Next Club Meeting: December 14, 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.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

80's Style City Pop Music....

(click on image above to see the YouTube video)
Continuing our nostalgia trip into the 80's with City Pop Music.
00:00 Sweet love - Junko Ohashi
4:39 OH NO, OH YES! - Mariya Takeuchi
9:41 Older Girl - Omega Tribe
13:58 Remember Summer Days- Anri
18:16 Love Space - Tatsuro Yamashita
22:55 Yume No Tsuzuki - Mariya Takeuchi
28:09 If You - Toshiki Kadomatsu
32:54 Shyness boy - Anri
36:05 Plastic Love - Mariya Takeuchi
40:50 My Love - MAZE1981
45:20 Mayonaka No Joke - Takako Mamiya
49:56 Good Bye Boogie Dance - Anri
54:20 Bay City - Junko Yagami
58:25 BIGWAVE - Emotional Prism

Monday, February 27, 2023

Urusei Yatsura as a Live-Action 80's Sitcom

URUSEI YATSURA
(The Live-Action Sitcom)
Now we see what 'Urusei Yatsura' would be like as a live-action 80's sitcom. The song is Chance on Love by CINDY, which was actually used for the show's OP during the 1984-85 season:

Sunday, February 26, 2023

The Wild True Story of Pablo Eskobear...

COCAINE BEAR
Based (loosely) on a True Story. After a 500-pound black bear consumes a significant amount of cocaine and embarks on a drug-fueled rampage, an eccentric gathering of cops, criminals, tourists, and teenagers assemble in a Georgia forest. Now in Theaters!

Now, see the True Story behind the new movie...

Saturday, February 25, 2023

'Game of Thrones' as an 80's Dark Fantasy Anime

GAME of THRONES
(The Anime Version)
This retro-inspired take on the popular franchise explores the iconic characters and memorable moments of the Seven Kingdoms in a whole new light, bringing a fresh perspective to the epic story of political intrigue, family loyalty, and bloody warfare. With its haunting music, atmospheric art style, and captivating characters, this 80's dark fantasy anime film will transport fans of the original series back to a time of classic anime storytelling, while still delivering the same thrilling twists and turns that made "Game of Thrones" a global phenomenon. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of Westeros, this video promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience for all viewers.

Friday, February 24, 2023

STAR WARS: An 80's Anime by Studio Ghibli

_______STAR WARS_______
(The Anime Version)
STAR WARS as an 80's Anime Film by Studio Ghibli. The Original Trilogy in the Style of Princess Mononoke. Inspired by the Dark Fantasy Films of the 80's. (AI images using Midjourney)

Thursday, February 23, 2023

What if 'Harry Potter' was an 80's Anime?

H A R R Y   P O T T E R
(The Anime Version)
Take a gander at the incredible possibilities if 'Harry Potter' were turned into an Anime by Studio Ghibli.
Automated and generated by AIA.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

'Lord of the Rings' as an 80's Anime

The LORD of the RINGS
(The Anime Version)
Step into the enchanted world of Middle-earth if Studio Ghibli brought J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, The Lord of the Rings, to life in anime form.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Legendary manga and anime creator dies at 85...

LEIJI MATSUMOTO
(January 25, 1938 - February 13, 2023)
Famed Japanese manga and anime creator Leiji Matsumoto,
whose real name was Akira Matsumoto, has died at age 85

Leiji Matsumoto was famous for his space operas such as Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999. His style was characterized by mythological and often tragic storylines with strong moral themes, noble heroes, feminine heroines, and a love of strange worlds and melancholy atmosphere.

Leiji Matsumoto was born on January 25, 1938, in Kurume, Fukuoka. He was the middle child of a family of seven brothers, and, in his early childhood, Matsumoto was given a 35mm film projector by his father, and watched American cartoons during the Pacific War. During this time, he gained an interest in science fiction novels by authors Unno Juza and H. G. Wells. Matsumoto started drawing at the age of six, and began drawing manga three years later after seeing the works of Osamu Tezuka. At 18, he moved to Tokyo, to become a manga artist.


Matsumoto made his debut under his real name, Akira Matsumoto, in 1954 with Mitsubachi no bōken in the magazine Manga Shōnen.

Matsumoto had his big break with Otoko Oidon, a series that chronicled the life of a rōnin (a young man preparing for university entrance exams), in 1971. In 1972 he created the mature-themed dark comedy Western seinen series, Gun Frontier, for Play Comic magazine, which ran from 1972 to 1975. Around the same time he started a series of unconnected short stories set during World War II, Senjo Manga Series, which would eventually become popular under the title The Cockpit.

He was involved in Space Battleship Yamato (1974) and created the highly popular series Space Pirate Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999 (both 1977). In 1978, he was awarded the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen for Galaxy Express 999 and Senjo Manga Series. Animated versions of Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999 are set in the same universe, which spanned several spin offs and related series, most notably Queen Emeraldas and Queen Millennia.

Matsumoto supervised the creation of several music videos for the French house group Daft Punk, set to tracks from their album Discovery. These videos were issued end-to-end (making a full-length animated movie) on a DVD release titled Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem.

About two dozen bronze statues – each perhaps four feet tall – of characters and scenes from Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999 were erected in the downtown area of Tsuruga in 1999. Each statue includes a plaque at its base explaining the character and featuring Matsumoto's signature.

Matsumoto worked with Yoshinobu Nishizaki on Space Battleship Yamato (known outside Japan under various names, but most commonly as Star Blazers). Matsumoto created a manga loosely based on the series, and the Yamato makes cameo appearances (sans crew) in several of his works including the Galaxy Express 999 manga.

A later work by Matsumoto called Great Yamato featuring an updated Yamato had to be renamed Great Galaxy due to legal issues with Nishizaki. As of 2009, Matsumoto and Nishizaki were working on independent anime projects featuring the acclaimed Space Battleship Yamato, with the conditions that Matsumoto cannot use the name Yamato or the plot or characters from the original, and Nishizaki cannot use the conceptual art, character or ship designs of the original.

In August 2014, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his debut, Matsumoto launched the manga Captain Harlock ~Jigen Kōkai~ (Captain Harlock: Dimensional Voyage), illustrated by Kōichi Shimahoshi, in the pages of Akita Shoten's Champion Red magazine. Dimensional Voyage is a retelling of the original 1978 Space Pirate Captain Harlock manga. It had been licensed in the U.S. by Seven Seas.

Matsumoto was married to manga artist and Licca-chan creator Miyako Maki.

On November 15, 2019, Matsumoto suffered severe respiratory problems and collapsed during an event in Turin, Italy, for the 40th-anniversary tour celebrating the Captain Harlock anime adaptation. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and had a breathing tube inserted after he was admitted to the emergency unit. However, he was considered to be out of danger two days later.

Matsumoto died of acute heart failure at a hospital in Tokyo on February 13, 2023, at the age of 85.

Sayonara, Mr. Leiji Matsumoto! You will be sorely missed.

Monday, February 20, 2023

Sailor Moon as an 80's Dark Fantasy Show...

SAILOR MOON
See the 80's Sitcom version of Sailor Moon
(AI Generated Images using Midjourney)

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Pack your trunks! Time to go on an Adventure!

THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT
In production throughout 2021, The Magician’s Elephant comes from the studio that Netflix acquired in 2022, Animal Logic.

Peter is searching for his long-lost sister, and when he crosses paths with a fortune teller in the market square there is only one question on his mind: is his sister still alive? The answer - that he must find a mysterious elephant and the magician who will conjure it - sets Peter off on a harrowing journey to complete three seemingly impossible tasks that will change the face of his town forever, and take him on the adventure of a lifetime.

Based on Two-time Newberry Award winning author Kate DiCamillo’s classic novel.

Watch The Magician’s Elephant only on Netflix, March 17

Saturday, February 18, 2023

For all your plumbing needs, just call...

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE
For super service, make it Super Mario Bros. Plumbing. If you've got a problem with your pipes, plumbing's our game. As a family-owned and operated small business, you can expect friendly, reliable, and quality service right here in your area, Brooklyn and Queens. Your satisfaction is guaranteed—because we don't make messes, we fix them. Visit us at www.smbplumbing.com to learn more.

Friday, February 17, 2023

Final Trailer for Season 3 of...

THE MANDALORIAN
The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make
new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.
Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin/The Mandalorian, who travels the galaxy with Grogu (AKA Baby Yoda). The cast also includes Katee Sackhoff, Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito. Conversation about the trailer centered on such themes at seeing Din Djarin and Grogu reunited, as well as seeing Grogu use the Force. In addition to showcasing new footage, Disney revealed the directors of season three Monday, including series alum Rick Famuyiwa, Black Panther cinematographer Rachel Morrison, Minari filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung, Mandalorian actor Carl Weathers, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse‘s Peter Ramsey and returning Mando director Bryce Dallas Howard.

Favreau once again serves as showrunner, executive producing alongside Dave Filoni, Famuyiwa, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck co-executive produce.

In March 2022, Back to the Future actor Christopher Lloyd was revealed to be a guest star for the season, though details about his character are being kept secret.

An official synopsis for season 3 reads, "The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu."

"Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together,"

In two short weeks, audiences everywhere will once again be flying across the galaxy with The Mandalorian. Season 3 of the hit Star Wars show returns March 1.

When last we saw The Mandalorian on The Mandalorian, Luke Skywalker came and took his little friend, Grogu, off to train as a Jedi. Season 3, however, won’t pick up there as two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett completed that story, showing Grogu choose to end his Jedi training and return to the Mandalorian. Now back together again, and having revealed to The Armorer that he removed his helmet, Mando must redeem himself in the eyes of the people, and deal with the fact that he and Grogu are now bonded together forever, like father and son.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Anime Viewing Schedule for February 18, 2023


 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   Lupin Zero eps 1-2
          12:05 - 12:55   Trigun Stampede eps 2-3
          12:55 - 1:30     Club Meeting
          1:30 - 2:45       Call of the Night 11-13 (End)
          2:45 - 3:10       Lycoris Recoil 11 
          3:10 - 4:45       Lupin III vs. Cat's Eye (2023 OVA)

"Pixel Paradise. See you soon!"
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 
Board Room, Second Floor 
 
From 11:10 AM to 5:00 PM

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss the exciting anime series: Lupin Zero and Trigun Stampede
* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Get ready for one last ride...

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Only in theaters May 5
Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful. Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is written and directed by James Gunn.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Big Game Trailer for Indiana Jones 5

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
This Summer, a legend will face his destiny. Harrison Ford returns in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in theaters June 30.
Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic “Indiana Jones” franchise, which is directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”). Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John Rhys-Davies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”), Shaunette Renee Wilson (“Black Panther”), Thomas Kretschmann (“Das Boot”), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Oliver Richters (“Black Widow”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”). Directed by James Mangold, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981, is once again composing the score.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Will this be the Greatest Superhero Movie Ever?

THE FLASH
Warner Bros. Pictures presents “The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”). Ezra Miller reprises their role as Barry Allen in the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film. 
 
Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe? 
 
“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon (“Bullet Train,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Ron Livingston (“Loudermilk,” “The Conjuring”), Maribel Verdú (“Elite,” “Y tu mamá también”), Kiersey Clemons (“Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Sweetheart”), Antje Traue (“King of Ravens,” “Man of Steel”) and Michael Keaton (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Batman”). 
 
“The Flash” is produced by Barbara Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”) and Michael Disco (“Rampage,” “San Andreas”). The screenplay is by Christina Hodson (“Birds of Prey,” “Bumblebee”), with a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Joby Harold (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Army of the Dead”), based on characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Marianne Jenkins. 
 
Joining director Muschietti behind the camera are director of photography Henry Braham (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Suicide Squad”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“IT Chapter Two,” “The Shape of Water”), editors Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Great Gatsby”) and Paul Machliss (“The Gentlemen,” “Baby Driver”), and costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”); the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“The Invisible Man,” the “IT” films). Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, “The Flash.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on June 16, 2023 and internationally beginning June 14, 2023.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Beauty and the Beast as an Anime...

The Tale of Outcasts
Wisteria is an orphan girl living in a corner of the British Empire at the end of the 19th century. Her life is desolate and bleak–until she encounters Marbas, a powerful but equally lonely immortal being with a furry appearance, hounded by hunters. Together, Wisteria and Marbas roam the Empire–populated by humans and human-like beasts–in search of a place where they can live together in peace. An anime television series adaptation by Ashi Productions premiered in January 2023.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Next Club Meeting is February 18, 2023

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K

"You shall be punished for your TRANS-gressions!"

  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, February 18, 2023
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
 
We will be in the BOARD ROOM on the Second Floor.
 
Hope to see everyone there!

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

(Click below for maps)

Friday, February 10, 2023

It's a-ME, Mario!

HBO's Mario Kart
In a video game turned series, a trailer follows a group of people as they try to help a princess get to Rainbow Road.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Rick & Morty co-creator FIRED for allegations...

Is this the End for Justin Roiland?
Rick & Morty staffers are dishing on Justin Roiland, which some even claiming he had nothing to do with the show but the voices. Even if proven innocent in court, is Roiland's animation career over?

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

This is gonna get weird, right?

REMEMBERING THE BEST MOMENTS OF
STAR vs. THE FORCES OF EVIL

Here are some of the biggest, CRAZIEST moments on Star vs. the Forces of Evil!! Star and Marco continue their adventures on Mewni as they and their friends uncover new mysteries after the defeat of Meteora.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

So what's it like being a Stormtrooper?

-- FOR THE EMPIRE --
Here's the supercut of the first 5 eps of 'For the Empire.'
 
Starring Calum Gittins, Dallas Barnett, Hweiling ow, Albin Johnson, Mia Pistorius and Peter Haynes.

AFK is a gaming / fantasy web series that follows the misadventures of a group of gamers who mysteriously wake up in the bodies of their MMO characters. Gender swapped, confused and out of their element, they must work together to survive in a hostile new world.

Monday, February 6, 2023

The origin story of the world’s greatest thief...

LUPIN ZERO
How did this boy become notorious gentleman thief “Lupin III”?
Since the initial serialization of Monkey Punch’s globally renowned “LUPIN THE 3rd” manga in 1967, Lupin III has taken the world by storm and has appeared in various media. However, despite his longstanding status and notoriety as the world’s greatest thief, there was once a time when even Lupin III, was young and inexperienced. Loosely based on Young Lupin III from the original manga, LUPIN ZERO will tell a nostalgic, yet brand new original story, finally lifting the veil cast upon Lupin III’s humble beginnings. Set during the era in which the original series was first published, the anime depicts Young Lupin III running around the streets of 1960’s Japan during the country’s economic boom. Production studio, Telecom Animation Film Co., Ltd., (responsible for several other LUPIN THE 3rd series titles) will handle the animation for the series, which will feature a retro and unique art style inspired by the past. Music for the show will be written by Yoshihide Otomo (Ama Chan, INU-OH), with arrangements of Takeo Yamashita’s musical works from LUPIN THE 3rd PART 1. A young boy climbs the staircase to villainhood. What was he thinking and what steps did he take?
This is the untold origin story of the world’s greatest thief.

Sunday, February 5, 2023

"We are the Frontlines..."

Legion of Super-Heroes
"Administering Justice and Preventing War"
Kara, devastated by the loss of Krypton, struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Her cousin, Superman, mentors her and suggests she leave their space-time to attend the Legion Academy in the 31st century, where she makes new friends and a new enemy: Brainiac 5. Meanwhile, she must contend with a mysterious group called the Dark Circle as it searches for a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

'Velma' is an Epic Disaster!

 
 
Time to take a look at something better...
Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!
Moments that put 'Velma' to shame...
Fans are discovering the hidden gems found in past incarnations of our favorite teen detectives. Anything to cleanse the palate after what 'Velma' had served us.

Friday, February 3, 2023

Poster for Live-Action 'One Piece' is Revealed...

ONE PIECE
Netflix has posted the first image of its live-action 'One Piece.'

Based on the ultra-popular (and famously long-running) manga of the same name, One Piece will be a pirate adventure starring Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, an adventurer who seeks the titular treasure to make his name and achieve immortality as the next pirate king.We see in the poster Luffy as well as several other "Straw Hats" -- associates of Luffy -- including fan favorites Sanji, Usopp, Nami, and Roronoa Zoro.

The poster looks very familiar. Will it be as successful as its other live-action predecessor 'Cowboy Bebop'?
Remember how well this turned out?

Thursday, February 2, 2023

James Gunn Reveals the DC Slate of Movies...

Chapter 1 - Gods and Monsters
James Gunn shares his vision for the future of the DC Universe and the upcoming slate from DC Studios. Get ready to see stories you never imagined possible before on the big screen. Which project are you most excited about?

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Martial Arts Meets the Supernatural...

Bureau of Paranormal Investigation
In the task of catching drug lords in the Yunnan border, a special forces team accidentally enters the ancient caves of the ancient Shu, and intruded on ancient rituals. The squad was almost completely annihilated. Only Shen Shuang and the anti-drug police Sun Desheng survived, as they were rescued by a mysterious white-haired man named Wu Hao. After this incident, the two men accidentally entered the "Civil Affairs Investigation and Research Bureau" and gradually became entangled in more supernatural events, revealing the veil of another world.