August 24, 2025 : Anime’s Popularity Is… Hurting Crunchyroll?
Getting a subscription to Crunchyroll is long overdue for me. It’s been on my to-do list for a while, and the only thing preventing me from doing it has been my lack of time (aka laziness). However, I expect it to happen in the near future… promise.
That said, Crunchyroll has had its ups and down in the news lately. While recently announcing a partnership with Delta, they also announced a reorganization, which includes layoffs. Since Sony purchased Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021, there has been three rounds of layoffs; and while subscribers have tripled to 15 million during that time, they look to miss on their previously stated goal of 25 million subscribers by the end of 2025.
A key part of all of this is the newly competitive landscape of the genre. The rising popularity of anime has brought in the likes of Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. This drives up licensing costs, making it harder for Crunchyroll to maintain a stranglehold on the anime market.
This probably won’t deter me from getting it, but I am concerned this will cause a splintering of anime properties – much like a lot of other regular series/movies – where you will only be able to access it if you have the right app, and it’s possible rights will change from time to time. Fortunately, I have the previously mentioned streamers, but it could become problematic if other ones jump in the fray (AppleTV, Paramount, etc.).
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:38 am
Tags: Anime , CrunchyrollComment
July 22, 2025 : Happy Pi Approximation Day!
Even though it may be getting a bit too hot and humid these days, we can all at least take some solace in the fact that it’s Pi Approximation Day! Little tidbit: it is also Casual Pi Day, which seems… about right?
I recently learned this glorious day is sandwiched between Junk Food Day (7/21) and Vanilla Ice Cream Day (7/23); which to be honest with you, both seem equal parts fake and unnecessary. Whereas Pi Approximation Day is vital. After all, any excuse to celebrate Pi is a good one.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:00 am
Tags: PiComment
June 14, 2025 : Tom & Jerry Gokko
Back in 2022, Cartoon Network Japan began airing an anime version of Tom & Jerry Gokko, a kawaii anime of the cat and mouse series. The 52 mini-shorts is making its way to YouTube.
I wasn’t aware an anime version of Tom & Jerry was made, but it’s an interesting twist on the 85-year old franchise. With the trailer being on the WB Kids YouTube channel, that probably means the shorts will end up on (HBO?) Max at some point. I’m also curious what else Cartoon Network Japan has been working on. Did someone say a Justice League/My Hero Academia mashup?
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:35 am
Tags: AnimeComment
May 18, 2025 : MoGraph Encyclopedia
Always looking for inspiration in the realm of Motion Graphics, I came across Jonti Rudd’s MoGraph Encyclopedia. It’s a solid repository for terms and techniques that can be used as springboards for new projects or just general learning. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s plenty thorough. The site also includes case studies, which I enjoy.
Two thumbs up!
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:14 am
Tags: Motion GraphicsComment
April 10, 2025 : I’m Feeling Giddy – Time For C2E2
I know, Giovanni needs to chill. But how can he? C2E2 weekend kicks off tomorrow, and I know I’m stoked. Moridin and I have been going since 2015 (with a small break due to Covid… I forget if we missed one or two?).
No dressing up this year, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It means more time to enjoy the floor and maybe even a few panels – something I couldn’t really do last year. There isn’t much that stands out, though… except for the Futurama Reunion?
The over/under for Vegeta sightings: 7. However, I wonder if there will be more due to Daima. Cardboard Box Vegeta counts for 15.
posted by Pi Visuals at 4:40 pm
Tags: C2E2 , DBZComment
March 14, 2025 : Happy Pi Day!
Does today’s uncertainty have you in a funk? Cheer up! It’s everyone’s favorite nerdy Holiday… Pi Day. And even better, a Friday-Pi Day!
Did you know that Pi has been calculated to over 105 trillion digits; but despite this accuracy, NASA only uses 16 digits? That’s sounds irrational to me… I’ll show my self out.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:01 am
Tags: PiComment
February 28, 2025 : Insight From Editors Of Dragon Ball
Three editors of the Dragon Ball manga were recently interviewed in a podcast, where they discussed Akira Toriyama and the evolution of the series. Somebody created a twitter thread, highlighting the conversation; and it’s a great read.
There are several cool points; but for me, the highlight is confirmation that Toriyama initially intended to end the series with the Cell Saga. He felt Gohan’s narrative arc was the natural progression of the series. Due to the series’ incredible success, he was pressured by the editorial team to continue Dragon Ball, which resulted in the Buu saga.
It was also interesting to hear that Toriyama was very spontaneous with his writing. The storylines were not planned out in advance. In fact, when Trunks was first introduced, his origins weren’t yet determined (?!).
Either way, it was great reading a behind-the-scenes take on the manga.
posted by Pi Visuals at 1:04 am
Tags: Akira Toriyama , DBZComment
January 28, 2025 : Moana 2 Killing It
I haven’t watched it yet; but being a big fan of the first one, I’m excited Moana 2 is doing so well theatrically. It recently crossed over the $1B mark in total gross, which granted is an arbitrary threshold, but impressive nonetheless.
The article above mentions Moana 2 is the fourth film from Walt Disney Animation to cross the magical $1 Billion mark (which excludes Pixar movies). Two of the other three on the list wasn’t much of a surprise – Frozen and Frozen 2 – but I didn’t realize the other film was Zootopia.
Much like the first Moana, I was a fan of Zootopia and felt it was underappreciated. Then again, given it’s performance at the Box Office, maybe not. There was a spinoff series in 2022, and a sequel is (finally) coming out later this year. The fact that it took so long to make one, particularly given its box office success, is surprising. Much like Moana, I guess better late than never.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:43 pm
Tags: Moana , ZootopiaComment
December 25, 2024 : Tis’ the Season – For A Gingerbread House Design
This year’s Holiday card was a bit of a rush job – due in part to the lateness of Thanksgiving but mostly because of a personal obligation. Specifically, the construction of a new house that is wrapping up. I leaned into said obligation as inspiration for the card and created a gingerbread rendition of the blueprint (the bottom is cropped out to remove our address).
The process was very straightforward. After looking around online for some inspiration/references, I jumped into Illustrator and designed everything in there. I wanted the simple illustration look so there was no need to go into anything else (such as After Effects of Photoshop). Overall, I like how it turned out. Particularly given the concept and my availability. Happy Holiday, all!
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:52 am
Tags: Holidays , IllustratorComment
November 28, 2024 : Kudos To Lightwave (‘s Marketing)
A sucker for nostalgia, I am still on Lightwave’s mailing list. While I don’t see myself getting a new version (or using an older version) anytime soon, I’m rooting for them. I don’t always read their emails, but I’m glad I saw this year’s Black Friday note.
Well done, Lightwave Marketing… well done. Also, solid work to the artist who did that piece!
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:28 am
Tags: Lightwave , The Iron GiantComment