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Dragon Ball Daima anime will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll starting Oct 11, 2024. The anime will simulcast on the platform, releasing new episodes each week alongside its Japanese broadcast.

The anime will be available with subtitles in the United States, Canada, Latin America (including Brazil), Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Southeast Asia regions.

Dragon Ball Daima is an original anime series with content penned by the late Akira Toriyama.

Toriyama had been deeply involved in the production, overseeing the story, character designs, and various other elements.

Dragon Ball Daima is co-directed by Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki, with the series’ composition handled by Yuko Kakihara, and animation character designs by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru.

Zedd feat. C&K. performed the anime’s opening theme song ‘Jaka Jaan,’ with Zedd feat. Ai performing the ending theme song ‘NAKAMA’.

The plot revolves around Z characters along with the Supreme Kai who were turned into children by a nemesis.

Crunchyroll describes the plot of Dragon Ball Daima as:

Due to a conspiracy, Goku and his friends are turned small. What sort of adventure awaits Goku, Supreme Kai, and the new characters Glorio and Panzy in this unknown world, the “Demon Realm”?

Dragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. The initial manga, written and illustrated by Toriyama, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 to 1995, with the 519 individual chapters collected into 42 tankōbon volumes by its publisher Shueisha.

Toriyama’s manga was adapted and divided into two anime series produced by Toei Animation: Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Zwhich together were broadcast in Japan from 1986 to 1996. Additionally, the studio has developed 21 animated feature films and three television specials, as well as two anime sequel series titled Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super.

Twenty animated theatrical films based on the Dragon Ball series have been released in Japan. The most recent films, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013), Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015), Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022), were produced as full-length feature films and were given stand-alone theatrical releases. They’ve also been the first movies to have original creator Akira Toriyama deeply involved in their production.

Source: Press Release

Blue Exorcist creator Kazue Kato has revealed the personal health challenges that have resulted in the ongoing hiatus of the manga series.

The manga went on a hiatus in the October issue of Shueisha’s Jump SQ magazine, which was released on Sep 4, 2024.

Taking to her official X account, Kato revealed that a health scare earlier this year led to surgery and ongoing treatment, forcing her to take time off from the regular manga schedule.

While the specifics of the illness have not been disclosed, the manga creator reassured fans that her condition is manageable.

It’s been 15 years since Ao no Exorcist began, but this is the first time I’ve taken such an irregular break for three months. Given the situation, I thought I should share my recent status with everyone.

It’s a personal matter, but I’d like to talk about it. Actually, in March of this year, I had a health checkup and a disease was discovered. Over the past few months, I’ve been working while regularly visiting the hospital. The surgery has successfully ended, and I’ve been discharged, but due to the time required for post-surgery recovery, I’ll need to take additional time off.

As a result, this has become a long break of three months, and I sincerely apologize for that…! I’ll keep the name of the disease private for now, but in my case, it’s something that “if I continue treatment patiently, my life isn’t in immediate danger.”

According to Kato, the decision to pause Blue Exorcist has been difficult. However, the creator felt it was important to prioritize their health.

The manga is expected to resume serialization in the December issue, scheduled for release in November 2024.

Currently, I’m doing well and can work, so please don’t worry! As for the future plans, the Jump SQ issue for October and the November issue will be on break, but I’ve drawn a new illustration for the poster supplement! Then, the serialization is scheduled to resume in the December issue of Jump SQ, which will be released in November.

Kato concluded her message by reassuring fans of her dedication to finishing Blue Exorcist.

That said, from here on out, I’ll be working while continuing treatment, so there may be times when this affects my work and causes concern for all of you, the readers… I apologize in advance if that happens! I wouldn’t be able to rest in peace if I died without finishing Blue Exorcist, so I plan to continue my treatment and do my best to live and draw manga!

Even though I’ve become even more of a wreck, if you could, I’d be grateful if you continued to support Blue Exorcist!!!“

Kazue Kato launched Blue Exorcist manga in Shueisha’s shonen manga magazine Jump Square in April 2009.

The first volume was released on Aug 4, 2009. As of June 4, 2024, 31 volumes have been published.

The series has been licensed by Viz Media for release in North America.

The manga previously went on hiatus in July 2021, resuming in May 2022. It faced another break in January 2023, returning in May of the same year. The series then went on a break for a month in October 2023 as Kato recovered from COVID-19.

The series was adapted into an anime television series produced by A-1 Pictures, with the first season broadcast from April to October 2011.

An anime film, Blue Exorcist: The Moviepremiered in December 2012.

A second season, subtitled Kyoto Saga, aired from January to March 2017. A third season produced by Studio VOLN, subtitled Shimane Illuminati Saga, aired from January to March 2024. A fourth season will be split in two cours; the first one, subtitled Beyond the Snow Saga, is set to premiere in October 2024, while the second one, subtitled The Blue Night Saga, is set to premiere in January 2025.

Source: X

Berserk manga’s publisher Hakusensha issued a formal statement on Sep 11, 2024, warning fans about an unauthorized animation project being promoted by Studio Eclypse.

The studio had been advertising an animation adaptation of Berserk on their X account and website. Given the poor quality of recent Berserk anime adaptations, fans of the series were excited to see the studio roll out the work – which showed a lot of promise.

However, Hakusensha clarified that neither the original author Kentaro Miura nor Studio Gaga, which now manages the IP, had given any approval for this project.

The publisher urged fans to be cautious of this illegal project.

“The production of a Berserk animation is being announced on the following X account and website ( but such production has not been authorized by Miura Kentaro (Studio Gaga), the copyright holder. In addition, the videos accompanying the announcements are being displayed without permission,” Hakusensha’s statement read.

The copyright concern was not unexpected, particularly since Studio Eclypse has been collecting money from fans through platforms like Patreon to fund their animation project.

While fan animations typically operate in a grey area of copyright law, the moment financial transactions are involved, the situation escalates into a clear infringement.

The studio, in fact, has been criticized in the past for profiting off the Berserk IP without permission.

Many believe that Studio Gaga and Hakusensha are well within their rights to take action, as profiting from another creator’s intellectual property without authorization crosses a significant legal boundary.

Additionally, Studio Eclypse has faced criticism for its track record of not delivering on its promises. Netizens have labeled the studio a “scam,” citing similar instances with other projects, such as a failed Attack on Titan animation.

Some also fear that the studio will now use Hakusensha’s cease-and-desist as an excuse to halt production, leaving supporters empty-handed, despite having contributed to the project.

Berserkwhich first debuted in 1989, has become a global phenomenon, selling over 55 million copies and inspiring several anime adaptations.

Despite Miura’s passing in May 2021, the manga continues under the supervision of his close friend, manga artist Kouji Mori, and the team at Studio Gaga.

Source: Hakusensha official X

Iconic Events Releasing, in collaboration with Bandai/Namco, has announced the addition of several Mobile Suit Gundam films to the AX Cinema Nights 2024/2025 lineup.

The screenings will include the three compilation movies of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. All four films are a part of Gundam’s Universal Century timeline, and form the backbone of the series which has spawned multiple spin-offs and AU narratives. Check out the watch order for Gundam below!

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These films will be presented in their original Japanese language with English subtitles and will begin screening this October, continuing into April 2025.

Check out the screening details below:

1. Mobile Suit Gundam (Toho)

Screening Dates: Oct 2, 2024 (sub), Oct 6, 2024 (encore screening)

In Universal Century year 0078, the space colony Side 3 declares itself the Principality of Zeon and launches a war of independence against the Earth Federation. Eight months have passed since the war entered a deadlock. Learning of a secret plot by the Federation Forces, the Zeon Forces launch reconnaissance followed by an attack against Side 7. A young boy by the name of Amuro gets wrapped up in the war, and by coincidence ends up piloting the mobile suit Gundam and defeating the enemy. The Federation’s White Base, having lost its proper crew in the battle, escapes from Side 7 with forces still in training and civilians both.

2. Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow (Toho)

Screening Dates: Oct 16, 2024 (sub), Oct 20, 2024 (encore screening)

With evacuees from Side 7 onboard, the White Base crosses the Pacific Ocean and heads west towards the continent of Eurasia. Amidst that journey filled with battle, Amuro has a fight with Bright and runs away, suffering from the deaths of Matilda, who he had feelings for, and Ryu, who was like a big brother to him. The White Base lands at the Belfast base in Ireland. It’s then that Char appears, having stepped back from the front lines. With that, Amuro and Char end up clashing in the battle surrounding the Earth Federation Headquarters of Jaburo.

3. Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (Toho)

Screening Dates: Oct 23, 2024 (sub), Oct 27, 2024 (encore screening)

Having officially been inducted into the Federation Forces as the 13th Independent Unit, the White Base enters the neutral colony Side 6 to serve as a decoy. There Amuro reunites with his father Tem, and meets a mysterious girl named Lalah Sune. Lalah turns out to be a pilot for the Zeon Forces’ Newtype unit under Char’s command. The chance encounter between Amuro and Lalah leads the pair to tragedy. As for the war, the battle moves from Zeon’s key strategic position of Solomon to the space fortress A Baoa Qu for the final battle.

4. Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack (Toho)

Screening Dates: March 12, 2025 (sub), March 16, 2025 (encore screening)

Universal Century 0093. The previously missing Char Aznable has revived Neo Zeon and declared war against the Earth Federation government. The Londo Bell unit commanded by Bright Noa is forced to fight alone and unaided against the Neo Zeon forces, which have begun dropping asteroids onto the Earth. Among the Londo Bell members is Amuro Ray, Char’s longtime rival. But their valiant efforts are in vain as 5th Luna falls onto the planet. Sensing a further threat behind Char’s movements, Amuro heads for the Moon to collect the Nu Gundam, a mobile suit equipped with a psycho-frame. Waiting for him there is its lead developer, Chan Agi. Meanwhile, Bright’s son Hathaway Noa meets a girl named Quess Paraya on his way into space and is instantly attracted to her.

AX Cinema nights will be held in over 500 theatres across the U.S. and select Canadian cities. The previously announced lineup includes Ninja ScrollOsamu Tezuka's MetropolisSatoshi Kon's Paprika and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.

Anime Expo and Iconic Events Releasing launched AX Cinema Nights earlier in 2022 with the U.S. release of Eleven Art’s Ryoma: Prince of Tennis (2022). AX Cinema Nights is an in-person movie event series that celebrates the best new and classic anime films, bringing them to local theatres across North America.

Source: Press Release

AI manga translation company Orange Inc. recently revealed how exactly they incorporated the Artificial Intelligence in their translation and localization processes.

This comes on the heels of the launch of emaqi, their new e-book store tailored for manga enthusiasts in North America.

The launch of emaqi was marked by Orange’s strategic shift towards emphasizing human involvement in localization processes. This shift is evident in the changing tone of their press releases and public statements, focusing more on the human contributors rather than the technology alone.

Highlighting human talent appears to be Orange’s direct response to the criticism over their initial promotion of AI’s role, which sparked concerns among manga fans and professionals about potential degradation in translation quality.

While there was visible confusion as to how exactly Orange Inc. employed AI in their workflow, a recent interview conducted by Deb Aoki for Comics Beat has shed a lot of light on their process.

In the said interview, Rei Kuroda, Vice President of Product at Orange Inc. reassured that human translators play a crucial role in their process.

He stressed that Orange Inc. views itself primarily as a collective of manga fans who prioritize the quality and authenticity of manga localization.

He detailed the process of localizing manga which involved several meticulous steps, beginning with the receipt of digital files from publishers.

The initial stages included removing Japanese text and onomatopoeia from images, which Kuroda revealed was typically handled by AI-assisted tools to ensure speed and accuracy.

Following this, the substantive work of translation began, which can be as varied as the stories themselves.

While in some cases the translation might begin with an AI-generated draft, Kuroda said that this was always refined by human translators who make necessary adjustments to capture nuances that AI may miss.

He stressed that the company will never publish a manga title solely translated by AI, and that retaining the human touch was key to them.

“We also have some cases where we start with an AI-generated translation, and human translators will use that as a starting point to review and make edits or adjustments, if needed. But what is really important for us to emphasize is that we NEVER publish anything that is only an AI-generated translation. There is always some sort of human touch, human review of each manga translation produced by Studio Mikan, as well as all lettering, and all editorial reviews. Rather than relying solely on AI, Orange’s approach is to have human translators, letterers, and editors co-working with this technology, and using AI to streamline processes, but not as a replacement for humans who do manga localization.”

Rei Kuroda to Comics Beat

The VP further likened their AI and human collaboration to dynamic duos such as Nobita and Doraemon, or Luke Skywalker and R2D2, where technology supports human creativity rather than replacing it.

Despite Kuroda’s statements, which is a good news for the community, it does raise questions on the about its initial marketing claims.

emaqi was launched as part of Orange Inc.’s broader strategy to increase the accessibility of manga globally. This platform not only offers titles translated by humans but also offers tailored recommendations. There was a visible change in this part too, as these recommendations, which were initially supposed to be AI curated, were now stated to incorporate inputs from manga influencers too.

Despite the controversies, Orange Inc. will continue to push forward with its broader mission. By doing so, they hope to address a significant bottleneck in the industry— the slow pace of traditional translation which limits the availability of diverse manga outside Japan.

The company’s efforts are set in the larger context of a national initiative to triple Japan’s manga exports through more streamlined translation processes, involving significant investments from major players including Shueisha & Shogakukan.

Emi Shinohara, known for voicing Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moonhas passed away at the age of 61.

Hey agency, 81 Produce, announced the news on their official website on Sep 10, 2024, stating that Shinohara died on Sep 8 while undergoing medical treatment.

“Emi Shinohara passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024, while receiving medical care. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the support she received throughout her life,” the agency stated.

Shinohara is a well-known figure in the anime industry. In addition to voicing Makoto Kino, also known as Sailor Jupiter, her other notable roles include Kaho Mizuki in Cardcaptor SakuraKushina Uzumaki in Naruto ShippudenOphelia in ClaymorePresea in Magic Knight Rayearthamong others.

Source: 81 Produce, Oricon

The Apothecary Diaries manga illustrator Nekokurage confirmed that she will continue to work on the series.

This was revealed in a statement released on her official X account on Sep 9, 2024, following the recent court ruling concerning her tax evasion case.

In the statement, Nekokurage acknowledged the gravity of her tax issues and announced that she is now receiving guidance from a trusted tax accountant.

She also expressed deep regret for the situation and pledged to avoid such issues.

“I sincerely apologize for the trouble caused regarding my tax matters. I deeply regret the verdict I received in court recently, and I am now receiving support from a trusted tax accountant. I pledge that I will never let something like this happen again.”

The illustrator confirmed that she will continue to work on The Apothecary Diariesexpressing gratitude to both her readers and the parties involved in the decision to allow her to keep creating.

“Additionally, I am grateful to the readers who have expressed their desire to continue reading my work even under these circumstances, and to the parties involved who have made the decision to allow me to keep creating. Moving forward, I hope to atone for my mistakes and repay everyone through my continued work.

I intend to approach my creations with even more care, and I would be grateful if people continue to view my work in the future.“

Square Enix had previously confirmed that they have no plans to cancel the serialization of The Apothecary Diaries manga, following the artist’s conviction.

Nekokurage was found guilty of failing to report approximately 260 million yen in income from 2019 to 2021, resulting in the evasion of approximately 47 million yen in income tax. The artist failed to file tax returns by the deadline, leading to the tax evasion charges.

The Fukuoka District Court sentenced the artist to 10 months in prison, with a three-year suspended sentence, and imposed a fine of 11 million yen.

This means the artist won’t go to jail if she stays out of trouble for three years.

Judge Takeda pointed out that Nekokurage’s manga gained sudden popularity, leading to significant income, but she prioritized her immediate work and personal life over fulfilling her tax obligations.

Although the artist had paid the full amount, including any applicable late fees, she had a pattern of filing her tax returns late, combining several years’ worth into single submissions.

She had continued this despite her editor and the original author of The Apothecary Diaries had urged her to address her tax responsibilities.

The Apothecary Diaries manga adaptation by Itsuki Nanao and illustrated by Nekokurage began in the 2017 6th issue of Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan, released on May 25, 2017. Square Enix has compiled its chapters into individual tankobon volumes.

The first volume was published on September 25, 2017. As of March 25, 2024, 13 volumes have been published.

Source: X

Jujutsu Kaisen 0the prequel to Jujutsu Kaisen series, is getting a stage play adaptation, set to debut in December in Tokyo. Titled ‘Stage Jujutsu Kaisen 0 WITH LIVE BAND,’ the play will also be performed in Osaka in January 2025.

This upcoming production marks the third stage play adaptation in the Jujutsu Kaisen series, but it will be the first to feature a live band.

Yuki Ogoe will star as Yuta Okkotsu, the protagonist of the story, while Ray Fujita will reprise his role as the antagonist Suguru Geto.

A teaser visual for the stage play also was revealed. It showcases Yuta, along with the cursed spirit of his childhood friend Rika Orimoto and antagonist Suguru Geto.

Kensaku Kobayashi will serve as the director of Stage Jujutsu Kaisen 0 WITH LIVE BAND, with Kohei Kiyasu in charge of the script.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is based on Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School, the prequel manga to the main series, Jujutsu Kaisen. It is written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s magazine Jump GIGA from April to July 2017.

After Akutami launched Jujutsu Kaisen in 2018, the series was retroactively retitled Jujutsu Kaisen 0—making it a prequel—and released in a single tankōbon volume in December 2018.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 received an anime film adaptation by MAPPA, which was directed by Sunghoo Park and premiered in Japan in December 2021.

RELATED:
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It was the highest-grossing film at the Japanese box office in 2021.

Overall, the film has earned a total of 13.75 billion yen (about US$108.1 million) in its run in Japanese theaters; it was the eighth all-time highest-earning anime film in Japan and the 14th highest-earning film in Japanese box office history, until September 2022, when it was surpassed by One Piece Film: Red.

Source: X

The official website of Bleach announced on Sep 8, 2024, that the third cour of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War will start airing on Oct 5, 2024.

A new visual was revealed to commemorate the announcement.

Six Lounge’s Without Any Words will be the opening song of the third cour, whereas Monochrome by Suisoh will be the ending song.

Series’ new director, Hikaru Murata, previously revealed that Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War cour 3 will incorporate more CGI than cour 2.

The anime’s producer Tominaga had also confirmed that Cour 3, just like the previous two cours, will have anime original content. This content was created by working together with the manga author Tite Kubo. The author himself had previously said that he will be more involved in the upcoming Cour.

He also highlighted that multiple captains will showcase their Bankai abilities in the upcoming Cour, particularly emphasizing one captain whose Bankai reveal will be a highlight.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is an anime series based on the Bleach manga series by Tite Kubo and a direct sequel to the Bleach anime series that ran from 2004 until 2012.

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War cour 1 aired in Japan on Oct 10, 2022, and ended on Dec 26, 2022, with a one-hour long special episode, combining episodes 12 and 13 of the anime.

Cour 2 of the anime started airing on July 8, 2023.

It was previously revealed that  anime will be split into four cours, with breaks in between.

Source: Official Website

Keigo, the bassist for the Japanese rock band Novelbright, has praised Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi manga and expressed an interest in creating the theme song for its anime adaptation.

Taking to his official X account on Sep 9, 2024, Keigo shared his thoughts regarding the future of Shonen Jump following the conclusion of My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen.

While fans have expressed concern that the magazine may face a dark period without these major series, Keigo reassured them, stating that Kagurabachi will fill the void.

He went on to predict that the manga would explode in popularity if it were adapted into an anime and added that he wanted to do a theme song for it.

RELATED:
Kagurabachi Anime Adaptation: When Can We Expect It To Come?

“People are saying that Shonen Jump is going to enter a dark period after My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen end, but with Kagurabachi around, it’s going to be fine!!
It’s seriously amazing!!
If it gets an anime adaptation, it will explode in popularity!!
I want to do the theme song for it!!“

Kagurabachi has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine since September 2023. The first tankobon volume was released on Feb 2, 2024.

The series’ third volume was published in July 2024, with Naruto author Masashi Kishimoto recommending Kagurabachi manga in the volume.

As a part of manga’s first anniversary, the series launched a fan contest that allows readers to create and submit designs of their own ‘Mob Sorcerer’ characters.

Viz Media and Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform are publishing the series in English.

It has also garnered significant international attention. The English version of Chapter 1 achieved the top spot in global views on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA just one week after its debut.

It was chosen as the best up-and-coming manga on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app by fans during Anime Expo 2024.

Source: X