Next Club Meeting: April 20, 2024, at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Animatrix Network is an anime & manga fan club located in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. We usually meet on the third Saturday of each month (except when holidays or conventions coincide). The meetings are free and open to the public. Join us for a day filled with anime.

This site provides news, reviews, commentaries, and previews of the world of anime and everything it inspires, such as live-action films, comics, music, art, and other weird things to enjoy and contemplate.

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Birth of a Monster | A Star Wars Story


Birth of a Monster: A STAR WARS Story
This is a not-for-profit STAR WARS short film produced by Escape Velocity Content, LLC. Themes, characters, music, etc. found within the film and its visuals are the property of Lucasfilm LTD, LLC & Walt Disney Studios (The Walt Disney Company). 

"Birth of a Monster" is a story of discovery and friendship surrounding a mysterious young boy and his loyal droid on the desert planet, Tatooine. What they discover will shape future generations in their galaxy.

Friday, March 29, 2019

Godzilla: King of the Monsters New Teaser


GODZILLA: King of the Monsters
Following the global success of “Godzilla” and “Kong: Skull Island” comes the next chapter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse: “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” an epic action adventure that pits Godzilla against some of the most popular monsters in pop culture history. 
"This is Godzilla's world."
The film was directed by Michael Dougherty (“Krampus”), and stars Kyle Chandler (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Manchester by the Sea”) as well as Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Conjuring” films); Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”) in her feature film debut; Bradley Whitford (“Get Out”); Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“Shape of Water”, “Blue Jasmine”); Charles Dance (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”); Thomas Middleditch (HBO’s “Silicon Valley”); Aisha Hinds (“Star Trek Into Darkness”); O’Shea Jackson Jr. (“Straight Outta Compton”); Oscar nominee David Strathairn (“Good Night and Good Luck”), with Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai) and Golden Globe nominee Ziyi Zhang (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). 
"We just live in it."
The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.
"DAMN right."

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Anime Viewing Schedule for March 30, 2019

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Wood Dale Public Library
We've got the cure for GLITCHING. Watch ANIME!

Main Meeting Room, 10:15 am to 5:00 pm
10:15 - 11:05   Planet With 11-12 (end)
11:05 - 11:55   Karakuri Circus 9-10
11:55 - 12:45   Golden Kamuy 1-2
12:45 - 1:15     Club Meeting / Announcements
1:15 - 2:05       Dororo 1-2
2:05 - 2:55       S.S.S.S. Gridman 8-9
2:55 - 4:35       Godzilla: Planet Eater (Feature Presentation)

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss the exciting anime series: Dororo and Golden Kamuy
ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Leaked STAR WARS IX Images! Are they REAL?

STAR WARS IX: LEAKED PICS
[Source: aintitcool] Images of the merchandise art and/or poster, and several costume concepts and action figures from STAR WARS EPISODE IX were leaked overnight, and here they are for you NOW. The first, and largest image, is FULL of new looks at previous characters, and first looks at some new ones! We get our first look at Zorii, portrayed by Keri Russell, as well as (reportedly) Lando Calrissian's daughter, Zannah, played by Naomi Ackie, a Resistance officer played by Dominic Monaghan, a First Order officer played by Richard E. Grant and a troop of red stormtroopers (their helmets blending elements from the clone trooper helmets and the stormtrooper helmets from both the original and sequel trilogies). Also of note is Kylo Ren's re-forged helmet, bearing the marks of having previously been smashed to bits by him in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. The broken/repaired look adds menace to the sleek helmet he's work through the previous two chapters of the sequel trilogy. It also gives us what is simultaneously a cool and foreboding image: C-3PO wearing Chewbacca's bandolier and wielding his bowcaster. The Knights Of Ren are also prominently featured on the poster, indicating that we may finally see them in action for more than a brief flashback.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Cosplay Galore at C2E2 2019


C2E2 2019 COSPLAY
See some of the Best Cosplayers at this year's C2E2! The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is a Chicago fan convention dedicated to comics, pop culture, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. The inaugural event was held April 16–18, 2010 at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo is commonly known simply as "C2E2".

More About Cosplay: Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words "costume play," is a performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture, and a broader use of the term "cosplay" applies to any costumed role-playing in venues apart from the stage. Any entity that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject and it is not unusual to see genders switched. Favorite sources include anime, cartoons, comic books, manga, live-action films, television series, and video games.

Monday, March 25, 2019

'Hanna' Season 1 - Amazon Prime Trailer


H A N N A
HANNA follows the journey of an extraordinary young girl raised in the forest, as she evades the relentless pursuit of an off-book CIA agent and tries to unearth the truth behind who she is. Series premiere March 29, 2019.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

The Next Club Meeting is March 30, 2019

 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Maybe we can get to the meeting faster on a 45?

Wood Dale Public Library
520 N. Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL  60191
Main Meeting Room
Saturday, March 30, 2019
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
 

Our next club meeting will be at the Wood Dale Public Library
Main Meeting Room (on your far right as you enter the front doors), 
from 10:15 AM to 5:00 PM 
(until the library closes).

There is public transportation available. 
A Metra train-stop is located within walking distance. 

Please note: If you are driving, please park your car 
on the south side of the building (not the front) in order to 
make room for other library patrons.
 
A Viewing Schedule will be posted soon.
 
Hope to see you all there!

(Click below for maps

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Toy Story 4 - Official Trailer

TOY STORY 4
On the road of life there are old friends, new friends, and stories that change you.

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

Friday, March 22, 2019

Alien: 40th Anniversary Shorts


ALIEN: 40th Anniversary
ALIEN ANTHOLOGY
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking sci-fi horror film Alien (1979), six visionary filmmakers were selected to bring their Alien-inspired stories to life. From terrifying escapes, to Facehuggers and Xenomorphs, these captivating shorts brings forth an exciting new narrative for fans while paying homage to the original film.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Trailer for 'Stranger Things 3'


STRANGER THINGS
One summer can change everything. Watch the official trailer for Stranger Things 3. Premiering July 4. Only on Netflix.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

The Real Reason Disney Re-Hired James Gunn

YES! He's Ba-a-a-a-ck!!!
The Avengers aren't the only ones making a huge comeback this year. Disney and Marvel Studios have made the unexpected decision to re-hire James Gunn to finish what he started with the Guardians of the Galaxy series. What happened in the months since Gunn's firing to make this unlikely triumph possible? 

To call James Gunn's firing in July 2018 "unexpected" would be a bit of an understatement. Under Gunn's direction, the Guardians came out of nowhere to become one of the most successful series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe... pretty impressive for a property that was all but unknown before 2014. 

On top of the money the movies brought in, they also earned rave reviews, making talking trees and trash pandas beloved household names for families across the world. 

But as Gunn's sudden firing seemed to demonstrate, all of that success meant nothing in the face of corporate mandate. 

The third Guardians movie was originally set to begin filming in fall 2018, but was shut down indefinitely after the controversial decision was made to fire Gunn for provocative past tweets. 

A few days after Disney's decision was made public, the main cast of the franchise rebuked the company with an extraordinary open letter calling for Gunn to be reinstated. The remarkable show of support left many hoping that the situation could be turned around. But publicly, the company was unswayed, and it soon looked like Disney would rather scuttle Volume 3 in its entirety than bring Gunn back.

Watch to learn more about the real reason Disney re-hired James Gunn for GOTG 3!

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Photographer Captures Toys In Amazing Shots


READY... SET... ACTION!
This snapper spends hours painstakingly putting together explosive action shots – out of TOYS. Photographer Jared Middleton, 26, recreates the dramatic scenes using well-known children's characters like a Stormtrooper from Star Wars and Pokemon's Charmander. Call centre worker Jared, from New York, began taking the pictures as a hobby in 2014 in local parks, abandoned buildings and his own backyard. He said: "After I started taking my toy photography, I began posting my collection on Instagram.

Monday, March 18, 2019

Kyoto Tachibana SHS Band - Disneyland Anaheim


This is incredible! The Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Marching Band performs in Disneyland.

Sunday, March 17, 2019

DC Super Hero Girls Series on Cartoon Network


DC SUPER HERO GIRLS
Be sure to watch the latest episode of DC SUPER HERO GIRLS every Sunday at 4pm ET/PT on Cartoon Network!
Watch the all-new series on Cartoon Network.
Saving the day is super easy when you’re a Super Hero. But stopping evil in its tracks while keeping up grades and managing a social life, all before curfew? Ugh. That’s, like, super tough. DC Super Hero Girls are more than crime-fighting besties, they’re a diverse group of dedicated super-teens! Working together, they fight the battles of Metropolis and the battles of growing, up all at the same time. Always discovering new ways to control their powers and abilities, these awesome girls are quickly learning (sometimes the hard way) how to deal with the super challenges of being a teenage Super Hero. 
We all have the power to make a difference. Just make sure to use it for good or you’ll find yourself up against those tenacious teens, the DC Super Hero Girls.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Batman vs TMNT


BATMAN VS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Warner Bros Animation, Nickelodeon, and DC Entertainment released a trailer for "BATMAN VS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" a new animated film. The film is based on the six-part crossover comic book series by Freddie Williams II and James Tynion IV.

"BATMAN VS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" is the first time the turtles will appear in a PG-13 fully animated film. Also, it is the first Nickelodeon animated movie to be rated PG-13. "BATMAN VS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" is set to be released on Blu-Ray and Digital HD in the late Spring of this year. 

Friday, March 15, 2019

Marvel's Avengers: Endgame - Official Trailer


"Whatever it takes."
Watch the brand-new trailer for Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame.
In theaters April 26.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Disney's Aladdin Official Trailer


A L A D D I N
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
In Theaters May 24

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Apex Legends Official Launch Trailer

- APEX LEGENDS -
Conquer with character in Apex Legends™, a free-to-play* battle royale game where legendary challengers fight for glory, fame, and fortune on the fringes of the Frontier. Explore a growing roster of diverse characters and experience intense tactical squad play in a bold, new evolution of battle royale.


Play for free* now on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Origin for PC:

Monday, March 11, 2019

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Trailer

C O D E  G E A S S:
Lelouch of the Re;surrection
[Source: AnimeNewsNetwork] Funimation began streaming a new English-subtitled trailer on Friday for the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (Code Geass: Fukkatsu no Lelouch) sequel anime film. (The video is only available in the United States and Canada.)

The film opened on February 9 in 120 theaters in Japan, and debuted at #5 at the Japanese box office. The film has earned a cumulative total of 705,524,950 yen (about US$6.35 million) as of February 24, and has sold more than 500,000 tickets as of March 2. 

Funimation will screen the film in North America on May 5 (subtitled), and on May 7-8 (dubbed), after screening the film at Seattle's Sakura-Con convention in April. 

Director Goro Taniguchi confirmed that many of the key staff members returned for the movie, and specifically emphasized that the story is complete in one film, which serves as a finale. The film's story begins in the world two years after Zero Requiem. 

Leo Ieiri performed the opening theme song "Kono Sekai de" (In This World), and Unione performed the ending theme song "Revive." In addition, Ali Project performed the insert song "Utsukushiki Kemonotachi no Tame no" (For the Beautiful Creatures).

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Anime Ultraman Coming to Netflix in April


U L T R A M A N
Ultraman’s next generation is here and its larger than life! Years ago, the famous giant of light Ultraman worked to protect peace on Earth. Now, a new champion arises: Shinjiro Hayata, a high-school student who must don the Ultra Suit and the worries that come with it. The son of the former Ultraman, he will become this generation’s new hero! Netflix Original Anime Ultraman starts streaming worldwide April 1st, only on Netflix.

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Brightburn - Trailer #2

B B R E I . G A H F T R B A U I R D N
What if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister? In this horrific take on the classic superhero trope, a couple (Elizabeth Banks and David Denman) adopts a baby who came from the stars. While they attempt to raise the boy (Jackson A. Dunn) to use his powers for good, an evil begins to grow inside that he unleashes upon an unsuspecting world. Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn produced this comic book-style horror film.

Friday, March 8, 2019

How To Train Your Dragon ANIME Style


Hikku to Doragon Anime
Jess the Dragoon: "This is what I think Dreamworks How To Train Your Dragon 2 and 3 would look like as an anime. I adapted this from the HTTYD2 teaser trailer from way back in 2014 and a bit of my own HTTYD3 scene based off the Hidden World trailers there are at this point. If How To Train Your Dragon were a full anime, I would imagine it to be a two- or three-season series about the adventures of Hikku (Hiccup) and Tuusu (Toothless). Kinda like an anime spinoff of the existing HTTYD movies and series. One of the toughest animations I've worked on since Let It Go Genderbend because I can hardly animate animals. XP"

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

New 'Hellboy' Red Band Trailer

HELLBoY
Hellboy is called to the English countryside to battle a trio of rampaging giants. There he discovers The Blood Queen, Nimue, a resurrected ancient sorceress thirsting to avenge a past betrayal. Suddenly caught in a clash between the supernatural and the human, Hellboy is now hell-bent on stopping Nimue without triggering the end of the world.
In theaters April 12, 2019
Starring David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, and Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Penelope Mitchell, with Daniel Dae Kim.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

"ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL" the Game

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL THE GAME!
FoxNext Games, Lightstorm Entertainment and GameArk today launched Alita: Battle Angel - The Game, the official game based on the epic film, “Alita: Battle Angel”
Developed by GameArk, Alita: Battle Angel - The Game is a cyberpunk MMORPG mobile game where players are thrust into the cinematic universe of Iron City to experience the action, adventure and strife of Alita’s battle to save humanity from the evil Grewishka. Players will team up with Alita and her cyborg friends to rise up against the power-hungry forces of The Factory in the fight for their future, and that of the citizens of Iron City.
Featuring PvE and PvP gameplay, Alita: Battle Angel - The Game will test players’ abilities in various challenges and high-octane, action-packed events inspired by the film. Players will have the opportunity to take control of their hero and enhance the character with cybernetic upgrades and weapons, and recruit a crew of powerful mercenaries to assist in battle and gather friends to explore Iron City and take control of their destiny!
Alita: Battle Angel - The Game is now available to download in North America and Europe on Google Play and the App Store, with a worldwide launch coming soon. For more information, follow Alita: Battle Angel - The Game on Facebook

Monday, March 4, 2019

Kia Asamiya Launches New Speope!!

Kia Asamiya Launches Speope!!
New Manga Series in March
[Source: AnimeNwsNetwork] Manga creator Kia Asamiya announced on his Twitter account on February 10 that he will launch a new manga titled Speope!! (Space Opera!!) in the May issue of Shonengahosha's Young King Ours magazine on March 30. The manga centers on the protagonist Opera Cat Rune and the protagonist's machine, the "Fragile," as they travel through space. At the same time, Kamon the Robot contemplates where it is from, where it is headed, and what it will become. 
Manga centers on a space pilot and robot
in a space opera adventure
Asamiya recently ended the Silent Möbius QD (Quadriga) manga last June. Asamiya launched the series in August 2013. Kodansha scheduled the fourth compiled volume for April 2018, but it has not yet shipped, and is now listed for release on June 20. 
Asamiya created the Silent Möbius, Steam Detectives, Compiler, and Junk: Record of the Last Hero manga, among others. He provided character designs for the Martian Successor Nadesico anime (which he later adapted into the Nadesico manga), adapted the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace film into a manga, and wrote and drew the Batman: The Child of Dreams comic. Many of his manga have been adapted into anime. 

Viz Media published his Silent Möbius and Steam Detectives manga in North America, while CPM Manga published Nadesico, and DrMaster published Junk: Record of the Last Hero.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

New Trailer for 'Dark Phoenix'

D A R K   P H O E N I X
In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiralling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

Saturday, March 2, 2019

New Trailer for Detective Pikachu

DETECTIVE PIKACHU
Based off of the portable Nintendo Game of the same name, DETECTIVE PIKACHU sends us another trailer.

Starring Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu! Pikachu finds the single person in the world who can understand him, and together they embark on an adventure to solve the mystery of a disappearance of a great detective. Also starring Justice Smith.

The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened.  Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City—a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side in a hyper-realistic live-action world—they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Japan vs the World!


Photos That Prove Japan Is
Different From The Rest Of The World
Japanese culture is absolutely incomparable to any in our Western world. Their deeply rooted politeness, precision, and dedication to work are rarely seen anywhere else. And though you might know Japan as a home to anime, sumo wrestlers, cherry blossoms and bullet trains, their ingenuity shows in many other aspects of their daily lives. Starting with extremely innovative toilets and vending machines filled with fresh farm eggs, to the unique system of Tokyo subway and drainage canals swarming with Koi fish. These are just a particle of the interesting facts about Japanese culture. Actually, there are so many that this one post couldn't fit them all.