Toonami kicked up a lot of attention with their Space Dandy simulcast announcement last month, but now anime fans have yet another reason to celebrate Cartoon Network’s revived programming block. Toonami has announced via their official Tumblr that they will air a variety of well-known anime films throughout December. The selection is a mix of original stories and tie-ins to shows that have aired on Cartoon Network before. See the schedule below for the full rundown:
- Akira (Dec 7)—Few anime aficionados haven’t at least heard of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira. The 1988 film may be the oldest of the lineup, but it’s also one of the most well-known and influential anime films out there. If you’re not already familiar with it, take a look at our own Justin Graham’s Anime of the Past feature on the film.
- Summer Wars (Dec 14)—Summer Wars, directed by Wolf Children‘s Mamoru Hosoda, takes a much different tone from Akira but certainly doesn’t lack in quality. This story of family and technology gone awry is, in turn, hilarious and heartbreaking.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (Dec 21)—Fullmetal Alchemist and its manga-faithful counterpart Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood have long been staples of Adult Swim’s and Toonami’s lineups. This film is a sequel to the first anime series’ story.
- Trigun: Badlands Rumble (Dec 28): It’s been awhile since Trigun has had a home on Cartoon Network, but many fans surely remember the days when it ran alongside Cowboy Bebop and Big O. This film is a tie-in story to the original series.
Toonami has also promised there will be some goings-on throughout the month with Toonami host Tom and his ship, the Absolution. A more definitive schedule featuring showtimes for the films will be posted closer to December.
What do you think about the variety of movies Toonami has opted to show? Anything you’re particularly excited for? Is there something you would rather have seen? Let us know in a comment.
