Could MCU fans be getting their big green rage monster back? Well, some fans are beginning to believe it may be happening sooner than later.
In the 2019 movie Avengers: Endgame, we see that Bruce Banner worked in a lab to mix the brains and the brawn together giving us what is dubbed Smart Hulk or Professor Hulk. However, some fans did not like this change to the character.
Last year, popular TikToker Juju Green or Straw_Hat_Goofy went into detail on why some people did not like this change.
“When you have individual stories that come together as one big story a lot of the time you won’t have time to pay off individual character arcs,” he said. “These two (Hulk and Bruce Banner) are separate beings and have to come to an understanding to save the day. So, when Bruce Banner says, ‘We have a lot to figure out.’ That sets up the final stage in their arc, but we miss that stage when it is done off-camera in Endgame.”
Video posted by @Straw_Hat_Goofy on TikTok
How does this all tie back to She- Hulk?
In the She-Hulk trailer there is a training montage between Bruce Banner (Hulk) and Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk). During that montage you can see that Jennifer is doing everything with such ease and Bruce is seemingly upset by this, and this where the theory comes in.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Official Trailer from Marvel Entertainment
It is theorized that there is going to be a sub plot where Bruce Banner becomes jealous of his cousin Jennifer Walters. Fans are thinking that Bruce will test himself to become stronger and it will unlock the true Hulk living inside him, causing World War Hulk.
World War Hulk is a 2007 Marvel storyline written by Greg Pak and drawn by John Romita Jr.
The storyline kicks off right after Planet Hulk. When Hulk is sent to Planet Sakaar by the Illuminati and becomes a Gladiator. In World War Hulk, Hulk comes back to Earth to get his revenge on the Illuminati.
Video posted by @Schubydoobert on TikTok
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law premieres on Disney+ on August 17. With Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters/ She-Hulk and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk.
This week, Disney+ and Marvel Studios released five animated shorts featuring the fan-favorite character, Baby Groot.
Throughout these shorts we watch as Baby Groot goes on adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether he is walking for the first time or building a fort, Baby Groot can make the best out of any situation.
In the episode entitled ‘Magnum Opus’, Baby Groot is gathering materials to make a family portrait for the Guardians of the Galaxy. Some items include a bar of soap, Rocket’s fur, but most notably a Marvel comic book.
Marvel Studios / Disney Plus
The comic book was a newsstand edition of ALF issue 4 published by Marvel in June of 1988. Some may look at this and say, “Oh a Marvel comic book in a Marvel show.” However, it goes a little deeper than that.
This very comic book was written by Michael Gallagher. Gallagher is most known for his work at MadMagazine and Sonic the Hedgehog, but he also did a three-year run for Guardians of the Galaxy.
With Baby Groot being part of the Guardians of the Galaxy, this had to be an easter egg for Gallagher. Making him apart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a creative way.
You can stream all five of the ‘I Am Groot‘ shorts starring Vin Deisel as Baby Groot on Disney+.
Are you new to the amazing world of comic books? If so, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed looking into what to read. With so many titles and characters to choose from, I understand that it can seem like a huge barrier to entry into this wonderful hobby. This is the purpose of this weekly article series.
I want to introduce new readers of all ages and interests to this amazing community we call comic books. The community can only grow if we make the fandom accessible to new and old readers alike. So I’ve made it my mission to expand this community with helpful tips and a little bit of positive energy sprinkled on top.
Superman is not just another comic book character. Superman is an icon.
Quite possibly the single most well known fictional character ever created. Making his very first appearance in “Action Comics #1” all the way back in 1938. Superman was there before many of us were ever born, and he will remain long after all of us are gone. Not just as a character, but as a symbol of truth, justice, and most importantly…hope.
Created by Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster, Superman is the orphaned alien infant who crash landed on Earth known as Kal-El. Given the name Clark Kent from the farmers who found and raised him, Superman is the original arch type for the “super hero.”
Endowed with superhuman abilities of all shapes and sizes, he is empowered by the yellow light of our Sun. Instead of being corrupted by his powers, Superman dedicates himself to the pursuit of truth and justice. The symbol on his chest, his family crest, is also a symbol of hope to all whole see it.
Here are my top 3 recommendations for anyone looking to read about Superman for the very first time.
This is a series of 9 comics collected into a single trade paperback format. All-Star Superman is a reimagining of the character, delving into who and WHAT Superman is and stands for. The creative team wanted to present Superman as the ideal individual in “mind, body, and intention”. Someone with the power to control, but instead chooses to aid and uplift.
Superman is a character that is closing in on 100 years old in the very near future. With that much history, lineage and prestige it can be difficult for ANY comic book fan to get into this character.
All-Star Superman is a wonderful jumping off point, because in my opinion, this book gives you a clear picture into the man behind the cape and tights. Beyond the titles and nicknames and powers, this story truly introduces you to Kal-El, The Man of Steel, Clark Kent, better known to the world…as Superman.
Most Superman stories, as would be expected, are told from the point of view of the man himself. Superman for All Seasons is different, as it is a series of four comics told by four different characters in Superman’s life. Each story takes place in a different season and cover specific significant events during his life.
The characters narrating these stories are Johnathan Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Lana Lang. These are stories told through their eyes and from their points of view. Rather than seeing what the Man of Steel himself is thinking and feeling, we see what his peers see and feel whenever Superman comes to save the day.
This is an excellent run for new readers, as not only does it cover some of Superman’s greatest moments, but you also get a glimpse into the minds and lives of those around him.
“Superman: Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?” covers the last days of “Silver Age”Superman as fans knew him. The huge reboot event for DC Comics known as Crisis On Infinite Earths was underway, with the intention of rebooting and modernizing all of DC’s characters and lore. This was their way of giving fans closure on this classic version of Superman that had been running for over 400 issues at this point. While this was by no means the end for the stranger from the planet Krypton, It was the end of THIS version of the character.
Set in the near future of 1997 (the book was published in 1986), the story follows a Daily Planet news reporter who has the task of interviewing Lois Lane about the days leading up to the end of Superman. She details how the sheer number of foes was becoming too much for him to handle, and how eventually his Fortress of Solitude was besieged and destroyed by his enemies. This is a recommendation for those looking to see where the old Superman ended, and the new Superman began. Consider it a history lesson.
The Future Of This Article Series
Next week we will be looking back at Image Comics for another classic character. The last time this series took a look at Image, we gave you some outstanding Spawn recommendations. For the next, we’ll cover another icon from Image Comics.
Remember everyone, this series is for the uninitiated. These articles are designed to help brand new comic book readers dive into our amazing hobby without feeling overwhelmed at their local comic book store. Be sure to leave a comment with a request for a character or genre you would like to see us cover next!
Until next time everyone be safe, be kind, and take it easy.
Dust Off the Cosplay, Cuz Crunchyroll Expo is Back!
For the first time in three years, Crunchyroll Expo made its in-person return August 5-7. Over the last two years, there was so much uncertainty circling around that no one knew when convention season would make its return.
Luckily, CRX came together and worked to create an event that was accessible to all by turning it into a virtual experience. Vendors and artists were still able to get their names out there to make event sales while attendees tuned into interviews, panels, contests, and so much more, all from the comfort of home. However this year, as CRX continues its virtual accessibility, they finally also welcomed anime fans back to San Jose, CA to reunite with fellow anime lovers.
Utilizing their fan-favorite theme, New Crunchy City, CRX transform the San Jose Convention Center into a city-like atmosphere. Near the entrance of the main hall were photo-ops for some beloved anime, like Spy X Family and Rising of the Shield Hero. Smack dab in the middle of them all was the iconic Crunchyroll Store brought to life.
Half of the main hall consisted of the Central Shopping District which was full of vendors from one end of the hall to the other. It was so wonderful to see so many more vendors returning and the temptation to buy their entire stock was as high as always!
We visited Shumi, a South California based seller with all your favorite anime collectibles and Japanese-themed goodies. From plush dolls and figurines of your favorite anime characters to cute collectible blind boxes, there’s no way I could walk away empty-handed. One of the ultimate anime-themed loot boxes, Akibento itself had its own stall with stacks high of their boxes, waiting for event goers to try their luck. While I didn’t get to snag a box this time around, I can confirm there is always a diverse collection of items in each box.
But also taking up their well-deserved spaces in the main hall in Arts District were some of the best artists, some of whom I recognized but so many more whom I’ve never seen or noticed before! It’s events like these that really allow artists to shine and show off their amazing art. You’re bound to find prints to cover up your walls, keychains and charms to hang off your bag, and pins and stickers to add to your collection.
One of my favorite artists I discovered was SonyaLei, whose art style is unique and switches between softer tones and popping colors. Whether or not you’re familiar with Jujutsu Kaisen, the ending theme is a must-watch which its vibrant colors and dance sequence. All of it was drawn into a gorgeous print that I had to take home.
Entertainment and Announcements for the Fans!
Like any con, there were meet and greets but I feel as the highlight of the convention was the dance party held in a separate hall. Each day featured a few different well-known artists from the community, one of the most popular being MADKID, most known for the opening and ending themes for The Rising of the Shield Hero. Meanwhile Haikyu!! fans may also recognize Fly High!! artist Burnout Syndromes as they shared the stage with Rosalie Chiang, the voice of Mei Lin from Pixar’s Turning Red.
MADKID at Crunchyroll Expo 2022
A big event like Crunchyroll is not without its announcements. News broke out over the 3rd season of The Rising of the Shield Hero, 2nd season of Tower of God, and 6th season of fan-favorite, My Hero Academia. Many more announcements were made and all kept fans hyped for more anime to come.
Until Next Time, CRX!
While the con took precautions seriously, it kept the energy alive for in-person attendees as well as though watching at home. Whether you’re there for the merch or if you’re waiting to meet your favorite voice actors and music artists, Crunchyroll Expo 2022 was the place to be over the weekend. All I have left to say is…bring it on, CRX 2023!
Started in 2010, C2E2 has become one of the largest comic and pop culture conventions in the midwest, with the last recorded attendance record (2019) estimated at 95,000. C2E2 is known for celebrating comics, cosplay, video games, anime, TV shows, movies, books, and wrestling.
I’ve recently started attending conventions (my first was Indiana Comic Con in 2019), so I have limited knowledge and experience in the conventions that are out there, but I was able to attend C2E2 this past weekend. It is by far one of my favorite conventions I’ve attended! It is easy to see why it’s considered the most popular convention in the midwest.
If you’ve never attended C2E2 and are curious about if you should go, here are five reasons why I think you should add it to your comic convention bucket list.
1. The Convention Venue Is Spacious
The floor plans for 2022 C2E2 held at McCormick Place (South Building)
C2E2 was held at the McCormick Place Convention Center, which comprises of four buildings at 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest convention center in the nation. The convention this year was primarily held at the west building and there was still so much space for the vendors, attendees, panels, etc.
As someone that enjoys having their personal space, I was very happy with the fact that I could roam around the exhibition hall for C2E2 without feeling like I was bumping into people constantly. This space is ideal to host a huge amount of retailers, celebrity signing/photo op areas, panels, and so much more.
2. Very Family Friendly
The Family Headquarters of C2E2
My kid and I have been attending comic conventions for the last few years and we absolutely love everything about them. But kids can handle conventions so much before they need a break or need to be a kid.
I was very happy to see that C2E2 had a focus on being kid and family-friendly. Not only do they communicate to vendors and cosplayers that this is a family event (and should not display anything inappropriate), but they had a large area in the exhibit hall for families to take a break, called Family HQ. In this area, they had a Star Wars area that was run by the 501st Legion, they had an area with tables and chairs where families can sit and rest, and they had activities planned throughout the entire weekend, ranging from origami to bingo to coloring sheets!
3. Great Support For Cosplayers
Deadpool and Spider-Man cosplayers.
Cosplay is a given at most (if not all) conventions. So I expected there to be cosplay at this convention as well. Not only were there so many great cosplayers (and a fantastic cosplay competition), but C2E2 has Cosplay Central, an area dedicated to just cosplay.
In this area, they had some booths for professional cosplay businesses and organizations to promote and display their work, a spacious changing area for cosplayers to be able to change into and out of their cosplay, and a coat/bag check that you can store your bags so you don’t have to carry them around (for a fee), and a group of people with signs that had emergency supplies for cosplay repair (although it was unclear if this was a service provided by C2E2 or by a vendor/attendee).
4. So Many Helpful Guides For New And Returning Attendees
A screenshot of the Show Guides page from the C2E2 app
Have you ever attended a convention, whether it was your first time attending that convention or attending any kind of convention, that you wished there were some useful resources that give you some suggestions or ideas about what to do or think about when you attend?
Well, C2E2 has you covered. Their website and app have Show Guides, which is a list of suggestions and expectations about some of the more common things that people experience and have questions about, which includes what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed, if you’re meeting celebrities, if you’re cosplaying, and even if this is your first convention.
5. The Guest Lineups
A screenshot of the guests lineup
Just like any convention, C2E2 provides opportunities for attendees to meet and attend panels with celebrity guests. They include anime artists and voice actors, comic creators, tv/streaming shows and movies, wrestling, gaming, and literature.
This year, the biggest name they had was undoubtedly Rosario Dawson, who plays Claire in the Defenders Saga from Netflix and Ahsoka in the Star Wars universe. In addition, this year also had a plethora of news from their guests that made the convention the talk of the weekend (whether it was for better or for worse). So there’s a good chance that when you attend, you’ll be able to see one of your favorite celebrities from whatever fandom you enjoy.
The community I have connected with has been such a blessing. I have met so many creators who have inspired me and continuously encourages me which I will be forever grateful for.
To hear more about my journey and falling in love with Marvel, check out my interview below!
My name is Sean Wingham and I grew up loving superheroes and comics.
I always tell people on my podcast, The Captioned Life, that I have that my uncle was the one that got me into comics because he collected them ever since he was a kid. So, I remember going over to his house one day, he had boxes full of comics that I got to read, some of the original stories that came out back in the 50’s and 60’s.
I was one of those kids where I thought if I wore the Superman costume, that I could just go out, start flying around, you know, just like most of the kids that thought the same thing.
The Captioned Life
Growing up and being a professional and being an adult now, I have a podcast that I’ve been doing for a few years now, and part of the reason why I started it was I had just gotten back into comics. I got away from it when I was in high school. And about five, six years ago, I got Marvel Unlimited, which allows you to read like all the comics that they have, including the older ones in a digital format.
That’s what got me back into reading comics.
And so, the three hosts of the podcast had all talked about how much, we enjoyed comics, but we also talked about how there’s a lot of toxicity and negativity about representation in comics and fandom.
We started talking about how we wanted to be a voice where we encourage representation in comics – as being three white males.
And so the whole idea behind our show is to not only discuss those topics, but also bring people in to talk about the comics industry and talk about what they do and give them a platform and a voice on our show to be able to share that with the world as well.
Convention Life
So I’ve been doing that for a few years and I also recently found out, you know, what a Comic-Con was and found out that my home state actually had one for years, and I had no idea about that.
So I started going to that and, and I think this year is like the year I’ve been going to the most comic cons I’ve ever been to in my life. And so because of that, I learned about cosplay.
And so I’ve been getting into cosplay. I’ve just been immersing myself into this world that I really enjoyed when I was a kid. It’s not work at that point. It’s a passion, it’s a hobby, it’s whatever you wanna call it.
I really hope to be able to be a voice for people who love comics, who love these fandoms, but also wanna encourage, you know, the diverse representation and that the idea that comics is for everyone.
Dan Jurgens has a storied career working as both a writer and artist for DC Comics, Marvel and more.
He not only wrote and created for Justice League and Green Arrow, but he created superhero Booster Gold and is one of the architects of the Death of Superman storyline from 1992.
The special 30th anniversary comic of Superman’s Death was just announced by DC, so we sat down with Jurgens and had a chance to talk about this story’s lasting impact!
Dan – What first got me interested in general was the old live action Batman TV show with Adam West because I was like seven years old, when that came out.
And before that, I hadn’t really even known what comics were. And then one night, I discovered older kids in the neighborhood sitting on the front stoop with comics and I said, “Oh, those guys who are on TV are in these things?”
And so that’s what got me interested in the whole thing. And I think like most kids you cycle through phases of Batman’s the best. No, Superman’s the best. No, it’s Spider-Man, you know, so I think you end up being something of the culmination of everything you were exposed to.
Q – Do you remember like your first experience drawing and creating storylines? Like I’m sure you were probably pretty creative as a kid?
Dan – Even as a kid, I remember I’d start out by drawing single images. So, like here’s Superman flying or Batman jumping off a building or something like that. But then I’d think beyond that, uh, one of the things that also goes along with it is this idea of once Batman is jumping off building, why is Batman jumping off the building?
Well, that means you’ve got a panel that goes before that, where the Joker is knocking him off the building or something? So I was starting to write and draw my own stories.
Q – We just celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Death of Superman. What was it like to be involved in such a huge event in comics history?
Dan – As we were preparing the story, we had no idea it was going to become as big as it did.
And so once it happened, we were constantly on the phone with each other saying, “Can you believe this? Or have you heard about that? Or did you see this thing on TV?”
And I think, um, along with not knowing it would ever get that big, we couldn’t imagine that 30 years later, we’d still be here, still talking about it and the, that it would all stay in print and that we’d still be signing these things.
And you couldn’t imagine that different interpretations of it would be done in live action and animation.
Q – What was it like watching the event come to life in movies like “Dawn of Justice”?
Dan – That’s cool to see. It’s like, my first design of doomsday was like a two-inch high squiggly drawing that I just kept refining and then eventually ends up on the big screen.
When, you know, you do a scene in a comic like Lois holding Superman’s body and they replicate that on screen, it is amazing to see them actually do that and reinterpret what you drew in the first place. And, and that kind of validates your story in a way.
Q – The 30th Anniversary comic for Death of Superman was just announced. What is that like working with the team again on that?
Dan – Well, it’s always fun to get the band back together if you will. And it’s fun to see everyone’s work coming in … and to also be able to put kind of a spin of today on the story, which is, you know, basically, John, he’s at the age of nine and he’s in school one day and someone appears and wearing a black armband with the Superman’s symbol on it.
And he says, “I’m here to talk to you about the most famous day in the history of Metropolis, the day Superman died.” And John can’t just say, “What??!!!” Because he’s never heard the story. So by seeing it through his eyes, it’s a way for us to explain to readers kind of what it was all about.
If you were there 30 years ago, you remember the lines around the stores and everything that was going on at that time. you’re gonna get some warm nostalgia out of this, right? I mean, you’re gonna like it because of that. If you are a new reader who wasn’t there, I think we’ll be able to show you a little bit of what things were sort of like at the time and the craziness of it all.
Q – I remember being at my store and waiting for Superman 75 to come out. I guess this generation misses out on that like comradery and that essence of fandom.
Dan – Well, and you know, at that time there was no internet to speak of. And I think that allowed us to surprise the market in a way that would not be impossible today. And I think that was key to the success of our story, that people didn’t know what was necessarily coming around the corner.
And now that’s virtually impossible to do. I remember I was driving to a store to do a signing and it was a cold, wet November night. And, you know, I approached the store and there was a line outside the store and I thought what’s going on?
Like they couldn’t get in or something and the line went down around the corner and around the next block and down the street. And that’s what we all experienced. And that’s what every reader experienced.
Here we are, all this time later and is still something that’s being talked about … Back then, we did a story and that would be it, because things weren’t necessarily collected so that when we did the Death of Superman and they pulled it together as a collection, right before Christmas, a trade paperback for people to have, that was rare. I mean, usually you got your story printed and then you just went on to the next thing and it would be forgotten.
And now that is much more common and the idea that these stories endure. I think we all are very proud of that fact and take a lot of consolation in the idea that wasn’t a big thing yet it lived on for decades, but that it was also a really good story. What I always tell people is bad stories get forgotten, good stories live on.
Gerry Conway has too many accolades in his legendary comic book career to count. From killing off Spider-Man’s first girlfriend to creating the Punisher, Gerry has left an incredible mark on the fandom world. We sat down with the writer, creator and innovator at Terrificon 2022 to talk about his personal journey and so much more!
Q – What were some characters that inspired you as a kid and a young comics fan?
Gerry – I’m not sure that there were any specific characters, except maybe Spiderman cause I loved the idea of teenage, wise-cracking superhero and that led me to create Firestorm, who is also a teenage wise-cracking superhero.
Q – Do you remember your first time creating when you were young and writing storylines and creating ideas?
Gerry – Shortly after I started reading Fantastic Four, which I think came out when I was just around nine or 10. I started drawing my own versions of the Fantastic Four comics … I think that was the first time I really sat down and tried to create something.
Q – You’ve created so many iconic characters and storylines. Is there any that stick out in your head that you’re especially proud of?
Gerry – I’ve always been proud of the Death of Gwen Stacy storyline for how that came together. And that’s honestly I have no idea how that happened. And I was very proud of the run I did on Justice League.
Q – How did the Punisher come together and why do you think that character has had such an impact over the years?
Gerry – He was originally designed basically as to solve a story problem. I wanted to introduce this character the Jackal, who would be fighting Spiderman and interfering with Spiderman’s life over five or six issues.
And one of the ways you can make a new character seem important is by giving him an interesting henchman that introduces him. So I wanted this interesting henchman and had this idea for an assassin, that develop into a hired killer who had his own moral code … then we had to come up with a name, Stan gave us the name. And as you start writing the story, it takes on a life of its own. I think the character is popular because he’s a, you know, basically a Rorschach of the era that he comes into. He can represent whatever the concerns are of that era and different writers and artists, you know, bring out different aspects of him.
Q – Are there ever any characters you’ve ever wanted to work on that you haven’t yet?
Gerry – I wish I had been able to do a Green Lantern solo series. I’ve always loved the Green Lantern from the time I was a kid. I got to write him in Justice League, but never got to write the solo series with Hal Jordan.
Like any western show, the opening theme song sticks with its audience for the majority if not the entirety of the show. Similarly with its many alternating intro themes, anime captures the essence of the story and its characters. If we’re only dealing with a season, we only get the one theme, or maybe two if we’re lucky. For longer anime, we could get a dozen or so, each reflecting character arcs as they introduce new characters in the shadows of the opener. Each opening gives us something to look forward to, to dance to, or sing along with.
That’s why we pulled together some of the biggest anime nerds here at Nerd Initiative to give you our list of top 25 anime openings. Whether you’re new to anime or need some suggestions on what to put on your growing anime playlist, this is the list for you!
25. Rise by MADKID – The Rising of the Shield Hero
An energetic opener to a widely popular isekai anime, Rise by MADKID is one to get you in the mood to fight enemies, no matter the cost. With lyrics that match the main character, Naofumi’s goals, it makes sense why this opening song is an absolute hit!
24. Ai No Supreme by Thai McGrath – Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S
Popular at every anime convention this year, Ai No Supreme by Thai McGrath makes the cut with its cute animations and upbeat feel. Whether you’ve heard it or not, it’ll make you want to dance along with all the other dragons!
23. Touch Off by UVERworld – The Promised Neverland
Imagine a song where the opening line is, “Will we ever know of freedom?” and that’s the opener for an anime about young children. Touch Off by UVERworld manages to use JRock as a way to show us the danger that surrounds our main child leads. With no trouble at all, it becomes an anthem for a world of revolution.
22. Asterisk By Orange Range – Bleach
Get ready to be pumped up and in the mood! For what, you ask? Well, that would be to take on a job you didn’t want but was thrust upon you anyway, and that job is to purify all the corrupted spirits in the world. It might sound like a scary task but don’t worry because Asterisk by Orange Range will be playing in the background to help!
21. Bomb A Head by m.c.A.T – Tenjho Tenge
Schools in anime are known to place their focus on one thing and one thing only, whether it’s extracurriculars, gambling, or tabletop gaming. Bomb A Head by m.c.A.T says it all: This high school is all about combat and learning various fight styles, both physical and supernatural. Get ready to dance around in combat to this upbeat song!
20. Zankyou Zanka by Aimer – Demon Slayer
One of the biggest anime of the last three years, Demon Slayer knows how to keep its audience engaged. And with its second season, we’re introduced to the flashy world of the Entertainment District as well as a whole new opening, Zankyou Zanka by Aimer. It’ll get you celebrating and drinking, but be careful as it’s rumored that dangerous demons are always lurking.
19. 19sai by Shikao Suga – xxxHolic
A somewhat slow acoustic opening to a dark fantasy anime, 19sai by Shikao Suga captures the supernatural vibes of the early to mid-2000’s. It’s like if Charmed or Supernatural became an anime and this was the opener, we wouldn’t know the difference! But it sure sets the tone for the remainder for xxxHolic.
18. My Soul, Your Beats! by Lia – Angel Beats
My Soul, Your Beats, a piano-based opening song for Angel Beats, serves as an epitome of 2010’s anime. From the style to the lyrics, it matches the…beat of this fantasy anime as we dive into the world of the afterlife where high school, unfortunately, still exists.
17. Again by Yui – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Again by Yui starts off on the softer side until it ramps up to a sweeping chorus. With lyrics that sum up the journey on which Edward and Alphonse embark, it feels melancholic just listening to it with each episode. The vocals that Yui carries packs emotion into the song making it memorable for such an iconic anime.
16. Flyers by BRADIO – Death Parade
For a psychological thriller like Death Parade, you wouldn’t expect to have such a catchy opener like Flyers by BRADIO. But anime fans know that even the darkest of anime are known to have opening tracks that are flashy and upbeat so Death Parade is no exception. Even with your soul on the line, it’s hard not to feel inspired to start flying and face your obstacles head-on.
15. CRAZY NOISY BIZARRE TOWN by The Du – Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has soared in popularity over the years with catchy opening themes. CRAZY NOISY BIZARRE TOWN is one of those electric openers that fits the overall feel of the fourth arc of the JoJo series. While other openers are popular and more recognizable, be sure to not overlook this one as it also contains a lot of the spirit of JoJo!
14. Tank by Seatbelts – Cowboy Bebop
Okay, 3, 2, 1…let’s jam! With its high-paced jazz beats, Tank by Seatbelts is sure to get anyone prepared for this space cowboy anime. With the heavy use of brass and percussion, listening to it on your own just feels like you’re on a mission.
13. 99 by Mob Choir – Mob Psycho 100
We can’t overlook this chaotic opener! 99 is an absolute blast to listen to and sets the stage for Mob Psycho 100 as a whole. The countdown to 100 makes for a quick-paced song and I wouldn’t be surprised if you used it in a workout. It’s just that good!
12. Everlasting Shine by TOMORROW X TOGETHER – Black Clover
Everlasting Shine is the perfect song to open up a new arc with Black Clover as it follows a time skip featuring Asta who is stronger than ever. With its uplifting and inspirational vibe, this opening has to be on your anime playlist!
11. Shinzo wo Sasageyo! by Linked Horizon – Attack on Titan
Everyone knows Attack on Titan but there’s one opening from this anime that took the anime community by storm. Given the anime’s tone, Shinzo wo Sasageyo! matches it exactly and is the proper anthem to portray those we believe to be on the right side of the fight. The more you listen, the more eerie it becomes as you progress through the anime.
10. Chain by Back-On – Air Gear
Before there was Sk8 the Infinity, there was Air Gear with its mid-2000’s pop punk opening song, Chain by Back-On. Nothing says skate music like this opener and just listening to it can take older anime fans back to days of Simple Plan and Yellowcard.
9. Core Pride by UVERworld – Blue Exorcist
UVERworld is known for their hit anime openers and Core Pride is amongst them in this anime about exorcists and higher beings. This opening serves as the perfect anthem for the journey of our main character as it amps us up for yet another adventurous episode.
8. Kaikai Kitan by Eve – Jujutsu Kaisen
This supernatural anime broke out 2 years ago with an opening that’s proven to be aesthetically pleasing to the ears. Kaikai Kitan paints an emotional image while keeping us excited each episode with its catchy and fiery chorus line. If you’ve never seen Jujutsu Kaisen, this opener will convince you to check it out!
7. Inferno by Mrs. Green Apple – Fire Force
Fire Force is explosive but so is its ever-so-catchy opening, Inferno by Mrs. Green Apple. Its head banging chorus and quick beats is perfect for a mini-dance part. But it will also throw you in the dangerous fires of the anime and keep you hooked!
6. Blue Bird by Ikimonogakari – Naruto Shippuden
No list is complete without this beautiful opener! Blue Bird by Ikimonogakari further showcases Naruto’s relationship with Sasuke as a large part of Naruto’s journey revolves around him. It’s beautifully composed and conveys the emotions felt between all the main characters. I wouldn’t blame you if you put this one on repeat.
5. Unravel by TK – Tokyo Ghoul
An emotionally wrecking opening for an equally emotionally wrecking anime! Unravel by TK speaks to the tone of what Tokyo Ghoul is about and feels cathartic in a sense. Not only are we seeing the obstacles facing Ken Kaneki but also that of those around him. Its raw emotion tells you most everything about the anime and leaves the rest for you to see for yourself.
4. Go! by Flow – Naruto
A classic opening from the earlier seasons of Naruto, Go! by Flow remains as iconic as ever. With all the main characters of Naruto’s generation now coming together as a team, Go! helps put an emphasis on that through the opening. Sure, what’s actually going on in the anime is heartbreaking but we’ll be fine with an upbeat opener, right?
3. Silhouette by Kana-Boom – Naruto Shippuden
Any fan of Naruto knows that Kana-Boom’s Silhouette is not just a banger but is also one of the best openings from Shippuden. It’s so iconic that it makes you want to take on the enemy and show the world what your ninja way is all about. The passing images of Naruto growing up to become the person he is this opening will get you emotional!
2. Polaris by Blue Encount – My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia has had its fair share of popular openings but one that’ll get your heart pumping is Blue Encount’s Polaris. Introducing new characters in the backdrop, it preps you for the danger and perseverance reflected throughout the fourth season. Plus, that final shot paired with the final line, “Go!” just feels right!
1. Gurenge by LiSA – Demon Slayer
After Demon Slayer conquered the hearts of so many anime lovers, its first ever opening song managed to do the same. With its rock star beginning, Gurenge by LiSA rose to the top, and remains as popular and iconic as ever, even 3 years later. The moment you hear this song, you won’t be able to resist singing along and rocking out!
Be sure to stick around and keep an out for Anime Onlies, coming soon only on Nerd Initiative!
