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When we think about the Shonen genre, the Big 3 has dominated the scene. Be it One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, or Dragon Ball, the series has made waves over the years. But that is not all considering its major pitfalls.

The genre on the whole has brought certain discrepancies into light. While it is considered high-brow, its counterpart shoujo is often looked down upon. However, nothing compares to the genre’s biggest criticism of all time.

Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece | Credit: Toei animation

In particular, fans have thoroughly criticized the male-dominated manga spaces. This also includes the genre with a recent discussion thread highlighting people’s perceptions and ideas of success and breakthrough works.

To add to the inequality angle, most fans have grossly overlooked women and their contributions to the genre on the whole. Clamp, in this case, stands underappreciated for its contribution to both shojo, shonen,...

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Sanrio mascot character My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Sanrio mascot character Kuromi. To celebrate, the two characters are teaming up for a stop-motion animation series entitled My Melody & Kuromi that will stream on Netflix in July 2025. Related: Hello Kitty and Clamp Collab for Magical Cardcaptor Sakura Redesign Based on characters created by Sanrio, Tomoki Misato ( Pui Pui Molcar ) directs My Melody & Kuromi at animation studio Toruko from Wit Studio, while Shuko Nemoto provides the series composition. The series will follow the everyday adventures of My Melody and Kuromi in their home of “Mariland”. Sources: Official press release , Comic Natalie...

Dale Wilson, who was a renowned Canadian voice actor best known for his role as the voice of Cell in the Ocean dub of Dragon Ball Z, has sadly passed away at the age of 74. The tragic announcement had come through a heartfelt social media post on Facebook by his wife, Gail Wilson.

Cell in Dragon Ball Z | Credits: Toei Animation

Wilson’s career spanned many decades, during which he succeeded in leaving an indelible mark on both the anime world and the realm of Western animation (the cartoons). The Ocean dub of the series introduced countless fans of the Dragon Ball franchise to his voice, giving Cell an unforgettable gravitas.

In addition to Cell which Wilson is renowned for, he voiced other pivotal characters in the Dragon Ball series’ English dub, characters which include Kami, King Yemma, Goz, and Android 8.

Dale Wilson’s enduring legacy in anime and cartoons...

Sakura’s characterization in Naruto is undoubtedly Masashi Kishimoto’s Achilles’ heel. The accolades and the success sing praises of the mangaka’s genius, but his portrayal of female characters is arguably the worst among the Big Three anime. There have been numerous discussions about the female characters in Naruto and how they pale in comparison to their male counterparts.

Sakura blushes after seeing Sasuke in the original Naruto series | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

Sakura is always the center of such heated discussions as one of the main characters. While Kishimoto’s version of the character is far from perfect, it’s not as flawed or unlikable as Studio Pierrot made it out to be in the anime. From the beginning, Sakura starts out on a rough note in the anime, as fans explained during a discussion.

Fans highlight how Sakura was sidelined from the get-go

At the beginning of Naruto,...

The most anticipated anime of 2024, Solo Leveling Season 1 was a commendable success, and now the series is getting ready for its second season. The second season is scheduled to be released in January 2025, and it will focus on the further development of Sun Jinwoo’s story and the other characters within the narrative.

Cha Hae-In from Solo Leveling | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Among the other characters, the one who is much awaited is Cha Hae-In, the only female S-Rank Hunter in Korea and the vice-guild master of the Hunters Guild. Cha Hae-In is one of the most important characters in Solo Leveling, who is majorly noted for being the love interest for Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of the story.

However, one of the biggest problems that hardcore Solo Leveling fans had with the series was that Chugong did not give much importance to Cha Hae-In’s character within the narrative. Thus,...

The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series has long been a topic of controversy as the sequel to the beloved Naruto series. While fans expected the continuation to honor its roots, the series has often stumbled in delivering on its promises. However, apart from the blatant disregard of its predecessor, another significant issue associated with its mishandling of key characters, most notably Sasuke Uchiha. Once a prodigy, now treated as an insignificant character!

Sasuke Uchiha in Boruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Despite being one of the most important and complex characters in the original series, Sasuke’s role in Boruto has been underwhelming and, at times, baffling. It’s really beyond comprehension as to how could a character so integral to the foundation of the ninja world be sidelined to the point of irrelevance.

The wasted potential of Sasuke Uchiha in Boruto

In Boruto, Sasuke Uchiha has been portrayed to spend over...

The mention of Masashi Kishimoto and female characters in the same sentence is enough to make fans frown, and The Last: Naruto the Movie reinstated that fear. Throughout the Naruto series, there are many memorable characters who can easily make it to the list of best anime characters of all time. With how good the male characters in the series are, the female ones miserably pale in comparison.

Ino Yamanaka in Naruto Shippuden | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

Even the good ones often get reduced to their physical appearances, as Kishimoto fails to write decent developmental arcs for them. This is exactly what happened with Ino Yamanaka. She is one of the few characters whose design post-Shippuden didn’t disappoint fans. Although, the same can’t be said about her character arc in The Last: Naruto the Movie.

Ino’s glow-up is easily the best out of all Naruto characters...

Writing a manga isn’t a cakewalk and this is especially true with Masashi Kishimoto’s series. From brutal serialization to frustrating edits, the process was nothing short of arduous. Like most mangaka, he experienced perils while authoring his series.

Amidst the backbreaking process, there were crucial moments that eventually shaped the course of his manga. This involved an unplanned approach involving his editors.

Interestingly, it had more to do with a character who wasn’t a part of his original plan. Only after Kishimoto’s editors pressured him, he conceptualized the character into the plot.

On top of that, the character is equally hated yet popular in the fandom for many reasons. But the mangaka certainly went the extra mile in terms of fleshing out the character through his literary brilliance.

Masashi Kishimoto’s unplanned character in the series

Masashi Kishimoto had an unconventional approach regarding most of his characters.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so in between present wrapping and chestnut roasting why not watch some anime? Despite Christmas having a markedly different cultural role in Japan compared to many Western countries there are a lot of shows that use it as a jumping off point. It’s a good opportunity for some heartwarming character moments, be they romance or friendship, and maybe a few antics involving presents or Santa costumes. So, for the twelve days of Christmas here are 12(ish) episodes from that are fun little additions to the season.

This is just Christmas episodes of anime series. This is because we all know that the ultimate Christmas anime movie is Satoshi Kon’s Tokyo Godfathers which should be immediately watched if not seen.

1. Aggretsuko (2018) “We Wish You a Metal Christmas”

Everyone’s favourite anime about adulting, this was a special episode taking place...

The holiday season is here which means there’s a pretty good chance that you’re either going to give someone a gift or receive one yourself — or both! Regardless, you might need some inspiration for what to give, and what better influence in the world is there than anime? This isn’t the only time of year for presents, and a few of these entries are centered around things that don’t have wrapping paper on them (but are just as important). So if you need a few ideas, or you just want to get into the spirit of giving, here are 10 great anime gifts that might seal the deal on this whole “holiday cheer” thing. Uenoyama Restrings Mafuyu’s Guitar Anime: given Related: How given Reminded Me of How We All Grieve in Our Own Way The restringing of a guitar previously held by an important person from...

Of all the fights in One Piece anime, Kuzan and Garp’s duel was truly cinematic. It was a spectacular fight with Toei’s brilliant animation and detailing and from flashbacks to foreshadowing, the series laid out key details.

But that is not all considering the plethora of anime that debuted this year. 2024 marked an era of new-age anime especially in the shonen genre.

Kuzan and Garp’s fight in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

From Dandadan to Solo Leveling, these five series have their iconic action scenes. Through their brilliant animation and action sequences, they easily match up to the iconic duel from One Piece.

1. Frieren and Fern versus Frieren’s clone – Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End wasn’t supposed to be a massive hit in the Shonen genre. This is especially true with the series being a gag manga initially. But most of...

The rivalry and the bittersweet relationship between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha have sparked endless debates, and the result might be positive, but one question continues to plague the minds of the fans—what if something had happened differently?

Sakura and Sasuke from Naruto: Shippuden. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

For instance, assuming Sasuke killed Sakura when he had the opportunity, would Naruto have been pushed to kill his former friend and comrade, or would his dedication to the no-killing ideal, his friendship, and the virtue of forgiveness have held him back?

This hypothetical scenario has ignited passionate discussions about Naruto’s limits and reactions under pressure. Let us delve into this topic and have a look at what fans have been debating upon, and the reasons for their ideas or scenarios.

Would Naruto Change After Sakura’s Death?

Naruto’s emotional outbursts in high-stakes moments can offer insight into his potential reaction.

During its successful run, Naruto gave fans many things to hold dear. While the flashy techniques were far out of our reach, Masashi Kishimoto created some cool aspects that could easily be replicated by fans. For instance, the famous Naruto run, hand signs, and the headbands.

However, with Boruto, many of these things lost their meaning. The sequel has been endlessly criticized for numerous reasons, and even after all these years, a new gripe arises every day.

Boruto tightens his headband during his fight with Kawaki in the anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

From nerfing fan-favorite characters to having a modern setting, Kishimoto made a lot of questionable decisions while transitioning from Naruto to Boruto. While all these changes are somewhat understandable as the focus had to shift to the new generation, the mangaka didn’t even leave the iconic headband alone.

Naruto fans wonder why Masashi Kishimoto made...

An entire generation of kids grew up watching Naruto and his arduous journey toward becoming the Hokage. Over the years, Naruto fans have not only experienced the heartbreaking deaths of beloved characters but also explored the darker aspects of the ninja world in depth.

Naruto vs Sasuke [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Besides the anime’s deep exploration of the shinobi world and the powerful Jutsu, Kishimoto also examined the complexities of morality. Through an intricate portrayal of the shinobi world and its powerful Jutsu, Kishimoto also examined the complexities of morality, leaving viewers mesmerized by the legendary mangaka’s narrative mastery.

In the realm of anime, very few female characters are as hated as Sakura Haruno. Though Sakura achieved remarkable feats by the series’ conclusion, much of her development can be attributed to the guidance and mentorship of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, showcasing the impact of her teachings.

Sakura’s remarkable growth...

Le Sserafim, the talented K-pop girl group, continues to make waves in the global music scene. Their hit song “Crazy” has officially surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, solidifying their status as one of the most popular fourth-generation K-pop groups.

Released on August 30, 2023, “Crazy” quickly gained traction for its powerful choreography, catchy melody, and captivating visuals. The music video showcases the group’s dynamic performances and stylish aesthetics, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Le Sserafim’s “Crazy” Reaches 100 Million Views: A Milestone Achievement

This milestone marks the eighth music video by Le Sserafim to reach 100 million views, further cementing their position as a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop industry. Their previous hits, including “Fearless,” “Antifragile,” “Unforgiven,” “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wife,” “Smart,” “Perfect Night,” and “Easy,” have also achieved this impressive feat.

Le Sserafim’s rapid rise to fame is a testament to their exceptional talent,...

While it may not be as glorious as Naruto, Boruto sure packs a punch. This ties in well with new generations and jutsu. Its blend of old and new is reminiscent of Kishimoto’s original series. The same goes for the transformations in the manga.

Of late, Naruto’s Baryon Mode is deemed one of the strongest power-ups. Through his amassing of Kyuubi’s chakra, Naruto defeated Isshiki Otsutsuki. Despite its formidability, it has its fair share of pitfalls. But there’s a solution to that as well.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Baryon Mode in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

An iconic yet powerful transformation from the original series deserves its much-needed comeback. Needless to say, the sequel highlights the comeback of several jutsu including Hiraishin.

With Two Blue Vortex’s reinvention of Rasengan, the series needs to bring back this overpowered ability. Not only does it outclass...

One of the biggest criticisms associated with Naruto is its poorly-written female characters. Here, bad writing is an understatement when it comes to side characters. Despite its rich lore, Kishimoto failed to add substance to female characters.

Besides Sakura and Tenten, the mangaka majorly failed Kurenai in more ways than one. Throughout the series, she was reduced to a glaring stereotype.

Shikamaru protects Kurenai from Pain’s attack | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Decades after the premiere, fanatics have a lot to say about her character. While most internet users objectify her, others criticize Kishimoto’s portrayal of her character.

Amidst all this, the mangaka highlighted Konoha’s role in failing its ninja. This also includes Kurenai along with several other jonin who sacrificed it all for warped notions of glory.

Kurenai’s vilification in Masashi Kishimoto’s series

Writing female characters isn’t Masashi Kishimoto’s best suit. But the mangaka...

As Naruto fans know, a large part of Masashi Kishimoto’s series is based around Naruto trying to save his friend Sasuke Uchiha from going down the path of darkness. As he was his first-ever teammate, Naruto took it upon himself to save Sasuke from all the trauma he went through, and when he decided to seek Orochimaru and leave the village, Naruto made it his mission to bring him back.

Naruto and Sasuke | Credit: Studio Pierrot

This, in a way, reflected their friendship and also Naruto’s ability to never give up on anything in his life. He knew that in his heart Sasuke was a wise character who was just blinded by the darkness of revenge, and if he could get deep into his heart, he might save him. However, because of this he and many of the Konoha members let Sasuke get away with the most heinous of crimes.

It is a known fact that writing romance isn’t Kishimoto’s best suit. The mangaka often gets flak for his writing of female characters, which is especially true with Sakura. It also ties well with his take on love stories.

Through his writing of love stories, he deviated from the norms of storytelling. Unlike most shonen, the couples and romances seem rather awkward. However, this couple’s dynamic makes perfect sense.

Temari and Shikamaru in a still from Boruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Be it Shippuden or the original series, the hero’s love story has been a raging debate. Among the fandom, people have relentlessly questioned the nature of their relationship.

And while it seems nonsensical for the most part, the mangaka’s hints and clues piece it well. It extends to his writing of romance and love in his story. In his manner of portrayal of relationships, Kishimoto presented a realistic approach.

On December 15, voice actor Ayane Sakura started streaming a web radio program "Daily Ayane Sakura - 100 Days to Become the Genius Takao Ameku" on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , and Amazon Music . This show is to promote the upcoming winter 2025 TV anime Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective , in which she is cast as the protagonist character, Takao Ameku. As its title suggests, the show is scheduled to run for 100 consecutive days. The anime's protagonist, Takao Ameku has two sides to her: a genius with a clear mind, superhuman memory, concentration, and analytical ability, and a weirdo who has difficulty communicating with others. In order to get as close as possible to her role, which is not a simple one, Sakura will be actively preparing in a variety of environments, including the studio, on location, and at home. You can submit your thoughts on the program and ideas for creating the role using...

The competition between Naruto and One Piece has been going on for almost 30 years now, and fans still have not been able to figure out which series is the ultimate champion of the anime and manga world. The two masterpieces have been compared on multiple aspects, and the results have been inconclusive, as both of them have their own plus points.

One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

However, the one aspect where One Piece beats Naruto is the portrayal of the female characters within the narrative. The development of female characters within the anime and manga industry has been a sensitive topic since the beginning, and Naruto is one of the biggest stories that has been criticized for unconventionally portraying them.

But that’s not the case for One Piece. Although One Piece has also received some hate for its female characters, the series has always made sure that it provides...

The big three of anime have always had an intense rivalry but the fanbases for Naruto and One Piece are always arguing about which one of the two is at the top. The arguments can get out of hand and both fandoms are notorious for being completely chaotic about their sides of the story. Naruto and One Piece are very different stories within the Shonen genre and are popular for well-deserved reasons.

Neither anime is without its faults, however, and those that might tip the scales in favor of either. True fans of either Naruto or One Piece can only recognize why the other is so popular and celebrate their differences. Sometimes the expansive world of One Piece can get overwhelming and Naruto fills that gap for them.

The protagonist of One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy. [Credit: Toei Animation]

While One Piece relies on repeating patterns to create the basis of...

Apart from menacing villains and shocking plot twists, Naruto often doesn’t get credit for its epic showdowns in the series. The original series was iconic in its outlining of badassery especially with the animation and battles.

Be it Sasuke’s fight with Gaara or Naruto’s fight with Neji, Kishimoto’s series reigned supreme for all the right reasons. But there is a fight that remains unmatched in terms of its legendary status.

Gaara in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

With the original series outlining goofy humor and light-hearted moments, it stands in contrast with Shippuden. The fight underlined this very aspect which makes it hilarious and enthralling to this date.

But what seems unjust for the most part is the franchise’s treatment of its characters. This holds relevance for the side characters in the series mainly Rock Lee who truly deserved more screen time and development.

The iconic series, Mobile Suit Gundam is often considered the foundation of the Mecha anime genre, and it has further expanded since then. However, despite its growing popularity, mecha anime is often perceived as formulaic, characterized by giant robots as tools of war and lengthy battles revolving around technological innovations.

Suzaku’s Lancelot from Code Geass | Credit: Studio Sunrise

Yet, Code Geass challenges this stereotype, presenting itself similar to a mecha anime but delivering a storyline that transcends the genre’s conventions.

Although the Knightmare Frames play a crucial role in Code Geass, they are far from the centerpiece of the story. In fact, since the beginning of its creative process, Code Geass deliberately distances itself from the label of a traditional robot anime, reframing the role of the machines entirely.

Knightmare Frames in Code Geass: Tools or Symbols?

Mecha anime has a long-standing tradition of emphasizing the centrality of robots in its narratives.

The most exciting part of Naruto was arguably its fights, and they wouldn’t have been nearly as fun if it wasn’t for the astronomical power levels. Whether it’s moving at the speed of light or teleportation, Naruto characters are capable of it all. Most characters in the series had interesting abilities that boosted their overall strength, for some it were the tailed-beasts and for others the kekkei genkai.

Kurama fights the Ten-Tails in Kcm mode in Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

While many characters had their impressive arsenal of deadly attacks, those with insane natural abilities stood out more. Fans on Reddit discussed the characters who were naturally the strongest, and while many names popped up, one clearly took the crown for being a menace.

The Introduction of Numerous Techniques Shook the Power System of Naruto Obito had the Sharingan in Naruto, which greatly added to...

Ai Yazawa left no stone unturned in giving us one of the finest series in the shojo genre. Often, the manga is praised for its aesthetic and eye-catching fashion along with its stellar visuals. But what isn’t lauded enough is a key aspect that would put Kishimoto’s series to shame.

Hachi and Nana in a still from the anime | Credit: Madhouse

The series is a breakaway from the cliche tropes of the shojo genre. Through its riveting premise and elements, it redefines the genre in more ways than one. As an avant-garde manga, punk rock isn’t the only rebellious thing about Yazawa’s storytelling.

That being said, Kishimoto could take a page or two to add finesse and more refinement in his writing of female characters, including Sakura. In that aspect, the mangaka failed miserably most times.

Ai Yazawa redefined female friendships in Nana

Nana stands as...

Since the beginning, the anime industry has been criticized a lot for the fan service aspect that has been a part of many different series. Out of those many different series, the two that have been actively talked about are Classroom of the Elite and Code Geass. While the two are completely different narratives, the only thing that connects them is fans’ hatred for oversexualizing characters.

Classroom of the Elite | Credit: Studio Lerche

In the case of Classroom of the Elite, the allegations are even worse as the series follows the story of students from Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School who are basically teens. However, with the series advancing towards new seasons, these narratives have become less and less sexualizing, which was an important fix on Classroom of the Elite’s part.

Thus Code Geass also might be able to fix their name just like Classroom of the Elite did.

Welcome to this week’s review of Aew’s, Collision, which brings wrestling back to Saturday nights! We’ve got the commentary team of Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness calling the action, so let’s get into the review!

Match #1: Continental Classic Gold League Match – Darby Allin def. Komander The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:

Darby Allin used a side headlock takeover right out of the gates, a great technician in his own right. Komander fired back with an arm drag takedown. Darby captured Komander’s wrist after Komander walked the ropes and cradled Komander for a near fall. Komander rallied back with a springboard moonsault to Darby on the arena floor. Komander blasted Darby with a thrust kick to the face. Komander jumped off the ring post with a forearm shot to Darby. Darby dodged a flip attack and rammed Komander into the steel post. Darby propped...

Masashi Kishimoto has written one of the most influential series in history with Naruto, creating an era of people around the globe recognizing anime as a creative form of storytelling. It became one of the blueprints of the shonen genre, inspiring other mangaka in return. Naruto is undeniably incredible with its high-stakes action, rivalries, and lore. However, Kishimoto is notorious for not doing his female characters justice.

The most glaring example is Sakura Haruno, who anime fans who haven’t even watched Naruto hate for no reason. Her arc lacks any development and she becomes reduced to a love interest for Sasuke Uchiha. However, Kishimoto’s flaw extends to other female characters as well.

Sakura Haruno from Naruto. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Though not hated or as slandered as Sakura, there’s a member of the Uzumaki clan that even Naruto has never met and it’s Kishimoto’s characterization of her that’s at fault.

Dandadan‘s popularity is soaring high with each passing episode. The anime has undeniably become the highlight of this fall anime season. Yukinobu Tatsu’s million-selling oddball manga may have only just begun its anime adaptation, but it’s already making a major splash.

With Aira’s misunderstanding and Momo’s jealousy over Okarun, Dandadan cranked up the romantic tension significantly last time. Dandadan has sparked plenty of debates, driven by fans’ high expectations for each new episode.

Aira saying goodbye to Acrobatic Silky in Dandadan. [Credit: Science Saru]

The growing popularity of Dandadan has brought an increase in criticism and fan opinions, leading to the tarnishing of some characters, with Aira sadly becoming one of the victims. However, the recent developments have sparked a cult following for Aira, which is unfortunately ruining the anime adaptation experience for several manga readers.

Aira’s Overhyped Attention: How Her Devoted Fans Are Undermining Dandadan‘s Story

Lately,...

From humor to drama, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has been embedded with almost every kind of genre that is needed to make the series successful. Every arc portrays a storyline that brings out a new kind of emotion that fans have never experienced before in One Piece. This is why it is considered one of the greatest narratives of all time.

One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

However, there is one aspect that Oda has vowed never to use in One Piece, and that is creating love interests between characters. Oda is strictly against the idea of brewing relationships and portraying romantic connections between two characters, especially the Straw Hat Pirates. It is also one of the major things that makes One Piece different from Naruto.

In Naruto’s case, Masashi Kishimoto made sure that romantic relationships hold a major significance within the narrative of the series. Not only that,...

This week on The Anime Effect: We recommend musical anime if your Spotify Wrapped left you wanting more, dream up lesser known sports anime and share our chat with writer and director Echo Wu! In our audio-only episode we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world including Creepy Nuts' creeping up the karaoke charts, Solo Leveling getting a LiSA opening song, and more! Episode 43 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 43 Summary In this week's audio-only episode, LeAlec is joined by Alex to discuss Lupin the 3rd 's upcoming movie and My Happy Marriage returning for another season, among other updates. Plus, we bring you an interview with Jentry Chau vs.

Voice actor Yui Makino , known for her portrayal as Sakura in Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and Mayu Sakuma in The Idolm@Ster Cinderella Girls , made her solo singer debut under her own name with her first single "Amrita" on August 18, 2005, releasing 15 singles, four original albums, one re-recorded album, and two mini-albums to date. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of her artist's debut on August 18, 2025, a commemorative project to celebrate the 20th anniversary has been launched and a special website has been set up . In the 20th anniversary visual posted on the site, Makino, wearing a gorgeous dress, lies on a giant keyboard in the motif of the “piano” that has been her partner throughout her life. "Looking back, it has been a very long 20 years," said Makino. "But along with the amazing speed, it has also been a concentrated 20 years. And now, when I look ahead, the road continues endlessly.

While he is often deemed as a double agent, Masashi Kishimoto’s writing of Itachi stands disputed. Barring his painful backstory, fans have criticized his decisions, citing a lack of a moral compass frequently.

And while that completely makes sense, the criticism goes overboard. This holds especially true with fans calling the character monstrous. Although his motives were linked with the trolley argument, Redditors were quick to rebut it.

Itachi Uchiha in a still from the Shippuden series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Of late, Redditors stood divided with the characters’ major follies in the series. From massacring the Uchiha clan to torturing Sasuke, his decisions prove detrimental to everyone around him.

In a twist of fate, Sasuke’s normalcy, despite decades of abuse, is attributed to Kishimoto’s writing. This also ties well to the mangaka’s romanticization of child soldiers; something that did not age well with today’s time.

From his speed to agility, Minato truly lives up to his notoriety of being Konoha’s Yellow Flash in Naruto. The Fourth Hokage not only invented cool jutsu but also revolutionized some of the greatest techniques in shinobi history.

This includes the Flying Raijin along with the forbidden Shadow Clone Jutsu. But when it comes to battle Iq, another character takes the cake in terms of wit and intelligence.

Fourth Hokage in a still from the Shippuden series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Even the Fourth Hokage doesn’t come close to this character’s legendary feats. But what is more interesting is the latter’s legacy in the anime franchise. His legendary feats are passed down to Boruto as well.

This Naruto character outshone Minato with his Battle Iq

One of the key aspects of Naruto that makes it a spectacular series is its power system and scaling. But other than that,...

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is arguably the most popular and best-selling manga, captivating fans around the globe for decades. Kishimoto introduces fans to the heartwarming story of Naruto, showcased as an orphan frequently shunned by villagers who viewed him as a threat.

Naruto Uzumaki [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Over the years, fans have not only experienced the heartbreaking deaths of beloved characters but also explored the darker aspects of the ninja world in depth. From the Uchiha Clan’s massacre to Obito’s traumatizing past, Naruto features its fair share of dark moments.

Among the many beloved characters, Sasuke and Minato are particularly favored; however, one lingering question is which character is faster, capable of rivaling the speed of lightning?

Can Sasuke Match Minato’s Lightning-Speed in Naruto?

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto secured its place in the “Big Three” with its incredible character designs, dynamic combat system, unforgettable dialogue, and countless epic moments.

Of all the arcs in the series, the 4th Shinobi World War left several fans devastated. From character deaths to tragic backstories, Masashi Kishimoto left no stone in turning his series into a complete cryfest.

Besides that, the arc featured some of the iconic and legendary battles. From Madara and Might Guy’s duel to Kakashi’s showdown with Obito, it was a complete treat. Still, Kishimoto may have faltered with what stands as one of the most important battles in the series.

Team 7 in a still from the Shippuden anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The mangaka’s decision to underline the last-minute development for Sakura screams superficial to this date. While her medical ninjutsu and taijutsu prowess stands unparalleled, the character’s sudden rise to glory seems inconclusive.

This is especially true after all the decades fanatics spent projecting hate and vilification onto the character. With one of the most crucial fights in the series,...

The Manga industry can either break or make a mangaka’s career. Sailor Moon is no exception to this especially when it comes to the mangaka. As one of the most popular and celebrated franchises, it had a breakthrough in the shojo genre.

It isn’t often that shojo series get their due acknowledgment and recognition compared to the rival shonen genre. And while the manga holds cult popularity, the author had several qualms about it initially.

Sailor Guardians in a still from the anime | Credit: Toei Animation

Naoko Takeuchi, like most mangaka, had a backup career plan which makes sense. The perils of the industry including the competition and brutal serialization aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

And while her qualms were valid, her doubts were thwarted eventually. Her series made a worldwide cultural impact on society and storytelling in the shojo genre. Not only that, it holds...

If someone mentions Naruto fights, a long list of adrenaline-inducing ones comes to mind. When there’s a competition to draw exciting fight sequences, Masashi Kishimoto is unrivaled. The fights in the series are never too long or unnecessarily drawn out, and it’s oddly satisfying to see the quick back-and-forth of powerful attacks.

While there are many wonderful fights throughout the series, the original Naruto stands out with its brutal ones. Seeing the young genin standing their ground against more experienced characters gives a boost to the already high levels of excitement.

Sasuke Uchiha in the Forest of Death episode in the original Naruto series | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

Speaking of fights in the original series, there’s a painfully underrated Sasuke fight that doesn’t get enough recognition for how well-choreographed it is. Interestingly, the Naruto arc that featured the fight wasn’t even a part of Kishimoto’s plan.

Despite its sheer popularity and acclaim, Naruto has an incorrigible blot. This is especially true with the female characters and their underutilized potential. But what ticks off the fans after decades is the incessant nerfing of female characters.

Be it Kurenai or Tenten, Kishimoto has severely failed his female characters. What’s more disappointing is that most of his characters harbor great potential. This holds especially true with Sakura and her Kage-level abilities.

Sakura Haruno in a still from the Shippuden series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

As a protégé of Fifth Hokage Tsunade Senju, her feats are often overlooked. Before her path to glory, the Team 7 member’s proficiency in Genjutsu is taken for granted.

To make it worse, Kishimoto nerfed one of her potent skills in the series which could’ve made her unparalleled. Her excellence and prowess coupled with her underutilized abilities point to the mangaka’s squandering of his characters’ potential.

One of the key highlights of the Naruto series is its portrayal of complexity. From pain and loneliness to grief and sorrow, it unpacked heavy emotions. It is this very complexity that makes it stand out from its contemporaries.

Kishimoto’s forte is his writing of diverse characters, especially with their persona. Their motives and ambitions outline different hues of the spectrum of characterization. This, however, is often lost in translation.

Team 7 after the Final Battle

A perfect example of this is Sasuke Uchiha being labeled as an edgelord by fanatics. More often than not, his intentions are grossly overlooked amidst the criticism. Recently though, most fans took to the Internet to clap back at the unjust criticism.

Through their highlighting of this brilliant detail, they also outlined the stark difference between the manga and the anime. This also ties well with Kishimoto’s finesse, which often gets underappreciated in the process.

Even before knowing the difference between what’s categorized as animation and what’s considered anime, I was watching anime movies and shows like Pokemon, Digimon, Beyblade, and Dragon Ball on Cartoon Network. Thanks to Animax, my mind was exposed to Captain Tsubasa, Cardcaptor Sakura, Detective School Q, Inuyasha, and Yu-Gi-Oh! As much as I’d like to claim that I grew up with the works of Hayao Miyazaki, Satoshi Kon, Katsuhiro Otomo, Mamoru Oshii, and Hideaki Anno, that’s not the case at all, as I came around to their masterpieces later in my life. In addition to that, I’m aware of all the popular stuff like One Punch Man, Death Note, One Piece, Attack on Titan, etc. So, I guess I can say that I am pretty familiar with the medium and the genres that exist within its boundaries. And yet, when I saw Kenji Nakamura’s Mononoke,...

Kakashi consistently ranks amongst the top characters in Naruto, and for good reason. He is powerful, mysterious, and humorous, a combination that can make anyone drool. But how was he as a sensei to Team 7?

While Kakashi is often considered a great sensei, on closer observation, you might find many faults with the logic. His greatest mistake stems from the fact that he treated the members of Team 7 unequally.

Kakashi Did Not Treat Team 7 Equally in Naruto Team 7 in Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The two biggest victims of Kakashi’s negligence were Naruto and Sakura. Naruto was admittedly an annoying kid, and both his classmates and teachers were done with him. However, as his appointed mentor, Kakashi should have paid more attention to the kid. Kakashi was also aware of his past as well as the fact that Naruto had next to no one, yet he always pointed out how inept Naruto was.

Almost every Naruto fan page has people brutally criticizing Kurenai for her battle against Itachi. In fact, the amount of trolling she has faced is second only to Sakura. But does she really deserve all those harsh words?

The main issue that fans have with Kurenai is that she dared to use Genjutsu against the Jesus of Genjutsu, Itachi. But was it really that huge of a mistake? Or just the best tool in her arsenal at the moment?

Kurenai Might Not Have Been Equipped With Enough Knowledge of Itachi’s Prowess in Naruto Kurenai uses Genjutsu on Itachi in Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Itachi’s prowess over Genjutsu might not have been well-known at the time that Kurenai had to face him in battle. Unless there were detailed reports on how exactly Itachi preferred to fight or defeat his enemies, Kurenai had no way of knowing that her Genjutu might not work on Itachi.

Aniplex of America announced during the Fate 20th Anniversary Showcase Live event in Los Angeles that the Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel movie trilogy will begin streaming on Crunchyroll next month.

The trilogy, consisting of Presage Flower, Lost Butterfly, and Spring Song, will be available to stream starting Dec 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Pt.

The movie trilogy will be accessible to viewers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Channel Islands, Malta, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, South Africa, and Latin America. Subtitles will be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with English-dubbed versions also provided.

The original Fate/stay night visual novel, created by Type-Moon, features three distinct story routes. The Heaven’s Feel trilogy adapts the third and final route of the Vn.

It is not a sequel to Unlimited Blade Works. Instead, each route explores the Holy Grail War from different perspectives, with Heaven’s Feel focusing...

The one allegation that Naruto’s creator Masashi Kishimoto has not been able to ward even after so long is the mistreatment of the female characters in the series. Be it Sakura or Tsunade, fans have always criticized Kishimoto for not giving enough importance to the female characters who could have potentially made the series even better than it already is.

Sakura and Tsunade from Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

One of the main female characters who is believed to be on the list of worst-written female characters is Hinata, the former heiress of the Hyuga clan. The background of Hinata made her look like an extremely powerful character who could have made a lot of difference in the series. And while she did have an impact on the narrative of Naruto, it still wasn’t justified according to her character development.

However, there was one other female character who had...

During the Fate 20th Anniversary Showcase Live event today in Los Angeles, Aniplex of America announced that the Fate/stay night [Heaven’s Feel] movie trilogy will be coming to Crunchyroll next month! Read on for everything you need to know about the upcoming release. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] The Movie trilogy Release Date : December 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Pt Territories : United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Channel Islands, Malta, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, South Africa, Latin America Sub : English, Spanish, Portuguese Dub : English The first movie in the trilogy Fate/stay night: [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower was released in Japan in October 2017, with II. lost butterfly released in 2019 and III. spring song released in 2020. Tomonori Sudo directed each of the movies at studio ufotable with scripts by Akira Hiyama and music by Yuki Kajiura. Crunchyroll currently streams other anime series in the Fate franchise, including Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] , Fate/Zero , Fate/strange Fake...

On Thursday November 21 2024, CBS broadcasts After Midnight!

Johnny Pemberton; Nichole Sakura; Matt Braunger Season 2 Episode 41 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “After Midnight” promises to be an exciting one, featuring a trio of talented guests. Comic Johnny Pemberton, known for his unique sense of humor, will bring his comedic flair to the show. Fans can expect plenty of laughs as he shares stories and engages in lighthearted banter with the host.

Joining Pemberton are actress Nichole Sakura and actor Matt Braunger. Sakura, recognized for her roles in popular television shows, is sure to bring her charm and charisma to the conversation. Her insights on acting and the entertainment industry will likely resonate with many viewers.

Matt Braunger, another seasoned comic, rounds out the guest list. With his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Braunger is expected to add to the evening’s entertainment. The combination of these three guests sets the...

Writing female characters isn’t Masashi Kishimoto’s best suit. Be it Ino or Tenten, the mangaka did a major disservice to the kunoichis. Not only that, but his misrepresentation of Sakura had fans hating the character for decades.

While it can be attributed to a case of bad writing, there’s more to it. The sequel isn’t exempt from this culture of wasted and misrepresented characters. This has most fans foaming at the mouth, especially regarding an iconic character.

Tenten in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Several fans deemed this Naruto character as underutilized, especially in the sequel. Not only that, Kishimoto botched most of his side characters from the original series. The side characters truly deserve their limelight and proper representation.

Boruto did a major disservice to this Naruto character

Apart from botched animation and lackluster art style, Boruto is criticized for its treatment of old characters.

For decades, Naruto has been a beloved series for all the otakus and weebs. The show gave us our favorite knucklehead ninja who continues to inspire millions of people worldwide. Most fans deemed Shippuden’s closure as the end of an era.

The series redefined the shonen genre through its compelling storyline and themes. From camaraderie to family, Kishimoto perfectly captured heart-rending moments. However, like most manga, he wasn’t exempt from blunders.

The Seventh Hokage in a still from the anime series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

As fans revisit the series, most couldn’t help but point out this major problem, which boils down to the mangaka’s hate for this character.

Kishimoto’s decision is something that stands incorrigible, especially with the series’ reputation. With most Redditors calling out the mangaka for his move, it seems that the sequel might be the only chance at redemption.

Fans accuse Masashi Kishimoto...