Indivisible: First Look

July 28, 2018Anime, Giveaways, video games505 Games, anime expo, Cuphead, Dofus, Hiroki Kikuta, Indivisible, Indivisible Video Game, Lab Zero Games, music, RPG, RPG Video Game, SkullGirls, Soul Calibur V, Steam, Video Game, Wakfuvincemage

Teaser Animated trailer released during Anime expo 2018. Animation by Studio Trigger known for Kill La Kill.

Indivisible is an upcoming, fighting RPG game made by Lab Zero Games, the same developers who made Skullgirls. Although Skullgirls focuses on mainly on fighting skills, Indivisible expands to the platform/RPG genre.

Indivisible was initially announced back in Anime Expo 2015 during a Skullgirls panel. On October 5th 2015, Lab Zero Games launched a crowdfunding campaign for $1.5 million dollars to produce an entire full game. Then on November 23, 2015, the Indivisible demo was released on Steam, generally receiving positive reviews and by December 2nd of that same year, the crowdfunding campaign was reached its goal of $1.5 million.

Screen shot from the demo. Download the game on Steam here.

Being a huge fan of the artwork that Lab Zero Games produces in their games, I decided to try the demo out myself. Just as their previous game, Skullgirls, Indivisible was produced using 2D, hand-drawn, techniques. Which in MY opinion Indivisible has one of the best hand animations, it has a art style that is more modern, and unlike other games such as, Cuphead which was meant to mimic the 1930s art style, Indivisible is a more modern rendition of that concept. Of course Cuphead is different genre. In comparison, Wakfu, produce by Ankama Games, is another game that is similar to Indivisible in that they both have similar art styles, though have very different gameplays:

compaison — Left: *Wakfu* (Produce in Adobe Flash); Right: *Indivisible* (Produce using hand drawn 2D traditional animation)

There are many things about Indivisible that I loved, however its art direction and its gameplay is what got me mesmerized. The mixture of beautiful natural artistic direction, the detailed characters & the energetic cast alongside the dynamic Lab Zero Games team make the game a remarkable experience to play.
Unfortunately, Lab Zero Games fans will have to wait a bit along as the game’s initial release date, January 2018, was pushed back to some time in mid 2019. Although a specific date hasn’t been set yet.

Delayed set back to 2019 confirm by Lab Zero Games

For now, the demo is available on steam for FREE download and you can visit the game’s official website to be updated on its process here.

GIVEAWAY!

In honour of Indivisible, we’ve are giving away an official Indivisible Original Soundtrack CD brought to you by Lab Zero Games. Indivisible’s in-game music is composed by Hiroki Kikuta, who has worked in Super Nintendo’s Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3, Soul Calibur V & Koudelka.

Indivisible – Special Sound Selections Official CD

Track List

How to win:
Like our facebook page here & Share this article via Twitter or Facebook using the #TKNIndivisible tag. You’ll automatically be entered to win this exclusive Indivisible Original Soundtrack CD. You have until August 11th 2018 to enter! The winner will be announced on August 12th 2018 via our facebook page. Good luck!

GUDETAMA’s Creator/Designer visits SANRIO in Little Tokyo

July 25, 2018Anime, Autographs, Events, Little Tokyo, Los AngelesAnime, ぐでたま, GUDETAMA, Hello Kitty, Lazy Egg, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, SanrioKrystal Kitsune

Since 2013, Gudetama (ぐでたま) made its debut as a Sanrio character. Gudetama became an instant STAR with Gudetama theme cafes, stores and even a Gudetama themed menu in Los Angeles back in 2015.

Gudetama’s origins begin with a character design contest held by Sanrio back in 2013, coming in 2nd to Kirimi-chan.

sgs

Fastword to 2018, Gudetama’s creator/designer, AMY (Emi Nagashima) visits the Sanrio store in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, making this her first visit ever.

Gudetama fans stood in line to receive a signed drawing of Gudetama from AMY.

As AMY made a special appearance in Los Angeles, Aggretsuko creator/designer visited the Sanrio store in San Francisco for the continuation of Aggretsuko’s Den Of Rage event.

With Gudetama & Aggretsuko becoming instant stars & both characters getting their own TV series (Gudetama: TBS & Aggretsuko: Netflix), it’s only a matter of time before Sanrio develops yet another super cute and adorable character we can all be be obsessed with.

Here’s our photoset from AMY’s visit:

AMY at work

AMY signs a Gudetama book for a fan

AMY and I

Gudetama and I

Gudetama & my assistant, Vincent

Take a look at out video as well:

Who’s your favorite SANRIO character? Comment below!

ANIME EXPO 2018

July 13, 2018Anime, Autographs, Concerts, Cons, Cosplay, Events, Films/Movies, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Photography, video games, Voice Actors, WaifuAnime, anime con, anime convention, anime expo, anime expo 2018, anime fan, AnimeExpo2018, AX18, Cosplay, funimation, Los Angeles, otaku, Photography, weebsKrystal Kitsune

Anime Expo 2018 was a complete success!

For the 27th time, Anime Expo came back with full force from July 4th – July 8th drawing fans from 70 different countries. This year over 110,000 people attended Anime Expo, thats 2,342 more attendees than in Anime Expo 2017, making a local economic impact of $100 million to the city of Los Angeles.

Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018

Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018

Although Anime Expo went off without a hitch, there were a few slight inconveniences.

Before Anime Expo even began, they were altered to a possible threat made against AX and its attendees. According to Anime New Network, the threat was made by a man who allegedly stated via text, “These cons are due for a high school shooting, by a high school kidd [sic]. I’m working on a case at the moment. Shit u [sic] not.” although he did not specifically stated Anime Expo as a target, Anime Expo responded by promptly by ‘alerting local law enforcement to take appropriate actions in accordance with their procedures.‘ in a statement the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) said:

“Just as in 2017, we are working with security teams and local law enforcement, including K9 teams and traffic control officers, to maintain the safety of our event. Additionally, as previously announced, we are utilizing RFID badges for AX this year and will have security checks at each entrance. We encourage attendees to check our mobile app and maps to get familiarized with the various designated entrances.”

Thankfully, AX came and went without incident. Although the seriousness of this threat wasn’t felt among con goers; With public shootings happening all over the country on a daily basis, ‘indirect’ threats such as these, should NOT be taken with grain of salt. Though it may be a slight inconvenience, security checks at AX do their job by preventing such incidents to ever happen. If you would like to read more details on this situation please read Anime News Network’s article here.

Moving on to more lighter but heated topics:

Los Angeles suffered a huge heat wave during day 2 & day 3 of Anime Expo with temperatures reaching up to 108°. Although the convention center had functioning air conditioning, outside the heat was unbearable. Mailing AX badges eliminated “LineCon” or the long tedious, on-site registration line. Attendees were still not happy about waiting in line to get inside the convention center due to bag checks. Attendees also took to social to suggest that Anime Expo should cap their tickets due to overcrowding.

Do agree that Anime Expo should cap their badges? leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your opinions.

Be as it may, the heatwave was no match for hard working, determined cosplayers, whom in the middle of the scorching sun, went all out in their cosplays. Check these awesome cosplays:

Photo credit: Mystic Taku

Best cosplay of AX 2018?

We interviewed some of these wonderful cosplayers and this is what they had to say, about why they attended Anime Expo 2018 and how we dealt with the heat weave:

Before I jump on to a different topic, a HUGE shoutout to these guys at Alove yogurt, who, in the middle of the scorching sun, passed out these delicious yogurts to con goers

Thanks guys! (Peach Flavor was the best!)

In addition to the 110K attendees, over 150 guests and industry made appearances including, Go Nagai, Hiromi Wakabayashi, Mari Okada, Sean Danconia, Santa Inoue, and SUSHIO. Booths also held guest appearances as with, Project Sekai who had Nekopara’s creator, Sayori in attendance for fan autographs.

Sayori---NekoPara-(1) — Since taking photos of Sayori was prohibited, here’s her signature dedicated to me, *Krystal*.

The Exhibit & Entertainment Halls also featured more than 524 Exhibitors (74 Exhibitors more than AX 2017) Among them was AnimePls, a new Anime brand that is dedicated to bringing you exclusive merchandise from various anime series including: Hatsune Miku, Attack On Titan, Yugioh, My Hero Academia & Aggretsuko! Check their booth from AX 2018.

Check them out at: Animepls.com

AnimePls has licensed all these series, so far!

Near the end of Anime Expo; Funimation and LootCrate collaborated on an AX Afterparty held at the Globe Theater in Downtown Los Angeles during the night of Day 3.

FunimationXSonicBoomBoxXLootCrate AX After Party!

Attendees able to receive a free goodie bag which contained Loot Crate exclusives

There were so many things that went down at this year’s anime. From newly produced anime series to exclusive Anime Expo events and merchandise. If you missed out this year, don’t worry, Anime Expo will be back in 2019! Tickets are now on sale! For now enjoy our entire Anime Expo 2018 photoset:

Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018

Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018

Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018

Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018

Day 1 of Anime BrExpo 2018

The Entertainment Hall

The Entertainment Hall – OVERWATCH booth

FATE: Grand Order VR booth

Feel like playing Kingdom Hearts III?

Brought to you by, Arby’s

Filming for our AX video

Brought to you by, Arby’s

My assistant, Vincent

Back to you, buddy.

BTS – Deku Inter.

Mystic Taku as Casual Deku

BTS – Deku Inter.

Interviewing Aggretsuko

Why would you toss fapping paper away?

Not really that packed…

…or maybe…

………

……..

FunimationXSonicBoomBoxXLootCrate AX After Party!

SWAG BAGS!

Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist

Special Thanks to:

Anime Expo & Anime Expo Press Staff
The Anime Pls Team
Cosplayer, Mystic Taku
Luis Alexander &
My wonderful assistant, Vincent Reyes

Author’s Note:

This year’s Anime Expo was special mainly because we, My assistant & I, attended AX as Press, which was such an honor! We hope to attend next year as Press as well. Unfortunately, I got very ill between Day 0 – Day 2 and although we were able to take photos and film, I wasn’t able to fully capture everything I wanted at AX nor accomplish. During Day 3, I was feeling much better, we ended up filming the last day of AX, alongside, interviewing awesome cosplayers! I hope you enjoyed our mini AX video (found above) and I’ll personally bring you much more Anime Con coverage beginning with ANIMANGA 2018 coming this August!

Miku Expo 2018

July 10, 2018Anime, Anime Concerts, Concerts, Cosplay, Events, Japanese Music, Los Angeles, Photographyanime expo, anime expo 2018, AnimeExpo2018, AX 2018, Crypton Future Media, FYE, Hatsune Miku, MIKU, Miku Expo, Miku Expo 2018, Miku Hatsune, MikuEXpo2018Krystal Kitsune

MIKU EXPO RETURN TO LOS ANGELES!

Miku’s last LA appearance was during Miku Expo 2016, now she’s back again with Miku Expo 2018. This year’s theme: “Can’t Make A Song!!” by beat_shobon.

As you read this, Miku Expo is still on going with tours left in New York, NY & Mexico City alongside Miku’s first european concerts beginning on December 1st in Paris, France, followed by, Cologne, Germany & London, United Kingdom.

If you’re interested in attending any of these shows, click here for showtimes:
Miku Expo 2018 (USA&Mexico)/Miku Expo 2018(Europe)

Miku Expo 2018 (excluding San Jose/Austin) song list:

F.Y.E. Let’s Paint Miku Event

Following the concert in Los Angeles, electronics store. FYE (For Your Entertainment) in collaboration with Crypton Future Media INC organized an in-store event where Hatsune Miku fans were to purchase a blank Miku figurine and participated in various artistic activities such as, figure painting, coloring and Japanese traditional Chigiri-e (Art made with coloured paper that is torn to create images, and may resemble a water colour paintings.)

Once the figure was painted, it was then filmed for an upcoming video alongside the colouring sheets & Chigiri-e which were kept by Crypton Future Media INC for said upcoming video.

Here’s our Miku Expo 2018 video:

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading my post, due to time restrictions, I couldn’t take as many photos as I wanted to before the concert began in LA. I do hope you enjoyed our video. Be on the lookout for our Anime Expo 2018 post, coming soon!

PUMA X SEGA (Official Sonic The Hedehog Shoes)

June 23, 2018Anime, Autographs, Concerts, Events, Los Angeles, Photography, video gamesAnime, Comics, crush 40, Johnny Gioeli, Jun Senoue, Live and learn, music, PS3, Ps4, puma, puma shoes, PUMAXSONIC, Sega, Shadow The Hedgehog, Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, Sonic Racing, sonic shoes, Sonic the hedgehog, sonic the hedgehog shoes, Sonic video games, SonicTeam, Takashi IizukaKrystal Kitsune

Sega & shoe brand, Puma teamed up to make the best collaboration SEGA has ever been involved in:

Classic SONIC THE HEDGEHOG RS-0 inspired Shoes!

These nostalgic RS-0 shoes were released on Tuesday, June 12th, 2018*

Sonic The Hedgehog (Green Hill Zone) Shoe

Dr.Robotnik Shoe

Sonic X Puma Shoe box art

According Puma’s official website, details of these limited edition RS-0 shoes are as follows:

DETAILS:
-RS-0 Sonic takes inspiration from Sonic the Hedgehog and the world he protects
-The upper’s textured suede represents Sonic’s fur
-Upper also features micro ventilation perforations, embroidered PUMA Formstrip, deboss of Sonic’s head and gold rings
-Metallic gold rings on lace ends – relates to the classic gold rings collected in the video game
-16Bit Grass Print on heel is a nod to the Green Hill Zone
-Checkered footbed is inspired by the roads Sonic runs on
-Outsole features translucent red rubber + Sonic logo Under Print
-Tongue label features the collaboration logo and RS-0 binary number branding

These shoes are currently SOLD OUT. A Puma representative made a statement regarding the future availability of these shoes, and stated “This was a limited release, and there will be no additional production of the shoe”, It is, however, available to purchase on these following platforms at buyer’s own risk: E-bay, Amazon & stockx.com.

Following the release of these shoes, Nice Kicks, a popular shoe store in Downtown Los Angeles, held a HUGE SEGA party with VERY special guests.

an authentic Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic #24

Sonic Mania Sega Gen. s Cartridge w/ metal gold ring

Inside NICK KICKS during the event

Inside NICK KICKS during the event (Eggman section)

SONIC RS-0 by digital artist, Jeff Cole

Inside NICEKICKS (before event began)

Promo Hatsune Miku banner

Store’s game station

Sega Genesis Flashback HD 2017 Console

Sega Genesis original poster

My assistant, Vincent Reyes

Myself

Fans waiting to see CRUSH 40

SEGA staff setting up event/stage

Sonic the Hedgehog board game from Brazil

Fan hold Jeff Cole’s artwork that he won

The stage

Sonic The Hedgehog backdrop

Myself & the fastest thing alive, Sonic!

Special guests included, game designer/game director, S & Japanese-American rock band, Crush 40 (Jun Senoue & Johnny Gioeli)! For the first time, in a long time, Crush 40 performed LIVE in Los Angeles. Performing Sonic classics such as, Open your Heart, Live and Learn, I am…All of Me, and their new song, Green Light Ride for the new sonic game, Sonic Racing! Watch the entire concert provided by yours truly, The Kitsune Network:

check out our photos from the concert:

Johnny Gioeli (Crush 40 Vocals)

Jun Senoue (Crush 40 guitarist)

Crush 40 performing “Sonic Boom” cover

Jun Senoue (Crush 40 guitarist) with SONIC guitar

Crush 40 performing “Live & Learn”

Me filming the entire concert for you guys.

GOOD NIGHT, LOS ANGELES!

Personal Afterthoughts

Watching Crush 40 and meeting band members, Johnny and Jun was surreal. As a child I remember playing Sonic Adventure XD and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, I remember not skipping title screen just to hear Crush 40’s theme. I would like to Thank you Crush 40, for making my childhood great with their catchy rockin songs and Thank you Mr.Iizuka, for making the greatest Sonic game ever; the Adventure series.

(Left to Right) Mr.Iizuka Takashi; Johnny Gioeli; Krystal & Jun Senoue

Thank you, Johnny.

Ronin-Expo 2018

June 19, 2018Anime, Art, Cons, Cosplay, Events, Japanese Music, Japanese Stuff, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Manga, Photography, Voice ActorsAniFest, Cosplay, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, My Hero Academia, ronin expo, Ronin expo 2018, Sword Art Online, Vocaloidsvincemage

Ronin-Expo was held on June 02 of 2018, at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

Ronin_ALA+website.jpg

So what is Ronin-Expo, you may ask? Ronin-Expo is a celebration of Asian culture, this includes anime, video games, movies, & even a bit history of Japan itself. What makes this expo so interesting though, is the fact that it’s in the center of Little Tokyo district in the city of angels (Los Angeles). This makes it a diverse spot for Ronin Expo to be in, as attendees can further explore Little Tokyo by visiting the surrounding museums and local restaurants.

Here are some more pictures from the event including: cosplayers, event guests, attendees and staff members.

Felt like you missed out? Don’t worry, Ronin Expo will return spring 2019, so mark your calendars and take a trip to Little Tokyo, Los Angeles & make sure to stop by Ronin-Expo!

See you at the next Con/Expo!

Interview with: SARAH WILLIAMS

June 16, 2018Anime, Autographs, Current Interviews, Events, Giveaways, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Voice ActorsCosplay, Fate/Apocrypha, Felix Argyle, Jinx, Kakegurui, Kill La Kill, League of Legends, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Midari Ikishima, RE Zero, REZero, ronin expo, Ronin expo 2018, RoninExpo2018, Sarah ann Williams, Sarah Williams, SkullGirls, Sword Art Online, Voice Actors, Voice overKrystal Kitsune

As we attend RONIN-EXPO 2018, we had the pleasure of interviewing voice actress, Sara Williams! [Don’t forget to check out our related giveaway, details below!]

banner01 You may recognize her voice as, Jinx (League of Legends), Midari Ikishima (Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler), Peacock (SkullGirls), Lisbeth / Rika Shinozaki (Sword Art Online series), Nonon Jakuzure (Kill La Kill), Berserker of Black (Fate/Apocrypha) & most recently as Felix Argyle (RE: Zero)

: Me & Sarah Williams during the interview

Watch as Sarah speaks about her career and how she voice a few of her most recent characters:

Sarah Williams & I

Vincent Reyes (My assistant) & Sarah Williams

Felix Argyle Giveaway!

Thanks for reading/watching our interview with Sarah Williams, now here’s your chance to WIN an autographed print of Felix Argyle!

re_zero_felix_argyle___sarah_williams_autograph_by_xxxsketchbookxxx-dce13w4

All you have to do is, leave a comment on the interview video & subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Refer to our Giveaway rules for more information.

DEADLINE IS JULY 1ST 2018

Special thanks to RONIN-EXPO & Danny Gonzalez for the opportunity to attend RONIN EXPO!

Aggretsuko’s Den of Rage: Why do you like Aggretsuko?

June 5, 2018Anime, Cosplay, Events, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, PhotographyAggretsuko, Cosplay, Hello Kitty, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, retsuko, SanrioKrystal Kitsune

Since the beginning of Aggretsuko Den of Rage event, we’ve been covering the event as it took place in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, CA!

Find Aggretsuko

Aggretsuko decor.

On the last day of the event, May 28th 2018, we asked seven different Aggretsuko fans about their love for the METAL red panda, Watch our video, maybe you can relate:

DSC_0049---Copy — Til’ next time, Aggretsuko…

Aggretsuko X Amoeba Music

May 21, 2018Anime, Cosplay, Events, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, PhotographyAggretsuko, amoeba music, Hello Kitty, hollywood, Photography, SanrioKrystal Kitsune

Aggretsuko collaborated at hollywood’s iconic music store, Amoeba Music! DSC_0256(2)

All attendees received Aggretsuko SWAG plus whatever fans bought: Amoeba X Aggretsuko shirt OR Amoeba tote bag:

Aggretsuko temp tattoos

My Amoeba music X Aggretsuko tote bag

Aggretsuko SWAG!

Here’s our photoset + small event video:

Amoeba front entrance. Line was already outsde.

Aggretsuko decor.

Small Aggretsuko ‘shoppe’

Though the line was LONG, it was speedy.

Find Aggretsuko

I got to see her again ♥

Want to meet AGGRETSUKO?

Aggretsuko’s DEN of RAGE has been EXTENDED!!! The RAGE will continue at Sanrio Japanese Village until 5/28/18!!! More information here.

AGGRETSUKO APPEARANCE DETAILS:
-Friday, May 25th – 6pm to 9:30pm
-Saturday, May 26th – 12pm to 4:30pm
-Sunday, May 27th – 12pm to 4:30pm

Interview with: Jason Paige – Vocal artist of the famous, Pokémon Theme song!

May 20, 2018Anime, Autographs, Concerts, Cosplay, Current Interviews, Events, Los Angeles, Manga, Photography, video games, Voice ActorsAniFest, Anime, anime con, anime convention, Cosplay, Jason paige, Pokemon, Pokemon fans, pokemon go, voice acting, Voice overKrystal Kitsune

You may not recognize his face but you’ll definitely recognize his voice! Join us in our quick interview with Pokemon Theme song singer, JASON PAIGE:

We interviewed Jason Paige at AniFest 2018 in Torrance, California. Although we were there primarily for Jason, here are some photos from Anifest & a quick video.