Anime / Manga

Good Smile Company has revealed a brand-new set of Beach Queens swimsuit figures featuring Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami from the Rebuild of Evangelion series, scheduled for a 2027 release.

To mark Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary, a new picture book titled 'Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky' has been released, chronicling the early life of the beloved Black Mage Vivi. Written by the original game's event designer and illustrated by character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, the book targets younger readers while offering subtle lore nods that resonate deeply with long-time fans.

Ghost Dating Simulation Season 1 offers a dark, compelling twist on the gamified webtoon genre. Instead of a self-insert power fantasy, it delivers an empathy-driven mystery where the protagonist must solve the real-world murders of ghostly 'dating targets' to survive.

HoYoverse has announced its 3.0 Special Program stream for Zenless Zone Zero, detailing the highly anticipated Season 3 content which includes a new location and characters. Simultaneously, the company has opened pre-orders for physical Collector's Editions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, setting a retail release date for September 17, 2026, and a Season 3 update launch for June 17, 2026.

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of 'Witch Hat Atelier' has announced significant additions to its voice cast for the upcoming 'Second Pentagram Test Arc.' Renowned voice actor Ryusei Nakao will portray the enigmatic Brimmed Cap member Sasaran, while Hiiro Ishibashi steps into the role of Euini. These new cast members, bringing considerable talent and enthusiasm, are set to debut in episodes 10 and 11, respectively, marking a crucial progression in the magical fantasy series' narrative.

The light novel series 'Heroine? Saint? No, I'm an All-Works Maid (And Proud of It)!' offers a refreshing and comedic take on the popular isekai genre. It follows Mizunami Ritsuko, a highly skilled individual with a singular passion for maid culture, who finds herself reincarnated into an otome game world after a plane crash. Unaware that she is the game's actual heroine, her absolute dedication to becoming the perfect maid inadvertently throws the game's predetermined plot into delightful disarray, much to the confusion of other reincarnated players who *do* know the original storyline. The series, praised for its witty writing and meta-commentary, navigates noble school life through a unique lens, prioritizing personal ambition over classic heroic narratives.

Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini has clarified the platform's official stance on artificial intelligence. While the streaming giant will not use AI for its own localization processes, it will not prevent Japanese animation studios and creators from utilizing AI tools in production workflows.

An in-depth editorial review of the first season of Hotel Inhumans, examining its unique assassin-sanctuary premise, narrative inconsistencies, and structural potential ahead of its announced second season.

Capcom has launched a new demo for 'Resident Evil Requiem,' providing an in-depth trial of the game's main story. This demo uniquely allows players to experience segments as both Grace Ashcroft and the iconic Leon S. Kennedy, offering a choice between first and third-person camera perspectives. Available on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, the trial showcases the game's diverse gameplay mechanics and narrative approach, though progress made within the demo cannot be transferred to the full version of the game. This release follows a previous update in May 2026 that introduced the challenging 'Leon Must Die Forever' mode.

WIT Studio and Production I.G President George Wada has called for the establishment of a domestic Japanese anime awards ceremony. The proposal, made during a national industry sustainability symposium, coincides with renewed criticisms regarding the lack of professional representation and perceived mainstream bias within the Western-dominated Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

The anime series 'Zatsu Tabi -That's Journey-' presents a fresh and unconventional take on travel narratives, chronicling a protagonist's unplanned exploration of all Japanese prefectures. Moving beyond typical scenic showcases, the series embraces the mishaps and spontaneous detours that define real-world adventures, offering viewers a relatable and inspiring perspective on discovering Japan's diverse landscapes and cultures.

Studio Pierrot's 'Creamy Mami: Forever Once More' offers a unique bridge for fans, condensing the original 52-episode TV series into a concise recap before diving into a new epilogue. Released as an OVA, it aims to make the seminal magical girl narrative accessible while continuing the emotional journey of protagonist Yuu Mori as she grapples with life after her magical alter ego, Creamy Mami. The film navigates the challenges of distilling a beloved narrative, showcasing both the charm and sometimes dated conventions of 1980s anime, from character portrayals to production nuances.