TOKYOPOP has announce the will release Alien Stage: The Art Book in English on March 3, delivering a 320-page, full-color hardcover that spotlights the hit Korean sci-fi web series for the first time in North America .
Based on the globally popular animated project by creators VIVINOS and QMENG, Alien Stage unfolds in a dystopian future where human contestants, raised as pets by aliens, are forced into a high-stakes televised singing competition. The twist: the loser of each round is executed — often onstage and in front of the winner — amplifying the emotional weight of a story built on tragic romance, childhood bonds and unspoken feelings .
For fans of emotionally charged storytelling and striking visual world-building, this release offers a deep dive into one of the most talked-about Korean web series in recent years.
A 320-Page Deep Dive Into a Darkly Beautiful World
Alien Stage: The Art Book explores the series’ settings, character relationships and creative development, compiling production illustrations, concept art and behind-the-scenes insights . The volume also features character profiles, commentary on song production and interviews with VIVINOS and QMENG, offering readers an intimate look at the creative process behind the dystopian musical phenomenon .
The series itself has amassed millions of YouTube views, while its original songs have generated millions of Spotify streams, cementing Alien Stage as an international cult favorite .
Standard and Deluxe Editions Available
The art book will launch in both Standard and Deluxe editions, each spanning 320 pages and recommended for readers ages 13 and up .
Standard Edition: $49.99 SRP
Deluxe Edition: $59.99 SRP
The Deluxe Edition includes:
An 88-page “Drawing Book” featuring exclusive creator sketches
Six full-color character prints
A U.S.-exclusive holographic foil poster
Gilded holographic foil page edges
The English-language release marks a significant moment for international fans eager for expanded access to official Alien Stage content.
About TOKYOPOP
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP helped establish the North American manga market and played a pivotal role in bringing Japanese and broader Asian pop culture into mainstream Western publishing . The company continues to publish original and licensed graphic novels while expanding into live events and location-based entertainment.
Alien Stage: The Art Book will be available beginning March 3 through major retailers.
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Love in anime is rarely simple. It can be comedic and chaotic, quiet and uncertain, or fierce enough to survive death itself. Across genres, from romantic school corridors to blood-soaked islands, love remains one of the medium’s most powerful emotional anchors.
In recent interviews I had the opportunity to sit down with the voices behind Hana-Kimi, Hell’s Paradise, and You and I Are Polar Opposites, where we spoke about how love — in all its forms — shapes their characters and connects so deeply with audiences.
Young Love and Self-Discovery in Hana-Kimi
For the cast of Hana-Kimi — Katelyn Barr, Wyatt Baker and Dallas Reid — love is inseparable from identity.
While the series thrives on humor and high-energy moments, the actors emphasized that its emotional weight comes from vulnerability. Beneath disguises, misunderstandings and comedic tension lies a familiar longing: the desire to be accepted for who you truly are.
The cast described building authentic chemistry as essential to portraying first love — that nervous uncertainty, the quiet glances and the emotional risks that define adolescence. In Hana-Kimi, romance is not just about attraction; it is about courage.
Devotion in the Dark: Hell’s Paradise
Love takes a far more dangerous shape in Hell’s Paradise, where Alejandro Sabb voices Gabimaru, an assassin driven by one unwavering motivation: returning to his wife.
Though surrounded by violence and survival trials, Sabb explained that Gabimaru’s emotional core is devotion. Every battle, every moment of restraint, stems from a longing to reunite with the one person who gave his life meaning.
Portraying that restrained affection required subtlety. Sabb spoke about finding softness beneath stoicism — allowing glimpses of vulnerability to surface in a character known as “The Hollow.” In this story, love is redemption. It is hope in the face of death.
Opposites, Attraction and Understanding
In You and I Are Polar Opposites, romance unfolds through small, intimate shifts. Celeste Perez and Brandon Acosta explored how two contrasting personalities learn not just to like one another, but to truly understand each other.
Here, love is not dramatic — it is patient. It is learning to listen. It is recognizing that differences are not barriers, but bridges.
Love Beyond Genre
Though separated by tone — romantic comedy, dark fantasy and introspective romance — all three series center on connection.
Whether it is the thrill of first love, the steadfast devotion that defies death, or the quiet work of understanding another person, these stories remind viewers why romance remains one of anime’s most enduring themes.
For the actors behind these roles, the responsibility goes beyond performance. It is about honoring the emotional truth of love in all its forms.
Valentine’s Day often invites reflection on romance, these anime series reveal something universal: love, whether loud or quiet, comedic or tragic, remains the heartbeat of storytelling.
Each series offers a distinct perspective on love — from youthful romance to unwavering devotion — making them fitting additions to any Valentine’s watchlist.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our gratitude to Crunchyroll for the opportunity to conduct these interviews and create this feature highlighting the emotional depth behind these performances.
As anime continues to connect audiences worldwide, collaborations like these help bring fans closer to the voices shaping the stories they love.
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The multimedia franchise HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- is expanding the boundaries of anime exhibition with the release of Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle Interactive Movie, a feature-length production that allows audiences to determine the outcome of its central rap battles in real time.
Launched in 2017 by King Records as a character-driven rap music project, Hypnosis Mic evolved into a cross-platform property spanning CDs, manga, stage adaptations and the television anime Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle: Rhyme Anima. Set in a dystopian future where traditional weapons are banned, territorial disputes are resolved through lyrical combat using “Hypnosis Mics,” devices that amplify the psychological force of rap.
Within the narrative, divisions representing Tokyo districts compete under the authority of the Party of Words, a female-led governing body. Each team blends distinct musical styles with character-driven storylines centered on identity, rivalry and personal history. Prominent divisions include Buster Bros!!! (Ikebukuro), MAD TRIGGER CREW (Yokohama), Fling Posse (Shibuya) and Matenro (Shinjuku).
The interactive film marks the franchise’s most experimental installment to date. Rather than presenting a fixed narrative, the production integrates live audience voting at key battle moments. Viewers cast ballots via the CtrlMovie mobile application, and the story branches according to the majority decision in the theater.
According to production information from Polygon Pictures and Kino Industries, the film contains five voting sequences per screening, resulting in 48 possible narrative paths and seven distinct endings. U.S. listings indicate a runtime of 106 minutes.
The model builds upon Hypnosis Mic’s history of fan participation. Previous real-world Division Rap Battle tournaments have incorporated voting systems tied to CD sales and digital campaigns. By embedding collective decision-making directly into the cinematic structure, the interactive movie formalizes that participatory ethos on the big screen.
Industry observers note that the film arrives as studios explore new theatrical incentives amid the dominance of streaming platforms. By combining concert-style performance energy with branching narrative design, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle Interactive Movie blurs the distinction between spectator and participant.
Voting Guide
Our Interactive Cinema Experience
We had an opportunity to attend a screening of Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle this week at Regal L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. Our familiarity with the HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- franchise was limited however, knowing the film was designed as an interactive experience heightened our anticipation and curiosity about how the format would function in practice.
Regal L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles
The screening opened with a QR code on the theater screen that prompted viewers to download the CtrlMovie app, which is used for real-time voting. After that brief setup, the film introduced each character and division, giving newcomers a clear overview of the competing teams. The opening sequence ended with a performance of “Hypnosis Mic -Division Battle Anthem-” by Division All Stars, setting the tone for the Final Division Rap Battle at the center of the story.
One standout element was the English-language master of ceremonies. The MC’s delivery felt energetic and authentic, adding credibility to the competitive atmosphere and reinforcing the film’s live-concert feel.
Audience participation takes place after each battle. Viewers do not decide who goes first, but once a rap showdown ends, they have about 15 seconds to vote in the app for the division they believe performed best. Each vote determines which story branch plays next. There are five total voting rounds, all leading toward a climactic final battle involving the all-female unit KOTONOHATOH.
At our screening, the audience appeared to choose what could be considered the “canonical” ending—though in a franchise built on audience choice, that idea remains flexible. Even with limited prior knowledge of the series, the experience was easy to follow and highly engaging.
15 seconds to voteOur results
The screening ended on an enthusiastic note. The immersive format and high-energy performances left us eager to revisit the film during its official run beginning Feb. 27—this time with a light stick in hand.
Achievements and Digital Collectibles
The interactive experience extends beyond the theater. The CtrlMovie app includes optional account-based tracking. Viewers who create accounts can log their voting history, unlock achievements and collect digital items tied to viewing milestones. Without an account, vote data and ending results are not saved.
This gamified retention design encourages repeat attendance and alternate route exploration, strengthening the film’s replay value and aligning with the franchise’s competitive roots.
At its core, HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- centers on the concept that language itself is a weapon. Lyrics serve as strategy, persuasion is power and self-expression determines victory. The interactive format amplifies that philosophy by granting audiences tangible influence over the narrative outcome.
While the full scope of participatory screenings has primarily launched in Japan, international interest continues to grow following the global reach of Rhyme Anima. If similar interactive infrastructure expands overseas, the project could signal a broader shift in how anime films are structured and experienced.
Trailer
For ticket information and participating theaters, readers can visit GKIDS’ official listing page.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to GKids for the screening opportunity and create this feature highlighting this unique, anime film experience. As anime continues to connect audiences worldwide, collaborations like these help bring fans closer to the voices shaping the stories they love.
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Bandai Namco Filmworks has unveiled a new promotional video and key visual for Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, marking the film’s recent theatrical release in Japan .
The newly released promotional video features the film’s ending theme, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, and is now available on the official Gundam YouTube channel, GUNDAM CHANNEL INTL. The footage highlights protagonist Hathaway Noa’s inner turmoil as he struggles to reconcile lingering feelings for Gigi Andalucia, whose growing influence and mysterious abilities increasingly shape the course of the conflict .
According to the announcement, the song was selected to underscore the emotional weight of Hathaway’s journey while amplifying the epic scale of the story. The promotional video also includes new footage spotlighting the mobile suit TX-ff104 ALYZEUS, offering a closer look at one of the film’s notable mechanical additions .
Alongside the video, Bandai Namco Filmworks released a second key visual depicting a climactic standoff set at Ayers Rock in Australia. The image captures a tense moment just before Hathaway’s XI Gundam clashes with Lane Aim’s TX-ff104 ALYZEUS, emphasizing the immediacy and intensity of the film’s central battle .
TX-ff104 ALYZEUS is described as a mobile suit developed as a temporary high-speed flight trainer for Lane Aim during the development of the Penelope. Built on a modified RX-94 mass-production Nu Gundam frame, the unit incorporates repurposed components from earlier prototype testing and utilizes a Shelf Nozzle propulsion system capable of achieving high-speed flight comparable to the Penelope despite relying on older engine technology .
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe is set in the Universal Century timeline 12 years after Char’s Rebellion and continues the story of Hathaway Noa, the secret leader of the anti-government organization MAFTY. As Hathaway prepares an attack on the Adelaide Conference, his actions intersect with those of Federation officer Kenneth Sleg and the enigmatic Gigi, whose role grows increasingly significant as events unfold .
The film is directed by Shukou Murase, with a screenplay by Yasuyuki Muto and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. Animation production is handled by Bandai Namco Filmworks, with theatrical distribution by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Shochiku Co., Ltd. The film opened in Japanese theaters on Jan. 30, with U.S. release details yet to be announced.
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Guns N’ Roses’ iconic rock anthem “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has been selected as the ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, the latest entry in the Gundam Hathaway film series, Bandai Namco Filmworks announced Thursday .
A special promotional trailer featuring the song is scheduled for release Monday, Feb. 2. According to the announcement, the song’s themes of tenderness and longing were chosen to reflect the emotional state of protagonist Hathaway Noa, particularly following his encounter with the mysterious young woman Gigi Andalucia .
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe opened in Japanese theaters Friday, Jan. 30, with a global theatrical release planned for a later date. The film follows the 2021 release of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, which drew widespread attention for its grounded combat sequences, subdued dialogue and psychologically driven storytelling within the long-running Gundam franchise .
Originally released in 1987, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” became Guns N’ Roses’ signature hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The song is widely recognized for Slash’s opening guitar riff and has endured as a cross-generational anthem. Its official music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube in 2019 — the first song from the 1980s to do so — and has since exceeded 1.8 billion views worldwide .
Set in the Universal Century timeline 12 years after Char’s Rebellion, the Gundam Hathaway storyline centers on Hathaway Noa, the son of Federation officer Bright Noa, who secretly leads the anti-government organization MAFTY. As Hathaway prepares an attack on the Adelaide Conference, Federation officer Kenneth Sleg mobilizes countermeasures, while Gigi’s cryptic presence complicates the motives and actions of all involved .
The film is directed by Shukou Murase, with a screenplay by Yasuyuki Muto and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. Animation production is handled by Bandai Namco Filmworks, with theatrical distribution by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Shochiku Co., Ltd. A U.S. release date has not yet been announced .
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Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Beginning of a New Era, the first feature-length anime film from Cygames’ long-running Umamusume franchise, will receive its first North American theatrical release on Feb. 27, 2026.
The film marks a significant milestone in the franchise’s expansion outside Japan, following a strong domestic performance in 2024 that saw the film surpass 1.4 billion yen at the Japanese box office. Its North American release reflects the growing international presence of the Umamusume brand, which has steadily expanded through anime, manga and mobile games .
Prior to its theatrical debut, Beginning of a New Era screened at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles and Anime NYC 2025 in New York City. Both showings drew large and enthusiastic crowds, signaling strong demand for a wider theatrical release among North American anime audiences .
The film is part of the broader Umamusume Project, a multimedia franchise produced by Cygames that centers on character-driven stories inspired by real-life racehorses. Set within the competitive Twinkle Series racing circuit, the franchise follows Umamusume athletes as they train and compete in pursuit of their dreams alongside classmates and trainers .
Cygames’ flagship mobile title, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has surpassed 30 million downloads across Asia since its Japanese launch in 2021. The English-language version debuted last summer and quickly gained traction, earning Best Mobile Game honors at The Game Awards 2025 .
Beginning of a New Era follows Jungle Pocket, known as “Pokke,” a free-spirited racer who resolves to challenge the Twinkle Series after witnessing a defining performance by Fuji Kiseki. After enrolling at Tracen Academy, she trains under veteran coach Tanabe and faces formidable rivals in pursuit of the Triple Crown, a series of three races that can only be attempted once in a lifetime .
The film is directed by Ken Yamamoto, with a screenplay by Kiyoko Yoshimura and music composed by Masaru Yokoyama. Animation production is handled by CygamesPictures, with Jun Yamazaki serving as character designer and lead animation director .
Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Beginning of a New Era will be distributed theatrically in North America by GAGA Corporation.
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Dragon Ball Super is officially returning with a new enhanced edition titled Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, set to premiere in Fall 2026, it was announced Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan .
The announcement was made during the live stage presentation “Exclusive Announcements! GENKIDASTAGE Part 2,” marking a major relaunch of the Dragon Ball Super anime. Based on the original work, story and character designs by series creator Akira Toriyama, the project is described as a comprehensive reworking of the original television series .
According to producers, Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is an “enhanced edition” that features newly added and redrawn animation cuts, fully re-rendered footage and reconstructed story elements. The series will also include newly recorded dialogue, updated musical scoring and enhanced sound effects, with a strong emphasis on increasing the intensity and immersion of its battle sequences .
The reveal took place on stage with Masako Nozawa, the voice of Son Goku; Koichi Yamadera, the voice of Beerus; and Dragon Ball executive producer Akio Iyoku in attendance. The cast and staff shared their reactions with fans following the announcement .
A new launch trailer and key visual were released alongside the announcement. The trailer opens with Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakening from a long slumber before setting his sights on Earth. Goku and his allies, including Vegeta and Whis, are shown preparing for a universe-shaking confrontation that threatens the balance of cosmic order .
The key visual depicts Beerus and Goku against the backdrop of Earth and outer space, underscoring the scale and stakes of the conflict. Both the trailer and visual are now available through official Dragon Ball platforms .
First serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball has grown into one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, expanding into television animation, feature films, video games and merchandise worldwide. Dragon Ball Super originally aired from 2015 to 2018, with the franchise continuing through theatrical releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024 .
The launch of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus positions the series as a centerpiece of Dragon Ball’songoing 40th anniversary celebrations, signaling a renewed focus on revisiting and refining key moments from the franchise’s modern era.
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Dragon Ball, one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the worldwide release of a special animated video unveiled Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan.
The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video was announced during the event’s opening stage and released simultaneously across the globe, marking a major milestone for the long-running franchise. The commemorative animation brings creator Akira Toriyama’s iconic color illustrations to life through a blend of modern animation techniques, designed to honor the original artwork while presenting it through a contemporary visual lens.
Produced by Toei Animation, the project is directed by Naoki Miyahara, a veteran of the series who previously served as general animation director on Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. The animation places a strong emphasis on faithfully translating the texture, color and expressive qualities of Toriyama’s illustrations into motion, resulting in a dynamic visual journey that reflects the growth and legacy of protagonist Son Goku.
A major highlight of the anniversary video is its original musical score, composed by Academy Award–winning film composer Hans Zimmer. Known for iconic works such as The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, Zimmer composed a brand-new orchestral theme titled “Infinite Future” exclusively for the project, adding a cinematic scope to the celebration.
In a statement shared during the event, Zimmer expressed his appreciation for being part of the franchise’s milestone anniversary.
via Instagram
“It was truly a joy to be part of this special anniversary project,” Zimmer said. “Drawing inspiration from Akira Toriyama’s incredible illustrations and the stunning animation in this video, I thoroughly enjoyed composing the music. To Dragon Ball fans around the world, I sincerely hope you enjoy watching it”
via press release
The announcement took place at Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri, a free, reservation-based event dedicated to celebrating the franchise’s four decades of history. The event featured special exhibits, presentations and livestream programming for fans around the world.
Originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball quickly became one of Japan’s most successful manga series before expanding into television animation, theatrical films, video games and merchandise. The franchise has continued to evolve in recent years with releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the manga’s original publication.
Watch The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video,
For decades, manga fans outside Japan have faced a persistent problem: the vast majority of Japanese manga has never received an official translation. While piracy has attempted to fill that gap, it has often done so at the expense of creators and publishers. Tokyo-founded localization startup Orange Inc. believes there is a sustainable alternative—one that combines respect for manga culture with carefully applied technology.
Founded in 2021 by Shoko Ugaki, Orange Inc. was built around a clear mission: “Every manga in every language.” That philosophy is embodied in emaqi, the company’s digital manga platform, which launched in North America with more than 13,000 volumes spanning approximately 1,700 series, including many titles never before officially available in English.
emaqi Homepage
From Fandom to Founding Vision
Orange Inc.’s origins trace back to Ugaki’s lifelong relationship with manga. A self-described otaku, Ugaki grew up surrounded by manga—more than 15,000 volumes in his family home—and continues to read extensively. While anime and games were part of that upbringing, manga remained the core medium that shaped his creative outlook.
A second influence was technology. After joining a mobile game development company in 2013, Ugaki began exploring what he describes as “the technologies that will define the next era.” That search took on new urgency when he discovered just how little of Japan’s manga catalog had been translated.
Industry estimates suggest that only about two percent of Japanese manga titles receive official English releases. According to Orange Inc., many readers turn to piracy not out of preference, but because legal alternatives do not exist.
“Creators pour their lives into their work,” Ugaki said. “If official editions don’t reach readers, manga culture itself is at risk.”
Shoko Ugaki via email
A Human-First Approach to AI Localization
Orange Inc. has drawn attention for its hybrid AI-assisted translation workflow—an approach that Ugaki emphasizes is designed to support, not replace, human professionals.
Each manga chapter moves through an extensive pipeline: preparation and glossary creation, AI base translation, human translation and quality control, AI-assisted retouching, professional typesetting, final review, and publication. At every stage, translators, editors, retouchers, and letterers refine the work to preserve tone, cultural nuance, and authorial intent.
The preparation phase is considered especially critical. Teams analyze character voices, world-building, recurring terminology, and stylistic patterns before translation begins. Shared glossaries and localization guidelines are used to ensure consistency across long-running series.
Orange Inc. also stresses the importance of its multicultural staff, which includes Japanese team members with overseas experience and non-Japanese staff deeply familiar with Japanese language and culture. Multiple rounds of independent quality control are used to reduce bias and catch subtle issues.
AI, Ugaki said, is used strictly for mechanical and repetitive tasks. “It’s about amplification, not replacement,” he noted, adding that human translators remain central to the process.
Manga titles exclusive to emaqi
Addressing Industry Concerns
AI-assisted localization has been met with skepticism across the manga industry, particularly amid concerns about job displacement and ethical use. Ugaki draws a clear distinction between language assistance and AI-generated artwork.
Orange Inc. states that it does not use AI for illustration and that its systems are not trained on copyrighted manga artwork. Its language models are used solely to assist with localization, leaving creative interpretation and final execution to human professionals.
Transparency, Ugaki believes, is essential to maintaining trust. The company has increasingly engaged directly with North American audiences through conventions, interviews, and community outreach. Ugaki relocated to the United States to better understand overseas readership and cultural expectations.
emaqi and a Different Monetization Model
Unlike many digital manga services, emaqi does not rely exclusively on an all-you-can-read subscription model. Instead, it uses a coin-based, pay-per-title system—a choice driven largely by publisher licensing realities.
Many rights holders decline subscription-based distribution, meaning a subscription-only approach would exclude a significant number of titles. The coin model allows emaqi to offer a broader catalog while still supporting creators. A “Wait Until Free” feature also lets readers legally access select chapters over time.
Orange Inc. has indicated that it may explore hybrid models in the future, balancing accessibility, user choice, and creator compensation.
Coin model on emaqi
Creators at the Center
Feedback from creators has been a key measure of success for Orange Inc. At events such as Anime Expo, the company has showcased localized works through trailers and sample displays. Some visiting manga creators have expressed surprise and gratitude at seeing overseas fans engage directly with their work.
Beyond publishing, Orange Inc. has invested in cultural initiatives including its Manga Truck project across the United States, donations to UC Berkeley’s East Asian Library, and sponsorship of museum exhibitions highlighting manga as an art form.
While emaqi currently focuses on Japanese-to-English releases, Ugaki said Orange Inc. is actively developing multilingual expansion. The company’s long-term goal is to reduce language barriers and allow readers worldwide to experience manga in their native languages.
“If people around the world can read manga as naturally as they do in Japan,” Ugaki said, “then manga can become part of everyday life everywhere.”
Shoko Ugaki via email
Building Trust Beyond Technology
For readers who remain skeptical about AI’s role in manga translation, Ugaki is clear that technology is not the company’s driving force—manga is.
“While AI translation tends to attract attention, our roots lie in loving manga and wanting to deliver it to the world,” Ugaki said. “AI is simply one means toward that end. Human hands complete the key stages, and our stance of prioritizing narrative fidelity and reader experience remains unchanged.”
Rather than focusing on promoting AI itself, Orange Inc. has concentrated its efforts on expanding access to manga that global audiences have never had the opportunity to read. According to Ugaki, building trust takes time, and actions matter more than explanations.
“We want to help more people discover manga’s appeal,” he said, “and contribute to the expansion of manga culture itself.”
Shoko Ugaki via email
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This week I got enjoy Neon Inferno by Zenovia Interactive, and wow—this game absolutely SLAPS. From the moment I hit “Start,” I was knee-deep in neon, bullets, and full-throttle, retro cyberpunk vibes. It’s a slick 2D run-and-gun shooter published by Retroware that plays like a love letter to retro arcades, but with a modern twist that had my heart racing and my reflexes on high alert.
Set in a gritty, neon-drenched New York City in 2055, I stepped into the role of a contract killer for The Family, a rising crime syndicate. I got to pick between the ever-serious Angelo Morano or the bold Mariana Vitti—I went with Mariana because let’s be honest, girl power is ICONIC. Together, we went on a mission to take down rival gangs, corrupted cops, powerful mechs and soulless merc corps.
What really blew me away? The gameplay. It’s not just side-scrolling chaos—you’re shooting enemies in the foreground AND the background. My screen was filled with explosions, parries, and some of the most intense slow-mo bullet deflections I’ve ever pulled off. The game calls this feature, ‘bullet time’, where you reflect enemy fire with pinpoint precision.
Every mission threw new challenges my way—from neon-lit club shootouts to wild airship assaults that pushed my platforming reflexes to the edge. And the bosses? ABSOLUTE CHAOS. We’re talking armored mechs and twisted cyborg-thugs with attack patterns that felt ripped straight out of a bullet hell nightmare. The second boss especially had me sweating bullets—literally. I kept messing up my timing, and I won’t lie, I started questioning my gamer cred on stream. But the moment I finally nailed the win? Pure, satisfying glory. Those losses made the victory hit that much harder.
The game dropped on November 20, 2025, for all platforms (PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox), and by December, Zenovia had already patched it with difficulty tweaks, bug fixes, and QoL upgrades that I definitely noticed on my second playthrough. Then came a Score Attack mode for even more chaos. And there’s more on the way? YES, PLEASE.
If you love tight arcade shooters with a retro twist, Neon Inferno is your game. It nails that cyberpunk-meets-arcade, retro vibe and delivers pure adrenaline with every level. Short, explosive, and endlessly replayable. I had an absolute blast—and you will too.
LET’S PLAY!
I dived headfirst into Neon Inferno, and this playthrough is pure adrenaline—from lightning-fast gunfights, to a cyberpunk-soaked atmosphere that demands your full attention. Every stage cranks the intensity higher, every encounter tests your reflexes, and every win feels earned.
If you love stylish action, retro arcade-inspired combat, and games that keep your heart racing, you need this on your radar. Come watch the chaos unfold—!
