Josh A. Stevens

The finale of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the most intense and cinematic in series history, with a mix of absurdity and poignancy that speaks to the game’s strong character writing.

So much discussion has focused on the technical aspects, but Game Freak deserves props for the story.

With JRPGs in particular, there’s always been a discussion on how much a critic has to play before writing a review. I’ve had these discussions myself back when I used to review games. So, I do appreciate that. Pokémon narratives are pretty short by JRPG standards, though…

I won’t say much due to spoilers, but it’s a shame to see a major outlet criticise Pokémon Legends Z-A for supposedly not having a certain something, only for my time with the game to make me realise that they clearly didn’t finish the game’s story :/

A screenshot from Pokémon Legends: Arceus showing Taunie. A young girl, saying “X and Y, huh? I remember hearing something about that a long time ago”.

Yeah, maybe you should ask that Floette all about it 💀

Sanji when he’s leaving the Baratie to join the Straw Hats.

A poster for My Adventures with Superman, showing Superman looking surprised as he reluctantly dodges a pinch by Kara, a young woman who is wearing a black and red suit while looking intense.

With “My Adventures with Superman” leaving Channel 4, I finally made time to watch it, and wish I had sooner. It’s really heartfelt, and it pays homage to anime in a way that feels more charming than usual attempts by western media.

I just hope HBO Max launches in the UK in time for Season 3.

I’ve been watching “My Adventures With Superman” before it disappears from Channel 4, and I’ve been loving all the subtle anime references, but a nod to OUTLAW STAR was not on my bingo sheet.

Series was already great with Lois and Kara, but now it’s undeniably the GOAT.

News Release : Sep. 25, 2025 Press release of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

Fire Emblem Among Us shadow drop certainly isn’t how I expected to end the day.

www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/re...

Condensed into a movie, certain moments weren’t allowed the space to soak like they would have in a TV anime. The pacing was atrocious. Despite essentially just being one fight after another, it felt like a slog. I wonder if it was only a film so the CG animators could flex lol

I always held the belief that Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle should have been a TV anime instead, and seeing the first movie hasn’t changed my mind.

Especially as I wouldn’t have been distracted by a kid recording bits on his phone, or the two phones that went off…

A photo of a Virtual Boy balanced on top of a Switch and Switch 2.

I already have Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2???

Pretty sure I could do nuts things with this in my Choco deck…

Mega Victreebel, which looks like an upside down, inflated Weepinbel.

He is fat and silly, like me. New friend. #PokemonLegendsZA

Caught up with the Turkey! anime, and episode 6 did not hold back. Damn. How is this anime so peak?

Marvel's All-New True Believers Blind Bags Debut with 'Ultimate Endgame' #1 This December, 'Ultimate Endgame' #1 arrives at comic shops in True Believers Blind Bags, Marvel Comics’ first-ever blind bag program.

Disappointed to learn that Marvel Comics are doing blind bags for “Ultimate Endgame” Issue 1 - especially because the variants I’d want are blind bag only!

Just feels greedy. Why is everything a blind bag/box these days?

www.marvel.com/articles/com...

Right as the film started, I heard a little kid excitedly recognise Totoro in Ghibli’s logo. I wonder what he made of it. Perhaps he’ll grow up to be a film buff, or to be in therapy…

The poster for Princess Mononoke, showing a girl wearing a red mask stood in a first, with a large white wolf behind her.

Once in a while, you experience a film that makes you ask “What am I doing with my life?”. For the first time in years, I rewatched Princess Mononoke, in IMAX, and… wow.

Wild to remember this was once a PG, though. Upped to a 12A, I’m surprised that the dismemberment and blood didn’t earn it a 15.

I am a white British man. I don’t know what it feels like to be judged for the colour of my skin, or be treated as inferior because of my gender. However, I know that it’s wrong to make someone feel that way, and it’s deeply disturbing that not everyone does. I have been heartbroken seeing Charithra Chandran sharing screenshots of the abuse being posted about her. No-one should have to endure a joyous time being twisted by cowardly bigots. Anyone who judges or abuses Charithra Chandran, or anyone else, for the colour of their skin is no One Piece fan. The series has always had stories that were obvious allegories to racism, like Fisher Tiger and Fishman Island, or the Celestial Dragons who enslaved buccaneers like Kuma. If you watch One Piece and still put down an actress because of the colour of her skin,

then you don’t understand One Piece at all. The Straw Hat Pirates stand up to oppressors, and they would stand against you. Eiichiro Oda knows his characters far more than any of us, and he chose Charithra Chandran to embody Nefeltari Vivi. He had faith in her, and so should we. I am encouraged that cast members have already been sharing their support, but I hope that Netflix and Tomorrow Studios are working with her to encourage her, and shield her from this. We live in a world that profits from sewing divisions. Outlets falsify stories to fit agendas, algorithms show us content that riles us up to farm engagement, and those shielded by anonymity feel emboldened to spread hatred without consequence. We must be better than that.

We must acknowledge that behind every account is a person with their own feelings and lives that have challenges that we may never know. Instead of pushing each other down and adding to the quagmire of negativity, we should lift people up and celebrate them, regardless of whether they are similar to us or not. Racists have no place in the One Piece fandom, or anywhere else.

I stand with Charithra Chandran. Racists will never find the One Piece.

I have been thinking of potential angles. Do I write a review, a follow-up to my Crunchyroll feature 7 years later, or something else? Might let it simmer for a bit.

It’s also amazing to see such inclusive portrayals of neurodivergence - especially in anime. Uzuki Hirokawa’s role was brief, but her hyperactivity and lack of filter gave her an unmistakable charm that really added to the film’s message that it’s normal to be different.

A blu-ray copy of the movie Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out.

Kaede has always been close to my heart. Years ago, I wrote for Crunchyroll about how she helped my own social anxiety. This was long overdue.

This film is so CUTE. Watching Kaede do her best, and learn it’s normal to be different… I just want to give her a hug and support whatever she wants to do.

A photo of my television screen showing the Blu-ray menu for Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl

I finished my rewatch of “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” as my latest treadmill watch, so it’s time to take a day off, sit back, and rediscover peak.

Why did Kaiju No. 8 use stock audio of an elephant for what is clearly a reptilian kaiju?

A photo of the 30 Minute Sisters Tokai Teio model kit, assembled and holding a Gatling gun. The image has the caption “I’m done horsing around”.

I should not be trusted with interchangeable figures.

YouTube video by tyrant026 Austin Powers: Goldmember - Austin & Foxxy Cleopatra

Tragedy. I messed up trimming my beard, so it all had to go. I look like Nathan Lane from Austin Powers, and when I showed Mum the clip, she agreed 💀

RIP beard.

youtu.be/vg-ywBSbQXg?...

Key artwork from Symphogear showing the main cast, six girls in different coloured battle armour, in action poses.

Anyway, if you’re into young women using song to secretly protect the world from otherworldly creatures, give Symphogear a go!

Here’s why you should watch it: www.crunchyroll.com/news/feature...

A still from KPop Demon Hunters showing the three main protagonists, all young women dressed up in matching outfits

I can’t believe that “KPop Demon Hunters” wasn’t given a theatrical release. Not only is the film absolutely phenomenal, but it should have been insanely marketable.

The film is so full of charm, genuinely 🔥 songs, and incredibly slick animation. Sony Pictures Animation are on a roll.

It’s admittedly weird seeing #UmaMusume blow up in the west, when I spent years feeling like I was one of the few people who realised how amazing it is.

Anyway, if you’re enjoying the game, watch the anime. Pretty Derby Season 2 is peak.

For you, the day David Dastmalchian was cast as M. Bison was the greatest day of your life. But for him, it was Tuesday.

Fureru (2024) - Film Review Josh reviews Fureru, the latest anime film from the creators of Anohana, including screenwriter Mari Okada.

In conversation with “The Anthem of the Heart” and starring a mind-reading hedgehog, I finally watched #Fureru - the latest anime film from from the creators of “Anohana”.

Read my review: www.joshastevens.com/post/fureru-...