Amazon launches subscription anime channel

Amazon has launched a subscription anime channel as part of its US Amazon Channels line-up.

Anime Strike by Amazon Channels is available for US$4.99 (€4.70) per-month and promises manga classics, exclusives from Japan and new episodes each week.

According to a Variety report, Anime Strike is Amazon’s first branded subscription channel and the e-retail giant has plans to launch its own additional SVOD channels in the coming months.

Amazon first launched its channels offering in December 2015 by enabling major TV networks and content makers – like Showtime, Starz, AMC and A+E Network – to offer partner subscriptions to Amazon Prime customers.

The scheme allows Amazon Prime customers to manage different video subscriptions via Amazon, with the e-retailer taking responsibility for customer service, billing, device compatibility, content serving and streaming infrastructure.

HBO and Cinemax joined the US Amazon Channels line-up in December, while a string of job posts from last summer indicated that Amazon Video is planning to launch its Channels programme in Europe.