Highschool Of The Dead Returns?! (Not really, but…)

Animation Studios, Anime, Anime Music, Japanese Music, Visual Kei, VKbands, , ,

Though there are NO official plans to bring HOTD back, the series has been trending among fans due to the newly released version of the High School of The Dead theme song of the same name.

Music art for “High School Of The Dead” 2010 (Left) and 2021 (Right)

The song is performed by Jrock band, Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets with vocals by lead vocalist Ichigo. Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets began as a one-man Doujin music band (Fan made/inspired music) created by Kishida Kyoudan. Kishida initially produced covers songs from various series, mainly from Touhou Project and Type-Moon series. From 2007 through 2010, more members joined the band; Ichigo, Hayapi (guitar) & Micchan (drums).

Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets: Kishida, Micchan, Ichigo & Hayapi

In 2010, Under the NBCUniversal Entertainment label (then known as Geneon Universal), they eventually made their major debut with their single “Highschool of the Dead” which was used as the opening theme to High School Of The Dead anime series. Three years later, on October 30th, 2013, their single “Strike the Blood” was used as the opening theme to the anime series Strike the Blood.

Strike the Blood anime

In 2013, the band went on to a different label, and with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the band then went on to release numerous singles and albums which were used in various anime series, including GATE (2nd season, Op theme), Alderamin on the Sky (Op theme), and A Certain Scientific Railgun T (ED theme).

On August 18, 2021, the band released the newly re-recorded version of their 2010 hit single, “High School Of The Dead [2021]“. In addition, the band’s official YouTube channel released the official High School Of The Dead theme song music video, 11 years after the original release.

When the HOTD theme song was released in 2010, it never had a music video to go along with it, nor was it ever featured in any of the band’s albums. The band has recently released a compilation album titled Isekaitensei Shitara Best Album Deshita.

Isekaitensei Shitara Best Album Deshita features all their anime singles and the newly re-recorded HOTD theme song. The album comes in two versions: the regular edition and the limited edition.

The Regular edition contains two CDs of Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets’ best anime singles, including “High School of Dead[2021]”. The limited edition includes the entire album in two CDs, a 48-page band member interview booklet, a Blu-ray containing HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD [2021] MUSIC VIDEO, and “Kishida Kyodan & THE Akeboshi Rockets Live Video held on November 11, 2020. HOTD 2021 art is a homage to High School of The Dead and shows the character Saya Takagi.

You can purchase the album here [REGULAR VERISON] | [LIMITED EDITION] or Stream HERE.

Patrick Imbert’s ‘The Summit of The Gods’ premieres at Animation is Film Festival 2021

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The newest adaptation of Jiro Taniguchi’s manga, The summit of Gods had a special screening at the Animation is Film Festival 2021 in Hollywood on October 22nd. initially announced in 2015, the film went through different creative hands before it made its way to award-winning, French animator, Patrick Imbert in 2020.

The Summit of the Gods revolves around two hikers, Makoto Fukamachi, a young Japanese reporter, and a mysterious mountain climber named Habu Joji. Fukamachi believes, Habu is in possession of George Mallory’s camera.

George Mallory is a mountain climber who, along with Andrew Irvine, attempted to climb Mount Everest in 1924 and were never seen again. The camera might reveal if Mallory and his companion really were the first to climb Everest. 27 years later, Fukamachi and Habu find themselves, cooperating to climb to the peak of Mount Everest.

Imbert is known for his work in Ernest et Célestine, April and the Extraordinary World, and his award-winning film, The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales.

Patrick Imbert at Animation is Film Festival 2021

Using 2D animation and produced by Folivari and Mélusine Productions, Patrick Imbert’s The Summit of The Gods has been praised for his realistic animation of the iconic Mount Everest.

The film is based on the manga of the same, written and illustrated by Jiro Taniguchi, itself is an adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s 1998 novel of the same name. Yumemakura’s work has had various adaptations, including a live-action version, starring Junichi Okada, which was released on March 12, 2016. The live-action version was directed by Hideyuki Hirayama (known for, School Ghost Stories).

During the Animation is Film Festival 2021, we had the opportunity to speak with film director Patrick Imbert:

Netflix will air the film in theaters in the United States starting on November 24, 2021, and will start streaming the film on November 30, 2021.

Mamoru Hosoda’s BELLE At Animation Is Film Fest 2021

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For the first time, outside Japan, Mamoru Hosoda’s newest film BELLE had a chance to capture western audiences’ hearts during the Animation is Film Festival 2021 in Hollywood!

In 1999, Mamoru Hosoda began his journey with Dejimon Adobenchā (Digimon Adventure) as his first anime directorial debut; since then, Hosoda has developed this craft and quickly became one of Japan’s most predominant figures in Japanese animation. In 2011, Hosoda founded his own animation studio, Studio Chizu.

Photo by AIF | John Salangsang

Hosoda developed his own unique and highly influential animation style, which can be seen and felt throughout his work. His works are heartfelt, beautifully animated films and convey a sympathetic aesthetic element, often relatable. In 2019, his adventure fantasy comedy film, MIRAI, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. His most recent film, BELLE, premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a 14-minute standing ovation.

Mamoru Hosoda at Animation is Film Festival 2021 in Hollywood, CA

In BELLE, Hosoda visually transforms the internet, as the popular virtual world known as ‘U’. In a plot where characters face personal turmoil, isolation, a sense of belongingness, and the need to pretend to be someone else, Hosoda effectively exploits the ability to remain anonymous online and how anonymity can have its benefits and disadvantages on its users.

We had the opportunity to briefly speak with Hosoda during the Animation is Film Festival 2021 regarding his newest work and his thoughts on MIRAI’s Oscar nomination:

*The video below may contain SPOILERS* After the screening, Hosoda addressed the audience members and answered fan questions:

The film pays homage to Beauty and The Beast (specifically Disney’s version) and is composed of tantalizing visual animation with extraordinary, captivating music tracks. In addition, Hosoda mentioned working with veteran Disney animator Jin Kim as Belle’s lead character designer earlier this year. (Below are some of Kim’s BELLE concept Sketches).

One of many scenes in which the ‘ Beauty and The Beast‘ elements can be seen
Jin Kim (김상진)

Kim has worked for Disney since 1995 and is credited in over 30 Disney titles including, Zootpia, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, and his most recent work Raya and the Last Dragon. Adding to Kim’s involvement, Studio Chizu also teamed up with Irish animation studio Cartoon Salon to produce the background art for the popular virtual world, ‘U’.

Get ready to dive into the beautiful world of U and watch BELLE this spring! Gkids is set to release BELLE in theaters on January 14th, 2022. For more information, visit GKids.com.

Anime Expo Lite announces “Discover Little Tokyo” Event

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Anime Expo Lite 2021 ticketholders will have the opportunity to partake in a special promotion event being offered by a dozens retailers and restaurants in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles!

Little Tokyo’s famous Yagura or Tower

Beginning Friday, June 25 thru Sunday, July 11, 2021, Anime Expo Lite Ticketholders are invited to discover the historic Little Tokyo district and visit each of the participating establishments listed below to receive a custom designed Anime Expo coaster.

(C) Collateral Damage Studios

There are 6 different full color coasters available to collect, each may be assembled to create the above artwork designed by, Collateral Damage Studios commemorating Anime Expo’s partnership this year with Hate Is A Virus.

The list of participating establishments are as follows:

Although held virtually the past two years, Anime Expo Lite 2021 marks the 30th Anniversary of the long-running annual convention. Anime Expo Lite begins on July 3-4, 2021 from 12pm – 8pm (PST).

Tickets for Anime Expo Lite 2021 are just $5 (+ processing fees) with all proceeds to benefit the Hate Is a Virus commUNITY Action Fund. Purchase your tickets here and take a trip to Los Angeles to ‘Discover Little Tokyo’ and get exclusive access to Anime Expo Lite (Live stream).

Nihon Falcom Celebrates its 40th Anniversary with A free virtual concert from Falcom jdk BAND

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Nihon Falcom announced their celebration plans earlier this week. For the last 40 years, Nihon Falcom has become a prominent video game developing company within the industry alongside Square Enix.

Falcom is most notably known for the Ys, The Legend of Heroes, and Trails series. Its current company president, Toshihiro Kondo, will be making a special message during its special 40th Anniversary celebration event on June 24th.

The special event will also feature a special virtual concert from the Falcom jdk band, for all Falcom fans for free, featuring tracks spanning four decades of Nihon Falcom’s game history.

NISA (NIS America) Online Store and NGPX have team up to announce brand new merchandise going live on June 24th after the event, warping up the celebration. According to NISA Online Store, one of these ‘brand new’ merchandise will be made in limited supply.

Tune in and catch it all:
Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 10:00 PM PT (June 25 at 7:00 AM CET)
Streamed live at the New Game+ Expo Twitch and YouTube channels

Lucasfilm + Anime Expo Lite: STAR WARS: VISIONS Panel & Sneak Peak

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Anime Expo announced that Lucasfilm will bring a galaxy far, far away to Anime Expo Lite this July with Star Wars: Visions – Sneak Preview panel!

Join host Chastity Vicencio and Lucasfilm executive producers, Jacqui Lopez, James Waugh Josh Rimes and Qubic Pictures’ Co-Executive Producer, Justin Leach and Kanako Shirasaki for an inside look at Star Wars: Visions before the series debuts on Disney+ later this year.

Star Wars: Visions is an upcoming anthology of animated shorts celebrating
Star Wars through the lens of the world’s best anime creators and storytellers.

Concept Visual

According to Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm Ltd, Star Wars: Visions “[is an] anthology collection [that] will bring ten fantastic visions from several of the leading Japanese anime studios, offering a fresh and diverse cultural perspective to Star Wars.”

The upcoming novel Ronin written by Emma Mieko Candon, will tie into one of the shorts. Ronin is set to release on October 12, 2021. There is no current release date for Star Wars: Visions.

Cover not final

Full Panel Details:

Star Wars: Visions – Sneak Preview
Date: July 3, 2021 / 3:00PM PST
Duration: 30 minutes

Where:  Anime Expo Lite

Tickets to access this year’s Anime Expo Lite programming are $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Hate Is A Virus commUNITY Action Fund. After the stream concludes on July 4th, ticketholders can re-watch the content, as well as access additional programming, on a VOD basis from July 5th -16th, 2021.

MyAnimeList’s Zombieland Saga: Revenge “Caption This” contest

Anime, Autographs, Contests, Giveaways, , , ,

MyAnimeList has announced that it will be holding a worldwide “caption this” contest in collaboration with the popular TV anime Zombieland Saga: Revenge. From the submitted entries, MyAnimeList management and staff involved with the anime will choose the funniest 4-panel manga. The winner will be announced at the end of July 2021.

Contest Outline

A global “caption this” contest using images from the popular TV anime Zombieland Saga: Revenge, open to participants from all over the world.

In response to three panels Tweeted by the official MyAnimeList Twitter account, participants must choose a fourth panel, caption it, and retweet it using #CaptionZLSR to enter.

The submitted 4-panel manga will be screened by MyAnimeList management and staff involved with the anime, and the creator of the funniest manga will receive a Blu-ray signed by the anime’s cast. There will be a total of five different ‘themes’ per week, the starting theme is “The Legendary –[insert you caption here]–“. For examples, take a look here.

A new theme will be posted on Friday, June 18th. Contest ends on July 11th and winners will be announced July 30, 2021.

How to Enter

  1. Follow the MyAnimeList official account on Twitter (@myanimelist)
  2. Choose a story theme and an image for the final panel.
  3. Quote retweet the chosen theme and add the image, a punchline, and the hashtag #CaptionZLSR

Event Schedule (may be subject to changes)

Entry period: June 11 – July 15 23:59 (JST) 

Prize announcement: July 30, 2021

Please keep an eye on the masterpieces created using the cute, funny, touching, and unique materials of Zombieland Saga: Revenge!

TRESE Graphic Novel Sells Out Ahead of Netflix Anime Series Debut!

Anime, Voice Actors, ,

Filipino komik (Comic) series, Trese sold out before the Netflix anime adaption!

Created by Filipino writer Budjette Tan and Illustrator Kajo Baldisimo, Trese is a dark fantasy, crime comic series that was originally published in 2005. Trese tells the story of Alexandra Trese, a private detective who specialized in supernatural crimes. The series itself is inspired heavily on Filipino mythology and American series such as, Batman, X-Files, CSI and Constantine.

  • Budjette Tan (Writer)
  • Kajo Baldisimo (Artist)

Having already won numerous awards, including the National Book Award Best Graphic Literature in 2010, an anime inspired adaptation by Netflix was announced back in 2018, with Trese creators as showrunners and Jay Oliva as the series director.

As the series drew more attention from its Netflix adaptation announcement, the award-winning graphic novel sold out ahead of its anime series debut! But don’t worry, you still have a chance to get your hands on a copy, as the comic heads back to press for a second printing.

With TRESE Volume 1’s second printing, fans will have just enough time to get catch up on the supernatural journey of Alexandria Trese, just in time for TRESE Volume 2: Unreported Murders which will be released on July 13th, followed by TRESE Volume 3: Mass Murders on September 28th!

  • SOLD OUT (2nd Printing coming soon)
  • Coming Soon (7/13/21)
  • Coming Soon (9/28)

The series stars Pretty Little Liars star, Shay Mitchell, as the voice of Alexandra Trese in English, and Liza Soberano (My Ex and Whys, Alone/Together) in Filipino.

  • Shay Mitchell (English)
  • Liza Soberano (Filipino)

Watch the hit -series, TRESE the animated series now on Netflix!

Exclusive Interview with Stephanie Southerland – Jean Gunnhildr -A Genshin Impact Interview

Anime, TKN Exclusive, video games, Voice Actors, , , , , ,

As Genshin Impact continues to gain more and more players, we continue to bring you more exclusive Genshin Impact voice actor interviews, to get to know those favorite characters you all love and adore. This time we had the opportunity to interview Stephanie Southerland, the voice of Grand Master, Jean Gunnhildr!

Get to know the voice behind Grand Master, Jean Gunnhildr as we take you behind the scenes with voice actress, Stephanie Southerland! Pst! Stay tuned to the end of the interview to learn how you can win an autographed print from Stephanie Southerland!

Exclusive CODE LYOKO Interview I – Barbara Scaff

Anime, Current Interviews, TKN Exclusive, Voice Actors, , ,

Many animation voices have touched our hearts during our childhood, but for those who grew with with Code Lyoko, these voices still keep on living in our hearts.

Code Lyoko, created by animators Thomas Romain and Tania Palumbo, is French animated show that. The series was the child of two short films, Les enfants font leur cinéma (The children make their own films) and Garage Kids.


The series gained attention due to its unique combination of 2D and CGI animation. It first premiered in the U.S. on Cartoon Network in April 19, 2004. It became extremely successful in both its origin country and in the U.S. as well as other parts of world.

The success behind the show was not its unique style of animation but its dramatic storyline and character development. As the series progressed, we begin to see characters evolve and thus are more relatable. Bringing these amazing characters to life are of course, the cast of Code Lyoko; Sharon Mann (Aelita Schaeffer), Matthew Géczy (Odd Della Robbia), Barbara Weber-Scaff (Ulrich Stern), Mirabelle Kirkland (Yumi Ishiyama), and David Gasman (William Dunbar/XANA) to name a few.

Odd Della Robbia, Aelita Stones (Schaeffer), Jeremy Belpois, Ulrich Stern, Yumi Ishiyama & William Dunbar

In an exclusive interview we had with Code Lyoko star voice actress Barbara Scaff, reveals her experience working on the series, afterthoughts, her opinions on the follow-up series, Code Lyoko: Evolution and much more! Stay tuned till the end of the interview for a VERY special announcement!

GIVEAWAY!
A have chance to win this RARE Code Lyoko Ulrich figure! Originally released by Marvel Toys, this is a very RARE figure that has now been discontinued since 2009. Don’t miss your chance, enter now! Here’s how:

  1. Subscribe to our channel
  2. Comment your favorite Lyoko Warrior and your reason why ON the video’s commnet section (not here)
  3. DONE! It’s that easy!

Deadline: 4/17/2021

Thank you for the memories, Barbara!