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The ANN Aftershow - Florida Book Ban Comes for Manga

Lynzee and James look at the latest book ban case to come out of Florida: Sasaki and Miyano volume 1, and share their favorite queer manga. Plus, Yatagarasu and Dead Dead Demon catch-up time! ― Florida Book Ban Comes for Manga Lynzee and James look at the latest book ban case to come out of Florida: Sasaki and Miyano volume 1, and share their favorite queer manga. Plus, Yatagarasu and Dead Dead Demo...
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The Anime Backlog - Gunbuster

We're checking out Gainax's 1988 hit for the very first time! Hideaki Anno made his big directorial debut and with it, history. ― Hi there, loyal readers! Convention season is finally over, so hopefully, I can get the Anime Backlog out a bit more consistently. I already have my next column after this one in the bag, allowing more leeway to dive into some longer series on my 100+ title spreadsheet. W...
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This Week in Games - The Many Mixed Fortunes of Sony

Sony nails it with a sure-fire platformer only to whiff it with the PS5 Pro announcement. Plus, the inspiration for Type-Moon's Arcueid Brunestud is discovered! ― Welcome back, folks! Because I don't keep myself busy enough, I've gotten some Discord buddies together and will be starting a Mage: The Ascension campaign with them soon! I have a lot of love for Mage; it's a messy system, but it was the f...
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This Week in Anime - The Movie Game

Chris and Steve dig into the venerable institution that is game-based movies and anime and the relationship between anime and video games. ― Chris and Steve dig into the venerable institution that is game-based movies and anime and the relationship between anime and video games. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.S...
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The ANN Aftershow - Yatagarasu Anime Finally Returns

After a long (Olympic) break, we finally return to Yatagarasu to see if we can find out the truth behind that weird monkey monster. Yatagarasu Anime Finally Returns After a long (Olympic) break, we finally return to Yatagarasu to see if we can find out the truth behind that weird monkey monster. The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. ...
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This Week in Games - Good News, Bad News, and Just News

An overlooked ninja game, the death of the Visions of Mana studio, and a CAPCOM stalwart moves on to new pastures. ― Welcome back, folks! I had a nice experience this past weekend; I decided to visit my local GameStop to see if they had some titles I was looking for (I wanted Shadow of the Ninja Reborn and Gravity Circuit). They didn't have 'em, but they were nice enough to try and put the order thro...
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This Week in Anime - Cashing In

Chris and Lucas dive into the Sargasso Sea of marketable plastic goodies and the all-consuming monster that is capitalism in the anime world. ― Chris and Lucas dive into the Sargasso Sea of marketable plastic goodies and the all-consuming monster that is capitalism in the anime world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Net...
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This Week in Anime - Banned Together

Demonizing comics hasn't gone out of style since 1954. Nick and Steve discuss the most recent round of bans of such horrifying series as Sasaki and Miyano to look at what book bans mean for manga today. ― Demonizing comics hasn't gone out of style since 1954. Nick and Steve discuss the most recent round of bans of such horrifying series as Sasaki and Miyano to look at what book bans mean for manga t...
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This Week in Games - Nintendo Indie Direct + Partner Showcase for August 2024

Also, Brazilian Miku, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and some adult visual novels. ― Welcome back, folks! I discovered over the weekend: I don't think I like elk burgers. A local bar in my town offered them and I was feeling adventurous, but elk tastes a bit too game-y. Parmesan rosemary fries are killer, though. Also, my review for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI CHRONICLES went up earlier thi...
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This Week in Anime - Retro Anime, Kickstarter, and Broken Promises

This week, Steve and Chris use the whole Dirty Pair Kickstarter/Crunchyroll acquisition fiasco to explore the relationship between crowdfunding and anime. ― This week, Steve and Chris use the whole Dirty Pair Kickstarter/Crunchyroll acquisition fiasco to look into the relationship between crowdfunding and anime. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not...
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This Week in Anime - So Your Favorite Manga is Ending...

With the recent end of My Hero Academia and impending conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen, Nick and Lucas spoiler-tastically talk all about manga endings—the good, the bad, and the utterly insane. ― With the recent end of My Hero Academia and impending conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen, Nick and Lucas spoiler-tastically talk all about manga endings—the good, the bad, and the utterly insane. Disclaimer: The view...
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This Week in Games - Hungry Wolves, Alluring Ninja, and a Stingy Hedgehog

Catch up on all the latest gaming news this week, from Fatal Fury to Nintendo's new museum in Japan! ― Welcome back, everyone! I've shot myself in the foot; with Manga Preview Guide on the horizon, I've decided to help cover some manga instead of playing Xenoblade Chronicles. Mea culpa, but I can't help it; a lot of interesting stuff comes out every season, and Manga Preview Guide is normally how I f...
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This Week in Anime - Having Fun with Deadpool's Fourth Wall-Breaking Manga

With Deadpool & Wolverine becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, join Nick and Chris as they dive headlong in Deadpool's recent foray into manga. ― With Deadpool & Wolverine becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, join Nick and Chris as they dive headlong in Deadpool's recent foray into manga. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this...
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This Week in Anime - Visual Novels Aren't A Joke

Now that the Type-Moon's visual novels have a new lease on life in English, Lucas and Steve look at other great entries in the medium. Visual novels aren't just April Fool's jokes! ― Now that the Type-Moon's visual novels have a new lease on life in English, Lucas and Steve look at other great entries in the medium. Visual novels aren't just April Fool's jokes! Disclaimer: The views and opinions exp...
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The ANN Aftershow - Navigating Toxic Fandom Discourse

Lynzee and James catch up on Dead Dead Demon and have a long conversation about navigating toxic fandom discourse. Navigating Toxic Fandom Discourse Lynzee and James catch up on Dead Dead Demon and have a long conversation about navigating toxic fandom discourse. The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You can listen to the podcast ver...
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This Week in Games - Mourning Rachael Lillis

Jean-Karlo shares the importance of Rachael Lillis' Pokémon dub work as well as some upcoming anime x game collabs to keep an eye on! ― Welcome back, folks! It's been a heck of a week for me, being a humble VTuber fan; earlier this week was my favorite VTuber Silvervale's birthday (a fun time was had by all), and then the very next day my interview with Mori Calliope went live! I never thought I'd ge...
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The ANN Aftershow - Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction Anime is INSANE

Everyone, you're sleeping on this anime! Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction is totally wild, shocking, and eye-opening! Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction Anime is INSANE Everyone, you're sleeping on this anime! Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction is totally wild, shocking, and eye-opening! James and Lynzee are here to tell you why you need to watch it right now! The ANN After Show stre...
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This Week in Anime - The Anime Community's Leak Culture

Nick and Steve discuss the recent episode leaks and how they connect to the anime community's larger culture of speedscans and other leaked announcements. ― Over the last week, a major leak seemed to stem from compromised files at Iyuno, which led to the first season of the Ranma 1/2 reboot and Terminator Zero, as well as multiple episodes of DAN DA DAN and the Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa movie app...
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The Anime Backlog - Millennium Actress

This Satoshi Kon film is as timeless as its leading lady. ― We're in between conventions, faithful readers, so it's time to scratch another one off the backlog. I have just enough time to get reacclimated to my timezone from Washington DC to throw it in the trash before heading to New York City. With all this thought on the ephemeral and transcendental concept of time, let's throw in a movie that en...
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This Week in Games - Unlimited Glitch Works

A weird start levels out to some pretty exciting news for Fate fans! Plus, the newest Zelda developments, some adult games are put out to pasture, and fandom shows its ugly side. ― Welcome back, folks! Folks know I love Digimon, and I feel bad for forgetting about Odaiba Day last week. I've spoken out about dumb "nerd holidays" like May 4 or March 10, but Pokémon Day and Odaiba Day at least make sens...
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This Week in Anime - The Staying Power of the Monogatari Series

This week, Chris and Steve talk about Monogatari's long-lasting appeal—and see how far they can go before mentioning the infamous toothbrushing scene. ― This week, Chris and Steve talk about Monogatari's long-lasting appeal—and see how far they can go before mentioning the infamous toothbrushing scene. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views...
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This Week in Anime - Sports Anime and the Olympics

This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the most "anime-like" moments of this year's Olympics as they dive into the greater relationship between sports anime and the Olympics. ― This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the most anime-like moments of this year's Olympics as they dive into the greater relationship between sports anime and the Olympics. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the part...
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This Week in Games - Classic Visual Novels Get a New Lease on Life

ToHeart, Katawa Shoujo, and Castle of Shikigami III have re-releases in the works. Also, have you ever wondered why there was no Mario & Sonic Olympics game released this year? ― Welcome back, folks! I had someone ask in the comments to last week's column why I hadn't mentioned the SAG-AFTRA strike with voice actors in the U.S. The simple answer: the news came in after our cut-off time. Nevertheless,...
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This Week in Anime - Can an Anime be "Carried by its Animation"?

This week, Nick and Lucas sit down and tried to decide if saying a show is "carried by its animation" actually has any meaning due to the subjective nature of art. ― This week, Nick and Lucas sit down and tried to decide if saying a show is "carried by its animation" actually has any meaning due to the subjective nature of art. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this...
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This Week in Anime - The Algorithm Demands More Anime

Christopher and Steve look into the recent mini-trend of content creator-focused anime series and how it reflects current entertainment trends. ― Christopher and Steve look into the recent mini-trend of content creator-focused anime series and how it reflects current entertainment trends. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News...
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The ANN Aftershow - What Is Going on in the Elusive Samurai Anime?

Lynzee and James strap in for more beheadings than humanly possible in the strange mix of comedic violence that is Elusive Samurai. Plus, our favorite bird people are back in Yatagarasu! ― What Is Going on in the Elusive Samurai Anime? Lynzee and James strap in for more beheadings than humanly possible in the strange mix of comedic violence that is Elusive Samurai. Plus, our favorite bird people are...
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This Week in Games - EVO 2024: Back from the Dead

Jean-Karlo's here to get you up to date with the latest news from EVO, including a Tekken 8 upset and the weird way to fix your GameCube controller. ― Welcome back, folks! My longtime readers will know that we don't just obsess over Xenoblade and Izuna over here—I'm also a huge tokusatsu fan. This is why I finally checked out Ultraman Rising over the weekend. It's brilliant! It's a phenomenal animate...
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This Week in Anime - How to Make Your Anime a Meme

My Deer Friend Nokotan made a big impression before its premiere with an hours-long video and other social media efforts to stay at the forefront of the otaku consciousness. Did it work? ― My Deer Friend Nokotan made a big impression before its premiere with an hours-long video and other social media efforts to stay at the forefront of the otaku consciousness. Did it work? Disclaimer: The views and ...
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This Week in Anime - Crunchyroll Silences Their Viewers

No more commenting on episode pages or news articles! Crunchyroll has axed their comments section completely. Was this change due to homophobic content or simple corporate laziness? Lucas and Steve try to shed some light on what happened. ― No more commenting on episode pages or news articles! Crunchyroll has axed their comments section completely. Was this change due to homophobic content or simple...
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This Week in Games - How to Accumulate Karma

The best way is through cannibalism! (Well, at least according to Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga it is.) ― Welcome back, folks! This past week saw the 21st anniversary of Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hands!. My long-time readers know I have a ton of love for those games, having grown up with them and sunk my teeth into them long before I ever played a Metal Gear Solid game (fitting, since Hideo...
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This Week in Anime - Caught Up in this Season's Whirlwind of Romance Anime

This week, Lucas and Nick sit down to talk about the surprisingly vast number of romance anime this season—and struggle to decide which are actually worth watching. ― This week, Lucas and Nick sit down to talk about the surprisingly vast number of romance anime this season—and struggle to decide which are actually worth watching. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in th...
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The ANN Aftershow - The BEST Anime Premieres of Summer 2024

This week, we're going to dive into the best premieres of the new anime season, give you a hefty news update from Anime Expo, and probably go on at least two (2) side tangents! ― The BEST Anime Premieres of Summer 2024 Welcome back to the ANN After Show! This week, we're going to dive into the best premieres of the new anime season, give you a hefty news update from Anime Expo, and probably go on at...
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This Week in Anime - Isekai Fans Are Eating Good This Season

Chris and Steve do the seasonal isekai anime gauntlet and find that summer's is looking exceptionally good in another world. ― Chris and Steve do the seasonal isekai anime gauntlet and find that summer's is looking exceptionally good in another world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussio...
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The Anime Backlog - Alien 9

Lynzee dusts off an old DVD and discovers an OAV full of gory action sequences and 12-year-old girls frequently crying for their mommies. ― Thank you everyone for patiently tuning in to another edition of The Anime Backlog. As you can guess, last week (and three weeks leading up to it) was one the busiest for me while I coordinated Anime Expo coverage. You can expect two editions of The Anime Backlo...
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This Week in Games - Pokémon, Kaiju, and Pals

Jean-Karlo deep-dives into Pokémon's Ultraman origins, the big update to Palworld, and classic games making a comeback! ― Welcome back, folks! I've been playing the much-anticipated summer event in Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. It's what you expect: the bathing suits are scandalous, and the Live2D animations are Live2D, but the story is surprisingly good. It's not Shakespeare, but the NIKKE events do a ...
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This Week in Anime - What Is This, An Anime Crossover Episode?

Lucas and Chris recall some of the strangest and most surprising crossover episodes in anime history. Which are your favorite? ― Lucas and Chris recall some of the strangest and most surprising crossover episodes in anime history. Which are your favorite? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discu...
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This Week in Games - Diving Into The Crunchyroll Vault

This week, we take a look at the Crunchyroll Games Vault, the implications of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi working with Square Enix again, and sad demise of Mega Man X DiVE. ― Welcome back, folks! I've reached a rather embarrassing situation with my Nintendo Switch: I'm running out of space on the console. I've installed so many games over the years that my 256-gig SD card only has about ...
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This Week in Anime - Is Suicide Squad ISEKAI DC's Best Anime Adaptation to Date?

Suicide Squad ISEKAI is DC Comic's latest journey into the world of anime and manga but it's far from the first. So how does it stack up to previous attempts? And what about the anime-inspired critical darling My Adventures with Superman? Suicide Squad ISEKAI is DC Comic's latest journey into the world of anime and manga but it's far from the first. So how does it stack up to previous attempts? An...
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This Week in Games - Need-To-Know Nintendo and Neptune Goes To Brazil

Jean-Karlo weighs the pros and cons of masking the creative team behind Nintendo titles, plus a long-shelved console is making waves in Brazil! ― Welcome back, folks! As it turns out, that bit of sickness I felt last week was COVID. Thankfully, I've kept up to date on all my vaccinations; this wasn't anywhere near as bad as it could have been, and none of the people around me (that I know of) have go...
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This Week in Anime - Yatagarasu Is the Anime to Watch Right Now

Nick and Steve dive into the political intrigue of supernatural crow people and discover one of the best anime airing right now. ― Nick and Steve dive into the political intrigue of supernatural crow people and discover one of the best anime airing right now. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for d...
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The ANN Aftershow - Best Reveals from the Nintendo Direct

James and Lynzee go through the recent Nintendo Direct to discuss their most anticipated games coming out soon! ― Best Reveals from the Nintendo Direct James and Lynzee go through the recent Nintendo Direct to discuss their most anticipated games coming out soon! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You can listen to the podcast versi...
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The ANN Aftershow - Kaiju No. 8's Biggest Monster Yet

We're catching up on a lot of news this week from Gainax to Tohru Furuya. Kaiju No. 8's Biggest Monster Yet The newest episode of Kaiju No 8 features the team's most formidable foe so far! Plus, a new villain was revealed in Yatagarasu. We've also got even bigger news: Gainax's bankruptcy, the latest details on the Lord of the Rings anime, you can finally watch Sailor Moon Cosmos this summer and a...
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This Week in Anime - How to Watch Anime on a Budget

Chris and Lucas find their pockets stretched by the multitude of anime streaming services; let's see how far we can get using legal, free streaming! ― Chris and Lucas find their pockets stretched by the multitude of anime streaming services; let's see how far we can get using legal, free streaming! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of ...
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This Week in Games - Nintendo Direct June 2024: New Age of Hype

Nintendo's 40-minute Direct left a lot of room to get excited! Jean-Karlo dives into the latest news as well as some bonus lost gems that were recently unearthed. ― Welcome back, folks! What a wild week this has been. As you read this, I'm currently fighting off a summer cold that's been going around. The good news is, I'm just warm and congested—no sore throats (I hate having a sore throat). Not the...
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This Week in Anime - The House that Gainax Built

Once upon a time, Gainax was the infallible studio that birthed Evangelion, Gunbuster, FLCL...and that magical girl show sponsored by car brand Subaru. It wasn't all giant robots and rainbows. Steve and Nick look back on the animation studio in the wake of its bankruptcy. ― Once upon a time, Gainax was the infallible studio that birthed Evangelion, Gunbuster, FLCL...and that magical girl show sponso...
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This Week in Anime - Is OEL Manga Really Manga?

Viz debuted its new Originals One-Shots comic program, making way for the age-old discussion of whether manga is a "style" or based on country of origin. ― Viz debuted its new Originals One-Shots comic program, making way for the age-old discussion of whether manga is a "style" or based on country of origin. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the...
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This Week in Games - Summer Games Fest 2024 Wrap-Up

One of the biggest game showcases of the year just wrapped and Jean-Karlo is here with some modern (and nostalgic) highlights. ― Welcome back, everyone! A major downside of this column is that the nature of its publication makes it a little hard to cover the news; by the time last week's column went up, Summer Games Fest was already in full swing, after all. While a lot of stuff here might already be...
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This Week in Anime - It's Anime Convention Hunting Season

Some of the biggest anime conventions are just around the corner, but things are looking a little off. Chris and Steve discuss the changing landscape and smaller cons folding across the U.S. ― Some of the biggest anime conventions are just around the corner, but things are looking a little off. Chris and Steve discuss the changing convention landscape and smaller cons folding across the U.S. Disclai...
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This Week in Anime - Sex in Anime is Complicated

Nick and Lucas use last week's Chainsaw Man manga chapter as a springboard to discuss sex and sexuality in manga, from messy to raunchy to endearing depictions. ― Nick and Lucas use last week's Chainsaw Man manga chapter as a springboard to discuss sex and sexuality in manga, from messy to raunchy to endearing depictions. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatl...
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The Anime Backlog - Hellsing Ultimate

Lynzee slays the Nosferatu Arucard, but isn't sure if she enjoyed the experience. ― Welcome back to The Anime Backlog, the column where I chronicle my journey to overcome a backlog of 100+ anime titles. After slaying my behemoth of shame, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, I decided to dive into the quintessential dark and edgy series of the aughts, Hellsing Ultimate. Note: This column will routinely...
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This Week in Games - Dragon Gangster Drivers And Rusty Riding Rabbits

Before Summer Game Fest truly kicks off, Jean-Karlo checks out the upcoming Yakuza TV series news and Gen Urobutchi's deceptively cute rabbit puzzler. ― Welcome back, folks! In honor of the Astro Bot announcement, I spent some time playing Astro's Playhouse over the weekend. It's a cute tech demo disguised as a platformer, helped by Astro being an adorable little mascot. The historical angle of colle...
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This Week in Anime - Why Was Code Geass Such a Big Deal?

Chris and Steve make the highly questionable decision of watching all of Code Geass in 48 hours. Is the series just as good as it was nearly two decades ago? ― Chris and Steve make the highly questionable decision of watching all of Code Geass in 48 hours. Is the series just as good as it was nearly two decades ago? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are...
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The ANN Aftershow - Why You Should Watch Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction

Lynzee and James welcome Richard Eisenbeis onto the podcast to discuss the first episode of the weird sci-fi series Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction! ― Why You Should Watch Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction Lynzee and James welcome Richard Eisenbeis onto the podcast to discuss the first episode of the weird sci-fi series Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction, plus NEW revelations in Yata...
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This Week in Anime - A Tale As Old As Time: Subs or Dubs?

We're taking the age-old argument and updating it for the simulcast era! Is getting a dub now a mark of an anime's overall quality? Are sub-only fans gatekeeping? ― We're taking the age-old argument and updating it for the simulcast era! Is getting a dub now a mark of an anime's overall quality? Are sub-only fans gatekeeping? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this c...
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This Week in Games - Sony And Marvelous Woke Up And Chose The Same Day To Showcase, And I'm Paying For It

Jean-Karlo attempts to condense two big video game showcases into a coherent column, from the revamped Silent Hill 2 to the grazing pastures of Story of Seasons. ― Welcome back, folks. This is related to a big story for this week, but this past weekend, I listened to Utada Hikaru's re-recording of "Simple And Clean". It's very emotional. Utada Hikaru is a good twenty-plus years older than when she or...
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This Week in Anime - Toonami Kids Strike Back

Following the upcoming retro programming block Toonami Rewind, Chris and Lucas look back fondly on the afternoons spent watching Naruto and Sailor Moon. ― Following the upcoming retro programming block Toonami Rewind, Chris and Lucas look back fondly on the afternoons spent watching Naruto and Sailor Moon. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the v...
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The ANN Aftershow - Why Aren't You Watching This Anime Yet?

Yeah, yeah, Kaiju No. 8 has all the great action scenes, but Yatagarasu is chewing up the scenery as the royal ladies absolutely lose their minds!? ― Why Aren't You Watching This Anime Yet? Yeah, yeah, Kaiju No. 8 has all the great action scenes, but Yatagarasu is chewing up the scenery as the royal ladies absolutely lose their minds!? The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitte...
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This Week in Anime - Are Some Manga Truly "Unadaptable"?

With the release of Dead Dead Demon's Dededededestruction, Nick and Steve take a look at it and some other manga that were thought to be "unadaptable"—and see if that was truly the case. ― With the release of Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction, Nick and Steve take a look at it and some other manga that were thought to be "unadaptable"—and see if that was truly the case. Disclaimer: The views and...
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This Week in Games - Uguu Stocks On The Rise

The touchstone visual novel Kanon is coming to Steam! Plus, Gundam in Call of Duty, Nintendo's latest studio buy, and more! ― Welcome back, folks! Last weekend, I had a sudden pang of nostalgia, and I started missing Avalon Code. Avalon Code was one of the many offbeat RPGs released on the Nintendo DS, this one by Matrix Software (and released in the US by Xseed). It had a fun concept: the world is g...
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The ANN Aftershow - 100 Episodes of the ANN Aftershow!?

The ANN After Show is at episode 100! Let's reflect on some of our favorite moments, catch up on Kaiju No. 8, Yatagarasu, and more this week! ― 100 Episodes of the ANN Aftershow!? The ANN After Show is at episode 100! Let's catch up on Kaiju No. 8, Yatagarasu, and more this week! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You can listen to ...
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This Week in Anime - Anime Director Tsutomu Mizushima's Wild Ride

Nick and Steve look back on director Tsutomu Mizushima's work so far, from his latest Train to the End of the World to Shirobako, Girls und Panzer, and more. ― Nick and Steve look back on director Tsutomu Mizushima's work so far, from his latest Train to the End of the World to Shirobako, Girls und Panzer, and more. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are...
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This Week in Anime - Darkly Deconstructing Japanese Super Heroes for Fun and Profit

There's no question that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is a dark deconstruction of Super Sentai/Power Rangers in anime form—but is that all it is? Chris and Lucas dive in to find out. ― There's no question that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is a dark deconstruction of Super Sentai/Power Rangers in anime form—but is that all it is? Chris and Lucas dive in to find out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by ...
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The Anime Backlog - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

In our brand-new column, Lynzee Loveridge comes clean about her backlog, starting with one of the most popular anime ever. Use this space here for critical finger-wagging and exclamations of disbelief. ― I have a secret. A no-good, embarrassing, shame-inducing secret. I'm the executive editor at Anime News Network but there are, in fact, anime I have not watched. Not just forgettable mid-tier season...
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This Week in Games - Games Are Our Business... And Business Is Restructuring

Sony and Square-Enix are both reorganizing, from new CEOs to staff cutbacks. Also, sad news about Penny Blood, more Cotton, and the latest video game news! ― Welcome back, folks! You know, it's always nice to discover old stuff from a franchise you love that you didn't know existed. For example, I didn't know that the old Captain N: The Game Master cartoon had an episode that featured the world of Dr...
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This Week in Anime - When A New Studio Takes Over Your Favorite Series

Steve and Chris compare some of the highs and lows of an anime studio change-up, from Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man to Spice and Wolf. ― Steve and Chris compare some of the highs and lows of an anime studio change-up, from Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man to Spice and Wolf. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.S...
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The ANN Aftershow - Could There Be More Evangelion on the Horizon?

James and Lynzee look into Hideaki Anno's latest hint that there might be more Evangelion after the last movie and news on the Lord of the Rings anime film! ― Could There Be More Evangelion on the Horizon? James and Lynzee look into Hideaki Anno's latest hint that there might be more Evangelion after the last movie and news on the Lord of the Rings anime film! Plus, we catch up with Kafka and the Ka...
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This Week in Anime - The Anatomy of an Anime Waifu

What's the perfect recipe for waifu supremacy? Lucas and Nick look at fan-favorites from Yu Yu Hakusho to Spice & Wolf. ― What's the perfect recipe for waifu supremacy? Lucas and Nick look at fan-favorites from Yu Yu Hakusho to Spice & Wolf. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning for discussion of the s...
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The ANN Aftershow - Yatagarasu Gets Violent!

James and Lynzee discuss the latest episode of Yatagarsu. Plus, GoHands keeps making anime, and we don't know WHY. Yatagarasu Gets Violent! James and Lynzee discuss the latest episode of Yatagarsu, in which Wakamiya plays his hand to find out the truth behind his older brother's scheming to obtain the throne. Plus, GoHands keeps making anime, and we don't know WHY; Hunter x Hunter manga is on its ...
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This Week in Games - Switchin' It Up

The Switch sequel console is finally happening! The details are scarce, but you can find out more in this week's column. Also: an interview with El Shaddai's Sawaki Takeyasu, Microsoft layoffs, and more. ― Welcome back, folks! What a wild week this has been for the gaming industry. We'll go further into it, but jeez. This past week also saw the disappearance of Capcom's Dark Void and Dark Void Zero. ...
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This Week in Anime - Why Hunter × Hunter is Worth the Wait

Lucas and Steve catch up on the Hunter × Hunter manga in time for the long-awaited new chapter and gush about why, even with years between releases, Hunter × Hunter is worth it. ― Lucas and Steve catch up on the Hunter × Hunter manga in time for the long-awaited new chapter and gush about why, even with years between releases, Hunter × Hunter is worth it. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed...
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This Week in Anime - Will We Ever Know Why Anime Get Cancelled?

Nick and Chris recount some of the most frustrating anime cancellations, from the Yuri on Ice movie to the second half of Stars Align. ― Nick and Chris recount some of the most frustrating anime cancellations from the second half of Stars Align to the 2007 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood movie. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views...
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The ANN Aftershow - I Support Falin's Crimes

This week, it's hot monster mommies and less hot AI-generated light novels. I Support Falin's Crimes We've long joked on the podcast about the quality of light novel writing, but the news is out that the developers of the RyokoAI project have scraped Shosetsuka ni Narou...are fully machine-generated LNs in our future? Plus: Things get gorier in Kaiju No. 8, the world of yatagarasu politics unfolds...
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This Week in Games - EVO Japan 2024: You Ain't From Chicago If You Ain't Broken exA Before!

Find out about the young star who set the internet aflame and walked away with two medals. Plus: Thousand-Year Door updates, a new HunterxHunter game, and Miku! ― Welcome back, folks! As is my wont, I'd like to plug my El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster that went up earlier this week... but I've also got the disappointing news that Megaton Musashi W: Wired finally released in the US la...
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This Week in Anime - Is The Anime Girl Band Era Here?

Chris and Nick put on their headphones and dust off their vinyl records for a look at this season's guitar-strumming, mic-swinging girl groups. ― Chris and Nick put on their headphones and dust off their vinyl records for a look at this season's guitar-strumming, mic-swinging girl groups. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News...
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This Week in Anime - How The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio Captures the Reality of Gig Work

The new anime series is far more forthright about the idol and seiyū industry, from maintaining relevance on social media to subsisting on substandard wages. ― The new anime series is far more forthright about the idol and seiyū industry, from maintaining relevance on social media to subsisting on substandard wages. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are...
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This Week in Games - Atlus With the Old, In With the New

Atlus reveals its big new game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, amid the recent exit of Shin Megami Tensei artist Kazuma Kaneko. PLUS: A Golden Axe comedy series and Pokémon Go models get a makeover. ― Welcome back, folks! As you probably noticed, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes came out earlier this week. It's a fun time, as you could see in my review of it. It's come to my attention that there are some per...
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This Week in Anime - What's Weekly Shonen Jump's Next Big Manga?

Some of Shonen Jump's biggest manga hits are approaching their end. Does the magazine have new heavy-hitters lined up to take up the mantle? ― Some of Shonen Jump's biggest manga hits are approaching their end. Does the magazine have new heavy-hitters lined up to take up the mantle? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Netwo...
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The ANN Aftershow - Will You Watch Solo Leveling Season 2?

James and Lynzee reflect on the end of Solo Leveling and whether its worldbuilding is worth its edgy turn. PLUS: The big monsters of Kaiju No. 8, & court intrigue in Yatagarasu! Will You Watch Solo Leveling Season 2? James and Lynzee reflect on the end of Solo Leveling and whether its worldbuilding is worth its edgy turn. PLUS: The big monsters of Kaiju No 8, court intrigue in Yatagarasu, and a li...
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This Week in Anime - So, Is Sound Euphonium Queerbaiting or Not?

The third season of Sound Euphonium reignites the fandom controversy over Reina and Kumiko's relationship. Chris and Steve delve into it and why 'queerbaiting' is such a loaded term. ― The third season of Sound Euphonium reignites the fandom controversy over Reina and Kumiko's relationship. Chris and Steve delve into it and why 'queerbaiting' is such a loaded term. Disclaimer: The views and opinions...
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The ANN Aftershow - What Anime Should You Watch Part 2 (Spring 2024)

Jacki, Lynzee, and James are clearing out their new anime backlog to determine the must-watch shows of the season! What Anime Should You Watch Part 2 (Spring 2024) Jacki, Lynzee, and James are clearing out their new anime backlog to determine the must-watch shows of the season! The ANN After Show streams live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter Spaces on Tuesdays at 6pm PT/9pm ET. You can listen to ...
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This Week in Games - Nintendo Indies Showcase 2024

Jean-Karlo looks at some of the most promising titles from Nintendo's latest showcases, explains why a big player heading over to Nintendo is worth watching, and more! ― Welcome back, folks! Does anybody know what to do when a snack you like isn't in production anymore? I used to look forward to Russel Stover's pectin jellybeans every Spring, but apparently, those aren't in production anymore. I've e...
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This Week in Anime - Are This Season's Isekai Anime Any Good?

Lucas gets his first taste of the TWIA's seasonal isekai sampler. Is there any spice this season, or is it all the same comfort food? ― Lucas gets his first taste of the TWIA's seasonal isekai sampler. Is there any spice this season, or is it all the same comfort food? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler War...
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This Week in Anime - What Do You Do When Your Fav Anime Isn't Simulcast?

In the modern streaming landscape, almost every anime series is simulcast for fans. Almost. Chris and Steve discuss what happens when a highly-anticipated series gets passed over. ― In the modern streaming landscape, almost every anime series is simulcast for fans. Almost. Chris and Steve discuss what happens when a highly-anticipated series gets passed over. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expre...
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This Week in Games - Ask Yourself, "What Would Shadow Do?"

The Year of Shadow is upon us! What sort of festivities can we expect for a resident Edgehog? Also: Jean-Karlo salutes the Miiverse community and more in This Week in Games! ― Welcome back, folks! Last week, I saw a bit of consternation from folks with regards to SaGa Emerald Beyond, specifically since SaGa games can be rather impenetrable. It's a tall order, but I still vouch for the SaGa games. Mis...
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The ANN Aftershow - What New Anime Should You Watch? (Spring 2024 Edition)

James and Lynzee are back after a hiatus to help YOU decide which of the best (and strangest) new anime premieres is worth watching. Also, James tries to explain how the omegaverse works in this one. What New Anime Should You Watch? (Spring 2024 Edition) James and Lynzee are back after a hiatus to help YOU decide which of the best (and strangest) new anime premieres is worth watching. Also, check ...
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This Week in Anime - What Is An 'Anime Game,' Anyway?

Chris and Lucas try to quantify the 'vibe' that makes something an anime game; is it point of origin, art style, or something else? ― Chris and Lucas try to quantify the 'vibe' that makes something an anime game; is it point of origin, art style, or something else? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning...
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This Week in Games - Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Preview

This is the Suikoden game fans have been waiting for. It might have a new title, but the heart is there. ― Welcome back, folks! Another April Fool's Day has come and gone, another chance for unfunny people at gaming studios to make another "Hey, wouldn't it be funny if we made a dating sim for our game!?" gag for the pile of joke-visual novels we've seen over the years. As an aside, while I haven't h...
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This Week in Anime - Are We Experiencing a Retro Anime Gold Rush?

With shows like the original Urusei Yatsura and GTO coming to Netflix, Chris and Lucas take a deep dive into the retro anime world to answer the question: "Are we getting more releases and re-releases of older anime than ever before?" ― With shows like the original Urusei Yatsura and GTO coming to Netflix, Chris and Lucas take a deep dive into the retro anime world to answer the question: "Are we ge...
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This Week in Anime - Anime Adaptations That Aren't As Good As They Should Be

This week, Nick and Steve talk about sub-par anime adaptations of great books and manga—and end up dunking on The Witch and the Beast, Berserk, and Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer (just to name a few). ― This week, Nick and Steve talk about sub-par anime adaptations of great books and manga—and end up dunking on The Witch and the Beast, Berserk, and Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer (just to name a few)...
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This Week in Games - Dragon's Dogma 2 and an Interview with SAND LAND Producer Keishu Minami

This week, Jean-Karlo looks into Dragon Dogma 2's microtransaction drama, gushes about the notable visual novels on the horizon, and has a chat with the upcoming SAND LAND game's producer, Keishu Minami. ― Welcome back, folks! It's a busy Spring, and I know folks are likely neck-deep in Dragon's Dogma 2. But someone on Twitter went and reminded me that Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files is o...
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This Week in Anime - Did Birdie Wing Start a Golf Anime Renaissance?

With no less than three new golf anime coming this spring season, Chris and Steve as the big question: Is this Birdie Wing's fault? ― With no less than three new golf anime coming this spring season, Chris and Steve ask the big question: Is this Birdie Wing's fault? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warnin...
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This Week in Anime - The Legacy of Akira Toriyama

This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the recent, ongoing, and not-yet-released works of the late, great Akira Toriyama—as well as the potential future of his most popular franchise. ― This week, Nick and Lucas talk about the recent, ongoing, and not-yet-released works of the late, great Akira Toriyama—as well as the potential future of his most popular franchise. Disclaimer: The views and opinions e...
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This Week in Games - Mourning Mutsumi Inomata

This week, Jean-Karlo morns the loss of artist Mutsumi Inomata and takes a look at her contributions to gaming. Also in the news, there's a new Fatal Fury on the way as well as new title Mega Man Battle Network fans are sure to enjoy. ― Welcome back, everyone! As you read this, Dragon's Dogma 2 is already out and folks are likely going nuts making and sharing pawns. I still haven't had a chance to pl...
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This Week in Anime - When Criticism Meets Anime Fandom

More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with their views. This week, our resident reviewers Chris and Lucas weigh in on what it means to approach anime works critically as reviewers. ― More often than not, critics take the hot seat when reviewing a work subject to the ire of its fandom when it does not align with th...
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This Week in Anime - What Manga Should Become Anime Next?

Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. ― Nick and Steve peruse the series competing in AnimeJapan's "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking" poll to find the next possible anime hit. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Netwo...
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This Week in Games - The Gaming World Says Good-Bye to Akira Toriyama

Jean-Karlo invites us to take a look at Akira Toriyama's influence and legacy in the gaming industry. There are also good/bad news for Puyo Puyo and The Super Mario Bros. ― Welcome back, folks! I didn't get a chance to plug it last week, but my column on monster-collecting games came out last week! The timing on that column was... something. That weekend turned out to be the 25th anniversary of the D...

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