Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

VIDEO: "Type Tda Miku Append" Chibi-Miku Version Dance!

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:46:42 GMT

Loli version of the new Miku model captures the hearts of the fans

As previously reported, the newest type of MMD model "Type Tda Miku Append" developed by Tda has been a great sensation among the Hatsune Miku fans and has motivated them to create brand-new MMD videos with the model. Check the new video featuring the Chibi size of Type Tda Miku after the jump!

Try and Catch These Amazing Fan-Made LEGO Pokémon

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:30:04 GMT

Highly poseable Pokémon built with standard and Bionicle LEGO pieces

From Aggron, constructed over the course of 9 hours, to the 40-hour effort of Entei, LEGO sculptor Mike Nieves has used standard and Bionicle pieces to create a set of amazing, highly poseable Pokémon figures. Check out the results after the jump.

Japanese Fans Name the Most Needed Anime Sequels

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:14:20 GMT

Angel Beats! tops a surprising list

In Biglobe's latest anime poll, almost 2,000 Japanese fans named the anime series most in need of a sequel. The usual suspects like K-on! and Haruhi are there, but Angel Beats! takes the top spot, and that's just the first surprise. See the full list after the jump.

Leaked Info Reveals "Kingdom Hearts 3D" European Release Date

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:22:21 GMT

Square Enix's French store momentarily lists 3DS game for July 27

We know Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is making its way out of Japan this year, we just don't know when. Thankfully, Square Enix's French store threw us a bone by accidentally publishing the European release date of July 27, 2012. Read on for more.

VIDEO: The Truth Behind "Street Fighter X Tekken" and "Final Fight" Star Poison

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:15:00 GMT

The final word on Poison's oft-debated gender

Street Fighter (and its originator, Final Fight) contain a variety of fighters from all around the world, but few generate as much controversy and debate as pink-haired, riding-crop-wielding Poison and who she (or he?) really is! Hit the jump to get the full story on Poison's much-debated gender!

VIDEO: "Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations" New Hokage's Group VS Best Friends

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:39:45 GMT

Six minutes of action with Danzo against Naruto and Sasuke

In the third quarterfinal of the Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations tournament, The team 'New Hokage's Group,' lead by the wicked Danzo, faces off against the 'so-called' Best Friends team of Naruto and Sasuke. Check it out after the jump.

VIDEO: "Mass Effect 3" Gets Real in Live-Action "Fight" Trailer

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:47:21 GMT

New ad for BioWare's sci-fi action-RPG takes Earth back some more

The last commercial for Mass Effect 3 implored players to take Earth back. The new spot, which aired during last night's episode of The Walking Dead, does the same, only with a healthy dose of live-action footage. Video past the break.

"Pokémon Black/White 2" Dated for Fall in North America, Europe

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:35:14 GMT

Nintendo confirms release window outside of Japan

When Pokémon Black/White 2 was announced over the weekend, we knew it would be "coming soon" to North America, but weren't quite sure when. A Nintendo press release this morning gets a bit more specific, dating the North American and European release of the sequel for this fall. More after the jump!

Cast and Preview Art Revealed for "Polar Bear Cafe" Anime

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:22:58 GMT

Griffith, Lelouch, and Nozomu Itoshiki voices as animals in gag manga adaptation

Studio Pierrot has announced that a number of voice actors will be amusingly playing against species and type in the adaptation of Aloha Higa's Shirokuma Cafe (Polar Bear Cafe). Takahiro Sakurai is the polar bear proprietor, Jun Fukuyama is the panda patron, and Hiroshi Kamiya is the Penguin. More after the jump.

"Teach me! Professor Mordin!" Introduces "Mass Effect" in Manga Form

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:15:36 GMT

A look at sci-fi series ahead of next week's release of "Mass Effect 3"

Ahead of next week's release of Mass Effect 3, Japanese games site Dengeki and artist Michi Michiru introduce the sci-fi series in a slightly more mundane context with "Teach me! Professor Mordin!" Check it out after the jump.

Read or Die's Masashi Ishihama to Adapt "From the New Word" Sci-Fi Novel

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:28:18 GMT

"Welcome to the SPACE SHOW" director and studio re-team on far future sci-fi

A-1 Pictures (Fractale, Birdy the Mighty: Decode, Black Butler) announced that they will be re-teaming with Welcome to the SPACE SHOW character designer/director Masashi Ishihama (Read or Die, Kamichu) on a TV anime adaptation of Yūsuke Kishi's sci-fi novel From the New World. More after the jump.

VIDEO: "Fate/Zero" Anime Blu-ray Bonus Trailer

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:03:04 GMT

Irisviel dresses as traditional Japanese house wife in bonus by Kinoko Nasu

The first half of the trailer for the Japanese release of Fate/Zero's Blu-ray Box Set I is a suitably dramatic preview of the series itself. The second half spotlights the box set's goofy, original material, including a Q&A with Irisviel dressed as a very traditional Japanese housewife. Check it out after the jump.

ALTER Plans "Fate/Zero" Saber Maid Ver.R Figure Re-Release

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:20:24 GMT

2007 figure re-released for the Fate/Zero converts

If you came into Fate fandom through Fate/Zero rather than the earlier entries, ALTER has some good news for you. The Ver.R Maid variant of the swordswoman Saber, based on Fate/hollow ataraxia, is scheduled for re-release in July for ¥7,800 ($95). This 1/6 scale figure was originally released in 2007. Check it out after the jump.

FEATURE: Japanese Anime Magazine Retrospective: "OUT" in 1987

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:00:32 GMT

The rise of "Loli", and OVAs going strong

Probably the most featured and beloved anime character in 1987 was Elpeo Ple from Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, the direct sequel to Mobile Suit Z Gundam. If memory serves me right, Ple, a 10 year old girl, was one of the earliest anime characters who was recognized and accepted openly as "loli character" by anime fans. Check the OUT's covers of 1987 after the jump.

Manila-Based Theater Company Creates "Battle Royale" Street Play

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:00:39 GMT

Play features three different endings

While the Battle Royale movie has finally begun screening in America, Manila-based theatre company Sipat Lawin Ensemble have collaborated with several Australian playwrights to develop their performance adaptation of the controversial novel. More after the jump.

FEATURE: 2012 Spring Movie Flyers Collection

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:05:33 GMT

PreCure, Detective Conan, Ouran High School Host Club, and more!

Traditionally, March is one of the most important month for the movie business in Japan. Because of school spring breaks, most of the movies in this month are targeting at kids and young audience. That's why we can see so many anime films and live action adaptations of popular manga titles next month in theaters. Check the newest movie flyers after the jump.

Column: "Natestalgia!" -- Getting Totally Xtreme with "Mega Man X"

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Unfortunately, we are not continuing the debate on whether X is the original Mega Man or not

Mega Man X is one of the standout titles of the Super NES library, introducing a darker, more serious take on Capcom's classic Blue Bomber. Join CRN writer Nate Ming as he takes on Sigma and his Maverick rebellion with his usual not-so-delicate touch!

VIDEO: Fan Makes Weapon Used by One Piece's Sogeking

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:13:58 GMT

Anime's Most Powerful Slingshot?

Slingshot master Joerg Sprave has recently rigged together his very own Kabuto, the sling shot/staff used by One Piece's Usopp when in his popular Sogeking alter-ego. Check it out in action after the jump!

A Look Inside the "Madoka Magica" Exhibit!

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:16:06 GMT

Top honors for a magical girl

Check out these pictures taken at a Madoka Magica exhibit at the Tokyo National Art Center, celebrating the honors received by the series at the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival. Lots of Madoka and Kyubey production art and figures after the jump!

Classic SNK Fighter "The Last Blade" Headed to Wii Virtual Console

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:45:22 GMT

Obscure SNK fighter takes heavy influence from "Rurouni Kenshin"

Most fans of SNK and fighting games know about The King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown and Fatal Fury--not as many are familiar with the more obscure weapons-based fighter The Last Blade. Hit the jump for more details about the game's move to the Wii's Virtual Console!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu & the Incredible Tongue Brushing Tablets!

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:26:01 GMT

PONPONPON girl gets four new makeovers

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, the model & singer familiar to millions as the face & voice behind the hit viral video PONPONPON has a new gig. Starting tomorrow, Kyary will begin life anew as the “image character” for BREO tongue brushing tablets! Check out her four new radical makeovers after the jump!

Gameplay and Release Details for "Panzer Dragoon" Spiritual Sequel "Crimson Dragon"

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Formerly known as "Project Draco," you'll have your hands full training and raising your dragon

Microsoft's upcoming Kinect shooter Crimson Dragon (formerly known as Project Draco) was recently given a full reveal at a 10th Anniversary event for the Xbox 360! Hit the jump for more details and screenshots!

VIDEO: Two-Minute "Game of Thrones" Season 2 Trailer

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:32:13 GMT

The most extensive preview yet of Game of Thrones' War of Five Kings

The countdown to battle is on. Game of Thrones kicks off the War of the Five Kings in its second season, starting on HBO April 1st. Check out the most extensive preview yet after the jump.

"Gintama" Anime Writer's Horse Wins Race

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:12:38 GMT

Three-year-old Just A Way and jockey Yuichi Fukunaga win Arlington Cup

Akatsuki Yamatoya is a writer on a host of anime, including Digimon, Magical Doremi, Inu-Yasha, Soul Eater, Heroman, and Gintama. He's also a race horse owner, with Gintama in-joke Just A Way. With Yuichi Fukunaga as jockey, Just A Way ran the mile Hashin track in Takarazuka, Hyogo in 1:36:30 to win the annual Arlington Cup. More after the jump.

"Hakuouki" Gets Third TV Season This Summer, Movie in 2013

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 12:17:44 GMT

New OVA to be released in June

At an event today in Yokohoma for buyers of the OVA Hakuouki Sekkaroku, three new animated projects for Hakuouki were announced. Read on for details on the new OVA, new TV season and new movie.

Solid Snake Infiltrates the Play Arts Kai Figure Collection

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 07:30:00 GMT

For accurate display of this figure, pose it before the blown-up remains of your display shelf

Square-Enix's Play Arts Kai line of high-quality action figures gets a superstar addition with Metal Gear Solid's stealthy leading man, Solid Snake! Hop in a cardboard box and sneak past the jump for more details!

"Final Fantasy XI" 10th Anniversary Event Announced

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:30:00 GMT

Could this be a smaller Japanese version of BlizzCon with 100% more Chocobos?

Square-Enix has announced something special to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Final Fantasy XI, but here's the real surprise: it's not an online event! Vana'diel adventurers, party up and hit the jump for more!

FEATURE: Newest Japanese Independent Anime Shorts: Part 5

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 05:33:03 GMT

Check what they have learned in animation school

Here is the newest monthly collection of Japanese Independent anime short films. Now the students at art and film schools in Japan are working on their graduation works so hard. Some have already started posting their final anime films as students on YouTube to the world. Check the videos after the jump!

"Miss Street Fighter X Tekken" Contest Winners to Appear at "Street Fighter IV" Tournament

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:10:19 GMT

"Tekken" producer Katsuhiro Harada also makes a special appearance

The Capcom-sponsored Official National Tournament for Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition is more than just a national-level collision of skilled fighting game players--hit the jump to see the winners from the "Miss Street Fighter X Tekken" competition, special attendee prizes, and much more!

FEATURE: "Asura's Wrath" Review

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 01:30:00 GMT

Capcom and CC2's new actioner is a mind-blowing spectacle, but your mileage may vary

Having someone cut in line in front of you leads to some understandable irritation. Having your wife and daughter taken from you and getting imprisoned for 12,000 years will lead to implacable wrath that can only be quelled with lots of punching. Hit the jump to see if Capcom and CyberConnect2's Asura's Wrath delivers!

"Pokémon Black/White 2" Confirmed for Nintendo DS in June (Updated)

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:02:55 GMT

Game Freak CEO confirmed sequel to Nintendo DS game during "Pokémon Smash" TV program, confirms names of new Legendary Pokemon

Pokémon fans the world over waited anxiously for Junichi Masuda's announcement when he teased something big would be announced during the weekly Pokémon Smash TV program and he delivered, as he announced the next entry in the game series would be Pokémon Black/White 2. Hit the jump for all the info so far. Updated with names of Legendary Pokemon.

Kotobukiya Announces North American Release for "Phantasy Star Online" RAcaseal Figure

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:53:30 GMT

1/12 scale kit scheduled for June

Kotobukiya has revealed on Facebook that it plans to import the Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst RAcaseal Yellowboze Ver. Apsy model kit to North America in June 2012. Sculpted by Apsy Masaki, she stands nearly 5 ½ inches tall (1/12 scale), and is comprised of approximately 150 individual pieces. See it after the jump.

VIDEO: Second "Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha" Anime Film Teaser

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:02:18 GMT

Second film in series set to open in Japan on July 14

Following up 2010's first movie, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 2nd A's is set to open in Japanese theaters on July 14. The official site is now streaming the film's teaser, and you can check it out along with info on bonuses for ticket purchasers after the jump.

"Darkstalkers 3" Headed to PlayStation Network

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:26:59 GMT

ESRB re-rates arcade/PlayStation fighter for digital download

Hopefully this just spells the beginning of Capcom's next stage of Darkstalkers love. The ESRB has re-rated Darkstalkers 3 (aka Vampire Savior), which hit arcades in 1997 and was later ported to PlayStation. Looks like that's the version we'll be getting when it makes its way to PlayStation Network. More after the jump!

VIDEO: Momoiro Clover Z Shines in "Bodacious Space Pirates" Anime Theme Song Clip

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:43 GMT

"Mugen no Ai" Single Goes on Sale March 7 in Japan

Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z has just officially released their biggest and flashiest promo video to date: a clip for “Mugen no Ai”, the opening theme from the Bodacious Space Pirates anime. Behold intergalactic sparkly j-pop madness from space after the jump!

Novelization of "Sakura no Ame" to Feature Vocaloids as High Schoolers

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:58:42 GMT

Miku and co. sing in chorus club

"Sakura no Ame," the graduation song sung at over 100 schools' ceremonies in Japan, is getting written as a novel featuring schoolgirl Hatsune Miku in a chorus club. Bump the jump to check out the song and find out which other Vocaloids appear as characters in the book!

VIDEO: "One Piece Pirate Warriors" Wants to Make You Cry

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:24:24 GMT

Quick Marineford version commercial highlights the emotion

If you've read through the Paramount War arc of One Piece, then you know there are just as many reasons to cry as there are to cheer. It's appropriate then that the 15-second Marineford version spot for the Dynasty Warriors-style Pirate Warriors action game wants you to "Play and cry through One Piece." Do so past the jump!

Square Enix Announces Card-Battling RPG "Guardian Cross"

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:17:29 GMT

Due out on iOS devices this spring

Square Enix set up a Facebook page to announce the upcoming Guardian Cross, a card-battling game set for a spring 2012 release on iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) platforms. Check out screens and more past the break.

"Ebiten" Anime Staff and Character Profiles Revealed

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:52:46 GMT

He's...wearing a dress

Ebiten: Kouritsu Ebisugawa Koukou Tenmonbu, written by Sugachi with illustrations by Kira Inugami, has been busy getting turned into an anime since sometime before last December. Now we can see the some of the fruits as well as who actually labored. Hit the jump for character profiles and staff details!

"Campione!" TV Anime Staff Announced and Key Visual Revealed

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:47:45 GMT

Air date still not announced

With the cast already previously announced, the April issue of "Super Dash&Go" has announced the staff for the Campione! TV anime that was previously announced back in December. Read on for the staff and the visual.

VIDEO: American Trailer for Amazing Martial Arts Movie "The Raid"

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:43:17 GMT

A preview of Indonesian flick ahead of its American theatrical run

Few are impressed with the subtitle Sony Pictures Classics added to the Indonesian martial arts movie, The Raid: Redemption. On the plus side, there's a new American theatrical run trailer offering a sample of what has stunned audiences throughout the film's festival circuit preview. Check it out after the jump.

VIDEO: "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope" Trailer and Screening Schedule

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:43:28 GMT

Morgan Spurlock's Comic Con documentary to tour in spring 2012

Pop documentarian Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) followed a group of fanboys, cosplayers, and other rather geeky enthusiasts around 2010's San Diego Comic Con, and the results were Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope. Check out the spring screening schedule and a trailer after the jump.

This Week in CRNews: Hot Whopper Edition

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:17:56 GMT

Hot news, big features, and stories you may have missed!

If this past week in news was any indication… burgers are still delicious! Yes, it's true, the verdict is in, and just as folks were enjoying chomping into a 12-patty Whopper, we were busy consulting the King himself on what the best CR News stories of the week were. Read on for the full recap!

FEATURE: Fanart Friday, Pistols at Dawn Edition

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:15:00 GMT

Usually, good rivals will argue each other to death before any actual fighting

One of the most important parts of any good series is a rivalry. It keeps tension up in the story without having to kill anybody you like... most of the time, anyways. Hit the jump to see fanart of intense rivalries from Naruto, Initial D, Dragonball, and much more!

VIDEO: Captain New Japan Will Save Every One of Us!

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:45:00 GMT

Wrestler Hideo Saito Becomes a Familiar-Looking Superhero

Evil-doers, beware! There’s a new kind of hero in town (one that looks a lot like Captain America, but never mind). Captain New Japan, the superhero alter-ego of pro-wrestler Hideo Saito, is here to blow your mind with his rather remarkable ring entrance video. Watch a bold display of might and power after the jump!

VIDEO: Get Swept Up in "The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra" Trailer

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:58:40 GMT

See the latest preview of Nickelodeon's sequel series

IGN has a new trailer for the hotly anticipated follow-up to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra. Set 70 years after the original series' events, Korra has the titular heroine under the wing of Tenzin, Aang's son. Video after the jump!

VIDEO: "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II" Gets a Speedy Trailer

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:09:02 GMT

New clip shows Sonic playing nice with co-op partner Tails

Even if you, like many others, were disappointed with Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, you might want to give its followup the benefit of the doubt. Watch Sonic blaze through a variety of stages with Tails in the Reunion trailer past the break.

VIDEO: Latest Poster and Trailer for Pixar's "Brave"

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:32:48 GMT

"Change Your Fate, June 22"

Given the high regard in which they're held, and given their mutual admiration, plenty of comparisons have been made between Pixar and Studio Ghibli. A persistent point of contention when comparing the two is that Pixar lacks Ghibli's strong female leads, and we'll see if Pixar can reset that argument with Brave's heroine. See her in action after the jump.

Actors Stage Jaw-Dropping Recreations of "Glass Mask" Manga's Top Dramatic Scenes

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:25:53 GMT

Fans pick favorite scenes from famously melodramatic shoujo manga

For over 35 years, Glass Mask has been a shoujo manga landmark. In preparation for the February 25th release of the series' 48th volume, fans were asked to select their favorite scenes from a set of 48 classics, with actors from Japan's National Theater Company recreating the top picks. See the amazing results after the jump.

Fan Offers Radical Alternative to "Sailor Moon" Fashion

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:26:54 GMT

Controversial, unconventional approach to costumes, customized senshi to senshi

A Mexican fan named Abraham Cruz has created an alternative motif for the outfits worn by Sailor Moon's heroines that Japanese bloggers are calling very cool, but not sufficiently sailor-like. See the unconventional approach and how it was customized senshi to senshi after the jump.