Anime News (245)
Fans of the Monogatari series have been clamoring for the much anticipated origin story of Bakemonogatari since it's anime release in 2009. Now after 6 years Aniplex USA plans to bring the film to select US theaters this February.
Take Asuna (SAO) With You As a Personal Voice Assistant Released in English
Written by Theodore Mak
For Android fans who want to make iOS and Windows Phone users jealous (this includes me), Asuna from the hit series Sword Art Online will wake you up in the mornings, give you weather, fortune, and appointment reminders in Japanese. Based on the press release, it appears with the purchase of the English language support add-on (really?), it will translate the menus, subtitles for Asuna's dialog, and allow for limited English voice command recognition. You can find the full list of commands here.
Little Witch Academia Kickstarter Rewards Unboxed
Written by Theodore Mak
Little Witch Academia backers are rejoicing around the world as Studio Trigger in partnership with Goodsmile Company has started shipping out backer rewards. While some of you are waiting for your packages or are curious what the final contents are, let's take a very brief look at some of the goodies from the highest tiers of the Kickstarter and see if Trigger delivered on their promises.
Rie Tanaka Cosplay on FFXIV 2015 Live Stream Event
Written by Theodore Mak
Celebrating it's second anniversary, Square-Enix held a 14 hour long stream that was filled with update news for upcoming changes and patches, to answering questions from fans. During one segment, voice actress veteran Rie Tanaka who voices Kan-E-Senna and Garuda in FFXIV, made a surprise appearance dressed up in the Thavnairian Bustier set from the game. Tanaka is probably best known for her roles as Lacus Clyne from Gundam Seed, Chii from Chobits, Suigintou from Rozen Maiden, and Mitsuru Kirijou from Persona 3.
Little Witch Academia 2 to Debut at Anime Expo 2015!
Written by Jason Young
Following the success of Little Witch Academia 1, Little Witch Academia was founded successfully through Studio TRIGGER's Kickstarter program; which we're proud to support. Although it was a bit quiet on the TRIGGER front for quite a while, backers were surprised to learn that the official trailer for Little Witch Academia The Enchanted Parade is now available and that the short film itself would be released very very soon!
T-ONO Announces Collaboration with Under the Dog (UTD)
Written by Jason Young
With Sakura-Con soon approaching, we are pleased to announce that The-O Network will be participating in a special collaboration with Kinema Citrus, the creators, of the upcoming Under the Dog (UTD) anime. Not only will we be interviewing Koji Morimoto (producer) and Jiro Ishii (original storywriter), but we will be providing a video recording of their entire sixty minute panel on our website and YouTube channels. Please stay tuned for exciting updates on production, artwork, visuals and questions regarding the Kickstarter funded anime project, originally announced at Otakon 2014.
The exhibit for Shingeki no Kyojin, also known as Attack on Titan, opened in Ueno Mori Museum on November 28, 2014. Based on the manga series, the museum displayed many scenes from the comic with original sketch work and enlarged poster boards. Some of the artwork were even colored and framed throughout the exhibit. I happened to pass by in December and found out that there were still tickets available so my curiosity led me there. Photos galore, read more!
New Evangelion Video Short: "until You come to me."
Written by Theodore Mak
With the winter holidays about to begin, Evangelion fans around the world are in for a treat. As part of the Japan Anima(tor)'s Exhibition, Studio Khara released an animated Evangelion short on December 19. The short itself appears to be set right after the events of the third film, with several flashback scenes that may have occurred in between the second and third film of what may be a significant revelation regarding the series' protagonist, Shinji Ikari.
Rather than post any major spoilers, go watch it now. Let us know what you think.
UNIVERSAL COOL JAPAN to feature Evangelion, Attack on Titan, Biohazard and Monster Hunter
Written by Jason Young
If you're a fan of games and anime, then Universal Studios Japan has a special treat for you! Well, that is assuming you're planning on booking a trip to Japan sometime within the beginning of 2015. From January 23 to May 10, UNIVERSAL COOL JAPAN will be taking over the amusement park for a total of 108 days. In addition to the previously announced Biohazard (Resident Evil) and Monster Hunter, the main attraction for Universal Cool Japan will also include a special 4D Evangelion attraction along with a full reproduction of a life-sized Titan from Attack on Titan to showcase these special entertainment brands in an immersive environment. More details on the attractions themselves after the jump.
Nanoha Returns to TV: Magical Girl Lyrical ViVid
Written by Theodore Mak
After 6 years missing from TV and with numerous movie and manga adaptations, promotional fans handed out at this week's Comic Market 86 announced an anime adaptation of Magical Girl Lyrical ViVid.
The story follows Vivio Takamichi adventures as a magical girl and takes places roughly four years after the events of the third season of Nanoha. New characters as well as familiar faces return in relatively compromising and provocative situations. No other information regarding the anime adapatation is currently available; however, the official website has opened: http://nanoha-vivid.tv/
The current manga is serialized in Kadokawa's Monthly Comp Ace and written by Masaki Tsuzuki and illustrated by Takuya Fujima.
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Six years has passed since the original televised airing of Macross Frontier ended, and fans clearly have not forgotten. Over the weekend a pair of hand drawn gorgeous colored sketches of the show’s female leads, Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee sold roughly $7500 USD each.
A grand total of 100 bidders for Ranka and 288 bidders for Sheryl. The sketches were drawn on shikishi boards by Risa Ebata who was a character designer for the series. For people interested in shopping for sketches, please be aware of counterfeit sketches on Yahoo Auction.
See the full sketches inside. Let us know in the comments who do you like more, Sheryl or Ranka, and how much would you pay for these sketches?
TRIGGER to Debut Ninja Slayer Trailer at Anime Expo 2014
Written by Theodore Mak
Studio Trigger, the company who brought us series such as KILL la KILL and Little Witch Academia, will be premiering the trailer for their next anime series, Ninja Slayers on July 3rd at 6PM at Anime Expo. Good Smile Company will be giving away goodies and selling merchandise related to the series at the event. Centering around a former salaryman turned ninja named Keinji Fujikido, the eight-volume cyberpunk series 'supposedly' was authored by two Americans, Bradley Bond and Philip Ninj@ Morzez. Eventually it was picked up and published by Enterbrain, via Twitter, and translated into Japanese although there has been a lot speculation.
For more information including the merchandise that will be available, check out the full press release inside.
Aniplex Updates: Gurren Lagann, Madoka Magica, Anohana movies, Silver Spoon DVD Release July 15th
Written by Jason Young
Over the weekend, Aniplex of America released a slew of detailed updates for their upcoming releases of the Gurren Lagann, Madoka Magica and Anohana movies on DVD/Blu-ray, along with Silver Spoon DVD. All releases will be available for pre-order on 5/27 and will be sold at select retailers on July 15th.
Aniplex of America Announces Streaming Details for Sword Art Online II
Written by Jason Young
Set to debut at Anime Expo 2014, along with an appearance by writer Reki Kawahara and illustrator abec, Aniplex of America has confirmed its global simulcast details for their upcoming release of Sword Art Online II starting July 5th. The anime will be streamed across the world through the distribution channels Hulu, Crunchyroll and DAISUKI.