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, September 30, 2023

Begin the True Rising...

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?

Friday, September 29, 2023

Dinosaurs now Rule the Earth...

KYORYU
Amidst the ruins of a post-apocalyptic Japan, genetically re-engineered dinosaurs have survived humans and become the dominant species. Ancient primal instincts ignite modern tribal wars, and the ultimate survivors must navigate a world where the balance of power has shifted in ways no one could have foreseen.
Created by Benjamin Mulot
Production by Floating Rock Studio
Rendered in Unreal by Epic Games
Financed by Floating Rock & Hillfarrance Venture Capital
Composed by Takumi Motokawa

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Witness the Greatest Samurai that Ever Lived...

O N I M U S H A
Capcom's "Onimusha," the landmark survival action video game series set in Japan’s feudal Sengoku period, is being adapted into an anime series that will start streaming from Thursday, November 2, only on Netflix. Directed by Takashi Miike, this ambitious series will focus on Miyamoto Musashi, who is modeled after Toshiro Mifune, the Japanese film icon known around the globe. This is the beginning of an intense series full of realistic action in which Musashi's blade slices through evil as he traverses a land plagued by poverty.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Inspired to be the World's Best Saxophone Player...

BLUE GIANT
Dai Miyamoto's life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. A former high school basketball player, Dai picks up a saxophone and begins practicing day and night, determined to become one of the greatest of all time. He leaves his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, but soon finds the life of a professional musician is not for the faint of heart. His passion eventually wins over the cocky but talented pianist Yukinori, and after Dai convinces his friend Shunji to learn the drums, they launch a new jazz trio whose rough sound contains a raw energy that quickly wins attention from local audiences. But what does it take to truly be great?
From director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100) and based on the award-winning manga, Blue Giant is a moving ode to the power of music and the artist, featuring electric performances and a stunning jazz soundtrack.
In theaters October 8 & 9

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

One Man stands in the way of a Ruthless Vampire...

CASTLEVANIA: NOCTURNE
The gory and gothic adventures of the Castlevania franchise continue with an exciting new setting and their highest stakes yet. A gripping story of love and loss, Nocturne marks an evolution to the original fan-favorite Castlevania Netflix Series. Featuring a never before seen origin story of Richter Belmont (gaming icon, and one of the Franchise’s most beloved characters). Bandana included.
Castlevania: Nocturne premieres September 28, only on Netflix
Watch the First 7 minutes...
Our story begins: baby Richter meets Olrox...

Monday, September 25, 2023

He Returned to the Past to Save the Future...

A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
Desir is returned to the past, back to the time when he enrolled in the nation's finest magic academy – Havrion. He is reunited with his precious friends, and is prepared to change the past to save the world and his loved ones…! Three years remaining before the emergence of the Shadow World!

Sunday, September 24, 2023

From the Mind of Osamu Tezuka...

PHOENIX: EDEN17
Follows a woman named Romi and her partner as they depart from the devastated Earth and head for a new life on the planet Eden17. However, life has already been made extinct on the new world, so Romi finds herself eking out an even harsher life there. 
Streaming now on Disney+.

Saturday, September 23, 2023

It's the End of an Anime Era...


Right Stuf Anime SHUTS DOWN!
Right Stuf is officially shutting down its online store and getting folded
into Crunchyroll. Will Sony be a monopoly here in the West?

Friday, September 22, 2023

The Proof is in the Animation...

SMALL SOLDIERS : War for the Nekron
"We are happy to announce the Proof of Concept trailer for our next big project at Comadran Studios. Get ready to dive into the extraordinary world of Small Soldiers, an epic toy battle brought to life in Unreal Engine 5, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling to new heights!"
Comadran Studios

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Anime Viewing Schedule for September 23, 2023


 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   Skip and Loafer ep 8-9
          12:05 - 12:55   Undead Girl Murder Farce ep 5-6
          12:55 - 1:35     Club Meeting
          1:35 - 2:50       Heavenly Delusion eps 11-13 [End]
          2:50 - 4:40       Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King

"Yup, we'll see you all at the Anime Club!"
 
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 
Peggy J. Danhof Board Room
(Second Floor)
 
From 11:15 AM to 5:00 PM

All anime presented are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted.
 
Don't miss these exciting anime series: Skip and Loafer and Dark Gathering
* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

This Could Mean the Death of Star Wars...

AHSOKA Set to DESTROY STAR WARS
Sources say Filoni & Kennedy Out to
REMAKE Star Wars in HER Image
"My Hollywood spies have communicated with sources with an absolutely stunning claim that, with Dave Filoni's help, Kathleen Kennedy has turned Ahsoka into a bait and switch that will forever change Star Wars as we know it, destroying George Lucas' universe and remaking it in her own image. I want to stress that this IS only a rumor, and there are reasons to believe that even if it IS true, Disney may change course in Ahsoka Season 2 for reasons I give at the end of this video, but make no mistake - IF this rumor is true, it will mean the death of Star Wars as George Lucas conceived it. I hope this rumor is false, that it's disinformation from KK's camp to rain on Ahsoka's parade, but just in case it's true, I wanted to warn you all ahead of time to lessen the blow. Here is what I've been told..."
"People are asking a few questions that I thought I'd try to address here: why would Filoni go along with this plan if KK is either out or neutralized at Lucasfilm? The answer to this is fairly obvious, which is why I didn't think to address it in the video... remember that Ahsoka had to be written and planned out at least a year ago, probably more. All the sets, costumes, ships and so on need to be developed, shooting planning, effects and so on. At that time, Kennedy was definitely still there. We saw her go nuts at Star Wars Celebration 2023, right? Announcing this and that, and an Ahsoka clip was shown, so we know that while Filoni was planning and writing Ahsoka, KK was there. Now, the hopeful thing about this is, IF this rumor is true, then this plan is only partly realized in Season 1 of Ahsoka. Season TWO is when the poodoo would really hit the fan, and so the hope is, for reasons I list in the video, AND for the reason that KK's star seemingly has fallen from the Lucasfilm heavens, Dave will hopefully declare whatever deal he had with KK null and void, veer off of this course, and not throw George Lucas under the bus. That's my hope, but difficult to see...always in motion is the future. So don't despair, this is not a fait accompli yet, and indeed this rumor could be from KK's camp... she does try to rain on the parades of others, as we all well know..."
-  Overlord DVD 

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

About the World's Most Obscure Super-Villain...

KITE MAN, Hell Yeah!
Get ready for all of Kite Man’s saucy adventures in Kite Man, Hell Yeah!, a spin-off of Harley Quinn, coming in 2024 to MAX. It tells the story of Kite Man and his new squeeze, Golden Glider, as they moonlight as criminals to support their foolish purchase of Noonan's, Gotham's seediest dive bar.

Monday, September 18, 2023

The Movie That Might Save Disney...

W I S H
This whimsical journey promises to transport audiences to a world where dreams come true, where the magic of Disney meets the power of imagination. With spellbinding animation, a heartwarming tale, and a cast of unforgettable characters, "Wish" invites viewers of all ages to embark on a magical odyssey filled with wonder, hope, and the endless possibilities of believing in your deepest desires. Get ready to experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season like never before as "Wish" brings to life the true essence of Disney's enchantment, inspiring us all to make our wishes a reality.
Disney's new adventure, "Wish," is slated for release on November 22, 2023.

Sunday, September 17, 2023

So what is the Verdict on Live-Action 'One Piece'...

One Piece creator explains why Disney live action remakes are
TRASH! And why this Netflix remake has SOUL!
After the complete debacle that was the Live-Action "Cowboy Bebop," there has been growing distrust and apprehension towards the release of the Live-Action "One Piece." Now that it is out on Netflix, the reviews are in...
It's actually surprisingly GOOD! 
The reason for that would have to be the direct participation of the manga creator, Eiichiro Oda, who had creative control of the Netflix production.
Here's an early Review from a Normie:
It's NOT Woke!

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Disney Musical Selections

TANGLED ADVENTURES
"The View From Up Here"

Tangle's Best Songs

"Next Stop Anywhere"

"Let Me Make You Proud"

"Set Yourself Free"

"Waiting in the Wings"

"Nothing Left to Lose"

"Crossing the Line"

FROZEN
"Let It Go"

ENCANTO
"What Else Can I Do?"


Friday, September 15, 2023

Check out the Trailer for the New Aquaman Movie...

A  Q  U  A  M  A  N
AND  THE  LOST  KINGDOM
Aquaman forges an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally
in a bid to save Atlantis and the rest of the planet.
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.

All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
Directed by James Wan, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is produced by Peter Safran, Wan and Rob Cowan. The executive producers are Galen Vaisman and Walter Hamada.

The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, from a story by James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents An Atomic Monster / A Peter Safran Production of A James Wan Film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, set to open in theaters internationally beginning 20 December 2023 and in North America on
December 20, 2023; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Thursday, September 14, 2023

When an entire family escapes into an RPG game...

GOOD NIGHT WORLD
In the online game "Planet," there is a powerful team of four players. This team goes by the name "The Akabane Family," and its members are a pseudo-family that only exists in the game. Although they aren't aware of it, these four players are actually a broken family in real life. A shut-in older brother. A high-achieving younger brother. A father who is not respected by his own children. A mother who neglects her own household. They do not know the warmth of family. They also don't know that the warmth of their online family is only a passing feeling. And most of all, they don't know they are a real family. Centered on the deeds of the Akabane Family in the online game "Planet," the story features battles against monsters, clashes with other guilds, and the machinations surrounding "Black Bird," the final objective of the game. The tale takes a major turn as it entangles the real world and this real family.
"GOOD NIGHT WORLD" starts streaming Thursday, October 12, only on Netflix.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Based on the manga by Shigeru Mizuki...

AKUMA KUN
The new anime series "Akuma Kun" starts streaming worldwide from November 9, 2023, only on Netflix!

In this series, the contents vary from version to version. The common plot points of every adaptation are listed below.

  • The protagonist is a child prodigy who appears once every 10,000 years. The protagonist is always nicknamed “Akuma-kun”.
  • Akuma-kun wants to create a world where all human beings can live happily, and he believes that harnessing the power of demons is necessary for him to achieve that goal. Additionally, the entities referred to as demons in the series are not limited to that of Christian origins, rather the series features various monsters described in myths and folk stories from all around the world.
  • At the beginning of the story, Akuma-kun has not yet succeeded in the summoning of demons, and has repeatedly conducted magical research and experiments. However Dr. Faust appears and teaches the secrets of summoning demons to Akuma-kun, and as a result he finally succeeds in invoking demons.
  • In addition, Dr. Faust gives Akuma-kun the Solomon Flute. This flute gives Akuma-kun the power to bend demons to his will. The flute was used by King Solomon.
  • Akuma-kun has multiple subordinates who follow him. They are often referred to as the “twelve apostles”. The twelve apostles also differ from series to series.- To summon demons, Shingo, standing in front of a magic circle casts a spell, ”エロイムエッサイム、我は求め訴えたり”. (Eloim, Essaim, frugativi et appelavi.) This is a spell written in a grimoire spread in France during the 18th and 19th century.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Godzilla and Friends Get Their Own TV Show...

MONARCH: Legacy of Monsters
Check out the teaser trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, an upcoming ten-episode series based on Legendary’s Monsterverse. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters stars Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski.

Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco, and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows. The dramatic saga – spanning three generations – reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.

Hailing from Legendary Television, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is co-developed and executive produced by Chris Black and Matt Fraction. Matt Shakman directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer alongside Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell from Safehouse Pictures, Andy Goddard, Brad Van Arragon, and Andrew Colville. Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita executive produce on behalf of Toho Co., Ltd., the owner of the Godzilla character. Toho licensed the rights to Legendary for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters as a natural byproduct of their long-term relationship with the film franchise.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on
November 17 with the first two episodes, followed by one episode every Friday through January 12.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Disney Lorcana Led to VIOLENCE at Gen-Con?!

LORCANA Controversy
Disney Lorcana cards led to shoving, yelling, and wheelchairs getting knocked over at last month's Gen-Con. Apparently, it was quite the cluster. Sounds absolutely magical...

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Slipping into a world unencumbered by mortality...

THE BOY AND THE HERON
From Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli
In theatres nationwide and IMAX December 8
An official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
and New York Film Festival (NYFF)
A young boy named Mahito, yearning for his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning. A semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, in tribute to friendship, from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki.

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Disney now has its own Collectible Card Game...

LORCANA
Experience magic with Disney Lorcana, an all-new immersive trading card game from Ravensburger featuring familiar favorites and reimagined Disney characters.
Disney Lorcana: The First Chapter starter decks include everything one Illumineer needs to play! Choose from Amber & Amethyst, Emerald & Ruby, or Sapphire & Steel.
The Mickey - Brave Little Tailor promo was available for free to those who went to the booth at this year's Gen-Con.

Friday, September 8, 2023

Thursday, September 7, 2023

From the Makers of "Mary & the Witch's Flower"...

THE IMAGINARY
“The Imaginary” – Studio Ponoc’s Animated Feature Film Adaptation of the Bestselling Book “The Imaginary” by A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett

From Studio Ponoc comes the new animated feature film “The Imaginary” directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, opening in cinemas in Japan on December 15, 2023, and coming to you around the world in 2024.

Born from a young girl’s imagination, Rudger is a boy no one can see who lives in a world where imaginations can live and be eaten by others. The Imaginary is an extraordinarily touching and beautiful hand-drawn fantasy film in which Rudger and his new friends in “The Town of The Imaginaries” embark on an adventure no one can see at the risk of the futures and fates of those they love.

The Japanese version cast includes Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki, Sakura Ando, Riisa Naka, Takayuki Yamada, Atsuko Takahata and Issey Ogata, with more announcements soon, including the English
version cast.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

In postwar Japan, a new terror rises...

GODZILLA MINUS ONE
Will the devastated people be able to survive... let alone fight back?
Written and Directed by: Takashi Yamazaki
In theaters nationwide December 1, 2023.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

The Overwatch 2 Movie is Here...

OVERWATCH 2 Full Movie (2023)
Animated Cinematics 4K Ultra HDR

Monday, September 4, 2023

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Three Superheroes for the Price of One...

THE MARVELS
Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol's estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team-up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as "The Marvels."

Saturday, September 2, 2023

What Does Your Heart Tell You?

Whisper of the Heart
The masterpiece, Whisper of the Heart, made into a live-action movie! The movie illustrates the bittersweet love story with a new additional story about ten years later.

When Shizuku Tsukishima, a third-year middle school student who loves to read, meets her classmate, Seiji Amasawa, her impression of him couldn’t be worse. But as she watches him pursue his dream, she’s gradually drawn to him. Seiji also gives his heart to Shizuku, when he learns about her dream to become a novelist. The two promise each other they’ll make their dreams come true. And after ten years… 24-year-old Shizuku (Nana SEINO) has become an editor of children’s books at a publisher. Having given up her dream of becoming a novelist, her days now pass selling books. Seiji (Tori MATSUZAKA), on the other hand, is still pursuing his dream abroad, and the two are gradually growing apart.

Friday, September 1, 2023

Yup, they got it right...

The Ultimate "Lord of the Rings: Fellowship" Recap Cartoon