Randomness Ensues

FUNimation’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Is A Little Quirky, And A Lot of Epic


As many of you know, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been a thing spreading across the internet. As a way to spread awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (better known as Lou Gherig’s Disease) and to raise money toward finding a cure, people have been stepping up to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is exactly as the name implies. Participants dump a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads, and nominate other people to do the same. Those who don’t want to do the challenge can forfeit by making a donation toward ALS research. However, as of late, an increasing number of participants are also making donations to the cause, while encouraging viewers to do the same.

Since it began, the challenge has become a viral phenomenon. Naturally, YouTubers like the Game Grumps, Markiplier, and Boogie2988 (in his “Francis” persona) have doused themselves in the name of charity. Outside of the YouTube sphere, we’ve seen the phenomenon spread into the mainstream, with celebrities like Bill Gates, Conan O’Brien, and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.

Heck, the Ice Bucket Challenge has spread so far that even fictional characters, like Homer Simpson, Kermit the Frog, and the cast of Bungie’s Destiny have taken part!

As one would expect, it was just a matter of time before we’d start seeing this hit the anime world. On August 29, FUNimation’s Justin Rojas responded to accept a challenge from voice actor Tom Haberkorn on the behalf of the company.

Rojas delivered on the challenge in true FUNimation fashion. The actual video, titled “The Most EPIC ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!”, is over the top and simply ridiculous in its execution. Really, the entire checklist for “internet epic” was ticked off with a sweeping soundtrack, dramatic camera angles, time-lapse footage, and slow motion reaction shots. It’s quirky, over the top, and just plain fun.

For their own nominations, FUNimation nominated their friends at Viz Media, Aniplex of America, Sentai Filmworks, and Crunchyroll. And, to be honest, it’ll be interesting to see how each company responds!

Those interested in donating to ALS research can do so at the ALS Associaton’s website. You don’t need to be a challenger to help knock this disease out of existence!

About the author

Samantha Ferreira

Samantha Ferreira is Anime Herald’s founder and editor-in-chief. A Rhode Island native, Samantha has been an anime fan since 1992, and an active member of the anime press since 2002, when she began working as a reviewer for Anime Dream. She launched Anime Herald in 2010, and continues to oversee its operations to this day. Outside of journalism, Samantha actively studies the history of the North American anime fandom and industry, with a particular focus on the 2000s anime boom and bust. She’s a huge fan of all things Sakura Wars, and maintains series fansite Combat Revue Review when she has free time available. When not in the Anime Herald Discord, Samantha can typically be found on Bluesky.

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