Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

VIDEO: "Gyrozetter" Presents Brilliantly Weird Dancing Robot Ending

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:35:56 GMT

Extra amazing festival ending for game tie-in series

Super High-Speed Transforming Gyrozetter is an anime tie-in to a Square Enix game series, known for its transforming arcade cabinet and designs by Macross co-creator Shoji Kawamori. The anime often seems to be seeing what it can get away with in a children's anime in terms of fanservice and weirdness. Perhaps the best example of this trait is its dance endings, and you can see an example after the jump.

VIDEO: Personified PS3 Sings and Dances in "Hyperdimension Idol Neptunia PP" Noire Character Trailer

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:40:07 GMT

Asami Imai is back to voice character in idol game

The Neptunia RPG series is getting an idol game spin-off June 20th, with the release of Hyperdimension Idol Neptunia PP. This Tamsoft developed PS Vita title has the player staging singing and dancing performances to win over larger virtual audiences, and in the latest preview, we get to see Noire aka Black Heart do her personified PlayStation 3 best. See the Asami Imai voiced character the jump.

"Best of PlayStation Network" Game Collection Includes "Tokyo Jungle"

Thu, 23 May 2013 01:49:16 GMT

Bundle hits retail on June 25 with four games on a disc

Sony is putting together a series of some of its best exclusive PlayStation Network titles, and the first volume is due out next month. Best of PlayStation Network Vol. 1 hits retail with four games on June 25, and will be priced at $39.99. Read on for more.

VIDEO: "Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D" Gets a Proper Introduction

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:59:52 GMT

3DS version of platformer hits North America and Europe on May 24

Nintendo released a new video in Japan that serves as a nice introduction to some of what makes Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D special on 3DS. Take a look at the new course, a comparison of Easy mode to original, and more after the jump.

Crunchyroll Adds a Fistful of Kung Fu Flicks to Streaming Lineup

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:05:03 GMT

Movies available now for users in the US and Canada

Crunchyroll has a handful of treats in store for fans of live-action martial arts movies. Starting today at 5:00pm PDT, a set of five flicks will be available to sit back, kick your feet up, and mime fighting alongside. The movies are Female Convict Scorpion, Shinobi Girl, Budo: The Art of Killing, The Dragon Lives, and Steel Fisted Dragon. More after the jump!

Fresh "Killer is Dead" Screens Show Off Mondo Zappa's Adversaries

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:58:46 GMT

Suda51's next action game guns for a worldwide release this summer

Publisher XSEED Games busted out a bunch of new screens for Killer is Dead. This time around we get a better look at some of the adversaries of Mondo Zappa, the protagonist and professional Executioner who travels the globe taking out nefarious criminals. Check 'em out past the break.

Final "Sword Art Online" Blu-ray's Crowd-Pleasing Cover Revealed

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:59:31 GMT

Volume nine ships June 26th

Orders are now open for the ninth and final Blu-ray collection of the Sword Art Online anime, scheduled to ship June 26th. And with that, there's a new look at the cover illustration by anime character designer Shingo Adachi. Get a look after the jump.

StylipS to Perform "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya" Theme

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:35:04 GMT

Nintendo 3DS card game also listed

Listings have revealed a few plans related to adaptations of the Fate-verse's magic girl incarnation Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya. Pop unit StylipS (Saki - Episode of Side A) are down for the anime's end theme "Prism Sympathy." Choucho (Gargantia) was previously tagged to its opening. Meanwhile, a Nintendo 3DS card game has also be planned to debut this summer along side the anime adaptation. More after the jump.

45 Years of "Shonen Jump" History Reflected in J Stars Arcade Prize Figures

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:54:29 GMT

First of eight monthly assortments hits arcades this month

45 years of Shonen Jump history is being reflected in a series of J Stars collectors figures. From the top shonen manga magazine, classic series like Midori no Makibaō, to the current heavy hitters like Naruto, to hot up and comers like Assassination Classroom will be covered in monthly assortments, available as prizes in arcades across Japan. Get a look after the jump.

"Fate/Zero Cafe" Spin-off Manga Gets Anime

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:50:16 GMT

"Fate/Zero Cafe" anime will pair with "Kara No Kyoukai" movie at theaters

It was first announced on the first day of this year's Machi Asobi festival, but the official site for the Kara No Kyoukai -The Garden Of Sinners- movie has been updated with the announcement of the anime adaptation of the Fate/Zero Cafe spin-off manga featured alongside the aforementioned film later this Summer. Take a look at each character and the sample manga after the jump!

"The World God Only Knows: Tenri Arc" Director to Helm Summer TV Series

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:10:50 GMT

Satoshi Osedo takes over for Shigehito Takayanagi

The site for the The World God Only Knows anime has been updated with plans for this summer's TV adaptation of the manga's Goddesses Arc. In addition to news that Yuka Iguchi, Ayahi Takagaki and Haruka Tomatsu join the cast as Tsukiyo Kujou, Yui Goidou and Lune respectively is the news that Satoshi Osedo will helm the series rather than Shigehito Takayanagi. More after the jump.

Poll: Anime Girls Love But Guys Hate

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Japanese site ranks top 25 anime that divides the sexes

No one can deny the power of the fujoshi. From butlers to basketball players, princes to personified countries, anime aimed at girls is on the rise - something that not everyone is pleased about. Which anime beloved by women annoys the boys the most? Check out the ranking after the jump.

Latest "Monogatari Second Season" Visual and Theme News

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:50:04 GMT

Luna Haruna performs theme "Ai o Utae"

Building up to the summer kick off the "Second Season" of Shaft's anime adaptation of Nisio Isin's Monogatari modern fantasy light novel series, the official site has been updated with a new visual and credits listing. Fresh info from the update includes the fact that vocaloid producer Jin aka Shizen no Teki-P has teamed up with Luna Haruna (Fate/zero, Sword Art Online) on theme "Ai o Utae." More after the jump.

"Altered Beast" Enters the Third-Dimension on 3DS in Japan Next Week

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:43:43 GMT

Enhanced 3D version of Sega's Genesis game arrives on May 29

Sega boldly bellows toward its Genesis/Mega Drive beat 'em up Altered Beast, "Wise from your gwave," and it does not hesitate. The console port of the 1988 arcade game is coming to Nintendo 3DS in Japan as another one of Sega's 3D enhanced games, and will hit the eShop on May 29. Read on for more.

"Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate" Adds Virtua Fighter's Jacky Bryant and More

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:50:05 GMT

Enhanced version is due out on PS3 and 360 this September in Japan

When Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate hits PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this September in Japan, the enhanced fighter will be bringing additional characters along with content from the PS Vita version, Dead or Alive 5 Plus. Two of those characters are Dead or Alive's Ein and Virtua Fighter's Jacky Bryant. Read on for more.

Kotobukiya Adds "Maoyu" Demon Queen to October Schedule

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:59:04 GMT

Impressive statuette with removable horns measures 24cm

The pick-up in Maoyu merchandise continues with Kotobukiya scheduling their Demon Queen figure for October. The impressive, 24cm statuette with removable horns goes for 7,750yen. Currently, the company hasn't indicated whether it will be one their releases imported to North America. Get a look after the jump.

VIDEO: "Farewell Umihara Kawase" Shows Better Uses for Fishing Lines

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:07:43 GMT

Next entry in the platformer series hits 3DS in Japan this June

The Umihara Kawase series isn't really something many people in the west talk about, but we'll eventually get to dive in when the upcoming 3DS entry, Farewell Umihara Kawase, makes its way from Japan. For now, dig the latest trailer after the jump.

Domain Registrations Prompt "Arpeggio of Blue Steel" and "Nisekoi" Rumors

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:11:55 GMT

Fans speculate on registrations from Shueisha and FlyingDog

If fan speculation is right, we might have seen the hat tipped on a couple of upcoming anime. Shueisha has registered the domain Nisekoi.jp, while it looks like an announcement about the yakuza/highschool relationship comedy might be coming up in the year's 27th issue of Shonen Jump. Meanwhile, FlyingDog has grabbed a spot for aokihagane.jp, seemingly corresponding to sentient battleship sci-fi Arpeggio of Blue Steel. More after the jump.

"Genshiken: Second Generation" Recasts More Returning Characters

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:16:11 GMT

Tsutomu Mizushima directs the exploits of the second generation of The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture

Ahead of this summer's anime return of The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture college otaku club in a new Genshiken anime, a Niconico Live event has introduced the second generation cast. Part of the announcement was that Nozomi Yamamoto (Haganai's Yukimura Kusunoki) is the new Chika Ogiue, previously portrayed by Kaori Mizuhashi in earlier anime. It turns out that she isn't the only recast character. See who's who after the jump.

"Dusk Maiden of Amnesia" Manga Ending

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:52:47 GMT

Finale planned for July issue of Gangan Joker

The ending of both Maybe's Dusk Maiden of Amnesia aka Tasogare Otome x Amnesia and Tomoo Yokoyama's Watashi no Ouchi wa Honya-san, about the daughter of an adult bookstore owner, have been scheduled for the July issue of Gangan Joker, on sale June 22nd. More after the jump.

VIDEO: Dark Horse Shares History of "Astro Boy" Featurette

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:45:51 GMT

Publisher offers influential series in print and digital formats

Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy is a true classic. It has been credited with shaping Japanese views on science and technology. The manga's popularity helped open doors for the series to become the first Japanese produced TV anime. And, if you want to read the original series, Dark Horse offers a translation in print and digital formats. They've just shared a history featurette for those interested in the seminal work. Get a look after the jump.

Web Manga "Marine Corps Yumi" Serialized in English

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:50:08 GMT

New chapters planned for Tuesday

Nogami Takeshi, known for his Strike Witches doujinshi and contributions and known for his open letter in CNN in regards to their hentai game coverage, kicked off web manga Marine Corps Yumi last fall. Appropriate to a series about a girl who dreams of becoming a soldier in the "Amerigo" Marines, the series is now being translated into English, with new chapters planned to go online Tuesdays. More after the jump.

VIDEO: Dive into 10 Minutes of "Shin Megami Tensei IV" Gameplay

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:51:13 GMT

Atlus' North American release of the 3DS RPG is set for July 16

Fans in North America still have a little bit of a wait ahead for Shin Megami Tensei IV, which hits Nintendo 3DS on July 16. In the meantime, 4Gamer has a whopping ten minutes of footage to share, from the RPG's intro to dungeon exploration, battles, and more. Check it all out after the jump!

"Resident Evil: Revelations" Makes Rachael Ooze, Lady Hunk Playable

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:58:58 GMT

DLC characters are set to arrive on June 11 for $2.99 each

Now that the console and PC port of Resident Evil: Revelations is available in North America, it's time to look forward to some DLC! In addition to some weapon packs, Capcom plans to add two new playable characters to Raid Mode: Rachael Ooze and Lady Hunk. Pics and more past the break.

VIDEO: "Animal Crossing: New Leaf" Preview Customizes Your House

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:02:49 GMT

Next entry hits Nintendo 3DS in North America on June 9

Once you get out of your starter tent and move into a house purchased from the iron grip of Tom Nook, you'll have plenty of ways to customize your abode in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. See how some of that customization works in the latest preview after the jump.

Takashi Miike To Remake Influential Dead Wet Girl Horror "Yotsuya Kaidan"

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:05:00 GMT

"Yotsuya Kaidan" has already been adapted into over 30 movies to date

In the 19th century, Yotsuya Kaidan was staged as a kabuki play along side the story of the 47 Ronin. The story of the vengeful spirit of a samurai's betrayed wife first became a movie in 1912, then was adapted about 18 times in the next two decades, and over 30 times to date. Takashi Miike (13 Assassins) has now taken on what's probably the most influential dead wet girl horror story. More after the jump.

Half-Scale Super Sonico Super Big Figure Hits Preorder

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:10:41 GMT

Huge 90cm figure out in July

Super Sonico was created by Nitroplus in 2007 to be the mascot for their yearly Nitro Super Sonico Music Festival, and since then has grown huge around the Steins;Gate and Fate/zero maker as something of a mascot. Often cast in risque images, the pink haired spokescharacter has now been cast in a truly "big" 90cm, 1/2 scale polyresin and brass figure. Get a look after the jump.

Kotobukiya Plans to Import "Ghost in the Shell" Jigabachi Model

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:10:25 GMT

Seven inch model planned for October

Everyone loves Ghost in the Shell's Tachikoma AI spider-tanks. Everyone except their natural enemies, the Jigabachi AI digger wasp-helicopters. If you can put aside your Tachikoma affection long enough to appreciate the Jigabachi, Kotobukiya has confirmed that they plan to import the 7 inch, 1/72 scale model of the mech to North America this October. Get a look after the jump.

"One Piece" Return Tops Toonami Ratings

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:15:43 GMT

Block sees a small bump for pirate action anime's return

At almost a million viewers, the May 18th return of One Piece to Cartoon Network's Toonami block didn't break any records, but was enough to read the schedule and slightly bump the ratings. See how it compared after the jump.

VIDEO: "Saint Young Men" Special Music Video

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:20:39 GMT

Gen Hoshino performs theme "Gag" and voices Buddha

Victor Music has posted a special music video for Gen Hoshino's "Gag," the theme for the anime movie adaptation of Hikaru Nakamura's (Arakawa Under the Bridge) comedy manga about Jesus and Buddha rooming together in modern Tokyo, Saint Young Men. Hoshino also voices Buddha in the feature, releaesd on May 10th. Get a look after the jump.

VIDEO: "Electromotive Romances", the new PV by mishmash*Julie Watai

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:22:28 GMT

A new track from the anime-powered scenester supreme

Japan’s coolest female otaku Julie Watai is BACK with a new song from her mishmash＊Julie Watai project that takes the form of a music video featuring artwork by awesome illustrator Hiroyuki Takashi. Watch it after the jump!

Xbox One Not Backwards Compatible with 360 Discs, XBLA Purchases

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:33:34 GMT

Microsoft's console to also make game installation mandatory

Some more interesting information has surfaced about the Xbox One since the earlier reveal of Microsoft's upcoming console. One of the things many look at a system successor for is backwards compatibility, and unfortunately it appears that's something you won't find with Xbox One, both in terms of 360 discs and existing Xbox Live Arcade purchases. More after the jump.

Microsoft Reveals All-in-One Next Generation Console, Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:38:57 GMT

MS plans to launch system worldwide later this year

Don Mattrick took the stage just a little over an hour ago to finally lift the curtain on the next generation of Microsoft's console, Xbox One. Thankfully, they actually showed the console itself immediately, making way for the massive box, controller, and Kinect camera. Read all about it after the jump!

"Robotech" Kickstarter Completes Campaign After Raising Almost $1.5 Million

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:40:02 GMT

Fundraiser met goal three hours after April launch

Palladium Book's Kickstarter campaign to crowd-fund strategy battle game Robotech RPG Tactics, based on the localized version of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA closed on May 20th. It met its goal three hours after its April 18th launch and went on to raise $1,442,312, really proving that Robotech fans are dedicated and/or have a healthy amount of disposable income. More after the jump.

VIDEO: "Batman: Arkham Origins" Swoops in with First Full Trailer

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:50:28 GMT

Prequel story is due out worldwide on October 25

Batman is back this October in prequel form with Batman: Arkham Origins, and we've got a nice cinematic look at it with the first full trailer. Watch as the Dark Knight throws down with Deathstroke after the jump.

"Gargantia" World Mapped to Real Topology

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:12:24 GMT

A look at sci-fi anime's attention to details

One of the interesting elements of Gargantia is the sci-fi anime's often subtle attention to details. We saw this again in the latest episode with a map of the world that reflects real topology. Get a look after the jump.

2014 Anime Mirai Line-Up Announced

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:04:37 GMT

Half hour shorts will be produced to foster the talent of young animators

The Anime Mirai project has announced the latest rounds of proposals that it has accepted for funding. Ultra Super Pictures, A-1 Pictures, Shinei Animation and Studio 4°C will each receive 38 million yen from the Agency for Cultural Affairs funded Japan Animation Creators Association to foster the talent of young animators while producing half hour shorts. More after the jump.

Eiichiro Oda Hospitalized, "One Piece" Manga Goes on 2-Week Hiatus

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:01:52 GMT

Series is expected to return to Shonen Jump magazine on June 10

Fans of high profile shonen manga are no strangers to hiatuses on their favorite series, but One Piece is entering a slightly extended delay due to illness. As announced on the official Shonen Jump website, author Eiichiro Oda has been hospitalized, and the series will be absent from the magazine for two weeks. More after the jump.

Recent Sony Teaser Revealed to be PS Vita Game "Freedom Wars"

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:09:42 GMT

Get a new look at the dystopian Monster Hunter meets Hunger Games world of Panopticon

Last week we got a look at Sony teaser video named "-" associated with a "Panopticon" site. It turns out that Panopticon is a world from the PT Era year 102013. This will be the setting for a PS Vita "rescue multiplayer" Freedom Wars. A new promo compares its time frame to ours. Get a look after the jump.

"Full Metal Panic!" Announcement Teased

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:51:08 GMT

Announcement planned for next issue of "Dragon Magazine"

Maybe it's just a Blu-ray or fanevent and maybe it's the new anime that fans have been waiting for, but it looks like we'll soon be hearing about some sort of Full Metal Panic! excitement. Dragon Magazine has teased that the 15th anniversary announcement will be made in its next issue. More after the jump.

Long Awaited "The Strange Tale of Panorama Island" Manga Released in English

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:01:46 GMT

Last Gasp publishes ero-guro artist's adaptation of Edogawa Rampo's classic

It's been almost four years since news broke that smaller comics/manga publisher/retailer Last Gasp will be releasing an English translation of ero-guro (erotic grotesque) manga author Suehiro Maruo's adaptation of the early 20th century's trangressive genre pioneer Edogawa Rampo's The Strange Tale of Panorama Island. Well, good things come to those who wait because Last Gasp is finally shipping the book. More after the jump.

Maybe Manga's Most Offensive Title Logo

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:05:51 GMT

"Gekkan Young King" brought in a couple of hentai artists to kick off somewhat more mainstream series

Seinen manga magazine Gekkan Young King brought in a couple of hentai artists to kick off somewhat more mainstream series in its July issue, on sale May 20th. Kentarou (Samurai Guild - Kepuuroku) goes for a supernatural, racy story in Hyakuki Yakou, while Takeshi Ohmi works a more straight forward battle of the sexes in Kiss My Ass. And if you thought that the title was audacious, wait until you see the logo. More after the jump.

Converse Produces "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" Inspired Sneakers

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:10:56 GMT

New fashion collaboration model of Hirohiko Araki's super popular manga series

Thanks to the great success of the recent TV anime series, Hirohiko Araki's long-running (more than 26 years!) manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has become the dominant business trend in Japan now. Taking this opportunity, Premium Bandai has started accepting pre-orders for the special collaboration sneakers with Converse yesterday, Hit the jump for more details.

An Early Look at "Madoka Magica" Blu-ray Jacket Illustration

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:10:55 GMT

Ultimate Madoka signage hard to miss in Akihabara

Promo signage for the Blu-ray release of the Madoka Magica movie has rolled out across Akihabara, and with it, we've gotten a look at the special illustration for the release's jacket. Check it out after the jump

Real-Life Escape Game Teams Up with “Case Closed” for “Escape from the Skyscraper”

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:13:58 GMT

Players work *with* Detective Conan to plot their escape

We’ve reported before on the real life escape game featuring Detective Conan from Case Closed before, but now YATTAR JAPAN brings us additional info on this attraction touring Japan where players team up with a guy in a Conan suit to solve a life or death mystery. Get a look after the jump!

VIDEO: The Making of a Real "Final Fantasy VII" Buster Sword

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:02:22 GMT

Master swordsmith and renowned propmaster, Tony Swatton sets his talents to creating the oversized FF7 weapon

Every week our master swordsmith and renowned propmaster, Tony Swatton, forges iconic weapons using high-speed belt grinders, scorching furnaces, and pounding power hammers. Then he takes his weapon to the streets to bust up some stuff. This episode, he set his talents to creating the oversized Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII. Get a look after the jump.

VIDEO: The Fully Animated PV for "Take Your Way" by livetune

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:06:33 GMT

Opening theme for DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION

So far, we’ve only been teased with brief tantalizing glimpses of the anime-style music video for “Take Your Way”, the latest song from leading Vocaloid songsmiths livetune (they of “Transfer” and “Re:Dial” fame). Now, the entire colorful clip is now available for viewing! Watch it after the jump!

Alphamax Fits "Oreimo" One Piece Dress Figures for December Release

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:55:04 GMT

Alphamax schedules Kirino and Kuroneko figures

Kirino and Kuroneko are ready for a night out on the town in a pair of Oreimo "one piece dress" figures from Alphamax. Both are sculpted by HIRO, who did the Problem Children Black Rabbit due out this summer, and measure about 20cm. Each will sell for 7,000yen. Get a look after the jump.

VIDEO: "Guilty Crown" English Dub Cast Announced

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:58:59 GMT

Sci-fi anime to be released on DVD and Blu-ray August 27th

In anticipation of the series' August 27th DVD/Blu-ray, FUNimation announced the English dub cast for divisive sci-fi anime Guilty Crown. See who's who after the jump.

Midnight Madness: Photos of "Moyashimon" Author Wearing Kei's Gothic Lolita Dress

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:46 GMT

"Photos, or it didn't happen!" and it did!

Moyashimon author Ishikawa Masayuki kept his word with his followers by trying on the sample of Kei's gothic lolita dress being sold by Baby, The Stars Shine Bright and posting photos of the results. This is the second time that a Baby, The Stars Shine Bright collaboration dress was made for Kei's cross-dressing outfit and the author was going to receive the new sample. More on the midnight madness after the jump!