TOKYOPOP has announce the will release Alien Stage: The Art Book in English on March 3, delivering a 320-page, full-color hardcover that spotlights the hit Korean sci-fi web series for the first time in North America .
Based on the globally popular animated project by creators VIVINOS and QMENG, Alien Stage unfolds in a dystopian future where human contestants, raised as pets by aliens, are forced into a high-stakes televised singing competition. The twist: the loser of each round is executed — often onstage and in front of the winner — amplifying the emotional weight of a story built on tragic romance, childhood bonds and unspoken feelings .
For fans of emotionally charged storytelling and striking visual world-building, this release offers a deep dive into one of the most talked-about Korean web series in recent years.
A 320-Page Deep Dive Into a Darkly Beautiful World
Alien Stage: The Art Book explores the series’ settings, character relationships and creative development, compiling production illustrations, concept art and behind-the-scenes insights . The volume also features character profiles, commentary on song production and interviews with VIVINOS and QMENG, offering readers an intimate look at the creative process behind the dystopian musical phenomenon .
The series itself has amassed millions of YouTube views, while its original songs have generated millions of Spotify streams, cementing Alien Stage as an international cult favorite .
Standard and Deluxe Editions Available
The art book will launch in both Standard and Deluxe editions, each spanning 320 pages and recommended for readers ages 13 and up .
Standard Edition: $49.99 SRP
Deluxe Edition: $59.99 SRP
The Deluxe Edition includes:
An 88-page “Drawing Book” featuring exclusive creator sketches
Six full-color character prints
A U.S.-exclusive holographic foil poster
Gilded holographic foil page edges
The English-language release marks a significant moment for international fans eager for expanded access to official Alien Stage content.
About TOKYOPOP
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP helped establish the North American manga market and played a pivotal role in bringing Japanese and broader Asian pop culture into mainstream Western publishing . The company continues to publish original and licensed graphic novels while expanding into live events and location-based entertainment.
Alien Stage: The Art Book will be available beginning March 3 through major retailers.
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Japanese illustrator Acky Bright has become one of the most exciting names in global pop culture, fusing his signature kawakakkoii (cute × cool) aesthetic into projects that bridge anime, gaming, music, and fashion.
Over the past two years, Bright’s work has exploded onto the international stage. In 2024, he spearheaded McDonald’s worldwide “WcDonald’s” campaign, designing manga-style packaging, original characters, and a digital manga series that brought anime culture into fast-food history. He also teamed up with chart-topping band ASTERISM on the Planet of Metal concept album, creating a 28-page artbook that expanded their musical world into visual storytelling. Fans of gaming saw his touch in the Monster Hunter Now × Ayase collaboration, where Bright’s illustrations powered an energetic crossover of music and monster hunting.
Characters Designed by Acky Bright (Left to Right): Mia, Carm, J, Flurry, Mr.Bev, Wicke, Burg, Midnight, Quart Sr, and the WcDizer 3000.
Planet of Metal concept by Acky Bright
On the fine art side, Bright’s “Studio Infinity” solo exhibition at Japan Society in New York blurred the line between gallery and studio. Visitors watched him live-draw massive murals and even join in on the process, highlighting his love for interactive creation.
At Anime Expo 2025, Bright delivered one of the convention’s most talked-about panels, mixing live art games like “Guess the Sketch” and the “3 Deck Challenge” with big announcements. He teased a major cross-industry project set for October 2025, showcased a prototype of his upcoming Underverse collectible figure, and reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to designing original characters.
Acky Bright’s journey demonstrates not only his versatility but also his commitment to making art that’s playful, edgy, and deeply personal.
Exclusive Interview with Acky Bright
We at The Kitsune Network had the honor of speaking with Acky Bright to discuss his recent projects, his artistic philosophy, and what fans can expect next,
Krystal:
You’ve worked with McDonald’s on some high-profile anime-inspired projects – from the global “WcDonald’s” campaign (complete with manga-style ads and even an immersive LA restaurant experience) to a viral McDonald’s Japan music video promotion featuring popular artists like Ado, YOASOBI, and Hoshimachi Suisei. How did you approach blending your manga-style art with such an iconic fast-food brand, and what was most challenging or rewarding about bringing these campaigns to life?
WcDonald’s iconic Manga paper bag, designed by Acky Birght.
Acky:
Regarding WcDonald’s, I found it incredibly cool that the actual McDonald’s launched a global campaign using the “WcDonald’s” parody—a concept long familiar in anime and manga. I was truly honored and excited to be selected as the campaign’s main designer. I also had a great degree of creative freedom, which made the entire experience genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end. Given my understanding of Western culture, I think I was able to deliver work that left both the client and fans highly satisfied. In Japan, McDonald’s campaigns are major cultural moments each year, and this one was led by a creative team composed of some of the country’s top talents, so it was a fantastic project to be a part of. I was also given considerable freedom in designing the characters, which made the process all the more enjoyable. One additional point: each popular artist has their own loyal fanbase. So when creating the designs, I considered not only the artist themselves, but also how to make their fans happy through the visuals.
Krystal:
At Anime Expo 2025, you surprised fans with a sneak peek of an upcoming figure based on one of your original designs. This is part of your partnership with collectible company Underverse to create high-end figures. How does it feel to see one of your illustrations come to life as a detailed 3D figure, and what can you tell us about the design or story behind this character? Are there more figures or plans in the works through this collaboration?
Acky:
As for the UNDER VERSE project, while I can’t go into too much detail as this was shown as a bit of fan service, I’m absolutely thrilled that a figure of mine is being produced as part of the “SEVEN STARS” series. The official setting is as follows: when the silicon-based civilization tore through the constraints of the “Three Laws of AI,” a torrent of machines was unleashed within the quantum matrix, issuing a final judgment upon human civilization and bringing it under machine rule. In response, humanity leveraged the “GAME” system—featuring rogue AI warriors that still retained remnants of the Three Laws—to ignite rebellion through a bounty-based mechanism. The first figure in the series is MONICA, once a member of the “Number 7s.” Originally created by AI as the perfect warrior to carry out humanity’s extinction, she now fights back—having lost those memories. The plan is to release more figures of these “Number 7s” warriors, and I hope the project will eventually evolve into something like an anime.
Krystal:
Your solo exhibition “Studio Infinity” at Japan Society in New York essentially turned the gallery into your personal studio – you were live-drawing on site, letting visitors watch and even participate as you created manga-style murals in real time. What was that experience like for you, performing your art live in a museum setting? Did interacting with visitors on the spot influence the pieces you created?
Acky:
This was my first solo exhibition in the U.S., and it was held at a gallery with more than a century of history—one that has hosted only world-renowned artists. It was truly an unforgettable experience for me. Some people came back to visit every week, and I was able to form real friendships with them. I imagine it’s unlikely that another artist will exhibit something similar at Japan Society in the future, which makes me feel incredibly grateful. I look back on this time with nothing but happiness.
Krystal:
Any plans on bringing “Studio Infinity” to Los Angeles?
Acky:
If the opportunity arises, I’d definitely love to do it again. There are many great galleries in Los Angeles, so I hope to make it happen someday.
Krystal:
Your art style is often described as kawakakkoii – a blend of “cute” and “cool” aesthetics. When designing characters, how do you decide what elements should be charming or adorable versus which should be edgy or “cool” to achieve that mix?
Acky:
I’m not the type of artist who draws based on theory, so I can’t say for sure how my style developed. However, the phrase “kawa-kakkoii” (“cute and cool”) has become somewhat of a signature descriptor for me. It actually originated from manga artist Yusuke Murata (of Eyeshield 21 and One-Punch Man fame), who once posted on social media that he had purchased my art book and used that term to describe my work. I’ve proudly adopted it ever since.
Krystal:
You’ve mentioned that you have a lifelong passion for creating your own original characters rather than working on pre-existing IPs. How has focusing on original designs (instead of fan art or existing IP) helped shape your career and identity as an artist?
Acky:
When I was in middle school and first dreamed of becoming a professional artist—with no real basis for that dream—I told myself: “You can’t become a true artist by copying others.” Of course, as we live, we naturally absorb influences from everywhere, and as professionals, it’s important to understand trends. But even within that, I try to maintain originality and focus on expressing what makes my work me.
Krystal:
What elements in daily life inspire you to create your own original characters?
Acky:
My inspiration comes from everything I see. In that sense, traveling the world and experiencing different cultures is an incredible source of creative fuel. I also make a conscious effort to absorb input—whether it’s watching all kinds of videos or listening to music—especially because when work gets busy, output tends to take over.
Krystal:
You’ve achieved so many collaborations across music, gaming, and even fashion – Looking to the future, is there a dream project or medium you haven’t tackled yet that you’d love to try next? Overall, what new goals or aspirations are you excited to pursue as you continue to evolve your artistic journey?
Acky:
My next goal is to build a studio in the U.S., where I can take on even larger projects as a producer, working with other artists from around the world. I want to go beyond just anime and games—live-action, too. My ultimate dream is to recreate the energy and excitement of 1990s shonen manga magazines, but on a global scale. I already have a concrete idea that might make it possible, so this may very well be my “dream project.”
Krystal:
As an artist who has overcome your own artistic challenges, What advice or messages would you have for those who want to pursue an artistic career?
Acky:
That’s why I want to encourage people to free themselves from comparing their work to others or measuring their value by the number of likes on social media. If you keep going, you’ll come to understand: once you choose the path of art, “creating” becomes a lifelong journey. So don’t get caught up in momentary praise, fleeting trends, or surface-level recognition. They don’t matter in the long run.
Acky Bright’s career is a testament to how art can transcend borders, industries, and mediums without losing its soul. From redefining global branding campaigns to reimagining gallery spaces a interactive canvas, he continues to push the boundaries of what manga-inspired art can achieve. As Bright himself reminds us, true artistry isn’t about likes or fleeting trends, but about the lifelong journey of creation. With October’s mysterious new project on the horizon, fans around the globe have every reason to stay excited: Acky Bright is just getting started.
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TOKYOPOP and Kinokuniya USA have announced a special summer art exhibition to celebrate the ongoing success of Lullaby of the Dawn, the acclaimed BL fantasy manga by creator Ichika Yuno. Titled Scenes from Lullaby of the Dawn: Celebrating 1.7 Million Copies Sold, the activation will take place at eight Kinokuniya store locations across five U.S. states from July through August 2025.
The limited-run in-store exhibits will showcase official artwork from the series and offer fans a chance to purchase manga volumes and exclusive licensed merchandise, including art prints, postcards, and sticker sets. Each exhibit will run for 10 days, with select dates aligning with major anime conventions such as Anime Expo, Anime Matsuri, and Anime NYC.
Exhibit Schedule and Locations
July 3–13: Kinokuniya Katy (TX) – during Anime Matsuri
July 3–13: Kinokuniya Los Angeles (CA) – during Anime Expo
July 18–27: Kinokuniya Austin (TX) and Kinokuniya Santa Anita (CA)
August 1–10: Kinokuniya Atlanta (GA) and Kinokuniya San Francisco (CA)
August 21–31: Kinokuniya New York (NY) – during Anime NYC
August 21–31: Kinokuniya Seattle (WA)
The exhibit celebrates the growing global fanbase of Lullaby of the Dawn, which won first place in the 2022 Chill Chill BL Awards’ Best Comic category. The story follows Elva, a kannagi warrior priest corrupted by the power of the black sea, and Alto, a devoted young villager who vows to serve him and help free him from his curse. Set in a rich fantasy world, the series explores themes of fate, loneliness, devotion, and healing.
“We’re very proud to partner with Kinokuniya USA to present this special exhibit for manga fans,” said Owais Farooqui, Director of Marketing and Sales at TOKYOPOP. “Several dates also coincide with some of North America’s biggest summer anime conventions, and we invite fans to add it as a must-see highlight on their con schedules.”
Kinokuniya also emphasized the collaboration’s significance, with East Coast Regional Manager Shigekazu Watanabe stating, “We are excited to present Scenes from Lullaby of the Dawn with TOKYOPOP and mark an important sales milestone for the series.”
The English edition of Lullaby of the Dawn is published under TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint. The original Japanese edition is released by ShuCream, Inc. Explore the titles here.
About Lullaby of the Dawn
Elva, an immortal shaman with snow-white hair and cursed blackened limbs, battles nightmarish sea creatures to protect his island. Feared and isolated, his world changes when he meets Alto, a brave and loyal boy who pledges to serve him. As the years pass, Alto matures into a skilled warrior whose presence begins to undo the corruption within Elva’s body—and perhaps his heart.
Frontier Works Inc. has announced an exclusive collaboration that merges the world of virtual pop idol Hatsune Miku and the Tokyo National Museum’s cultural preservation efforts. Titled the “Hatsune Miku × Tokyo National Museum Cultural Property Conservation Program,” this unique initiative brings limited-edition merchandise to North America and will be showcased at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles.
Running from July 3 to July 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Anime Expo attendees can experience the exhibit at the animate GROUP booth (South Hall, SH-504), where Frontier Works will display the collaborative collection. Exclusive ticket-style cards will be distributed only at the venue, and merchandise will be available for purchase on-site. Sample items from the made-to-order collection will also be on display.
This collaboration features Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, and Kagamine Len reimagined through the lens of iconic Japanese cultural artifacts. Among the most anticipated items are those inspired by the Important Cultural Property “Robe (Kosode) with Autumn Flowers,” affectionately nicknamed “Fuyuki Kosode.” This includes “Fuyuki Kosode Miku,” developed as part of the Korin Kimono Restoration Project.
Other featured characters include “Beauty Looking Back Miku,” and new renditions such as “Haniwa: Warrior in ‘Keikō’ Armor Miku” and “Haniwa: Dancing People Rin & Len,” created for the “Dancing Haniwa & Beauty Looking Back Conservation Project.”
The collaborative goods will be available for pre-order beginning June 16, 2025 (PDT), exclusively through the animate USA Online Shop. The pre-order period will run until July 20, 2025. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Tokyo National Museum to support the conservation of cultural properties.
This project is a joint initiative between Crypton Future Media, the Tokyo National Museum, and the National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties.
Merchandise Highlights Include:
Fuyuki Kosode Miku Tenugui, Poster, Postcard, and Big Acrylic Stand
Beauty Looking Back Miku Tote Bag, Mouse Pad, Clear File, Acrylic Keychains, and Can Badges
Haniwa Series Acrylic Stands, Postcards, Stickers, and Mascot-themed Goods
Frontier Works Inc., in collaboration with internationally acclaimed illustrator Maniani, will bring the original brand Maniani World to Anime Expo 2025 this July in Los Angeles. Known for its distinctive blend of eerie and adorable aesthetics—described by the artist as “Kowai (scary) + Kawaii (cute) = Kowaii (scarily cute)”—Maniani World continues to capture the imaginations of fans worldwide.
From July 3 to July 6, attendees can visit the Maniani World booth (SH-4908) in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The booth will debut a variety of new merchandise, including Shadow Cat acrylic stands, keychains, T-shirts, and a new illustration book. An exclusive talk event hosted by Frontier Works’ creative director Yuka Mochizuki will also provide fans with insight into the visual storytelling and unique design philosophy behind Maniani’s monster creations.
In addition, a limited-edition Maniani World skateboard deck will be made available as a made-to-order product, exclusively through Animate International’s e-commerce platform. The deck will be on display at the booth, giving attendees a firsthand look before placing their orders online.
Skateboard Deck Pre-Order Details Pre-order period: June 6, 2025 at 3:00 AM PDT – July 28, 2025 at 7:59 AM PDT Product page: Animate Shop – Maniani World Deck *Note: Not available for purchase in Australia, New Zealand, or Japan.
Merchandise Lineup
Shadow Cat Acrylic Stand (5 types)
Shadow Cat Hologram Can Badge (5 types)
Shadow Cat Acrylic Keychain (3 types)
Shadow Cat T-shirt
Maniani World Illustration Book
Additional exclusive items
Talk Event: “The Visual Expressions Hidden in the Characters of Maniani World”
Date: July 3, 2025
Time: 5:15 PM – 6:05 PM
Location: Room 402AB Presented by Frontier Works, this panel will feature creative director Yuka Mochizuki as she discusses the development and design behind Maniani’s monsters and the growing appeal of their “kowaii” world.
Creative Director Yuka Mochizuki
Special Collaboration with Animate GROUP
A limited number of exclusive Maniani World ticket-style cards will be distributed at the Frontier Works exhibition space inside the Animate GROUP booth (SH-504). Visitors can bring the card to the Maniani World booth (SH-4908) to receive a commemorative giveaway item. Distribution will be limited each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
About Maniani
With a social media following exceeding 150,000 on X alone, Maniani has built a devoted fanbase through their signature “kowaii” monsters. Their work spans from original illustrations to game characters and book designs. Their art invites viewers into a world where creepy and cute collide in striking harmony.
Mark your calendars for November 28th as manga publish TOKYOPOP presentsLOVE MURDER BASKETBALL, a gripping BL release. This captivating story unravels a tense cat-and-mouse murder mystery against the backdrop of professional sports. Brace yourself for a gritty and thrilling experience like no other.
The upcoming series will be released through TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint, showcasing an enticing collaboration between author Kurutta Hito and the talented artist Tsunderuuu. LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL is based on the popular OEL (Original English Language) webtoon that captured the hearts of over 360 million readers and amassed an impressive following of 45K subscribers. The print edition by TOKYOPOP will also be available in digital format, ensuring a wider reach for this captivating story; available for the first time completely uncensored! Get ready for a thrilling and immersive experience with LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL!
Love Murder Basketball Synopsis
As the son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan, Shoto Tanaka’s life is anything but ordinary. Then, he meets the most popular athlete in Japan, Goro Nakamura. Goro is used to putting on a show for the public, and since he comes from a family of wealth and notoriety, he is frequently in the limelight. Shoto, like many others, is captivated by Goro’s icy charisma.
What Shoto doesn’t yet know is that Goro is also the infamous “Animosity Serial Killer.” In what ways will Goro and Shoto’s profound devotion to each other and their conflicting ideologies impact their complex relationship and those around them?
This bloody BL thriller is for mature readers (18+) who enjoy dark psychological themes, suspense, and a side of horror with their romance.
Kurutta Hito | Author Comments
“Goro, one of the main characters, is of Japanese and Melanesia-African American heritage,” explains Hito. “His heritage is an important part of his narrative, and I wanted to explore what it’s like to be a multicultural kid growing up in a homogeneous culture.”
Hito continues, “During the early stages of the creation of his character, I had a distinct notion that he should be unlike anyone else in the BL community. I wanted him to be unique. I was also aware that it would not be easy to do. Every character in this series brings a smile to my face, and I sincerely hope that readers will develop the same sentiments regarding any of the characters that ultimately win their hearts. There is a character for everyone. Your readership of Love Murder basketball is appreciated.”
Isaki Uta is a talented manga artist renowned for their captivating artwork and captivating storytelling. They have gained recognition for their masterpiece, Mine-kun is Asexual, which fans have warmly received worldwide.
Isaki Uta’s stories explore personal identity and the challenges of navigating a society that may not readily accept or even understand those who are “different.” In addition to their commercial manga works, such as Is Love The Solution? published by Kodansha, Uta has also created remarkable doujinshi, including titles like Leaper and Silkscreen. Their unique storytelling style and LGBTQ+-focused narratives have made them a beloved figure in the manga community.
Irodori Comics has recently announced the launch of the Kickstarter campaign for “Isaki Uta: The Lost & Found Collection” showcasing the remarkable works of Isaki Uta. Published in the United States by Kodansha, Isaki Uta’s stories delve into individuals’ complex journeys and personal struggles as they explore and embrace their gender and sexual identities.
This collection allows a broader audience to appreciate the artistic brilliance and emotional depth of Isaki Uta’s writing and art.
The Kickstarter launch page for “Isaki Uta: The Lost & Found Collection” is now available. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into four of Isaki Uta’s most acclaimed stories by visiting the official Kickstarter page. Story synopsis are as follows,
Mine-kun is Asexual
(Preview below)
In “Mine-kun is Asexual,” Mine doesn’t like sexual intimacy in a relationship. He can kiss a girl, but it’s not something he wants to do if he can help it. But Murai loves him so much that she’s willing to overlook the fact that she can’t hold his hand; that she can’t cuddle up next to him when they watch movies together; that she can’t fall in love with him the way that she hopes to be loved in return. In the eyes of those around them, is this even a relationship that’s meant to last, or is it a train wreck just waiting to happen?
Leaper
Leapers—individuals who were born on February 29th that age at a rate four times slower than that of a normal person and can live for over 300 years. Mio Aono is one of these leapers and like many, experiences all the emotions that come with living beyond the normal, mortal lifespan. This story won an honorable mention in the Monthly Afternoon Magazine Manga Competition and jumpstarted Isaki Uta’s career! Originally published in 2008, this landmark work has been updated and re-released as a doujinshi and localized in English for fans to enjoy.
Mermaid in the Bottle
Takeru has always felt like another cog in the wheel of corporate society, but things take a strange turn when he and his sister discover a mermaid inside a cosmetic lotion bottle. Memories of childhood; a brother and sister separated in the aftermath of a failed marriage; corporate money disappearing off the ledgers… Mermaid in the Bottle is Isaki Uta’s tour-de-force first foray into self-publishing and features a unique story looking into the bitter-sweet relationship of a brother and sister with a shared, troubled past.
Silkscreen
A girl falls in love and devotes herself to them, but they don’t conform to her expectations, perhaps because she looks at them through a blurry curtain. Silkscreen touches on a bittersweet romance between a lesbian and a genderqueer individual, who later comes out as a trans man. Those familiar with Isaki Uta’s previous works like Mermaid In The Bottle, Leaper and Mine-kun is Asexual, will know that the author has a unique style of storytelling that leaves a lot to the reader’s interpretation. Silkscreen is a bittersweet story that briefly explores the concepts of identity, rejection, and acceptance.
“Isaki Uta’s works are gems in the world of Japanese LGBTQ＋ comics,[. . .] The relationships between characters aren’t cookie cutter and show the rawness and intensity of discovering one’s sexuality and gender identity. It makes queer individuals like myself feel seen and that these kinds of stories are worth telling.”
– ITSUKI, Irodori Comics Translator via Press Release
Isaki Uta added,
“I put my heart and soul into drawing these stories, so I hope you enjoy them!”
Isaki Uta via Press Release
TO GO NEXT PAGE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ISAKI UTA
Throughout its history, the beloved Pokemon media franchise has been involved in numerous collaborations, spanning an array of industries and captivating fans across the globe. From vibrant Pokemon-themed cafes and exclusive high-end apparel collections to food collaborations, the reach of Pokemon knows no bounds. Beyond merchandise, the franchise has even ventured into the realm of video game consoles, creating special edition Pokemon-themed devices that truly immerse fans in the world they love.
With each new collaboration, the Pokemon franchise continues to amaze and inspire, inviting fans of all ages to dive deeper into its rich lore and captivating new Pokemon. Continuing to expand their artistic horizons, The Pokemon Company has joined forces with renowned artists from Japan with diverse backgrounds in the art of Kogei (Crafts), to answer the following question, ‘‘What would happen when Pokémon meets kogei (Japanese craft)?’
Work by artist KASUMI UEBA | Pottery, Hand Building overgalse enamels
Kogei, pronounced as ko-gay, is a term used in Japan to refer to the exquisite art of artisan crafts, it represents the dedication and mastery of traditional craft traditions in specific regions. Over the course of many centuries, Kogei has played a crucial role in enhancing japan’s daily lives, combining both utilitarian and aesthetic values. As time has passed, Kogei has, like Pokemon, evolved into a distinct art form using traditional methods, showcasing Japan’s exceptional diversity and artistic prowess. The profound reverence for materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication are evident in numerous creations.
Under the careful curation of the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, and with full support of The Pokémon Company, artists crafted 70 artwork pieces using an array of materials and age-old techniques by twenty of Japan’s most skilled artisans.
Art by TAIICHIRO YOSHIDA | Metal Work
POKEMON X Kogei debuted at National Crafts Museum earlier this year, and now its available in Los Angeles for all to see! The exhibition combines the elemental relationship between Pokemon and the materials used in Kogei. Similar to the various types of Pokémon such as Grass, Fire, Water, Ground (Earth), Steel (or Metal), and Electric, Koegi also incorporates these same elements with electricity added as craft has evolved in the modern times.
Art by TERUMASA IKEDA
In homage to the mechanics of Pokemon, the exhibition is also divided into three sections; Appearance, Life and Stories, that showcase the artists’ “battle” between their craft and the Pokemon.
In the Appearance category, the artists took on the captivating task of portraying the various forms intricate details of skin or fur, lively gestures, and vivid expressions of the Pokémon.
Art by TAIICHIRO YOSHIDA
In the Lifecategory, artists use Pokémon into crafts used in contemporary life. These pieces often have a type of use in life.
Art by TAKURO KUWATA
Lastly, the Storiescategory, artists are tasked with weaving imaginative tales that delve into the wondrous world of Pokémon, venturing into their awe-inspiring journeys, vibrant lives, mesmerizing evolutions, and unique inherent qualities of the Pokemon games themselves.
Art by REIKO SUDOArt by REIKO SUDO
We have hand-picked a few pieces from the exhibit’s opening night to share with you. Take a look at the photo gallery below and get a glimpse for what’s in store for you at Pokemon X Kogei exhibit. Click on the arrows to browse through the images.
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The Pokemon Company CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara and National Crafts Museum director, Masahiro Karasawa were in attendance during the exhibition’s opening night. During a panel, those who attended, received insight knowledge on the production behind the exhibit and insight the some of the art pieces and what they represented. Towards the end of the panel, I had one lingering question, “After the art tour is over, what will happen to the wonderful art pieces?” this was their response. (Please note, Audio has some echo)
Don’t miss this exciting, once in a life-time, exhibit and experience Pokemon like never before and best of all, its FREE! That’s right, make your reservations now HERE. After the exhibit, we highly recommend you purchase the Pokemon X Kogei guide book that gives readers an in-depth insight on the development of the exhibition and insight on each and every Kogei art piece. The book is in both English and Japanese and ONLY available in Japan but exclusively available for purchase at Japan House Los Angeles for this special exhibit! The exhibit is available now til January 7th, 2024 only at JAPAN HOUSE Gallery and is located at Level 2 of the Ovation Hollywood.
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The Lupin the 3rd franchise created by Monkey Punch began in 1967 and has spanned a variety of manga, TV series, games, a theme park ride, and musical adaptations. It featured acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki in his first feature film debut with The Castle of Cagliostro in 1979. The Lupin the 3rd: The First is a highly anticipated film that marks the VERY first installment in CGI for the lauded animated franchise. In recent news, the upcoming English language dub film will feature the voices of
Lupin III – Tony Oliver Daisuke Jigen – Richard Epcar Goemon Ishikawa – Lex Lang Fujiko Mine – Michelle Ruff Koichi Zenigata – Doug Erholtz Laetitia – Laurie C. Hymes Lambert – J. David Brimmer Gerard – Paul Guyet
From 2D to CGI 3D
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing Lupin III in 3DCG for a long time now. I saw the characters and story, and it looks like this new Lupin is going to have a whole new feeling to him. It’s exciting just imagining how the movie is going to turn out.”
-MONKEY PUNCH (OCT. ‘18)
An excerpt from Gkids’ Interview with LUPIN III: THE FIRST director Takashi Yamazaki:
As soon as the project began in September 2015, the 3DCG Lupin character designs were also developed. Lupin has different characteristics between the TV series and the specials, and likewise, various options were considered for this movie.
First, several character designers and concept artists were hired to develop about 30 different designs of Lupin in 2D. The Staff cast voted on the three most popular designs. Those were further improved until the final design was completed. Once Lupin was finalized, developing Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa, and Inspector Zenigata was relatively easy by applying the same style.
However, Fujiko Mine proved to be difficult. She was portrayed as a provocative lady in the TV specials with eyes slanting upwards, whereas she was cute and playful with eyes slanting down in the series. Her characteristics changed according to the staff. After many discussions about which direction to go and whether she should be slim or voluptuous, the production team decided on the current design.
Building 3D models based on 2D concepts turned out to be challenging since small details make or break Lupin’s likeness. Two dedicated 3D modelers were building digital maquettes in ZBrush for the main characters. What resulted were completely different models, and it was hard to believe that they came from the same concept art. In the end, the one chosen was the model that was most expressive in CG animation. Attention to small details such as the sideburns and jawline were considered to finalize the 3D models.
The new characters Laetitia, Lambert, and Gerard were developed based on Director Yamazaki’s rough sketches. Lambert’s 3D model was almost entirely developed from Director Yamazaki’s sketch. Gerard’s design was less straightforward. Ultimately, the character drawn in the animatics turned out to be well-received, so the model was developed from that design.
What is great about 3DCG is its rich texture. The slick texture of Lupin’s leather jacket was made possible because of the medium. There were more than 10 different outfits designed for Fujiko and Director Yamazaki mentioned that it was like an upscale costume fitting. However, because of the budget, only a couple of outfits were developed. Fans can enjoy the carefully selected outfits in the film.
Special thanks to GKids for interviewing the film Director Takashi Yamazaki, and providing us with the said interview. For those interested in reading the entire interview please do so here (Lupin III: The First Press Kit PDF).
Follow the iconic “gentleman thief” as Lupin III returns in an action-packed, continent-spanning adventure, as Lupin III and his colorful underworld companions race to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Bresson Diary before it falls into the hands of a dark cabal that will stop at nothing to resurrect the Third Reich. The gang undertakes trap-filled tombs, aerial escapades, and daring prison escapes with the trademark wit and visual finesse that has made LUPIN THE 3RD one of the most storied animation franchises in the world, in a thrilling new caper that is sure to delight fans old and new. Watch the trailer below!
Follow Lupin at these official social media links:
The long wait is finally over! HAZBIN HOTEL made its premiere on Oct 28th!
The pilot episode “That’s Entertainment” was released on YouTube by its creator, Vivienne Medrano (Vivziepop). The episode was an instant hit, getting over 7M views in nearly two weeks. During an interview we had with Vivienne Medrano, she spoke about having the series air on a major studio network, depending on how well the pilot episode is received and what type of deal they are offered.
Though the pilot episode became an instant hit among fans, the future of the series is still up in the air. Medrano and her team want to develop an entire season of Hazbin Hotel but for this, as Medrano puts it in our interview, they would need a bigger budget, suggesting a Kickstart campaign to help create an entire season.
Many may know about the characters inside the amazing world of Hazbin Hotel, but very few know who is their voices are. It goes without saying that Hazbin Hotel has a unique and original concept to the story, the same could be said about the cast.
Jill Harris As Charlie the Princess of Hell
Born on 1994 in Clarksville, Tennessee, Jill began her voice acting career with her first game, Loren The Amazon Princess as Myrth. She went on to become a regular voice actor for Funimation projects such as SSSS.Gridman, Overlord III, Black Clover & KanColle: Kantai Collection.
Charlie’s singing voice is Britsh singer and actress, Elsie Lovelock.
Monica Franco As Vaggie, Charlie’s love interest.
According to her IMDB profile, she’s worked on various web series such as JonTron, Final Fantasy VII: Machinabridged, Vampire Pixel in the Neon City alongside, HotDiggedyDemon’s Luigi’s Day Out and Pony.Mov
Michael Kovach As Angel Dust, a resident of Hell and former gay porn star.
According to his IMDB profile, Kovach began his professional career in 2014 with his first project being, Danganwrestling as Monokuma, Goldust & Paul Heyman. He later went on to voice numerous characters in video games such as Lucid9: Inciting Incident, Highway Blossoms, and an upcoming 3D platformer/puzzle game, Billie Bust Up.
Edward Bosco As Alastor, also know as ‘The Radio Demon’
Born on 1986 in Chicago, Illinois, Edward began his career with MMORPG video game, Vindictus. He went on to voice Aharah in Dust: An Elysian Tail and in later years worked on Bang! Zoom Entertainment projects such as Sword Art Online, Hunter x Hunter, Gods Eater Burst and B: The Beginning.
Alastor’s singing voice is voice actor, Odell Atkinson.
Other voice actors include Joshua Tomar (Tom Trench), Krystal LaPorte (Cherry Bomb), and Vivienne Medrano (additional voices).
During Anime Expo 2019, we interviewed voice actress Faye Mata voice of Katie Killjoy, who spoke with us about her career and her role in Hazbin Hotel.
Now that pilot episode is completed and released, its only matter of time before it gets picked up by a major network or if, Vivienne and her team will continue to Self-produce the series with the help of loyal fans. For more updates, exclusive Hazbin Hotel content and other exciting news, follow Vivienne on Twitter. Watch the pilot episode below, make to read till the end of this article for a special giveaway:
In the meantime, fans can rejoice in Hazbin Hotel merchandise that is now available. Pins, sketchbooks, and shirts are all available on VivziePop’s official SharkRobot account.
GIVEAWAY
Share our post on social media and Win!
Just share this post on ANY social media platform using #HazbinHotelTKN, and you’ll be automatically entered to win this, Portrait of Angel Dust Pin designed by artist, CalMoray. The winner will be announced on Dec 1st on our FACEBOOK page.
Don’t wanna wait? You can purchase the very limited stock, portrait of Angel pin, on Vivziepop’s shop here.
