It's one of the most well-loved anime of all time.
There are some anime that are so globally popular that even if you've never seen a single frame of anime in your life, you know it. There's Naruto, Pokémon, Digimon, Attack on Titan and, of course, Sailor Moon. Titular character Usagi Tsukino, her magical cat Luna and her fellow Sailor Guardians — Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus — became the heroes of a generation when they first transformed into their iconic sailor uniforms on-screen to fight menacing villains. Created by Naoko Takeuchi in the early '90s as a manga series, the franchise has since gone on to spawn anime, movies, spin-offs, video games, clothing lines - if you can think of it, Sailor Moon likely has it. It's so popular that the franchise has made over $2.5 billion in merch sales since its inception. However, because Sailor Moon has been brought back and updated time and time again, it can be difficult to decide where's the best place to start. Even legacy fans can find themselves confused as to whether Sailor Moon (1992) is the best place to begin, or if Codename: Sailor V (1991) is technically the right introduction to the series. Read more to find out everything you need to know about the Sailor Moon franchise, and how to watch it in the correct order. How to watch Sailor Moon in release order How to watch the Sailor Moon franchise in chronological order, according to its original release: Sailor Moon (Season 1) Sailor Moon R (Season 2) Sailor Moon R: The Movie – Promise of the Rose Sailor Moon S (Season 3) Sailor Moon S: The Movie Sailor Moon Super S (Season 4) Sailor Moon Super S: The Movie Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (Season 5) Sailor Moon Crystal (Reboot) Sailor Moon Eternal Part 1 Sailor Moon Eternal Part 2 Sailor Moon Cosmos Part 1 Sailor Moon Cosmos Part 2 Should I start watching Sailor Moon or Sailor Moon Crystal? Admittedly, the older run of Sailor Moon in the 1990s can be a lot of filler (depending on how much you love their outfits and magical changes, though, it might be all killer), so if you're looking for the easiest jumping on point for the franchise, your best bet is Sailor Moon Crystal. It is a faithful adaptation of the manga, and so it is unlikely that the ongoing series will remake any of the storylines from earlier iterations of the franchise that weren’t first created by Takeuchi. How many series are there in the Sailor Moon franchise? The Sailor Moon anime adaptation first began airing in 1992, and it ran for a total of 46 episodes until 1993. It introduced the world to Usagi, the Sailor Guardians and the villains they had to face in the Dark Kingdom. This series was then followed by the sequel Sailor Moon R, a follow-up saw Sailor Moon that acts as Season 2. In it the Guardians fight off the Black Moon Clan. It was a brand new story that didn’t take its ideas from Takeuchi, and it even led to a sequel film (more on that later). From 1994 to 1995, the franchise had another sequel titled Sailor Moon S, which had 38 episodes in total, and is season 3. In the anime, Usagi and the gang had to face the menacing, and appropriately named, Death Busters. The series may have been darker than what came before it, but it was its exploration of darker themes that made it a favourite among fans. Sailor Moon Super S came next, and acts as season 4, though the spin-off was aimed at a younger audience - and so it had a much more light-hearted story compared to seasons past. The show had 39 episodes in total. Sailor Moon Sailor Stars was the final series in the original version of the franchise, bringing it to five seasons in total, and the series featured 34 episodes that aired from 1996 to 1997. The anime returned the story to a darker tale, including the ominous Sailor Wars. The TV series was given the reboot treatment in 2014 with the anime Sailor Moon Crystal, which ran until 2016 and had 34 episodes in total. The faithful adaptation of Takeuchi’s manga covered the Dark Kingdom, Black Moon and Infinity arcs again, and it is more closely tied to its source material. How do the Sailor Moon films fit in the franchise? View oEmbed on the source website There were a number of films that have been released as part of the Sailor Moon franchise, and they were released as sequels to their respective anime series. As such, 1993 film Sailor Moon R: Promise of the Rose was released as a sequel to Sailor Moon R, while 1994 film Sailor Moon S: The Movie was a sequel to Sailor Moon S. Sailor Moon Super S: The Movie was, you guessed it, a sequel to Sailor Moon Super S, and it was released in 1995 after the anime series. Sailor Moon Crystal has also spawned several sequel films, which adapt the Dream arc from Takeuchi’s manga. There will be four films in total, the first two were titled Sailor Moon Eternal Part 1 and 2, and the second set is titled Sailor Moon Cosmos Part 1 and 2. The two Sailor Moon Cosmos films were officially released in Japan on the 9th and 30th June 2023, and an international release date has not yet been announced for them both. Is Sailor Moon Cosmos the final Sailor Moon movie? Currently, Sailor Moon Cosmos stands as the finale to the rebooted adaptation of Sailor Moon Crystal, meaning that it's technically the final Sailor Moon movie as of writing. However, there could always be another reboot or a continuation of the series in the future, as there has been multiple times in the past. However, given that Sailor Moon Cosmos adapted the 'Stars' arc, which is the final arc of the manga before it ended in 1997, we may expect a new addition to the manga before a new anime is announced - we'll have to wait and see what Takeuchi wants to do. Does Naoko Takeuchi still make Sailor Moon? Throughout Sailor Moon's multiple reiterations and reboots, franchise creator Naoko Takeuchi has been involved throughout as the chief supervisor on all Sailor Moon-related projects. This includes the recent two-part movies Sailor Moon Eternal and Sailor Moon Cosmos, which adapted the 'Dream' and 'Stars' arc of the Sailor Moon mangas. Sailor Moon Eternal also featured the return of Japanese animator Kazuko Tadano, who designed the characters for the original 1990s Sailor Moon anime series, which was something that Takeuchi had been aiming to involve in the project since its initial inception. Kotono Mitsuishi, the iconic voice of Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon, announced after the release of Sailor Moon Cosmos that she would be retiring from her role as everyone’s favourite Sailor Guardian - but that doesn’t mean this is the end, as author and mangaka Naoko Takeuchi is still producing new art from the series, including a new art book, as well as hinting that she is working on something relating to the franchise. How to watch Sailor Moon in the UK View Green Video on the source website The bad news is the original Sailor Moon franchise is not available to stream, nor is its reboot Sailor Moon Crystal. However, Viz Media has released the first series on Blu-ray and DVD. The company has also done so for Sailor Moon R, Sailor Moon S, Sailor Moon Super S, Sailor Moon Sailor Stars and Sailor Moon Crystal. All of the aforementioned films are also available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray thanks to Viz Media. Meanwhile, both Sailor Moon Eternal movies are available to watch on Netflix, and Sailor Moon Cosmos is was released on Blu Ray and DVD in December 2023, it will be launching on globally Netflix on 22nd August 2024. View oEmbed on the source website Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide or Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: Release date, cast, trailers
Since Edgar Wright’s beloved adaptation of Scott Pilgrim vs the World hurtled onto the silver screen in 2010, many fans have wondered if there would be more one day. Well, Netflix has provided an answer. The comic book franchise was first created by Bryan Lee O’Malley, and it follows the eponymous bass guitarist as he tries to win the love of the bewitching Ramona Flowers by battling her Seven Evil Exes. Wright’s cult hit saw Michael Cera take on the title role alongside a cast who have since achieved megastar status, with the likes of Kieran Culkin, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Chris Evans appearing in the film, among others. Read on to find out everything we know so far about Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, including release date and its cast. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off release date: When will it air? Now that the dust has settled on Netflix giving the series the green light, the official release date has been confirmed as 17th November 2023. For the anime-savvy readers among you, the creative team of Science SARU is likely a familiar name – but for those of you that don’t know, the studio is led by acclaimed anime filmmaker Masaaki Yuasa and his regular producing partner Eunyoung Choi. The studio is the creative mind behind films like The Night is Short, Walk On Girl and Inu-Oh, and TV anime like Devilman Crybaby and two episodes of Star Wars: Visions season 1. View Green Video on the source website Netflix has confirmed that Scott Pilgrim Takes Off will be directed by Abel Góngora, with creator O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski developing the series. We will keep this page updated with all the latest news on Scott Pilgrim’s first anime outing when we receive it. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off voice cast: Who will return? With Wright back in the picture for an adaptation of O’Malley’s series, some fans might be wondering whether anyone else from the cult film will return. Well, Netflix gave an update on that, too. The good news is the entire cast of the 2010 film will be returning to the franchise, and they will be voicing the same characters they played in the original: Scott Pilgrim – Michael Cera Ramona Flowers – Mary Elizabeth Winstead Wallace Wells – Kieran Culkin Stacey Pilgrim – Anna Kendrick Envy Adams – Brie Larson Knives Chau – Ellen Wong Matthew Patel – Satya Bhabha Lucas Lee – Chris Evans Todd Ingram – Brandon Routh Gideon Graves – Jason Schwartzman Roxy Richter – Mae Whitman Kim Pine – Alison Pill Julie Powers – Aubrey Plaza Young Neil – Johnny Simmons Stephen Stills – Mark Webber If you need a little refresher on who each of these people are, we've already got you covered. Is there a trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off? Alongside the initial announcement trailer, the first teaser trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off was released on 16th August. Giving fans a taste of the animation style that's to come, Scott's first friendships, opponents and adventures can all be pieced together in the 50-second preview. Get ready for the full series by taking a closer look here. Since then, there was a clip released on 27th September 2023 featuring one of Scott's usual expletive-filled interactions with Julie Powers alongside his patient waiting at the door for Ramona to deliver his package, with a slight tweak in that she's now delivering for Netflix instead of Amazon (surprise, surprise). View oEmbed on the source website Netflix has finally stopped teasing Scott Pilgrim fans, and on 15th October 2023, released the full 2-minute trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. It features a number of immediately recognisable Scott Pilgrim locations including the Subspace, Wallace and Scott's apartment, Ramona and Scott's first meeting and an incredibly awesome visual tease of each of the evil exes embodied in their original manga forms. View oEmbed on the source website The 2010 Scott Pilgrim vs the World film is available to stream on ITVX. Check out the rest of our Sci-Fi and Fantasy coverage, or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what’s on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Record of Ragnarok season 2 part 2 release date, cast, latest news
The fate of humanity rests in the hands of a chosen few in Record of Ragnarok, in which historical figures are determined to show to the gods that humans are worthy of saving through a tournament known as, you guessed it, Ragnarok. Since it began in 2021, the seinen anime has proven itself to be an exciting addition to the genre, especially thanks to its epic battles that pit the Gods against representatives of humanity who range from Jack the Ripper to Nikola Tesla. Based on writers Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui and illustrator Ajichika’s manga of the same name, the anime certainly has had some surprises up its sleeve over the course of its run on Netflix. Following the release of the first part of season 2 in January, fans of the action-packed series have likely been wondering what is to come in part 2. Well, read ahead to find out everything we know so far. Record of Ragnarok season 2 part 2 release date Episodes 11 to 15 of season 2 will hit Netflix on 12th July. Netflix announced the exciting news with a tweet reading: "Follow the story of 13 one-on-one matches between representatives of gods and humans from across the entire world, for the survival of humanity. Record of Ragnarok II, episodes 11 to 15 hit Netflix July 12th!" The first 10 episodes were released in January for part 1, meaning that there will be a further five episodes to come out. So far, season 2 has seen Hercules battle it out against Jack the Ripper, and Raiden go head-to-head against Shiva, but the war is far from over between the gods and humanity. Will humanity be made extinct by the vengeful gods? Or can those representing us show that we are worth a second chance? View oEmbed on the source website Record of Ragnarok season 2 part 2 cast: who could return? Given how many characters remain consistent over the course of Record of Ragnarok, there should be several actors returning to the voice cast for season 2 part 2. Barring any issues behind the scenes, it's safe to assume these actors will return: Brunhilde – Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese); Laura Post (English) Goll – Tomoyo Kurosawa (Japanese); Anairis Quinones (English) Zeus – Wataru Takagi (Japanese); Chris Edgerly (English) Jack the Ripper – Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese); Jeff Leach (English) Hercules – Katsuyuki Konishi (Japanese); George Newbern (English) Raiden Tameemon – Subaru Kimura (Japanese); Michael Schwalbe (English) Shiva – Tatsuo Suzuki (Japanese); Sean Rohani (English) Buddha – Yuichi Nakamura (Japanese); Maaz Ali (English) Loki – Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Japanese); Ryan Colt Levi (English) Ares – Hinata Tadakoro (Japanese); Tim Friedlander (English) Heimdall – Yukihiro Nozuyama (Japanese); Kellen Goff (English) Hermes – Junichi Suwabe (Japanese); Cory Yee (English) View Green Video on the source website The official website for Record of Ragnarok has also confirmed the addition of several characters in season 2 part 2, and their Japanese voice actors have been confirmed. Here is who will be joining season 2 part 2: Zerofuku –Murase Ayumu (Japanese) Sōji Okita – Yonaga Tsubasa (Japanese) Isami Kondō – Takagi Wataru (Japanese) Hlökk – Inoue Honoka (Japanese) Thrud – Miki Akira (Japanese) As always, we'll update this page as and when more trailers and plot details are released. Record of Ragnarok is available to watch on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
It's the anime of the moment but Oshi No Ko is a series that has seemingly come out of nowhere. However, it's already been labelled the best anime of all time. Indeed, the series has already dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as the highest-rated anime of all time on MyAnimeList, and that is after just one episode was released. So, no small feat. The series premiered on 12th April, and it has already become the talk of the anime community during the Spring 2023 season, which boasts continuing hits like Demon Slayer season 3 and Vinland Saga season 2. This clearly shows the potential for the series in the future and the increase in interest that is likely to be seen over the course of its run. For those of you interested in the most talked about anime of the season then read ahead to learn everything you need to know. How to watch Oshi no Ko in the UK Oshi no Ko is available to watch on HiDive, an anime streaming service that can be enjoyed in the UK alongside other platforms like Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll may be the giant of the anime industry, but it does not have the rights to Oshi no Ko. It's not available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+ either. What is Oshi no Ko About? The seinen anime follows gynaecologist Gorou Amemiya, who is tasked with helping idol Ai Hoshino deliver her twins without it becoming public knowledge. However, on the way there Gorou is murdered by a crazed stalker of the singer and he suddenly wakes up to find he has been reincarnated as Ai’s son Aquamarine, aka "Aqua”. Though he has started his new life, he still has the memories of his previous one. Ai’s daughter, Ruby, is also a reincarnation though she doesn’t wish to reveal her origins to her fraternal twin, not yet at least. Who Created Oshi no Ko? Oshi no Ko’s manga is helmed by writer Aka Akasaka and illustrator Mengo Yokoyari, Akasaka is also the creative mind behind another popular series: Kaguya-sama: Love is War. So far, Oshi no Ko’s manga has 11 volumes in total in Japan, and Yen Press are publishing the series in English in the UK. The first volume has already been translated and published, while volumes 2 and 3 will be released in May and August 2023, respectively. View Green Video on the source website Is Oshi no Ko related to Kaguya-sama: Love is War? Kaguya-sama: Love is War is centred on Shuchiin Academy’s student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya, cohorts who appear to be a perfect match but are constantly at odds with one another despite their blossoming romance. Given this, it should seem obvious that Oshi no Ko is not a sequel to Kaguya-sama: Love is War, or even a spin-off. While Akasaka created both Kaguya-sama: Love is War, the two manga are not related in terms of story or characters, the connection between the two is simply that they share the same mangaka. Oshi No Ko is available to watch on HiDive. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide or Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The First Slam Dunk movie release date speculation, cast, and latest news
The popular anime is officially getting its own movie.
There are few sports manga as influential as Slam Dunk, and the iconic franchise will be making a welcome return to the industry with a new anime film. Takehiko Inoue’s basketball series had a huge impact when it was first published in the ‘90s, so much so that it created a huge surge in interest in the sport in Japan. Its tale of friendship and sportsmanship has resonated with readers for decades, and even its tense matches have been an influence on the sports manga that came after it. Slam Dunk was given its own anime adaptation from 1993 to 1996, which came to 101 episodes in total, and it spawned several anime films which were released in conjunction with the TV show between 1994 and 1995. The legacy of Inoue’s basketball franchise is such that it is returning three decades later with a film titled The First Slam Dunk. Read more to see when and where you can watch it. The First Slam Dunk release date speculation: when will the film be released in the UK? The First Slam Dunk was released in cinemas in Japan in December 2022, and Anime Limited announced in April that it would be releasing the film in the UK and Ireland. It has been confirmed that the film will be released in summer 2023, however an official release date has not yet been revealed. Fans who are interested in knowing more can check back here for the latest updates. As of right now, there is no way to stream the original Slam Dunk series in the UK. What will The First Slam Dunk be about? The original Slam Dunk follows teen Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who has a long history of being dumped by his girlfriends and who is determined to change that. In order to become popular, he decides to start playing basketball when he joins Shohoku High School, because a girl he fancies is a fan of the sport. Original creator Takehiko Inoue both wrote and directed The First Slam Dunk, and the film moves its focus from Hanamichi to his teammate Ryota Miyagi, the point guard for the Shohoku team, and his story and personal challenges. Hanamachi is also featured in the film, as are teammates Takenori Akagi, Hisashi Mitsui and Kaede Rukawa, who fans will recognize from the original series. In the film, the Shohoku basketball players are set to challenge their rivals and inter-high basketball champions at the Sannoh school. View Green Video on the source website The First Slam Dunk cast: who will star in anime film? The Japanese voice cast for The First Slam Dunk was revealed ahead of the film’s release in Japan in December 2022, and they will appear in the subbed version of the sports flick that is released in UK cinemas. Here is who stars in The First Slam Dunk: Ryota Miyagi - Shugo Nakamura Hisashi Mitsui - Jun Kasama Kaede Rukawa - Shin'ichirō Kamio Hanamichi Sakuragi - Subaru Kimura Takenori Akagi - Kenta Miyake It has not yet been revealed who will appear in the English language dub of the film, though this is likely to be confirmed closer to the film’s release date. We don’t have any further details yet, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we hear more about the voice cast. Is there a trailer for The First Slam Dunk? Yes, alongside the announcement that Slam Dunk will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland, All the Anime shared an English-subbed trailer. The first-look clip shows the basketball matches between Shohoku and Sannoh, and Ryota’s new status as the franchise’s central character. View oEmbed on the source website The First Slam Dunk will be released in summer 2023. Check out the rest of our Sci-Fi and Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what’s on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King release date, cast, latest news
The film has faced multiple delays but is now set for release on Netflix.
Asta and Yuno’s individual quests to become the Wizard King continues in a new anime film, titled Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King. The orphans have had quite the rivalry over the course of the Black Clover anime, which is based on Yuki Tabata’s manga of the same name, but it goes to new heights in the forthcoming feature. Fans of the anime have been enjoying the series since 2017, but it went on hiatus after the end of season 4 in 2021, which seemingly spelled the end of the franchise. However, that soon proved not to be the case because of the new film. Read more to discover everything there is to know about Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King. What is Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King based on? Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King sees Asta and Yuno face their most formidable enemy yet, Conrad Leto, a former Wizard King who has been brought back to life. The villain is determined to take over Clover Kingdom, and he will use an Imperial Sword to resurrect other Wizard Kings in order to make this a reality. So, it will be up to Asata and Yuno to stop him before it is too late. Original manga creator Tabata was involved in the film as chief supervisor, but the narrative is entirely new to its source material. Tabata also was involved in the film as an original character designer, so fans of the franchise can rest assured that the drama has the creator’s blessing – even if it is not based directly on the manga. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King release date – when is the movie out? The Black Clover movie will be released on Netflix on Friday 16th June. The release had to be delayed because of how the COVID pandemic had impacted the production schedule. Originally the film was meant to come out in cinemas in Japan on 31st March, but this was pushed back. At the screenings in Japan, viewers will be given a companion book to the film which is described as volume 23.5, which suggests where it fits in the manga’s 34 volumes. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King cast – who could return? Given the Black Clover anime finished not that long ago, it stands to reason that some viewers may expect certain voice actors to return to the franchise. The good news is that these fans would be right, because several the TV show’s voice cast are reprising their roles in the movie. There will also be several new members joining the cast like Toshihiko Seki, who will play Conrad. Asta - Gakuto Kajiwara Yuno Grinberryall - Nobunaga Shimazaki Noelle Silva - Kana Yūki Yami Sukehiro - Junichi Suwabe Julius Novachrono - Toshiyuki Morikawa Conrad Leto - Toshihiko Seki Edward Avalaché - Hōchū Ōtsuka Princia Funnybunny - Miyuki Sawashiro Jester Garandaros - Fumiya Takahashi Millie Maxwell - Marie Iitoyo Vanessa Enoteca - Nana Mizuki View Green Video on the source website The voice cast for the film’s English dub has not yet been revealed, however it is likely to be announced in June, close to the release day. We will keep this page updated with all the latest news on Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King when we hear more. Is there a trailer for Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King? Yes! Netflix has released an official trailer for Black Clover that gives fans a taste of the action-packed story. Asta and Yuno’s battle against Conrad appears to be a dangerous one for the characters, but it will be an important part of their journey to obtaining the Wizard King title themselves. View oEmbed on the source website You can watch Black Clover on Netflix. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
There are too many choose from – but we've got you covered.
These days, there are so many new shows coming to streaming and TV that it’s hard to know what to dedicate your time and attention to. Arguably, there is too much choice, and this means that it might seem like a daunting task to decide what to watch, or even what medium to go with. Well, if anime is more your thing and you don’t know where to start, look no further than our guide to some of the best and most talked about shows in the spring 2023 season. From Crunchyroll to Netflix, and HIDIVE to Disney Plus, there is something for everyone this season. Here is everything you need to know about some of the top releases. Oshi no Ko Where to watch: HIDIVE The most talked about anime of the moment is certainly Oshi no Ko, which has proven to be a surprise hit in a season that is already full of big hitters. Based on the work of Aka Akasaka, of Kaguya-sama: Love is War fame, the idol anime has set the anime community alight with its dramatic story centred around idol Ai Hoshino and her children’s determination to see her career reach new heights. The catch? Her former gynaecologist was murdered and reincarnated as one of her sons, while his fraternal twin sister is also a reincarnation. Talk about complicated! Oshi no Ko truly hit the ground running with its critically acclaimed first episode, which features a dramatic story and catchy soundtrack is sure to make it a hit moving forward in the spring 2023 season. Demon Slayer season 3 Where to watch: Crunchyroll The most hotly-anticipated anime of the spring 2023 season was certainly Demon Slayer, which returned for its third season that adapts the Swordsmith Village arc. Adapting Koyoharu Gotouge’s hit manga series, the new season sees demon slayer Tanjiro travel to the titular village in order to get a new sword made by Hotaru Haganezuke. If you’re into anime then you’ve probably heard of Demon Slayer in some way, and so there is little need to convince viewers to watch it. Given the franchise’s huge fanbase and its enduring popularity, it is clear that Demon Slayer season 3 is one to watch. Hell’s Paradise Where to watch: Crunchyroll While Demon Slayer may be the biggest returning show of the season, Hell’s Paradise was arguably the one new series that viewers were most excited to sink their teeth into. MAPPA, which has helmed iconic shows like Attack on Titan, has brought Yuji Kaku’s original manga to life onscreen. The drama centres on Gabimaru, a criminal who is offered a second chance at life if he is able to retrieve an elixir granting eternal life from a place called Paradise Island, only it is anything but that. Full of exciting action scenes, thrilling characters, and terrifying monsters there is a lot to enjoy in this anime, even if it is a little more on the dark side. Skip and Loafer Where to watch: Crunchyroll For something a little more light-hearted, Crunchyroll has plenty to offer viewers and one such show is Skip and Loafer. The school-based anime follows small-town teen Mitsumi Iwakura, a high school student who had a lot of ambitions in life but comes to realise that Tokyo might not be all she hoped it would be. This fun and light-hearted anime is sure to be an easy watch, and its central character’s charm resonates throughout her coming-of-age journey. Mashle: Magic and Muscles Where to watch: Crunchyroll Another fun anime to look out for is Mashle: Magic and Muscles, which is a laugh-out-loud parody of shonen anime. The anime follows Mash Burnedead, a muscle-bound high school student who lives in a magical world and enrols in a new academy, which is nothing like a certain magical school. There he must prove his worth through the power of exercise, but it is also a place where he learns the power of friendship. Though it pokes fun at a lot of what makes shonen anime, well, shonen anime, it does have a lot of heart and is amusing because of its overexaggerated use of tropes and its fun characters. View Green Video on the source website Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Is Oshi no Ko worth watching? Captivatingly dark idol anime packs a punch
It's been billed as one of the best anime of all time - is it worth the hype?
Arguably the most talked about anime of the spring 2023 line-up, Oshi no Ko is a show that has unexpectedly taken the world by storm and even ranked higher than beloved series returning for new seasons like Demon Slayer. The idol anime, which is helmed by Doga Kobo, received a hugely positive reception when it was first released this month. The music video for its opening song garnered over 22 million views in six days, and it has even toppled Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from first place of MyAnimeList’s top anime of all time listings – with just one episode to its name The question is, then, is all the buzz around the show valid? Oshi no Ko centres on gynaecologist Goro Amemiya who is obsessed with idol Ai Hoshino, a singer in the group B Komachi who he was first introduced to by a late cancer patient he was fond of. Ai is the starry-eyed idol of his dreams, so it comes as a big surprise to him when she suddenly appears at his countryside hospital and is 20 weeks pregnant. The 16-year-old is expecting twins, and she wants to give birth to the children in secret so that she can continue her idol career afterwards. View oEmbed on the source website Goro chooses to set aside his adoration for the idol to help her during the pregnancy, and everything is going well until he is murdered by one of the singer’s stalkers on the day she is due to give birth. Fortunately for him, he is reborn as Ai’s son Aquamarine, aka Aqua, and his memories of his previous life are still intact. So too has his fraternal twin sister, Ruby, who was also reincarnated, though she’d rather keep coy on her past life. What follows in the 90-minute opening episode is certainly a shock. Idol anime tend to rely on tried and tested formulas, which is no bad thing but does mean that they can seem quite predictable. There are certain expectations with an idol anime, and they often feature light-hearted stories and a catchy soundtrack. This is not the case with Oshi no Ko (the soundtrack is fantastic, though, don’t worry). What we mean is the anime knows what it is but it’s also not afraid to deal with heavy topics, and it navigates the darker side of the entertainment industry with great skill. It examines some difficult subjects and brings up valid points about the idol industry such as the unrealistic expectations placed on the shoulders of those at the centre of it. The captivating story can, of course, be linked back to Aka Akasaka’s original manga, but the anime adaptation does an excellent job of bringing it to life on the small screen. Oshi no Ko will have several surprises in store for viewers, which we are loathe to spoil here, but the story does go to some unexpected places in its first episode, easily distinguishing it amongst this season’s offerings. Doga Kobo’s animation is also stunning, particularly when it comes to the character designs and the musical numbers, the latter of which are as thrilling to watch as they probably would be if they had been done in real life. The second episode largely sets the stage for Aqua and Ruby’s lives in a world that is determined to tear them down, with Aqua hellbent on vengeance and his sister aiming for the same starry heights her mother reached as an idol. View Green Video on the source website It doesn’t pack quite the same punch as the first episode, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as effective in its execution. The show certainly has a lot of potential and it has set up a fascinating story for the remainder of its 11-episode run. Oshi no Ko really did hit the ground running with its no holds barred premiere episode, and if you watch it then you are likely to get sucked into Ai, Aqua and Ruby’s story completely. It’s hard not to become invested after such an action-packed first episode, and it does make a convincing case for the show being a standout in the medium overall. If the series keeps up this momentum, then it will certainly earn its title as one of the best anime around. But, for now, it can at least be said that this show is one to watch, and most certainly worth your time. Oshi No Ko is available to stream on HiDIVE. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Vinland Saga season 2 release schedule: When is episode 15 out?
Everything you need to know about the popular anime.
Thorfinn’s quest for revenge is reaching new heights in Vinland Saga season 2, which is currently in the midst of being released in Japan. The Viking epic adapts the manga of the same name by Makoto Yukimura, which explores the stories of explorer Thorfinn and the rise of King Cnut the Great, and the critically acclaimed series sees its characters face new challenges. Netflix may have other Viking-themed shows like Vikings: Valhalla and The Last Kingdom, but viewers haven’t quite seen anything like this before. History comes to life in an animated form, so those looking to expand their knowledge and enjoy a spot of anime need look no further than Vinland Saga. Read more to find out everything we know about the release schedule for Vinland Saga season 2. When is Vinland Saga season 2, episode 15 released? Vinland Sage season 2 episode 15 is expected to be released on Monday 17th April on Crunchyroll at the below times: Pacific Daylight Time – 8:30am, Monday 17th April 2023 Central Daylight Time – 10:30am, Monday 17th April 2023 Eastern Daylight Time – 11:30am, Monday 17th April 2023 British Summer Time – 4:30pm, Monday 17th April 2023 Central European Summer Time – 5.30pm, Monday 17th April 2023 Vinland Sage season 2 is currently airing in Japan with animation studio MAPPA, the company behind shows like Attack on Titan’s final season, bringing Yukimura’s story to the small screen. As such, fans who are enjoying the show will have to be patient as the series is currently being simulcast and thus gets new episodes every week. Episodes are released on Mondays in the UK, with Netflix and Crunchyroll sharing the rights to simulcast the series in Japanese with English subtitles. Vinland Saga season 2 expected release schedule MAPPA previously confirmed that Vinland Saga season 2 will feature a total of 24 episodes, which means there is still plenty more to come for fans of the franchise. The expected release schedule for Vinland Saga season 2 can be found below, although this may be subject to change: Episode 15: Title TBA – 17th April 2023 Episode 16: Title TBA – 24th April 2023 Episode 17: Title TBA – 1st May 2023 Episode 18: Title TBA – 8th May 2023 Episode 19: Title TBA – 15th May 2023 Episode 20: Title TBA – 22nd May 2023 Episode 21: Title TBA – 29th May 2023 Episode 22: Title TBA – 5th June 2023 Episode 23: Title TBA – 12th June 2023 Episode 24: Title TBA – 19th June 2023 Unless there are any unexpected delays during production, these are the likely air dates for each episode. Where is Vinland Saga available to watch in the UK? Viewers that are interested in diving into Thorfinn’s story for the first time will have multiple ways in which they can watch the show, as seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on different streaming platforms. As mentioned, the Viking anime is being released on both Netflix and Crunchyroll, which means viewers need a subscription to just one of these streamers in order to enjoy the show and catch up on the series before watching new episodes. Season 1 is also available to watch on Prime Video. View Green Video on the source website You can watch Vinland Saga season 2 on Netflix and Crunchyroll. Check out the rest of our Sci-Fi and Fantasy coverage, or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what’s on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Suzume release date, cast, and latest news
Makoto Shinkai's comeback is in full force.
Makoto Shinkai is making his epic comeback to the anime industry with a stunning new film titled Suzume. The Your Name director’s latest creation marks a welcome return to the silver screen for the filmmaker, whose last release was his 2019 fantasy Weathering With You – and Suzume is sure to dazzle his longtime fans and newcomers alike. Suzume follows its titular character, a 17-year-old girl who takes on the task of closing doors into other dimensions across Japan. These portals can lead to untold disaster if she doesn’t get to them in time. Since its release in Japan in November, the film has gone on to become the fourth highest-grossing anime film of all time. Read more to learn everything we know about the UK release of Shinkai’s latest. Suzume release date: when will Makoto Shinkai’s film come to cinemas in the UK? Suzume will be released by Crunchyroll outside of Asia, and the film will be coming to UK cinemas on Friday 14th April. In certain areas of Europe, the film will be released on April 12th, while in other countries like Austria, Belgium, and Spain, it will also be released on April 14th. Shinkai’s latest film will also be released in the US and Canada on this date. A streaming release date has not yet been confirmed for the film. View Green Video on the source website Suzume cast: who stars in the Japanese and English voice cast? Viewers excited for Suzume will be delighted to learn that the film will be released in cinemas in both Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub. Here is who stars in the cast for both versions: Suzume Iwato — Nanoka Hara (Japanese); Nichole Sakura (English); Young Suzume — Akari Miura (Japanese); Bennet Hetrick (English) Sota Munakata — Hokuto Matsumura (Japanese); Josh Keaton (English) Tamaki Iwato — Eri Fukatsu (Japanese); Jennifer Sun Bell (English) Minoru Okabe — Shota Sometani (Japanese); Roger Craig Smith (English) Rumi Ninomiya — Sairi Ito (Japanese); Amanda C Miller (English) Chika Amabe — Kotone Hanase (Japanese); Rosalie Chiang (English) Hitsujiro Munakata — Matsumoto Hakuo (Japanese); Cam Clarke (English) Tomoya Serizawa — Ryunosuke Kamiki (Japanese); Joe Zieja (English) Daijin — Ann Yamane (Japanese); Lena Josephine Marano (English) Miki — Aimi (Japanese); Mela Lee (English) What is the plot of Suzume? As mentioned, Shinkai’s film follows Suzume as she embarks on an epic quest across Japan to close portals that have opened in sites that were abandoned after disaster, and she does this with the help of mysterious young man named Sōta. Suzume must face myriad challenges along the way, both personal and physical. While at first glance Suzume might appear to be a quaint coming-of-age story, the drama is, at its heart, inspired by a much darker tragedy: the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The disaster led to the deaths of almost 20,000 people and it had a huge impact on Japan as a nation. Shinkai was devastated by the event, and he has spoken previously of how his new film, as well as Your Name and Weathering With You, were directly inspired by it. In the film, Suzume struggles with the loss of her mother when she was four years old, and it is implied that the matriarch was one of the people to go missing and later be presumed dead in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake. Much like with Your Name and Weathering With You, though, Shinkai approaches the subject through an imaginative lens, adding mythical elements that makes the story both amusing and moving for viewers. Is there a trailer for Suzume? Yes! A trailer was recently released for Suzume, which teases the film’s epic story and gives viewers a glimpse at the journey she goes on. Watch it below: View oEmbed on the source website Suzume will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 14th April 2023. Visit our Fantasy hub for the latest news and features, or find something to watch with our TV Guide and Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.