Castlevania Season 4 - Official Trailer

Castlevania - Season 4

Dracula's influence looms large as Belmont and Sypha investigate plans to resurrect the notorious vampire. Alucard struggles to embrace his humanity.

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Disney and Pixar’s Luca - Official Trailer

L U C A

This summer, you’re invited to Portorosso. Watch the new trailer for Disney and Pixar’s Luca and see the film June 18 on Disney+.

▶ Watch the Official Trailer

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”),

Tale of the Legendary Black Samurai...

- Y  A  S  U  K  E -

In a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords. 

Premieres April 29, only on Netflix
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CGI Animated Spot "Geoff" Short Film

--- G  E  O  F  F ---

Nobody knew where young Geoffrey’s obsession came from. All anyone knew, was that the boy loved Beanz. In fact, they were his entire life. But as is often the way, one moment, or one woman, changed everything. And that is where this story starts. Watch the film to see how Geoff came to invent a Heinz Beanz can size, perfect for every Aussie. Campaign created by Y&R NZ and Assembly Ltd, with music by Franklin Road, for Kraft Heinz Australia.

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The Yeti Adventures - Mission Kathmandu

The Yeti Adventures

Quebec City, 1956. Nelly Maloye, an ebullient novice detective, accidentally crosses paths with Simon Picard, an ambitious research assistant in anthropology at the local university. Backed by a glory-seeking philanthropist, the intuitive but disorganized Nelly and the methodical, obsessive Simon set off on a wild adventure, determined to prove the existence of the Abominable Snowman. To achieve this goal, Simon relies on the coded diary of a missing explorer - a diary that should lead them to the mythic creature's lair. Accompanied by Tenzig Gombu, a clever and enigmatic young Sherpa guide, and Jazzmin, a talkative myna bird, our heroes confront a host of dangers in the heart of the Himalayas as they seek that legendary beast: the Yeti. 

Coming May 1, 2021 to NETFLIX

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The Mitchells vs. The Machines

The Mitchells vs. The Machines

A quirky, dysfunctional family's road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope!

▶ Watch The Mitchells vs. The Machines Trailer

Directed by Michael Rianda (Gravity Falls), produced by Oscar winners Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and Kurt Albrecht, and featuring the voices of Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Beck Bennett, Fred Armisen, Eric Andre, and Oscar winner Olivia Colman, The Mitchells vs. The Machines is about embracing the things that make us unique, learning what it means to be human in a world increasingly filled with technology, and holding tight to the people most important to you when the unexpected hits.

Only on Netflix on April 30.

Toonstone - Independent Animated Film

T  O  O  N  S  T  O  N  E

The Wild Wild Mess

Dalton, a wandering singer in the Old West, becomes the sheriff of Toonstone after killing several outlaws totally by accident. With the help of his smooth talking horse and metrosexual Indian sidekick, Dalton faces down the worst threats imaginable.

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Netflix's Jupiter’s Legacy

JUPITER'S LEGACY

Based on the American superhero comic book series written by Mark Millar & drawn by Frank Quitely, Jupiter's Legacy will tell the story of the first generation of superheroes and their children, who've been tasked with continuing their parent's legendary ideals and have the job of defending the world. Jupiter’s Legacy premiers only on Netflix on May 7th, 2021 and will star Josh Duhamel, Ben Daniels, Leslie Bibb, Elena Kampouris, Andrew Horton, Mike Wade and Matt Lanter.

▶ Watch the Trailer

Anime Viewing Schedule for April 24, 2021

 

 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, April 24, 2021

Fountaindale Public Library

VIEWING SCHEDULE

          11:15 - 12:05   Jujutsu Kaisen 3-4
          12:05 - 12:55   Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation 3-4

          12:55 - 1:35     Club Meeting

          1:35 - 2:25       Kemono Jihen 2-3
          2:25 - 3:15       Attack on Titan: Final Season 3-4

          3:15 - 4:40       Goblin Slayer: Goblin's Crown

Jaiden Dancing to Pokemon Music!
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Meeting Room A, First Floor

From 11:15 AM to 5:00 PM

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.

 

Don't miss the exciting anime series: Kemono Jihen and Mushoku Tensei

* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 2 Teaser

STAR TREK: Lower Decks - Season 2

Your favorite scrappy underdogs of the U.S.S. Cerritos return with exciting new adventures. The new season of "Star Trek: Lower Decks" premieres August 12, exclusively on Paramount+.

▶ Watch the Teaser

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

SHANG-CHI and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, alongside Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Fala Chen, Meng'er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng, and Michelle Yeoh. In the film, Shang-Chi is forced to confront his past after he is drawn into the Ten Rings organization. Shang-Chi is a Marvel Studios production as part of Phase Four of the MCU. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is scheduled to be released on September 3, 2021.

▶ Watch the Trailer

Day in the Life of a Japanese Manga Creator

Day in the Life of a Japanese Manga Creator

Mangaka day in the life in Japan also known as a Manga artist and manga creator. This documentary style video show the life of Mangaka from morning until the evening at the mangaka workplace, home and general mangaka working schedule. Working in Japan and Tokyo life is unique in itself, but even more unique for a Manga artist creating manga in Tokyo Japan. Mangaka illustrate manga commonly known as comic book. Maybe in Western societies, Mangaka are referred to as cartoonist or comic book illustrators. Manga creators in Japan with rensai status work with publishers to produce weekly manga. This Manga artist day in the life follows Reiji Miyajima 宮島礼吏 , who lives in Tokyo Japan and creates the manga Kanajo okarishimasu 彼女お借りします which translates to Rent a Girlfriend. Mangaka working in Japan often work in their home and set aside office space for them and their assistants. In fact, we also get a look into Mangaka Assistant life as well as how manga is created. Many Manga Creators work on serial comic books with weekly deadlines, meaning that each day of the work week in Japan is different as the manga creation process has to produce 1 new manga per week. Manga artist must not only know how to draw and create manga, but they also must know how to manage manga assistants. We even touch on Mangaka salary for first time manga creators. An inside look on how manga and comic books are made in Japan.

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Is Kennedy OUT as Lucasfilm President?

STAR WARS Rumor:

Is Kathleen Kennedy OUT as Lucasfilm President?

Multiple sources claim that Kennedy is finished as President of Lucasfilm, either stripped of power in regard to Star Wars or literally out the door. I started investigating this when Star Wars twitter went silent for over a week, and this is what my sources tell me. Now, I realize that we have been down this road many times before, and I am neutral to skeptical about these claims, but when a number of different people suddenly start telling you variations of the same thing (coupled with a number of recent oddities reported by other sources), it gets my attention. So I've decided to share with you verbatim a lot of what I've been told, but please bear in mind this is definitely rumor, and take it with a truckload of salt! - Overlord DVD

▶ Watch the Video

Next Club Meeting is April 24, 2021

 

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K

"Time to get out of those tight cramp spaces!"

M O N T H L Y   M E E T I N G

Fountaindale Public Library

300 W. Briarcliff Road

Bolingbrook, IL  60440

Meeting Room A (1st Floor)

Saturday, April 24, 2021

11:15 AM - 5:00 PM

PLEASE READ

 

We will be in the large MEETING ROOM A on the

First Floor. At this time, masks will be required.
There can be only one person per desk (in order to
keep that 6 foot distance from each other).
The maximum number of people allowed

in the room is TEN, so please 

arrive early to claim your seat.

SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES:

In order to help protect patrons and staff, and in adherence with the state of Illinois’ Phase 4 meeting room guidelines, we ask that you please adhere to the following requirements when visiting the library:

1. Wear a face covering or mask at all times.
   
2. Maintain social distancing of at least six feet apart.
   
3. Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer often.
   
4. No food or drink inside the library (Please note, the water fountains are turned off, and Brooks Cafe is not open at this time.)
   
5. Staff will wipe down furniture and equipment with disinfectant between groups.
   
6. Reduced capacities and availability for meeting spaces. One person per table. There will be limited seating.
   
7. If you feel sick or have a high temperature, please use common sense and stay at home. 
   

 

THANK YOU!

Hope to see everyone there!

 

A Viewing Schedule will be posted soon.

 

Hope to see you all there!

(Click below for maps)

DOOM CROSSING: Eternal Horizons

DOOM CROSSING: Eternal Horizons

Music Video featuring Natalia Natchan

We couldn't walk past the most unexpected game crossover of 2020. With "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" and "DOOM Eternal" released the same day, the adorable duo of Isabelle and Doom Slayer aka Doom Guy has spread across the Internet. We thought that it may be a good idea to mix the sound of both worlds into one song and animation!

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Marguerite Tram

Marguerite Tram

Diesel drives an old tram that nobody uses. One day, an old woman rides the tram and wants to go to a station that no longer exists.

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'EDEN' on Netflix

E  D  E  N

"Thousands of years in the future, a city known as 'Eden' is inhabited solely by Artificially Intelligent robots whose former masters vanished long ago. On a routine assignment, within the depths of the city, two maintenance robots accidentally awaken a human baby girl from stasis questioning all they were taught to believe-- that humans were nothing more than a forbidden ancient myth. Together, the two robots secretly raise the child in a safe haven outside Eden."  Premieres May 27, only on Netflix.

 

[Source: Collider] Have you ever wondered what life on Earth would be like if robots ever took over? Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood director Yasuhiro Irie sure has, as his new series Eden centers around this concept. The show was a highlight of Netflix’s panel at the virtually-held AnimeJapan 2021, where the streaming giant announced its global release date with a new trailer. This news is part of Netflix's plan to release 40 new, original anime titles in 2021 — close to double the number the streamer released last year.

The show takes place thousands of years into the future as robots replaced their human creators in the population and now settle in the titular city. It takes place so far into the future, in fact, that humans have long been considered a myth or a legend. However, two maintenance robots A37 (Kyoko Hikami) and E92 (Kentaro Ito) discover a human baby named Sara (Marika Kono) in cryosleep while on a routine assignment. With their personal and societal beliefs thrown into question, the robots decide to raise the child outside of Eden in secret. As Sara grows older, she begins to learn the sinister truth about the world she was hidden from.

The new trailer has a somewhat different tone than the one released in October of last year, as it focuses more on how the universe’s robots feel about the nearly-extinct human race. However, the dynamic art style and mysterious yet engaging plot still stand out. It looks and sounds great, so get ready to add this into your Netflix queue.

Eden is expected to be Netflix’s first entirely-original Japanese anime. While Netflix has released original anime programs such as Castlevania and Neo Yokio in the past, these were often American-Japanese co-productions. Even anime shows labeled as “Netflix Originals” were licensed from different Japanese studios. Eden, however, is a wholly-original Netflix property from Qubic Pictures and CGCG studios.

Irie directed all four episodes of the new series, while Ghost in the Shell 2 and Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Justin Leach handled producing duties. The show’s script was written by Kimiko Ueno, who wrote episodes of Little Witch Academia and Space Dandy.

Eden's new trailer states that the show is slated to premiere on May 27.
Check out the date announcement trailer below. 

▶ Watch the Trailer

Battle Over ‘Macross’ & ‘Robotech’ Finally Ends

The Decades Long Rights Battle Over ‘Macross’
And ‘Robotech’ Has Finally Been Resolved

By Ollie Barder

[Source: Forbes] In a pretty astonishing turn of events, both Bigwest and Harmony Gold have agreed to work together on the global distribution of the Macross and Robotech franchises.

This has been one of the longest running legal battles in anime and I never thought I would see it resolved in my lifetime.

To put it simply, Robotech was built from three disparate mecha anime; Macross, Southern Cross and MOSPEADA. Tatsunoko Productions sold the these rights to Harmony Gold, who then edited them together to create Robotech.

The issue was that in the case of Macross, Tatsunoko Productions was not the only owner of the property. The other party involved was a Japanese company called Bigwest, that has in the years since funded the creation of new installments in the Macross saga.

There have been many legal battles about this issue of incomplete rights ownership, but it looks like these have finally been worked out between Bigwest and Harmony Gold.

While I thought this could be some kind of delayed April Fool’s joke, both the original Macross and Robotech sites have press statements to confirm this (here and here respectively). I even checked with Shoji Kawamori’s team and they confirmed this was actually real as well

Considering that the bulk of the Macross saga has been landlocked to Japan, I am just glad that both the work of Shoji Kawamori and Kazutaka Miyatake will finally be made more widely available.

As to the details of what this agreement entails, this is what the official press statement has to say:

“Tokyo based BIGWEST CO.,LTD. and Los Angeles based Harmony Gold U.S.A. announced an agreement regarding the worldwide rights for the legendary Macross and Robotech franchises. This expansive agreement signed by both companies on March 1, 2021, ends two decades of disagreements and will allow Bigwest and Harmony Gold to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential of both the Macross and Robotech franchises worldwide. The landmark agreement immediately permits worldwide distribution of most of the Macross films and television sequels worldwide, and also confirms that Bigwest will not oppose the Japanese release of an anticipated upcoming live-action Robotech film. The agreement also recognizes Harmony Gold’s longstanding exclusive license with Tatsunoko for the use of the 41 Macross characters and mecha in the Robotech television series and related merchandise throughout the world excluding Japan. Moving forward, both parties will cooperate on distribution regarding future Macross and Robotech projects for the benefit of both franchises.”

Regarding the details of what Macross instalments will be given a wider release remains to be seen. I have also reached out to companies like Bandai Spirits to find out whether their extensive toy and model kit lines for Macross will also be finally released globally.

In any case, as a long-term fan of Macross, I can happily say that today is definitely a good day.

▶ Watch the Video

INVINCIBLE - Complete Comic History

The Comic History of INVINCIBLE

Invincible is an American adult animated superhero streaming television series, based on the comic book character of the same name by Robert Kirkman, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 26, 2021. The series stars Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, and J. K. Simmons.

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Mark Grayson is a normal teenager, except for the fact that his father, Nolan, is the most powerful superhero on the planet. Shortly after his seventeenth birthday, Mark begins to develop powers of his own and enters into his father's tutelage.

BELLE (2021) - 70 Second Trailer [HQ]

B  E  L  L  E

This film will be a collaborative effort between Studio Chizu and Cartoon Saloon, the Irish studio behind Song of the Sea, Secret of Kells and Wolfwalkers. They are also recruiting Jin Kim, a Disney animator, for the character design for the titular character Belle (the pink-haired lady).

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ONE PUNCH MAN - LIVE-ACTION

ONE PUNCH MAN - LIVE-ACTION
Saitama vs Genos

"Thanks to Player 1 Films for Co-Producing this with us. Thank you to the fans of RE:Anime, without you guys we wouldn't be here today. We hope you enjoyed the film and we look forward to creating more live-action anime content for you all to enjoy in the near future! We also must thank our amazing crew who came out, without you all this film would not be possible. Thank you for your dedication to your craft, we sincerely appreciate it." 

- RE:ANIME

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Ballad of Bea and Cad - A LIGHTFALL Adventure

The Ballad of Bea and Cad

Bea and Cad venture into the Aquarium of Doom to find

the precious moonstone that can save Bea's parents.

Based on the Book LIGHTFALL by Tim Probert

For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the first book of the Lightfall series introduces Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness.

Deep in the heart of the planet Irpa stands the Salty Pig’s House of Tonics & Tinctures, home of the wise Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter, Bea. As keepers of the Endless Flame, they live a quiet and peaceful life, crafting medicines and potions for the people of their once-prosperous world.

All that changes one day when, while walking through the woods, Bea meets Cad, a member of the Galdurians, an ancient race thought to be long-extinct. Cad believes that if anyone can help him find his missing people, it’s the Pig Wizard.

But when the two arrive home, the Pig Wizard is nowhere to be found—all that’s left is the Jar of Endless Flame and a mysterious note. Fearing for the Pig Wizard’s safety, Bea and Cad set out across Irpa to find him, while danger fights its way out of the shadows and into the light.

Will these two unexpected friends find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world? Or has Irpa truly seen its last sunrise?

▶ Watch the Short Film

ZOMBILLENIUM: Theme Park of the Dead!

ZOMBILLENIUM

“Zombillénium boasts a rock-solid concept and some of the most appealing character design in recent memory.” -  Variety

“An entertaining, irrepressibly European animated feature grounded in an amusing gothic fantasy concept... Could almost be described as the hippest animated feature involving undead creatures and amusement parks since Scooby-Doo.” - The Hollywood Reporter 

Zombillenium (French: Zombillénium) is a 2017 French-Belgian animated film directed by Arthur de Pins and Alexis Ducord, based on the comic series of the same name. It was shown in the Special Screening section at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

Zombillenium is an amusement park like no other: only genuine werewolves, vampires, zombies, and other citizens of the undead community are employed there… for eternity. One day, Hector, a young compliance officer, comes to control the park's safety and threatens to shut it down. Francis, the vampire who manages the park, has no choice but to bite him to protect his business. And so Hector is hired. He gets to know his co-workers and Gretchen, a witch who's interning at the park, teaches him the workplace culture. Hector could well be Zombillenium’s last chance: attendance figures are down and the park needs a new special attraction to avoid bankruptcy. But deep down Hector longs for his young daughter, Lucy, who’s waiting for him back in the 'real' world...

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▶ ♫ Stand As One ♪

▶ Watch in 360 VR 3D 4K

AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER: Zuko vs Azula

AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER:
Zuko vs Azula
Directed by Josh Mabie ​

"Thank you to the fans of RE:Anime, without you guys we wouldn't be here today. We know this video took far longer than anyone expected but we are just so glad that you stuck it out with us until the end. We hope you enjoyed the film and we look forward to creating more live-action anime content for you all to enjoy in the near future! Thank you fellow shinobi's," - The RE:Anime Team

▶ Watch the Short Film
Help Create Anime Films: https://www.patreon.com/reanime

Remembering 'Clone High'

C L O N E   H I G H

Clone High (occasionally referred to in the U.S. as Clone High U.S.A.) is a Canadian–American adult animated series created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Bill Lawrence. The show centers on a high school populated by the clones of famous historical figures. The central cast includes adolescent depictions of Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, Cleopatra, and JFK. The series also serves as a parody of teen dramas such as Dawson's Creek and Beverly Hills, 90210; every episode is introduced as a "very special episode".

Lord and Miller first developed the series' concept while at Dartmouth College in the 1990s, later pitching it to executives at American network Fox Broadcasting Company, who ultimately decided to pass on the program. It was later purchased by cable channel MTV, and was produced between 2002 and 2003. The show's design is heavily stylized and its animation style limited, emphasizing humor and story over visuals. The Clone High theme song was written by Tommy Walter and performed by his alternative rock band Abandoned Pools, who also provided much of the series' background music.

Clone High first aired in its entirety on Canadian cable network Teletoon between 2002 and 2003, later debuting on MTV. It became embroiled in a controversy regarding its depiction of Gandhi soon afterward, which prompted hundreds in India to mount a hunger strike in response. Shortly after, MTV pulled the series, which had been receiving low ratings. Clone High attracted mixed reviews from television critics upon its premiere, but it has since received critical acclaim and a cult following. In July 2020, it was announced that a reboot of the series is in the works at MTV Studios with the original creators Lord, Miller, and Lawrence returning. In February 2021, it was announced that HBO Max had ordered 2 seasons of the reboot.

Clone High is set in a high school in the fictional town of Exclamation, USA, that is secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment orchestrated by a government office called the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures. The school is entirely populated by the clones of famous historical figures that were created in the 1980s and raised with the intent of having their various strengths and abilities harnessed by the United States military. The principal of the high school, Cinnamon J. Scudworth, has his own plans for the clones, and secretly tries to undermine the wishes of the Board (Scudworth wants to use the clones to create a clone-themed amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island", a decidedly less evil intention than that of the Board). He is assisted by his robot butler/vice principal/dehumidifier, Mr. Butlertron (a parody of Mr. Belvedere), who is programmed to call everyone "Wesley" and speak in two distinct intonations. 

 

The main protagonists of Clone High are the clones of Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Gandhi. Much of the plot of the show revolves around the attempts of Abe to woo the vain and promiscuous clone of Cleopatra, while being oblivious to the fact that his friend Joan of Arc is attracted to him. Meanwhile, JFK's clone, a macho, narcissistic womanizer, is also attempting to win over Cleopatra and has a long-standing rivalry with Abe. Gandhi acts in many of the episodes as the comic relief. Also on a few occasions, the characters that we see learn most of "Life's Lessons" the hard way

▶ Watch the Video

 

▶ Watch Clone High S1, But it's just Joan of Arc