Funimation, Crunchyroll Join Forces To Expand Simulcast Anime Access

Being an anime fan can be difficult. For fans, there's been an obvious issue of getting these series subbed or dubbed into their native languages, often leaving them at the mercy of potentially dubious translators. Companies such as Funimation and Crunchyroll have since helped bring official, licensed anime series to international fans everywhere. And, now, these companies have announced they've joined forces to give anime enthusiasts more new anime as soon as they air abroad.

Both Funimation and Crunchyroll are collaborating to expand their summer simulcast series. Starting today, Crunchyroll users will have subtitled access to Funimation's exclusive titles. And, in the near future, Funimation followers will be able to view dubbed versions of Crunchyroll's repertoire. This partnership will help the sites share subscribers as the two previously split fans who often chose to pay for one service over the other. Now, users can choose if they are more interested in subbed or dubbed media and then choose whether Funimation or Cruuchyroll suits their tastes.

In addition to these simulcasts, the companies will start sharing titles which are currently in their libraries. Funimation will be loaning subbed versions of the following shows to Crunchyroll users:

1. D-Gray Man Hallow
2. Cowboy Bebop
3. Psycho-Pass
4. First Love Monster
5. Puzzles & Dragons X
6. Grimmer of Fantasy and Ash

And, in return, Crunchyroll will extend its exclusive licensure of several series so Funimation can dub them. Such titles include:

1. Orange
2. Mob Psycho 100
3. 91 Days
4. Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
5. Testament of Sister New Devil

If you're interested in viewing anime outside of its streaming sphere, then you'll soon be able to buy several Crunchyroll exclusives on home video. The site announced their plans to produce Blu-ray/DVDs for their most popular anime earlier this year, and now Funimation will co-distribute these items to fans.

1. Ace Attorney
2. Alderamin of the Sky
3. Bungou Stray Dogs
4. ReLife
5. JOKER GAME
6. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Of course, this isn't the first initiative Funimation has taken to provide its users with improved viewing services. Last year, the company partnered with Toku TV to test out an anime-focused television channel. And, earlier this spring, the company launched FunimationNOW, an app that lets users stream anime from Funimation's extensive library.

Speaking about their new partnership, Funimation's CEO and Founder Gen Fukunaga said, "Our commitment is first and foremost to our fans -- and by partnering with Crunchyroll, together we can expand the reach of anime by making shows available to an even larger audience around the world. Funimation will continue to be the best place for fans to experience dubbed content while we also work with Crunchyroll to grow the market for anime. This is a thrilling next step for both companies."

So, if you're new to the anime movement, then now is a great time to sample this summer's best hits. If you're not sure where to start, then head over here to check out our list of the best shonen anime series!