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.

Saturday, July 31, 2021

THIS is How You Reboot! Watch He-Man 2002!

He-man and the Masters of the Universe 
REBOOT in 2002 was Absolutely Great!
Unlike the 2021 Kevin Smith version of He-man and the Masters of the Universe, there was a reboot of the series in 2002 that actually respected the original material and did not go out of its way to destroy all the male characters in favor of their extreme feminist and "woke" culture agenda. Here is the entire 2002 animation series (both seasons 1 & 2) that stays faithful to the original. 
Now You Have the Power!

Friday, July 30, 2021

Fry Force – Nacho Fries (Commercial)

F R Y   F O R C E
Taco Bell's Nacho Fries Commercial
When Rei’s brother Kosuke is taken by Nacho Fry devouring monsters, Rei must push through her hunger and lead the Fry Force, an elite squad of mecha pilots to keep the monsters at bay. But when the monsters unexpectedly overtake the team, Rei finds herself face to face with her long-lost brother. Now that he’s consumed by a primal hunger for Nacho Fries, Rei must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice in order to save Nacho Fries and the world.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 2 Official Trailer

STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS
Season 2 Official Trailer
The new season of Star Trek: Lower Decks premieres August 12, exclusively on Paramount+. Watch the Official Trailer, which debuted during the Star Trek Universe panel at Comic-Con@Home 2021. Developed by Emmy Award winner Mike McMahan ("Rick and Morty," "Solar Opposites"), STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS focuses on the support crew serving on one of Starfleet's least important ships, the U.S.S. Cerritos, in 2380. Ensigns Mariner, Boimler, Rutherford and Tendi have to keep up with their duties and their social lives, often while the ship is being rocked by a multitude of sci-fi anomalies. 

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Blade Runner: Black Lotus on Adult Swim, This Fall

BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS
Experience the future with BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS — an Adult Swim and Crunchyroll original animated series inspired by the award-winning and critically lauded Blade Runner movie franchise, coming this fall. This thrilling thirteen episode series is directed by Shinji Aramaki and Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Alcon Entertainment and animation studio Sola Digital Arts, with Shinichiro Watanabe serving as a creative producer.
Coming This Fall on Adult Swim 

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Anime Viewing Schedule for July 31, 2021

 
 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, July 31, 2021
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   Jujutsu Kaisen 9-10
          12:05 - 12:55   Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation 9-10
          12:55 - 1:30     Club Meeting
          1:30 - 2:20       Kemono Jihen 7-8
          2:20 - 3:10       Attack on Titan: Final Season 9-10

          3:10 - 4:45       Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway [Movie]
"Super Hyper Atomic Concussion Kick!
Protect sempai!"
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Meeting Room A, First Floor 
In accordance with the CDC and state of Illinois guidance, if you are fully vaccinated, face coverings are optional. 

From 11:15 AM to 5:00 PM


All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss the exciting anime series: Kemono Jihen and Mushoku Tensei
* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Monday, July 26, 2021

Tokyo Revengers Part 2: "Bloody Halloween Arc"

Tokyo Revengers Part 2:
"Bloody Halloween Arc"

"Tokyo Revengers 2nd Cour Bloody Halloween Arc Trailer" is hyping the next big arc. The 13th episode coming in July will kick off the start of the "Valhalla Arc" or also known as "Bloody Halloween Arc". it will also explore the Tokyo Manji's origins and how Mikey and the others went on to form the group (as teased by this trailer).

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Fena: Pirate Princess on Adult Swim, August 14

FENA: PIRATE PRINCESS
Fena: Pirate Princess is an upcoming original Japanese anime television series created by Production I.G and Kazuto Nakazawa. The series is a co-production between Crunchyroll and Adult Swim. The series is scheduled for an August 2021 world premiere on both platforms before its broadcast in Japan in October 2021.
Fena: Pirate Princess tells the tale of a young orphan girl, Fena Houtman, living in a fantastic alternate history version of the 18th century. Fena has been raised on an island where there is no hope of escaping the dark destiny forced upon her by her captors, to be used and discarded by the soldiers of the British Empire. But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: escape her captors, forge a new identity, and search for a place where she can truly belong and find out the true mystery behind the keyword: "Eden." It's the story of the adventure of a lifetime she and her crew of misfits and unlikely allies will have, in pursuit of her goals!
Season One Premieres August 14 at Midnight

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Next Club Meeting is July 31, 2021

  A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
"I bet you're ticklish! Hold still!"

M O N T H L Y   M E E T I N G

Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL  60440
Meeting Room A (1st Floor)
Saturday, July 31, 2021
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
PLEASE READ
 
We will be in the large MEETING ROOM A on the
First Floor. The maximum number of people
allowed in the room is TEN, so please 
arrive early to claim your seat. 
 
In accordance with the CDC and state of Illinois guidance, if you are fully vaccinated, face coverings are optional.  
 
THANK YOU!

Hope to see everyone there!

 
A Viewing Schedule will be posted soon.
 
Hope to see you all there!

(Click below for maps)

Friday, July 23, 2021

DUNE - Official Trailer

D   U   N   E
A mythic and emotionally charged hero's journey, "Dune" tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive. 
The film stars Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet ("Call Me by Your Name," "Little Women"), Rebecca Ferguson ("Stephen King's Doctor Sleep," "Mission: Impossible - Fallout"), Oscar Isaac (the "Star Wars" franchise) Oscar nominee Josh Brolin ("Milk," "Avengers: Infinity War"), Stellan Skarsgård (HBO's "Chernobyl," "Avengers: Age of Ultron"), Dave Bautista (the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, "Avengers: Endgame"), Stephen McKinley Henderson ("Fences," "Lady Bird"), Zendaya ("Spider-Man: Homecoming," HBO's "Euphoria"), Chang Chen ("Mr. Long," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), David Dastmalchian ("Blade Runner 2049," "The Dark Knight"), Sharon Duncan-Brewster ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," Netflix's "Sex Education"), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling ("45 Years," "Assassin's Creed"), with Jason Momoa ("Aquaman," HBO's "Game of Thrones"), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men," "Skyfall"). Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve, arrives in theaters and on HBO Max on October 22, 2021.

Thursday, July 22, 2021

The Problem with New "Masters of the Universe"

The Problem with Kevin Smith's
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
R  E  V  E  L  A  T  I  O  N

Masters of the Universe Revelation is but a couple of days away from release, and promotion is ramping up. As part of that promotion, more members of the voice-cast are now weighing in on why you should all be excited – but honestly, it would have been better if they had kept quiet. 
There is a shocking lack of He-Man or any strong male leads in this new series...
In this editorial, Andre Einherjar will go through what Teela voice-actor Sarah Michelle Gellar seemingly deemed problematic about the original Filmation series, how excited she is that Revelation appears to do better; and finally, how the very change she considers a revelation could end up being the downfall of the entire series. The revelation being that this is a "Woke" series.
Otherwise known as... "The Teela Show"
 
The Controversy over Kevin Smith
 
The reviews are in...

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Spriggan - Official Netflix Teaser

S P R I G G A N
An ancient alien civilization's relics on Earth hold dangerous powers. The ARCAM corporation's Spriggan agents must do everything they can to keep them out of the wrong hands. Spriggan coming soon, only on Netflix.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

"Ultra City Smiths" Premiere's July 22 on AMC+

ULTRA CITY SMITHS
Premiere on AMC+ on Thursday, July 22, 2021

The Ultra City Smiths story unfolds via the stop-motion animation of baby dolls repurposed as a grown-up cast of characters. The series hinges on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of fictional metropolis Ultra City’s most famous magnate (Kurtwood Smith). Two intrepid detectives (Jimmi Simpson and Da’Vine Joy Randolph) follow the case, rallying to fight against their city’s dangerous corruption, at a high cost to themselves and their families, all in pursuit of a gentler place to call home.
Starring: Damon Herriman, Bebe Neuwirth, John C. Reilly, Melissa Villaseñor, Alia Shawkat, Tim Heidecker, Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Debra Winger, Tim Meadows, Terry O’ Quinn, Hana Mae Lee, Luis Guzman, Jason Mantzoukas, Chris Conrad, Sunita Mani, Caleb McLaughlin, Kurtwood Smith, Julian Barratt, and Tom Waits. 
The first two episodes of Ultra City Smiths will premiere on AMC+ (AMC Networks’ streaming platform) on Thursday, July 22, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly, every Thursday.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Takt Op. Destiny

Takt Op. Destiny
In the story of the anime, one day a black meteorite fell on the world, and the world completely changed. The meteorite produced grotesque monsters called D2, which started running rampant. D2 very quickly banned all music, which was the one thing able to overcome them. But there were some people who resisted the D2. They are young women who hold the power of music, the "Musicart." These young women hold "scores" that are able to defeat the monsters. And there are also people who lead these women, the Conductor.
The anime takes place in America in the year 2047, which has fallen to ruin thanks to the D2. Takt, a Conductor, is partnered with a Musicart named Unmei. Takt yeans for music to be returned to the world, and Unmei wishes to destroy the D2. Their aim is to travel to New York.

Sunday, July 18, 2021

The Honor Student At Magic High School

The Honor Student At Magic High School
"Mahouka Koukou no Yuutousei"
The long-awaited spin-off of The Irregular at Magic High School is here! This time, rediscover the story from the point of view of Miyuki, the hero's sister. The life of a talented student like Miyuki comes with many expectations... and unexpected feelings!

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Anime Matsuri 2021 Cosplay in Houston, TX

ANIME   MATSURI   2021
July 8-11, 2021 in Houston, TX

Anime Matsuri is the spectacular annual anime and Japanese pop culture convention hosted in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. There were attendees from over 30 different countries joining in a celebration of anime, music, art and cosplay, with hundreds of hours of programing and exciting Guests, Celebrities and Industry Experts. Hosted at the state-of-the-art George R. Brown Convention, the Hilton Americas and Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston, the southern hospitality was in full swing with food trucks, indoor and outdoor activities until 4am. 

Friday, July 16, 2021

Turning Red - Teaser Trailer

TURNING RED
Growing up is a beast. Check out the new trailer for the upcoming all-new original feature film “Turning Red” from Pixar Animation Studios’ director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar® for her 2018 short film, “Bao.” Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS). Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. Directed by Shi and produced by Lindsey Collins, Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” releases March 11, 2022. 

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Space Jam 2: A New Legacy

SPACE JAM 2
- A New Legacy -
Watch the official clip & trailer compilation for Space Jam: A New Legacy, a family movie starring LeBron James, Don Cheadle and Sonequa Martin-Green. The long awaited sequel is coming to theaters and streaming on HBO Max July 16, 2021.

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

S A K U G A N
Sacks&Guns!! (サクガン!!, Sakugan!!) is an upcoming Japanese anime television series produced by Satelight. It is directed and written by Jun'ichi Wada, with character designs by Yūji Iwahara, and music by Tatsuya Kato.

It is an adaptation of the novel Sakugan Labyrinth Marker, written by Nekotarō Inui, which was submitted to Project Anima, a 2018 collaboration between DeNA, Sotsu, and Bunka Housou that accepted story submissions from the general public. Sakugan Labyrinth Marker was the runner-up in the "Science-Fiction/Robot" category.

The anime was originally scheduled to premiere in 2020, but was delayed to premiere in October 2021 on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS11. 

The opening theme song, "Kо̄kotsu Labyrinth" ("Enchanted Labyrinth"), will be performed by Masaaki Endoh, while the ending theme song, "Shine", will be performed by Thai YouTuber MindaRyn. Crunchyroll licensed the series.

A manga adaptation will begin serialization in Square Enix's Manga UP! website in Summer 2021.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

THE WITCHER
NIGHTMARE OF THE WOLF
Before there was Geralt, there was Vesemir. Here's a first look at his story in The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf. Premiering August 23, 2021, only on Netflix. Journey into the extraordinary world of the Continent, from The Witcher and its live-action prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin to anime film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf and much more.

Monday, July 12, 2021

WHAT IF... ?

WHAT IF...?
What If...? is an upcoming American animated anthology series created by A.C. Bradley for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name. It explores what would happen if major moments from the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) occurred differently. The series is produced by Marvel Studios, their first animated series since becoming their own production company. Bradley serves as head writer of the series, with Bryan Andrews directing.
Jeffrey Wright stars as the Watcher, who narrates the series. By September 2018, Marvel Studios was developing a number of series for Disney+, and one based on the What If...? comic was first reported in March 2019. The series was officially announced a month later, with many characters in the series set to be voiced by the actors who portray them in the films. Marvel Studios' head of visual development Ryan Meinerding helped define the series' cel-shaded animation style, which was designed to reflect the films. Animation for the first season is provided by Squeeze and Flying Bark Productions, with Stephan Franck as head of animation.
What If...?'s first season is scheduled to premiere on August 11, 2021, and will consist of 10 episodes. It will be part of Phase Four of the MCU. A second 10-episode season is in development.

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Disney's Encanto - Teaser Trailer

Disney's Encanto
You’re invited into the exceptional, fantastical and magical Casa Madrigal.
See the movie this November. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” is the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The all-new original film features the voice of Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel, an ordinary 15-year-old who’s struggling to find her place in her family. “Mirabel is a really funny, loving character who also deeply yearns for something more,” says Beatriz. “She’s also not afraid to stand up for what she knows is right—something I love and relate to very much.

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Transformers: War for Cybertron - Kingdom

Transformers: War for Cybertron
K  I  N  G  D  O  M

Now the Autobots must team up with the Maximals to confront the Decepticons, who have joined forces with the Predacons, in the race to find the missing AllSpark. However, the Predacons are in control of the Golden Disk, a mysterious artifact which has a personal connection to Megatron and gives him an untold advantage over his enemy, Optimus Prime. Which faction will triumph in the final battle that will decide the fate of Cybertron's future? 
Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy - Kingdom
Coming July 29 only on Netflix.

Friday, July 9, 2021

MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS: Battle of the Realms

MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS
Battle of the Realms

Following the events of Scorpion’s Revenge, Battle of the Realms will task memorable characters to travel to Outworld in defense of Earthrealm. Scorpion must find the ancient Kamidogu before it is too late and is used to resurrect the One Being, which basically would mean the destruction of life as we know it. 

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway

Mobile Suit GUNDAM: Hathaway
Hathaway Noa, still haunted by his past actions, joins a terrorist organization called Mufti and adopts the alias "Mufti Nabiyy Erin". Mufti is fighting a terrorist campaign against the Earth Federation government.
U.C. 0105, twelve years after the Second Neo Zeon War, the Earth Federation accepts the Republic of Zeon back in the fold. However, over the next few years, the Federation's greed and distrust of spacenoids leads them to form "Man Hunter" units to forcefully deport underprivileged or undesirable civilians around the world to the space colonies. A terrorist organization called Mafty is led by Bright Noah's son Hathaway Noa. Hathaway, who now goes by the name Mafty Navue Erin, is still haunted by his past actions regarding the death of Quess Paraya and reflecting upon the actions and beliefs of Char and Amuro. He started his terrorist actions against the Federation and its high officials as an act of revenge, using the new prototype unit, the RX-105 Ξ Gundam (Xi Gundam, "Ksi Gundam"). In response, Kenneth Sleg of the Earth Federation Space Forces assembles the Circe Unit, led by Lane Aim piloting the RX-104FF Penelope in order to stop Mafty.

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Superman Director Richard Donner Passes At 91

RICHARD DONNER
(April 24, 1930 – July 5, 2021)
The Director of 'Superman' Dies at Age 91
Richard Donner was an American director and producer of film and television, and occasional comic-book writer. After directing the horror film The Omen (1976), he directed the superhero film Superman (1978), starring Christopher Reeve.
Donner later went on to direct movies such as The Goonies (1985) and Scrooged (1988), while reinvigorating the buddy film genre with the Lethal Weapon film series. He and his wife, producer Lauren, owned the production company The Donners' Company (formerly Donner/Shuler Donner Productions), best known for producing the Free Willy and X-Men franchises. In 2000, he received the President's Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Film historian Michael Barson writes that Donner was "one of Hollywood's most reliable makers of action blockbusters". 

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

The Chinese Version of Ghibli? The Legend of Hei

The Legend of Hei
MTJJ and his crew spent a decade working on this series and now seem to be making a new for themselves in Chinese animation but could Hei and their company become the Chinese version of Ghibli?
In bustling human world, various of goblins live peacefully with mankind. Luo Xiao-Hei, the cat demon, begins his journey of wandering because his forest home is destroyed. With sympathetic goblin partners and earnest human master appearing one after another, Hei is in the dilemma of which side will be his true attribution.