Buckle up, weebs, Texas is coming for your waifus. Sen. Pete Flores’ Senate Bill 20 (SB 20) went before the Texas Senate last week, with them unanimously approving a new law that will make the possession of any material depicting a minor in an “obscene” way a felony offense.

The bill’s stated aim is to crack down on AI image generators being used to create illegal material involving children. That’s a laudable goal and is something that should be criminalized. However, the scope of the bill isn’t limited to AI-generated images, as it also covers “cartoons or animation,” promising that:

“An offense under this new section is considered a state jail felony, or a third-degree felony if a person has been previously convicted, or a second-degree felony if a person has been previously convicted two or more times”

The bill covers a huge scope of existing media and gives judges and politicians the power to decide what’s considered “obscene,” saying it’s “[material or a performance that] taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, and scientific value.” This has left many fans of massive video game franchises, anime, and manga realizing with a chill that continuing to own their collection could put them behind bars.

What would this cover?

For example, video games set in high schools that feature dating mechanics — like the wildly popular Persona series — arguably fall under this umbrella. You could also apply this to iconic anime series like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Dandadan, Dragon Ball, Kill la Kill, and Hunter x Hunter.

It’s ittedly unlikely that cops will pursue individuals for owning a copy of Persona 5 Royal on Switch, but if this bill becomes law video game companies may decide to avoid any legal liability by restricting sales of certain products, individual comic book shops might cease carrying manga, and that streaming services like Crunchyroll could geo-restrict content in Texas.

Do they have a point?

Now, there is a (pretty good) argument that the depiction of minors in anime and manga is often extremely gross, to say nothing of the insanely creepy “waifu” worship culture that’s become so common online it’s an unpleasant background noise. Maybe that stuff should be cracked down on! That said, there’s a litany of historical examples that laws banning media on subjective grounds are generally used as a political cudgel to beat people the state doesn’t like.

So, perhaps you’ve been protesting something in Texas and politicians decide to make an example of you. They raid your house, seize your copy of Persona 5 and your End of Evangelion Blu-ray, and suddenly you’re facing felony charges of obscenity involving minors. With that on your charge sheet expect many people who’d otherwise defend you to vanish, and even after whatever sentence you receive is spent you’d likely still end up on an offenders’ .

That’s perhaps the worst-case scenario, but with the government cracking down hard on self-expression and violently enforcing conformity we should be wary about giving them more weapons against citizens. Fortunately for Texans, Senate Bill 20 isn’t law yet and still needs to be ed by the Texas House of Representatives. But, let’s face it, unanimous from the Senate means it stands a good chance of making it onto the law books.

Dragon Ball recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking a pivotal moment in the history of one of the most iconic anime of all time.

Beyond the acclaimed anime series, the franchise has also produced many movies that stand as testaments to its enduring popularity and creativity. Of course, credit goes to the incomparable Akira Toriyama, whose death hit us harder than any Kamehameha ever could. From intense showdowns to heartwarming adventures, these films are unforgettable to fans old and new. Let’s journey through all the Dragon Ball movies and uncover the very best that this legendary franchise has to offer.

Every single Dragon Ball movie

•  Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)
•  Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
•  Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
•  Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)
•  Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)
•  Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
•  Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods (2013)
•  Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)
•  Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
•  Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

Live-Action movies

There are only three live-action Dragon Ball movies. It’s uncertain whether these will continue, but the extremely negative response to 2009’s Dragonball Evolution might be the reason why there’s been a halt on live-action adaptations. Nonetheless, here are all the movies in order.

•  Dragon Ball: Son Goku Fights, Son Goku Wins (1990)
•  Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins (2000)
•  Dragonball Evolution (2009)

Essential Dragon Ball movie watch list 

While the franchise remains a favorite among otaku, there are a few movies in the Dragon Ball universe that stand out among the pack. Here they are.

Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)

Fusion Reborn stands out as a high point in the Dragon Ball movie franchise, blending thrilling battles with a generous dose of humor and spectacle. The film introduces Janemba, a demonic entity whose chaotic presence threatens the very fabric of reality. To combat this otherworldly menace, Goku and Vegeta must set aside their differences and fuse into the mighty Gogeta. What follows is a visual feast of dazzling combat and inventive animation, culminating in an epic showdown that ranks among the series’ most memorable moments.

Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

In the pantheon of Dragon Ball movies, few villains loom as large as Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan. This film, released in 1993, marked the debut of Broly, whose immense power and unrelenting fury posed a formidable challenge to Goku and his allies. The movie’s action-packed sequences, coupled with Broly’s menacing presence, make it a standout entry in the Dragon Ball canon. Moreover, the exploration of Broly’s tragic backstory adds depth to his character, elevating him beyond a mere antagonist and into a figure of genuine sorrow.

Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)

Wrath of the Dragon offers a poignant narrative alongside its trademark action sequences. Released in 1995, the film introduces audiences to Tapion, a mysterious warrior from a distant land who harbors a dark secret. As Tapion’s past is revealed, Goku and his allies must confront a formidable new threat in the form of Hirudegarn, an ancient beast of unimaginable power. The movie’s emotional depth and gripping storyline make it a standout entry in the Dragon Ball canon.

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)

After a lengthy hiatus, Dragon Ball returned to the big screen in 2013 with Battle of Gods, a film that reinvigorated the franchise for a new generation of fans. Set after the events of the Buu saga, the movie introduces Beerus, the God of Destruction, whose awakening heralds a new era of turmoil for the Z Fighters. What sets Battle of Gods apart is its blend of action and comedy, with Goku’s attempts to curry favor with the temperamental Beerus providing ample opportunity for humor. Moreover, the film introduces intriguing lore about the wider Dragon Ball universe.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

In 2018, Dragon Ball returned to cinemas once again with Dragon Ball Super: Broly, a film that reimagined the iconic Saiyan warrior for a new generation. This iteration of Broly delves deeper into his origins, portraying him as a tragic figure manipulated by fate and circumstance. The movie’s stunning animation and choreography elevate the already epic battles to new heights, delivering a cinematic experience that dazzles the senses. Moreover, the film introduces intriguing connections to Dragon Ball’s past, tying together disparate elements of the series’ mythology in unexpected ways.

For many anime fans, even after 40 years, Dragon Ball reigns supreme. Whether it’s good old fashioned nostalgia, or the universal appeal of Son Goku, but the anime is one of the most popular series of all time, animated or not. As a result, the franchise, which has been running since the 1980s, has no plans of ending soon. 

With Akira Toriyama’s ing was a sad time for the community, his work will continue to live on, and fans have been enjoying DAIMA, the last Dragon Ball spin-off he worked on before his death. In fact, the original has spawned a truly impressive kingdom that encomes both animated and live-action movies, spin-off anime series, video games, and more. As far as the anime goes, this massive bank of content can seem daunting for first-time viewers who are interested in following Goku’s story. So here’s an accurate breakdown in order to get the best Dragon Ball experience, depending on your preference.

Watching Dragon Ball in release order

The release order is the easiest way to cover all of Dragon Ball, as you just have to follow each entry by its release date. This covers animated movies, anime series, TV specials, and other media released in the Dragon Ball franchise. 

• Dragon Ball (1986 – 1989)

• Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)

• Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)

• Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)

• Dragon Ball Z (1989 – 1996)

• Dragon Ball Z: The Dead Zone (1989)

• Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)

• Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might Arc (1990)

• Dragon Ball Z: Bardock- The Father of Goku (1990)

• Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)

• Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

• Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)

• Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)

• Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z: Broly — The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994)

• Dragon Ball Z: Bio- Broly (1994)

• Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)

• Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995)

• Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997)

• Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)

• Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)

• Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (2011)

• Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)

• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015)

• Dragon Ball Super (2015- 2018)

• Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

• Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018 – 2024)

• Dragon Ball Super: Super Heroes (2022)

• Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024 – Present)

Dragon Ball in chronological order

While the release order is relatively easy to follow, some people find it more satisfying to follow Dragon Ball’s story in chronological order. This can be a bit more difficult as some movies that were made later on were prequel stories, and a lot of the movies are not a part of the official canon. But at least you get to all go the way to the beginning… and meet Goku’s dad, Bardock for example.

Here’s how to watch the Dragon Ball franchise in chronological order.

• Dragon Ball Z: Bardock- The Father of Goku (1990)

• Dragon Ball: Episode of Bardock (2011)

• Dragon Ball episodes 1-13

• Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986)

• Dragon Ball episodes 14-17

• Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)

• Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure (1988)

• Dragon Ball episodes 18-68

• Dragon Ball: The Path to Power (1996)

• Dragon Ball episodes 69-153

• Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 1-20

• Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990)

• Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990)

• Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 21-107

• Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991)

• Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 108-172

• Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)

• Dragon Ball Z: Broly- The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z Side Story: True Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 173-193

• Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 195-208

• Dragon Ball Z: Broly- Second Coming (1994)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 209-226

• Dagon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 227- 248

• Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 249-228

• Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragons (1995)

• Dragon Ball Super episodes 1-14

• Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods (2013)

• Dragon Ball Super episodes 15-27

• Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F (2015)

• Dragon Ball Super episodes 28-131

• Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

• Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

• Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024)

• Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (1993)

• Dragon Ball Z episode 194

• Dragon Ball Z episodes 289-291

• Dragon Ball GT episodes 1-64

• Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)

Not up for Dragon Ball’s filler episodes? That’s okay!  

Finally, something that many new fans of long-running anime like Dragon Ball always ask is how they can watch the show without fillers. Filler episodes are usually those that were added to the anime, but not adapted from the source material; in this case, the manga. 

Here are all the filler episodes in each of the Dragon Ball series.

Filler episodes in Dragon Ball:

• Episodes 30-33

• Episode 45

• Episodes 79-83

• Episodes 127-132

• Episodes 149-153

It’s important to note that the best way to watch Dragon Ball Z without fillers is to watch Dragon Ball Z Kai, as the original anime is chock full of them. Kai offers a re-cut of Dragon Ball Z made in 2009 to celebrate its 20-year anniversary. The series removed all of the plotlines that weren’t in the manga, making for a more concise, action-packed story. Some enjoy the fillers, while others don’t. So maybe give a few a try, especially if you enjoy the more comedic side of Goku and the gang!

Dragon Ball‘s enduring popularity is no secret, so the anime series and several movies have homes on U.S. streaming services. If you’re planning an almighty binge or want to revisit something particular like Z or GT, look no further. Just keep in mind you’ll need a subscription (or free trial) to watch.

Dragon Ball (1986)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

All episodes of the original Dragon Ball anime are streaming on Crunchyroll, thanks to the merger between the streamer and its similar competitor, Funimation. Go back to the very beginning of this 80s classic to see key characters emerge over its 153 episodes and Goku become one of the best anime characters of all time. This show is also the place to start if you’re new to this world and want to experience its origins.

Dragon Ball Z (1989)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Continuing in chronological order, Dragon Ball Z is up next. Despite the earned legacy of the original anime series, Z is often cited as people’s Dragon Ball awakening, so to speak, thanks to its slightly later release and 291 episodes. It ended in 1996, so there was lots of time to fall in love with the characters and dive deep into story arcs. It has a bit of a sci-fi touch and plenty of action that delighted us as kids.

Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009)

Where to watch: Hulu

This condensed and remastered version of Dragon Ball Z ran for seven seasons and covered the major story arcs from Dragon Ball Z in a more digestible fashion for those of us with less time to spare. It’s 97 episodes instead of over 200, and streams on Hulu instead of Crunchyroll. It would have been nice to have the franchise all in one place, alas…

One thing to keep in mind is that we’ve noticed the Hulu episodes switch between censored and uncensored versions of Kai, so you might want to look elsewhere if that bothers you.

Dragon Ball GT (1996)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

We’re heading back to Crunchyroll for GT, the highly debated and divisive series following a de-aged Goku. People can argue all day over whether it’s canon or not, but it has its fans.

It’s by far and away the least popular Dragon Ball series, but it does have some cool cards to play, mainly with its Super Saiyan 4 form. While it wasn’t well received when it first came out, it did manage to collect a cult following, as franchise outliers so often do.

Dragon Ball Super (2015)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Modern-day Dragon Ball, baby! Super started in 2015 and is still running, meaning you can hop on the train right now. The story begins at the end of Z, so you can basically ignore GT if you want to.

Dragon Ball Super is expansive, to say the least; it introduced parallel worlds, updated the animation style and character designs, and reeled in a new generation of fans. If you’d like to get hooked, head to Crunchyroll.

Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024)

Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

The newest Dragon Ball iteration, DAIMA, made waves by making the aforementioned Super Saiyan 4 form from GT canon again. It follows Goku and the gang after they’re transformed into mini-versions of themselves. A conspiracy is afoot, and they endeavor to solve it.

DAIMA was revealed at New York Comic Con in 2023 and eventually aired in Oct. 2024, making it brand new. It’s also the most streamable anime since it’s on three different streaming platforms.

Ghost of Tsushima: Legends will officially be getting an anime adaptation, and guys, this is how you start the year with a bang! Of course, this news may not be as groundbreaking as, say, the long-awaited announcement of the release of GTA 6. But still, fans of Ghost of Tsushima, and otakus everywhere, are over the moon at the anime adaptation of the beloved game.

Despite the game’s popularity, there are surely still a number of people who have never played it, or heard of it. Certainly, it would be hard for such people to be psyched about an anime adaptation. However, we strongly believe that everyone, especially anyone with an anime bone in their body, should be hyped. Here’s why.

All hail the return of Takanobu Mizuno!

In 2021, Disney Plus released the first season of the animated anthology series, Star Wars: Visions. The very first episode, “The Duel,” was directed by the super talented Takanobu Mizuno. Since then, the director’s name has been on the lips of a lot more fans. 

With a limited catalogue to his name, there’s not much of Mizuno’s work for viewers to check out right now. However, the quality of his direction is undeniable, and that’s what’s got his fans excited. One of them wrote on X, “Ghost of Tsushima anime? Takanobu Mizuno’s direction will be legendary!” Get familiar with his work, and you’ll see why you should be excited that he’s behind the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends adaptation.

An action-adventure with a sick plot

Set in 1274 during the Mongol invasion of Japan, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends follows protagonist Jin Sakai. Jin is a skilled samurai who fights to reclaim his home, Tsushima Island, and comes to be known as “The Ghost” as the story progresses. This epic action-adventure story is set in a massive open world, filled with lush landscapes, ancient shrines, and war-torn villages.

There’s a lot to love about Ghost of Tsushima. Since its release on PlayStation in 2020, the game has amassed a large number of fans, simply because it’s just that good. From its story, to the characters and smooth gameplay, it’s no surprise that it has become wildly popular. With such great source material, expectations are high, and we have a good feeling that they will be met.

We’re in good hands

The Ghost of Tsushima: Legends anime is a huge collaborative project by multiple companies. It is set to be co-produced by Crunchyroll and Aniplex, with music for the soundtrack provided by Sony Music. Aniplex has produced anime like Demon Slayer, Solo Leveling, and Sword Art Online, among many iconic staples. Aniplex as well doesn’t play, especially with big projects like this.

But undoubtedly, one of Ghost of Tsushima’s biggest selling points, besides the story and gameplay, is its visuals. If the anime’s visuals manage to be as breath-taking as the game’s, then viewers are in for a treat! Ghost of Tsushima anime will be released exclusively on Crunchyroll sometime in 2027. Evidently, there’s still a lot of waiting to do. However, the anime promises to be quite the hit among fans of the game and otakus, and it will be worth the wait.

If there has been an outlier, it has been the most anticipated 2024 series, Dandadan. Taking a page out of other Shōnen such as Bleach, the anime is an exciting and humorous supernatural series.

Starting as a manga series written by Yukinobu Tatsu, the story follows two protagonists with differing beliefs in the occult. Momo Ayase is teenage girl who believes in ghosts but is skeptical about the existence of aliens. Conversely, Ken Takakura aka Okarun thinks that aliens and UFO’s are real but doesn’t believe in the paranormal. Both agree to investigate the others’ beliefs to prove if they’re real or not. A clever unification of different occult studies, both characters learn that everything they believe in is real.

Dandadan also balances its comedic elements and the serious in a variety of ways. Turbo Granny is one well-done example demonstrating this dynamic. The vengeful spirit poses a large threat to the characters but is foul-mouthed and bizarre in her repeated attempts to steal the characters’ genitals. Dandadan fires on all cylinders and naturally invites appreciation and criticism in equal measure. The season 1 finale of the anime threw the internet into a tizzy with a shocking cliffhanger.

Momo is left in dire straits in the Dandadan season finale

The final episode of Dandadan season 1 follows the Cursed House Arc, depicted in chapter 33 of the manga. After a failed mission with Jiji and Okarun, Momo takes a break in the hot spring only to get literally and figuratively into hot water. The Kito family, comprised of adult men, follow Momo into the hot spring where things escalate quickly. The cliffhanger ends as the men attempt to sexually assault the teenage girl. The moment set the internet afire with the controversial moment. Many fans took issue with cutting the season off at that moment with no resolution. Season 2 of the show will likely take over a year to make it to the airwaves, leaving viewers in a state of anxiety for some time.

The germination of the controversy starts in the first episode of Dandadan due to the sexual nature of Momo’s story. She gets abducted by aliens who want to harvest her eggs. Even upon viewing the first episode, fans were upset.

With the context that Momo had already been objectified, the season finale didn’t feel right with viewers. Many cited the constant attack on Momo as a negative. However, there is also the alternative perspective. The attacks on Momo are supposed to be negative. Dandadan isn’t posing a narrative where sexual assault is a good thing. The Kito family are the villains of the arc and act accordingly. If they didn’t do villainous things, then they wouldn’t be very good antagonists. Other s on Reddit pointed out this fact.

Especially considering this is a horror series, this is tonally consistent with the parameters that the anime has set up. This isn’t the first time that anime fans have called out storylines in the final run of certain arcs. Upon the conclusion of Attack On Titan, many took issue with Eren’s turn into a villain, particularly with his role in The Rumbling. Eren enacts a genocidal plan, completing his villain origin story. By the end of the series, Attack On Titan reveals he had planned this out so his friends would be forced to make him the villain which would ultimately heal the world. Attack On Titan had always been about the horrors of war and how even the best-intentioned can find the road to hell. Anime has a long history of telling thematically complex stories. Dandadan is not the first and it won’t be the last.

There has long been a stigma regarding Hollywood live-action adaptations of popular manga being unfaithful to its source material (think Dragonball Evolution, Death Note, and Cowboy Bebop, to name a few). As such, fans of Eiichiro Oda’s long-running pirate saga had serious doubts when Netflix acquired the rights for a One Piece TV series.

But to everyone’s surprise, it was a massive hit and now the anticipation builds on what the Straw Hat Pirates and their hijinks are up to in the sequel. Thankfully, we might not have to wait long to see the crew back in action again amid reports that season 2 of One Piece has already wrapped filming.

Off To Post -Production

News about the end of production comes via Emily Rudd’s (Nami) stunt double, Cape Town stuntwoman and actress Natalie Walsh. She ed a photo with colleagues Mcrae Douglas, Shaun Verth, and Nathan Barris on her Instagram Story and captioned it: “Wrap up party vibes let’s gooooo.” Given posts like this stay visible for only 24 hours, a content publisher for all things One Piece named Pew (@pewpiece) managed to grab a screenshot and posted it on X. 

While there’s no official confirmation yet from showrunners Matt Owens and Joe Tracz, or from Netflix or Oda himself, it’s safe to assume that season 2 of One Piece is probably on post-production now.  And if we take Walsh’s post as any form of confirmation, then filming for the sequel is well within its projected timeframe and we could probably get at least a teaser anytime soon.  Work began in June 2024 and was projected to finish before the year ends. 

Season 2 Story Arc and Potential Season 3 coverage

Expect Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his crew of loyal misfits in another action-packed adventure in the high seas. Initially, there were reports that the instalment will feature the Alabasta (or Arabasta) story arc. But due to it being too large, then season 2 of One Piece will instead focus on the beginning of this saga with the inclusion of exciting key locations: Reverse Mountain (Twin Cape), Drum Island, Little Garden, Loguetown, and Whiskey Peak.

Likewise, the anticipated season will introduce fresh faces to portray a bunch of crucial characters to the storyline. And if the sequel maintains the pace of progression like the inaugural episodes, then a fan-favorite character hinted at the end of season 1 could make an appearance and become a member of the Straw Hats (doctor Tony Tony Chopper is in).

Vincent Regan, who plays Vice iral Garp in the series, shared during an interview with Collider at Vienna Comic-Con that filming for season 3 will probably start soon. He also teased: “I think they are doing- I think it’s called the Albasta story arc. I think it’s going to take two seasons.” He added: “What I’ve seen of the designs, drawings, and when I was there, there was some really fun stuff being shot there at the moment.”

Accuracy Between The TV Series And Manga/Anime

We can’t wait to watch all the live-action hijinks Luffy (Godoy), Zoro (Mackenyu), Nami (Rudd), Sanji (Taz Skylar), and Usopp (Jacob Romero) get themselves into this time. Regan had teased that while filming for season 2 of One Piece has wrapped, it wont be ready for Netflix until before Christmas next year.

But with Oda closely overseeing production as creative consultant, we can at least take comfort in knowing that any creative changes made by Netflix is with his approval. Considering the first season was unanimously praised by critics and fans alike, it’s safe to say the and future installments are in good hands. Fans like us closely following the manga are definitely hyped!

Born on Nov. 9, 1992, in Detroit, Michigan, CoryxKenshin is a massively popular 32-year-old YouTuber with over 20 million subscribers. He’s best known for how he comedically plays through horror video games, such as Five Nights at Freddy’s and Bloodborne, but also for his love of manga and anime, which he can regularly be heard talking about and often discussing the possibility of creating one of his own. It’s now been revealed that he has, and it’s called “Monsters We Make.”

Starting on June 27, 2023, he disappeared from YouTube for around a year and a half. However, he recently reemerged on the popular video-sharing platform with two new s that revealed the big news and explained his 18-month absence.

The first video, ed on Dec. 13, was 107 seconds long and titled “Hey.. long time no see.” The first half of the video was an animated trailer that ended with the words “A new manga emerges” above the Monsters We Make title card. CoryxKenshin then appears on screen and delivers a short speech saying it’s good to be back. The video ends with the date 12.16.24.

On Dec. 16, as the previous video teased, a second video was ed to CoryxKenshin’s YouTube channel. This one was much longer — 23 minutes and 12 seconds, to be precise — and titled “Where I’ve been for the past year…”

In the video, CoryxKenshin goes into great detail about his recently released manga (which can be purchased digitally at the official Monsters We Make website before the release of physical copies, incidentally) and the extensive work that’s been put into it.

It’s getting excellent reviews, and the synopsis for the story reads, “For Jabari Booker, New Edyn Academy promised a future of music and mastery. But on his first day, that promise shatters into a nightmare. As he’s dragged deeper into the abyss, he realizes that true horror awaits at the end of the broken road. To survive, he must battle not only New Edyn’s monsters but also the corruption festering within its walls.” But will it ever be made into an anime series?

Will Monsters We Make become an anime?

After explaining his aims for the Monsters We Make manga, CoreyxKenshin was very specific about his intentions to have it adapted into an anime. After explaining that his first ambition was for a rich, thought-provoking story that was positive in nature, he said, “My second ambition for Monsters We Make, is to adapt the manga into an anime. You can do anything that you set your mind to. I believe in my heart that I can get this to become an anime. The ultimate goal for Monsters We Make is to get it to a studio. So again, Netlflix, CrunchyRoll, MAPPA, I’m looking at you. Whoever wants to come put in their bids, do it early.”

Those are some lofty ambitions, given the major studios and streaming services he’s calling upon to express an interest in Monsters We Make. However, if the manga proves to be as popular as early reviews suggest throughout its whole run, there’s every chance they could become a reality. We’ll keep you posted.

Demon Slayer finished its fourth season earlier this year, and now fans finally have an idea of when the franchise will return to finish the story… and it’s coming sooner than you might think.

The Demon Slayer anime is set to be concluded with a trilogy of films released exclusively in theaters called Infinity Castle. As the name suggests, the films will adapt the Infinity Castle Arc from the manga, and the last movie is likely to bring the final Sunrise Countdown Arc to screens. That’s music to my ears.

A new trailer was released on Dec. 8, 2024 for the first movie in the trilogy, and it showcases our beloved heroes heading into battle against Muzan, but that wasn’t all it included. The clip also unveiled a release timeframe for the movie… even more music to my ears!

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part One will be released in theaters around Japan in 2025. Right now, an exact date has not been shared, nor has the release timeframe for international fans been confirmed, so don’t expect to see it in the United States until later in the new year. The good news is that Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures have already announced their acquisition of the trilogy for international release, so it is definitely coming to you at some point, no matter where you live.

The new trailer was released both in subbed and dubbed, with more than two minutes of visuals from the movie. Some snippets show Muzan revealing his goals as Tanjiro and the Hashira get ready to strike him down. We also see all of the breathing arts activated as the group of Demon Slayers approach him, but they’re all transported into a puzzling cityscape, the Infinity Castle.

Before the footage was made available online, it was initially revealed at a CCXP in Brazil. What was shown at the convention was the same thing that fans can now see now online.

As you would expect, this first trailer sets the stage for the manga’s iconic final battle, but it doesn’t do a lot else to provide insight into the movie or where exactly it will finish up for part two. Given this story is set to be released in three parts, it’s more than likely that this 2025 release will conclude on a cliffhanger… so start preparing yourselves for that inevitable end-of-movie tease now.

It’s going to be a bittersweet time for Demon Slayer diehards in the coming years. While the anime is ending, it also means you’re going to be getting some of the highest quality animation and best story that the franchise has to offer, as a kind of last hoorah in honor of fans. Of course, if you just can’t wait to find out what happens you can always read the manga, which is available in its entirety in English right now. We always consult the literature when pouring over our favorite adaptations!

Season four of Demon Slayer concluded in June with just eight episodes, the smallest count of any season of the show to date. If you haven’t yet caught up, or simply want a refresher on what went down, then you can stream all four seasons of the show on Crunchyroll both dubbed and subbed right now.

The best time to watch a popular anime is right when it begins airing, the second best time is right now! Overlord has found itself ranked among the most bingeable anime series of all time, and it’s easy to see why.

This isekai adventure where Suzuki Satoru is plunged into the world of his favorite video game — Yggdrasil — right as its servers close has many compelling twists on an already popular genre. Stories from the acclaimed light novels have been adapted into an anime and films series by Madhouse, as well as an OVA and ONA by Studio Puyukai. A new film, Overlord: Holy Kingdom, just hit theaters in November 2024 so there’s no shortage of Overlord content for those looking to start the series.

The only problem is that with so much supplemental material for the series it can look overwhelming at first for folks who want to watch it for themselves. There are two major ways to check out Overlord – in release order and chronologically.

How to watch Overlord in release order

The exact release order for Overlord is ittedly quite confusing, especially with the absolute deluge of special content that has come out for the series. For those who want to see every part of the show from start to finish, here’s how to make that happen.

• Overlord: “The Maid Tea Party” (2014)
• Season 1: Overlord (2015)
• Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades (2015)
• Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades – “Nazarick’s Great Crisis” (2016)
• Overlord: The Undead King (2017)
• Overlord: Manner Movie (2017)
• Overlord Movie: Ple Ple Pleiades (2017)
• Overlord: The Dark Hero (2017)
• Season 2: Overlord II (2018)
• Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades 2 (2018)
• Season 3: Overlord III (2018)
• Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades 3 (2018)
• Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades – “Fugitive Clementine” (2018)
• Season 4: Overlord IV (2022)
• Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades 4 (2022)

Watching all of Overlord in release order is certainly an option, but this much content can be overwhelming for someone new to the anime. Luckily, if you decide to watch only the events adapted from the light novels, things are much more manageable.

How to watch Overlord in chronological order

If you just want to get the basics of the story from start to finish, things get a whole lot less complicated. You can even watch the first episode dubbed for free on YouTube. How cool is that?

Like most anime, Madhouse’s Overlord doesn’t adapt every arc from its source material but it gets pretty close. Here’s how each season and each film line up with the light novel volumes. 

• Season 1: Overlord (2015): Adapts Volume 1 (Ep. 1-4), Volume 2 (Ep. 5-9), Volume 3 (Ep. 10-13)
• Overlord: The Undead King and Overlord: The Dark Warrior
• Season 2: Overlord II (2018): Adapts Volume 4 (Ep. 1-5), Volume 5 (Ep. 6-9), and Volume 6 (Ep. 10-13)
• Season 3: Overlord III (2018): Adapts Volume 7 (Ep. 6-8), Volume 8 (Ep. 1-5), and Volume 9 (Ep. 9-13)
• Season 4: Overlord IV (2022): Adapts Volume 10 (Ep 1-4), Volume 11 (Ep. 5-7), and Volume 14 (Ep. 8-13)

The easiest way to enjoy one of the top anime in the isekai genre is by watching each season in chronological order. If you really want to speed things up, you can watch the first two movies instead of the first season. The Undead King covers everything that happens in the first four episodes of season one and The Dark Warrior recaps the rest of the season. Both movies also feature some extra scenes so if that sounds like something you’d want to see, definitely watch them even if you watched the show. 

The Overlord: Ple Ple Pleiades series, while fun, doesn’t adapt any storylines from the light novels. That being said, some fans enjoy the character insight and the more comedic tone the OVA provides. While not required viewing, watch these if you like cute animation and want to learn more about the characters. 

What about Overlord: The Holy Kingdom?

The feature film, Overlord: The Holy Kingdom, was released in Japan on Sep. 20, 2024 and in North America on Nov. 8, 2024. The movie adapts the story from volumes 12 and 13 of the manga, thus putting it chronologically after the first four seasons of the show. Technically speaking, the new film fills the gap between episodes seven and eight of season 4. There’s no “right” way to watch Overlord, but we’d recommend either watching the film after episode seven or after you’ve finished the season. The fate of the show likely rests on how well this film performs in the box office, so keep that in mind if you’re a fan — but no pressure.

So how should I watch Overlord?

For someone just jumping into the series to see if they’ll like it, there is no reason not to make things simple and go in chronological order. For those really short on time, the first two movies serving as recaps for the earlier seasons could also be a great way to dip those toes into the anime waters and see if the whole series is worth investing your time in.

However, if season 1 feels like anime perfection after watching it, or that first movie makes the series seem irresistible, consider checking things out in release order. The silly chibi art specials will make much more sense when viewed alongside the proper seasons, after all. Either way, they aren’t necessary to understand the plot in any capacity so skip or enjoy them, your choice!

Overlord is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.

Warning: Spoilers for Gojo’s story from the Spring of 2006 (Hidden Inventory) to December 24, 2018 (Shinjuku Showdown Arc)

Satoru Gojo is hands down one of the most adored characters in the whole of Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen series. Not only is he considered the most powerful modern sorcerer — stronger than others (excluding Sukuna) by miles — he has the confidence, charisma, and objectively good looks to boot.

He’s strong, not shy about openly boasting he’s the strongest, and we don’t mind his cockiness because he has continued to stand tall on that pedestal of power that most other characters can only dream of ever achieving. Another characteristic that defines Gojo is that when he’s not, on occasion, dead serious, he can be a bit of a childish brat— a nearly 30-year-old, 6 foot 3 inches, little rascal.

Gojo’s age from 2006 to 2018

Satoru Gojo is of different ages at the start of the series (season 1), in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, in the Hidden Inventory Arc (season 2, episodes 1-5) and post-Shibuya Incident (season 2, episodes 6-23). He was born on Dec. 7, 1989, making him a Sagittarius, which may resonate and make sense to those who pay attention to star signs. This is a man who values freedom — for himself and others — as he always does what he wants and thinks is right, like protecting Yuji Itadori and Yuta Okkotsu from potential execution, delaying it for the first and suspending it indefinitely for the latter.

Let’s go chronologically: We meet a 16-year-old second-year student Gojo during the Hidden Inventory Arc (season 2, episodes 1-4), which takes place in the Summer of 2006. The following year, in September, when his best friend Suguru Geto massacres an entire village (season 2, episode 5), Gojo is 17, on his way to turn 18 a few months later in December.

When Yuta s Tokyo Jujutsu High almost ten years later, in 2017, Gojo is 27 and turns 28 before the clash with Geto’s forces, a battle titled “Night Parade of a Hundred Demons,” which occurs on Dec. 24 (Jujutsu Kaisen 0). In June 2018, Yuji’s execution was postponed, and he enrolled in Jujutsu High. The Shibuya Incident occurred on Oct. 31, 2018, therefore, at the time of his sealing in the Prison Realm, Gojo is still 28.

When he gets unsealed on Nov. 19, Gojo is still the same age, turning 29 on Dec. 7, a couple of weeks before his scheduled battle against Ryomen Sukuna. The Shinjuku Showdown Arc kicks off on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, with the epic fight between the strongest modern sorcerer and the strongest ancient one being the appetizer to the story’s climax. Unfortunately, despite giving Sukuna a run for his money, Gojo is ultimately killed, dying at the age of 29 years old.

When news of the One Piece live-action adaptation broke, it felt like Eiichiro Oda was constantly in damage control mode. Whether it was the mere existence of a live-action adaptation, concerns about pacing, or casting choices, there was always someone unhappy about something — and truthfully, nothing has changed since then.

At this point, most One Piece fans know that Oda recently took a two-week break due to illness —marking only the third time in 26 years that the creator has paused his work for health reasons. Yet even during this rare break, the author of the world’s most successful comic couldn’t truly rest. Before long, fans were treated to some exciting behind-the-scenes footage from the production of One Piece live-action season 2.

“Cape Town is where the Netflix live-action show is being filmed! I got to see firsthand the hard work of so many crew across various fields!” Oda wrote in a message to fans, going on to describe the massive new sets and ships under construction. The scale of production has clearly reached new heights, and the expectations are higher than ever — but that’s not all.

Later in the letter, Oda addressed a topic that has been both incredibly contentious and timely: the casting choices for season 2. “I also managed to speak with not only the returning cast from season 1 but also each of the new cast ,” he shared. “My own casting selections were made from Japan based on photos and videos, but seeing them all in person convinced me: they were absolutely the perfect choices!”

This intervention couldn’t have come at a better time either. In recent weeks — particularly since the announcement of the new cast additions — the One Piece fanbase has become sharply divided. I would say a large majority embraced the new names, celebrating additions like Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday, an actress many recognized from Bridgerton. However, as is often the case, negativity echoed just as loudly as the cheers, and backlash quickly followed.

Chandran’s casting faced heavy criticism, primarily due to her ethnicity not aligning with Vivi’s Egyptian heritage. But that was hardly the end of it — it was the casting of Nico Robin that made all hell break loose. During Geeked Week 2024, the highly anticipated reveal announced Lera Abova (Pitch Perfect: Bumper Berlin) as the actress portraying Miss All Sunday — also known as Nico Robin (sorry about the spoilers).

Though Abova’s name may not immediately remind you of any familiar roles, fans wasted no time researching her background. They discovered that she is Russian, born in Slavgorod, Altai Krai, though much of her upbringing was in Siberia and . Despite her international background, some fans deemed the casting choice inappropriate and even offensive, citing the current geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.

Fortunately, a large majority of fans have half a brain to their name and they quickly pointed out a simple truth: no one chooses the country they are born in — it’s simply a matter of circumstance. While a vocal minority continues to demand the removal of Chandran and Abova from the cast, it’s obvious that Eiichiro Oda is neither here nor there when it comes to baseless criticism and mindless hate.