What was your favorite anime of 2011?

Can you believe that 2011 is already coming to a close? I swear, it feels like I just started writing that year a couple days ago. It's ridiculous how fast time can go when you're busy. It's also scary how fast we can age without even realizing it! My goal for 2012 is to slow things down!

At least I got to check out a lot of great anime this year. Much like any other years, there was plenty of great anime content to choose from. From comedies to serious series', I'm sure most of you managed to find a handful of programs that really tickled your anime fancy.

That goes for both localized content and shows that have only aired in Japan thus far. It can be hard to keep track of all the anime content that gets release every year, and I'm sure most of us will still be catching up on 2011 shows as we ring in the new year!

With that said, I'd love to hear from you guys on anime content in 2011 that you really loved. Fill us in on the shows that really struck a chord with you in 2011. What would you say is the best show of the year? Something that was really head-and-shoulders above the crowd.

Black Rock Shooter - second promo video

Well, what do you think? Does that make the show look better than the first promo trailer? Is this one of the series' you're looking forward to in the new anime season?

Old content, but new to me!

I've been a huge fan of Ghost in the Shell for many, many years now. I've seen the original theatrical release numerous times. I've also checked out the film sequel and the TV series as well. There's just so much to love about Ghost in the Shell, especially for those that are willing to put in some critical thinking time.

While I love the Ghost in the Shell series, I know others that really aren't into it. While my sister is open to watching any anime, she just didn't jive with Ghost in the Shell. She's tried the film a couple times, but by the end it just isn't her cup of tea. Sad indeed, but at least she gave it a shot.

While she may not enjoy it, that doesn't cloud her judgment when it comes to my interests. When Christmas was coming up, my sister was hunting down items that I might like. I'm quite easy to shop for, since my two big hobbies are very well known. I love games and anime, which lead her to the following purchase.

While I've seen the anime offerings of Ghost in the Shell, I've never actually read the manga. Now I'm quite curious to see just what's different in this version when compared to the film. Sure, this release may be very old news to most, but it's going to be a brand new experience to me!

What old manga/anime content are you just now enjoying for the first time?

Code of Princess: A game that I wish were an anime

You just watched the intro for Code of Princess, an upcoming Nintendo 3DS game in Japan. It's an original title not tied to any other license, but it still got itself a nice anime style intro. Nothing gets me pumped up for a game like an anime intro!

This game looks like it would be suited perfectly to the world of anime. I'd love to see an adaptation, but I doubt the game will sell enough to make that happen. At least we got a brief taste of what the game would look like if it did make a jump into fully-fledged anime.

The Question 12/26 - What did you watch this weekend?

I'm guessing that most of you guys and gals didn't watch any anime this weekend. With the holiday just passing, most free time was spent with family and friends. That doesn't mean that all you time was taken by the festivities, but I'm sure you had less than usual.

Did you manage to get any anime time in over the weekend? Did you load up on Christmas Eve just so you could get your fix before the big man came down the chimney?

Merry Christmas, anime lovers!

Just wanted to stop in and say Merry Christmas to all those that follow Anime Your Way. I'll be dropping by later today to show the anime goodies that I grabbed as gifts this year. I'm thinking I'll get some classics!

Are these the best anime soundtracks?

Lots of great soundtracks included in that list, but it's not meant to be some sort of 'official' best of list.  It's just an opinion on some fantastic anime soundtracks.  Are your favorites in there?  Do you think there's any must-listen soundtracks that aren't on there?

Link

What traditional cartoon would you like to see get an anime adaptation?

There are all different types of animation styles out there. I absolutely love animation in general, no matter what country its coming from or the style it is in. With that said, I do have to admit that anime seems to cater to my interests more than any other animation style, but I'll never shut out other animations because of that.

I've watched many a cartoon in my day, and I continue to watch cartoons to this very day. I really enjoy what cartoons offer, and that goes for the medium itself and not just the pretty colors. I take animation in all different tones, from goofy to serious and everything inbetween.

The animation here in the states is always more relegated to the slapstick humor and more traditional kid-oriented comedy. I don't see anything wrong with that at all. I really do enjoy it, but it's nice to have anime offer something other than the one-note approach that shows here in America seem to have.

With that said, what cartoons that aren't done in an anime style deserve to get a crack with some anime flair? Have you ever seen a cartoon and wished that it was handled in a more anime-style approach?

Japan - A look at Winter anime 2011/2012

Wondering what's going on in the world of Japanese anime for the Winter season? Look no further than this infographic, which gives us a nice rundown of the continuing shows and newcomers just around the corner.

Link

Anime for the holiday season

It's that time of the year! Many of us are in the holiday spirit, and wherever you turn you'll see a reminder. While I think some people might start celebrating holidays a tad too early, there's no denying that we're right in the thick of things right now. I've been taken over by the holiday spirit!

That means I'm down for anything holiday related. I'll play holiday-themed video games, watch holiday movies both old and new, listen to holiday music and even wear festive clothes! I know I can't overload since all the holiday goodness will be over in just a few more days, but I'm still looking for a certain something to tickle my anime fix.

How can I bring anime and the holiday season together? That's where I turn to you guys! I'm looking to learn about your favorite holiday-related anime features. Are there any series' that have holiday specials? How about anime films or series' that focus in on the Winter holidays?

If you know of any, please leave a comment or send over a tweet! I need my holly, jolly anime fix!

Another sneak peek at Redline

Yes, it really is coming out this January. We're finally getting the DVD/Blu-ray release, so let's celebrate with another look at the film!



Direct link here

.hack//The Movie Sekai no Mukou Ni Trailer

Here's a much better look at the upcoming .hack//The Movie trailer. I haven't watched/played any of this series in quite some time. I think the trailer has rekindled my interest!

The Question 12/19: What anime did you check out this weekend?

Ah, it feels so good to be back into the swing of things with anime. Having the busy holiday season wrapping up gives me a much better opportunity for anime viewing, and I've definitely been doing that!

As I've already said, I'm still working my way through High School of the Dead. I think after that, I'll need to get back into Gurren Lagann. I've been meaning to finish that one up for awhile!

What did you guys and gals check out over the weekend?

First Madoka Magica dub trailer released

A lot of people are unhappy with this one. Tell me what you think...

The Official Madoka Magica Trailer featuring the English Voice Cast from Aniplex USA on Vimeo.

Enjoying anime with a sibling

I know it can be hard to find someone that likes anime. It's fun to watch anime no matter who you're with, but having someone at your side to watch along with can make it even better. Even if you don't watch at the same time, it's still nice to know that you can turn to someone and tell them how excited you are about an anime, and hopefully they'll feel that way too.

I'm lucky to have a sister that enjoys anime. I know that she'll never judge anime the way that other people do. She's more than willing to give any anime a shot, no matter what the contents. Honestly, I think it's quite tough to find someone that won't automatically shut out certain entertainment options, especially when it comes to anime.

My sister has actually been away at college for the year, but she's coming home today to enjoy some Winter break. While she's around I know she'll have some free time. I plan on telling her about Angel Beats to see if it's something she might want to check out. I have a feeling she's really going to like it.

Do you have an anime-loving sibling? Have you ever tried to get your brother or sister into anime? How did it work out?

The awesome power of anime

I sure hope you've heard the news already, but if you haven't, I simply couldn't pass up discussing it.

Have you seen the Miyazaki film Castle in the Sky? Many, many people have seen it, and the classic anime just re-aired in Japan recently. It seems that the movie is as popular as ever in Japan. Just how popular is it? The airing of Castle in the Sky lead to a brand-new worldwide Twitter record.

Beyonce was the previous record-holder when it came to tweets per second. She had somewhere around 8,000 tweets sent out in a second related to her. What could be bigger than Beyonce? When it comes to Miyazaki fans, it's clear that Japan has a lot more passion for anime than Beyonce tunes!

Believe it or not, 25,088 tweets per second went out during a crucial moment in the Castle in the Sky anime. The magic word "Balse!" was the key that got people tweeting in unison with the movie's airing on TV, and this lead to our new Twitter record. Yes, that's a worldwide record.

Now an anime-related topic holds a Twitter world record. Maybe people will start looking into anime a bit more now!

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings - Season 2 promo trailer

I don't know...I'm not into the game series, which doesn't give me much reason to check out the anime either. I guess things went well enough with the first season to warrant the localization of the second. Perhaps I'm missing out on something? Any fans out there that can fill me in on why I should check this out?

Sentai Filmworks details upcoming slate of DVD/Blu-ray/Digital releases

HOUSTON, December 13, 2011 – Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its March slate of releases; including GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES. Now digitally remastered and restored, it is one of the rare films that truly deserves to be called a masterpiece. It will be released on DVD by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Product details follow, in order of release

Coming March 2012
Title: GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES REMASTERED EDITION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 89 min.
Street Date: 3/6/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98
SYNOPSIS: As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children born at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and now cast adrift in a world that lacks not the care to shelter them, but simply the resources. Forced to fend for themselves in the aftermath of fires that swept entire cities from the face of the earth, their doomed struggle is both a tribute to the human spirit and the stuff of nightmares. Beautiful, yet at times brutal and horrifying. Based on the retellings of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki and directed by Iaso Takahata (co-founder, with Hayao Miyazaki, of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli,) GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES has been universally hailed as an artistic and emotional tour de force.

Title: KIMIKISS: PURE ROUGE COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 625 min.
Street Date: 3/6/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: Kouichi always thought of Mao as his little sister, but when she returns after living in France for several years, she’s definitely not his little sister anymore! Which makes the fact that Koichi’s mom has invited Mao to stay at their house while she attends the same high school a path that will be fraught with peril. Especially since Kouichi’s been trying to build a relationship with Yuumi, and the revelation that the cute new house guest is a non-related girl may become a full blown disaster by the time his best friend Kazuki, her sister Nana, her best friend Narumi, Asuka, Eriko, Mitsuki, Megumi, Eiji and all the other kids at school get overly involved. Little girls grow up in the most unexpected ways as young love, teenage angst and a little higher education all collide in KIMIKISS PURE ROUGE – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Title: MARDOCK SCRAMBLE DIRECTOR’S CUT
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 125 min.
Street Date: 3/13/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $29.98
SYNOPSIS: To stop the unstoppable you need the irresistible. To kill the un-killable, you need someone for whom death no longer has a meaning. And to catch the perfect serial killer, you need the one person who knows his methods the best… his last victim. Murdered and now reborn, the female cyborg named Balot exists for only one reason-to track down the man who killed her and bring him to justice. But can even the ultimate hybrid between ghost and machine take down a monster who wipes his own memory? Or will a shadowy cabal of gruesome mutants who want her body parts for their own perverse purposes get to her first? This new, special edition director’s cut of MARDOCK SCRAMBLE deepens the mystery of this hit anime, providing even more insight into the dark psyche of the cyborg assassin and her dangerous assignment!

Title: MARDOCK SCRAMBLE DIRECTOR’S CUT BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 125 min.
Street Date: 3/13/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98
SYNOPSIS: To stop the unstoppable you need the irresistible. To kill the un-killable, you need someone for whom death no longer has a meaning. And to catch the perfect serial killer, you need the one person who knows his methods the best… his last victim. Murdered and now reborn, the female cyborg named Balot exists for only one reason-to track down the man who killed her and bring him to justice. But can even the ultimate hybrid between ghost and machine take down a monster who wipes his own memory? Or will a shadowy cabal of gruesome mutants who want her body parts for their own perverse purposes get to her first? This new, special edition director’s cut of MARDOCK SCRAMBLE deepens the mystery of this hit anime, providing even more insight into the dark psyche of the cyborg assassin and her dangerous assignment!

Title: EF ~ A TALE OF MELODIES COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 3/20/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Shuichi Kuze’s been spending time with Mizuki Hayama and as they’ve been getting to know each other, they’ve been growing closer. Sadly, Kuze discovers that he’s contracted a fatal illness and decides to break all romantic ties for the little time left to him. Before he can break things off, however, Mizuki tells him that she loves him. Will her declaration change Kuze’s mind? In another city, in the not so distant past, Yuu Himura meets a girl who seems to know him, but he doesn’t know her. Soon enough, however, he remembers Yuko Amamiya, a girl he met long ago, and begins to rediscover the depth of their feelings for each other. Will Yuko’s love reach across time to find her true love once and for all? Kuze and Mizuki, Yu and Yuko… Intertwining fate, tragic, bittersweet and beautiful – EF ~ A TALE OF MELODIES.

Title: EF ~ A TALE OF MELODIES COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 3/20/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: Shuichi Kuze’s been spending time with Mizuki Hayama and as they’ve been getting to know each other, they’ve been growing closer. Sadly, Kuze discovers that he’s contracted a fatal illness and decides to break all romantic ties for the little time left to him. Before he can break things off, however, Mizuki tells him that she loves him. Will her declaration change Kuze’s mind? In another city, in the not so distant past, Yuu Himura meets a girl who seems to know him, but he doesn’t know her. Soon enough, however, he remembers Yuko Amamiya, a girl he met long ago, and begins to rediscover the depth of their feelings for each other. Will Yuko’s love reach across time to find her true love once and for all? Kuze and Mizuki, Yu and Yuko… Intertwining fate, tragic, bittersweet and beautiful – EF ~ A TALE OF MELODIES.

Title: DREAM EATER MERRY COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 3/27/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Sometimes daydreaming can get you into trouble, but what do you do when it’s OTHER people’s dreams that you have to watch out for? Yumeji Fujiwara’s has the unique ability to predict what kind of dreams other people will have. But lately, his own dreams have taken a bizarre turn in which he’s being pursued by armies of cats. Stranger yet, Yumeji learns that the leader of the dream cats needs his body to access the Real World. And finally, the strange becomes downright weird when a beautiful girl suddenly drops on top of him and announces that she’s a Dream Demon looking for a way back to the Dream World! The fabric that separates reality and fantasy is torn to shreds, and Yumeji has a lot of sleepless nights ahead of him as he has to deal with both the dream stalking and a dream walking in DREAM EATER MERRY!

Title: DREAM EATER MERRY COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 3/27/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: Sometimes daydreaming can get you into trouble, but what do you do when it’s OTHER people’s dreams that you have to watch out for? Yumeji Fujiwara’s has the unique ability to predict what kind of dreams other people will have. But lately, his own dreams have taken a bizarre turn in which he’s being pursued by armies of cats. Stranger yet, Yumeji learns that the leader of the dream cats needs his body to access the Real World. And finally, the strange becomes downright weird when a beautiful girl suddenly drops on top of him and announces that she’s a Dream Demon looking for a way back to the Dream World! The fabric that separates reality and fantasy is torn to shreds, and Yumeji has a lot of sleepless nights ahead of him as he has to deal with both the dream stalking and a dream walking in DREAM EATER MERRY!

High School of the Dead impressions - More violence...and way more fan service

Now that I have some more free time late at night, I'm finally getting back into my anime routine. I knocked out Angel Beats without any problem, and last night I had a chance to check out a few more episodes of High School of the Dead. I'm still on the first disc, but I'm definitely close to wrapping it up.

I can't think of a better show to contrast Angel Beats with. Angel Beats is a deep, engaging and philosophical series for those that are willing to put the time in with it. High School of the Dead is exactly what it looks like at first glance. It's loud, flashy, pretty, sexy and straight to the point.

What has my latest viewing brought me? I got more of just what I expected. There's a ton of zombie bashing with blood flying everywhere. There's a lot of pervy talk among the nerdier male role and the rest of the cast. Of course, there's a ton of fan service thrown in as well.

Actually, there's way more than fan service in one of the episodes I saw. Eventually we see most of the high school girls and one teacher take up residence in a friend's apartment. What's the first thing they do when they get there? They all take baths together, of course! This is an excuse to show almost every part of the girls you can imagine. Fan-service to the limit...but the limit is skipped over by the teacher.

Since the teacher is over 18, she can run around completely naked. The girls in the bath scene have their nipples covered up...barely. The teacher though, she's showing full frontal for most of the scene. Yes, this show sets out to give the guy audience exactly what they want from a popcorn movie...sexy and violence.

Really, if you're looking for more from this show, I don't think you're going to get it. I'm not done with the series yet, but I'm thinking High School of the Dead sets out to be nothing more than popcorn fodder, and that's just fine with me. I like to see that kind of mindless content from time to time. It's good for a smile and a laugh.

Of course, if the show becomes more than that as it continues, I'll be sure to address it!

Angel Beats - review

Angel Beats wasn't on my radar at all. I don't have the time to dedicated to anime that I'd like, which means I might miss out on a lot of shows and movies that might otherwise tickle my fancy. Angel Beats is one of those shows that I didn't even know existed until I saw a bunch of internet chatter about it.

I was reading some pretty strong reactions to the show, and almost all of them were positive. The thing is, I wasn't actually reading what the show was about. Looking at a few trailers may lead you to believe that this is just another high school drama, but that really couldn't be further from the case.

While Angel Beats may start out with a unique storyline, it also seems to follow typical action/fantasy anime fodder. You have a rather unusual main storyline that ends up playing second fiddle to the typical high school drama between students. While the first episode had me leaning in that direction, the subsequent episodes showed me how much the show really has to offer.

For those that don't know, here's the premise. A young man wakes up outside of a school where he finds a young woman aiming a sniper rifle. The man has no idea who he is or where he's come from, let alone who this girl is. Within the first 5 minutes of the show, we come to learn that the man is actually dead, and so are the other students at this school. The main character sets out to reclaim his memory and find out just why he and these other students are stranded at this school.

There's so much more too it than that, but I don't want to spoil the fun for you guys. A big part of Angel Beats is learning about the series' world as the episodes roll along. There will be a good stretch of episodes where you'll find yourself dying to learn more about just what in the hell is going on. More questions than answers will pop up at first, but the show does a good job at hinting towards what the future holds.

Eventually you'll have some major plot points revealed to you, but you never get the full explanation of events. I think that works for the show's vibe in this instance. Leaving things up to interpretation really makes you think, and with Angel Beats, it only enhances the experience.

A crucial part of that experience comes from the cast of characters. Again, in the beginning I didn't think much of the cast, but as I got deeper into the series, I was very happy to see characters get fleshed out in interesting ways. Everyone has an important story to tell and a reason why they're at this school. You may not find out the reason for all of them, but you'll get plenty of juicy information.

The series also dares to tread on some ground that most other TV series' and anime don't go. If you're not open to interpretations and various viewpoints on religion, Angel Beats might not be for you. No matter who you are, it will no doubt challenge your beliefs. I like a show that does that...I like a show that makes me think about who I am and what I believe.

While you're doing that, be prepared to shed a tear or two. While I didn't all-out cry during Angel Beats, there are plenty of moments where I did start to water up. This show has a handful of stories that are going to hit you hard and stay with you for a long time to come. Make sure you have some tissues for the ride, just incase.

Angel Beats really, really surprised me. What seemed like a shallow and systematic series in the early episodes turned out to be much more than that. Give yourself some time with the series and you'll start to see how things really grow. I promise that Angel Beats has a ton to offer for those that are willing to dive into your own thoughts, and aren't afraid of what you might come out with.

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva - review

I'd think it's no surprise to most reading this blog that I'm a big fan of the Professor Layton series. Since I run a Nintendo-only blog, I talk a lot about franchises that only appear on Nintendo platforms. The Professor Layton series is one of those, and I've really come to love it as time goes on. That love of the series really pushed my interest in the film.

Of course, it was a pain in the ass to actually get my hands on the film! I didn't think it was ever going to get localized in the states, but after a very long wait that move finally happened. Once I actually ordered and received the film, I was chomping at the bit to drop it in and have a watch. What did I end up thinking of it?

The long story short, if you really like the Professor Layton game series, you should love the movie just the same. For those that don't know, the Professor Layton games are split between two major elements, story and puzzles. Puzzles make up the bulk of the gameplay, and the story is told through animated cut-scenes and still shots.

The movie offers up both puzzles and story, but the main content here is the storyline. The film itself is told through animation that is right in line with what you see in the games, so those familiar with the franchise should feel right at home watching the movie. Smooth quality and simple style gives the Professor Layton film a look that you don't see in much anime.

The story itself focuses in on a mystery that calls in Professor Layton and his assistant Luke to solve. The mystery involves a mysterious man that says he's offering one person the gift of eternal life. Of course, a bunch of people are interested in winning that prize, but they have no idea of the crazy adventure they'll go on to try and win that gift.

Again, this movie plays out just like the games. The story/plot is very lighthearted, but it does have a sprinkling of serious moments. It's going to tug at the heartstrings, and it'll also take some whimsical twists and turns. Some of the stuff you'll see is unbelievable and fantastic, but that's how it's supposed to be taken.

The only time you'll have to take thinking and bring it to the forefront comes from the puzzle solving. Just like the game, there are a handful of puzzles here to be solved. The story always gives the viewers time to solve the puzzles for themselves before it moves along, and it makes you feel like you're interacting on another level than most films provide. Nothing too taxing, but a nice way to integrate one of the game's major selling points.

The only real downside here would have to be the voice acting. The cast is a mix of competent voice actors and rather sub-par performances. The voice actors from the game return for their movie roles, but outside of that you'll get a new cast. It's clear that some of these people aren't really well versed in voice acting. You know things are pretty bad when I'm complaining about them!

With that said, everything else about the film is fun and entertaining. It won't win any awards, but it's a fun film that game fans should enjoy. The soundtrack is actually quite enjoyable as well, which matches up with the game series once again. Considering all these elements, I'd say Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva is well worth a viewing for anyone that has even a passing interest in the games.

The Question 12/12: What anime did you check out this weekend?

I've finally broken my streak! Now that things are calming down, I have a bit more time to watch some weekend anime. While it wasn't much, I did get to see at least one anime movie over the last couple of days.

Just like I said, I managed to pull together some friends for a Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva viewing party. I'll be giving my thoughts on that feature a bit later today. For now, I'd love to hear what you guys watched!

Top 20 anime themes of 2011

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 25 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

Subtitles and You: Reading the Action

I know I am in the minority on watching anime with dubs instead of subs. Hell, I know some anime fans won't even want to associate with me because I ignore the subs! That's a topic we've discussed many times in the past, and I'm sure it'll be revisited. For now, let's put aside those differences and look at subtitles in general.

The anime scene is full of people that prefer subs to dubs. Outside of anime, it's hard to find an average movie-goer that doesn't mind having to read subtitles. I actually saw people walk out of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon because they didn't realize it had subs. Yes, some people are that unwilling to compromise.

With that said, there are definitely some downsides to watching a movie or TV show with subtitles. Without a doubt, you're going to miss some of the action. Obviously any type of entertainment on a movie or TV screen is going to be heavily visual. When you're focused on reading through lines and understanding story, you're bound to miss some of the eye candy.

Do you find it hard to focus in on both text and visuals? Have you had issues with text scrolling through too fast? I'm sure that the more you watch subbed content, the easier it is to focus on the whole picture. Still, I'd love to hear your opinions on the constantly battling imagery and text.

Akira live-action adaptation sees leaked plot summary

I think we all knew this was coming, but I'm still sorry to bring it to you. If you're a fan of Akira, you might not want to read this leaked plot summary. This is indeed the real deal, coming from a casting call looking for extras. Get ready to see the Americanized version of Akira...

Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel.

Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers.

Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.

I'm not even going to say anything. I'll leave that to you guys! What do you think of the direction for this Akira adaptation?

Link

Professor Layton and the Anime Party

It's been awhile coming, but my Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva DVD should be showing up tomorrow. I went from thinking that this movie would never see release in the states to painfully hunting down a copy for myself, but all that should come to a close tomorrow morning.

I'm always looking for new ways to introduce people to anime, and tomorrow I'm going to get that chance once again. I have more game-playing friends than I do anime-watching friends, but sometimes I can combine the two. That's what I'll have the pleasure of doing with Professor Layton!

My one friend doesn't have any interest in anime at all. I'm not giving up on her yet, but tomorrow will be the perfect chance to at least get her more into an anime mood. She's a big Professor Layton fan, and she's coming over to check out the movie! I'm sure she's not even thinking about it in anime terms, but I definitely am!

My Mom is into both games and anime, so she's definitely swinging by to check out the movie as well. The Layton games feed you anime along the way whether you realize it or not, so the transition to a full movie shouldn't be a big deal at all. I'm sure both gals will love it, and I'm going to love showing them some anime!

Pokemon 15th Movie - Teaser Trailer

Pokemon Movie 15 teaser trailer by Pokemonbwnet


Direct link here

Yes, there really have been 14 other Pokemon movies thus far. Just how many Pokemon movies have you seen?

Big-screen anime

There are a ton of anime movies out there. If an anime series gets somewhat popular, a movie release is almost inevitable. I can think of numerous anime series' that were well received enough to get a movie adaptation, if not multiple films. It's the ultimate way for fans to enjoy a show they've come to love!

When an anime hits the theaters, you can usually expect a few things. You'll get a higher level of production value, for sure. Even if the movie itself retains the same visual style as the TV show, you'll still see that the animation is smoother and more fluid. Even when you can't depend on the content being great, at least you know the visuals will be top notch!

There's one big issue I have with anime films, but it only relates to the situation outside of Japan. Our Japanese friends get to experience these anime film adaptations in theaters, but outside of Japan it very rarely happens. Our introduction to these movie adaptations usually comes from a home video release.

How many times have you been to an actual theater to enjoy an anime movie? It has to be a very high-profile or top-tier anime film to get a theatrical release in the states, and even then the actual number of theaters showing the film is few and far between. Have you been one of the lucky few to take in an anime in the theaters?

The Daily Show...Herman Cain...and Pokemon

I'm just going to let the clip speak for itself. One of the best anime-related bits we could hope for!

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
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Japan's Big O Blu-ray box makes me very jealous

Oh man...now this is a set I'd absolutely love to own. It looks like a Japan-only deal for right now, but I'm hoping that but some stroke of pure luck, it'll wash up on shores here.

I've talked about The Big O a great deal in the past, as I think it's a pretty unique show. A great deal of anime is unique, but The Big O really stands out from the crowd. It's almost a perfect blend of anime sensibilities, Western-style art and old-school anime action. How it all came together the way it did will always intrigue me.

If you haven't seen this series yet, you should definitely find a way to check it out soon. As for me, I guess I'll start watching my box set again...if only to pretend that it's this Blu-ray edition.

Sometimes you just want pure fun

I mentioned High School of the Dead earlier today, and I have a feeling its a series that quite a few people have skipped over. At first glance, it looks like nothing more than an excuse to mix in pretty girls, skimpy clothing, zombies and tons of violence. Well, actually...you'd be right with that assessment. The thing is, sometimes that can be just what the doctor ordered!

There's plenty of anime out there that really makes you think. I honestly believe that anime storylines and subplots are some of the most involved and well thought-out tales that the entertainment industry puts together. That goes for traditional TV and film as well. The level of sophistication can be extremely deep, and you really have to pay close attention to get it all.

It's amazing to have that option, and it is indeed one of the big reasons why I love anime so much. With that said, that's not always what I'm looking for out of a series. Sometimes I just want to kick back, relax and not have to think while I'm enjoying entertainment. That's where something like High School of the Dead comes in.

Just as traditional movies have their 'popcorn' fodder, anime does as well. It's nice to mix in content that you can enjoy on a very basic level, and just smile and laugh at the absurdity that's taking place on screen. What do you think is one of the most basic, pure-fun anime series' out there?

The Question 12/05 - What did you watch this weekend?

As you guys probably guessed, I had high hopes of watching Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. I was going to purchase it on iTunes and stream to the TV, but that plan was shot down when I found out the movie wasn't available. I still don't get why the press release states multiple digital versions, but not one of them is available.

I think I'm going to get back into High School of the Dead tonight. Should be easy to wrap that one up. While that's the extent of my lame anime adventures this weekend, I'd love to hear what you guys checked out!

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva nowhere to be found

I've been waiting patiently to watch Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. There was a long time there where I thought the film would never be localized. That went on for months and months, and then VIZ Media ended up securing the rights to it out of nowhere. Now the film is officially available in the states...or so VIZ Media says.

I've looked all over for a copy of the DVD at retail, but I've had absolutely no luck. I thought for sure that Best Buy would have a copy, but they don't even have it listed as being available in store at any of their locations. Every other retailer I went to after that didn't have a copy either.

I wasn't too miffed about this because I thought I could just go digital. The press release for the localization stated that the movie would be available on PSN, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix and iTunes. Unfortunately, I checked every one of those options to see that the film wasn't there. I can't find any explanation for it either.

This leaves me with just Amazon as an option to purchase a physical copy. I guess that's what I'm going to do, and while it's not a bad option by any means, I'm still wondering just what's going on here. Have any of you had any luck finding a copy in the wild, or catching it digitally?

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 24 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

TV show Community does an anime tribute

Who hasn't wanted to see an anime tribute featuring The Soup/Community's Joel McHale?! I know I have, and that's what this week's episode of Community features. Not the best light to paint anime in, and definitely not the best style, but it will still make you smile.

Reminder: Durarara!! Episode 24 live-chat tonight at 12:30 AM EDT!

Things started out so well for me and Durarara. Then my late-night free time just got eaten up, and it's been that way ever since. I'm going to have to pick up the series on DVD in order to wrap it up. I'm so far behind, but I hope you guys are still right up-to-date with the airings. We're almost at the end, gang!

The Limited Edition Madoka Magica box set is insane

Want to see what $75 will get you?

I'm not one to pick up limited edition games or anime, but I'm going to make an exception for this one. You're paying a bit more, but there's some really juicy extra content packed in there. Time for me to start saving!

Netflix anime: Now you see it...

I've applauded Netflix about their huge collection of anime in the past. I think it's fantastic to see such big anime support on the service, and we also know that the initiative is doing well for them. Just like Hulu, grabbing a couple million fans to watch a few shows is just as good as having one major hit.

Hopping onto Netflix and checking out an entire series or two of anime via streaming is absolutely fantastic. In just the few clicks of a button, you're ready to start vegging out. I'm sure we've all put away a few dozen episodes of a series easy, eager to get back the next day and check out the rest.

That's where the scary part comes in. A lot of people are complaining recently that Netflix is yanking anime series' with no warning. While new shows continue to get added to the service, some other series' just up and disappear without warning. Can you imagine watching a series you're really into, and then the next day you go to wrap it up, the show is gone?

Netflix could at least give us a warning that these series' are about to be removed from the service. I'm sure there are some instances where even Netflix doesn't know until the day before, but any amount of heads up on the situation would be greatly appreciated.

Have you had an anime series on Netflix disappear infront of your very eyes? Did it ever return, or have you been left hanging all this time?

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Studio Ghibli's "Grave of the Fireflies"

HOUSTON, December 1, 2011— Sentai Filmworks proudly announces the company’s acquisition of distribution rights for the critically acclaimed animation masterpiece GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES. Based on the semi-autobiographical retellings of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki and directed by Iaso Takahata (co-founder, with Hayao Miyazaki, of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli, the studio that performed the animation duties for the film,) GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES has been universally hailed as both an artistic and emotional tour de force, with famed critic Roger Ebert calling the feature “An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation” and stating that “it belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made.” Sentai Filmworks is extraordinarily honored to have been given the privilege of handling the digitally restored version of one of the art of animation’s true crowning achievements.

As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children born at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and now cast adrift in a world that lacks not the care to shelter them, but simply the resources. Forced to fend for themselves in the aftermath of fires that swept entire cities from the face of the earth, their doomed struggle is both a tribute to the human spirit and the stuff of nightmares. Beautiful, yet at times brutal and horrifying, it is a film that perhaps only the animated medium could render without completely overloading human senses, transforming the fog of war and the screams of the dying into what Ebert calls “visual poetry.”

Digital distribution of GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES will begin through many outlets this winter, and a DVD of the digitally restored master will be in stores next year.

Blue Exorcist DVD, where have I been?

This is what happens when you're busy.  When I heard that officially localized Blue Exorcist episodes were coming out on DVD, I was really looking forward to them. Then the busy season came about, and all my anime interests kind of slipped my mind. I had forgotten all about the Blue Exorcist DVD release just until yesterday, when I thought of it on a whim.

To my surprise, the first DVD set is already out! Even better, the next set comes out in early January! People have been asking me for things I'd like to get this Christmas, and now I know at least one of them! I can't believe the release completely slipped my mind.

It looks like a really nice package as well. Have any of you guys/gals out there picked this one up yet? How many of you watched the series and plan on grabbing this set?

Okay, now I believe Redline is really coming out

This lovely promo comes from the latest issue of Otaku USA...

I've written about this anime a few times, and I always talked about the many release dates it has gone through. All of those dates fell through, but here's the first one I really believe! When you get your print ads out there, you know it's the real deal!

Now we know with almost 100% certainty that Redline will be available to purchase on Jan. 17th. How many of you guys and gals are going to pick it up?

Buy the anime, get the soundtrack?

There are a lot of things about anime that I love, and the music of certain series' usually goes hand-in-hand with that. There's some really fantastic music in anime features, and it only helps to bring you closer to what you're watching. Certain songs can pull you into an experience or heighten your interest in a character or scene.

What sucks about enjoying that music is having to buy it separately from the movie or series itself. I'm shelling out hard-earned cash to pick up an anime, and that's not good enough to grab the soundtrack. Why is it that my money is good enough to get the video, but not the accompanying music?

This becomes even more of a problem when dealing with anime. Sometimes the soundtracks tied to features never see an official release in the states. You have to find proxy outlets that will send you the soundtrack, but you'll have to pay much inflated prices for your music. I'm sorry, but paying over $40 for a single CD just doesn't make much sense to me!

How do you feel about music tied to anime? If you purchase a film, do you feel that its okay to hunt out a download for the music you want? Do you try to get the music legally, and once all the official outlets are exhausted, then you hunt for a not-so-legal copy?

How many series' are you in the middle of?

When it comes to games and anime, I think I may have a bit of ADD. The thing is, I don't lose my interest in any of these entertainment ventures. I just don't have the time to watch/play any of them when I start, but I still can resist the call of the latest and greatest!

I've worked myself into quite a predicament with anime. I am in the middle of so many series' that I'm starting to lose just where I was. Storyline details that were fresh in my head are now distant memories. Character traits and side stories are now floating somewhere around in the back of my mind, and I don't know what belongs where!

If I had to actually sit down and count how many series' I am actually in the middle of, I'd easily guess over 5. That is absolutely ridiculous, and it's hurting my experience with those anime. It's not right to sift through so many and lose my way along the stretch. The series' I'm watching deserve more respect from me.

How many anime series' are you in the middle of right now? Does that actually work well for you? Are you someone that can watch multiple series' at once and not get lost, or do you need to focus in on one or two to really keep things straight in your mind?

Coping with a giant backlog

I think this is true for most people. There's just not enough time in the day to do what you want to do. There are certain obligations we all have, be they from school, work or family. If you want to function on a day-to-day basis, these are the sort of things you have to do.

We've talked about this before, and how it can lead to an 'issue' with what you do in your entertainment time. It's very important to have time to enjoy yourself, because it can't be all work all the time. The problem arises when you have eyes for play time, but little time to get it done.

Eyes are bigger than your stomach. We've all heard that statement before, and it's definitely true with my anime collection. Whenever there's a deal to pick up some new content, I'll do my best to make sure I grab it. Unfortunately, it's hard for me to find the time to actually appreciate that content.

Tonight I'm going to check out Angel Beats. I don't know how far into the series I'll make it, but I'm definitely going to pop it in. I have to get myself out from under my backlog. I have to make time where there isn't any, and while it may not be the optimal setting, watching anime while working seems like the way to go.

Angel Beats impressions in a few hours, my friends!

The Question 11/28: What anime did you check out this weekend?

I've got some great news for you guys and gals. It's finally time for me to get back into the swing of things when it comes to the anime site! I am writing my last 'big' review of the holiday season tonight, and it'll be posted up tomorrow. That means I'll be free to talk anime like I used to!

I'll be taking a more steady approach to the site, if a bit reserved from what I originally was doing. I think I can crank out 2-3 articles a day for the blog, and that starts today. It's good to be back, my friends.

Now...what did you watch over the weekend while I was gone?!

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 23 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

The Question 11/21: What anime did you check out this weekend?

We are in the home stretch, my friends. The holiday season only has one big game left, as far as Nintendo first-party games go. Mario Kart 7 comes out on 3DS early in December, and then after that things should calm down considerably. That means back to a regular anime blog schedule!

But for now, let's get to our usual Monday question. What anime did you get to check out over the weekend? Did you pick up something new? Did you go back to an old favorite? Did you watch something on TV or DVD?

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 22 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

Could Kristen Stewart be Akira's Kei

Yes, this could indeed become a reality. Twilight actress Kristen Stewart has been offered the role of Kei in the big-budget live-action remake of Akira. I haven't seen any of the Twilight movies, but I know just having the ties to that series is going to be enough for people to dislike her in the role of Kei.

What do you guys think about the casting decision? Keep in mind that nothing is official at this time, and no deal has been made. It's just the way things are being approached right now.

The Question 11/14: What anime did you check out this weekend?

I've got some good news and bad news about my weekend anime viewing. The bad news is that I didn't have time to watch any anime at all, let alone sit down with a TV or any other entertainment medium. The weekend was quite busy, as I had to squeeze a podcast in with a trip to NYC for the launch of Super Mario 3D Land.

What's the good news, you ask? I actually did find the time to pick up a new anime that I had been planning to! I now am the proud owner of Angel Beats, which is something I can't wait to jump in on. Could this week be the week? I sure hope so!

Now, make me feel better by telling me about all the wonderful anime you saw this week!

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 21 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

VIZ details upcoming digital manga releases

VIZ Media continues to lead the digital manga (graphic novel) revolution with a variety of new titles just announced for November that are available to read online on VIZManga.com and also for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad™, iPhone™ and iPod™ touch.

Among the notable new releases will be the two latest editions of NARUTO – Volumes 54 and 55 – which will be made available on VIZ Media’s digital platforms several months in advance of their print counterparts. This is part of the SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP, a speed-up of selection titles to bring North American readers up-to-date with Japanese releases to prepare fans for the debut of the digital WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA in January 2012.

NARUTO Vol. 54 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available Today!
Viaduct to Peace: Naruto and his team engage in an intense battle with the Akatsuki organization as both sides seek the power to determine the future of their land. Internecine fighting weakens the Akatsuki, but will their dark forces sideline Naruto?! Print edition debuts on January 3rd, 2012.

NARUTO Vol. 55 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available November 21st
The Great War Begins: Evil masterminds Kabuto and Madara instigate a skirmish with Naruto and friends on Turtle Island. The Allied Shinobi Forces prepare to attack, but are they ready for Kabuto’s horde of reanimated dead ninja?! Print edition debuts on March 6th, 2012.

November also sees the debut of two titles from the critically acclaimed Natsume Ono. RISTORANTE PARADISO weaves a story around the lives of the staff of a restaurant in Rome, and in the follow-up manga, GENTE, continues to follow the character’s romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams.

RISTORANTE PARADISO · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available Now!
At the age of 21, Nicoletta travels to Rome to find her mother, Olga, who abandoned her long ago. Nicoletta finds her at Casetta dell’Orso, a charming little restaurant owned by Olga’s husband. The staff of bespectacled gentlemen welcomes Nicoletta warmly, but Olga’s reception is not so pleasant. Olga has never told her husband that she ever had children–and he must never know.

GENTE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available November 14th
Buona sera! Welcome to Casetta dell’Orso, a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Rome. The food’s delicious, but the handsome staff of bespectacled gentlemen is the real draw. Follow these dashing men home and witness their romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams in this delightfully whimsical continuation of Natsume Ono’s beloved RISTORANTE PARADISO.

Additions to 17 popular VIZ Media series are scheduled for November, with over 30 new manga volumes scheduled to make their digital debut. Updates include the rock-and-roll romantic drama of AI ORE and the courtly royal intrigue of THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, as well as the supernatural adventure of BLEACH, the ongoing high seas pirate fun of ONE PIECE, and the kinetic sci-fi action depicted in new weekly chapters of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.

Link

Sentai Filmworks Licenses UN-GO

HOUSTON, Nov 8, 2011—Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce the acquisition of UN-GO (pronounced An Go,) the eagerly awaited new series from Fuji TV’s prestigious noitaminA animation block and mega animation studio BONES. Loosely inspired by a collection of detective stories by Japanese literary giant Ango Sakaguchi, the all star production transposes the action to a gritty near future, post war Tokyo, and is helmed by director Seiji Mizushima (Full Metal Alchemist, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Daiguard) with a storyline by his Full Metal Alchemist collaborator Shou Aikawa (Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma, Martian Sucessor Nadesico, Ghost Slayers Ayashi.) In yet another unique twist, character design duties will be split between illustrator pako (Rental Magika) and Loveless and Earthian manga creator Yun Kouga (Mobile Suit Gundam 00.)

He pursues his job as the ‘Last Great Detective’. Others call him the ‘Defeated Detective’. What’s certain is that he’s Shinjurou Yuuki, a young man with a passion for mysteries and a talent for solving them that has made him the target of dark forces now stirring within the sinister underworld of a near future Tokyo. That could prove lethal, given that not even the other ‘good guys,’ including the police, are exactly on Shinjouro’s side. Fortunately Yuuki’s not completely on his own, and with the aid of his uniquely talented associate Inga, he’s ready to cut a swath through the veils of secrecy that have been laid before him. Get ready for mind against matter and a lot of cloak and dagger as the ultimate battle of clue and deduction begins in UN-GO!

UN-GO will soon be available digitally through many outlets, with a home video release next year on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Link

The Question 11/07: What anime did you check out this weekend?

The holiday season is absolutely killing my productivity on this blog. I am only able to churn out one article a day, but that's better than nothing. I'm definitely not abandoning the blog. I just have to focus on work first, since work pays the bills. When the holiday season dies down, you can expect content here to pick back up.

This week is particularly grueling. I have two very big reviews that I have to wrap up before week closes up. That means I've had next to no time for anything but game playing/analyzing/reviewing. No anime for me over the weekend, but I'm hoping you guys managed to fill that void for me!

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 20 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

And this is why people hate anime dubbing...

Angel Beats or Clannad?

No worries, I'm not asking which one is better. I honestly don't know which one I will find more enjoyable. What I do know is that I've seen a lot of people talking about these two series' lately, and it's been perking my interest quite a bit. Now I find the allure of either title hard to ignore!

Of course, the only reason I would ignore either is because I simply don't have the time to watch anime that I own right now! That's not going to stop me from eventually jumping into these shows. I just have to figure out which one I want to go with first!

Now that I've found out both Angel Beats and Clannad are available on Netflix, that's going to make it much easier for me to check them out. They're just waiting for me...staring me in the face everytime I happen to check out my Netflix account. Now I just have to pull the trigger on one!

Which one would you suggest I check out first? I know there's a ton of Clannad fans out there, but I'm interested to see if there's spillover for Angel Beats. I'm counting on your responses, guys!

Berserk: Golden Age I - Egg of the Supreme King - theatrical trailer

Direct link here

Kite getting live-action adaptation

- "full-on female actioner"
- "gritty realistic action"
- will be in movie form
- shot in South Africa for US$12 million
- directed by David R. Ellis of Snakes on a Plane fame
- synopsis: "a young woman living in a failed state, post-financial collapse, where the corrupt security force profits on the trafficking of young women. When her father, a cop, is slain by someone dirty inside the force, she vows to track the murderer down with the help of her father's ex-partner—never realizing he is, in fact, the man who had her father killed."
- begins filming next January

link

The Question 10/31: What anime did you check out this weekend?

Another weekend, another opportunity to watch anime squashed. With the busy holiday season coming upon us, I am absolutely swamped with game news. I really don't have any extra time on the weekends to get anything done. When I do get a chance to rest, I end up passing out on the couch!

Couple that with the nasty weather we had in NJ this week, and things were crazier than ever. There are still 400,000 people without power in NJ! Luckily we do have juice, so we've been hosting showers and meals for all those that don't have electricity. Busy times indeed!

Hopefully you're home safe and warm, and you also had a chance to check out some anime. What features did you watch this weekend?

Hulu, Netflix seeing big success with anime

We've talked many times about how Netflix and Hulu offer up a lot of anime content for fans, and they make it easy to find. The support is also non-stop, with new anime content being added all the time. Not surprisingly, these anime endeavors are bringing in lots of cash for both companies.

“Networks might be happy to get a show that 20 million people kind of like. We’re more interested in finding a show that a million people love to death.” - Andy Forssell, Hulu’s senior vice president for content

This means that FUNimation and other companies are making a tiny profit off of these ventures as well. Then, in turn, they can released dubbed, cleaned-up versions of the shows on DVD for the fans that want to own what they saw online.

Adult Swim also recognizes the importance of anime in a lineup, and while they're not going to spend a ton of cash to grab a show, they do know that people out there are interested in the content.

“We’re not interested in paying a lot of money for anime because that targeted audience has so many different ways to see it before it goes on our air. Every once in a while we look and say we could gain a rating point here and there, but we’d rather be more interesting and edgy from a programming standpoint, and that means anime.” - Mike Lazzo, senior vice president for programming and production at Adult Swim

Link

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 19 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

Reminder: Durarara!! Episode 19 live-chat tonight at 12:30 AM EDT!

I apologize for things being so quiet around here lately. The Nintendo side of things is so busy right now. That's what happens when the game industry loads up its holiday season! On top of that, all sorts of investor meetings and press releases are coming out, which just adds to the madness.

I don't know what tonight looks like for me, but as usual I'll be posting up the live-blog for all those that want to chat away while tonight's episode is on. I sure hope you guys are still having fun!

The Secret World of Arrietty - North American trailer

Miyazaki's latest film, The Secret World of Arrietty, is finally set for release in North America on February 17th. I've been waiting quite awhile for this one. What do you guys think? Is this going to be another Miyazaki classic, or will this be one of his more forgettable films?

VIZ Media Announces The Legend Of Zelda Manga Box Set

San Francisco, CA, October 26, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight gamers and manga (graphic novel) fans nationwide with the release of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set, just in time to celebrate the series’ 25th Anniversary. The set, available in stores now, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, includes all 10 volumes of the fantasy action adventure series as well as a full color poster, and carries an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $80.99 CAN.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, and is the best selling role-playing, puzzle-solving, action title for Nintendo video game platforms. More information on the history of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and its anniversary is available at: www.zelda.com/25th.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series takes place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the Triforce. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named Link sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to Zelda, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set bundles Link’s entire magical quest into a single collection that is a must-read for any true fan of the classic video game,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, Children’s Publishing. “The series wonderfully transforms the game’s fast-paced action into a linear storyline, and has been a consistent bestseller since VIZ Media published the first volume in 2008. This new box set is an eye-catching way to revisit the entire series and commemorate the 25th Anniversary of this groundbreaking game title.”

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series was created by Akira Himekawa, which is the pen name of two women known simply as A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair have created nine manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons and FOUR SWORDS. Their most recent work, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, was serialized in Japan in the kid’s magazine Shogaku Rokunensei, published by Shogakukan.

For more information on the THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series, please visit: www.viz.com/the-legend-of-zelda.

What makes an anime a classic?

With so much anime content out there, it can be hard to find the content that's worth watching. It's all going to come down to personal tastes in the end, but you can at least guide yourself with content that friends enjoy. You can also look towards official reviews as a guide to the content out there that might be worth your time.

Over the years, there have been certain anime series' and features that really stick out among the crowd. They offer up something special, something unique or they just really excel at telling a story. We find this kind of thing quite often in the world of anime, which really makes being a part of it something special.

As the years roll on, that amazing content slowly fades in and out of the public eye. This is when we really start to see what anime features are going to resonate with viewers for years to come. Did an anime just see release at the perfect time to get praise, or does it transcend time to offer something entertaining and engaging to all audiences?

In your eyes, what makes an anime an instant classic? What is it that really sets an anime feature apart from others out there? Can you offer up any features that exist now that you consider classics? Are there any shows currently seeing release or airing in Japan that have a chance at becoming classics?

How do you keep from being overwhelmed?

If there's one great thing about anime that can always be boasted about, it's the amount of content out there. There's never a shortage of new features to check out. It seems like every other week we learn about a new anime series, or a new anime movie that's in the works. Everywhere you turn you see new content.

That can be a double-edged sword, of course, For those that are coming into anime just now, you can be absolutely floored by the amount of content that's available. Seeing all these shows with more on the way might be a pretty scary thing. It's hard to find a place to start...a place where you can take it all in.

Hell, this is even the case for long-time anime fans. I know that I've been into anime for years now, but I still find it quite hard to keep track of just what's going on. I learn about movies for series' that I've enjoyed for years. I learn about spin-offs that seem to come out of nowhere. I learn about highly-regarded series' that I didn't even know existed.

It's hard to keep track of all this stuff, and some of that comes from the country of origin. When the content you enjoy isn't created/produced in your native language, it can be quite painful to try and stay on top of it all. You're at the mercy of others when it comes to hunting down and translating info, which can be a major roadblock.

How do you keep on top of it all and not feel overwhelmed?

Who's making anime-themed Jack-o-Lanterns?

If I had any shred of artistic talent in me, I'd try to make a few anime-related Jack-o-Lanterns. What better way to celebrate Halloween than by shoe-horning some anime love into the traditions?! I'd love to have the pumpkin above sitting on my front stoop.

I'm sure some of you guys and gals have plans to carve out your own anime Jack-o-Lanterns. That is, if you haven't already done so! If you have any plans to craft up some anime pumpkins, leave a comment and let us know! Of course, if you've already worked your magic, we'd love to see some pictures of your work!

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Just who is getting offered roles in the live-action Akira?

With talk of Akira seeing a live-action adaptation on the big screen, many are wondering just who is going to take on some of the bigger roles. While we still don't know the details on just who is being pegged for those major characters, we do have information on some of the smaller roles.

Word on the street is that actors Gary Oldman and Helena Bonham Carter were offered roles in Akira. Oldman was offered the role of Colonel and Bonham-Carter would play Lady Miyako. I could see how both of these actors could portray those roles, and I'm sure they'd do a good job, but it's just tough to take those two actors and slip them into the anime roles.

Let's say this casting ends up being the real deal. What do you think of those two actor choices so far? Does it give you hope for future roles to be cast in a positive light?

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What are the best horror anime series'/films?

I really am not a big fan of Halloween. Don't get me wrong, I love candy just as much as the next person. Now that I'm an adult, I can have candy whenever I want! That right there killed off a lot of my interest in Halloween. When you can pick up candy and not have to dress up for it, things certainly change.

With that said, I am a fan of horror features. Be it traditional movies or TV shows, anime or literature, I do like to get scared. The issue is, I never really do get horrified by this stuff. A lot of the content that Hollywood pumps out is nothing more than cheesy or gory. I can appreciate that stuff and laugh at it as well, but it's not going to make me jump out of my beard.

I was looking to turn to you guys to find out some of the scariest anime features out there. I know there's a handful of horror-related anime to pick up, whether it focuses on monsters, ghosts or what have you. Sadly, my knowledge in this area of anime is a bit lacking.

What is the scariest anime you've ever seen? Is there a horror anime that really makes you shiver every time you think about it? It's okay if it's a gore-fest anime as well. All is fair when you're in the month of October!

The Question 10/24: What anime did you check out this weekend?

Sadly, I didn't get a single chance to watch anime this weekend. Running GoNintendo has become quite busy in recent weeks. That might have something to do with the press events that Nintendo has been putting on, as well as the lead into the holiday season. Most game companies bring out their big guns for the holiday season, and Nintendo is no different.

The only animation-related thing I did this weekend was purchase a copy of Batman: Year One while I was out shopping. I didn't get a chance to watch that either! Makes me sad to have an anime-free weekend. I'm hoping that changes by the time next weekend rolls around.

I also hope your weekend was a bit more anime involved than mine! What anime did you get to check out over the weekend?

Dragon Ball Z getting Blu-ray remastered re-releases

Dragon Ball Z fans, get ready to shell out even more cash...



Dragon Ball Z has been released in so many ways on so many formats...but I have to admit that FUNimation may get my cash yet again. I can't resist having a cleaned up version of Dragon Ball Z on Blu-ray. That's about as good as things can get for fans right now.

I sure hope I'm not the only one that's going to jump in on this. I need someone else to inform me of their planned purchase to make me feel better!

Durarara!! on Adult Swim - Episode 18 live-chat (starts at 12:30 AM EDT)

Reminder: Durarara!! Episode 18 live-chat tonight at 12:30 AM EDT!

Things have been so ridiculously busy for me lately. I can barely keep up with what's going on GoNintendo, let alone the anime blog. When GN pays the bills, I have to pay more attention to that. That doesn't mean I'm still not updating here everyday, I just can't post as much as I'd like.

With that said, the live-stream events go on. I sure hope you guys are having fun, and I definitely miss the earlier weeks where I could actually watch with you! Maybe that will chance soon. I sure hope so!

Akira live-action movie not officially greenlit yet?

Check out this blurb from Variety...

"WB's seems closer to making a decision on whether to give the film a greenlight after the filmmakers gave a presentation on Wednesday to Warner execs that included a revised budget. Sources say most people are confident execs will be happy with the new budget...but you never know in this town. Be prepared for some kind of decision sometime next week."

Looks like things are close to being agreed on, but the project actually isn't greenlit yet. The big day is Wednesday next week. Do you think the project will go through?

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Which actors deserve a spot in Akira?

It seems that the Akira live-action adaption has actually picked up a lot of steam. The project was in limbo for a number of years, but now Warner Bros. is actually moving ahead on the project. The film has been greenlit rather than just optioned, which is the first major step in getting things going.

I know, there are plenty of people out there that don't want to see Akira adapted into a live-action movie. The anime film itself is an absolutely amazing piece of cinema, and there's no reason why it can't stand on its own through a theatrical re-release. Even if you feel that way, this live-action remake is still going to happen.

Perhaps we should just tell ourselves that there's no two ways about it, the Akira movie is going to be made. We'll have to stew in that thought for awhile before we become okay with it, or at the very least, able to tolerate the idea. Hollywood will most likely screw it up, but let's pretend that they won't!

With that said, what actors in Hollywood do you believe would make for the perfect cast for the Akira movie? Who would take on the two iconic male leads in the film? Are there any actors out there that you believe would make a good fit for such demanding roles?