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After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no less than 100k anime fans will be converging onto Downtown Los Angeles as Anime Expo, the biggest anime convention in North America returns. With Anime Expo’s significance in the anime convention calendar, not surprisingly some of the biggest anime news of the year is often announced here.
Among some of the things to look forward to, Production IG will be showcasing three of their upcoming Toonami originals, Housing Complex C, FLCL sequels, and Uzumaki front and center. Meanwhile, Sword Art Online will be commemorating its 10th Anniversary, with potential news including that of the upcoming second Progressive Film, titled Scherzo of Deep Night. Bleach fans will be looking forward to the Thousand-Year Blood War finally being animated, while it’s been announced that there will even be a 3D modern Trigun reboot, titled Trigun Stampede. And fans will have the opportunity to attend World Premiere events, including the premiere of Made in Abyss Season 2, the upcoming Dr. Stone Special Episode – RYUSUI, and the My Hero Academia OVAs that takes place between seasons 5 and 6.
Hand-picked from the official schedule, this is a curated list of the various events and panels that will be of interest of Toonami viewers, including panels of shows that have been featured on Toonami, as well as industry panels of companies that have a partnership with the block.
While largely-attended events have Anime Expo have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing, and with coronavirus variants and infection rates on the rise, those attending will need to be vigilant in a packed Convention Center to prevent themselves and others from getting infected. Attendees should know that alongside the usual processes of picking up badges (if you weren’t mailed one) and going through security checkpoints, among other things, fans will need to bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to pick up a COVID-19 verification wristband. Fans can pick these wristbands up at tents set up at Chick Hearn Court (just north of Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center) and must wear them throughout the duration of the convention or will need to redo this process. In addition, to prevent the spread of COVID with the expected large crowds, fans will need to wear masks for entry.
Anime Expo on Twitter: “We have extended our COVID-19 Verification Area Hours at Chick Hearn Court. Please plan your AX attendance accordingly. See our Hours and Maps: https://t.co/5c2LLUeI6a pic.twitter.com/dZFsqgWXDW / Twitter”
We have extended our COVID-19 Verification Area Hours at Chick Hearn Court. Please plan your AX attendance accordingly. See our Hours and Maps: https://t.co/5c2LLUeI6a pic.twitter.com/dZFsqgWXDW
And for those who couldn’t snag a ticket or decided to sit out this year due to COVID concerns, fear not as Anime Expo will be hosting another edition of Anime Expo Lite on their Twitch and YouTube pages, which will feature live streaming of panels that take place in the Petree Hall.
Do note that there is a possibility that there can be Toonami-related news in panels that aren’t listed below, but fans should be on the lookout for any possible announcements. We’ll be on the ground in Los Angeles covering the events of Anime Expo, so for potential breaking news announcements and live-tweets, be sure to follow @ToonamiSquad on Twitter.
This schedule list will be updated if more information becomes available and is subject to change. All listed times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Friday
My Hero Academia OVAs North American Premiere
Time: Friday, July 01, 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Welcome to the North American premiere of 2 brand new original video animations from the global anime phenomenon, My Hero Academia! Presented by Crunchyroll, we go beyond Season 5 as our favorite heroes batter up and continue their internships. Join us for this exclusive screening!
Author Notes: The My Hero Academia Season 5 OVAs will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll later this summer.
Season 6 of My Hero Academia is presently in production, with a scheduled release date in October 2022. Toonami has aired all 5 seasons of My Hero Academia so far since its May 2018 debut, and it is to be determined if the show will be renewed for the block at this time.
Anime Expo on Twitter: “Crunchyroll presents the My Hero Academia OVAs North American Premiere at AX 2022! We go beyond Season 5 as our favorite heroes batter up and continue their internships in 2 brand new original video animations. Join us on July 1 for this exclusive screening! pic.twitter.com/clMf4n2qYP / Twitter”
Crunchyroll presents the My Hero Academia OVAs North American Premiere at AX 2022! We go beyond Season 5 as our favorite heroes batter up and continue their internships in 2 brand new original video animations. Join us on July 1 for this exclusive screening! pic.twitter.com/clMf4n2qYP
Sword Art Online 10th Anniversary Celebration
Time: Friday, July 01, 4:30 pm – 5:50 pm
Room: Petree Hall
Official Description: Link Start and celebrate 10 years of SAO with a special event presented by Aniplex of America featuring hosts Bryce Papenbrook (Kirito) and Cherami Leigh (Asuna)! From Aincard to Alicization to Progressive, revisit the world of SAO with the cast!
Author Notes: The Sword Art Online anime celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with its original premiere date on July 8, 2012. In the run-up to Anime Expo from June 8-20, Aniplex polled fans on what their favorite episode of the franchise so far is, with results to be released during the panel. Presently, the next Sword Art Online Progressive film on the dock, Scherzo of Deep Night, will premiere in Japanese theaters on September 10. Fans can anticipate the revealing of new info regarding that, as well as other news related to the franchise.
Toonami has previously aired SAO Season 1 in 2013, Season 2 in 2015, and Season 3 from 2019-2021. There are no (known) plans regarding Toonami potentially bringing back SAO at this time.
https://twitter.com/SwordArtUSA/status/1534551233951834113
Production I.G. USA Panel
Time: Friday, July 01, 6:30 pm – 7:20 pm
Room: 403AB
Official Description: Join Production I.G. USA at Anime Expo as President/Producer Maki Terashima-Furuta hosts her annual panel, showcasing IG’s current and upcoming titles, including the anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, two sequels mini series of FLCL, a new Horror original anime entitled Housing Complex C. Moreover, she will be joined by some very special guests from Japan, as well as Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (the founder of Production I.G) Lots of give-aways followed by her informative Q&A’s.
Author Notes: Housing Complex C and the new FLCL sequels have both been announced as Toonami originals back in March, so this panel will be a must-attend for Toonami viewers looking to see new info regarding these two shows as well as Uzumaki. Housing Complex C is scheduled to premiere on Toonami later this year, with FLCL returning in 2023. Unfortunately, Adult Swim and Production I.G. on Monday announced that Uzumaki’s release has been further delayed.
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Saturday
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Third Anniversary Celebration
Time: Saturday, July 02, 1:00 pm – 2:20 pm
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Aniplex of America is proud to present the Third Anniversary Celebration of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba featuring special guest Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado) and Producer Yuma Takahashi!
Author Notes: Due to the popular demand of those wishing to attend the panel, fans must have made a ticket reservation online on June 16th.
Despite that Toonami premiered the dub of season 1 from October 13, 2019 – May 3, 2020, Demon Slayer won’t be returning to the lineup anytime soon thanks to Sony “freezing” Toonami from renewing the series in part due to Aniplex’s asking price far exceeded what Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and WarnerMedia (now Warner Bros. Discovery) were willing to pay.
https://twitter.com/DemonSlayerUSA/status/1534550958281211907
Toei Animation presents: One Piece Film Red Panel
Time: Saturday, July 02, 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Join Toei Animation for an exciting panel where attendees will be among the first to learn news and updates on the highly anticipated “One Piece Film Red.” Learn about the film and updates on all things One Piece from a producer, the English dub ADR Director and members of the cast!
Author Notes: Toei Animation will be premiering One Piece Film Red in Japanese theaters on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Earlier this month, Toei released a trailer for the upcoming film, which you can see below. Toei and Crunchyroll/Funimation have yet to reveal a release date stateside, though fans could anticipate such info to be released during this panel.
One Piece, of course, made its return to the better cartoon show on January 21 after four years off the air, with a doubleheader presently airing from 1:00-2:00 am Eastern/Pacific.
VIZ Industry Panel Featuring Sailor Moon
Time: Saturday, July 02, 3:30 pm – 4:20 pm
Room: Petree Hall
Official Description: Celebrate the magic of Sailor Moon and find out what’s coming from VIZ Media! Get info about new releases and products from your favorite series like: My Hero Academia, Boruto, Chainsaw Man, and more. We’ll be joined by Robbie Daymond (Tuxedo Mask) and Michelle Ruff (Luna) for fun and games!
Anime Expo on Twitter: “Celebrate the magic of Sailor Moon and find out what’s coming from VIZ Media! Get info about new releases and products from your favorite series like: My Hero Academia, Boruto, Chainsaw Man, and more. For more info: https://t.co/NgoXaz8UKT pic.twitter.com/PsFHHSCNm9 / Twitter”
Celebrate the magic of Sailor Moon and find out what’s coming from VIZ Media! Get info about new releases and products from your favorite series like: My Hero Academia, Boruto, Chainsaw Man, and more. For more info: https://t.co/NgoXaz8UKT pic.twitter.com/PsFHHSCNm9
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Panel
Time: Saturday, July 02, 6:30 pm – 7:20 pm
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Get hyped for the Thousand-Year Blood War arc with a big Bleach bash! We’ll be making announcements, playing special messages from Japan, unveiling new exclusive content, and more. Bring your best Bleach outfit for the live cosplay contest! Joining us will be Michelle Ruff (Rukia) and surprise guests.
Author Notes: It was revealed in March 2020 that Bleach’s final story arc, the “Thousand-Year Blood War“, would receive an anime television series adaptation, which is set to premiere in October 2022.
Bleach has previously aired on Adult Swim/Toonami from 2006-2014, and it is to be determined if Toonami has any plans on bringing back the show to complete the storyline at this time.
Anime Expo on Twitter: “Get hyped for the Thousand-Year Blood War arc with a big Bleach bash! We’ll be making announcements, playing special messages from Japan, unveiling new exclusive content, and more.More Info: https://t.co/nQjquXr2jg pic.twitter.com/HLOW9K7sDh / Twitter”
Get hyped for the Thousand-Year Blood War arc with a big Bleach bash! We’ll be making announcements, playing special messages from Japan, unveiling new exclusive content, and more.More Info: https://t.co/nQjquXr2jg pic.twitter.com/HLOW9K7sDh
TRIGUN STAMPEDE Lock ‘n Load Panel!!
Time: Saturday, July 02, 8:00 pm – 8:50 pm
Room: JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom
Official Description: Vash is back! Join Crunchyroll in welcoming Japanese staff, including Yasuhiro Nightow (the author), Kouji Tajima (concept artist), Kiyotaka Waki (producer, Orange), Yoshihiro Watanabe (producer, Orange), and Katsuhiro Takei (producer, Toho), for an exciting new announcement regarding the future of Trigun! With first hand insights and the world premiere of a special secret sneak peek, this bounty will be out of this world!
Author Notes: On June 16, it was announced that Trigun would be making a return with a 3D animated series to be released in 2023 titled Trigun Stampede. Crunchyroll has announced that they will be simulcasting the new series.
Adult Swim aired the original Trigun series back in 2003, while Toonami aired the film Trigun: Badlands Rumble back on December 28, 2013.
Anime Expo on Twitter: “Vash is back! Join Crunchyroll in welcoming Japanese staff, Yasuhiro Nightow (the author), Kouji Tajima (concept artist), Katsuhiro Takei (producer, Toho), Kiyotaka Waki and Yoshihiro Watanabe (producers, Orange), for an exciting new announcement regarding the future of Trigun! pic.twitter.com/cXNCMLUnpN / Twitter”
Vash is back! Join Crunchyroll in welcoming Japanese staff, Yasuhiro Nightow (the author), Kouji Tajima (concept artist), Katsuhiro Takei (producer, Toho), Kiyotaka Waki and Yoshihiro Watanabe (producers, Orange), for an exciting new announcement regarding the future of Trigun! pic.twitter.com/cXNCMLUnpN
Sunday
Dr. STONE Special Episode – RYUSUI World Premiere
Time: Sunday, July 03, 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Join Crunchyroll and TMS Entertainment in celebrating the world premiere of Dr. STONE Special Episode – RYUSUI. Anime Expo offers a one-time chance to see this exciting new chapter of Dr. STONE as well as access to news and updates on the series before the rest of the world.
Author Notes: Following the completion of Dr. Stone season 2, it was announced that a third season would be in production with a premiere date in 2023. In the meantime, the TV Special “Ryusei”, which focuses on Ryusui Nanami, will premiere in Japan on July 10, 2022.
Dr. STONE on Twitter: “The Dr. STONE Special Episode – RYUSUI world premiere will be happening at @AnimeExpo!⛵️ MORE: https://t.co/WfPQKyEDkq pic.twitter.com/KugaFDI2NN / Twitter”
The Dr. STONE Special Episode – RYUSUI world premiere will be happening at @AnimeExpo!⛵️ MORE: https://t.co/WfPQKyEDkq pic.twitter.com/KugaFDI2NN
Bang Zoom! Studios – Voice Acting for Anime
Time: Sunday, July 03, 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Room: JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom
Official Description: Voice Director & CEO, Eric P. Sherman and Casting Director Mami Okada of Bang Zoom! Studios will discuss the business and craft of voice acting for anime. Special Guests may appear.
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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Anniversary Panel
Time: Sunday, July 03, 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Help us celebrate 35 years of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure! We’ll be joined by Golden Wind actors: Phillip Reich (Giorno), Ray Chase (Bucciarati), and Lizzie Freeman (Trish). Plus Stone Ocean actors: Kira Buckland (Jolene) and Yong Yea (Pucci). Dress up and enter the live JoJo’s Fashion Contest to win great prizes.
Author Notes: During the past year, Netflix announced that they have taken the rights for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure from Viz Media, Crunchyroll, and Toonami starting with Part 6, meaning that the show won’t be returning to the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Aniplex of America Industry Panel
Time: Sunday, July 03, 5:00 pm – 6:20 pm
Room: Petree Hall
Official Description: Do shows like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sword Art Online, or Kaguya-sama: Love Is War make your otaku heart skip a beat? Don’t miss the Aniplex of America Industry Panel at Anime Expo and find out the latest news on Aniplex shows and products!
https://twitter.com/aniplexUSA/status/1534552552569589761
Monday
Made in Abyss Premiere
Time: Monday, July 04, 10:00 am – 10:50 pm
Room: Main Events (LACC Hall B)
Official Description: Join HIDIVE for the premiere of MADE IN ABYSS Season 2! Descend into darkness once again with Riko, Reg and Nanachi as they enter a terrifying new layer of the mysterious Abyss. Brave the unknown and stream it exclusively on HIDIVE Summer 2022.
Author Notes: Made in Abyss Season 2, titled The Golden City of the Scorching Sun, will be premiering in Japan and simulcasting on HiDive on July 6, 2022.
Toonami aired the first season earlier this year from January 16-April 10, 2022, and it is to be determined if the show will be renewed as of this writing. A film, titled “Dawn of the Deep Soul“, takes place between the two seasons, and was released in 2020. In regards to Toonami potentially airing it, Jason simply answered “We are looking into it but I have no idea if it will be possible.”
Are you headed to Anime Expo this year? If so or if not, what news and announcements are you anticipating? Sound off in the comments below or on our social media outlets.
