Earlier this morning at a special launch event held by Bandai Visual, Production I.G revealed that Ghost in the Shell: Arise will be a prequel series consisting of four films that will revolve around a younger Motoko Kusanagi. Each film will run approximately 50 minutes each (similiar to an OVA) with the first titled Border 1: Ghost Pain releasing on June 22, 2013 in theaters along with advanced copies of the the Blu-ray disc for two weeks, with a general Blu-ray and DVD release later on July 26. All of the original voice cast have been replaced, Motoko Kusanagi is now voiced by veteran seiyuu Maaya Sakamoto.
Be sure to watch the trailer inside.
Update: Correction on voice cast information.
Read more: Ghost in the Shell: Arise Release Info and Trailer
Augmented Reality apps on mobile devices seem to be gaining in popularity. Just recently COSPA announced that they are releasing a pair of T-shirts that take advantage of virtual augmentation on smart phones. Obviously themed to match the recent virtual reality anime Accel World, one shirt gives you silver wings from Arita Haruyuki's (Silver Crow) Burst Avatar and the other shirt (made for girls) gives you Kuroyukihime's (Black Lotus) avatar butterfly wings. The Silver Crow shirts come in sizes M, L, and XL while the Black Lotus shirts come in sizes S, M, and L.
Tateo Retsu, best known for her work as the mangaka for Full Metal Panic!, sent us this art piece for her American fans along with a special holiday greeting:
"A lot has happened this year, did everybody have a memorable year?
For me, the first time coming to the United States and meeting all the otakus [anime fans] was the most memorable.
Next time I would love to visit a convention not as a guest, but as a participant! I want to take my time to enjoy the whole event, look around, and take lots of pictures!!!
Just like for me this year, I wish fun happenings to everyone. Happy Holidays!!!~Tateo Retsu"
Continuing the release of NisiOisin's Monogatari series, Aniplex released a new trailer for the anime adaptation of Nekomonogatari (Black). The series will premiere on December 31 from 10PM to 12AM on NicoNico, Tokyo MX, and BS11. All 4 episodes will be aired in succession with the first volume of the Blu-ray and DVD release on March 6, 2013 and the second on April 3, 2013. Nekomonogatari (Black) is a prequel to the original series Bakemonogatari and a sequel to the upcoming Kizumonogatari film adaptation.
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