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The upcoming anime adaptation of Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court may not have a release date locked in, but its body-swapping heroines are back in new seasonal art every month! As July comes to a close, the upcoming light novel adaptation has shared its brilliant new art for the month. Check out Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu as they take a break from courtly intrigue to enjoy summer fireworks: Related: Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Anime Reveals Seasonal Art Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Teaser Visual Revealing Video Originally published beginning in July 2020 on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website, the T hough I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court...

Attack On Titan: Top 5 Titan Battles That Shaped The Series (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

Few anime series have delivered the kind of raw, overwhelming scale that Attack on Titan has brought to the small screen. Over its four seasons, the show evolved from a survival horror story into a full-blown war epic, packed with emotional character arcs and jaw-dropping battles. The series is named Attack on Titan, and most of its arcs revolved around humanity waging war against the giant creatures. However, not every fight in the series was a David vs. Goliath kind of battle. Throughout the story, these Titans fought amongst themselves, giving fans some of the most memorable moments from the world of Paradis Island.

But when we say “best Titan vs. Titan fights,” let’s be clear: we’re specifically talking about Titan-on-Titan combat. That means iconic moments like Levi’s battle against the Beast Titan,...

The TV anime adaptation of period fantasy / romantic drama light novel series Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court published a new piece of “birthday” character artwork by novel illustrator YukiKana. The artwork depicts main character Shu Keigestsu, whose birthday is on July 5. Originally published beginning in July 2020 on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website, Satsuki Nakamura writes the Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court light novels with illustrations by YukiKana. Ichijinsha releases the light novels under the Ichijinsha Novels imprint, with 10 volumes published in Japan since December 2020. A manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji began in June 2021 in Monthly Comic Zero Sum , with eight volumes released in Japan to date. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the English language version of the series as well as the manga adaptation with artwork by Ei Ohitsuji.

The TV anime adaptation of light novel series Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court revealed a new piece of “seasonal art” today depicting the main characters enjoying the rainy season. Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court rainy season art Originally published beginning in July 2020 on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website, the Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court light novels have Satsuki Nakamura writing with YukiKana providing illustrations . Ichijinsha releases the light novels under the Ichijinsha Novels imprint, with 10 volumes published in Japan since December 2020. A manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji began in June 2021 in Monthly Comic Zero Sum , with eight volumes released in Japan to date. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the English language version of the series as well as...

The TV anime adaptation of Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court published two pieces of “pre-swap” character art illustrated by series character designer Ai Kikuchi, depicting the main characters of Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu, respectively. Kou Reirin Shu Keigetsu Originally published beginning in July 2020 on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website, Satsuki Nakamura rights the Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court light novels with illustrations by YukiKana. Ichijinsha releases the light novel under the Ichijinsha Novels imprint, with 10 volumes published in Japan since December 2020. A manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji began in June 2021 Monthly Comic Zero Sum with eight volumes released in Japan to date. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the English language version of both the light novel and manga series. Related: Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of...

Do you remember what it’s like to first fall in love? And of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic love. It’s that thing you encounter or experience that stops your heart and shifts your entire world. Studio Mappa takes us right into the heart of that feeling in their latest original anime “Zenshu” from director Mitsue Yamazaki and writer Kimiko Ueno.

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Anime-directing prodigy Natsuko Hirose has achieved remarkable success with her first series. Many are looking forward to her next work: a coming-of-age cinema release focused on first love. This proves difficult for Natsuko, as she’s never fallen in love before. After an experience with a bad clam, she wakes up in the world of “A Tale of Perishing”, the dark fantasy movie that first sparked her passion for animation. She has also...

The official website and X (formerly Twitter) for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of the Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court light novel series created by Satsuki Nakamura (story) and kana Yuki (illustrations) posted a concept visual on April 30. The tagline on the visual reads: "On a night when a comet shone brightly, the fate of the two swapped." Concept Visual Related: Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Anime Adaptation Announced Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Teaser Visual Revealing Video Mitsue Yamazaki ( Zenshu ) directs the historical drama series, with Yoshiko Nakamura ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) in charge of series composition and Ai Kikuchi ( Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie ) providing character designs. Doga Kobo ( Oshi no Ko ) works on anime production.

An official website opened today revealed that a TV anime adaptation of Satsuki Nakamura and Kana Yuki's Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court light novels is currently in production at studio Doga Kobo ( Oshi no Ko ). Mitsue Yamazaki ( Zenshu ) directs the historical drama series, with Yoshiko Nakamura ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) in charge of series composition and Ai Kikuchi ( Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie ) providing character designs. The announcement was teased last week by The Apothecary Diaries producer Toho Animation. Further details, such as cast and release date, were not confirmed at the time of reporting. Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Reveal Video Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Teaser Visual Related: The Dark History of...

Ahead of Zenshu 's tenth episode broadcast next Sunday, the original isekai anime's official X (formerly Twitter) account today unveiled a brand-new visual featuring Natsuko in Luke's arms and a tagline that reads, "It's all your fault." Zenshu Climax Visual Related: Hesitant To Try Isekai? Watch Zenshu Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and she makes her debut as a director in no time. Her first anime becomes a massive hit, sparking a social phenomenon and earning her recognition as an up-and-coming genius director. Her next project...

Zenshu is a series about making anime, sharing many shonen anime traits without being classified as one. As an original story, it has the flexibility to shape its plot and characters freely. One surprising example is its hot springs episode, which avoids tired tropes and becomes a must-watch. The trip has been slowly built up, as hot springs are something Natsuko Hirose has missed from her old world.

Now that she’s experienced them, she has even fewer reasons to want to return. This episode moves several plot threads forward. The mysterious bird is finally addressed, and Unio finds a reason to let go of his jealousy towards Natsuko. However, Qj and Memmeln get little focus. Meanwhile, Natsuko and Luke Braveheart, despite their burdens, get a rare chance to enjoy life in their ruined world—if only for a moment.

Why Hot Spring and Beach Anime Episodes Are So Common...

For a little over a decade, Attack On Titan anime kept fans enthralled on the edges of their seats. A harrowing tale of loss, hardship, and survival driven by a compelling cast of characters left an impression on anime fans that people will be talking about for decades to come. While many believed the story was officially over, Hajime Isayama had always intended that the final two chapters in his epic tale be viewed as a continuous finale. Attack On Titan: The Last Attack was originally coming to North American theaters on February 10, 2025, for a single day only.

Fortunately, demand to see this movie has extended the run through February 13, 2025, and Aot fans will finally get a chance to see the iconic Rumbling and all that followed on the big screen. With a runtime of 145 minutes, this theater-worthy omnibus of Attack On Titan's final chapters comes to life spectacularly,...

The isekai genre has a tendency to feel both overwhelming and alienating. Its tremendous popularity means that we get roughly six million new series each season, stories about hapless people being reincarnated in another world and posited to fit some fantastical new destiny. Meanwhile, its typically strict adherence to a particular narrative arc dictates that if one doesn’t find something to latch onto with one series, they might just ignore the genre entirely. But if you’ve ever been curious about isekai, but hesitant (or unable) to find a suitable entry point for yourself, Zenshu might just be your saving grace. Animated by Mappa, with direction by Mitsue Yamazaki and stellar script composition by Kimiko Ueno, Zenshu concerns animator Natsuko Hirose and her journey from the real world (in which she’s a wunderkind in the anime industry) to the world of A Tale of Perishing. Perishing was Natsuko...

Anime original series aren't very common, and that's just one of the many traits that makes Zenshu stand out this season. Natsuko Hirose is a delightful protagonist who's strong characterization is enough of a hook to capture an audience. Plus, the series is relatable to anyone who's ever loved a piece of media that just wasn't successful. It's the story of what lengths a fan will go to in order to give the characters she loved a happy ending. Natusko is trying to subvert the story she loves for the sake of the characters in it. Even as she freely admits to not understanding the movie fully.

Natsuko already feels like she's friends with these characters because she loves them, but that isn't enough to form a real relationship. Instead, she has to put in the work to get to know them. She also has to save them from all the threats she faces.

Natsuko Hirose, the star of this season's Zenshu , can bring anything to life through the power of animation. And that apparently includes idols! In episode 4, Mappa's original isekai welcomes a very familiar voice in the form of an animated pop star. The blue-haired Ultimate Exister is voiced by none other than Mamoru Miyano! Check out his grand entrance and his original song in this new clip from the series: Related: Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano Shares New Song "Mayu" Lyric Video The insert song, "I am Ultimate Exister," is now available to on various streaming sites. The track will also be included on a bonus soundtrack CD included in the first Blu-ray of Zenshu , which will be released in Japan on March 26. If you can't get enough of Ultimate Exister, check out his character art: Related: Sou Shares Zenshu Anime Ending Song Music Video Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle...

The isekai genre of the anime industry has recently received a new addition in the form of the Zenshu anime series, which started on January 5, 2025. The series has only released a couple of episodes as of now, but even then, it has managed to make its presence known. One of the main reasons behind its fame is that it is directed by Mitsue Yamazaki.

Zenshu Anime Series | Credit: Mappa Studio

According to the second episode of the series, Natsuko is transferred to a legendary world based on an anime series she used to watch as a youngster. Ideally, she would have maintained her secret of being an alien to the world, but Zenshu breaks this cliché by making it evidently clear to the characters of the anime series where Natsuko is sent.

Yamazaki is known for working on many prominent series like Attack on Titan and Bleach. His contribution to...

The latest episode of Zenshu , Mappa's original series about an animator transported to the world of her favorite anime, introduces a new character to its once-doomed fantasy land. Can Natsuko and her special powers change this heroine's destiny? Manaka Iwami (Akane Kurokawa in Oshi no Ko ) will voice Destiny Heartwarming, who appears in the latest episode. Destiny is a brave and kindhearted girl who falls in love with Luke Braveheart. In the original story of A Tale of Perishing, Destiny is killed by the Void. What her fate will be with Natsuko now in the battle remains to be seen. Related: Band-maid Shares Zenshu Anime Opening Song Music Video Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection...

Lazarus, the upcoming anime series created by famed Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe and animated by Mappa has recieved an exciting new reveal of the series' setting, the city of Babylonia.

The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Lazarus posted the Babylonia City artwork reveal on Jan. 15, 2024. The art, seen below, features the city’s central tower, adorned with intricate, futuristic designs and crowned by a striking mechanical warrior, with the residential areas of Babylonia sprawling out behind it. The tower is marked by several colorful construction cranes, which have been seen in several teaser visuals as action settings.

Related 'There Were a Lot of Rejected Ideas': Attack on Titan Director on the Challenges of Creating Winter 2025's New Hit Mappa Anime

Attack on Titan episode director Mitsue Yamazaki breaks down the difficult process of developing an anime series based on an original concept.

Cartoon Network's Upcoming Lazarus Anime...

Major Shonen Jump rival Bessatsu Shonen Magazine has kicked off 2025 with a dramatic increase in sales. This achievement is owed in large part to the official debut of The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and A.I. -- a new spin-off manga that's part of a collaboration between Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama and Japanese voice actor Yuki Kaji (Eren Yeager).

Per Oricon, Bessatsu Shonen Magazine's February 2025 issue hit bookshelves in Japan on Jan. 9. Within the first few days, the publication's sales increased 2.5 times compared to the previous issue. Additionally, online editions of the magazine sold 1.7 times more. On Jan. 16, Bessatsu Shonen publisher Kodansha released an announcement attributing the sales surge to Hajime Isayama, who served as the storyboard artist for the aforementioned manga. The comic is part of a larger creative initiative conceived by Kaji, who has stated that he hopes to "change" the course of history by providing...

Mappa, the anime studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan, recently unveiled a new original IP called Zenshu. In a new interview, director Mitsue Yamazaki explained the true meaning of the isekai anime's title and the difficult process of creating a new concept from scratch.

Zenshu is a major creative undertaking for Yamazaki, whose filmography primarily consists of working on manga and novel-inspired anime such as Attack on Titan, Durarara! and Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun, among others. In an interview conducted by Animate Times, Yamazaki briefly describes the story of her latest project, which features a script penned by Kimiko Ueno. "The story is about a genius animator and new director Natsuko Hirose, who is reincarnated into the [fictional] animated film, 'Perishing Story,' which she loved as a child. [This] changes the fate of the characters in the film," she stated.

Related Today Is a Great Day for Attack on Titan...

Mappa has produced noteworthy hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man. Now, the studio has done it again with a brand-new original anime, Zenshu. Zenshu premiered as a refreshing twist on the isekai genre, bringing a compelling and unique protagonist to the center stage.

From the first moments of Zenshu’s first episode, it’s clear that the series is bringing forward a fun and visually eye-catching anime. The concept alone sets the stage for a journey filled with a mix of adventure, emotional depth, and brilliant action sequences. As new fans await what comes next, Zenshu is certain to become another of Mappa’s standout anime.

Zenshu Debuts With a Stunning First Episode Zenshu Quickly Catches Viewers’ Attention and Grows More Interesting

In the premiere episode, Zenshu introduces Natsuko Hirose, a rising star in the anime industry, struggling to meet the challenges that come with creating her first rom-com.

Natsuko is the star of the show, but Luke Braveheart steals the spotlight in the end. Featuring "Tada, Kimi no Mama de" by Sou ( ID: Invaded Op), a creditless version of original anime Zenshu 's ending song sequence is now available to watch below. Zenshu Ending Video Related: Zenshu English Dub Reveals Same-Day Release, Cast & Crew Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and she makes her debut as a director in no time. Her first anime becomes a massive hit, sparking a social phenomenon and earning her...

Production delays will only be a hurdle in Zenshu 's story, as the original series from studio Mappa joins the list of Winter 2025 anime with a simultaneous English dub release! The first episode streams on Crunchyroll from Sunday, January 5 with the below cast and crew. Zenshu English Dub Cast Natsuko voiced by Madeleine Morris Luke voiced by Ryan Negrón Unio voiced by Luci Christian Memerun voiced by Alexis Tipton Qj voiced by Derick Snow President voiced by C.J. Critt Haruko voiced by Kirsty Johnson Mayor voiced by Christopher Guerrero Baobab voiced by Linda Young Pegbar voiced by Celeste Perez Magical Girl voiced by Brina Palencia Veteran Episode Director voiced by Anthony Bowling Production Assistants voiced by Aaron Campbell, Corey Pettit Employee voiced by Joshua Waters Townsmen voiced by Ben Stegmair, Tony Kaku Townswomen voiced by Natalie Van Sistine, Katelyn Barr, Colleen Clinkenbeard Vendors voiced by John Burgmeier, Jeremy Schwartz...

2024 is coming to a close, and with it comes the end of another great year for anime. In addition to ongoing titles like One Piece, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, there were plenty of great new titles to watch like Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, so fans had plenty to choose from when it came to finding anime to watch.

2024 was a great year for anime, and 2025 is already looking to be just as good, if not better. Between the various anime that will be returning with new content and the new shows that have been drumming up hype since they were first announced, 2025 will be a great year for anime with how many high-quality and overall exciting anime are set to premiere starting from January 2025. A few new and returning anime stand out, in particular, and each one will surely...

Mono introduces a comedy-focused story with a tangible long-term goal for characters' actions through their interest in photography. Mono changes focus from Afro's previous work by exploring the complexities of photography, keeping slice-of-life elements while adding a new twist to its narrative. Afro's Mono provides a refreshing evolution in the slice-of-life genre with tangible stakes and goals, making it an absolute must-read manga, and setting the anime adaptation up for success.

Amid many iconic anime series in the slice-of-life anime genre, an upcoming top contender is Mono, which will be adapted by studio Soigne. While it shares similarities with one of the genre's kings, Laid-Back Camp, Mono's own strengths have given the series its own personality, and, more importantly, a structure that may improve upon what Laid-Back Camp began. Fitting, since both come from the same author, Afro.

Mono is a comedy-focused story, focused on a group of school girls who go out hiking,...

Exciting original movie by Mappa & Mitsue Yamazaki delves deep into the lives of animators. Highly experienced and talented staff working on Zenshu promises a special viewing experience. Unique romance story by Mappa explores an animator's struggle with love and creativity.

The director of multiple episodes of Attack On Titan: The Final Season Part 2 and Mappa are working together on a new original movie, titled Zenshu. This ambitious and colorful film will take viewers into the lives of animators, and how their favorite series are brought to life.

Mitsue Yamazaki, a veteran who was instrumental in giving the legendary apocalyptic anime Attack on Titan the fitting ending it deserves, is back working with studio Mappa for a theatrical release. The film was just announced, and the main staff and cast have been revealed alongside the synopsis.

The release date has not been confirmed yet, but the anime will have an exhibition...