The success of an anime in Japan is historically measured by Blu-ray/DVD sales and broadcast ratings. Global success, however, is measured by international licensing, streaming sales, and long-term cultural influence. The seven series below are primary examples of how low domestic reception was offset by an explosion of popularity in the West.   1. The Adult Swim Phenomenon (The Ratings...

Cosplay is an incredibly creative hobby, but the perception that it requires large sums of money for purchased costumes and high-end props scares away many beginners. Low-Cost Cosplay is the answer: it's about being smart, using existing resources, and prioritizing creativity over spending. Here is how you can start your cosplay journey on a limited budget. I. Choosing the Character (The...

Your Next Binge: 8 Great Anime You Can Finish in a Single Day (12 Episodes or Less)   Sometimes, you don't have time to start a 300-episode series. Enjoying anime doesn't always require a huge time commitment. Many series exist that are designed to tell a complete, high-quality story in 12 or 13 episodes (a single "season" or cour). Watching a 12-episode series from start to finish takes...

The Yuri (or Girls' Love) genre has undergone a remarkable maturation. Far from the initial narratives focused on innocent affection and the exploration of feelings (Shoujo-ai), a wave of works has emerged that use lesbian romance as a vehicle to explore obsession, psychological horror, manipulation, and tragedy. This subgenre, known as Dark Yuri, has found fertile ground, especially in the...

How to Build Your Perfect "Plan to Watch" List: A Beginner's Guide to MyAnimeList and AniList   You've started watching anime. You loved Demon Slayer and Spy x Family. Your friends tell you that you have to watch Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and a classic called Cowboy Bebop. You look online and see articles about Sanda and Kagurabachi. Suddenly, you have 20 "must-watch" series and...