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Naoki Urasawa is a genius when it comes to storytelling and creating villains. Both Friend from 20th Century Boys and Johan Liebert from Monster are regarded as some of the best antagonists in all of fiction. His way of connecting the plot after introducing completely new characters is fascinating, making every one he creates important to the story.

Wolfgang Grimmer | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Pluto is one of his works that is inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. He stated that he felt enormous pressure while creating the manga so much so that it began affecting his physical health. After he finished Pluto, Urasawa-sensei decided never to attempt anything like it again. Nevertheless, Pluto‘s fame even succeeds Astro Boy, a feat Naoki Urasawa never expected to happen.

Comparing Pluto with Astro Boy in terms of plot Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

Of course, every mangaka regards Astro Boy as the godfather of Shonen,...

From its well-written characters to its slice-of-life trope, Skip and Loafer is an appealing series. Especially when it comes to the representation of teen relationships.

As a popular seinen series, the manga was awarded Shogakukan. The series’ success extends to the anime as well, especially with its popularity. However, there’s a controversial backstory behind the series’ production.

Mitsumi Iwakura in a still from the anime | Credit: P.A. Works, Inc.

The voice actress Tomoyo Kurosawa’s approach to the anime was a bit contentious. This is especially true with her methods and techniques. As revealed in an interview, the actress’ method resonates with Mayumi Tanaka’s approach to One Piece. Safe to say, it did work out well in the end considering Tanaka’s relationship with the series.

Skip and Loafer Va opens up about her controversial method

Skip and Loafer is a slice-of-life, rom-com series written by Misaki Takamatsu.

Unlike shonen, which has something to offer to all age groups, the content usually featured in seinen series can be quite exclusive, even more so when a slow burn like Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is concerned. Yet, Monster has appealed to a substantial audience around the world. It has become a standard for many fans that most series fail to meet, simply because of Urasawa’s genius.

Johan | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Known for its excellence as a thriller, the series presents a wide cast of compelling characters. From the duality of Grimmer to Eva’s redemption arc, every character is fleshed out in a realistic way that is both believable and emotionally impactful. Among the many famous anime-manga series, Monster clearly sets itself apart with its distinctive traits.

Naoki Urasawa on His Intentions Behind Monster A still from the anime featuring Dr. Kenzo Tenma | Credits: Studio Madhouse

The mantle that...

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man may be a product of Japan, but is highly adored worldwide. Besides Csm, the mangaka is famous for Look Back and Fire Punch, which gained massive popularity for its unflinching portrayal of complex themes like trauma and human nature. Amid the dissipating release of Joker: Folie à Deux, which was expected to be 2024’s dark-themed masterpiece, fans should keep an eye on Fujimoto’s upcoming Look Back‘s theatrical release.

Credits: Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux / Warner Bros. Pictures

Mappa’s CEO’s admiration for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work and commitment to bringing every project to life underscores the mangaka’s extraordinary talent, which is truly beyond words. Indeed, Indeed, Joker: Folie à Deux‘s disappointing theatrical release has upset many Hollywood fans, opening doors for Look Back to make a significant impact on American theaters.

Joker: Folie à Deux...

Chainsaw Man is a celebrated and popular Shonen anime, known for its dark themes. The series underscores blood, violence, and gore. Moreover, it has a unique power system. It straight-up reminds fans of a slasher style, and also outlines a spectrum of relationships. From love to friendships, characters display complexities. However, there’s more to it.

Makima and Denji | Credit: Mappa

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s idea of love goes beyond absurdity. However, he took it to new extremes. In a post on X, the author shared his plans for a romance horror, which aren’t quite palatable. This is reflected in his works as well. Moreover, love is a far-fetched dream in his series.

Fans on X react to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s plans for a romantic horror manga

Tatsuki Fujimoto is a promising manga artist in the dark fantasy genre known for his notable work Fire Punch. Conversely, he rose to...

The current American presidential scenario very much replicates the worlds of One Piece and Hunter x Hunter. The people are going to use every opportunity to cast their valuable vote for the candidate; they seem ideal. The upcoming presidential elections are going to play a major role in the country.

A still from Hunter x Hunter. Credits: Madhouse

The subject of the ideal American president has been a topic of intense curiosity and concern among the citizens of America. With the voting tradition right around the corner, the people are reevaluating their decisions as the campaign for the candidates progresses.

However, every voter must hear these words by the mangakas of the two titles, which would compel every citizen to rightfully cast their vote. This was instead of choosing their candidate shaped exclusively by societal norms and practical considerations.

One Piece and Hunter x Hunter Influence The American Citizens Ahead...

Lewis Carroll's 1871 fable "Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There" features a notable scene wherein the young titular protagonist runs across a pair of whimsically dunderheaded identical twins while lost in an alternate dimension. The characters are named Tweedledee and Tweedledum and are based on numerous 18th-century folk poems variously attributed to John Byron, John Pope, and Jonathan Swift. In an early epigram by Byron, the two characters agree to have a battle but are startled by a crow, and forget to fight each other. It wouldn't be until the publication of "Through the Looking Glass," and John Tenniel's illustrations therein, that Tweedledee and Tweedledum would be depicted as identical twins. 

In Carroll's book, the twins reenact the Byron epigram and flee when a crow appears. Some might say that Tweedledee and Tweedledum represent easily distracted governments, or merely the capriciousness of children. Either way,...

The anime industry is thriving more than ever. With each passing year, it continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. While many anime fans hail Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece as the greatest masterpiece, Osamu Tezuka significantly shaped the key elements that continue to enhance Op’s compelling narrative.

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece | Credits: Toei Animation

After enthralling fans for over 25 years, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece narrates an epic tale of friendship and adventure, captivating generations of viewers. Undoubtedly, One Piece is regarded as the most influential anime with the largest fanbase worldwide. On top of the high-spirited journey in search of treasure filled with adored comedic references, the series covers serious issues such as racism, slavery, and even human experimentation.

Not to mention, Eiichiro Oda is celebrated for his exploration of the gray areas of human morality, along...

‘AI is dominating the future!’ We’ve all heard this phrase, but Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto brings this struggle to big screens. From thrilling action scenes to the emotional journeys of robots, Urasawa’s Pluto conveys an anti-war message and emphasizes the importance of peace. Naoki Urasawa is a prominent figure in the manga industry, hailed as the master of thrill and suspense by many anime fans.

Not many fans are aware of this, but Pluto draws its inspiration from one of Astro Boy‘s main villains. The legendary mangaka is responsible for several iconic titles, such as 20th Century Boys, Monster, Pluto, and many more.

Inspector Gesicht from Pluto | Credits: Netflix

Pluto follows the quest of an Interpol detective, Inspector Gesicht, and his investigation into the surprising death of the seven most advanced robots. Urasawa introduced viewers to a futuristic world in which humans and robots coexist, though within...

‘AI is taking over humanity’ We’ve all heard variations of this statement, but have you ever wondered how it will go down in the history books? Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto sheds light on this conflict, bringing it to big screens and captivating many with its portrayal of human rebellion against artificial beings.

Hailed as a master of thrill and suspense, Naoki Urasawa is a prominent figure in the manga industry. The legendary mangaka is responsible for several iconic titles, such as 20th Century Boys, Monster, Pluto, and many more. Urasawa already regards Pluto as one of their best work, which holds a special place in the mangaka’s heart compared to his other iconic titles.

Pluto robot | Credit: Netflix

Interestingly, Pluto draws its inspiration from one of Astro Boy‘s main villains. The anime follows the quest of an Interpol detective, Inspector Gesicht, and his investigation into the surprising...

In the vast and creative world of manga, Naoki Urasawa stands out as a master of concise and naturally woven narratives. Best known for his critically acclaimed works such as Monster, 20th Century Boys, and Pluto, Urasawa has established a reputation for consistently ending his manga series within a digestible number of volumes. This ensures a precise storyline without interruptions that readers would never get confused or bored by.

Dr Kenzo Tenma from Monster by Naoki Urasawa. [Credit: Madhouse]

Urasaw’s writing style contrasts several manga artists who tend to go on for longer than they should have, like Kohei Horikoshi and the 41 volumes of My Hero Academia. Even fans of the manga and anime argue that the storyline dragged on for an unnecessarily long time. While Horikoshi’s series was initially exciting and had a unique perspective of a hero world, it started to fall short of its vision. This...

Osamu Tezuka is one of the most important persons in the history of Japanese anime, which is defined as all animated content from Japan, and he is regarded as the father of Japanese anime. His works are considered nothing short of legendary and are still used as a source of inspiration for not only modern anime and manga but media in general.

Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

He won the right to be called the God of Manga, he popularized genres and revolutionized Japanese animation. A lot of fans consider Tezuka’s works like Astro Boy to be child-friendly or family-friendly content after watching the adaptations but they couldn’t be more wrong, as confirmed by another legendary author, Naoki Urasawa.

The problem with Astro Boy’s anime adaptation Retro Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

According to an interview with Crunchyroll in February 2019, 20th Century Boys and Monster author Naoki...

Ever since the manga industry was created, there have been quite a few manga creators who have managed to leave a legendary impact on the community. One of them is Naoki Urasawa, the creator of widely successful projects like Monster, 20th Century Boys, Master Keaton, Billy Bat, etc. Urasawa has been deemed by many as the best storyteller in the industry.

Monster by Naoki Urasawa | Credit: Studio Madhouse

However, one of his biggest works is Pluto, the dark interpretation of Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka. Astro Boy follows the story of a young android boy with human emotions who goes through different aspects of life and tries to make a place for himself in society. The story was a big influence on Japanese television and ultimately earned global fame.

After being influenced by Astro Boy, Urasawa decided to make it in his own tone and called it Pluto. The series...

Battle Shonen is something fans come back to watch or read again and again because it’s fun watching the main character power up and beat the sh*t out of the villains. Since its advent in the form of Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka, the series coming under this genre have a bunch of troupes that authors stick to.

Some of these troupes are way more popular than the others. For instance, fans are well-acquainted with the “Power of Friendship” troupe, in which the main character spontaneously gains a powerup after witnessing a friend suffer grave injuries or death at the hands of the villain. While troupes such as these define Shonen as it is today, some authors make the mistake of overplaying these troupes, making it “clichéd.”

Lucy and Juvia | Credits: Studio A-1 Pictures

One Piece is a battle shonen but different from the traditional ones. Yet, the...

The Dragon Ball manga is revered for its simple narrative and detailed illustrations. Even before Dragon Ball was serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump, series creator Akira Toriyama was already hailed as the “embodiment of illustrative sense” during the running of Dr. Slump.

That series already made Toriyama a multi-millionaire. In fact, Monster and 20th Century Boys author Naoki Urasawa read Dr. Slump and thought, “This might be the guy to raise manga to the next level.” Even Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezuka referred to Toriyama as his “heir apparent.”

Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

Even so, Toriyama admitted that there were still some skills that were out of his reach and he was shocked that a certain mangaka was able to do it. And that is the creator of Slam Dunk, Takehiko Inoue.

Slam Dunk creator’s one creative ability that surprised even Toriyama Goku and Vegeta | Credits: Toei Animation...

Yoshiyuki Tomino has always been straightforward with his answers. He never felt shy about answering something related to the Gundam franchise or the anime and manga industry. The 82-year-old mangaka created the first Gundam anime in 1979, which has turned into a multi-billion dollar franchise. People are massive fans of his works, but not so much of his words.

The anime and manga industry has changed for the good. It has gone mainstream and has attracted millions of overseas viewers. With digitalization’s help, manga artists can design their characters using computer graphics. Being a mangaka of the older generation, Tomino is dead against computers taking over hand-drawn characters.

Yoshiyuki Tomino Is Not A Fan Of Computer Graphics Yoshiyuki Tomino “The World of Gundam” at Opening Ceremony of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival

Computer graphics has the entire anime and manga industry within its grasp. While the old generation mangaka is shifting to digitalization,...

Popularly known for Mobile Suit Gundam and an extremely straightforward personality, Yoshiyuki Tomino ranks high among the important figures in the anime industry. His creation, Gundam, can easily top the list of the most influential anime of all time. When someone of his stature says something, it’s bound to draw attention, like a list of his favorite mangaka. Not only will it draw attention, but his opinion in this case will undoubtedly surprise some Naruto Fans.

A still from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack | Credits: Studio Sunrise

That’s right! Some Naruto fans will be surprised to discover that Masashi Kishimoto was nowhere to be seen on Yoshiyuki Tomino’s list of best creators. Even though Kishimoto himself is a huge fan of Gundam.

Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Top 3 is a Shocker for Naruto Fans Uzumaki Naruto | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

Yoshiyuki Tomino is always honest, sometimes brutal too.

Apart from the Big 3 of Shonen anime, Dragon Ball stands in a league of its own. With its exceptional writing and character design, Akira Toriyama’s manga influences several Shonen anime. Besides that, the anime highlighted several voice actors who later worked with Eiichiro Oda. One such voice artist is Mayumi Tanaka.

Krillin in Dragon Ball Super | Credits: Toei Animation

Before voicing Luffy in One Piece, Tanaka voiced several iconic roles in different anime franchises. Although her career spans fifty years, she reveals the obstacles while voicing Krillin. This included a vicious yet vibrant fanbase that highlighted the anime’s popularity and the generation gap.

The vicious yet vibrant fandom of the Dragon Ball franchise

Mayumi Tanaka voices the role of Krillin in the Dragon Ball series written by Akira Toriyama. Before landing the role of Krillin, Tanaka worked with several anime franchises such as Doraemon, Astroboy, and Perman. Although...

The world of Shinobis, created by Masashi Kishimoto, has been entertaining fans for a very long time. The tale of Naruto Uzumaki, although it might have ended, is still considered one of The Big Three, and there is hardly any other manga series that can be compared to the likes of Naruto. The series sits at the top of both the anime and manga industry.

Naruto Anime Series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

This is why the entire Naruto franchise, composed of manga, anime, and other aspects, is worth more than 10 billion dollars. It is one of the biggest franchises in the world, both in terms of monetary value and fanbase. However, the same cannot be said about its creator, Kishimoto, who has been working on the franchise since 1999.

Although Kishimoto is one of the biggest manga creators in the world who created a franchise worth billions, his net worth is quite...

Humble Beginnings and Steady Growth Japanese animation has been around since the very early days of film. The oldest known animated filmstrip from the country is believed to have been made around 1907, and the oldest theatrical piece of Japanese animation dates back to the year 1917. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that anime started to shape itself into what it is today. Around this time, shows like ‘Astro Boy’ and ‘Sally the Witch’ featured characters with big eyes, and cartoonish yet realistically-proportioned designs, which would become general hallmarks of anime. Japan would continue to produce animated series for decades to come, and the unique elements present in them would attract a worldwide fandom. However, in English-speaking countries, including the United States, it would be quite a long time until anime got the mainstream recognition it has now. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.

Reminiscent of the outsized Chinese box office success once enjoyed by a certain genre of Hollywood movie – think “Expendables 3,” Pacific Rim” and “Transformers: Age of Extinction” – some Japanese anime films are now earning more in China than they are in their native Japan.

Last year, “Suzume” (pictured above) earned $117 million in China, coming in ahead of the film’s $104 million total in Japan.

And this year, Oscar winner “The Boy and the Heron,” despite its late release in China, enjoyed Middle Kingdom gross revenues of $109 million, dwarfing that of Japan, where the film was received more tepidly and earned only $57 million.

The scale of the China theatrical market has occasionally thrown up other examples of outsized success — in 2016, “Dangal” earned $190 million in China, compared with its already huge $77 million in India; the same year “Bad Genius” earned $41 million in China, compared with its $3.3 million in its native Thailand; Luc Besson...

100-Year-Old Anime Discovered in Japan - Main Image

In what is no doubt a big discovery for the world of anime, a new report revealed that a 100-year-old anime has been discovered in Japan.

As reported by Nhk World-Japan recently, this anime dates back to 1923 – over 100 years ago.

While it’s not an anime series or movie in a typical sense, it proves that the history of animation in Japan dates back to much older times than many think.

When you ask anime fans about the first anime, chances are that they’ll mention titles from the 50s or 60s.

That’s accurate when it comes to modern anime, but this discovery may have big effects on how anime’s history is viewed.

Century-Old Anime Discovered in Japan

Recently, Nhk World-Japan (the Nhk’s English-language arm) aired a segment about the discovery of an anime that was made in 1923.

This anime is titled Dental Health,...

Before diving into My Hero Academia Season 7 we kicked things off with four recap episodes ( My Hero Academia: Memories ). This has allowed us to reminisce about everything that’s happened so far. Thinking about the early days of Izuku Midoriya doing everything he could to prove that “Deku is the name of the hero” got me thinking about all the anime openings from the series and how they’re the perfect way to show the shift from “kid with a dream” to “kid facing the harsh realities of that dream.” To me, anime openings tell a story, working as a preview of what to expect from the series you’re about to watch. Whether it’s through the visuals or the lyrics (whether we realize it or not when we first watch it), anime openings are a big component of the anime-watching experience. Related: My Hero Academia Season 7: Where to Watch,...

In a world where Superhero Cartoons and Disney features dominated the TV scene, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z helped anime to make it into the mainstream. While anime and manga were already introduced in the United States, and shows like Astro Boy or Voltron were already popular, it wasn’t until Toriyama’s Dragon Ball successor came about that anime became a staple part of popular culture and helped lay the foundation of the current anime frenzy.

Dragon Ball Z

And as the series turns 35, fans remember the late Japanese manga artist and character designer, and hail Toriyama for forever changing the entertainment industry with his revolutionizing work.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z Turns 35

Goku in a still from Dragon Ball Z

It was on April 26th back in 1989 that Dragon Ball Z first debuted on TV screens across Japan. While its journey from Japan to the USA...

It's been more than two decades since Naoki Urasawa started publishing a manga based on a story arc from Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy. Urasawa changed many details in his reinterpretation, but his new version of the story has been capturing the public imagination since its first issue in 2003.

Now the reinterpretation has been interpreted again – as an animated series. And it turns out, it's really, really good.

So What's The Story?

Pluto takes place in the aftermath of a massive war involving both humans and robots. Now the world is at peace, and thanks to new laws (and programming) it's been eight years since a robot has killed a human. Robots are also now granted equal rights.

When a powerful, famous, and beloved war hero robot is found destroyed, Europol robot detective Gesicht is sent to investigate. As the bodies start piling up, Gesicht realizes that he may be...

Shojo anime don’t always get the same visibility as shonen, so when studios announced reboots of beloved classics like Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You and long-overdue adaptations of popular shojo manga like A Sign of Affection , shojo fans like myself no longer felt like we were inside an echo chamber. Lately, it feels like the industry is finally acknowledging the demand for women-targeted content. Seeing an influx of shojo anime adapted from newer manga and light novels in the last year has been a treat. We’re already off to a strong start in 2024 with A Sign of Affection and The Demon Prince of Momochi House , so witnessing what’s been dubbed in the community as “The Shojo Renaissance” fills me with excitement for what else may follow after these shows’ success. As we celebrate our wins, we should look back at the beginning and understand why...

“Over the course of his career, legendary mangaka Osamu Tezuka adapted many of Shakespeare's works. Shakespeare Manga Theater collects these adaptations into one volume. The book includes the following: The Merchant of Venice (1959), Robio and Robiette, Macbeth, Hamlet, The Taming of the Shrew, and Othello. Shakespeare Manga Theater is sure to be popular not just with Tezuka fans, but also provide a fun and useful educational tool for schools interested in presenting Shakespeare in a format that is easier for readers to engage with.” (Ablaze)

Regarding theater, almost no author is more prolific than William Shakespeare. It can be said that when it comes to manga, Osamu Tezuka is also one of the most well-recognized artists ever to tackle the craft. “Shakespeare Manga Theater” by Osamu Tezuka combines the work of these two great artists to create an anthology of works that is both unique and memorable, if not a...

Imagi Crystal, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Imagi International Holdings, is making its debut at Filmart as it expands into sales and distribution.

Its inaugural slate includes Due West 2: Tokyo Adventure, an erotic film starring Hong Kong’s first adult-video actress Erena So.

Christopher Sun, director of 2011’s 3D Sex And Zen: Extreme Ecstasy and producer of 2012’s Due West: Our Sex Journey, will direct alongside Terry Cheng. Justin Cheung (Breakout Brothers franchise) co-stars in the film, which is backed by Imagi Crystal.

The Hong Kong-based company has also picked up international sales rights to Golden Boy, starring Louis Cheung...

Image via Dragon Ball Official Twitter Today, the official Dragon Ball website announced the passing of legendary manga creator Akira Toriyama, known worldwide for bringing fans the masterpieces of Dragon Ball , Dr. Slump and more. He was 68 years old. A transcript of the statement posted on the Dragon Ball Official Website follows: "Dear Friends and Partners, We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68. It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that...

Episode 3 of Crunchyroll Presents: 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 3 Summary Nick, LeAlec, and Leah welcome Polygon’s Eic and co-host of The Besties podcast Chris Plante to dissect findings from “The Anime Opportunity." First, they discuss the new Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth game , Pokémon Day reveals and which side of Missouri is the “right” side? All that and more, only on The Anime Effect . Topics Discussed in Episode 2 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete Tower of God Season 2 One Piece English Dub Solo Leveling documentary True Beauty Viral Hit The End of Evangelion Pokémon Legends Z-a Pokémon Tcg Pocket Polygon's "The Anime Opportunity" Study Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!

Anime power-ups are a trope as old as time, bringing excitement to the heat of battle, freshness to the hero (or villain) and their attacks. They also teach young readers and viewers that through training they can grow bigger and stronger — or in the case of Luffy's Gear 5 in "One Piece," they can turn into cartoon chaos gods.

Ever since "Astro Boy" introduced the idea of characters with different levels of power, authors have tried to introduce new and cooler ways to have their characters evolve. Mecha shows like "Mazinger Z" had their giant robots gain upgrades over time. "Sailor Moon" and other magical girl anime added their own spin with the guardians getting boosts to their power while also getting shiny suits. "Digimon" had evolutions that gave characters physical transformations. Of course, there's the seminal anime power-up — the Super Saiyan form from "Dragon Ball Z." Inspired by Bruce Lee,...

(Welcome to Ani-time Ani-where, a regular column dedicated to helping the uninitiated understand and appreciate the world of anime.)

Listen, I love anime and the endless possibilities of the medium. Unfortunately, much like how Hollywood is mostly inundated by uncomplicated four-quadrant blockbusters that get tiring after a while, anime, too, is inundated with uncomplicated action-centric titles that cater to a mass audience. There's a reason the vast majority of anime shows are about teenagers, which is fine but it means that anytime a show comes out that deals with adult characters and mature themes it is worth paying attention to.

So imagine how thrilled I was to find out that there was an anime adaptation of a manga by the guy who gave us the anime equivalent of an HBO prestige drama — and it is based on a story by the man who created anime as we know it.

That anime is "Pluto.

January is here and Hulu is rolling out the red carpet all month long! The streamer is heading into the new month (and the new year) with several specials, including the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Special, and “The Golden Bachelor” wedding special, “The Golden Wedding.”

But Hulu will also debut several major new series and films, including its all-new murder mystery series “Death and Other Details” and the new Marvel series “Echo,” which will be available to watch on both Hulu and Disney+.

See The Streamable’s top picks for what’s new this month, and find out everything coming to Hulu in January!

30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Hulu in January 2024? 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Special | Tuesday, Jan. 2

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates its new class...

As the aftereffects of the writers’ and actors’ strikes hit streaming in a big way, there’s not a lot of new content to offer subscribers early in 2024. Hulu still has some interesting things to offer in January, though.

The biggest new Hulu Original series in the new year is Death and Other Details, a locked room murder mystery starring Mandy Patinkin as Rufus Cotesworth, who is said to be the world’s greatest detective – at least in this universe. In the new series, Cotesworth comes to the rescue when an unfortunate soul is killed on lavish Mediterranean ocean liner, and he has to team up with the prime suspect (Violett Beane) to solve the crime.

The big Original movie premiere in January is Self Reliance, which follows a middle-aged dude (Jake Johnson) who gets randomly invited into a limo by Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andy Samberg, and is soon offered...

What better way to kick off 2024 than with plenty to stream? Hulu will have just that in January. When it comes to Hulu Originals, Mandy Patinkin and Violett Beane‘s Death and Other Details premieres, as does the film Self Reliance starring Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, and Andy Samberg. Plus, Disney+ original Echo will be available to stream on the platform. Also coming to the streamer are The Mummy and Home Alone films, Fox premieres and the Emmys the day after air, and much more. Hulu has plenty of titles coming in January 2024. Check out the full list below and all of the titles leaving the platform by January 31. Available This Month on Hulu: January 1 Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024: Special Premiere Pokemon Sun & Moon: Complete Season 20 Pokemon Ultra Adventures: Complete Season 21 Pokemon Ultra Legends: Complete Season 22 Walker, Texas Ranger: Complete Seasons 1-9 After Earth,...

Pictured: Hulk, The Mummy, The Karate Kid, Kung-Fu Panda

A New Year means lots of removals from Netflix and January 1st is looking busy, with over 100 movies set to leave the service already. Below, we’ll be keeping track of all the Netflix departures for the first month of 2024.

First, a few housekeeping notes as to how Netflix removals work before we dive in. Due to licensing agreements, shows and movies added to Netflix aren’t added forever. Instead, they’re essentially rented for a fixed period. All the shows below have their current window on Netflix ending and will likely be bound for a rival streaming service.

We list titles slightly differently from other outlets, with our listings being the actual day of removal. If you want to watch any titles scheduled to expire on January 1st, for example, you’ll need to watch by the end of December 31st.

(Welcome to I Didn't Know What Seasonal Anime to Watch, So I Asked /Film for Help and They Gave Me a List, a regular column dedicated to helping choose what anime shows to watch each season.)

At last, we've come to the final anime season of 2023. This has been a tremendous year for animation -- one that saw streaming produce some stone-cold masterpieces, some exquisite international collaborations, one of the greatest anime seasons of all time, the end to a cultural phenomenon, and also plenty of fresh discoveries and original stories. After the fall 2022 season saw an astonishing number of certified bangers (including many of that year's best shows), 2023 wasn't too far behind. It was hard to pick just five shows from this season, as there was something for every type of fan. In the end, however, there were five shows that simply stood above the rest.

So, before we...

Based on the homonymous manga series by Naoki Urasawa, which, in its turn, is based on Osamu Tezuka's “Astro Boy”, specifically “The Greatest Robot on Earth”) story arc, “Pluto” fosters one of the most intricate stories we have seen lately in an anime, with the author reinterpreting the story as a suspenseful murder mystery, in a style that will remind many of another masterpiece of the category, “Monster”.

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The series follows an alternative format, since, instead of 24 20-minute episodes, it is streaming on Netflix in 8 episodes that range between 56-71 minutes. The story revolves around Europol robot detective Gesicht in his attempts to solve the case of a string of robot and human deaths around the world where all the victims have objects shoved into or positioned by their heads, imitating horns. As the story progresses, it is revealed...

One of the most notable criteria that establishes a work of art as classic in the true sense of the term is its lasting relevance through different periods of time, which can also be achieved by the scope of reinterpretation provided by the creator as well. Known as the “Father of Manga,” Osamu Tezuka’s masterpiece Astro Boy has proven to be such a piece of art that retains a timeless essence at its core—something that has inspired artists for the last sixty years. The story of Atom, a superpowered android kid whose humanity is his greatest asset, captivated fans of all ages, but most importantly, another legendary mangaka, Naoki Urasawa.

As they say, greatness inspires greatness, Urasawa decided to put his own grim-dark, mystery spin into retelling the most significant story arc of Astro Boy, known as ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth’—and thus, Pluto was created. A tale,...

Pluto, the new series on Netflix, is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki. The series is based on an arc in Osamu Tezuka‘s classic manga Astro Boy, but is a standalone story that can be enjoyed by viewers new to the franchise.

“Pluto” brings us back to the purest tradition of Japanese anime in the subgenre that perhaps has brought it more success: the futuristic dystopia.

Here we have a story that explores the coexistence between humans and robots, who start getting murdered.

Welcome to this dark world of detectives and robots, creators, and above all, many secrets to unveil.

Eight episodes to discover the universe of Naoki Urasawa and the already legendary Osamu Tezuka if you haven’t already.

Welcome to the world of Astro Boy.

Plot

Pluto is set in a future where robots live and work alongside humans.

Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy" birthed manga, and in turn, anime, as we know these mediums today. Manga author Naoki Urasawa has said that the "Astro Boy" arc "The Greatest Robot on Earth" was the first comic he ever read. Enter "Pluto," Urasawa's reimagining of that story, now adapted itself into an anime mini-series distributed by Netflix.

I'm only tangentially familiar with Tezuka's original manga, essentially a sci-fi "Pinocchio." In a futuristic world where robots are commonplace, young Tobio Tenma dies in a car crash. So, his scientist father creates a robotic replicant of his son. The result is the android superhero Astro Boy. "Pluto" fills in the basics of this backstory but doesn't dwell on them, for "Atom" is just one player in a larger story.

Across the world, someone is killing both the most advanced robots and the human scientists who built or advocated for them. At the...

Sci-fi animes have always pushed the boundaries of the genre by introducing revolutionary concepts through some of their timeless ventures. When it came to narratives revolving around AI, the journey started way back in the 1950s, when trailblazing entries like Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy paved the way for nuanced, complex storytelling—something that iconic entries like Plastic Memories, Ergo Proxy, and Ghost in the Shell have brilliantly utilized. The complicated notions regarding the sanctity of life, identity crises, and the essence of humanity in conventionally ‘unnatural’ creations have most often found their way into AI-related anime narratives, and the recently released Good Night World is another such example.

The AI scare is prevalent in the current climate now more than ever, and the discussion demands a more understanding gaze instead of an idealistic or purely logical perspective. In that regard, the presentation of the near-omnipotent sentient AI, Black Bird,...

“An adaptation of the Faust legend as a samurai period piece. Ichirui Hanri is an ordinary accountant servicing his lord. Though innocent, he is sentenced to death by hara-kiri after being entangled in a power struggle. A witch named Sudama appears and offers Hanri three wishes in exchange for his soul. Hanri accepts. Is it worth it?” (Ablaze)

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One of four titles from Ablaze Manga that is acting as a celebration of Osamu Tezuka’s works, “One Hundred Tales” is the first to hit print, set for a November 21, 2023 release, and is available digitally through Azuki.

Immediately striking when reading “One Hundred Tales” is Tezuka’s comedic wit, which gives an otherwise contemplative story of personal redemption and endearing playfulness. While there are some era-specific jokes, none of the humor feels dated, despite the original release date of 1971. Additionally,...

As anyone who even mildly enjoys anime knows, it’s an exhausting medium for fans to keep up with. Back in the olden days of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, American anime releases were mostly confined to whatever Toonami or a few other cable channels were playing, along with the odd DVD release. Now? At least 20 new series start up every month for fans to watch, due to the advent of streamers like Crunchyroll and HiDive which premiere new shows as soon as they air in their native Japan. That’s not even getting into the new anime series that are exclusive to Netflix, Adult Swim, or other streamers, making staying on top of everything new in the anime-sphere increasingly impossible.

It doesn’t help that there aren’t that many resources or recommendations available. Anime has boomed into a massive industry in the United States, with massive, very active...

The final episode of Encounters, Lights over Fukushima, is a blend of scientific evidence and the testimonies of people who have been a part of the incident. This Netflix original explores the events surrounding the hundreds of UFO sightings in Fukushima, followed by the nuclear plant meltdown. The beliefs of certain people in Japan regarding the shining lights in the sky being the souls of the people who passed away stand strong to date. The conflict between some traditional beliefs in Japan and the scientific and historical evidence stating otherwise has been exhibited in great depth. Encounters Episode 4 is an amalgamation of several points of view and beliefs of people regarding the strange aerial occurrences, presented skillfully by Yon Motskin. Let us dive deep into what the experts and the believers have to say about the occurrences!

Spoilers Ahead

Were the sightings associated with the extraterrestrial?

Encounters Episode 4 begins with...

Phoenix is one of the most distinguished and extensively expanded works by the legendary mangaka and father of anime, Osamu Tezuka, alongside his notable creations like Astro Boy and Princess Knight. Created in the 1950s, it is notable for its complex subjects as well as its vast breadth. Rather than telling a single plot, Phoenix tells a series of self-contained stories set throughout history, from the Stone Age to the far future.

The title ‘Phoenix,’ the mythological firebird supposed to provide perpetual life, connects all of the stories. While the stories vary in genre and tone, they all address similar themes such as immortality, rebirth, reincarnation, and what it means to be human.

Phoenix: Eden17 Key Visual (credit: Disney+)

“Phoenix: Eden17,” an anime adaptation based on the manga, was announced by Studio 4°C. It will be the fourth anime series adaptation of Tezuka’s manga, following “Phoenix: Yamato/Space Chapter...

The so-called video game movie curse has become a particularly dated term perpetuated by the internet. Sure, plenty of bad adaptations that don't do their original game properties justice or even make for worthwhile viewings exist. Yet, labeling every single rendition as terrible is unfair. In the hands of a good creative team, translating the world of gaming to film can be done well. Look no further than Gisaburo Sugii's action-packed anime feature “Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie.”

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Gisaburo Sugii's career in anime goes far back, including involvement in the original “Astro Boy” show. He would, along with Kenichi Imai, write the screenplay of “Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie”. The now-defunct animation studio Group Tac would be tasked with animating, while Toei would distribute. For its overseas release, the feature would be distributed by 20th Century Fox with an English dub.

First up comes Shakespeare Manga Theatre from the legendary Osamu Tezuka.

The first of 4 titles from the most famous manga pioneer to join the Ablaze catalog.

Another new series joins the Ablaze Manga catalog with the English language debut of Gannibal, a terrifying manga horror series by Masaaki Ninomiya, on which the acclaimed Hulu TV show is based.

Also launching comes The Agent, a full-color supernatural crime thriller by writer/creator, Mathieu Gabella, and artist Fernando Dagnino.

A new release by the acclaimed Italian creator, Zerocalcare, also debuts in November with the release of The Armadillo Prophicy.

The graphic novel was the creators first release and depicts a deeply personal story of how he coped with learning too late that a dear friend from his childhood had died, all while a giant armadillo represents his imaginary conscience.

Action fans will not want to miss Versus Fighting Story Vol. 1-2 Collected Set.

This post contains spoilers for "Oppenheimer."

"Oppenheimer" is now out in theaters. Directed by Christopher Nolan with his go-to man Cillian Murphy in the leading role, the film chronicles J. Robert Oppenheimer's involvement in the Manhattan Project from its build-up to its aftermath.

The film doesn't show the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it does condemn them. All onscreen U.S. military and political higher-ups are gung-ho that the bombings be carried out and downright flippant about the loss of life in Japan. When Oppenheimer despairs that he has blood on his hands, President Harry Truman (Gary Oldman) eyes him with disdain and calls him a "crybaby."

Whether the bombings were justified or not is a debate that will rage far into the future. What's undeniable is that the loss of life left a scar on Japan. They hold the unique distinction of being the only country to...

Even more anime is coming to Netflix as the company announces its remaining premiere schedule for 2023. Included in the bunch are a new “Pokemon” series, the final season of “Beastars,” and even a new “One Piece” series.

At Anime Expo, the world’s largest streaming service showcased its diverse slate of upcoming anime and live-action adaptations during a panel called “From Japan to the World.” The announcements included fan favorite shows “Pluto” or the final season of “Beastars” as well as news and talent appearances for “Pokémon Concierge,” and its live-action adaptations of “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” and “One Piece.”

Sign Up $6.99+ / month netflix.com Live-Action ‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ Streaming Aug. 3, 2023

“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is the latest J-Content to hit Netflix. This horror/comedy tells the story of Akira, who works at an abusive company where he suffers endless late hours,...