Anime Buzz

The manga adaptation of Rokakoen's dark novel Shikkoku no Bojō (Pitch Black Affection) is set to begin serialization on March 4, and it will be illustrated by Kei Natsumi. Fans of mystery-horror manga and readers who enjoyed Natsumi's previous Higurashi-related work have reason to be excited: this adaptation promises a fresh visual take on Rokakoen's atmospheric tale. Below is everything we know so far about the project, the original novel, and what to expect from the manga run. Image via Amazon © Rokakoen Quick Rundown: What’s Happening Kei Natsumi will launch the manga adaptation of Shikkoku no Bojō in the next issue of Young Ace magazine on March 4. The original novel, written by Rokakoen, first appeared as a web novel on Kakuyomu in January 2022 and later saw a physical release in February 2022. This new manga adaptation aims to bring the novel’s tense atmosphere and emotional darkness to readers in a serialized comic format. About the Ori...

Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers episode 5 slams the brakes on slow-burn development and forces the series into a higher gear—right when you least want it to. This instalment pulls at the heartstrings by delivering a tragic, inevitable sacrifice, while also revealing a major twist about the franchise’s legacy. For fans of dramatic stakes, generational conflict, and the question of what makes someone human, episode 5 delivers memorable highs and a few structural stumbles that keep it from being flawless. ©SUNRISE Episode 5 recap: escalation, possession, and revelation Episode 5 escalates the central conflict by putting Ryusei—established mentor and bearer of the Crest of Fire—squarely in the crosshairs. The episode confirms that Ramaga, the major demonic force introduced earlier, personally poisoned Ryusei and engineered a curse that transforms him into a demon who must battle his friends. Rather than a throwaway casualty, Ryusei’s fall is staged with purpose: it...

The Darwin Incident Episode 5 Review: A Struggle for Rights In the latest installment of The Darwin Incident , episode 5 titled "The Struggle For Rights," viewers are thrust back into the intense atmosphere of Charlie's journey toward understanding his personhood and legal standing. The episode oscillates between dark humor and poignant social commentary, making it a complex watch that aims to dissect contemporary sociopolitical issues through a unique lens. Nonetheless, this episode takes a more subdued approach than previous entries, focusing on interpersonal dynamics rather than full-scale commentary. A Tense Opening: Negotiating Personhood The episode kicks off with a gripping standoff at the police station. Charlie, his family, and Lucy find themselves embroiled in discussions regarding Charlie's rights and personhood. This sets the stage for discussions that mirror real-life societal concerns about identity and humanity. Lucy takes a bold stance when she r...

Discover the Charm of "Dōkyo Shiteiru Kensei no Onna Shishō ga Kawaisugite Mainichi Shiawase Desu" Anime and manga enthusiasts have something exciting to look forward to with the television adaptation of "Dōkyo Shiteiru Kensei no Onna Shishō ga Kawaisugite Mainichi Shiawase Desu." This captivating series, crafted by author Kennoji and artist R_ringo, promises a delightful blend of humor and heartwarming tales. A Closer Look at the Storyline The Apprentice's Journey At the heart of this manga is Eugene Dawson, a young boy with dreams of becoming stronger. He trains under the renowned sword master, Liza Parsandora. Eugene’s journey is not just about mastering swords but navigating the quirks of living with his master. Liza Parsandora's Dual Nature Liza, with her exceptional strength, is Eugene’s guide. However, her clumsy demeanor in private life offers a juxtaposition to her powerful presence. Her endearing nature and inadvertent closeness create a c...

Episode 4 of Hell's Paradise Season 2 takes a bold narrative turn by pausing the ensemble momentum to dive deep into one character’s origin and temperament. Rather than spreading small bits of lore across multiple viewpoints, the episode anchors itself on Shugen and his immediate entourage, using intense, often brutal scenes to establish him as a compelling and dangerous force on the island. This focused storytelling choice pays off by clarifying motivations, escalating stakes, and setting up intriguing factional tensions for the episodes ahead. ©YUJI KAKU/SHUEISHA, TWIN ENGINE, MAPPA Episode Overview: A Character-First Approach Where earlier episodes balanced several POVs to build mystery and group dynamics, this installment slows down to let Shugen occupy most of the runtime. The tradeoff is effective: viewers receive concentrated worldbuilding and a full-length study of a major antagonist’s psychology. The episode uses quieter moments, ritualized behavior...

Nyoijizai's latest manga, Cinderella Athletes, reached its conclusion this week on Kodansha's Comic Days platform, bringing to a close a fresh and energetic sports-romance title that captured readers' attention since its debut in April 2025. With three compiled volumes released between June and December 2025, the series wrapped its narrative while reinforcing Nyoijizai's growing reputation for character-driven stories that mix athletic competition with heartfelt relationships. Image via Amazon © Nyoijizai, Kodansha Cinderella Athletes Ends on Comic Days The final chapter of Cinderella Athletes was published on Kodansha's Comic Days web app, marking the end of a concise yet impactful run. Launched in April 2025, the series steadily built momentum through its serialized chapters and three collected tankōbon volumes—the most recent arriving on December 10, 2025. The story combined sports elements with slice-of-life and romantic beats, delivering satisf...

The Latest in Duel Masters: An Exciting New Journey with "Duel Masters LOST: Oblivion Sun" The eagerly awaited anime adaptation of "Duel Masters LOST: Oblivion Sun" is set to take the fans on another thrilling adventure. Crafted from the genius of Shigenobu Matsumoto and Yō Kanebayashi, this third installment in the Duel Masters LOST series promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and mesmerizing visuals. Let's dive into what makes this anime a must-watch. A Sneak Peek into the Upcoming Anime The Official Promotional Video On Friday, the official website released the main promotional video for "Duel Masters LOST: Oblivion Sun." This tantalizing preview not only showcases the beautifully animated visuals but also gives fans a taste of Kashitarō Itō's enchanting opening theme song, "Ayakashi Ayashi." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYHTC2QyGTs[/embed] Key Details and Streaming Information The anime...

Wash It All Away’s fifth episode settles further into the show’s deliberate, laid-back rhythm, favoring quiet domestic effort over spectacle. Kinme’s overnight laundry scramble and a much-anticipated festival sequence anchor this installment, but the episode’s strengths and shortcomings both stem from the series’ commitment to a muted, low-key tone. Here’s a closer look at what works, what doesn’t, and where the anime might be heading. © Mitsuru Hattori/SQUARE ENIX,Kinishite Committee. Episode 5 recap: a race against the clock Episode 5 follows Kinme as she races to wash a mountain of moldy laundry overnight to prepare for the town’s festival. The initial half of the episode is a compact, intimate piece of storytelling that puts labor and routine front and center. As Kinme grinds through her chores in near-silence, the episode focuses on the texture of her effort rather than external drama. The latter half moves into the festival itself, but the payoff feels und...

Thunder 3: A New Dimension of Adventure Awaits! The world of anime and manga is perpetually evolving, constantly serving up fresh narratives that capture our imaginations. One of the most exciting recent announcements comes from Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Magazine , revealing the television anime adaptation of Yuki Ikeda's hit manga, Thunder 3 . With its captivating premise and engaging characters, this series is set to make waves in the anime community. Let's delve into what makes Thunder 3 a must-watch and explore the journey of its creation. The Plot: A Journey Beyond Dimensions At its core, Thunder 3 revolves around three seemingly ordinary schoolboys who stumble upon an unusual DVD. This DVD possesses a remarkable power—it acts as a gateway to a parallel universe. However, things take a dark turn when one of their friends, Futaba, accidentally activates the DVD, resulting in her abduction by extraterrestrial beings. The boys soon discover that their cartoonish fo...

In a tense fusion of military realism and human drama, the manga adaptation of Ryōe Tsukimura’s novel brings the harrowing survival of Japan’s First Airborne Brigade into sharp focus. Published in Young King Ours and recently localized in English via Orange Inc.'s e-bookstore "emaqi," this series centers on an elite paratrooper unit embroiled in a desperate fight for survival near the Somali border. Below we break down the story, creators, publication history, themes, and where to find the manga. Image via Amazon © Ikumi Fukuda, Ryōe Tsukimura, Shonengahosha Overview: What the Manga Is About The manga adaptation, illustrated under the penname Ikumi Fukuda, follows elite members of Japan’s First Airborne Brigade after an ambush during a search-and-rescue operation near the Somali border. When a woman fleeing civil war stumbles into their encampment, the soldiers must decide how to protect her while fending off relentless attacks. The narrative ...

If there's such a thing as an episode that runs almost entirely on vibes, episode 4 of You and I Are Polar Opposites fits that bill. The installment trades heavy romantic beats for a lighter, slice-of-life tone that leans into casual comedy and character-driven charm. While the plot advances in small, human moments rather than dramatic twists, the show’s chemistry and soft humor keep the episode engaging from start to finish. © Kocha Agasawa/SHUEISHA, You and I Are Polar Opposites Committee Episode Overview: Charm Over Conflict Rather than building tension or a major turning point in the relationship between Miyu and Tani, episode 4 opts for cozy scenarios that spotlight their compatibility through small interactions. The episode is split into three distinct segments—a study session, a convenience store run, and a festival date—each designed to highlight different facets of the characters' personalities and the series’ warm comedic tone. Wher...

Exploring the Depths of Emotion in Journal with Witch : Episode 5 Review Journal with Witch continues to enchant and provoke thought, demonstrating a mastery of narrative weaving that draws viewers deeper into its characters' lives. This week’s episode offers an emotional landscape punctuated with childhood memories, familial relationships, and the ever-present struggle with one’s past. With a community score of 4.8, it’s clear that episode 5 resonates well with its audience. Time as a Fluid Element The narrative structure of Journal with Witch deviates from conventional storytelling, entwining various timelines without clear transitions. This nonlinear approach serves as a metaphor for how past experiences linger in our minds, almost as though they are specters haunting our daily actions. Characters Makio and Asa reflect this phenomenon in their interactions, embodying the complexities of living in the shadows of recollections—some warm and tender, others dark and confound...

Unveiling the Magic: 'The Promised Clock Tower' Premiere at Berlin International Film Festival The enchanting world of Poupelle returns with a sequel that promises to captivate audiences at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. "Entotsu-chō no Poupelle ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~" (The Promised Clock Tower) is set to premiere in the Generation Kplus category, focusing on films for young audiences. This latest installment promises a wondrous journey filled with new adventures and beloved characters. A Starry Return with New Faces The sequel to the acclaimed "Poupelle of Chimney Town" brings both returning and fresh voices. Yuzuna Nagase steps into the role of Lubicchi, taking over from Mana Ashida. Fans can rejoice as Masataka Kubota reprises his beloved role as Poupelle. New characters breathe fresh life into the narrative: MEGUMI voices Mofu, Poupelle’s charming new friend. Fūka Koshiba as Nagi, a plant-turned-human, delights with a melodious v...

The manga My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1 (Level 1 dakedo Unique Skill de Saikyō desu) has been placed on hiatus due to the health of manga artist Mawata. The announcement from Monthly Shonen Sirius has left fans concerned but hopeful for a full recovery and a clear return timeline. Below we break down what this hiatus means for the series, summarize the franchise's origins, and suggest how readers can stay updated and support the creator while waiting for the manga's return. Image via Amazon © Nazuna Miki, Mawata, Kodansha, Kodansha USA Manga Hiatus: What We Know About Mawata’s Health Announcement Monthly Shonen Sirius announced that Mawata, the artist behind the manga adaptation of My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1, is taking a break for health reasons. The magazine confirmed the hiatus and stated they will provide updates once a return date is set. At this time, no specific timeline has been given; the decision appears to pr...

© 古橋秀之・別天荒人・堀越耕平／集英社・ヴィジランテ製作委員会 My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2’s episode 18 marks a tonal and narrative shift for the series: a welcome return of a fan-favorite vigilante collides with plot threads that are growing steadily more complicated. The episode balances quieter, character-driven moments with a tightening mystery about how “triggers” are being used — and who benefits from them. Below I break down the episode’s strongest beats, the surprise revelations, and what this all means for the rest of the season. Episode Recap: Familiar Faces and New Stakes Episode 18 reunites us with Knuckleduster, whose return immediately re-centers the show’s vigilante ethos. The first half leans into quieter, slice-of-life beats — a mixer set-up that plays with audience expectations — before escalating into a tense second half where the stakes and the series’ mythology both get a push forward. Small character moments coexist with bigger reveals, and the episode trades ...

Golden Kamuy Final Season Episode 54 Review: Unraveling Mysteries Golden Kamuy has consistently captivated audiences with its intricate narrative and deep character development. In episode 54 of the final season, the show takes a bold step in unveiling several long-standing mysteries while maintaining the engaging storytelling that fans have come to love. This episode may be less action-packed but succeeds in connecting emotional arcs and providing insight into character motivations. Let’s delve into the key moments and themes that make this episode a must-watch. The Big Reveal: Connecting the Dots The Return of Lieutenant Tsurumi Lieutenant Tsurumi has always been portrayed as a complex antagonist, driven by personal loss and ambition. In this episode, he reveals his connection to Asirpa's father, Wilk, which serves as a pivotal moment in the plot. Tsurumi’s quest for the Ainu gold is partly motivated by the tragic loss of his own family, and this revelation adds layers to h...