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Tag: Crunchyroll

  • Hyderabad levels up as Comic Con and DreamHack unite for epic pop fest

    Hyderabad levels up as Comic Con and DreamHack unite for epic pop fest

    MUMBAI: Heroes, gamers, and dreamers assembled Hyderabad just turned into a real-life multiverse. The Maruti Suzuki Arena Hyderabad Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll and paired with Dreamhack India, transformed Hitex Exhibition Centre into the capital of cool from 31 October to 2 November.

    Over 40,000 fans including 400-plus cosplayers descended on the venue for three packed days celebrating everything from anime and comics to esports and AR-fuelled fun. Organised by Comic Con India under Nodwin Gaming, the event fused nostalgia and next-gen tech in equal measure.

    Comic lovers geeked out with Mike Costa, writer and executive producer of Lucifer, and J. Gonzo, the artist behind striking covers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghost Rider. Joining them were 17 homegrown comic creators, 9 performers, and 80 exhibitors, ensuring every corner buzzed with creative energy.

    Maruti Suzuki kept things fast and fun with a reflex challenge and display zone, while Crunchyroll’s booth had anime fans grooving to a non-stop playlist. Android Land’s Panfest drew BGMI warriors into live open lobbies, where digital battles matched the on-ground adrenaline.

    Meanwhile, Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle blended the old with the new, offering fans a VR-powered dive into India’s mythological universes. The Running Man Rage Room let visitors smash their stress away, while the Predator Badlands Zone and Zootopia 2 Zone kept the high-octane vibes going.

    Adding star power, DreamHack India celebrated its sixth anniversary with a gamer’s paradise of retro titles, KO Fight Night, chess blitz tournaments, and BYOD arenas. KMR YoshiKiller claimed victory in Tekken 8, pocketing Rs 1 lakh, while JLQ Hallmark took home Rs 40,000 as the Super Smash Bros champ.

    The cosplay highlight came with the Hyderabad qualifiers for the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026, where Pracheta Banerjee bagged the city crown and Rs 50,000, earning a spot in the national finals.

    Gaming icons like Scout, Kaashvi, Ghatak, and Trace God met fans at packed meet-and-greet zones powered by Revenant Esports, while Red Bull athletes and Godlike creators including Jonathan, V3nom, Zgod, Sharkshe, and Payal lit up the Red Bull Tetris National Finals. Even childhood favourite Rob (Harun Robert) of M.A.D. fame joined the party.

    Performers such as Syed Bashaar, Vivek Muralidharan, Karan Singh, Celinedee Matahari, and Kayden Sharma brought music, magic, and mischief to the stage, turning the convention into a festival of pure fandom.

    Reflecting on the success, Comic Con India CEO Shefali Johnson said, “Hyderabad’s energy was phenomenal, people of all ages came together to celebrate pop culture. From Shinchan to Ironman, fans showed up in full spirit.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee added, “We’ve once again brought pop culture and gaming together like never before. The enthusiasm from Hyderabad fuels us to make every season bigger and bolder.”

    With the capes folded and controllers powered down, Comic Con India now heads east with its first-ever Guwahati edition on 22–23 November 2025 proving that India’s pop culture universe is only getting larger, louder, and infinitely more legendary.

     

  • Anime meets game as Crunchyroll and HoYoverse level up together

    Anime meets game as Crunchyroll and HoYoverse level up together

    MUMBAI: It’s the ultimate crossover episode where watching and playing collide. Crunchyroll and HoYoverse are joining forces for a special global collaboration that promises to blur the line between anime marathons and gaming marathons. From 6 November 2025 to 27 January 2026, Honkai: Star Rail players will not only get in-game rewards but also a taste of Crunchyroll premium for free.

    When the event page goes live on 6 November, eligible players of Honkai: Star Rail can snag a 14-day Crunchyroll Mega Fan free trial by linking their game and streaming accounts. But that’s not all, the anime world gets its own treat with the premiere of “Chimerric Park,” a special edition of HoYoFair 2025’s fan art series, streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll for two weeks.

    By watching Chimerric Park and completing missions, fans can earn Honkai: Star Rail goodies including Stellar Jades, Lost Crystals, and other cosmic treasures. The campaign rolls out in four waves, keeping players hooked across the festive months:

    .  Round 1: 6 Nov 2025 (6 PM PT) – 25 Nov 2025 (5:59 pm PT)

    .  Round 2: 25 Nov 2025 (6 PM PT) – 16 Dec 2025 (5:59 pm PT)

    . Round 3: 16 Dec 2025 (6 PM PT) – 6 Jan 2026 (5:59 pm PT)

    .  Round 4: 6 Jan 2026 (6 PM PT) – 27 Jan 2026 (5:59 pm PT)

    Crunchyroll executive vice president of emerging business Terry Li explained why the partnership feels almost inevitable: “We know that nearly 80% of anime fans play anime or anime-related games, and 40% of our audience are spending more than 20 hours a week on games like Honkai: Star Rail. Delivering in-game rewards to Crunchyroll Members is our way of enhancing their gaming experiences and creating compelling moments to jump into titles that speak to our fans.”

    For HoYoverse, the collaboration also celebrates the fans who turn Honkai: Star Rail into a cultural phenomenon. “Chimerric Park” brings together global artists who’ve transformed their passion for the game into dazzling visuals, now premiering alongside the world’s most beloved anime on Crunchyroll.

    The partnership neatly coincides with the launch of Version 3.7 – “As Tomorrow Became Yesterday”, which introduces a slate of fresh content and the much-awaited five-star character Cyrene (Remembrance). Players diving into the event can collect up to 120 Stellar Jades and more through limited-time quests.

    From premium streaming perks to in-game riches, this Crunchyroll x HoYoverse tie-up is more than a marketing move, it’s a love letter to fandom itself. So whether you’re grinding levels or bingeing arcs, this winter’s crossover gives you plenty of reason to hit “play.”

  • Mythik brings Disney and Amazon veteran Gunjan Bhow on board

    Mythik brings Disney and Amazon veteran Gunjan Bhow on board

    MUMBAI: Mythik, the tech-first entertainment company aiming to become the “Disney from the East”, has appointed Gunjan Bhow, a veteran of Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Fire TV, to its global advisory board.

    Bhow joins an illustrious panel of leaders from Softbank, Disney, Marvel, Amazon, BBC and Crunchyroll, who together bring decades of experience in scaling some of the world’s biggest media, entertainment and technology businesses.

    A global figure in digital entertainment, Bhow served as senior vice president and general manager at The Walt Disney Company, where he led direct-to-consumer platforms including Disney Plus, Disney Movies Anywhere and Disney Movie Club. Before that, he played a key role at Amazon in shaping the growth of Prime Video, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, redefining subscription models in the process.

    Currently a board member at the BBC and broadband company Wide Open West, Bhow also advises organisations on AI, media innovation and customer experience. He has held senior roles at Microsoft and Walgreens Boots Alliance and is an inventor on over 20 patents.

    “Gunjan’s leadership in scaling iconic direct-to-consumer businesses makes him an exceptional addition to Mythik’s advisory board,” said Mythik founder and chief executive Jason Kothari. “He embodies the mix of technology, creativity and consumer focus that defines our vision.”

    Bhow added, “Mythik stands at the intersection of technology, storytelling and audience behaviour. I’m excited to help bring timeless stories from the East to the global stage.”

    He joins a powerhouse board that includes Alok Sama (Softbank), Kun Gao (Crunchyroll), Nick Van Dyk (Disney), Bill Jemas (Marvel), John Lynch (Amazon Studios) and Gui Karyo (Marvel and Dapper Labs).

    Mythik aims to reimagine Eastern mythology, history and folktales for global audiences through technology-led storytelling, backed by a founding team drawn from Disney, Netflix, Amazon Studios, Jio and Tencent.

  • Crunchyroll takes aim at manga pirates with new digital service come 9 October

    Crunchyroll takes aim at manga pirates with new digital service come 9 October

    MUMBAI: Crunchyroll is betting that frustrated manga readers will pay up to escape the labyrinthine world of publisher-specific apps and dodgy fan-scan sites. The anime streaming giant announced that Crunchyroll Manga, a new premium add-on, will launch on 9 October  for iOS and Android users in America and Canada, followed by a web version on 15 October.

    The service promises an ad-free experience featuring hundreds of titles from major publishers including Viz Media, Square Enix, Yen Press, AlphaPolis and Compass. Launch titles span the spectrum from blockbusters like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen to cult favourites such as The Summer Hikaru Died and Delicious in Dungeon.

    For existing subscribers, the pricing structure offers both carrots and sticks. Ultimate Fan subscribers ($15.99 monthly) get access at no extra cost. Others face a $4 monthly surcharge for the Fan tier (bringing it to $11.99) or $3.50 for Mega Fan subscribers ($15.49 total).

    The move tackles a persistent headache for western manga enthusiasts: juggling multiple subscriptions across different publishers’ platforms. Square Enix’s Manga UP! limits access through daily “free currency,” whilst other publishers require separate purchases or subscriptions that quickly pile up costs.

    Crunchyroll Manga, powered by Japan’s Link-U Group, will operate as a standalone app separate from the main streaming service. Features include offline downloads, personalised reading lists and full two-page spreads across mobile, tablet and web platforms.

    Notably absent from the launch lineup are titles from Kodansha, which operates its own K Manga app using a ticket-purchase system. However, popular Kodansha series like Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga, already available as anime on Crunchyroll, may join later.

    Additional publishers including Shueisha, J-Novel Club and ThirdlineNext are slated to join post-launch, potentially creating a one-stop shop for digital manga consumption.

    The timing is shrewd. Digital comics subscription services like Marvel Unlimited have proven the model works for superhero fans. If successful, Crunchyroll Manga could deal a significant blow to manga piracy whilst consolidating the company’s position as the west’s manga and anime gatekeeper

  • Vikas Boni appointed Crunchyroll’s India lead for global distribution & partnerships

    Vikas Boni appointed Crunchyroll’s India lead for global distribution & partnerships

    MUMBAI: Vikas Boni has taken on the role of senior director and India lead for global distribution & partnerships at Crunchyroll, the world’s leading destination for anime and fandom. Based in Mumbai,  Boni’s mandate is to shape the next phase of growth for Crunchyroll in the region. He commenced his new role in July 2025.

    With over 16 years of experience across the media and digital landscape, Boni specialises in building high-impact partnerships, driving revenue growth, and leading content-driven businesses at scale.

    Prior to joining Crunchyroll, he served as business head & chief operating officer at Stars N Stripes, an award-winning digital marketing agency, from April 2023 to June 2025. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s go-to-market strategy, aiming for a tenfold expansion within five years. His responsibilities included managing the agency’s overall profit and loss and establishing four distinct growth services: Studio SNS (branded content division), Social Circle (social media management), Shortcuts (short video content and tech solutions), and In The Air (creator platform).

    Boni also held significant leadership positions at Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd  for over 13 years. His roles there included vice president and head of content licensing & partnerships for JioTV & JioTV+, where he led content licensing, acquisition, and partnerships to enhance the content portfolio and drive value for Jio Platforms Ltd.

    He also served as vice president and head of partnerships for Voot Select & Voot Shots, leading global partnerships for Voot and launching the short-form video product Voot Shots. Additionally, he was vice president and head of MTV Beats, business planning & content partnerships (YME), overseeing business planning and strategic partnerships for Viacom18’s Youth, Music & English Entertainment cluster. He played a pivotal role in launching and scaling youth-focused platforms like MTV Beats, MTV Indies, and Voot Shots.

    He began his career as an assistant manager in the strategy group at TAM Media Research from December 2007 to March 2010. Boni holds an MBA in marketing and a BE in information technology from the University of Mumbai.

  • Mumbai Comic Con 2025 becomes hotspot for next-gen brand engagement

    Mumbai Comic Con 2025 becomes hotspot for next-gen brand engagement

    MUMBAI: The Maruti Suzuki Arena Mumbai Comic Con powered by Crunchyroll is all set to wrap up Comic Con India’s 2025 calendar with a spectacular finale doubling down as not just a fan haven, but a magnet for brand activations aimed at India’s fast-evolving youth economy.

    Far beyond cosplay and comic book revelry, Mumbai Comic Con has become a high-energy arena where brands meet fans through immersive experiences, tech-forward showcases, and culturally-tuned content drops. From global entertainment giants like Warner Bros., Disney, Crunchyroll, and Bandai Namco, to tech brands like Lenovo and Logitech, the event is brimming with innovation.

    Automotive brands like Maruti Suzuki Arena and Yamaha Racing have built interactive, speed-inspired installations, while publishers like Penguin Random House India and Disney Licensing are leveraging the space to showcase collectables and fandom favourites.

    A standout activation this year is by Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water, the official hydration partner. Their Cricket Gaming Zone at the Nodwin Gaming Arena offers fans a hybrid experience of mobile, console, and VR cricket perfectly aligned with India’s cricket fever.

    Comic Con Mumbai 2025 also premieres the Indie Game Utsav, spotlighting India’s homegrown game development talent, alongside It’s A Girl Thing a zone dedicated to diversity, self-expression, and community empowerment.

    As the final chapter of this year’s Comic Con India journey, Mumbai is proving to be more than a fan event it’s where pop culture meets purpose, and brands truly plug in to the pulse of young India.

  • Crunchyroll’s 2025 anime awards go Global with big names and bold nominations

    Crunchyroll’s 2025 anime awards go Global with big names and bold nominations

    MUMBAI: Crunchyroll, has announced the nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the ninth annual edition of the world’s biggest celebration of Japanese animation. Fans across the globe can cast their votes daily through April 14 via the official Anime Awards website, helping decide this year’s winners across a broad spectrum of categories.

    This year’s Anime of the Year contenders include Dan Da Dan, Delicious in Dungeon, Frieren, Beyond Journey’s End, Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling, and The Apothecary Diaries.

    Adding star power to the celebration, Crunchyroll has also revealed the first wave of celebrity presenters set to appear at the live event in Tokyo on Sunday, May 25. Among the first announced Stranger Things stars Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, joined by international talents such as Damiano David (Måneskin), Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, Japanese pop culture stars, Vtubers, drag icons, and Youtubers like Gigguk.

    Additional confirmed presenters include,

    The star-studded presenter line-up for the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards features an exciting mix of global talent, including Japanese comedy duo Chocolate Planet, renowned actor and musician Dean Fujioka, and popular Japanese actors Kanata Hongo, Mayu Matsuoka, and Saya Ichikawa. Joining them are international stars such as Brazilian pop icon Pabllo Vittar, English professional boxer Ben Whittaker, Vtuber sensation Ironmouse, American singer-songwriter d4vd, British-Japanese artist Rina Sawayama, globally recognised drag star Plastique Tiara, and American-Chilean singer Paloma Mami.

    Sony group corporation president & CEO Hiroki Totoki will deliver the opening remarks at the live ceremony, hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and popular entertainer Jon Kabira.

    “The Crunchyroll Anime Awards are one of the most important times of year for fans because we hear directly from them on what anime they love and get to honour the creative community behind that love,” said Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini.

    “Anime continues to deeply resonate emotionally with fans, and anime’s biggest night of the year is sure to invoke a lot of joy and pride amongst the anime community fans and creators alike. This year’s nominees represent more than 50 series and films developed by more than 35 talented studios.”

    To celebrate the awards, a selection of nominated titles is now available to stream for free on Crunchyroll. The Crunchyroll Store is also offering special discounts on related manga, merchandise, and collectibles.

    New this year, fans can cast votes directly via the Crunchyroll mobile app, with a convenient 1-click resubmit option. Voting closes on April 14 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time, and winners will be announced during the live ceremony and global livestream.

    The full list of nominees includes favourites across action, drama, romance, isekai, animation, character design, and performance categories, including several nods to Dan Da Dan, Solo Leveling, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Voice artist categories span multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Hindi, Arabic, French, and more highlighting anime’s truly global impact.

    The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, in collaboration with Sony Music Solutions Inc. and Dempsey Productions. 

  • TBS brings the action to SXSW 2025 with a high-tech, high-thrill showcase

    TBS brings the action to SXSW 2025 with a high-tech, high-thrill showcase

    MUMBAI: Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) is set to make waves at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025 in Austin, Texas, marking its third consecutive year at the world’s largest convergence festival. With an immersive lineup featuring SASUKE/Ninja Warrior, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2, and a sneak peek into World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, TBS is bringing its biggest hits to the global stage—powered by cutting-edge AR, VR, and live broadcasting technology.

    Stepping into the TBS booth, visitors can experience the thrill of SASUKE/Ninja Warrior like never before. Fans can test their skills in a VR recreation of the show’s legendary First Stage and even meet the legendary “Mr. Sasuka” Katsumi Yamada in AR. For the ultimate nostalgia hit, the original Sasuke goal button will be on display for fans to relive the excitement of victory.

    Anime lovers won’t be left out—Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2 is getting its own interactive AR experience, letting fans befriend the mischievous Mokke and step inside the world of this globally beloved anime, streamed on Crunchyroll.

    Beyond entertainment, TBS will showcase its Live Multi Studio, a next-gen video transmission technology co-developed with WOWOW. This groundbreaking software enables ultra-low latency, bi-directional live broadcasting between Tokyo and Texas, proving that distance is no barrier to seamless, real-time content creation.

     

  • Crunchyroll brings epic anime experience to Comic-Con Delhi with Rana Daggubati

    Crunchyroll brings epic anime experience to Comic-Con Delhi with Rana Daggubati

    Mumbai: Delhi anime fans, brace yourselves! From  6 to 8 December, Crunchyroll brings an unparalleled anime extravaganza to Delhi Comic Con 2024. Dive into the vibrant anime world with the Solo Leveling Dome—an immersive experience that brings Sung Jinwoo’s journey to life. And the highlight? Superstar Rana Daggubati, the voice behind Barca in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, will be joining the action.

    That’s not all—Crunchyroll hosts two special fan screenings of the highly anticipated Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- movie in Mumbai and Delhi. Here’s what’s in store for anime fans at Crunchyroll Booth at Delhi Comic Con and the exclusive fan screening!

    Step Inside the Solo Leveling Dome: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of Solo Leveling with a one-of-a-kind experience inside the iconic dome. Get a sneak peek of stunning scenes from the series in a fully immersive setup that’ll give you chills (the good kind)! Solo Leveling fans also have the opportunity to pose for a memorable Polaroid photo to take home.

    Barca meets Delhi as Rana Daggubati joins the Fun: Meet Rana Daggubati, the voice of Barca, the powerful ice elf boss from Solo Leveling. He will be there to meet fans! Catch him at the booth and on the main stage as he shares his experience voicing Barca and his excitement about diving into the anime universe.

    Anime Trivia Madness: Think you know your anime? Prove it! Trivia sessions at the booth and main stage will test your knowledge with fun and challenging questions. Winners walk away with exclusive Crunchyroll goodies—don’t miss your chance to snag some swag!

    Epic Anime Collectibles Await You! Get your hands on exclusive fan giveaways at the Crunchyroll booth, including Crunchyroll-branded swag bags, One Piece collector cards for all the pirate lovers, Solo Leveling trading cards to bring the adventure home, and Dragon Ball Daima fan cards to celebrate the Saiyan legacy.

    Special fan screening of Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- in Mumbai and Delhi: Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment are hosting two special fan screenings of Solo Leveling -ReAwakening-, the thrilling omnibus film that recaps the first season and previews the first two episodes of the eagerly awaited second season. Mumbai anime fans can catch the movie on the 4th of December, and Delhi fans can catch a special screening with an exclusive fan greeting with Rana Daggubati on December 6. To be a part of the screenings, fans can find out more details here.

  • Comic Con India returns for three days in Hyderabad

    Comic Con India returns for three days in Hyderabad

    Mumbai: Comic Con India is returning to Hyderabad for the first time over three days—15, 16, and 17 November 2024. The event promises an exciting experience for anime, gaming, and pop culture fans, offering a bigger and better celebration of all things geeky.

    Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, powered by Crunchyroll, where every attendee will receive number one issue of Radiant Black comic, along with Special Solo Levelling poster by Yen Press & a commemorative Comic Con India Bag.

    Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma said, “We are thrilled to bring the biggest pop-culture celebration, Comic Con India, back to Hyderabad, and this year, we’re taking it up by a notch by extending the festival to three days. The overwhelming passion from fans has fueled us to expand the event, bringing more thrilling experiences with a wider range of activities for everyone to enjoy this season. This will be our biggest event in Hyderabad to date, showcasing the very best in Indian comics, immersive fan activities, cosplay, gaming, geeky shopping, and so much more. I am beyond excited to welcome everyone to what is set to be an epic celebration.”

    Comic Con India will feature panels and exclusive sessions with Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, Crunchyroll, and top creators. Fans can enjoy stand-up performances by comedians Harsh Gujral, Azeem Banatwalla, Ravi Gupta, and Sayed Bashaar, along with live shows by Daisuki Cosplay Band, Geek Fruit, and hip-hop artist Karan Kanchan. Attendees in Hyderabad will also experience Maruti Suzuki Arena, Crunchyroll, Penguin Random House India’s comic book store, and an exclusive Yamaha experience zone.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee said, “Bringing DreamHack and Hyderabad Comic Con together represents the ultimate fusion of gaming and pop culture—a ‘best of both worlds’.  True to Nodwin Gaming’s vision of crafting experiences that own a significant timeshare of mindshare among today’s youth, this powerful integration aims at immersing audiences in vibrant, dynamic entertainment touchpoints.  We are looking forward to an epic weekend packed with immersive activations, thrilling competitions, and nonstop fandom excitement- making this an unparalleled celebration for every gaming and pop culture enthusiast.”

    DreamHack, India’s largest gaming festival, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an exciting new lineup. Known for LAN tournaments, cosplay, tech expos, meet-and-greets with top content creators, and BYOD zones, the festival’s partnership with Nodwin Gaming enhances its appeal. DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, a three-day event, will be the city’s largest youth entertainment attraction, featuring comics, gaming tournaments, esports competitions, and more.

    The event will showcase upcoming Indian publishing houses and artists like Indusverse, Yali Dreams Creations, Prasad Bhat, and others, along with international artist Josh Blaylock. Key partners include Maruti Suzuki, Crunchyroll, Yamaha, and Lenovo.

    Join us at Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, from 15-17 November at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, from 11 am to 8 pm. Get your passes at www.comiccon.in and BookMyShow.