Content creator, Voice actor in training & entertainment journalist specializing in Anime & Anime adjacent content. Follow me my content here, krystal_kitsune.bio.link
Toei Company Ltd. announced on Tuesday the passing of the company’s president and CEO, Osamu Tezuka (not to be confused with the manga artist of the same name). Tezuka, born on March 1, 1960, died at the age of 62. Tezukaoined Toei on April 1983, marking 40 years at the company, and in June 2012, he became a board member. In 2016, he was promoted to managing director, president, and ultimately, CEO in June 2020.
Toei announced that current managing director and chairman Noriyuki Tada would take on the role of president in light of Tezuka’s passing. Tezuka’s close relatives will hold a private burial, and a memorial ceremony is planned for later.
In the wake of Bridget’s popularity, since her appearance in Guilty Gear Strive, demand for Bridget goods have been skyrocketing. Some GGST Bridget goods are unfortunately only available in Japan. However, in recent announcements, this will no longer be the case. Here some current Bridget products that may be available for preorder soon.
Let’s start off with the Bridget plushie! Popular anime manufacturing company, Good Smile Company announced an upcoming Bridget Plushie, which currently available to pre-order here.
According to the preorder page, the plush measures about 7.87in in height and it’s mostly made of Polyester. The plush is set to be released some time in August of this year. Additionally, anime figure manufacturing company Max Factory announced their Bridget PVC which will be part of GSC’s POP UP PARADE series. According to Max Factory’s official Twitter account, the new Bridget figure is currently on display at the Wonder Festival 2023 in Chiba, Japan.
For those who are interested in Nendoroids, a Bridget nendoroid is also currently in the works at GSC!
Anime figure brand Spiritale, also announced a PVC Bridget figure prototype, and shared the photos via twitter.
Although there no official set release date, you can get more updates via their website, spiritale.jp. Finally, Kotobukiya also announced plans for an upcoming PVC figure, which will feature Bridget’s iconic move “Me and My Killing Machine”.
Demand for Bridget merchandise came after Bridget’s return to the Guilty Gear series made headlines in FGC. Bridget had been in a GG game for nearly a decade. Adding to the hype was a scene in GGST in which Bridget self-identifies as a woman, making Bridget one of the few Transgender characters to be featured in a popular fighting game.
These are only a few of the many Bridget goods on the way this year, keep your eye out online and twitter for more announcements from manufacturing companies like GSC, Kotobukiya, Max Factory and the like. There’s no official release date for most of the mentioned products, however you can find more information about the product and updates on their respective sites or social media accounts:
Crunchyroll’s annual anime convention, Crunchyroll Expo has been put on pause for 2023. The announcement was made via CRX’s home page,
Thank you for your support of Crunchyroll Expo. This year we decided to hit pause on CRX to focus on attending a growing roster of expos and festivals around the world.
Crunchyroll did not state when they would return. Crunchyroll Expo, or CRX was schedule for August 4-6 in San Jose, California. This announcement comes just as CRX returned from its covid-19 hiatus, in August 2022. CRX 2022 was a hybrid version of the expo with both a physical location and online event.
CRX 2022 attendee in the San Jose Conc
In 2020 and 2021, CRX cancelled its physical events and went completely virtual to adapt to the covid19 state regulations.
We’ll keep you updated on the return of Crunchyroll Expo, meanwhile, subscribe to our articles below, and don’t miss any upcoming exclusive content!
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James Kaposztas was the creator of the world’s first known anime music video in 1982 at age of 21. His death was confirmed Sunday via Twitter, by Michael Pinto co-founder and publisher of Anime.com.
According to an interview Kaposztas gave with AnimeCons TV, Kaposztas created the very first AMV by hooking up two video cassette recorders to each other and edited most of the violent scenes from Space Cruiser Yamato (released in the US as “Star Blazers“) to “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles. A second version of the video would later be uploaded to his YouTube channel, stating that “[. . .]the Original was damaged”. This newer version is lacks The Beatles’ song due to YouTube copyright infringement rules, however in two year old comments, Kaposztas suggests to “To get an idea of how the AMV would have played out, try playing “All You Need is Love” from a audio source, and sync it up to the beginning of active video. Then play both Audio and Video source.”
With Permission of Kaposztas, Helen McCarthy Co-author of The Anime Encyclopedia, shared Kaposztas’ experience creating the first known AMV in a series of tweets just last year.
#FanStudies#anime fans and #scholars – James Kaposztas shared this account of the first #AMV on FB, sharing here with his permission. A thread …
According to Pinto, Kaposztas played a key role in supporting early anime events in New York City and Philadelphia. He added, he was among the few cosplayers at the time, who would often cosplay as Captain Avatar (Captain Jūzō Okita) from Space Cruiser Yamato (Star Blazers.) Kaposztas would later be involved with Otakon as part of their staff for 22 years, according to his Linkedin profile.
Captain Avatar (Captain Jūzō Okita) from Space Cruiser Yamato (Star Blazers.)Kaposztas in cosplay as Captain Avatar (Captain Jūzō Okita) | Image Credit: AMV Filmmakers Association Facebook page.
According to the same Linkedin profile, Kaposztas’ love for anime and video editing lead him to pursue a profession in audio visual editing for over two decades.
Since James Kaposztas’ 1982 AMV, the art of AMVs has been evolving throughout the years, with elaborate editing from its editors and in more recent years, AMVs are being used to promote and distribute original music. We do not think James Kaposztas knew that his creation would lead to a worldwide phenomenon that would be integrated into hundreds of anime conventions throughout the U.S., with some even holding AMV competitions.
May James Kaposztas rest in peace; his legacy never forgotten.
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Osaka-based Hip Hop artist Kvi Baba, released an animated music video for his single “TOMBI”. The single was released on January 6, and is serving as the opening theme to TRIGUN STAMPADE anime series. The MV features heavily edited scenes from the series with English captions translated by Minako Ikeshiro.
The music video is directed by Takeru Shibuya of ODDJOB Inc. in collaboration with record label, Toy’s Factory and animation studio Orange Co., Ltd. Director Takeru Shibuya, who is a rapper himself, shared the following ‘graphic frames’ on Twitter,
Kvi Baba began his career in 2019 by releasing his self-titled album Kvi Baba. From late 2019 through 2021, he released five extended plays, Natural Born Pain (2019), Happy Birthday to Me (2020), andToge Ni Bara (2021), to name a few. On January 6, 2023, he released his latest single, “TOMBI,” which has over 1,007,708 streams on Spotify as of the publication of this article. Following the success of his single, Kvi thanked his fans and supporters on Twitter.
TRIGUN STAMPEDE is based on the original Trigun manga by Yasuhiro Nightow. The manga was adapted into anime in 1998 by Madhouse, which aired from April to September of that year. Madhouse also produced an anime film, Trigun: Badlands Rumble, which is set twenty years before the events of the 1998 series released in 2010.
TRIGUN STAMPEDE is produced by CG Studio Orange and debuted on January 7, 2023, on Crunchyroll. It is currently being dubbed in English and streamed on Crunchyroll. However, the dub version of episode 3 has been delayed until February 11th due to inclement weather delays in the Dallas area, where most of the English dub work is being done. The new series also marks the return of Johnny Yong Bosch as Vash the Stampede, who also voiced him in the 1998 series at the beginning of his career. Here’s Johnny to explain it all,
Crunchyroll announced English dub delays on the following anime episodes due to inclement weather delays in the Dallas area. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued an emergency declaration in response to the ice storm that has impacted the state, causing property damage, travel disruptions and power outages.
The winter 2023 season episodes are delayed until the following dates. Crunchyroll will giving more updates on upcoming English, dubbed episodes.
February 9
Revenger Episode 3
The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World Episode 3
February 10
Buddy Daddies Episode 3
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Episode 3
The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had it Made Season 2 Episode 3
February 11
BLUELOCK Episode 15
Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Episode 3
My Hero Academia Episode 129
The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World Episode 3
TRIGUN STAMPEDE Episode 3
February 12
By The Grace of the Gods Season 2 Episode 3
Handyman Saitou in Another World Episode 3
February 13
VINLAND SAGA SEASON 2 Episode 3
February 14
Ningen Fushin: Adventurers Who Don’t Believe in Humanity will Save the World Episode 3
The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague Episode 3
February 15
BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 Episode 3
February 17
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Northern War – Northern War Episode 3
February 19
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Episode 2
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From the renowned animation powerhouse Telecom Animation Film, director Masaki Tachibana and Kana Ozawa, comes a captivating new anime adventure, BLUE THERMAL.
The film is an adaptation of Kana Ozawa’s popular manga series, BLUE THERMAL: Aonagi College Sports Festival Aviation Club, which ran in Shinchosha’s Monthly Comic @Bunch Magazine between April 2015 and November 2017. The series was also published in five book volumes or Tankōbon.
This artful and beautiful coming-of-age movie captures the tension and excitement of a young college student who joins the school’s aviation club flying for the first time, and the beauty and exhilaration of the aerial scenery as seen from the pilot’s seat. The film is directed by Masaki Tachibana, known for Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, Princess Principal, and Barakamon.
BLUE THERMAL opened in Japan in March 2022 and will now make its North American home entertainment debut on Blu-ray and digital download from Eleven Arts and Shout! Factory on March 14, 2023, following its theatrical release.
BLUE THERMAL features the Japanese voice talents of Mayu Hotta (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War 2019), Nobunaga Shimazaki (Summer Ghost), Junya Enoki (My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission), and more.
Mayu Hotta as Tamaki TsuruNobunaga Shimazaki as Jun KuramochiJunya Enoki as Daisuke Sorachi
The Blu-ray will contain an exciting movie presentation and special bonus content, including an interview with director Tachibana and character profiles. A must-have for anime fans, collectors, and pop-culture enthusiasts, BLUE THERMAL, is available for pre-order now at Amazon.com and will be available in stores and other fine retailers.
Movie Synopsis
“I want to experience a love that sparkles!” Arriving from Nagasaki with her wishful mantra is Tamaki Tsuru, who in high school could think only about volleyball. Things don’t begin well, however, when she looks for an extracurricular club to join and proceeds to immediately ding a glider at aviation club tryouts ending up having to work it off. She is initially disillusioned with campus life. Then Kuramochi, the club leader and glider pilot, takes Tamaki under his wing, and from the moment he takes her up for a flight in a glider, Tamaki becomes a captive of the vast beauty of the skies.
Watch the trailer below!
Preorder “Blue Thermal”
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2023 kicked off for Californian Otakus with Anime Los Angeles 18 held from January 4th through 8th, at the Long Beach Convention Center. The LBCC has been ALA’s home for the past 3 years, since 2018. Anime Los Angeles had over 12K+ attendees and over 20 guests who included voice actress Kayleigh McKee, anime influencer Kaho Shibuya And japanese animators Mamoru Yokota & Kenji Yokoyama, among others.
INTERVIEWS
During the convention we sat down to speak with guest of honor, Kayleigh McKee. Kayleigh is best known for playing the fan favorite character Yuta Okkotsu in the hit anime movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0, as Pina in Netflix’s highly successful BEASTARS, and as Testament in the classic fighting game Guilty Gear Strive. She is one of few Transgender women in professional voice over blazing a new path in the realm of acting for anime, cartoons, and games. Watch our exclusive interview with Kayleigh, as we discuss about her role in Guilty Gear Strive as Testament!
This interview has an on-going giveaway opportunity, visit our giveaway page for more details.
Anime Legends – Mamoru Yokota & Kenji Yokoyama
Where would anime be without its legendary animators; during ALA 2023, we had the opportunity to speak with Japanese animators Mamoru Yokota & Kenji Yokoyama about their working in the anime industry for over 25 years. Mamoru Yokota has been involved in a great number of shows mainly as animator, but also as producer, character designer, illustrator and game director. As animation director, he’s best known for multiple episodes of Death Note, NARUTO Shippuden, and 2020’s Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai. He was also one of the animation directors for ONE PIECE STAMPEDE and most recently, ONE PIECE FILM: RED.
Kenji Yokoyama made his very first appearance at anime convention, after more than 40 years of dedication in the industry as a noted animator. Mr.Yokoyama. has worked on Gatchaman II and F, Dragon Ball Z, Dr. Slump, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, Jigoku Sensei Nūbē and SLAM DUNK, Toriko throughout 1970s and 1990s additionally, he has worked on One Piece in the last 25 years and most recently, in Yashahime.
We apologize for potato audio quality.
Anime Los Angeles 2023 Cosplay, Ani-Ambiance & More
Our coverage of Anime Los Angeles 2023, would not be complete without cosplay photos! During our Journey at this year’s ALA, we collaborated with cosplay photographer Jonathcon Photography. Check out his work at this year’s ALA 2023 with these amazing con photos!
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Jonathcon Photography has been taking on any & every cosplay photo gig during Anime Conventions for the last two years. He’s often known for being a fan’s photographer, not only scouting the perfect locations for shoots but also researching the subject and material source of each cosplay. If you’re interested in hiring him as your personal cosplay photographer in or outside of convention, visit his official Instagram at, https://www.instagram.com/jonatcon_photos/ and sent him a direct message to schedule your next, spectacular cosplay photoshoot!
Thank you for reading our article, for more interviews visit our interview page
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Many cartoons of the day were an introduction to the world of anime, even if those series were not considered traditional anime. Wakfu, Martin Mystery, Code Lyoko & Totally Spies were all considered anime-influenced or anime-inspired cartoons, often produced in Italy or France. Some of us fondly remember these cartoons, even when we were unaware of what anime or cosplay was. Today we are focusing on one of these series, Totally Spies.
Totally Spies Season 2 Promo Image
Remembering Totally Spies
Totally Spies is a series that has gathered a large fan base throughout the year, since it first aired in 2001 on ABC Family. Often described as ‘Charlie’s Angels for kids”, the series revolved around three high school girls who would be literally sucked into a world of evil plots, goofy evil villains, and of course, boy problems. Popularity grew as the seasons passed due to the show’s witty humor and intriguing missions. In 2009, the series had its first motion picture which had a limited theatrical release in the U.S., followed by a 6th season in 2013.
Totally Spies The Movie U.S. Promo Banner
Totally Spies, Totally Today!
Totally Spies remains alive and well-loved thanks to its large fanbase, sharing fan art, AMVs (Anime Music Videos) and fan-made merchandise. In late 2022, Zodiak Kids and Family Distribution, the current series owners, announced a new 7th season titled Totally Spies! Woohp World. This brand new season will feature brand new character designs for its protagonist and brand new characters. After 20 years, this is literally childhoods in the making. The new season is set to be release sometime this year with no official date announced as of the release of this article.
Totally Spies Season 7 Keyart
While you wait, watch as Alex and Clover discuss their involvement in the series and their experiences being a WOOHP agent. We got the totally amazing opportunity to interview voice actors Katie Leigh (Alex) and Andrea Baker (Clover) about their roles and experiences behind the mic in the series:
Win an autograph from ANDREA BAKER, the voice of Clover! All you have to do is retweet our interview on TWITTER OR TUMBLR with #TKNTotallySpies, and you’ll automatically be entered to win! Make sure to tag us!
ACTUAL GIVEAWAY ITEM(S)
Two winners will be selected (1 from Twitter & 1 from Tumblr), DEADLINE 1/28/2023.
ABLAZE’s summer 2023 releases will include Manga, Manhwa & webtoons graphic novels. ABLAZE titles are distributed in print worldwide by Diamond Comic and Diamond Book Distributors. Digital versions of ABLAZE titles are available via most major digital platforms.
The adventures of the Brotherhood of the Tofu continue in a story that directly follows season 2 of the TV series! See the heroes of WAKFU ride again in the brand new manga series written by Tot, the creator of WAKFU & DOFUS, and illustrated by Said Sassine!
The TV series is based on the tactical turn-based MMORPG developed by Ankama Games of the same name. The game is a squeal to Ankama’s previous game, Dofus. The games series has attracted over 40 million+ players worldwide and is especially well-known in France.
As for the TV series, the first season of 26 episodes began airing on 30 October 2008, and new episodes would continue to air into January 2010. The third season of Waku premiered on Netflix worldwide on April 6, 2018, and featured an all-new English cast with Voice actors from Los Angeles. On May 7, 2020, Ankama announced that season 4, intended as the story’s final chapter, is currently in development. A Kickstarter campaign to fund its production was launched on June 8, 2020; the target was reached within an hour after the campaign was started.
Manga Synopsis
Yugo, Ruel, Percedal, Amalia, and Evangelyne are now living their lives, each on their own. The adventurers reunite at Alibert’s for Yugo and Adamai’s birthday, launching this latest saga when a party pooper comes to interrupt the celebrations and forces our friends to set off on the road once again for adventure! Available June 27th
Based on the hit Korean webtoon, this comic offers a complex, compelling story of an unlikely hero who is misunderstood and unappreciated for the good he does.
Written by Handong Woo and illustrated by Kojin Ho, this Manhwa series began serialization on the official Thai Webtoon on December 15, 2016. The series has two seasons, with a third season seemingly on hiatus. Currently, there is no official English release; however, ABLAZE will release a new manhwa series based on the hit Webtoon comic on June 27, 2023.
Manhwa Synopsis
Jungwoo Min has a special ability, one that lets him see when a path leads to a misfortune or disaster. He uses his “Eyes of Misfortune” to spot these unfortunate events and stop them. Disguising himself as a terrorist, he begins using his power to save people from certain danger. This leads him to become feared by the people he is looking to save. Soon he discovers that the more he saves others, the unhappier he becomes. Thus unfolds the story of a hero and his struggle between happiness and despair. And the unfortunate reality of saving the world, even while becoming a supposed terrorist…or TERROR MAN.
CENTAURS delivers a story of adventure and freedom inspired by Japanese mythology and features impressive art and character designs by Sumiyoshi, who created creatures for the bestselling Monster Hunter game series.
Manga Synopsis
Created by Ryo Sumiyoshi, best known for ASHIDAKA: The Iron Hero, this epic fantasy adventure is set in an alternate medieval Japan, where humans co-exist with the mythic half-man/half-horse beasts known as centaurs, or “jinba”. The centaur race was long revered as gods in ancient times; however, with the advent of the Sengoku (warring states) period, humans started to enslave and use them for military purposes due to their speed, stamina, and ability to communicate in human language. Centaurs living in the plains were rapidly subjugated; in contrast, large numbers of centaurs living deep in the mountains were still free due to their relative isolation.
A wild and proud samurai jinba from the mountains named Matsukaze, known as the redheaded rock tiger, is caught while protecting his son. He is traded to a feudal lord and taken to his land. There he meets another centaur named Kohibari, whose village was burned down as a child. He is a tame centaur who had his arms amputated when he was captured and has given up hope of escaping his human captors. If they can get over their differences and work together, they just might be able to return to the wilds as free centaurs. Available July 11th.
All these titles are available for preorder on Amazon.
About ABLAZE Publishing
ABLAZE is based in portland Organ, and according to their official website, The mantra of ABLAZE is quality first, with the goals of giving creators a platform, bringing new voices into the conversation, serving as diverse an audience as possible, and bringing some of the best content from all corners of the globe to readers. ABLAZE currently has published over 80 titles. For more information, visit their official website here.
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