute hidden within Dragon Ball Daima’s ending is a bit more noticeable, however. With Bird Studio, a production studio founded by Akira Toriyama, having its final project with the creator’s involvement, the ending theme sequence forms a bird out of feathers that Goku sees emerge in the sky. It’s a fairly bittersweet moment hidden within the sequence accompanying “NAKAMA” as performed by AI and Zedd, and once again proves that while the creator is no longer around to oversee it, Dragon Ball still has a bright future ahead of it.

What’s Next for Dragon Ball?

Dragon Ball Daima is now airing its new episodes as part of the ongoing Fall 2024 anime schedule, but it has yet to announce how many episodes it’s going to be sticking around for. It features the final story and new characters overseen by the late Akira Toriyama, so there has been a question of what could be next for the franchise once the new anime ends. As those behind the scenes look ahead to the potential future, there are still plans in place to keep the Dragon Ball franchise going.

Dragon Ball executive producer Akio Iyoku remains optimistic about the future of the Dragon Ball franchise noting that there are plans in place to continue, “We’re still coming up with various plans, brainstorming many things and will keep moving forward. I want to continue giving it my all alongside [Goku voice actor Masako] Nozawa-san.” But for now, it’s best to enjoy Dragon Ball Daima while it’s airing its new episodes while you can. You can check out the new anime series streaming with Crunchyroll and Netflix with an English dub now in the works for a release in the near future as well.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Honors Late Creator Akira Toriyama With New Easter Egg: Watch appeared first on ComicBook.com.

SpongeBob SquarePants probably has one of the most memorable Christmas episodes of all time, and now it’s getting ready to surpass this with a new stop-motion animated Christmas special coming for the holidays this year! SpongeBob SquarePants is now in the midst of celebrating the 25th anniversary since its very first episode aired with Nickelodeon, and thus SpongeBob has been hitting the world with all sorts of fun new projects and collaborations like its Wendy’s takeover. The animated series has had some of the biggest moments over the years, and has since launched all sorts of spinoffs, feature films, video games, specials, and much more. Now it’s entering a whole new dimension.

Paramount and Nickelodeon have announced that SpongeBob SquarePants is getting a new Christmas special that’s going to be much different than any of the other specials it’s done for the 25th anniversary thus far. Titled SpongeBob & Sandy’s Country Christmas, this new special will be entirely stop-motion animated and is currently scheduled for a release with Nickelodeon and Paramount+ some time this December. To showcase how this will actually look, Nickelodeon has released the first look clip from the upcoming SpongeBob stop-motion holiday special below.

What to Know for SpongeBob’s Christmas Special

SpongeBob & Sandy’s Country Christmas is currently scheduled for a release in December later this year with Nickelodeon and Paramount+. This will be a half hour long special, and will be bringing back Sandy’s extended family from their debut in the recently released Netflix distributed film, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie. Each of the members of the family will be reprising their respective roles with Craig Robinson as Pa Cheeks, Johnny Knoxville as Randy Cheeks, and Grey Delisle as Ma Cheeks, Granny Cheeks, Rosie and Rowdy Cheeks all confirmed to return for the new holiday special.

Nickelodeon had quite a lot more to celebrate for SpongeBob SquarePants‘ 25th anniversary beyond this new Christmas special too. During the special panel for the franchise as part of New York Comic Con 2024, it was also announced that The Patrick Star Show spinoff series has been such a success in its own right that it has also been picked up for Seasons 4 and 5. With Season 3 of the animated series only recently making its premiere with Nickelodeon with a new holiday special to help kick off its own run, this renewal comes at a great time for the franchise overall.

What’s Next for SpongeBob?

SpongeBob SquarePants, “Snow Yellow and the Seven Jellies,” is a new special currently scheduled for a premiere with Nickelodeon later this November. This is also another special crafted in celebration of the animated series’ 25th anniversary and seems to be mirroring the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves classic fairy tale for its new take on SpongeBob and his friends. That’s not all either as there is currently another feature film now in the works on a theatrical release some time in late 2025.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is currently scheduled for a release on December 19, 2025 and will be released in theaters. The story for the upcoming film has shared very few details as to what to expect, but it’s been confirmed that SpongeBob will be dealing with the Flying Dutchman’s ghost and he’ll be voiced by Star Wars and Regular Show star Mark Hamill (who is also set to return for the now in the works Regular Show sequel series, reportedly titled Regular Show: Lost Tapes). But as the 25th anniversary celebration continues, there’s clearly going to be even more SpongeBob SquarePants in the works in the future.

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Rick and Morty first kicked off with a joke that it would be running for 100 years, and a new renewal for the series makes that even more possible as it’s going to become one of the longest running original animated series with Adult Swim. Rick and Morty has become a juggernaut of a franchise for Adult Swim, and has clearly become one of the pillars of the block since its first debut as it has been one of the most successful Warner Bros. animated projects of the last decade. While the first few years were met with lots of trouble behind the scenes, production on the series has reached a workable schedule.

As Rick and Morty is now on a steady production track for its new episodes, Adult Swim has announced that they have already renewed Rick and Morty for Seasons 11 and 12. Season 10 of the animated series will mark the end of the historic initial 70 episode renewal following Rick and Morty Season 3. This will bring the series to over 120 half-hour episodes when it’s all said and done, and thus will make it the longest Adult Swim animated original beating out other animated long running classics like Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and Squidbillies.

Rick and Morty Makes Adult Swim History

Although it won’t be the longest original in terms of number of seasons with this renewal with Squidbillies and Off the Air currently holding the longest at 13 seasons, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force currently at 12 also, Rick and Morty’s runtime will be long overshadowing its compatriots in terms of minutes watched by the time Season 12 comes to an end. This is a pretty notable renewal for Adult Swim as it not only showcases their further commitment to the franchise even following everything that happened with co-creator Justin Roiland, but also showcases how big of a pillar Rick and Morty has become for Adult Swim overall.

It’s hard not to think of Adult Swim these days without Rick and Morty. Although series have popped in the meantime with more buzz online with releases like Smiling Friends, Rick and Morty has broken through the mainstream and has really cemented its place within the wider pop culture world through the last decade of its run. And as it prepares to return for Season 8 next year, it’s preparing to enter a whole new era for the series with new stars at the center of it all.

When Will Rick and Morty Season 8 Release?

This two season renewal from Adult Swim also reveals how healthier Rick and Morty’s production behind the scenes has become. Keeping set to a steady, productive schedule, Rick and Morty’s team during New York Comic Con revealed that Season 8 is now in its animation stages with its first look revealed, and so it’s not hard to imagine Season 9 is likely in early animation stages as well. The team revealed Season 10 is in its final writing phase too, so this means that Season 11 will likely begin work as soon as 2025, and Season 12 not long after.

If Rick and Morty‘s creative team is willing to keep up this pace and desire to keep it going, Rick and Morty likely won’t be going anywhere any time soon. When this renewal wraps up its run of episodes, there’s a good chance it will be renewed for more episodes to at least get to the Season 15 mark. This would also make it one of the longest running animated sitcoms ever, but everything’s got to continue strongly over the next few years.

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In the first two Dragon Ball Daima episodes, most of the Z-Fighters have been featured in some capacity. Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and their allies have been featured in the brief days following the defeat of Kid Buu but one hero has been kept under wraps despite their major influence in the Buu Saga. At this point in time in Dragon Ball lore, Gohan is the strongest hero in Universe 7 but we have yet to see what he is up to. While it has been mentioned that Gohan is currently working on his academic studies behind the scenes, there’s good reason to believe that Gohan will have a major influence on the sequel series.

To break down why Gohan is the strongest hero in Akira Toriyama’s Daima roster, Goku’s son currently has a Mystic transformation that has made him leagues above his fellow fighters. There’s no question that Gogeta overpowers “Ultimate Gohan” but even Gotenks wasn’t close to Gohan’s power during the Buu Saga. Thanks to the Supreme Kais once again unleashing his potential, this iteration of Gohan was able to discover a new power in himself that surpassed Super Saiyan. While Gohan might have been a pushover in Super, it hasn’t been that long since Kid Buu was killed, meaning that his power level is still putting him at the top of the food chain.

Gohan’s Daima Disappearance

From what we’ve seen of the first two episodes of Dragon Ball Daima, the opening and ending themes give us an idea of which heroes are making their way to the Demon Realm. While the first batch of protagonists looking to take on Gomah and his Kaioshin, Degetsu, include Goku, the Supreme Kai, and the mysterious Glorio, there are other Z-Fighters on the way. Vegeta, Piccolo, and Bulma are set to join them a few days following the initial trio’s departure, as Bulma is working on repairing Suprema Kai’s ship.

The interesting thing about Gohan’s absence is that the half-human, half-Saiyan warrior hasn’t been featured in any material promoting Dragon Ball Daima. Gomah’s wish was one that transformed the Z-Fighters and their “friends” into mini-versions of themselves but was there a way for Gohan to duck this wish? Should Gohan appear as an adult later in the series, with his Mystic upgrade unaffected, he would be far and away the most powerful and might pull away as the series’ MVP in the final episodes.

Don’t Expect a Daima Beast

While we might not see Gohan in a far more de-powered state like in Resurrection of F, we also most likely won’t be seeing him utilizing the power of his ultimate “Beast” form. Since Daima’s storyline is one that takes place sometime before the arrival of Beerus and Whis, and certainly long before the resurrection of the Red Ribbon Army in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan accessing this form seems highly unlikely.

When last we left Gohan in Dragon Ball Super’s manga, the long-awaited fight featuring his Beast form taking on Goku’s Ultra Instinct was revealed. While readers didn’t get a definitive answer as to which member of the Son family was strongest, it made for quite the crescendo on the manga before it went on hiatus due to Akira Toriyama’s passing. With artist Toyotaro confirming that the series is planning a comeback, Gohan is sure to play a pivotal role in the fight against Black Frieza.

Want to see when Gohan will make an arrival in Dragon Ball Daima? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Z-Fighters and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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The anime industry, despite recent unprecedented growth across the board thanks to worldwide fans diving further into the medium, is still struggling with some major issues. While more money than ever is rolling in, conditions for animators and those responsible for some of your favorite anime series continue to deteriorate. While some conditions have been made better by certain studios, the problem has grown so severe that even the United Nations is warning of a potential “collapse” of the anime industry. In a new report, the U.N. shared what is currently taking place and the best way that studios can prevent the medium from imploding in the future.

The document in question was released by the United Nations General Assembly’s Human Rights Council. Titled “Report of The Working Group on The Issue of Human Rights And Transactional Corporations And Other Business Enterprises,” the report examines many different aspects of the pop culture industry in Japan. On top of the anime industry, the Working Group also explored the idol industry and how “young talent” is coerced into signing contracts that are unfair for the future idols. Considering the popularity of anime like Oshi No Ko, the two entertainment mediums have been crossing over more often than not as of late.

The Anime Industry Needs To Change

To start, here’s how the United Nations summarizes the report, “The Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises visited Japan from 24 July to 4 August 2023. The Working Group was encouraged by the important advancements of Japan, including developing a national action plan on business and human rights and issuing the Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains. However, challenges remain concerning the business community’s capacity to understand and implement human rights due diligence across value chains.”

The synopsis continues, “The Working Group also expressed concern about the significant difficulties observed in addressing deeply embedded harmful gender and social norms, which was particularly evident in the workplace discrimination and harassment experienced by women, Indigenous Peoples, Buraku people, persons with disabilities, migrant workers and LGBTQI+ persons, among other groups. Government and business initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion and to safeguard the rights of these at-risk groups are crucial moving forward.”

Anime Penalties

When it comes to the anime industry specifically, the United Nations notes that the animation market in Japan has grown in profits to $20 billion USD. Despite this fact, the starting salaries of animators remain quite low, reportedly around $10,000 USD per employee annually. The report also details that around thirty percent of those working were listed as “freelancers” and/or “independent contractors” who were not receiving necessary protections.

The Working Group details how studios are not receiving punishment for these penalties, while also noting that anime creators, much like idols, will routinely sign contracts that “inadequately protect their intellectual property rights.” The U.N. also notes the labor shortage plaguing Japan and states in no uncertain terms that should these issues persist, they could very likely result in the “potential collapse of this industry.”

A major example of these problems has been reported across the board in relation to anime studios. While some production houses, such as Toei Animation, have been praised on conditions for its animators, there remain several other studios struggling to meet workers’ needs. Amongst reports of low pay, harsh deadlines, and rough environments, the industry still has a lot to do to avoid the potential collapse of the industry.

Want to follow along with the ins and outs of the anime industry? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest anime updates and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Nikkei

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Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir has become a fan-favorite, recently celebrating its tenth anniversary and looking to expand quite far outside of its regular television seasons. Already giving animation fans five seasons, the future is looking bright for the crime fighters as not only is the franchise looking to create a live-action series and future movies that will arrive in theaters. On top of these upcoming releases, Miraculous is looking to release a new movie that will definitively bring both Cat Noir and Ladybug into the anime realm. Pack your suitcases Miraculous fans because the heroes are going to Tokyo, Japan.

In a new interview with Variety, Miraculous Corp CEO, Andy Yeatman, confirmed that the franchise is looking to expand into different areas to capitalize on its popularity. Surprising no one, anime appears to be a new medium that Ladybug and Cat Noir will dive into next year, “We think there’s a lot of room to expand further in different areas that we haven’t tapped in yet. We’ll be introducing brand new characters that the creative team has developed and in some cases have created and playing around with internally for many years.” In another surprising twist, the two heroes won’t be alone as new characters are set to hit the scene in the franchise’s future.

Miraculous World: Tokyo

Set to arrive by the end of 2025, Miraculous World: Tokyo is the fourth television special to be released following the superheroes. In describing the upcoming anime adventure, Yeatman also hinted at what is to come for the future television specials past Japan, “So Tokyo being the first one, we have one planned for Rio, Brazil, and then several other locations that will be like characters in the show.” From this quote, it seems that Ladybug and Cat Noir’s journey is one that isn’t ending any time soon.

As mentioned earlier, the costumed heroes are set to be joined by new crime fighters that might be building their way to a spin-off of their own. Lady Dragon and Stellar Force are the aforementioned figures and as described by Yeatman himself, the characters will already be well established in the villain fighting game, “They will probably meet each other. You might imagine Ladybug helping to introduce (Lady Dragon and Stellar Force), but there’ll be new characters with their own team, their own friends, their own crushes, set in their own cities, with their own superpowers, set in different iconic locations.”

On further breaking down Stellar Force and Lady Dragon, the Miraculous Corp CEO also talked about the similarities between all the superheroes of the Miraculous franchise, “They’re all relatable teenagers, they’re kind of goofy, they’re funny, they’re vulnerable. But then they all discover they have certain different superpowers, and then they use those superpowers to help their friends and the world.”

Miraculous’ Success

Yeatman has been a part of making Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir the juggernaut that it is today. During the Variety interview, the Chief Executive Officer explained why he believes the franchise has garnered such success, “It’s the only show that was a hit on Disney and Netflix and YouTube and Roblox, and it’s popular with different demo. Our core demo is like a 5-11 boys and girls. But we’ve seen that the show can be popular for teens, for young adults.”

Want to stay tuned on all things Miraculous, whether it be the main series, television specials, and live-action projects? Follow along with Team Anime for all the latest updates on Cat Noir and Ladybug and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things anime and comics.

The post Yes, A Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Anime is Coming appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The third episode of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 has arrived and the Soul Society is on its back foot. Thanks to Yhwach unleashing his deadliest technique “The Almighty”, Ichigo Kurosaki and his human allies are struggling against the villain’s ability to foresee nearly any attack. Unfortunately for Ichigo, his background as a Quincy is not helping their situation as the shonen protagonist was forced to slice the Soul King in half due to his genetics. While things seem bleak for the Shinigami, a last-minute weakness has been revealed regarding Yhwach that might prove to win the war for the anime heroes.

Warning. If you have yet to watch the latest episode of Bleach’s Thousand Year Blood War, Episode 29, be forewarned that we’ll be covering massive spoiler territory. This latest anime installment might feature the likes of Yhwach and Aizen prominently but the episode also goes into detail when it comes to the past of Soul Society captain, Jushiro Ukitake. In the 13th Squad captain’s earlier years, he suffered from a lung disease that was threatening to cut his life short at the age of three. Ukitake’s parents left with few options, prayed to the presence known as Mimihagi, a fallen deity that grants their request. The spirit has returned to collect on their bargain and Ukitake is now becoming something far different from what he once was.

Yhwach’s Big Weakness

Ukitaka has officially become the “right hand of the Soul King”, meaning that there is still a chance that the lord of the afterlife can be saved. Unfortunately, this also means that Jushiro is giving his life in service of his higher-up and might not make it out of the Blood War alive thanks to this gambit. Even though the Soul King has been sliced in half, Ukitaka’s new status is revealed at the perfect time.

To refresh anime fans’ memories, Yhwach’s big new power is dubbed “The Almighty” and allows the Wandenreich leader to see into the future. This makes attacks sent his way almost guaranteed to be dodged or countered in a way that is beneficial to the Quincy leader. However, once Ukitaka’s shadow form rises from the depths to save the Soul King, Yhwach is unable to foresee this action, meaning that the Sternritter’s power has a definitive weakness.

A Deal With The Devil

While the big villain of the Blood War might be Yhwach, he isn’t the only antagonist that is making an appearance during Bleach’s big anime comeback. During the latest episode, we witness the ned head of the Soul Society, Shunsui Kyoraku, visiting with the nefarious Aizen. With the Shinigami reeling from the Wandenreich’s various attacks, Kyoraku has a deal for Aizen. The villain will be set free from his shackles in the Soul Society and brought to the surface, as Shunsui believes Aizen has the same goals as the Shinigami about the Sternritter.

Unfortunately, Aizen isn’t too thrilled to have visitors and despite the deal, is more than happy to demonstrate his power by taking the fingers of a Soul Society grunt in a bloody display. While Yhwach might have revealed a weakness here, Aizen’s power is nearly impossible to overcome, even with Ichigo’s previous power barely helping the substitute Soul Reaper to eke out a win. Should Aizen and Yhwach meet and have a battle to the death, all bets are off as to which villain will take home the victory.

Want to stay up to date on all things related to Bleach’s Thousand-Year Blood War? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on all things Soul Society and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk comics and anime.

The post Bleach Reveals Villain’s Shocking Weakness (And What This Means For The Blood War) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

New York Comic-Con might be an event that focuses on comic books, the movies and television series that they spawn, and pop culture but anime has been finding its way into the annual event. In the first days of the convention, franchises like Dragon Ball, Digimon, and Bleach have had some big reveals for fans. On top of established anime franchises, new blood has made its way to Comic-Con this year as Adult Swim had a major reveal up its sleeves. Lazarus is the next big original anime from the Cartoon Network programming block and there’s more than one reason to believe that this is the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop.

To start, Adult Swim confirmed at this year’s New York Comic-Con that anime fans can expect Lazarus to arrive next year. The original anime series is being brought to life by Studio MAPPA (Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man) and is directed by none other than Shinichirō Watanabe. The legendary director is responsible for Cowboy Bebop and has a history in the anime realm outside of Spike Spiegel with the likes of Space Dandy, Terror in Resonance, and Macross Plus to name a few. In the new trailer, we are able to see how the protagonist, Axel Gilberto has quite a bit in common with his predecessor Spike.

Lazarus Trailer Knocks It Out Of The Park

Adult Swim has seen varying levels of success with its original adaptations, ranging from the likes of Fena: Pirate Princess, Shenmue The Animation, and most recently, Junji Ito’s Uzumaki. Of them all, Lazarus is looking to be the most stylish and perhaps the most well-received thanks to its creative pedigree. While the 2025 release might have been similar to Cowboy Bebop in its aesthetic, the story of the series is one that differs greatly from that of the Bebop.

What is Lazarus?

Unlike the bounty-hunting adventures of Spike, Jet, Faye, and Ed, Lazarus’ main characters are struggling against a far scarier prospect than wondering where their next meal is coming from. In the year 2052, a new miracle drug has been revealed that can cure any disease. Created by the enigmatic Dr. Skinner, the “cure-all” is one that seems to have no downside but is revealed to have a caveat that might spell doom for humanity. All who take the drug are destined to die three years after the fact, sending mankind into a dire strait.

In the face of this looming doom, a group dubbed “Lazarus” has been formed that is hoping to save humanity and discover a vaccine that will cure the side effects of the drug Hapuna. On top of Watanabe working as the director of the upcoming anime, Adult Swim has employed John Wick director Chad Stahelski to choreograph the action scenes of the series. Along with saxophonist Kamasi Washington, DJ Floating Points, and Bonobo, Lazarus is hoping to give Cowboy Bebop a run for its money in the music department.

While Cowboy Bebop did make a comeback thanks to Netflix’s live-action adaptation, the television series was canceled following its first season. It’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever see a sequel or spin-off that takes place in Spike Spiegel’s world but spiritual successors like Lazarus are doing their best to continue the musical tradition of the action series.

Want to stay up to date on Lazarus and the other anime reveals at this year’s New York Comic-Con? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the spiritual successor of Cowboy Bebop and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things anime and comics.

The post Adult Swim’s Lazarus Debuts New Trailer (and It Looks Like the Next Cowboy Bebop) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

What is the deal with Mr. Popo? Ever since the original Dragon Ball series, the enigmatic figure has been the right-hand man to Kami, originally aiding Piccolo’s older half and now assisting Dende as his new role in the Earth’s resident Dragon Balls creator. While Popo has never jumped into battle to aid Goku and the Z-Fighters, he has remained a stalwart part of the shonen franchise. With King Gomah and Degetsu using Earth’s Dragons Balls to transform the Z-Fighters and their friends into miniaturized versions of themselves, a startling secret has been revealed about Mr. Popo, potentially confirming his origins.

Mr. Popo has always been a secretly powerful character. He might not be able to go blow for blow with Goku in his Ultra Instinct form or come close to defeating Ultra Ego Vegeta but he’s shown off his strength before. In the anime, during the Majin Buu Saga, Popo was able to block blows from Goten and Trunks in their Super Saiyan forms, meaning that the turban-wearing figure has some strength backing up his quiet nature. Thanks to Gomah’s wish, Popo loses the turban that he’s worn throughout the entirety of his history and fans are reeling from what they see on the top of his head.

Mr. Popo Has Horns

In losing his trademark turban, it is shown in Dragon Ball Daima’s second episode that Mr. Popo has horns. Thanks to this fact, along with Gomah revealing that those with pointy ears are more often than not from the Demon Realm, Popo’s status as a demon might have been confirmed. Now that Mr. Popo is a child, he is unable to save Dende from being kidnapped and has to wait to see if Goku and company will save the current Kami.

In Dragon Ball Super, Popo has mostly stuck to the background in the face of threats like Moro and Granolah. However, thanks to Akira Toriyama revealing new info about the tower-dwelling being, perhaps we’ll see him return in the future of Dragon Ball Super and become more involved. Clearly, Toriyama had a lot to say about the Demon Realm in Dragon Ball Daima so it might be featured far more in Super’s future as a result under the eye of Akira’s successor, Toyotaro.

The Demon Realm’s Secrets

As Goku and company try to figure out a way to return to their old bodies, they realize that they will need to travel to the Demon Realm to undo the wrong. While Bulma is working to repair the Supreme Kai’s ship that will give the anime characters entry, the mysterious figure Glorio arrives. Looking something like if Trunks was boring a demon, Glorio states that he wants to help Son and the Z-Fighters stop Gomah and make their way to the Demon Realm. Despite giving Goku a big hand, the Z-Fighters still aren’t entirely trusting of this new figure.

Dragon Ball Daima has revealed some massive secrets not just about the Demon Realm but various aspects of the shonen franchise’s lore in its premiere episodes. The Namekians were originally demons, fusion doesn’t work exactly how we all believed, and Shenron has some weird quirks when it comes to those looking to make a wish. With this anime being one of Akira Toriyama’s last projects, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if more major bombshells drop in the series’ future.

Want to see what other secrets are revealed in the future of Dragon Ball Daima? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Z-Fighters and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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It’s that time of year again kiddies. The autumn leaves are coming in, the wind is a little more chilly than usual, and stories of ghosts and goblins permeate the airwaves. Unfortunately, as we’ve reported frequently in the past, anime and horror don’t often find themselves intermingling, at least in the ways that we would hope. Keeping this in mind, it’s surprising that earlier this month, we were able to discover a newly released horror anime on Netflix that might just scratch your horror itch and it is a series that you most likely won’t see coming.

Gundam: Requiem For Vengeance was not billed as a horror series but it is one. The latest Gundam anime is one that takes viewers back to the original timeline of the franchise, the Universal Century Arc, and follows a band of soldiers in the Principality of Zeon. Since the series is in the shoes of the “villains” of the initial conflict, you might be surprised that this can give you the creeps when the “hero” is the slasher villain here. What the CG series does is it presents Amuro and his mech suit in such a way that it will send shivers down your spine and make you truly scared for those foolish enough to fight against the anime’s first Gundam.

The Horror Gundam

The first episode acts as the perfect primer to what makes this Gundam so scary in the face of Zeon. To start, the warriors fighting against the all-powerful mech have no idea who is piloting this weapon of war, causing them to go into a panic at the sight of it. Brushing off blasts that would normally destroy other mechs while seeing the Gundam unit move at ludicrous speeds, these aspects alone aren’t enough to make this a horror story but they do help.

Where the horror aspects truly click is how the Gundam mech is pictured in its preliminary appearances. In the first encounter with Amuro, the main characters encounter the unstoppable mech in the dead of night, as the Gundam’s red eyes blare through the darkness. During one particularly gruesome scene, Amuro punches his way into a Zaku and proceeds to crush the pilot inside to the horror of those watching. By placing yourself into the shoes of the Zeon soldiers, you are able to see a new level of fear when it comes to fighting against an unstoppable force regardless of whether you are considered “good” or “bad” in the overall story.

An M. Night Shyamalan Gundam Twist

When it comes to Gundam: Requiem For Vengeance, it might be made all the more creepy by knowing nothing about the series before diving in. Having a familiarity with the franchise helps one to know that the Gundam is fighting for “what is right” in his mind but if this is your first Gundam series, learning who is piloting the mech will come as a shock often seen in M. Night Shyamalan movies. The Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon’s differences make neither of them true villains, meaning it is easy to understand the goals they are looking to achieve and empathize with their respective causes.

The idea of switching sides in terms of how the audience sees a Gundam conflict has helped build its longevity, along with hopping various genres. In Gundam: Requiem For Vengeance, the Netflix original series has managed to find its footing as a campfire story that paints the Gundam in a scary light while documenting the horrors of war.

Anime’s Horror Stumbles

It’s surprising to many that Junji Ito’s Uzumaki might not be living up to the hype that anime fans have held for years. While the premiere episode turned a lot of heads, the following episodes were, seemingly, muddled down by animation issues taking place behind the scenes. It’s negotiable whether Gundam: Requiem For Vengeance can overtake this Adult Swim anime but based on fan reactions to both, there certainly might be an argument to be made.

The future of anime horror seems shaky at best as of the writing of this article. Following the production troubles surrounding Uzumaki, Adult Swim has been quite adamant that they will not be looking to adapt any more of Junji Ito’s stories in the future. There are plenty of horror manga that have yet to be brought to the small screen though considering shonen and shojo series are routinely taking the top spots in the medium, it might take a shining horror star to break through into the anime world.

Want to stay updated on the world of anime horror? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Gundam and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of horror.

The post Netflix Quietly Drops a New Horror Anime Hit Ahead of Halloween appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The conditions of animators in the anime industry is a topic that has long been discussed as the medium has gained traction worldwide. Of all the studios that have gained prominence in Japan and worldwide, Studio BONES is one of the biggest as the production house is responsible for the likes of My Hero Academia, Mob Psycho 100, and Fullmetal Alchemist. Next year, the production house is preparing to introduce another big anime in Gachiakuta along with My Hero Academia’s final season. In a new interview that fans might find quite controversial, BONES co-founder Toshihiro Kawamoto disparaged those who have complained about animators’ work conditions.

In a recent interview with German outlet “Anime Spiegel,” Kawamoto didn’t pull punches on those complaining about work conditions in the anime world, “I know that there is a lot of writing on the Internet about the difficult conditions. In my opinion, those who often complain loudly are those who are not yet good enough. If they improved their skills, they would also have more time for their tasks and would earn more money. But this is really my own personal opinion, independent of Studio BONES.” This makes for quite the departure from the mentality that many other animators and those in the industry have shared in recent years.

Anime Working Conditions: Do They Pass The Bar?

Toshihiro continues, stating that he believes that industry standards have improved significantly since earlier days in the medium, “When I think about it, I actually think that conditions are much better today than they were in the past. The government has put a lot of regulations in place when it comes to working, overtime and the like. Even if you want to work through the night and draw pictures, you aren’t allowed to do that. Of course, you can see it as a negative thing that such regulations were necessary in the first place. On the other hand, they lead to the necessary changes. Nowadays, anime studios are given a lot more budget and, above all, time. So I think things have gotten better.”

Studio BONES has been in the news a lot as of late, not just thanks to My Hero Academia’s anime on the small and silver screens, but thanks in part to its recent expansion. Earlier this month, the company opened up its own film division dubbed “BONES Film Co. Ltd,” established specifically to aid the production house in creating works for the big screen.

Anime’s Industry Troubles

There have been quite a few stories written in recent years discussing aspects of the anime industry that many believe could be improved. The work conditions, the pay for animators, and the fact that the sheer amount of product being offered doesn’t have enough staff to handle the projects are only a few instances that we’ve reported on. Studio MAPPA with its recent Jujutsu Kaisen season had numerous animators discussing the difficulty in hitting deadlines and the effort that was needed to bring Yuji Itadori and his friends’ battles to life.

Anime is only growing more popular with each passing year, as manga sales and audiences to anime episodes and/or films continue to grow. Hopefully, with the uptick in resources that are being devoted to the medium, more conditions will continue to improve for those who help make our favorite anime adaptations.

Want to follow along with the anime industry as a whole and stay updated on the working conditions of animators? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the anime medium and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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Dragon Ball Daima’s premiere episode is one that has already made major changes to the shonen universe’s lore. On top of introducing the Demon Realm to the franchise, Akira Toriyama and Toei Animation took the opportunity to confirm that Namekians were originally demons before they arrived on Planet Namek. With the second episode of the anime arrival now having arrived online, fans are having the opportunity to see how the Z-Fighters are dealing with their new status as “mini” versions of themselves. In a shocking new moment, Shenron and the Dragon Balls have factored a major new change to the series.

Warning. If you have yet to watch Dragon Ball Daima’s second episode, be forewarned that we’ll be exploring some massive spoiler territory. For quite some time, Shenron the Eternal Dragon only granted one wish when he was summoned. When Dragon Ball Z rolled around, anime fans were introduced to Porunga, the Eternal Dragon of Namek, who didn’t just look far different from Shenron but had different abilities. Porunga could grant three wishes versus Shenron’s one. When Dende took the reins of Kami from Piccolo’s older half, new Dragon Balls were forged and it seems that Shenron is making his own rules in Dragon Ball Daima.

The Dragon Balls Have Changed

In episode one of the latest Dragon Ball anime, King Gomah of the Demon Realm decided to make a wish that would transform Goku and his friends into miniaturized versions of themselves. Unfortunately, Shenron has a new deal that he apparently has been keeping close to his chest this entire time. Once Gomah made his wish, Shenron stated that he was leaving, causing the demonic overlord to have an outburst, demanding more wishes.

As the Eternal Dragon of Earth explains, Shenron only gives one wish to “new customers,” but gives returning customers three. This means that Gomah only gets the chance to make the Z-Fighters become children and can no longer wish to receive the “Evil Third Eye.” Luckily, this revelation came at just the right time for the Z-Fighters.

Neva The Namekian’s Powers

In Dragon Ball Daima’s premiere, viewers were introduced to Neva the Namekian, an elderly Namekian that had the power to both gather the Dragon Balls instantaneously while also making them no longer stone. Unfortunately for Gomah, this isn’t a technique he can repeat instantaneously on Earth and while he can do this in the Demon Realm, it would mean that the new demon lord would have to tangle with their current protectors.

Another massive revelation regarding the Namekians also dropped in episode two as Piccolo detailed why the green-skinned warriors and healers left the Demon Realm. While Piccolo hadn’t been born to witness the exodus, the Namekians left the alternate world as they “did not like being ruled.” Since the Demon Realm is one that is lorded over by many demonic figures, it makes sense that the denizens of Planet Namek would make their way out of it to find a new home.

The final moments of episode two finally introduce us to Glorio, a resident of the Demon Realm who has arrived to help Goku and the Supreme Kai defeat Gomah. Seemingly, Glorio was informed about the Z-Fighters’ predicament thanks to a mysterious informant, which is sure to be revealed later on. Since Glorio’s ship could only hold three, Goku and Supreme Kai hop aboard but leave behind the others. Luckily, thanks to Dragon Ball Daima’s ending theme, it appears that Piccolo, Vegeta, and Bulma will be joining the trio on their journey but are going to have to wait a few days to do so thanks to Bulma repairing Kaioshin’s ship.

Want to see what other changes are made to the Dragon Ball universe thanks to Daima? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Z-Fighters and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Dragon Ball Daima Has Changed How Earth’s Dragon Balls Work (and It Really Helps Goku) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dandadan has been a highly anticipated anime adaptation for a reason. The Shonen Jump series has garnered some serious attention thanks to the story and art weaved by creator Yukinobu Tatsu. While the supernatural anime series leans into comedy, it also has a balance of both action and horror that many other projects cannot match. Recently, the third episode of Okarun and Momo’s bizarre adventure has arrived on streaming services and given us a closer look at the terrifying supernatural force causing the pair such a hard time. There has never been an anime threat quite like this one.

Warning. If you have yet to watch Dandadan’s latest episode, Episode Three, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into serious spoiler territory. Despite Momo figuring out a way to keep the Turbo Granny at bay inside of Okarun’s frame, the supernatural threat is still looming large. On paper, the idea of a ghost that is an elderly woman who races its victims sounds hilarious but the entity has shown just how terrifying it truly can be when it doesn’t get what it wants. Following the second episode which saw Okarun achieving a new transformation by utilizing Turbo Granny’s powers to the fullest, the spirit pulls its most horrifying action to date in an unexpected locale.

The Turbo Granny Rises

Okarun’s current “relationship” with the Turbo Granny is one that consistently spells trouble not just for Momo, the psychic powerhouse keeping her at bay, but also anyone in the boy’s line of vision. During one particularly creepy scene, Momo looks away for a moment, only for the Turbo Granny to take over Okarun completely. Stating that she is more than willing to kill Momo’s grandmother with a heart attack, the Turbo Granny demands that the pair of protagonists meet with her that night, cutting a potential training arc to a close. Thanks to her cursed status, the Granny has the power to kill anyone that Okarun simply looks at, making the ghost that much more terrifying.

Science SARU is doing some of its best work here in Dandadan’s third episode, especially in relation to the supernatural presence sharing a body with Okarun. During the bathroom scene, the production house perfectly captures the malevolence of the Turbo Granny in adapting Yukinobu Tatsu’s artwork. For those who have read the manga, they know that the fourth episode of the series is one that will push SARU to the limit.

Horror Anime: Take It Where You Can Get It

Many horror anime fans have found themselves lamenting the troubles that are currently befalling Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, the long-awaited anime adaptation from Adult Swim. While the first episode was one that was able to truly capture the artwork of the horror master, episodes two and three were struggling with maintain that same quality thanks to behind-the-scenes controversies. While Dandadan might not be considered a “horror anime”, it’s ghoulish apparitions and extraterrestrials that the anime heroes face are worthy of any good horror series.

Shockingly enough, another anime arrival has leaned into the horror side of the equation in Gundam: Requiem For Vengeance. To the surprise of many anime fans, this series exploring the original universe that kicked off the Mobile Suit franchise portrays Amuro and his mech almost as if they were “slasher villains.” When faced with an all-powerful mech, it would make sense that the thing you were fighting would look downright demonic given the right circumstances.

Want to see what other horrors lie in wait in the anime scene this Halloween? Follow along with all the latest updates on Dandadan and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Dandadan Creeps In With Anime’s Scariest Villain of the Year appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Warner Bros hasn’t been shy regarding its plans to further flesh out The Lord of The Rings’ universe. Recently, Amazon’s The Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power brought its second season to a close, continuing to follow the prequel story that explores the characters of Galadriel, Sauron, and Elrond. In a surprising twist, a new prequel movie is on the way for this winter in The Lord of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim which will be the franchise’s first anime film. In a recent interview, a creator of the franchise talked the series’ anime future.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Lord of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim, the anime movie is set to hit North American theaters on December 13th this winter. Taking place one hundred and eighty-three years before the events of The Lord of The Rings trilogy, the anime prequel explores the story of Helm Hammerhand and his family as they defend the now legendary locale. For this first anime film in the land of Middle Earth, Warner Bros has teamed up with Sola Entertainment, the production house that has made a name for itself with anime projects including Tower of God, The God of High School, Ninja Kamui, Shenmue: The Animation, and Rick And Morty: The Anime.

The Lord of The Rings’ Anime Future

Screenwriter Philippa Boyens, who was responsible for the first three Lord of The Rings movies along with The Hobbit trilogy, is returning for The Lord of the Rings: The War of The Rohirrim. On top of her time with Middle Earth, Boyens also had a hand in writing The Lovely Bones, Mortal Engines, and 2005’s King Kong. In an interview with outlet Empire, the screenwriter confirmed that they are already thinking of another anime project for the franchise, but it’s going to come down to The War of The Rohirrim’s success.

Boyens states that the upcoming The Hunt For Gollum film might receive a follow-up in the form of an anime, “We have an absolute banger of a second film that would just be incredible as an anime, but let’s see if there’s an appetite for it.” While discussing the upcoming live-action movie focusing on Andy Serkis’ Gollum, the screenwriter confirmed it was always meant to be one movie, “I can tell you definitively it isn’t two films! That was a genuine misunderstanding that happened because we’ve begun to work, conceptually, on two different live-action films. The first being The Hunt For Gollum, the second one still to be confirmed.”

An Anime Gollum?

If you want to see Gollum in an animated format, you don’t have to wait for years to see if The War of The Rohirrim is a success. In 1977, animation studio Rankin/Bass released an animated movie for The Hobbit, following the journey of Bilbo Baggins long before Warner Bros released the trilogy of live-action films that did the same. While this take does focus on Bilbo’s unfortunate first meeting with Gollum, this is a far different-looking beast than the one we saw Andy Serkis portray. Following the success of this initial animated outing, a Lord of The Rings animated movie was released the following year in 1978.

Ironically enough, the Gollum of The Lord of The Rings’ animated movie looked far more like Andy Serkis’ iteration than The Hobbit’s. Considering the franchise’s long history in the animation world, it makes sense that anime would be a perfect fit for Middle Earth.

Want to stay updated on The Lord of The Rings’ place in the anime world? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the The War of The Rohirrim and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Empire Online

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Batman Ninja gave DC Comics and anime fans a very new take on the Dark Knight and his fellow denizens of Gotham City, hero and villain alike. For its sequel, we’re about to see a brand new villainous interpretation of the Justice League as the Yakuza League will be front and center. While an evil iteration of the likes of Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Green Lantern is a big enough threat on its own, the latest trailer for Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League shows that there is someone in the background pulling the strings.

The first Batman Ninja featured the Joker as its big bad, which should come as no surprise since the Clown Prince of Crime is regularly featured as the scarred side of the Dark Knight’s coin. While there has been promotional material that has confirmed Joker and Harley Quinn will return to this new sequel with new looks to boot, the clownish pair isn’t responsible for this new evil Justice League. Alongside the new trailer with the major villain reveal, Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League has confirmed that it will be arriving next year. While the sequel isn’t set to hit the silver screen, it will hit home video and continue Warner Bros’ foray into the anime world.

Yakuza League’s Demon Head

In the latest trailer, Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League confirms that Ra’s Al Ghul is apparently working to benefit from the nefarious Justice League’s arrival. Considering the Demon’s Head has always run a league of his own, the League of Assassins, it makes sense that Ghul would be attempting to capitalize on an evil collection of superheroes. While this “big bad” question has been answered, the origins of the Yakuza League remain a mystery and it has yet to be revealed if an evil Superman will be making an appearance in the sequel.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Demon’s Head, Ra’s Al Ghul isn’t quite like many other Gotham villains like Joker, Riddler, Penguin, or Scarecrow. Ghul is an immortal mastermind, using the power of the Lazarus Pits to cheat death. The long-running Batman villain is one who wants to change the world so making him the big villain of this sequel makes sense, especially considering his status as the grandfather to Damien Wayne, aka Robin.

Warner Bros’ Anime Initiatives

It’s no secret that anime is becoming a hot ticket item in the entertainment world and Warner Bros shared the fact earlier this year that they were all-in on the medium. The Suicide Squad Isekai was the first time that Task Force X received their own anime series, finding success in throwing the supervillains into an isekai world. WB collaborated with Wit Studio on this project and the latter has stated that they would love to explore more DC heroes and villains in the future. Certainly, while not confirmed for a second season, Suicide Squad Isekai’s first season finale is one that sets the stage for Harley and company to return.

For Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League, Warner Bros teamed up with studio Kamikaze Douga on the upcoming sequel. If you’re unfamiliar with the production house, the studio has worked on the likes of Pop Team Epic, Sand Land, and Star Wars: Visions. On top of returning following their work on the first Batman Ninja, Kamikaze Douga is also responsible for creating intro scenes for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Gatchaman. As CG animation becomes more prevalent in the anime world, it will be interesting to see how this Dark Knight sequel stacks up to the original years after the fact.

Want to stay updated on the Dark Knight and his fight against the twisted anime version of the Justice League? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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One of the Big 3 anime, One Piece, is having a revolution as of late, especially with the Netflix live-action series exceeding expectations. While we await more information about season 2, CASETiFY is ready to gift us with some new One Piece merch. The tech accessories company announced its latest collaboration with the fan-favorite anime would be inspired by the iconic devil fruits of the series. 

According to the press release, CASETiFY uses the fruit designs from the series to create a diverse collection, which includes “3D AirPod accessories as well as a cohesively designed range of products. The standout design seen throughout the collection plays on fruit stickers, bringing something commonly seen and adjusting it fittingly to the deviled fruit theme of the collection.”

While the 3D AirPod cases are definitely the most unique part (they replicate the in-universe Devil Fruits: the Gum-Gum fruit, Flame-Flame fruit, and Op-Op fruit), but there are a few other products that look interesting and fun. My favorite is the Gum-Gum Fruit Headphone Collectible Case, which covers the headphones with a bright and gummy Gum-Gum fruit. I can definitely imagine wearing those on my head everywhere I go. 

A wide variety of products are included in the drop, including “AirPods and AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, iPad, laptop cases, wireless chargers, earbuds pouches, cardholder stands, grip stands, and 2-in-1 charging stands.”

“There will be a VIP access exclusively for special products, including the Gum-Gum Fruit Headphone Collectible Case, Flame-Flame Fruit Collectible AirPods Pro Case, Op-Op Fruit Collectible AirPods Pro Case, Gum Gum Fruit Collection AirPods Pro Case, and Thousand Sunny Grip Stand with Gold/Silver Priority Access starting on October 20th / 21st at 9 PM PT 12 AM ET.” You’ll be able to shop the collection right here at the Casetify website after the launch.

Members beyond Gold and Silver tiers can gain early access to special items by registering for the waitlist. Those who register will be able to make purchases starting October 22nd at 9pm PT / 12am ET. To join the waitlist, simply select one of the following five items from the One Piece collection page: Gum-Gum Fruit Collectible AirPods Pro Case, Flame-Flame Fruit Collectible AirPods Pro Case, Op-Op Fruit Collectible AirPods Pro Case, Thousand Sunny Grip Stand, or Gum-Gum Fruit Collectible Headphone Case.

One Piece’s second season began filming this last summer, so it’s going to be a little while before we get a release date. In the meantime, we’ve got season one on Netflix and some awesome CASETiFY accessories.

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Rick And Morty is having a good time at New York Comic-Con this year, as the annual comic event has revealed some major news regarding the Adult Swim juggernaut. Earlier today, Cartoon Network confirmed that the series has been confirmed for seasons eleven and twelve, meaning that animation fans have at the very least five more seasons to follow the Smith Family. As a cherry on top of this news, Adult Swim has released a first look at the eighth season of the series, giving fans a better idea of what Morty and Rick are going to be up to in one of the opening scenes.

The overall stories that will be present in Rick And Morty’s eighth season mostly remain a mystery, though earlier this year, a major voice actor on the series did hint at what is to come. During this year’s C2E2 event, Ian Cardoni, the new voice of Rick Sanchez following Adult Swim parting ways with Justin Roiland, talked about what he expects, “I’m sure whatever it was [in the Fear Hole], it will be confronted in season 8 and beyond. Whatever those fears are. I’m just going to tease that.” The “Fear Hole” was a big part of the seventh season’s finale, exploring a new side to the characters that sounds like it will be worth exploring. As Dan Harmon stated in a recent press release as part of the seasons eleven and twelve announcement, there is nowhere that the series can’t go in the future.

Rick And Morty Eighth Season First Look

While it’s clear that Adult Swim is still working on the actual animation of season eight, they did supply fans with a look at the behind-the-scenes animatics of one particular opening scene. In typical Rick fashion, he throws care to the wind as he finds more than he bargained for in a “cryo-ship”. Learning that the inhabitants of the ship come from a destroyed world, Morty isn’t exactly thrilled with Rick’s plan of action and the whole plan goes to pot.

Rick And Morty Creators Talk Season 8

In discussing season eight, showrunner Scott Marder had this to say about Rick And Morty’s comeback during this year’s New York Comic-Con, “Eight will have a lot of similar flow and vibes to six and seven, which is like a cool balance of silly and one-up canonical stuff. That’s the stuff I want as a fan. And that’s the stuff that Harmon and I work on all jammed together. I’m really proud of these last couple of seasons; they’re sort of the perfect blend of what I look for as a fan.”

Co-creator and writer Dan Harmon shared his thoughts as well as to Rick And Morty’s future during the panel, “There’s obviously been a lot of shakeups and transitions that have happened that are luckily coinciding with some of these canonical storylines being resolved. If I could set a framework for fans of the show, it’s the old characters and all these things, but it’s like, this is an opportunity for a rebirth. I mean, the kind of canonical things like searching for Rick Prime, these are things that come out of the ether, and then they acquire this gravity, and then they become a canonical serialized story. I think people should expect more random embers shooting off of that fire and turning into organically gigantic serialized things of their own.”

Want to stay tuned to what Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith have in store for the future on Adult Swim? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Cartoon Network favorite and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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Rick And Morty recently ended its seventh season, exploring some wild new territory for the titular characters. Adult Swim hasn’t stopped by confirming that an eighth season is on the way but has also let fans know to expect seasons nine and ten in the past. At this year’s New York Comic-Con, the beloved animated show made the surprising announcement that the Smith family would return for two additional seasons past ten, meaning that fans will have plenty more adventures to witness in Rick And Morty seasons eleven and twelve.

Here’s how the press release describes the renewal of Rick And Morty for seasons eleven and twelve, “Adult Swim has greenlit two additional seasons of Rick and Morty, ensuring the global hit comedy will reach a 12th season, it was announced today at New York Comic Con. Previously greenlit until Season 10, Adult Swim’s #1 series that follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe will now run through 2029. Rick and Morty was the #1 comedy across all of cable during seasons three, four, five , and six, and has garnered two Emmys for “Outstanding Animated Program.”

Rick And Morty And Beyond

Adding their thoughts to the momentous news, Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen said, “From Season One, Rick and Morty set a new standard in adult animation and has shown no signs of stopping. Dan, Scott, and the rest of the immensely talented team behind Rick and Morty are constantly outdoing themselves and I’ll be joining the millions of fans around the world in looking forward to more adventures in the years to come.” 

Joining Ouweleen was the series co-creator Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder. Harmon was sure to confirm that he didn’t want a universe that was bereft of Rick And Morty, “Nobody wants a universe without Rick and Morty. Fortunately, the list of places to go remains infinite.”

Scott Marder is hoping that the series will continue on forever, stating as such in the press release, “I couldn’t be prouder to have taken this baton pass of a lifetime during Rick and Morty’s fourth season and get us to Season 10. Getting to go beyond that now is such a gift I can’t wait to give our fans. Rick and Morty – a hundred years – forever!”

Where Do We Go From Here?

When last we left the Smith family, Rick had managed to defeat his most powerful and bitter foe, Prime Rick. Responsible for the death of his wife, the Rick we’ve come to know and love literally beat his alternate self to death thanks to some unexpected help. “Evil Morty” returned for season seven before leaving just as quickly, putting the future in flux in relation to what Morty and Rick will have to tackle in future seasons. Based on what we’ve already witnessed over the course of seven seasons, the sky is the limit.

Currently, Rick And Morty: The Anime has attempted to give fans a new take on the classic Adult Swim characters to a mixed response. Many viewers have wondered if the show hasn’t been able to live up to the same heights as the main series thanks to a lack of humor and a story that can be quite confusing at times. Keeping this in mind, it will be interesting to see if a second season is confirmed and whether the Cartoon Network juggernaut will ever venture back into the anime world.

Want to see what the future holds for the Smith Family for its upcoming seasons? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for all the latest updates on Rick And Morty and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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