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Tag: Jujutsu Kaisen

  • There Is Almost Too Much Anime to Watch This Month

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    We were just touting 2025 as a huge year for anime, but 2026 is poised to repeat that—and it’s coming out of the gates swinging with some big banner titles jam-packed into January. With that in mind, we’ve assembled a list of shows we think you should add to your watchlist, who made them, and why they’re going to be great.

    Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2

    Studio: Madhouse
    Release Date: January 16
    Sales Pitch: A tale of an elf woman and her new young companions as they trek out on a lascivious journey filled with innocuously impeccable fight scenes and tons of heart.

    Hell’s Paradise Season 2

    Studio: Mappa
    Release Date: January 11
    Sales Pitch: A troupe of prisoners and their executors has their Suicide Squad quest for the elixir of life interrupted by a mysterious island (named Kotaku, funnily enough) whose gender-nonconforming beings intend to cut their lives short.

    Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3

    Studio: Mappa
    Release Date: January 8
    Sales Pitch: Yuji Itadori and the rest of the jujutsu sorcerers are forcefully conscripted into a death game tournament arc with a bunch of rules and a lot of action that’s sure to make fans praise it for being “peak!”

    Oshi no Ko Season 3

    Studio: Doga Kobo
    Release Date: January 14
    Sales Pitch: A doctor and his former patient are reincarnated as the children of their favorite pop idol and spend the rest of their teenage years chasing stardom as well as their mother’s killer.

    My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2

    Studio: Bones Film
    Release Date: January 5
    Sales Pitch: My Hero Academia may be (mostly) in the history books, but its prequel spin-off anime (which is actually quite good) is still trucking, giving folks a look at what a more on-the-ground Batman-meets-Punisher approach to vigilanteism looks like in Kōhei Horikoshi’s superhero-rich world.

    Trigun Stargaze

    Studio: Orange
    Release Date: January 10
    Sales Pitch: The second and final season of Studio Orange’s reboot of the Trigun anime sees the gang fully back together with the glorious return of Milly Thompson.

    Golden Kamuy

    Studio: Brain’s Base
    Release Date: January 5
    Sales Pitch: The final season of a hilarious, hard-hitting, and wholesome series about a group of warriors (read: loveable idiots) as they hunt for a hidden treasure.

    Journal with Witch

    Studio: Shuka
    Release Date: January 4
    Sales Pitch: A rare josei drama (adult woman-centric anime) in an otherwise sea of shonen anime. It follows a writer named Makio, who, after the tragic deaths of her estranged sister and her sister’s husband in a car crash, grows closer to her niece, Asa, through their shared love of writing as they go through the motions of coping with the loss in their family.

    The Darwin Incident

    Studio: Bellnox Films
    Release Date: January 7
    Sales Pitch: A half-human, half-chimpanzee named Charlie (we listen and we don’t judge) tries to live a normal high school life but is instead thrown into the heart of a conspiratorial terrorist plot.

    More to Watch in 2026

    The above list doesn’t include all the other anime series we’ve got to look forward to for the rest of the calendar year. Chief among them that we’re keen to keep an eye on and recommend:

    If there are any shows we missed that are in your 2026 queue for January and beyond, be sure to sound off in the comments and put your fellow weeb on to some heat.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Isaiah Colbert

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  • ‘Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo’ Is Better Than the OG Manga Series

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    When Jujutsu Kaisen‘s manga finally wrapped in 2024, the feeling was less bittersweet than sheer relief. Gege Akutami’s megapopular shonen juggernaut certainly delivered spectacle with its battles, but its story was thin. At its worst, its fights could be frustratingly hard to parse, be it from poor health trying to keep up with the rigorous weekly shonen crunch schedule or its labyrinthine power system that had to be explained with such exhaustive mid-bout exposition that it rivaled Bleach. 

    So when Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, its sequel series, debuted soon after, I braced for a Boruto-style continuation that would only double down on those flaws. However, after catching up—curiosity finally won out—I can admit Modulo is not only surprisingly strong but, dare I say, better than its predecessor precisely because it sidesteps the gripes that weighed the original down.  

    From the jump, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo—written by Akutami and illustrated by Yuji Iwasaki—takes a bold step few sequel shonen have taken: it situates itself years removed from its predecessor and embraces the reality that the old heroes’ era has ended, clearing the stage for a new generation. Sure, nostalgia lingers in nods, cameos, and winks to the past. But these gestures never overshadow the fresh cast with the hollow “what if they were adults now?” fanfare most sequel shonen series pigeonhole themselves in.

    Whereas Jujutsu Kaisen proper, all the way to its end, always felt like it was building its power system as it went, never taking the training wheels off with explainers and shock deaths (ardently leaked/spoiled online by fans) that never rang deeper than their archetypes in a cool fight manga, Modulo actually sets up the series’ thrust early on and lets its story take center stage. And then there’s the paradigm shift in its premise, going full Giorgio A. Tsoukalos by adding aliens to the cursed spirit-fighting series’ narrative gumbo.

    Set 68 years after the Culling Game, in 2086, Modulo sees Japan at a precarious crossroads where a humanoid alien race called Simurians has arrived on Earth as refugees from a distant world, wielding a power system strikingly similar to jujutsu sorcery. The central tension of the manga thus far lies in whether coexistence or conflict between sorcerers and Simurians will define Earth’s future.

    Early chapters trace a fragile tightrope as Japan—functioning as Earth’s de facto extraterrestrial representatives, thanks to its supernatural sorcerers—seeks to understand the vagabond aliens and suss whether fostering prosperity is in the cards without provoking hostility. Meanwhile, the Simurians themselves strive to build new lives after years of subjugation under brutal colonization.

    At the heart of this narrative are sorcerer siblings Yuka Tsuguri Okkotsu, joined by their Simurian ally, Maru. For JJK fans, Yuka channels Yuta’s gentle essence with a more playful edge; Tsuguri blends the grit of Maki Zen’in (best character; argue with a wall) with Megumi’s composure; and Maru embodies an alien spin on Yuji Itadori’s golden-retriever exuberance. They form a compelling trio as they venture into a back-to-basics supernatural battle of the week that made early JJK so much fun to read week after week before the series dovetails back into the intergalactic elephant in the room that feels planned out instead of improvised week to week. And layered atop the intricate is a miraculously genius combo of Akutami and Iwasaki, whose past works would have made such a story feel impossible to come together without highlighting both creators’ past pitfalls.

    As noted earlier, when Modulo was first announced, I was pretty apprehensive about whether the series could cohere given the pedigree of its creators. While I’ve waxed poetic about late-stage Jujutsu Kaisen enough, Yuji Iwasaki’s prior work—Cipher Academy, a death-game series once deemed nearly untranslatable—suggested a potential for even greater opacity. On paper, their pairing seemed destined to be even more unparsable. Yet the collaboration proved the opposite, embodying what Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto has often wished for himself: the freedom to focus on writing while another artist handles the visuals, allowing each creator to lean wholly into their strengths.

    The result is a pretty damn great team-up that’s also pretty damn great to read play out. Iwasaki’s panels are clean, legible, and brimming with personality, never drowning the reader in infodumps, while Akutami’s worldbuilding and character dynamics unfold without the threat of runaway power scaling. Together, their return to the sandbox of JJK’s world strips things back to basics even as the premise expands into extraterrestrial territory—and in doing so, they coalesce into something unexpectedly profound. With a series that’s got a narrative bone structure to support the emotional catharsis and hype of its fight, Modulo is Akutami and Iwasaki cooking at the height of their powers in a way that doesn’t feel as canned or forced as many sequel manga series chasing the hype of their predecessors often do.

    Within the first 20 chapters of the manga thus far, its characters are deeply written, my favorite being Yuka and her unlikely bond with Maru’s Trigun-esque meaner brother, Cross; any callbacks to the original series are less showy for cheap fanservice pops and more in service of writing a deeper narrative that’s basically an immigrant tale with all the anxiety that comes with it wrapped in a shonen package. There’s real tension and friction in Modulo that’s not limited to its fights, of which there are scarcely any—a decision that only adds to their pomp and circumstance. The story feels carefully crafted rather than an afterthought to ferry you to the next overly complicated bout. As with wrestling, it’s always cool to see a guy get his shit in by doing gymnastic flips, but unless there’s a story reason why they’re about to break their neck for folks’ entertainment, it’s just vapid. Modulo is shaping up to be anything but, and I’m glad to have my notions about the series proven wrong.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Isaiah Colbert

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  • Anime Movies Faced a Defining, Precarious Theatrical Crossroads in 2025

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    If the question of whether anime is mainstream was still on anyone’s lips, 2025 emphatically etched the medium in stone as an emphatic hell yes. Still, despite the banner year anime has had in theaters, it’s also been a year at an impasse about whether we’ll see it in its brilliant final form or only get glorified previews and compilation events masquerading as cinematic experiences moving forward.

    Just to get them out of the way, because we’ve thoroughly glazed them in the past and their accolades bear repeating, anime films in 2025 were defined by the meteoric success of ufotable’s Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Mappa’s Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. As they should be. The former, arguably the repopularized inception point of anime as a theatrical experience, exceeded already high expectations among its fandom with the studio’s crisp animation, a likeable ensemble, and blisteringly fast action, which added to the spectacle of being the first of a film trilogy to conclude the series, a hat on top of a hat of hype.

    But most importantly, what Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle had to showcase was new and felt like a movie (with the conceit of the first leg of a film trilogy). Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc had the same high quality, yet somehow more so, in that it encompassed a complete arc of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s series as a cinematic experience that’ll occupy real estate in the frontal lobe of anime fans for years to come. 

    © Mappa

    Still, despite these two big marquee films of 2025, fans were also graced with the gift of theatrical releases of movies that deserve as much shine for being a cinematic experience, mostly thanks to the effort of GKids and its initiative to make anime films more than just rereleases of retro greats like Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke and Studio Deen’s Angel’s Egg remastered in 4K. Those films include the likes of Science Saru’s synesthesia-fueled music anime The Colors Within, Rock’n Roll Mountain‘s film adaptation of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, and creator Uoto’s emotional track-and-field epic, 100 Meters.

    One recently established format of anime in cinemas that’s quickly become a bit of an annoying hanger-on is theatrical preview events. Whether they be compilations of past seasons of shows like Jujutsu Kaisen or episodes stitched together as a three-episode test sampling of newer shows like Witch Watch, these events have started to leave a lot to be desired as theatrical experiences.

    On paper, they were interesting. Basically, they were for the FOMO-averse who wanted to check out assuredly hot anime like Dan Da Dan before spoilers hit their timeline, as well as a way of being a part of those who beat the artificial scarcity of watching Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX weeks before they hit streaming platforms. They had some growing pains at the start, adding documentary content from creators positioned before the episodes themselves, scooping whatever surprises lay in wait. But this phenomenon began to lose its luster in part because of the forthcoming cinematic explosion of Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man and the diminishing returns of this format.

    Mappa Anime Jujutsu Kaisen Jjk 2
    © GKids/Mappa

    The first pang of annoyance with this anime film format was inevitable: having to wait for new episodes, weeks into shows that had finally aired. It’s basically like having the blowback from a gun you shot smacking you in the face. Sure, it was your fault for buying into the preview ahead, but strong-arming your disposable income for a steeply priced movie ticket to basically watch three (maybe four) episodes of an anime to feel like the “They don’t know” meme whenever patient anime fans have water cooler talk online about said episodes routinely became a bitter pill to swallow.

    Aside from seeing the opening themes of those shows, moviegoers were basically resigned to not really feeling part of the whole weekly experience because they ponied up the cash to be cursed with knowing where things were going.

    And while Jujutsu Kaisen fans know no shame regarding spoiler culture etiquette, nobody wants to be that guy who accidentally ruins the fun for folks because they basically did what video games have been admonished for with paid service subscriptions: accessing a game days earlier than everyone else. Speaking of Jujutsu Kaisen, its hybrid compilation film-preview event for its upcoming season, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, was among the worst of both worlds in this format.

    As a compilation film, it didn’t do a good job of showcasing the season’s best moments. Not to be mean, but TikTok content creators do a better job of not cutting around the emotional thrust of these sorcery-fighting moments. The film’s handling of it only highlighted the weaker points of the series’ fair-weather story when condensed rather than spread out in an episodic format. And because the series is such a dense information dump of concepts and power sets, the actual new content in it wasn’t worth the squeeze, with its inevitable cliffhanger ending making even its action, the series’ strong point, feel a bit pyrrhic on the big screen, as the whole thing was bogged down by jerry-rigging itself into an arc redolent of an actual movie.

    To be fair to JJK, it was a far cry from the worst of these formatted anime movies (in name only) theatrical experiences. That’d probably be Shaft’s Virgin Punk Clockwork Girl, a mostly documentary film and a preview event. While pretty, it wasn’t giving FOMO but ROMO (relief of missing out), given how expensive movies are and how little it lived up to the price of admission.

    But in the wake of films like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man proving that anime is best experienced as a complete cinematic experience rather than a glorified trailer for streaming platforms, the anime industry feels like it’s on the razor’s edge in how it’ll release its projects moving forward. Either it can take its mainstream status as a launching pad to treat its movies as full-arc experiences, or it can continue to position itself as a neat novelty act. Hopefully, the global industry will decide to make its future theatrical experiences more like Reze Arc and less like glorified preview events from now on.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Isaiah Colbert

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  • The Next ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Movie Is Taking a Trip to IMAX

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    Like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man before it, Jujutsu Kaisen is hitting the big time with an IMAX run. The catch? It’s a very brief one.

    The upcoming Execution movie—made up of the last episodes of season two and the first episodes of season three—will come to the format for a one-day-only screening on December 3 as part of an Early Access event. Tickets for the event are going on sale soon, and to further incentivize fans, GKids has put out a new trailer that’s been playing ahead of Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc.

    Jujutsu Kaisen is the latest movie to vie for IMAX; earlier this week saw reports of The Shining and the original Star Wars getting re-releases that also include the large-screen format. If that weren’t enough, Christopher Nolan’s 2026 epic The Odyssey has spurred Regal Cinemas and Cinemark to upgrade or build entirely new theaters after audiences flocked to buy tickets a full year before the movie even comes out. It’s even more important for this film since it’s the first feature-length film in Hollywood to be shot entirely in 70mm IMAX, which wasn’t possible before—2027’s Dune: Part Three will also be shot like that, but only some scenes.

    So if you’re a format head, you’ve got quite a few IMAX movies to watch in the coming year, including December 5’s Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution.

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Justin Carter

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  • 5 Anime Where the Villain Became More Popular Than the Main Character

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    Let’s be real—sometimes the bad guys just eat. No matter how fast or how crazily the main character “glows up” (we’re looking at you, Naruto), there’s something about a charismatic villain that just steals the spotlight. Whether it’s their backstory, their drip, or the way they absolutely body everyone in sight, certain anime antagonists end up being way more beloved than the actual hero.

    And this isn’t just edgy “I like villains because I’m different” energy. We’re talking about villains who consistently dominate fan polls or, even better–completely overtake our TikTok For You Pages with edits to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Did we make this list by ranking the best fan-made AMVs? You’ll never know. Here are five anime where the villain lowkey outshone the protagonist. (Warning: spoilers ahead.)

    Madara stares down at a battlefield in "Naruto Shipudden"
    (Pierrot)

    Madara Uchiha from Naruto Shippuden

    You can be all “well, actually” with this one all you want, but the point remains: Madara Uchiha is the anime villain, not only in Naruto but in all of anime. Yes, he only showed up until Shippuden, but until that moment, everyone was anticipating his arrival. The Fourth Great Ninja War arc is remembered less for Naruto’s inspirational speeches and more for that scene where Madara soloed an entire army. Fans literally clipped it, memed it, and called it “peak fiction.” He is still used as a comparison for all the villains that came after. On MyAnimeList forums and Reddit, many argued Madara should’ve stayed the final villain instead of Kaguya, with threads still saying “Kaguya ruined the ending.” Sorry, Naruto, Madara invented aura farming, so he wins this time!

    King Mereum glaring in shadow in "Hunter X Hunter"
    (Viz Media)

    Meruem from Hunter x Hunter

    Hunter x Hunter has a lot of great characters, but when Meruem enters the Chimera Ant arc, the entire tone of the anime shifts. What starts as a horrifying monster king story slowly turns into one of the most nuanced villain arcs in anime. Fans didn’t just like Meruem because he was powerful (though, let’s be real, the man was casually dusting Hunters like it was nothing). They loved him because of his relationship with Komugi, a human girl who taught him humility and compassion through a board game. Gon who? The internet still cries about Meruem’s final moments.

    Askeladd from Vinland Saga

    If you’ve watched Vinland Saga, you know that Askeladd is one of the most complex, morally grey characters in modern anime. While Thorfinn, the protagonist, is angry and driven by revenge, Askeladd operates on wit, charisma, and a strangely protective streak toward his men. You can’t help but like the moments he’s on screen. Fans love him because he wasn’t a one-note villain. He was manipulative, sure, but also deeply human—torn between his Viking identity and his hidden Welsh heritage. By the time his arc concludes, Askeladd basically steals the entire first season from Thorfinn, leaving fans stunned and even questioning whether he should have been the protagonist. 

    Mahito from Jujutsu Kaisen

    Before we start arguing, yes, we know Mahito is deeply hated. Like, actually loathed. And for good reason! He has killed so many fan favorite characters. But let’s not twist it—he’s also one of the most talked about villains in anime. And in fandom, hype equals popularity, even if it’s negative. While Yuji Itadori is the classic selfless shonen protagonist, Mahito represents pure chaos. He’s sadistic, unhinged, and the kind of villain who gets under your skin because he fights dirty. He makes you feel helpless, filling viewers with dread any time he’s on screen. His ability to twist souls gave us some of the most disturbing (and unforgettable) deaths in Jujutsu Kaisen. However, this doesn’t mean he’s not in every conversation about Jujutsu Kaisen. Fans despise him, but they can’t stop analyzing his scenes.

    Muzan smirking from Demon Slayer

    Muzan Kibutsuji from Demon Slayer

    Those fanmade edits we mentioned? The ones with the viral trend of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean? That trend was made for Muzan. There is no one else who completely embodies the drip the way Muzan does. Hell, he was even memed as Michael Jackson years before the trend ever began. Why, you may ask? Well, Tanjiro is wholesome, but compared to Michael Jackson Demon (aka Muzan), he just doesn’t generate the same meme energy. From the moment Muzan appeared in his flashy hat and suit, fans were instantly obsessed with his look. He became an internet icon before we even knew much about his powers. What a diva. 

    Heroes may be the face of the story, but villains are often the ones who keep us watching. From Madara flexing on an entire army to Meruem making us ugly cry, these antagonists prove that sometimes the “bad guy” steals the narrative.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez-Gomez is a contributing reporter to the Mary Sue. Her work has appeared in the Daily Dot, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and more. You can follow her on X at @GisselleHern. You can email her at [email protected].

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    Gisselle Hernandez

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  • ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Finally Returns With a Fight-Fueled Season 3

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    The second season of Jujutsu Kaisen wrapped at the tail end of 2023, and MAPPA been quite silent on season three. With other projects fully wrapped or close to coming out, the studio’s ready to go back to Yuji Itadori and crew, and they’ll be back for more supernatural action in January 2026 on Crunchyroll.

    In case you’ve forgotten, last season ended with Sukuna taking over Yuji’s body to kill a lot of people in Shibuya. If that weren’t bad enough, several Jujutsu sorcerers were killed or badly hurt, and Yuji’s mentor Gojo was sealed away in the Prison Realm. Season three picks up in the immediate aftermath of that, with Yuji sentenced to death by the heads of Japan’s Jujutsu society and ordering teen sorcerer prodigy Yuta Okkotsu to take him out.

    The only thing Yuji, Yuta, and Fushiguro can do is gather their remaining friends to save Gojo from the Prison Realm. But that comes with its own catch: more sorcerers have emerged in the wake of the Shibuya Incident, and they’re all forced into a fighting tournament called the Culling Game. That means more fights with new characters with their own wacky abilites and personalities and some fan-favorites getting to step up and show out now that they’ve got the bigger spotlight.

    Before Jujutsu Kaisen comes back to your TVs, the Execution compilation film will recap last season’s “Shibuya Incident” arc and shows the first two episodes of the upcoming season. That’s coming to Japan on November 7, followed by December 5 in North America. For the North American crowd, tickets will go on sale “soon.”

    Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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    Justin Carter

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  • During Tumblr’s Peak These Megan Thee Stallion MEGAN Lyric Posts Would’ve Found Their Way To Your Feed

    During Tumblr’s Peak These Megan Thee Stallion MEGAN Lyric Posts Would’ve Found Their Way To Your Feed

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    Everyone has been on our girl Megan Thee Stallion for every little thing, and with her newest self-titled album, MEGAN, she continues to shut all the haters down. With what she has gone through these past couple of years, we can’t help but always want to support our girl, and you know what? She makes it really, really easy to love her, especially with this newest album.

    So, we heard a couple of songs from MEGAN before its release, ‘BOA,’ ‘HISS,’ and ‘Cobra,’ which set up what was expected from the album, and we instantly knew we wouldn’t be disappointed. It doesn’t matter if you hit shuffle, click a random one, or start with the first one on the album; this album will be your fave release of the year. With this album, we have 15 brand-new tracks, and as we said, it was hit after hit after hit.

    We just had a lot of fun while listening to MEGAN; we went from dancing to crying to dancing again. Which made it harder when picking our faves, but honestly, we can’t stop listening to ‘BOA,’ ‘Where Them Girls At,’ ‘Moody Girl,’ ‘Mamushi (feat. Yuki Chiba),’ and ‘Otaku Hot Girl,’ but don’t tell the rest of the tracks. And though we weren’t surprised at the Anime references, we were still shocked at the beginning of ‘Otaku Hot Girl,’ if you haven’t listened to it and are a Jujutsu Kaisen fan, you’re gonna love it. We also really liked the diverse collabs she had on the album; we love hearing familiar voices, as well as falling in love with people we might not be familiar with.

    Now because we had so much fun with this album, we thought we might tell you some of our fave lyrics in a fun little way. So here are some MEGAN lyrics in the format of old Tumblr posts.

    ‘Moody Girl’

    Source: Canva, Edited by: Valerie Valdez

    “So many friends but I still feel lonely / How come none of y’all call to check on me?”

    ‘Find Out’

    Source: Canva, Edited: Valerie Valdez

    “Before I get played, I play with myself, cross me, I don’t care, I’m still blessed”

    ‘Cobra’

    Source: Canva, Edited By: Valerie Valdez

    “Breakin’ down and I had the whole world watchin’ / But the worst part is really who watched me”

    ‘Worthy’

    Source: Canva, Edited By: Valerie Valdez

    “I’m worthy, not worthless”

    ‘BOA’

    Source: Canva, Edited by: Valerie Valdez

    “All the sudden, they vegan, they don’t want beef”

    There’s really so many more we could’ve done, because Megan truly killed it with the bars on MEGAN. We can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us with this album. She has been teasing music videos, so keep your eyes peeled. And just because Pride month is ending doesn’t mean your support of everyone’s fave bi-icon, Megan Thee Stallion, has to stop now; make sure you stream her self-titled album here.

    What is your favorite track from the album? Which lyrics are your favorite? Let us know in the comments down below or over on Twitter @thehoneypop, and don’t forget to talk to us on Facebook and Instagram!

    For more music!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEGAN THEE STALLION:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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    Valerie Valdez

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  • Megan Thee Stallion Proved Once More She Really Is the Anime It Girl

    Megan Thee Stallion Proved Once More She Really Is the Anime It Girl

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    On June 28, 2024, Megan Thee Stallion released her third studio album, Megan, which predictably took off all over the internet. One song in particular among the album’s sixteen tracks made anime and manga fans everywhere perk up their ears—and that’s track seven, “Otaku Hot Girl.”

    Megan Thee Stallion has never made a mystery of her love for anime and manga, so much so that she’s known for posting pictures of her cosplaying popular characters from her favorite shows and fans throw anime plushies on the stage at her concerts. She even hosted the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2024.

    And as it happens pretty much every time a woman expresses a passion for something that is considered to be a hobby reserved for men—as if that’s even a thing—she has been met with some criticism among all the love and adoration, with some ignorant people accusing her of being a fake fan as if she hasn’t time and time again mentioned this particular art form in her music. 

    “Otaku Hot Girl” silences all those critiques in perfect Megan Thee Stallion style, with a song where anime references are an integral part of the lyrics—or better yet, the real heart of the song. So here’s a complete breakdown of them all, to truly get just how brilliant they are.

    The intro and sampling

    It all starts before the song even begins. The intro samples the music that plays during the mid-episode commercial breaks in Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the most popular shōnen of recent years—adapted from the manga of the same name by Gege Akutami—and also one of Megan Thee Stallion’s favorites. 

    There will be plenty more references to JJK throughout the song, with another one being right in the intro with a spoken bit by actor Adam McArthur, who voices the anime’s protagonist Yuki Itadori in the English dub. He reprises a line spoken by Yuuji during the first season of the show, changing it so that it doesn’t mention actress Jennifer Lawrence but “Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion”.

    “Can’t touch me like Gojo”

    The chorus opens up with a line that has been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it, “Ay, can’t touch me like Gojo”. It’s yet another reference to Jujutsu Kaisen and arguably its most popular character, Satoru Gojo, known in-universe as the strongest sorcerer currently alive. To make pages and pages of explanations short, what makes Gojo so strong is his cursed technique, called Limitless, which essentially manipulates and distorts space. 

    Anything that approaches Gojo slows down continuously and never reaches him unless he decides he wants to be touched, and Megan Thee Stallion says that she’s exactly like him—nothing hits her unless she wants it to.

    “White wig on, bitch, I’m finna go Gojo”

    Satoru Gojo’s looks are iconic, with his head of white hair being immediately recognizable both on the page and on screen and his blue eyes—which hold another element of what makes him so strong, the famed Six Eyes—famously drowning all of Studio MAPPA’s animation budget, as fans like to joke.

    “N- bow down when I pop out like Sukuna / Eatin’ these rap bitches, that get me booted up / Switchin’ my flow up, it feel like it’s two of us / If I let Tina out, that’s a coup de grâce”

    Ryomen Sukuna is the great big villain of Jujutsu Kaisen—a sorcerer from the Heian era so strong and so ruthless that he became a cursed spirit known as the “King of Curses”. Skunk’s fame is so terrible and widespread in the jujutsu world that pretty much all characters fear him to some degree, which is what Megan Thee Stallion is evoking in the first line.

    Plus Sukuna is always lounging around like he’s on a throne, and I’m sure he expects people to bow down to him (MAPPA)

    Then she continues with a reference to both the way Sukuna found himself sharing a body with Yuki Itadori—aka Yuji eating more and more of Sukuna’s cursed fingers—and also probably to what is speculated to be Sukuna’s cursed technique, which fans suspect could be something that has to do with cooking and eating food.

    Finally, she also references the fact that there are indeed two people inside Yuji Itadori’s body—one being Yuji and one being Sukuna, who doesn’t come out often but wreaks some serious havoc those times he does.

    “Sexy jutsu, I feel like Naruto”

    Naruto is a pillar of the shōnen genre and another one that Megan Thee Stallion has previously referenced in her work. In this particular line, she’s mentioning one of the most famous abilities of the show’s protagonist Naruto Uzumaki, which he actually created himself—the sexy jutsu, with which he transforms into a beautiful woman so that he can prank or distract other men.

    “Fighting demons in my head like I’m Itadori”

    Back to Jujutsu Kaisen, Megan Thee Stallion is once more referencing Yuji Itadori and the fact that he shares his body—and his mental space—with Sukuna, a literal curse, who often taunts him from inside his own head.

    “I’m not finna argue with a Sasuke avi’”

    The “avi” is an avatar, in this case of Sasuke Uchiha, another major character in Naruto whom Megan Thee Stallion has already mentioned in some of her previous songs. In this particular line, though, she is referencing how Sasuke, who is a character loved far and wide, is also particularly liked by anime elitists or newbies—the same people who question whether or not she is a real fan and with whom she has no interest discussing since she doesn’t need their approval to validate her love for anime.

    Sasuke thinking about revenge
    No shade to Sasuke though, he is an incredible character and that’s not up for debate (Viz Media)

    “He don’t run from me / ‘Cause he wanna get caught in my domain expansion”

    Probably my favorite reference of the entire song, Megan Thee Stallion is once more drawing from Jujutsu Kaisen. This time it’s the domain expansion, which is the most powerful technique a sorcerer can learn and one that very few of them, like Satoru Gojo and Sukuna, can master—the domain expansion creates a barrier that is infused with the sorcerer’s cursed technique, improving their performance and guaranteeing them a hit on their enemies as long as they stay inside the domain.

    “Hoes want my technique, couldn’t be like me / With a Sasuke sharingan”

    The final anime reference of the song returns to Naruto and Sasuke, who has inherited his family’s powerful eye technique, the Sharingan. This technique grants the user a wide range of abilities, which can be broadly divided into seeing other people’s chakra and copying their techniques and also hypnotise other people to do what the Sharingan user compels them to.

    Itachi with sharingan eyes
    There are, of course, several types of Sharingan eyes but they all look something like this—red irises and black, weirdly-shaped pupils (Viz Media)

    Since the Sharingan can’t be learned but it’s something that people usually inherit at birth, Megan Thee Stallion is using it to remark how everything about her, from her rap style to her persona, can’t be replicated—she is simply born with it.

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  • Jujutsu Kaisen: What Is Sukuna’s Cursed Technique? Explored

    Jujutsu Kaisen: What Is Sukuna’s Cursed Technique? Explored

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    This article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga and anime

    Sukuna is one of the overarching villains of Gege Akutami’s magnum opus Jujutsu Kaisen and definitely the strongest one by far. Not only was he the strongest sorcerer of all time, but he also took over the title of the strongest sorcerer of the modern day after killing Satoru Gojo in their decisive battle. 

    However, unlike Gojo’s Limitless, Hakari’s Idle Death Gamble, or Higuruma’s Deadly Sentencing, Sukuna’s powers are not at all complicated. Instead, he has some really simple but very effective Cursed Techniques that are enough to injure and kill pretty much any opponent that has dared to face him up until now. Here is a detailed rundown of all the Cursed Techniques Sukuna can currently use in the manga. 

    Sukuna’s Cursed Technique includes Cleave and Dismantle, and Divine Flame

    As we have seen throughout the manga, Sukuna has used multiple techniques to fight against his numerous enemies. He is the strongest antagonist of the story and is a reincarnated sorcerer. Originally, he lived in the Heian era and was named the Strongest Sorcerer of All Time. And ever since the Shibuya Incident Arc, we have seen why that’s the case. 

    Sukuna seems to have multiple simple yet effective and deadly techniques in his arsenal. His Innate Cursed Technique is Shrine, which includes Cleave, Dismantle, and Fuga. The first one Cleave is a slicing technique that allows Sukuna to cut his opponent down in one hit. The ability also adjusts itself depending on how powerful his opponent is, but Sukuna has to make physical contact with his target in order to activate it. Another variation of Cleave is Spiderweb which can collapse the ground Sukuna touches by cracking it into the shape of a spiderweb

    The second power within Shrine is Dismantle, which is another slicing technique that is normally reserved for inanimate objects. However, it can also be used against sorcerers and Cursed Spirits as we have seen throughout the series. During his fight with Gojo, Sukuna even learned to extend Dismantle’s ability to the world and created slashes that cut the world.

    However, probably the most destructive power in Sukuna’s collection is his Divine Flame power which he activates by chanting Fuga. This allows him to use the extremely hot flames in long-range attacks by wielding the flames as an arrow. However, he is only able to use Divine Flame after using Dismantle and Cleave. 

    Sukuna also has an incredibly powerful Domain Expansion called Malevolent Shrine. Inside the domain, Sukuna can use Dismantle and Cleave on anybody within its range depending on their cursed energy levels. The radius of the effective area of this domain’s sure hit is also almost 200 meters. 

    Sukuna has become even more powerful after taking over Megumi’s body

    When Sukuna was using Yuji’s body as a host, his attack options were pretty limited as Yuji’s soul was strong enough to keep him dormant and Yuji did not have any innate techniques that Sukuna could use. However, when he took over Megumi’s body during the Culling Game Arc, he was able to access Megumi’s cursed Technique Ten Shadows, which allows him to use all the Shikigami that Megumi had, including Divine General Mahoraga. He can now also combine all of the Shikigami and Mahoraga into Merged Beast Agito.

    During his fight against Gojo, Sukuna made ample use of Mahoraga to understand and counter his opponent’s attacks. In the end, despite his extremely powerful Limitless and Hollow Purple techniques, Satoru Gojo was cut down by Sukuna with one of his slashes that cut the world. Sukuna is a great warrior who can also use techniques like Domain Amplification, Hollow Wicker Basket, and Reverse Cursed Technique effectively during his fights. These techniques make it almost impossible for his opponent to land a proper attack on him as he constantly brings out new ways to counter them. 

    The leaks of chapter 262 of Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen came out recently and we saw that Yuta is effectively using Gojo’s powers against Sukuna, but the latter also keeps countering everything thrown at him. We saw that Sukuna used his Domain Expansion and Domain amplification simultaneously to counter Yuta’s Infinity attack in this chapter.

    We do not know how the sorcerer’s fight would end against the strongest sorcerer of all time Sukuna. However, we cannot dispute the fact that despite being pretty simple in nature, Sukuna’s attacks are indeed extremely effective and lethal to anyone who dares to face him.

    ALSO READ: Jujutsu Kaisen: Can Yuji Itadori Become A Sorcerer At The End Of Series? Theory Explored

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  • Need To Get Your 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Fix?

    Need To Get Your 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Fix?

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    Yuji Itadori and Choso

    Jujutsu Kaisen’s second season had many fans screaming for more, and kicking and screaming in general. Although the season had a bumpy production, fans couldn’t be more grateful to the Jujutsu Kaisen team at MAPPA, who worked tirelessly to put out everybody’s favorite anime series in the summer of 2023.

    For those who haven’t been caught up to speed, Jujutsu Kaisen follows a boy named Itadori Yuji, who ate a thousand-year-old curse’s fingers while fighting another curse. This awakened Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, in Yuji’s body. But much to everybody’s surprise, Yuji is able to resist Sukuna and even gain control of his own body.

    Because Yuji is capable of containing Sukuna, the Jujutsu Society’s higher-ups believed that it would be best for Yuji to eat all of Sukuna’s fingers so that they could finally kill Sukuna. It didn’t matter if an orphaned and innocent high schooler was caught in the middle. Luckily for Yuji, Gojo Satoru, the strongest sorcerer in the modern era, allowed him to learn sorcery at the prestigious Tokyo Jujutsu High School, along with other equally talented high schoolers.

    This might sound like a hopeful story at first glance, but Jujutsu Kaisen fans would know that this is a world full of brutal curses and corrupt sorcerers. There are fleeting happy moments, but there are longer stretches of agony for characters who wish for nothing more than a normal life and maybe a brief tropical vacation.

    Jujutsu Kaisen‘s two seasons are still streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation. As of 2024, both Jujutsu Kaisen Seasons 1–2 have already ended. The third season of Jujutsu Kaisen, which focuses on The Culling Game Arc, is likely to stream exclusively on Crunchyroll and Funimation as well.  Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which was released in 2022, is also still available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

    (featured image: MAPPA)

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    Vanessa Esguerra

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  • Is There a 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Season 3 Announcement? Answered

    Is There a 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Season 3 Announcement? Answered

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    Confirmation of The Culling Games Arc of Jujutsu Kaisen

    Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen have seen Gege Akutami, the manga’s author, post key visuals for season 3 of the anime on their alleged Twitter account earlier in 2023. Although the posters looked legitimate, this announcement for The Culling Game Arc was proven to be fake.

    The account that posted the misleading poster isn’t affiliated with MAPPA or Gege Akutami. It was merely a fan account with a huge following. That doesn’t mean fans have nothing to look forward to, because MAPPA is putting its animators back on the grind for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3.

    After the last episode of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 aired, MAPPA released an official teaser for a third season. This isn’t a false alarm. The Culling Game Arc will get a whole season for itself, but the release date is yet to be announced.

    Earlier in November, many speculated that the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen would be canceled because animators had reached their breaking point and began speaking out against MAPPA in their own way. Some have drawn unsettling images that indicate their burnout, and many others have shown solidarity with the Jujutsu Kaisen team, who are being worked to the bone like human printers for the next episode.

    Things have quieted down on the side of the animators, and the success of the anime has buried the controversy. MAPPA’s animators have proven many times that they can churn out great episodes in a crunch, but at the cost of alleged overwork. Hopefully, MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen team will get a healthier release schedule amidst everybody’s excitement over The Culling Game Arc.

    (featured image: MAPPA)

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    Vanessa Esguerra

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  • 10 Anime Gift Ideas for the Otaku in Your Life

    10 Anime Gift Ideas for the Otaku in Your Life

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    The anime universe can be a lot to handle when first diving in, especially if you are in the market to buy a present for that special someone. We’re here to help you narrow down the search by providing you with some anime gift ideas for the holiday season.

    Lenticular Artwork by Dominic Glover

    Image Source: Dominic Glover

    Dominic Glover has some of the most unique anime artwork, as its design changes based on the angle you are looking at. While one side showcases a focused Naruto, the other exhibits him in action during an all-out battle. It’s almost as if it’s a moving picture without the need for any electronics, creating an illusion with its different perspectives.

    Glover’s collection harnesses a plethora of anime to choose from, from Demon Slayer to Dragon Ball Super to One Piece. However, you may want to get your hands on it fast since their products are typically sold out with their constant high demand.

    An Ode to Attack on Titan Final Season

    Attack on Titan gifts
    Image Source: Etsy & Hot Topic

    If your special someone considers themself to be a member of the Scout Regiment, then you should definitely get them a gift to commemorate AOT’s finale. First up, we have the “I Survived All Parts of AOT: The Final Season” sticker, which can act as a badge of honor for dedicated fans.

    You can also go for the classic Scout Regiment jackets that every Attack on Titan has wished for at some point in their life. To keep things simple, you can acquire a hoodie or shirt version at Hot Topic. Or, purchasers can go for a more cozy approach with its cloak blanket variation.

    Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Woven Blankets

    Jujutsy Kaisen gift idea
    Image Source: Etsy

    Another big anime that continues to dominate viewership is the action-packed Jujutsu Kaisen. That said, you can’t go wrong with ALLEVRO’s hand-woven manga blankets that show off the elite Satoru Gojo. The artist’s creation is perfect for those who enjoy manga and anime, reimagining these covers in an entirely new way.

    ALLEVRO’s products come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as alternative design choices based on the Jujutsu Kaisen series. But if your Otaku prefers another anime, you can browse through the artist’s collection to discover other remarkable finds, including My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, and Chainsaw Man.

    Anime Funko Pops

    Anime and Manga Pop Figure Collection
    Image Source: Funko

    Funko’s Anime and Manga collection features many famous characters, including Dragon Ball Z, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Figures generally cost around 12 to 15 dollars, so you don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money, as you may have seen with other high-priced items.

    If you aren’t sure which Funko to decide on, you can filter in some content by checking out the best-selling or most exclusive products. Purchasers can also take it a step further with scenic pops that typically capture an iconic moment from the show. For instance, the Pop! Moment Eren & Zeke Jaeger takes you back to the infamous conversation shown in AOT.

    Studio Ghibli Steelbooks

    Studio Ghibli Steelbooks
    Image Source: Crunchyroll

    When in doubt about anime gift ideas, you can always rely on the Studio Ghibli collection for presents. Any anime fan will undoubtedly have at least one favorite film, and you can use it to your advantage by getting them the Steelbook version. It’s the perfect collector’s item that commemorates the breathtaking art style of Hayao Miyazaki.

    The Crunchyroll shop features Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and many more. On top of that, Miyazaki has recently launched the film The Boy and the Heron, so you may want to gift them movie tickets to give them some new content.

    Demon Slayer Kimonos

    Tanjiro Kamado Kimono
    Image Source: Anime Kimono

    Another popular anime of 2023 is none other than Demon Slayer, with the most recent Swordsmith Village arc. There’s a lot of excellent anime gift ideas for this beloved series, but the one that takes the cake is the kimono collection. You can start with the main protagonist’s iconic clothing, exhibiting the classic green and black checkered design.

    It doesn’t even have to stop at Tanjiro’s get-up with the numerous variations from other lovable characters. In particular, you can purchase outfits based on Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, and Nezuko. You can also explore Anime Kimono’s personal designs that add a unique twist to the series’ fashion.

    One Piece Wanted Posters

    Wanted Posters for One Piece anime and live-action
    Image Source: Etsy & One Piece Store

    One Piece has taken the world by storm (again) with Netflix’s live adaptation and the exciting new content from the animated series. If there’s one thing that any OP fan wants, it’s definitely the show’s wanted posters. Your best bet would probably be Monkey D. Luffy’s famous smiley-faced bounty or any of the other Straw Hat members like Roronoa Zoro.

    But if your Otaku has been explicitly obsessed with the One Piece live-action, then head over to Etsy to claim some wanted posters there. PotterTatts’ selection showcases Monkey D. Luffy, Gold D. Roger, Buggy, and Arlong, along with various sizes (and a digital download.)

    Manga Sets

    Dragon Ball Z Complete Manga Set
    Image Source: Amazon

    Complete manga sets are another excellent anime gift idea that continues on the adventures in written and hand-drawn form. In general, it can be difficult to obtain each book individually, so having the set can help them experience the narrative as a whole.

    One of my favorites has to be the Dragon Ball Z collection (or the Dragon Ball series, if I’m being more specific) due to its connected illustrations on its spines. Alternatively, you can go for an ongoing anime like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen to give them some insight into what’s to come. You can also purchase them an entirely new manga set that hasn’t yet debuted as an anime if you want something more unique.

    SeerLight’s Anime Artwork

    SeerLight's Anime art
    Image Source: Seerlight

    As an anime lover myself, I’ve always marveled at Seerlight’s artwork through their usage of vibrant colors and subtle placement of anime characters. Even those who haven’t watched any anime will be in awe of its design, whether it be through the artist’s print or phone case collection.

    The artwork above shows the Cowboy Bebop-inspired High-Rise, the Hunter’s Inn, and the Meteor Shower depicted in Your Name. Even more so, Seerlight has unleashed a live wallpaper series on their Patreon, which brings your phone’s photographs to life with various anime.

    Personalized Anime Portraits

    Custom anime prints
    Image Source: Etsy

    For a more personal touch, you can get your friend or family member a customized anime portrait from Etsy. The highly recommended BlueMintAnime can use your suggestions to create your very own artwork, with a maximum of six characters (pets can be included, too.) The artist can work with almost any anime, regardless of its popularity, and an added bonus of a background.

    Purchasers can explore the Etsy page to find even more depictions, like DoyourToon’s Haikyuu-inspired artwork. On a more bizarre note, you can turn your Otaku into a Titan using JasuDigitalArts’ many templates.

    About the author

    Kristina Ebanez

    Kristina is a Staff Writer and has been with Twinfinite for more than a year. She typically covers Minecraft, The Sims 4, Disney Dreamlight Valley, anime, Call of Duty, and newly released games. She loves the Metal Gear Solid series (Snake Eater especially), Rockstar’s Bully, the Horizon franchise, What Remains of Edith Finch, and many more. Her dog is also an avid video game watcher, primarily when there’s a horse or a cat. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and grew up gaming on the islands.

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    Kristina Ebanez

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  • It Might Not Be Gojover for 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Fans

    It Might Not Be Gojover for 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Fans

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    Time stopped for many avid Jujutsu Kaisen manga readers after the tragic events of Chapter 236, but could Gojo Satoru return? For those who haven’t read up to that point in the manga, this is your spoiler alert. Read at your own risk.

    Jujutsu Kaisen has been all but fun and games since the Shibuya Incident Arc, and that part of the anime and manga alone claimed many lives of beloved characters and unleashed unspeakable bouts of terror in Tokyo.

    But after Gojo Satoru was unsealed, many fans were in high spirits and were convinced that it was nothing but victory from that point on. Those who’ve counted the days of his return felt at ease, knowing that “the strongest’ in the series was finally out to put Ryomen Sukuna in his place.

    Except, things happened in reverse. Gojo Satoru died in Chapter 236 of Jujutsu Kaisen after getting cut in half within Sukuna’s domain. Many refused to cope with the grief of losing Gojo, the steal-showing side character in the series whom many simply couldn’t help but love. At least Sukuna thought that Gojo was indeed a worthy opponent, so the readers should just move forward.

    The series published many more chapters even after the events of this loss, but there is a good section of fans who believe that Gojo Satoru will return as hinted throughout the manga. In Chapter 117 of Jujutsu Kaisen, Gojo Satoru explained to Megumi that a Ten Shadows Technique User from the Zenin Clan was able to kill a Limitless User with Six Eyes from the Gojo Clan. At the time, fans speculated that this was Gojo’s way of saying that Megumi would surpass him.

    Given the events of Chapter 236 where Megumi’s body has been possessed by Ryomen Sukuna, this conversation could now be viewed as a sick foreshadowing of Gojo getting killed by Sukuna through the hands of his very own mentee, Megumi. This isn’t the only instance wherein the sorcerers anticipated the loss of Satoru, since even before going to battle against Sukuna, Satoru himself had a short conversation with Ieiri Shoko to tell Megumi about the truth about his father is in case that Gojo couldn’t do so himself.

    Needless to say, the sorcerers were prepared in the worst-case scenario that Gojo Satoru would lose to Ryomen Sukuna. There’s a strong possibility of his revival, and it’s not just the inability of fans to move past a character. This isn’t Satoru’s first rodeo with death, and he’s died once against Fushiguro Toji only for him to come back stronger and discover Hollow Purple. Does this mean that Satoru will be coming back with a vengeance against Sukuna?

    In Gojo’s cover art in Volume 4 of the manga draws him with a white line of light in front. This became a point of speculation by many, wherein Gojo would discover a new cursed technique or his maximum technique. While this is unconfirmed, fans also believe that discovering that technique doesn’t come for free.

    Avid supporters of Jujutsu Kaisen and even regular anime fans would recognize Gojo Satoru from a mile just for his stunning blue eyes. Fans know the sheer power behind those eyes and theory crafters believe that Gojo made a binding vow for his life and a boost in power, at the cost of his six eyes. Scenes in the anime opening, as well as various parts of the manga, often imply eyes getting stabbed, or Gojo covering half of his eyes in scenes and official illustrations. Miwa herself had lost her ability to wield a sword because of a binding vow, all for the sake of a temporary power boost.

    There’s no telling how Gojo Satoru will be revived, but it may be all to finish Ryomen Sukuna at the cost of everything. Now that the stage is set, it looks as if Satoru’s revival is nigh.

    (featured image: MAPPA)

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    Vanessa Esguerra

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  • Is Nanami Dead in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’? Explained

    Is Nanami Dead in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’? Explained

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    You’ve come here for spoilers so that you can brace yourself for what’s to come in Episode 40 of Jujutsu Kaisen. The 39th episode of Jujutsu Kaisen, otherwise known as the 15th episode of season 2, left fans like yourself in a state of shock and rage. Jogo hadn’t been a real threat until he set Nanami Kento, Zenin Maki, and Zenin Naobito on fire after their fight against Dagon. It was implied that their next challenge would be Fushiguro Toji, who had risen from the dead. But the reanimated man chose to fight Megumi instead.

    It’s no secret that Nanami Kento has a huge following of fiercely devoted fans. Aside from being animated like a god, his commitment to protecting his students and his strength as a Grade 1 Sorcerer gained him a lot of love, especially during this season.

    As an anime-only watcher, you’ve probably been holding your breath up to this very moment. The answer is that he survives this attack from Jogo, albeit not unscathed. Chapter 111 of the manga also cuts off where the episode does, but Kento does survive this chapter and episode. You can breathe a sigh of relief for now, if your question only extends to his safety after being fire-hosed by Jogo.

    But if you really want the complete answer, Nanami Kento does not survive the Shibuya Incident. In fact, he doesn’t last much longer after his encounter with Jogo. Shortly after being summoned by Sukuna himself, Jogo leaves his burned victims. In Chapter 120, Kento tries to locate Megumi, who was thrown off by Toji away from the group. Even in his severely injured state, all he could think about was protecting his students. He faces a hoard of disfigured spirits and defeats them, but he crosses paths with Mahito once more.

    His last fight against Mahito almost got Kento killed, and he was only saved by Itadori Yuji in the first season of the anime. In his final moments, he was thinking of how nice a vacation in Malaysia would be. But Kento remembered that he still had to find his students and keep them safe. Without anybody to help him fight, Nanami Kento died looking on to Yuji. “You got it from here,” he said before being blown up by Mahito.

    Many anime and manga fans disagree with Kento’s last sentiment. They can’t handle it from here and many are reeling in from the loss of this wonderful character. Yuji’s enraged charge at Mahito probably represents what the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom feels about the situation, and I’d probably do the same and obliterate that cursed spirit from existence after seeing him mercilessly disfigure Kento. I’d probably follow Kento in the afterlife shortly for doing something as absurd as that. But what can I do? I’m just an observer who can’t control the horrors unfolding before me, and so are you.

    It’s disheartening that a man who always worked overtime had to clock out so soon in the game of life. But nevertheless, Nanami Kento died in honor with the thought of protecting his students. So rest in power, Nanami Kento. You will be heavily missed by Jujutsu Kaisen fans.

    (featured images: MAPPA)

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    Vanessa Esguerra

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  • Bleach Anime Is Getting A New Game And It Looks Rad

    Bleach Anime Is Getting A New Game And It Looks Rad

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    Image: Pierrot / Nuverse

    Coming off the heels of Bleach’s upcoming season of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is the announcement that the popular supernatural sword-fighting anime is also receiving a new video game that looks pretty stunning and action-packed.

    An Anime That Might Make You Put Your Minecraft Bed Next To Someone

    Bleach: Soul Resonance is a 3D-action role-playing game that appears to play similarly to games in the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series or the upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen game, Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash. According to the game’s website, players will experience a “low-latency combat experience with weapons and swords” and engage in strategic battles “with familiar faces on a battlefield full of blades.” The last Bleach video game to release in the U.S. (outside of Bandai Namco’s delisted Shonen Jump crossover game Jump Force) was Bleach: Soul Resurrección in 2011 for the PlayStation 3. Bleach: Soul Resonance is being published by Nuverse (Marvel Snap) and is currently still under development. You can check out the announcement trailer for Bleach: Soul Resonance below.

    Nuverse

    Unlike its fellow “big three anime” series, Naruto, Bleach hasn’t had a notable run of licensed video games that resonate with fans quite like the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series. However, the early cutscene and gameplay footage shown off in Bleach: Soul Resonance’s announcement trailer, looks to change that.

    Outside of having pretty clean-looking 3D models of the anime’s titular characters, Bleach: Soul Resonance appears to be following the show’s Soul Society and Hueco Mundo arcs—its first two major storylines. In it, protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki wages war against the entire Soul Society and Arrancars to rescue his kidnapped friends Rukia and Orihime.

    Right off the bat, Bleach: Soul Resonance nails emulating the anime’s big-fight feel in its early gameplay footage by recreating iconic moments from Ichigo’s hard-fought bouts against the blood-hungry Kenpachi Zaraki and the stoic Byakuya Kuchiki. Both gameplay snippets look pretty promising despite being from an early build of the game. The trailer even plays Ichigo’s catchy theme song “Number One” by Shiro Sagisu and Hazel Fernandez which is always a nice touch to get fans excited to see some action. Time will tell whether Bleach: Soul Resonance will finally give the beloved anime series the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm treatment or if it’ll be just another underbaked licensed video game.

       

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    Isaiah Colbert

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  • Spy x Family’s Loid Actor Says His Favorite Anime Scene Isn’t In The Manga

    Spy x Family’s Loid Actor Says His Favorite Anime Scene Isn’t In The Manga

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    Wit Studio and CloverWorks’ wholesome yet action-packed new anime series Spy x Family took the world by storm after it debuted last spring. Since its debut, Spy x Family became one of the highest-rated shows on the anime database and social media site MyAnimeList, beating out mega-popular shows like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and even the long-running pirate anime One Piece. And that was with one season under its belt. This is why I had to sleuth my way into interviewing a Japanese voice actor for Spy x Family at Anime Expo and ask him why he thinks the show is such a hit.

    The Anime Dream Team Behind Chainsaw Man

    Spy x Family follows a prominent super spy named Loid as he goes undercover and infiltrates the school of a politician’s son to prevent a war from breaking out between two neighboring countries. To do so, Loid creates a fake family who, unbeknownst to him, have secrets of their own His adopted daughter Anya is a telepath, his wife, Yor, moonlights as the world’s deadliest assassin and their family dog Bond can see the future.

    With season one of Spy x Family in the books and a second season and an original movie, Spy x Family: Code White, on the way later this year, I spoke with Takuya Eguchi, the Japanese voice actor for Loid, at Anime Expo and asked him what it’s like portraying one of the best dads in anime.

    Read More: What To Expect At Anime Expo 2023

    Crunchyroll Collection

    Eguchi’s favorite Spy x Family scene wasn’t in the manga

    Part of what makes Spy x Family such a refreshing anime is its ability to walk the line between being a light-hearted comedy about an odd-couple family and a serious drama about the threat of war. Although the show’s tonal whiplash occasionally makes for a difficult line read for Eguchi, his past experience voicing action scenes that include yelling helps him channel his performance as a soft-spoken father into a rigid spy on a dime.

    Speaking of action scenes, Eguchi revealed that one of his favorite Spy x Family battles from the anime never happened in the manga.

    “My favorite scene is, I think it’s [in] episode five, the episode where Anya runs a castle and Bondman, or Loid, has to go save Princess Anya,” Eguchi said. “It’s in the original manga as well, but in the anime added a lot more scenes for the fans to enjoy.”

    Crunchyroll Collection

    For context, this scene transpires in two panels in the manga whereas in the anime it runs for roughly half the runtime of Spy x Family’s 24-minute episode. The anime even throws in a showdown between Loid and a wine-drunk Yor. Eguchi says this is favorie scene because it showcases Yor and Loid as a “cool” assassin and an “extra cool” spy.

    Read More: Tired Of Battle Anime? Here’s Four Wholesome Shows You Should Check Out

    The best and worst parts of voicing Loid Forger

    Although Eguchi resonates with Loid being a family man, albeit while undercover, Eguchi told me that the most difficult part about portraying Loid is encompassing his talkative super spy persona.

    “The most difficult part is his inner monologue,” Eguchi said via a translator. “He talks a lot.”

    Unlike the manga, which utilizes speech and thought bubbles to give readers a sense of the schemes Loid plots to solve both domestic and global threats, Eguchi said he has a limited amount of time to so say what’s on Loid’s mind. Fans of the show will note that, despite being a know-it-all spy, Loid’s tendency to overthink leads to a comedic of errors with his would-be nuclear family. For example, Loid once thought Yor being in a bad mood had something to do with him failing as a husband when in reality she was trying (and failing) to hide the fact she was shot in the butt while she was on one of her assassin missions. An honest mistake in the Forger household, to be fair.

    Crunchyroll Collection

    Expect even more original scenes in future Spy x Family episodes

    Toward the end of our chat, Eguchi teased that, much like Spy x Family’s first season, season 2 will also include original scenes expanding the source material just like how the anime put “a lot of care” into expanding upon Anya’s castle excursion from the manga.

    “I actually haven’t started recording my lines yet, so I’m also looking forward to what I’m going to see too,” Eguchi said.

    Kotaku is covering everything at Anime Expo 2023, including big announcements at panels and exclusive one-on-one interviews with the industry’s biggest creators. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or a newbie, you can keep up with all things Anime Expo 2023 here.

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    Isaiah Colbert

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  • What To Expect At Anime Expo 2023

    What To Expect At Anime Expo 2023

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    If, like me, you’re making your way toward Anime Expo, the self-proclaimed “largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America” this coming weekend (yes, the Otaku of Kotaku will be there!), you may be feeling overwhelmed. But fear not! If you have no earthly idea what must-see events the great congregation of weebs has in store for you or how to make the most of your precious time during the expo, here’s a helpful guide to all the biggest panels at the four-day convention.

    Disney’s New Post-Apocalyptic Anime Proves The Mouse Has Good Taste

    Anime Expo, which takes place from July 1 to July 4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, revealed a cavalcade of anime trailers and info on highly anticipated series like Chainsaw Man, Mob Psycho 100, and Trigun Stampede during last year’s event. This year’s convention is looking to maintain that energy with many must-see events as well. While the offerings at this year’s expo include listening to live music from DJ Diesel (that’s Shaq btw), samurai sword training, and discussing the LGBTQ+ themes in Sailor Moon, this list will only cover where and when big-name anime studios will host panels and chat with visitors.

    Read More: Your Summer 2023 Anime Guide: What To Watch And Where It’s Streaming

    It should also be noted that, while last year’s expo ultimately did require proof of covid vaccination or a negative test result, this year those requirements have been dropped, according to the event’s health and safety guidelines.Anime Expo, however, “strongly recommended” attendees get vaccinations and/or booster shots before attending and wear face masks while inside the Los Angeles Convention Center. Without further ado, here’s your definitive itinerary guide to the biggest panels at Anime Expo.

    Image: Anime Expo /Kotaku

    July 1

    Welcoming Ceremony

    Where: Main Events

    When: 10:30-11:20 a.m.

    Bungo Stray Dogs Panel

    What’s Happening: Bungo Stray Dogs creator Kafka Asagiri talks about how he went about crafting the popular mystery manga series.

    Where: JW-Platinum

    When: 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

    Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead World Premiere

    What’s Happening: The world premiere of the anime adaptation of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, which premieres on Hulu and Netflix on July 9.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 12:30-1:50 p.m.

    Bandai Namco Panel

    What’s Happening: Bandai Namco Filmworks, known for making anime like Mobile Suit Gundam and Cowboy Bebop, reveals news on its upcoming anime shows “and more.”

    Where: Panel Room 408 AB

    When: 2-2:50 pm

    Netflix J-Content Presentation

    What’s Happening: Netflix provides new info on anime like Pluto, Pokémon Concierge, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, and the final season of Beastars featuring producers of those respective shows during its “From Japan to the World” presentation.

    Where: Main Events

    When: 3:15-4:05 p.m.

    Toho Panel

    What’s Happening: Toho hosts a lineup of panels featuring industry professionals from anime series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, and My Hero Academia.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 2:30-3:50 p.m.

    A screenshot shows characters from Delicious in Dungeon gathered around a pot of food.

    Screenshot: Trigger / Kotaku

    Studio Trigger Panel

    What’s Happening: Studio Trigger is presenting the world premiere of the first episode of its upcoming series Delicious in Dungeon and a first look at a new anime from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners director, Hiroyuki Imashi.

    Where: Main Events

    When: 1:45-2:35 p.m.

    Mappa Panel

    What’s Happening: Mappa CEO Manabu Otsuka and producer Makoto Kimura will discuss behind-the-scenes info on its upcoming anime shows.

    Where: JW Marriott Ballroom

    When: 3-3:50 p.m.

    The Ancient Magus Bride Season 2 Panel

    What’s Happening: Studio Kafka will be hosting live drawing, cosplay, and behind-the-scenes discussion events as well as the premiere of Ancient Magus Bride season 2’s first episode.

    Where: Panel Room 408 AB

    When: 3:30-4:50 p.m.

    Spy x Family Panel

    What’s Happening: Crunchyroll is hosting a panel with voice actor Takuya Eguchi, who plays Loid Forger in Spy x Family’s Japanese cast.

    Where: LA Convention Center Main Events Hall

    When: 5-5:50 p.m.

    Mashle: Magic and Muscles Panel

    What’s Happening: Voice actors Chiaki Kobayashi and Alek Le, the Japanese and English voices of protagonist Mash, respectively, discuss the first season of the anime.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 8-9:20 p.m.

    Premieres

    Read More: The Top 30 Best Anime Of The Decade, Ranked

    July 2

    Fuji TV Panel

    What’s Happening: World premiere of NieR: Automata creator Yoko Taro’s new anime KamiErabi GOD.app by Studio Bones.

    Where: 403 AB

    When: 10-11:30 a.m.

    Mappa x Crunchyroll Panel

    What’s Happening: Mappa discusses and gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at popular anime titles like Jujutsu Kaisen.

    Where: JW-Platinum

    When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

    Dark Horse Manga Panel

    What’s Happening: Dark Horse reveals new releases and answers questions about manga series like Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Mob Psycho 100, and Berserk.

    Where: 408 AB

    When: 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

    A screenshot of the anime adaptation of Junji Ito's Uzumaki.

    Screenshot: Production I.G. / Adult Swim / Kotaku

    Production I.G x Wit Panel

    What’s Happening: Production I.G and Wit present information about shows like the highly anticipated anime adaptation of horror creator Junji Ito’s Uzumaki.

    Where: Main Events

    When: 12-12:50 p.m.

    Warner Bros. Japan Anime Panel

    What’s Happening: Warner Bros. hosts panels for the new seasons of Record of Ragnarok and Bastard!!!- Heavy Metal Dark Fantasy.

    Where: 408 AB

    When: 1-2:20 p.m.

    Undead Unlock Panel

    What’s Happening: TMS Entertainment gives fans a first look at the anime adaptation of Undead Unlock featuring the Japanese voice actors for Shen and Fuuko Izumo.

    Where: Main Events

    When: 1:30-2:20 p.m.

    Studio Bones 25th Anniversary Panel

    What’s Happening: Studio Bones president Masahiko Minami and Cowboy Bebop character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto reveal new info on their upcoming cyberpunk anime, Metallic Rouge, as well as discuss some of their earlier work.

    Where: JW-Platinum

    When: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

    Yoshitaka Amano Panel

    What’s Happening: A panel with legendary Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, featuring a live drawing, a discussion of his work, and the announcement of an upcoming anime project

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 2:40-3:30 p.m.

    Jujutsu Kaisen Panel

    What’s Happening: Crunchyroll hosts a panel discussing behind-the-scenes info on the previous and upcoming season of Jujutsu Kaisen with the team behind the show.

    Where: Main Events

    When: 3-3:50 p.m.

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Panel

    What’s Happening: Aniplex producer Yuma Takahashi and the Japanese voice actors for Demon Slayer’s Tanjiro Kamado and Muichiro Tokito discuss the anime’s latest season, the Swordsmith Village Arc.

    Where: Main Events

    When: 4:30-5:50 p.m.

    VIZ Official Industry Panel

    What’s Happening: Masakazu Morita, the Japanese voice actor for Bleach’s Ichigo Kurosaki, joins Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead artist Kotaro Takata to discuss the upcoming seasons of their shows.

    Where: 408 AB

    When: 4:30-5:20 p.m.

    SEGA Presents: Dragons of Japan

    What’s Happening: RGG Studio hosts an hour-long panel about the upcoming Like a Dragon game featuring producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto, and the English and Japanese voice actors for Kiryu Kazuma.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 5:30-6:20 p.m.

    Premieres

    July 3

    Persona 5 Tactica Panel

    What’s Happening: Atlus West and Persona 5 Tactica voice actors give fans a closer look at the upcoming turn-based spin-off.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 10-10:50 a.m.

    Warner Bros. Japan x Wit Studio Panel

    What’s Happening: Warner Bros. Japan and Wit Studio reveal a “mysterious brand-new anime project” that it promises will blow fans’ minds. It’s apparently an isekai show.

    Where: JW-Platinum

    When: 10-10:50 a.m.

    Aniplex of America x A-1 Pictures Panel

    What’s Happening: Aniplex of America and A-1 Pictures reveal their lineup of anime for 2023 and some behind-the-scenes production info.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 11:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m.

    Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Panel

    What’s Happening: Viz Media celebrates the release of the second part of Bleach’s final season with Masakazu Morita, the Japanese voice actor for Ichigo Kurosaki.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 1:30-2:50 p.m.

    Crunchyroll Industry Panel

    What’s Happening: Crunchyroll announces new info about new and upcoming anime to the streamer.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 3:30-4:50 p.m.

    Hi-Fi Rush Panel

    What’s Happening: Hi-Fi Rush game director John Johanas and voice actors discuss developing Tango Gameworks’ rhythm action game.

    Where: 403 AB

    When: 3:30-4:20 p.m.

    My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 Panel

    What’s Happening: Aniplex Producer Masami Niwa and Yamada voice actor Koki Uchiyama talk about the rom-com gaming anime’s first season.

    Where: JW-Platinum

    When: 4:30-6 p.m.

    Persona 3 Reload Panel

    What’s Happening: Atlus West gives players a behind-the-scenes peek at the remake of its beloved RPG series.

    Where: Petree Hall

    When: 7-7:50 p.m.

    Shin Megami Tensei 35th Anniversary

    What’s Happening: Atlus looks back on the past games and gives players a “glimpse into the future” of its RPG series.

    Where: 411

    When: 7-8:20 p.m.

    Premieres

    A still from The First Slam Dunk.

    Screenshot: Toei Animation / DandeLion Animation Studio / Kotaku

    July 4

    Undead Unlock Auditions

    What’s Happening: TMS Entertainment and Bang Zoom! Studios host open auditions for visitors to land a role in its upcoming anime, Undead Unlock.

    Where: Main Events

    When:10 a.m.-1 p.m.

    Horimiya: The Missing Pieces Panel

    What’s Happening: Crunchyroll hosts a panel for the rom-com spin-off of Horimiya featuring the anime’s director and Izumi Miyamura voice actor Kouki Uchiyama and a sneak peek at the first episode.

    Where: 408 AB

    When: 10:30 a.m.-11:20 a.m.

    Closing Ceremony

    Where: Main Events

    When: 4-5 p.m.

    Premieres

    Kotaku is covering everything at Anime Expo 2023, including big announcements at panels and exclusive one-on-one interviews with the industry’s biggest creators. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or a newbie, you can keep up with all things Anime Expo 2023 here.

       

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    Isaiah Colbert

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