"Ultra City Smiths" Premiere's July 22 on AMC+

ULTRA CITY SMITHS
Premiere on AMC+ on Thursday, July 22, 2021

The Ultra City Smiths story unfolds via the stop-motion animation of baby dolls repurposed as a grown-up cast of characters. The series hinges on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of fictional metropolis Ultra City’s most famous magnate (Kurtwood Smith). Two intrepid detectives (Jimmi Simpson and Da’Vine Joy Randolph) follow the case, rallying to fight against their city’s dangerous corruption, at a high cost to themselves and their families, all in pursuit of a gentler place to call home.

Starring: Damon Herriman, Bebe Neuwirth, John C. Reilly, Melissa Villaseñor, Alia Shawkat, Tim Heidecker, Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Debra Winger, Tim Meadows, Terry O’ Quinn, Hana Mae Lee, Luis Guzman, Jason Mantzoukas, Chris Conrad, Sunita Mani, Caleb McLaughlin, Kurtwood Smith, Julian Barratt, and Tom Waits. 

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The first two episodes of Ultra City Smiths will premiere on AMC+ (AMC Networks’ streaming platform) on Thursday, July 22, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly, every Thursday.

Takt Op. Destiny

Takt Op. Destiny

In the story of the anime, one day a black meteorite fell on the world, and the world completely changed. The meteorite produced grotesque monsters called D2, which started running rampant. D2 very quickly banned all music, which was the one thing able to overcome them. But there were some people who resisted the D2. They are young women who hold the power of music, the "Musicart." These young women hold "scores" that are able to defeat the monsters. And there are also people who lead these women, the Conductor.

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The anime takes place in America in the year 2047, which has fallen to ruin thanks to the D2. Takt, a Conductor, is partnered with a Musicart named Unmei. Takt yeans for music to be returned to the world, and Unmei wishes to destroy the D2. Their aim is to travel to New York.

The Honor Student At Magic High School

The Honor Student At Magic High School

"Mahouka Koukou no Yuutousei"

The long-awaited spin-off of The Irregular at Magic High School is here! This time, rediscover the story from the point of view of Miyuki, the hero's sister. The life of a talented student like Miyuki comes with many expectations... and unexpected feelings!

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Anime Matsuri 2021 Cosplay in Houston, TX

ANIME   MATSURI   2021
July 8-11, 2021 in Houston, TX

Anime Matsuri is the spectacular annual anime and Japanese pop culture convention hosted in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. There were attendees from over 30 different countries joining in a celebration of anime, music, art and cosplay, with hundreds of hours of programing and exciting Guests, Celebrities and Industry Experts. Hosted at the state-of-the-art George R. Brown Convention, the Hilton Americas and Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston, the southern hospitality was in full swing with food trucks, indoor and outdoor activities until 4am. 

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Turning Red - Teaser Trailer

TURNING RED

Growing up is a beast. Check out the new trailer for the upcoming all-new original feature film “Turning Red” from Pixar Animation Studios’ director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar® for her 2018 short film, “Bao.” Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS). Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. Directed by Shi and produced by Lindsey Collins, Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” releases March 11, 2022. 

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Space Jam 2: A New Legacy

SPACE JAM 2

- A New Legacy -

Watch the official clip & trailer compilation for Space Jam: A New Legacy, a family movie starring LeBron James, Don Cheadle and Sonequa Martin-Green. The long awaited sequel is coming to theaters and streaming on HBO Max July 16, 2021.

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S A K U G A N

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Sacks&Guns!! (サクガン!!, Sakugan!!) is an upcoming Japanese anime television series produced by Satelight. It is directed and written by Jun'ichi Wada, with character designs by Yūji Iwahara, and music by Tatsuya Kato.

It is an adaptation of the novel Sakugan Labyrinth Marker, written by Nekotarō Inui, which was submitted to Project Anima, a 2018 collaboration between DeNA, Sotsu, and Bunka Housou that accepted story submissions from the general public. Sakugan Labyrinth Marker was the runner-up in the "Science-Fiction/Robot" category.

The anime was originally scheduled to premiere in 2020, but was delayed to premiere in October 2021 on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS11. 

The opening theme song, "Kо̄kotsu Labyrinth" ("Enchanted Labyrinth"), will be performed by Masaaki Endoh, while the ending theme song, "Shine", will be performed by Thai YouTuber MindaRyn. Crunchyroll licensed the series.

A manga adaptation will begin serialization in Square Enix's Manga UP! website in Summer 2021.

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

THE WITCHER

NIGHTMARE OF THE WOLF

Before there was Geralt, there was Vesemir. Here's a first look at his story in The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf. Premiering August 23, 2021, only on Netflix. Journey into the extraordinary world of the Continent, from The Witcher and its live-action prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin to anime film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf and much more.

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WHAT IF... ?

WHAT IF...?

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What If...? is an upcoming American animated anthology series created by A.C. Bradley for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name. It explores what would happen if major moments from the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) occurred differently. The series is produced by Marvel Studios, their first animated series since becoming their own production company. Bradley serves as head writer of the series, with Bryan Andrews directing.

Jeffrey Wright stars as the Watcher, who narrates the series. By September 2018, Marvel Studios was developing a number of series for Disney+, and one based on the What If...? comic was first reported in March 2019. The series was officially announced a month later, with many characters in the series set to be voiced by the actors who portray them in the films. Marvel Studios' head of visual development Ryan Meinerding helped define the series' cel-shaded animation style, which was designed to reflect the films. Animation for the first season is provided by Squeeze and Flying Bark Productions, with Stephan Franck as head of animation.

What If...?'s first season is scheduled to premiere on August 11, 2021, and will consist of 10 episodes. It will be part of Phase Four of the MCU. A second 10-episode season is in development.

Disney's Encanto - Teaser Trailer

Disney's Encanto
You’re invited into the exceptional, fantastical and magical Casa Madrigal.

▶ Watch the new Trailer for Disney’s Encanto now!

See the movie this November. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” is the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The all-new original film features the voice of Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel, an ordinary 15-year-old who’s struggling to find her place in her family. “Mirabel is a really funny, loving character who also deeply yearns for something more,” says Beatriz. “She’s also not afraid to stand up for what she knows is right—something I love and relate to very much.

Transformers: War for Cybertron - Kingdom

Transformers: War for Cybertron
K  I  N  G  D  O  M

Now the Autobots must team up with the Maximals to confront the Decepticons, who have joined forces with the Predacons, in the race to find the missing AllSpark. However, the Predacons are in control of the Golden Disk, a mysterious artifact which has a personal connection to Megatron and gives him an untold advantage over his enemy, Optimus Prime. Which faction will triumph in the final battle that will decide the fate of Cybertron's future? 

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Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy - Kingdom, 

Coming July 29 only on Netflix.

MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS: Battle of the Realms

MORTAL KOMBAT LEGENDS
Battle of the Realms

Following the events of Scorpion’s Revenge, Battle of the Realms will task memorable characters to travel to Outworld in defense of Earthrealm. Scorpion must find the ancient Kamidogu before it is too late and is used to resurrect the One Being, which basically would mean the destruction of life as we know it. 

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Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway

Mobile Suit GUNDAM: Hathaway

Hathaway Noa, still haunted by his past actions, joins a terrorist organization called Mufti and adopts the alias "Mufti Nabiyy Erin". Mufti is fighting a terrorist campaign against the Earth Federation government.

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U.C. 0105, twelve years after the Second Neo Zeon War, the Earth Federation accepts the Republic of Zeon back in the fold. However, over the next few years, the Federation's greed and distrust of spacenoids leads them to form "Man Hunter" units to forcefully deport underprivileged or undesirable civilians around the world to the space colonies. A terrorist organization called Mafty is led by Bright Noah's son Hathaway Noa. Hathaway, who now goes by the name Mafty Navue Erin, is still haunted by his past actions regarding the death of Quess Paraya and reflecting upon the actions and beliefs of Char and Amuro. He started his terrorist actions against the Federation and its high officials as an act of revenge, using the new prototype unit, the RX-105 Ξ Gundam (Xi Gundam, "Ksi Gundam"). In response, Kenneth Sleg of the Earth Federation Space Forces assembles the Circe Unit, led by Lane Aim piloting the RX-104FF Penelope in order to stop Mafty.

Superman Director Richard Donner Passes At 91

RICHARD DONNER
(April 24, 1930 – July 5, 2021)
The Director of 'Superman' Dies at Age 91

Richard Donner was an American director and producer of film and television, and occasional comic-book writer. After directing the horror film The Omen (1976), he directed the superhero film Superman (1978), starring Christopher Reeve.

Donner later went on to direct movies such as The Goonies (1985) and Scrooged (1988), while reinvigorating the buddy film genre with the Lethal Weapon film series. He and his wife, producer Lauren, owned the production company The Donners' Company (formerly Donner/Shuler Donner Productions), best known for producing the Free Willy and X-Men franchises. In 2000, he received the President's Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Film historian Michael Barson writes that Donner was "one of Hollywood's most reliable makers of action blockbusters". 

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The Chinese Version of Ghibli? The Legend of Hei

The Legend of Hei

MTJJ and his crew spent a decade working on this series and now seem to be making a new for themselves in Chinese animation but could Hei and their company become the Chinese version of Ghibli?

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In bustling human world, various of goblins live peacefully with mankind. Luo Xiao-Hei, the cat demon, begins his journey of wandering because his forest home is destroyed. With sympathetic goblin partners and earnest human master appearing one after another, Hei is in the dilemma of which side will be his true attribution.

Cosplay Photos from Anime Midwest 2021

Cosplay Photos from Anime Midwest
July 2-4, 2021
at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

 

A Special Look at STAR WARS: VISIONS

STAR WARS: VISIONS

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Seven Japanese anime studios bring their unique talent and perspective to Star Wars: Visions, a collection of animated Original Short Films, streaming September 22 on Disney+.

The anime studios revealed were Kamikaze Douga, Geno Studio (Twin Engine), Studio Colorido (Twin Engine), Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Science Saru, and Production IG. Each studio will use their signature animation and storytelling styles to realize their own visions of the galaxy far, far away. Lucasfilm’s Jacqui Lopez (Executive Producer), James Waugh (Executive Producer), Josh Rimes (Executive Producer), and Qubic Pictures’ Justin Leach (Co-Executive Producer) and Kanako Shirasaki (Producer) were on hand at the event to reveal each studio and give fans a special look at the environment and concept art as they debuted the title and first details of each short. Kamikaze Douga - The Duel Geno Studio (Twin Engine) - Lop and Ochō Studio Colorido (Twin Engine) - Tatooine Rhapsody Trigger - The Twins Trigger - The Elder Kinema Citrus - The Village Bride Science Saru - Akakiri Science Saru - T0-B1 Production IG - The Ninth Jedi As a first formal venture into anime, each “Star Wars: Visions” short bears a unique Japanese sensibility, which in many ways aligns with the tone and spirit of Star Wars storytelling. From the beginning, stories told in the Star Wars galaxy have counted Japanese mythology and the films of Akira Kurosawa among their many influences, and these new visions will further explore that cultural heritage through the unique animation style and perspective of each anime studio. All episodes of “Star Wars: Visions” will be released on Disney+ September 22, 2021. For more on “Star Wars: Visions,” visit StarWars.com.

Masters of the Universe: REVELATION Trailer 2

MASTERS of the UNIVERSE: REVELATION

A radical return to Eternia, Revelation is a direct sequel series to the classic era of Masters of the Universe. Featuring fan favorites He-Man, Orko, Cringer, and Man-At-Arms, the story pits our heroic warriors, and guardians of Castle Grayskull against Skeletor, Evil-Lyn, Beast-Man and the vile legions of Snake Mountain. But after a ferocious final battle forever fractures Eternia, it's up to Teela to solve the mystery of the missing Sword of Power in a race against time to prevent the end of the Universe! Her journey will uncover the secrets of Grayskull at last. This is the epic He-Man and the Masters of the Universe saga fans have waited 25 years to see!

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Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya Movie - Trailer

Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya

Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya is a Japanese manga series by Hiroshi Hiroyama (also known as KALMIA), serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Comp Ace magazine from 2007 to 2008. It is an alternate universe spin-off of the Fate/stay night visual novel by Type-Moon, with Illyasviel von Einzbern as the protagonist. Various other characters from Fate/stay night and its sequels and spin-offs also appear. The film version entitled Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Licht - The Nameless Girl will be released on August 27, 2021

Plot of the Anime Series: Illyasviel von Einzbern is an ordinary elementary school student who becomes a magical girl when the magical Kaleidostick Ruby deems her a more suitable master than the sorceress, Rin Tohsaka. Rin, who had been tasked by the wizard Zelretch to collect the seven Class Cards containing the spirits of Heroic Spirits from legend, finds that she is unable to change Ruby's mind and must supervise Illya in completing the task of collecting the Class Cards. During Illya's adventures, she receives a friend and rival in a girl named Miyu, the contracted master of the Kaleidostick Sapphire, which similarly abandoned its original master and Rin's rival, Luvia Edelfelt.

After a series of battles, Illya and Miyu were able to collect all Cards and became good friends, while Rin and Luvia remained in Japan by the order of Zelretch. However, the appearance of Kuro, a dark-skinned girl with a striking resemblance to Illya, soon complicates their lives as she attempts to eliminate Illya. Their battle is interrupted by the arrival of Illya's mother, Irisviel, who reveals that Kuro was originally intended to be the Holy Grail in the Holy Grail War, but after the war was prevented Kuro was sealed away so Illya could live a normal life. Illya supplies Kuro with the mana needed to sustain her physical form, and accepts her into the Einzbern family.

Shortly afterwards, the group is attacked by Bazett Fraga McRemitz, who was previously responsible for obtaining the Class Cards. A truce is forced when Rin reveals the existence of an eighth Class Card. The group confronts the eighth Class Card, Gilgamesh, who reveals that Miyu hails from a parallel world where she was born as a Holy Grail, before absorbing her. Illya combines the Kaleidostick Ruby and Sapphire to become Kaleido Liner Zwei, giving her the power to defeat Gilgamesh and save Miyu.

This victory is short-lived, as Miyu is kidnapped by the Ainsworth family and whisked away into the parallel world. Illya and her friends enter the parallel world and teams up with Tanaka, an amnesiac girl whose goal is to defeat the Ainsworths; Gilgamesh, who wishes to take back his Class Card from the Ainsworths following his defeat by Illya; and a parallel Shirou Emiya, Miyu's older brother who is imprisoned by the Ainsworths. The Ainsworths reveal that they intend to use Miyu as the Holy Grail to save their dying world, but Illya swears that she will find a way to save the parallel world without sacrificing Miyu. Following a confrontation, the Ainsworths escape and Gilgamesh leaves the group after reclaiming his Class Card, while Angelica Ainsworth reluctantly joins the group after being left to die by her family and Miyu and Shirou are liberated. 

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Scarlet Nexus - Premiere Episode

S C A R L E T   N E X U S

Solar calendar year 2020: grotesque organisms called Others have begun eating people. To take down this new enemy, the Other Suppression Force is formed. Saved by this elite team as a child, psychokinetic Yuito withstands the training to enlist. On the other hand, prodigy Kasane was scouted for her abilities. But Kasane’s dreams tell her strange things, dragging the two into an unavoidable fate.

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