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, April 30, 2019

Respect Brings Us Together


SESAME STREET: Respect is Coming
Respect brings us together, and if anyone can convince Game of Thrones’s Cersei and Tyrion to get along, a familiar furry red friend might just be the one. #RespectIsComing 

As part of Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary celebration, we have a campaign, “Respect Brings Us Together,” highlighting the importance of respecting one another, even in disagreement — and even in the case of sworn enemies.

Monday, April 29, 2019

Creator of Lupin III Passes Away

MONKEY PUNCH
(May 26, 1937 – April 11, 2019)
81-year-old manga creator, Monkey Punch,
passed away on April 11 due to pneumonia
[Source: Anime News Network]
  • Lupin III manga creator Monkey Punch (real name: Kazuhiko Katō) passed away on April 11 due to pneumonia. He was 81. 
  • Monkey Punch was born in Hamanaka, Hokkaido in 1937. He made his major debut with Playboy Nyūmon in Futabasha's Manga Story magazine in 1965. Lupin III then launched in Futabasha's Manga Action magazine in 1967. Due to the popularity of the series, the first Lupin III television anime adaptation premiered in 1971. The franchise has since inspired numerous television anime and films, as well as live-action works and games.
  • Beginning in the 1980s, Monkey Punch received honors such as Comic-Con International's Inkpot Award, Romics' Golden Romics, the Association of Media in Digital (AMD) Awards' Meritorious Service Award, and Tokyo Anime Award Festival's Meritorious Service Award. In recent years, Monkey Punch had been studying 3D art using CG, and he served as a guest lecturer for manga production at major universities. 
  • The Lupin III franchise's newest anime film, Lupin the IIIrd: Mine Fujiko no Uso (Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine's Lie), will open in Japan on May 31



Sunday, April 28, 2019

Concrete Genie Trailer for PS4


Concrete Genie
The story takes place in a small town named Denska, which has been mostly abandoned and polluted. A young boy named Ash regularly doodles in his notebook. A group of bullies steals the book, rips out the pages and scatters them throughout the city. Ash goes on a quest to recover his pages. Along this quest, he discovers a paint brush that can bring his creations to life. Ash must overcome the bullies and bring life back to his hometown.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Sci-Fi Short Film "Planet Unknown"


Facing global resource depletion, mankind sends out Space Rovers to find potentially inhabitable planets.
"Planet Unknown"
by Shawn Wang

Friday, April 26, 2019

Disney's Live-Action 'Lion King'

The Lion King
Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

More Pics from Star Wars Celebration

STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2019
Thursday, April 11, 2019 - Monday, April 15, 2019
McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Star Wars Celebration - Galaxy's Edge


G A L A X Y ' S   E D G E
New to the Disney Theme Park, Star Wars Galaxy's Edge has been revealed at Star Wars Celebration 2019. Check out the panel and some of the pics below.


Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Pics from Star Wars Celebration

STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2019
Thursday, April 11, 2019 - Monday, April 15, 2019
McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
Guess how much they were selling this classic toy. $400!

Monday, April 22, 2019

Makoto Shinkai's Newest Anime Film

Weathering With You
Toho Co. recently released a Japanese trailer and poster (above) for writer/director Makoto Shinkai's "Weathering With You." You may know Makoto Shinkai from his work on "The Place Promised in Our Early Days," "5 Centimeters Per Second," "Children Who Chase Lost Voices," "The Garden of Words," and "Your Name" from back in 2016. The original title in Japanese is "Tenki no ko," which translates to "Child of Weather" the choice to go with "Weathering With You" may be a hint to the growth the two main characters go through together and the expected trials and tribulations of youth with or without supernatural powers.

"A young man befriends a girl who
can manipulate the weather."

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Animated Short: "Being Good"


B E I N G   G O O D
Our story is about Embry and her two guardians, the Angel Ava and the Demon Mal who act as her conscience and – when they find out that Embry can actually see them – also as involuntary, surrogate parents for the runaway teen. While Ava and Mal could easily be considered as “good” and “evil” we quickly discover that they have very human personalities and flaws. Even more reason for Embry not to listen to their guidance. Being Good is about the concept of family and identity. Its about how our values are shaped and the fact that “being good” can mean something different to someone else entirely.

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Kimetsu no Yaiba - Demon Slayer

D E M O N   S L A Y E R
Demon Slayer is a melancholy tale of humans and demons, bloodcurdling swordfights and comical characters from studio ufotable and based on the popular manga by Koyoharu Gotouge serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. Premieres April 2019.

Friday, April 19, 2019

Game of Thrones Returns for its FINAL Season

GAME of THRONES
Welcome back to the world of
Dragons and Zombies!
Alphabet-style!

How we missed you!


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Anime Viewing Schedule for April 20, 2019

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Wood Dale Public Library
We're still in CELEBRATION mode!

Main Meeting Room, 10:15 am to 5:00 pm
10:15 - 11:05   Karakuri Circus 11-12
11:05 - 11:55   Golden Kamuy 3-4
11:55 - 12:45   Demon Slayer 1-2
12:45 - 1:15     Club Meeting / Announcements
1:15 - 2:05       Dororo 3-4
2:05 - 3-15       S.S.S.S. Gridman 10-12 (end)
3:15 - 4:30       The Rising of the Shield Hero 1-3

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss the exciting anime series: Dororo and Golden Kamuy
ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

The Next Club Meeting is April 20, 2019

 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Your Jedi mind tricks won't work on us!
"You WILL attend the club meeting this weekend..."
We will attend the club meeting...

Wood Dale Public Library
520 N. Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL  60191
Main Meeting Room
Saturday, April 20, 2019
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

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Clone Wars Season 7 - Sneak Peek


STAR WARS: CLONE WARS Season 7
Dave Filoni and special guests celebrate the return of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and share a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Monday, April 15, 2019

THE MANDALORIAN


THE MANDALORIAN
Star Wars The Mandalorian Series takes place 5 years after Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order - Official Trailer

STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order
Cal Kestis—one of the last surviving members of the Jedi Order after the purge of Order 66—is now a Padawan on the run. Experience this all-new single-player Star Wars™ story from Respawn Entertainment and EA Star Wars on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC this holiday season, 15 November 2019. 

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an action-adventure game set after Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith™. Develop your Force abilities, hone your lightsaber techniques, and explore the ancient mysteries of a long-lost civilization—all while staying one step ahead of the Empire and its deadly Inquisitors.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

STAR WARS IX - Official Teaser Trailer

STAR WARS
Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Straight from Celebration, the culmination of 42 years of storytelling, watch the very first trailer for Star Wars: Episode IX

Friday, April 12, 2019

Star Wars Celebration Chicago - Day One


STAR WARS CELEBRATION
Our first steps into the Exhibit Hall Floor at Star Wars Celebration 2019 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Star Wars Celebration Chicago


Everything You Need to Know for
Star Wars Celebration Chicago
In this Star Wars Celebration packed episode of The Star Wars Show we are getting ready for the big event in Chicago. Plus, we take a look at the newly release Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order teaser image, hear some of the voices from Star Wars Dooku: Jedi Lost, and share some details on panels you should attend at Star Wars Celebration.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

THE ADDAMS FAMILY - Official Teaser


ADDAMS FAMILY
Get ready to snap your fingers! The Addams Family is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor. Directed By: Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan. Cast: Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll with Bette Midler and Allison Janney.
IN THEATERS THIS HALLOWEEN

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

'Spring' - Blender Open Movie


Spring is the latest short film produced by Blender Animation Studio. Made in Blender 2.8. Get the production files, assets and exclusive making-of videos by joining Blender Cloud at https://cloud.blender.org 

Spring is the story of a shepherd girl and her dog, who face ancient spirits in order to continue the cycle of life. This poetic and visually stunning short film was written and directed by Andy Goralczyk, inspired by his childhood in the mountains of Germany. 

The Spring team used the development version of Blender 2.80 for the entire production, before the software was in official Beta even. As for all of Blender’s Open Movies, the entire production process and all its source files are being shared on the production platform Blender Cloud.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Hellpoint Trailer

H  E  L  L  P  O  I  N  T
Hellpoint is a dark sci fi action RPG from Cradle Games. Set in the aftermath of a massive quantic cataclysm, you play as a mysterious ghoulish character whose intentions are entirely determined by your decisions. 

Hellpoint is a Souls-like game that takes place in a sci-fi setting aboard a supposedly deserted space station, and it's due for release on PlayStation 4 in 2019.

The experience is set to allow you to craft weapons, use unique skills, and forge your own path through the game which will have a knock-on effect on the types of enemies you encounter. The title will also include split-screen functionality, meaning you won't always have to go at it alone.

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Joaquin Phoenix is the "JOKER"

Put on a happy face

J  O  K  E  R
Warner Bros Pictures just released the first teaser trailer for the Scorsese, Phoenix, Phillips, De Niro "JOKER" film and it is magnificent.

Friday, April 5, 2019

New AVENGERS: ENDGAME Character Posters

AVENGERS: ENDGAME
AVENGERS: ENDGAME has set a new all-time pre-sale record in just SIX HOURS! AMC, Fandango, and other theater and ticketing sites have been crashing due to overwhelming traffic, since the tickets went on sale, and it has shown no signs of slowing down. Marvel just released a set of 12 teaser posters in advance of the April 26th release date. The posters feature the twelve main characters who were left alive post-snap.  Check out Clint Barton dressed as Ronin, and Captain America wearing a variation on his classic armor!

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Alien 40th Anniversary Short Film: "Containment"


ALIEN: CONTAINMENT
To celebrate Alien's 40th anniversary and in partnership with Tongal, 20th Century Fox is releasing new Alien-universe fan-made short films leading up to Alien Day on April 26th. Written and directed by Chris Reading, the synopsis for "Containment" reads: "Four survivors find themselves stranded aboard a small escape pod in deep space. Trying to piece together the details around the outbreak that led to their ship's destruction, they find themselves unsure to trust whether or not one of them might be infected."

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Cosplay at the 2019 Emerald City Comic-Con


EMERALD CITY COMIC-CON
Here are some amazing cosplayers at the 2019 Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

'Close to the Sun' Trailer

CLOSE TO THE SUN
Close to the Sun is a horror game that takes place at the end of 19th century on a mysterious ship complex created by Nikola Tesla for the sake of knowledge. In this alternative version of history, his scientific breakthroughs have already had a major impact on the world. You’re Rose, a young journalist looking for your sister and, as you approach this enormous and glorious complex for the first time, you quickly realize that something there has gone horribly wrong …

Monday, April 1, 2019

Dora and the Lost City of Gold - Official Trailer

DORA and The Lost City of Gold
Get ready to unleash your wild side.🐒 Watch the official trailer for Dora and the Lost City of Gold, starring Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, and Danny Trejo. 
#DoraMovie swings into theatres August 2!
Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora (Isabela Moner) for her most dangerous adventure ever – High School. Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots (her best friend, a monkey), Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a rag tag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents (Eva Longoria, Michael Peña) and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost city of gold.