The official websites for Kizumonogatari and Nisemonogatari anime -- the prequel and sequel to Bakemonogatari, respectively -- have launched, both featuring an new front-page illustration and trailer. Currently only the trailer is available, and the site displays no other information such as characters or casting. Kizumonogatari will be released in theaters sometime in 2012, while Nisemonogatari will be released as a TV anime series, scheduled to start January 21, 2012. Both series are produced by SHAFT, who also did production for Bakemonogatari with character designs once again provided by Akio Watanabe. Also like Bakemonogatari, these anime are based on a series of popular light novels by Nisio Isin.

The style of both trailers is very non-standard, which should come as no surprise to any fans of Bakemonogatari or SHAFT. Of particular note is the Kizumonogatari trailer, which has a non-sequitur opening and closing. Fans will probably be excited to see some of their favorite characters again in the trailer for Nisemonogatari, though their appearances, namely their hairstyles, have changed for better or for worse. Both trailers have been included inside for your convenience.

Kizumonogatari movie website - http://www.kizumonogatari-movie.com/

Nisemonogatari anime website - http://www.nisemonogatari-anime.com/

Alice and Clara are definitely special. Being the popular junior high idol unit known as ClariS, they have been made famous by singing the opening songs for popular anime series such as Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai and Puella Magi Madoka Magica. In tandem with their recent single release, Good Smile Company has created the vessel for their Nendoroid debut.

More information and photos after the jump.

We here at T-ONO pride ourselves on covering unique and rare news items, and during my trip to San Diego Comic-Con 2011, I got the chance to do just that. After a weekend-long team effort, we finally landed an interview with the very awesome Shigeto Koyama. Koyama-san has worked in the Japanese animation industry as a designer, illustrator, and script writer. His most recognizable works include the mechanical designs for Star Driver and character designs for the 2010 anime series, Heroman created by Marvel Comics very own Stan Lee. Over the years, he has also worked on various series produced by Gainax studio including, Diebuster (Gunbuster 2), Gurren Lagann, and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt.

Despite the communal sweat poured into making the interview happen, the entire process was a real treat. Koyama-san is a very easy-going guy and even with the impromptu circumstances our conversation was fun and informative. I hope you all enjoy the interview, and we definitely hope to catch him next time he's down in the U.S.A.!

Figures from the series Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha seem to never stop releasing, maybe because most of them are either insanely cute and/or well sculptured. In any event, this time around Kotobukiya has released yet another Nanoha centered figure.  It is a 1/8 Scale PVC figure of Nanoha in her School uniform. Struck in a moving pose, this figure is sure to attract even the not-so-hardcore fans.

Nanoha is casted here as if she is just on her way to school; with a slice of bread in her mouth, Yuuno (in Ferret form) sticking out from her bag and a fluttering skirt, this is a must buy in my book. The face carries a surprised but very cute expression. Promo photos show a very decent paint job on the demo model; however, we shall see how she turns out on the mass production line. Kotobukiya has their hit and misses, hopefully this one will turn out to be a hit.

Scaled at 1/8 for a retail price at 5,800 yen, this figure is actually on the expensive side. There isn't much complexity to the figure and it doesn't come with an elaborate base. With the current exchange rate, this is an expensive buy. Several online retailers should have it for a little bit cheaper, so check your favorite web retailer. Even though this figure is slated to be released in January of 2012, pre-orders have already started.

More photos after the jump.

Black Rock Shooter will be receiving a TV broadcasted anime in January of 2012. Black Rock Shooter as an animation started off with an OVA that was released in July of 2010. With the continued releases of anime figures and the recent announcement of a game in production, fans will be treated to even more Black Rock Shooter goods.

A website has been set up for the TV anime and can be found at: http://www.noitamina-brs.jp/ The website currently only has a flash video, which contains already animated scenes of Black Rock Shooter.

Black Rock Shooter originated from an original character illustration made by Huke, who later joined supercell.  Ryo from supercell was inspired by the illustration and created the song that is now known as, "Black Rock Shooter", using Vocaloid 2's Hatsune Miku as the vocalist.

Japanese artist Alpha made her first visit earlier this year to Anime Expo 2011 held in Los Angeles. Alpha is an illustrator for the visual novel company, Akabeisoft2 and has worked on the award winning game, G-Senjou no Maou (G線上の魔王). While some may have never heard of Alpha, a legion of American fans lined up to meet her at MangaGamer's booth.

Hear what Alpha had to say about her experience at Anime Expo, a little about how she got started into the industry, current projects she is working on, and a special message for all her American fans!

As part of the birthday celebration of the highly popular Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, the Vocaloid 3 Korean Mascot was revealed ealier this week. Banking on the ever popular moe style, SeeU is a cat girl illustrated by Kkuem that just oozes adorableness. I know a lot of people love Hatsune Miku, but the cat ears and flowing hair won me over at a glance. She's voiced by Kim Tahi (Dahee), a super cute singer part of the up and coming K-pop group GLAM which has yet to debut.

Good Smile Company has teased us for almost a year now, originally with the unpainted version of the figure appearing at various figure shows in Japan, and finally preview photos have popped up on their blog. The figure is based on the popular Hatsune Miku song, Love is War by supercell. 

The figure will be released in 2 versions, the deluxe, "version DX," which will only be available exclusively from the Good Smile online shop for 14,000 yen, it will come with a larger tower platform complete with the megaphones found in the original art by Shirou Miwa. At almost half the price, the normal version will come with a smaller tower platform without the megaphones for 8,800 yen.

You have until September 26, 2011 to order either version, but for American shoppers, beware of the current exchange rate or you might find yourself paying more than you expected.

This has been on my buy list for some time since it was shown, which version interests you?

More photos inside that may help you decide.