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.

Friday, December 31, 2021

Step into a Virtual World of Limitless Dreams

E  L  L  E

From the celebrated Academy Award®-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu. A fantastical, heartfelt story of growing up in the age of social media. 
A high school student becomes a globally beloved singer after entering a fantastic virtual world. She soon embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of a mysterious beast who's on the run from ruthless vigilantes.
In theaters January 14, 2022

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Vengeance Equals Justice for the Bat and the Cat

THE BATMAN
The Bat and The Cat Trailer 
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne. Starring alongside Pattinson (“Tenet,” “The Lighthouse”) as Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters are Zoë Kravitz (“Big Little Lies,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”) as Selina Kyle; Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” “12 Years a Slave”) as Edward Nashton; Jeffrey Wright (“No Time to Die,” “Westworld”) as the GCPD’s James Gordon; John Turturro (the “Transformers” films, “The Plot Against America”) as Carmine Falcone; Peter Sarsgaard (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Interrogation”) as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson; Jayme Lawson (“Farewell Amor”) as mayoral candidate Bella Reál; with Andy Serkis (the “Planet of the Apes” films, “Black Panther”) as Alfred; and Colin Farrell (“The Gentlemen,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”) as Oswald Cobblepot.

 

Reeves (“The Planet of the Apes” franchise) directed from a screenplay by Reeves & Peter Craig, based on characters from DC. Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Dylan Clark (the “Planet of the Apes” films) and Reeves produced the film, with Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Simon Emanuel serving as executive producers. The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team included Oscar-nominated director of photography Greig Fraser (“Dune,” “Lion”); Reeves’ “Planet of the Apes” production designer, James Chinlund, and editor, William Hoy; editor Tyler Nelson (“Rememory”); and Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“1917,” “Little Women,” “Anna Karenina”). The music is by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino (the current “Spider-Man,” “Jurassic World” and “Star Wars” films, “Up”). 

 

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a 6th & Idaho/Dylan Clark Productions Production, a Matt Reeves Film, “The Batman.” The film is set to open in theaters March 4, 2022 and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

History of Voltron

VOLTRON: Defender of the Universe
Voltron: Defender of the Universe was an animated series that aired in syndication in the US from September 10, 1984, to November 18, 1985. 
 
The original intention was that it would be 3 seasons made up of 3 different imported Japanese cartoons. The 3 series were Future Robot Daltanious (未来ロボ ダルタニアス, Mirai Robo Darutaniasu), Armored Fleet Dairugger XV (機甲艦隊ダイラガーXVフィフティーン, Kikō Kantai Dairagā Fifutīn, "XV" read "Fifteen") and Lightspeed Electroid Albegas (光速電神アルベガス, Kōsoku Denjin Arubegasu). 
 
But a funny thing involving a different Japanese show called Beast King GoLion (百獣王ゴライオン, Hyaku Jūō Goraion) happened along the way. 
 
Voltron: Defender of the Universe was the top-rated syndicated children's show for two years during its original run, and it spawned three follow-up series, several comic books, and a line of toys. 
 
And for all the smart guys on the comments: we're aware Voltron Force exists. This video tells the story of the original series and Voltron Force has no significant relevance to it. As stated in the disclaimer, it may get its own video some day.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Monday, December 27, 2021

Diaclone Attacks!

D I A C L O N E   s o l d I e r s !

Let’s watch Big Powered GV transforming Battle mode combination in the secret area Z-21.

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Favorite Scenes from Hawkeye

"This is some Christmas"
Scenes from Hawkeye episode 6 prove why this is the BEST in the series!
Watch the Video

Saturday, December 25, 2021

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT
ANIMATRIX NETWORK!
So here you have it once again, 10 anime that will fully get you in the Christmas spirit. Though once again, some of the titles mentioned are full series that aren't completely set around Christmas, they still set a good holiday mood. We're mentioning that there are a lot of romantic titles on the list because in Japan, it's more of a romantic holiday than a family holiday. So that's why where movies/anime's like Toriko, Ichigo Mashimaro, or Seitokai Yakuindomo come in, they deal with other aspects of humanity like friends, growing apart, and helping and of course caring for others.

Friday, December 24, 2021

That's What Christmas is All About!

Merry Christmas!
Get into the holiday spirit and sing along with the Loud family & friends!

Thursday, December 23, 2021

JUJUTSU KAISEN 0 MOVIE

JUJUTSU KAISEN 0 MOVIE
The long-awaited main trailer for "Jujutsu Kaisen 0 MOVIE" is finally here! The anime film will be produced by TOHO Animation, and the animation will be handled by Studio MAPPA, the studio responsible for all of the most anticipated anime in recent years, including Attack on Titan Season 4, Takt Op. Destiny, and Chainsawman. The anime film will premiere on December 24, 2021 in all Japanese theaters nationwide!

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

BELLE - In theaters January 14, 2022

B   E   L   L   E
From the celebrated Oscar®-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, creator of Mirai, Wolf Children, Summer Wars, and more, comes a fantastical, yet beautiful and contemporary thematic story of one girl’s growth in the age of social media.
Suzu is a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest to become who they truly are.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Trailer for a New Isekai Anime

MY ISEKAI LIFE
I Gained a Second Character Class and
Became the Strongest Sage in the World
"My Isekai Life: I Gained a Second Character Class and Became the Strongest Sage in the World" / "Tensei Kenja no Isekai Life: Dai ni no Shokugyou wo Eru, Sekai Saikyou ni Narimashita" released it's first action-packed teaser trailer last December 3. The TV anime is based on action-adventure/fantasy themed light novel series written by Shotou Shinkou and illustrated by Huuka Kazabana same as the light novel series "The Strongest Sage with a Weakest Crest" / "Shikkakumon no Saikyokenja". Studio REVOROOT will handle the anime adaptation of the light novel series which is also the one who animated "I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level". The TV anime release date is scheduled for 2022, but the specific date has yet to be announced!

Monday, December 20, 2021

ARCANE: A Therapist Examines Silco and Jinx

ARCANE: SILCO and JINX
"Her last act as Powder was killing Silco,
and her first, true act as Jinx was avenging him."
Was Silco's relationship to Jinx merely a manipulation tactic or did Silco really have a true connection with her? Psychotherapist Georgia Dow gives us her insight!

Sunday, December 19, 2021

How to Train Your Dragons... in the Future! Oooo!

DRAGONS: THE NINE REALMS
After 1300 years, the world has changed and a new legend begins. The future of dragons is here in the all-new animated series DreamWorks Dragons: The Nine Realms. Coming to Peacock on December 23rd!

Saturday, December 18, 2021

They're Just Bad at Being Good

THE BAD GUYS
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula hatch a plot to pull off the ultimate heist.
RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2022 (USA)
STARS: Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina

Friday, December 17, 2021

Prologue Trailer for Jurassic World 3

JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION 
Man’s attempt to establish dominion over Nature...
But Nature is fighting back! 
 
First 5 Minutes Opening Scene, Chris Pratt, 
Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Dern.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Discover the Darkest Secrets of the Moon...


THE SILENT SEA
During a perilous 24-hour mission on the moon,
space explorers try to retrieve samples from an abandoned
research facility steeped in classified secrets.
 
A deadly mission will uncover the darkest secrets of the moon...
 
With a 10% survival rate, will the crew survive?...
 
Let the mystery behind the abandoned lunar base unfold...
 
Watch the Trailer
Coming to Netflix, December 24, 2021
 
 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Anime Viewing Schedule for December 18, 2021


 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   Jujutsu Kaisen 19-20
          12:05 - 12:55   Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles 5-6
          12:55 - 1:25     Club Meeting
          1:25 - 2:15       Mushoku Tensei 14-15
          2:15 - 2:40       Lupin III Part 6 - Ep 2
          2:40 - 4:45       ARCANE: League of Legends (Eps 4-6)
 
"Powder is dead! I'm Jinx now!"
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Board Room, Second Floor 
Effective August 30, 2021, face masks
are REQUIRED inside the library due to
the state of Illinois mask mandate.

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 *

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

The Secrets of Dumbledore Revealed!

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is the newest adventure in the Wizarding World™ created by J.K. Rowling. Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The film features an ensemble cast led by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, and Mads Mikkelsen.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves, based upon a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram and Tim Lewis. Neil Blair, Danny Cohen, Josh Berger, Courtenay Valenti and Michael Sharp served as executive producers.

The film’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography George Richmond (“Rocketman,” “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films) and production designer Neil Lamont (“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”), and Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” the last four “Harry Potter” films). The music is by nine-time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard (“News of the World,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “Defiance,” “Michael Clayton,” “The Hunger Games” films).
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates film, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” in theaters internationally beginning 7 April 2022 and in North America on April 15, 2022. The film will be distributed worldwide in select theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Sunday, December 12, 2021

A New STAR WARS Game is Dawning...

STAR WARS: ECLIPSE
Star Wars Eclipse™ is the newest adventure in the High Republic era, now early in development by Quantic Dream. Set during the High Republic era, Star Wars Eclipse™ is an intricately branching action-adventure game that can be experienced in many ways, and puts the destinies of multiple playable characters in your hands, created in collaboration between Quantic Dream and Lucasfilm Games.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Next Club Meeting is December 18, 2021

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
"Back together again!"
  M O N T H L Y   M E E T I N G

Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL  60440
Board Room (2nd Floor)
Saturday, December 18, 2021
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
PLEASE READ
 
We will be in the BOARD ROOM on the
Second 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, face masks are REQUIRED.  
 
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, December 10, 2021

Hilda Returns to Netflix!

HILDA and the MOUNTAIN KING
The newest chapter in the beloved Hilda series continues the action-packed adventures with our beloved Hilda stuck in the body of a troll trying to save all of human and troll-kind! Hilda and the Mountain King takes off from the cliff hanger in Hilda and the Stone Forest that left you waiting breathlessly!
Hilda Returns December 30th!

Thursday, December 9, 2021

All Aboard the Train to Hogwarts!

HARRY POTTER: RETURN TO HOGWARTS
Celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter! Join the Reunion with the original Cast & Crew. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
On HBOMax 01.01.2022
Watch the Trailer

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

First Look at 'Across the Spider-Verse'

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE
Miles Morales’ story and the Spider-Verse web expands. Take a first look at Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One). Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man across the Multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off with a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.
Exclusively in movie theaters October 2022.
Watch the Trailer

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

C2E2 is This Weekend! Proof of Vax REQUIRED

C2E2 is this weekend!
To enter C2E2 or pick up tickets at Will Call, you will first need a wristband to indicate that you have verified your vaccination status or proof of a negative antigen or PCR COVID-19 test. Make sure you read through our entrance procedure page which includes vaccination & negative test check locations and hours, approved methods of verification, how to get your wristband, and more before you get to C2E2.

Monday, December 6, 2021

Inside Japan's Coolest Store!

Village Vanguard Has Just About Everything!
Today we get exclusive access to what just might be Japan's coolest and craziest store. A shop focused on finding the most interesting products, both Japanese, and from abroad, and gathering them all in one place. Welcome... to Village Vanguard!

Sunday, December 5, 2021

The Adventures of 'Dunk & Egg'

Steve Conrad To Write ‘Game Of Thrones’
Prequel Series for HBO
[Source: Deadline] Steve Conrad (Patriot, Perpetual Grace, LTD) has been tapped as writer and executive producer on the Dunk & Egg prequel series to Game Of Thrones, which has been in the works at HBO, sources said. Rep for the premium network had no comment.

Dunk & Egg aka Tales of Dunk & Egg, based on George R.R. Martin’s series of fantasy novellas, is one of several new live-action GoT prequel projects that HBO has earmarked for development over the past year, along with a couple of animated ideas that are being considered for sibling HBO Max. Neither of them have been confirmed by the network or streamer.

Set in the world of Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire on which
Game of Thrones was based, the Dunk & Egg series would follow the adventures of Dunk (Ser Duncan the Tall) and Egg (the future king Aegon V. Taregaryen), some 90 years before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire, sources close to the project told Deadline in January.

Martin has published three Dunk & Egg novellas to date — The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010). He has teased multiple upcoming installments in the series whose status is unknown.

The first GoT prequel to go to series, House of the Dragon, is expected to debut on HBO next year.

Conrad’s feature writing credits include Wonder, Unfinished Business, The Pursuit of Happyness and The Weather Man. In TV, he created Prime Video’s Patriot and the new AMC+ animated neo-noir series Ultra City Smiths and co-created Epix’s Perpetual Grace, LTD. He also served as director on all three shows. Conrad is repped by CAA
.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Encanto’s Ending Explained!

How Mirabel Saved The Madrigals
[By Isaac Carlson] Throughout all of Encanto, Mirabel was at the center of the story fighting to preserve her family and their magic, but along her journey, she discovered a vision from her Uncle Bruno that she would be instrumental in the destruction of her family’s miracle which of course did not surprise her Abuela. For many years Abuela Alma had been convinced that their magic started to die the day Mirabel didn’t get her gift. Abuela had always believed the Madrigals' work and dedication would keep their miracle burning, and each new generation would be forced to take on that burden. Everyone had to constantly be the best version of themselves; they had to constantly be helping everyone around them, and they had to keep fighting for their magic or risk losing it all together, and Mirabel’s apparent failure to receive a gift indicated to Abuela that she was not worthy of their miracle. The Head of Story on Encanto, Nancy Kruse explained that Mirabel was rocking the boat and showing cracks in the balance the family was trying to strike - the one they thought worked fine - so at first they told Mirabel to stop what she was doing. However, Mirabel kept going, not fully realizing yet that her destiny was to destroy the boat they were all in, in order to build a new one that could fit everyone, rather than excluding the people that didn’t. Because of Mirabel, Bruno was welcomed back to their home, Luisa and Isabela were free to be their true selves, and Mirabel was finally seen as a valuable member of their family. In this new era, Mirabel brought together the Madrigals as a team which is why they were able to rebuild their Casita, establish a new foundation for their family, and create a new miracle. By creating something new for their family, the Madrigals were able to be healed again.

Friday, December 3, 2021

Fly me to the Moon, Not the other way Around...

M O O N F A L L
In Moonfall (2022), a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all - but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, "Midway") and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, "Game of Thrones") believe her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.
Directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser and Spenser Cohen, the film also stars Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald Sutherland.
Moonfall arrives in theaters on February 4, 2022.