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.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

20th Century Japanese Space Operas are Amazing...

The Best Gundam Series
(That isn't actually a Gundam series)
Fang of the Sun Dougram (太陽の牙ダグラム, Taiyō no Kiba Daguramu) is a 75-episode anime television series, created by Ryosuke Takahashi and Sunrise, and aired in Japan from October 23, 1981 to March 25, 1983 on TV Tokyo. 
 
Dougram is also a fantastic Battletech anime. Not only were half of the original mechs licensed from the show, but the politics and grit of the setting really has a lot in common with Battletech. This could easily be set on any periphery world during the succession wars

The series begins in a desert on the colony planet Deloyer, where the remains of a destroyed robot are resting as a red-haired woman is standing in front of it. The woman hallucinates what appears to be a group of armed soldiers alongside the robot in a non-destroyed state. A man named Rocky appears, leading to the woman running into his embrace where she cries tears of joy. After this, the series flashes back to an earlier time, in order to explain the circumstances leading up to the first episode.

Malcontents on the Deloyer colony agitate for the independence of their world from the Earth Federation. In an unexpected coup, the elected Governor declares martial law and sets himself up as absolute dictator. With the approval of the Federation, he rules the planet with an iron fist. In reaction, a ragtag group (including the governor's estranged son) rises in open rebellion, using a powerful prototype Combat Armor: the Dougram. Their goal is the end of the dictatorship and total independence from the Federation's influence.

The story follows the actions of the guerilla freedom fighters known as "The Deloyer 7". The war is fought across the planet Deloyer as the Federation vigorously pursues the rebels. The series is noted for its realistic use of not just the combat armors and support vehicles, but also military tactics. The series also followed a wide range of characters and political intrigue, with many shady characters switching sides throughout the series.

Crinn Cashim is the show's main character. Son of Governor Donan Cashim, he becomes trained in piloting the Soltic Roundfacer by Jacky Zaltsev, a Federation Ace, because of his father's political connections. When his father appears to be overthrown by a coup led by Colonel Von Stein, he pilots a Roundfacer while Federation forces battle Garcia's forces. He is stunned to learn that his father has actually sided with Von Stein in a secret plan, and eventually becomes angry at his father's forces in how they deal with the rebellion following the coup. Following a meeting with Dr. David Samalin, who introduces him to a combat armor he has designed, the Dougram, Cashim and his friends form The Fang of the Sun and join the rebellion against the Federation.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

So, you want to hear a story?

BORDERLANDS
Lilith (Cate Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter with a mysterious past, reluctantly returns to her home, Pandora, the most chaotic planet in the galaxy. Her mission is to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Ramírez), the universe’s most powerful S.O.B.

Lilith forms an unexpected alliance with a ragtag team of misfits – Roland (Kevin Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission; Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), a feral pre-teen demolitionist; Krieg (Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound protector; Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), the oddball scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (Jack Black), a wise-ass robot. Together, these unlikely heroes must battle an alien species and dangerous bandits to uncover one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets. The fate of the universe could be in their hands – but they’ll be fighting for something more: each other. Based on one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, welcome to BORDERLANDS.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

If you're looking for a starship lately...

S T A R S H I P   V E L O C I R A P T O R
A power metal album by Galactikraken (AKA Jonathan Young).
“Starship Velociraptor” is literally a song about some people trying to sell a young woman a spaceship. It's very comedic but also kind of on the tacky side as all sales pitches are. People who enjoy anime, especially 80s cyberpunk anime, would love the Youtube animated video. It's quite beautiful.

Monday, February 26, 2024

"Where the West Begins... Part 1"

MECHWEST
MechWest is the new indie animated show for all ages 
set in the Wild West... but with robots!
Unlike the others in her town, young Pearl West loves mechs like they were her own pets. But her life is turned upside down when she meets a mysterious new mech who carries a big secret.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

The Diplomat of the Eclipse...

La Diplomatie de L'éclipse
"At the moment of alignment, of total eclipse, humanity will vanish."
This is the message sent by the Sun and the Moon. The World Council decides to send their best negotiator to prevent the end of the world...
Three propositions, reminding, in some measure, the temptations of Satan against our Savior. Two of them are declined. The last reflects the human fury, duplicity, naivety in childish manner. But the truth is more tragic and simple. And this defines our strange relations, reminding the joy under the rain of petals, the location chosen for first encounter and the crown offered to diplomat.
Easy to define as beautiful short animation not ignoring its profound message...
"A Masterpiece."

Saturday, February 24, 2024

How the Woke Agenda is Destroying Disney...

Disney SUED over Illegal D.E.I. practices, just as 
EVEN MORE bad practices come to light!
Disney is being sued by the AFL (America First Legal) over the illegal consequences of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies. Not only was that predicted by @legalminds it is timely, as @FilmThreat just dropped even more horror stories from behind the scenes of Disney.
"What I see all over the place is people who care
about looking good... while doing evil."
- Elon Musk

Friday, February 23, 2024

The story is about to begin... Prepare to SCREAM...

BYE SWEET CAROLE
Bye Sweet Carole is a narrative-horror game inspired by the greatest animation movies ever made and created by Chris Darril (Remothered series). Follow the last known trail of Carole Simmons and discover what is happening in the eerie Bunny Hall…
Set in the early 1900s, in an age where the phenomenon of the feminist political movement begins to shake the British nation, young Lana Benton, guest of the eerie Bunny Hall orphanage, is the only one to suspect that her best friend Carole didn’t just run away. The secret correspondence between Carole and a mysterious “French” pushes Lana to investigate enough to find herself surviving, poised between the real world and the fantastic kingdom of Corolla that, under the cruel influence of the terrifying Mr.Kyn, the insensitive owl Velenia, and the ravenous colonies of tar bunnies, is inexorably perishing.  Key Features:  Embark on a horrific journey through a dark tale set in the austere Bunny Hall and the mesmerizing world of Corolla. Immerse yourself in a hand-drawn universe brought to life using cinematographic techniques inspired by the greatest animated movies. Shape-shift into a rabbit and harness your various forms to conquer the deadly challenges that await you. Encounter a vibrant cast of characters, from your loyal friend Mr. Baesie to the malevolent owl Velenia and the terrifying Mr. Kyn.
Planned Release Date: 2024

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Series Premieres TODAY only on Netflix!

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER
A young boy known as the Avatar must master the four elemental powers to save a world at war — and fight a ruthless enemy bent on stopping him.
Your Journey to Master the Avatar State Starts Now...

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

A Tale of Legends Come to Life...

THE WINGFEATHER SAGA - Season 2
Watch the official teaser for Season 2 of The Wingfeather Saga!
Season 1 is avalailable for free on angel.com/wingfeather.

The Wingfeather Saga is an epic fantasy series that follows the adventures of the three Igiby children as they journey to uncover the truth about their family's past and their rightful place in the kingdom of Aerwiar. The Wingfeather Saga, based on Andrew Peterson's best-selling books, is the largest crowdfunded animated series in history. With the wit of Princess Bride and the immersive world of The Lord of the Rings, The Wingfeather Saga offers something for the whole family to enjoy. With its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and themes of courage and perseverance, The Wingfeather Saga is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. So join Janner, Tink, and Leif on their epic quest and discover the true meaning of bravery and sacrifice. The series pulls together a nail-biting story, an incredible fantasy world, and episodes your whole family will talk about.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

The epic battle continues!

GODZILLA x KONG: The New Empire
The guardians of nature. The protectors of humanity. The rise of a new empire.
Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.
Only in Theaters March 29

Monday, February 19, 2024

Watch a Clip from DUNE Part 2...

DUNE - Part Two
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking
revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.
What happens in the DUNE Part Two trailer? Who is Princess Irulan, and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen? Is the movie different to the Dune book?
Coming to theaters March 1, 2024

Sunday, February 18, 2024

If you feel it, chase it...

TWISTERS
This summer, the epic studio disaster movie returns with an adrenaline-pumping, seat-gripping, big-screen thrill ride that puts you in direct contact with one of nature’s most wondrous—and destructive—forces. 
 
From the producers of the Jurassic, Bourne and Indiana Jones series comes Twisters, a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, Twister. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar® nominated writer-director of Minari, Twisters stars Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones (Where the Crawdads Sing, Normal People) and Glen Powell (Anyone But You, Top Gun: Maverick) as opposing forces who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes. 
 
Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better. 
 
As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives. 
 
Twisters features an exciting new cast, including Nope’s Brandon Perea, Sasha Lane (American Honey), Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Nik Dodani (Atypical) and Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney (Beautiful Boy). 
 
From Amblin Entertainment, Twisters is directed by Lee Isaac Chung and is produced by Oscar® nominee Frank Marshall (Jurassic and Indiana Jones franchises) and by Patrick Crowley (Jurassic and Bourne franchises). The screenplay is by Mark L. Smith, writer of the Best Picture nominee The Revenant. Twisters will be distributed by Universal Pictures domestically and by Warner Bros. Pictures internationally.
Twisters will be in theaters July 19, 2024

Saturday, February 17, 2024

"To me, my X-Men..."

X-MEN '97
Marvel Animation’s X-Men '97, an all-new series, arrives March 20 on Disney+.
This show marks Cal Dodd and Lenore Zann's first time voicing Wolverine and Rogue in 24 years and George Buza, Alison Sealy-Smith and Adrian Hough's first time voicing Beast, Storm and Nightcrawler in 23 years, since Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000) for Cal Dodd and Lenore Zann and X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 (2001) for George Buza, Alison Sealy-Smith and Adrian Hough.



Friday, February 16, 2024

Who needs saving now?

D A M S E L
A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive. Millie Bobby Brown stars in Damsel.
Only on Netflix, March 8, 2024

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Everyone deserves a happy ending...

Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine is the next installment in the MCU featuring our favorite blood-soaked hero Deadpool as he gets sucked into the MCU with the help of the TVA.
Deadpool & Wolverine releases in theaters on July 26

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Anime Viewing Schedule for February 17, 2024


 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Fountaindale Public Library
VIEWING SCHEDULE
          11:15 - 12:05   The Apothecary Diaries 7-8
          12:05 - 12:55   Metallic Rouge 1-2
          12:55 - 1:30     Club Meeting
          1:30 - 2:20       Solo Leveling 3-4
          2:20 - 2:45       Frieren 3
          2:45 - 4:45       Psycho-Pass: Providence [Movie]
 
"We promise there will be minimal property damage... this time."
 
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: Solo Leveling and Frieren
* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *
 
11:15 - 12:05   The Apothecary Diaries 7-8
The Apothecary Diaries
Plot Summary: The series is set in a fictional country modelled after Ming-era China. Maomao, a young girl who works as an apothecary in the red-light district, is kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace as a servant. However, she still retains her curious and eccentric personality and plans to work there until her years of servitude are over, without drawing the attention of anyone. One day, after hearing the rumors that the emperor's children are critically ill, she begins to investigate the cause, using her experience as a pharmacist, and successfully solves the mystery of their illness. Even though she intends to remain anonymous, her actions eventually catch the attention of an influential eunuch, and soon finds herself solving various mysteries in the royal court.
 
 
12:05 - 12:55   Metallic Rouge 1-2
M E T A L L I C   R O U G E
Plot Summary: In a world where humans coexist with androids called Neans, a group known as the Immortal Nine rises up against society. Tasked with disposing of the revolters, a Nean named Rouge Redstar (aka Metal Rouge) and investigator Naomi Orthmann head to Mars to track them down… but first, Rouge wants some chocolate.
 
 

12:55 - 1:30     Club Announcements
"On your mark. Get set. Go!" 
Gina Carano
Dismal Disney
PIXAR
STAR WARS Future
Doctor Who
Video Games


1:30 - 2:20   Solo Leveling 1-2
SOLO LEVELING 
Plot Summary:  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.


2:20 - 2:45   Frieren 3

FRIEREN
Plot Summary: The story follows elven mage Frieren, a former member of the party of adventurers who defeated the Demon King and restored harmony to the world after a ten-year quest. In the past, the heroic group included Frieren, human hero Himmel, dwarven warrior Eisen and human priest Heiter. Before they part, they observe the Era Meteors together, a meteor shower that occurs once in fifty years. Frieren agrees to see them again and offers them a better view the next time the celestial event occurs. Frieren then departs and travels the world in pursuit of magical knowledge. Frieren returns to the capital fifty years later; however, humanity has changed, and her former companions have distinctly aged. After one last adventure to see the meteor shower, Himmel dies of old age. During the funeral, Frieren expressed guilt for not attempting to learn more about him. Frieren then pays a visit to her other former comrades. She accepts an offer to teach and care for Fern, an orphaned child adopted by Heiter. She also receives an invitation to travel far north, to the resting place of souls, and see Himmel again to bid the hero a fitting farewell and express her feelings. To fulfill those requests, Frieren embarks on a journey together with Fern while still pursuing her passion for learning magic. Frieren's elven nature grants her an extremely long lifespan, causing her to view periods of years or decades as ephemeral (this perception of time makes her consider the ten-year adventure with Himmel's party a fleeting experience). The story thus takes place across a long time, with periodic flashbacks accompanied by the physical and mental development of characters apart from Frieren herself. 
 
 
2:45 - 4:45    Psycho-Pass: Providence
PSYCHO-PASS: PROVIDENCE
Plot Summary:  In January 2118, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs vessel guarding Professor Milicia Stronskaya is attacked by a paramilitary group called the Peacebreakers. One of the leading operatives, Kai, murders Stronskaya while searching for her research - the Stronskaya papers - before being intercepted by Shinya Kogami, now working as a special investigator for Foreign Affairs's Suppressing Action Department. However, Kogami fails to stop the Peacebreakers after being attacked by a seemingly brainwashed SAD agent.

Back in Tokyo, Inspector Akane Tsunemori contests the existence of Japan's Ministry of Justice and the application of international law, as part of the Sibyl System's growing expansion abroad, during a meeting with the government's top officials, along with Atsushi Shindo, who heads the nation's Immigration Bureau. Both of them receive word about the Peacebreaker incident and travel to the discovered wreckage of Stronskaya's vessel, where MWPSB Chief Josui Kasei orders Tsunemori to leave the investigation at the hands of the SAD, led by agent Frederica Hanashiro and SAD Director Yabuki. However, a preliminary investigation by enforcer Nobuchika Ginoza reveals how the vessel was under SAD protection, while enforcer Sho Hinakawa determines that Professor Stronskaya sent a last-minute message to PSB analyst and Tsunemori's mentor, Joji Saiga.

Saiga speaks to Tsunemori in private about his working relationship with Stronskaya, whose research details the effects of the Sibyl System on foreign countries, while also stating that Stronskaya's message leads him to a PO box in Dejima - a sector in Japan designed to house immigrants waiting to be naturalized into the country. With the new lead, Chief Kasei creates a joint task force with the PSB and SAD to retrieve the Stronskaya papers before the Peacekeepers. Hanashiro briefs Tsunemori's team about the organization, once a black-ops unit by Foreign Affairs before going rogue, and its cult-like fanatical leader Tonami, who is leading the organization under their "god" - The General. Meanwhile, Kogami reunites with Tsunemori and Ginoza, despite heated tensions. While creating a psychological profile of Tonami, Saiga encourages Kogami to apologize to Tsunemori for his actions leading to his exile from Japan, while warning him not to give into his violent nature once more. Kogami makes a half-hearted apology, while Tsunemori warns him that she'll be forced to take him down if he breaks the law again.

At Dejima, the task force arrives at the PO box, but it is revealed to contain a decoy package to hide the papers' whereabouts. Tsunemori and Kogami surmise that the operation is a ploy to lure the Peacebreakers out of hiding. Peacebreakers Bokamoso Murrary and Kai lead operatives in an assault against the task force, where it is revealed that the Peacebreakers have low Crime Coefficients, superhuman endurance, and the ability to brainwash SAD agents. During the battle, Director Yabuki is captured, and Saiga is mortally wounded and left hanging off a ledge; he reassures Tsunemori about being open-minded about truth and justice before falling to his death. While Ginoza dispatches Murray, Kai overcomes Kogami after a lengthy skirmish, but immediately departs and leaves subtle clues leading to the Peacebreakers' headquarters.

Tracking down Kai at the Peacebreakers base, Kogami and Ginoza rescue Yabuki and confront Kai, who reveals his true identity as undercover SAD agent Akira Vasily Ignatov. Back in Tokyo, Akira debriefs Kogami about the existence of the Divider, a software that hacks into cybernetic implants within the Peacebreakers to disassociate feelings of guilt, thus granting their combat and brainwashing abilities. In addition, Akira states that he has the Papers, with Professor Stronskaya organizing her death to maintain Akira's cover. The Papers are revealed to be the model for a Conflict Coefficient - essentially allowing Sibyl to control warfare and foreign relations. Immediately after the debriefing, Tonami takes control of Yabuki and Akira and attempts to escape with the research. But Akira manages to fight off Tonami's control, thus allowing Shindo to fatally wound him. Before dying, he asks Shindo to look over his brother Kei.

With the papers at hand, Shindo exchanges the research to the Sibyl System in return for keeping his criminally asymptomatic son, Arata, from being integrated into the system, while betting on Sibyl's belief in human potential. However, this results in Shindo being disavowed by Bifrost. On the day of Kei's wedding to his wife Maiko, Shindo reassures the couple and his son to use the truth to determine the right path for justice before leaving the reception to commit suicide as part of keeping his silence on his deal with Sibyl. During the inquest, Arata confronts Tsunemori about his father's actions, to which she encourages him to search for the truth himself.

Ginoza alerts Tsunemori that Kasei has shut down the investigation. Once confronted by Tsunemori, Kasei states that Sibyl has agreed to give the Peacebreakers the Papers and their own sovereign state in northern Japan, in return for supporting Sibyl's global expansion. Unwilling to let Tonami and his organization escape justice, Tsunemori teams up with Kogami and Hanashiro on an official raid on the Peacebreakers. The assault team, consisting of Tsunemori, Kogami, Ginoza, and Hanashiro, arrives on the island, while Shimotsuki leads the support team in hacking a highly guarded satellite to disable the Divider and get the team's Dominators online. Hinakawa and enforcer Teppei Sugo narrowly manage to control the satellite, allowing the assault team to fight off the Peacekeepers.

Meanwhile, Tsunemori faces Tonami and the General...

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

When Apes Rule the World...

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is an all-new action-adventure spectacle distributed by 20th Century Studios. Set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is directed by Wes Ball and stars Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. The screenplay is by Josh Friedman and Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Patrick Aison based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, and the producers are Wes Ball, Joe Hartwick, Jr., p.g.a., Rick Jaffa, p.g.a., Amanda Silver, p.g.a., Jason Reed, p.g.a., with Peter Cherninand Jenno Topping serving as executive producers.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes opens in theaters on May 10