It’s a great time to be an animation fan. Growing up, a lot of the options we had were fairly limited. We could either get kid’s shows or adult animated comedies. That was pretty much it until fairly recently, actually. In order to get more varied stories, you’d have into look at anime from Japan. Back in the ‘90s, that meant somehow finding some random middle school connection that could import a crappy, low-quality VHS tape with ridiculous subtitles taking way too many liberties with the translations. But what they offered were fun adventure stories aimed at teens — which is something not offered in the U.S. then.

Times have changed drastically since then. The anime market exploded in the 2000s and has only gotten bigger since then. Services like Crunchyroll and Funimation produce simulcasts that allow series to be watched on a week-by-week basis pretty much day-and-date with their Japanese release. That’s the way it’s been for quite some time.

More recently, Netflix threw their hat in the ring, co-producing and buying up anime projects. They’ve also helped create anime-inspired American series like Seis Manos and Castlevania. Now, more than ever, the line between anime and American animation is starting to blur. Now, Crunchyroll is looking to blur that line even further with their brand-new slate of original productions. Check out the trailer down below!

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They are kickstarting Crunchyroll Originals with eight brand-new series, spanning adventure, fantasy, romance, historical fiction, and more in genre. It also looks like the productions are spanning both Japanese and English in terms of their native language. Here’s a list and description of each of the new series.

In/Spectre – In this Crunchyroll Original, supernatural romance mixes with an enthralling, fantastical mystery, as a duo sets out to solve a series of dark incidents plaguing their world. Airing now on Crunchyroll.

Tower of God – A Crunchyroll and WEBTOON Production, based on the comic series “Tower of God” created by SIU and published by WEBTOON, this dark fantasy action series centers on the journey of a young man as he battles his way through the mysterious Tower, building friendships, discovering the rules that govern this tower, and facing unimaginable terrors, as he strives to find the only friend he’s ever known. Animation produced by TELECOM ANIMATION FILM. Production Management provided by SOLA ENTERTAINMENT. Coming to Crunchyroll spring 2020.

Onyx Equinox – In this Crunchyroll Studios Production created by Sofia Alexander, a young Aztec boy is saved from death by the gods and chosen to act as ‘humanity’s champion,’ forced to discard his apathy toward his fellow man and prove humanity’s potential in a fight that spans across fantastical-yet-authentic Mesoamerican cultures. Premieres summer 2020 on Crunchyroll.

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The God of High School – A Crunchyroll Original, based on the comic series “The God of High School” created by Yongje Park and published by WEBTOON, this action-packed series follows a high schooler and his friends as they compete in an epic tournament, borrowing power directly from the gods and uncovering a mysterious organization along the way… With the promise of their heart’s deepest desires, motivating their tournament victory. Animation produced by MAPPA. Production Management provided by SOLA ENTERTAINMENT. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.

Noblesse – A Crunchyroll and WEBTOON Production, based on the comic series “Noblesse” from Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee and published by WEBTOON, this fantasy follows a powerful vampire noble who is thrown into modern civilization after 820 years of slumber. Dangerous adventures with his new friends await as they combat a secret organization and uncover his past. Animation produced by Production I.G. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.

Meiji Gekken: Sword & Gun (Working title) – Japan, 1870. We follow an ensemble of characters – a former samurai, a yakuza bodyguard, a devious spy and a geisha assassin – as they try to find their place in the rapidly evolving Meiji-era while escaping the sins of their pasts…Inspired by historical events. A Crunchyroll Studios Production. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.

FreakAngels – After civilization comes to a sudden and crashing end, twelve 23-year-old psychics living in the rubble of London must check their wild impulses and discover their better angels in order to rebuild society. A Crunchyroll Studios Production based on the graphic novels by Warren Ellis & Paul Duffield. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.

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High Guardian Spice – In this Crunchyroll Studios production created by Raye Rodriguez, four fierce girls train to become great heroes at High Guardian Academy, where they form allegiances, uncover betrayals, and discover their true identities, while preparing to protect the world from an ominous unknown threat. Coming soon on Crunchyroll.

So, does this new string of Crunchyroll Originals usher in a whole new era of animation? Honestly? I kinda think so. Sure, this isn’t Crunchyroll’s first foray into originals, but it is the first time they’re jumping in full-bore with an ambitious marketing plan to show for it. 

Plus, outside of Netflix, the original streaming animation game is fairly limited. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are tons of originals across the web and on YouTube, but you’d be hard-pressed to find legit professional-quality originals outside of network and Netflix. This move from Crunchyroll shows real competition. It also shows more of a merging between American and Japanese animation sensibilities, and it won’t be long before that becomes totally commonplace.

But, of course, all of this depends on the actual quality of the shows, but if the trailer is any indication, there are some promising titles here to check out. What did you think of the new Crunchyroll Originals? Let us know your thoughts down below!

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SOURCE: Crunchyroll