Laura Gassert
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Articles by Laura Gassert
Classroom of the Elite Season 4, Episode 10: Release Date & Where to Watch
Classroom of the Elite Season 4: Second Year, First Term is racing toward its climax. The final exam of this semester has officially begun and is set to span several episodes. Although this is already the second year, this season is a great entry point for those who would like to get into the so-called "Game of Thrones of school anime." Currently, Ayanokoji is in danger and competing with a rival who, just like him, came from the White Room.
Classroom of the Elite: Every Main Character, Ranked by Intelligence
Classroom of the Elite is a favorite series for many who enjoy psychological thrillers, being something like a "Game of Thrones of school anime." A new season is now broadcasting, and it is incredibly friendly for newcomers. Across its many subplots, students of the Advanced Nurturing High School constantly scheme to advance to superior classes or simply avoid expulsion. Below, we have ranked the key players who drive the narrative based on their intelligence (from lowest to highest).
6 Best Shonen Manga to Read If You're Craving Another Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is not your typical shonen series. Not only is it a bit darker than most titles under Shonen Jump's umbrella, but it also delves into mature themes with complex, morally gray characters. Though its sudden conclusion in March 2026 left many fans divided, there's no denying it was one of the most subversive and influential manga of the last decade. Now that the story is over, fans may be looking for another series that could deliver a similar experience.
5 Reasons Why Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 5 is the Perfect Spring 2026 Anime to Hate-Watch
Rent-A-Girlfriend is definitely... something. Despite its premise, or perhaps because of it, this anime was able to gather a massive following, including a huge number of fans who have watched it "ironically." In fact, among great hits like Witch Hat Atelier and One Piece, perhaps there is no better anime to hate-watch than Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 5, which premiered in April 2026.
6 Reasons Why It's Hard to Watch Sailor Moon in 2026
Sailor Moon is definitely the most important magical girl series of all time. The idea of a squadron of girls transforming into heroines in uniform to save the world, which is now pretty much the "trademark" of the genre, simply didn't exist before Sailor Moon. The series reshaped the entire genre, and it's still a cornerstone not only of the genre but also of shoujo manga in general to this day. Its long-lasting impact also proves it is among the most important anime franchises of all time.
Crunchyroll Discount Available for a Limited Time
Crunchyroll has just launched a major discount for new and returning users, only a few months after increasing subscription prices. The offer is part of the Ani-May, a full-month celebration hosted by Crunchyroll through May. Ani-May 2026 actions include new additions to the platform, like the Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc movie, special re-releases in theaters, livestream watch parties, special experiences and on-the-ground activations at events or other spaces, and more.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4, Episode 9 Review: The Special Exam Begins
The climax of Classroom of the Elite Season 4: Second Year, First Term is finally here. The series may not be as massive as One Piece, but this season has delivered consistent animation and a good plot to enjoy. As many students need to earn as many points as they can, the stakes are very high at this moment.
Kagurabachi: Every Enchanted Blade So Far, Ranked
In serialization since 2023, Kagurabachi is already one of Shonen Jump's flagship titles, and it's bound to become even bigger after the anime releases in April 2027. At this point, perhaps it's the only series with true potential to beat Solo Leveling. Years prior to the beginning of the story, Chihiro's father, Kunishige Rokuhira, forged six Enchanted Blades with Datenseki, a rare ore that amplifies the power of Spirit Energy safely for wielders to channel the blades' power.
7 Best Shonen Anime to Watch If You're Craving Another Dragon Ball
Therefore, there are many modern anime that Dragon Ball fans could give a try if they still want something similar to the series. Of course, since the franchise is huge, different fans enjoy different things in the series: for some, the enjoyment is in the humor and adventure; for others, it's all about battles and power scaling. Taking that into account, here are some of the best recent shonen anime for Dragon Ball fans.
5 Anime Movies With A Higher Budget Than Demon Slayer Infinity Castle That Aren't Nearly As Good
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has become the highest-grossing Japanese movie of all time, and it will probably be surpassed by the next movie in the Infinity Castle Arc movie trilogy. Since 2020, Demon Slayer has managed to become an unprecedented phenomenon, and it looks like it will stay that way for a while.
Boruto's Code Is Setting Up To Become Even Stronger Than Jura
All of this never-ending back-and-forth development of Code, with him getting stronger only to turn out, once again, to be a disappointing villain who can't defeat anyone, made most readers of the manga to sour on him. While some still expect him to eventually show what he's truly capable of, many have already given up on him, dubbing him one of the lamest antagonists in the franchise.
Akane-banashi Episode 5 Introduces a New Challenge
Akane-banashi is reaching the mid-season mark, making it clearer that this first season is likely all about Akane's final challenges in high school. In terms of quality, this is definitely one of the best anime of the year, and perhaps it will gain some recognition following its global debut on Netflix in a few weeks. Since Kyoji said she can't let Rakugo sideline her studies, Akane has been a diligent student, preparing herself for the school exams.
Sarada Uchiha Needs A New Power-Up For The Next Boruto Arc, But It Shouldn't Be The Rinnegan
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has just concluded another arc, but there is still more to come. As another Shinju Clone was defeated, the most likely scenario is that a new one will come to Konoha, creating a new challenge for the main characters. Since Sarada Uchiha got the Mangekyo Sharingan back in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, fans have hoped that she will eventually acquire the Rinnegan, even if that seems a bit complicated for her.
One Piece Fest Takes Place in the US in August 2026 for the First Time Ever
For a long time, the best immersive experiences and celebrations for Japanese franchises remained restricted to local events in Japan. But, at least for One Piece, these times are now over, as Toei is bringing a brand-new experience to fans in North America. One Piece Fest Coming to LA in 2026 According to the official website, the first-ever North American One Piece Fest will take place at Cosm Los Angeles on August 25–26, 2026 (Tuesday and Wednesday).
My Hero Academia Announces Official New Anime Content For Summer 2026
My Hero Academia is one of the most successful shonen manga of the last decade, with a massive fanbase that still wants more content despite the manga and anime ending recently. While Kohei Horikoshi hasn't announced any new plans regarding a potential My Hero Academia sequel, anime fans will at least enjoy one more episode before bidding farewell to the franchise.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Officially Sets Up Its Next Big Villain After Jura
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is now heading towards a massive turning point, and as the number of Shinju Clones is going down with each new arc, soon the battle against Jura will come, and after, a brand-new villain will emerge. With so many things happening at the same time, there are many plotlines to explore.
Naruto: 6 Most Unique Powers That Aren't Ninjutsu
Ninjutsu is the foundation of most powers in Naruto. Even high-level abilities like Baryon Mode are essentially extensions of it. However, there are also powers that fall under other jutsu types, as well as those that don't fit into the three main categories (taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu) at all. Most of these "outliers" are doujutsu kekkei genkai, eye abilities that result from hereditary genetic mutations, which have become icons of the franchise.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Sets the Stage for the Special Exam
Classroom of the Elite is now reaching the climax of the season, and fans have plenty of episodes left to experience the thrills and challenges of the special exam on a desert island. Now, everyone has already set their strategies, and we will see them in action. We will also see some first-years trying their final attempts to get Ayanokoji expelled from school, and we may finally discover the identity of the White Room student.
After Shikamaru, Konoha Needs A Stronger Hokage In Boruto Two Blue Vortex
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is just about to open a new arc, as Mamushi was finally defeated in Konoha. The series is slowly addressing a few mysteries, such as why a few people, especially Sarada Uchiha and Sumire Kakei, seem at least partly immune to Eida's abilities, but many questions remain open as the story also introduces new mysteries.
Akane Rediscovers Her Love for Rakugo in Akane-banashi Episode 4
Akane-banashi is delivering top-notch animation that matches the great plot of the story so far. While the anime has remained more of a niche title so far, the debut on Netflix Global in a few weeks might be the chance for it to finally go mainstream. Akane-banashi could very well become a sudden hit like Dandadan in 2024. For now, Akane is still beginning her journey in the Rakugo world, as she finds her own style and refines her performances.
My Hero Academia Confirms Return With A New Look At Special Episode
My Hero Academia ended a few months ago, but the series is making a final comeback with a special episode that will likely leave many fans happy or even give them a wholesome feeling. My Hero Academia was serialized for over a decade and has become one of the biggest anime franchises over the years.
Gundam Creator is Frustrated Fans Don’t “Get The Message” of the Franchise
Mobile Suit Gundam is perhaps the most popular mecha anime franchise in the world, and it was born as an anti-war cry from a director who remembers seeing his hometown bombed during World War II. It was also the first series to introduce the concept of Real Robot to the mecha genre, featuring giant robots that are simply war machines and not some sort of beings with their own will.
How Strong Is Boruto Uzumaki Compared To Baryon Mode Naruto?
As Boruto keeps focusing on the Shinju Clones, we learn more about the powers of many characters. Boruto Uzumaki has showcased some of his new techniques in the previous arcs, but the story still has to show more of him in this Mamushi arc, especially after his sword was upgraded by Sumire Kakei. Also, the story foreshadows an ominous future after Boruto requested the help of Momoshiki Otsutsuki, who is locked inside him due to Karma, to be able to defeat Jura and the other clones.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4, Episode 7: The Race for Expulsions Begins
Classroom of the Elite, sometimes dubbed "the Game of Thrones of high school anime," dropped another episode this week, with everything getting more and more tense before the final special test of the semester. There are still eight more episodes this season, but this second half of the season will likely be intense. This week we had another episode focused on the preparations for the test.
5 ‘90s Anime You Can’t Stream Anymore in 2026
The 1990s were a defining decade for anime. Not only were a number of massively memorable titles released during that time, such as YuYu Hakusho, Sailor Moon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Cowboy Bebop, but some staple hits from the 80s made their way internationally, like Dragon Ball and its sequels. This made these years key for the establishment of anime's popularity around the world. Services like Crunchyroll likely wouldn't exist today if it weren't for what happened during the 1990s.
From Struggling Artist to Viral Sensation: Mangaka's Heartwarming Fan Support
While some manga series like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen can quickly become massive hits only a few weeks after their debut, others struggle to find success, especially in niche magazines. These magazines are usually published by small publishing companies and rarely get the same attention as Shonen Jump series in Japan and internationally (although other big magazines also have some hits).
Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo Lead New Gundam Live-Action Movie
Following the massive success of the One Piece live-action series, Netflix is bringing another giant to the live-action format, and this time it's all about giant robots fighting each other. Finally, more concrete news was revealed about the Mobile Suit Gundam live-action movie. This project was announced in 2018, but Netflix only became officially involved with it in 2021.
My Dress Up Darling's Marin Kitagawa Gets Her Own Custom Mercedes Race Car
Meanwhile, the anime is forming some interesting partnerships in Japan, including a new collaboration with a district from Saitama Prefecture, which has already unveiled a My Dress-Up Darling-themed racing car, and there is reportedly even more to come in the next few days.
Akane-banashi Episode 3 Marks the Unconventional Start of Akane's Journey
Akane-banashi might not have yet gained the same momentum as Witch Hat Atelier or Re:Zero Season 4, but it remains among the most solid releases this season, and it may still pick up steam as the series debuts on Netflix Global next month. For now, Akane is just starting her career as a Rakugo performer, and she has a long way to go, even though she has already trained for years under Master Shiguma. She hasn't even reached the point of choosing a stage name.
Naruto: How Rock Lee Surpassed Guy After The Ninja War
Naruto is such an appealing story, with incredible world-building and a vast number of memorable characters. While the main story is definitely focused on Team 7, especially on Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha (although Sakura Haruno is arguably a third protagonist in Naruto), many secondary characters were able to win the hearts of fans. Rock Lee is definitely a great example of how a side character could become one of the most iconic in the franchise.
The Best Anime of Every Year of the ‘90s
The 1990s were a pivotal decade for anime. Not only did major franchises debut throughout those years, but many of them also made their way internationally and introduced anime to fans outside Japan. If Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen are such massive hits today, it's thanks, in part, to how those iconic series paved the way from the late '80s through the 2010s. While this is a daunting task, here are the best anime from each year of the 1990s.
McDonald's Teases Baki Collab in Japan
While nekketsu popularity diminished over the decades, several ongoing series still carry its legacy. A good example is Baki the Grappler, a fighting manga that has gained more attention in the past few years due to the Netflix anime. It seems that the franchise will soon launch a new collaboration with McDonald's Japan.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Episode 6 Builds Up the Tension for the Special Test
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 (Youjitsu Season 4) is once again delivering a great season with interesting episodes and a plot that is slowly building the tension for the special test that will take place at the end of the first term. While the animation is not as refined as a series like One Piece, it is overall quite decent and pleasant (at least for now). The sixth episode of the new season is more like a bridge to the upcoming events, as classes and students are preparing for the test.
Grab Your One Piece Meal with the Popeyes Collab
One Piece has long been an established franchise with both a popular manga and a hit anime, but the series has set new records in the past few years, especially since 2020. As anime viewership has grown for a while, One Piece seems to be enjoying an unprecedented worldwide popularity. From today on, lasting for a limited (albeit unknown) time, fans across the US will be able to enjoy their Popeyes meals in a whole new way, since the brand has dropped a massive collaboration with the series.
Solo Leveling Officially Introduces New A-Rank Hunter
Solo Leveling is already one of the most successful anime series of the 2020s, and perhaps the most successful South Korean web novel franchise to date. However, despite its rising popularity, fans are still waiting for the announcement of Solo Leveling Season 3. In the meantime, fans can enjoy other media related to the series, like the sequel web novel, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, focused on Sung Suho.
Why You Should Watch Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Even If You're New to the Series
Classroom of the Elite, also known as Youjitsu, is now streaming its fourth season of the anime. While not as popular as One Piece, the series has maintained a loyal and dedicated fanbase since its debut years ago. Even though the anime is now covering the midway point of the story, the new season is impressively beginner-friendly and might be a great option for fans who like mystery, tension, and psychological thrillers.
Akane-banashi Episode 2 Makes Rakugo Feel Like Battle Shonen
Akane-banashi is not your typical shonen series like Demon Slayer, but it brilliantly adapts shonen tropes to deliver tension and action in a narrative about Rakugo, a traditional Japanese form of theater typically performed by a single person, who tells a story playing all the characters. No wonder the series has become a hit in Shonen Jump.
Naruto: How Sakura Haruno Grew Stronger After The Ninja War, Explained
In reality, Sakura had an interesting arc in Naruto, even though this arc might not have been what fans hoped for. And one thing is impossible to deny: Sakura became incredibly powerful in Naruto Shippuden, especially during the Fourth Shinobi World War. Of course, fans can still debate whether the story explored her growth well. But first, let's understand who Sakura was before and after the war. Related Naruto: How Sakura Surpassed Tsunade, Explained Was Sakura Weak Before Naruto Shippuden?
From PowerPoint to CGI: The worst anime of 2025 is back
Laura Gassert The Beginning After the End ( TBATE ) is one of the most popular webnovels in recent years, with a solid fanbase in the niche. Therefore, when the anime adaptation was announced, it looked like the series was finally getting the recognition it deserved and would likely peak in popularity. However, fans were met with a cold splash of reality once the anime came out. Dubbed as "the next Solo Leveling " before the premiere last year, it soon became clear that the anime was a major flop.
'From PowerPoint to CGI:' The Worst Anime of 2025 is Back
The Beginning After the End (TBATE) is one of the most popular webnovels in recent years, with a solid fanbase in the niche. Therefore, when the anime adaptation was announced, it looked like the series was finally getting the recognition it deserved and would likely peak in popularity. However, fans were met with a cold splash of reality once the anime came out. Dubbed as "the next Solo Leveling" before the premiere last year, it soon became clear that the anime was a major flop.
One Piece: Why The Manga Will End Sooner Than You Expect
One Piece is definitely getting better and better as Oda sets the stage for the Final War. With the Elbaph Arc bringing massive revelations and wrapping up now, fans are excited about the next developments of One Piece. There has been much debate not only about how the Final Saga will likely unfold, but also when the manga will finally reach its conclusion.
Classroom of Elite Season 4 Teases a New Threat to Ayanokoji
Alongside many major hits like One Piece, Classroom of the Elite is airing its fourth season during the 2026 Spring Anime Season. This new installment covers a new arc, the first term of the second year. With Class 2–D getting more united during the first year, a few things are changing. The anime is moving through the plot quite quickly, but it's also nearly halfway through the cour, as the next episode will be the sixth.
One Piece: Why Imu Is Weakened on Elbaph, Explained
Last week, One Piece dropped one of the best chapters ever. The manga suddenly took a completely different direction than fans expected when the Elbaph Arc began a few years ago. Whether One Piece will end before 2030, as many predict, doesn't seem to matter as much as the thrilling climax the story is now heading towards. Imu, the major villain of the story, has just made a massive move, revealing his partial devil form and setting everything up for a major battle in the next chapters.
This is the Last Hope for Chainsaw Man Fans
Chainsaw Man wrapped up a few weeks ago, but many fans remain divided over the conclusion of the story. Just as happened with other recent shonen hits, the ending of Chainsaw Man fell short for many, leaving some fans with the hope that the conclusion was a fakeout and a new chapter, or a new part, would begin soon. While things don't seem to be heading that way, there still might be new content coming in the next few months, so there's one last hope.
Naruto: Where Is The Senju Clan In The Boruto Era?
Many of the conflicts in Naruto are related to the rivalry between Asura and Indra Otsutsuki, which was inherited by the clans descended from their lineages, most notably the Senju and Uchiha clans. However, as Naruto's story progressed, the strife between these two clans became less and less relevant to the plot. Considering that Asura's reincarnation was not a Senju, but rather Naruto Uzumaki, it makes sense that the Senju clan was not in the spotlight in the manga.
One Piece: Why The Great War Will Begin After Elbaf
One Piece is more exciting than ever, and the latest chapters have confirmed that the Elbaf/Elbaph arc is likely preparing the story for the endgame. If some fans once thought that Imu was introduced earlier than necessary, One Piece Chapters 1178-1179 just explained why Oda needed to present him in the manga so prematurely. But what is coming after Elbaf? Is Oda already setting the stage for a war?
Akane-banashi Sets the Stage with a Tragic Downfall and the Promise of Revenge
Akane-banashi is finally out. This is the adaptation of the eponymous manga, which has been running in Shonen Jump since 2022, with a great reception so far. Therefore, many consider it likely to match series like One Piece or JoJo's Bizarre Adventure in popularity this season.
Best 'So Bad It's Good' Anime Movies of All Time
Since Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train came out, the anime movie market has been on fire. Huge franchises like Jujutsu Kaisen or My Hero Academia have always been expected to churn out big-screen content, especially original content or spin-off adaptations. Yet, after Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, many big franchises are now producing movies as sequels to the TV anime. However, the anime movie industry is not only made of good, successful movies.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Episodes 1–4 Review: The First Test
Classroom of the Elite Season 4: Second Year, First Term premiered this season with a special 90-minute broadcast covering the first four episodes of the new arc. With a great start, Classroom of the Elite has already delivered the tension that will mark the new school year. Horikita and Ayanokoji, as usual, were the highlights of the episodes, but many first-year students also stood out.
Naruto: Why Kaguya Otsutsuki Is Actually An Underrated Final Villain
Naruto is arguably the most famous ninja anime in the world. The story of Naruto Uzumaki has captivated generations, and the universe is still being expanded through the official sequels, the Boruto series, and spin-offs. But beyond its compelling story, Naruto is a great example of world-building, as the series' universe is definitely well-crafted. The final villain in the original manga is not Sasuke or the Uchiha clan, but Kaguya Otsutsuki, a legendary being who came to Earth millennia ago.
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