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.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Awesome Cosplayers at SDCC 2016

We took San Diego Comic Con to film with some of the most amazing cosplayers we could find.

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Justice League assembles in SDCC official footage

J U S T I C E   L E A G U E
[Source: blatr] Director Zack Snyder presented the first footage from the upcoming Justice League movie directly from Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, and it looks pretty awesome.

In the clip, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) are looking to form the Justice League and reach out to Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen, aka the Flash, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Ray Fisher’s Cyborg.

They’ve also unleashed the first official pic of the Justice League, and you can have a close look at the Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman’s superhero costumes in all their high-res glory!

Friday, July 29, 2016

FUTURAMA - Live-Action Fan Film

F U T U R A M A   F A N   F I L M
[Source: TheVerge] Futurama was an amazing science fiction cartoon from Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons. Following the adventures of Philip J. Fry after he was frozen in the the year 2000 and revived in the 31st century. The show went off the air a couple of times before finally going off the air for good in 2013. The members of Cinema Relics Productions decided to take matters into their hands with Fan-O-Rama, a new live-action fan film for the series.

The production just released a trailer for the film, and while it’s entertaining, it definitely runs into the problem that most cartoon-to-movie adaptations face: bringing their characters to life in three dimensions. Characters like Fry and Hermes are pretty straight forward, but Leela and Dr. Zoidberg are going to take a little getting used to.

That said, the makeup and design team that helped put this together did an amazing job adapting the characters like Professor Farnsworth and Leela, while their props department did a bang-up job with Bender. The film is clearly a labor of love from a group of people who were huge fans the series. While it's definitely a bit strange to look at a cartoon brought to life, it does look like it will be fun to watch.

There’s no indication on their website when the film will be released, but it’s certainly something we’ll check out.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Anime Viewing Schedule for July 30, 2016

Saturday, July 30, 2016
Wood Dale Public Library
"Grab your lasso and fight your way to the anime club!"
Main Meeting Room, 10:15 am to 5:00 pm

10:15 - 11:05    Flying Witch eps 6-7
11:05 - 11:55    Macross Delta ep 4-5
11:55 - 12:45    Noragami Aragoto 12-13 (end)
12:45 - 1:35      Joker Game 3-4
1:35 - 2:15        Club Meeting / Announcements
2:15 - 3:05        Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress 7-8
3:05 - 3:55        Bungo Stray Dogs 3-4
3:55 - 4:45        Kiznaiver 3-4

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Start watching the exciting new anime series: Noragami Aragoto and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress!
ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

WONDER WOMAN Comic-Con Trailer


WONDER  WOMAN
From Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment comes the epic action adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright. 
In theaters June 2017

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Next Club Meeting is July 30, 2016

 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
"Hey, don't I know you from somewhere...?"
There are more surprises to be revealed at this weekend's meeting...

Wood Dale Public Library
520 N. Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL  60191
Main Meeting Room
Saturday, July 30, 2016
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
 

Our next club meeting will be at the Wood Dale Public Library
Main Meeting Room (on your far right as you enter the front doors), 
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

Monday, July 25, 2016

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Friday, July 22, 2016

San Diego Comic-Con 2016 - DAY 1

 COMIC-CON HIGHLIGHTS - DAY 1 
Thursday, July 21, 2016
[Source: blastr] The eyes of the entertainment world are focused on San Diego as the biggest names in movies, TV, and comics descend on Comic-Con International for four days of big announcements, stunning reveals, and fans' chance to rub elbows with their genre heroes. Here are some of the highlights of SDCC 2016.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

LEAGUE OF GODS - Awesome Film from China

L E A G U E of G O D S
Some are referring to this film as a CHINESE X-MEN movie. This is pure FANTASY about the overthrow of the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty. It involves spirits, demons and characters being brought to life with the guiding hand of RANDY COOK, who served as the ANIMATION ADVISOR and spent quite a long time in South Korea working on the film.   The movie is also getting a John Debney score and stars Jet Li!  

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

A MONSTER CALLS - Official Trailer

A   M O N S T E R   C A L L S
A visually spectacular drama from acclaimed director Juan Antonio Bayona (“The Impossible”), based on the award-winning children’s fantasy novel. 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall) attempts to deal with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) illness and the bullying of his classmates by escaping into a fantastical world of monsters and fairy tales that explore courage, loss, and faith.
In Theaters October 2016

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Augmented Reality Horror Film


L E T 'S  B E  E V I L
Step into a virtual reality nightmare. Desperately in need of money to care for a sick parent, Jenny (Elizabeth Morris) takes a job supervising children at a learning center for gifted students. But when she and two other new employees are ushered into a maximum-security underground bunker where eerily robotic children are outfitted with augmented reality glasses, Jenny finds herself thrust into a disturbing technological experiment in which she is an unwitting player in a terrifying virtual game. This future shock brain-bender is a creepy kids thriller for our tech-addicted culture.
Directed by: Martin Owen
Starring: Kara Tointon, Elliot James Langridge, Isabelle Allen, & Jamie Bernadette

In theaters and August 5th

Monday, July 18, 2016

Star Wars Rebels’ Season 3 Trailer

Reveals Grand Admiral Thrawn
[Source: collider] The first trailer for Star Wars Rebels Season 3 has landed (Update: along with a new clip), and it of course reveals a lot of interesting things. During the Celebration Europe presentation, Warwick Davis hosted a panel that included Executive Producer and Supervising Director Dave Filoni, Sam Witwer (Darth Maul) and Tiya Sircar (Sabine), and the group had a lot of fun discussing what’s coming next in the Rebels universe.

For those unaware, Star Wars Rebels takes place a few years before Episode IV, and leads up to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. The show follows the crew of Kanan, a ragtag band of rebels – Ezra (Taylor Gray), Hera (Vanessa Marshall), Kanan (Freddie Prinze, Jr.), Sabine (Sircar), Zeb (Steve Blum), and Chopper – who ignite a rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire. The crew was joined in Season 2 by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones), Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein), Darth Maul (Witwer) and Captain Rex (Dee Bradley Baker).

Filoni talked about continuity throughout the universe now, with adjustments made to Zeb and Sabine’s looks to be more in line with Rogue One. They also discussed exploring more of Darth Maul’s character, and revealed a new villain …

Check the footage out below:

Thrawnnnnnn! Grand Admiral Thrawn is a character created by Timothy Zahn, who made him the central villain in Heir to the Empire, which was the first book of a popular trilogy published in the 1990s. Thrawn, a Chiss, is a rare non-human Imperial officer, known for his intelligence and ruthlessness. Rebels takes place before the original movie trilogy, which is of course where Thrawn also resides. And now, it seems, he’s officially become part of the Star Wars canon. Thrawn will be voiced by Lars Mikkelsen —yes, brother of Mads Mikkelsen who is starring in Rogue One.

There are a lot of other things to glean from this footage, like the fact that it also seems like Wedge will now be a character in Season 3, and the addition of Bendu, an ancient and powerful new character voiced by Tom Baker (Doctor Who).

Sunday, July 17, 2016

New Images from the Wonder Woman Movie

WONDER  WOMAN
Entertainment Weekly has revealed pics from the upcoming Wonder Woman movie directed by Patty Jenkins.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Rogue One - Celebration Reel


STAR WARS: Celebration Europe
Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Must-see Panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2016

San Diego Comic-Con 2016
[Source: blastr] It's where the Avengers first assembled, where we learned Batman would face Superman, and the site of the most incredible Star Wars concert ever (complete with lightsabers).

San Diego Comic-Con, the most important annual event in the geek universe, is back next week, and if you're attending, here are the events you can't miss if you're looking to make your con experience a memorable one.


AMC's The Walking Dead
Official description: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Chandler Riggs, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michael Cudlitz, Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Christian Serratos, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan join executive producer and showrunner Scott M. Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist,Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the shocking finale of season 6 and a sneak peek into season 7, debuting in October on AMC.
When/where: Friday 1pm, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: Who did Negan kill? You can pretty much guarantee that won't be answered at this panel, but you'll definitely learn more about Season 7 (traditionally, we get a trailer but with the top secret nature of the season premiere, that's tough to predict this year).
If you can't get in, try: Entertainment Weekly's "Brave New Warriors" panel at 1:45 in Ballroom 20 with Josh Holloway, Dominic Cooper, Theo Rossi and more is sure to be an interesting conversation.


Dark Horse: Conversations with Joss Whedon
Official description: Joss Whedon has rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plot lines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store next and get exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, and much, much more!
When/where: Friday 3:45, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: Based on past panels, Whedon will talk a bit about his Dark Horse titles, tell us what else he is working on (at the moment, that's all a big mystery so there may be big news here), and answers questions from the audience in the witty way only he can. If you're a Whedonite, this is the panel for you.
If you can't get in, try: Of course, Neil Gaiman also has more than his fair share of devoted fans, and for those folks, Starz's first look at American Gods takes place at 3:15 in Room 6BCF.


Game of Thrones panel and Q&A session
Official description: Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO's Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode sixth season in June and will begin filming its seventh season later this year. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Cast panelists include (in alphabetical order) John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth, Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei, Conleth Hill as Varys, Faye Marsay as The Waif, Hannah Murray as Gilly, Kristian Nairn as Hodor, Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, and Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark. Moderated by Rob McElhenney (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia).
When/where: Friday 2:15, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: If you're a GoT fan, you need no further reason to attend (though if you plan to ask George R.R. Martin about the next book, you might be out of luck this year).
If you can't get in, try: If you're more into Coulson than Tyrion, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. holds their season 4 panel in Ballroom 20 at 3 PM.


Aliens: 30th Anniversary
Official description: Writer/director James Cameron (Avatar) and producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead) join cast members Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Bill Paxton (True Lies), Lance Henriksen (Millennium), Michael Biehn (The Terminator), and Paul Reiser (Red Oaks) for a look back at the iconic science fiction classic in honor of the film's 30th anniversary.
When/where: Saturday 3:15, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: 20th Century Fox took a pass at highlighting their upcoming films for this panel, but with Alien: Covenant" set for next year, there's a decent chance we will learn about this film (Even if we don't, seeing the cast of Aliens back together should be a treat).
If you can't get in, try: Supergirl is moving to the CW and cast and producers will tell us what to expect from the new season at Ballroom 20.


Star Trek
Official description: September 8, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Star Trek's first broadcast. What began as a TV show became a window into the future and a reflection of our greatest hopes and dreams. By envisioning a world where technology and science improve the human condition, and where peace and unity transcend conflict and separation, Star Trek has inspired children, parents, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and viewers around the world. It's also spurred countless real-world innovations and "firsts," giving name to a Space Shuttle (the Enterprise), launching one of the first and most passionate worldwide fandoms, and featuring the first interracial kiss on American network television. Join William Shatner, Scott Bakula, Michael Dorn, Jeri Ryan, and Brent Spiner for a conversation moderated by Bryan Fuller, executive producer of the new Star Trek television series coming to CBS All Access, following its network premiere in 2017.
When/where: Saturday 2 PM, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: Trekkers of all stripes should place this at the top of their list, especially for the opportunity to get a first look at the upcoming Star Trek TV series.
If you can't get in, try: Gotham fans can learn about the hit show's third season at the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront's Indigo Ballroom next door.


Warner Bros. Pictures
Official description: A sneak peek at upcoming releases.
When/where: Saturday 11:30 AM, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: On the eve of Suicide Squad, DC Films comes into Comic-Con with a lot to prove, and most likely some footage of Wonder Woman, to boot. An appearance by the full Justice League could be in the offing, as well (not to mention the cast of Green Lantern Corps hasn't been announced yet).
If you can't get in, try: The Simpsons holds court in Ballroom 20 for those curious as to what they'll do in season 28(!).


Marvel Studios
Official description: Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.
When/where: Saturday 5:30 PM, Hall H
Why it can't be missed: Every time Marvel Studios does a panel, it's usually the biggest thing at the Con and this year promises to be no different. After taking last year off, they're back and we're sure to get a closer look at Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch alert!), our first glance at Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and maybe even more, with Spider-Man: HomecomingBlack Panther and Thor: Ragnarok on the horizon.
If you can't get in, try: The Flash and Arrow are giving us a look at their upcoming seasons in Ballroom 20. IF DC is more your thing, check this out, instead.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The Star Wars Show - Celebration Europe News


S T R E A M I N G  L I V E
starting 5:00 AM CT on Friday
Andi, Peter, and a certain co-worker run down what to look forward to on The Star Wars Show LIVE (streaming panels and more from Celebration Europe!), we get a sneak peek of Star Wars Rebels Season Three, StarWars.com talks with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story director Gareth Edwards, and more!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Anime Expo 2016 Cosplay Highlights


Anime Expo 2016 takes place in Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, USA

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

GHOSTBUSTERS: All Manned Up Edition (Parody)


[WARNING: NSFW] The Ghostbusters reboot is coming to theaters this summer and some people dislike it because they think it doesn't look funny or it's got bad CGI... and yeah, it might stink. Might not. TBD.

But If you think that the movie is going to RUIN your CHILDHOOD because the Ghostbusters are GIRLS! ... have we got a MANNED UP video for YOU!

XVP Comedy has pulled all the stops to bring you the MANNED UP version sans females. Who you gonna call? DUDES!!

Monday, July 11, 2016

Cosplayers Of Anime Midwest 2016


Epic Anime Midwest 2016 Cosplay Footage. Straight out of one of Chicago's biggest conventions.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Meet Studio TRIGGER at Anime Midwest

S T U D I O   T R I G G E R
Had a great time at Anime Midwest this year which was held July 8-10, 2016, at the Rosemont Convention Center. Studio Trigger was their Japanese Guest of Honor, and the highlight of my weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the autograph line for Studio Trigger was long and the staff capped the line to about 100 people. I was near the end. Progress was slow. The convention floor would be closing soon and there were still 30 people left in line. We were worried they would have to send us away before we could get an autograph. Fifteen minutes before closing, the staff announced that they would keep the line open in order to finish everyone that had been waiting all this time. That was a sigh of relief. 
It looked like we were finally going to get that autograph. Then... the fire alarm went off. What the heck!? I thought this sort of s#!% only happened at Anime Central! I'm this close to Studio Trigger and the alarm goes off. Hell, let the place burn, I ain't moving without that autograph! I noticed that everyone else in line had the same idea. Nobody moved as the alarm continued to scream for about five minutes. Security guards were moving towards us. They were going to throw us out. I could feel it in my bones. Then... the alarm stopped. And so did the security guards. Whew! I've had enough drama for the day. I want my autograph!
From l to r: Sushio (Character Designer), Shigeto Koyama (Outfit Designer), and Hiromi Wakabayashi (Creative Officer)
There were three artists from Studio Trigger that were attending Anime Midwest. All of them were also doing sketches as well as autographs. And after signing for nearly two and half hours, I thought they would be dead tired, but no, they were enthused that so many of their fans were willing to endure just to meet them.  They even did more elaborate sketches as presents to those who weathered the long wait in line. And fortunately for me, I got one in color.^^
From Sushio

Shigeto Koyama asked me what my favorite food was, and I couldn't think fast enough, so I blurted out the one item that Anime Midwest is famous for serving in their con suite: "ramen." And so he drew this:
From Shigeto Koyama
I felt sorry for the poor guy that stood in line behind me. He only brought one item to be signed, and he was desperately looking for something else for them to autograph, and so he reached into his wallet and produced this for Shigeto to sign:
That was the last of his money which he had hoped to have used to buy some food, but looks like he'll go hungry for a while. But was it worth it? His smile spoke volumes. Yeah, it was worth it. I told him not to accidentally spend it or misplace it, which he said, that twenty bucks was never going to leave his hands. He then promptly dropped it, and it blew across the floor. He dived after it. Snatching it up, and quickly slipped it into his wallet. "That never happened," he said.