Every year during the 4th of July weekend, no less than 100k anime fans converge onto Downtown Los Angeles as Anime Expo, the biggest anime convention in North America is held. With Anime Expo’s significance in the anime convention calendar, not surprisingly some of the biggest anime news of the year is often announced here.

While there will not be a Toonami panel at AX this year, there will be plenty of panels and events for Toonami fans to enjoy and perhaps to watch out for in regards to future announcements. Attack on Titan will kick off its third season with a World Premiere event of the season 3 premiere, while My Hero Academia will showcase the World Premiere of its first feature film: The Two Heroes, Sentai will be showcasing their version of the Pop Team Epic dub, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure will reveal Part 5 of the franchise, including an exclusive premiere of the first episode. Dragon Ball Super, FLCL, and Sword Art Online will each also have their own respective panels to discuss their respective futures and perhaps some surprises ahead.

Hand-picked from the official schedule, these are some of the upcoming panels that are related to Toonami (including shows that have previously aired on the block as well as the block’s various partners), and if you’re going to AX this year, we definitely recommend you checking them out (or at least what you can), whether it’s for looking forward to what’s next, hanging out with the creators and other fans, and if nothing else, enjoying just being there. And even if you’re not going this year, we’ll be keeping an eye on what comes out of these panels for any news regarding the future of Toonami and the block’s various programs. For those that aren’t going this year on the other hand, fear not, as AX will be live-streaming panels that take place in the Petree Hall/Live Programming 1 on twitch.tv/animeexpo and facebook.com/animeexpo.

For any potential breaking news, make sure to follow @ToonamiNews as well as our other social media outlets. This year, yours truly will be joining CJ Maffris and Sketch1984 to cover the show floor this year as well as covering potential breaking news and trying to get you some exclusive interviews among other things, so feel free say hi if you run up to us.

Do note that there is a possibility that there can be Toonami related news that can appear in panels that aren’t listed below, so all I can say is to keep on your toes.

Thursday

Sentai Filmworks Industry Panel

Time: Thursday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: Want to know what Sentai will be up to in the coming months? Then come find out and don’t forget to tell your friends! We just might notice you… #NoticeMeSentai

 

My Hero Academia the Movie: The Two Heroes Subtitled World Premiere

Time: Thursday, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Room: Main Event (Hall B)

Official Description: We’re excited to announce that Anime Expo 2018 will host subtitled world premiere of MY HERO ACADEMIA: Two Heroes, presented by Funimation and Toho! A celebrity guest panel will follow immediately after the film and feature talent from both the film and series. Joining the premiere event for their first overseas convention appearances are Daiki Yamashita (voice of Deku), Mirai Shida (voice of Melissa Shield), and Katsuhisa Namase (voice of David Shield)! Justin Briner (voice of Deku) and Colleen Clinkenbeard (ADR director and voice of Yaoyorozu) will also participate in the event!

Notes: For those who can’t make it to the Anime Expo showing, FUNimation will have another premiere screening during San Diego Comic-Con two weeks later, with MHA creator Kohei Horikoshi planned to be in attendance. Further details on that showing is to be announced. The film is set to be released in August 3 in Japanese theaters, with showings in US and Canadian theaters sometime this fall.

Important For Prospective Attendees: Due to the anticipated high demand, Anime Expo will require all attendees to pick up an admission wrist band to enter this panel. The distribution line to pick up a wristband will be located outside of the West Hall next to the Main Events line near the South Apron off Pico Blvd on the day of the panel. Admittance is free and guarantees you entry once received, but wristbands are first-come, first-serve, and are non-transferable (wristband cannot be removed or tampered). Further information can be seen by clicking here.

 

SUNRISE Industry Panel

Time: Thursday, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 2 (JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom)

Official Description: This is the official SUNRISE panel. SUNRISE Inc., is known for the Mobile Suit Gundam Series, Love Live!, Cowboy Bebop, and Code Geass Series. The producers will be on hand to give you exclusive behind-the-scenes info on past and upcoming shows! As always, Haro will be around for the raffle at the end!

 

VIZ Media Industry Panel

Time: Thursday, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: Join the VIZ Media crew as we talk about some of your favorite titles like BORUTO, MY HERO ACADEMIA, TOKYO GHOUL and SAILOR MOON. We’ll also be making announcements, showing off exclusive first looks at new titles, giving away prizes and having a grand old time. There might even be jokes and special guest or two!

 

Funimation Dragon Ball Super Panel

Time: Thursday, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: They’re back! Get to know the Dragon Ball Super voice actors during a special panel and Q&A session. This year, the epic franchise continues with even more power, new characters, continuing broadcast on Adult Swim and an all new home video release!

 

Aniplex of America Industry Panel

Time: Thursday, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: Do titles like Sword Art Online, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Kill la Kill, or Blue Exorcist make your otaku heart skip a beat? Then you don’t want to miss the Aniplex of America Industry Panel! Join us as we bring you the latest news on all your favorite Aniplex shows. Score some free gifts just for showing up and prepare to be entertained as we show you the coolest trailers! Plus, you’ll have a chance to enter our raffle where we’ll be giving away some awesome prizes!

 

HIDIVE Presents: Pop Team Epic with Special Guest Kotaru Sudo

Time: Thursday, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 3 (408AB)

Official Description: Watch HIDIVE’s version of the meme-able hit series, Pop Team Epic, with the producer! Have a question you want to ask? Then make sure to tag us on social media for a chance to have your questions answered!

Friday

Funimation Announcements Panel

Time: Friday, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 2 (JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom)

Official Description: From Akira to Dragon Ball Z, hear the latest news, info, and announcements from North America’s largest anime distributor, Funimation.

 

The Official JOJO’s BIZARRE ADVENTURE Panel

Time: Friday, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Room: Main Event (Hall B)

Official Description: Get ready to pose and unleash your power at the official JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE panel! Join your friends from VIZ Media for a celebration of this epic manga and anime series with special guests, the latest news and maybe even some surprises!

Notes: Anime director Naokatsu Tsuda will be headlining the panel along with Patrick Seitz (the voice of Dio), and Christopher Tergliafera (the voice of Avdol). On June 21, Viz had announced that Part 5 of the franchise: “Golden Wind” is presently in the works to premiere in October, and that a special screening of the first episode will be showcased during this panel. A dub and prospective Toonami airing of Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable, is still to be announced as of this writing.

 

Sword Art Online Summer Festival 2018

Time: Friday, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: Link Start and join us for the most talked about event of Anime Expo! From the perils of Aincrad to the battlefields of Gun Gale Online to the depths of the Underworld, we’ll explore the worlds of SAO, familiar and new! Join us for this very special event as we look at the past, present and the future of anime’s most beloved virtual reality series!

Notes: Bryce Papenbrook and Cherami Leigh, the voices of Kirito and Asuna respectively, will headline this panel along with Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, (the Japanese voice of Kirito), Ai Kayano, (the voice of Kirito’s newest harem member Alice), Tomori Kusunoki (the voice of Llenn/Karen), Alternative GGO creator Keiichi Sigsawa, and producers Shinichiro Kashiwada, Kazuki Adachi, and Kenta Suzuki. Alternative GGO is presently airing in Japan and the subtitled simulcasts are available to view on Crunchyroll and Hulu, while Project Alicization will premiere in Japan this October. A dub and prospective Toonami airing of both series is still to be determined.

Saturday

Official SAILOR MOON Panel

Time: Saturday, July 07, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Room: Main Event (Hall B)

Official Description: Join your friends from VIZ Media as well as cast and crew of the Sailor Moon anime for a festive time filled with news, updates and more from everyone’s favorite Guardian of Love and Justice. All attendees will receive a special treat while supplies last, so, in the name of the Moon, don’t miss it!

 

FLCL Panel

Time: Saturday, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: The official FLCL panel hosted by the producer and president of Production I.G USA, joined by Jason DeMarco and Gill Austin from Adult Swim, as well as some English cast from both FLCL 2 and FLCL 3. There will be lots of giveaways and a surprising showing of a new episode.

Notes: Besides Maki and Gill, some of the other panelists attending include Michael Sinterniklaa, Stephanie Sheh, Erica Lindbeck, Marianne Miller, Megan Taylor Harvey, Marieve Herington, Ray Chase, Xanthe Huynh, Allegra Clark, and Robbie Daymond. This panel will be immediately followed by the Production IG panel in the same room. The final episode of FLCL 2 Progressive is scheduled to air on Toonami later that night, while FLCL 3 Alternative is scheduled to air in September.

 

Production I.G Industry Panel

Time: Saturday, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Room: Live Programming 1 (Petree Hall)

Official Description: Join Maki Terashima-Furuta, the producer and president of Production I.G. USA as she shows the new and current shows, talks about the stories behind some of the newest titles such as “B: The Beginning,” “Caslevania,” “FLCL 2” and “FLCL 3.” Trailers, lots of giveaways, and special guests to appear at the panel.

Sunday

Funimation Presents Attack on Titan Season 3 Panel and World Premiere

Time: Sunday, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Room: Main Event (Hall B)

Official Description: The Titans are back! Come meet the Japanese and English voice actors for Eren Jaeger in Attack on Titan, Yuki Kaji (My Hero Academia) and Bryce Papenbrook (Sword Art Online) as they discuss Season 3 and their past experiences. Also, watch the Season 3 World Premiere and get a panel exclusive item!

Notes: For those who can’t make it to the panel, Funimation will be presenting a limited theatrical run of the season 2 recap film Roar of Awaking, which will follow with a showing of the first episode of Season 3. These limited screenings will take place in select theaters on Tuesday, July 10 for the subtitled version & Wednesday, July 11 for the dub. For those interested, check out funimationfilms.com/attackontitan for tickets and more information. Season 3 will premiere in Japan on July 22, with a prospective Toonami airing still to be determined.

Important For Prospective Attendees: Due to the anticipated high demand, Anime Expo will require all attendees to pick up an admission wrist band to enter this panel. The distribution line to pick up a wristband will be located outside of the West Hall next to the Main Events line near the South Apron off Pico Blvd on the day of the panel. Admittance is free and guarantees you entry once received, but wristbands are first-come, first-serve, and are non-transferable (wristband cannot be removed or tampered). Further information can be seen by clicking here.

Are you headed to Anime Expo this year? If so or if not, what news and announcements are you anticipating? Sound off in the comments below or on our social media outlets.