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, July 30, 2013

X-Men: Days of Future Past panel at SDCC 2013

Days of Future Past at Comic-Con
  • X-Men: Days of Future Past panel from San Diego Comic Con 2013.

    Monday, July 29, 2013

    The Walking Dead Season 4 panel at SDCC 2013

    Comic-Con Trailer
    • Get an early look at the new season before it premieres on Sunday, October 13, 2013, at 9:00 pm.


    • Panel for The Walking Dead from San Diego Comic Con 2013 featuring Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Lauren Cohen, Steven Yeung, Danai Gurira, Scott Wilson, and David Morrissey.


      Sunday, July 28, 2013

      The Legend of Korra - Book 2 Trailer

      Korra Returns September 2013
      • The next chapter of The Legend of Korra is almost here! Check out the trailer for The Legend of Korra - Book 2: Spirits coming this September.

        Saturday, July 27, 2013

        Superman/Batman Announcement at SDCC 2013

        Next "Man of Steel" Movie will feature Batman
        • Zack Snyder took the stage at the end of the DC panel, gesturing that moderator Chris Hardwick should move aside. Snyder said, “I’m gonna take the lectern from you, because some shit’s going to happen up here.”
        •  
        • Snyder continued:
        • It’s official that we are going to make another Superman movie. And you say, Zack, what is the movie about? But you don’t want me to tell you that. You want to go and see the movie. But I can say that maybe there’s a single element that will be in the film that I could… help you out with. I was thinking about how to do that. I pored through the DC Universe to look for a way to tell this thing. We’re writing the thing now, but I came across a thing I found that’ll help you understand it.
        • And then Harry Lennix read this line, from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns:
        • “I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in all your most private moments, I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.”
        • That’s Batman speaking to Superman from the end of Miller’s story, and that quote blew the roof off Hall H. The room goes dark and the audience is teased with the Superman logo followed by the Batman Logo appearing behind the “S”…

        • Here’s the press release from Warner Bros:

          NEXT DC SUPER HERO MOVIE 
          IN PRE-PRODUCTION
          Director Zack Snyder Unites Superman and Batman in One Explosive New Film

          BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyderis bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution,Warner Bros. Pictures.
           
          The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcomingfilm brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.
           
          Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date inSummer 2015.
           
          Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”

          Friday, July 26, 2013

          Karen Gillan Reveals Her New Look For Guardians

          At the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con's Marvel panel, actress Karen Gillan reveals that she had shaved off her beautiful red tresses for her role as the mercenary Nebula in the upcoming movie "Guardians of the Galaxy".

          Thursday, July 25, 2013

          Anime Viewing Schedule for July 27, 2013

          Saturday, July 27, 2013
          Wood Dale Public Library
          Main Meeting Room, 10:15 am to 5:00 pm
          (Click on titles to view Video Previews)
          10:15 - 11:30    Accel World 22-24 (end)
          11:30 - 11:55    Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! OVA

          11:55 - 12:45    Red Data Girl 7-8
          12:45 - 2:05      Club Meeting / Announcements
          2:05 - 2:30        Sword Art Online 17-18
          2:30 - 3:45        Attack on Titan 10-12
          3:45 - 4:45        Ghost in the Shell ARISE 1 (Ghost Pain)



          10:15 - 11:05    Accel World 22-24 (end)
          Plot Summary: [Source: Wikipedia] In the year 2046, Neuro-synchronization, a technology system that allows humans to manipulate their five senses, has become widespread where people can access the internet and enter virtual worlds. Haruyuki "Haru" Arita is a short, fat boy who due to constant bullying has low-self esteem. To escape the torment of real life, he logs-in to the school's virtual world network where he plays squash alone and always gets the highest score. One day Haru attracts the attention of the Student Council Vice-President Kuroyukihime who offers him Brain Burst, a secret program which allows a person to make time appear to stand still in their surroundings by "accelerating" their brainwaves in the real world. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how many times a person can accelerate due to Brain Burst points and the primary way to get more points is to fight and defeat other Brain Burst users in the program's virtual reality massive multiplayer online (VRMMO) fighting game. However, if a user loses all of his/her points the Brain Burst program will uninstall itself and block all re-installation attempts, thus permanently removing the user's ability to accelerate. Kuroyukihime wants Haru's help as she wishes to reach Level 10 and meet the creator of Brain Burst to learn its true purpose. But in order to do that, she must defeat five other Level 9 users who just so happen to be "The Six Kings of Pure Color", the leaders of the six most powerful factions in the Brain Burst world. For helping him, Haru agrees to help Kuroyukihime not only to repay her but to overcome his weaknesses.
          Episode 22 "Determination": Blood Leopard explains to Silver Crow, the risk of overusing the Incarnate System since the power that it draws out, comes at a high price of causing a Burst Linker to lose their sense of self and give rise to a Chrome Disaster. Despite this, Crow decides to believe in the good of Brain Burst. Leopard then uses Silver Crow as bait to draw out Rust Taker into a duel, where they quickly beat him and return to the real world to hopefully spot his real body. Haruyuki catches a glimpse of him while making a strange swiping gesture but quickly loses him. Later Haruyuki and Takumu plan their next moves with the latter grasping the basic concept of incarnation from Yuniko. The next day, Haruyuki decides to talk to Chiyuri, who begins participating in battles with Dusk Taker, and although he doesn't understand her train of thought, swears to take back what Seiji stole from him. Later, Haruyuki analyzes all the data he has on Seiji (Dusk Taker). Based on the swiping gesture Rust Jigsaw made whilst not wearing a Neuro-Linker Haruyuki deduces that their faction is using illegal Brain Implant Chips which they connect to networks with and only use their Neuro-Linkers just as they enter a duel thus masking them from the matching list. The next day, Haruyuki confronts Seiji with his discovery and they agree on an ultimatum: settling their score with a final duel in the Unlimited Field where the winner claims all of the losers Burst Points. Haruyuki, with Takumu supporting him, determines to end their plight before Kuroyukihime returns.
          Episode 23 "Consolidation": As the day of the duel arrives, Chiyuri asks to join Haruyuki and Takumu in the Unlimited Field. Choosing to believe in her, they comply. Silver Crow, Cyan Pile and Lime Bell approach the battle ground, the school's sporting field, where they encounter Dusk Taker and begin the duel using a Sudden Death Duel Card. As the battle begins, a new Burst Linker, Black Vice ambushes them and immobilizes Silver Crow. Taker explains that Vice possess a Deceleration ability via his Brain Implant Chip. Taker then battles Cyan Pile who manifests his incarnation ability, Cyan Blade, and overcomes Taker's Demonic Possession due to Taker already having too many abilities, and slices off an arm. Dusk Taker explains that he was bullied by his older brother who was also his Brain Burst parent, forcing him to obtain points for him. This drove him taking revenge on his brother by repeatedly killing him within the Unlimited Field and stripping him of Brain Burst. Taker then takes Lime Bell hostage and tortures her, explaining that the bonds they have are illusions. This proves too much for Cyan Pile, causing him to lose focus, giving Taker an advantage and cuts off both his arms. As Haruyuki laments on the hopelessness of the situation, he loses the will to fight. But he eventually regains his resolve from his avatar (Silver Crow) and his memory of Kuroyukihime. He manages to overpower Black Vice, at the cost of his metallic armor, and surprises Dusk Taker but instead falls to the ground. Just as all hope seems to truly be lost, Dusk Taker is stopped from finishing off Cyan Pile by Black Lotus, who appears on a level 15 Enemy using the reins obtained from Crimson Kingbolt. As Taker is taken aback by her arrival, Black Vice introduces themselves officially, as being a part of the Acceleration Research Society (which Sulfur Pot was also a part of). Black Lotus then deems them her enemies for trampling on her Legion members and fiercely attacks Black Vice while encouraging Silver Crow to stand and face Dusk Taker once and for all.
          Episode 24 "Reincarnation": As they make their way to meet up with Yuniko, Haruyuki explains to Takumu how Seiji had set him up, and dragging Chiyuri along. After hearing about their situation, Yuniko agrees to teach Haruyuki and Takumu about the Incarnate System, explaining the different skills that can be performed with them. Silver Crow demonstrates the ability he achieved via his training with Sky Raker, with Scarlet Rain suggesting he give it a name so he can have easier access to it, thus he dubs it Laser Sword. As the type of skills an avatar can learn depends on the user's personal traumas, Takumu explains how he was bullied in elementary school, which gave rise Cyan Pile's combat ability. As Scarlet Rain begins training Cyan Pile, Haruyuki logs out to learn more about how Seiji masks himself from the matching list. He is then joined by Yuniko's ally, Blood Leopard, who takes him to Akihabara to begin the investigation. They arrive and enter Akihabara's virtual world and proceed to the Akihabara Battle Grounds, a neutral fighting arena for Burst Linkers which is also being plagued by another unlisted Burst Linker called Rust Jigsaw who enters the Dive Cafe where Haruyuki and Blood Leopard's real bodies are.

          11:30 - 11:55     Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! OVA Special
          Plot Summary: [Source: Wikipedia] Yūta Togashi is a boy who, during junior high school, had 'adolescent delusions' (中二病 chūnibyō, lit. "junior high school second grade illness"), believing that he possesses supernatural powers and dubbing himself the 'Dark Flame Master,' therefore alienating himself from his classmates. Finding his past embarrassing, Yūta attempts to start off high school where he does not know anyone, free from his old delusions. This proves to be difficult, however, as a delusional girl in his class, Rikka Takanashi, learns of Yūta's past and becomes interested in him. As the plot progreses Rikka becomes more attached to Yūta, who despite finding her delusions irritating and embarrassing, accepts her. He helps Rikka with a number of things, including founding and maintaining her club and tutoring her. When he joins her on her summer vacation, Yūta learns that when Rikka was very young her father, whom she was very close to, died unexpectedly due to a terminal illness, causing her to fall into her delusions. After Yūta agrees to help Rikka search for the 'Ethereal Horizon' (不可視境界線 Fukashi Kyōkaisen), which she believes will lead her to her father, she becomes romantically interested in him and vice versa.
          Episode 11 "Glimmering... Slapstick Noel": Some time after Rikka returns to the school, the gang has a Christmas party at Sanae's mansion. As usual, Rikka tries to take the opportunity to improve her relationship with Yūta, while Makoto tries to get closer to Kumin with no success and Shinka keeps arguing with Sanae. However, the situation gets even more hectic when Rikka and Sanae get drunk upon eating some liquor cake. After Rikka gets asleep, Yūta takes her home with him, but before returning to their apartment, they end up taking a special boat ride where they have some quality time until the rest of the gang also appears there, much to their surprise. The still drunk Sanae then causes a commotion about how Rikka keeps talking about Yūta, almost dropping Rikka from the boat, but Yūta manages to catch her in time, while Sanae falls over Shinka, kissing her up by accident. Finally back home, Yūta is visited by Rikka, wearing a black Santa dress to bid him Merry Christmas.

          11:55 - 12:45    Red Data Girl 7-8
          Plot Summary: [Source: Wikipedia] The story revolves around Izumiko Suzuhara, a 15-year old girl who has been raised at Tamakura Shrine, part of the Kumano Shrines World Heritage Site. She destroys any electrical device that she comes into contact with. Despite being shy, she wants to try living in the city. Her guardian Yukimasa Sagara recommends that she enroll at Hōjō High School in Tokyo, accompanied by his son and Izumiko's childhood friend Miyuki Sagara. While in Tokyo, an entity named "Himegami" appears. Izumiko learns that she is a yorishiro, a vessel for a shinto spirit known as a kami, while Miyuki learns that he is a yamabushi, a warrior tasked with protecting her.
          Episode 7 "My First Time Getting Lost": Sagara starts to fight some ghosts that appeared from the bushes. His only concern is Izumiko's safety and asks Mayura to stop this game, but Mayura says that she will protect her. Because Izumiko got really scared, she immediately tells Sagara about Masumi who's all this time beside him as Manatsu. When said it, the surroundings suddenly return to normal but Izumiko gets left in the layer of Togakushi where the fight happened and feels lost and alone. When they notice it, they immediately looks for her. Back in the layer, Masumi talks to her and tells her that she got left and say he will lead her back to her friends. On the way back, Manatsu gets a call telling him that Tabi (their first horse) is sick and he needs to get there as soon as possible as the owner. After spending days alone Manatsu has yet to come back, they get worried and Izumiko and Sagara to go see what is happening. They find out that Tabi has died and Manatsu is extremely depressed about it. The truck they passed coming to the ranch was the carrying Tabi's body from the farm, He had died that day.
          Episode 8 "My First Wish": Sagara and Izumiko save Manatsu from Masumi's spiritual plane but unleash a strong god Sagara saves Izumiko from an attack and is revealed to have black wings but in the end The Goddess comes and talks the god in to sleeping again Izumiko askes the goddess if its possible for them to live apart she tells her to ask her mother.

          12:45 - 2:05     Club Meeting / Announcements

          San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Highlights
          • Convention Coverage
          • Animation News from around the world
          • Cosplayers/Skits/Masquerade
          • Anime Music Videos
          • And other weird, interesting stuff...


          2:05 - 2:30    Sword Art Online 17
          Plot Summary: [Source: Wikipedia] In the year 2022, the Virtual reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) Sword Art Online (SAO) is released. With the Nerve Gear, a virtual reality Helmet that stimulates the user's five senses via their brain, players can experience and control their in-game characters with their minds. On November 6, 2022, all the players log in for the first time, and discover that they are unable to log out. They are then teleported to a place where Kayaba Akihiko, the creator of SAO, issues them a challenge; if they wish to be free and log out of the game, they must reach the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, if their avatars die in game, their bodies will also die in the real world. The story follows Kirito, a skilled player who is determined to beat the game. As the game progresses Kirito eventually befriends a female player called Asuna who becomes his partner and lover. After the duo discovers the identity of Kayaba's avatar in SAO, the couple confronts and defeats him, freeing themselves and the other players from the game. Upon returning to the real world, Kirito learns that Asuna is trapped along a small group of SAO players against their will in another VRMMORPG called Alfheim Online (ALO) as a part of a plan devised by Nobuyuki Sugō with the intention of brainwashing Asuna and marry her in an attempt to take over her family's company. Helped by old friends from his time in SAO along new allies, Kirito manages to thwart Nobuyuki's plans and finally reunite with Asuna in the real world. Soon after, Kirito embarks in another VRMMORPG called Gun Gale Online (GGO) to investigate the mysterious connection between the game and deaths ocurring in the real world. He eventually discovers that the cuplrits behind the deaths include former members of a murderous guild he has previously confronted in SAO. After solving the murders in GGO, Kirito is recruited to assist in the development of a state-of-the-art game interface far more realistic and complex than those of the games he had previously played, but he eventually gets trapped in a game called UnderWorld (UW) where the flow of time is thousands of times faster than in the real world and is currently finding a way back to reality.
          Episode 17 "Captive Queen": Leafa thanks Kirito for saving her and teaches him how to fly properly. They then travel to the Sylph Territory (Sylvein) where they meet one of Leafa's party members, Recon. Leafa and Kirito go to an inn and have a conversation about how he can get to the top of the World Tree. Seeing Kirito's determination to reach the top of the tree, Leafa decides to help him and asks him to meet her at the inn the next day. When Leafa logs out, it is revealed she is actually Suguha. Meanwhile, Asuna is seen in a gigantic bird cage at the World Tree, held by the game master, Oberon the Fairy King. She recognizes Oberon as Sugou, who insists on calling her "Titania". He reveals to Asuna how he captured the minds of 300 players before they were logged out from SAO including her own, as part of his research on memory control. He threatens to alter Asuna's memories if she does not cooperate with him and then departs, leaving Asuna in despair and quietly begging for Kirito to save her. 

          2:30 - 3:45    Attack on Titan 10-12
          Plot Summary: [Source: Wikipedia] In an alternative, middle-ages setup, the human population is dwindling in numbers. With the advent of Titans, giant humanoid creatures that attack and devour any human on sight, what remains of civilization is protected by three concentric walls, hundreds of kilometers long and around fifty meters tall, called Wall Maria (the outermost wall), Wall Rose and Wall Sina (the innermost wall housing the capital). All efforts to expand the human territory beyond the walls have failed so far, but the citizens inside remained safe for a hundred years, until two unusual Titans, a colossal one, sixty meter tall and another one, covered with a hardened shell, break through Wall Maria, bringing the other Titans inside, forcing mankind to once again face its greatest threat to ensure its survival. The series follows the story of Eren Jeager, a young boy whose father disappears after his mother is killed during the fall of Wall Maria. Years later he enlists into the army, accompanied by his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and their childhood friend Armin Arlelt. When the Titans threaten to break further through Wall Rose, Eren discovers that he possesses the ability to temporarily transform himself into a Titan. Seen as a threat by some, and a ray of hope by others, Eren joins his companions in a war to protect what still remains of mankind, making use of his newfound power while looking for answers to the mysteries surrounding the Titans, the walls, and his own existence.
          Episode 10 "Answer: Battle of Trost District, Part 6": After partially transforming himself into a Titan to protect Armin and Mikasa, Eren climbs out from the Titan to talk with Mikasa and Armin regarding the basement in his former house and how he believes that the secret to mankind's preservation and the key to destroying the Titans is located. Commander Kitz is still afraid and once again orders the cannon to be loaded. Eren comes up with two plans of escape: the first is for him to transform into a Titan and run away on his own, forever criminalizing himself in the eyes of humanity; The second is to have Armin convince to Kitz that Eren is an asset, not a danger. Armin has several flashbacks and comes to the realization that even if he is a coward physically, he can still defend his friends mentally and decides to help talk their way out of being executed. Armin tentatively convinces Kitz, only to have him overcome by fear and give the order to fire once more. But the order is halted when Commander Pixis and his men intervene, sparing their lives. In return, Pixis asks Eren if he will transform himself and help block gap in the wall to prevent further Titan invasions. He agrees, regardless of whether or not he is able to control his Titan form.
          Episode 11  "Icon: Battle of Trost District, Part 7": As Armin helps Pixis' subordinates coordinate a plan, morale among the troops begin to fade as some of them want to desert and be with their families. Pixis calms everyone by reminding them if they abandon this one chance to finally stop the Titans, their families will be killed by the Titans which convinces the troops to stay. Claiming that Eren is the result of a secret project to turn humans into Titans, Pixis plans to have most of the troops gather at a far corner of Trost to lure most of the Titans away while Eren in Titan form carries the giant boulder needed to seal the hole. Along with Mikasa, Eren will be guarded during this mission by three of the best elites of the Garrison, Ian Dietrich, Rico Brzenska and Mitabi Jarnach. As they head toward the giant boulder, Rico reminds Eren that many lives are at stake for the sake of this mission. Finally reaching the boulder, Eren transforms himself into a Titan, but suddenly attacks Mikasa.
          Episode 12  "Wound: Battle of Trost District, Part 8": Mikasa tries to reason with Eren's Titan, but to no avail. Eren's Titan continues his attack and accidentally incapacitates himself, slumping to the ground. The elites protecting Eren sends up a red flare to signal that the plan has failed, much to the dismay of the troops observing from the wall. As Armin heads toward Eren to investigate, the elite squadron argues and eventually agrees to protect Eren, recognizing him as a valuable military asset. During the operation, Jean gets separated from Connie and Annie after his Maneuver Gear malfunctions, forcing him to hide from two Titans in a building. Armin reaches Eren's unconscious Titan, but Mikasa calls to him, warning that the Rogue Titan is dangerous. Armin plunges his sword off to the side of the Titan's neck, which briefly awakens Eren. As Armin talks of the outside world and Eren's promise to kill all the Titans, Eren leaves his dreamlike-state and regains consciousness.

          3:45 - 4:45    Ghost in the Shell ARISE 1 (Ghost Pain)
          Plot Summary: [Source: Wikipedia] Set in the year 2027, a year following the end of the non-nuclear World War IV. A bomb has gone off in Newport City, killing a major arms dealer who may have ties with the mysterious 501 Organization. Public Security official Daisuke Aramaki hires full-body cyber prosthesis user and hacker extraordinaire Motoko Kusanagi to investigate, but on the case with her are "Sleepless Eye" Batou who believes Kusanagi is a criminal, Niihama Prefecture Detective Togusa who is investigating a series of prostitute murders he believes are related to the incident, and Lieutenant Colonel Kurtz of the 501 Organization who also wishes to keep an eye on Kusanagi. A recurring part of the episodes will be the mysterious Fire Starter (ファイア・スターター Faia Sutātā) computer virus, as well as looking into the lives of Batou and Togusa before the formation of Public Security Section 9.

          Wednesday, July 24, 2013

          New Voices For “The Legend of Korra” Book 2

          A look at Korra’s twin cousins Eska and Desna, as well as Varrick. This artwork was displayed on the Nickelodeon’s “Korra Nation” blog to promote the free “The Legend of Korra: Enhanced Experience” iBook.
          [Source: ToonZone.net] A report at Entertainment Weekly and a blog from co-creator, writer and Executive Producer Bryan Konietzko have revealed new voice acting roles for the second season of the Nickelodeon series The Legend Of Korra. Richard Riehle (Office Space) and Lisa Edelstein (House) will play Bumi and Kya, brother and sister to Korra’s airbending teacher Tenzin and the other two children of Avatar Aang and Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Also joining the cast are Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) and Aaron Himelstein (Joan of Arcadia) as twin sister and brother Eska and Desna, who are cousins of Korra. Other casting includes Adrian LaTourelle (Sons of Anarchy) as Korra’s uncle and Water Tribe chieftan Unalaq, James Remar (Dexter) as Korra’s father Tonraq and John Michael Higgins (Best In Show) as Varrick, an enterprising Water Tribe businessman.
          Book 2 of The Legend of Korra is expected to air later this year. Entertainment Weekly‘s report confirms a run of fourteen episodes and a storyline where “…the physical and spirit worlds collide.”

          Tuesday, July 23, 2013

          Star Wars Coming to D23 Expo

          [Source: ToonZone.net] So while the proprietors were releasing their schedule for 2013 Comic-Con in San Diego, you were probably wondering – hey! Where’s all the new “Star Wars” hype and stuff? Answer: It will be at the Disney-controlled D23 Expo next month in Anaheim. Now that Disney owns the lucrative franchise, expect to see many more “Star Wars”-themed appearances at future D23 Expo events. For the 2013 edition, This will officially be the first promotional appearance for Star Wars” since Disney purchased the franchise from George Lucas last year for a whopping four billion American dollars and the announced slate of what will be appearing at D23 is somewhat skimpy – a “Darth Vader: Evolution of a Villain” exhibit and a panel entitled “Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101” moderated by SW expert Pablo Hidalgo. Since at least five or six billion members of the world population already know both these subjects by heart, the expectation is that there will be more announcements by Disney [possibly for updates on the upcoming films and/or cast directed by J.J. Abrams] in the coming weeks.

          The 2013 D23 Expo will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9-11, 2013.

          Monday, July 22, 2013

          Loki Invades Hall H

          Loki Takes Over Comic-Con
          • Loki (Tom Hiddleston) from THOR: THE DARK WORLD invades Marvel's panel during the San Diego 2013 International Comic-Con.

            Sunday, July 21, 2013

            Star Trek Fan Series Comes Close to Original

            [Source: Syfy.com] Lots of people try to make fan versions of Trek. None of them look like this.

            To be totally honest, whenever there's another attempt by a fan group to continue the adventures of Kirk, Spock, et al., my eyes instantly glaze over. Maybe I'll give the trailer a look, but I'm usually out in under a minute. Fan efforts just never really approach the campy goodness of the original.

            But Star Trek Continues? Friend, its warp nacelles are a cut above the rest. And if you're wondering why it's so good, here's your answer -- pedigree.

            Montgomery Scott is played by Christopher Doohan. Name sound familiar? That's original Scotty, Jimmy Doohan's son! How cool is that? And the ship's computer? Why, it's only played by Counselor Deanna Troi, Marina Sirtis, herself!

            Then there's the pilot episode, wherein the producers decided, "Hey, let's do a sequel to Who Mourns for Adonais?" Oh, and while we're at it, let's get the actor who played Apollo in that classic episode to come back and reprise the role.

            Saturday, July 20, 2013

            Avengers 2 Movie Title Revealed at Comic-Con


            Next Club Meeting is July 27, 2013

            San Diego Comic-Con Highlights
            This and much more... ^^

            Wood Dale Public Library
            520 N. Wood Dale Road
            Wood Dale, IL  60191
            Main Meeting Room
            Saturday, July 27, 2013
            10:15 AM - 5:00 PM

            Our next club meeting will be at the Wood Dale Public Library
            Main Meeting Room (on your right as you enter the front doors), 
            on July 27, 2013, from 10:15 AM to 5:00 PM 
            (until the library closes).

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

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

            (Click below for maps

            Friday, July 19, 2013

            Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

            New Clip and Stills...
            • Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a new clip and stills from Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the next new direct-to-video animated feature film from DC Animation adapting Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert.

            • Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox will be released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on July 30, 2013, and available as a digital download starting July 19, 2013, from a variety of online video services. There will also be a panel at this year’s San Diego Comic Con International on Friday, July 19, 2013, with details provided below.
            •  
            • Friday, July 19 7:30-9:30 
            • World Premiere of Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
              Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation invite you to be the first to experience Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the highly-anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. When time travel allows a past wrong to be righted for Flash and his family, the event’s temporal ripples prove disastrous, creating a fractured, alternate reality where the Justice League never formed, and even Superman is nowhere to be found. Amidst a new world being ravaged by a fierce war between Wonder Woman’s Amazons and Aquaman’s Atlanteans, Flash must team with a grittier, more violent Batman and government agent Cyborg to restore the continuity of Flash’s original timeline. Come for the film, but stay for the star-studded panel that features Grey’s Anatomy stars Justin Chambers and Kevin McKidd as Flash and Batman, respectively, along with C. Thomas Howell  (Southland), Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Sam Daly (The Daly Show) and a few surprise voice cast members, plus the filmmaking team of producer James Tucker (Superman: Unbound), director Jay Oliva (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), dialogue director Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), screenwriter Jim Krieg (Green Lantern: The Animated Series) and character designer Phil Bourassa (Young Justice). Moderator Gary Miereanu will add to the fun with a special announcement of the 2014 DCU movie slate, as well as exclusive, cast-autographed prizes for a few lucky fans. Based on the landmark mini-series by Geoff Johns & Andy Kubert, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox will be available as a digital download on July 19, 2013 and a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack on July 30, 2013. Ballroom 20

              Thursday, July 18, 2013

              Wednesday, July 17, 2013

              Disney's FROZEN - Official International Trailers

              Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.

              Tuesday, July 16, 2013

              Hayao Miyazaki's New Film "The Wind Rises"

              This 15-second television commercial began airing for director Hayao Miyazaki's The Wind Rises (Kaze ga Tachinu) film in Japan. The film's theme song “Hikōki Gumo” (Airplane Cloud) was performed by singer and songwriter Yumi Matsutoya who composed the song when she was 16 years old.
               
              In February 2009, Miyazaki launched "Kaze Tachinu" a two-part manga mini-series that focuses on Jirō Horikoshi, the designer of Japan's famed Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane of World War II. Author Tatsuo Hori also wrote a novel called Kaze Tachinu, and the film's tagline on the poster references both real-life figures and paraphrases Hori's book: 
              •  "Show respect for Jiro Horikoshi and Tatsuo Hori. We must try to live." (Hori himself was reportedly quoting Paul Valéry's "Le cimetière marin" or "The Graveyard By The Sea" poem, which read, "Le vent se lève! . . . il faut tenter de vivre!" or "The Wind Is Rising! . . . We must try to live!")
              TOHO had planned to release another anime film from Ghibli, Isao Takahata's Kaguya-hime no Monogatari (The Tale of Princess Kaguya), on the same day as The Wind Rises. However, TOHO announced in February that it delayed Takahata's film until this fall.

              The Wind Rises opens in Japan on July 20.