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.

Thursday, March 31, 2022

GHOSTWIRE TOKYO Full Movie Cinematic

GHOSTWIRE TOKYO
Ghostwire: Tokyo is a 2022 action-adventure game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game released worldwide on March 25, 2022 as a one-year timed exclusive for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 5.

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

The Slap Heard Round the World...

Will Smith Now Under Investigation
For Slap Of Chris Rock At Oscars!
Academy Issues Harsh Statement.

Watch the Video

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The Robot Apocalypse is Upon Us...

HUXLEY
First trailer for Ben Mauro's HUXLEY, a post apocalyptic sci-fi universe a decade in the making.

Monday, March 28, 2022

RWBY's New Anime Movie...

RWBY: ICE QUEENDOM

RWBY: Ice Queendom presents RWBY in beautiful 2D anime visuals. RWBY imagines a world filled with horrific monsters bent on death and destruction, and humanity's only hope is dependent upon powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long are four such Huntresses in training whose journeys will take them far past the grounds of their school, Beacon Academy. Though each may be powerful on their own, these four girls must overcome dark forces and work as a team if they truly hope to become the next generation of Remnant's protectors.

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Start Planning Your Trip to Japan...

10 Things To Do in AKIHABARA
Top 10 Things to do in Tokyo Akihabara. A Tokyo Travel Guide through Akihabara streets to show you what to do in Tokyo Akihabara, where to go in Tokyo Akihabara and what to eat in Tokyo Akihabara from a local's perspective. We'll check out some maid cafes, manga, anime figures, cosplay and more.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The HALO Movie that stays True to the Game...

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
UNSC Cadet Thomas Lasky must conquer his inner fears and join forces with super-soldier John-117 to take down a massive faction of the Covenant.
In 2525, as mankind has begun to colonise space, a group of cadets are training to fight against human insurrectionists. One of these cadets, Thomas Lasky, has doubts about his abilities as a soldier and his convictions for this war. Whilst he struggles with himself, the planet is invaded by an unknown alien race. Reeling under the assault, Lasky and his squad mates are rescued by John-117, one of the UNSC's legendary SPARTAN-II super-soldiers. John must inspire Lasky to fulfill his potential as a soldier and a leader to fight against an enemy deadlier than any that humanity has faced before.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Alone in a Dark World...

 
(ZUTOMAYO - DARKEN)
Lyrics & Music & Vocal - ACAね
Arrangement –100回嘔吐, ZTMY
Keyboards - Jun☆Murayama
Drums - Yoshihiro Kawamura
Bass - Ryosuke Nikamoto
Guitar - Takayuki "Kojiro" Sasaki
Strings – Yu Manabe
Strings Rec & Mix Engineer - Toru Matake
Mastering Engineer - Takeo Kira
Sound Direction - Kohei Matsumoto
 
 

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Your legacy at Hogwarts begins now.

HOGWARTS LEGACY
Live the Unwritten.
Become the student you’ve always wanted to be as you experience life at Hogwarts and embark on a journey through the wizarding world. Discover magical beasts, craft potions, and master spell casting as you uncover the mystery of Ancient Magic.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Existing as if we were in a dream...


Living Idly and Dying as if Dreaming

Eve Music Video
Lyrics/Music/Vocal:Eve
Arrangement:Numa


Animators:
Shun Enokido
Keisuke Kojima
Hiroto Nishizawa
Sachie Hiraka
 
◆Lyrics

Monday, March 21, 2022

You look into the Void, and it LOOKS back at you...



HELLSTAR REMINA
Cosmic horror is a strangely fascinating subject.
 
You could talk for a literal eternity about your place in the cosmos, 
your feelings of ignorance, impotence, insignificance...
 
But what happens when you lose the luxury of time?
 
What happens when you have to confront all of these things
here and now, at the edge of the void?
 
Hellstar Remina gives us a peak at what that might look like.
 
 

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Let's go for a drive on the one and only...

MILKYHIGHWAY
In the galaxy far far far away, there is an interplanetary road called Milky☆Highway. To kill time during a weekend, Makina the cyborg and Chiharu the super human decide to go for a drive. Wherever those troublesome friends drive, there is always a danger! Not smart, not tear-jerking, not touching. The only two words that can describe this discount cyberpunk story is Speedy and Unprecedented!!

Saturday, March 19, 2022

The Heroes Return to Save Eternos from Skeletor!

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Season 2
The fate of Eternos hangs in the balance as He-Man and the heroes forge new alliances — and new destinies — to stop Skeletor from raising an Army of the Dead and obtain ultimate power.

Friday, March 18, 2022

On your last life, what do you wish for?


Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
Only In Theaters September 23
This fall, everyone’s favorite leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline returns.
 
 

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Earthquake in Japan!

Seismic Shockwaves Hit Japan!
Living in Japan you get used to earthquakes pretty fast. But then there are the big ones. Yesterday a Magnitude 7.4 quake struck - Japan's biggest in 10 years - off the coast of Sendai. Today, we inspect the damage.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Anime Viewing Schedule for March 19, 2022


 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   Tokyo 24-ku ep. 1
          12:05 - 12:55   Heike Monogatari 1-2
          12:55 - 1:25     Club Meeting
          1:25 - 2:15       Mushoku Tensei 20-21
          2:15 - 3:05       Attack on Titan: FINAL Season Part II Ep 3-4
          3:05 - 4:43       Josee the Tiger and the Fish (Movie)
 
"Yo... I got something special for ya!"
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Board Room, Second Floor 
 
Face masks are REQUIRED inside the library
due to the state of Illinois mask mandate.

From 11:15 AM to 5:00 PM


All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss the exciting anime series: Tokyo 24-ku and Heike Monogatari
* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Riddle me this, Batman...

BATMAN Meets the RIDDLER
Riddler: "If you aim to give us a shot, we'll riddle you. What are we?"
Now imagine Robert Pattinson and Paul Dano recreating this scene.

Watch the Video

Monday, March 14, 2022

Making Movies is Great!

GOLDEN HOUR - Animation Short Film 2021
Filmmaking can sometimes be a very chaotic process. Allie is about to learn it, as the director just got one last crazy idea.

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Next Club Meeting is March 19, 2022

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K  
"It's the Animatrix Signal. I'm on my way!"

  M O N T H L Y   M E E T I N G

Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL  60440
Board Room (2nd Floor)
Saturday, March 19, 2022
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
PLEASE READ
 
We will be in the BOARD ROOM on the
Second Floor. The maximum number of people
allowed in the room is TEN, so please 
arrive early to claim your seat. 
 
In accordance with the CDC and state of Illinois guidance, face masks are REQUIRED.  
 
THANK YOU!

Hope to see everyone there!

 
A Viewing Schedule will be posted soon.
 
Hope to see you all there!

(Click below for maps)

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Even Anime's Got Talent

Japan Expo 2015 AMV Contest Winner:
Audience Choice Award
4th Place Overall
Watch the Video

Friday, March 11, 2022

Japan always has the coolest stuff...

GODZILLA THEME PARK
We went to the Godzilla theme park in Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island and tried out the recently opened zip line attraction that goes straight into Godzilla’s mouth! There was also a short film, a shooting game, a museum, and Godzilla themed food at the park’s restaurant!

Thursday, March 10, 2022

The Secret Life of a Jedi-in-Hiding...

OBI-WAN KENOBI
Streaming May 25 on Disney+.
The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. The series stars Ewan McGregor, reprising his role as the iconic Jedi Master, and also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie.
“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is directed by Deborah Chow and executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor and Joby Harold

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Things only found at the Demon Slayer Theme Park

DEMON SLAYER THEME PARK at UNIVERSAL JAPAN
Universal Studios Japan had its first-ever Demon Slayer event from September 17, 2021, through February 13, 2022! There’s food, merchandise, decorations, and a VR Demon Slayer Ride! Join us as we show you everything Demon Slayer.

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

There's more than just being cute...

Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie
Izumi and Shikimori are a typical lovey-dovey high school couple, that is, until Izumi clumsily falls into trouble. Then Shikimori turns into a very cool heroine that makes everyone's heart beat.
Izumi remarks how Shikimori is very cute but sometimes she's not, causing her to pout about it until she saves him from getting hit from a speeding car. At school, Shikimori saved Izumi from getting hit on the head with an eraser; when she leaves for the restroom, Izumi's classmates poke fun of how ordinary he is, but when Shikimori returns she gives them a scary glare not to mess with them. With the wind blowing, they talk about what happened, but then Shikimori saves Izumi from a falling sign. Izumi hopes to impress Shikimori on a movie date but the film is a horror movie and he finds himself being comforted by her. Izumi mentions to Shikimori how cool she looks playing basketball, which inspires Shikimori to take her game seriously. Izumi thinks back to the day they met when she retrieved his high school entrance exam ticket. Izumi gives on a Christmas date but forgets his gloves. They go together to the new year's shrine visit. They go skiing. Their class has a bean throwing event, but when Shikimori slips, Izumi ends up bumping his chin on her head. Izumi can't focus on his studying because Shikimori is wearing glasses. When Izumi mentions he likes some fashion idol on a billboard, Shikimori changes her look. Shikimori looks after Izumi while he rests in the nurse's office. Izumi tries to take a cool picture of Shikimori during the flower viewing event. Izumi tries Shikimori's bento but realizes she can't cook. Then, Izumi's parents have Shikimori over for Izumi's birthday...

Monday, March 7, 2022

Magic: The Gathering's First Step into Sci-Fi...

MAGIC: The Gathering
Kamigawa Neon Dynasty

Welcome to Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, Magic’s first sci-fi set. The plane has come a long way in 1200 years, and the story is only beginning. Available Everywhere – February 18th.
The bright future is now! Get ready to Light It Up!
This video was produced by our Japan office, 
working with WIT Studio, and maxilla.

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Don't pop your Bubble!

B * U * B * B * L * E
In a Tokyo where gravity has broken, 
a boy and a girl are drawn to each other...
The story is set in Tokyo, after bubbles that broke the laws of gravity rained down upon the world. Cut off from the outside world, Tokyo has become a playground for a group of young people who have lost their families, acting as a battlefield for parkour team battles as they leap from building to building. Hibiki, a young ace known for his dangerous play style, makes a reckless move one day and plummets into the gravity-bending sea. His life is saved by Uta, a girl with mysterious powers. The pair then hear a unique sound audible only to them. Why did Uta appear before Hibiki? Their encounter leads to a revelation that will change the world.
Watch the Trailer
Streaming worldwide from Thursday, April 28, only on Netflix.

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Prepare for Battle... in a Dating Sim!

Trapped in a Dating Sim: 
World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
"Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs" (Otome Game Sekai wa Mob ni Kibishii Sekai desu) is a newly announced anime adaptation based on a high-rating fantasy-romance/action-harem themed light novel series written by Yomu Mishima and illustrated by Monda. Studio ENGI will handle animation and will be directed by Miura Kazuya (director of Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai!) and Shinichi Fukumoto (assistant director of The Detective Is Already Dead).
The anime series is scheduled for April 2022!

Friday, March 4, 2022

This Fantasy Game Rings True...

ELDEN RING
Elden Ring takes place in the realm of the Lands Between, sometime after the destruction of the titular Elden Ring and the scattering of its shards, the Great Runes. Once graced by the Ring and the Erdtree which symbolizes its presence, the realm is now ruled over by the demigod offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal, each possessing a shard of the Ring that corrupts and taints them with power. As Tarnished—exiles from the Lands Between who lost the Ring's grace and are summoned back after the Shattering, players must traverse the realm to ultimately find all the Great Runes, restore the Elden Ring, and become the Elden Lord.
The Tarnished is one of many exiles called back to the Lands Between in hopes of repairing the Elden Ring and becoming the next Elden Lord. Early on in their journey, the Tarnished encounters a young woman named Melina, who offers to stand in as their maiden to help them on their journey, under the condition that the Tarnished bring her to the base of the Erdtree where she can fulfill her purpose. She also takes the Tarnished to the Roundtable Hold, a gathering place for other Tarnished seeking to repair the Elden Ring. There, the Tarnished learns from their divine benefactor, the Two Fingers, that in the wake of the Shattering and Queen Marika's disappearance, her demigod children had taken the Great Runes, pieces of the Elden Ring, for themselves, and now war against each other to try and obtain the other Great Runes. The last known Great Rune holders are Godrick the Grafted, General Radahn, Praetor Rykard, Morgott the Grace-Given, and Rennala.
The Tarnished then proceeds to journey into the lands between, investigating its various locales and defeating each demigod one by one until they recover enough Great Runes that the Two Fingers feels they are ready to journey to the Erdtree to confront Morgott, the final obstacle to the tree. Upon his defeat, Morgott claims that the Erdtree will not allow anybody, especially a Tarnished, to enter it before passing away. The Tarnished confirms this when they approach the Erdtree and find their way blocked by a wall of thorns. Melina then arrives and advises that they journey to find the Flame of Ruin, which they can use to set the Erdtree on fire and burn away the thorns. In light of the Tarnished being rebuffed from the Erdtree, the Two Fingers withdraws from the mortal plane to consider its next move, leaving the Tarnished free to proceed with Melina's plan or search for the imprisoned Three Fingers to gain the power of the Frenzied Flame.
Upon obtaining the Flame of Ruin, if the Tarnished did not free the Three Fingers, then Melina will take the flame and sacrifice herself to set the Erdtree on fire. If the Tarnished freed the Three Fingers, then Melina will abandon the Tarnished, forcing them to use their own power to set the Erdtree on fire. Regardless, the Tarnished then proceeds to the Erdtree, where they battle the fellow Tarnished warrior Gideon Ofnir the All Knowing, as well was the First Elden Lord Godfrey to gain access to the interior of the Erdtree. Inside, they fight the reanimated remains of Queen Marika's consort, Radagon, as well as the godlike Elden Beast. Upon vanquishing both foes, the Tarnished finally gains access to Queen Marika's shattered corpse, which contains the remains of the Elden Ring. Depending on the Tarnished's actions throughout the game, four different endings are possible:
  • If the Tarnished collected only enough Great Runes necessary to complete their mission, they mend the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord, leading the Lands Between into the "Age of Fracture".
  • If the Tarnished also collected the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince and mends it into the Elden Ring, they become the Elden Lord and remove the curse of immortality from the world, leading the Lands Between into the "Age of Duskborn".
  • If the Tarnished also collected the Rune of the Fell Curse and mends it into the Elden Ring, they become the Elden Lord and overtake the world with a reviled curse, granting the Lands Between the "Blessing of Despair".
  • If the Tarnished also collected the Mending Rune of Perfect Order and mends it into the Elden Ring, they become the Elden Lord and restore order in the world, leading the Lands Between into the "Age of Order".
  • If the Tarnished decided to collaborate with Ranni the Witch, then they summon Ranni into the Erdtree, where she proceeds to destroy the Elden Ring and usurp Queen Marika, taking the Tarnished as her own consort and leading the Lands Between into the "Age of Stars".
  • If the Tarnished freed the Three Fingers, they become the "Lord of the Frenzied Flame" and destroy the Elden Ring along with the Erdtree while setting all of the Lands Between alight. Melina witnesses the destruction and promises to hunt down the Tarnished and bring about their "destined death."

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Unravel the Fable of Amumu and his Curse...

The Curse of the Sad Mummy
Every child in Valoran has heard the tale before, About the cursed mummy boy who felt his heart no more. Unravel the fable of Amumu, the Sad Mummy, here:  

Lyrics:
Every child in Valoran has heard the tale before,
About the cursed mummy boy who felt his heart no more.
So sad and lorn, the helpless lad, Amumu was his name,
He ventured out to find a friend and learn about his bane. 

For many years, young Amumu traveled through the lands,
Determined to make friends, if only they would understand,
But even when Amumu stood upon the ledge of home,
His hope would disappoint him, and he would remain alone. 

But then the curse began to whisper in his ear,
And would confirm what was Amumu’s biggest fear,
It pledged that never shall someone become his friend,
It pledged that he shall be alone until his end.
 
The sorrow and despair, 
Became too much to bear. 

The moment when Amumu realized what he had done,
Too late it was, for him, for them, the evil curse had won.
The anger and the anguish overwhelmed his fragile soul,
And caused a wicked tantrum that he never could control.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Dive Into the Details of this Amazing Series...

ARCANE: 25 Things You May Have Missed
Out of all the TV shows and movies that released in 2021, Arcane has to be one of the biggest and best surprises of the year. Who would have thought a TV series based on League of Legends characters such Vi, Jinx, Jayce, Ekko, Caitlyn, and Heimerdinger would ever work as well as it did? Even if you're not a fan or player of the game, you can definitely still enjoy this show! However, there are a ton of little easter eggs, references, and hidden details within the show that a general audience may not have noticed. Let's dive in and explore some of those little secrets you may have missed!
 
Chapters: 
0:00 - Intro
0:29 - Dear Friend Across the River
0:50 - Cupcakes
1:42 - Blueprints
2:01 - Runeterra Incognium
2:36 - All The Teemo References
3:39 - Benzo's Shop
5:13 - Imagine Dragons
5:28 - Fishbones
5:37 - Singed
5:53 - Little Box of References
6:25 - Jayce's Game Abilities
6:50 - Turbo Chemtank
7:04 - Claggor's Glasses
7:16 - Powder's Turn To Darkness
7:40 - Happy Progress Day!
7:54 - Gragas
8:05 - Nautilus
8:11 - Hextech Weapons
8:36 - Kindred
8:45 - More Ekko
9:33 - Dear Friend Across The River Callback
9:45 - Caitlyn's Game Outfit
9:55 - Vi's Abilities
10:11 - Super Mega Death Rocket
10:27 - Vander Lives?!