Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball” series has had plenty of movies, and while this new entry isn't the best of those films, it certainly is enjoyable. The goal of “Dragon Ball” has always leaned more towards entertainment rather than a deep, life changing story, and in that respect, this is the best of the few films i've seen of this franchise. 

This summer has been slow: the calm before the storm. Many sequels of major shows were released during the latest simulcast, and though I would describe the season as a slow one, that doesn’t mean nothing worthwhile appeared. This season has had many a hits to pay attention to and these are the best to look at before the huge fall season…

Since the drought of anime caused by 2020, we haven't had one bad season of anime, and this spring simulcast was taking notes. Even after the insanity of last season with juggernauts like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan, a show has still found a way to take the spotlight. I’ve been looking at three particular anime this season, and their developments have all certainly been interesting.

Overall, Bubbles is a good movie that’s pretty much only held back by the current high standards of anime. Three years ago, this movie definitely could’ve been much, but as of now, it’s originality isn’t enough to carry it to the top. Watching it isn’t really necessary with better movies out there like Your Name or any Ghibli film, but if you’ve been over-saturated with anime’s sameness, this could be a nice break.

I don’t think that Sonic 2 is the best movie ever made or even close to that. It has numerous problems and leans a bit too much into “for kids” rather than “for everyone., but it’s still a great flick. Sonic 2 is hopefully the beginning of many meaningful and impressive movie adaptations of games.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is an adaptation done right. Even the atrocious new trilogy is made better here, though still isn't great. Its hard to say that The Skywalker Saga is the best game to come out this year, as it is still held back a bit by its kid’s game moniker, but it will definitely be a game to remember. It’s a game focused on fun and definitely delivers.

Kirby and in the Forgotten Land doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of the series, but I do think it’s up there. Super Star Ultra and Kirby Planet Robobot now have another to stand in the leagues of this franchise’s best. The 3D space lends itself to having grand boss fights and better landscapes. Others are still able to beat Forgotten Lands with things like music and mechanics though. There is still a lot of other goodness sprinkled throughout this polished 3D world like the waddle dee town you help build throughout the game and the couple of mini games the game has. Everything in Kirby in the Forgotten Lands does its best to create a fun and memorable experience. This adorable pink puffball brings experiences made not just for kids, but for truly everyone.

FromSoftware is well known for their beloved titles and having pioneered an entire genre. For a company as acclaimed as this one, it’s hard to even live up to the expectations of fans. Elden Ring had more hype surrounding it than nearly any other game this decade, yet it still brilliantly exceeded everybody’s expectations. Their games aren’t for everyone however, and behind the beautiful vista, lies a callous, unapproachable hell.

Since Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) ended in March of 2021, the community has been craving more of its thrilling action. The film is based on the one volume prequel of JJK, and the movie rendition of it has filled the voids left open by the manga being made before the development of its main series. The movie is undoubtedly worthy of the hype surrounding it. The major pros come back in full force but it also leads to it retaining the same problems as season one.

All in all, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is one of the most entertaining takes on Pokémon in a long while. The best aspects of the game can carry the experience, but are held back by a strange lack of online play and the outdated looks of the Hisui Region. Those who value graphics, or just don’t like turn based games probably wont enjoy the experience. PLA is a must play for fans of Pokémon who want a hearty, welcome change.

Attack on Titan (AoT) has been the face of anime since its initial release in 2013 and heralded as one of the greatest stories of all time. This show was large enough to bring the niche community into the mainstream while airing. As the final season airs and the ending grows closer, the show's colossal impact makes this finale feel like far more than just the ending to a master-class series.

Finding a show to stand atop the rest in this unsurpassed year of anime is nearly impossible. The catalog in 2021 had a never-ending stream of fluid animation, incredible scores, and breathtaking stories. Every genre was showcased through an excellent show and no simulcast was left without an Anime of the Year contender.