The Gacha genre (named after the Japanese Gashapon vending machines) and anime have a perfect symbiotic relationship. For studios, it's a gold mine that capitalizes on brand loyalty; for fans, it's a way to follow the story of their favorite characters, collect alternate versions, and participate in the series' universe. Here, we highlight five Gacha games that have not only been commercial...

All For One (AFO) is the fundamental antagonist of My Hero Academia and the symbolic opposite of hero society. His psychology is not based on trauma or vengeance, but on malignant narcissism fueled by a power that allows him to absorb the identity of others. AFO is the embodiment of absolute tyranny, where power is the ultimate end, not the means. 1. The Narcissistic Core (Worldview)  ...

The Damsel in Distress (DiD) trope, where the primary narrative function of a female character is to be rescued by a male hero, has long been a pillar of fiction. However, anime and manga have been pioneers in deconstructing this concept, offering female characters who are not only strong but leaders, strategists, and active agents of their own destiny. This article celebrates the heroines who...

The 80s and 90s were the Golden Age of Cyberpunk, a period where anime fearlessly explored the fear of technology, the omnipresence of corporations, and the merging of the human body with machines. While Akira and Ghost in the Shell are the fundamental pillars, a handful of lesser-known OVAs and films captured the essence of the genre with equal intensity, defining the neon and dystopian...

Happy "Goku Day"! How One Character Became a Global Ambassador for Anime   Every May 9th, social media and fan communities around the world celebrate "Goku Day." It is an annual celebration of Son Goku, the protagonist of Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball franchise. But this day is more than just a celebration of a character. It's a recognition of how a fictional, spiky-haired hero became the...