ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION Season 1 Episode release dates & where to watch

1. The Rose of Versailles Special

ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION is a new series that dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained an immense global following. The first episode features The Rose of Versailles, a culturally significant work celebrating its 50th anniversary. The series has sold over 20 million copies and became a social phenomenon when adapted into a Takarazuka Revue musical and an animated TV series. We talk to the original manga artist, Ikeda Riyoko, and other production staff to learn about its enduring appeal to fans worldwide.

2. Captain Tsubasa Special

This time, we're featuring Captain Tsubasa, the timeless soccer manga from Takahashi Yoichi. The series has sold over 90 million copies worldwide, and the hit anime has been broadcast in more than 50 countries. We sit down with Takahashi Yoichi for a lengthy interview to unravel the series' secrets and discover why it has become so beloved across the globe. We also find out how the exciting super shots in the anime are created.

3. Anime Encyclopedia: MECHANICAL DESIGNER

In this episode, we feature the mechanical designers responsible for some of Japan's most famous anime and manga robots, including Okawara Kunio, creator of Gundam, and Kawamori Shōji, who built the elaborate mechas of Macross. How do they continue to come up with innovative designs for over 40 years? Get a glimpse into their creative process through rare drawings and prototype models

4. THE ANIME STUDIO―MADHOUSE―

This time, we're featuring MADHOUSE, an anime studio with over 50 years of history. Go behind the scenes of recent productions like OVERLORD, Sonny Boy, and A Place Further than the Universe. Plus, get an exclusive look into an internal production meeting for the feature length release of OVERLORD.

5. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Hori Takahide

In this episode, the spotlight is on Hori Takahide, director of the sci-fi feature film JUNK HEAD. How did Hori create a critically acclaimed stop-motion animation on his first try? Go behind the scenes of his Hollywood-like action scenes and detailed set design and find out what drives Hori's creativity. Plus, get a sneak peek at JUNK WORLD, his new work currently in production.

6. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Yokoshima Toshihisa

This time, we're featuring animation director Yokoshima Toshihisa, who was selected to direct the feature SAND LAND, based on Toriyama Akira's manga of the same name. Yokoshima's specialty is cel shading, which makes 3DCG visuals a traditional cel animation look. Plus, get an extended look at his unique style with the full, uncut version of Yokoshima's original work, COCOLORS. COCOLORS is an animated film about a community of people struggling to survive in a dystopian world contaminated with body-melting bacteria.

7. Baki Special

This episode focuses on Baki the Grappler, a martial arts manga in publication for 30 years. Featuring an extended interview with series creator Itagaki Keisuke, watch and learn how his depiction of fights and muscular characters changed the martial arts manga genre. Plus, get a look behind the scenes of the Hanma Baki anime, which became the second most viewed series globally on a major streaming service. Professional fighter Nasukawa Tenshin also joins us to share what he thinks makes the series so appealing.

8. THE ANIME STUDIO: TMS ENTERTAINMENT Finale

In this episode, we're featuring TMS ENTERTAINMENT, a long-established studio celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. Known for beloved hits like Lupin the 3rd, Detective Conan and Dr.STONE, the veteran studio shares its secrets behind anime creation as well as a special look at some initiatives the studio is undertaking to promote sustainability in the Japanese anime industry.