Figure maker Good Smile Company opened a branching cafe in Taiwan earlier this month and a couple of our staffers happened to be in the neighborhood. While we wait for their report which will appear here later, why not check out some of the photos?
The popularity of ONA (Original Net Animation) has been picking up recently, and last week NamcoBandai published Kyousogiga, an episode-length video to its NicoNico and YouTube pages. Kyousogiga was created by Izumi Todo, who also made the Ojamojo Doremi and Futari wa Pretty Cure series, and animated by Banpresto and Toei Animation.
The animation style is fairly stylized, and it reminds me of the stuff Madhouse makes. The video description mentions a new work coming out in March 2012, but it doesn't say if it's related to this ONA or not. Also, the video will only be available until January 15, 2012, so watch it while you can! It's embedded after the break.
Kyousogiga homepage: http://www.kyousogiga.com/
Read more: ONA "Kyousogiga" Streamed on NicoNico and YouTube
Earlier today, Enterbrain posted the launch trailer for a recently-announced anime, Kokoro Connect. Kokoro Connect was originally a light novel written by Anda Sadanatsu with illustrations by Yukiko Horiguchi (character designer for Lucky Star and K-On!), which has also enjoyed manga and drama CD spinoffs.
The story revolves around a quirky "Cultural Research Society" whose members' noisy but everyday lives were turned upside-down when they switch personalities. And while they try to figure out what happened and how to reverse it, they must act like someone else in order to avoid being found out!
Although viewers will likely have flashbacks to K-On! due to the similarity in character designs, it's only because the character designer was the same for both series -- the story itself is unrelated to that of K-On!'s. The concept of switching bodies or personalities is always an interesting plot device, and if they do a quality interpretation of the light novels, this series ought to be one to keep an eye on.
The trailer and detailed series info can be found at their official page, and the trailer is embedded after the break.
Kokoro Connect anime website: http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/fb/pc/02sp/02_1111kokoro/index.html
Read more: Launch Trailer for "Kokoro Connect" Anime Streamed
The official website for the 8 episode TV animation of Black Rock Shooter has just released a trailer. Visually, the combat scenes are gorgeously animated; however, fans will quickly notice some visual differences from the OVA that was released back 2010. The most noticeable difference are the changes to the character designs. The OVA and TV anime were both animated by Studio Ordet; however, staff information for the TV anime has yet to be released.
Are the changes for the better? Watch the trailer and let us know in the comments. Poster image inside.
At New York Comic Con earlier this month, Aniplex of America had announced information regarding the American release of Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the full details has just been released. Preorders have already started and will be released in 3 separate volumes in a limited box set, a regular Blu-ray, and DVD set. The Limited Edition Combos will include:
"soundtrack CD, an exclusive collector's box, a double-sided poster, a Kyubey sticker, collectible postcards, and a deluxe 24-page booklet with character designs, a special short manga by Aoki Ume and more!"
If the bonus goods tickle your fancy, they will cost $74.98 each. Press release inside.
Read more: Puella Magi Madoka Magica English Release Details
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