Something seems off, and we don’t mean the changing landscape for anime. There’s conflicting information regarding the Naruto Shippuden hour on whether or not it will happen more often. However, as we await confirmation from Adult Swim, there was still a ton of news to come out to get anime fans excited. New Bleach anime? We got you covered. A special one-hour episode of Dr. Stone? We cannot wait to hear about it. A reboot of one of the most beloved anime series ever in Trigun? We need it now! Check out all the news you’ll want to read in the newest installment of This Week From Toonami!
It was previously reported that Toonami would air two episodes of Naruto Shippuden starting June 18, and there wasn’t any indication of that changing from their Facebook post. Fast forward to June 18, when Toonami’s opening bump mentioned that this double dose of Naruto Shippuden would be for “tonight only.” However, many fans have looked ahead to the schedule, and it reads that Toonami will still be airing two episodes of Naruto Shippuden starting at 2 a.m. We are unsure why we have conflicting information going around, but we are trying to get in touch with Adult Swim to get to the bottom of this mix-up. Maybe Toonami will air two episodes of another series like Shenmue: the Animation? Or on the scarce chance, a new show is coming? It’s unclear, but it does feel odd to record a topical bump like this, and it is flat out a mistake on Toonami’s end (but that certainly is a possibility too). When we know more information, we will tell everyone as soon as we can!
One thing we can confirm about Toonami is that there will be a marathon this Fourth of July weekend! After Primal airs at midnight, Adult Swim will air the first seven episodes of Shenmue: the Animation. While marathons aren’t always the most welcomed sight for some viewers, it’s nice to take a break and relax during the holidays; a marathon is the best way to do it.
According to Deadline, HBO Max has ordered the adult animated sci-fi drama Scavengers Reign to series. Interestingly, the pilot of this series initially aired on Toonami, and instead of premiering on the block, it looks to be heading to the streaming platform. Some fans took to Twitter frustrated that it won’t premiere on the block, but Jason DeMarco did mention to “stay tuned,” opening up a door that it could air on the block later.
Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of hit series like Samurai Jack, Dexter’s Laboratory, and Primal (among other series), has inked a deal with Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, Variety reported. In this new exclusive deal, Tartakovsky will develop, create, and produce original animated programming for both entities, and his work is intended for a variety of audiences and all television platforms. This contract includes HBO Max, other streaming services, cable, and broadcast networks. This deal will also allow Tartakovsky to use all kinds of IPs from both companies with the freedom he loves to have when developing a project. This is a massive signing for Cartoon Network as they can lock up one of the best minds in animation, and it could lead to more series of his to air on Toonami (even if it isn’t a premiere, the prospect is still exciting).
Bleach fans have to be excited after Anime Expo announced that there will be a panel regarding news of the new animated project, the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Some of the English cast, such as Michelle Ruff, will attend this event and should have exclusive content, special messages, and more (what could the more be??). Toonami Faithful will be very interested in what will be mentioned at the panel, and we are hoping there will be an eventual Toonami announcement at some point (fingers crossed).
Anime Expo will also host the world premiere of the one-hour Dr. Stone episode at the convention. A new visual and trailer were released to have fans pumped about what is to come to get fans excited about the new project. Of course, a third season is still on the way for next year, but this special should be an excellent extra for fans of the property to check out.
Just when you thought it wouldn’t happen, it was finally confirmed that there will be a new Trigun anime! Crunchyroll announced this week that in 2023 the classic and beloved series will be reborn after 25 years which they licensed. Interestingly enough, the new project will be produced by studio Orange, known for its 3D anime adaptions such as Beastars and Land of the Lustrous (they also worked on Dimension W). More details will be revealed at Anime Expo this year, and we guess this panel will be the biggest one at the convention.
Crunchyroll and Toei Animation finally confirmed the release date of Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO in countries outside of Japan. On Aug. 19, fans in the U.S. will be able to check out the film that has been buzzing in Japan. With this announcement, an English dubbed trailer was released highlighting what fans can expect when they check it out. Everyone is returning to voice their iconic characters, but a new cast was introduced for this film which includes: Zach Aguilar (Dr. Hedo), Aleks Le (Gamma 1), Zeno Robinson (Gamma 2), Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario, (Magenta), and Jason Marnocha (Carmine). It’s an insane list and one that many fans will want to hear how they sounded for this huge film!
The Sword Art Online staff revealed a new visual for the new film Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Kuraki Yūyami no Scherzo. This movie will be the second film of the Progressive Light Novel series and is slated to premiere in Japan on Sep. 10. The staff also announced that there will be news about the film and the 10th-anniversary project soon. Many are wondering what new details will be shared, but it’s information fans of the property will not want to miss out on hearing!
Deadline reported Monday that Sony Pictures is trying to make a One-Punch Man live-action film directed by Justin Lin. Lin is best known for his work on the Fast and the Furious franchise and recently left the property and is probably looking to work on something different. If everyone is to move forward as planned, Lin would serve as a producer and collaborate on the screenplay’s rewrite before starting production toward the end of this year, leaving many asking why? It will be interesting to see if this idea moves forward. However, it certainly feels odd considering the reputation that Hollywood adaptations of anime have.
Staff writer Varun “VLordGTZ” Gupta was a guest on Another Day, Another Adventure podcast hosted by Sakaki and Sniperking323. Joined by his sibling LumRanmaYasha, the four discuss episodes 23-25 of Dragon Ball as the semi-finals of the World Martial Arts Tournament are still going! LumRandmaYasha highlights how much fun these fights have been in the arc and mentions how much they enjoyed the English dub. While VLordGTZ talks about Akira Toriyama’s depiction of POC characters could use more work looking back at the classic series. You won’t want to miss this episode, and we hope you enjoy it when you get the chance!
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CJ Maffris is the Editor-in-Chief at Toonamifaithful.com. He also produced and directed the Toonami documentary, What Toonami Means To Me. Feel free to follow CJ on Twitter @SeaJayMaffris