News

In a 2020 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, actor Patrick Stewart recalled the frustrations he encountered while working with Gene Roddenberry, the creator of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Roddenberry notoriously didn't want Stewart to play Captain Jen-Luc Picard, hating the fact that he was bald and not so keen on the fact that he's English. When Roddenberry visited the "Star Trek" set, Stewart recalls being treated with coldness, and he received little actual direction from the man. Stewart sought to discuss Captain Picard with Roddenberry over a lunch, but that wasn't a very helpful meeting; Roddenberry merely advised Stewart to read C.S. Forster's Horatio Hornblower novels. As the series creator said, "It's all in there." Not terribly helpful. 

Roddenberry's distaste of Stewart, however, was not shared by the general public. Captain Picard became a fan favorite character quite swiftly, with Trekkies responding to Stewart's commanding performance and to Picard...

When you think of 1960s sci-fi shows, what titles come to mind? The earliest, campiest iteration of "Star Trek" is a no-brainer, as is anthology standard-bearer "The Twilight Zone." You might recall "Lost in Space," the original run of "Doctor Who," or even "The Jetsons," but the chances are "The Invaders" won't be on the tip of most peoples' tongues.

The short-lived ABC series about an alien invasion was unlike any other show of its time, but it remains more a cult classic than a part of the zeitgeist to this day. "The Invaders" ran for two seasons, with future "Perfect Strangers," "The Stuff," and "Maniac Cop" writer Larry Cohen as its mastermind and prolific early TV producer Quinn Martin executive producing. Unlike the flying saucer stories that would populate the decades to come, "The Invaders" was more a paranoid bureaucratic thriller than a little green men-filled horror story. Roy Thinnes,...

Dandadan mesmerized an evergrowing fan base with its singular, irreverent charm. For many fans, the series' balance of horror, comedy, and fantasy was a refreshing update to more traditional shōnen tropes and introduced an eclectic ensemble cast many fans found enrapturing. In a crew where everyone is endowed with strange abilities, each character plays an equally important role in keeping the world from falling to supernatural threats. While it's debatable who is most integral for the overall safety of the universe, fans would agree that few characters have been more integral than Ken Takakura or, as series protagonist Momo Ayame demands he is called, “Okarun."

Okarun is introduced as a timid young man with no space to express himself. hat changes when he's saved from a bully by the indomitable Momo Ayase. Though their initial interaction was tense, with the two arguing whether aliens or yokai existed, they became fast...

This article contains minor spoilers for the Fate/strange Fake anime series.

Fate/strange Fake is the newest anime installment in Type-Moon's Fate series, detailing the events of the True and False Holy Grail Wars that take place in the light novels written by Ryōgo Narita. The False Holy Grail War, a loose imitation of the third Grail War, was created by Faldeus Dioland and his organization. Both the U.S. organization of magecraft-wielding civil servants and the U.S. government took part in setting up the stage for the sole purpose of research and observation, though Faldeus himself may have other motives in his agenda.

The deviations in the process of creating this Grail War led to numerous anomalies concerning the servants that were summoned. Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn introduces these servants, titled "False Servants" for the False Grail War they were brought into, as well as the...

Throughout Bleach's Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, individual Sternritter have only been given a little bit of focus on the whole. That changed in Bleach Episode 404, "Friend," an episode in which Bazz-b finally gets his time in the spotlight, even if the battle ends in his death. This episode also reveals his backstory and shows his goals to be surprisingly similar to Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. However, Grimmjow may not have been the one to defeat Aizen, but he survived his battle and has surpassed his initial role in the story. Bazz-b never gained the narrative significance that the Arrancar has.

Both of these characters are well-loved fan favorites, as seen in the various popularity polls. Grimmjow has been making an impact on the series since his bold introduction. Fans are eager to see him finally get a fight of his own during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. It's been a while since he's been in battle,...

This article contains mentions of sexual and physical abuse, as well as genocide and child murder. Reader discretion is advised.

No shonen anime would be complete without its villains. Shonen villains are some of the most iconic characters that fans love to hate. Most shonen villains are lauded for how their diabolical schemes move the plot, or their relevance to the main hero’s story. Unfortunately, some shonen villains take their craft a little too far.

The most egregious shonen villains commit crimes that are so evil or despicable that their actions haunt audiences. These evildoers go from being antagonists to some of the most heinous beings in anime. Their deeds outlast their shows as these unforgettably dark miasmas. Shonen villains are certainly interesting characters, but these villains took things too far.

2:28

Related The 10 Best Anime Characters Written To Be Unlikeable

Not all characters were meant to be beloved.

Female anime characters are among the most beloved. With so many to choose from across all genres, there are characters for every type of interest to love. Many of the most beloved female characters are the stars of their shows. The best anime women in leading roles stand out for their compelling personalities and gripping stories.

Anime women in leading roles are mostly seen in shojo and josei anime, but they are the stars in a growing number of shonen and seinen shows as well. Leading anime women often provide varied perspectives, which can allow for more nuance in a show. The best leading anime women move audiences with their enticing tales.

Related 10 Underrated New Gen Female Protagonists

The newest female protagonists arent necessarily strong or action-oriented, and often end up underappreciated.

Ryuko Matoi Never Backs Down In Kill la Kill Ryuko Matoi Seeks To Avenge

Ryuko Matoi is on...

The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc focuses on the blood feud between the Quincy and Soul Reapers. Yhwach is the son of the Soul King and the arc's main villain, and it is up to Ichigo Kurosaki to stop him from destroying the balance between life and death. Yhwach and Ichigo are the most important figures in the Thousand-Year Blood War, but many other Bleach characters also play crucial roles in the arc.

Many of these characters are Captain-level Soul Reapers, but a lesser-known Lieutenant helps save the Seireitei from destruction. A former Espada returns and saves some of Ichigo's closest friends and allies. Two Quincy and a former major villain both play pivotal roles in Yhwach's defeat.

Unohana's Sacrifice Unlocked Kenpachi's Strength And Gave The Soul Society A Fighting Chance An Original Gotei 13 Captain Who Mastered Healing And Various Sword Styles

Character Name

Main Power

Japanese Voice Actor

English Voice...

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc has been a great opportunity to bring back fan favorite Bleach characters. Figures like Byakuya Kuchiki and Toshiro Hitsugaya have been given a share of the spotlight and are sure to have more screen time in Part 3. However, fans haven't gotten to see every character they want just yet. Some don't have much of a place in the story itself, but other beloved characters have simply been having the groundwork set up for their arrival.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez is well-loved by Bleach's fan base. He consistently places high in fan polls despite not having a major appearance since before Aizen was defeated. However, his intense character and nuanced personality have let him keep a dedicated audience. It's no surprise fans are eager to see him return in the upcoming Tybw cour 3. Anticipation has only grown with Grimmjow's two cameos from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War cour 1.

Grimmjow...

JoJos Bizarre Adventure is one of the most sartorially conscious anime ever released, and its Golden Wind is a masterclass in combining '90s Italian design with anime costuming wackiness. Now, a new ring collection based on the Passione gang's adventures in Italy ensures that fans will be able to accessorize like a true Stand user.

Japanese jewelry retailer Take-Up has announced the release of a new ring collection themed after the Passione gang from JoJos Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind. Each of the six rings is based on the aspiring Gang Stars and is set with a different semi-precious stone. Protagonist Giorno Giovanni is represented by an 18-karat gold-plated ring set with a pink tourmaline. The ring incorporates Giornos ladybug and wing motif, which are heavily featured in his costume throughout the manga and anime. The leader of the Passione gang, Bruno Bucciaratti, is represented by a more demure piece...

Jujutsu Kaisen isnt known for romance, but that doesnt stop fans from shipping all their favorite characters. Because Jujutsu Kaisen has such an immense cast, there are a plethora of couples to ship. Many of the characters have a lot of chemistry. However, some ships make more sense than others.

The most nonsensical ships feature blatant enemies or incompatible pairings. Some ships even feature romances between people who have only met once in the show. These couples make no sense because there is no way that the characters would develop feelings for one another. Although these truths dont stop fans from shipping their favorite characters, many can agree that their chosen romances are more farfetched than others.

Related Jujutsu Kaisen's Gojo x Geto Loses Out in Top 20 Most Popular Romantic Pairings Ranking

A recent study of Jujutsu Kaisen-inspired art from Pixiv reveals the series' top 20 most popular ships, with Gojo...

The JoJo's Bizarre Adventure brand remains a popular seinen manga and anime, with many fans lauding it for its characters and designs. Now, consumers can earn special cards of the iconic cast, all while munching on one of the sweetest treats in "za warudo."

Bandai is releasing a new line of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders wafers. Along with the creamy goodness, consumers will also be able to collect over 20 unique cards from the line. Not only can they add these to their JoJo collection, but they'll also have a snack that leaves their mouth feeling "Soft & Wet."

Related JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Unveils Crane-Exclusive Aztec Stone Mask That You Can Actually Wear

Next year, JoJo fans will be able to unlock their inner Dio with a wearable plush version of the Aztec Mask that grants the iconic villain his powers.

Bandai Bakes Up Stardust Crusaders-Themed Wafers

The new JoJo's...

Well-known shoes, accessories and clothing brand Mayla has announced a brand-new collection of colorful high-heel shoes inspired by JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, with the collection now up for preorder for both domestic and overseas fans.

Via Mayla's official X (formerly Twitter) account, the company revealed the collaboration with JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind for its new high-heel shoes. Preorder sales will open on Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. and close on Sep. 9 at noon (Jst). Characters Giorno Giovanna, Bruno Bucciarati, Leone Abbacchio, Guido Mista, Narancia Ghirga, Pannacotta Fugo, and Trish Una feature in the collaboration for the seven new heels, all of which can be purchased worldwide via the WorldShopping service. Readers can check out the images and official teaser below.

Related JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Creator Ends the Strongest Stand Debate in New Artwork Reveal

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure author Hirohiko Araki finally ends the debate over the strongest Stands...

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is one of the most popular seinen manga and anime currently running, with many fans wondering when the next part of the acclaimed anime adaptation will be released. According to recent reports, this may now be on the way sooner rather than later.

A new production registration in China suggests that an anime incarnation of Steel Ball Run is on the way. This comes years after a similar registry in Japan, although the intended worldwide release of the new registry makes it seem as if the ball is rolling faster. Given that the most recent season of the JoJo anime, Stone Ocean, is now several years old, this would largely match up with the series' production history.

Related JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Creator Denies He Is a Vampire

Hirohiko Araki, the famed creator behind the long-running JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, denies rumors of his immortality in a recent press conference.

Anime dubs have always been a point of debate among fans. Most consider them an unquestionable part of the medium. Series adapted for local consumption are always adapted for their local language, and it ultimately shouldnt impact a potential fans ability to enjoy a series. But for a minority, dubs are seen as a qualitative massacre of their original work. The original Japanese version of an anime is the way it was first created, and therefore the best way it's meant to be seen. Sometimes, but not always, these vocal few can be correct.

A simple change in language shouldnt diminish the quality of a series, but thats not the only thing that happens when an anime is dubbed. Shows can often be hampered by poor quality writing and casts, as well as multiple conflicting versions of shows. Whether its 4kids-style content changes, or unfavorable voices, there can be elements...

The following contains spoilers for Bleach.

The shonen anime series Bleach features plenty of powerhouse characters, such as Soul Reapers and Arrancars, but these fighters are not all strong in the same way. Some Bleach warriors are powerful because they have formidable abilities and techniques at their disposal, almost like natural talent. They may be deadly, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're skilled. In fact, some powerful Bleach fighters seem to coast on their talents and don't bother to develop skills such as swordplay and martial arts.

Meanwhile, the most skilled and overall best fighters in Bleach are those who use years or even decades of training to become effective warriors, and that's actually more impressive than a character who relies mainly on an Op technique to crush their enemies. Bleach fans can easily see which characters are the best, most skilled fighters based on their special moves, their sharp battlefield intuition,...

Crunchyroll announced that they will start streaming English dub of Blue Exorcist season 3, titled Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga, starting March 9, 2024.

Cast involved in Blue Exorcist season 3 English dub was also revealed.

Blue Exorcist season 3 English dub cast includes:

David Vincent as Angel Alejandro Saab as Gedoin Kira Buckland as Izumo Mona Marshall as Konekomaru Sean Chiplock as Lightning Griffin Puatu as Lucifer Sam Riegel as Mephisto Bryce Papenbrook as Rin Christine Marie Cabanos as Shiemi Brian Beacock as Shima Kyle Hebert as Suguro Allegra Clark as Tamamo Wendee Lee as Shura Johnny Yong Bosch as Yukio

Blue Exorcist season 3 started airing on Jan 7, 2024. The opening theme is “Eye’s Sentry” by Uverworld, while the ending theme is “Gakkyū Nisshi” by Mulasaki-Ima.

Blue Exorcist anime is adapted from the manga written and illustrated by Kazue Kato. The manga has been serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine since April...

This year’s SXSW Film Festival, taking place in Austin, TX, just unveiled their lineup, and what a massive year for horror.

The 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival’s Opening Night TV Premiere is the highly anticipated Netflix series 3 Body Problem created, executive produced and written by Emmy Award winners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and Emmy Award nominee Alexander Woo. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg for what’s in store.

The fest unveiled its Midnight lineup, which includes the Samara Weaving-starring Azrael. Elsewhere, look for Neon’s highly anticipated Cuckoo set to make its premiere.

Read on for the genre titles included in SXSW 2024’s lineup, and stay tuned for additional programming announcements.

Narrative Spotlight

Unforgettable features receiving their World, North American, or U.S. premieres.

Cuckoo (Germany)

Director/Screenwriter: Tilman Singer, Producers: Markus Halberschmidt, Josh Rosenbaum, Maria Tsigka, Ken Kao, Thor Bradwell, Ben Rimmer...

Three projects win places at London’s Production Finance Market.

New Zealand producer Morgan Leigh Stewart has won the best pitch award at Melbourne International Film Festival’s industry market, which closed with confirmation that Miff Industry director Mark Woods is to step down after 16 years.

Stewart secured the prize for her efforts pitching relationship horror So Lonely I Could Die at 37ºSouth Market, Miff’s film co-financing event, which ran from August 3-6.

The film, written and directed by Andrew Todd and Johnny Hall (Ghost Shark 2: Urban Jaws), is produced by Auckland-based The Hot House and was seeking...

Cannibal Corpse frontman George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher had already shot down the possibility of an encore, playfully roasting the crowd in the process. But still, you knew what was coming. As a rule, the band — one of the biggest and most beloved in death metal — will not leave a stage without playing its signature anthem, “Hammer Smashed Face.” And at New York’s PlayStation Theater on Thursday, they did not disappoint.

The band expertly bashed through the 1992 song, whose thudding stop-time intro and seething speed bursts — not to mention Cannibal Corpse...

Once upon a time, former Morbid Angel frontman David Vincent was a death-metal rock star.

On subgenre-defining albums like 1993’s Covenant, his bestial roar — “Was that a bear?” Butt-Head quipped upon viewing the video for that LP’s closing track “God of Emptiness” — and sinister charisma made an unforgettable impression.

But ever since his initial exit from that group in 1996, Vincent die-hards have anxiously awaited a worthy follow-up. His work in S&M-themed industrial-metal outfit the Genitorturers flew mostly under the radar; Morbid Angel’s techno-infused 2011 LP Illud Divinum Insanus,...

Marking the first in an upcoming four-part series, 'Realm of the Dead - Tenebris Deos' is an animated motion comic adventure starring David Vincent (Morbid Angel), Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth) and Jill Janus (Huntress). The awesome new UK animated motion comic is released on DVD and Blu-ray from 7th April and we have an ace bundle of goodies to giveaway. The merchandise bundle includes the Blu-ray, a t-shirt, mug and a copy of the original graphic novel! Contest Ends on Tuesday, April 18, 2017...

Jesse Lee Soffer already has a lot to celebrate in the new year — he’s opening a restaurant!

The Chicago P.D. star revealed on Instagram on Sunday he is adding restaurant owner to his resumé, opening a Verlaine cocktail lounge in Los Angeles.

“Happy New Year! It has been a lifelong dream to own a piece of a restaurant,” he posted of the spot, which also has a location in New York City. “I always figured, ‘maybe when I’m sixty I’ll have a little speak easy or a bistro.’ Well we freakin did it. We are so...