Joel Balkovec

Joel Balkovec

From Ottawa, Canada Joel Balkovec is FanSided contributor, who's been blogging about Pop Culture, especially comics, anime, and games since 2020. He has a particular interest in vintage anime and comics from the 70s through 2000s and loves to raise awareness of underrated classics. In his free time, he writes creatively and hones his miniature painting skills.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End - Photo Credits: Crunchyroll

This award-winning anime is a thoughtful take on the Fantasy genre

Joel Balkovec
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One Piece. (L to R) Taz Skylar as Sanji, Mackenyu Arata as Roronoa Zoro, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp in season 1 of One Piece. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

Netflix makes the live-action One Piece announcement we've been waiting for

Joel Balkovec
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DAN DA DAN - Trailer Still - ©Yukinobu Tatsu_SHUEISHA, DANDADAN Production Committee

This off-beat anime has the best theme song of the year

Joel Balkovec
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Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2 - Photo Courtesy: Crunchyroll

Experience this iconic 2010s anime for yourself

Joel Balkovec
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One Piece - Credit: Netflix

The biggest anime news you missed this week, May 26

Joel Balkovec
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Ranma's Opponent Is... A PANDA?! | Ranma1/2 | Clip | Netflix Anime
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5 must-watch anime sequels and remakes

Joel Balkovec
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Solo Leveling - Photo Credits: Crunchyroll

You should watch the biggest winner of the 2025 Anime Awards now

Joel Balkovec
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DAN DA DAN - Crunchyroll

The biggest winners of the 2025 Anime Awards (and how to watch them)

Joel Balkovec
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GKIDS Presents Studio Ghibli Fest 2019 'The Tale of The Princess Kaguya'.. A powerful and soaring epic, based on a legendary Japanese folktale, redefines animated storytelling from director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata. Experience Takahata’s final film that was nominated for an Academy Award® and hailed as a masterpiece by critics.. Image Courtesy Studio Ghibli, Fathom Events

The biggest anime news you missed this week, May 19

Joel Balkovec
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DAN DA DAN - Crunchyroll

The biggest anime news you missed this week, May 12

Joel Balkovec
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Jujutsu Kaisen - ©2023 Crunchyroll

The biggest anime news you missed this week, May 2

Joel Balkovec
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Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters Season 1, Version 1 Opening Theme
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This classic anime is pure millennial nostalgia

Joel Balkovec
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Daily Life In Shanghai

The biggest anime news you missed this week, April 28

Joel Balkovec
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Fullmetal Alchemist Live Action Trailer (Netflix)
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Want to get into anime? Start with a contender for best anime series ever

Joel Balkovec
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Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc | Photo Courtesy: Funimation

The biggest anime news you missed this week, April 21

Joel Balkovec
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Godzilla Welcomes Tourists To Tokyo

The definitive Godzilla viewing experience in 9 movies (and 1 show)

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