Cory DeVante Williams, known to the world as CoryxKenshin, is basically a walking anime character already. If you've spent more than five minutes on his YouTube channel, you know the drill. The "Samurai" aesthetic isn't just a gimmick or a flashy overlay for his thumbnails; it’s the literal DNA of his brand. From the katana on the wall to the way he edits his "freestyle" segments with frantic, high-energy cuts and visual gags, the influence of Japanese animation is everywhere. Honestly, it’s kinda wild that we haven't seen a full-blown Cory x Kenshin anime production yet, considering how many times his community—the Samurai—has practically begged for it.
The intersection of gaming culture and anime is nothing new, but Cory occupies a space that feels uniquely suited for the medium. He’s not just a guy playing Five Nights at Freddy's or Resident Evil. He’s a storyteller who uses himself as the protagonist. Fans have spent years creating high-quality "fan-imations" that give us a glimpse of what a real show could look like. These aren't just doodles, either. Some of these fan projects have millions of views, proving that the appetite for a serialized, animated version of the Shogun is massive.
The Real Story Behind the Cory x Kenshin Anime Rumors
Let’s get one thing straight: as of right now, there is no official, studio-backed Cory x Kenshin anime in production. You might see clickbait titles on YouTube or "leaked" posters on TikTok, but those are almost always fan-made. However, the reason these rumors keep catching fire is that Cory himself leans into the trope constantly. He’s appeared as a cameo in various projects and has a very specific "character arc" that his fans follow—one marked by long, mysterious hiatuses and triumphant returns. In the world of anime, he’s basically the legendary warrior who retreats to the mountains to train, only to reappear when the world (or his sub count) needs him most.
This "S-Tier" persona isn't accidental. Cory’s editing style is heavily influenced by shows like Naruto, Bleach, and Dragon Ball Z. He uses sound effects like the "Omae Wa Mou Shindeiru" meme or the iconic Dragon Ball teleportation "zip" sounds. He understands the pacing of an action sequence. When he's playing a horror game and things get tense, he doesn't just scream; he builds a narrative. That’s why his audience thinks in terms of "episodes" and "seasons" rather than just daily uploads. It's a natural evolution.
Why the Samurai Aesthetic Works
The "Samurai" theme is the backbone of everything. Cory calls his subscribers the Samurai. He calls himself the Shogun. He has a literal blade. This isn't just about swords, though. It's about a code. He promotes "The Ways of the Samurai," which usually involves being kind, staying humble, and being a decent human being. That’s a classic shonen protagonist trait. You have the powerful hero who chooses peace but can "level up" when the situation demands it.
Think about the most popular fan animations. Creators like SSJ-Dino and others have spent hundreds of hours animating Cory’s "LeBron James" horror stories or his gameplay highlights. They use a style that mimics Studio MAPPA or Ufotable. Why? Because Cory’s reactions are so expressive. They’re "over the top" in the best way possible. When he gets scared, his face goes through a dozen different "key-frames" of emotion. An animator’s dream, really.
Breaking Down the Fan-Made "Series"
If you search for a Cory x Kenshin anime, you're going to find the "CoryxKenshin Animated" series by various YouTubers. These are essentially the "unofficial" seasons of his life. They usually take audio from his most iconic moments—like the "Screaming at the Top of My Lungs" clips—and put them into a 2D or 3D world.
- The Horror Shorts: These are the most common. They take his "Spooky Scary Sunday" segments and turn the pixelated indie games into high-fidelity nightmares where Cory is the main character.
- The Battle Shonen Parodies: These usually involve Cory fighting "The YouTube Algorithm" or other creators in a high-stakes, Naruto-style brawl.
- The Slice of Life: These are the quieter moments, often involving his dog, Momo, or his brother, Anthony.
What’s interesting is that these fan works often have better pacing than actual TV shows. They strip away the filler and focus on the "pog" moments. They understand that the "Cory x Kenshin" brand is built on charisma. If you remove Cory’s voice, the whole thing falls apart. Any real anime would have to feature his voice acting, which, let's be honest, is already professional grade.
Could a Real Anime Actually Happen?
The industry is changing. We’ve seen streamers like TheGrefg or Ninja get skins in Fortnite, and we’ve seen YouTubers like the Odd 1s Out get Netflix shows. The leap from "content creator" to "anime lead" isn't as wide as it used to be. A Cory x Kenshin anime would likely be a short-form series, something akin to Afro Samurai—short, stylish, and incredibly violent (but in a comedic way).
But there are hurdles. Licensing is a nightmare. Who owns the rights to the "CoryxKenshin" name in a commercial broadcast sense? Probably Cory himself, but partnering with a Japanese studio would involve a lot of red tape. Then there’s the "Hiatus Problem." Cory is famous for disappearing for six, nine, or twelve months at a time. An anime production schedule is notoriously brutal. Could he commit to a multi-year project when he values his privacy and mental health so much? It’s a valid question. Honestly, he probably values his freedom more than a Netflix deal.
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The Power of "Spooky Scary Sunday"
Every Sunday (well, most Sundays), Cory hosts a "show" within his channel. This is the closest thing we have to a weekly anime broadcast. He curates short horror films, reacts to them, and builds a community experience. The ritual of it is very "appointment television." If a studio were smart, they’d just adapt the "SSS" format into an anthology series. Each episode could feature an animated Cory introducing a new "urban legend" or short story. It’s a proven formula that already has a built-in audience of over 18 million people.
What Fans Actually Want to See
If you poll the Samurai, they don't just want a "best of" compilation. They want lore. They want to know the "backstory" of the Shogun. They want to see:
- The Origin of the Katana: How did he get it? Does it have powers?
- The Momo Sidekick: Every hero needs a mascot. Momo is the perfect "talking animal" companion found in every great anime.
- The Rivalry: Who is the "Vegeta" to Cory’s "Goku"? Is it another YouTuber? Or is it a personification of his own internal struggles with fame?
- The Breaks: An episode dedicated to what he actually does during those months away would probably break the internet.
Why This Matters for the Future of Content
The obsession with a Cory x Kenshin anime tells us something important about how we consume media now. We don't just want to watch people play games anymore. We want "IP"—Intellectual Property. Cory has successfully turned himself into an IP. He is a character that people want to see in comic books, movies, and cartoons. He’s transcended the "Let's Play" genre.
Most creators try to force this. They buy a "character" or wear a costume that feels fake. With Cory, it feels organic. He’s a geek who loves anime, so he made himself an anime character. It’s that simple. And that’s why, even if a "real" show never comes out, the fan-made Cory x Kenshin anime universe will continue to thrive. It’s a testament to his impact that people will spend hundreds of hours drawing him just to see him move in a different way.
How to Support the "Real" Creators
If you’re looking for your fix of animated Cory content, stop looking for "official" trailers and start looking at the animators who actually do the work. Guys like Kandoken or Reen have done incredible work that captures the vibe perfectly. Supporting these independent artists is the best way to keep the dream of a full series alive. They are the ones proving to the industry that this "niche" is actually a goldmine.
Actionable Steps for the Samurai
If you're looking for more Cory x Kenshin anime style content or want to dive deeper into this subculture, here’s how you actually do it without getting lost in the sea of clickbait:
- Check the "Community" Tab: Cory often shouts out fan animators there. It’s the best way to find the "vetted" high-quality stuff.
- Search for "Sakuga" Fan Edits: Use the term "Sakuga" (high-quality animation) in your searches. This filters out the low-effort slideshows and brings up the stuff that actually looks like Jujutsu Kaisen.
- Support the Original Sources: If you see a clip from an anime in a Cory video, go watch that anime. He’s a huge fan of Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop. Understanding those shows will help you understand his humor and editing choices way better.
- Watch "Spooky Scary Sunday" from the Beginning: If you haven't seen the early ones, you're missing the "world-building" that led to the current Shogun persona. It’s basically the "Pre-Timeskip" era of his channel.
The "Cory x Kenshin" brand is more than just a YouTube channel; it’s a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between Western gaming and Eastern aesthetics. While we might not have a "Season 1, Episode 1" on Crunchyroll yet, the anime is happening every time he hits "upload." It’s happening in the fan art, the animations, and the way he’s inspired millions of "Samurai" to find their own path. Keep your eyes on his channel, but don't hold your breath for a corporate announcement—the Shogun usually does things his own way, on his own time. That’s just the Way of the Samurai.
Next Steps for Readers
To truly appreciate the animated side of Cory's world, start by exploring the "CoryxKenshin Animated" playlists on YouTube, specifically focusing on creators like SSJ-Dino or Kandoken, who set the gold standard for fan-led productions. Additionally, revisit his older "Spooky Scary Sunday" episodes to see how the "Shogun" lore was built from the ground up, as these serve as the narrative foundation for any future potential series. Finally, stay tuned to his official social media channels, as any legitimate news regarding a professional animation project will come directly from Cory himself, usually in a surprise video that clears the trending page.