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, April 30, 2023

Best Cosplay at Star Wars Celebration London 2023

STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2023
Too many to capture all of them on video, but here are some of the best and most creative cosplayers at Star Wars Celebration Europe, London 2023.

Saturday, April 29, 2023

This is NOT the Way...


"The show isn't about him anymore. It's about everyone but him."
Mandalorian Season 3 is over and now we look back on its impact on Star Wars.

Friday, April 28, 2023

This summer, everything changes...

THE WITCHER - Season 3
Geralt and Ciri are linked by destiny since before she was born when he unknowingly demanded her as a reward for his services by invoking "the Law of Surprise". After the two finally meet, Geralt becomes the princess's protector and must help her and fight against her various pursuers to prevent her Elder Blood and powerful magic from being used for malevolent purposes and keep Ciri and their world safe.
The newest season of the show, which is inspired by the second installment in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher book series, Time of Contempt, will finally see our hero reckoning with his feelings after two seasons of steely, tough-guy detachment. Explains creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, “For years, Geralt has claimed neutrality, shunned politics and publicly asserted that witchers don’t have emotions — all to make his life as a killer easier to navigate. We’ve seen him battle monsters and monstrous humans; we’ve watched as he’s hardened himself in order to survive. This season, he can no longer do that.”
''Now, for the first time, I understand real fear...''

Thursday, April 27, 2023

The saga will end, the story lives forever...

STAR WARS: RETURN of the JEDI
Watch the 40th Anniversary trailer for STAR WARS: Return of the Jedi back in select theaters April 28 - May 4.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Keeping the Torch lit after all this time...

TORCHLIGHT: INFINITE
Set 200 years after Torchlight 2, Torchlight Infinite is an action-RPG that features four heroes and a couple dozen skill trees to customize your character's playstyle with. Pre-register on the official website (torchlight.xd.com) to be eligible to participate in the closed beta that's starting soon. The global launch of Torchlight: Infinite is May 9th, 5PM PDT!

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

See "SPIRITED AWAY" Live on Stage...

~ SPIRITED AWAY ~
Live On Stage in theaters April 23, 25, 27 & May 2
Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning animated feature film comes to life in this first-ever stage adaptation, full of dazzling sets, captivating musical numbers, and wondrous puppets of beloved characters. Adapted and directed by Tony Award-winner John Caird (Les Misérables), two unique casts and performances were filmed during the show’s acclaimed 2022 run at Tokyo’s historic Imperial Theatre, featuring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.

Monday, April 24, 2023

Early Reaction to Disney's Star Wars VISIONS 2...

STAR WARS VISIONS New Season Reaction
Chris Gore gives a quick early reaction to season 2 of “Star Wars: Visions,” playing on Disney+. How much of Kathleen Kennedy's influence do we see in this new series?

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Disneyland Dragon Erupts in Flames!!!!

Disaster at Disneyland!

[Source: Yahoo!News] A giant fire-breathing dragon went up in flames during a live performance at Disneyland in California.

Several videos posted on social media showed the 45ft stage prop ablaze as members of the audience were informed via the public address system that the show could not continue due to "unforeseen circumstances".

People were then evacuated from the area at the theme park in Anaheim.

There were no reports of any injuries, according to the fire service.

The fire broke out during a performance of Fantasmic, which promises "enhanced special effects, state-of-the-art projections and superb pyrotechnics".

In the show, Mickey Mouse conducts scenes from Disney classics, including Aladdin and The Lion King.

It includes a section in which the evil queen from Snow White conjures up some of the cartoon giant's most wicked villains, including the malevolent fairy Maleficent in the form of a huge flame-breathing dragon, which featured in Sleeping Beauty.

One person joked on social media: "Looks like Maleficent's evil plan backfired."

Disneyland has been contacted for comment.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

More Disturbing News About Disney's Lucasfilm...

Is Kathleen Kennedy Making Star Wars into her own Image
and basically ERASING the Legacy of George Lucas?
Star Wars is in a shambles these days, partly because of how bad Mando Season 3 was, and largely because of Kennedy's announcement of a new Rey movie allegedly in the works. While the truth of this announcement is debatable, there's no debating that Kennedy is trying to get this project off the ground, and is pushing hard for a finished script. Well my friends, a source has come forward and delivered some horrible alleged details of the proposed plot for this Rey movie, a plot designed to further damage George Lucas' legacy with a NEW Luke and Leia. Here is what I've been told, although I am presenting this solely as rumor, and you should absolutely take it with a grain of salt!
Here are Key Moments of the Video:
4:46    Alleged Rey Movie Details  
6:11    Kathleen Kennedy wants to make Star Wars in her Image...
7:03    NEW Luke and Leia?

Friday, April 21, 2023

Some things are NOT always what they seem...

HEAVENLY DELUSION
Within the safety of the walls, youths are raised in a nursery-style setting by robots. While life there may appear stale on the surface, the children are full of potential and curiosity. In many ways it is like a slice of heaven.

In reality, the outside world is a Hellscape.

It is almost entirely void of anything mechanical and is now inhabited by bizarre, yet powerful supernatural beings. Maru, with the aid of Kiruko, is out there crisscrossing what was once Tokyo for "Heaven." But after searching for so long, maybe Heaven is more of an untenable dream than a potential reality.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Anime Viewing Schedule for April 22, 2023


 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   Lupin Zero eps 4-5
          12:05 - 12:55   Trigun Stampede eps 6-7
          12:55 - 1:35     Club Meeting
          1:35 - 2:00       Lycoris Recoil 13 [End]
          2:00 - 2:55       Heavenly Delusion 1-2
          2:55 - 4:40       M.S. Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island
"Look! They finally posted the Anime Schedule!"
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 
Peggy J. Danhof Board Room
(Second Floor)
 
From 11:10 AM to 5:00 PM

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss the exciting anime series: Lupin Zero and Trigun Stampede
* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Deep into the Earth is Mankind's last Hope...

S  I  L  O
In a ruined and toxic future, a community exists in a giant underground silo that plunges hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them. Only on AppleTV, May 5, 2023.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

"I must not fear... Fear is the Mind Killer..."

DUNE: AWAKENING
"Fear is the Little Death that brings Total Obliteration..."
Rise from survival to dominance in a vast and seamless Arrakis shared by thousands of players. Dune: Awakening combines the grit and creativity of survival games with the social interactivity of a large, persistent multiplayer game to create a unique and ambitious Open World Survival MMO.
"I had a Dream. It starts in the Desert. You cling to Life..." 

Monday, April 17, 2023

Love really makes a turtle come out of his shell...

PEACHES
From The Super Mario Bros. Movie by Jack Black as Bowser. And, yes, this song is being considered for an Academy Award. Go figure...
Written by Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, 
Eric Osmond & John Spiker 
Published by Balanga Music (BMI)
Vocals Performed by Jack Black
Production, Mixing, Engineering & Piano Performance by John Spiker
Recorded at Studio Supreme, Sherman Oaks, CA
Mastered by Patricia Sullivan at Bernie Grundman Mastering

Sunday, April 16, 2023

"In a world where even the fish are zombies..."

RESIDENT EVIL: DEATH ISLAND
Arriving July 7 2023 in Japan. Featuring the heroic characters of Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Rebecca Chambers, Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield as they team-up for more zombie action! We'll see the quintet of zombie slayers heading to Alcatraz to uncover and battle a new threat, which may just be... zombie sharks.

The story of Resident Evil: Death Island focuses on Resident Evil 4 star Leon S. Kennedy’s mission to rescue Dr. Antonio Taylor from sexy kidnappers, and BSAA agent Chris Redfield investigating a zombie outbreak in San Francisco, where it appears a new strain of virus is turning people into monsters. Also, there’s at least one whale that appears to be infected by the T-virus and what appears to be a new strain of aquatic Lickers. There may even be a zombie octopus?!

Regardless, former STARS members Rebecca Chambers and Jill Valentine also get involved, as does Claire Redfield, who is representing human rights organization TerraSave in the ultimate Resident Evil team-up. Even the guy who says “Resident Evil” (or “Biohazard”) in a deep, foreboding voice when you press the start button is here!

Resident Evil: Death Island is a direct sequel to 2017 animated movie Resident Evil: Vendetta.
Exclusively in theaters on July 7 in Japan

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Next Club Meeting is April 22, 2023

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
"Ready for some Anime!"

  M O N T H L Y   M E E T I N G

Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL  60440
Peggy J. Danhof Board Room
 (2nd Floor)
Saturday, April 22, 2023
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
 
We will be in the BOARD ROOM on the Second Floor.
 
Hope to see everyone there!

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

(Click below for maps)

Friday, April 14, 2023

"The three Heroes went missing..."

The Rising of the Shield Hero - Season 3
Iwatani Naofumi, a run-of-the-mill otaku, finds a book in the library that summons him to another world. He is tasked with joining the Sword, Spear, and Bow as one of the Four Cardinal Heroes and fighting the Waves of Catastrophe as the Shield Hero. Excited by the prospect of a grand adventure, Naofumi sets off with his party. However, merely a few days later, he is betrayed and loses all his money, dignity, and respect. Unable to trust anyone anymore, he employs a slave named Raphtalia and takes on the Waves and the world. But will he really find a way to overturn this desperate situation?
"Our regrets make us stronger..."

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Further Pushing the Boundaries of Imagination...

STAR WARS VISIONS: Volume 2
Just released at Star Wars Celebration: Watch the new trailer for Star Wars Visions: Volume 2, featuring nine new shorts from nine celebrated animation studios from across the globe. “Star Wars: Visions” stretches beyond any one form of animation and serves as a broader framework for celebratory expressions of Star Wars storytelling. Volume 2 will showcase that potential as the shorts go on a global tour, celebrating the incredible animation happening across countries and cultures, through the mythos of Star Wars.  
Streaming May 4 on Disney+.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Moonshine & Tommy Guns are Special of the Day...

----LACKADAISY----
It's 1927 and Prohibition is the law of the land. For Rocky, Freckle, and Ivy, the night shifts are never dull. These are the fortunes of the Lackadaisy speakeasy after its founder is murdered...

LACKADAISY, based on a comic series by Tracy J. Butler, was directed by Fable Siegel, produced by Iron Circus Animation, and made by a crew of more than 160 skilled artists across the world. The project was funded by Kickstarter backers, aided by Patreon supporters, and fueled by fan viewership and enthusiasm during the course of its production. Thank you so much for watching, and for your support!


Music featured:
"Olive Branch" by Sepiatonic
"Sunset Rose Cocktail" by M Gewehr
"Feathers N Fringe" by Albert Marlowe

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

He's about to be stronger than anyone imaginable...

SOLO LEVELING
In a world where hunters — human warriors who possess supernatural abilities — must battle deadly monsters to protect mankind from certain annihilation, a notoriously weak hunter named Sung Jinwoo finds himself in a seemingly endless struggle for survival. One day, after narrowly surviving an overwhelmingly powerful double dungeon that nearly wipes out his entire party, a mysterious program called the System chooses him as its sole player and in turn, gives him the extremely rare ability to level up in strength and turn anyone he kills into a loyal minion called a shadow. Jinwoo then sets out on a journey as he fights against all kinds of enemies, both man and monster, to discover the secrets of the dungeons and the true source of his powers.

Monday, April 10, 2023

Chris Hemsworth returns in EXTRACTION 2...

EXTRACTION 2
After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held. Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Daniel Bernhardt and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring.
This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel 'Ciudad' by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall and Sam Hargrave, with Angela Russo-Otstot, Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.
Only on Netflix, June 16

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Fasten your seatbelts! I'm retiring!...

INDIANA JONES and the DIAL of DESTINY
Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic “Indiana Jones” franchise, which is directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”). Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John Rhys-Davies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”), Shaunette Renee Wilson (“Black Panther”), Thomas Kretschmann (“Das Boot”), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Oliver Richters (“Black Widow”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”). Directed by James Mangold, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981, is once again composing the score.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Warrior. Outcast. Rebel. Jedi...

AHSoKA
Here is the AHSOKA Teaser Trailer for the new original Star Wars show starring Rosario Dawson, revealed during Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London and coming to Disney+ in August 2023.

Friday, April 7, 2023

He’s A Superhero, Whether He Likes It Or Not...

BLUE BEETLE
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes. Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE.
Only in Theaters August 18Starring alongside Maridueña (“Cobra Kai”) are Adriana Barraza (“Rambo: Last Blood,” “Thor”), Damían Alcázar (“Narcos,” “Narcos: Mexico”), Elpidia Carrillo (“Mayans M.C.,” the “Predator” films), Bruna Marquezine (“Maldivas,” “God Save the King”), Raoul Max Trujillo (the “Sicario” films, “Mayans M.C.”), with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (“Monarch,” “Dead Man Walking”), and George Lopez (the “Rio and “Smurf” franchises). The film also stars Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories,” “Hocus Pocus 2”) and Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”). Soto (“Charm City Kings,” “The Farm”) directs from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (“Miss Bala”), based on characters from DC.
Only in Theaters August 18

Thursday, April 6, 2023

One Spider-Man wants to change his own destiny...

SPIDER-MAN: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Unicorn powers unite!

UNICORN: WARRIORS ETERNAL
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal is an upcoming American adult animated fantasy television series created by Genndy Tartakovsky for Adult Swim. It was originally produced for Cartoon Network’s ACME Night programming block before moving to Adult Swim. The series will premiere on May 4, 2023, and stream on HBO Max the following day.
Footage of the series was shown at Annecy International Animation Film Festival from June 13–18, 2022. The Annecy website also showed updated character designs. The series was previewed at New York Comic Con on October 9, 2022. This will be another mini-series in the vein of Over the Garden Wall with a total of 10 serialized episodes.
 
The series follows a team of ancient heroes protecting the world from an ominous force. Throughout history, unicorns have symbolized the virtuous, appearing to ensure that goodness reigns. When the reawakening of our heroes comes too early, they find themselves in the bodies of teenagers. Damaged as a result, their memories of who they are and the history of the unicorn over the centuries have been lost, with some of their magical abilities weakened and fragmented. Not only do they have to protect the world against the prevailing darkness, but they also have to do it while navigating the unexpected laughs and humor that come with teen angst and emotions.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

This Summer, meet the residents of Element City...

ELEMENTAL
Watch Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental,” an all-new original feature film that transports moviegoers to an extraordinary place called Element City, where a host of elements live and work. The trailer showcases each element—air, earth, water and fire—and what sets them apart according to Ember, a quick-witted and fiery woman who’s always stayed close to home in Firetown. In “Elemental,” which opens in theaters on June 16, she finally ventures out of her comfort zone to explore this spectacular world born from the imaginations of Pixar’s filmmakers and specifically crafted for the big-screen experience. Element City is inspired by big cities around the globe and embraces theorized contributions from each elemental community—from giant pine-tree-like buildings and waterfall skyscrapers to a tornado-shaped arena called Cyclone Stadium.

Joining the previously announced voice cast including Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade, respectively, are Ronnie del Carmen as Ember’s soon-to-be retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember’s love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade’s stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O’Hara as Wade’s welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember’s admiring earth neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern.

Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman.

See the movie in 3D, only in theaters June 16!

Monday, April 3, 2023

Why Woke Media is Dying...

Tons of movies and shows are under-performing due to political correctness.
The end of the Woke Era is coming, but what happens next?

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Welcome to C2E2 2023!

It's Cosplay at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2023!
March 31 - April 2, 2023