Latest news with #Shonen
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Chinese film 'Ne Zha 2' is a lesson in resilience and beautiful animation
There's just something about an underdog story that works. It'll always begin in cringe fashion, of course, seeing someone being bullied by the world. But seeing them rise above the criticism, finding that kernel of truth that steadies them and lets them take on the naysayers and win, that is worth the wait. Like in Ne Zha 2, a sequel to the 2019 movie Ne Zha that has been in the making for many years. In this chapter, demon orb reincarnate Nezha and his best friend, Ao Bing (spirit orb incarnate) are suffering the effects of their previous battle and trying to rebuild their bodies using the power of the sacred lotus. Of course, things go wrong and now Nezha 2.0 (Nezha's body, shared by his and Ao Bing's spirit) must embark on a mission to retrieve a potion that will give the spell a second chance. They have a seven-day deadline in which to win this drink. While they are away – and undergoing their own trials to get this potion – their home, Chengtang Pass, is being held hostage by Ao Bing's father. Who also happens to be the jailor of a purgatory holding three vicious dragons dying (and scheming) to get out. And, of course, there's an ancient evil that no one saw coming who will make its presence known. In true Shonen-style storytelling – think Naruto, Ichigo in Bleach – there's plenty of fighting, comic storytelling, and themes of friendship that overcomes all odds. Oh, and self-improvement; epigenetics always wins in this scenario. Ne Zha has been brought up with love, affection, and parents who believe in being morally right. So, no matter the obstacle he faces and what his knee-jerk reaction is as the demon orb (kill everyone), he will overcome his own baser instincts and be victorious. The movie is based on the ancient Chinese book The Investiture of the Gods, and has been animated in stunning style over a period of five years, according to the Shenzhen Government Online, by more than 4,000 dedicated animators who worked on 1,948 special effects shots. Some 138 Chinese animation companies worked on the project, and it shows. Even during the most terrifying of moments on the big screen, you can't ignore the beauty of the illustrations. There's also a moment of transformation, when Nezha absorbs a tonne of power – leading to a Dragon Ball Guku-like transformation, complete with long, floating hair. Be warned though, while there is some slapstick comedy and some heart-rending moments, there are also some instances of scatological humour – if you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to be prepared with a paper bag (you know, just in case). All-in-all though, the tale of grit and the power of family (and logic) is not just entertaining, it also asks you how you want to live your life and pushes the idea that while it may be tough to be true to yourself, it is the only way to be.
Pink Villa
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Dandadan Chapter 198: Momo Attacks Eye Of The Typhoon—Recap, Release Date, Where To Read And More
The last Dandadan chapter, titled 'Earthworm! Go!,' saw the Kito Family use the Mongolian Death Worm to launch sharks into the Typhoon Human. Jiji winds up praising the worm before reminding himself it's still an enemy. After turbulence causes Momo to be blown out of the plane, Unji catches her with help from Futa and Jiji. When the Typhoon Human retaliates, injuring the Death Worm, Momo uses her psychic hand to steer it like a flying carp streamer. She declares their next step is to reach the stratosphere and attack the typhoon's eye directly. Expected plot in Dandadan Chapter 198 Dandadan Chapter 198 will likely focus on Momo executing her plan to attack the Typhoon Human's 'eye of the storm,' which she identified as its weakness. Now airborne and distanced from the plane, she and Jiji will likely push forward with this high-altitude offensive. The issue may depict how Momo intends to deliver a decisive strike from the stratosphere. Additionally, as Jiji continues using his powers, the Evil Eye could intervene, possibly influencing or affecting the final stages of their coordinated attack on the Typhoon Human. Dandadan Chapter 198: Release date and where to read Dandadan Chapter 198 will be officially released at 12 am JST on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. For most international audiences, this will correspond to a release on Monday, June 16, 2025. The release time will vary depending on location and time zone. Dandadan Chapter 198 will be available for free on official platforms such as VIZ Media, Shueisha's MANGA Plus, and Shonen Jump+. While VIZ Media and MANGA Plus offer free access to the first three chapters, Shonen Jump+ is a paid service for full access. Keep an eye on Pinkvilla for more updates from the Dandadan manga.
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
One Piece Chapter 1149: Exact release date, time, where to watch and more
One Piece Chapter 1149 has just dropped its release date. With Scopper Gaban confronting Saint Shepherd Sommers and landing a blow that leaves lasting damage, fans are now eagerly expecting the next chapter to finally reveal the long-awaited secrets of immortality. Also Read: Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet take a 'big step' as romance gets 'really serious' According to the official MANGA Plus website, One Piece Chapter 1149 is scheduled to be released on Monday, May 26, 2025, at midnight in Japan. The chapter reveal of the popular series for the international audience is set for Sunday, May 25, 2025. To keep fans in the loop, a detailed schedule for the release of One Piece Chapter 1149 has been shared, outlining the exact launch times across various time zones. This ensures that no matter where fans are, they can catch the latest chapter as soon as it drops and stay up to date with the thrilling developments in the story. The latest One Piece manga chapter will be available on the MANGA Plus website through a subscription model. You can also access the latest chapter via the Shonen Jump+ app and the Viz Media platform, which offers the most recent three issues of the series for free. Also Read: Tory Lanez stabbed 14 times, both lungs collapsed: New details emerge in prison attack as 'FreeTory' trends on X One Piece Chapter 1149 will likely begin with the ongoing battle between Gaban and Sommers, with Sommers still stunned by his inability to regenerate. Gaban's actions and dialogue should shed light on their shared history and reveal how he has been able to bypass the Holy Knights' immortality. During the fight, one of the captured Straw Hats or Franky may manage to reach out to Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and the New Giant Warrior Pirates. The chapter will likely end with the group gearing up to return and confront their foes, but Loki will step in, cautioning them about the formidable power of the Holy Knights and their involvement in King Harald's death.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
‘I'm CEO of one of the biggest streaming services and TV fans are missing out on these 10 incredible shows'
Stream these amazing shows totally free of charge right now A top streaming service boss has shed light on some lesser-known yet brilliant picks accessible on their platform. Boasting a library that's an exclusive hub for many of the greatest and most beloved series, the platform ensures there's something for all who subscribe with its extensive selection of titles. Furthermore, viewers can enjoy a vast range of episodes entirely free via an ad-supported subscription option without having to spend anything. For those looking to cut out ads, the platform's first premium tier is priced at a modest £4.99 per month, offering streaming on multiple devices and offline downloads on its slightly higher £5.99 a month tier. Anime lovers will find a haven in Crunchyroll, regarded as one of the best value streaming services, about which Express Online recently spoke to CEO Rahul Purini, seeking his top show suggestions for those new to Japanese animation, reports the Express. "We say there's anime for everybody," he asserted. "Every individual has different interests and passions. So we have shows for everybody." As Crunchyroll has seen its subscriber numbers triple from 2021 to 2024 and now prides itself on 15 million paying members, while its overall user count exceeds 120 million, the global fervour for anime shows no signs of waning. "There are what we call Shonen shows, which are fighting shows targeted at boys and male audiences, everything from Dragonball to Naruto and now Demon Slayer," Purini elaborated. "There are [shows with] great female protagonists, like Frieren or Sailor Moon, that are amazing shows." Yet, his most glowing endorsement was reserved for a series that concluded its second season earlier this year, with Purini recently telling Deadline "we hope" work on the eagerly awaited third season will commence soon. "I would say, right now, one of the most popular shows, globally, on our platform is a show called Solo Leveling. It just came back for its season two earlier this year and it's breaking records. Fans love it," Purini said. "So, there's great shows for every fan and, depending on what kind of shows they like for their entertainment, there's definitely anime filling that. "It's got stunning visuals, great storytelling, all of that from an amazing studio. But I also think, one, it's a simple story told really well. It's also got a lot of themes that younger audiences are familiar with. "Audiences who are gamers who have played RPG games, they understand and have grown up with these themes, so all of that being brought into a story format is just connecting really well with audiences." Solo Leveling is set in a world overrun by monsters from another dimension, where select individuals awaken as 'hunters' to combat these evil forces. Hunters typically have static power levels upon awakening, but the story follows Sung Jin-woo, a notoriously weak hunter who receives the unique ability to level up through a mysterious system, sending him on a perilous journey. Purini also shone a spotlight on Frieren, a female-led fantasy epic with a "huge audience" of its own, though it hasn't quite matched Solo Leveling's fame, suggesting it may deserve more attention than it currently receives. The CEO remarked: "There are also countless new series starting every year as well as anime staples returning for their next seasons over the next few months. "This quarter we have an amazing lineup of shows. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which is a new show from the same IP as My Hero Academia, which is really popular. "There's another new show called To Be Hero X, which seems to be a fan-favourite. We have One Piece returning, Fire Force season three. So some really great shows in the spring lineup and I think we have some amazing shows for the rest of the year as well." With a vast array of shows spanning action, adventure, horror, romance, and slice-of-life drama, signing up to Crunchyroll is an easy decision for those eager to explore the expansive universe of Japanese anime.
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Free streaming service that ‘tripled its userbase' offering countless ‘unmissable' shows
This streaming service is home to some of the best and most popular shows ever made, and their CEO has shared some of the underappreciated gems available on the platform The CEO of a leading streaming service has pointed out some hidden treasures and fan favourites available on their platform. Boasting an archive that includes some of the most acclaimed and beloved series, subscribers are spoilt for choice with hundreds of options catering to every possible taste. An extra perk is the platform's free, ad-supported tier, offering viewers the chance to binge-watch thousands of episodes without spending a penny. For those who'd rather skip the ads, a minimum monthly fee of just £4.99 unlocks the first premium tier; and for only £5.99 a month, subscribers can stream on four devices simultaneously and download content to view offline. Anime powerhouse Crunchyroll offers one of the most budget-friendly streaming experiences around, and Express Online recently chatted with CEO Rahul Purini, who shared his top picks for those exploring Japanese animation for the first time, reports the Express. "We say there's anime for everybody," he explained. "Every individual has different interests and passions. So we have shows for everybody." Crunchyroll has seen its paying membership balloon to 15 million between 2021-2024, while the overall user count has soared past the 120 million mark, clearly indicating that the global hunger for anime shows no signs of waning. "There are what we call Shonen shows, which are fighting shows targeted at boys and male audiences, everything from Dragonball to Naruto and now Demon Slayer," Purini explained. "There are [shows with] great female protagonists, like Frieren or Sailor Moon, that are amazing shows." Yet, the most glowing praise was reserved for a series that has recently concluded its second season, with hints dropped to Deadline about an eagerly awaited third season on the horizon. "I would say, right now, one of the most popular shows, globally, on our platform is a show called Solo Leveling. It just came back for its season two earlier this year and it's breaking records. Fans love it," Purini said with enthusiasm. "So, there's great shows for every fan and, depending on what kind of shows they like for their entertainment, there's definitely anime filling that. "It's got stunning visuals, great storytelling, all of that from an amazing studio. But I also think, one, it's a simple story told really well. It's also got a lot of themes that younger audiences are familiar with. "Audiences who are gamers who have played RPG games, they understand and have grown up with these themes, so all of that being brought into a story format is just connecting really well with audiences. Solo Leveling unfolds in a reality besieged by monsters from another dimension, with select humans awakening as 'hunters' to combat these dark forces. Hunters typically have static power levels upon their awakening, but the narrative takes a twist with Sung Jin-woo, a notoriously feeble hunter who receives the unique chance to enhance his abilities through a mysterious system, sending him on a perilous journey. Purini also shone a light on Frieren, a female-fronted fantasy saga that commands a "huge audience" despite not quite matching the fame of Solo Leveling, suggesting it may be an underappreciated gem. The chief executive further remarked: "There are also countless new series starting every year as well as anime staples returning for their next seasons over the next few months. "This quarter we have an amazing lineup of shows. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which is a new show from the same IP as My Hero Academia, which is really popular. "There's another new show called To Be Hero X, which seems to be a fan-favourite. We have One Piece returning, Fire Force season three. So some really great shows in the spring lineup and I think we have some amazing shows for the rest of the year as well." With a plethora of series spanning action, adventure, horror, romance, and slice-of-life drama, subscribing to Crunchyroll emerges as an obvious choice for those eager to explore the vast universe of Japanese anime. Sign up to ad-supported Crunchyroll for free or remove ads from as little as £4.99 a month.
