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.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Cool Figures

[News by Scott Green of AICN.com]
Kotobukiya has announced its upcoming slate of mecha kit imports
PATLABOR THE MOBILE POLICE ~ AV-98 INGRAM 2 PATROL LABOR D-STYLE MODEL KIT
The Ingram 2 Patrol Labor D-Style model kit upgrades the original robot with a unique head sculpt and tons of cool new accessories. With 60 pre-painted parts and easy snap-fit assembly, no glue or paint is necessary. In addition to the classic black and white color scheme, the new unit has its “2” prominently painted on the head. The Ingram 2 comes armed with a 6-round 37mm Revolver Cannon, 90mm Riot Cannon Shotgun, Forearm-Mounted Riot Shield, and Stun Gun.
Also included is a special bonus accessory: a Type 98 Command Car in the same scale. Standing just over 4 inches tall, the diminutive Ingram 2 has approximately 15 points of articulation
srp $19.99
Available in MARCH
© 1989 HEADGEAR / BANDAI VISUAL / TOHOKUSHINSHA
KOTOBUKIYA FRAME ARMS SA-17 RAPIERE MULTI ASSEMBLE MECHANICAL UNIT MODEL KIT
The Rapiere upgrades the original Stylet with an amazing new sculpt created by 3D modeler Naoki. In addition to its sleek combat plane-inspired armor and rear thruster, the new robot has two interchangeable head units, one incorporating an attractive “Twin Tail” accessory. The Rapiere doesn’t just look pretty; it’s also deadly in combat where it wields its MW-09 Spiral Rifle Naginata. Standing XXX inches tall, the robot is comprised of approximately 200 parts with 30 points of articulation.
srp $34.99
Available in FEBRUARY
© KOTOBUKIYA Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
BORDER BREAK SHRIKE TYPE-V FINE SCALE MODEL KIT
Each Border Break robot is built on the universal core “Cross Frame” outfitted with additional armor, weapons, and accessories. The robots are fully articulated and poseable, and you can combine and interchange parts from different units to create your own original Blast Runner! Standing 6 inches tall, the Shrike Type-V is comprised of approximately 300 parts and has an outstanding 30 points of articulation.
srp $34.99
Available in MARCH
© Yunosuke Yoshinaga - Flex Comix / BBPC
MUV-LUV ALTERNATIVE TOTAL ECLIPSE ~ TAKEMIKAZUCHI TYPE-00F YUKI
TAKAMURA VER. FINE SCALE MODEL KIT
The robot stands nearly 7 inches
tall and comes with a wide variety of accessories and weapons. Comprised of about 350 parts, the Type-00F has 40 points of articulation for excellent poseability, and translucent plastic was used on its eyes and other key locations.
srp $49.99
Available in MARCH
© 1989 HEADGEAR / BANDAI VISUAL / TOHOKUSHINSHA
SUPER ROBOT TAISEN ~ COMPATIBLE KAISER FINE SCALE MODEL KIT
The Compatible Kaiser is composed of approximately 300 pieces cast in different colors, eliminating the need for painting. The flashy robot comes with its signature weapons, the Over Kaiser Sword, Kaiser Boomerang, and Spiral Knuckles. Fully poseable, the Compatible Kaiser looks great atop Kotobukiya’s original M.S.G. Flying Base 3 (sold separately), and as a special bonus includes a mini figure of pilot Fighter Roa!
srp $49.99
Available in MAY
© 1989 HEADGEAR / BANDAI VISUAL / TOHOKUSHINSHA
CYBER TROOPERS VIRTUAL-ON SVR-07 BELGDOR VER. 1P FINE SCALE MODEL KIT
Comprised of approximately 500 parts, the Belgdor has 30 points of articulation for maximum poseability and comes with a special attachment part to mount it on the Kotobukiya M.S.G. Flying Base 3 (sold separately). The formidable combat mecha stands 7 1/10” inches tall and is in 1/100 scale (the same as the other Virtual-On model kits). Construction of your Belgdor is literally a snap with snap-fit assembly, and the multi- colored parts reflect the original character paint colors with clear parts for the sensors!
srp $79.99
Available in June
© SEGA CHARACTER DESIGN: KATOKI HAJIME
The must follow Collection DX launched their new site
Also on the custom front, Yokai munny

Awards and Recognition

Summer Wars received the Audience Award for Best Animation Feature at The Anaheim International Film Festival
On that subject, FUNimation has indicated plans to submit Summer Wars for Best Animated Geature nomination.
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Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, best known for his sci-fi melodramas such as Captain Herlock has been recognized with Japan's The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
GeGeGe no Kitaro manga creator Shigeru Mizuki was recognized as a Person of Culutral Merit.
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Manga creator Jiro Taniguchi was recognized with La Giuria dei Premi Gran Guinigi 2010 assegna il riconoscimento come Maestro del fumetto at Italy's Lucca Comics and Game festival
Tokyo Arts University was recognized for The 2010 Best Animation School Showreel and Fumiko no Kokuhaku (Fumiko’s Confession) by Ishida Hiroyasu received a special mention at the 2010 Ottawa International Animation Festival
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Publishers Weekly's top 10 graphic graphic novels of 2010 included AX: Alternative Manga
X’Ed Out
Charles Burns (Pantheon)
Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites
Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson(Dark Horse)
How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
Sarah Glidden (Vertigo)
Duncan the Wonder Dog
Adam Hines (AdHouse Books)??
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
G. Neri and Randy DuBurke (Lee & Low)
Batwoman: Elegy
Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams (DC)
Bodyworld
Dash Shaw (Pantheon)
Acme Novelty Library: Lint
F.C. Ware (Drawn & Quarterly)
AX: Alternative Manga
Edited by Sean Michael Wilson and Mitsuhiru Asakawa (Top Shelf)
Weathercraft: A Frank Comic

Saturday, November 27, 2010

U.S. Releases

[News by Scott Green of AICN.com]

Hollywood Reporter mentioned Crystal Sky is still developing Ghost in the Shell, with producer Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks


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"We have some great artists [on 'Thundercats']," said Jelenic. "We're using a very famous Japanese animation studio, Studio4C, which did 'The Animatrix.' They're going to have their signature stuff on it. It's going to be pretty epic."
"One thing is that I tried to simplify the mythology a little bit," he said. "It's a pretty complicated backstory that borrows from a lot of other sci-fi stuff, like Superman and Star Wars. In developing this, I wanted it to be a little more simple. In the other version, there's something like three different planets involved, and they all converge onto one planet, and nobody's really connected. I just wanted to bring that all together."
"It's reimagined in that way, but at the same time, we're going to see the characters that we love," he promised.
Asked specifically about the presence of classic characters Panthro, Cheetara, and Tygra, Jelenic said "all those characters will still be in it" —even Snarf, apparently.
"Everyone always wants to know about Snarf," he laughed. "He will be in it, and he will not talk. Don't worry."


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Slash Film notes that there's talk that the adaptation of the Oldboy manga, previously adapted by Park Chan-Wook may still be in the works.
Oldboy’ Remake Reportedly Gaining Steam Once More; Director Wishlist Includes Steven Spielberg, Matthew Vaughn, Danny Boyle
Posted on Monday, November 8th, 2010 by Russ Fischer
Mandate Pictures is said to be high on a new draft that Mark Protosevich is ready to turn in, and that it will go out to Steven Spielberg, Matthew Vaughn and, should they pass, Danny Boyle.


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Anime News Network notes a Screen Daily report that Anthony LaMolinara (animator on sequences in Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, and Hollow Man) will direct the live action adaptation of girls in mecha suits versus androids anime Bubblegum Crisis. Australia's Arclight Films, Canada's Wizzfilms, the Infotainment China Media Company, and the United Kingdom's Latec International agreed in May of 2009 to produce the live-action film.
Aniplex
Aniplex has finished announcing the English language dub cast for urban mystery Durarara
Celty... KARI WAHLGREN
Mikado... DARREL GUILBEAU
Masaomi... BRYCE PAPENBROOK
Anri... MICHELLE RUFF
Izaya... JOHNNY YONG BOSCH
Shizuo... CRISPIN FREEMAN
Kyohei... STEVE BLUM
Erika... MELA LEE
Walker... BRIAN BEACOCK
Shinra... YURI LOWENTHAL
Simon... PATRICK SEITZ
Beez
UK distributor Beez will be releasing House of Five Leaves and The Tatami Galaxy
Digital Manga Publishing
newly licensed titles include
Butterfly of the Distant Day (Tooi Hi no Cho)
Tooko Miyagi (Taiyoh Tosho's Million Comics Craft Series)
May 15, 2011 (1 volume)
Men of Tattoos (Shisei no Otoko)
Yuiji Aniya (Akaneshinsha's Edge Comix)
May 23, 2011 (1 volume)
Rabbit Man, Tiger Man (Usagi Otoko Tora Otoko) Volume 1
Akira Honma (Shinkosha's Chocolat Comics)
May 23, 2011 (2+ volumes)
Moon and Blood
Nao Yazawa
May 2011
Digital Manga Publishing has announced the Digital Manga Guild program, partnering with six Japanese publishers to bring fans on board for localization in return for "a revenue percentage from all future sales of that book."
FUNimation
FUNimation has picked up the rights for former ADV releases Bubblegum Crisis 2040, Excel Saga, and Noir. The three will be re-released in 2011.


Funimation recently told Anime News Network on their ANNCast that the second half of D.Gray-man due to issues with Dentsu.
The Dragon Ball Z Dragon Boxes are limited releases.
IDA Entertainment
The first episode of CG animated anthromorphized animals military story Cat Shit One will be available on DVD and Blu-ray starting in December
Manga UK
The British Manga Entertainment will be distributing Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya film on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in summer 2011. The second season of the tv anime and Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya are also coming from Manga Ent. Releases of Birdy the Mighty Decode and K-On! are also planned.
Section23
Canaan Complete Collection has been released on DVD and Blu-ray
CANAAN COMPLETE COLLECTION DVD
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-CN100
UPC: 814131013514
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Street Date: 10/26/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $59.98
CANAAN COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY EDITION
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SFB-CN100
UPC: 814131019301
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Street Date: 10/26/2010
Format: BD
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: Colors have scent. Sounds possess images. In this future world, where biochemical weapons have changed the game, an unlucky few have their senses blended. They are gifted with abilities beyond what normal humans feel. They possess synesthesia.
XAM'D COLLECTION 2
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-XM200
UPC: 814131013712
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Street Date: 11/09/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $59.98
XAM'D COLLECTION 2 BLU-RAY EDITION
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SFB-XM200
UPC: 814131019400
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Street Date: 11/09/2010
Format: BD
SRP: $69.98
Coming February 2011
YOU'RE UNDER ARREST: FAST & FURIOUS COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 650 min.
Street Date: 2/1/2011
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Get ready for non-stop, pedal to the metal action and hijinks galore as Japan's most irregular team of police officers hits the streets again on an all new tour of duty! As usual, the Bokuto Police station is a magnet for the weird and UN-usual, and that's about the only rule this duty shift isn't going to break! Fortunately, car crazy Miyuki, insanely strong Natsumi, sexually ambiguous Aoi and the rest of the station's enforcers of justice are always ready to place their well-drawn bodies between the public and the line of fire, and now new Junior Officer Saori has also joined the thin and svelte blue line! From drunken karaoke binges to the bizarre activities of a baseball-themed vigilante and the general nuisance of Strikeman, there are plenty of bad boys, naughtier girls and all around arresting behavior ahead in YOU'RE UNDER ARREST: Fast & Furious Complete Collection!
EYESHIELD 21 COLLECTION 4
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 2/8/2011
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: As the Deimon Devil Bats' continue to evolve and grow their own unique version of American-style football, Sena has a major breakthrough: a revolutionary technique called the Ghost, combining speed and illusion to fool the opposing players. However, when Hiruma forbids him to use it outside of a "real" game, it throws Sena's plans of competing in a side league for practice into a tailspin. With Shin once more pitted against him, will he be able to resist the temptation? Meanwhile, Taki is proving unfortunately worthy of his nickname of "the Idiot," as besides being incredibly challenged about getting on the correct bus, he also seems to be unable to pass his crucial exams. Will he be able to break the dreaded cut-off barrier of 200 so he can play? And then, what is this rumor about another Eyeshield 21? There's a whole pile of trouble waiting to tackle our fearless heroes in EYESHIELD 21 - COLLECTION 4!
NEEDLESS COLLECTION 1
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 2/15/2011
Format: DVD
Language: English, Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: They're called Needless-mutants who wield amazing powers such as super speed, the ability to change form, and some, like Blade, the power to "learn" other opponent's powers. It's Blade's greatest ability. But is it powerful enough to overcome his weakness for cute young girls in revealing little skirts? Find out in the craziest action comedy anime of the year!
NEEDLESS COLLECTION 1 BLU-RAY EDITION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 2/15/2011
Format: BD
Language: English, Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: They're called Needless-mutants who wield amazing powers such as super speed, the ability to change form, and some, like Blade, the power to "learn" other opponent's powers. It's Blade's greatest ability. But is it powerful enough to overcome his weakness for cute young girls in revealing little skirts? Find out in the craziest action comedy anime of the year!
GINTAMA COLLECTION 4
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 250 min.
Street Date: 2/22/2011
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: Things get really crazy… that's like, crazier than usual, which just goes to prove that the universe really must be composed of infinite possibilities… when Kagura's father shows up in Edo to visit his daughter. Oh, and he's also in town to take on the deadly alien menace that he might be on the trail of. When Yakuza takes on Aliens, who will lose? The innocent bystanders of course. And needless to say, Kagura's associates respond to her possible (and not particularly voluntary) exit from the franchise in predictable fashion: by trying to grab female lead status for themselves. Meanwhile, Sadahara discovers a devilish aspect of his own personality while becoming a demon, which leads to inevitable difficulties with the High Priestess types. So what's Gintoki doing during all this? Dodging, mostly. Japan's hottest anime series continues as aliens on the loose and underemployed samurai make total assassins out of themselves in the insanity that is GINTAMA COLLECTION 4!
Solid Objects
Solid Object
has released Jim Shepard' GOJIRA, KING OF THE MONSTERS, a fictionalized novella concerning Eiji Tsuburaya's Godzilla production
UDON Entertainment
UDON will be releasing Mami Itou’s (Pilgrim Jäger) two volume Street Fighter Gaiden
Street Fighter Gaiden Vol.1 goes on sales at comic shops and book stores everywhere November 24, 2010. Street Fighter Gaiden Vol.2 will follow in January 2011.

Written and drawn by Mami Itou (Darkstalkers/Red Earth, ROBOT, Pilgrim Jäger), Street Fighter Gaiden spotlights the World Warriors’ adventures outside the tournament scene. The series is made up of short stories each devoted to a classic Street Fighter character. Fan-favorites like Ryu, Ken, Chun-li, and Guile each get their due, as do many other skilled fighters. Cammy teams up with Delta Red against the narcissistic Vega, T. Hawk has a desert showdown with Balrog, Fei-Long teaches everyone what it truly means to be a martial artist, and Ryu & Ken face off together against their deadliest rival – Akuma!
VIZ Media
ICV2 has spoken to Joel Enos on plans for'Shonen Jump,' which include new design and digital content
Kids tiles PANDA MAN TO THE RESCUE! and TARO AND THE MAGIC PENCIL were released on November 2nd.
THE ADVENTURES OF PANDA MAN: PANDA MAN TO THE RESCUE ·
MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.99 CAN · Available November 2nd
Boing Oing! It's Panda Man, a roly-poly hero with a bottomless belly and the power of pee-yew! Evil villains are no match for our hero's funky feet and flatulence, but he still needs your help! Together you can solve the mazes and puzzles that stand between Panda Man and ultimate justice...or his next meal. Whichever comes first!


THE ADVENTURES OF TARO: TARO AND THE MAGIC PENCIL ·
MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.99 CAN · Available November 2nd
Before his comic book drawings came to life, Taro was an ordinary boy. Now his characters are in danger, and it's up to him to save them! With the flick of a magic pencil, Taro transforms into Terrie (a terrier) and enters his comic book world. The adventures ahead are more amazing than anything he ever imagined!


The first volume of Usamaru Furuya's GENKAKU PICASSO has been released under the Shonen Jump imprint.
Hikaru “Picasso” Hamura, a grouchy teenager with a talent for drawing, dies in a freak accident. The gods decide to revive him, but only on the condition that he use his artistic gift for the good of humanity. Picasso discovers that sketching a person’s aura yields a surreal portrait of their psyche. Stranger still, Picasso can dive into these dreamscapes and help people by exploring their deepest emotions, memories and perceptions.
Creator Usamaru Furuya made a splash with his 1994 manga debut in the legendary “underground” manga magazine Garo with his innovative four-panel series Palepoli. He also created a gag series called Short Cuts for Young Sunday magazine, which was later serialized in the English-language manga magazine Pulp and published as a graphic novel by VIZ Media (rated ‘M’ for Mature). His other works include Jisatsu Circle, a manga adaptation of the film, Suicide Club, The Chronicles of the Clueless Age, a collaboration with the writer Otsuichi, and Happiness, a series of shorts that ran in IKKI magazine. GENKAKU PICASSO is Furuya’s first series for Jump SQ.


GENKAKU PICASSO © 2008 by Usamaru Furuya/SHUEISHA Inc.
Ahojo-styled drama with the release of THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, written by Sai Yukino with artwork by Kairi Yura has been released under the Shojo Beat imprint
Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei
Saiunkoku Monogatari Volume 1 © Kairi YURA 2006 © Sai YUKINO 2006
Viz has released KUROZAKURO by Yoshinori Natsume (Togari) under the Shonen Sunday label
Mikito Sakurai is tired of being a punching bag for all the delinquents on campus. But what can he do? By nature he's a gentle and easygoing high school student. That all changes the night he swallows a mysterious orb and meets Zakuro, a strange kid who promises to grant his most heartfelt desire. "When you wake up," says the pint-sized apparition, "you'll be stronger and better than a human."


KUROZAKURO © 2004 Yoshinori NATSUME/Shogakukan


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Upcoming Shonen Jump releases include Psyren and Yu-Gi-Oh 5D

Friday, November 26, 2010

Live-Action News

[News by Scott Green of AICN.com]

 Shohei Manabe’s Smuggler, released in North America by Tokyopop, is getting an adaptation.
Ryosuke Kinuta is a failed actor with serious debt problems. His loan shark arranges a job for him as part of a corpse disposal team, transporting the bodies of victims of gang hits out of the city and seeing to it that they're never seen again. But with the team accepting work from both sides in an escalating mob war and a pair of deadly Chinese assassins on the loose, life for Kinuta and his colleagues is about to get increasingly dangerous. [Source: AnimeNewsNetwork]
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Gamera is getting a 40 minute, 3D movie, scheduled for 2012.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! - Anime-Style!


Peanuts Thanksgiving 


Anime Thanksgiving! 
 KaiKai & Kiki
While watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I caught sight of two huge floating balloons of what looked like kawaii anime characters. Turns out they were.

The Leading Revolutionary Pop-Artist Takashi Murakami and Co. Bring you their new venture into art and animation. KaiKai & Kiki Animation brings to life Murakami's Flagship characters in their own mini-adventure.

(Copyright Kaikai Kiki Co.,Ltd. & KaikaiKiki Animation Studio)
Young Justice Premieres This Week!
One hour Young Justice special "Independence Day" premieres Friday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. on Cartoon NetwAork.
Aqualad, Superboy, Robin, and Kid Flash are ready for anything
Synopsis
In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over — to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you're not just a normal teenager? What if you're a teenage super hero? How much harder will it be to prove yourself in a world of super powers, super villains and super secrets? Are you ready to come of age in such a world? Are you ready for life or death rites of passage? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you're worthy of the Justice League? That's exactly what the members of Young Justice — Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis — will found out … whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero.

In the premiere episode, Robin, Speedy, Aqualad and Kid Flash are finally granted access to the headquarters of the Justice League. But when that access turns out to be little more than a glorified backstage pass, Speedy walks, and the other three sidekicks go on a mission of their own…to Project Cadmus, where they make a startling discovery…
 G.I. Joe Renegades Premieres Tomorrow!
Watch as the Joes take on Cobra Commander when The Hub TV network premeries the new action-adventure animated series "G.I. Joe Renegades" on November 26 at 5 p.m. ET. For more information visit http://www.hubworld.com
 

Transformers: Prime

 Premieres November 29 on the HUB Network
Roll out with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Ratchet, Bulkhead, and the rest of the heroic Autobots as they battle the evil Decepticons. Now that big bad Megatron has returned with a mysterious and dangerous element, Team Prime must prepare for an epic battle. But that's not so easy when they have to guard over Jack, Miko, and Raf -- three normal kids who’ve accidentally discovered the Autobots. As Team Prime works to defend Earth from destruction, the drama gets just as intense as the heavy metal action. 

Jack Darby


Arcee


Bumblebee


Cliffjumper


Sneak Peek Clip

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

 A Klingon Christmas Carol
Scrooge has no honor, nor any courage. Can three ghosts help him to become the true warrior he ought to be in time to save Tiny Tim from a horrible fate? Performed in the Original Klingon with English Supertitles, and narrative analysis from The Vulcan Institute of Cultural Anthropology.

The Dickens classic tale of ghosts and redemption adapted to reflect the Warrior Code of Honor and then translated into tlhIngan Hol (That's the Klingon Language).
November 26 - December 19, 2010
at the
Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL  60614
http://www.cbtheatre.org/

Commedia Beauregard is honored to be the only theatre in the world to produce a full-length play in tlhIngan Hol every year. Since 2007 when the company teamed with the IKV RakeHell of the Klingon Assault Group, CommBeau has produced "A Klingon Christmas Carol" at a variety of venues in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. In 2010 the new home of "A Klingon Christmas Carol" is at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul, MN. AND we are taking the show to our new home in Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, too! 

*  Opening Night is sold out in both Saint Paul and Chicago! Tickets are still available for the other nights, but they are going fast. Don't delay! 


"A Klingon Christmas Carol"
Admission: $32.00
 

Or Call: (773) 404-7336

 

Disney's TANGLED Opens Today!!!!

Manga News

[News by Scott Green of AICN.com]

CLAMP's Gate 7 one-shot will be spun into an ongoing manga in Jump Sqaure.

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A new kids focus Jump spin-off, Super Strong Jump will start December 3rd. Younger audience takes on Jump titles include
Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden (from Naruto) by Kenji Taira
Chopperman (from One Piece) by Hirofumi Takei
Vongola GP (Grand Prix) Kuru! (from Katekyo Hitman Reborn!) by Toshinori Takayama
Gourmet Gakuen Toriko (from Toriko) by Akitsugu Mizumoto
Digimon Xros Wars by Akiyoshi Hongo/Yuuki Nakashima
Slime MoriMori (from Dragon Quest) by Osamu Kaneko
MonHun Manga PokaPoka Airu-mura (from Monster Hunter) by Akihiro Kikuchi
Yokai Gakkyu Rock Rock Be!!! by Naoaki Ito
An army of supernatural creatures appears at a school ruled by a gang leader
God Cooking Gourmet Ryori-Kyo! by Kazufumi Yuki
Divine gourmet cuisine in the classroom
Golem a Go! Go! by Katsuya Kazama

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Gainax's classic mecha anime Gunbuster will be adapted into a manga series running in Shonen Ace

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Shogakukan Creative will publish Tezuka Osamu Sosaku Note to Shoki Sakuhin-Shu, a collection of conceptual notes and early works from the manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka, on December 24 in Japan.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Firebreather Premieres this week!

[Source: AICN.com] Cartoon Network will premiere the CG movie Firebreather on Wednesday, November 24th at 7pm ET/PT

Based on the comic book series, fans are introduced to Duncan, a typical teen with not so typical parents. His mother once stopped a destructive war between the humans and a race of deadly monsters – the Kaiju. His father is the King of the Kaiju and has been waiting years to meet Duncan and to present him his legacy.

Directed by famed animator Peter Chung (Aeon Flux), Firebreather delivers an action-packed theatrical experience exclusively on Cartoon Network.

Firebreather is written by Jim Krieg (Ben 10: Alien Swarm) and executive produced by Julia Pistor (Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events).

The Firebreather voice cast includes:
Jesse Head as Duncan
Dana Delany as Margaret
Kevin Michael Richardson as Belloc
Reed Diamond as Barnes
Amy Davidson as Jenna
Tia Texada as Isabel
Dante Basco as Kenny
Josh Keaton as Troy

OMG! - "Oh My Gundam!"

A man-sized Gundam? You’re gonna need a bigger toy shelf!
It’s so hard to win respect at the office. No one seems to appreciate all the funny email forwards you send. Displaying actual competence at your job is obviously out. And flashing your pink parts to intimidate rivals apparently only works in the animal kingdom.

Which leaves only one option: have you ever considered walking around with a giant Gundam?

If not, it’s time to send your coworkers into tremors of fear with Bandai’s astonishing five-foot tall, 100-pound Gundam figure. (Picture note: The war bot is significantly more intimidating when not posing next to a smiling Japanese girl.) Based on the wildly popular mecha anime franchise, the figure is modeled after the RX-78-2 Gundam created in Mobile Suit Gundam—which to non-mecha geeks basically just means this is the first, classic Gundam. For accessories, your new protector comes with a shield, beam rifle and beam saber. Admittedly, none of those weapons actually function—but your coworkers certainly don't need to know that.

Also, at 1:12 scale, these figures are obviously much smaller than the original humanity-dwarfing robots seen in the anime. But, let's be honest, that's probably for the best. You couldn't have fit a 60-foot tall robot into your cubicle anyway.

Anime News

Ghibli will be announcing their next movie on December 15th. The director on the project has not been indicated.
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retailer Mangaoh listed, then removed the listing for a game based on a second Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha movie
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Tokyo International Anime Fair announced the four pilots it will sponsor in 2011 for the "Creator's World Anime Pilot Production Support Project"
Tokyo Int'l Anime Fair Sponsors 4 Anime Pilots for 2011
posted on 2010-10-22 16:13 EDT
From Mardock Scramble CGI's Kodama, Catblue: Dynamite's Higa, Shadow Skill 3's Ichikawa, Cavity Express' Muto
The Tokyo International Anime Fair has announced on Friday that it is sponsoring four anime pilots which will be unveiled at next year's fair in March. The "Creator's World Anime Pilot Production Support Project" selected the following works:
• Interior
Creator: French curve/Tetsuro Kodama (Mardock Scramble CGI director, Yasai no Yousei - N.Y. Salad art director, Namie Amuro's "Wild/Dr.")
• Kanai
Creator: Studio RF/Romanov Higa (Catblue: Dynamite, TANK S.W.A.T. 01, Metal Gear Sold: Peace Walker cut scenes, Hellsing Ultimate action director)
• Monster ni Natta Domerika
Creator: Kazuya Ichikawa (Shadow Skill 3/SOS TV Walpurgis Night Fever director, Appleseed: Ex Machina CG layout and motion team leader)
• Kaseki Dorobo to Kyoryuseki
Creator: Kenji Muto (Cavity Express, Gift)/Sugarless Factory/Honesuta
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Ghost in the Shell creator Masamune Shirow's Appleseed, previously adapted into an OVA and two CG movies, is now slated to be adapted into 13 episode OVA Appleseed XIII
planned staff includes director Takayuki Hamana, screen writer Jun’ichi Fujisaku, character designer Takayuki Goto and mech designer Atsushi Takeuchi

Following a world war that killed half the world's population, the city-nation of Olympus stands as a beacon of hope in a world of chaos and conflict. The utopian metropolis is governed by Gaia, a vast artificial intelligence, and administered by a genetically engineered humanoids known as Bioroids.
Although Olympus seems like a peaceful city on the surface, racial (human vs. bioroids vs. cyborgs), religious, and political conflicts lurk underneath — threatening to overturn the delicately balanced "peace." Security threats such as terrorists and anti-government criminals abound, so the use of force becomes a necessary evil even in this so-called "utopia."
Deunan, a young female warrior, and Briareos, a veteran cyborg-soldier, are both partners and lovers, as well as members of ES.W.A.T., the elite special forces serving Olympus. They are deployed wherever trouble strikes.
Conspiracy, terrorism, deadly military weapons technology, greedy corporations, and power-hungry politicians — these are just some of the threats that Deunan and Briareos must contend with as they fight to protect Olympus and save mankind from plunging into another war.
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preciciously vulger child comedy Crayon Shin-chan is being spun off into Shin-men, staring five elemental super heroes.
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Yoshihiro Togashi's Level E will be adapted by in a Studio Pierrot / David Production co-production
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s&m 101 seinen manga Nana to Kaoru is getting an anime to be packed in with a limited edition of volume 6
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anthropomorphized fighter plane girls vs aliens Strike Witches is getting an anime movie
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a third Isshoni Training cute girl training OVA, Isshoni Training 026: Bathtime with Hinako & Hiyoko is slated for December release
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A two episode Valkyria Chronicles 3 OVA tie-in has been scheduled for Spring, 2011
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cast includes
Crane: Yu Kobayashi
Furyune: Minami Tsuda
Nessa: Kana Hanazawa
Enrico: Yuka Iguchi
Sunda: Shintaro Asanuma
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Volume 31 of the Air Gear manga will include an original "Trick" anime episode, animating a fight from volume 24,
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Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra will be doing their first anime work, providing the theme songs for the One Piece and Toriko 3D movie double feature.
The band's keyboardist, Yuichi Oki, composed the song that will be used in "One Piece 3D." It is the series' first instrumental theme song.
Trumpeter NARGO was put in charge of the "Toriko 3D" song, and the result is described as a rhythmic tune that fits the manga's themes of gourmet food and fighting.
No release date for the theme songs has been announced yet.
Preview images of the anime can be seen here
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Shaft's Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica from director Akiyuki Shinbo (Bakemonogatari, Hidamari Sketch) will direct. Hidamari Sketch creator Ume Aoki will provide the original character designs which Takahiro Kishida (Durarara, Noein) will adapt for animation. Phantom & Blassreiter TV series screenwriter Gen Urobuchi will compose the screenplay. Composer Yuki Kajiura (Noir, Kara no Kyoukai) will score the series.
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Precure All-Stars DX3: Deliver the Future! The Rainbow-Colored Flower That Connects the World will hit Japanese theatres in March
A trademark has been registered “Suite Precure,” presumed to the title of the eighth Precure series
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Hiroyuki Kitakubo (Roujin Z) will overseeing Gonzo's 26 episode Satria: The Warriors of the 7 Elements
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Producer Kouji Yamamoto confirmed that well regarded Aoi Hana will not be getting a second season due to low DVD sales of the first
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Unlike the first, second Saint Seiya: Lost Canvas OVA will only be made available as a direct to video OVA
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Sora no Otoshimono Forte will be continued in a theatrical film
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Staff for the prison scape OVA Norageki! , scheduled for January 22, includes director Hiroaki Ando (Digital Juice, Steamboy & Tekkonkinkreet CGI director)
writer Dai Sato (Freedom, Eureka Seven).
Masaru Gotsubo (Shounen Tantei Inugami Geru, Samurai Champloo manga) and Kimitoshi Yamane (Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop) are responsible for the character and mechanic designs, respectively. Masayuki Okubo and Yusuke Takeda (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo) are overseeing the CG and art, respectively. Masanori Tsuchiya (Halo Legends' "Homecoming") is directing the sound, and Yuji Tone (Koisento) is directing the photography.
The cast includes Miyu Irino (Koseinen, "Good Young Man"), Takako Honda (Ii Onna, "Good Woman"), Kazuma Mori (Chunen Otoko, "Middle-Aged Man"), Meg (Ota-Onna, "Female Otaku"), and Seizo Katou (Rojin, "Old Man")
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The eighth volume of light novel series Shinichi Kimura's Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? will feature an original anime episode

Friday, November 19, 2010

 Kung Pow Panda Too!!!  
As expected, when a movie makes a zillion dollars, there has to be a sequel. Prepare for the Return of Awesomeness in... Kung Fu Panda 2.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Clone Wars' Jedi Get a Costume Change

Clone Wars' Jedi apprentice Ahsoka Tano gets a more modest costume this week.
After two seasons trotting around the universe half-naked in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker’s female understudy is finally dressing the part of a mostly modest Jedi warrior.

Ahsoka Tano’s costume change, viewable in the exclusive first-look image above, debuts Friday in The Clone Wars‘ new episode, “Heroes on Both Sides,” according to a Lucasfilm representative.

Full Length Green Lantern Trailer

In brightest day, in blackest night
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might
Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The World Only God Knows

 Highly Recommended - When Virtual Dating Becomes Real
Keima is bishōjo gamer who is called "The Capturing God" on the Internet for his ability to capture any girl in any bishōjo game but does not like girls in real life. One day, he accidentally accepts a contract with the demoness Elsie to help her capture evil spirits that have escaped from hell and have hidden themselves in girls' hearts with the only way to force these spirits out is to make the girls fall in love with him. Keima angrily explains to Elsie that he doesn't like girls and his "capturing skills" only work in games but is shocked to learn that both of them will be killed by the magical collars on their necks if he breaks his contract, forcing him to comply. His first target is his classmate, Ayumi Takahara who is training for the upcoming track-and-field meet. Keima cheers her on by displaying banners using Elsie's magical raiment at the field everyday. While Ayumi is annoyed by his actions, Keima believes she will eventually get used to him and like him. After a confrontation with jealous seniors, Ayumi sprains her leg a day before the meet. However, Keima confronts her that night as he figured out that Ayumi faked her injury because her meeting with the seniors made her question her confidence. Keima consoles Ayumi and tells her to believe in herself, which makes her fall for Keima. They kiss when Ayumi keeps Keima from falling down the stairs, forcing the spirit out of her body and allowing Elsie to capture it. Ayumi wins the meet but loses all of her memories with Keima, though she blushes when Keima congratulates her. Much to his confusion, Elsie has transferred to his school, claiming to be his sister. 
See the First Episode