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.”
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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 second 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 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 announce at EVO 2022 as part of the game’s season 2 rooster, with additional characters yet to be revealed!
Bridget in Guilty Gear x2
Bridget was introduce as a twin, male character with a unique upbringing in which Bridget needed to be raised as a girl in order to avoid a superstition among 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 from Bridget’s return after nearly a decade hiatus, Bridget began trending on Twitter for a very 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 is 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 no longer wanting to lie to herself, and asserts that she is a girl; and finally, find 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 have come 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!
Watch til the very end and find out how you can win one of three SIGNED BRIDGET prints! Singed by Kelly herself! The deadline to enter is 10/1/22!
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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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Anime over took San Jose this month with Crunchyroll Expo 2022! Crunchyroll Expo or CRX, returned to the San Jose Convention Center after its two year physical hiatus from the pandemic, Drawing thousands from California and out of state. Crunchyroll Expo 2022’s turnstile attendance count was an estimated 45,000!
Special guests featured included Megan Shipman, Roseline Chiang, and Dominique “King Vader” Barrett with musical guests, Burnout Syndromes, SiM and MADKID. Although we did not have time to cover CRX’s special musical guests, we did manage to get some interviews with special guests Megan Shipman, Roseline Chiang and content creator King Vader.
Spy X Family has been trending ever since its anime adaptation release back in April of this year. Anya, the 6 year old telepath and became the center of attention among Spy X Family memes. We had the chance to sit down with Anya’s English voice actor, Megan Shipman to speak about her role and the impact it has made in her career.
In a surprising announcement, CRX announced Roseline Chiang as guest of honor. Roseline Chiang is best known for voicing Meilin “Mei” Lee in Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red. Not many may know that Roseline is a huge anime fan and Crunchy Roll Expo 2022 was her very first anime convention ever! Here’s our brief interview with Roseline during CRX’22.
To wrap-up, we spoke with content creator King Vader regarding his newest film, Hood Jujutsu Kaizen, which premiered during the convention, and his reasoning behind why people love his content and his future, listen to the full audio interview below.
As a bonus, we managed to briefly speak with Crunchy Roll mascot Crunchyroll-Hime!
Con-goers got to enjoy a great musical lineup, industry panels, and free bike rides from and to the convention center!
Slightly lite on activities, most of CRX’s content relied on V-Tubers, which, if you were not a fan of, the convention would have seemed like it had less to offer. However, let’s not forget that CRX, like many other conventions, are recovering and emerging from a two-year-long hiatus after the pandemic.
One would argue that cons had enough to prep up to come back, but with COVID-19 mandates still active in some states, it is no wonder conventions are taking it slow and experimenting with its content. We look forward to visiting New Crunchy City next year and seeing its various content Crunchyroll will have in store!
If you wish to see our photoset from Crunchyroll Expo 2022, head on over to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account!
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It’s been a little over a year since McDonald’s collaborated with Pokémon for its 25th anniversary, and they’re back again!
Beginning today, August 16th, 2022, McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys will have Pokémon toys, which will include four game Pokémon game cards, a spinner, and a coin. Based on the promotional videos on McDonald’s website, the cards featured are brand new cards and not reprinted or redistributed versions from its 25th-anniversary run.
Photos from Twitter user @Drakers_12, sent to Pokebeach.com, appear to show the full, complete card set with different coins and spinners.
As previously mentioned, the toy will include a spinner and a coin that can be used in conjunction with the cards. Details on the game and how to play watch the video below:
It’s safe to assume that many, if not all, McDonald’s will implement a “Must buy a Happy Meal to get toy” policy due to their high demand; this was seen in many McDonald’s throughout the nation during the 25th anniversary run, to deter any scalpers who were looking into getting their hands on just the cards themselves.
We wish all Pokémon masters luck on their journey to collect these cards…also enjoy the month long McDonald’s diet, we know we will.
Published in Shonen Jump, BLITZ is a new shonen manga that immerses readers into the “game of kings,” where intuition and mental agility are precious assets on the way to victory! Chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov, makes his manga debut in the series!
Written by Cédric Biscay (ASTROBOY REBOOT, Shenmue III) and Harumo Sanazaki (Yawareta Princess, Egekai ni Ai wa Moete, Manga Grimm Douwa) with artwork by Daitaro Nishihara (The Magical Cat Ghee).
The series is written by Cédric Biscay, who produced the return of the Shenmue saga in 2019 and the upcoming reboot of the Astroboy anime series, which is currently in production with Miraculous Ladybug creator, Thomas Astruc as director.
The series is also co-written by prolific Japanese manga-ka Harumo Sanazaki, her works have been published in more than 130 manga including The Phantom of the Opera, Yawareta Princess, Egekai ni Ai wa Moete, and Manga Grimm Douwa: Sharaku – Shinsetsu Onna Eshi
The series is illustrated by Daitaro Nishihara who began as a manga-ka in the magazine Monthly Shonen Jump. From 2001, several of his series were pre-published in the magazine Korokoro Comic (Shôgakukan), notably Pokémon 6 – Jirachi: The Genius of Wishes.
Harumo SanazakiDaitaro Nishihara
Chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov is featured in the manga and served as a consultant to the series. For those unfamiliar with the world of competitive chess, Garry Kasparov became, at the age of 12, chess champion of the USSR’s under-18 age group. Then, at 17, he won the Under-20 World Chess Champion title. In 1985, at 22, Kasparov gained international notoriety as the youngest World Chess Champion in history.
He defended his title five times, including a series of legendary matches against his great rival Anatoly Karpov. Kasparov broke Bobby Fischer’s record in 1990, and his own record remained undefeated until 2013. His famous matches against IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer in 1996-97 played a vital role in integrating artificial intelligence into the world of chess.
Each volume of BLITZ will contain chess strategy tips and a chess lexicon to turn every reader into a chess master!
BLITZ will be available in-print and digitally in North America, Australia, and the UK. ABLAZE titles are distributed in-print by Diamond Comic and Diamond Book Distributors. Vol. 1 will be available in comic shops on September 14th, and bookstores on September 27th.The manga is currently available for preorder:
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