In 2016, anime fans were treated to Crunchyroll's first “Ani-May” Celebration – a US-based retail collaboration that involved releasing exclusive merchandise for some of the hottest titles on this medium. The event has gone global, expanding to include more than a dozen regional and international retail chains that will offer exclusive anime merchandise, discounts, and promotions throughout the month of May.
As detailed in a recent press release, starting May 1, anime fans around the world will step into their favorite retail chains to discover merchandise and home video releases. All-new additions to several major franchises, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Ghoul, Chainsaw Man, Solo Leveling, Haikyu!!, Spy x Family, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Kaiju No. 8, among many others.
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In addition to Hot Topic, joining Crunchyroll's Ani-May launch celebration, participating retailers include Barnes & Noble (US), Riachuelo (Brazil), Gameplanet (Mexico), Grupo Control (Mexico), Falabella (Peru), Games Academy/ Funside (Italy), Cultura (France), Thalia (Germany and Austria), MediaSaturn (Germany), GameStop (Germany), Mueller (Germany and Austria), Hugendubel (Germany) and XS Toys (Estonia , Lithuania and Latvia). It should be noted that merchandise offers and deals will vary depending on the chain. Needless to say, The Crunchyroll Store is also participating in the festival. Each week, the store will feature one or two major brands from Crunchyroll's sizable anime collection. The series included are listed below:
May 1-7: Chainsaw Man May 8-21: Kaiju No. 8 and Solo Leveling May 22-28: Dragon Ball Super May 29: Jujutsu Kaisen
From May 1 to 14, customers residing in the United States will be able to save up to 60% on DVD/Blu-ray releases on select titles. Starting May 15, there will also be a special Ani-May Anniversary sale with up to 70% off tons of anime-related products, including manga, figures, plush toys , etc. Additionally, fans of Crunchyroll's iconic mascot will be delighted to know that “Crunchyroll-Hime” will receive at least two event-exclusive collectibles on Ani-May 2024. These those who spend over $75 at the Crunchyroll Store will receive a free “Hime Ani-.” Pinable” (while supplies last). Hot Topic will also give away free Crunchyroll-Hime “sticker gifts” with anime-themed purchases.
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Crunchyroll is celebrating Ani-May not only in the US but also on a global scale
Even though Crunchyroll is an American company, they've put in a lot of effort to ensure that fans around the world will get a slice of the action next month. To demonstrate this, participating Ani-May retailers in Europe are offering customers the chance to win a special “money can't buy anything” prize — a weekend at Japan Expo in Paris, France with VIP access to Crunchyroll's Expo booth. This year, the conference will be held at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte from July 11 to 14.
HMV, based in the UK, Belgium and Ireland, will also offer customers early access to exclusive home video releases for popular series such as Mob Psycho 100 (Season 3), Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World and Uzaki-chan wants to go out (Part 1-2). Additionally, Mueller (Germany, Austria) will introduce several Crunchyroll-licensed manga titles to its library for the first time. This initiative includes hit movies such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, Blue Lock, Dandadan, etc.
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Crunchyroll will make solo leveling, Frieren, Chainsaw Man and more free to watch
For those who don't already subscribe to Crunchyroll's premium streaming service, Ani-May is perhaps the best chance for fans to get access to some of the company's newest hits. Starting May 1, Crunchyroll will add 20 new anime series to its free-to-watch (with ads) collection. Notably, the lineup includes Crunchyroll's hit dark fantasy series Solo Leveling, Season 1 of which premiered on January 6 and concluded on March 31. Other highlights from the list Upcoming free views include Dr. Stone, Soul Eater, Rent-a -Girlfriend!, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Chainsaw Man. MAPPA and Wit Studio's historical drama Vinland Saga, which many fans accused of being “hijacked” at Crunchyroll's 2024 Anime Awards, will also be featured.
Source: Press release