A Beginner's Guide: 10 Recommended Anime Series to Start With   Anime is an animation medium originating from Japan. It contains a vast number of works covering multiple genres, such as action, science fiction, romance, and comedy. This wide variety of options can be difficult for a new viewer to navigate. If you are new to anime, you might ask, "Where do I begin?" Perhaps you only have...

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...

What is a "Visual Novel"? A Guide to the Games That Inspire Your Favorite Anime (Like 'Steins;Gate' and 'Clannad')   Have you ever watched a romance anime where the protagonist seems to have incredible chemistry with a side character, only to suddenly "forget" them and focus on someone else? Or have you watched a sci-fi series like Steins;Gate and wondered why fans talk about a "True...

The art of Japanese animation is often rooted in reality. The practice known as Seichi Junrei (sacred site pilgrimage) has driven tourism to spots that served as direct inspiration for memorable scenes and landscapes. Below, we explore six of the most iconic real-life locations that were immortalized on screen.   1. Makoto Shinkai's Hyper-Detailed Realism   Director Makoto Shinkai is...

Is 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' Overrated? A Fair Look   Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is, objectively, one of the biggest entertainment phenomena in recent history. It broke manga records, its film (Mugen Train) became the highest-grossing anime movie of all time, and every season is a global event. But with this level of stratospheric success, the word inevitably comes up:...