The crossword solution for the term 'THEY'VE COME A LONG WAY IN ANIME' is ALIENS, which refers to the increasing presence of ALIENS in anime over the years. ALIENS have become a common trope in anime, appearing in many popular series such as Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Attack on Titan. ALIENS are often used to represent the unknown, and their presence in anime has allowed for more creative storytelling and exploration of different themes.