STACK #247 May 2025

EXTRAS HIGHLIGHTS

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Words Michael Caverzan Every May, fans around the world come together to celebrate Ani-May – a month dedicated to all things anime. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, it’s the perfect time to dive into this unique style of Japanese animation. Most powerful characters Fullmetal

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End delivers one of the most intense battles in recent memory - without a single physical blow. Facing the Scales of Obedience, Frieren risks losing her free will if she fails. Coolly outsmarting her opponent, she delivers a line so powerful it instantly cements her as one of anime’s coldest heroines. Dragon Ball Z reaches peak emotional intensity when Gohan defeats Cell. As the last hope, he channels his inner strength in a father son Kamehameha that wipes Cell out. The stakes, the build-up, and the payoff make it one of the franchise’s most iconic moments.

Alchemist: Brotherhood sees Roy Mustang at his most unhinged as he takes down Envy. Usually calm and composed, Roy is consumed by vengeance in a brutal confrontation that shows just how personal justice can be. In Mob Psycho 100 , Mob’s battle against the leader of Claw isn’t just physical, it’s internal. Struggling with the weight of his powers and emotions, he ultimately triumphs not just by overpowering his enemy, but by staying true to himself and showing compassion in the face of destruction.

Best BATTLES

Everyone has their favourite characters and can probably put forward a pretty convincing argument as to why they’re the most powerful. Using expert scientific methods, we’ve come up with a list of the most powerful heroes to grace our screens.

The best anime battles don’t just thrill with high-octane action - they hit hard emotionally, too. Often, it’s not sheer power that defines the fight, but the personal stakes behind it. From emotional finales to psychological stand-offs, these showdowns stay with you long after the dust settles.

Mob - Mob Psycho 100 Psychokinetic powers that are capable of levelling cities without him moving a muscle make him a little dude that is a big threat.

Luffy - One Piece. At his highest level of power, Luffy can distort reality, stretching the fabric of it like he does his own body.

Lesser known icons

Hayao Miyazaki is a household name, responsible for some of the most beloved and influential works in Japanese animation.With his final film The Boy and the Heron marking his retirement, it’s the perfect time to spotlight some lesser-known creators who’ve helped shape the magical world of anime.

Griffith - Berserk Intangibility, manipulation of reality, and control over an endless horde of demons are just some of

Yoshimi Itazu began as an animator on major projects before

Sayo Yamamoto got her first shot at directing during Samurai Champloo and has since built a varied résumé. Best known for Yuri!! On Ice , she also works in storyboarding, art, and costume design - proving herself as both versatile and visionary.

Isao Takahata may be less talked about than his Ghibli co-founder, but his films - like Grave of the Fireflies and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya - are among the studio’s finest, blending deep emotion with striking visual style. In Spy x Family: Code White , the Forgers hunt down the mele mele - a delicate pastry of meringue, fruit, and love - said to be powerful enough to sway a nation.

the abilities that he possesses.

Best meals in anime Food plays a big role in every culture - and anime treats it with the respect it deserves. From Goku’s endless feasts to Brock’s iconic “donuts,” anime is packed with mouth-watering moments.To celebrate Ani-May, let’s look at some of the tastiest scenes across the genre. directing The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store (2023) - a beautifully animated, quietly emotional story about a woman adjusting to her new role. With its dreamy pace and depth, Itazu’s debut marks him as one to watch.

Goku - Dragon Ball It’s over 9000. That and he can also rival the power of the gods. Usagi Tsukino - Sailor Moon Surprise! It is, in fact, Sailor Moon at her peak that is the most powerful. Resurrection, control of space and time, and reality-breaking

destruction are among the powers that make up Usagi.

In Spirited Away , Chihiro’s parents gorge on food meant for spirits - and honestly, who could blame them? It looked so good, turning into pigs almost seemed worth it.

This is all second to her greatest power of all: unwavering love and

commitment to those that she cares about.

Pokémon has plenty of oddities, but few as tempting as Alcremie - a creature that produces joy-inducing cream. It’s a mystery whether there are any left uneaten.

32 MAY 2025

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