Code Lyoko is a fantastic, french produced series that mixes CGI and 2D animation. Often described as French anime, the series remains popular in the U.S., with an active a cult following. Although the series came to an end in 2012, fans are still sharing and creating fan-made content. However,as the series came to a end, fans are searched for information on the show itself. Who created it, how was it made, and who worked on it? And who is sebastian Davin? No matter what department a staff member worked on, fans want to know.
Code Lyoko Season 1 – 3 Character Designs and outfits
Some have even contacted producers, animators, music composers, and voice actors, myself included, who worked on the show. During the pandemic, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing French-based actress Barbara Scaff, the voice of Ulrich Stern.
Code Lyoko Season 4
Code Lyoko Season 4 Character Designs and new character, William Dunbar (Bottom)
During the show’s 4th season, MoonScoop, the producers began to promote the show with an English version of the show’s music album. The original album had been released in France a year earlier. Although the album was not a U.S. sensation, it was an instant hit among CL fans once it was released. Using the album’s first track Planet Net, MoonScoop released an AMV that featured the show’s fictional band, The Subdigitals.
For a long time, fans wondered who the voice behind the music in the album was. Who made fans play the album non-stop? Lyoko warriors and dear readers, let me introduce you to musician Sebastian Davin.
Sebastian Davin Joins The Subdigitals
Sebastian Davin comparison image with his cartoon counterpart, Nico
Sebastian Davin is a Minnesota-based musician, guitarist, pianist, and the current vocalist in his band, The White Keys. He was one of the three founders of the modern rock/alternative metal band Dropping Daylight. As Dropping Daylight, Sebastian and his bandmates performed with The Pixies, Paramore, Papa Roach, Cypress Hill, Green Day, The Misfits, & Breaking Benjamin. So, how did Sebastian get involved in the making of the Code Lyoko album? I’ll let Sebastian explain, watch our exclusive interview below.
I want to thank Sebastian Davin for the interview opportunity and all Code Lyoko fans who are very excited about this interview. If you’re reading this and are barely getting into the Code Lyoko fandom, head over to CODE LYOKO’s official YouTube channel to watch ALL the Code Lyoko episodes, including its live action sequel Code Lyoko Evolution, all for free.
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The Simpsons’ annual Treehouse Of Horror halloween episode returns with a Death Note parody, DEATH TOME.
A Clip making it rounds on Twitter, featuring Lisa as Light giving fans a glimpse of well animated episode. The segment is animated by South Korean studio, DR Movie Animation Entertainment studio, who also assisted in animating the original series in 2006.
The first clip from ‘The Simpsons’ parody of ‘DEATH NOTE’ has been released.
Look closely and you might find your favorite Simpsons character in your favorite anime style animation. In fact, Simpson episode writer, Carolyn Omine promised to share more Easter Eggs from the Death Note segment.
This is not the first time The Simpsons have parodied Death Note. Back 2009, the series was parodied using Bart as the central character in The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror #14, the segment was titled, Murder, He Wrote and penicled by Nina Matsumoto.
Artst: Nina Matsumoto
The episode will air this Sunday, October 30th. You watch on the Fox or on Hulu. The episode will also parody Westworld, and the 2014 psychological horror film, The Babadook.
One Piece Film Red served as the centerpiece film at this year’s Animation is Film Festival and for the first time fans had the opportunity to experience film in English dubbed, two weeks ahead of its official U.S. theater release.
The film is directed by Goro Taniguchi, who previously directed the 1998 OVA, One Piece: Defeat The Pirate Ganzak! OVA and was the very first time the One Piece manga had been animated, making Taniguchi the first person to animate Luffy. According to the Japanese website, Mantan-Web, Taniguchi stated that he wanted to express a One Piece that has never been seen before and that he will show it in One Piece Film: Red. According to Shinji Shimizu, a staff of Toei Animation and producer of One Piece anime, One Piece Film: Red is the only One Piece film that Eiichiro Oda has actively participated in the most.
Now for the first time ever, fans got to experience the film in English dubbed during this year’s Animation is Film Festival 2022, and we had the opportunity to catch with some of the cast and speak on this new anime film phenomenon:
As of 23 October 2022, the film has grossed ¥17.36 billion in Japan making it the highest-grossing film of the franchise and the highest-grossing film of 2022 in Japan. Worldwide the film has earned over US$144.7 million in eight countries making it the 13th highest-grossing Japanese film of all-time.
The film’s theme song “New Genesis” by Ado is currently number 48 in the Top 100 Global charts on Apple Music. The film is set to be released on the 4th of November 2022, if you haven’t purchased your tickets, now’s the time, you can purchase here.
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Popular illustrator, Loundraw had his debut film premiere during this year’s Anime Expo 2022, & recently during this year’s Animation Is Film festival, we had the opportunity to interview Loundrawabout his debut film, Summer Ghost
The film is produced by Loundraw’s company Flat Studio, with scripts written by Hirotaka Adachi, and music composed by Akira Kosemura, Itoko Toma, Guiano, and Hideya Kojima.
Summer Ghost was released in Japanese theaters on November 12, 2021, by its distributor Avex Pictures. GKIDS and Shout! Factory is set to release the film in North America on November 1, 2022, on Blu-ray and digital platforms. The film is available to preorder via Prime Video.
Loundraw is an Illustrator who made his professional debut in his teens with a cover illustration for Gara Nagata’s Hoshi no Nemuru Mizuumi e -Ai wo Sagashi ni-. He also worked on the covers of various novels, such as Keigo Higashino’s Koi no Gondola and Yoru Sumino’s Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai.
You can preorder Loundraw’s newest English-translated work Vivy Prototypea light novel by Tappei Nagatsuki & Eiji Umehara, HERE.
New York Comic Con has announced the premiere of the upcoming Super Marios Bros film produced by Illumination and Nintendo.
The film an ensemble voice cast including Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), Seth Rogen (Donkey Kong), Fred Armisen (Cranky Kong), Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek), Sebastian Maniscalco (Spike), and Charles Martinet(undisclosed role).
This is the third film adaptation of the game franchise following the 1986 Japanese animated adventure comedy film Super Mario Bros.: Peach-Hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen! and the terrible but cult classic film, 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros. The new film began its concept development as early as 2015, after Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto met Illumination CEO, Chris Meledandri through Universal Japan’s venture in Super Mario Bro attractions.
By 2020, production was already underway with Chris Pratt as Mario and Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who both worked on Teen Titans Go! To the Movies as director and writer, respectively. As of September 22, 2022, not much is known about the film’s plot, however there is an IMDB description that describes the film as follows,
” A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess. Feature film adaptation of the popular video game.”
GKIDS is collaborating with Fathom for Exclusive Event Showings of the Finale of the Historic “EVANGELION” Property. GKIDS will bring the highly anticipated fourth and final installment of the new theatrical “Rebuild” editions of the EVANGELION franchise to theaters nationwide. In partnership with Fathom Events, screenings will only be on December 6th, 8th, and 11th.
EVANGELION:3.0+1.01 THRICE UPON A TIME was released in Japanese theaters in 2021, where it was a critical and box office success becoming the highest-grossing film of the year with ¥10.28 billion (~$85 million) at the local box office. The release marks the first time the film will be available in theaters in North America since its domestic release in Japan. The film has won numerous awards, including, The 45th Japan Academy Film Prize, Tokyo Anime Awards, and Best Original Screenplay and Director (Hideaki Anno) categories at the Tokyo Anime Film Festival.
Created by Hideaki Anno,the NEON GENESIS EVANGELION franchise is considered one of the most influential animated sagas of all time. Since the 1995 premiere of the original television series, the story of teenager Shinji Ikari has remained one of the most iconic titles in animation history and a global pop culture phenomenon.
From legendary director Hideaki Anno, EVANGELION:3.0+1.01 THRICE UPON A TIME is the fourth and final installment of the REBUILD OF EVANGELION films, bringing an epic conclusion to the story of Shinji and his fellow Eva pilots, with the stunning visuals and thought-provoking storytelling that has made EVANGELION a global pop culture phenomenon.
Misato and her anti-NERV group Wille arrive at Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower. They only have 720 seconds to restore the city. When a horde of NERV Evas appear, Mari’s improved Eva Unit 8 must intercept. Meanwhile, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei (Provisional Name) wander about Japan.
“Not only Evangelion, but my work basically deal with themes unique to Japan, aimed at people who grew up in Japan. I am really grateful and honoured that such works are seen and loved by people all over the world. Thank you so much for supporting Evangelion, and I hope you enjoy the film”
miHoYo announced their ‘long term collaboration’ with Japanese studio UFOtable for a GENSHINIMPACT anime. miHoYo also released a concept trailer, which is not to be confused with an actual trailer or teaser trailer with animation from a series in production.
The announcement was made during Genshin Impact’s Version 3.1 Special Programme, giving fans more details on new game content and developments in Version 3.1.,”King Deshret and the Three Magi“
This is not miHoYo’s first animated project, Honokai 3rd Impact, another MihoYo developed game, also had its animated spin-off series titled, Cooking with Valkyries, A culinary spinoff of the Honkai Impact 3rd official manga.
Not many details have been released on this project, and we’re not exacpting to see any finalized episode anytime but rest assured we’ll be hearing more updates in the near future.
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A SILENT VOICE is celebrating its 5th anniversary with limited engagement screenings beginning on Wednesday, October 12th, at nearly 300 theatres, as part of AX Cinema Nights. Brought to you by Anime Expo, Iconic events & distributed by Eleven Arts, this partnership marks the next installment of AX Cinema Nights.
Based on the best-selling manga series by Yoshitoki Ōima, A SILENT VOICE is the poignant and moving story of Shōya Ishida, a school bully, and Shōko Nishimiya, a young girl with a hearing disability. Their story begins in sixth grade when Shōko transfers to Shōya’s elementary school and quickly finds herself bullied and isolated. Years later, the tables turn, and Shōya finds himself isolated and alone. A SILENT VOICE depicts the struggles and challenges of adolescence alongside coming of age outside the norm.
The film was produced by the acclaimed studio Kyoto Animation, directed by Naoko Yamada (K-On!, Tamako Market, ) and written by Reiko Yoshida, featuring music by Kensuke Ushio. The film grossed over $31.6 million worldwide and received a Best Animated Film nomination from the Japanese Film Academy upon its initial release in 2017.
The English dub cast includes renowned voice actors including Robbie Daymond (as Shoya Ishida), Lexi Marman Cowden (as Shoko Nishimiya), Kristen Sullivan (as Yuzuru Nishimiya), Graham Halstead (as Tomohiro Nagatsuka), Kira Buckland (as Naoka Ueno), Melissa Hope (as Miyoko Sahara), Amber Lee Connors (as Miki Kawai), Max Mittelman (as Satoshi Mashiba), Michael Sinterniklaas (as Kazuki Shimada), and Sara Cravens (as Miyoko Ishida).
AX Cinema Nights is an in-person movie event series celebrating the best new and classic anime films by bringing them to theaters across North America. Leveraging the brand power of Anime Expo, the largest Japanese culture event in North America, AX Cinema Nights brings passionate fans together for immersive and unforgettable community experiences.
Relive the experience by purchasing your tickets here.
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Late last month, Guilty Gear Strive began trending on Twitter after fan-favorite character Bridget was announced at EVO 2022 as part of the game’s season 2 roster, with additional characters yet to be revealed!
Bridget in Guilty Gear x2
Bridget was introduced as a twin, male character with a unique upbringing in which Bridget needed to be raised as a girl to avoid a superstition in her village that believed that a family who gave birth to same-sex twins would bring an omen or bad luck to the village; because of this, Bridget came a very memorable character. Although there was much excitement about Bridget’s return after nearly a decade of hiatus, Bridget began trending on Twitter for a different reason.
In STRIVE, Bridget fully embraced her feminine side and ‘came out’ as a transwoman. Throughout STRIVE, Bridget hints at self-doubt and the feeling of wanting to admit to something but being afraid to do so. Conflicted, Bridget seeks Ky Kiske out, and he encourages her to decide for herself how she wants to live. Her conversations with Ky and Goldlewis lead her to admit to being scared of losing what she has, but she no longer wants to lie to herself and asserts that she is a girl, and finally finds the strength to live as her true self no matter what others think.
Bridget’s new design in Guilty Gear STRIVE
Although a handful of fans were not happy about this decision, most fans came out in support of Bridget. Throughout Twitter, fans showed their support for Bridget with tweets, fanart, and fan videos; sharing their enthusiasm and their opinions as to why Bridget coming out as a trans individual is an important highlight in the Guilty Gear series. Furthermore, Arc System Works confirmed Bridget’s gender, In an article published this morning, (9/14/22) in which Daisuke Ishiwatari (Creator of the Guilty Gear series) states:
Daisuke Ishiwatari at Fanime Con
“We’ve received many inquiries about Bridget’s gender. After the events of Bridget’s story in Arcade Mode, she self-identifies as a woman. So, as to whether “he” or “she” would be the correct pronoun for Bridget, the answer would be “she.” Ishiwatari continues “Bridget tries living as a man, but it doesn’t feel right. This is where the Arcade Mode story begins. After her exchanges with Goldlewis and Ky, Bridget faces parts of herself she has tried to ignore and makes a big decision for herself. I hope that all of you will watch over her path after her courageous choice to stay true to her own feelings.”
We also wanted to hear from the English voice actor of Bridget and get their opinion on the matter and their experiences voicing Bridget. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview the voice of Bridget, KELLY OHANIAN. Join us for this very special interview as we speak about her experience voicing Bridget in Guilty Gear strive and her experience with the fandom!
August 24th, marked the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence (in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991), and in honor of the occasion, manga publisher, TOKYOPOP is proud to announce, ПЕРЕМОГА (PEREMOHA): VICTORY FOR UKRAINE, a new full-color graphic novel anthology by Ukrainian creators that debuted digitally on August 24th with a print release on September 27th 2022.
You purchase the graphic novel in digital or print format here:
A portion of the proceeds will go to Razom for Ukraine – (“Razom” meaning “together” in Ukrainian), a non-profit Ukrainian-American human rights organization established to give direct support to the people of Ukraine in their pursuit of a democratic society with dignity, justice, and human and civil rights for all.
Sample page, Ep 1
A web landing page for ПЕРЕМОГА (PEREMOHA): VICTORY FOR UKRAINE also has been created by TOKYOPOP, that features a heartfelt, personal message from TOKYOPOP founder, Stu Levy, as well as excerpts and bios for the creators. All that and more here.
About ПЕРЕМОГА (PEREMOHA): VICTORY FOR UKRAINE;
The war comes to readers (for ages 12+) in nine stories that humanize the conflict in Ukraine in a unique and emotionally lasting way with a focus on the heroism of the Ukrainian people and military in the face of overwhelming forces. Witness the struggles of brave defenders in cities like Kiev, Mariupol, Kherson, and Snake Island, and how the utter insanity and irony of the war is told from the standpoint of a looted Ukrainian washing machine, and a humble farm tractor that wants to steal Russian tanks.
What if your family, your hometown, your entire way of living were threatened by force? That’s what the people of Ukraine faced when Putin’s Russian army invaded their sovereign land, displacing millions of refugees and causing an international crisis threatening democracy across the globe. But the Ukrainian people refused to cave – and these 9 stories weave the greater tale of their resistance – and fight for Victory!
The stories in PEREMOHA: VICTORY FOR UKRAINE include:
Episode 1: The Ghost of Kiev – the now legendary story of an invincible ace Ukrainian fighter pilot – the Ghost of Kyiv – a man who protected hundreds of thousands of Kyivans, their children and homes during the first 30 hours of a massive attack on the city when he shot down 6 Russian planes
Episode 2: The Witch – Witches hold a distinct and storied place in Ukrainian culture. Witness how Russian soldiers bent on terrorizing the civilian population find more than they bargain for when they meet a vengeful Ukrainian witch on a deserted road.
Episode 3: Azov-Stal – This story is about the Azov regiment, the marines, border guards and policemen; who held out against incredible odds in the long-suffering city on the shores of the Sea of Azov; about the people who became hostages of the bloodthirsty military machine of the Russians.
Episode 4: Looters – The looting of the Russian army and the ironic fate of a Ukrainian washing machine
Episode 5: Zmiinyi Island 13 –The now iconic battle for Snake Island, where a band of brave Ukrainian solders defied the Russian navy and the proclaimed the legendary phrase that the world now knows – “Russian Warship F…ck Yourself.”
Episode 6: Throughout the Centuries – Ordinary Ukrainians take up arms against the Russian army using ancient earthen ramparts called the Snake Walls, built during the time of Kyivan Rus by Princes Volodymyr the Great and Yaroslav the Wise in the 9th and 10th Centuries to defend their lands from attacks from the southeast by nomadic tribes. In WW2, they were part of the defense lines against the Nazis and today they have helped to slow down and menace the advance of the invading Russian army.
Episode 7: Brave Little Tractor – An inspiring about an unlikely hero – a brave Ukrainian farm tractor that steals Russian army tanks
Episode 8: Cyber Kherson – An inspiring story of a new breed of Ukrainian rebels using technology to continue the struggle for democracy under brutal Russian occupation in the city of Kherson, located near Crimea and the eastern Donbas region.
Episode 9: The Price of Victory – How ordinary people in Ukraine went to war to defend their home, families, freedom, and fight for the right to live in their own free country and determine their own futures.
“VICTORY FOR UKRAINE grew out of tremendous upheaval caused by the invasion and my personal experience hosting some displaced families at my home in Berlin where I now reside,” says Stu Levy, Founder/CEO of TOKYOPOP.
Stu Levy – Founder and CEO of Tokyopop
Levy continues, “As I learned more about what was happening, we connected with the talented Ukrainian creators, artists and writers that brought the book to life. These stories are vignettes, originally created and published to inspire the people of Ukraine, but they will leave a lasting impression on readers around the world. The stories are steeped in the realities of the war but depicted in a very relatable way. We invite readers to discover this book and to stand for victory and freedom with the people of Ukraine.”
You can purchase the digital copy or preorder the print version below,
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