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Popular anime streaming platform Crunchyroll, which is used all over the world, has had yet another disaster. The streaming platform has been accused of stealing and redistributing fan mail that belonged to David Wald, one of the most prominent English Voice actors in the industry. The issue came to light when Wald shared multiple tweets accusing Crunchyroll.

Crunchyroll | Credit: Crunchyroll

According to the voice actor, Crunchyroll and Funimation opened their private fan mails, threw out the letters, and distributed other special items among their employees. This is a major accusation considering Crunchyroll is one of the biggest streaming platforms in the world, with over 15 million paid subscribers as of 2024. Not only that, the platform has also produced many prominent anime series and movies under the banner of “Crunchyroll Originals.”

Wald’s tweet explained how he never got any mail and included items that had been sent to him in the last five years.

For over a decade, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been the undefeated king of MyAnimeList (Mal). On the site’s Top-Rate Anime section, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood sat on its throne as the top-rated anime by users and was never usurped. Despite the barrage of new shows that have been massively successful like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer, no other anime, not even One Piece, has managed to dethrone Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from its right spot. However, now times have changed and a new contender made its presence known.

The Elric brothers in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. [Credit: Studio Bones]

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War just began its Part 3 and fans have already voted for it a lot on Mal. So much so, Part 3 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has surpassed the undefeated Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. A decades-long worth on its throne only to be knocked down a step by Bleach. In 2023, it went...

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has switched gears by raising the stakes significantly. The duo of Boruto and Kawaki has become the central focus and the gradual progression is hyping fans up for the final showdown. While the manga is progressing at a steady pace, the anime went on an indefinite hiatus without any updates on its potential return. There’s still some skepticism among fans about the quality of the story.

A panel from Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga | Credits: Viz Media

The manga has improved some aspects of its prequel that could make the potential anime adaptation into a fascinating experience. To placate the fans’ doubts and get recognized as a worthy sequel to Naruto, Two Blue Vortex Anime needs to beat a record set by Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.

Records Set By Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War that Could Benefit Boruto Ichigo Kurosaki | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

The wait is finally over! The third season of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has just released its first episode, sending waves of excitement throughout the anime world. With a rating of 9.7 from a major community poll, this episode even topped the insane amount of hype coming from Dandadan (9.3). However, amidst all this ruckus, there’s been a surprising twist that has put some people into debate!

Ichigo from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credits: Studio Pierrot

In this season’s premiere episode, an astoundingly long 9 minutes were devoted to a recap sequence, which gave some viewers a feeling of unnecessary hangover. Was this flashback a mistake of direction or an intentional narrative choice? While breaking down the episode, every fan asks what brought about such a creative decision and how exactly it affected the episode.

Was The 9-minute Recap Scene a Bit Too Long For This First Premier Episode? Yhwach from...

In an interesting development, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has dropped to not second but third rank in MyAnimeList.

The series, which has long held the top spot, was first dethroned by Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End in 2023, which took the crown and pushed Fmab to second place.

The recent premiere of the third cour of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War on Oct 5, 2024, has further impacted the rankings, propelling Bleach Tybw to the second position and pushing Fmab to third.

Despite its history of quick comebacks, Fmab is facing a tougher challenge this time, as Frieren solidifies its hold on the number one spot.

At the time of writing, Fmab holds an average rating of 9.09, Bleach Tybw is rated 9.11, and Frieren leads with 9.33.

Fmab is a Japanese anime television series adapted from the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga series by Hiromu Arakawa. Produced by Bones, the series is directed by Yasuhiro Irie, written by Hiroshi Onogi...

3rd October might feel like a normal Thursday for any human being, but for Fullmetal Alchemist fans, this day holds a special significance. This date carries a lot of meaning behind it, especially for Edward and Alphonse, who are known in the anime world as the Elric brothers and play the role of protagonists in the Fullmetal Alchemist narrative.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Credit: Studio Bones

Fullmetal Alchemist tells the story of a world where both Edward and Alphonse lost their mother due to sickness and decided to bring her back using alchemy. However, things take a wrong turn, and Alphonse loses his body, and Edward loses parts of it in the process. Later on, the two decide to find the Philosopher’s Stone and bring back their old selves.

Fullmetal Alchemist is considered one of the greatest narratives of all time, and it even got adapted into two different anime series.

Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer has become one of the most wanted Shonen series of the new generation that has taken the world by storm. The series was first released in 2106 and received an anime adaptation, which has become a massive name in the anime industry as well.

A still from Demon Slayer. Credits: Ufotable

The story is set in the Taishō period in Japan, which features great historical accuracy, and next-tier animation quality just added to the popularity of the show. Hence, some members of the Otaku community even called the title the very definition of peak fiction.

However, it looks like Gotouge-Sensei’s magnum opus might not be an original idea, as an influencer shared how the mangaka might have been inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist. Though the statement sounds crazy, once the fans see the uncanny resemblance between the two titles, they can’t unsee it for the rest of eternity.

Nearly ten years after the second season’s conclusion, Noragami fans will finally get the continuation they’ve longed for. Recently, Studio Bones, the creative force behind beloved titles like My Hero Academia and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, announced a sequel to Noragami. And with this news, the whole anime community is over the moon right now.

Yato from Noragami | Credit: Studio Bones

Not only Noragami, The studio’s latest endeavor, the newly established Bones Films Co. Ltd, is designed to also focus on other anime sequels like Vanitas no Carte, and many more. With this new development, Studio Bones’ legacy, and the broader anime industry, are expected to thrive thanks to ambitious projects like these.

Studio Bones’ Bold Expansion: A New Chapter for Anime Production

In an interview with a German Outlet a month ago, Studio Bones’ co-founder and director, Toshihiro Kawamoto, explained the motivation behind the new studio’s formation,...

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was one of this year’s biggest anime that left fans captivated by the depressing journey of the elven mage. Not to forget, the Season 2 announcement is making waves online, leaving several fans eagerly anticipating the return of the Elf mage.

Following Season 1’s immense success, Madhouse will be returning to animate the sequel. Sadly, for now, when we’ll reunite with Frieren, Fern, and Stark remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting the production studio to drop the release date.

Frieren Beyond Journey’s End | Credit: Madhouse Studios

Regardless, Frieren’s popularity among the community is no joke, as Season 1 not only took over the internet but surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in ranking. Thanks to Season 1’s several notable achievements, many fans are praising the anime as the ‘Lord of the Rings‘ of the anime industry.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Claims the Crown with Just...

The fan-favorite elf mage is set to return, as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 receives the green light for production. The announcement was made at the show’s anniversary event, where the official staff shared an announcement visual and Pv to confirm the news.

Frieren’s popularity among the community is no joke, as Season 1 not only took over the internet but surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in ranking. Following Season 1’s immense success, Madhouse will be returning to animate the sequel. However, for now, when we’ll reunite with Frieren, Fern, and Stark remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting the production studio to drop the release date.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | Credit: Madhouse Studios

The anime’s first season started in September 2023 and aired until March 2024, concluding with “The Journey to Ende Continues” message.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Officially Confirms Season 2 Production

Written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe,...

As a follow-up to the longer interview we did with From First to Last singer & guitarist Matt Good, we are pleased to bring you a list of their most influential and favorite anime! This list features picks from Matt as well as guitarist Travis Richter. Read ahead and discover your new obsession or be reminded to do a rewatch of a classic anime in a whole new light! After that, be sure to check out their newest single at the end of this article! Travis Richter’s Anime Influences Demon City Shinjuku Image via Amazon Prime " Demon City Shinjuku was one of the first anime films I watched as a kid and it completely warped my brain. He’s got this wooden sword that’s spiritually blessed to destroy demonic energy and travels around a demon-invaded Tokyo. The anime felt like a fever dream-like reality." Akira " Akira made me fall in love with anime.

Everyone knows at least one person who wants to join the world of anime but its vastness is far too intimidating to let them dip their toes in the water. What is the best genre? What is the best length? Is the world-building too difficult? Such questions are asked time and again by those who want to get into the world of anime. While many of these have subjective answers, it is common for people to resort to either Death Note or one of the Big 3.

Ryuk and Light in Death Note | Credit: Madhouse

Classics hold their name for a purpose. Dragon Ball, Naruto, Death Note, and many more are works that may not be perfect but they have an impact on so many people’s lives. It is not out of the usual to start with such anime. However, they can give a rather botched idea about what exactly Shonen as a genre is.

The 2000s were one of the best decades for anime and a highlight was Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa. Studio Bones has adapted the manga twice in two different series, one of them being Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. While this particular series was more faithful to the source material, it still had its flaws. The changes made were subtle but one of the most notorious faults was the condensing of major arcs.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood condenses volume 15 of the manga, one of its most impactful arcs, into just one episode. The Ishvalan War of Extermination, episode 30 of Brotherhood, ends up being the only episode out of 64 that covers the arc. Fans have agreed that the manga is undoubtedly better at dealing with this arc.

The Arc That Deserved a Better Adaptation The Ishvalan War of Extermination arc in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. [Credit: Studio Bones]

The manga dedicates considerable time and attention to the Ishvalan War.

Renowned for its complex characters, and storyline and as one of the best anime of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is in a class of its own. The anime encompasses complex themes such as racism, war, politics, etc.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. [Credit: Studio Bones]

One such complex theme is “equivalent exchange”, which in the context of the show means, sacrifices are necessary and shortcuts come at a great cost. It governs the physical and moral universe of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

The equivalent exchange rule of alchemy is the only rule that must not be toyed with anyone who challenges it has to suffer the consequences. Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist, suffered those consequences during the final arc.

In the aftermath of the final battle, Roy, who had lost his eyesight to equivalent exchange, decides to regain it through the use of philosopher’s stone. Although justified in the series through Riza Hawkeye, this moment still irks many fans.

In the 2000s, Studio Bones twice transmuted Hiromu Arakawa's manga "Fullmetal Alchemist" into anime. The second series, "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," is more faithful to the source material (it helps when you have the whole story to adapt). That said, it makes changes too. Much more subtle changes than the 2003 "Fullmetal Alchemist" series, but changes nonetheless, from creating new villains to condensing the story. In particular, "Brotherhood" crams volume 15 of the manga — one of its most impactful arcs — into episode 30: "The Ishvalan War of Extermination."

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is set in a steampunk version of 1900s Europe where alchemy is a real science. The main setting is Amestris, an expansive imperial state at war on all sides and ruled by a military dictatorship from within. Alchemists can become State Alchemists ("dogs of the military") to receive grant funding in exchange for answering a call to arms when requested.

The flashback...

"A lesson without pain is meaningless. That's because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it, he shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart... a Fullmetal heart."

These words spoken by Edward Elric capture the soul of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," which is based on Hiromu Arakawa's manga series, "Fullmetal Alchemist." Perhaps one of the most life-affirming, transformative anime experiences to date, "Fma: Brotherhood" plunges us into the fictional country of Amestris, along with the mysterious, convoluted art of alchemy that constantly propels people towards the true cost of coveting something precious to them. 2009's "Fma: Brotherhood" isn't the only adaptation to exist, as an anime titled "Fullmetal Alchemist" was produced by Bones and helmed by Seiji Mizushima in 2003 (comprising 51 episodes), but the former is undoubtedly considered to be the better, more faithful version by fans of the franchise. There's still plenty to love about the original anime; however,...

Even though the anime concluded over a decade ago, Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist ranks among one of the greatest titles in the community. From splendid visuals to enthralling storytelling, the anime has dominated the peak of the famous anime ranking list for over a decade.

Hiromu Arakawa introduces viewers to the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, and their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone. Undoubtedly, Fullmetal Alchemist is considered one of the best anime in the seinen genre, captivating many viewers with the brother’s heartwarming journey.

Alphonse and Edward Elric, our two protagonists from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Credit: Studio Bones

Sadly, Hiromu Arakawa faced a lot of criticism from fans for the controversial Fullmetal Alchemist‘s epilogue. Interestingly, the legendary mangaka once shared that her original plans for the anime could have changed the entire storyline dramatically.

Fullmetal Alchemist’s Author Reveals Untold...

While Fullmetal Alchemist has now become an international phenomenon and also used to be MyAnimeList’s highest-ranking title for well over a decade, its success was anything but a mere coincidence. However, Hiromu Arakawa, the creator behind this infinitely popular dark fantasy series, initially doubted the amount of success it would actually get.

Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Credits: Studio Bones

Arakawa believed Fullmetal Alchemist would fade out at a mere two volumes! And this certainly was the biggest misunderstanding of her life, as she saw that the manga could not even get a second colored volume.

Hiromu Arakawa Assumed The Later Volumes Of Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Would Not Sell Well Alphonse & Elric | Credits: Studio Bones

In a resurfaced interview, Hiromu Arakawa said that she originally felt Fullmetal Alchemist would never take off beyond the first few volumes. She indicates that after the first issue came out in color,...

After years of being the top-ranking series, Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood stands as the second-most popular anime in My Anime List. Its predecessor anime, Fullmetal Alchemist, was also a great adaptation (but it included anime-original episodes).

The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime did not have a lot of material to cover since the manga was still ongoing. Thus, the staff decided to include fillers as well as an anime-original villain and ending to conclude the series on a positive note. In an interview, Arakawa revealed just how much she was involved with the anime’s production.

Hiromu Arakawa Trusted the Anime Staff with Fullmetal Alchemist Fullmetal Alchemist | Credits: Studio Bones

In an interview regarding the release of the 2017 live-action movie Fullmetal Alchemist, Hiromu Arakawa was questioned if she gave any directors to the cast or directors about the film. Arakawa admitted that while she had checked the submitted script, she...

Hiromu Arakawa is a gem in the world of story-telling. While she wasn’t always a writer, she has a variety of works of all genres that resonate with the heart. Famously, Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the most classic anime and manga, and it’s a must-watch for anime fans, old and new. For this, fans have embraced her as one of the best mangakas out there.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. [Credit: Studio Bones]

Arakawa has the ability to blend sharp plots with complex themes and even more iconic characters. The Elric brothers are one of the best duos in the history of anime. But is Arakawa’s creativity limited to the world of alchemy? Her library includes history drama to her very own autobiography with equally vibrant art. It’s time to highlight and explore those works.

1) Hero Tales (2006 – 2010) Hero Tales by Hiromu Arakawa. [Credit: Studio Flag]

Hero Tales by Hiromu Arakawa tells the tale of Taito Shirei.

Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist is considered one of the best anime and manga due to its beautiful inclusion of several genres in a single series. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is also the second most loved anime series according to My Anime List.

However, after years of the series’s conclusion, a new controversy regarding the franchise has hit the anime world. According to the rumor, author Hiromu Arakawa received poor treatment at the hands of a scriptwriter during the production of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime.

The Rumor Regarding Hiromu Arakawa’s Mistreatment During Fullmetal Alchemist‘s Production Fullmetal Alchemist | Credits: Studio Bones

It all began when Manpuku Jinja, an anime creator, posted on X claiming that Hiromu Arakawa had to face insults from a scriptwriter for Fullmetal Alchemist. According to Jinja, he had heard that during the anime adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), the author was included in the script meetings.

The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, though interesting at first, had to digress from the plot and had a non-canon ending. Next came Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, the anime remake that more or less adapted the whole story by Hiromu Arakawa.

However, one problem still persisted: the plot was still not adapted completely. Brotherhood did show the ending constructed by Arakawa, but there were several arcs that were either shortened or changed. According to fans, Brotherhood failed to be a true adaptation in its hurry to catch up to what the previous anime didn’t cover.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Failed to do Hiromu Arakawa Justice Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood | Credits: Bones

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood has been the highest-rated anime on My Anime List for a long time, and anime-only fans love it to no end. But only readers of the actual manga know how much Brotherhood skipped on the original arcs. Brotherhood has...

Even though the anime concluded over a decade ago, Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is still heralded as one of the greatest titles in the community. The anime features the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, and their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Credit: Studio Bones

From splendid visuals to enthralling storytelling, Fullmetal Alchemist has captivated several fans to the beloved series. Not to forget, it has dominated the peak of the famous anime ranking list for over a decade, highlighting its immense popularity among fans. Hiromu Arakawa is celebrated for her iconic characters; however, there’s one character in the series with whom she feels the strongest personal connection.

Fullmetal Alchemist‘s Creator Shares Deepest Personal Bond with a Character

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is arguably one of the most recognized shonen series in the anime community. With only 64 episodes, the anime...

Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the best anime of the 2000s. For a long time, it was the highest-rated anime on IMDb because of its compelling narrative. Hiromu Arakawa did a spectacular job building one of the best setups ever with the Elric Brothers trying to bring back their mother from the land of death. But Arakawa was always conscious about her gender when she published the manga.

When Fullmetal Alchemist began its serialization, the anime and manga industry was dominated by the Big Three of anime. All of them had male writers, and somehow, Arakawa thought that fans mostly preferred male manga artists. She knew Fullmetal Alchemist was a gender-neutral anime and could be enjoyed by all. Even after that, she took the initiative to change her pen name to resemble a man.

Hiromu Arakawa Did Not Want Fans To Neglect Fullmetal Alchemist Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Credits: Studio Bones...

Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist ranks among one of the greatest titles in the anime community. Only a handful of anime have left a lasting impression on the viewers and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is still heralded as one of the best out there.

Alphonse and Edward Elric, our two protagonists from Fa: Brotherhood | Credit: Studio Bones

From splendid visuals to enthralling storytelling, the anime has dominated the peak of the famous anime ranking list for over a decade, highlighting its immense popularity among fans. Hiromu Arakawa introduces viewers to the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, after a disastrous attempt to resurrect their mother. The mangaka is highly respected for her compelling narrative and engaging plot; surprisingly, Arakawa’s favorite panel from the series never made it to the big screen.

Hiromu Arakawa’s Favorite Manga Panel Was Left Out of the Fullmetal Alchemist Anime

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood...

Ever wonder about who could be the greatest villain? Hiromu Arakawa, mangaka of the Fullmetal Alchemist series, pointed to the Star Wars franchise. She claimed that Darth Vader was the greatest villain for her. This statement has sparked considerable discussion among her fanbase.

Darth Vader | Credit: Lucasfilm

Her manga has sold millions of copies worldwide. It’s also regarded as a masterpiece that has ranked #1 on MyAnimeList for decades. However, Arakawa-sensei’s preference for a character from Western culture over her own creations has thus raised speculation about the influences of her works.

Hiromu Arakawa’s Path From Doodles to a Manga Artist Greed and Wrath from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Credit: Studio Bones

In a one-on-one exclusive interview via Tumblr, Hiromu Arakawa revealed how she became a mangaka. Arakawa-sensei’s path to manga began with her urge to draw on anything within reach. Her beginning, scribbling away on the margins of her school materials,...

Fullmetal Alchemist is a fan-favorite series and it also stayed number one on MyAnimeList for a long time. The successful response even to its live-action adaptation on Netflix just added further to its glory.

Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar | Credits: Netflix

However, its creator, Hiromu Arakawa, had never foreseen such an enthusiastic reception by the fans over an announcement of a Netflix adaptation. Now with this, the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise just keeps on gaining audiences and getting a place in the cultural atmosphere in all types of mediums.

The Creator, Hiromu Arakawa Had Expected Mixed Fan-Reactions Of The Netflix Adaptation Edward & Alphonse | Credits: Studio Bones

Hiromu Arakawa was already prepared for the mixed reaction from fans regarding Netflix’s adaptation of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Being a creator, she knew that in a new adaptation, inherently, there would be new elements that could turn the audience on high alert.

Fairy Tail:100 Years Quest burned the whole anime community with its flame of shocking turn of events in the recent episode of the series. The series is a sequel to Hiro Mashima’s Fairy Tail, which is followed after the defeat of Zeref and Acnologia at the hands of Natsu Dragneel, the main character of the series. Now they are on a new journey to the continent of Guiltina to accomplish the 100 Years Quest, which has been sitting unaccomplished for over a century.

Fairy Tail:100 Years Quest Opening | Credit: Jc Staff Studio

The first season of this series took off with a remarkable 9.8/10 rating for its sixth episode. This feat sparked discussion as well admiration among fans that even the log-running powerhouse like One Piece couldn’t manage. This announcement spread at lightning speed across different social media platforms. Currently, fans and viewers have turned toward revisiting their perception of this franchise.

The table has been turned for one of the most popular anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist. For a long time, it has been sitting on top of MyAnimeList (Mal) rankings, but after a sudden turn of events it has toppled from its top place. The one that took the number one ranking is none other than the new ongoing series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. The achievement is huge for this new fantasy anime series which was just released in September 2023.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Opening | Credit: Studio Bones

Anime enthusiasts are astonished by the success of Frieren in obtaining the champion’s rank just a year after its release. Fullmetal Alchemist has dominated the peak of the popular anime ranking list for over a decade and it has been thought that it was unconquerable from its position.

However, the arrival of Frieren has disapproved of all that was assumed. The new series...

The subject of a ‘perfect ending’ is a debatable topic that varies from person to person, but the baseline is that the series must respect the viewers’ emotions and conclude the show accordingly. Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia is a topic of conversation as the manga is nearing its end.

Deku from My Hero Academia. Credits: Studio Bones

Though some people are delighted with how the series is ending, others are divided. Despite the series being true to its theme, it has felt somewhat unsatisfying. However, there is one show that everyone in the anime community can agree has the perfect ending that respects the fans’ sentiments by wrapping up the story for good.

This is none other than the dark fantasy anime by Hiromu Arakawa, as her Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood managed to give a good enough ending to both brothers in the series. As a result, fans are...

From alchemy to elves, fantasy anime as a genre is ever-evolving and relevant at the same time. And while some make it to the spotlight, others often go unnoticed. Such was the case with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, an anime that not only took over the internet but surpassed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood in ranking.

Frieren, the elven mage | Credit: Madhouse Studios

Written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, the story follows the journey of an elven mage who sets out on a journey to defeat the demon king and eventually unite with her comrades.

The manga was published on 18th August 2020 and made its anime debut in January 2024. Moreover, it had an estimated sale of 21 million copies and has also won several awards and accolades, including the Kodansha Manga Award.

However, the manga’s backstory reveals how it wasn’t supposed to be a fantasy but rather, a gag manga.

If you listen to heavy music, there is a good chance your musical journey has led you to From First to Last. As one of the era-defining bands for the peak of post-hardcore, the band has not only released some of the all-time great albums like Heroine and Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count , but has also been active in the 20 years since their debut. Songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Matt Good has been there every step of the way and has brought his love of anime and Japanese culture with him. With their latest release, “ Genesis ,” that anime fandom shines through brighter than ever before, with the track (which you can listen to below) conjuring images of shonen heroes tapping into new levels of power against their foes. I had the opportunity to speak with Good to learn more about his history with anime, the inspiration for tying...

Fullmetal Alchemist is a story of two brothers who know what it is to have each other’s backs when all the world does is demand. Hiromu Arakawa, the mangaka behind the series, grew up with the understanding of equivalent exchange. According to Newton’s third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Credit: Studio Bones

The laws of equivalent exchange apply heavily even in alchemy. It is all about the give and take of nature. Alchemy is about maintaining balance in the world. Combining nature and science into one big experiment and creating something entirely new out of it. It is all about trial and error, but most importantly, it is about respect and sacrifice. For two brothers who were ready to sacrifice their own selves for their mother, alchemy was a dark art.

Fullmetal Alchemist Tests a Brother’s Love...

Fullmetal Alchemist’s Hiromu Arakawa, one of the greatest manga creators of all time, has never shied away from expressing her love for George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise. She has talked about it multiple times, but what Fullmetal Alchemist’s fans don’t know is that Arakawa is also a fan of another Lucas franchise that features Harrison Ford as the main character.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) | Bones Inc.

While Arakawa has been a supporter of Indiana Jones, there is one particular actor from the series that she has been a follower of for a long time. This actor is none other than Sean Connery, the famous James Bond actor who also plays Henry Jones, Sr., a Scottish professor of medieval literature and the father of Indiana Jones in the movie.

Although Arakawa expressed her love for Sean Connery in Indiana Jones, she might have just done more than that. There...

Daniel Rudd is always creating. Whether on his solo project, Boy Hero, or on tour with Scene Queen as her guitarist, he is constantly taking inspiration from his surroundings and channeling it into new music or the next great performance. Amidst all of that, he finds plenty of time to stay absorbed in the anime and manga world. As it turns out, that is actually a primary catalyst in his musical output. So how does he do it? Read below to find out and also hear about how Asian Kung-fu Generation made him a better guitarist, his all-time favorites, and why he thinks anime and heavy music go so well together. Then go listen to his brand new EP! I know you have been on the road a lot recently. I was wondering if you had any chance to watch any anime on the plane? And if you did, what were you watching?...

We’ve seen tons of dads in anime of varying parental quality. Just look at the difference between Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ’s Maes Hughes and Shou Tucker. Some are the very embodiment of an excellent father. Shou Tucker on the other hand… let’s just say he isn’t something to aspire to. But what about all the adoptive dads out there? Some of the best dads around are the guys who jump headfirst into parenting when a child needs an adult in their life. Human or devil, construct or fantasy, these adoptive anime dads are some of the best dads around. So let's get into things! Loid Forger Spy x Family One of the best adoptive dads, hands down, is Loid Forger, an extraordinarily skilled spy otherwise known only as Twilight. This renowned spy might have adopted Anya to fulfill his latest mission, but a small, loving family is very quickly formed.

Gachiakuta Release Date: When Will the Hit Dark Fantasy Manga's Anime Adaptation Premiere? - Main Image

Many readers have been hoping for this announcement for some time now, and finally, the Gachiakuta anime is officially in the works. With the show in production, some are wondering what the Gachiakuta release date will be.

While there’s no word yet on a specific release date, we do know that the anime will premiere sometime next year.

Based on its studio’s current lineup coupled with the fact that there’s no proper trailer for it yet, we can get a good idea of when to expect this new anime to come out.

Gachiakuta Release Date Predictions

Gachiakuta is the next anime by Bones, the notable studio behind popular titles such as My Hero Academia, Mob Psycho 100, and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.

As with most of the studio’s projects, this is...

Japanese animation studio Bones celebrates its 25th anniversary this year; in commemoration, Crunchyroll assembled the documentary "Bones 25: Dreaming Forward." Broken into four chapters each about the length of an anime episode, the doc features talking head interviews with Bones staff/industry peers highlighting the studio's history and most famous projects.

"Dreaming Forward" doesn't scratch far past the surface, but that's not because it lacks material. In its 25 years, Bones has produced many beloved anime series; its current hit "My Hero Academia" is one of the most popular in the world. Long before that, though, Bones broke out by adapting Hiromu Arakawa's steampunk-action manga "Fullmetal Alchemist."

Set during a fictionalized 20th century in the European-esque country Amestris, the manga centers on two alchemist brothers: Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric. When they were young children, the Elrics lost their mother, Trisha, so they tried to transmute her back to life.

Hiromu Arakawa's "Fullmetal Alchemist" is one of the best manga/anime ever drawn. It's one of my favorites, and stands out among the crowded "battle shōnen" demographic. Rather than the fantastic Japanese setting of contemporary series like "Naruto" and "Bleach," "Fullmetal Alchemist" is more inspired by the West (though not without its translation hiccups).

Set in a version of 20th century Europe where alchemy is fact, not fiction, "Fullmetal Alchemist" follows brothers Edward and Alphonse "Ed and Al" Elric. The two young alchemists tried to bring their mother back to life, breaking the "ultimate taboo" of human transmutation. The experiment backfired, robbing Ed of his right arm and left leg and Al of his whole body. In their disabled states, they embark on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone. The Stone can bypass the fundamental law of alchemy and, the brothers believe, restore their bodies.

In its original manga form,...

One Piece Voice Actor Hideyuki Umezu Dies at 68 - Main Image

In what is sad news for many anime fans, notable One Piece voice actor Hideyuki Umezu has died recently, as confirmed by voice actor agency 81 Produce.

Umezu’s death was announced by the agency yesterday, May 21, via an official update on its website. There, Umezu’s cause of death was confirmed.

As is the case with deaths in the anime and manga industry, Umezu’s passing was announced some days after it happened, with a funeral ceremony held only for close family and friends.

81 Produce Confirms Hideyuki Umezu Dies at Age 68

Hideyuki Umezu died at age 68, with his official cause of death being interstitial pneumonia. It’s not clear if Umezu’s illness was only recent, as the private lives of talents in Japan are often not disclosed.

Umezu began working as a voice actor in the 80s,...

Anime is saturated with superpowers. Strength. Intelligence. Charisma. Most characters have one or all three of these qualities. But what about when you don’t live in the spotlight as the most enviable hero? What about when the world is stacked against you in the most basic of ways, and what about those who suffer from an accessibility standpoint? Today, on Global Accessability Awareness Day , I’m going to take a closer look at three anime that deal with invisible disabilities, primarily deafness, and how characters overcome the challenges they face. To show the way people with disabilities interact in the world and with others without reducing them to their conditions is no small feat. It takes a tremendous amount of care and empathy, and encourages those of us who struggle that we matter. We’re seen. These anime are giving voice and shedding light and awareness on something that is often neglected or avoided.

What to Watch After Blood of Zeus Season 2: 9 Shows We're Digging - Main Image

The much-awaited second season of Blood of Zeus has finally arrived. But if you're done binge-watching the show, you may be wondering what to watch after Blood of Zeus season 2. We've got some options for you to check out:

What to Watch After Blood of Zeus Season 2

We've compiled some of the best shows like Blood of Zeus. Some of these shows are animated adaptations of Greek mythology, while others are live-action adaptations.

With these options, you'll be able to get your fill of Greek mythology until a third season gets ordered.

Related: Blood of Zeus Season 1 Recap: What Happened Before Season 2?

Castlevania

Originally a video game, Castlevania gives viewers an exciting story about the never-ending war between vampires and humans.

What Castlevania shares with Blood of Zeus is that both shows are about an...

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa and Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama are two of the biggest names in the anime and manga world. The two series have inspired many mangakas and have been a source of entertainment for millions of fans. But what many people don’t know is that the two masterpieces share an interesting connection.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

The intriguing similarity between the two is that the mangakas of both series, Toriyama and Arakawa, drew inspiration from animals for their creations. A big part of Dragon Ball, The Great Ape, is inspired by monkeys, and in the case of Fullmetal Alchemist, the Law of Equivalent Exchange is inspired by Arakawa’s experience while working on the farm with animals.

Both creators have mentioned their love for animals and how it led to them creating some of the most inspirational manga in history.

Akira Toriyama’s Love for Pets...

Have you cried over anime recently? If not, you probably should. Doctors recommend it as one of the most emotionally healthy things you can do. Or they should. So, to help you out in not only getting you to watch more anime but perhaps even shedding some tears over it, I’ve created a list of six anime moments that have left me a weepy mess in the past. From the burning of anime’s most lovable boat to songs about loss and heartbreak to themes about time and tragedy (and also something about a dog), hopefully these tug at your heartstrings. The Going Merry’s Funeral One Piece Episode 312 Related: Why Early One Piece Remains So Magical One Piece has always worn its heart on its sleeve, treating grand displays of open emotion as the pinnacle of the resilience of the human spirit. And this isn’t just true...

TV Asahi is one of Japan’s best-known television channels, and anime fans will know it as well for its contribution to the anime market, which includes Crayon Shin-chan, Doraemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Blue Lock, Boys Over Flowers, Slam Dunk, Sailor Moon and numerous Gundam titles. But, recently, TV Asahi has decided to make a slightly different contribution to the world of anime by revealing a list of the 20 best anime songs of all time in a special program, but with a twist.

Namely, these songs were selected and ranked only by foreign, non-Japanese fans from around the world. The list includes songs from different time periods, which is why it is a very diverse list, and that is always a good thing. Sadly, we don’t have the special for you as it is not available for streaming, but we do have the list, so enjoy some of the best anime songs ever!

Note: This article was written by Jameel Raeburn. What’s the ideal starter anime? It’s the question for every anime enthusiast who is recommending a series, or an exploratory watcher curious to dive into the world of anime for the first time. However, there’s no clear answer. While anime is thankfully more accessible than it’s ever been, there are so many characters, plots, genres and themes that you might feel overwhelmed at first glance. You may turn to friends to hopefully nudge you in the right direction, but you can get thirty conflicting answers from thirty different people. The idea of what’s the perfect starter anime has been hotly debated online. In an interview with Michael B. Jordan , the actor revealed his five anime recommendations for those who haven’t watched it before. “ One Piece , Dragon Ball , Naruto , Bleach , and Hunter x Hunter ” were his responses.

It is very difficult to find women who are treated with respect and equality, especially in the older anime; with Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist being an exception. Female characters barely ever got the opportunity to shine without being sexualized. From a feminist point of view, anime and manga were very behind in the treatment of women. Arakawa had always been someone who stood out from these themes.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Being a woman herself, she needed to stand against norms and stereotypes by first creating an action-oriented manga. During those times, and sometimes even now, shonen was regarded as a male-dominated genre, being both the mangaka and the audience. On the other hand, shojo was more for the female population.

Suggested“I felt a wave of excitement”: Hiromu Arakawa on Fullmetal Alchemist Getting a Live Action Adaptation

For female characters to stand out, there is a certain...

Since the trend of the anime and manga industry has peaked, many new anime and manga series have been released that have tried to be popular among the community. Most of these belong to the fantasy genre, and while some series like Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen have managed to do it, they still lack in some way.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

However, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the masterpiece of Hiromu Arakawa, has managed to retain its title as the best fantasy anime series for such a long time. Its characters, storyline, and animation may contribute to it, but the main reason why it is considered the best is because of its power system.

As the name suggests, the power system of Fullmetal Alchemist is based on alchemy and its laws, which, once understood, make the series even more interesting for fans. Also, unlike other anime or manga series, the laws of...

Ranker is a popular place on the Internet where people can rank whatever they want, however, they want, and whenever they want. This is always a fan-focused ranking system and it is never officially tied to the people behind the projects in question. Recently, a large survey was organized on the site with the following description:

If you grew up reading manga, you probably have some copies of Shonen Jump laying around your house. That being said, what is the best Shonen Jump anime of all time? Some of the most famous anime of all time was once published in Shonen Jump, such as One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Gintama, and so many more massive shows. Shonen Jump anime series are usually long running, with shows like One Piece running close to 1,000 episodes at this point. The American version of Shonen Jump (based on Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump) is no longer in circulation,...

Fullmetal Alchemist has often been termed the best manga in terms of broad appeal. Because of its huge audience base, it has dominated charts for years, not just a single season. Hiromu Arakawa’s creation brilliantly includes comedy, action, dark fantasy, steampunk, and other genres.

So, of course, people will be interested in knowing the inspiration behind the bestseller, and how she stumbled upon the story. An old interview from 2017 holds the answer to this question and can stun many of you. After all, it isn’t a conventional shonen anime that inspired her.

Which manga inspired Fullmetal Alchemist?

In a 2017 interview, Hiromu Arakawa, the author of Fullmetal Alchemist, was asked which manga influenced her the most. Her reply was that she was most absorbed in reading Urusei Yatsura by Rumiko Takahashi.

Urusei Yatsura Illustration | Fandom

It was the first manga that Arakawa had bought with her own money. It...