VIZ MEDIA AND ELEVEN ARTS ANNOUNCE ADVANCE TICKETS AND THEATRE LOCATIONS FOR SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE U.S. PREMIERE

Tickets On Sale Now At First Set Of Theaters Across The U.S.

For January Debut Of The Legendary Anime Feature Film!

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, and Los Angeles-based film distribution company, ELEVEN ARTS, have announced advance tickets and theatre locations for the U.S. premiere of SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE.

On January 20^th, audiences will have a very special opportunity to catch the film’s big-screen debut at more than 300 theaters in around the U.S. (select theaters screen the film starting January 19^th). Starting today, tickets at more than 50 theaters are available for sale, and more presales will continue to be added.

Screenings will be held in New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, and more! The exclusive event also features the North American theatrical debut of the original SAILOR MOON short, MAKE UP! SAILOR GUARDIANS. Both English language dubbed and Japanese audio with English subtitled showings will be offered. Fans attending a showing will get an exclusive Sailor Guardian character art board as a gift with ticket purchase, while supplies last. Those who attend the English language dubbed showings will also get to see an exclusive interview and introduction by the English voice cast!

For the full theater listing, additional information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: www.elevenarts.net/sailormoon.

Presented uncut and for the first time in North American theaters, SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE features a renowned English language cast already familiar to fans from the VIZ Media-distributed SAILOR MOON anime series. Voice actress Stephanie Sheh reprises her leading role of Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon along with actorRobbie Daymond as Mamoru Chiba / Tuxedo Mask. Ben Diskin will voice the role of the film’s villain, Fiore.

In the film, long before Mamoru found his destiny with Usagi, he gave a single rose in thanks to a lonely boy who helped him recover from the crash that claimed his parents. This long-forgotten friend, Fiore, has been searching the galaxy for a flower worthy of that sweet gesture long ago. The mysterious flower he finds is beautiful, but has a dark side – it has the power to take over planets. To make matters worse, the strange plant is tied to an ominous new asteroid near Earth! Faced with an enemy blooming out of control, it’s up to Sailor Moon and the Sailor Guardians to band together, stop the impending destruction and save Mamoru!

The SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga series created by Naoko Takeuchi. In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!

Enjoy the original, classic SAILOR MOON as well as the all-new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL anime series, which are now available from VIZ Media as Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs as well as multi-disc Standard Edition Blu-ray and DVD Sets. SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE will be released on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Standard DVD Sets in late Spring 2017.

For more information on SAILOR MOON, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL and other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

The post SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE | Big Screen Debut In The U.S. appeared first on Geek News Network.

Somewhere in Shibuya lies a place where Torai Eisu, a manga concierge, guides people to the manga they “always wanted to read”.

In this program, we meet with him every month to hear his title selection, each time on a different theme.

In our first episode, the manga concierge introduces three manga themes around games.

Today’s selection:
・Banjo no Polaris
Scenario: KIGUCHI Minori
Art: WAKAMATSU Takahiro
Publisher: Kodansha

・Final Re:Quest
Scenario/Art: KUSAKA Ichiro
Collaboration: HUGA Inc.
Publisher: Kodansha

・Gutshot
Scenario/Art: SATO Masaki
Supervision: Japan Poker Association
Publisher: Futabasha

テーマ：ゲーム

紹介されたタイトル：
・盤上のポラリス
漫画：若松卓宏
原作：木口糧
©講談社

・ファイナル リクエスト
漫画：日下 一郎
協力：株式会社ヒューガ
©講談社

・ガットショット
漫画：佐藤 まさき
監修：日本ポーカー協会
©双葉社

The post The Manga Concierge Ep.1 | Theme: Games appeared first on Geek News Network.

GKIDS and Fathom Events Partner to Bring Ultimate Series ofAnimated Masterpieces to U.S. Cinemas Throughout 2017

Series Highlights Six of Studio Ghibli’s Most Treasured Films on the Big Screen in STUDIO GHIBLI FEST and a U.S. Theatrical Premiere of ‘Mune: Guardian of the Moon’ Beginning This Summer

Following the success of the “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke” cinema events, GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award^®-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema, are proud to announce a partnership to bring the biggest series of anime titles to U.S audiences throughout 2017. The series features Studio Ghibli’s revered animated classics, a selection of GKIDS new release titles and an ongoing animated short film mini-festival.

The 2017 partnership kicks off with the iconic “My Neighbor Totoro,” from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, on Sunday, June 25 and Monday, June 26.  “Totoro” is the first title in STUDIO GHIBLI FEST, a six film monthly series which continues with “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Castle In The Sky,” “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and a special cinema-run of the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away” timed for Halloween.

GKIDS is also partnering with Fathom Events to release “Mune: Guardian of the Moon,” from the producers of “The Little Prince,” for the first time in U.S. cinemas.  Two additional new release titles are anticipated as part of the 2017 GKIDS/Fathom lineup.

All GKIDS events will include GKIDS MINIFEST, an ongoing festival of award-winning short animated films from around the world, as part of the exclusive event experience.

Tickets for these titles can be purchased beginning Friday, April 28, 2017 online by visiting www.ghiblifest.com,  www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Moviegoers throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy these events in select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations will be available April 28 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“We are extremely proud to be partnering again with GKIDS to bring these beloved animated films to the big screen, including some of Hayao Miyazaki’s most iconic works,” Fathom Events CEO John Rubey said. “Fans across the nation will now have the unique opportunity to experience these brilliant films as they were meant to be seen, on the big screen with full cinema sound, and together with their friends and families.”

“We are thrilled to be expanding our successful partnership with Fathom to bring Studio Ghibli and other GKIDS films to movie theaters nationwide,” said GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman. “Together we are creating an exciting and unique cinema event experience for Studio Ghibli fans to come celebrate their favorite films, while introducing wide new audiences to some of the most amazing animated films of all time.”

“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) – Sunday, June 25 and Monday, June 26

STUDIO GHIBLI FEST kicks off with one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic films (and characters) in this family classic from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, move with their father to a new house in the countryside. But country life is not so simple as it seems, as they soon discover the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, most notably a family of Totoros, gigantic but gentle bear-like forest spirits that can only be seen by children.

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989) – Sunday, July 23 and Monday, July 24

This is the beloved coming-of-age story of a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt. It is tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon and set out into the wide world to learn their craft. When that night comes for Kiki, she embarks on her life journey with her chatty black cat, Jiji, landing the next morning in a picturesque seaside village, where a bakery owner hires her to make deliveries.

“Castle In The Sky” (1986) – Sunday, August 27 and Monday, August 28

This title is a rollicking adventure about a young girl with a mysterious crystal pendant, who falls out of the sky and into the arms and life of young Pazu – a consummate mechanic obsessed with aircrafts. Together they search for Laputa, the floating island in the sky, and site of a long-dead civilization promising enormous wealth and power to those who can unlock its secrets. But greedy pirates, spies and the army are also all in hot pursuit!

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984) – Sunday, September 24 and Monday, September 25

There are few films, animated or otherwise, of such sweeping scope and grandeur as this one. Set in a devastated future world decimated by atmospheric poisons and swarming with gigantic insects, Nausicaä is a young princess, both brave and innocent, whose love for all living things and passionate determination to understand the processes of nature lead her into terrible danger, sacrifice and eventual triumph.

“Spirited Away” (2001) – Sunday, October 29 and Monday, October 30

Following the smash-hit 15^th anniversary celebration, the Academy Award-winning masterpiece “Spirited Away” returns to movie theaters as part of this unique Studio Ghibli celebration, just in time for Halloween. Chihiro thinks she is on another boring trip with her parents, but when they stop at a village that is not all that it seems, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits, shape-shifting dragons and a witch who never wants to see her leave. She must call on the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004) – Sunday, November 26 and Monday, November 27

“Howl’s Moving Castle” is an acclaimed fantasy based on the novel of the same name, and the second Studio Ghibli film (after “Spirited Away”) to be nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Sophie, an average teenage girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. However, after this chance meeting, the young girl is turned into a 90-year old woman by the vain and conniving Witch of the Waste. Embarking on an incredible adventure to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl’s magical moving castle.

“Mune: Guardian of the Moon” (2017) – Dates TBD

Plunge into a world of wonder, magic and mythology in this fantastic animated adventure from the producers of “The Little Prince,” hailed by critics as “stunning! Like a made-for-children Avatar!” (Le Monde) In a land divided between the realms of day and night, the Guardian of the Sun keeps watch over the sun maintaining light and warmth to all of humanity. The Guardian of the Moon lures the moon to the Land of Darkness to provide a balance to the sun and supply the world with dreams. At the momentous ceremony to appoint the two new guardians, the unexpected occurs: the heir apparent is passed over, and the title Guardian of the Moon is bestowed on Mune, a small forest faun who seems wholly unprepared to take on such a weighty responsibility. Now it is up to unlikely hero Mune and his friend Glim – a headstrong young girl with wax for skin – to save the sun and restore order to the world.

About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like Copa America Centenario, concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series and inspirational events such as To Joey With Love and Kirk Cameron’s Revive US. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 896 locations and 1,383 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About GKIDS

GKIDS is a producer and distributor of award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. Since 2010, the company has scored an astounding nine Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations – including The Secret of Kells, A Cat in Paris, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya and Boy and the World. GKIDS also handles North American theatrical distribution for Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki’s famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke” and others.  GKIDS founder and CEO Eric Beckman is also co-founder of New York International Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event and North America’s largest film festival for children and teens.

About Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and is one of the most successful and well-respected animation studios in the world. Cultivating a creative force of talented directors, animators, and storytellers under the revered brilliance of Miyazaki and Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s films have been praised for their originality, dazzling animation, and epic storytelling. The films have become a beloved part of Japanese popular culture, and have garnered worldwide acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature of 2002 and in 2005 Miyazaki was named one of “the most influential people” by TIME Magazine.

The post STUDIO GHIBLI FEST Coming to U.S. Cinemas This Year! appeared first on Geek News Network.

The second trailer for the upcoming Fullmetal Alchemist live action movie was revealed today with a confirmed release date. Based on the popular manga by Arakawa Hiroshi, the movie is coming December 1st, 2017 and stars Yamada Ryosuke from popular boyband Hey!Say!JUMP as protagonist Edward Elric.

Check out the official site and follow the official Twitter as well.

Watch the first trailer:

The post Fullmetal Alchemist | Live Action Movie Trailer #2! appeared first on Geek News Network.

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS THE STUDIO GHIBLI LIBRARY THIS WINTER WITH NEW PICTURE BOOK RELEASES

Full-Color Releases For CASTLE IN THE SKY

And PRINCESS MONONOKE Capture The Magic Of These

Extraordinary Studio Ghibli Feature Films

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, received cheers from thrilled attendees this past weekend during its official panel at Chicago’s premier pop culture and comics convention C2E2, where it announced the winter release of a pair of full-color picture books for the famed Studio Ghibli films CASTLE IN THE SKY and PRINCESS MONONOKE.

The new books expand VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli Library and capture the magic of the legendary studio’s animated films with easy-to-read text, full-color pictures direct from the film, and a family-friendly oversized hardcover format aimed at readers of all ages.

Castle in the Sky, Studio Ghibli’s first feature film, celebrated its 30^th Anniversary in 2016. This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the North American theatrical release of Princess Mononoke, which has gone on to become one of the studio’s most popular anime films.

Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future.

CASTLE IN THE SKY PICTURE BOOK

Debuts December 2017

The legends were true! Somewhere high in the clouds, human beings have again set foot on the floating island of Laputa, for centuries a peaceful, park like ruin, tended only by its silent, faithful robots. But just behind Pazu and Sheeta are soldiers from the aerial dreadnought Goliath – who have captured Dola and her pirate crew, and are now looting the gold and jewels of the Castle in the Sky for themselves! But the man who guided them there, Muska, has his eyes on power, not money – and he alone knows how to activate the castle’s ancient superweapons that could make him master of the world! Can Pazu and Sheeta stop his sinister plan? Includes scene-by-scene illustrations and character dialogue from the film.

PRINCESS MONONOKE PICTURE BOOK

Debuts December 2017

Marked with the curse of a rampaging boar god, young Ashitaka sets off on a journey to cure his mysterious affliction. From behind the walls of an iron-mining town, Lady Eboshi arises to smash all obstacles to technological development. And from out of the forest comes Princess Mononoke, driven by a hatred of all humans. Can she and Ashitaka ally in time to stop the wildlands from being destroyed?

For additional information on STUDIO GHIBLI LIBRARY titles available from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through officially licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan’s largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at VIZ.com.

The post New Picture Book Releases Coming To STUDIO GHIBLI Library! appeared first on Geek News Network.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF ONE-PUNCH MAN

The Action-Packed ONE-PUNCH MAN Anime Debuts On Home Video As A Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack And Standard Edition Blu-Ray and DVD Sets

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, announces the home media debut of ONE-PUNCH MAN on Blu-ray and DVD.

All 12-episodes of the action-packed anime series about an unlikely superhero with a knockout punch are now available as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, and as Standard Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD sets.

Based on the best-selling manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’ for Teens) created by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata, ONE-PUNCH MAN depicts the adventures of Saitama, a young man who only became a hero for fun. But after three years of “special” training, he finds that he can beat even the mightiest opponents with a single punch. Though he faces new enemies every day, it turns out being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. Can a hero be too strong?

English dubbed as well as Japanese (with English subtitled) dialogue options are available for ONE-PUNCH MAN’s home media release. ONE-PUNCH MAN features a notable cast of English voice actors including Max Mittelman (as Saitama), Zach Aguillar (as Genos), Robbie Daymond (as Mumen Rider) and Erik Kimerer (as Speed O’ Sound Sonic).

The Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack carries an MSRP of $59.99 U.S. / $69.99 CAN and features the collection on two Blu-ray and two DVD discs. Notable bonus content includes six special ONE-PUNCH MAN OVA shorts, which are being released exclusively on the Blu-ray format, along with premium packaging, six collectible art cards, and a full-color episode guide booklet with summaries, character profiles, and staff and cast interviews. Fans who order the Limited Edition set from Right Stuf will get an exclusive silver tone Hero Association pin, while supplies last.

The ONE-PUNCH MAN Standard Edition Blu-ray Set carries an MSRP of $49.99 U.S. / $57.99 CAN and also includes the OVA shorts. The ONE-PUNCH MAN Standard Edition DVD Set is an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $52.99 CAN and features all 12-episodes of the series.

“ONE-PUNCH MAN is an action-filled adaptation of the fan-favorite manga series and we are very excited to give fans the opportunity to acquire the complete collection on home video,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Senior Manager of Animation Marketing. “Will Saitama ever find an opponent strong enough to give him a match worthy of his extraordinary strength? Find out as the series debuts on Blu-ray and DVD this spring!”

VIZ Media is the official North American distributor of the ONE-PUNCH MAN anime and manga properties and holds the digital and print publishing rights as well as broadcast rights, digital streaming rights, home video rights and master merchandising rights to the series.

For more information on ONE-PUNCH MAN or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan’s largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at VIZ.com.

The post ONE-PUNCH MAN Anime Debuts On Home Video appeared first on Geek News Network.

#OnePunchHunt Hits the Streets of L.A.

• One-Punch Man Nendoroids…

• One-Punch Man mini figures…

• …and One-Punch Man posters!

Want to find the billboards? Follow the @VIZMedia Snapchat or Instagram for hints on where to find them!

The #OnePunchHunt is on!

Thanks to their partners on this contest: ZagToys and Good Smile.

Official Rules: http://www.viz.com/one-punch-man-billboard-contest-rules.

For fans outside of Los Angeles, One-Punch Man is available for pre-order now!

The post ONE PUNCH MAN Scavenger Selfie Hunt Hits L.A.! appeared first on Geek News Network.

If you’re looking for something fun and entertaining to do to kick-off the start of the new year, make sure to put Taiyou Con on your calendar! Coming to Mesa, Arizona from January 6-8, Taiyou Con is an anime/manga focused convention providing an array of exciting events such as cosplay meetups, live performances, a chance to waltz the stage in a masquerade, and so much more!

Shihoko’s adorable soft spoken character may deceive you in person, but when she is on stage, her voice illuminates the venue with power and soul. Grew up listening to mainly Funk and Soul, her talent was recognized by Shoji Meguro in his works of Persona 4 series. The game has gained international recognition and it’s still loved by many fans around the world. The soundtrack Persona 4 The GOLDEN earned a title in SOUNDTRACK ALBUM OF THE YEAR of THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD 2013.

Lotus Juice is one of the pioneers in rap for official Japanese anime and game music, Lotus Juice’s ingredients are from 90’s Hip Hop, J-Pop, Dub, Rock, Comedy, Love and many more. He is well known for his works with Shoji Meguro from ATLUS Japan, ripping the mic on the track “Mass Destruction” on the game Persona 3.

Teddyloid started his career as MIYAVI’s DJ and Sound Producer by joining his world tour when he was only 18 years old. He also produced OST for the GAINAX anime “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” with ☆Taku Takahashi(m-flo). He has also had experience in units with Shibasaki Ko and DECO*27, he established galaxias!, he has also sound produced for Momoiro Clover Z “Neo STARGATE” and had a guest appearance in 2013 Seibu Dome Taikai.

How can you follow such a great lineup of live performances? With a stellar group of voice actors! Taiyou Con welcomes Yuko Sanpei (Renton Thurston from Eureka Seven, Ryo Akizuki from IDOLM@STER, Boruto Uzumaki from Boruto: Naruto the Movie, and Pride from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), Akemi Kanda (Nanako Dojima in Persona 4, Asuna Kagurazaka from Negima!, Kazuki Arisaka from Tona-Gura!, Czesław ‘Czes’ Meyer from Baccano!, and Ryou Fujibayashi from Clannad) and Clifford Chapin (Katsuki Bakugo in My Hero Academia, Conny Springer in Attack on Titan, Charles Grey in Black Butler, Koto Fujisaki in Noragami, and Yuri Dreyar in Fairy Tail), all of whom have done extensive work in anime and video games alike.

Taiyou Con is also welcoming Mega64 to their lineup! They are a series of short films and videos that recreate classic and current video games in real life created by Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, and Shawn Chatfield. These hilarious videos can be seen on YouTube! Their panels should be fun and hilarious!

With tickets starting at just $45 for the entire weekend, how could you pass up the opportunity to dive into this little world? If you can’t afford an entire weekend pass, no worries – a one day badge is also available! Or, if you have those extra bucks lying around, a premiere fan badge is also an option, which will grant you front-of-the-line access to all events and autograph signings, as well as a cool merch package! Not only that – if you’re wondering what to do with the young ones, Taiyou Con has that covered, too! Kids 12 and under actually get in for free (that’s right, free), so you’ll have no trouble dragging them with you; unless, of course, you have already converted them into mini Otakus, then dragging their little bodies will not be necessary.

No matter what, however you choose to enjoy Taiyou Con, you will definitely have a great time, meet wonderful people, and make lifelong memories! So, come and celebrate the wonderful world of anime, manga, video games and all-around Japanese culture in January at Taiyou Con 2017!

The post Taiyou Con 2017 | A Japanese Culture Convention appeared first on Geek News Network.

VIZ MEDIA AND ELEVEN ARTS ANNOUNCE ADVANCE TICKETS AND THEATRE LOCATIONS FOR SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE U.S. PREMIERE

Tickets On Sale Now At First Set Of Theaters Across The U.S.

For January Debut Of The Legendary Anime Feature Film!

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, and Los Angeles-based film distribution company, ELEVEN ARTS, have announced advance tickets and theatre locations for the U.S. premiere of SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE.

On January 20^th, audiences will have a very special opportunity to catch the film’s big-screen debut at more than 300 theaters in around the U.S. (select theaters screen the film starting January 19^th). Starting today, tickets at more than 50 theaters are available for sale, and more presales will continue to be added.

Screenings will be held in New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, and more! The exclusive event also features the North American theatrical debut of the original SAILOR MOON short, MAKE UP! SAILOR GUARDIANS. Both English language dubbed and Japanese audio with English subtitled showings will be offered. Fans attending a showing will get an exclusive Sailor Guardian character art board as a gift with ticket purchase, while supplies last. Those who attend the English language dubbed showings will also get to see an exclusive interview and introduction by the English voice cast!

For the full theater listing, additional information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: www.elevenarts.net/sailormoon.

Presented uncut and for the first time in North American theaters, SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE features a renowned English language cast already familiar to fans from the VIZ Media-distributed SAILOR MOON anime series. Voice actress Stephanie Sheh reprises her leading role of Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon along with actorRobbie Daymond as Mamoru Chiba / Tuxedo Mask. Ben Diskin will voice the role of the film’s villain, Fiore.

In the film, long before Mamoru found his destiny with Usagi, he gave a single rose in thanks to a lonely boy who helped him recover from the crash that claimed his parents. This long-forgotten friend, Fiore, has been searching the galaxy for a flower worthy of that sweet gesture long ago. The mysterious flower he finds is beautiful, but has a dark side – it has the power to take over planets. To make matters worse, the strange plant is tied to an ominous new asteroid near Earth! Faced with an enemy blooming out of control, it’s up to Sailor Moon and the Sailor Guardians to band together, stop the impending destruction and save Mamoru!

The SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga series created by Naoko Takeuchi. In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!

Enjoy the original, classic SAILOR MOON as well as the all-new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL anime series, which are now available from VIZ Media as Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs as well as multi-disc Standard Edition Blu-ray and DVD Sets. SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE will be released on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Standard DVD Sets in late Spring 2017.

For more information on SAILOR MOON, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL and other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

The post SAILOR MOON R: THE MOVIE | Big Screen Debut In The U.S. appeared first on Geek News Network.

Somewhere in Shibuya lies a place where Torai Eisu, a manga concierge, guides people to the manga they “always wanted to read”.

In this program, we meet with him every month to hear his title selection, each time on a different theme.

In our first episode, the manga concierge introduces three manga themes around games.

Today’s selection:
・Banjo no Polaris
Scenario: KIGUCHI Minori
Art: WAKAMATSU Takahiro
Publisher: Kodansha

・Final Re:Quest
Scenario/Art: KUSAKA Ichiro
Collaboration: HUGA Inc.
Publisher: Kodansha

・Gutshot
Scenario/Art: SATO Masaki
Supervision: Japan Poker Association
Publisher: Futabasha

テーマ：ゲーム

紹介されたタイトル：
・盤上のポラリス
漫画：若松卓宏
原作：木口糧
©講談社

・ファイナル リクエスト
漫画：日下 一郎
協力：株式会社ヒューガ
©講談社

・ガットショット
漫画：佐藤 まさき
監修：日本ポーカー協会
©双葉社

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GKIDS and Fathom Events Partner to Bring Ultimate Series ofAnimated Masterpieces to U.S. Cinemas Throughout 2017

Series Highlights Six of Studio Ghibli’s Most Treasured Films on the Big Screen in STUDIO GHIBLI FEST and a U.S. Theatrical Premiere of ‘Mune: Guardian of the Moon’ Beginning This Summer

Following the success of the “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke” cinema events, GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award^®-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema, are proud to announce a partnership to bring the biggest series of anime titles to U.S audiences throughout 2017. The series features Studio Ghibli’s revered animated classics, a selection of GKIDS new release titles and an ongoing animated short film mini-festival.

The 2017 partnership kicks off with the iconic “My Neighbor Totoro,” from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, on Sunday, June 25 and Monday, June 26.  “Totoro” is the first title in STUDIO GHIBLI FEST, a six film monthly series which continues with “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Castle In The Sky,” “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and a special cinema-run of the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away” timed for Halloween.

GKIDS is also partnering with Fathom Events to release “Mune: Guardian of the Moon,” from the producers of “The Little Prince,” for the first time in U.S. cinemas.  Two additional new release titles are anticipated as part of the 2017 GKIDS/Fathom lineup.

All GKIDS events will include GKIDS MINIFEST, an ongoing festival of award-winning short animated films from around the world, as part of the exclusive event experience.

Tickets for these titles can be purchased beginning Friday, April 28, 2017 online by visiting www.ghiblifest.com,  www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Moviegoers throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy these events in select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations will be available April 28 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“We are extremely proud to be partnering again with GKIDS to bring these beloved animated films to the big screen, including some of Hayao Miyazaki’s most iconic works,” Fathom Events CEO John Rubey said. “Fans across the nation will now have the unique opportunity to experience these brilliant films as they were meant to be seen, on the big screen with full cinema sound, and together with their friends and families.”

“We are thrilled to be expanding our successful partnership with Fathom to bring Studio Ghibli and other GKIDS films to movie theaters nationwide,” said GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman. “Together we are creating an exciting and unique cinema event experience for Studio Ghibli fans to come celebrate their favorite films, while introducing wide new audiences to some of the most amazing animated films of all time.”

“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) – Sunday, June 25 and Monday, June 26

STUDIO GHIBLI FEST kicks off with one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic films (and characters) in this family classic from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, move with their father to a new house in the countryside. But country life is not so simple as it seems, as they soon discover the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, most notably a family of Totoros, gigantic but gentle bear-like forest spirits that can only be seen by children.

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989) – Sunday, July 23 and Monday, July 24

This is the beloved coming-of-age story of a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt. It is tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon and set out into the wide world to learn their craft. When that night comes for Kiki, she embarks on her life journey with her chatty black cat, Jiji, landing the next morning in a picturesque seaside village, where a bakery owner hires her to make deliveries.

“Castle In The Sky” (1986) – Sunday, August 27 and Monday, August 28

This title is a rollicking adventure about a young girl with a mysterious crystal pendant, who falls out of the sky and into the arms and life of young Pazu – a consummate mechanic obsessed with aircrafts. Together they search for Laputa, the floating island in the sky, and site of a long-dead civilization promising enormous wealth and power to those who can unlock its secrets. But greedy pirates, spies and the army are also all in hot pursuit!

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984) – Sunday, September 24 and Monday, September 25

There are few films, animated or otherwise, of such sweeping scope and grandeur as this one. Set in a devastated future world decimated by atmospheric poisons and swarming with gigantic insects, Nausicaä is a young princess, both brave and innocent, whose love for all living things and passionate determination to understand the processes of nature lead her into terrible danger, sacrifice and eventual triumph.

“Spirited Away” (2001) – Sunday, October 29 and Monday, October 30

Following the smash-hit 15^th anniversary celebration, the Academy Award-winning masterpiece “Spirited Away” returns to movie theaters as part of this unique Studio Ghibli celebration, just in time for Halloween. Chihiro thinks she is on another boring trip with her parents, but when they stop at a village that is not all that it seems, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits, shape-shifting dragons and a witch who never wants to see her leave. She must call on the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004) – Sunday, November 26 and Monday, November 27

“Howl’s Moving Castle” is an acclaimed fantasy based on the novel of the same name, and the second Studio Ghibli film (after “Spirited Away”) to be nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Sophie, an average teenage girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. However, after this chance meeting, the young girl is turned into a 90-year old woman by the vain and conniving Witch of the Waste. Embarking on an incredible adventure to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl’s magical moving castle.

“Mune: Guardian of the Moon” (2017) – Dates TBD

Plunge into a world of wonder, magic and mythology in this fantastic animated adventure from the producers of “The Little Prince,” hailed by critics as “stunning! Like a made-for-children Avatar!” (Le Monde) In a land divided between the realms of day and night, the Guardian of the Sun keeps watch over the sun maintaining light and warmth to all of humanity. The Guardian of the Moon lures the moon to the Land of Darkness to provide a balance to the sun and supply the world with dreams. At the momentous ceremony to appoint the two new guardians, the unexpected occurs: the heir apparent is passed over, and the title Guardian of the Moon is bestowed on Mune, a small forest faun who seems wholly unprepared to take on such a weighty responsibility. Now it is up to unlikely hero Mune and his friend Glim – a headstrong young girl with wax for skin – to save the sun and restore order to the world.

About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like Copa America Centenario, concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series and inspirational events such as To Joey With Love and Kirk Cameron’s Revive US. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 896 locations and 1,383 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About GKIDS

GKIDS is a producer and distributor of award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. Since 2010, the company has scored an astounding nine Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations – including The Secret of Kells, A Cat in Paris, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya and Boy and the World. GKIDS also handles North American theatrical distribution for Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki’s famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke” and others.  GKIDS founder and CEO Eric Beckman is also co-founder of New York International Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event and North America’s largest film festival for children and teens.

About Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and is one of the most successful and well-respected animation studios in the world. Cultivating a creative force of talented directors, animators, and storytellers under the revered brilliance of Miyazaki and Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s films have been praised for their originality, dazzling animation, and epic storytelling. The films have become a beloved part of Japanese popular culture, and have garnered worldwide acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature of 2002 and in 2005 Miyazaki was named one of “the most influential people” by TIME Magazine.

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The second trailer for the upcoming Fullmetal Alchemist live action movie was revealed today with a confirmed release date. Based on the popular manga by Arakawa Hiroshi, the movie is coming December 1st, 2017 and stars Yamada Ryosuke from popular boyband Hey!Say!JUMP as protagonist Edward Elric.

Check out the official site and follow the official Twitter as well.

Watch the first trailer:

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VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS THE STUDIO GHIBLI LIBRARY THIS WINTER WITH NEW PICTURE BOOK RELEASES

Full-Color Releases For CASTLE IN THE SKY

And PRINCESS MONONOKE Capture The Magic Of These

Extraordinary Studio Ghibli Feature Films

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, received cheers from thrilled attendees this past weekend during its official panel at Chicago’s premier pop culture and comics convention C2E2, where it announced the winter release of a pair of full-color picture books for the famed Studio Ghibli films CASTLE IN THE SKY and PRINCESS MONONOKE.

The new books expand VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli Library and capture the magic of the legendary studio’s animated films with easy-to-read text, full-color pictures direct from the film, and a family-friendly oversized hardcover format aimed at readers of all ages.

Castle in the Sky, Studio Ghibli’s first feature film, celebrated its 30^th Anniversary in 2016. This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the North American theatrical release of Princess Mononoke, which has gone on to become one of the studio’s most popular anime films.

Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future.

CASTLE IN THE SKY PICTURE BOOK

Debuts December 2017

The legends were true! Somewhere high in the clouds, human beings have again set foot on the floating island of Laputa, for centuries a peaceful, park like ruin, tended only by its silent, faithful robots. But just behind Pazu and Sheeta are soldiers from the aerial dreadnought Goliath – who have captured Dola and her pirate crew, and are now looting the gold and jewels of the Castle in the Sky for themselves! But the man who guided them there, Muska, has his eyes on power, not money – and he alone knows how to activate the castle’s ancient superweapons that could make him master of the world! Can Pazu and Sheeta stop his sinister plan? Includes scene-by-scene illustrations and character dialogue from the film.

PRINCESS MONONOKE PICTURE BOOK

Debuts December 2017

Marked with the curse of a rampaging boar god, young Ashitaka sets off on a journey to cure his mysterious affliction. From behind the walls of an iron-mining town, Lady Eboshi arises to smash all obstacles to technological development. And from out of the forest comes Princess Mononoke, driven by a hatred of all humans. Can she and Ashitaka ally in time to stop the wildlands from being destroyed?

For additional information on STUDIO GHIBLI LIBRARY titles available from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through officially licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan’s largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at VIZ.com.

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VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF ONE-PUNCH MAN

The Action-Packed ONE-PUNCH MAN Anime Debuts On Home Video As A Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack And Standard Edition Blu-Ray and DVD Sets

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, announces the home media debut of ONE-PUNCH MAN on Blu-ray and DVD.

All 12-episodes of the action-packed anime series about an unlikely superhero with a knockout punch are now available as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, and as Standard Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD sets.

Based on the best-selling manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’ for Teens) created by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata, ONE-PUNCH MAN depicts the adventures of Saitama, a young man who only became a hero for fun. But after three years of “special” training, he finds that he can beat even the mightiest opponents with a single punch. Though he faces new enemies every day, it turns out being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. Can a hero be too strong?

English dubbed as well as Japanese (with English subtitled) dialogue options are available for ONE-PUNCH MAN’s home media release. ONE-PUNCH MAN features a notable cast of English voice actors including Max Mittelman (as Saitama), Zach Aguillar (as Genos), Robbie Daymond (as Mumen Rider) and Erik Kimerer (as Speed O’ Sound Sonic).

The Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack carries an MSRP of $59.99 U.S. / $69.99 CAN and features the collection on two Blu-ray and two DVD discs. Notable bonus content includes six special ONE-PUNCH MAN OVA shorts, which are being released exclusively on the Blu-ray format, along with premium packaging, six collectible art cards, and a full-color episode guide booklet with summaries, character profiles, and staff and cast interviews. Fans who order the Limited Edition set from Right Stuf will get an exclusive silver tone Hero Association pin, while supplies last.

The ONE-PUNCH MAN Standard Edition Blu-ray Set carries an MSRP of $49.99 U.S. / $57.99 CAN and also includes the OVA shorts. The ONE-PUNCH MAN Standard Edition DVD Set is an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $52.99 CAN and features all 12-episodes of the series.

“ONE-PUNCH MAN is an action-filled adaptation of the fan-favorite manga series and we are very excited to give fans the opportunity to acquire the complete collection on home video,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Senior Manager of Animation Marketing. “Will Saitama ever find an opponent strong enough to give him a match worthy of his extraordinary strength? Find out as the series debuts on Blu-ray and DVD this spring!”

VIZ Media is the official North American distributor of the ONE-PUNCH MAN anime and manga properties and holds the digital and print publishing rights as well as broadcast rights, digital streaming rights, home video rights and master merchandising rights to the series.

For more information on ONE-PUNCH MAN or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan’s largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at VIZ.com.

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#OnePunchHunt Hits the Streets of L.A.

• One-Punch Man Nendoroids…

• One-Punch Man mini figures…

• …and One-Punch Man posters!

Want to find the billboards? Follow the @VIZMedia Snapchat or Instagram for hints on where to find them!

The #OnePunchHunt is on!

Thanks to their partners on this contest: ZagToys and Good Smile.

Official Rules: http://www.viz.com/one-punch-man-billboard-contest-rules.

For fans outside of Los Angeles, One-Punch Man is available for pre-order now!

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 VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE HOME MEDIA DEBUT OF THE POKÉMON ADVANCED COMPLETE COLLECTION

Ash And Pikachu Head To The Mysterious Hoenn Region For Fantastic Adventures With New Friends And Pokémon

VIZ Media, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing delivers POKÉMON adventure and fun to viewers with the home media release of the POKÉMON ADVANCED COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD on May 16^th.

POKÉMON ADVANCED is the sixth season of the POKÉMON animated series and the first season of the POKÉMON THE SERIES: RUBY AND SAPPHIRE story arc. The substantial new set includes the complete POKÉMON ADVANCED series, featuring a total of 40 episodes, on 5 DVDs. The POKÉMON ADVANCED COMPLETE COLLECTION is rated ‘TV-Y7,’ for viewers ages 7 and older, and will carry an MSRP of $49.99 U.S. / $57.99 CAN.

In the series, Ash heads toward his next challenge—the far-off Hoenn region! While he must say goodbye to old friends, he makes the acquaintance of May, a Trainer just starting out on her Pokémon journey. Along with her little brother Max and the ever-reliable Brock, this pack of Pokémon Trainers begin pursuing their dreams—with Ash racking up three Gym badges, while May changes tack to follow the Contest path of a Pokémon Coordinator.

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. More than 279 million POKÉMON video games and over 21.5 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold in more than 74 countries in addition to substantial publishing and merchandise sales. VIZ Media is the official North American distributor for a wide variety of POKÉMON home media releases including animated series and films and also publishes a variety of POKÉMON manga graphic novel series including POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: FireRed & LeafGreen, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: EMERALD, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HeartGold & SoulSilver, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE, POKÉMON X•Y, and POKÉMON OMEGA RUBY & ALPHA SAPPHIRE.

For additional information on POKÉMON titles as well as other anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

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GKIDS and Fathom Events Partner to Bring Ultimate Series of Animated Masterpieces – Studio Ghibli Fest 2017 – to U.S. Cinemas Starting This June

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS AND SELECT SERIES PASS OPTIONS
ON SALE NOW

WHAT:          

Following the success of the “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke” cinema events, GKIDS and Fathom Events are proud to announce a partnership to bring the biggest series of anime titles to U.S. cinema audiences throughout 2017.

The STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2017 series kicks off with the iconic “My Neighbor Totoro,” from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The series features one of Studio Ghibli’s revered animated classics each month and will include GKIDS MINIFEST, an ongoing festival of award-winning short animated films from around the world.

WHO:             

GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema

WHEN:          

“My Neighbor Totoro” – Sunday, June 25 and Monday, June 26

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” – Sunday, July 23 and Monday, July 24

“Castle In The Sky” – Sunday, August 27 and Monday, August 28

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” – Sunday, September 24 and Monday, September 25

“Spirited Away” – Sunday, October 29 and Monday, October 30

“Howl’s Moving Castle” – Sunday, November 26 and Monday, November 27

All Sunday presentations will be dubbed and shown at 12:55 p.m. local time, while Monday showings will be subtitled and shown at 7:00 p.m. local time.

WHERE:       

Tickets for these titles can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com and gkidstickets.com or at participating theater box offices.

Additional series pass opportunities are available in select theaters including:

• Cinemark – Cinemark is offering series passes for $60. Plus, for a limited time only, Cinemark Connections members unlock an exclusive poster reward.  Cinemark series passes can be purchased here: https://cinemark.com/Ghibli
• Regal Entertainment Group – Regal Entertainment Group is offering series passes for $60. The first 5,000 series pass purchases will receive an exclusive, mounted decommissioned Spirited Away film cell.  Regal Series Passes can be purchased here: www.regmovies.com/Studio-Ghibli-Fest-2017

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About Koe no Katachi

There are a few shows that have the effect on us that, when we finish, there’s a void. Something that the show or movie was so remarkable at, that it takes a piece of us as we sit at blank credits rolling just to process everything. Naruto, Clannad, Your Lie in April, and Your Name, are but a few examples of this phenomenon. The writing, themes, and other factors of the shows are what capture our hearts and minds as they take us through wild rides of emotion all throughout their running. Koe no Katachi is no exception and it is a show that earns its spot among famous titles such as these.

Plot:

The show revolves around Shouya Ishida, a young man beginning in 6^th grade who is the center of attention and of popularity at his middle school. When Shouko Nishimiya joins his class, they are quick to find out that she is deaf and is quickly bombarded with questions and adolescent angst as they attempt to communicate and get to know Shouko. As with many children who are different in middle school, she is quickly the subject to bullying, the main perpetrator being Shouya. Eventually, she leaves the school, and after being called out by his teacher, Shouya is quick to throw his “friends” under the bus. Quickly they turn on him and he is found with the shoe on the other fit, now is the main target of bullying throughout his middle school and even his “friends” turning on him and becoming the main perpetrators. The story then moves forward to high school years where Shouya begins to look for redemption all while battling his own self-guilt, depression, and many other adversities.

Characters:

The characters, for the most part, were extremely well written. They portray the adolescent mind sets very well and are explored with enough depth on the whole. This leads to two different categories, however and one of the only complaints I have about the show. The main characters, Shouya and Shouko, are absolutely fabulously written. It is very easy to align with the characters and they each have their own distinct personalities that aren’t very cookie-cutter. You can visually and emotionally see the characters grow and develop as they move through the story.

All of this does seem like praise, but again, there are gripes. The supporting cast is overall good. However, they lack a little bit of development that the main characters got. Naturally, being supporting characters, they should get less screen time, however, with the movie being around 2 hrs and 15 minutes, more time could have been spent expanding on them as some of the characters magically come to a resolution or even randomly appear.

Animation:

There is really not much to say. The animation is absolutely top quality. I expect nothing less from Kyoto Animation. They, along with production studios like A1 Pictures, Mad House, Bones, and ufotable, consistently make top notch animation. Koe no Katachi is no exception. The colors and style are amazing and very reflective of the movie itself, animations are clean and crisp, and overall visuals are breathtaking.

Sound:

The voice acting is phenomenal. Miyu Irino (Shouya Ishida) has a very long pedigree that includes being in shows like the Code Geass movies (Akito Hyuuga), Fate/Zero (Kiritsugu Emiya), and Owari no Seraph (Yuuichirou Hyakuya) as well as a plethora of other supporting characters in a very long pedigree.

Similarly, Saori Hayami (Shouko Nishimiya) has a similar, impressive, list of works. Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Shirayuki), Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (Chiriko Tsurumi), and Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (Yukino Yukinoshita) among her works. Following both of their successes, they have worked together to make a large number of great shows and passing back and forth being main characters as well as supporting.

The music was very well timed. It was subtle but did a good job at reflecting the mood. Although there weren’t really any tracks that immediately make you start singing them, the overall music was well done. Kensuke Ushio has a very short list of shows which he has worked on, but overall, this is a very positive note he leaves for his career and is a good indication that his works will be much well known in the future.

Overall Enjoyment:

This is where I give more of a personal spin on Koe no Katachi.

It was hands down one of the greatest anime I have ever seen. The visuals, music, and ambiance all match together magically, but more so, was the themes and the issues touched upon the show that would be avoided by many media mediums, including western shows. It is extremely heavy in showing the fallout of bullying, shows very well how depression can effect an adolescents life, as well as touching on teen suicide and how social pressure can affect their minds. It teaches about maturity, parenting, tragedies, bystanders, the list goes on an on. It teaches about life in one the most realistic and intimate ways possible. It carries you on an emotional roller coaster of anger, sadness, laughter, pity. It’s a show that does not know when to stop hitting you with the emotional baseball bat. Koe no Katachi was simply a magical experience.

Overall, it’s an absolutely amazing show and I recommend it to anyone. In terms of enjoyment and meaning, it takes the top spot on my own list of favorite anime of all time, this does include my love for Fate/Zero, Your Name, and Your Lie in April. It is a show that everyone can relate on all ends of the spectrum and that you can simply get lost in the story and shear quality of the movie. It is a movie that should not be missed and be seen as soon as possible.

After a limited theatrical release worldwide, the movie can be imported from Japan as a Blu-Ray release has been put out. No date has been decided for a US release.

Koe no Katachi:

Synopsis: When a deaf girl, Shouko Nishimiya, moves to a new school, she is bullied by a boy, Shouya Ishida, to where she leaves. Tables turn as Shouya becomes bullied, with old friends turning their back on him. Shouya must come to deal with the past and attempt to recompense what he had done.

Directors: Naoko Yamada

Writers: Reiko Yoshida (Screenplay), Yoshitoki Ooima (Original Creator)

Starring: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami

Runtime: 2hrs. 10 min.

The post Koe no Katachi | Anime Review appeared first on Geek News Network.

Anime Expo is one of the most iconic events for Japanese pop culture on the West Coast, if not the country, and there’s tons to see and do. Follow along in my short preview guide series as I try to break it down, gather tips from veteran attendees, and plan my Anime Expo 2017 experience.

Anime Expo 2017 is July 1st – July 4th, which is a Saturday to Tuesday. The sold-out Pre-Show Night is Friday, June 30th. A full weekend (4-day) badge will run you $90 until June 29th. It goes up to $115 after that, so buy now. It’s an excellent deal considering single day badges are $55. They also have a fantastic military discount for active duty and veteran members for $50 for the full weekend. This offer can only be purchased on-site with a valid military ID. All attendee badge pickups are in the South Hall Lobby (other types of badges like premiere or press are in other areas, so see the website for details).

Tips and Tricks

Be prepared for lines. Bring comfy shoes or one of those pop-up stools so you can sit down. Bring an umbrella or parasol if you’re out in the sun (bonus points if your anime waifu is on it!). Bring games and portable chargers, manga to read, or friends to entertain you. If you expect something to be popular, try to get in line one to three hours early, or more. Which brings me to my second tip…

Bring snacks! Some conventions will prohibit outside food and drink because of venue contracts, but Anime Expo actually encourages people to bring snacks. You don’t need to tell me twice! Stock up on your protein bars, Pocky, and bottled water.

Don’t just rely on snacks, though! Eat real meals. There are a few options at the convention center, plus a food truck area, but lines are bound to be long and prices high. Don’t be afraid to leave the convention center for affordable and faster food options.

A great nearby resource is FIGat7th, a shopping center that’s only a 15-minute walk or a short Lyft away from the convention center. It has a Target for last-minute supplies, plus about 20 restaurants from California Pizza Kitchen to Five Guys, sushi to Greek, and even a cupcake shop. Check out the FIGat7th website for a full list of shops and food options.

If you need a rest during the convention, try to check out the Manga Lounge. The lounge boasts over 4,000 manga and art books to relax and enjoy and is open from 9AM to 11PM the first three days, then 9AM to 3PM on the last day (check full details and policies). Be warned though: word on the street is there’s often a line to get inside.

It’s always a good idea to check the convention policies before you go, especially if you’re planning to cosplay. For example, men in tight spandex are actually required to wear a dance belt to cover their bits (thank you!!!). Check out the full policy and more on their website.

Guests, Events, and Vendors, oh my!

Click through to other sections of this guide for more information on different parts of the convention. Do you have any other tips or wisdom? Share them in the comments!

(Links will be added as they’re published.)

Part 1: Tips and Tricks (you are here!)

Part 2: Guests

Part 3: Events

Part 4: Vendors

Part 5: Panels

Header image credit: Jeremy Rafanan

The post Looking Forward To Anime Expo 2017 | Part 1 appeared first on Geek News Network.

Are you ready to meet some of your Japanese pop culture idols? Anime Expo 2017 has over 50 guests announced so far, many of them flying in from Japan just to see all of you! They’ve got voice actors, YouTube stars, cosplayers, manga creators, musicians and more. We’ve highlighted a small handful that caught our eye.

Hironobu Sakaguchi, otherwise known as the father of Final Fantasy. I mean, you probably haven’t heard of it, but maybe you should go say hello anyway. Just in case it gets popular someday.

Teddyloid is a DJ and producer and has worked on projects like the OST for Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, background music for Mekakucity Actors, vocaloid IA tracks, and the bizarre and popular ME!ME!ME! music video. Maybe you can ask him what it means. He was also a guest in 2016, so if you missed him last year, you have another chance!

Fujino Omori is the creator of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, a fantasy-comedy light novel series that spawned several spin-offs and adaptations, including manga and anime.

Jason Douglas is an American actor and voice actor. Gamers might know him as the voice of Krieg the Psycho in Borderlands 2, and his anime resume includes almost 200 titles including multiple Dragon Ball Z titles (Beerus), One Piece (Kuzan), and RWBY (Jacques Schnee). He’s also currently appearing as Tobin on The Walking Dead.

Ryo Horikawa is a Japanese actor and voice actor, best known as the voice of Vegeta from the Dragon Ball series. He is also the president of the Aslead Company, a Japanese talent agency, and International Media, which trains new voice talent. Who knows? Maybe you can get some tips on how to break into the voice acting industry. Or at least shake his hand.

Ms. Monochrome is a virtual music idol with 10 singles and a full album released. Her second album is due out this Fall. She is voiced by Yui Horie, a musician and voice actress whose credits include Toradora (Minori Kushieda), Monogatori (Tsubasa Hanekawa), and 9 music albums of her own. Catch the virtual star in a special one-time only live performance at the Ms. Monochrome panel! (schedule pending)

For the full guest list, check the Anime Expo guests page.

Guests, Events, and Vendors, oh my!

Click through to other sections of this guide for more information on different parts of the convention. Do you have any other tips or wisdom? Share them in the comments!

(Links will be added as they’re published.)

Part 1: Tips and Tricks

Part 2: Guests (you are here!)

Part 3: Events

Part 4: Vendors

Part 5: Panels

The post Looking Forward To Anime Expo 2017 | Part 2: Guests appeared first on Geek News Network.