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.
The manga is set in 15th century "P Kingdom". People who suggest ideas in opposition to the teachings of the "C religion", such as that the Earth revolves around the Sun, are considered heretics, and are tortured or burned at the stake. Rafal, a child prodigy with an interest in astronomy, is forced by Hubert, a scholar and heretic, to assist him in his research for the "about the movement of the Earth" theory. When Nowak, an inquisitor, finds a diagram drawn by Rafal showing a heliocentric model, Hubert claims responsibility and is executed, leaving Rafal a spherical pendant. Rafal uses the pendant to find Hubert's hidden research materials on the theory. Rafal continues Hubert's research, but is informed on by his foster father, Potocki. At his inquisition, Rafal refuses to denounce the theory, committing suicide by ingesting poppy seeds.
Ten years later, Okgi and Gallus, two duelists, are assigned to guard a heretic during transportation. The heretic reveals the location of the research to them, dying to protect Okgi from Nowak. The pair decide to seek out a demoted priest, Badeni, to help make sense of the material. While on a bridge, it collapses, and Gallus entrusts their mission and the pendant to Okgi before dying. Okgi meets Badeni, who agrees to look at the materials in exchange for Okgi continuing Gallus' astronomical observations. Badeni finds the materials to be incomplete and requiring the use of more records. They post a problem at public boards in the city and find a girl, Jolanta, answering it on the same day. Jolanta, a researcher, agrees to cooperate with them by introducing them to Piast, an ardent advocate of the Ptolemaic model. After Okgi observes Venus waxing, Piast agrees to give the group access to his records. Using Piast's records, Badeni finishes the theory. Nowak catches on to the group, inspecting Badeni's cabin and noticing the pendant. Okgi holds off the inquisitors, but him and Badeni are captured. Nowak tortures Okgi, forcing Badeni to divulge the location of the research materials, and the two are executed. Antoni, a rival of Nowak, attempts to get Jolanta, Nowak's daughter, convicted as a heretic, but she is freed by an inquisitor. Cklamovski, a priest at Badeni's church, discovers that Badeni had transcribed a diary written by Okgi onto the heads of the local vagabonds.
Twenty-five years later, Schmitt, the captain of the Heretic Liberation Force, retrieves Okgi's book under Jolanta's orders, but is forced to leave it in an abandoned village. Draka, a Romani, comes across the book and, seeing an opportunity to profit, burns it, forcing Schmitt to take her along. Draka, in exchange for being allowed to use their printing press, recites the contents of the book to Jolanta. When the group is found by the inquisitors, Jolanta stays behind, blowing herself up.
Scott is a part-time student and son of a famous dumpling shop in Zero City, accidentally picks up a geostone from the sky, one day while making a delivery. Albert, is a scientist and alien whose hobby is creating new monsters, to create more kaiju. He targets the geostones and sends his space kaiju to Earth to create space monsters that he has created. Concerned that the Earth is in danger from these space monsters. V a space police officer, sees Scott's courage in defending his village and gives Scott a belt that allows him to transform into a Rise Man!. As the Rise Man, Scott fights against various monsters who want to destroy the Earth and take the Geostones to destroy the Earth and claim the Geostones.
A day in the life of a Japanese Anime Director in Tokyo Japan working in an Anime Production Studio. This is the typical work day in Japan of an anime director from morning his morning routine, daily work activities, all the way to nighttime. The Japanese work culture in an animation production studio is unique on it's own as it requires 200 people to make one episode alone. This average work day in Japan at an anime studio highlights the passion each worker has for their job and how they all work together to create a Japanese anime series. Shu, the anime director, is currently directing an anime called, MAYONAKA PUNCH, meaning Midnight Punch. Working directly for the P.A. works animation studio and the Kadokawa publishing company. On his 2nd series he worked at this studio for about 10 years now. So Shu works as a freelancer, which is rather typical in Japan’s anime industry as they make up almost 70% of its workers. For Shu, this means his work location changes depending on his client projects. Currently, his primary studio though is in Kodaira which allows him to bike to work, but this morning he needs to head directly to the voice recording studio first. Today, the team is recording one episode which is 24 minutes long with the Seiyu voice actors. It takes about 4-5 hours on average but if there’s an issue, it’ll take as long as it needs until they can get it right. That is how this anime director's day starts, but then will move onto more tasks throught the day.
Anime English Title: MAYONAKA PUNCH Synopsis: Meet Masaki, the now former member of a popular NewTuber group. After getting fired unexpectedly via a livestream, she joins forces with a partner with superhuman abilities. Together, they aim to create sensational content and hit 1 million subscribers.
Upcoming anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s psychological horror series.
Yoshiki and Hikaru are two teenage boys living in a small town in rural Japan. Despite having opposite personalities and different hobbies, the two maintain a close friendship. However, on one winter day, Hikaru is fatally injured while hiking in the mountains alone. Before dying, a mysterious eldritch being comes across him and consumes him, becoming him physically in the process. This "Hikaru" has all the feelings and memories of the original, yet remains a separate being, something Yoshiki realizes rather quickly. Yoshiki still wants to stay with "Hikaru"; however, his alien nature, along with other eldritch beings and hunters of said beings, may make that impossible.
Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances) is a classic 90's anime that was canceled by its creator. Did it deserve such a fate? Your answer will probably depend on how much you like Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Racing against time, Kai must quickly find a way past the "wall" while Team Suma Garage attempts to deliver a heart for a life-saving transplant.
Kai is a "tagless" human girl born outside the technocracy of Tokyo city. She uses her hacking skills to forge a new life for herself, hiding within the city, but her attempt to make friends with a rich socialite, ends up with Kai on the bad end of a drug deal and the target of a relentless detective. Her only refuge is to join up with a group of rebels who work outside the "system." But she soon discovers that not everything in this utopian city is what it appears to be...
Tokyo Override is a Japanese original net animation (ONA) series produced by Netflix. Directed by Yusuke Fukada and Veerapatra Jinanavin, the series premiered on Netflix in November 2024. The show uniquely collaborated with Yamaha and Honda throughout the duration of the 3.5 year production, with this collaboration beginning during the show's unique worldbuilding phase during pre-production, led by world designer Laura Cechanowicz.
"There’s not a day in all the year But holds some hidden pleasure, And looking back, joys oft appear To brim the past’s wide measure. But blessings are like friends, I hold, Who love and labor near us. We ought to raise our notes of praise While living hearts can hear us."
Reviewing three episodes of 7 different anime from the year 1990, with notes for context. Inspired by Sean Seanson's Playstation games series, with 90s nostalgia flowing through the veins (or circuits?).
Come along as we tour Walt Disney Animation Studios guided by directors Dan Abraham and Trent Correy! We'll meet animators, explore decked out offices, go behind the scenes of your favorite movies (Encanto, Frozen, The Lion King, Zootopia, Moana) and MUCH MORE. Featuring Dan Abraham, Trent Correy, Mark Henn, Eric Goldberg, Jorge Ruiz, Darrin Butters, Joyce Tong & Brad Simonsen.
See what lies beyond with Disney’s MOANA 2, arriving only in theaters November 27!
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.
The film also features returning stars Rachel House (Moana’s Grandma, Tala), Temuera Morrison (Moana’s father, Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Moana’s mother, Sina), as well as the voices of Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea.
Disney invites you to return to the story that started it all
“Disney’s Snow White” is a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film. The magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy. “Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb and produced by Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, and features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Experience Snow White, only in theaters March 21, 2025.
As her 16th birthday approaches, a not-so-average teen rediscovers the fiery powers she's long suppressed and is forced to face her demons — literally.
The Complete League of Legends Lore Timeline Explained
Welcome to the ultimate lore breakdown of Arcane and League of Legends! Set on the planet of Runeterra, the world where all League of Legends champions originate. In this video, I’ll take you through the entire timeline of League of Legends and Arcane, from the rise of the Shuriman Empire and Azir’s legendary reign, to the founding of the war-hungry nation of Noxus, and the mystical land of Ionia, where champions like Yasuo and Ahri hail from. We’ll explore the industrial evolution of Piltover and Zaun, uncovering how these twin cities came to be, while also recapping the explosive and emotional journey of Jinx and Vi in Arcane. Whether you’re a fan of League of Legends or new to the world of Runeterra, this comprehensive dive into its lore will leave you with a deeper understanding of this epic universe. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite Arcane or League moments in the comments below! Let’s unravel the secrets of Runeterra together!
From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding. As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones). How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.
Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.
Secret Level features original stories set within the worlds of some of the most beloved video games. From the creative minds behind LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS, each of the 15 episodes is a celebration of games and gamers. Games that inspired the 15 epic stories include Armored Core, Concord, Crossfire, Dungeons & Dragons, Exodus, Honor of Kings, Mega Man, New World: Aeternum, PAC-MAN, various PlayStation Studios games, Sifu, Spelunky, The Outer Worlds, Unreal Tournament and Warhammer 40,000. Secret Level will be available exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide starting on December 10, with additional episodic drops until December 17.
Enter Secret Level, debuting December 10.
Secret Level showcases a star studded cast including Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator Franchise), Kevin Hart (Jumanji), Keanu Reeves (John Wick), Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett, Chief of War), Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie), Heaven Hart, Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian), Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us, Terminator: Dark Fate), Ricky Whittle (American Gods, Land of Bad), Patrick Schwarzenegger (The White Lotus), Merle Dandridge (The Last of Us), Claudia Doumit (The Boys), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Lost, The Union), Clive Standen (Vikings, The Morning Show), Laura Bailey (The Legend of Vox Machina), and Michael Beach (The Perfect Couple, Tulsa King).
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusualEveryone deserves the chance to fly. green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots), and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman).
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
Marvel's Thunderbolts* movie is the first of two team-focused MCU films to release in 2025. It assembles characters from past MCU movies who haven't always been on the right side of history, gathering them together to operate in a team under the direction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). When filming on the movie began, it was confirmed the title is Thunderbolts*, and Marvel chief Kevin Feige refused to explain the meaning of the asterisk.
Thunderbolts* releases on Friday, May 2, 2025, taking the MCU's typical early May release spot. The Thunderbolts team in Marvel's 2025 movie will be led by Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan. The other confirmed members of the Thunderbolts* movie cast include Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova aka Black Widow, Wyatt Russell as John Walker aka U.S. Agent, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr aka Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov aka Taskmaster.
Meg Raspberry, an apprentice witch who celebrated her 17th birthday.
She is a magical teacher and one of the best in the magical world.
Suddenly, she is told that she has only one year left to live.
Meg is cursed with the Death Declaration.
There is only one way to escape a death curse, by creating a "seed of life" that brings immortality to one person. And the material of the "Seed of Life" is made up of fragments of emotions called "Tears of Joy."
"So how many tears should I collect?"
"From a thousand people."
"……Uh, really?"
In this way, Meg is involved with various people to collect joyful tears.
Lucasfilm employees are unable to keep their mouths shut about politics, with their director of cinematography deleting his account after making comments about Trump voters being disgusting. Disney's handling of Star Wars has been criticized for bias and polarization, with Kathleen Kennedy pushing a female narrative in a way that screams patriarchy. The sequel trilogy failed to deliver on the promise of Han, Luke, and Leia together, with The Force Awakens attracting fans for that reason alone. The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett are the only successful Star Wars projects under Disney, while other shows have been met with low viewership and disgust. The sequel trilogy's failure is attributed to Disney's interference and Kathleen Kennedy's decisions, which have damaged the franchise and alienated a significant portion of the audience. The Star Wars franchise has lost its soul since being sold to corporations, with Disney's handling being particularly damaging, according to creator George Lucas.
Kathleen Kennedy announces a new Star Wars trilogy...
On November 7th, word broke that another Star Wars trilogy is in the works from filmmaker Simon Kinberg and of course, Lucasfilm studio chief Kathleen Kennedy. But is this one going to happen, or will it too go the way of the previously announced Star Wars trilogies from Rian Johnson and the Game of Thrones guys, that never happened? Is this another attempt by Kathleen Kennedy to have her contract extended, while she finds a way to leave with a "win"?
The Woke crowd has been in power for several years. Do not forget how they treated us. Do not let them off the hook. DEI has led many companies to financial ruin. The video game industry is crumbling from fans' rejection of wokeness in their games. Movie companies are suffering from the activism that has corrupted their stories, turning them into lectures of how bad you are for not supporting them. Americans have had enough! They have rejected wokeness and yearn for a return to "common sense."
"The Red Wave hit Kamala so hard that FEMA gave her $750."
- Best Online Comment
And the intolerant Left has gone into Meltdown mode. Jimmy Kimmel cries on air over Trump re-election, The View and CNN call for censorship of social media while claiming Trump will censor them, and Hollywood just loses its collective sh*t overall. It's going to be a LONG four years...
All episodes of Season 1 are now playing on Netflix and get ready for Season 2 dropping on November 9th!
Amidst the escalating unrest between the rich, utopian city of Piltover and the seedy, oppressed underbelly of Zaun, sisters Vi and Jinx find themselves embroiled in a developing conflict over clashing convictions and arcane technologies.
Arcane was released to widespread acclaim, with praise directed at its animation, story, worldbuilding, action sequences, characters, emotional weight, sound, and voice acting. Some have noted the series' appeal both to casual viewers who have never played League of Legends and to long-time fans of the game. It also set the record as Netflix's highest-rated series at the time within a week of its premiere, ranked first on the Netflix Top 10 Chart in 52 countries, and ranked second on the chart in the United States. Several critics and publications considered it one of the best video game adaptations ever made. In 2022, the series became the first streaming series to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program and won an Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated Television Broadcast Production.
The second and final season to be released between November 9 and 23
Taro Sakamoto used to be an unrivaled hitman, earning legendary status in the underworld, but one day, the unthinkable happened; Sakamoto fell in love. He started dating, retired, got married, and had a kid, growing overweight as a result. Though now working as a humble convenience store owner, the world of hitmen still follows him. Sakamoto, along with Shin, a young man with telepathy and employee at his small store, will protect his humble life and family, or die trying.
