T5W#538-Top 5 Seasons of Slayers

Lina Inverse is at last back here at the Gundam Anime Corner for the Slayers 30^th Anniversary Celebration Event.  It’s a long overdue reunion for sure and we’ll be spending much of it in Lina’s pre TV Series adventures running around with her best frenemy Naga the Serpent.  But don’t worry, I haven’t fully forgotten about Lina’s other Slayers companions: Gourry, Zelgadis, Amelia and Xellos.  We’ll be seeing them again later this month but for todays Top 5 Wednesday, we’re revisiting their previous adventures from my 2018-2019 reviews of the Slayers TV Series.  That’s right, we’re ranking the entire TV run with the Top 5 Seasons of Slayers. 

 

Slayers Return

Legend tells of an ancient treasure buried by a tribe of Elves, one of unimaginable wealth.  It also happens to be hidden in a village under siege by an evil organization.  Their only salvation may end up being their destruction as a young girl recruits the destructive duo of Lina Inverse and Naga the Serpent to save the day.  But when a simple job spirals out of control really fast, The Slayers find themselves in over their heads once more and even their magic might not be enough to save the day.

Man, oh man.  It is good to be back in the world of Slayers.  Specifically, it’s good to be back in the pre series days with Lina and Naga again.  I’ve been waiting to watch and review the rest of the Slayers Movies and OVAs for a really long time and I have to say, Slayers Return might have just set the bar for the other features to follow.  What starts off kind of simple more than improves on everything from Slayers: The Motion Picture in just about every way (which despite its flaws I still love a great deal).  So, is the titular Return of Lina Inverse and Naga the Serpent really that awesome?
 

FIF#253-Gachiakuta

In a world where a wall separates the wealthy from the degenerates, there’s a punishment for those who even the dirtiest fear to live alongside: the Pit.  No one knows what it is, only that’s its where human are discarded with all the worlds trash.  When he’s wrongfully accused of a crime, Rudo Surebrec is sent to this Hell.  Once there he learns the Pit isnt all that it seems, a realm where Monsters made of pure trash roam and the only force against them is the mysteriously powered Cleaners.  Despite this, Rudo only has one single goal in mind: return to the society that wronged him and bring all the trash they fear back with him.

 
When I first saw the trailer for Gachiakuta earlier this year, I assumed we might be looking at another Chainsaw Man, another high octane, uber violent dystopian Anime that excites the senses and pulverizes the soul at the same time.  Wouldn’t you know it, the first couple of episodes proved me wrong in a couple of ways, good ways.  Not only do we have a very proven Anime studio handling another Shonen Anime adaptation in Studio Bones (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), but the premise of a vengeful boy seeing only red…well by the end of the first episode I kinda sympathize with Rudo and man do I want to see his vengeance come to fruition…oh and the rest of what I saw is cool too.
 

Slayers 30th Anniversary Celebration Announcement

Way back in 2019 (well starting with Season 1 in mid 2018), I took on the epic challenge of reviewing every season of the legendary Fantasy Action Comedy: Slayers.  Back then, I only had the entire series plus the very first movie to look at and I’d hoped beyond hope I’d find the remainder of the films and OVAs in time to make it for the year long project.  Obviously, that didn’t happen.  However, this year, I finally found them.  Thanks to a dearly departed friend which this upcoming event is partly dedicated to, I managed to do something I thought impossible years ago.  And after accomplishing that…the inevitable was set in motion.

 
That’s right folks, LINA INVERSE AND NAGA THE SERPENT ARE BACK BABY!!!!
 

T5W#537-Top 6 Millenium Era Godzilla Movies

Been doing Godzilla Month events for the last couple of years now, they’ve become sort of an annual Anime Corner tradition since I revived it back in 2023 for the arrival of the franchises 70^th Anniversary.   Well Godzilla Month IV has just concluded on a major milestone.  With the review of Godzilla vs. Megagirus, I’ve finally reviewed all six movies in the Godzilla Millenium Era Series.  That’s one series down, two to go (the Reiwa Era that began with 2016’s Shin Godzilla is still ongoing so I don’t count that yet…even though I am technically caught up on that one too).  Anyway, what better time to do a ranking than now at the conclusion of Godzilla Month IV.  So, onto today’s Special Top 6 list for Top 5 Wendesday, the Top 6 Millenium Era Godzilla Movies.

 

Godzilla vs. Megagirus

In order to stop Godzilla’s recurring rampages, the Godzilla Defense Force, G Grasper, develops an experimental and dangerous Black Hole Cannon.  However, a test firing of this weapon opens a dimensional hole that unleashes a new kind of enemy on Japan: the Meganula.  As the G Graspers scramble to deal with both threats, Godzilla soon comes face to face with the Meganula Queen, Megagirus, and only one of these royal titans will be left standing when the dust settles.

With Godzilla 2000 kicking off a brand new era for the franchise in 1999, Godzilla vs. Megagirus at first looks to emulate the creative strategies of Hesei Era, at least when it comes to inventing an original new foe for Godzilla to face (granted Orga also filled that role in Godzilla 2000).  But while Godzilla vs. Biollante had the advantages of continuity and a thought provoking central plot, GvM doesn’t have nearly as much going for it from a lack luster monster to one note humans to the plain simple fact that its just boring.
 

FIF#252-The Mighty Nein

The theft of a powerful relic called The Beacon sends sparks across two kingdoms.  A long simmering war is about to burst if the wrong is not rectified.  To stop the escalating conflict, a team of adventures, thieves, wizards and warriors is assembled to find the Beacon.  They’re hardly the stuff of legends: down on their luck scoundrels with sordid pasts and not so bright futures.  But the fate of several nations rests on their shoulders.  This is where the legend of the Mighty Nein begins.

 
With The Legend of Vox Machina starting to wind down (Season 4 starts early next year and Season 5 has been confirmed as the Final Season), it seems like the right time for Critical Role to launch an animated adaptation of the groups second campaign, The Mighty Nein.  Like Vox Machina, I had no idea what to expect going in outside of recognizing a couple of very often cosplayed characters and that this was done by the same group of table top gaming Voice Actors, who like Vox Machina take on the roles of their real game characters once again.  What I wasn’t expecting was, well a lot.  The Mighty Nein is a very different campaign and story from Vox Machina, in both positive and negative ways, as I took away from the first episode.
 

T5W#536-Top 5 Favorite Cristina Vee Roles

From the moment I first met her during my first Otakon back in 2010, doing the Hare Hare Yuki Dance from Haruhi Suzumiya, Cristina Valenzuela, aka Cristina Vee, has been one of my all time favorite Voice Actresses.  I’ve had the pleasure of getting to meet her a few times over the last fifteen years, including this past weekend at Stellar Con and I even got to show her a pic of us from Otakon 2011 and she asked me if I could send it to her.  Cristina is such a ball of energy and positivity and she brings all of that and more to all the roles she takes on and man does she have a resume from bubbly to dramatic to totally insane.  Seeing as how, as I said, I’ve gotten to meet her once more (trying to think of when I did last see her before this, my first Katsu back in 2015?  Anyway not important atm.), we’re pausing our Godzilla Month IV Top 5’s so I can share my Top 5 Favorite Cristina Vee Roles.

 

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah

A mysterious ship flies to Tokyo, revealing a crew of Humans from the future who hope to save the past from the threat of Godzilla once and for all.  It seems too good to be true…and it is.  While it seems as if Godzilla is at last gone, a new menace has been birthed to take his place: the three headed Dragon, King Ghidorah.  Against this unstoppable foe, Humanity has only one chance: it must find a way to resurrect the King of the Monsters, it must find a way to bring back Godzilla. 

 
While Godzilla vs. Biollante is hailed as one of the best Godzilla films ever made, when it was released in 1989 it suffered low box office due to the release of another highly anticipated sequel: Back to the Future Part II.  Apparently Toho decided that if time travel worked for one hugely successful franchise, it could work for theirs.  Hence, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, a wacky Showa Era style romp with an excellent Hesei Era coat of paint.  Does the return of Godzilla’s arch nemesis for an epic rematch make it better than his last bout with a plant creature no one cared about? (Box office wise anyway).
 

FIF#251-Last Samurai Standing

950 years after the first Samurai appeared in Japan, their time has come to a brutal end with the dawn of the Meiji Era.  Former Samurai warrior, Shujiro Saga, agrees to join a secret tournament with 292 other participants for the chance of an enormous cash prize.  To get said prize, Shujiro and his fellow combatants must seize each others wooden tags…by any means necessary, and make it safely to Tokyo.  For Shujiro, this prize could save his wife, child and entire village from a deadly illness.  But he’ll have to slice his way through almost 300 desperate and dangerous warriors to see his wish come true.

 
The trailers for this new Netflix Series looked cool as heck from the get go.  I mean if you’re a fan of the fast paced action of the Rurouni Kenshin films and some possible slow burn political intrigue featured in FX’s Shogun, then Last Samurai Standing should be a slam dunk right?  Well after checking out the first episode, not sure I’d go that far but there’s definitely more than enough of the aforementioned high octane/bloody action and shadowy mystery that got me locked in.  Is this really the Hunger Games/Battle Royale with Samurai that the trailers promised?
 

T5W#535-Top 5 Monsterverse Fights

While we’re focusing on Godzilla’s home movies from Japan for Godzilla Month IV, today’s Top 5 Wednesday is looking at some of the big moments from Godzilla’s American adventures in the Monsterverse.  Last year, the little Kaiju Universe that could celebrated its 10^th Anniversary with Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, the 5^th entry in a series that includes Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), plus the ongoing Monarch: Legacy of Monsters TV Series.  The Monsterverse has come a long way from the original plans for an American Godzilla Saga that crashed and burned with Godzilla ’98.  But from those ashes rose a franchise that’s delivering all the goods of Kaiju throwdowns and out of this world adventures. And you know what we always come to any of these flicks for, the fights.  So today we’re counting down the Top 5 Monsterverse Fights. 

 
Special Note: To qualify, these have to be clashes that we see play out on screen for extended periods of time.  Yes there’s cutting to human characters but most of the focus is on the Kaiju throwdowns.  That said, I know this might upset some people, but don’t expect to see anything from the 2014 Godzilla on this list.  Yes the atomic breath is a crowd pleaser but I also didn’t pay to see a movie where Aaron Taylor Johnson runs from all the cool stuff we really wanna see.  Anyway, that little tirade out of the way, onto the Top 5.
 

Godzilla vs. Biollante

Five years after Godzilla’s return, a grieving scientist uses some of the Kaiju’s cells to prolong the last living gift from his daughter.  To his and the rest of the worlds horror, this gives birth to a new breed of plant like monster, Biollante.  And this couldn’t come at a worse time as Godzilla finally awakens to resume his relentless assault on Japan.  But Biollante calls to the King of the Monsters, born of the same cells.  An battle is imminent and the fate of the world hangs in the balance once more.

1985’s Return of Godzilla reminded the world just what kind of a force of destructive nature the King of the Monsters can really be.  For his second adventure in the Hesei Era, it’s time to remind the world of the other thing he does best: kicking fellow Kaiju ass.  Godzilla vs. Biollante actually goes a bit beyond that with a story that actually continues on from Return of Godzilla, building the world up and actually using Human characters who aren’t annoying when on screen.  Many Godzilla fans cite this one as one of the very best in the series…but is it really?
 

FIF#250-Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop

Over two decades after mankind began it’s expansion to the planet Mars, Martian Leader Zechs Merquise is assassinated, leading to a surge in uprisings across the Red Planet.  In response, the Earth Sphere Unified Nations Preventors revives legendary Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy from suspended animation.  His newest mission takes him to Mars where he reunites with old comrades and joins a new generation of Gundam Pilots against this rebellion.  The real reason for Heero’s reawakening is soon revealed as the Mars Resistances newest figurehead reveals themselves as the woman Heero has sworn to but never been able to kill: Relena Peacecraft.

 
It’s crazy to think about the kind of year Mobile Suit Gundam Wing has had.  2025 has marked it’s 30^th Anniversary and it’s gotten so much love all across the world from rereleases of the Theatrical Cut of Endless Waltz to a crazy good panel at this years San Diego Comic Con featuring the English Voice Actors of Heero, Duo and Quatre.  Oh and we got that wickedly good anniversary video that featured the first ever Anime footage of what we’re looking at today for our 250^th Episode of First Impression Friday.  Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop is an odd entry to the Wing subseries and was originally released as a novel series between 2010 and 2015 and is the more or less official sequel to the original series.  So far, it’s only ever seen the light of day in those novels (and more recently the aforementioned 30^th Anniversary Video).  However, that’s not entirely true.  As part of the Gundam Wing Ultimate Blu Ray set, a Picture Drama of Frozen Teardrop, titled “The Next War: Epyon Ares” was released as a bonus feature available only to that box set.  It’s a bit odd to look at something like this for a First Impression.  But with the very thin chance this sequel could get an Anime adaptation one day, I figured it’s worth a look.  So, how is this follow up to one of the still most popular entries in the entire Gundam Saga?
 

T5W#534-Top 5 Theories about Godzilla Minus Zero

It’s fitting we’ve kicked off Godzilla Month right after this years Godzilla Day Celebrations, which brought big news for the Godzilla fandom. The highly anticipated sequel to Godzilla Minus One finally has a title: Godzilla Minus Zero.  It’s not much but it’s huge nonetheless and there’s plenty to speculate on until we get more intel, not to mention a potential release date.  And on todays Top 5 Wednesday, I’m gonna share my own Top 5 Theories about Godzilla Minus Zero.  Is this a title that can at least match it’s Award Winning predecessor?  Man, Toho couldntve given us a release window too?  I digress, let’s get to it.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah

The massive pollution of Tokyo Bay gives birth to a new kind of horror: Herdorah, the Smog Monster.  Born of mankinds negligence, this beast begins to turn the city and waters around it into a toxic paradise lethal to humans.  Only one force stands in his way: Godzilla.  But can the King of the Monsters withstand a seemingly deadlier force of nature greater than himself?

Godzilla vs. Hedorah is a special movie as it’s the very first Godzilla movie I ever saw a kid on the SciFi Channel.  A lot of the deeper themes, messages and even grosser elements were kind of lost on me at that age.  Cause let’s face it, when your under 10 seeing Godzilla fight a rival Kaiju for the first time, it’s all you care about.  Rewatching this movie as both an adult and seasoned Godzilla veteran, has my opinion changed about this kind of divisive entry in the franchise or is it as awe inspiring as I remember?
 

Star Wars: Visions 3

The Animated adventures of souls all across a Galaxy Far, Far Away return with 9 brand new tales from the most prominent powers in the world of Japanese Animation.  New chapters in the ongoing sagas of familiar tales are written alongside the beginnings of a new generation of heroes across the stars.  From youthful pilots to jaded Bounty Hunters to the never ending war between Jedi and Sith, the Visions grow stronger than ever before as Star Wars and Anime join forces once again.

For it’s third outing, the Star Wars Visions Anthology Series returns to its roots with the concept that started it all: Star Wars plus Anime.  Not that this is ever a bad thing but it has to be said that returning to a strictly Anime line up of shorts does immediately lessen to substantial impact made to the series by opening the doors to the rest of the Animation world for Visions 2.  Not only that but several of these new offerings feel either underwhelming, incomplete, or just inferior to what’s come before.  Not that there isnt plenty to enjoy but Visions 3 is nevertheless the weakest of the three seasons thus far.
 

FIF#249-Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation

Suddenly snatched from his own world, High School student Yu finds himself forcibly enrolled in Night Raven College.  It’s a school for the most elite of magic users, only Yu has no idea how to use any magic.  His arrival triggers an avalanche of confusion and rage amongst the student bodies most top tier of users. And if they don’t kill him first, Yu will have to survive the Monsters, Ghouls, Ghosts and other dark magics waiting for him in this Twisted Neverland.

 
After years of hosting and distributing Anime films (mostly from the Studio Ghibli catalogue), the House of Mouse seems looking to jump onto the Anime bandwagon with their first Original Anime Series.  And wouldn’t you know it, it’s based on a Mobile Game.  Yes, Disney Twisted Wonderland was released in Japan back in 2020 and localized in the US in 2022.  From the looks of it, the game involves Anime-ifications of some of Disney’s most legendary villains including The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Scar from The Lion King, Hades from Hercules and Jafar from Aladdin, just to name a few…and they’re all super attractive bishonen boys.  Ok, sounds Anime enough but how is the actual premiere of the Anime?  Is it a good jumping on point or is this a bit more Fate/GO and confusing as heck?
 

Kpop Demon Hunters

Rumi, Mira and Zoe are Huntr/x, the latest in a long line of Demon Hunters who sing as well as they slay.  For years their music has protected the barrier separating Humanity from an all out Demon invasion.  But now they’re about to face their most dangerous foes: The Saja Boys, a five member Demon Boy Band.  It’s a battle of beats, words and wills as Huntr/x goes head to head with these handsome imposters who are hellbent on using their music to ensnare their fans.  Not if Huntr/x has anything to say about it.

Considering how big of a worldwide phenomenon Kpop has become thanks to the successes of bands like BlackPink, Twice and BTS, you’d think some kind of animation or even live action about hot pop idols kicking some kind of ass would have arrived way before Kpop Demon Hunters (the closest we’ve probably gotten is League of Legends’ K/DA group).  The wait for such a project to emerge has been well worth it as Kpop Demon Hunters delivers on all fronts with stellar animation from the studio behind the Spider Man Spiderverse saga, a bunch of unforgettable characters and a soundtrack that isnt leaving your head well after you’ve heard it.  I might have one or two little issues with it but that isnt stopping me from naming Kpop Demon Hunters as one of the Best Films of 2025.
 

Chainsaw Man: The Movie-Reze Arc

Just when Denji didn’t think his bizarre life could get any crazier, he meets Reze: a beautiful girl who seems truly interested in him.  But fate conspires against Denji once more as the truth of Reze is revealed: She is the Bomb Devil, as powerful and brutal as she is beautiful and she’s after the heart of the Chainsaw Demon’s heart.  Fueled by fury and heartache, Denji engages in his biggest and craziest battle yet.  Hell hath no fury like a Chainsaw Devil scorned.

2025’s proven to be an exciting year for Anime Feature Films, especially the Shonen ones.  Just after Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle took the rest of the world by storm, Chainsaw Man makes its triumphant return after a very long, three year wait.  While I don’t expect it to make Demon Slayer level dollars here in the States, the film adaptation of the Reze Arc might just end up being better than the first part of Infinity Castle, and this is coming from a guy who mostly likes Demon Slayer more than Chainsaw Man. This is thanks to a greater focus on the core story and characters while also allowing MAPPA to let itself off the leash and remind us why despite theyre one of the most in demand Anime studios today.  In short, the Chainsaw Man movie is well worth the wait. 
 

T5W#533-Top 5 Otakon 2025 Cosplays

Well folks Halloween is only a couple of days away and you know the Top 5 I usually save for just this occasion.  Last week, we took a look at the best cosplays I saw at Katsucon 2025.  Today, we’re looking at the best standouts from Otakon 2025.  It was the year where Kpop Demon Hunters and Apothecary Diaries took the convention cosplay scene by storm in some of the biggest photoshoot turnouts I’ve ever seen.  And yet in that sea, some real gems shined and I’m spotlighting them on todays’ Top 5 Wednesday as I count down the Top 5 Otakon 2025 Cosplays.  As always, if I know the cosplayers in question, I’ll let you know where you can find more of their cosplay works.

 

Predator: Killer of Killers

Throughout all of human history, warriors are born through conflict, trial by fire.  And in those moments, secret battles are waged between these champions and a race of Alien Predators known as the Yautja.  Their objective, their drive, to hunt the greatest killers, face them and become the ultimate Hunters themselves.  Those who survive to tell the tale face an uncertain fate.  In the end, only one can be called The Killer of Killers.

Much like many of it’s 80s action era brethren, Predator is another franchise ripe for the Anime or Animation treatment and it’s astounding it took us this long to get this kind of feature.  Coming to us from the same creative team behind the smash hit Predator prequel, Prey, including Prey Director Dan Tractenberg, Predator: Killer of Killers is an animated anthology feature that doubles down on what made that much needed breath of fresh air for the franchise so vital.  It enhances what we’ve come to expect from the titular hunters and strives to really make the viewers care about their new prey despite the short length of their respective tales.  Most of all, it shows we really need more of these kinds of stories from the Predator universe and then some.
 

FIF#248-Lazarus

2049.  Dr. Skinner creates the ultimate feel good drug, Hapna, relieving all users of any kind of pain.  After disappearing from the public eye for three years, Skinner returns and announces that in 30 days time, whoever has taken Hapna will die.  The race is on for a cure but only Skinner might have the only one in existence.  To this end, the government assembles a group of criminals with various skills to hunt down the illusive doctor before the 30 day time limit is up.

 
It cant be easy being Shinichio Watanabe.  After playing a key role in the production of Macross Plus then hitting it out of the universe with Cowboy Bebop, every time a new project is greenlit with him at the helm is going to have serious expectations.  Samurai Champloo.  Carole and Tuesday.  Space Dandy.  I’ve only seen 2/3 but nothing has ever quite reached Bebops level of perfection.  I bring this up because when I saw Lazarus being advertised on HBO Max I didn’t pay it much mind until a friend requested a First Impression and told me he was the Director.  So do the first two episodes surpass the pressure?
 

T5W#532-Top 5 Katsucon 2025 Cosplays

It’s that time of year again folks.  And while Halloween may be just around the corner, for Cosplayers, every day and every opportunity is a chance to give the Holiday the spotlight.  As is tradition here at the Gundam Anime Corner, this is the time of year I look back at my two biggest conventions of the year and sift through a sea of neverending options to pick my favorites from each major con.  It’s never easy and this year for Otakon and Katsucon, it was no different.  Katsu continues to be one of the major Cosplay centers of the East Coast Con scene and it’s where some of the best cosplayers in the world bring out their best.  Suffice to say, tough calls as always but still, here are my Top 5 Katsucon 2025 Cosplays.  As always, if I know the cosplayers or follow them on social media, I’ll link them in their entries below.

 

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series Part 3 Episodes 9-12

For a while now, it seems like something has been watching Dante from the shadows, benefiting from his most recent jobs.  Now the puppet masters plans come to light and the whole world is on the brink.  What’s worse, Patty’s long lost Mom is used as bait to lure Dante’s young friend into a dangerous trap.  Together with Lady, Trish and Morrison, Dante must brave a city’s worth of Demons to rescue Patty and put a stop to the Monster who’s been playing him all along.  Even if there’s no money involved, the world needs saving, and Devils need to cry.

Devil May Cry 2 is widely seen as the black sheep, if not the worst, of the franchise.  One of the main criticisms is the change to Dante’s personality.  He’s a lot more serious and less prone to one liners than in his debut game (though he does get a solid one on the final boss at the end of the game).  While it’s an inexcusable approach to try and make Dante more mature, his change in tone and personality makes sense when you realize he’s had to deal with a crappy 12 episode Anime series filled with boring villains, insufferable kid characters, and the feeling that Devil May Cry was having both hands tied behind its back the whole time and was unable to let loose like it should…yeah I’d be depressed and pissed off so much I’d be a bit grumpy going into DMC2.
 

FIF#247-The Rose of Versailles

1755.  When General François Augustin Regnier de Jarjayes learns that his new born baby is another girl, he declares she will become the son he never had, naming her Oscar.  Fourteen Years Later, Oscar accepts the role of Commander of the Royal Guard at the Palace of Versailles.  Her primary mission: to safeguard the wellbeing of Marie Antoinette.  Little does Oscar know, the history of France is about to take a dark and violent turn and she is about to take a central role in its ever changing political landscape.

 
When the new Rose of Versailles Anime movie popped up a few months back, I’ll admit I’d totally forgotten about this title but I remember it seeing a bit of a resurgence in the mid 2000s(?).  And since I’m steadily finding out friends are big fans, I decided to check out the first episode of this beautiful 70 period piece and if the premiere is anything to go by, this could be one history lesson done by Anime worth paying attention to.
 

T5W#531-Top 5 Kpop Demon Hunter Characters Everyone’s Gonna Cosplay for Halloween

Suffice to say Kpop Demon Hunters is the biggest Animated anything on the planet this year (even bigger than Demon Slayers Worldwide Box Office Dominance).  Heck, the three real life voices of Rumi, Mira and Zoe: Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami respectively, just made their live performance debut on SNL and Jimmy Fallon last week AND we given the news that the Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack has gone freaking Platinum.  Obviously, we haven’t fallen out of love with this Animated Musical Epic and since we’re a couple of weeks out from Halloween, you can bet these characters are going to be all over the place.  Originally I was going to do a list of the top titles big in the cosplay scene right now…but let’s face it, after what I saw at Otakon 2025, Kpop Demon Hunters wins.  So let’s break down which individual Hunter, Demon or Creature who would be the most spotted this spooky season with my the Top 5 Kpop Demon Hunter Characters Everyone’s Gonna Cosplay for Halloween.

 

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series Part 2 Episodes 5-8

For Dante, the life of a Devil Hunter is hardly dull.  But even the new jobs he’s taking on are becoming more and more surreal even for him.  From tortured souls to demon prisons to obsessed stalkers, everything and everyone seems to be hurling themselves into Dante’s path.  Thankfully Dante’s still as sharp as ever and is in desperate need of money for his endless string of debt.  All the while, someone seems to be pulling the strings from the darkness, someone with plans for Dante or maybe worse.

It should really be a crime to make Devil May Cry so dull and boring you don’t want to watch it.  I already had a bad enough feeling after the first four episodes that I was in trouble with this one.  But four more episodes in, it kind of clinches it.  I cant believe this series actually is part of the official cannon AND some of it was even written by the head series writer, Bingo Morihashi, himself.  And just how does Part 2 of this supposed DMC series somehow end up worse than Part 1?  Simple: They haven’t fixed a single thing and there’s no signs of that happening anytime soon.
 

FIF#246-The Dinner Table Detective

Reiko Hosho may look like a beautiful socialite, the daughter of a world famous business group.  But beneath that façade, Reiko is a investigator working for the city police department and she’s determined to keep her true self a secret so she doesn’t get treated any differently.  But that’s tough when her partner is a super self obsessed heir and her butler is a no nonsense, often blunt mystery with a penchant for solving cases on his own.

 
I guess I’ve been on a bit of a cute Detective kick on FIF this back half of the Season.  There was Maomao (who’s still the gold standard of female Sherlock Homles types imho).  Then there was the disturbingly similar to Haruhi Suzumiya Ameku M.D.  The Dinner Table Detective’s Reiko Hosho falls in the middle of those two and I’ll explain why when I get into the First Impression properly.  Anyway, this popped up on my Amazon recommendations and I’m a sucker for a cute brunette in a red dress.  Plus if she specializes in high profile, upper class murder cases, that’s pretty unique right?  Too bad The Dinner Table Detective only seems to have aesthetic going for it cause under the good looks hides a slew of problems that wouldn’t take a detective to figure out why it wouldn’t work.
 

T5W#530-Top 5 Changes Hellsing (2001) Made from it’s Manga (Episodes 1-7 Only)

Recently Retcon 404, a YouTube Anime Vlogger who does a lot of Gundam content, did a full series retrospective on the first Anime adaptation of Hellsing from 2001.  I put the title on in the background while working on Gunpla and it occurred to me just how different this version was from both the Manga and the more faithfully adapted Hellsing Ultimate.  A lot of this has to do with the fact that by the time it was released (or even initially worked on), the Hellsing Manga only had 2 volumes completed.  Ergo, it went the Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) route of making a brand new story arc for its second half.  Well for todays Top 5 Wednesday, we’re gonna look back at the first half of this iconic action/horror classic to identify the Top 5 Changes Hellsing (2001) Made from it’s Manga (Episodes 1-7 Only).

 
Special Thanks to Retcon 404 for giving me this idea.  If you love Mecha and especially Gundam, his retrospectives are pretty damn awesome and you can check them all out here: https://youtube.com/@retcon404?si=yPlHzIdG1brkTNgv

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series Part 1 Episodes 1-4

Dante is the offspring of a powerful Demon and a mortal human woman.  He’s a Demon Hunter, one of the most feared around.  There isnt a job this unstoppable bad ass cant handle…until he’s tasked with protecting a young heiress from Demons on the hunt for her inheritance.  A simple job is only getting bigger and more dangerous.  Thankfully Dante’s got the right tools for sending monsters back to Hell on a regular basis.

Devil May Cry’s Anime inspirations are pretty obvious unless you’re blind or oblivious.  From the razor sharp swordplay to the use of slow mo to the endless amounts of bullets and one liners, playing a DMC game is one of the best instances of playing your own Anime adventure.  So yeah, Devil May Cry is tailor made for the genre if you get the right creative team and studio to bring the unchained wild card action to life.  Sadly, while I know a lot of people have their gripes about the new Netflix series, this first shot at a Devil May Cry Anime feels less like its namesake and more like a diet version of the first run of Hellsing back in 2001.  It’s not off to a good start and here’s why.
 

FIF#245-Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

Diva, or Vivy, is the first autonomous AI, programmed with one single directive: Make people happy with her music.  With her idol inspired look and beautiful voice, Vivy aims to take the main stage at NiaLand Park, where she songs can reach hundreds.  However, when a hyperactive AI Teddy Bear appears before Vivy, everything changes.  Bearing a warning of a dark future for mankind, Matsumoto seeks Vivy’s help in averting an AI caused catastrophe set to occur in the next 100 years.

 
I forget how I found out about Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song.  Maybe I saw one of the posters or key visuals somewhere and thought it looked intriguing.  Before going into the first episode, I was just expecting a dramatic song filled Anime about an AI and a dream, nothing more or less.  And then I saw the first couple of minutes and JESUS CHRIST!!!  I am going to talk about spoilers in this one but let me say, if you think you know what you’re getting with Vivy without watching any trailers or sneak peaks, boy are you wrong.  And truth be told, I don’t know if that means this is an Anime for me.  Why’s that?  Well lets break it down.
 

T5W#529-Top 5 Best Moments from Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): The Movie-Infinity Castle (Part 1)

Hoooof I’ve been waiting to do this list for weeks now.  Honestly I wanted to post it right after I saw the movie but it didn’t feel right to do so til I actually reviewed the thing.  But hey, kept ya waiting huh?  And in the time since Demon Slayer’s latest big screen adventure dropped, the film has skyrocketed past one milestone after another.  It’s already crossed the $100 Million marker, making it the undisputed Highest Grossing Anime Film in the US and the 5^th Highest Grossing Film Worldwide of 2025 (as of this writing anyway), beating out major Hollywood blockbusters like Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.  The movies holding on pretty strong in the Top 10 to and right now it seems like I’m gushing over it’s financial achievements more than the movie itself…and I am (I’m a box office nerd too).  But the movie would be doing nearly as well as it is if Demon Slayer wasn’t delivering the crowd pleasing goods.  And now that the review is up, I can head into Spoiler Alert Territory breaking down my Top 5 Best Moments from Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): The Movie-Infinity Castle (Part 1) on todays Top 5 Wednesday.

Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): The Movie-Infinity Caste (Part 1-Akaza Returns)

Just when it seemed as if victory was in the Demon Slayer Corps grasp, Muzan Kibutsuji opened the doors to his realm and dragged everyone with him.  Now Tanjiro and his allies are on his turf, surrounded by Demons in an infinite setting changing by the minute.  The strongest of Muzan’s elite lie in wait and the Hashira aren’t leaving without Muzan’s head.  The long awaited final battle begins with a rematch between Tanjiro and the Upper Rank who killed one of his beloved mentors, Akaza. 

Demon Slayer has enjoyed quite the success over the last few years, becoming one of the most beloved Anime by fans worldwide.  The announcement that the Infinity Castle arc, aka the final arc of the original Manga, getting a trilogy of films instead of a fifth season is a bit headscratching but you cant fault Ufotable for wanting to unleash their animation mastery on the big screen for the grand finale.  And while Infinity Castle Part 1 dials up all the spectacle and heartache that was inevitable with the showdown with Muzan’s forces, a lot of what’s hampered the storytelling of the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training Arcs still persists.  I’m not saying this movie isnt mostly a blast to watch cause clearly Ufotable’s been holding a lot in reserve for this occasion.  It’s just got a bit holding it back from being the absolute best Demon Slayer experience since the Entertainment District Arc.
 

Macross Frontier Part 5 Episodes 21-25

Chaos engulfs the Frontier Fleet as Leon’s coup d’etat begins during a devastating Vajra invasion.  Having lost Michel and with Ranka in enemy hands, Alto must pull himself together to retake the fleet and finish the fight.  Sheryl must also contend with an uncertain fate and play her part in the battle to come.  The hearts and souls of Alto, Sheryl and Ranka are the last chance Humanity has at a peaceful end to this war and to make the ones who started it pay for it as the Macross Frontier reaches its journeys end.

There were moments during these final five episodes of Macross Frontier where I felt the show was stumbling at the finish line.  In fact while I have had my gripes here and there, most of my overall complaints for the story fell in maybe 2-2.5 episodes of content.  Thankfully, Macross Frontier isnt Macross 7 and actually manages to overcome these hurdles to produce a pretty kick ass finale that definitely saved the best action, music and character moments for last.
 

FIF#244-Gad Guard

In the future, Earth resources have almost totally run out and Humanity is in a state of stagnation.  Hajiki Sanada is a child of the new world, barely making ends meet with his family in one of the lowest dumps of Unit 74.  Everything changes when a delivery gone awry causes Hajiki to end up with a special piece of tech called a GAD.  In an instant, a new breed of robot, the Iron Giant, is born.  Now Hajiki is being targeted by everyone wanting to get their hands on this mech.  Luckily, he’s not the only one with a Robot like this and soon Hajiki finds the world around him changing as fast as his ever evolving mecha.

 
Today’s FIF entry comes as a request from a friend and we’re heading back to the early 2000s where Digipaint Anime reigned supreme.  Not only that but Gad Guard feels like a series trying to sort out a bit of an identity crisis.  It’s scifi/mecha/dystopia for sure but the more I watched the first episode the more I found it was trying to do a lot with its first 23 minutes of run time.  In fact, to me, there’s a lot going on but none of it is interesting.  Hopefully my friendship with this friend remains intact after this one.
 

T5W#528-Top 5 Anime Supergirls

Yesterday marked the 66^th Anniversary of the debut of one of my all time favorite superheroines: Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl.  While the Girl of Steel has had a pretty healthy life in comics, TV and film, her popularity is on the rise once more as Mily Alcock takes on the cape and costume in James Gunn’s DC Universe, having made a surprise cameo appearance at the end of the new Superman movie in the lead up to her solo film adventure next year.  Now Anime is no stranger to beautiful, costume clad power houses who can punch holes through mountains but how many of them are on the same level as Supergirl herself?  It was an interesting question I asked myself and decided to use it as the basis of today’s Top 5 Wednesday as I pick out the Top 5 Anime Supergirls.  Couple of ground rules first: 1. No Magical Girls, Supergirls powers are biology based for the most part though augmented humans can be applicable (also Sailor Moon would hands down win).  2. All applicants can at least fly, have super strength or possess extreme durability.  Much like Superboy in some iterations, not every Supergirl has the same power set so I’m flexible in terms of what these ladies can do.  With that in mind, onto the Top 5.

Macross Frontier Part 4 Episodes 16-20

With her music proving effective against the Vajra, Ranka finds herself on an even higher pedestal as she’s hailed the next Lynn Minmei.  Meanwhile, Alto deals with the revelation of the importance of the Vajra to the fleet while Sheryl receives ominous news from someone she thought she could trust.  While it looks like the Frontier Fleet could be in the clear, theyre anything but as a ship wide conspiracy prepares its own endgame, just as the Vajra close in for a final confrontation.

This weeks penultimate set of Macross Frontier episodes breezed along at a nice, steady pace but did hit some turbulence here and there and some of that involves problems I’ve had with a couple of things up until this point.  Luckily, when it comes to the action and the core trio of the show, the show is as reliable as ever and man did Alto, Sheryl and Ranka get put through an emotional ringer, putting them all in prime, important positions for the finale.  Let’s get into what worked and what didn’t work about arguably the most important chapter of Macross Frontier thus far.
 

FIF#243-Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective

At the Tenikai General Hospital, the lives of dozens hang in the balance daily.  For Doctor Ameku Takao, most of those cases can be solved in seconds.  It’s the more mysterious illnesses with no clear cure or answer that really intrigue her.  Together with her hand chosen staff, Ameku leads the Investigative Pathology unit, using unpredictable and unorthodox methods to solve mysteries and maybe save a few lives in the process.

 
Maybe it’s my immense love for Apothecary Diaries but when a random title comes across my feed about a Doctor who (no pun intended) happens to be a cutie, it might merit a first episode peak.  Unlike Apothecary Diaries though, Ameku MD is a modern day medical drama featuring a main character who bears a very, let’s just say uncomfortable resemblance to another infamously beloved Anime menace.  And lets just say by the end of the first episode, I’m not sure I’d trust this Doctor Detective with my life much less anyone elses.
 

T5W#527-Top 5 Anime that could do well in the US after Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Part 1)

Well would you look at that.  Demon Slayer didn’t just meet my expectations from last week, it surpassed them.  Ok maybe thinking an opening north of $100 Million might’ve been a little far reaching but still it kicked ass at the US Box Office this past weekend, opening to the tune or $70 Million, more than doubling the opening weekend gross of Pokemon: The First Movie back in 1999.  Considering it clobbered hit holdovers like The Conjuring: Last Rites as well as two new releases: Downton Abby: The Grand Finale and The Long Walk, Demon Slayers runaway success might mean Anime is on the verge of a more mainstream spotlight compared to previous years…or Demon Slayer is just as big a title as Dragon Ball Z that it’s name alone will put butts in seats so again, might be reaching.  But the year isnt over yet.  And while I don’t think any of these picks for todays Top 5 Wednesday will do nearly the business Demon Slayer did this weekend, interest might be high enough to leave a little more than a simple one weekend only showing mark on the industry.  These are the Top 5 Anime that could do well in the US after Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Part 1).

Macross Frontier Part 3 Episodes 11-15

When Sheryl’s trip to the planet Galia 4 for a concert for disgruntled Zentradi results in an uprising, it’s only the beginning of a larger conflict to come.  Buried on Galia 4 are long lost secrets that some will go to destructive lengths to keep buried.  The Frontier Fleet finds itself in a dire battle with the Vajra while Alto must push himself to the limits to save a captured Ranka.  And as Ranka’s musical star rises, is Sheryl’s star destined to fade away?

The midpoint of Macross Frontier sure dials up everything to whatever your most sophisticated threat level you can name might be.  Epic battles, major revelations (or at least further steps towards a few) and some amazing music once again coalesce to form a solid change in direction for just about every aspect of this series from the threat of the Vajra to how our heroes (and their shady would be allies) are dealing with them.  Oh and we got some good ties back to OG Macross once more that might’ve been one of my favorite parts of the series so far.
 

FIF#242-Sakamoto Days

Taro Sakamoto runs a nice little Convenience Store in the suburbs of Tokyo.  He’s married, has a beautiful daughter and is beloved by his community.  Only a handful of people know the truth: Sakamoto used to be the most feared and dangerous hitman alive…until he met the love of his life and decided just to give it all up.  Said old life isnt done with Sakamoto yet but just because he’s quit the game, gained a few pounds and settled down, doesn’t mean Sakamoto hasn’t lost any of his edge.  On the contrary, he’s still the most dangerous man alive, he’s just got a new profession you might not want to take him away from.

 
This one comes highly recommended from many in my Anime circles and two things come to mind when I heard the premise of Sakamoto Days: 1. This is like “What if John Wick had a semi happy ending” and 2. Isnt this Way of the House Husband?”  And…yeah it can be argued Sakamoto Days is both of these things but also different enough to stand apart and yet still be fun on its own merits.  Don’t let the grocery shop clerk who has the head of a gerbil fool you, this is a potentially awesome show.
 

T5W#526-Top 5 Reasons Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Part 1) Could Top the US Box Office This Weekend

Well folks, the wait is almost over.  This Friday, after months of hype and anticipation, Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): The Movie-Infinity Castle (Part 1-Akuza Returns) makes landfall in the US.  Demon Slayer has become one of the biggest and most commercially successful Anime hits worldwide and fans have been eagerly awaiting the launch of this new, non preview film for well over a year since the end of the Hashira Training Arc.  In fact, I dare say the anticipation is so high that it’s possible the first chapter of the Demon Slayer Finale could do some serious business at the US Box Office this weekend…maybe even secure the #1 spot?  It’s not impossible, in fact it has been done before.  How do I think this is a real possibility?  Well that’s what we’re looking at on Todays Top 5 Wednesday as I count down my Top 5 Reasons Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Part 1) Could Top the US Box Office This Weekend.

 

Macross Frontier Part 2 Episodes 6-10

As Alto completes his training and officially joins the ranks of the SMS, the Frontier receives an SOS from the Macross Galaxy fleet.  Alto and his teammates fly into the face of danger itself as they face a horde of Vajra, leading to a very close and personal encounter.  Meanwhile, Ranka’s burgeoning singing career begins to take off while Sheryls finds her fate uncertain after her home fleets attack.  As the fleet becomes fully aware of the enemy they now face, Alto, Sheryl and Ranka’s relationship continues to grow both stronger and more confusing, especially when the three find themselves on a film project detailing the events of a long lost conflict just before the Zentradi War.

I said it plenty of times last week and I mean it now more than ever, it is soooooo good to be watching a properly done Macross sequel.  Guess that also means that last weeks premiere wasn’t a fluke as Week Two ups the stakes, delves deeper into some of the supporting cast, and even adds a couple of new layers to the mystery of the Vajra.  Heck we even got a surprise return to Macross Zero of all things…and kinda made me wish Macross Zero had Alto and Ranka as the main characters there as well.  Still, wouldn’t say everything was perfect this week but we’ll get to those negatives after some positives, let’s go.
 

FIF#241-Moonrise

Jacob “Jack” Shadow’s carefree life on Earth comes to a cataclysmic halt when a group of rebels on the Moon send an orbital elevator crashing into Los Angeles.  What’s more, the authorities think that Jack somehow had a hand to play in this terrorist act.  In order to prove his innocence, Jack volunteers to join a secret squad of soldiers made up of Los Angeles survivors, and his closest friends, to travel to the Moon, in the middle of an all out war with the Earth, to terminate the leader of this chaos: Bob Skylum.  Along the way, Jack must confront his distorted past as he may be the only hope to ending this war once and for all.

 
Moonrise seemingly came out of nowhere onto Netflix and, from the trailer at least, looking like an exciting new scifi action Anime set on the Moon with some promise.  Ngl after the first episode, I’m somehow not surprised this one hasn’t made waves in the community.  Even with a powerhouse studio like Wit (Attack on Titan) and Tow Ubakata (Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Psycho Pass 3) writing, Moonrise’s premiere instantly fails when it comes to setting up the main conflict or giving us a reason to care about its main characters.  In short, it’s kind of a mess and here’s why.
 

T5W#525-Top 5 Anime Items I’ve Gotten from Collectors Corner

Last week, I went to Collector’s Corner in Parkville only to find the store closed and flowers at the front door.  After a week of understandable silence, it was confirmed that the owner, Randy had passed away.  I didn’t know Randy as well as other friends in our shared circles but everytime I came into Collector’s Corner and he was there, he was a huge help with just about everything you needed from purchase suggestions to a nice friendly nerd chat.  Being the big Anime fan and Gunpla Builder I am, we shared one or two conversations and really, some of the items I have in my own collection wouldn’t be here without his help.  Randy’s a guy I wish I got to know better outside of the store and it is with that in mind that I dedicate todays Top 5 Wednesday to him and Collector’s Corner as they continue the legacy he created that is in the best of hands of his amazing staff of friends.  Both of their locations in Parkville and Bel Air should be open once again so please take the time to pay them a visit and support however you can.  With all that said, let’s get into the Top 5 Anime Items I’ve Gotten from Collector’s Corner.

 

Macross Frontier Part 1 Episodes 1-5

2059 AD.  Fifty years have passed since the war with the Zentradi and Mankind’s expansion into space continues.  En route to the Galactic Core, The 25^th Large Scale Emigration Fleet, the Macross Frontier, encounters a powerful enemy, the Vajra.  During the first skirmish, civilian turned pilot Alto Saotome meets legendary pop idol Sheryl Nome and would be idol dreamer Ranka Lee.  Once more, the fates of the stars entwine themselves around three chosen youths whos dreams and aspirations will be tested by unknown challenges and terrors that will usher Humans and Zentradi into a whole new frontier.

After Macross 7 nearly took me out back in July, I needed a break to recharge and decompress (hence swapping Frontier for Patlabor plus Patlabor was shorter and could evenly fill the other August slots).  Seriously the frustrations with that 49 episode travesty is enough to make anyone want to quit reviewing Anime.  Thankfully, Macross Frontier looks to have learned from its TV predecessors numerous mistakes, or at least it has for the Premiere cause these first five episodes are a glorious return to what makes Macross, Macross.  No more self absorbed rock and rollers.  No more Aliens who love listening to the sound of their own voices.  Best of all, no more characters who don’t take the situation as seriously as it presently itself.  It speaks volumes that I’m praising Macross Frontier this much right out the gate…but that should also be a nice reminder of how f’ing awful Macross 7 was.  Also, I’m gonna try and limit my “This is why Macross F is better than Macross 7” comments so I can gauge Frontier on its own (plus that’s what I have Top 5 Wednesdays for).  Anyway, let’s head back into the Danger Zone and see just how much Macross Frontier fixes from prior entries and looks set to blaze a trail worthy of it’s 80s granddaddy genre giant.
 

FIF#240-Fafner

For the people on Tatsumiyajima, life is pretty ordinary…at least at first glance.  When a massive Golden Creature suddenly attacks without warning, reality crumbles and the truth is revealed.  Humanity is at war with monsters just like this and they’re running out of time to save themselves.  But Tatsumuyajima is more than it seems.  It is a fortress that has been preparing for the day of an attack like this and it is ready with the only weapon capable of facing this enemy on its own terms: The Fafner.  The ultimate battle for the fate of Humanity has begun.

 
When I first saw a posting for Fafner on a friends page, I thought “wait, is there a Gundam SEED spin off I’ve never heard of?” No, fact is one of Fafner’s instant details is that is has character designs from Hisashi Hirai, who worked on Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny.  But apparently this is another under the radar Anime title that is a secret gem waiting to be discovered.  Sure enough, Fafner (or Fafner in the Azure as it’s longer title goes) does seem to have a rather healthy franchise with multiple shows and movie continuations.  So, how does the first episode of the first series get the ball rolling and is it worth investing more time into?