Next Club Meeting:October 17, 2026,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 in today's pop culture, such as live-action films, comics, music, art, and other weird things to enjoy and contemplate.
[Source: Blastr] Last week, we showed you some elegant Star Wars-themed gowns from Rodarte's New York Fashion Week event. Now dynamic Big Apple fashion duo the Blonds -- David Blond and Phillipe Blond - strike back with their comic-book-inspired fall and winter 2014 collection displayed at the same New York Fashion Week. Conjured up from costumes painted on by Catwoman in comics, movies and the iconic TV show Batman, the Blonds' upcoming line of gowns, jackets and leggings would blend right into the criminal jungle of Gotham City. Black boots, sexy bodysuits, spikes, whips, stiletto heels and spangled smiles helped depict some of Gotham's most notorious villains like the Joker, Poison Ivy and the Riddler.
"This is a collection we wanted to do for some time now," designer David Blond told Billboard. "Selina Kyle (Catwoman) is a strong, powerful woman who was both sexy and smart."
Hike up your sweatpants and take a stroll through this sleek lineup of high fashion ... Gotham-style!
Chi-Fi is a convention celebrating geekdom. Whether you were a geek since long before it was "cool" or are only now discovering your inner geek, we welcome you at Chi-Fi. We know that there are many different varieties of geek out there. No matter what kind of geek you are, there is a place for you at Chi-Fi.
Our inaugural event, Chi-Fi 0, will take place on March 29, 2014 from 3PM to 3AM at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago. There will be fantastic guests including Jason Carter (Marcus from Babylon 5), musicians SJ Tucker, Kieran Strange, the great Luke Ski, Time Crash, and more! There are exciting panels including cosplay, Homestuck, geek culture, After Dark, and gaming. Bristol Ren Faire will be on hand to entertain. There may even be a surprise or two. Registration is only $15. Register now! In mid-March 2015, we will return for our first full-weekend convention. We are bringing you even more exciting guests, engaging panels and after dark entertainment. Support Chi-Fi by pre-registering for Chi-Fi 2015 today and gain free admission to Chi-Fi 0!
Earth is scarred by the events of the past three movies, but is moving on after all the giant robots disappeared. Cade Yeager, an inventor, discovers a buried Transformer, which sets the stage for the return of the Autobots and Decepticons.
[Source: Blastr] The debut of Netflix’s final season of Star Wars: Clone Wars is on March 7, and two new clips have arrived to get us ready.
The new footage shows off Master Yoda, who is always a welcome presence, and we get a look at some clones who come to Kamino. Considering the fact that it’s been a long time since we saw any new footage from this series, it’s nice to finally get a peek at the 13 new episodes.
In addition to the final season of Clone Wars, it sounds like Netflix will also be getting a lot more Star Wars goodness in the years to come. USA Today is reporting that the streaming service will become Disney, Marvel and Pixar’s exclusive first-run, live-action and animated movie home online starting in 2016. So, if you’re not already a subscriber, the service should be even more compelling in a few years.
While we wait for “The Lost Missions” to arrive and a boatload of binge watching to begin, enjoy this sneak peek below.
In the explosive finale to the Arkham series, Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city he is sworn to protect. The Scarecrow returns to unite an impressive roster of super villains, including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, to destroy The Dark Knight forever.
Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady's uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Batman Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City.
Batman: Arkham Knight is based on DC Comics' core Batman license and will be available exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC. The game is scheduled for release worldwide in 2014.
[Source: BroadwayWorld] 'Let It Go' from Disney's FROZEN was the recipient of the 86th Annual Academy Award for 'Original Song,' with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The film also won the Oscar for 'Best Animated Feature Film' earlier this evening. The major win for the song, performed by Idina Menzel in the film, also makes Robert Lopez the twelfth member of the exclusive 'EGOT' club.
'Let It Go' beat out 'Alone Yet Not Alone' from ALONE YET NOT ALONE with music by Bruce Broughton and lyrics by Dennis Spiegel; 'Happy' from DESPICABLE ME 2 with music and lyrics by Pharrell Williams; 'The Moon Song' from HER with music by Karen O and lyrics by Karen O and SPIKE Jonze; and 'Ordinary Love' from MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM with music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen and lyrics by Paul Hewson.
With a stage adaptation in the wings, FROZEN's soundtrack recently became the longest-running No. 1 film soundtrack since 2003. The movie has passed THE LION KING as Disney's highest-grossing animated film to date, with $865 million worldwide. FROZEN just won four 2014 Annie Awards, as well as the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, and the ACE Eddie Award for Best Edited Animated Feature.
Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind "Tangled" and "Wreck-It Ralph," presents "Frozen," a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey-teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven-to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
This image released by Ellen DeGeneres shows actors front row from left, Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, Peter Nyong’o Jr., and, second row, from left, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o and Angelina Jolie as they pose for a "selfie" portrait on a cell phone during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ellen DeGeneres)
Eleven Arts and Sentai Filmworks will be bringing the “Short Peace” anime anthology to U.S. movie theaters starting on March 3, 2014. The anthology of four short films will include Shuhei Morita’s Oscar-nominated short film “Possessions,” along with Otomo’s “Combustible,” Hiroaki Ando’s “Gambo,” and Hajime Katoki’s “A Farewell to Arms.” As of press time, the anthology will screen at theaters in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Virginia. [Source: ElevenArts]
Synopsis In 1995, Katsuhiro Otomo’s epic anthology MEMORIES showcased the work of upcoming superstars of the anime world. Now, Otomo’s spotlight shifts to a fresh generation of master creators with an all-new anthology of visionary films: A lone traveler is confronted by unusual spirits in an abandoned shrine in the 2013 Academy Award® nominated POSSESSIONS (TSUKUMO), directed by Shuhei Morita (COICENT, KAKURENBO). A mysterious white bear defends the royal family from the predations of a red demon in the brutal GAMBO, directed by Hiroaki Ando (FIVE NUMBERS!) from REDLINE’s Katsuhito Ishii’s original story with character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (NEON GENESIS EVANGELION). The focus shifts from supernatural to science fiction for the action packed A FAREWELL TO ARMS (BUKI YO SARABA), as MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM designer Hajime Katoki helms Otomo’s tour-de-force saga of men battling robotic tanks in apocalyptic Tokyo, while grandmaster Otomo himself assumes the directorial reigns for a spectacular tale of love, honor and firefighting in ancient Japan with the multi-award winning COMBUSTIBLE (HI-NO-YOUJIN). Prepare your senses for the animated films that are taking the critical world by storm as a new era in anime is ushered in with Katsuhiro Otomo’s SHORT PEACE! POSSESSIONS
The Academy Award® Nominated animated short film
Written and Directed by Shuhei Morita
Original Story/Concept Design by Keisuke Kishi
Character Design by Daisuke Sajiki
COMBUSTIBLE
Written and Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
Character Design by Hidekazu Ohara
GAMBO
Directed by Hiroaki Ando
Original Story and screenplay by Katsuhito Ishii
Original Character Design by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
A FAREWELL TO ARMS
Directed by Hajime Katoki
Original Story by Katsuhiro Otomo
Character Design by Tatsuyuki Tanaka
2013 Academy Award Winner, Best Animated Short Film: Mr Hublot, by Laurent Witz, Alexandre Espigares. Mr Hublot is a withdrawn, idiosyncratic character with OCD, scared of change and the outside world. Robot Pet's arrival turns his life upside down: he has to share his home with this very invasive companion.
[Source: LA Times] The fashion force was with Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy on Tuesday when they presented the strongest collection of their career, capped off by five stunning finale gowns incorporating classic artwork from the "Star Wars" films.
The sweeping silk charmeuse looks, made with the blessing of Disney and the films' creator George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, avowed fans of the brand who have been spotted before at Rodarte shows, featured the most beloved characters of the epic story, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, C-3PO and R2-D2. Also translated onto silk, the Death Star and a beautiful landscape of the twin suns of Skywalker's home planet Tatooine.
The gowns are not for sale, but will be available in the fall for editorial shoots and potential exhibits (which is good timing, as the next installment of the "Star Wars" film franchise is due in December.)
The collection was inspired by memories of the way the designers were dressed as children in the early '80s, in smocked dresses, boyish, high-waisted pants, crochet knits, colorful eyeglasses (made for the show by Oliver Peoples) and more.
"We couldn't have done a collection like this and not included 'Star Wars', said Kate Mulleavy. "Those films represent for us a time when anything was possible."
"And it's so rare that you can use a film still as artwork and have it look like a painting. It's so beautiful," Laura Mulleavy said.
The Mulleavys approached Disney (which owns LucasFilm) about using images from the films, and it was suggested to them that they visit the archives. "But we already knew the images we wanted," Laura said, "and we were afraid we'd go into the archives and never come out."
As for whether or not the designers, who are based in L.A., would collaborate with Disney on a "Star Wars" project again -- say perhaps costumes for a film -- they said, "Who wouldn't'? I'm sure they are taken care of, but who wouldn't do it?"
Here's a rundown on the collection:
The look: Sweetly nostalgic, quirky and layered. Hard and soft (kind of like childhood) but ultimately grown-up. The most commercial collection they've ever done.
Key pieces: Variegated knit turtleneck worn with off-the-shoulder jersey top, pale pink silk chiffon pleated pants and mustard sequin shawl. Ochre-colored chiffon butterfly sleeve dress with hand smocking. Long taupe wool vest worn with off-the-shoulder gray top and silk chiffon pleated pants. Crochet sleeveless sweater over turtleneck and red paper bag waist drawstring pants. Plaid wool jacket with shearling collar. Cosmic-looking teal glitter coat with shearling collar. Metallic lace and sequin striped gowns. Starry glitter and black silk velvet draped gown.
The verdict: Utterly gorgeous. Fashion through a child's eyes in the best way. And a poignant expression of the designers' fascination with storytelling and cinema. But also a collection full of great-looking pieces, including the cool pleated chiffon pants, sleeveless jackets worn with off-the-shoulder tops, glittery coats with shearling collars and to die black dresses.
An epic rebirth to Toho's iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, pits the world's most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
Gareth Edwards directs "Godzilla," which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Kick-Ass"), Oscar® nominee Ken Watanabe ("The Last Samurai," "Inception"), Elizabeth Olsen ("Martha Marcy May Marlene"), Oscar® winner Juliette Binoche ("The English Patient," "Cosmopolis"), and Sally Hawkins ("Blue Jasmine"), with Oscar® nominee David Strathairn ("Good Night, and Good Luck.," "The Bourne Legacy") and Bryan Cranston ("Argo," TV's "Breaking Bad").
[Source: AnimeNewsNetwork] The Box Office Mojo website reports that Hayao Miyazaki's final film, The Wind Rises opened in limited release this weekend in 21 theaters with an estimated US$306,000. Those box office receipts gave the film a per-screen average of US$14,571, the second highest among all films in the United States this weekend (after Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me's US$15,000 average on two screens).
Disney released the film in North America, and Studio Ghibli International produced the English-language dub starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt with producer Frank Marshall (From Up On Poppy Hill, The Secret World of Arrietty, Ponyo).
The film is now playing in Landmark Theaters across the United States including Kendall Square Cinema in Boston, Century Centre Cinema in Chicago, The Landmark in Los Angeles, Lagoon Cinema in Minneapolis, Sunshine Cinema in New York, Hillcrest Cinemas in San Diego, Embarcadero Center Cinema and California Theatre in San Francisco, Tivoli Theatre in St. Louis, and Bethesda Row Cinema in Washington D.C. The film will get a wide release on February 28.
The film also played in New York and Los Angeles in November and in Santa Monica last month.
The Wind Rises won the Annie Award for Writing in an Animated Feature Production on February 1. The film is nominated in the Academy Awards' Best Animated Film category.
Harold Ramis (1944 - 2014) "Best-known as an actor for 'Ghostbusters', 'Stripes', writer/director for 'Caddyshack', 'Groundhog Day'"
[Source: Chicago Tribune] Harold Ramis not only may be the most successful comedy writer-director that Chicago has produced, but some wouldn't even confine that statement to Chicago.
“Harold was clearly the most successful comedy writer-director of all time,” said Tim Kazurinsky, who followed Ramis at Second City and later became his friend. “The number of films that he has made that were successful, that were blockbusters, nobody comes close. Even in light in of that, he was more successful as a human being.”
Ramis' career was still thriving in 1996, with “Groundhog Day” acquiring almost instant classic status upon its 1993 release and 1984's “Ghostbusters” ranking among the highest-grossing comedies of all time, when he decided to move his family back to the Chicago area, where he grew up and had launched his career.
On Monday, Ramis was surrounded by family in his North Shore home when he died at 12:53 a.m. of complications from autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels, said his wife, Erica Mann Ramis. He was 69.
Ramis' serious health struggles began in May 2010 with an infection that led to complications related to the autoimmune disease, his wife said. Ramis had to relearn to walk and suffered a relapse of the vasculitis in late 2011, said Laurel Ward, vice president of development at Ramis' Ocean Pictures production company. He never fully recovered.
Ramis leaves behind a formidable list of achievements, with writing credits on such enduring comedies as “National Lampoon's Animal House” (which upon its 1978 release catapulted the film career of John Belushi, with whom Ramis acted at Second City), “Stripes” (1981) and “Ghostbusters” (in which Ramis also co-starred), plus such directing efforts as “Caddyshack” (1980), “National Lampoon's Vacation” (1983), “Groundhog Day” and “Analyze This” (1999).
Previously he was the first head writer (and a performer) on Second City's groundbreaking television series “SCTV,” and more recently he directed episodes of NBC's “The Office.”
Ramis' comedies were often wild, silly and tilting toward anarchy, but they also were cerebral and iconoclastic, with the filmmaker heeding the Second City edict to work at the top of one's intelligence. This combination of smart and gut-bustingly funny led a generation of comedic actors and filmmakers — including Judd Apatow (“The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up”), Jay Roach (“Meet the Parents,” the “Austin Powers” movies), Peter Farrelly (“There's Something About Mary,” “Dumb and Dumber”), Jake Kasdan (“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” “Orange County,” both of which featured Ramis in small roles) and Adam Sandler (who starred in his own wacky golf comedy, “Happy Gilmore”) — to cite him as a key inspiration.
“When I was 15, I interviewed Harold for my high school radio station, and he was the person that I wanted to be when I was growing up,” said Apatow, who would cast Ramis as Seth Rogen's father in “Knocked Up” and would produce Ramis' final movie, “Year One” (2009). “His work is the reason why so many of us got into comedy. We grew up on ‘Second City TV' and ‘Ghostbusters,' ‘Vacation,' ‘Animal House,' ‘Stripes,' ‘Meatballs' (which Ramis co-wrote). He literally made every single one of our favorite movies.”
Ramis also left behind a reputation as a mensch and mentor.
“He's the least changed by success of anyone I know in terms of sense of humor, of humility, sense of self,” the late Second City founder Bernie Sahlins, who began working with Ramis in 1969, said of him in 1999. “He's had enormous success relatively, but none of it has gone to his head.”
Ward recalled that when she first began working for Ramis 15 years ago as his assistant, he had to be in California for a month, and he told her that although he didn't need an assistant out there, she should go anyway because it would be a good experience for her, and he'd make sure her expenses were covered.
“He just did it for me,” she said. “He loved teaching people. He loved helping people. He loved seeing people succeed.”
The son of Ruth and Nathan Ramis, who owned Ace Food & Liquor Mart on the West Side before moving the store and family to Rogers Park, Ramis graduated from Senn High School and Washington University in St. Louis.
For his first professional writing gig, he contributed freelance arts stories to the Chicago Daily News in the mid-1960s.
Richard Christiansen, his Daily News editor (and later Tribune theater critic and entertainment editor), recalled one assignment in which Ramis covered a rock concert attended mostly by authority-scorning teenagers. “When it was over, he noted that the kids came out of the concert, and the parents were waiting for them in their cars to drive them home,” Christiansen said with a laugh. “It was a gift for noticing life's ironies and twists that distinguished his writing eye at the very earliest.”
Ramis also wrote and edited Playboy magazine's “Party Jokes” before and during his Second City days. After some time away from Second City, he returned in 1972 and came to a major realization while acting alongside a relative newcomer in the cast.
“The moment I knew I wouldn't be any huge comedy star was when I got on stage with John Belushi for the first time,” he said in a 1999 Tribune interview. “When I saw how far he was willing to go to get a laugh or to make a point on stage, the language he would use, how physical he was, throwing himself literally off the stage, taking big falls, strangling other actors, I thought: I'm never going to be this big. How could I ever get enough attention on a stage with guys like this?
“I stopped being the zany. I let John be the zany. I learned that my thing was lobbing in great lines here and there, which would score big and keep me there on the stage.”
With his round glasses lending a professorial air, Ramis would become the calm center of storms brewed by fellow actors, playing the bushy-haired, low-key wisecracker to Bill Murray's troublemaker in “Stripes” and being the most scientific-minded “Ghostbuster.” Later roles included the sympathetic doctor of James L. Brooks' “As Good as It Gets” (1997) and the charming “Knocked Up” dad, whose dialogue, Apatow said, was almost all improvised.
In the beginning, three were created. Man made of clay. Angels made of light. And a third made of fire. Stories of angels and men have captured the imagination and been etched into history crossing boundaries of culture, religion and time. These two races have dominated the landscape of modern mythology, shrouding the evidence that a third was ever created. This third race, born of smokeless fire, was named the Jinn. Modern man has all but forgotten this third race ever existed.
Arcade game company Taito released a teaser for its "Project Z" and began streaming a live-action video.
The video begins with breaking news running on the giant screens at the Hachiko exit of Tokyo's Shibuya station. The contagion of a malignant virus is spreadly rapidly in Japan, but details are scant. The website reveals that the "outbreak" of the project will be coming soon in 2014.
[Source: JEFusion] When Akira Toriyama first introduced Goku in the pages of Dragon Ball, things were simple: He was a monkey-tailed boy from the wilderness who was raised by a martial arts master who wore a magical ball that when you combined it with six others it summoned a dragon for a wish and there was a girl who wanted them and — fine, fine, things weren’t that simple. As time went on and Dragon Ball shifted from a wild adventure comedy to a more straightforward battle manga as Dragon Ball Z, things became even less simple. Goku’s evil brother Raditz showed up on a mission to kill everything on Earth and revealed that he was among the last of a race of alien warriors called Saiyans. That meant Goku’s biological folks were just some dead jerks. In the manga, that was pretty much the end of the story, but the explosive popularity of the anime adaptation led to a movie about his Saiyan dad, Bardock. So who was Goku’s mom? The question’s lingered for nearly 25 years… until now (potential spoilers below).
According to an announcement by Toriyama in Japanese publisher Shueisha’s recent Saikyō Jump #3, Goku’s mother is called Gine. Like all Saiyans, her name is a vegetable pun, which this time around is apparently a play on the Spring Onion known as “Negi.”
According to the announcement, Gine met Bardock while serving on his team of warriors. Bardock was known for saving the lives of his fellow low-ranking soldiers, which was an uncommon act of kindness in a cruel culture. He saved Gine a number of times, leading to a romantic relationship, which was also rare among Saiyans who simply coupled to breed. Since she was not a gifted fighter, she moved on from… warrior-ing?… and spent her remaining days on planet Vegeta working at… a meat distribution center?
Goku’s mother (including her character design) will be fleshed out further in the supplemental material of the collected edition of Toriyama’s Jaco the Galactic Patrolman one-shot in April in Japan. We’ve contacted Viz to see when the material might be headed to North American readers and will update once we get official word.
Sabine is a key member of the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels. As seen in this special video, featuring early design concepts, animation tests, and final art, Sabine is unlike any Star Wars character -- especially in her love for blowing things up and tagging her work with graffiti.
Dave Filoni, executive producer of the animated series, discloses that Sabine is a Mandalorian. She has a great understanding of weapons and combat like few others, and has turned against the Empire. "She is spunky, she's feisty, she's got a little bit of attitude," says actress Tiya Sicar, who is voicing the character. Additionally, Sabine is an artist, which is reflected in her hair, personalized armor, and graffiti calling cards. After the Ghost crew hits the Empire, Sabine makes sure the Empire knows who did it. Concept artist Amy Beth Christenson says that the Star Wars Rebels animation team has created a library of graffiti tags for Sabine, and is constantly adding to it.
In the end, Sabine is a strong, no-nonsense heroine. As Sicar says, "I think she's kind of an inspiration."
EZRA - The Street-Smart Hero
In Star Wars Rebels, fans will see the rise of the Rebellion through Ezra: a 14-year-old con artist who learns to fight for a greater good. The seemingly-reluctant hero is revealed here in a video filled with character concept art, early animation, and creator interviews.
Growing up on his own in the age of the Empire, Ezra has had to rely on his wit and cunning to get by. As voice actor Taylor Gray explains, "He's very street-smart, he's a pickpocket, he's a little thief. But he's doing it all because he needs to survive."
Executive producer Dave Filoni adds that Ezra is not a bad kid. Although he may enjoy stealing from the Empire, his behavior has been influenced by the world around him - a world that is under Imperial control.
But his hard life has also made his world smaller. "He doesn't really trust anyone," says Rayne Roberts, creative executive of Star Wars Rebels. "That's kind of his motto in life. He has that hard edge at times." When audiences first meet Ezra, he is not yet a Rebel and is not yet interested in restoring freedom to the galaxy -- but that will soon change when Ezra is introduced to his new surrogate family: the crew of the Ghost.
Greg Weisman, executive producer, says, "His eyes get opened to the fact that there are people who care, who are trying to fight the good fight. And he becomes one of them." Still, there is more to Ezra than even he knows.
Ezra is Force-sensitive, Filoni reveals, though he is unaware that he is tapping into this mystical energy field. Ezra knows he has some strange abilities, but they're "instinctive and reactionary." It is only through his relationship with Kanan, a Jedi Survivor and crew member of the Ghost, that Ezra will learn the true nature of his power. Together, they will forge new paths and destinies - and a rebellion will rise.
KANAN - The Cowboy Jedi
Not every guardian of peace and justice was lost to the tragedy of Order 66. Introducing Kanan, a survivor of the Emperor's Jedi purge and one of the main characters of Star Wars Rebels.
Kanan, voiced by Freddie Prinze, Jr., is a less traditional Force-wielder than fans are used to seeing. He carries a blaster, is a little sarcastic, and keeps his past a secret. "I like to call Kanan 'the cowboy Jedi,'" says executive producer Dave Filoni. As shown in this video, his Jedi robes are long gone, replaced with armor and a holster, though a samurai-like ponytail hints at his Jedi Knight origins.
In Star Wars Rebels, set between Episode III and IV, Kanan has been underground for years, evading the Empire. If the Imperials become aware of his existence "he's going to get killed," says art director Kilian Plunkett. He still has his lightsaber, but no longer uses it for fear of revealing his true identity -- and has ultimately forsaken the ways of the Jedi Order.
Star Wars Rebels will show Kanan's journey as he rediscovers himself, just as a rebellion begins to form against the Empire. According to Filoni, "He's a gunslinger that needs to put the gun away and pick up the sword again, and fight for noble causes and selfless causes." But what will happen when he chooses to reignite his Jedi weapon, fighting once again for a greater purpose?
The video closes with a tease of what's to come: an encounter with the nightmarish Inquisitor, the Empire's Jedi hunter.
CHOPPER - The Grumpy Astromech Droid
He can be cranky, he takes his time, and he can sometimes have a bad attitude. But he's also incredibly loyal and heroic. Meet Chopper, astromech droid of the starship Ghost in the highly anticipated Star Wars Rebels animated series, revealed for the first time in this exclusive video.
According to Dave Filoni, executive producer of the series, "He likes to do things the way that he wants, not necessarily the way the crew wants, or as fast as the crew would like, but he gets the job done... If Artoo's your favorite dog, Chopper's the cat."
There are some key differences between Artoo and Chopper. "Artoo actually cares whether or not you like him," says Kilian Plunkett, art director of Star Wars Rebels, "whereas Chopper doesn't care at all. Half the time he doesn't even do what he was asked to do. He just decides to go off and do something else."
Chopper is a new kind of droid in Star Wars -- he is not completely subservient to his masters, and he can be gruff. This personality is echoed in the character's look and sound: Chopper appears more beat up and run down than most astromech droids, and his beeps are in low, grunt-like tones. "He's built from all these different parts. There's not one part of him that's original," says concept artist Amy Beth Christenson. Chopper's design, as seen in the video, takes direct inspiration from original trilogy concept artist Ralph McQuarrie's initial ideas for R2-D2, including the expressive arms that fold out of his head.
In the end, Chopper is an essential part of the team, and often saves the day -- even if he complains while doing it.
ZEB - The Muscle
Every team needs a tough guy. Introducing Zeb, the (smart) muscle of the Ghost crew from Lucasfilm's upcoming animated series Star Wars Rebels. He is revealed for the first time in this video, featuring concept art, clay sculpts, and final renderings of the character, in addition to creator interviews.
Zeb is a well-trained honor guard and is highly educated, according to executive producer Dave Filoni, which juxtaposes his brutish, alien appearance. He's voiced by Steve Blum, who says, "He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder, hates Chopper...and is starting to build a relationship with Ezra, begrudgingly."
Zeb's favorite pastime: beating up Stormtroopers, or "bucket heads," as he's heard calling them. He's an agile fighter, using his hands, feet, and acrobatics. But there is more to Zeb than pounding Imperials. "It's just going to be exciting to develop him and his bizarre new species," says Filoni, "and to explain to the audience where he came from."
HERA - The Pilot
Hera is the heart of the Ghost crew from Star Wars Rebels. The Twi'lek is an ace pilot, able fighter, and is revealed to fans in this behind-the-scenes video featuring creator interviews, character sketches, and animation previews.
Hera is voiced by Vanessa Marshall, and is an especially gifted pilot. "I think she really makes flying the Ghost look easy," says Joel Aron, CG supervisor. And while she's strong-willed, Hera also keeps the group together, and can be warm and nurturing. "She knows how to talk to them to get the best out of themselves and to be part of that team," Aron says. "That to me is the commander of a ship."
Hera wears "utilitarian flight gear," orange in color, with her Twi'lek head-tails hanging down her back. She's not particularly glamorous, and is just focused on getting the job done. Like every member of the Ghost team, she has her reasons for rebelling against the Empire. Uncovering those reasons will be part of the Star Wars Rebels story, says executive producer Dave Filoni.
"Every time we get a script," says Marshall, "I am breathless with anticipation. I cannot wait to read what's next because I want to see where we're going, too."
In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan. In order to evade Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a group of misfits including Gamora, Rocket, Drax the Destroyer and Groot. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand — with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.
