10 Must-Have Newest Tools For Content Creators In Animation

 

   

Are you an aspiring animator? Or perhaps you're an early adopter wanting to get your hands on the latest gadgets used in content creation?

Trailer: Bluelock Season 2 Airs October 5 Listed For 14 Episodes!

As announced last May 6, 2024, via the official Blue Lock PR page, the anime will start broadcasting in October of the same year. The announcement came with a surprise commemorative illustration from the mangaka Yusuke Nomura.

A Condition Called Love Now Has Three Episodes On Netflix

 

The One Piece saga, the Boruto revelations, the brawlers of Windbreaker, and more, gave us enough action in the first quarter of 2024. On top of that, the gaming realm got us at the edge of our seats with the release of Tekken 8, where everyone sacrifices sleep to climb online ranks, hoping to be competitive enough to battle against frequent EVO powerhouses.

Fortunately, we can still have our daily and weekly slice of life and romance. Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai, A Condition Called Love, is a shojo manga written by Megumi Morino and publicized by Kodansha. Its anime adaptation first aired on April 4, 2024, and it has already had three episodes on Netflix.

Love's Sickness with Hananoi Plot

Hotaru Hinase values her family and friends above anything else. Like Hotaru, many of us otakus thought we were a bunch of weirdos at some point in our lives, with the inability for romance.

Everything changed on that fateful day when she witnessed a relentless breakup involving a handsome student, Hananoi. As a gesture of kindness, Hotaru extends her umbrella to the lonely guy sitting in the snow. Little does she know that this encounter would be the start of a possible romance.

Everything changed on that fateful day when she witnessed a relentless breakup involving a handsome student, Hananoi. As a gesture of kindness, Hotaru extends her umbrella to the lonely guy sitting in the snow. Little does she know that this encounter would be the start of a possible romance.

Where To Watch "A Condition Called Love"

The series initially aired on TBS network. Eventually, Crunchyroll licensed it for release outside Asia. Medialink also slated A Condition Called Love in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. As mentioned above, Netflix also hosts anime series in select Asian territories.

Windbreaker Anime First Episode Is Out. Is It On Your Anime List?

Breaking into the list of trending anime, Windbreaker blew many spectators away with its first episode release today, April 5, 2024, in Japan.

Although an earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hit Fukushima, with tremors felt in Tokyo, that didn't stop this scheduled anime from hitting Japanese television. It even caused a search engine breakout, leading us to wonder whether it is worth being on our list of anime to watch.

If your list could use more anime titles, here's a list of upcoming 2024 anime shows. Some of them have been released as the year's first quarter has just concluded.

Windbreaker Plot

Windbreaker is a story about student delinquents who crossed paths in a school for young individuals with bad reputations.

Our protagonist, Haruka Sakura, meets these intimidating folks one by one and has a bad first impression of them. However, he's about to realize that these perceived bad guys are the protectors of the town.

As someone with little interest in weaklings, Haruka is your typical competitive brawler. Now that he learned of others' strength and purpose, he is eager to push his way to the top.

Tokyo Revengers Vibe

First impressions first, it is easily a Tokyo Revengers sibling. Since we don't know much about the anime, we had to quickly review the manga and here's what we found out.

Windbreaker by Satoru Nii is a light, easy-to-read manga that will make you think it's a copy of Tokyo Revengers. However, its distinct characterization will make you stick around for more. It's full of action and has a very interesting main character.

Where To Watch Windbreaker Anime?

Ranked 20th in the web manga category of the Next Manga Award, this content is indeed worthy of seeing. Although it didn't reach our radar as frequent manga readers, Japanese enthusiasts said it's one of the manga they want to see animated. 

Cloverworks produced the anime, with the premiere episode airing on JNN affiliates like TBS and MBS under the Superanimeism Totarbo timeslot. Crunchyroll also licensed the series for North America, and Muse Communications bought the license for Southeast Asian broadcast.

Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Anime Is Also Next On Our List

We know reverse harem to its core, and we sometimes wish that it's still a thing. However, with the world becoming less naughty by the minute, the team found a reverse hero genre in the upcoming anime Go Go Loser Ranger.

Upon reading its synopsis, we realized it fits our watchlist. With its first episode scheduled for April 7, 2024, we have enough time to convince others to join us in this anti-hero experiment.

If a villain-centric anime isn't your thing, here's a list of upcoming 2024 anime shows.

Go Go Loser Ranger Plot

With many alien empires trying to invade Earth and failing, our rebellious foot soldier protagonist comes from the evil army that got its leaders wiped out by Ryujin Sentai Dragon Keepers 13 years ago. After years of humiliating charades, where he and other troops who lost the war had to reenact their defeat in front of spectators, this foot soldier has decided that he has had enough.

Keen to defeat the Dragon Keepers, he began by infiltrating the organization, hoping to destroy it from within. The plot also mentions that this FootSoldier D has transformative and regenerative abilities, which is kind of OP for a mere pawn. 

The Super Sentai Reference

Like Kaiju No. 8, Go! Go! Loser Ranger! was inspired by Tokusatsu media, particularly the Super Sentai series. Anyone who grew up on hero shows might want to follow the story of a character from the other side.

As far as we know, alien races like the Crisis Empire of Kamen Rider Black RX also have a form of government that attends to its citizens. To survive, they had to find a liveable space for their constituents: Earth. It is sad that co-existence is not in their leaders' vocabulary and that war for territory is their only option.

However, for someone caught in the middle like FootSoldier D, what they can only do is fight for their race. It's every being's instinct. Their children and kin are going to die either way, so they might as well fight.

We're excited to see its debut episode and how it will fall out. Will FootSoldier D succeed?

Anime Like Go! Go! Loser Ranger!

Apart from Tokusatsu shows, you might want to watch these anime titles to condition yourself into watching Go Go Loser Ranger.

• My Hero Academia
• Gatchaman Crowds
• One Punch Man
• Super Sentai 1975
• Tiger and Bunny
• SSSS Gridman
• Samurai Flamenko

Where To Watch Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Anime

JORX-DTV, also known as TBS, will host the premiere on April 7, 2024. Worldwide streaming will be handled by Disney +. With over 130 manga chapters, we're not sure how many anime episodes will materialize. Let's hope that'll be too good!

Kaiju No. 8 Anime Will Be Next On Our List

   

Recently, we've been out of touch with the current anime events. But even if we're not a hardcore news junkie as we were a few months ago, we are great with catching up.

Still, we caught wind of Kaiju No. 8, a really great manga that will soon hit your favorite streaming platforms. With its first episode scheduled for April 13, 2024, it's the best time to talk about this upcoming anime.

Also, read the updated list of 2024 anime.

Kaiju No. 8 Plot

Set in a world plagued by strong and violent Kaiju, humans must put up a fight, or they'll face extinction. As a kaiju magnet since the Showa era (1966), Japan faces the most attacks. We're not surprised!

Thus, the country established the Anti-Kaiju Japanese Defense Force. Using materials looted from defeated Kaijus, the resistance could craft power suits and weapons. The stronger the Kaiju, determined by fortitude levels, the more powerful the armor.

Then we have the Daikaijus, which are the types of monsters with the highest fortitude levels. Their hides are so strong that the tools forged from them become weapons of platoon leaders. The Defense Force follows a typical hierarchy observed in government armies.

Kafka Hibino is a 32-year-old man who failed to join the Defense Force despite many attempts. Thus, he became a crew in the clean-up team, which disposed of remains and debris after a bloody battle. Think of Demon Slayer's Kakushis, who are either disabled or those who didn't pass the Final Selection exam and became attendants to support those in the fighters.

His day as a loser ended when a Kaiju entered his body through his mouth. From then on, he could access the Kaiju's powers at will. He became Kaiju No. 8, and as someone who retains his morale and decision-making capabilities despite being a Kaiju, Kafka must join the Defense Force to fulfill a dream and his promise while keeping his condition a secret.

The Ultraman Reference

If you think that the title relates to Ultraman, Godzilla, and other TOHO creations, that's because you're not wrong. 

According to the author Naoya Matsumoto, he was inspired by the Ultraman series, particularly Ultraseven and Shin Godzilla. He also added that he wanted to create a story in which a protagonist wished to achieve his dream of combatting a world filled with monsters while hiding the fact that he was a monster himself.

Sounds familiar?

Well, maybe because it is. Many anime titles have a secret monster MC who has to "navigate" their way through a double-agent life. We expect the fights to be as exhilarating as the protagonist's struggles to hide his real identity from a group that eliminates Kaijus.

The Psychology of Numbers

Kaiju No. 8 is a promising manga and could cause a worldwide craze after its debut as an anime. One of its charms is the advantage of using numbers.

The fortitude levels, Daikaiju numbers, and the percentage of combat power are interesting elements that warrant a show's sensibility. With math and science involved, it's safe to have an impression that it won't be easy to do an ass-pull outcome from nowhere.

The use of numbers quickly catches an audience's attention. It prepares viewers to take notes or prepare for an explanation of something very important. Otherwise, they'll miss out on a lot.

Hence, we're about to mention a list of anime like Kaiju No. 8. Not only do they use the hexes of numbers, but these titles will also give you a plot with the same dose of drama and action.

Anime Like Kaiju No. 8

Without further ado, let's continue to this list of anime you might want to watch while waiting for Kaiju No. 8's first episode.

Demon Slayer

As mentioned earlier, the hierarchy leads us to think that the platoon commanders are on the same level as the revered Hashiras or Pillars from Demon Slayer. On the other hand, those with bad swordsmanship or luck had to devote a good amount of time as support.

A bigger resemblance is the presentation of Demon Lord Muzan Kibutsuji's ranked demons. Though the Twelve Moons have names, every fan takes note of their numbers well to reckon their strength and killing ability.

Gantz

With tight armor suits and rewards upon annihilating high-level monsters, one will definitely remember Gantz while watching Kaiju No. 8. Although the show gave us an initial impression that everything's happening in a made-up world, fans will easily discard that fact and automatically compare it to Hiroya Oku's masterpiece.

Attack on Titan

Becoming one of his hated beings, Eren must have gone through intense disbelief and self-spite. Once a normal corps student, he had to access the Titan's powers to be on equal footing with other towering flesh-eating giants.

Other anime like Kaiju No. 8

• Parasyte
• Tokyo Ghoul
• Solo Leveling
• Jujutsu Kaisen
• Jagaaaaaan
• One Punch Man
• My Hero Academia

Where To Watch Kaiju No 8

The anime series Kaiju No. 8 will air on Japanese television via Tokyo TV on April 13, 2024. Viz Media will be its English publisher for North American release.

Crunchyroll has already licensed the franchise for streamers outside of Asia and will release dubbed versions in many languages.

Meanwhile, Netflix is set to stream Kaiju No. 8 in select territories. Medialink has also licensed the series for the benefit of the Asian region.

Manga Review: Otaku Elf

Title and AuthorManga 
Title: Otaku Elf
Author(s): Akihiko Higuch 

Introduction

"Otaku Elf" is a delightful fusion of fantasy and otaku culture, penned by the talented Akihiko Higuchi. This manga first captured the hearts of readers with its unique premise and humorous portrayal of an elf obsessed with Japanese otaku culture. Since its debut, it has garnered attention for its light-hearted take on fantasy elements and modern-day obsessions.

Synopsis

The story centers around Koganei Koito, a young shrine maiden who discovers an elf named Elda living in her family's shrine. Elda, who has been in stasis for hundreds of years, wakes up in modern Japan with a fervent obsession for manga, anime, and all things otaku. The manga chronicles their daily adventures and the hilarious situations that arise from Elda's attempts to navigate the modern world through the lens of her otaku interests.

Author's Background

Akihiko Higuchi is relatively new to the manga scene but has quickly made a name for themselves with "Otaku Elf." Higuchi's background in creating stories that blend fantasy elements with contemporary culture shines through in this work, providing a fresh take on the slice-of-life genre. Their ability to weave humor with endearing character dynamics is a testament to their skill and creativity.

Art Style

The art style of "Otaku Elf" is vibrant and expressive, perfectly capturing the comedic and whimsical tone of the story. Higuchi's attention to detail in the characters' expressions brings to life the various antics and emotions that Elda experiences. The depiction of otaku culture through Elda's eyes is both affectionate and humorous, making the manga a visual treat for readers.

Characters

Beyond Elda, the otaku elf with a childlike wonder and passion for all things geek, and Koito, the patient and kind-hearted shrine maiden, the manga introduces a cast of supporting characters that enrich the story. Each character, from fellow shrine visitors to mythical beings, adds depth and humor to the narrative, contributing to both the world-building and the exploration of themes like friendship and cultural exchange.

Plot and Themes

"Otaku Elf" excels in its episodic storytelling, with each chapter presenting a new adventure or challenge for Elda and Koito. Themes of friendship, the clash between traditional and modern values, and the universal language of fandom are explored in a light and engaging manner. The manga cleverly uses Elda's otaku lens to comment on and celebrate Japanese pop culture.

World-Building

The world of "Otaku Elf" is a charming blend of the mystical and the mundane. Higuchi skillfully incorporates elements of Japanese folklore and fantasy into the modern-day setting, creating a world where it's not out of the ordinary for a centuries-old elf to binge-watch anime. This seamless integration enhances the story's whimsy and appeal.

Enjoyment and Engagement

"Otaku Elf" is a joy to read, providing a perfect mix of humor, heart, and otaku references. Its light-hearted approach to the fantasy genre, coupled with relatable otaku moments, makes it a standout manga for readers looking for something fun and uplifting.

Audience and Accessibility

This manga is ideal for fans of slice-of-life stories with a magical twist, as well as readers who enjoy otaku culture references. It's accessible to a wide audience, including younger readers, though its humor and references will particularly resonate with those familiar with anime and manga.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The manga's greatest strength lies in its unique concept and the execution of its humor. Elda's antics and the cultural exchanges between her and Koito are delightfully entertaining. However, the episodic nature of the story might not appeal to those looking for a more complex plot or character development.

Adaptations and Spin-offs

While "Otaku Elf", also known as Edomae Elf, has already been adapted into an anime. Fans of the manga will likely enjoy seeing Elda and Koito's adventures brought to life on screen

Further Reading/Viewing Recommendations

Readers who enjoy "Otaku Elf" might also appreciate "Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid" for its blend of fantasy elements and slice-of-life humor, or "The Devil Is a Part-Timer!" for a similar take on the clash of worlds and the humorous adaptation of characters to modern life.

Conclusion and Rating

"Otaku Elf" is a heartwarming, amusing manga that successfully blends fantasy with otaku culture. Its unique premise, engaging characters, and humorous plot make it a must-read. I would rate it a solid 8 out of 10 for its ability to consistently entertain and bring a smile to readers' faces. 

Otaku Checklist: Become A True Otaku In 28 Days

 

Are you a true otaku? Even if we see ourselves as old enough not to care about what we'll call ourselves, we sometimes wonder how high we are up in the otaku tier list.

Netflix ATLA: Is Avatar: The Last Airbender An Anime?

 

The debate over whether "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and its successor "The Legend of Korra" can be classified as anime has been a topic of discussion among fans since the series first aired. This debate touches on broader questions about what constitutes anime, cultural ownership, and the globalization of animation styles. Here, we explore various aspects of this debate to understand why "Avatar" occupies a unique position in the animation world.

New Hunter x Hunter Game Nen X Impact Announced!

 

When it comes to games, official HxH releases are hard to find, particularly their English patch. Fans yearn for something that sticks to the source material, and we all hope that the newly announced game Nen X Impact will finally be the one!

Announced on its own Twitter social media platform, Hunter x Hunter: Nen X Impact was unveiled with a brief teaser showing characters Gon, Leorio, Netero, Killua, Kurapika, and Hisoka entering an arena and getting ready for a brawl.

Also read: 20 Most Shocking Hunter x Hunter Deaths

There's no info about the gameplay of Nen X Impact, but judging the few seconds of the video and translation, it appears to be another fighting game. While we're not sure how the fans will react, our team hoped it would be a story-filled adventure game as we have enough versus content like Jump Stars, Tekken, Streetfighter, other anime fighting games, etc.

本格対戦格闘ゲーム『HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT』制作決定！

当アカウント・下記HPにてゲーム最新情報をお届け予定となっておりますので、続報をお楽しみに！

ティザーHP：https://t.co/6tkzYLvd5Z#ハンター #ハンターハンター pic.twitter.com/xrRZbHIl2z

— HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT 公式 (@hunterNI_games) January 6, 2024

Still, this teaser has little to decipher. Whatever it is, the video suggests a team of three playable characters at a time.

Hunter x Hunter followers may be glad to hear that their beloved show has more content to give, which may serve as one of Hunter x Hunter's signs of life. Thus, it's not wrong to hope that more manga updates will come soon as game makers continue to bet on its saleability.

If we may remember, Togashi recently continued his sketches. However, the manga has lost its slot in Jump, so we can't be sure when, where, and how we'll be able to see the next chapters.

The X (formerly Twitter) post did not mention the date and the platform where the game will be released. Hopefully, it's not another mobile game. Since it is an official and worldwide announcement, there's a good chance it may be available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. As the developers worked with Nintendo before, there may also be a switch release.

We'll keep this section updated for new information about Hunter x Hunter Game Nen X Impact.

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Confirmed Anime For 2024: The Complete Updated List

What anime to watch in 2024?