https://www.cbr.com Covering comics, movies, TV like no other in the world. CBR.com is all you need! Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:30:19 GMT en-US hourly 60 Demon Slayer has introduced a wide variety of combat-ready characters on both sides of the endless feud between humanity and Muzan Kibutsuji's demon hordes. The best Demon Slayer characters all learn and grow as they fight throughout this anime, such as developing new combat techniques and shoring up their greatest weaknesses to be better balanced.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:30:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/how-demon-slayer-best-characters-improve-strength/ Berserk is an eternal classic in anime and manga. The epic saga details the life of an outcast warrior who joins a band with a beautiful and charismatic leader. Part of what makes the series so dark is how it takes traditional fantasy tropes and fairytale concepts and turns them on their head, showing the worst mirror image of those tropes.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/berserk-classic-fantasy-tropes-ranked/ Roronoa Zoro is the resident swordsman of One Piece's Straw Hat Pirates and one of the strongest people on Monkey D. Luffy's crew, second only to the captain himself. Since he was a child, Zoro has aimed to become the strongest swordsman in the world, and as a result, he has made it his goal to defeat Dracule Mihawk — the man who currently holds the title.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 19:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-blades-roronoa-zoro-wielded-used/ Shonen anime are the most popular shows among the anime demographics. The tales of inspiring adventures entice audiences worldwide. Fans love watching their favorite characters perform harrowing feats to defeat their enemies and achieve their goals. Unfortunately, a lot of the same character tropes are frequently used, so the shonen genre can feel a little stale at times. However, a particular group of shonen anime has proven to have some of the best writing and best stories that combat the monotony.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:31:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-anime-best-stories-writing-ranked/ Like many of the anime based on long-running shonen manga series, Naruto has a lot of filler arcs. This is because the anime usually begins before the manga is complete, meaning the series often has to fill time until there’s more of the major plot written to move the story forward.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:56:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-every-filler-arc-anime-episodes-skip/ Yuki Suetsugu needs no introduction. She's one of the most prominent mangaka in the industry. Yuki is the genius behind the widely popular manga and animated series Chihayafuru, which took the world by storm with its depiction of the traditional Japanese card game called karuta.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:11:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/yuki-suetsugu-chihayafuru-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ Anime is full of unique characters, narratives, and settings, but despite this level of diversity, there are still some common tropes that appear across the medium. One well-known cliché that is repeatedly used in a variety of genres is timeskips, which often completely change the tone of their respective series.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/game-changing-anime-time-skips/ Some anime are so popular that even people who don't routinely watch romance anime recognize the titles or characters. Sometimes anime fans are aware of classic romance anime on their radar but starting a series with a big fan base can be intimidating. Sometimes anime are popular mostly for nostalgic reasons and may not hold up to newer audiences, but there are plenty that earned their popularity and will still hold up with new viewers.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:30:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/overrated-romance-anime-classics/ When an anime fan watches a juggernaut shonen anime series like One Piece, they must focus on the overall plot and the most important details of the characters such as their Devil Fruits or their personal motives. There's a lot to keep track of across 1,000+ episodes and almost as many characters, but on a second pass, a One Piece fan can pick up on small details they missed the first time.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-villains-birthdays-height-and-zodiac-signs/ The Japanese anime industry is adept at depicting wacky comedy and exciting, larger-than-life action scenes with the use of colorful and expressive visuals, but that's not all anime can do. Plenty of anime fans are more interested in heavy drama and darker stories, which calls for some truly heartbreaking and tragic scenes. Plenty of anime deliver on that front, and some are famous for it.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:33:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/saddest-anime-scenes-ever-ranked/ Dark fantasy is a sub-genre that takes traditional fantasy and ups the stakes. It can have a quiet contemplative or morose tone, or it can be full-on ultra violence and filled with cruel tyrants. Dark fantasy tends to revolve around creatures like vampires, demons, and fallen angels. The magic is often eldritch and horrific with creatures that could be described as "nightmare fuel."

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dark-fantasy-anime/ Since 1998, Hunter x Hunter has been one of Shonen Jump’s most popular series. It has produced a manga as well as two separate anime adaptations. Despite several frequently prolonged hiatuses, the ongoing manga is currently up to 400 chapters. Unfortunately, fans haven't had any new updates since late December 2022.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:20:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/strongest-hunterxhunter-characters/ Death Note is a supernatural crime thriller anime that depicts the brilliant Light Yagami on his quest to rule the world as Kira, the embodiment of brutal justice. To change the world, Light kills off not just criminals, but people who get in his way.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dark-death-note-deaths/ The Hashira are the strongest warriors in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. They're arguably the most significant characters in the story, as they seek to eradicate the demon menace and bring peace to the world. The Hashira are led by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who only allows the strongest fighters to join the Corps. They are always searching for a successor to pass their techniques on to after their death or retirement.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-strongest-hashira/ My Happy Marriage is a supernatural historical romance about Miyo Saimori who is rejected by her family for her lack of psychic powers. She is very much a Cinderella-inspired character, while her new fiancé is more of a "monstrous" bridegroom. When she's thrown into an engagement with him, she expects him to be utterly awful.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:10:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-recommendations-like-my-happy-marriage/ Anime embrace many different genres and extremes, but some of the medium's most popular series are those that are dense in combat. Fight sequences may be crucial to many anime, especially the shonen genre. However, there's still a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to the depiction of this combat. Heightened anime series like Demon Slayer or Chainsaw Man transform fight sequences into grandiose spectacles that defy reality.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-realistic-martial-arts-anime-manga/ Plenty of anime characters talk themselves up and boast about their incredible powers, but not all of them can back it up. Some characters, often villains, speak from a position of power and genuinely threaten the heroes, while other characters are all bluster. If an anime character is all bark and no bite, they're bound to make fools of themselves when the talking ends and the fighting starts.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:41:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-who-lie-pretend/ As the former Symbol of Peace, All Might occupies a unique position in My Hero Academia where he is simultaneously one of the series' most beloved characters and also one of its most controversial. While it is undeniable that his decades-long crusade resulted in record-low crime rates, one could also argue that his suppression of the problem, not elimination, was indirectly responsible for the increased villain threat plaguing the entirety of Japan.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:00:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-how-all-might-proves-he-loves-deku/ Since debuting in 1997, One Piece has become one of the most recognizable media franchises in the world. The series is the best-selling manga of all time, and as indicated by the massive wave of hype surrounding the release of its live-action adaptation, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew show no signs of slowing down.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-characters-who-deserve-a-spin-off/ When anime fans watch a lengthy and exciting shonen series like My Hero Academia, they will usually focus on the most important aspects of each character first, such as their Quirks, their personal goals/dreams, and their relationships with other people. Then, on a second pass, anime fans will have fun exploring the more intimate details that humanize these characters.

]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:00:27 GMT https://www.cbr.com/mha-villains-birthday-height-zodiac-signs/ Anime make up some of the most popular television series and films, animated or otherwise. It's remarkable to notice how certain anime series can turn into sweeping pop culture phenomena that drive forward passionate fandoms. It's not unusual for an anime's entire cast of characters to resonate with audiences, but there are also plenty of occasions where one or two individuals take on new lives beyond their source material.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:30:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-more-iconic-than-their-series/ Anime villains have quite a reputation for being bad. Several of the most evil characters are found in anime across many different genres. However, there are anime villains who don't deserve the bad reputations they've gained. These villains may not be entirely sympathetic, but each of them has an understandable reason for their villainy.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-villains-who-deserve-better-reputations/ Everybody knows how dominant Star Wars has been in the sci-fi genre for years, and this huge franchise has inspired countless others to follow suit in exploring space, time, and beyond. While Star Wars itself is still going today having been established back in the 1970s, it does still have plenty of competition, even from sci-fi anime.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:20:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sci-fi-anime-like-star-wars/ Controversy and media are eternal partners. There's no escaping from the scrutiny of the audience over objectionable stories and content, even if it's anime. There's no shortage of mind-boggling anime series that left the audience shocked, if not traumatized.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-controversial-anime-ever-ranked/ In anime, a villain's depravity was usually intended to make the hero look better in comparison. Though sometimes given sympathetic qualities, they're meant to represent forces fundamentally opposed to the beliefs of the hero and audience. In this regard, a villain was almost as responsible for making a protagonist likable as the hero themselves.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:40:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/most-evil-anime-villains-ever-ranked/ The best anime feature a multitude of plot twists, emotional climaxes, and intense fights. Almost every series has a beloved and memorable episode, scene, or moment that changed the entire franchise forever.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:11:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-moments-changed-everything/ When it comes to supernatural romance anime, vampires tend to make the most popular love interests. But yokai and demon love interests follow swiftly behind in popularity – and they are just as fantastic in a romance plot. Demons are incredibly varied creatures with diverse lore, powers, and backstories.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:40:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-anime-romance/ In spite of how the show ended, Game of Thrones will forever be seen as the standard-bearer for the fantasy genre, for how globally renowned and beloved the series became. Game of Thrones was epic in many ways, from the scale of its world-building and the countless characters that were explored, to the massive battles, shocking twists, and persistent sense of dread that lingered throughout.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:01:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/epic-fantasy-anime-like-got/ Anime is extremely versatile when it comes to its subject matter and these series can tackle grandiose fight sequences in something like Dragon Ball Z or tell fantastical tales of empowered females in magical girl anime like Sailor Moon. Anime is also no stranger to controversy and the limitless nature of this medium means that many series push boundaries or expose their audience to uncomfortable themes and characters.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:10:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/problematic-anime-that-deserve-second-chance/ The first time an anime fan watches a juggernaut series like Naruto, they want to know the essentials of how each character functions, such as their best ninjutsu, their motives, and their relationships to other people. Later, a fan may wonder about the more intimidate, mundane details of these characters to make those characters feel better-rounded. This can add a whole new dimension to the characters of Naruto, who are defined by more than their jutsu and cool outfits.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:31:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-villain-birthdays-height-zodiac-signs/ The world of shonen anime features some of the best fictional villains the world has ever seen. These legendary antagonists are highly compelling and memorable not just because they are powerful and ambitious, but because they have interesting things to say about the world, other characters, and themselves. Such quotes range from passages in villain monologues to one-liners or observations about the world during a moment of reflection.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:00:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shonen-anime-villains-best-quotes/ Dragon Ball is one of the most recognizable anime series of all time. Its characters are well-known by many, and their most iconic moments have essentially become clichés for the shonen manga genre due to the widespread inspiration they've had on other series.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:01:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/memorable-dragon-ball-scenes/ Season One of Heavenly Delusion thrust viewers into a dystopian world rich with shocking twists and unforgettable moments. As the dystopian anime progressed, though some answers were revealed by the end of season one, viewers were left with even more questions. Heavenly Delusion is told through parallel narratives that may or may not be occurring in the same timeline.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:30:50 GMT https://www.cbr.com/heavenly-delusion-season-1-shocking-moments/ When it comes to popular love interest character types, most think of tsunderes, but kuudere characters are the unsung hero in shojo anime. Kuudere tend to be female, especially in shonen and seinen anime, but in shojo anime, they tend to be males. The female shojo kuuderes, though, are generally wonderfully complex and have extensive internal worlds, which make them interesting and complicated love interesst.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:01:44 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-kuudere-shojo-anime-characters/ Anime history is full of memorable deaths, with many shows using a sudden passing to raise the stakes or change the cast's dynamics. Fans rarely forget a well-timed and well-executed death, with many famous ones getting referenced or talked about years after their initial airing.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:30:40 GMT https://www.cbr.com/avoidable-anime-deaths/ Sometimes an anime has such subtle foreshadowing that fans watch the series over and over, hunting for clues of what unfolds later in the series. Even if an anime's foreshadowing is ham-fisted and plainly in the face of the audience, it's still effective because it adds tension and audiences can't help but ponder how foreshadowed events will unfold. Other times, obvious foreshadowing is a hint that trope will be subverted with a vengeance.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:41:35 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-foreshadowing/ Romance is an easy genre to adore. The stories are set around love and belonging, and make fans feel safe. Even tragic romances are appreciated because of the love that was shared along the way. Romantic anime do both happy and sad romances justice by enhancing the emotion and putting it to a more expressive medium – animation.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:10:31 GMT https://www.cbr.com/romance-anime-with-the-best-stories/ The announcement of the anime adaption of Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, has led to plenty of excitement. The series has long been a cult classic, with fans desperately waiting for more content based on the series.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:40:34 GMT https://www.cbr.com/scott-pilgrim-anime-graphic-novel-changes/ Berserk is among the most compelling seinen manga and dark-fantasy epics ever told. The late, great Kentaro Miura's artwork comprised some of the best panels in the medium. Many longtime fans were elated that the series came back on track to finish Miura's vision following his untimely passing, but his artistry wasn't easily replicated.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:10:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-berserk-manga-panels/ My Hero Academia's shonen superhero mash up became a trailblazer in the anime genre. Though the series has comedic and action-packed scenes, it still has its fair share of dark moments as well. In most anime, a dark moment tends to involve one or more characters dying, and that is certainly true with My Hero Academia.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dark-mha-moments/ Groundbreaking anime comes around every decade, and it’s interesting to examine the different changes that accompany these contrasting time periods. There are still plenty of modern anime that subvert expectations and redefine the medium, like Wonder Egg Priority, Lycoris Recoil, or Jujutsu Kaisen, but it’s also important to not overlook the past and the important series that have helped anime get where it is today.

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-important-80s-ranked/ Although isekai stories have had their share of ups and downs, the genre's also been responsible for some classic series over the years. Fans of the genre enjoy isekai because they offer interesting fantasy settings while remaining relatable through their grounded protagonists.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:45:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/isekai-manga-actually-great/ Anime is an endlessly versatile animated storytelling that grows more ambitious and creative with each passing year. There are modern anime classics like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, or Fruits Basket, but it’s fair to say that none of these current hits would be where they are without the innovative series from the ‘90s.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:16:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/influential-90s-anime/ Naruto became a shonen icon for many reasons, including its outstanding combat system, delightful characters, and certainly its plot twists and best moments. Naruto's story is packed with hard-hitting plot twists that keep viewers guessing, and some of them are downright shocking and brutal. Naruto won't hesitate to shake things up and throw viewers for a loop.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:30:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shocking-naruto-moments/ One Piece primarily focuses on action and adventure, since protagonist Monkey D. Luffy is all about freedom and exploration, not being an idealistic hero. Still, Luffy is a good person at heart, and he will gladly show other people kindness with his words, actions, or both, even if it means showing them some tough love. This has led to many heartwarming scenes with One Piece's hero, and he's not alone, either.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:00:29 GMT https://www.cbr.com/heartwarming-one-piece-scenes/ Avatar: The Last Airbender has been a hit since it debuted in 2005. Since then, it has accumulated fans around the globe for the way it portrays tough issues. The characters are a large part of what makes the show so accessible for its young audience. They help create a story that features a lot of political issues, but never talks down to its viewers. Congruently, the show has also been praised for its humor and realistic relationship dynamics.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:00:25 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-avatar-the-last-airbender-episodes/ After more than two decades, One Piece has cemented its position as the best anime and manga series of all time. Fans love the action and characters, but they also appreciate the deep and emotional storytelling. Every popular Shonen has its share of memorable moments, and One Piece has a lot of them because of its incredible length. Some of these moments stand out because they are funny or cool, but others are memorable because they shocked the audience.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shocking-one-piece-moments/ One Piece is packed with not just cool worldbuilding and exciting fight scenes, but also some incredible dialogue to bring all these characters and their world to life. Dialogue is often the best way for characters to express themselves and comment on the world they live in, and the best quotes will stick in viewers' minds for many years to come.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:11:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-mc-quotes/ One Piece prides itself on many things, but since its debut in 1997, one thing has continued to define the series: its unique character designs. Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates rarely come across boring or uninteresting characters, which helps keep their adventures exciting and original no matter what corner of the seas they choose to visit.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:31:14 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-unique-amusing-character-designs/ Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball has been a consistent source of entertainment for anime and manga fans for more than 35 years and this has led to a strong synergy between Dragon Ball’s audience and its creator. Dragon Ball understands how to embrace certain shonen storytelling tropes and patterns while also subverting these conventions in ways that continue to surprise the dedicated fans.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/db-fan-therories-better-than-canon/ The values of friendship are one of the most prominent in anime and manga, and there's nothing in the medium quite as joyous as watching the formation and development of its strongest bonds. Come hell or high water, anime heroes know they have their friends to rely on, and the power of their friendship will overcome even the most strenuous challenges. Unfortunately, not all bonds in anime manage to prosper forever.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/friends-to-enemies-anime-characters/ The Japanese anime industry is supported by a large handful of popular and well-established animation studios. These studios work hard to entertain anime fans around the globe, and the very best anime studios can proudly list some of the world's favorite anime as their very own productions.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-studios-and-their-popular-works/ Even the best anime can fall short sometimes. Great anime have been known to have some poorly written scenes or annoying characters. The worst thing a fabulous anime could do is land just shy of having a perfect ending. As sad as the thought is, this phenomenon happens more often than fans would like.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/almost-perfect-anime-finales/ Through the years, the anime medium has spawned a wide variety of beloved series; however, none are more popular than Dragon Ball Z. The adventures of Goku and the Z Fighters have taken them across galaxies, universes, and even different timelines, and along the way, they've uttered a quite a few memorable quotes.

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/fan-favorite-dbz-quotes-original-english-dub-ranked/ Romance is one of the main components of most shojo anime. Classic titles all feature a doe-eyed heroine who falls head-over-heels for a handsome and charming love interest. Even as the demographic has evolved over the years, this time-old tradition has held true in many modern titles.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:15:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-new-gen-shojo-love-interests-ranked/ High school stories may have all the drama, but anime about college life has all the charm. Stories of young adults transitioning from carefree teenagers to mature individuals have their separate appeal and resonate well with their respective audiences.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 21:15:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/greatest-college-anime-young-adults-ranked/ As one of the most influential shonen anime of all time, the Naruto franchise consistently balances its high-voltage action scenes and heavy drama with lighter, more pleasant fare such as comic relief. However, while the series puts romance on the back burner during its preliminary arcs, it eventually introduces several canonical couples that fans know and love.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-naruto-couples/ Inasmuch as Jujutsu Kaisen is a narrative-driven story rather than a character-driven one, Gege Akutami's supernatural horror shonen manga has an obvious main character, even if it might not seem like it sometimes. Since the story began, Yuji Itadori has had more character development and progression in strength than any other sorcerer revealed so far.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:20:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jjk-yuji-itadori-main-character-proof/ Anime is filled with all sorts of supernatural beings, and demons are undoubtedly some of the most popular in the medium. Anime demons come in a variety of forms and often possess an impressive array of powers. They're usually portrayed as morally gray, though they can be good or evil, depending on the situation.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:00:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-demons-ranked/ The world of One Piece is filled to the brim with peculiar characters, but none are more memorable than its main character, Monkey D. Luffy. Over the course of 25 years, he has left an indelible mark on not only the Grand Line but the entire anime medium, gaining a reputation as one of the most beloved characters in shonen history.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:10:15 GMT https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-anime-luffy-quotes/ It's safe to say that Sui Ishida is one of the most recognized and instantly iconic manga artists working today. Ishida quickly rose to fame when Tokyo Ghoul was first published in 2011, especially after it was adapted into a hit anime in 2014. Even after Tokyo Ghoul ended, Ishida remained as iconic as ever, thanks to his amazing art.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:50:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sui-ishida-tokyo-ghoul-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ Chainsaw Man seemingly came out of nowhere to become one of the biggest anime series in recent years. However, manga readers will be far from surprised as Chainsaw Man was always set to succeed due to the manga's already huge following. That level of popularity is not unwarranted; what draws fans to the series is the way it differentiates itself from classic shonen anime tropes and presents interesting, original ideas.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/csm-moments-inspirations-for-other-shonen-anime/ The Demon Slayer anime has quickly established itself as a modern shonen classic due to several reasons. It has stellar animation, a strong emotional core, and best of all, ample plot twists and shocking moments to keep viewers on their toes. Demon Slayer's plot and premise feel largely conventional, but those twists help keep things fresh from one episode to another.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:31:17 GMT https://www.cbr.com/demon-slayer-shocking-moments/ Twentieth-century shonen titles like Fist of the North Star and Dragon Ball helped set the stage for today's shonen anime world, but it was the "big three" that really made shonen the #1 demographic for anime. Those three titles redefined what shonen can be, introducing or reinventing staples such as the power of friendship, the virtue of hard work, and the pain of betrayal.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:00:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/naruto-scenes-changed-shonen-forever/ The juggernaut One Piece shonen anime series has dazzled fans time and again with iconic, impactful scenes that helped make it one of the best anime to ever hit the airwaves. Some moments in One Piece helped change the game for all of shonen anime, like Luffy's awakening of Gear 5, while other classic One Piece moments are more conventional but still mean a lot to dedicated fans.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 00:30:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/famouse-one-piece-scenes-memorable/ As one of the most popular anime today, there's a lot other shonen series should take note of from Jujutsu Kaisen. While JJK pays homage to classic shonen series in many of its general plot devices, it always puts a new spin on things that make it stand out and keep the formula fresh.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 00:00:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/jjk-lessons-for-other-shonen/ For anime fans today, much of Dragon Ball's most shocking moments are nothing out of the ordinary. That's because the very standard of shonen anime today was dictated by what Dragon Ball pulled off during its heyday.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 22:16:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-most-surprising-scenes-ranked/ The shonen genre, more than any other anime demographic, is very in tune with the ever-changing demands of its audiences. Even if some genre-defining things tend to stay the same, trends in shonen anime come and go depending on what's popular at the moment. The dynamic nature of the shonen genre gives shows from different generations their own distinctive identities.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 20:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/what-modern-shonen-anime-does-better-than-classic/ Dragon Ball fans are well aware of the franchise's core series, but Super Dragon Ball Heroes is an oddity that's eluded much of the fandom. Created in 2018, Super Dragon Ball Heroes is a promotional ONA series for the corresponding card and video game, Dragon Ball Heroes.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 19:11:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/super-dragon-ball-heroes-exciting-scenes-ranked/ Anime friendships are deep, meaningful, and hardcore. However, it's not like everyone gets the treatment Ash and Pikachu give one another. Sometimes, the best friend gets the short end of the stick, whether it's because of an event or a drift between friends.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 17:40:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-best-friend-characters-deserved-better/ There is quite a charm to watching detective anime, especially old-school shows that are purely about solving mysteries and, hopefully, proving the authorities wrong about underestimating the main character who solved said mysteries. While watching one detective anime after the other can be quite mentally exhausting, a good mystery is worth the amount of time and emotions that fans invest in them.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 17:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/must-watch-detective-anime-best/ The isekai subgenre of Japanese anime has been soaring in popularity in recent years, and every anime season adds a few more titles to the isekai pool. Even if some anime fans feel burnt out by now, plenty more are eager for new isekai anime series to lose themselves in.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 15:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-isekai-on-crunchyroll/ Anime creators love making their audience cry. From heartfelt dramas about young love, unrequited feelings, and relationship drama to the more serious stories that tackle issues like death, war, and illness, anime has found countless ways to break hearts and make viewers weep.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 15:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/saddest-anime-series-ever/ Isekai is one of the most popular genres of anime. The anime industry has released many series that fall under its umbrella in recent years. These series share many tropes, namely having an overpowered — usually male — protagonist be transported to another world and show up everybody in it, often by fighting. They usually feature a lot of action magic, with power systems and battles.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 14:20:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/isekai-slice-of-life-instead-of-action-based/ The Chosen One trope has become so popular that it's synonymous with fantasy anime, especially. The Chosen One is a person that's foretold to save, or even doom, a fantasy world. The trope's used in anime storytelling so often, that it's considered a cliché.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 13:30:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/chosen-one-tropein-anime/ Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball is one of the most successful shonen series ever made, and it's kept its fans entertained with nearly four decades of exciting action content. Dragon Ball has hundreds of episodes and manga chapters to pull from that tell an ever-evolving story that's matured alongside its audience.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 12:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-forgotten-details/ Shojo anime is known for certain character types in love interests and male characters. Everyone loves a tsundere love interest, but gentlemanly characters have a sweet and thoughtful nature that endures in fans' hearts. These gentlemen are careful and considerate; they put other people before themselves.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 00:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/shojo-gentleman-characters-ranked/ Kentaro Miura's Berserk is, without a doubt, one of the manga industry's most influential and universally beloved works. Berserk redefined the genre of dark fantasy and spread its impact far beyond the scope of seinen storytelling. Since its debut in 1989 and up until Miura's tragic passing in 2021, Berserk has sold over 50 million copies, and its tremendous legacy cannot be overstated.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 22:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/kentaro-miura-berserk-creator-trivia-fun-facts/ The original shonen "big three" is made up of the most popular, influential, and arguably best shonen manga/anime franchises of their time: Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, Tite Kubo's Bleach, and Eiichiro Oda's One Piece. Each of them is packed with legendary characters, combat techniques, weapons, and key plot points that fans still talk about to this day.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:30:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/big-three-best-scenes/ Critical Role is a Dungeons & Dragons podcast best known for its epic combat setpieces and comedic atmosphere. Like most D&D tables, its cast prefer to keep things light-hearted and entertaining most of the time. However, Critical Role's stories and characters have plenty of opportunities for tragedy.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:15:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/sad-critical-role-moments/ Every decade in anime history has its own selection of masterpieces, both in the world of TV series and feature-length films. The 2000s were a particularly glorious era for anime movies, leaving a lasting cultural impact with such world-famous classics as Spirited Away, Tokyo Godfathers, and Vampire Hunter D. All representing different genres and appealing to different audiences, these films are united by their lasting influence on the anime industry, as they haven't lost in relevance or popularity even 20 years later.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:11:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-forgettable-2000s-anime-movies/ Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has endured for nearly four decades because of its satisfying storytelling and heightened battle sequences, but none of these theatrics mean anything without compelling characters to back them up. Dragon Ball has a celebrated cast of characters that includes Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Beerus.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:40:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/abandoned-dragon-ball-characters/ Anime is an extremely versatile storytelling medium that’s made a huge impact not only on television, but also in movie theaters. There’s an easy appeal in long-running anime series that have hundreds–or even thousands–of episodes to explore. That being said, the average anime fan may not have the necessary time to commit to such sprawling narratives like the ones seen in One Piece or Dragon Ball. A popular way to enjoy anime, but in a fraction of the time, lies in the concise stories told in the top anime movies.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:35:22 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-movies-best-ranked/ The Pokémon anime has been a consistent presence since the late '90s, with Ash and Pikachu's adventures cementing a legacy that will continue to live on despite their recent exit. Pokémon has produced countless thrills and spills over the years, across well-over one thousand episodes - featuring intense battles, emotional interactions, as well as general fun between Pokémon and their Trainers.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-pokemon-episodes/ Outside Crunchyroll, there’s no better streaming service than Hulu for watching anime. Hulu has a wide library of anime with all sorts of genres to choose from, but fantasy is one of the best represented.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:30:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-fantasy-anime-hulu/ The "dark trio" of shonen anime include three popular titles: Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hell's Paradise. These three dark shonen series all have different plots and themes, and they each have unique strengths, but they also have plenty in common thanks to their supernatural horror elements and bloody combat. They also set a new standard for what shonen anime can be like.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:31:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-dark-trio-moments/ Shonen anime are some of the most popular shows worldwide. Their stories of adventure mix in many different genres to give them wider appeal. The best shonen anime are so lovable that fans find themselves rewatching them all over again - even if they have a high episode count.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-shonen-anime/ Despite its age, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to play a major role in the shonen genre, and with the release of blockbuster films like Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the series is showing no signs of slowing down. Almost forty years after their debut, the Z Fighters are still among the most popular characters in anime history, including their iconic antihero, Vegeta.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:20 GMT https://www.cbr.com/vegeta-dragon-ball-super-quotes/ Stories about witches honing their powers are a fun fantasy version of the coming-of-age premise. Sometimes they study at prestigious, esoteric magic academies; or they're taught in more casual settings where they work a kind of practical magical internship, guided by a mentor. Though the trope seems rather specific, there are several anime titles with fresh takes on it.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:15:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-about-training-witches/ Anime horror and supernatural classics like Vampire Hunter D and the Castlevania franchise embrace traditional vampire tropes and classic character types. If Dracula is featured, he tends to be incredibly powerful and tragic. Vampire romances generally have themes of temptation and self-control, and they often have angsty romances.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 20:31:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/unique-vampire-anime/ There's an endless debate about the separate merits of anime and manga series, which makes it particularly interesting when an anime adaptation strays away from its complementary source material. By and large, anime adaptations use the original manga as a guided framework on how to tell their story. However, there's no hardened rule that anime must faithfully adapt their corresponding manga.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:11:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-adaptations-not-like-the-manga/ Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan is certainly not the story for fans who are faint of heart. Across the seasons, it has shifted genres from a zombie-esque kaiju battle story to a political thriller and settled somewhere in between a dark fantasy and a post-apocalyptic character study. Only one thing has remained consistent, and that is the series' dedication to topping itself with increasingly more complicated plot twists.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:41:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/aot-most-shocking-scenes-ranked/ Not only is Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir known for its riveting heroics, but the animated series also provides viewers with a diverse cast of relatable characters. The phrase "there's something for everyone" aptly describes Miraculous Ladybug's array of superheroes and heroines. In addition to incorporating a wide variety of ethnicities and personalities, Miraculous Ladybug's LGBTQ+ representation is also shown through its inclusive characters.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:00:21 GMT https://www.cbr.com/miraculous-ladybug-confirmed-lgbtq-characters/ The romance genre is a hot pot of all sorts of anime tropes and cringe-worthy clichés. However, terrible romance tropes have become so embedded in the genre that audiences can't help but fall in love with these clichés over and over again.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:01:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/best-popular-anime-girls-with-unpopular-guys/ Following the King of Liones' vision, the Seven Deadly Sins joined forces to protect all of Britannia from the revival of the Ten Commandments. However, they disbanded after being framed for the murder of the Great Holy Knight, Zaratras, and they went into hiding. Also known as 7DS or SDS in the fandom, The Seven Deadly Sins follows their adventures when they reappear after things get difficult in the land of Britannia.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:20:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/seven-deadly-sins-characters-and-their-sins/ A major reason for anime's explosive growth over the past two decades is the presence of iconic franchises like Dragon Ball, which follows the adventures of the all-powerful Saiyan known as Son Goku.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:31:16 GMT https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-today-vs-goku/ There are a multitude of anime streaming services, which have made it easier than ever to check out the medium’s latest hits. However, a major player that helped popularize these animated series for the general public is Cartoon Network’s Toonami programming block. Toonami made its debut in ‘97 and started routinely broadcasting anime in ‘99 as an entertaining alternative to the channel’s regular programming.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:01:19 GMT https://www.cbr.com/classic-anime-on-toonami/ Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has kept audiences entertained for more than 35 years and the superpowered exploits of Goku, Vegeta, and company are more popular than ever. Fans continue to turn to Dragon Ball because of its colorful characters, serialized storytelling, and action-packed fight sequences.

]]> Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:01:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-scenes-that-impacted-shonen-anime/ Vampires may be powerful and dangerous, but some of them are so charming, intelligent, and gorgeous that fans can't help but swoon over them. Beauty aside, some have wonderful qualities which make them desirable waifus, like bravery and the capacity for undying love. Vampires in general are highly romantic figures in literature, movies, and anime – crushing on them isn't anything new.

]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:15:23 GMT https://www.cbr.com/vampire-anime-waifus/ A paranormal romance normally revolves around the love affair between a human and a magical being or supernatural entity. Sometimes both lovers are supernatural beings, but one is newly initiated into that world. The creatures vary from shifters to vampires to werewolves to ghosts, and beyond. Themes of immortality, lost love, and violence tend to permeate these stories.

]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:31:18 GMT https://www.cbr.com/paranormal-anime-romance/