The Epic Battle Between Ninja and Samurai...

SHOGUN'S NINJA

Set in 17th-century Edo, an era of unprecedented peace under the rule of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, samurai govern the land. However, beneath this tranquility, a gripping tale of revenge and survival unfolds. 

Kagaribi and Okyo, descendants of the once-legendary FUMA ninja clan, are determined to restore their family’s lost honor. Struggling to survive, they take on various tasks for the townspeople, barely getting by, while clinging to the hope of reviving their clan’s former glory. Their peaceful lives are shattered when their friend, Oran, is kidnapped by the formidable YAGYU clan, the Shogun’s elite samurai force. At the same time, the Shogun, disillusioned with his own belief, plots to betray the very Shogunate he commands. 

Caught in the heart of a deadly conspiracy that threatens the Shogunate’s survival, Kagaribi and Okyo must take up arms to rescue the Shogun, standing firm as the Shogunate’s unyielding protectors against the advancing YAGYU clan. As they uncover long-buried secrets about the fall of the ‘Fuma’ clan, they are thrust into a battle that will determine not only their family’s fate but the future of the Shogunate itself. 

Now, the legendary FUMA NINJAS face off against the indomitable YAGYU SAMURAI in an epic clash of honor, duty, and destiny-one that will decide the fate of the Shogunate.

It's like Scooby-Doo meets Resident Evil...

FAR FETCHED

The series follows Rue, a walking quarter-life crisis and proud new owner of a mistakenly unleashed DeviantArt sparkle-creature named Kira. With her life in shambles, childhood friend and hubris incarnate Quinn drags her into his band Sesamoid, with fellow members Piper, Warren and Griff.

In the pilot, Sesamoid attempts to document the making of their first music video at an abandoned summer camp. Before they can even begin filming, multiple terrifying creatures emerge from the woods to try and kill them. Can this band of idiots escape with their lives? And more importantly… usable footage?

Throughout the show, the Sesamoid gang embark on a rocky road to relevance in an ancient ice cream truck, but soon learn their hometown of Veilport is far more than meets the eye, becoming unwilling participants in a battle between science and the supernatural.

The official opening theme song animation for Far-Fetched!

SUPPORT THE KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

It's Star Wars XCOM...

STAR WARS: ZERO COMPANY

Here's your first look at Star Wars: Zero Company, Bit Reactor's upcoming new Star Wars tactics game, which is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Star Wars: Zero Company is coming in 2026.

Ghibli Memes Might Be ILLEGAL Soon...

What if Terminator 2 was created by Studio Ghibli?

Thanks to AI technologies we can explore what Terminator 2 characters (T-800 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, T-1000 by Robert Patrick, John Connor, Sarah Connor, etc.) might have looked like if the story was set in Sudio Ghibli anime world.

This Might actually be made Illegal soon...

AI generated Studio Ghibli memes might actually get made illegal in Japan. Or maybe they won't. Then we talk about how artists all over the world are having an existential crisis because AI generated anime memes are often better than some people's hand drawn art.

This is a wake-up call to all artists...

Highlights of C2E2 2025

C2E2 2025 Cosplay

April 11-13, 2025 - McCormick Place

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is an annual convention dedicated to comics, pop culture, graphic novels, anime, video games, toys, movies, and more! This video showcases some of the best cosplays, vendors, and artists!

Secret of the Sauce...

Enjoy an extra minute of our WcDonald's world, 

courtesy of the legendary Studio Pierrot

The sands of time. The call of destiny. The fate of WcDonald’s Sauce. Demi, Shiori, and Mei must embark on a quest to save a distant land’s WcDonald’s Sauce. Only the strongest can savor the call. It’s the final installment of the WcDonald’s anthology!

Publishers hire top talent from around the world...

Overseas manga artists make their mark in Japan

With manga comics now a global phenomenon, Japanese publishers have been widening their search for new talent. Recently they've been focusing on artists from other countries.

Click HERE to Watch Video on YouTube

Anime Viewing Schedule for April 26, 2025

 A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K
Saturday, April 26, 2025

Fountaindale Public Library

VIEWING SCHEDULE

          11:15 - 12:05   The Elusive Samurai 11-12 (End)

          12:05 - 12:55   Frieren 25-26

          12:55 - 1:30     Club Meeting

          1:30 - 2:20       Lazarus eps 1-2

          2:20 - 3:10       The Super Cube eps 1-2

          3:10 - 4:40       To Be Hero X eps 1-2

          3:10 - 4:50       M.S. Gundam GQuuuuuuX eps 1-2

 

"Anime this Weekend!"

 

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: Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura

* ANIME DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW *

Animation from a galaxy far, far away...

Star Wars Visions Volume 3 Trailer

Star Wars Celebration 2025

Star Wars Celebration Japan Announcements...

Is there anything left to be excited about?

Star Wars Celebration 2025 was held over the weekend in Japan. Here are the movie announcements and The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer breakdown, Ryan Gosling in Star Wars Starfighter by Shawn Levy and more by Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau and Kathleen Kennedy.

▶ Click HERE to View Video on YouTube

HAPPY EASTER!

 

"Let my people go!"

"I shall send them a Messenger..."

"I shall send them... You."

Next Club Meeting is April 26, 2025

A N I M A T R I X   N E T W O R K

 "Just trying to tell you about the club..."

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 26, 2025

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)

It's actually happening...

FLCL Reanimated

The final trailer for FLCL Reanimated... the wait is finally almost over.

An animated collaboration for Episode 5 (Brittle Bullet) of FLCL!

With over 250+ animators!!!

How True this is Today...

If I Were the Devil

by Paul Harvey - Original 1965 Broadcast

Mr. Paul Harvey was was an American radio broadcaster for ABC News Radio. He broadcast News and Comment on mornings and mid-days on weekdays and at noon on Saturdays and also his famous The Rest of the Story segments. From 1951 to 2008, his programs reached as many as 24 million people per week. Paul Harvey News was carried on 1,200 radio stations, on 400 American Forces Network stations, and in 300 newspapers.

In 1965, Mr. Paul Harvey broadcast "If I Were the Devil." Although it has been over a half a century since the broadcast, Mr. Harvey's words describe our current times well. Mr. Harvey recorded this in 1965. 

If I were the Prince of Darkness, I'd want to engulf the whole world in darkness, and I’d have a third of it's real estate, and four-fifths of it's population, but I wouldn't be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree – thee. So I'd set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first. I'd begin with a campaign of whispers with the wisdom of a serpent. I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve, "Do as you please." To the young I would whisper that the Bible is a myth. I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what's bad is good and what's good is square. And the old, I would teach to pray after me, "Our Father – which art in Washington." And then I'd get organized. I'd educate authors in how to make Lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I'd threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I'd peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the Devil I'd soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves, until each in it’s turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings, I'd have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the Devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions, just let those run wild until before you knew it you'd have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door. Within a decade I'd have prisons overflowing. I’d have judges promoting pornography. Soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls and church money. If I were the Devil I'd make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas a bottle. If I were the Devil I would take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. What will you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich. I would caution against extremes, in hard work, in patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on TV is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the Devil... 

I'd just keep right on doing what he's doing.

So she's NOT a Tomboy anymore...

Netflix is Changing Toph in Avatar Live-Action Series...

Toph is going to be more "feminine" and older in the Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series. So basically NOT Toph.

And fans are big mad.

Historical Photos of Japan...

Step back in time to 1950's Japan

A decade of recovery, transformation, and cultural change. Through rare photographs, explore the streets, fashion, and daily life of this fascinating era.

📜 Historical Context: All photographs in this video are restored and enhanced for educational purposes, highlighting the artistic and cultural trends of their respective eras. This content celebrates the craftsmanship of photography, the evolution of style, and the cultural heritage of the past. 

🎞️ About the Project: Our mission is to preserve and share historical photography with a modern audience. Each video provides a window into the past, showcasing the diversity of fashion, culture, and art. Through this project, we aim to promote appreciation for history and the stories behind these remarkable images. 

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: This video is intended for educational and documentary purposes only. It does not promote or glorify any form of inappropriate content. All images are used with respect and presented in a way that emphasizes their historical and artistic significance.

Netflix is making a 'Woke' version of Narnia...

Netflix Narnia GENDER SWAPS Aslan?!
Narnia Fans are FURIOUS!

The "reimagined" feminist Narnia from Greta Gerwig is reportedly casting Meryl Streep as Aslan and Narnia fans are NOT happy. Greta Gerwig plans to gender-swap Aslan, a key Christian allegory character, into a female role in Netflix's Narnia adaptation, sparking outrage among fans. The Netflix Narnia adaptation is criticized as a potential feminist manifesto that may alienate Christian fans and desecrate the original work's religious themes. Gerwig's involvement is controversial due to her feminist ideology and history of "weird" projects like Barbie and Snow White, raising concerns about faithfulness to C.S. Lewis's vision. Fans view the proposed changes as a deliberate attack on the Christian symbolism central to the Narnia series, potentially erasing its spiritual message. The adaptation risks losing its core audience by prioritizing modern ideological agendas over the original narrative's religious and moral foundations. Gerwig's approach may fundamentally alter the power dynamics and theological underpinnings of Narnia, potentially compromising its essence as a Christian allegory.

Alternate Universe Gundam...

Mobile Suit Gundam

GQuuuuuuX

The series is set in an alternate version of the Universal Century timeline, which diverges from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series' continuity, as Char Aznable steals the RX-78-2 White Gundam alongside the White Base. Char becomes the pilot of the Gundam instead of Amuro Ray, renaming it the "Red Gundam". This drastically changes the outcome of the One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, culminating with Zeon's victory. However, Char and the Red Gundam disappear after this in a phenomenon called Zeknova, prompting a search by Zeon. Some characters in the series who died in the original Universal Century timeline, such as Challia Bull and Kycilia Zabi, survive in this divergent timeline. 

Five years after the Principality of Zeon won the One Year War, Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living on the space colony "Side 6", crosses paths with Nyaan, a war refugee. Her encounter with Nyaan leads her to get involved in an incident when both the Principality of Zeon and the Space Police are pursuing the missing Red Gundam after it re-emerges 5-years after disappearing. To catch the Red Gundam, Zeon sends out Xavier Olivette in the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX, a prototype Gundam meant for Newtype pilots. However, while trying to capture the Red Gundam, Xavier crashes into the space colony and is ejected from the GQuuuuuuX. Amate jumps into the cockpit of the GQuuuuuuX, steals it, and subsequently defeats the Police Force, allowing the Red Gundam to escape. The GQuuuuuuX is taken by the Pomeranians, an underground team of mechanics participating in Clan Battles, a series of illegal and high-stakes Mobile Suit dueling matches. After meeting the Red Gundam's pilot, Shuji, Amate chooses to join him in Clan Battles with the Pomeranians, fighting alongside him in the GQuuuuuuX.

Coming exclusive to Prime Video in over 240 countries and regions.

We are the Thunderbolts!

THUNDERBOLTS*

Thunderbolts starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, with David Harbour, with Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. In Thunderbolts, Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker.

After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?

Jake Schreier directs Thunderbolts and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Brian Chapek and Jason Tamez serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, and the story is by Eric Pearson.

Thunderbolts opens in US theaters on May 2, 2025

Welcome to the Rebellion...

ANDOR - Season 2

Beginning five years before the events of Rogue One (2016) and A New Hope (1977), the series employs an ensemble cast of characters to show how a Rebel Alliance is forming in opposition to the Galactic Empire. One of these characters is Cassian Andor, a thief who becomes a revolutionary and eventually joins the Rebellion.

ANDOR: The Final Season streams April 22, only on Disney+

Miss me?

M 3 G A N  2.0

The murderous doll who captivated pop culture in 2023 is back.

And this time she’s not alone.

The original creative team behind that phenomenon—led by horror titans James Wan for Atomic Monster, Jason Blum for Blumhouse and writer-director Gerard Johnstone—reboot an all-new wild chapter in A.I. mayhem with M3GAN 2.0. Two years after M3GAN, a marvel of artificial intelligence, went rogue and embarked on a murderous (and impeccably choreographed) rampage and was subsequently destroyed, M3GAN’s creator Gemma (Allison Williams) has become a high-profile author and advocate for government oversight of A.I. Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (Violet McGraw), now 14, has become a teenager, rebelling against Gemma’s overprotective rules. 

 

Unbeknownst to them, the underlying tech for M3GAN has been stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno; Ahsoka, Pacific Rim: Uprising), the ultimate killer infiltration spy. But as Amelia’s self-awareness increases, she becomes decidedly less interested in taking orders from humans. Or in keeping them around. 

 

With the future of human existence on the line, Gemma realizes that the only option is to resurrect M3GAN (Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis) and give her a few upgrades, making her faster, stronger, and more lethal. As their paths collide, the original A.I icon is about to meet her match. 

 

M3GAN 2.0 is written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Gerard Johnstone, from a story by Gerard Johnstone and Akela Cooper, based on characters created by Akela Cooper & James Wan. 

 

The film co-stars returning cast members Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps as Gemma’s loyal tech teammates, Cole and Tess, and new characters played by Aristotle Athari (Saturday Night Live, Hacks), Timm Sharp (Apples Never Fall, Percy Jackson and the Olympians) and Grammy winner and 11-time Emmy nominee Jemaine Clement (Avatar: The Way of Water, What We Do in the Shadows). 

 

Produced by James Wan, Jason Blum and Allison Williams, the film is executive produced by Gerard Johnstone, Adam Hendricks, Greg Gilreath, Michael Clear, Judson Scott and Mark D. Katchur. 

 

The first M3GAN film shattered box office records, opening to $30.4 million domestically to become the biggest opening weekend for a PG-13 horror film since A Quiet Place Part II. The film went on to gross more than $180 million worldwide.

This October, worlds will collide...

TRON: A R E S

Tron: Ares is an upcoming American science fiction action film that is a standalone sequel to Tron: Legacy and the third installment in the Tron franchise. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, it is directed by Joachim Rønning from a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne. The film stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson and Sarah Desjardins, with Jeff Bridges reprising his role from the previous installments.

Only in theaters 10.10.25

Krypto, take us home...

S U P E R M A N

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures.

In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.

DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with editors William Hoy (“The Batman”), Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Flash”) and Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”).

“Superman” will be in theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Liam Neeson is Lt. Frank Drebin Jr...

THE NAKED GUN

The single most important Naked Gun movie since the other Naked Gun movies.
Only one man has the particular set of skills...
to lead Police Squad and save the world!

Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father's footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the case are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.

Only in theaters August 1st

Welcome to the Continental...

B A L L E R I N A

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina – in theaters June 6! Starring Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves.

Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

Milky☆Highway characters return in...

Milky☆Subway

The Galactic Limited Express

Get ready for an interstellar adventure!

The beloved CG anime short, Milky☆Highway, is returning with a thrilling sequel titled Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, directed by Yōhei Kameyama. Join Chiharu and Makina as they face new challenges after being ticketed for speeding. This time, they must clean the Milky Subway, leading to a chaotic adventure across the cosmos! With stunning animation and voice talents like Momoko Terasawa and Anna Nagase, this sequel is set to captivate fans once again.

Don't miss the trailer and mark your calendars for July!

Become the character you dream of being...

NEXT LEVEL Cosplay Costumes

Celebrating the creativity and passion of cosplayers who transform into their favorite anime cosplay, video game, and comic book characters.

The Creator of Cowboy Bebop's latest Anime...

LAZARUS - EARLY LOOK: Prison Break Scene

In the utopian year 2052, Dr. Skinner discovered a miracle drug known as Hapna. In 2055, Skinner announces that the drug has a three-year half-life and soon everyone who took it will die. A task force of five agents is assembled to locate Skinner and create a vaccine. Its name is "Lazarus".

 

This anime will be directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, most notable for directing the Cowboy Bebop anime television series. Chad Stahelski, who is notable for directing the John Wick film franchise, is designing the action sequences. For music composition, the series will feature a score by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and producers, DJs, and musicians Bonobo and Floating Points. Animation for the series will be done by MAPPA while Sola Entertainment handles general production.

Lazarus premieres April 5 on Toonami, next day on Max.

Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65...

VAL KILMER
(December 31, 1959 – April 1, 2025)

The actor was known for his work in films like, ‘Tombstone,’ ‘True Romance,' ‘Heat’ and 'Batman Forever.' He is best known for his role as Iceman in ‘Top Gun’ alongside Tom Cruise, and reprised his role in the 2022 sequel, ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ He was 65.

In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. He subsequently underwent a tracheal procedure that damaged his vocal cords, leaving him with severe difficulty speaking. He also underwent chemotherapy and two tracheotomies. In 2020, he published his memoir, I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir. The 2021 documentary film Val chronicles his health struggles and career, and it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim.

Recognized as one of the best-paid actors of the 1990s, Kilmer's films have grossed over $3.7 billion worldwide. In 1992, film critic Roger Ebert remarked, "if there is an award for the most unsung leading man of his generation, Kilmer should get it."

Let me guess your names...

Snow White Struggles to Name Happy

When Snow White (Tori) meets the Seven Dwarves, she takes a crack at guessing each of their names but can't seem to guess Happy's (Jack McBrayer) name correctly.

This video will be watched more than the new movie.

Making Studio Ghibli style art using A.I.

A.I. can Never Replace Ghibli

(Source: Yahoo!News) Hayao Miyazaki is revered as a living legend, a figure whose influence rivals Walt Disney himself. Since Miyazaki cofounded Studio Ghibli nearly four decades ago, the animation house has released some of the most popular anime films ever made, including 2023’s Oscar-winning animated feature The Boy and the Heron.

The painstakingly crafted, hand-drawn Ghibli style is beloved by fans, and earlier this week, it was co-opted by the GPT-4o model in OpenAI's image generator. This resulted in a flood of Ghibli-inspired AI memes across social media, as well as pushback by anti-AI activists and ardent fans of Miyazaki and his studio.