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Each major anime studio in Japan has at least one or two mega-hit anime they can boast about, such as Toei Animation making Dragon Ball Z, Studio Pierrot making Naruto, and Studio UFOtable with Demon Slayer. Then there is Studio Bones, a reputable and well-regarded anime studio responsible for making action/adventure hits like My Hero Academia. The question is how Studio Bones will top all that.

Every year, there are plenty of manga series and light novels ripe for anime adaptations, and certain manga are mega-hits in the making if they can get a terrific anime adaptation. That was what happened to the likes of Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, so it's up to Studio Bones to find another strong manga to turn into an even stronger anime. After all, the long-running My Hero Academia is almost over, and Studio Bones can't drop the ball now — it needs a...

Is My Hero Academia at its finale in 2025? (Photo Credit – Twitter)

It’s hard to believe, but nearly nine years have passed since My Hero Academia first burst onto screens, and now the beloved shōnen juggernaut is gearing up for its grand finale.

The eighth and final season was officially confirmed at AnimeJapan 2025, setting the stage for a climactic showdown and fans won’t have to wait too long as the episodes will start rolling out in late 2025, airing weekly on Crunchyroll alongside Japan’s broadcast.

A Teaser Packed With Nostalgia

Crunchyroll released a teaser trailer to build the hype, blending nostalgic clips with an intense preview of what’s to come. Izuku Midoriya and his U.A. High classmates take center stage once more, but the real hook is the final, fateful showdown between Deku and Shigaraki, which has been teased through their dramatic narration.

Trending Leonardo DiCaprio’s...

Mob Psycho 100 stands out from its Shonen peers in many ways. One treated teenagers according to their age and they don’t act like soldiers who will save humanity. The protagonist tries to stay away from conflicts as much as possible unless it is forced on him.

The animation of Mob Psycho 100 is also phenomenal due to its unique stylistic approach. The character design is extremely expressive, and the animation is fluid, making it a very attractive watch. As it turns out, the series’ animation was closely related to that of One’s other popular franchise.

Mob Psycho 100‘s Animation was Inspired by One Punch Man Shigeo Kageyama in Mob Psycho 100 | Credits: Studio Bones

In an interview with Anime News Network, Yoshimichi Kameda, the animation director and character designer of Mob Psycho 100 talked about his experience in different animation styles and how it was integrated into the series.

Get ready, because the end is near for one of the biggest superhero anime out there. I’m talking about ‘My Hero Academia’, which is gearing up for its final season. This October, we’re all in for a treat as the show lands on Crunchyroll, streaming worldwide except in Asia. New episodes will drop weekly, hitting the platform the same day they air in Japan. It’s the perfect setup for us to catch the action as it unfolds.

The story’s been building to this for a while now. ‘My Hero Academia’ follows Deku, our determined hero, as he takes on Shigaraki in what’s shaping up to be an epic clash. This final season promises to settle the score and decide the world’s fate. Over at AnimeJapan 2025 in Tokyo, Toho Animation dropped a fresh teaser trailer and some slick key art to get us pumped. The...

The ultimate confrontation between good and evil is set to unfold as the long-running superhero anime sensation “My Hero Academia” prepares to take its final bow.

At the AnimeJapan 2025 expo in Tokyo, Toho Co., Ltd. revealed a teaser trailer and key art for the eighth and final season, which will pit protagonist Deku against the villain Shigaraki.

Set in a world where approximately 80% of the population possesses supernatural abilities known as Quirks, “My Hero Academia” chronicles the journey of Izuku Midoriya and his classmates at U.A. High School as they train to become professional heroes who protect society from villains who use their powers for nefarious purposes.

“My Hero Academia Final Season” will make its global debut this October, with Crunchyroll securing worldwide streaming rights (excluding Asia). The platform will continue its simulcast tradition, delivering new episodes to international audiences on the same day they air in Japan.

Returning...

Several different elements must come together to craft a fantastic anime. A wonderful story is a necessity, as are likable characters. Stellar animation is always a bonus, although anime like Mob Psycho 100 proved style isn't everything. Of course, great voice actors always have a role to play as well.

However, not all voice actors stick around for the series' entire lifetime. While the reason for not remaining for an entire series may vary, from retirement to being let go for controversial reasons, a new voice actor has to come in to replace the original. This transition can sometimes be quite jarring for fans. Yet, there are times when the new voice actor that takes over the role does so with flying colors.

Kagome's New Voice Feels Slightly More Professional in Inuyasha: The Final Act Voice Actor: Kira Tozer; Streaming On Hulu

Inuyasha is a classic fantasy adventure that fans keep coming back to,...

When Sakamoto Days was first announced for an anime adaptation, fans were really hyped up about it. A lot of them referred to it as one of the most anticipated new-gen shows, blending action, comedy, and some nice fight scenes that could actually shake up the anime scene. But here we are today, Cour 1 received a lukewarm reception and Cour 2 is set to drop amidst one of the most competitive anime seasons in recent memory, the reality is grim.

Shin Asakura, Taro Sakamoto, and Lu Xiaotang from Sakamoto Days. | Credit: Tms Entertainment

If you thought Solo Leveling was a tough competition, then you can just imagine what’s going to happen when Dandadan, Gachiakuta, Kaiju No. 8, The Summer Hikaru Dies, and other highly anticipated adaptations all arrive at the same time. It’s like this wild battlefield where Sakamoto Days, which is already doing badly with a pretty mediocre adaptation,...

Anime fans have many ways to show their love and appreciation for their favorite series. Some create fanart, while others make different crafts to represent the anime they love. Other fans prefer to put their literary skills to use and write amazing fan-fiction. While it may seem natural that the most popular characters from a franchise, like Mha's Deku and Bakugo, get the most fan-fiction, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Sometimes fan-fiction writers will surprise the community by giving attention to a franchise's strangest characters. Characters like One Piece's Buggy the Clown or even Demon Slayer's Zenitsu are overlooked or even hated. Maybe they're just weird or annoying. Despite what some fans think, these characters seem to be the perfect protagonists for their several fan-fictions.

Soul Eater's Franken Stein Struggles With His Madness in Over 1,500 Fan-Fiction Pieces Streaming On Crunchyroll

Franken Stein is one...

Crunchyroll has announced its exclusive acquisition of the Gachiakuta anime adaptation, revealing a new trailer, visuals and official streaming release window for the upcoming shonen hit series.

Via a press release, Crunchyroll announced it will exclusively stream the highly anticipated Gachiakuta anime this July for the Summer 2025 season, adapting the manga of the same name by Kei Urana in Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine. Bones Film is in charge of animation production. The story follows Rudo, a young outcast framed for murder and exiled into this wasteland known as The Pit. After surviving his descent into this new world, he must now fight to survive against monstrous Trash Beasts while navigating a brutal world, hoping to return to his home and seek vengeance. Readers can check out Gachiakuta's official trailer and stills below.

Fullmetal Alchemist Studio Gets New Trailer for Dark Fantasy-Action Anime Gachiakuta

All above images credited to ©Kei Urana,...

Anime fans who have been missing My Hero Academiaare in luck, because the studio behind the superhero shonen is gearing up to release its next big project. Studio Bones' new anime series is likely to be its biggest hit yet, and it will be streaming on Crunchyroll in July 2025.

Gachiakuta, based on the original manga by Kei Urana, is an action manga unlike anything fans have seen before. Coming from a studio with a proven track record like Bones, the anime adaptation of Gachiakutawill undoubtedly be an incredible hit.

Gachiakuta Will Premiere on Crunchyroll in July 2025 The Shonen Tells the Story of Rudo, Who Was Wrongfully Accused of a Crime and Sent to a Terrifying Abyss

©Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou and Kodansha/ “Gachiakuta” Production Committee

The trailer for Gachiakuta was released on YouTube, giving fans a glimpse into the compelling, dark story. Rudo, the main character, is sent to a...

Watching a funny anime alone can certainly be enjoyable, but nothing compares to the laughter shared with friends. The absurdity of a well-crafted comedy anime comes alive when you have someone next to you to react to every ridiculous plot twist and bizarre joke. A simple glance or shared laugh during a standout moment makes those scenes all the more memorable.

When you have company, the humor amplifies. The over-the-top gags, unexpected character interactions and wild scenarios hit differently when you can see your friend’s expression or laugh in sync. Anime designed to be comedic becomes even funnier with someone to experience it with, turning every punchline into a shared moment of pure shock and joy.

Mob Psycho 100 Is Heartfelt & Hilarious Stream Mob Psycho 100 on CrunchyrollImage via Bones It Can Be Easy to Overlook the Emotional Intensity of Mob Psycho 100 Because of Its Fantastic Comedy

Mob Psycho 100...

It's sometimes a rare treat to see an anime series actually finish its story, since it's rather common for an anime to either go on hiatus or never finish the original manga's story at all. Recent anime titles, meanwhile, haven't even had a chance to finish their stories yet, such as My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, so anime fans end up with a lot of unfinished stories. However, there are some wonderful exceptions to that trend.

In past decades, fantastic anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood finished their stories, and more recently, other great anime titles have done the same. From 2020 to the present, fun anime series in all different genres crossed the finish line and aired their final seasons or concluded with anime movies. Anime fans can either watch these series for the first time or revisit them so they can get a complete viewing experience.

One Punch Man might be cool, but do you know who’s cooler? It’s the creator of it, who goes by the pen name, ‘One’! In fact, it’s not just the name that’s so interesting about him, but also the story behind how he came up with Saitama’s character design, which deserves total respect!

Saitama saying Ok | Credits: Madhouse Studio

In a past interview, ‘One’ spilled some fascinating beans about his creative process for One Punch Man, and this particular information exceptionally stood out. We’re talking about a character design so iconic, that it’s hard to imagine One Punch Man being the same without it. So, what’s the story behind Saitama’s origin? Why does he look so… plain?

The world doesn’t need any more cool-looking heroes! One Punch Man Season 3 trailer shows Saitama preparing to face Garou | Credits: J.C. Staff

This is,...

Not every anime protagonist will be beloved right out of the gate. In a medium where it's easy to see characters fall into the same tropes, it can be incredibly annoying for the main character to feel generic. Great anime titles are defined by their protagonists, and a bad main character may cause viewers to drop whatever series they watch after the first episode. However, having a bit of patience can go a long way for viewers to watch these blank slates grow into believable people.

With enough time, fans will find themselves drawn to these characters. More about their pasts could be revealed or rising stakes in the narrative could force them to make tough choices. These decisions could make a boring main character vastly more interesting than before. These case studies help elevate their characters, and their anime series, to new heights.

Asta's Trust in His Allies...

Shonen anime often follow a set formula of tropes—the underdog protagonists, intense battles that are won by a hair’s breadth, and romance. This is the way it has been, be it in Dragon Ball, Naruto, or Bleach. It might start off slow, but there are always hints of it.

Shigeo Kageyama in the anime | Credit: Studio Bones

The other norm that Shonen follows is having conventional-looking characters. Unlike some Seinen anime that need their characters to look different, Shonen usually has a very distinct recognizable sort of character design, the major thing is all the main characters are ‘cool’ or ‘attractive.’

However, Mob Psycho 100 is a unique series that defies these two major conventions of the genre, proving that great storytelling can be done without following just one recipe. Let us delve deeper and understand why a show like Mob Psycho is so endearing.

No romance, no...

Many people have grown tired of the same old story format where the main protagonist always grabs all the attention, and the side characters are just there to support the Mc. Even shows like One Piece have amazing side characters like Zoro, Sanji, and Nami, but let’s be real, Luffy still takes center stage every time something big happens.

Egghead Island arc | Credit: Toei Animation

But once in a while, we can also see the tides changing, and the side characters from some popular series get the spotlight they deserve.

And not just getting what they deserve, there are even a few anime where the supporting characters are literally stealing the show from its actual protagonist! Here’s a list of 3 such side characters from 3 different anime who became insanely popular, shaking the character popularity charts on different anime websites.

1. L from Death Note L and Light | Credits: Studio...

Sci-fi anime titles have many profound themes that are reflected in their antagonists. While the protagonists of sci-fi series may exemplify the positive morals that the anime tries to instill in viewers, the opposite is true for their enemies. They serve as a dire warning about advancing technology or fears about the effects of forces beyond human control. Many times, these villains can be highly cunning, pushing the heroes to their limits.

Some of the very best villains in the subgenre are also the smartest. For every villain who prefers to brute force their way through problems, there are 10 different masterminds that meticulously carry out their plans. That doesn't mean they sit on their laurels though. These genius villains often directly confront the protagonist, impeding their goals.

Toichiro Suzuki's Cunning Makes Him Invaluable to Claw in Mob Psycho 100 Streaming on Hulu

As the leader of the Claw organization, Toichiro Suzuki...

The Niigata International Animation Film Festival returns to the Chubu region city in spring for a six-day event from March 15 to 20. The festival will be full of talks, screenings and retrospectives on the history of anime in Japan. Today, the festival revealed the line-up for the Satoshi Kon retrospective, the first screening in Japan of the Studio Bones documentary Bones 25: Dreaming Forward and the first screening of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within since 2001 and more. As part of the festival’s Satoshi Kon retrospective, which already includes screenings of all his feature films, Niaff also confirmed that Roujin Z (which Kon worked as Art Director) will also recieve a screening. There will also be talks after the screenings of Millennium Actress , Paprika and Perfect Blue . On March 15, the A Turning Point in Japanese Anime CG event will be held all night . It will include a screening of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within...

The anime industry might have some of the most creative animation styles to grace our screens, but they aren’t immune to changes in their production team. Whether it’s a change in director or a new studio, it’s bound to happen to most anime.

Bocchi the Rock! is one of many to face this drastic change in their team. Keiichiro Saito directed the first season with Yusuke Yamamoto as his assistant director. For Season 2, however, Saito has stepped down and passed the mantle to his assistant.

Bocchi the Rock! [Credit: CloverWorks]

The news of Yusuke Yamamoto’s takeover wasn’t entirely a surprise, considering what else Saito had on his plate. He is also the director for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, so many speculated he favored the fantasy anime over Bocchi the Rock! What really happened behind the scenes?

Keiichiro Saito shuts down rumors about why he stepped down from Bocchi the Rock!

Evangelion fans are in for an aromatic treat with a new perfume collection inspired by the characters of the Rebuild of Evangelion anime tetralogy.

The Evangelion franchise received the new perfume release from Primaniacs, inspired by the five mecha pilots Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Shikinami Langley, Kaworu Nagisa, and Mari Illustrious Makinami. Reservations are currently open on its online shop ahead of its release at Primaniac's main store in Ginza on April 18 and general sale on April 24. The perfume bottles feature nods to each character's hobbies and personalities, such as Shinji's cassette player, a piano for Kaworu and a doll for Asuka. Readers can check out the official images, fragrance information and more below.

Related'What the Hell Are You Doing?': Evangelion Director Reveals Major Fears Taking On New Gundam Anime

Rebuild of Evangelion director Kazuya Tsurumaki reveals his fears around helming the latest mainline entry of the Gundam franchise: GquuuuuuX.

For the most part, anime characters are written to be exciting in battle yet are clearly fallible, having clear weaknesses their enemies might take advantage of. That creates proper tension and suspense in a fight, most of all in battle shonen anime, but some characters simply broke all the rules to become nigh-invulnerable. They pulled that off either by being strong enough to defeat any other opponent first, or by having special traits making them impossible to properly kill.

Interestingly, the list of near-invincible anime characters includes both heroes and villains, which calls for unique tricks in the writing for any anime. An invincible villain boosts the tension through the roof as the heroes struggle to find a way to beat the unbeatable, while invincible heroes aren't relatable on a physical level, so their personal arc is about something else entirely.

Satoru Gojo Made Himself Untouchable With His Domain Expansion...

Anime fans usually believe that having a team of experienced animators guarantees a visually appealing and well-animated anime. However, reality tells a different story. Production deadlines, resource allocation, and industry-wide staff shortages have a greater impact on an anime’s fate than individual competence. Sakamoto Days serves as the latest example of how even an ambitious series can falter due to these challenges.

An action scene from Sakamoto Days. | Credit: Tms Entertainment

The anime’s challenging production is strikingly similar to One Punch Man Season 2, which suffered not from a lack of talented staff but from poor scheduling and unrealistic expectations. Despite boasting an impressive team, Sakamoto Days has struggled, proving once again that time is the most crucial factor in animation quality.

The unrelenting workload behind Sakamoto Days

A recent remark on X from the team’s staff member Satoshi Sakai offered insight into the difficulties faced behind the...

The latest Detective Conan episode wrapped up with an unexpected treat—a crossover video announcing that Shin Samurai-den Yaiba, a brand-new anime based on Gōshō Aoyama’s Yaiba manga, is officially set to premiere on April 5.

The show will air on Ytv, Ntv, and affiliated networks across Japan at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. Edt), leading directly into Detective Conan at 6:00 p.m. (5:00 a.m. Est). With this, the ‘Gōshō Aoyama Hour’ programming block is born!

Before the TV debut, fans will get an early look at the first three episodes. March 13 marks the day when Shin Samurai-den Yaiba will hit 10 Toho Cinemas locations. This special screening won’t just feature the episodes—it also includes a discussion with series creator Gōshō Aoyama, director Takahiro Hasui, and character designer Yoshimichi Kameda.

Related: 50 Longest Anime of All Time (Ranked by the Number of Episodes)

The story follows Yaiba Kurogane,...

Other than pacing and animation, Spy x Family tops the charts through its impressive voice cast. The anime is a just adaptation of Tatsuya Endo’s shonen manga. It brings several intricacies and subtleties alive through its dubs.

Often voice actors do not get enough credit for breathing life into characters. As an important aspect of the anime, it often gets overlooked. But this isn’t the case with this series, especially with the mangaka’s praise for the seiyuu.

The Forger family in Spy x Family | Credit: Wit Studio

Be it expressions or nuances, the voice actress’ role in the series is a complete game-changer. Not only did her performance have the mangaka, readers, and viewers floored but it showcased her diversity and versatility as an artist.

Above all, though, her role spotlighted the character’s paramount importance in the series. This also ties well with the mangaka laying...

Judging an anime series isn't always about the quality of its writing or animation. Often, fans engage in popularity contests to decide which anime characters are the best. Intriguing, well-designed characters can define the story, turning a mediocre anime series into a truly unforgettable one with their sheer star power. Some of the most loved anime characters—from My Hero Academia to Naruto to One Piece—perfectly personify the best parts of their series, while others are masters of stealing the spotlight.

The very best anime characters tend to have that "it" factor that makes them the most popular, such as a combination of cool dialogue, memorable scenes, or even an interesting philosophy and worldview. Every anime fan will have their favorites, but a large handful of characters have still risen to the top among the community.

Updated on January 20th, 2025 by Louis Kemner: This list of the most popular...

It goes without saying that taste is subjective, and while there are many different animes to choose a favorite one, to this day my heart has settled on Mob Psycho 100, which I thoroughly enjoy and continue to revisit once in a while. I was a part of the generation who grew up watching Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Yu-Gi-Oh! on TV and have loved the medium ever since, having consumed hundreds of animes throughout my life. Yet no other series blew me away as much as when I watched Mob Psycho 100.

Influenced by One-Punch Man, the other iconic work of the same author, One, I decided to give it a try, expecting a funny story about exorcising ghosts with an overpowered main character. However, Mob Psycho 100 was hard to truly compare to anything else, and it stood out from the rest of the animes by being a...

Mob Psycho 100 fans can now smell like their favorite characters, such as Mob, Reigen and several others, thanks to a new set of officially licensed perfumes.

Via Comic Natalie, Fairy Tail Co., Ltd. revealed its new collaboration with the Mob Psycho 100 III anime series for new perfumes inspired by some of the show's most popular characters. Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama, Ritsu Kageyama, Arataka Reigen, Dimples and Teruki Hanazawa have all received 50 ml perfume bottles, each priced at 4,950 yen (~US$31), with scents to capture their unique personalities. Readers can check out the perfumes and their descriptions below. Fairy Tail does not ship directly to overseas customers, so readers will have to use reliable proxy shipping services; these usually require higher fees for perfumes due to restrictions.

Related Bungo Stray Dogs Fashion Heads Worldwide in Stunning New Boot Series

Bones' popular Bungo Stray Dogs anime gets a new boots release from Mayla,...

The classic anime The Rose of Versailles returns at the end of this month! The new film adaptation of Riyoko Ikeda's historical drama is scheduled to release in cinemas in Japan on January 31. Today, a new trailer has been released, focusing on Oscar François de Jarjayes, along with seven new cast members. Check out the trailer, featuring major moments from Lady Oscar's life as seen in the upcoming film: The Rose of Versailles Anime Film Trailer Related: The Rose of Versailles Anime Film Welcomes Three New Cast Members New cast additions, pictured above, include: Top row, left to right: Madame Noailles voiced by Fumi Hirano (Lum in 1981's Urusei Yatsura ) Louis Xv voiced by Hochu Otsuka (Yazan Gable in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam ) Rosalie voiced by Saori Hayami (Shinobu Kocho in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ) Middle row, left to right: Colonel d'Agout voiced by Jin Yamanoi (King...

One-Punch Man Season 3's monthly hero visuals enter a new year with double the firepower! Superalloy Blackluster and Flashy Flash arrived on the scene as a duo today, courtesy of character designers Ryosuke Shirokawa and Shinjiro Kuroda, respectively. The much-anticipated sequel is slated to release in 2025 . Superalloy Blackluster Flashy Flash Related: One-Punch Man Season 3 Anime Unveils Pig God Hero Visual Studio J.C.Staff, which produced the second season of the One-Punch Man anime that adapts One's ( Mob Psycho 100 ) webcomic and Yusuke Murata's ( Eyeshield 21 ) serialized manga of the same name, returns to produce the third season. Viz Media publishes the series in English and describes the series: Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! Can he finally find an opponent who can go toe-to-toe with him and give his life some meaning? Or is he doomed to a life of superpowered boredom?...

A varied and rich medium with an endlessly multifaceted creative profile, anime has been an established industry for decades - the shaping of its landscape largely determined by the studios producing fans’ favorite shows, movies, and web animations. Similarly to most other creative industries, anime differs significantly in style, tone, and quality based on the people responsible for making it - which, naturally, leads fans to take an interest in the most prominent anime studios behind their beloved series.

While a renowned studio is not a guarantee of undisputed quality, some of the industry's most well-regarded production houses have proven themselves exceptional when it comes to exceeding fans’ expectations over the years of tireless work. The best the medium has to offer, these anime studios are the industry’s gold standard.

Related 15 Best Anime Studios And Their Most Iconic Works

The best anime studios and their most popular works have...

As usual, the projects of Science Saru were among the most anticipated this year, and again as usual, the Eunyoung Choi and Masaaki Yuasa-founded company did not disappoint. “Dan Da Dan”, apart from featuring the trademark, perpetually in motion style of animation of the company, is also a breath of fresh air in terms of context, with the combination of tribute/self-deprecation about the (anime) industry approach implemented here being a true wonder to watch. Let us take things from the beginning though.

on Crunchyroll

by clicking on the image below

The story revolves around Momo Ayase, a rather good looking high school girl, who is tormented, though, by her obsession with late actor Ken Takakura, which has led her to some dubious decisions in life, particularly regarding her boyfriends, as the initial scene eloquently highlights. Momo also believes in ghosts but not in aliens, which...

One of the most notable anime adaptations of 2024, Dandadan is an explosive, genre-bending shonen adventure that will, without a doubt, go down in history as a modern classic. Produced by studio Science Saru and based on the original manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, Dandadan tells a riveting story that blends science fiction with the occult, romance with high-octane action, and comedy with poignant character drama. Adapting such a kinetic narrative to screen is no easy task. Yet, the Science Saru team did wonders in capturing the unorthodox appeal of Dandadan in their adaptation, elevating the chaotic tale of Momo and Okarun’s adventures to a new level. The individual creators that make up Dandadan’s production team are to credit for the anime’s astounding quality - one of them being renowned anime screenwriter Hiroshi Seko.

Even in anime based on an existing manga, which already functions as a script of sorts,...

Anime is populated with dynamic characters that create memorable experiences, but it's often the deuteragonists—the crucial second leads—who add depth and richness to the story. These characters frequently contrast with or complement the protagonist, influencing the narrative in unique and compelling ways.

By definition, a deuteragonist is someone who holds the second most important role in a narrative, after the protagonist and before the tritagonist. They can either work with the main character or against them. Furthermore, a deuteragonist can also fill the role of a female and main antagonist, and this is actually common in many anime and manga.

Aki Hayakawa Chainsaw Man

Anime has no shortage of dark-haired introverted, but while Aki Hayakawa fits this bill, he hides way more complexity underneath. He is introduced as someone who detests Denji, but after he is assigned to take care of him and Power, he slowly manages to...

In anticipation of the anime's 10th anniversary next year, the official accounts for One-Punch Man today revealed that the much-anticipated third season is slated to release in 2025 . A commemorative promo video and visual were also unveiled. Further "10 Punches" celebrations are also planned, including a music event on September 14, 2025 and uploads of creditless versions of past theme song sequences. One-Punch Man 10th Anniversary Promo One-Punch Man 10th Anniversary Visual Related: One-Punch Man Season 3 Anime Unveils Pig God Hero Visual Studio J.C.Staff, which produced the second season of the One-Punch Man anime that adapts One's ( Mob Psycho 100 ) webcomic and Yusuke Murata's ( Eyeshield 21 ) serialized manga of the same name, returns to produce the third season. Viz Media publishes the series in English and describes the series: Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! Can he finally find an opponent...

10 Thrilling Anime to Watch If You Love Dandadan - Main Image

With only two episodes remaining, the beloved anime Dandadan is nearing its season finale. Its popularity has soared with each new episode, making it a standout hit of the fall anime season.

Although a second-season renewal seems likely given its ongoing success, fans are still reluctant to bid farewell—even if the break lasts just a few months, or worse, an entire year.

Based on the manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, Dandadan follows Momo and Okarun as they embark on thrilling adventures, battling ghosts, aliens, and other supernatural creatures.

As one of the most distinctive anime in recent memory—and a strong contender for the year’s best—here are 10 exciting anime to watch if you love Dandadan.

1. Chainsaw Man

Like Dandadan, Chainsaw Man features protagonists navigating a chaotic world filled with bizarre supernatural entities. Adapted from the manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto,...

One-Punch Man fans continue to eat well ahead of Season 3, as the anime's official X (formerly Twitter) account today unveiled a new monthly hero visual starring Pig God, illustrated by Season 3 character designer Shinjiro Kuroda ( Spy x Family Code: White key animator). A release date for the much-anticipated sequel is yet to be announced. One-Punch Man Season 3 Pig God Hero Visual Related: One-Punch Man Season 3 Anime Unveils Zombieman Hero Visual Studio J.C.Staff, which produced the second season of the One-Punch Man anime that adapts One's ( Mob Psycho 100 ) webcomic and Yusuke Murata's ( Eyeshield 21 ) serialized manga of the same name, returns to produce the third season. A release date and director for the sequel are yet to be confirmed. Viz Media publishes the series in English and describes the series: Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! Can...

Dandadan was one of the biggest hit anime of fall 2024, captivating fans with its goofier take on shonen anime mixed with paranormal action. However, it wasn't the first anime to take this route. Before Dandadan came to life, there was Mob Psycho 100, which told the tale of an ordinary boy named Shigeo Kageyama with psychic powers. Though Shigeo started off on his own, he gained friends along the way and grew into the person he always dreamed he'd be.

Mob Psycho 100's manga and anime may have both met their end, but their influence shows clearly in the ongoing anime and manga of Dandadan. These two series have plenty of similarities, from their characters to story elements. This has led Dandadan to feel like a modern Mob Psycho 100, bringing a pleasant sense of nostalgia to this new anime.

Okarun and Mob Are Overlooked By Their Peers These...

A power that has shown up more often in anime recently is the villains' ability to give their subordinates power. Both Bleach and Mob Psycho 100 have antagonists who use this ability in surprisingly similar ways. Yhwach and Toichiro Suzuki operate on a completely different scale and with dissimilar goals. That doesn't change the fact that quite a bit of their methodologies, especially in relation to their followers, have a lot in common. Both of them have loyal followers who gain power from them. Both are the heads of disruptive and dangerous organizations that make quite a bit of fast headway. Both of these characters value themselves and their ideologies above all else, leading to the flaws that will bring their downfall.

These two anime are both shōnen, but they diverge in just about every other aspect. Shigeo Kageyama, the titular Mob, and Ichigo Kurosaki are different ages, with different backgrounds,...

Several classic anime have received remakes in the last few years, including Rurouni Kenshin, Shaman King, and Urusei Yatsura. But in terms of success, Ranma 1/2 is the first thing that comes to mind.

After the overwhelmingly positive response from fans, it has encouraged directors to take classic anime more seriously. The result is another remake, and this time of a 1988 manga by Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan.

Mob Psycho 100 Director Helms the Remake of Gosho Aoyama’s Yaiba Yaiba 1993 | Credits: Pastel

Yaiba is a classic manga series created by Gosho Aoyama, which continued serialization from 1988 to 1993. It was his third series to be serialized, with Chotto Mattete and Magic Kaito being released earlier. It wasn’t until 1994 that he debuted Detective Conan, his most famous work yet.

Related There is No Better Time than Now for Bleach to Get its Deserved Anime Remake and Tite Kubo...

The brand-new fantasy anime Dandadan can be fairly compared to the likes of Mob Psycho 100, but there's another, less obvious comparison to make: the Agent of the Shinigami story arc in Bleach. In the long run, Bleach became a rather different anime than Dandadan with its pseudo-isekai adventures and serious battles, but the early days of Ichigo Kurosaki's adventures actually do feel just like Momo's and Okarun's own monster-filled adventures.

Recent Dandadan episodes made this parallel clear, with Momo and Okarun fighting to save Aira from a well-dressed spirit called Acrobatic Silky, a heartbreaking clash that may call to mind the first few episodes of Bleach's own anime. Acrobatic Silky is to Aira what Acidwire was to Orihime Inoue in Bleach, giving the "monster hunter" concept an achingly personal side while tapping into the spirit of shonen action/adventure.

Read Our Review Dandadan Season 1, Episode 7 Review: A...

Sakamoto Days is one of the biggest manga running in Shnen Jump right now, and thats created a lot of hype for its upcoming anime. The manga boasts some of the most creative and all-around gorgeous action of any shnen manga, so if a competent anime studio found a way to bring that to life, it would solidify Sakamoto Days reputation as one of the best manga someone could read.

Theres been incredible hype for the Sakamoto Days anime, but thats started dying down for the worst reasons. The first full trailer for Sakamoto Days was recently released, which gave people their first extended look at what the anime would be like, and unfortunately, everything presented in the Sakamoto Days trailer has people feeling skeptical about the animes quality. Some of the concerns are more exaggerated than others, but unfortunately, its far too easy to see why people are feeling nervous about its quality.

Anime speeches can be some of the most exciting moments in the entire series. They usually feature a single character speaking to dozens, if not hundreds, of other characters at once, rallying their friends into a moment of pure bravery. Some speeches are much smaller in scale, but leave just as big of an impact on the people who heard them. No matter the nature of the speech, a character going on a several minute tirade to explain their ideals is always fun to watch.

Great anime speeches vary in their purpose. Some are used to encourage troops, others are to reveal hidden truths, but they're all incredibly meaningful. Speeches like Tanya's from Tanya the Evil highlight just how insanely committed their characters are to their cause. Speeches like Erwin Smith's from Attack on Titan also show a brave level of commitment, and are so unreasonably exciting, fans can't...

The Halloween season may be technically over, but there’s always time to enjoy a good supernatural story. Anime is full of unique premises that range from bizarrely charming to heartfelt in ways you don’t expect. For those of you still dancing to the Dan Da Dan opening, these 10 anime recommendations are exactly what you need. Related: Anime Gets into the Halloween 2024 Spirit with Spooky Art and More 1. GeGeGe no Kitaro GeGeGe no Kitaro has been around since the early 1960s. It’s been through several adaptations across decades, both animated and live-action, but you can find the latest one right here on Crunchyroll. This adaptation follows the titular Kitaro, a mysterious young boy and the last surviving member of the Ghost Tribe who lives among strange, Japanese yokai. Among them are Medama-Oyaji, the remains of his father that inhabit his eyeball, and several other friendly (if not...

Anime siblings can share each other's power, creating some of the strongest pairs, or groups of three, in their respective series. Characters like Itachi and Sasuke from Naruto have incredibly similar powers, but have their own versions of unique skills, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. The most powerful siblings in anime aren't always on the same side either, which always makes for an interesting fight. One brother fighting another can be emotional, fulfilling, and jaw-dropping when done right.

No matter if two anime siblings are fighting each other or on the same side, it's always fun to see when they connect. Some brothers, like Ritsu and Mob from Mob Psycho 100, don't have to fight each other. Instead, they can rely on one another in some of the toughest fights in the series, focusing on their faith in each other to defeat opponents they...

The anime industry lost a long-treasured gem as Ryou Kouno, a talented art director, passed away recently. Kouno has been in the anime industry for decades and has made significant contributions during her career. News of her passing away has been received by fans with grieving hearts.

She was a part of popular works like Mob Psycho 100, Devilman Crybaby, Perfect Blue, and many more. Her easy adaptability to such widely different art styles made her a favorite in her field.

Talented Art Director Ryou Kouno Passes Away Mob Psycho 100 | Credit: Studio Bones

Ryou Kouno, a popular background artist and art director in the anime industry, passed away on October 23, 2024. News of her death was publicly revealed two days later, on October 26, by her nephew via Twitter. Her nephew also reported that she passed away due to suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.

Fans of the artist have commented their condolences under the post,...

The dead continue to walk, even after Halloween! Our regular One-Punch Man hero visual was delivered early this month by the series' official X (formerly Twitter) account today, this time showcasing Zombieman illustrated by Season 3 character designer Shinjiro Kuroda ( Spy x Family Code: White key animator). A release date for the much-anticipated sequel is yet to be announced. One-Punch Man Season 3 Zombieman Hero Visual Related: One-Punch Man Season 3 Anime Unveils Child Emperor Hero Visual Studio J.C.Staff, which produced the second season of the One-Punch Man anime that adapts One's ( Mob Psycho 100 ) webcomic and Yusuke Murata's ( Eyeshield 21 ) serialized manga of the same name, returns to produce the third season. A release date and director for the sequel are yet to be confirmed. Viz Media publishes the series in English and describes the series: Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of ’em with one punch!

Mangaka Yukinobu Tatsu’s supernatural comedy Dan Da Dan has recently received an anime adaptation, produced by “Science Saru,” which has quickly taken over the market with its unique, zany, absurd humor, bombastic and cool action, peppy characters, and vibrant, dynamic animation style. While the premise might make you feel that the story is moving along the lines of traditional Shounen narratives, the series is anything but, as it subverts the existing tropes of modern Shounen and pokes fun at the prevalent edgy, darker tone with a conscious, sarcastic tinge. The smooth, artistically unique animation, which offers some of the best sequences I have seen in recent years, is one of the key highlights that will definitely keep fans hooked on the series. Like me, if you are a fan of Mob Psycho 100, then Dan Da Dan is right up your alley.

Spoilers Ahead

Episode 1: First Encounter and...

The concept of aliens and spirits is not new to the anime and manga world. But it has been completely revolutionized by Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan. Dandadan has recently entered the ever-growing anime community with a new series produced by Science Saru. And with only three episodes under its belt, it has managed to become the talk of the town.

Dandadan anime | Credit: Science Saru

It follows the story of Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura as they get involved in not only one but two different eccentric worlds comprising aliens and supernatural spirits. As the two battle their way out of the situations involving aliens and spirits, they develop romantic feelings towards each other, which creates an intriguing twist in the narrative.

However, the thing that majorly helped in the success of Dandadan is the attention to detail regarding the concepts that are usually overlooked in the Shonen genre. One...

Mob Psycho 100 is anything but a run-of-the-mill shonen anime. From characters to animation, the series is a complete visual treat. What makes it a worthy watch is One’s storytelling. Often, fans compare the series to the mangaka’s magnum opus One Punch Man. Despite similarities, both protagonists are entirely different. Even the Director will vouch for this.

Shigeo Kageyama in the anime | Credit: Studio Bones

Yuzuru Tachikawa had an interesting process behind selecting Mob’s voice actor. He left no stone unturned in casting the perfect fit for the protagonist’s voice. Interestingly, the voice actor exemplified the hero’s plain yet powerful persona. This only proves that a story doesn’t require an attractive male lead to sustain itself.

Mob Psycho 100 Director’s choice for Va is the perfect fit

Mob Psycho 100 is a much-needed breather in terms of its storytelling and characters. Its outstanding...

The main character of Mob Psycho 100, Shigeo Kageyama, Aka Mob, stands out not only for his immense psychic powers but also for his humble, reserved demeanor — a far cry from the usual Shonen heroes who take great pride in their powers. This resulted in many viewers speculating that the creator of the series, One, might have created Mob as a reflection of himself. However, according to One, this is so not true.

Mob Psycho 100 Season 2 | Credit: Studio Bones

In fact, the creator believes Mob to be the exact opposite of him. One has admitted that Mob is closer to an “ideal protagonist” — a character embodying qualities that even he struggles to manifest in real life.

The Birth of a Distinct Protagonist through Mob in Mob Psycho 100

When One first conceived Mob Psycho 100, he had no intention of creating a traditional Shonen manga. In an interview which was translated by Mark Cha,...