Amazon Studios today announced it has renewed second seasons of its current kids series: Creative Galaxy,Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street, and recent Annie Award winner Tumble Leaf. All four series will return exclusively to Prime Instant Video for Prime members to stream and enjoy as part of their membership. Amazon Original kids series are among the top kids titles across all of Prime Instant Video, with Creative Galaxy, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and Tumble Leaf delivering some of the most-streamed kids seasons on Amazon. These shows, along with Annedroids, have recently been honored by the Parents’ Choice Foundation.
“Tumble Leaf, Creative Galaxy, Annedroids and Gortimer have all experienced a tremendous response from our customers and we’re excited to bring them back for another season,” saidTara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming for Amazon Studios. “Working with such remarkably talented and impactful creators in both the preschool and kids six to 11 space, it’s exciting to see where the storylines and characters will take us for another season.”
Annecy International Festival and Annie award-winning series, Tumble Leaf was created by Drew Hodges (Saturday Night Live, Community) and executive produced by Hodges and Kelli Bixler (Saturday Night Live, The Roadents) of award-winning studio Bix Pix Entertainment. Created for preschool-aged children, each episode of the stop-motion world of Tumble Leaf follows Fig, a delightfully curious blue fox, and his best friend Stick, a quirky caterpillar, as they embark on a fun and nature-filled adventure, learning science through their natural play. The series features voice work from newcomers Christopher Downs as Fig, Brooke Wolloff as Maple, Zac McDowell as Hedge, Addie Zintel as Pine, and Alex Trugman as Ginkgo.
Creative Galaxy, from Out of the Blue Enterprises, with Angela C. Santomero (Blue’s Clues, Super Why! Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) serving as Creator and Executive Producer, andSamantha Freeman as Executive Producer, is a make-along, create-along art adventure series for preschool-aged children. The series, animated by 9 Story Entertainment, features Arty, an adorable alien artist, and Epiphany, his inspirational side-kick, on their adventures through the Creative Galaxy solving problems through art. To give kids and parents the real-life tools they need to recreate Arty’s experience, a live-action piece at the end of each animated episode takes families through the craft project Arty showcased in the galaxy. Creative Galaxy features vocal talent from Christian Distefano (PAW Patrol) as Arty, Kira Gelineau (Dear Viola) as Epiphany, and guest stars Samantha Bee (The Daily Show), Jason Jones (The Daily Show), Cloris Leachman (Malcolm In the Middle), Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210) and Brooke Shields (Lipstick Jungle).
Annedroids, created by Emmy-nominated J.J. Johnson (Dino Dan) and Sinking Ship Entertainment, is a kids six to 11 live-action adventure series about Anne, a young female scientist, her human friends and their android assistants, and the amazing scientific discoveries they make while undertaking the biggest experiment of them all: growing up. The series spotlights, through trial and error, how science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM) can inspire children to do great things. Annedroids stars Addison Holley (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) as Anne, Adrianna Di Liello (Stage Fright) as her friend Shania, and Jadiel Dowlin as Nick. The series also features vocal talent from Millie Davis (Orphan Black) as Pal.
Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street, created by first-time writer David Anaxagoras and executive produced by Oscar winner Luke Matheny (God of Love), stars Sloane Morgan Siegel(Partners), Ashley Boettcher (Aliens in the Attic), Drew Justice (The Little Rascals Save the Day), and Robyn Lively (Saving Grace, Twin Peaks). The series, for kids six to 11, is a coming-of-age tale of friendship that centers around Gortimer (Siegel) and the bond with his two best friends Ranger (Justice) and Mel (Boettcher), as they chronicle their adventures on Normal Street—an ordinary suburban neighborhood that has a hint of something unexpected just beneath the surface. Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street is the first kids series to receive a greenlight from Amazon Studios’ open-door pilot submissions process. Anaxagoras, a preschool teacher, was one of many aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters who submitted their ideas for original series through AmazonStudios.com, and whose concept moved forward as a pilot that debuted on Amazon Instant Video in February 2014.
Prime members can now watch episodes from the first seasons of Tumble Leaf, Creative Galaxy, Annedroids and Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street as often as they would like with theAmazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at amazon.com/originals, at no additional cost to their membership. Customers who are not already a Prime member can sign up for a free trial at amazon.com/prime. Additionally, apps for Tumble Leaf and Annedroids, exclusively for Fire devices, are available to download for free at the Amazon App Store. Tumble Leaf, Creative Galaxy, Annedroids, and Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street are also available as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, the all-you-can-eat subscription service designed from the ground up for kids—FreeTime Unlimited is available exclusively on Amazon devices including Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets, and a year-long subscription is included with every Fire HD Kids Edition.
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Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.
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Anime Review: Tower of God
Rating: 8.5/10
Tower of God is a unique anime that dives deep into a mysterious world filled with peril, ambition, and complex character motivations. Based on the popular South Korean webtoon by SIU, the series combines fantasy, action, and psychological drama in a way that keeps viewers engaged with every episode.
The story follows Bam, a boy who’s spent his entire life in a dark cave until he meets Rachel, his only friend. When Rachel disappears to climb the mysterious Tower in search of something greater, Bam sets out to find her, stepping into a world full of strange creatures, powerful individuals, and unyielding rules. The Tower promises anything to those who reach the top, from wealth to power, and even the realization of one’s deepest desires. However, each level is a deadly challenge, and Bam soon discovers that the Tower’s residents—both friends and foes—have their own motives and secrets.
The art style is unique, slightly rough but incredibly fitting for the otherworldly setting of the Tower. While some of the animation might feel less polished compared to high-budget series, Tower of God’s style has an authentic, almost raw feel that captures the danger and mystery of each level. The color palette shifts from dark tones to striking colors, setting the mood for each scene and making the intense battles and emotional moments stand out.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its cast. Bam, the protagonist, is intriguing as he starts naive and innocent but quickly grows more complex as he learns the reality of climbing the Tower. Khun, a strategic and cunning character, becomes a fan favorite due to his loyalty and calculated mindset. Then there’s Rak, a battle-hungry giant with a hilarious personality, bringing some much-needed humor. The character dynamics are strong, and each character’s backstory adds depth, making them feel real and memorable.
Tower of God explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. It also delves into how power and desire shape individuals and relationships. The Tower itself serves as a metaphor for the hurdles people face in pursuit of what they want most, and it challenges the characters’ morals and values along the way.
Soundtrack: The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is exceptional and elevates the anime to another level. The music captures the mystery and tension of the Tower while bringing an almost haunting beauty to the series. Tracks like “Against the Sky” are intense and epic, fitting the show’s dramatic tone.
Tower of God is a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. It combines a complex storyline with unpredictable twists, layered characters, and thought-provoking themes. However, it does leave some questions unanswered and ends on a cliffhanger, so it may feel incomplete without a continuation. Overall, Tower of God offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre and a deep, rewarding journey up the Tower for anyone willing to follow Bam’s quest.
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Anime Review: A Certain Scientific Railgun
Rating: 9/10
A Certain Scientific Railgun is an electrifying anime that mixes superpowers with science fiction in a city brimming with secrets. It’s part of the Toaru (A Certain) franchise, which also includes A Certain Magical Index, but it stands out by focusing on the everyday lives, struggles, and mysteries surrounding some of Academy City’s most intriguing characters. Railgun captures the blend of friendship, science, and action, wrapped in a plot filled with suspense and heartfelt moments.
The story revolves around Mikoto Misaka, a powerful “Level 5” esper known as “Railgun” for her ability to shoot electricity like a railgun. Set in Academy City, a futuristic place dedicated to advancing human potential, the series follows Misaka and her friends—Kuroko Shirai, a teleporting “Judgment” officer; Ruiko Saten, a Level 0 with no esper abilities; and Kazari Uiharu, a cheerful tech enthusiast. The story flows between slice-of-life moments and intense action arcs, especially as Misaka digs deeper into Academy City’s dark side.
Each season introduces distinct plot arcs, like the “Level Upper” arc, where a mysterious device temporarily boosts students’ powers with dangerous side effects, and the “Sisters” arc, which reveals a shocking experiment involving Misaka’s DNA and a massive cloning project. The story is well-paced, taking viewers from lighter episodes that build relationships and humor to episodes packed with suspense and powerful emotional twists.
The animation by J.C. Staff is fantastic. Academy City feels vibrant and alive, with futuristic buildings, labs, and tech that set a high standard for a sci-fi city. The fight scenes are beautifully animated, especially when Misaka uses her electricity powers, creating brilliant sparks and electric blue streaks that are visually stunning. The art style balances the serious with a light, polished touch, keeping the show visually appealing across action-packed and everyday scenes alike.
The heart of Railgun is its cast. Mikoto Misaka is a strong, complex protagonist who’s both a powerful esper and a kind, sometimes awkward teenager. Her determination to protect others, combined with her own vulnerability, makes her a compelling character. Kuroko adds humor and loyalty as her supportive friend and partner, often lightening tense moments. Saten and Uiharu, while less powerful, bring warmth and relatability, especially as they grapple with what it means to be “Level 0” in a society that values power.
One of the most memorable aspects of Railgun is how it balances power dynamics and character development. Unlike many shows focused solely on high-powered heroes, Railgun values its entire cast, showing how even ordinary people play vital roles in challenging corruption and protecting the city.
A Certain Scientific Railgun dives into themes of friendship, power, and ethics, especially the moral cost of scientific advancement. The series raises questions about the value of one’s abilities versus character, and how people handle failure or the absence of power. Misaka’s personal journey, especially in the Sisters arc, highlights the responsibilities that come with power, as she learns her DNA was used to create clones exploited for a deadly experiment. This arc adds emotional weight to the series, as Misaka battles guilt, anger, and a desire to right the wrongs done in her name.
The soundtrack in Railgun is energetic and fitting, enhancing the tone of every scene, whether it’s a high-stakes battle or a quiet moment among friends. The opening themes, especially “Only My Railgun” by fripSide, are iconic and perfectly capture Misaka’s fierce, independent spirit. The background music subtly enhances each scene, adding a layer of suspense, excitement, or warmth as needed.
Final Thoughts: A Certain Scientific Railgun is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and action anime with strong character development. It manages to deliver both powerful story arcs and entertaining slice-of-life moments, giving viewers a sense of attachment to Academy City and its residents. The storylines are not only thrilling but thought-provoking, making you question the impact of scientific progress on human lives.
While it helps to know a bit about the Toaru universe, Railgun stands on its own with an engaging story and cast that will appeal to newcomers and seasoned fans alike. With thrilling fights, heartwarming friendships, and an electrifying main character, A Certain Scientific Railgun is a standout in the genre. If you’re looking for a series that’s equal parts action, heart, and intrigue, this is it.