Latest news with #MyHeroAcademia
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Best shounen animes to watch: 10 action-packed series you can't miss
Source: Crunchyroll Looking for the best shounen animes to watch in 2025? Shounen anime is known for its adrenaline-fueled battles, underdog heroes, and emotional storytelling. Whether you're new to anime or a seasoned otaku, these top-tier series offer something for everyone, from pirates and ninjas to sorcerers and devil hunters. This guide covers the most binge-worthy shounen anime that continue to dominate charts and fan discussions. Packed with heart, humour, and high-stakes action, these shows deliver epic arcs and unforgettable moments. So grab your popcorn and scroll through this list of the most unmissable shounen anime you should start watching right now. 10 best shounen animes to watch in 2025 Jujutsu Kaisen Source: Crunchyroll A cursed finger turns Yuji Itadori into the host of a powerful demon. With brilliant animation, cursed battles, and emotional stakes, this supernatural shounen anime hooks you instantly. It's perfect for fans who love dark themes, unique power systems, and strong character arcs. My Hero Academia Source: Crunchy In a world where most people have superpowers, Izuku Midoriya trains to become the top hero. With explosive fights, heartfelt lessons, and iconic rivalries, this anime delivers that perfect mix of action and growth every shounen fan craves. One Piece Monkey D. Luffy dreams of becoming the Pirate King and finds powerful allies along the way. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing Older Women should Avoid Learn More Undo With 1,000+ episodes and unmatched world-building, this legendary series is the gold standard for long-running shounen adventures full of emotion, humour, and insane battles. Attack on Titan When giant humanoid monsters threaten humanity, Eren Yeager joins the fight, only to uncover darker truths. Combining political tension, intense action, and emotional devastation, this shounen delivers cinematic brilliance that's both thought-provoking and jaw-dropping. Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba Source: Crunchyroll After a demon slaughters his family, Tanjiro Kamado joins the Demon Slayer Corps. This anime blends breathtaking visuals with swordplay, heart-wrenching moments, and haunting demons. Every episode feels like a movie, making it an instant shounen classic. Naruto / Naruto Shippuden Naruto Uzumaki's journey from outcast to Hokage is the ultimate underdog tale. With ninja clans, forbidden jutsu, and emotional rivalries, this series shaped the shounen genre and continues to inspire new generations of anime fans. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Source: Crunchyroll Ichigo Kurosaki returns in this high-stakes arc, battling the Quincy and uncovering deeper soul reaper lore. The updated animation and mature themes breathe new life into the franchise, making this the perfect time to revisit (or start) Bleach. Black Clover Born without magic in a world that worships it, Asta trains relentlessly to become Wizard King. This series thrives on sheer determination, non-stop combat, and classic rivalries. It's a perfect fast-paced binge for shounen lovers. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood After a forbidden alchemy ritual goes wrong, the Elric brothers search for the Philosopher's Stone. With sharp writing, deep lore, and moral weight, this remains one of the most emotionally rich and complete shounen anime of all time. Chainsaw Man Source: Crunchyroll Denji merges with his pet devil to become Chainsaw Man, fighting brutal devils while dreaming of a normal life. Gory, absurd, and oddly heartfelt, it's a wildly original twist on the shounen formula and totally unforgettable. Also read| Anime that makes you nostalgic for the early 2000s: Relive the golden era
The Review Geek
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 1 Review – The worst possible spin-off
Season 1 Episode Guide Episode 1 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 2 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 3 -| Review Score – 2.5/5 Episode 4 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 5 -| Review Score – 2.5/5 Episode 6 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 7 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 8 -| Review Score – 1/5 Episode 9 -| Review Score – 2/5 Episode 10 -| Review Score – 2/5 Episode 11 -| Review Score – 1.5/5 Episode 12 -| Review Score – 3/5 Episode 13 -| Review Score – 1.5/5 While My Hero Academia focuses on people studying to become the official protectors of their country, its spin-off, Vigilantes, delves into a more shadowy place. Koichi, Knuckleduster, and Pop☆Step work to protect their city without having a legal Hero License. That means not only are the villains out to get them, but also the police and professional heroes too. This leads them to a new drug, Trigger, which affects citizens' senses and makes them go berserk. Still, these 'instant-villains' appear to be mere pawns in a much bigger game. So, the vigilante group investigates the incidents while clashing and secretly collaborating with heroes. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has a good premise that can distinguish the series from the original show. However, it already fails at this most basic element. What are the differences between heroes and vigilantes? Is it only the legal issue? If so, why is it important that people have a professional license to protect others? This could go on, but it'd be pointless as the anime doesn't answer any of them. It does go a little in-depth into the history of vigilantism in one episode, which is quite interesting. However, it feels like a passing concern only. The protagonist group only clashes with heroes during one episode, and being vigilantes never actually affects them. If you didn't start watching it from episode one, you probably wouldn't even know they aren't heroes. It's a real shame the show doesn't explore what could be such an interesting dynamic. But that's only a taste of how much Vigilantes doesn't care about its premise. The Trigger drug is only a major threat for about two episodes, then it's quickly side-lined. In fact, after a while, it becomes just another unimportant element of the series. It's used for jokes, or we see the instant villains being defeated by unrelated heroes in seconds. Before even reaching the middle of the first season, the anime's two most important plot points almost completely lose their effect. How is the audience gonna find them interesting, if even the show doesn't do that? Not to mention, these villains have another problem: a lack of creativity. The drug also affects people's powers, making them more unstable and powerful. It could be the opportunity to show new sides of the powers and transformations, which are always popular among anime fans. Instead, the villains always just become a giant version of their normal selves. It's a disappointing and lazy design work. In contrast, Knuckleduster's story is handled very well. It's the best thing about MHA: Vigilantes. He doesn't have powers, making us question why he cares so much about helping people. With that alone, his views on justice already become way more interesting. And he also has an important connection to the Trigger drug, which helps keep us engaged in the plot. He brings all the action, suspense, and even emotion viewers could want from a show like this. Unfortunately, his screen time isn't long enough to save the whole series. However, more unfortunate than that is knowing we can't say the same thing about the other main characters. Koichi and Pop don't need the same amount of development, as the show can focus on them in later seasons. Still, it barely establishes anything about them besides basic personality traits. Koichi is the protagonist, but he has almost no highlights in this season. To say more, if you excluded him from the plot, the most important points of the story would still play out similarly. He wants to be a hero more than anything and has a pure desire to help people. In the first few episodes, we see the lengths he would go to prove that. However, he never goes that far again and becomes sort of a comic relief. Meanwhile, Pop☆Step has no reason to even be there, and the anime can't convince you she has one. There's one episode in which the citizens talk about each vigilante, and every one of them reduces her to her body or having a revealing outfit (quick reminder that she's about 14, which makes it even worse). Anime often has problems creating a good female character for trios, and this is true for Vigilantes. However, unlike Naruto or Attack on Titan, only one member of the team can be seen as well-written. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has potential, but it seems it refuses to do anything interesting with it. So, we end up with just another forgettable spin-off that fails at almost everything.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beloved 2000s Couple Shares Secret to Raising Teenage Kids
Beloved 2000s Couple Shares Secret to Raising Teenage Kids originally appeared on Parade. Beloved 2000s couple Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar have experienced the highs and lows of raising teenagers, and they found the secret to effective parenting. 'You get a little unbalanced because a lot of kids' friends are on vacation, or they go to camp at someplace else, or they're busy with camp locally, so you are more present,' Prinze, 49, told People about parenting in the summer in an interview published on Wednesday, July 9. 'They're not running away from you as much. Like, 'Dad, can you take me here? Can you take me there? Can I see this guy? Can I see that girl?' We try to keep our kids pretty active." Prinze added that it's "definitely more necessary" to be a present parent in the summer. "You might feel like a chauffeur, and that's a normal feeling for a parent to go through, but you're definitely more necessary in the summer," he continued. The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, share daughter Charlotte, 15, and son Rocky, 12. The She's All That star added that the secret to effective parenting is patience, which Gellar, 48, has mastered. Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 'The practicing of patience in the face of teenage power is a tough battle. It's like All Might versus whatever horrible villain he was facing in My Hero Academia, that level of difficulty,' he said, referencing the popular anime series. 'Patience, I think, is the ultimate power, and if you don't have it, it's a muscle you have to work out. So, definitely put the time in because it will help you win all the arguments.' While Gellar was "initially" better at being patient, Prinze said it was something he had to work towards. 'Patience was something I learned and got better at over time, like anything else," he explained. Beloved 2000s Couple Shares Secret to Raising Teenage Kids first appeared on Parade on Jul 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Top 10 anime teachers who deserve a real-life classroom
In anime, mentors are more than side characters—they're transformational figures. Whether it's through unconventional training methods, emotional support, or philosophical guidance, anime mentors often change not only the lives of their students but also how viewers see the world. These characters go beyond simply teaching skills or providing exposition. They challenge norms, guide heroes through crises, and shape ideals that resonate across generations. From warriors to oddball psychics, these mentors carve their legacy through influence, not just action. Check below the list of top 10 anime teachers from Kakashi to Koro-sensei. Iconic anime teachers every student secretly wanted Izumi Curtis At first glance, Izumi Curtis is a stern, no-nonsense alchemist. But beneath her fierce exterior is a mentor who molds her students through discipline, compassion, and emotional honesty. As the teacher of Edward and Alphonse Elric, Izumi imparts not just technical skill, but a deep sense of moral responsibility. She emphasizes the value of life and the weight of one's choices, teaching through tough love rather than cruelty. Izumi's teachings are grounded in painful experience, making her one of anime's most formidable and unforgettable guides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Kisuke Urahara Source: Japanese Anime Kisuke Urahara is the embodiment of the "unconventional mentor." With his laid-back attitude and cryptic sense of humor, he appears harmless. But as a former Soul Reaper captain and scientific mastermind, his training methods are anything but simple. Urahara pushes Ichigo and others to grow through trial by fire, often throwing them into high-pressure situations to awaken their instinct and resilience. His genius lies in creating environments where students discover their potential on their own terms. Rather than giving answers, Urahara teaches through discovery, emphasizing self-reliance over obedience. Though often in the background, his influence echoes through the series, shaping Bleach's heroes into thinkers, fighters, and leaders. Master Roshi Don't let the comic relief fool you—Master Roshi, the Turtle Hermit, is one of the most foundational mentors in anime history. He trained Goku, Krillin, and others, laying the groundwork for their philosophies and fighting spirit. His wisdom lies in the basics: discipline, control, and patience. Roshi teaches that true strength is not just about power, but about knowing when—and why—to use it. Despite his flaws, Roshi's lessons resonate with humility and tradition, making him a quiet cornerstone of the Dragon Ball universe. Through lighthearted moments and serious instruction, Roshi helps Goku grow from an impulsive child into a heroic icon. All Might – My Hero Academia Source: My Hero Academia Wiki In a world where superpowers are common, All Might stands out not just for his might, but for his inspiring ideals. As the former Symbol of Peace, he represents hope, justice, and perseverance. As a mentor to Izuku Midoriya, he teaches far more than combat—he teaches what it means to bear responsibility, to protect others, and to lead with empathy. All Might leads by example, believing in the potential of every student—even when they don't believe in themselves. Though weakened by time, his spirit remains unshakable, offering students the courage to rise, even when the odds seem impossible. Yami Sukehiro – Black Clover Source: Black Clover Wiki Leader of the Black Bulls, Yami Sukehiro is rough around the edges but deeply loyal to his squad. He teaches by pushing his team past their comfort zones, urging them to grow by "surpassing their limits"—a mantra repeated throughout the series. What sets Yami apart is his belief in effort over natural talent. He accepts misfits, outcasts, and rebels, forging them into a fiercely united team through shared experience and mutual respect. Yami shows that a good leader doesn't just bark orders—they fight alongside their team, no matter the danger. His mentoring style may be intense, but his students thrive under his unwavering confidence in them. Jiraiya – Naruto Source: Narutopedia - Fandom One of anime's most beloved mentors, Jiraiya is equal parts goofball, sage, and warrior. As Naruto Uzumaki's teacher, he guides him not only in combat but in finding inner strength and purpose. Jiraiya saw Naruto's pain and responded with care, tough training, and powerful mentorship rooted in shared loneliness. He believed in Naruto when few others did. Through him, Naruto learns that strength must serve something greater—and that even flawed people can uphold noble ideals. Jiraiya's legacy goes beyond technique; it lives in Naruto's unwavering spirit and belief in a better world. Reigen Arataka – Mob Psycho 100 Source: IMDb Reigen may be a con man, but when it comes to life advice, he's a master. As Mob's mentor, Reigen Arataka provides grounding wisdom that has little to do with psychic powers and everything to do with self-worth, ethics, and emotional intelligence. His teachings go far beyond exorcisms—he shows Mob how to deal with feelings, relationships, and growing up in a world that often misunderstands him. Reigen teaches that real strength isn't about power—it's about compassion, responsibility, and kindness. Despite his flaws, his loyalty and protectiveness over Mob make him one of anime's most heartfelt and surprising role models. Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen Source: Jujutsu Kaisen Wiki Satoru Gojo is arguably one of the strongest anime characters ever created—but what makes him a compelling mentor is his desire to change a corrupt system from within. As a teacher at Jujutsu High, he trains students to not only fight curses but to think critically about their world. He demands excellence and growth, believing the next generation can reshape the future better than his own. Gojo empowers his students to surpass him, even as he shields them from darkness with everything he's got. His bold ideals, combined with raw power and complex emotional depth, make him both an icon and a revolutionary mentor. Genkai – Yu Yu Hakusho Source: Yu Yu Hakusho Wiki Gruff, wise, and immensely powerful, Genkai is the tough-love master who trains Yusuke Urameshi in the art of Spirit Energy. Her mentorship is rigorous, but she provides Yusuke with the discipline and clarity he needs to grow from a reckless teen into a responsible protector. Genkai emphasizes the importance of control, humility, and sacrifice. She pushes her students to dig deep—physically and emotionally—to discover what truly drives them. She doesn't coddle her students. Instead, she challenges them to rise, to endure, and to fight with purpose. Her role in Yu Yu Hakusho isn't just as a teacher—she is a spiritual anchor and a testament to what true mentorship looks like. Koro-sensei Koro-sensei, the eccentric yellow creature from Assassination Classroom, may seem like a bizarre villain, but he becomes one of anime's most beloved teachers. Tasked with teaching students who must assassinate him, he devotes himself to their academic and emotional growth. He tailors lessons to individual needs, builds confidence, and fosters compassion and unity. Despite being Earth's supposed threat, he never endangers his students. His adaptability, empathy, and unwavering support make him a truly unforgettable and selfless mentor. Also Read | Netflix reveals over 50% of its subscribers are anime fans, highlighting global surge in viewership with over 150 million
Gizmodo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Gachiakuta' Doesn't Just Redefine Shonen Anime, It Anoints Itself as the Next Big Thing
The shonen anime landscape is teetering on the edge of a void as big marquee series like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia approach their final acts. Long before this shift dominated online anime conversations, manga readers had already anointed Gachiakuta as the new hot contender to fill the gap. To their surprise, Bones Studio Films, the spin-off production company behind hits like My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Mob Psycho 100, announced it'll be helming Gachiakuta's anime adaptation, effectively crowning it as the next big shonen. Gachaikuta's two-episode global premiere advanced screening at Anime Expo proves it has the narrative muscle and inventive flair to live up to the hype. Gachiakuta, created by Kei Urano with graffiti art by Hideyoshi Andou, is a dystopian action-fantasy series. In this world, the privileged 'apostles' reside in a pristine metropolis where trash is an afterthought, while the impoverished 'tribesfolk' scrape by in the slums, scavenging that very waste between the borderline of their apartheid cities. The series follows Rudo, a social outcast who scours the city for discarded relics and rejuvenates and repurposes them into their former glory. Though Rudo's restoration seeks to breathe fresh purpose into society's refuse, both the Apostles and the Tribesfolk only see him as a freak who will inevitably bring society to ruin. Framed for a crime he didn't commit, Rudo is flung from the gleaming utopia of 'the Sphere' into 'the Pit,' a bottomless landfill where junk-born kaiju wreak havoc, poisonous smog chokes the air, and Mad Max-esque raiders roam. Stripped for parts and left for dead like a modern-day Prometheus (or Lucifer), Rudo vows to claw his way back to the floating city that discarded him like trash and make them pay. As far as shonen protagonists go, Rudo is a far cry from the sunny Goku archetype that has proliferated the genre. If anything, he's got more in common with Denji from Chainsaw Man with his rough-edged, emotionally guarded demeanor. This is made exceedingly clear in the premiere's early goings, where his attempt to sport a grin looks more like a threat than a genuine smile. But the tension between Rudo's rage and glimpses of vulnerability and downright soft-boy nature makes his Greek tragedy revenge arc burn hot in its premiere. By the end of its first episode, the desire to witness him crawl out of that pit, even if it means setting the world that tossed him aside on fire, practically bangs its fists on your chest. Gachiakuta wastes no time amplifying its controlled yet chaotic visuals and sound to make them feel utterly electrifying. Every frame of Gachiakuta is enveloped in a gritty film grain that overlays its graffiti-charged character designs, wrapping them just enough to evoke the raw texture of vintage anime. Meanwhile, its 3DCG creatures shift and clank with hulking fluidity that doesn't detract but enhances their menace. This stylish distortion also perfectly complements the manga's bold, gritty aesthetic. In tandem with its look, Gachiakuta's action and drama are underscored by a rap-metal soundtrack that bucks the sleek musical shonen polish from its contemporaries and delivers a snarling, distorted musicality that amplifies the feral feel of the series. But what sets Gachiakuta apart is its power system, which ditches power levels for something more abstract and interesting. After awakening his 'Giver' ability, Rudo has the power to channel emotional resonance through scrapped objects, tapping into their sentimental value and transforming them into powerful weapons. It's abstract, deeply thematic, and clever in its connection to the series' broader commentary on how one man's trash can be another's power. Tonally, Gachiakuta walks a tightrope between the darkness of Doomcore and punchy levity. One moment, Rudo is fighting raiders who've spent countless years scavenging the Sphere's castoffs, dodging junk-born monsters, and mourning loved ones crushed by falling debris. Through them, Rudo's hopeful knack for reviving discarded trash is turned on its head as a deconstruction of abandoned trinkets, utilizing every part of them for both intrinsic and monetary value to stay alive. As a rare survivor from the world above, Rudo becomes the ultimate prize: a living treasure from the very system that condemned them. In the next moment, Rudo and his new mentor, Enjin, are bickering at full volume about trash kaiju while completely ignoring warnings to keep quiet. It's chaotic, it's absurd, and it works. Sure, Gachiakuta isn't an entire flipping of the shonen script. It still nods to genre stalwarts, serving as a mentor figure and a found family in the making. Still, its spirit, dipping its tone into seinen (the genre's more mature older brother), lends its tale a refreshing atmosphere that its contemporaries aren't offering. Rudo's journey isn't about discovering friendship or self-actualization. It's about revenge, redemption, and resilience in a world built to break him. Sure, those flowery outcomes might inevitably come as a consequence of his revenge-laden odyssey, but its front-heavy themes make it sing. With just two episodes, Gachiakuta already feels poised to be the next big shonen and more like a necessary one. It's not just filling the gap left by Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia, it's tearing that gap wider to make space for something bold, bruised, and hopefully, unforgettable. Gachiakuta premieres July 6 on Crunchyroll. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
