Next Club Meeting: December 14, 2024, at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Animatrix Network is an anime & manga fan club located in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. We usually meet on the third Saturday of each month (except when holidays or conventions coincide). The meetings are free and open to the public. Join us for a day filled with anime.

This site provides news, reviews, commentaries, and previews of the world of anime and everything it inspires, such as live-action films, comics, music, art, and other weird things to enjoy and contemplate.

Friday, May 31, 2019

Inside 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge' at Disneyland


STAR WARS: GALAXY'S EDGE
ABC News' Ginger Zee takes "GMA" on a tour inside the largest expansion in Disneyland history inspired by a galaxy far, far away. 


Thursday, May 30, 2019

ANIME CENTRAL 2019 - by Justin Pineda


I return for my 5th year at my hometown con of Anime Central! This is a special CMV as this the 50th Cosplay Music Video released for my channel! Thank you to all of the cosplayers who I worked with throughout the years! I never thought I would reach 50 CMVs! It's your support and feedback that helped me get to where I am today! 
-  Justin Pineda

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Top 5 Anime You Should Be Watching Spring 2019


As the flowers bloom, so do new anime! It's hard to keep up with it all so I'm here to recommend my top 5 anime from the season!

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Terminator: Dark Fate - Official Teaser

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE
Welcome to the day after Judgment Day. Producer James Cameron returns with director Tim Miller for Terminator: Dark Fate. Watch the official trailer now. In theatres 11.1.19.

Linda Hamilton (“Sarah Connor”) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (“T-800”) return in their iconic roles in Terminator: Dark Fate, directed by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and produced by visionary filmmaker James Cameron and David Ellison. Following the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Terminator: Dark Fate also stars Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, and Diego Boneta.

Monday, May 27, 2019

7 SEEDS Trailer (2019) Anime

7SEEDS
When astronomers predict that the Earth will be hit by a meteorite, the world leaders meet to develop a plan for human survival called the Seven Seeds project. Each country will cryonically preserve a number of healthy young people, which will allow them to survive the devastation of the impact. After a computer determines that Earth is once again safe for human life, it will revive each group. 

The Japanese government creates five groups of survivors named Winter, Spring, Summer A, Summer B, and Fall. Each group consists of seven members, who are not told about what will happen before they are put in cryonic preservation, and one adult guide who is trained in wilderness survival. These groups are scattered across Japan: the Summer groups in southern and northern Kyūshū, Fall in western Honshū, Spring in central Honshū near Tokyo, and Winter in Hokkaidō. The project also prepares sealed caches containing seeds and instructional books near the "seven Fuji". These seven Fuji are not related to the famous Mount Fuji, but are regional landmarks also named Fuji:
  • Bungo Fuji in Ōita Prefecture is Mt. Yufudake, where the cache is marked by a statue of the Buddha Dainichi;
  • Ogino Fuji in Kanagawa Prefecture is Mt. Kyogatake, where the cache is marked by a statue of Monjubosatsu, the bodhisattva Manjusri;
  • Kobe Fuji in Hyogo Prefecture is Mount Futatabi of the Rokkō Mountains;
  • Natori Fuji in Miyagi Prefecture is Mt. Taihaku, near Sendai, where the cache is marked by a statue of Kokūzō;
  • Akan Fuji in Hokkaidō is Mt. Meakandake, where the cache is marked by a statue of Senju-Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Awoken from the cryogenic sleep many years later, the young men and women find themselves amidst a hostile environment bare of any human life. Their former home country Japan has greatly changed. Completely alone, they can depend only on themselves to survive in the new world.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

What RUINED Hanna-Barbera?


Hanna-Barbera is a company that ruled televised animation for decades. There was a time when they controlled over 80% of the market but then it came crashing down. How did this happen? How did this studio fall so far from grace?

Saturday, May 25, 2019

The Phantom Menace 20 years later


On May 19th, The Phantom Menace turned 20 years old. Star Wars fans have had mix feelings for this film since its release in 1999. This documentary covers the film's journey in the Star Wars fandom over the past 20 years. How do fans look at The Phantom Menace 20 years later?

Friday, May 24, 2019

New Dark Crystal Series Coming to Netflix


The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
 Get an all new look at The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance a brand new prequel series coming exclusively to Netflix. Three new gelfing characters discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power and set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. It is a prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal. There will be ten episodes and the series will explore the world of Thra created for the original movie. Age of Resistance will be available on Netflix on August 30, 2019.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Behind the Scenes of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker

[Source: Vanity Fair] Here's behind-the-scenes look at STAR WARS: The Rise of Skywalker. Annie Leibovitz photographs the places and faces behind the film for Vanity Fair magazine.

Meet the Characters and Go on Set 


Members of the crew shade and shine Daniels, the only cast member to appear in all nine of the Skywalker films, while BB-8 looks on.


 J.J. Abrams, alongside Stunt Coordinator Eunice Huthart, directs the Knights of Ren; elite fearsome enforcers of Kylo Ren’s dark will.

Vanity Fair reveals Keri Russell as the masked scoundrel Zorri Bliss, seen in the Thieves’ Quarter of the snow-dusted world Kijimi.

First Order leaders General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Allegiant General Pryde (Richard E. Grant) on the bridge of Kylo Ren’s destroyer.

Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Ridley, Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and John Boyega (Finn) await the call to action for a chase scene.

Camera operator Colin Anderson readies a take for a chase sequence spotlighting the heroics of Chewbacca, BB-8, and Rey.

In a historic reunion, Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) retakes the helm of the Millennium Falcon, joined by Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Chewbacca, D-O, and BB-8. “He’s a survivor,” Williams says of Lando.

Finn and new ally Jannah (Naomi Ackie), atop hardy orbaks, lead the charge against the mechanized forces of the First Order. “It’s extremely surreal to be in it,” says Ackie, “and see how it works from the inside.”

Camera operator Colin Anderson readies a take.

 Jordanian locals play the Aki-Aki, natives of the planet Pasaana.

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey battle it out with lightsabers in a stormy confrontation. Their Force-connection—what Driver calls their “maybe-bond”—will turn out to run even deeper than previously revealed.

Director and co-writer J. J. Abrams and crew weather the Jordanian sun to capture the action on planet Pasaana.

Composer John Williams conducting the Star Wars score, drawing on themes and motifs he has woven across four decades. “I didn’t think there would ever be a second film,” he says.

Mark Hamill, as Luke, with R2-D2. Speculation is rampant about who will “rise” as the Skywalker of the movie’s title—and how that choice will reflect the way the world has changed since Star Wars debuted in 1977.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Anime Viewing Schedule for May 25, 2019

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Wood Dale Public Library
The Game of Thrones is finally over...

Main Meeting Room, 10:15 am to 5:00 pm
10:15 - 11:05   Karakuri Circus 13-14
11:05 - 11:55   Golden Kamuy 5-6
11:55 - 12:45   Demon Slayer 3-4
12:45 - 1:25     Club Meeting / Announcements
1:25 - 1:50       Dororo 5
1:50 - 2:40       The Rising of the Shield Hero 3-4
2:40 - 4:45       The Wandering Earth (Movie)

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

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

"BATMAN: HUSH" Trailer is Here

BATMAN: HUSH
A mysterious villain puppeteering Gotham’s most dangerous forces leads the Dark Knight into uncharted waters in "Batman: Hush," the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film arrives from Warner Bros.  An adaptation of the seminal DC classic tale, Batman: Hush centers on a shadowy new villain known only as Hush, who uses Gotham’s Rogues Gallery to destroy Batman’s crime-fighting career, as well as Bruce Wayne’s personal life – which has already been complicated by a relationship with Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman.
 
"BATMAN: HUSH" will be available on Digital starting July 20, 2019, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, and Blu-ray Combo Pack on August 13, 2019.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Next Club Meeting is May 25, 2019

 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
"Game of Thrones comes to a shocking end."

Wood Dale Public Library
520 N. Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL  60191
Main Meeting Room
Saturday, May 25, 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

Saturday, May 18, 2019

The LEGO Story



The LEGO Story
As the LEGO Group celebrates nearly 100 years, we take a look back at its history with this short animated film.

Friday, May 17, 2019

WIND PRINCESS - OFFICIAL TRAILER


NAUSICAA of the VALLEY of the WIND
This is not an official licensed product. This independent non-profit short film is entirely self-funded and was made in Brazil as a tribute to the great artist Hayao Miyazaki, who has always been an inspiration to me. We are not a large company. Rather, we are a group of friends who have been working on this project for almost four years, fueled only by our love of the art. We are proud to finally release our first teaser trailer. We will release the film online free of charge, as our only aim is to pay homage to Mr. Miyazaki and the entire wonderful team at Studio Ghibli. Our dream is to donate all of our costumes and props (such as the glider, gun, etc) to the Ghibli Museum (in Tokyo, Japan), as a token of appreciation and also as a testament to the great influence Miyazaki has on Brazilian fans and artists who share his passion for fantastical story-telling. WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP US COMPLETE OUR FILM? We are still in post-production and in search of partners to help push us over the finish line. If you are interested in participating, please contact me directly. My social networks are below.

INSTAGRAM: CHRIS_TEX 
VIMEO: CHRIS TEX 
FACEBOOK: CHRIS TEX 
YOUTUBE: CHRIS TEX 
TWITTER: CHRISTEX_ 
E-MAIL: christiano.tex@gmail.com

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Look, I found a Giant Robot!


The Mighty Grand Piton
The Mighty Grand Piton is a short film about a young British girl, Connie, who travels to the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia for her school holidays with her family. There, she accidentally awakens a giant robot buried under the Twin Piton mountains on the south of the Island. This robot seems compelled to protect Saint Lucia but his origins are mysterious. No one knows where he came from or how long he’s been there. During the many years he’s lain dormant, The Mighty Grand Piton, became nothing more than the stuff of legend.

THE MIGHTY GRAND PITON DIGITAL ART BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE
SEE LINK BELOW:

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

ASSIMILATE - Official Trailer


A S S I M I L A T E
Three friends making a web series about their town discover that their neighbors are being killed and replaced by creatures who are perfect copies of their victims.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Anime Central is this Weekend!


http://www.acen.org/
May 17-19, 2019
Hyatt Regency O’Hare and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
http://www.acen.org/

Monday, May 13, 2019

Top 10 Saddest Game of Thrones Moments


GAME of THRONES
Game of Thrones is coming to an end. Here are the Top 10 Saddest Moments... so far.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Official Men in Black: International Trailer


MEN in BLACK: International
The film will focus on the London branch of the team, with Tessa Thompson playing Em, a rookie being trained by seasoned star Agent H, who is played by Chris Hemsworth.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Gemini Man - Trailer


GEMINI MAN
Check out the first look at Gemini Man, in theaters October 11, 2019.

Friday, May 10, 2019

The Best Netflix Arrivals of May 2019

There's always something coming and going on Netflix with every new month, but May just might be one of the best months yet. From a whole bunch of new releases to the return of fan favorites, here's everything good coming to Netflix in May 2019.

Now on NETFLIX

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Comic Con Revolution Coming to Chicago June 1-2

Comic Con Revolution is an annual comic con held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The first annual event is scheduled for June 1st and 2nd, 2019. The hours of the event are 10:00am (9:00a w/ advance ticket purchase) to 7:00pm on Saturday June 1st and 11:00am (10:00a w/ advance ticket purchase) to 5:00pm on Sunday June 2nd. Attendees can expect a full exhibit hall with over 200 exhibitors including comic creators (over 125 creators in Artist Alley), new comic dealers, vintage comic dealers, Comic publishers, toy and collectibles vendors, crafts, costumes, clothing, cosplayers, fan groups, media stars and more.
Comic Con Revolution was founded on very simple principles. We are excited to celebrate comics and the creative arts. At the absolute core of what we do are the creators themselves. The people who create the comics, games, toys, film, movies and more that we all love. Without their tireless dedication to creating the fantastic worlds we all get lost in events like Comic Con Revolution would not be possible.
Comic Con Revolution Chicago is bringing some of the most talented comic book creators, artists, authors and more to create a one-of-a-kind event. To complete your Revolution experience, we are offering attendees exclusive programming and an exhibit hall filled with comic dealers, collectibles, toys and so much more.

Guests scheduled to appear include Chiara Bautista (Fine Artist), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Joe Eisma (Archie), Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool), James O'Barr (The Crow), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn), author Timothy Zahn (Heir to the Empire) and rounding out the initial list is professional cosplayer Angi Viper, who will be cosplaying Comic Con Revolution's original heroine, Jetpack Jules. Additional guest announcements will follow in the coming months as we continue to build a unique comics-focused convention experience for all Chicagoland fans.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - Official Trailer

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME
Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter's plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Place For the Kid


"Noitamina" - 10th Anniversary Special "Animation"
The theme is "Ten Years," and Director Ishida Koji (25) tells the tale of a lonely little girl and the magical chair of her childhood. But as girls grow up, do they ever leave their memories behind no matter what the distance or the size?

Monday, May 6, 2019

ADAM - Created by Unity

"Adam" is an award-winning real-time-rendered short film, written and directed by Veselin Efremov, and created by the Unity Demo team. It runs at 1440p on a GeForce GTX980.

A   D   A   M
Oats Studios brings to life the next chapter in the Adam story, made in real-time using Unity. Join our amnesiac hero as he discovers a clue about what and who he is.


What are you willing to do, to be saved? Oats Studios presents a new chapter of ADAM and a new tribe of human survivors in this post-apocalyptic world.

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Mighty Orbots - All Episodes!

MIGHTY ORBOTS
The series lasted only a single season of thirteen episodes, mostly due to a lawsuit between the show's creators and toymaker Tonka, who accused them of basing the cartoon on their GoBots franchise (which was adapted from Bandai's Machine Robo line). The robot depicted in the show bore a resemblance to the robot in the anime for Bandai's Godmars toy with different colors. However, the Godmars toy was not among the Bandai figures utilized by the GoBots line. The episodes aired on ABC and some episodes were later released on VHS by MGM/UA Home Video. Despite its short run, the series has a dedicated fan base today. The series' narration was done by voice-actor Gary Owens, who was the voice of Hanna-Barbera's Space Ghost in the 1960s and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder's human straight man Blue Falcon in the late ...The 23rd Century, the future is a time of robots and aliens. The people of Earth have banded together along with several other peaceful alien races to promote peace throughout the galaxy, forming the United Planets. As part of the United Planets, the Galactic Patrol — a body of law-enforcers — works to maintain order, under the leadership of Commander Rondu. 

However, a powerful criminal organization called SHADOW is out to destroy both the Galactic Patrol and the U.P. Led by Lord Umbra, a massive cyborg-computer, SHADOW employs sinister agents and incredible schemes to attack and someday rule over all corners of the known-galaxy. 

 There is one thing that helps to fight against SHADOW: ingenious inventor Rob Simmons — secretly a member of the Galactic Patrol — creates six special robots who can use their unique powers to battle against the forces of Umbra. Together, these robots can unite to form a giant robot called Mighty Orbots, to fight for truth, justice
Watch all episodes here!

Saturday, May 4, 2019

May the Fourth Be With You!

California Makes It Official, 
Votes to Declare May 4 'Star Wars Day'
May the fourth officially be with you.
The California Legislature voted Thursday to declare May 4 "Star Wars Day" in recognition of a Disneyland theme park slated to open later this month.

It's a play on the Star Wars' phrase "may the force be with you." The resolution by Democratic Assemblyman Tom Daly says the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction is the largest single-site expansion in the park's history and could generate $14 million in tax revenue for the city of Anaheim annually.

The resolution also recognizes the Walt Disney Company's "decades-long record of enhancing the quality of life for people in California and beyond."

A charity group that dresses up as Stormtroopers are at the Capitol and a hot air balloon that looked like Yoda flew outside.

Friday, May 3, 2019

Peter Mayhew, actor behind Chewbacca, dies at 74


PETER MAYHEW
(May 19, 1944 - April 30, 2019)
[Source: Yahoo!News] The Star Wars universe is mourning as news broke today of the death of one of the franchise’s most beloved — and most towering — cast members: Peter Mayhew, the 7-foot-2 actor who played Chewbacca in five movies, died Tuesday at the age of 74.

Mayhew's family made the announcement from the actor's official Twitter account late Thursday afternoon.

"The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away," they wrote. "He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home."
  • The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home.
Mayhew wore the iconic “fuzzball” suit as Han Solo's hairy and unintelligible Wookiee sidekick in the first three Star Wars movies (1977's A New Hope, 1980's The Empire Strikes Back and 1983's The Return of the Jedi) as well as the 2005 prequel Revenge of the Sith. He also played Chewie in the notorious 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, which focused on Chewbacca’s family as they prepared to celebrate the Wookiee holiday of Life Day. 


A native of Barnes, Surrey, in the U.K., Mayhew returned to the hirsute role for 2015’s The Force Awakens. But because of chronically bad knees (he spent much of his offscreen time in a wheelchair or using his trademark lightsaber-shaped cane), Mayhew had to split the duties with Finnish newcomer Joonas Suotamo, a former basketball player. While he was physically unable to perform again after that film, Mayhew served as a consultant to Suotamo for 2017’s The Last Jedi and last year’s spin-off, Solo: A Star Wars Story.

At the time, Suotamo posted on Instagram that “Peter’s guidance and kindness have been invaluable gifts which warmed my spirit and prepared me for this journey. I aspire to make Peter proud and bring Star Wars fans the Chewie they know and love.”

A “devastated” Suotamo responded to Mayhew’s death on Thursday. “Peter’s warm welcome when I came aboard as his double on The Force Awakens meant so much to me,” he said in a tweeted statement. “Studying the character he helped create was always a daunting task, but one that was made easier by his tutelage and kindness as we sought to bring Chewbacca to life for a new generation. He was an absolutely one-of-a-kind gentleman and a legend of unrivaled class and I will miss him.”

George Lucas, who hired Mayhew to play a character affectionately dubbed a “walking carpet,” issued a statement calling Mayhew “a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature — and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend, and I’m saddened by his passing.”
Harrison Ford, Mayhew’s co-pilot in the Millennium Falcon for four films, released a statement praising his late colleague. “Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience.

“Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest easy, my dear friend.”

Star Wars icon Mark Hamill also paid tribute on Twitter, writing that his longtime co-star “was the gentlest of giants. A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile ... a loyal friend who I loved dearly. I'm grateful for the memories we shared [and] I'm a better man for just having known him.”

Mayhew’s family posted that two memorial services are being planned for him — one for friends and family on June 29 at an undisclosed location, and an additional event for fans in early December at EmpireConLA in Los Angeles.

Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children.