Orange’s Trigun Stargaze, a sequel to Trigun Stampede, premiered on Saturday, March 28, at 7 am PT / 10 am ET. The English dubbed finale premieres Saturday, April 11, at 7 AM PT

Yasuhiro Nightow’s Message

Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow had a message for fans of the show:

“TRIGUN STARGAZE has been a grand challenge—to see just how brilliantly, how far, and how powerfully the new generation who embraced my manga would reflect its spirit—is now coming to a close.

From a new perspective, with surprising plot twists, and to depths yet seen before—being able to add a new face to the work known as Trigun has been a joy far beyond anything I could have hoped for.

To the creators, those who supported this, and everyone who walked alongside this journey, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt thanks.

Love & Peace.”

The team also released a hand-drawn visual on Saturday.

The English Voice Actors on Trigun Stampede and Stargaze

Johnny Yong Bosch, known for voicing Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach and Vash the Stampede in Trigun (1998), is back as Vash in Trigun Stampede and Trigun Stargaze.

“Each of the characters has their own unique perspective on the world and how they come together,” Bosch said. “Vash and his stubbornness of not wanting to kill anyone, and he wants to protect everyone – he won’t stop until they believe in him. I love that about him.”

Sarah Roach (One Piece, Fruits Basket), who voiced the English version of Meryl Strife, is a newcomer in the Trigun anime series. Meryl has been a protégé in Trigun Stampede, and in Stargaze, she is now the mentor.

“It touches on how there are different aspects to humanity,” Roach said. “Humanity is capable of these horrible things, but also we’re seeing all these people come together and try to right those wrongs. I think it really showcases the scope of humanity.”

Milly Thompson is Meryl’s new partner, and she is voiced by Alexis Tipton (My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan).

“There are so many things that are true gray areas, and there’s room for discussion and seeing both sides,” Tipton replied to a question about the series’ theme of environmentalism. “The show really creates opportunities for dialogue on a lot of different concepts.”

Nicholas D. Wolfwood is a traveling priest who carries a giant, cross-shaped weapon. He is voiced by David Matranga (My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Street Fighter 6).

“There are so many different messages, and they’re huge: family, connection, community, vulnerability, and even just resources and sustainability,” Matranga said. “The impact of one on the other is a very relevant thing.”

Trigun Stampede and Trigun Stargaze are reimagined adaptations of the manga by Yasuhiro Nightow.

The post Trigun Stampede Cast on Vash’s Pacifism and Humanity Behind the Chaos in Stargaze appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

You and I Are Polar Opposites

You and I Are Polar Opposites is a cute and funny anime series based on the 2022 manga. The down-to-earth and relatable series follows Miyu Suzuki (English voice by Celeste Perez), an energetic and popular high school student who falls for Yusuke Tani (English voice by Brandon Acosta), a quiet, stoic classmate.

“The magic is how relatable it is,” Perez tells Nerd Reactor about the magic of the anime. “Every time that I record an episode, I think a lot about being in high school, being a teenager who’s just full of energy. All of the side characters are also so relatable because they’re just like our best friends that we used to have as kids.”

“I also want to say to our director and our script writer, too,” Acosta said. “They really helped us find that vibe, that tone with our voices and everything, our characterizations. And I love that all the characters feel like high schoolers. It reminds me of when I used to hang out with my friends back then.”

Hana-Kimi

Hana-Kimi, based on the manga from 1996, follows Mizuki Ashiya (English voice by Katelyn Barr), a girl who disguises herself as a boy at an all-boys school to be closer to her idol, Izumi Sano (English voice by Wyatt Baker), a star athlete. To add drama to the mix, another student, Shuichi Kakatsu (English voice by Dallas Reid), likes Mizuki, creating a good ‘ol love triangle drama.

“So, Mizuki, when she’s speaking aloud, she’s doing her boy voice, and she’s keeping her facade up that she’s a boy at this boy school,” Barr said of her character. “But inside her head, she’s still girly girl. So it’s been really fun to find moments. It’s not always a clear A voice, B voice. There are interesting moments in the middle where she’s in mixed company, or she doesn’t know if somebody knows she’s a boy or not.”

“To me, my favorite part is picking out what level of boy voice to do in what moment. It changes every episode, too, because different characters know the secret or don’t know the secret. It’s been a really fun little acting challenge. I think speaking outwardly in a boy’s voice is more fun for me.”

Hell’s Paradise

What is Hell’s Paradise doing here? Even though it’s an adventure set in Edo Japan about the search for the elixir of immortality, the main protagonist, Gabimaru (English voice by Alejandro Saab), just wants to live a peaceful life with his wife.

“Funny enough, for me with Hell’s Paradise, one of my favorite parts is the more subtle romance moments,” Saab said. “I know in this world of immortality and action and fire and all this stuff, that it’s just nice to get, for it to calm down and then realize that it’s like, ‘Oh, Gabimaru’s just trying to get back to his wife.’ And I love those moments where it’s very subtle. The most subtle one is where he just pins down Yuzuriha and is like, ‘I’m married.’

“And then the not-so-subtle moment where it’s that monologue in season two where he’s talking about his wife. But I mean, I do love the action. The Chobei fight looks awesome. But there’s just so much in the show that I really like. But I’m a sucker for rom-com stuff.”

Hana-Kimi, You and I Are Polar Opposites and Hell’s Paradise are now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

The post Love in Anime: Voice Actors on Hana-Kimi, You and I Are Polar Opposites & Hell’s Paradise appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The three performances in North America will take place in June, celebrating her birth month. The Los Angeles and New York concerts are LiSA’s first-ever headline shows and mark her second time performing in the U.S. Last year’s Crunchyroll Concert Series at San Diego Comic-Con was her first time performing in North America in nearly a decade.

Tickets to the concerts will be available here.

“My first NORTH AMERiCA TOUR is here! This is my first solo show in NY and LA, and my first show in Mexico in 9 years,” said LiSA in a statement. “I’m so excited! Thank you so much for waiting for us! For those who will see me perform for the first time, looking forward to seeing you! We will be bringing a lot of our precious songs with us. Let’s have a great time! Today is another great day.”

LiSA’s music can also be heard in Sword Art Online’s “Crossing Field” and the second season of Solo Leveling with “RewakeR” (ft. Felix of Stray Kids).

Crunchyroll followers will get a 24-hour exclusive presale on Wednesday, February 12th at 10 a.m. local time in each market. The code will be available on Crunchyroll News. Ticket sales will be made public on February 14th at 10 a.m. local time in each market.

LiSA – ANOTHER GREAT DAY North America Headline Shows 2025 Powered by Crunchyroll Schedule:

June 18, 2025

• New York, NY, US
• Terminal 5

June 24, 2025

• Los Angeles, CA, US
• YouTube Theater

June 28, 2025

• Mexico City, MX
• Pepsi Center

The post J-pop Singer LiSA Headed to North America in 2025 for Another Great Day Tour appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

If you’re a One Piece fan, Funko has the Monkey D. Luffy Trains Kung Fu Dugong Pop! Moment figures. The Pop! Moment line captures iconic scenes from a movie or show, and this Crunchyroll exclusive (MSRP: $39.99) is available here.

The Pop Parade line by Good Smile Company is great for those who want detailed and beautifully painted figures without the crazy prices of larger statues. Crunchyroll has the exclusive Helsing OVA Alucard Pop Up Parade Figure for $60.99 here.

Perfect Blue is a 1997 anime movie by legendary Japanese director Satoshi Kon (Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika, Paranoia Agent). Mima Kirigoe is brought to life as a Crunchyroll-exclusive figure via the Pop Up Parade line and retails for $30.99. It’s available here.

One Piece – Luffy & Ace Portrait.Of.Pirates NEO-MAXIMUM Figure Set (Bond Between Brothers 20th LIMITED Ver.) is available as a Crunchyroll Exclusive for $252.99. You can get it here.

Bleach and Ichigo fans can get the Crunchyroll exclusive Pop! vinyl figure where he is in his Final Getsuga Tensho form. He’s available for $14.99 here.

Many anime are based on manga, and popular anime such as Blue Lock and Frieren are based on the manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro/Yusuke Nomura and Kanehito Yamada/Tsukasa Abe, respectively. Crunchyroll Store has the exclusive variant cover for Blue Lock Manga Volume 1, which is available here. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Manga Volume 1 is available here.

The Crunchyroll Store has many collectibles and apparel for anime fans, and you can check them out at store.crunchyroll.com.

The post Crunchyroll Store Highlights Exclusive Merchandise Including Funko Pop! and Pop Parade Figures appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

• Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II
• Fate/strange Fake
• I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time
• UniteUp! -Uni:Birth-
• Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective
• DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR Animation with ENHYPEN
• May I Ask for One Final Thing?

New updates were also revealed for the following titles:

• Solo Leveling Season 2
• Blue Exorcist -Beyond the Snow Saga-
• To Be Hero X
• Demon Lord 2099
• Rurouni Kenshin -Kyoto Disturbance-

Check out the info for the new Crunchyroll acquisitions below:

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II 

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Premiere Date: October 4, 2024

Season 1 Synopsis: In the world of guns and steel that is Gun Gale Online, LLENN has been a devoted, female solo player. She is obsessed with two things: donning herself entirely in pink and honing her skills with consistent game play. She soon discovers her love for hunting other players (a.k.a. PK), soon to be known as the “Pink Devil.” Meanwhile, LLENN meets a beautiful yet mysterious player, Pitohui, and the two click right away. Doing as she is told by Pitohui, she enters the Squad Jam group battle.

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

Fate/strange Fake

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Premiere Date: Coming Soon

News: Fate/strange Fake will have its world premiere in Los Angeles this November as part of the Fate 20th Anniversary Showcase!

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time

Studio: CloverWorks

Premiere Date: January 2025

Manga Synopsis (via Yen Press): The new dungeon, Chalk Tower, is riddled with unpredictable situations! Boss-class foes wandering the halls might not slow down Alina, but the annihilation of Rufus’s party at the hands of an unknown enemy stops her and her temporary comrades in their tracks…! Silver Sword reluctantly opts for a withdrawal—that means escape from adventuring duty for Alina and a return at last to her beloved job as a receptionist! But for some reason, a sense of unease lingers. Meanwhile, Rufus joins Silver Sword as the vanguard, and the party attempts to clear Chalk Tower once more. But do they have any chance against a humanoid monsterwith a Dia Skill?!

Main Cast Announced: 

• Aoi Koga as Lululee Ashford 
• Rikuya Yasuda as Lowe Losblender 
• Yu Serizawa as Laila 

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

UniteUp! -Uni:Birth-

Studio: CloverWorks

Premiere Date: January 2025

Season 1 Synopsis: “I’m going to be an idol…?” Akira Kiyose is a high school student who loves to sing. His songs were published to a video sharing site as the internet singer “KIKUNOYU”. One day, he is scouted by the entertainment agency “sMiLea Production” after they hear his singing voice. The agency was established to nurture up-and-coming idols by the legendary idol duo “Anela” after they suddenly retired. Akira forms a group with Banri Naoe and Chihiro Isuzugawa, who were also scouted. The three online singers are inspired by the idols “LEGIT” and “JAXX/JAXX”, also belonging to the same agency, and aim to make their idol debut with their own thoughts and feelings in mind…!

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective

Studio: Project No.9

Premiere Date: January 2025

Main Cast Announced:

• Ayane Sakura as Takao Ameku
• Kensho Ono as Yu Takanashi 
• Manaka Iwami as Mai Konoike 
• Nana Mizuki as Mazuru Ameku
• Fumihiko Tachiki as Owashi Ameku 

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR Original By DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR WITH ENHYPEN

Studio: To Be Announced

Premiere Date: Coming Soon

Synopsis: Based on an original story about ENHYPEN, the webtoon “Dark Moon: The Blood Altar” is getting an anime. ENHYPEN is a seven-member boy band formed through the 2020 audition show I-Land. In November 2020, they debuted with the release of their first mini-album “BORDER: DAY ONE.” In July 2023, their world tour “Fate” took them to 21 performances in 13 cities in South Korea, Japan, the United States, and other countries, where they performed for a total of over 327,000 people. In July 2024, their second studio album “ROMANCE UNTOLD” became their first double-million seller as they continue to be active globally. “Dark Moon: The Blood Altar” is a massive hit webtoon with over 190,000,000 views about seven boys based on the members of ENHYPEN attending the prestigious Decelis Academy who experience a fateful encounter with a female transfer student.

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

May I Ask for One Final Thing?

Studio: LIDENFILMS

Premiere Date: Coming in 2025

Manga Synopsis (via Alpha Manga): In the middle of a ball, Scarlet’s fiancé, Kyle, suddenly calls off their engagement. She’s falsely accused of being a bully and people unfairly call her a “Villainess.” The aristocrats and noble families all denounce her. For years, she had to put up with his abuse and idiocy, but she can’t take anymore of it! At her wit’s end, she asks for one last favor; to give him a good fist in the face. So begins Scarlet’s story of revenge against Kyle and his cronies! A fantasy about an elegant yet rebellious fighter, who doesn’t let anyone take advantage of her!!

Crunchyroll Availability: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and CIS

Check out the new updates on previously acquired titles:

Blue Exorcist -Beyond the Snow Saga- 

Studio: Studio VOLN

Premiere Date: October 5, 2024

Synopsis: Rin and his friends successfully defeated the Impure King after his revival in Kyoto and have returned to their daily lives at True Cross Academy. However, the Knights of the True Cross begin receiving an increasing number of consultations about demons as a wave of strange events begins to spread across the world. Meanwhile, Rin and the other Exwires work to solve the mysterious phenomenon plaguing the school. But as the True Cross Academy Festival is in full swing, Lucifer, the King of Light and Commander-in- Chief of the Illuminati, suddenly appears. Lucifer declares war on the Knights of the True Cross – to resurrect the demon god Satan and rejoin the realm of humans, Assiah, and the realm of demons, Gehenna, as one. And to do so, he states that Izumo is necessary for a certain “plan.”

Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Premiere Date Revealed: January 2025

Season 1 Synopsis: They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter Sung Jinwoo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.

To Be Hero X

Studio: BeDream 

Premiere Date Revealed: 2025

Synopsis: Everyone around Futaba expects her to grow up and become an adult, and she’s lost the ability to keep herself mentally balanced. At the bottom of her heart, her childish self is still there, and still strong. One day she wanders into another dimension, a world where the light has been lost, and darkness rules. The people there exist as babies wearing only their underpants. The clothes they wear can be summoned as powerful fighters called SpiCloths. In this world, a battle was being fought between light and darkness…

Japanese Voice Cast Announced: 

• Natsuki Hanae as Nice 
• Nobunaga Shimazaki as E-Soul 
• Koichi Yamadera as Ahu 
• Inori MInase as Lucky Cyan 
• Ayane Sakura as Loli
• Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Little Johnny
• Yuichi Nakamura as Ghostblade
• Koki Uchiyama as Dragon Boy
• Kana Hanazawa as Queen 
• Mamoru Miyano as X

Demon Lord 2099

Studio: J.C.STAFF

Premiere Date: October 12, 2024

Synopsis: Five centuries ago, Demon Lord Veltol reigned over an immortal nation. Now, the time has come for him to awaken once again. The year is 2099, and civilization has reached peak evolution, leading to a high-tech landscape with towering skyscrapers—nothing like he’s conquered before. Veltol may be a relic of the past, but make no mistake, this new world will be his for the taking!

Rurouni Kenshin -Kyoto Disturbance-

Studio: LIDENFILMS

Premiere Date: October 3, 2024

Synopsis: During the upheaval of the Bakumatsu Era, there was an Imperialist warrior feared as the “Hitokiri Battosai.” However, upon the arrival of the new era the Battosai disappeared from the public eye, leaving behind just his legend of the strongest Revolutionary warrior.

The post Crunchyroll Reveals Newly Acquired Anime Including Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II and Fate/strange Fake appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Last week on July 26, the artist knew how to get the crowd excited as she switched from singing her songs to engaging with the audience with fun and friendly competitions. LiSA had different wardrobe changes that ranged from rock star attire to a traditional kimono outfit that fit with the different types of songs.

She ended the night with “Gurenge” from Demon Slayer, one of the most popular manga/anime franchises. It was an amazing performance with the catchy and fast-paced song and her amazing voice. Afterward, LiSA left the stage, and the crowd started to chant “encore.” She came back to the stage a few minutes later and performed three more songs. After a lengthy set, the artist was still able to hold the audience’s attention.

If you didn’t get the chance to see LiSA live in San Diego, the next best option is seeing her concert film, LiVE is SMiLE ALWAYS -LANDER-. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have teamed up to bring the movie to North American theaters this month. Tickets are now on sale for the special three-day event on August 17, 18 and 21.

The concert film took place at LiSA’s “LiVE is SMILE ALWAYS -LANDER-” tour stop at the Tokyo Garden Theater on December 16, 2023. Fans will get to experience her high energy and powerful vocals on the big screen.

Tickets can be purchased now at: http://lisalivemovie.com/

Film Synopsis:

Global J-pop sensation LiSA will transport fans to the final stop of her “LiVE SMiLE ALWAYS -LANDER-” tour at the Tokyo Garden Theater in an epic never-before-seen concert film. The tour featured LiSA’s sixth original album “LANDER,” which includes the haunting ballad “homura,” the theme song from Demon Slayer no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train. LiSA brings her unique ideas and feelings, high energy, and powerful vocals to the sold-out crowd, where she becomes one with each and every fan as their voices and souls unite together, amplified by the support of the band. Now North American audiences can experience LiSA’s never-changing charm and incredibly passionate performance in a cinematic event that will transcend theatergoers into a new future.

Crunchyroll’s Free Concert Series

Crunchyroll’s free concert series this year ended with a One Piece concert on Saturday, July 27. It was held at the same location as LiSA’s concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, which was right behind the San Diego Convention Center. The streaming service has been giving back to fans, with previous concerts including a Dragon Ball Z concert in 2022 at SDCC featuring Dragon Ball singer Hiroki Takahashi and the Night of Live Music at Anime NYC.

The post LiSA Concert Wows Crowd During SDCC 2024 Including Performance of Demon Slayer Theme Song, ‘Gurenge’ appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The audience regularly chanted this throughout the BLUE LOCK panel at Anime Expo 2024, raising their index finger to punctuate the phrase, which gives you an idea of how fun and light-hearted the discussion was.

First-timers at Anime Expo, the special guests included:

Kazuki Ura, the Japanese voice for protagonist Yoichi Isagi, was extremely energetic and endearing, sporting the U.S. exclusive BLUE LOCK Aloha blue shirt.

Megumu Tsuchiya, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Weekly Shonen Magazine & The Editor of BLUE LOCK Manga.

Ryoya Arisawa, the Animation Producer of the BLUE LOCK anime series.

One of my favorite things about attending panels for the shows I’m a fan of is getting the “behind-the-scenes” glimpse of the crew that holds very relatable interests. 

For instance, Ura-san gushed about visiting the Dodger stadium and seeing Shohei Ohtani in action, along with the “very delicious” hot dogs. Arisawa-san dreamily described his love for the local beer, particularly Golden Road Brewing. It’s moments like these where you, as the fan, enjoy seeing their enjoyment and are glad they got to take a well-deserved break from working on the popular BLUE LOCK series. 

An Intense Sports Anime That Gets You Hyped

Based on the award-winning manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro, the anime features 300 high school forwards pitted against each other in the BLUE LOCK training program. They compete to be the ace striker to lead Japan’s National Team in the next World Cup Tournament. If eliminated, the player will NEVER be able to play for the national team.

It’s like Squid Game but soccer. And instead of actual death, it’s the death of their soccer career, which, for the athletes, can feel like the same thing. 

Even with 24 episodes, Season 1 moves fast, with each episode better than the previous, making you look forward to the telltale signs of the spiral eyes, aura colors, and flying puzzle pieces that let you know things are about to get serious. 

I don’t particularly reach for sports anime; however, I was pleasantly surprised with BLUE LOCK. The recently released movie Episode Nagi was enjoyable, too, even if it was primarily a recap, but from a different player’s perspective. 

All About That Ego

When Ura-san was asked if there was any particular scene that was difficult to act, he replied:

“When I had to tell Nagi, ‘Shut up, genius.’ That was a difficult scene because I had to make it authentic and dig deep within my ego to make it happen. So I practiced it a lot while walking down a street, reciting it to myself, and yes, I got some weird looks!”

Additional ways that he prepares himself for recording are some method acting, such as not eating the day of recording or not playing his favorite game, to be more in tune with Isagi’s rollercoaster emotions and the challenges he faces.

Tsuchiya-san also shared that since the show’s main theme is fighting with ego, the team is careful never to make any of the characters reach a point where they give up. 

Fight on, egoists!

Season 2 Kicking Off on October 5

For long-time BLUE LOCK fans since 2022, the Season 2 announcement was highly welcomed, and the audience was treated to the sneak peek trailer:

While Season 1 focused on Isagi’s transformation, working his way from the bottom, in Season 2, viewers can expect growth in new areas, especially as the BLUE LOCK Eleven compete against the Japan U-20 (Japan National Under-20 soccer team) in a new environment outside the training center.

We’ll see how our favorite characters adapt to this new field setting with live spectators and how Nagi grows even further than he did in the movie.

The first season of BLUE LOCK can be streamed on Crunchyroll, and showtime availability for BLUE LOCK The Movie: Episode Nagi can be found here. 

Season 2 will premiere on October 5, 2024, also on Crunchyroll. It will consist of 14 episodes, which are expected to be released weekly. 

The post BLUE LOCK: Direct Shot into Anime Expo! appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

“I just love anime because it’s great for making people connect,” Williams tells The Anime Effect. “I love it just because of the adversities that’s happening in these shows.”

“Naruto,” Williams replied to what his gateway anime was. “I didn’t start by watching the first beginning one. My first fight that I’ve seen of Naruto was Zabuza. And then Orochimaru was the first one I didn’t like, but then he started to grow on me. He did. He started to grow on me just because I liked the way he just messed with emo boy Sasuke.”

As for the anime that Williams recommends for others to check out, it’s Solo Leveling and Demon Slayer, just to name a few.

“Solo Leveling, just because it gets straight to it quick, and it’s not long,” Williams said. “Sometimes for some people, that first episode doesn’t hit. ‘Do I still want to watch it or not?’ That’s how it was for me sometimes. I say Solo Leveling, or Demon Slayer, easy.”

You can check out the video version of the interview here later today.

Here’s an interview he did in a locker room about how he just wants to play football and Pokemon and telling a reporter not to disrespect Pokemon.

About The Anime Effect

Launched February 16, the inaugural episode of The Anime Effect podcast reached the #1 slot in Manga and Anime in the Apple iTunes Store in the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, and Belgium.

Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect is available worldwide in English on all major podcast platforms. New audio episodes launch every Friday at 12:30 a.m. ET and full video episodes arrive on Crunchyroll and the official Crunchyroll YouTube channel starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The post NFL’s Jamaal Williams Shares Fave Anime Including Solo Leveling, Naruto, and Demon Slayer appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Black Butler -Public School Arc-

Black Butler -Public School Arc- revisits the enigmatic world of Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler, Sebastian. This arc propels the duo into the prestigious Weston College, where Ciel must navigate the complex social hierarchy and undercover mysteries. Anticipation builds around how this installment will blend its gothic Victorian setting with the nuanced dynamics of public school life. The series, so far, promises to deliver on the Black Butler‘s signature mix of intrigue, deception, and dark humor.

The first episode of Black Butler -Public School Arc- skillfully sets the stage for the narrative. Ciel’s undercover journey in Weston College is riddled with cryptic challenges, showcasing a blend of cerebral puzzles and the show’s traditional dark charm. Plus, Sebastian’s role as protector and provocateur (literally) shines in his limited appearance. While the episode maintains the series’ aesthetic and thematic consistency, it introduces new conflicts and alliances. Ultimately, the Public School Arc promises an engaging season that respects its roots yet ventures into uncharted territories.

Black Butler: Public School Arc premieres on Crunchyroll on April 13th.

Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 emerges as the season’s anime darling, anticipated to capture the hearts of many when it premieres on April 13th. Set in a world where monstrous kaiju regularly threatens humanity, the story follows Kafka Hibino, a cleaner turned defense force recruit with a mysterious ability to transform into a kaiju himself. This anime promises a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and personal growth as Kafka navigates his dual identity and the gray moral landscape of a society battling constant existential threats.

Thankfully, the Kaiju No. 8 premiere did not disappoint. The first episode delivers a spectacular blend of high-octane action and deep character exploration. Kafka’s journey from a disillusioned cleaner to a powerful kaiju-beating force is compellingly portrayed. The animation captures the kaiju’s terrifying beauty and the battle’s exhilarating chaos. At the same time, the episode masterfully showcases Kafka’s struggles with not fulfilling his dream of joining the Defense Force. In one episode, Kaiju No. 8 solidifies itself as the season’s breakout anime, leaving viewers craving more. Those looking to fill the void left by the end of Attack on Titan should check out Kaiju No. 8. 

Kaiju No. 8 premieres on Crunchyroll on April 13th at 7:00 a.m. PT.

Astro Note

Astro Note introduces a captivating comedy set around the Astro Lodge, a quaint establishment with a new, enigmatic young owner, Mira Kotokuji. The plot thickens as she hires Takumi Miyasaki, a charming young chef tasked with crafting breakfasts for its assortment of eccentric guests. The twist? She harbors secrets from outer space, weaving a tapestry of mystery and hospitality. This anime promises a unique blend of culinary delights, intriguing character dynamics, and cosmic secrets, offering viewers a taste of otherworldly mysteries with a side of earthly charm.

The first episode of Astro Note skillfully blends the mundane with the mysterious, establishing a compelling setting in the Astro Lodge. As a result, the interplay between the two main characters adds a delightful layer of intrigue and chemistry. With its quirky cast and interstellar intrigue, Astro Note sets the stage for a series that’s as heartwarming as it is mystifying.

Astro Note premieres on Crunchyroll on April 5th.

A Condition Called Love

In A Condition Called Love, viewers are drawn into a heartwarming tale of romance and self-discovery. The story centers around Hotaru Hinase, a high school girl who unexpectedly finds herself in a relationship that challenges her understanding of love and identity. This anime promises to delve into the complexities of teenage emotions and relationships. At the same time, the show portrays the joys and pitfalls of first love with sensitivity and realism. With its soft, expressive animation style, the show aims to capture the subtleties of emotional growth and the nuanced interactions that define personal connections.

A Condition Called Love delivers a tender and relatable first episode, beautifully capturing the nuances of teenage romance. Hotaru’s journey of understanding love and self-worth is portrayed with a delicate balance of realism and idealism. Also, the animation style complements the story’s gentle nature with its pastel colors and fluid movements. At the same time, the episode’s pacing is careful. As a result, viewers can fully engage with the characters’ internal and external conflicts. This episode sets a promising tone for the series, promising a heartfelt exploration of young love’s complexities.

A Condition Called Love premieres on Crunchyroll on April 4th.

The anime season kicks off with a diverse array of shows, each promising unique experiences. Kaiju No. 8 is a potential fan favorite with its compelling narrative and stunning animation. As each series unfolds, it offers rich storytelling landscapes, promising something for every anime enthusiast. For the rest of Crunchyroll’s Spring lineup, go here.

The post Crunchyroll Spring Lineup: Diving into New Season’s Must-Watch Anime Series Including Kaiju No. 8 appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

All of the English dub episodes will be available to stream in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, along with other regions afterward.

The English voice cast will have returning actors from the classic Dragon Ball series including Sean Schemmel as Goku and Christopher R. Sabat as Piccolo and Vegeta. Other voice actors include Matthew Mercer as Hit and David Gray as Zamasu.

Additional Voice Cast and Actors:

• Christopher Ayres as Frieza
• Kyle Hebert as Gohan
• Jason Douglas as Beerus
• Monica Rial as Bulma
• Sonny Strait as Krillin
• Eric Vale as Future Trunks
• Patrick Seitz as Jiren
• Among many others

About Dragon Ball Super

Synopsis: After 18 years, we have the newest Dragon Ball story from creator Akira Toriyama.

With Majin Buu defeated, Goku has taken a completely new role as…a radish farmer?! With Earth at peace, our heroes have settled into normal lives. But they can’t get too comfortable. Far away, the powerful God of Destruction, Beerus, awakens to a prophecy revealing his demise at the hands of an even more formidable being. When his search for the Saiyan God brings him to Earth, can Goku and his friends take on their strongest foe yet?

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