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Toei Animation is one of the top-tier animation studios in Japan that has produced some landmark anime. Be it Gegege no Kitaro, Mazinger Z, or Cyborg 009, the studio gave us some of the trailblazing series in the shonen genre.

Above all, though, they did a splendid job with Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus on the whole. For decades the franchise has sustained its legendary status and the studio might be a solid reason behind it.

Vegeta’s Super Saiyan Transformation in the anime | Credit: Toei

In particular, Dragon Ball Daima’s status as Toriyama’s final project is being treated with utmost care. To the extent that some say that the series is solely carried on by its impeccable animation.

And while this is partly true, Toei went above and beyond with the series. Be it lore or pacing, the anime proves to be a just and faithful adaptation.

2024 marked the 60th anniversary of Cyborg 009 : Shotaro Ishinomori's classic sci-fi manga which has received a variety of adaptations over the decades. In honor of the occasion, an exhibition will be held at the most perfect place possible: the Ishinomori Manga Museum! Cyborg 009 -9 Characters- will mark the Ishinomaki-based museum's 95th exhibition. Individual booths will spotlight each of the nine leads, and visitors can also peruse exhibits showcasing the appeal and longevity of the series. The exhibition will open at the Ishinomori Manga Museum from January 25 to April 6. Several other events will run during and in conjunction with the exhibition, including a birthday celebration for 002, Jet Link, from February 2-9. Special birthday postcards will be handed out, and a gacha machine will dispense special pins. Visitors to Ishinomaki can get the full Cyborg 009 experience by reserving a themed concept room at the Ishinomaki Grand Hotel. Each room...

Undeath is a band that does not seem cute and cuddly on the outside. Their extreme death metal sound would be something very much at home on the shonen battlefield. It may surprise you then, to learn that lead singer Alexander Jones tends to gravitate away from dark shonen series and actually loves silly rom-coms. He is probably the biggest Toradora! fan around. I was able to catch up with Jones between tours and before the band heads into the studio to record their next album to chat all about it! Read our discussion below to learn more about how he finds serenity in anime and metal, pushing boundaries, and his love of wistful openings and endings. Being on the road so much recently, you've had some time to watch a lot, but I'd love to go all the way back to the beginning and talk about how you really got started with anime.