Groups / [KAA]
KickAssAnime
Ripper: re-encodes or redistributes another group’s release (or raw video). Not original fansub work.
Profile
KickAssAnime is a DVD-ripping group founded in mid-2003 with a stated philosophy built around two things: single-language Japanese audio only, and resistance to format experimentation in favor of consistent quality. Their complete Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) release, landing in July 2005, is the best-reviewed and most-voted-on release in that show's entire fansub history, 8.87 from 263 votes, well ahead of every other group that ever touched the show.
Signature style
Japanese audio only, no dub support ever. Deliberately resisted adopting Matroska and H.264 long after other groups had switched, prioritizing simplicity over new formats. Increased file sizes from 233MB to 280MB+ per episode in pursuit of quality even when that was inconvenient for users without a DVD burner.
Anime Releases 11
Bleach
8 / 366 eps · DVD · AnimeSuki preserves KickAssAnime DVD batches for Bleach 1–4 and 5–8.
8 / 366
Partial
2004–2012
Lore Mentions 10
Stat Block
Chrono Crusade
KickAssAnime's Release Is the One With the Numbers
What AniDB Actually Documents
Stat Block
Full Metal Panic!
KickAssAnime's Release Is the One With the Numbers
2002–2005: The IRC XDCC to BitTorrent Revolution
Timeline
Fullmetal Alchemist
KickAssAnime Came Later With the Complete DVD Set
The 2003–2004 Broadcast Era
KickAssAnime
A Crowded Field, One Clear Winner
Stat Block
Hellsing
KickAssAnime [KAA] Archival Preservation Batch
Late-Night IRC & Early BitTorrent (2001-2004)
Stat Block
Macross Plus
KickAssAnime Has the Highest Rating, But It May Just Be the Cleanest Rip
What AniDB Actually Documents
Lore
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
KickAssAnime and Anime-HQ Were the DVD-Era Alternatives
2002-2004: Real Groups, a Real Personal Crackdown, and New Groups Who Ignored It
Lore
Neon Genesis Evangelion
KickAssAnime Never Finished It, and Still Has the Highest Rating
1995–1998: The S-VHS Mail-Order Era
Stat Block
Read or Die
KickAssAnime's Release Is the One People Actually Remember
2001–2003: The Early 2000s Digital OVA Explosion
Stat Block
Samurai Champloo
KickAssAnime [KAA] Archival Batch
Fuji TV Broadcast & BitTorrent Era (2004-2005)
