Otakus & Geeks.com

Anime Plushies Pt. 6

2012-02-28T17:57:00.002-05:00

Hey guys it's been a long time since I showcase some Anime Plushies. Today plushies come from Anime's "Fruit Basket", "Tsubasa Chronicles", "Rosario + Vampire", "Puella Magi Madoka Magica", and "Detective Conan."

Detective Conan looks so cute in his suit, this plushy looks very huggable.

This is plush is from the Anime "Rosario + Vampire" this Anime Justin can't stop watching. This is a really good plush of the main character Moka. Look at the little vampire teeth.

Here is a really cute Shigure Dog Plush. One word cute.

This is a really awesome plush of Madoka, she looks so innocent.

Finally Sakura from Tsubasa Chronicles looks beautiful in the outfit and I love her smile. Anime Rules!!!!

NINTENDO TO MARK THE LAUNCH OF KID ICARUS: UPRISING WITH NATIONAL MULTIPLAYER TOURNAMENT

2012-02-28T16:41:00.002-05:00

Hey Gamers! Here is some cool news from Nintendo and Kid Icarus fans.

To prepare fans for the March 23 launch of Kid Icarus: Uprising for the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo of America will host multiplayer tournaments at select GameStop stores across the United States starting March 8 and culminating in a national championship event in New York on Thursday, March 22. Three winners from each market will participate in the final round. The final national championship event at the GameStop store at Broadway and 84th Street in New York will also feature a special pre-sale opportunity, allowing consumers to purchase the game one day before it goes on sale throughout North America. The bracket-style tournament will include regional competition at select GameStop locations in San Francisco (March 8), Orlando, Fla., (March 11), Los Angeles (March 15) and New York (March 22). Winners from each of the four markets will be eligible to win prizes including an all-expenses-paid trip to New York to participate in the national championship and a variety of exclusive Kid Icarus-themed items. Even if they are not participating in tournament play, consumers will be able to visit GameStop tournament locations to play Kid Icarus: Uprisingbefore its nationwide launch on March 23.

Kid Icarus: Uprising takes the action of this fan-favorite series to new heights. Players use the Nintendo 3DS system's Circle Pad, touch screen and buttons to maneuver the heroic Pit as he battles enemies in the air and on land. The new game also incorporates collectible weapons and online multiplayer modes. Each copy of the game comes with six AR cards that can interact with the game, as well as a Nintendo 3DS stand.

Marvel Announces Avengers VS X-Men Launch Parties

2012-02-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

Today Marvel Comics announced launched parties, for the highly anticipated comic series "Avengers Vs X-Men. Here is the list of the locations and which of the creators will be there. On April 3rd who will you side with?

Midtown Comics – Times Square (John Romita Jr, Adam Kubert, Axel Alonso, Tom Brevoort & Nick Lowe)
200 W 40th St
New York, NY 10018
www.midtowncomics.com

Elite Comics (Jason Aaron)
11842 Quivira Rd
Overland Park, KS 66210
www.elite-comics.com

Meltdown Comics (Ed Brubaker)
7522 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
www.meltcomics.com

Top Five Favorite Anime Composers

2012-02-27T21:37:00.002-05:00

It's Music Monday and today I wanted to give you Otakus & Geeks a list of my top five Anime composers. These composers have compose some of my favorite Anime, in addition are always in my playlist. Trust me on this you want to check out the amazing works of these five composers. Now the list is in no particular order, it's not range from most favorite they're all awesome.

1. Joe Hisaishi - Joe Hisaishi or as I like to call him Mr. Studio Ghibli. Joe Hisaishi music can be heard the most in Studio Ghibli Anime movies. He has composed many Ghibli films such as "My Neighbor Totroro", "Princess Mononoke", "Howl's Moving Castle" and many more. He also composed many films such as Hana BI and Dolls. His solo released albums Piano Stories are simply amazing and will bring you into another world. Joe Hisaishi is truly at his best when he plays the piano, trust us when we said his scores are something special, one of my favorites and one of the best in Anime.

2. Yoko Kanno - No Anime composer is quite as known as Yoko Kanno. Yoko resume speaks for itself from "Macross Plus", "Ghost In The Shell", "Cowboy Bebop", "Escaflowne" and many more. Yoko is very diverse when it comes to score, she can go Classical, she can go Jazz and when she brings in the choir it's an oh my God moment. Her diversity and her scores really make you feel the mood, the world and most importantly the emotion. Here own work "Song To Fly" is a testament to her diversity. The song "Reunion" will surely bring you to tears.

3. Yuki Kajiura - Yuki Kaijura is another great composer. She has done works in Anime and Videogames and fans will know her best from "Tsubasa Chronicle", "Elemental Gelade", "Aquarian Age", "Madlax" and more. What I really love about Yuki is her use of strings and choir. There is song on Madlax OST called "Flames" which really shows her unique style.

4. Tenmon - Tenmon is mostly known for the Anime that's directed by Makato Shinkai. "5 Centimeters Per Second", "Voices Of A Distant Star" and more. Tenmon piano compositions are very sad, emotion driven pieces. "Voice Of A Distant Star" OST is emotional, beautiful and relaxing at the same time. Tenmon is really good at making you understand the scene, without evening watching it. They don't too much Anime's under their belt like the others, but this is a composer you can't deny.

5. Taku Iwasaki - Taku Iwasaki is known mostly for his Jazz style musical scores. However in the Anime "Now and Then, Here and There" Iwasaki show his orchestrated skills, and created an OST which is truly a classic as it is heartbreaking. Other works are "Getbackers", "Angel Heart" and "Rurouni Kenshin."

That's my top five Anime composers, give these guys and gals a listen and you too be wrapped into another world.

Cosplay ... or Fashion ...

2012-02-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

It's my personal belief that Cosplay can cross over into everyday fashion, if done right. And if done spectacular, you can cosplay all day and make it seem to be something that's ALWAYS meant to be worn as an everyday outfit.

Of course, roaming the halls of the Gaylord during Katsucon was not a disappointment to that. As I clicked photos, my imagination started to run wild about the different styles that can happen.

But enough yapping on his fashionably beautiful Sunday. Here are some of my favs!

My Katsucon Weekend Lolita Looks

This is an entire functioning wardrobbe. Would it work for you? >^.^<
Til Nex Time
~je t'adore!

VIZ PRODUCTIONS & WARNER BROS. TO DEVELOP BLEACH LIVE ACTION MOVIE

2012-02-24T14:19:00.001-05:00

Hey guys here is some Anime News from our good friends at VIZ Media. Check out the news below.

Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the live-action feature film rights to the hit manga and anime property BLEACH. The announcement comes after another successful year for BLEACH in print, digital publishing, cable television, streaming video, consumer products and video-on-demand.

“BLEACH has built a huge international following in its manga and anime formats, and we’re excited that Warner Bros. shares our belief that BLEACH can also become a fantastic live-action film,” said Jason Hoffs of VIZ Productions, VIZ Media’s Hollywood-based production company. “BLEACH is an exciting opportunity to mix Japanese and Hollywood storytelling to create something new for the big screen, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to further expose its unique characters and story to film audiences everywhere.”

Peter Segal (GET SMART, THE LONGEST YARD) of Callahan Filmworks is producing with an eye toward directing. The film’s creative team also includes screenwriter Dan Mazeau, who recently penned Warner Bros.’ upcoming sequel to CLASH OF THE TITANS. Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing and Masi Oka (best known for his roles on NBC’s HEROES and CBS’s HAWAII FIVE-0) will produce. From VIZ Productions, Hoffs will serve as Producer, and Branon Coluccio will be Executive Producer. Screenplay development will commence in 2012.

The popular BLEACH animated and manga series, created by Tite Kubo, follows the adventures of Ichigo, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper tasked to hunting Hollows, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, Ichigo must dedicate his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property around the world. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has over 75 million copies in print in Japan alone. In North America, the manga (rated ‘T’ for Teens) has consistently appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list for Manga and the Neilsen BookScan Top 50 Graphic Novels list, selling more than 2.1 million copies across 36 volumes.

The BLEACH manga is also available digitally through VIZManga.com and for download through the VIZ Manga App for iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, where it has proven to be a top-seller. The series was recently sped up to bring North American readers up-to-date with the latest story arc in Japan, culminating in it being featured in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the groundbreaking digital manga magazine that VIZ Media just launched at the end of January 2012.

The BLEACH animated series (rated TV-14) has topped the ratings on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, sold over 1.8 million DVDs and consistently ranked among Hulu’s most watched shows, This success has further spawned an array of related video games (over 820,000 sold), apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

First Look At John Carter: The Gods Of Mars #1

2012-02-24T13:58:00.004-05:00

Check out the first look at John Carter: The Gods Of Mars #1

John Carter: The Gods Of Mars #1, hitting comic shops everywhere March 2012! From the creative team of rising stars Sam Humphries (Sacrifice) & Ramon Perez (Jim Henson’s Tale Of Sand), the heroic John Carter makes his return to Barsoom not to save it from Martian beasts…but Martian GODS! This new series, in collaboration with the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate, is an all-new graphic fiction adaptation of the legendary John Carter novels AND considered part of the official canon set by Burroughs. No fan looking for added depth to the rich John Carter mythos can miss this.

As our hero finds himself in the land of the dead, all hope looks lost. But nothing will stop John Carter from saving Mars from the terror of those looking to destroy it and this March, the next chapter of one of the greatest action stories ever told begins in John Carter: The Gods Of Mars #1!

Audition Review

2012-02-23T10:45:00.001-05:00

A widower takes an offer to screen girls at a special audition, arranged for him by a friend to find him a new wife. The one he fancies is not who she appears to be after all. Check out the review of the 1999 Asian Horror/Thriller film "Audition."

Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir Teaser Trailer

2012-02-23T08:01:00.000-05:00

If there is one 3DS game that I can't wait to get my hands on is "Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir." Frequent readers will know that I' am a Japanese Horror nut. I love Japanese Horror games and Fatal Frame is on the top of that list, now that spin off is coming to the 3DS I can't contain myself. Here is the new teaser trailer, I wonder how this will look in 3D.

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS NEW DIGITAL RELEASES FOR VIZMANGA.COM & VIZ MANGA APP

2012-02-23T07:30:00.002-05:00

Hey Otakus, here is some new News from our good friends at VIZ MEDIA. Anime Rules.

VIZ Media continues to expand the digital manga (graphic novels) library available onVIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch devices.

This week’s issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA features the latest chapters of BAKUMAN｡,BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE and TORIKO, as well as a special interview with Tite Kubo, creator of BLEACH. Additional highlights include the latest installments of popular series such as BLUE EXORCIST, CROSS GAME and OTOMEN.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine,treats manga fans to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series onlytwo weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available on VIZManga.com through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99; members will also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, collectable YU-GI-OH! game cards four times a year, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and videos. Single issues are also available, and can be read for four weeks for only $0.99.

New VIZ Media manga volumes launching include:

AI ORE! Vol. 4

BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 9

BLUE EXORCIST Vol. 6

CROSS GAME Vol. 5

KEKKAISHI Vol. 22

MAOH: JUVENILE REMIX Vol. 9

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vol. 7

OTOMEN Vol. 12

TORIKO Vol. 8

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from the VIZ Manga App for iOS devices and on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top app for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. Over 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

Dean + Anime= Love Supernatural Even More!

2012-02-22T14:17:00.003-05:00

This is on "Supernatural": Just wanted to post something that made my day. Dean admitting he likes anime. When I first saw this scene and he said that, I squeed and immediately texted my friend! Lol Click on the link below.

Something to brighten up a day. Anime Rules and Supernatural Rules!!!!!!

Interview With Christine Marie Cabanos (Voice Of Madoka Kaname)

2012-02-21T19:25:00.005-05:00

We had a chat with Christine Marie Caboanos the voice of Madoka Kaname from the Anime show Puella Magi Madoka. We talk about the show, Madoka and many more check it out. Anime Rules!!!

OtakusandGeeks.com: What attracted you to the character, and what do you like best about playing her?
Christine Marie: I love how true and genuine she is. She wears her heart on her sleeve and I find that to be very endearing. My favorite part about playing Madoka is her emotional journey throughout the series. She goes through a full range of emotions and it was very enjoyable to portray.
OtakusandGeeks.com: How do you prepare doing the voice of your character? Do you have a special routine or is it just as easy as taking an "actors breath"?
Christine Marie: Once we set the voice and I hear my vocal reference for the character, I just go through a few of the lines in the voice to get it warmed up. Then we go for it!
OtakusandGeeks.com: Without spoiling too much, what can fans expect from the series?
Christine Marie: Expect the unexpected.
OtakusandGeeks.com: Here at Otakus & Geeks we watch a lot of anime and play a lot of videogames. Is everyone into anime and manga? If so what are some of your favorite anime and manga?
Christine Marie: I’ve been a longtime fan of Anime and videogames. Some of my favorite anime series include Cardcaptor Sakura, Battle Atheletess, K-ON!, Eureka Seven, Gurren Lagann and lots more. As for video games, I really love the Final Fantasy series and Fighting games like Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom.
OtakusandGeeks.com: Also if you game what games are you playing at the moment?
Christine Marie: Zelda Skyward Sword! And I’m trying to get started on Final Fantasy XIII-2. I’m also really excited for Skullgirls to be released!
OtakusandGeeks.com: When it comes to choosing a role, do you have a particular genre you prefer? Or is it all about the character and what you can bring to the table?
Christine Marie: I don’t usuallly get to choose the roles I play, but I’m up for all types of genres. I do particularly enjoy “Slice of Life” and Comedy.
OtakusandGeeks.com: If given the chance to switch roles with each other, which character would you like to play and why?
Christine Marie: I think I would enjoy playing Kyoko Sakura. She has bite to her and I don’t get to play feisty girls as often as I do nice ones. She would be really fun to voice.
OtakusandGeeks.com: Time to answer some of the fans questions. Maki asked: Which character in the series do you think has the best fashion sense based on their style of clothing?
Christine Marie: I personally love Homura’s clothing . Her magical girl costume is so sleek and pretty. I love the black stockings with heels. Very classy.
OtakusandGeeks.com: Would you ever cosplay as your character?
Christine Marie: Definitely! Her costume is so cute and girly. Plus I’ve always wanted a bubblegum pink wig!
OtakusandGeeks.com: Finally we always end our interview with some words of wisdom for our readers and your fans?
Christine Marie: Time waits for no one. Also, put chips in your sandwich.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is availabe on DVD/ Blu Ray http://aniplexusa.com/

African American Lolitas

2012-02-20T13:09:00.000-05:00

Great Day Otakus, Geeks, Fashionistas, Loli's ... EVERYBODY! I hope all has been fashionably well in my absence. Of which, I sincerely apologize and I missed you all bunches, but I've been busy launching my Kick Starter for a solo exhibit, iPukeKAWAiI! I'm back though and have a treat! As an African American everyday Lolita, it was a breath of fresh air to meet another at this year's Katsucon 18.

As it happened, I was dashing off to an afternoon tea party when I ran into and her style instantly hit home. Her style, simple, sweet, and of all things comfortable, was enough to make me stop and ask to photograph her. We exchanged photos of each other's Lolita looks, talked a bit, and hugged. Seemingly to part ways ... and then I mentioned the tea party. As we scurried there we started talking about being local to the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area and finding other Lolitas, we exchanged fashion tips and such and then it hit me ... This was waaayyyyy cooler than the tea party. So we had our own - minus the tea, but we scored comfy seats and had good Lolita conversation. So it still equals such a tea party in my head.

Caitlin, an art teacher by profession and 2nd year Katsucon attendee, admitted to being a "very bad Loli" when she started dressing. She expressed that she used to be bent on boycotting large & expensive brands until she started doing research the more she dressed and getting into the Lolita lifestyle. As such, she's since turned that boycott frown upside down and gave props to brands such as Angelic Pretty and Fan Plus Friend, to name a few. Taking note from these brands and reading publications such as the Goth Lolita Bible, she's taken to making her own Lolita garments with her bits of personal touches such as beaded trim around a skirts lining or bows to some fresh Adidas

Of course, being an African American Lolita, you could probably imagine my excitement to sit and talk with her. As we started talking of some of the more "ethnic" parts of life, we both shared that while we're both great fans of the Japanese culture we are also greatly proud of our ethnic looks aside from being Lolita. Of those things, the biggest being the hair. Sure we can add cute blush to our cheeks and attach some of the BEST eyelashes, ruffles, bows, deco, and otherwise to add to an extravagant Lolita look, but what happens when it comes to the hair! With both of us noticing the same trend, that when we do see African American Lolita's, there hair is usually straight or they have a wig on to get closer to the Japanese style Lolita look. However, it's always a great day when you can create your own lane. Which is, agreeably, what African American Lolitas should take advantage of. Not to take anything away from Japanese-style Lolita or cause any divide, but to add to the fashion and culture as a whole. As such, we posed the question,

'Where are our Lolitas with the locks, twists, afros or afro puffs, braids, etc.? We want to meet YOU!"

So ending there, that question is not a rhetorical one. We WANT to know that you're there and we want you to share your Lolita experiences as you've come into this lifestyle.

If you want to see more of the great looks at Katsucon 18, feel free to check out the Katsucon blog!
Until next time!
~je t'adore!
>^.^<

Pet Shop Of Horrors Review

2012-02-19T18:54:00.001-05:00

Count D is the mysterious caretaker of a pet shop in Los Angeles' Chinatown. Each of D's rare pets, which all have strangely humanoid appearances, comes with a contract with three major points. These points differ for each animal sold (although each animal's contract includes not showing it to anyone), and breaking this contract usually results in dire (and sometimes disturbing) consequences for the buyer, for which the pet shop claims no liability. Check out the review.

Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark Review

2012-02-18T08:32:00.000-05:00

"And we can rise above, open your eyes up, and you shall rise above." A lyric from the song "Rise Above 2" in the Broadway musical "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark." Little did this once troubled musical know how true those lyrics will be. With re-casting, a script that changed, is "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark" a marvelous experience, or is it lights out for the web head?

Story - "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark" follows the story of high school geek Peter Parker, as he deals with his new found powers, battles villains, and learns his greatest lesson with great power comes great responsibility. That's just the overview of the story. "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark" story for the most part captures the spirit of the Spider-Man mythos. Key characters like Mary Jane Watson, Norman Osborn, Aunt May, Flash Thompson, Uncle Ben make an appearance. ACT 1 follows Peter Parker during his high school years and how he gets his powers, it also includes the story of Arachne. For those who don't know the comics Arachne later becomes the 2nd Madame Web. She guides Spider-Man through his trials and tribulations, she's his voice of reason of why he should keep being Spider-Man. At first I didn't think Madame Web was needed, but as the story progresses and Parker has the black cloud over him, a voice of reason is needed. ACT 1 is very entertaining, the pacing and introduction of the characters are well done for the most the part. Peter gets bullied by Flash, has awkwardness moments with Mary Jane and even fights Bonesaw. Fans who have seen Sam Raimi's Spider-Man will see some similarities that are in the Broadway play. The only complaint I had is how they handle the death of Uncle Ben. Uncle Ben really didn't give the "With great power comes great responsibility speech." However somehow Peter mentions that speech, that was a little complaint. Other than that little geeky complaint ACT 1 is amazing with good development on key characters and the birth of a certain Goblin, but I won't give spoilers there. ACT 2 for the sake of spoilers I won't mention. ACT 2 is action pack with Spider-Man battling certain villains beside Goblin, Peter dealing with Jonah Jameson, trying to balance his friendship with Mary Jane. ACT 2 is finishes off strong, but at times I felt that it got a little kiddie. Especially in certain Green Goblin scenes, I felt like I was watching Adam's West Batman, which strangely it made a reference too with Boy Wonder.

Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark story will be a hit or miss for some comic fans, with no inclusion of Harry Osborn (Norman's son), and a misinformation of a certain sinister of villains (there is your hint). Also calling Goblin a mutant will make a comic geek cringe, however with those small complaints, the story does very well capturing the spirit, the theme and the trials and tribulations of Peter Parker. The story is not perfect, but it's not bad, it's a good story of one geeks rise and fall from grace, only to rise above and accept his destiny. If you call yourself a Spider-Man fan this is worth checking out.

Acting - The acting is great! Reeve Carney is Peter Parker, he nailed him. He balanced that geeky, emotional and the witty side of Spider-Man very well, and his performances were amazing especially in the song "Rise Above." Rebecca Faulkenberry plays Mary Jane Watson, and I thought she did great as MJ. The MJ in this play is similar to Dunst MJ in Raimi's Spider-Man, she's not really the party girl that we know, but she is the girl next door and I thought Faulkenberry capture that, very well and also her voice was great! Finally Patrick Page as the menacing Norman Osborn/Green Goblin, was another great performance. He balances that craziness, and drive to succeed with such grace, he is also the comedy relief in certain scenes which was pretty cute for the younger audiences.

Music - What is a Broadway Musical without music, and Bono and The Edge have written songs that not only capture Spider-Man, but also inspire you. With the combination of different styles of rock, orchestra and even a little techno the styles fit the world of Peter Parker very well. "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark" music is one of my favorites. Stand out tracks like "Rise Above", "If The World Should End", "I Just Can't Walk Away (Say It Now)" are reasons alone to see these songs performed lived. The music is touching, moving and fun and it's one of those plays that bring you in with songs, webs you up, and doesn't let go. The choreography was great too, especially the fight sequence with Goblin, and Spider-Man swinging around the theater.

Final Grade B-/***out of 4 - "Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark" is entertaining, moving at times, but sometimes can get a little kiddie in certain scenes, but that's nitpicking. However it has done what it was suppose to do and that's capture the spirit, the world of Spider-Man. The theme of great power comes great responsibility is shown throughout the show. The story can be confusing to some who don't know the meaning of Arachne or Madame Web, but it's develop and integrated very well for the purpose of Peter Parker. The performances are solid all around, the choreography is good and the music you will feel inspired. This musical once rocky start, with injuries, cast changes, and constant critic bashing, has risen above it all and is now a musical you should check out. It's unlike any play you will see in a while, it's unique choreography, it's music and it's story. Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark is a marvel experience for the whole family.

AM2 Announces 1st Official Guest of Honor

2012-02-17T21:12:00.000-05:00

AM2 PROUDLY ANNOUNCES CELEBRATED STUDIO BONES CHARACTER DESIGNER AND

DIRECTOR TOSHIHIRO KAWAMOTO AS THE FIRST OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR FOR HIGHLY

ANTICIPATED 2012 CONVENTION

A Founding Member of the World Famous Bones Anime Studio Comes to this summer¹s Most Anticipated Anime, Manga and Music Convention this June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Get your Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 17, 2012) Celebrated character designer and

director, TOSHIHIRO KAWAMOTO, of such famed animes as COWBOY BEBOP, MOBILE

SUITE GUNDAM ZZ, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 0080, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 0083, TEKKAMAN

BLADE, BLOOD THE LAST VAMPIRE, ESCAFLOWNE, MOBILE ANGEL ANGELIC LAYER, WITCH

HUNTER ROBIN, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, SCRAPPED PRINCESS, EUREKA SEVEN, OURAN

HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB, GHOST IN THE SHELL and outside of Japan as the

character designer and animation director for the beloved many more will

attend this summer¹s most aniticipated anime, manga and music convention AM2

(June 15-17, 2012; Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton). More info

and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org

Kawamoto founded the world famous anime studio Studio BONES in 1998 with

Masahiko Minami (former Sunrise producer) and Hiroshi Ousaka (animator

colleague who passed away in 2007. He has an animation career that spans

over 25 years and has a long list of high profile works but is best known

for his work as the character designer and animation director for the ever

popular anime, COWBOY BEBOP.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Tops Bookscan at #1!

2012-02-16T12:49:00.003-05:00

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER—THE PROMISE PART 1 TOPS BOOKSCAN AT #1!

February 16, MILWAUKIE, OR—In an amazing show of demand for Dark Horse’s newest graphic novel, Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Promise Part 1 soared to the top of the Bookscan charts last week!

Written by Gene Luen Yang, author of the National Book Award-nominated American Born Chinese, Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise Part 1 marks the continuation of Airbender and the link to its upcoming sequel, Legend of Korra!

Ever since the conclusion of Avatar: The Last Airbender, its millions of fans have been hungry for more--and it's finally here! This series rejoins Aang and friends for exciting new adventures, beginning with a faceoff against the Fire Nation that threatens to throw the world into another war, testing all of Aang's powers and ingenuity!

Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Promise Part 1 is a must-have for any Airbender fan! This is the latest release in an ongoing partnership between Nickelodeon and Dark Horse to bring you the very best in Airbender books.

Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Promise Part 1 is on sale now!

Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Promise Part 2 is on sale May 30^th

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Film U.S. Premiere At AM2 Con

2012-02-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

One of Many U.S. Film Premieres Happening this June 15-17, 2012 at the
Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Get your Passports Today and
Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 15, 2012) The ever popular ACE ATTORNEY
(Gyakuten Saiban-2012/Mystery, Drama/Approx. 130 min) manga and video game
comes alive in this live action feature film to be screened EXCLUSIVELY at
this summer¹s most anticipated Anime, Manga and Music event AM2. Two
screenings will be available-one EXCLUSIVELY for Passport holders ONLY and
the second for Passport holders preferred (with general attendees as seating
permits). More info and attendee registration can be found at
www.am2con.org <http://www.am2con.org>

First released in 2001 for the Nintendo ³GAME BOY², ACE ATTORNEY was ported
for the DS, PC, Wii. With four games in the series, Ace Attorney has sold
over 4.2 million copies worldwide. The series has been further popularized
and continues to build a new fan base via the advent of spinoff series Ace
Prosecutor (gyakuten-kenji in Japanese) to the game appearing on GREE,
Japan¹s leading social networking service and in comic book form. In 2008,
the Tokyo Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra performed a concert based on the
game, and the following year, the Takarazuka Revue Company started their
live musical performance of the series.

Set in a futuristic, fictional Japan courtroom where ³bench trials² have
been implemented to fight rising crime, the appealing amusement of Ace
Attorney has to be its leading character, hot-blooded, sometimes
4th-down-and-long-Hail-Mary rookie defense lawyer, Phoenix Wright. The
speedy storyline, filled with twists and turns of sheer enjoyment, unfolds
as Phoenix finds the truth and wins his case. Rising from the ashes when the
chips are down, he challenges the court with ³evidence² collected through
his own investigations and exposes the actual criminals and their pack of
lies.

The story structure of the film is based on the characters and amusing story
twists from the first work in the series. Penning the screenplay are none
other than the cop and courtroom drama master Takeshi Iida (writer for
SHINZANMONO and PARTNERS) as well as Sachiko Oguchi (KAIJI 2) who is popular
for her fast paced scripts. The director is hit-maker Takashi Miike,
world-renowned for his talent and the pride of the Japan filmmaking world
whose latest works always attract attention. In this film, Miike depicts a
heated courtroom battle by evoking his novel visual sense with VFX and CG
and his unique ³Miike magic² directing of actors from films like YATTERMAN,
the CROWS Episod 0, CROWS and Thirteens Assassins. While most films set in
courtrooms tend to offer low-key, pedestrian visuals, the courtroom scenes
in this film are amazingly attractive for audiences.

Hiroki Narimiya, the talented young actor whose performances in Drop and the
TV series Bad Boy & Good Girl resonated with a new generation of young
people, plays the hot-blooded, rookie lawyer Phoenix Wright. His childhood
friend and ultimate rival Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth is played by Takumi
Saitoh (medical TV series Saijo no Meii), a younger actor in the limelight.
Extremely popular, teenage actress Mirei Kiritani plays the damsel in
distress Maya Fey, a spirit medium in training. Veteran actors from the
Japanese film world and regular Miike Takashi film actors including Ryo
Ishibashi (Audition, Ju-On The Grudge), Rei Dan (Kabei: Our Mother), Fumiyo
Kohinata, Kimiko Yo (Departures), Akira Emoto, round out the cast. Court is
in session for this ³courtroom battle² entertainment film at theatres
nationwide on February 11, 2012. Don¹t miss it!

SYNOPSIS
In 20XX, to prevent the rise of vicious crimes the government introduces
"bench trials" a new justice system where the defense and prosecutor go
head-to-head in open court. Within just three days, a guilty or not guilty
verdict is decided.

Talented attorney Mia Fey, who shows understanding for her junior lawyer,
Phoenix Wright (Hiroki Narimiya), is murdered. Arrested for the murder is
her spirit medium in training sister Maya Fey (Mirei Kiritani). Phoenix
believes in Maya¹s innocence and takes the case where he meets Prosecutor
Miles Edgeworth (Takumi Saito), a level-headed, prodigy attorney and
childhood friend. An intense courtroom battle unfolds as testimony and
evidence are presented.

After the trial, Phoenix receives word that Miles has been arrested for
murder! Phoenix steps forward to defend Miles. Opposing council is none
other than Miles¹s master, legendary prosecutor von Karma (Ryo Ishibashi)
who has been undefeated in court for 40 years. As the trial goes on, the 15
year old DL-6 case, where Miles¹s father Gregory Edgeworth was shot and
killed in the evidence room, is examined closely.

What will become of Phoenix, Miles and Maya? What dangerous truth lies
behind this mysterious case?

Staff and the Cast

Directed by Takashi Miike

Screenplya by Takeshi Iida, Sachiko Oguchi

Music by Koji Endo

Theme Song by pronograffitti (SME Records)

CHARACTERS (Japanese name follows the English name)

- Hiroki Narimiya as Phoenix Wright (Ryuichi Naruhodo) A hot-blooded,
rookie lawyer.

- Takumi Saitoh as Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth (Reiji Mitsurugi) A
calm, cool genius prosecutor. Phoenix¹s childhood friend and fateful rival.

- Mirei Kiritani as Maya Fey (Mayoi Ayasato) Phoenix¹s client. A
spirit medium in training. Mia¹s younger sister.

- Akiyoshi Nakao as Larry Butz (Masashi Yahari) Phoenix¹s childhood
friend. A good-for-nothing loveable guy.

- Shunsuke Daito as Detective Dick Gumshoe (Keisuke Itonokogiri) A
shoot-from-the-hip cop who places his trust in Miles¹s ability to convict
felons.

- Akira Emoto as The Judge aka Your Honor (Saibancho) A veteran judge
who calls, ³Order in the court.²

- Rei Dan as Mia Fey (Chihiro Ayasato) A talented lawyer. Phoenix¹s
boss and sister to Maya.

- Mitsuki Tanimura as Lotta Hart (Natsumi Osawagi) A would-be
cameraman and witness to the alleged shooting. She speaks in an Osaka
dialect which is translated as a Southern dialect.

- Takehiro Hira as Attorney Gregory Edgeworth (Shin Mitsurugi) Miles¹s
father and role-model reason for becoming a lawyer. He was a victim in the
DL-6 case.

- Esuke Sasai as Robert Hammond (Yukio Namakura) The defendant lawyer
in the DL-6 case who represented Yanni Yogi.

- Makoto Ayukawa as Redd White (Masaru Konaka) Freelance magazine
writer, wiretapper, witness to Mia¹s murder and possibly more.

- Kimiko Yo as Misty Fey (Maiko Ayasato) A spirit medium. Mother to
Mia and Maya.

- Ryo Ishibashi as Prosecutor von Karma (Gou Karuma) Miles¹s master, a
legendary prosecutor who has not lost a case in 40 years. He turns out to be
the true criminal behind the DL-6 case.

- Fumiyo Kohitani as Yanni Yogi (Koutarou Haine) Former court agent. A
defendant in the DL-6 case. His wife Polly later committed suicide. He also
has a pet parrot named after his wife.

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere
screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a
Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide
holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as
well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

Cosplay Boy Of The Week #59 (Wakka)

2012-02-12T09:57:00.000-05:00

Hey guys and gals! I'm back with an awesome Cosplay Boy Of The Week. This week we go into the world of Final Fantasy X with Wakka. I love how this cosplayer did Wakka. The look, the costume and the prop and the setting is all well done.

Cosplay Girl Of The Week #74 (Saber)

2012-02-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week's Cosplay Girl Of The Week is from the world of Fate/Zero with the character Saber. After a picture search we came across this link from one of our readers. Don't know the Cosplayer's name, but I think she did one hell of a job for Saber. We love the the prop, the serious expression on her face. It's screams Saber all the way.

Indie Free Game Review: Stealth Bastard

2012-02-12T01:13:00.000-05:00

Hey people Jeff here and am hitting you up on this sweet free game from Curve studios called Stealth Bastard: Tactical Espionage Arsehole.

The game is a mix between Super Meat Boy and Metal Gear Solid but you can't attack or have weapons. You are sneaking in or out (I am not sure) of a place with the whole point of you trying not to be killed. I would say not to be seen but I will get into that.

Gameplay - Well the shadows are your best and only friend and your enemies are light and robots. I say light because the puzzles that are in the game really are all about you staying in the shadows as much as possible, however as the stage changes so do the shadows. Now the robots come in 3 forms which you will see and learn to hate all at once. Mainly because you're done from one hit and they never miss when your in range also some of them have head lights that make it even harder to stay in the safety of the shadows. This is also a very hard game much like "Super Meat Boy" you will have to be smart and plan ahead the art style helps with this a lot, giving you plenty of indicators to what you can grab on and hang off to the range of the sight of the enemies. There is also a level creator that is pretty easy to use and then upload to a server from there it can be downloaded by other players and then people can rank them and favorite them.

Art style is amazing, the way the shadows blends with everything and being clearly able to get see when your inside the shadow and more importantly when light changes where the shadows are. It is also very detailed in your character, stages and enemies.

Overall I say Curved created a great game, a little on the short side but still very good fun to be had also there are the player created levels that will take up a lot of your time, so in the end I say download it the only downside is that its only on Windows so all your windows owners go to the site and check it out.

Final Grade B+/8.5

Links: Stealth Bastard

AM2 ANNOUNCES THE 2012 T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

2012-02-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

AM2 ANNOUNCES THE 2012 T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners for Each Contest Awared Amazing Prizes This
June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center! Get your Passports Today
and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 10, 2012) Attention fans! Make this
convention truly yours! Attendees can get more involved with this Summer¹s
most anticipated animation, music and manga event, AM2 (June 15-17, 2012;
Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton), by entering the official 2012
T-Shirt Design Contest! Not only will the winner have their winning design
utilized on a shirt that will be available to attendees, they (as well as
2nd and 3rd place winners) will also win some amazing prizes. More info,
contest rules and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org

Designs should incorporate the themes of AM2 (i.e. Passport, Passport
Benefits, Summer Festival, etc.). Items that need to be incorporated into
the t-shirt (white) include:
€ AM2 Logo (available for download online)
€ Fan Art
Image of
AM2 Mascot (Nyan-chan)
€ AM2 Website Address: www.am2con.org
€ Phrase: "Experience the Difference!"
€ File specification: 2100 x 1800 px PNG at 150 dpi
€ White will be considered transparent

All entries should be sent to registration@am2con.org. Images should be in
low resolution format for judging and will be required to be in high
resolution for printing.

Official contest start date is today and deadline for all entries for the
2012 T-Shirt Design Contest is March 12, 2012 at 500 pm PST. Winning
designs will be chosen via votes consisting of 50% general public voting and
50% AM2 staff votes.

Winners will receive:

1st Place
- Two (2) 3 Day Passes
- Front of the line at two autograph sessions/or GoH Meet and Greets
- Free T-shirt with your design
- Free Manga Design Program

2nd Place
- One (1) 3 Day Pass
- Front of the line at one autograph sessions/or GoH Meet and Greet
- Free T-shirt with your design

3rd Place
- One (1) 2 Day Pass (Or rebate toward your 3 Day pass purchase)
- Free T-Shirt with your design

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere
screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a
Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide
holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as
well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

Cyber City OEDO 808 Review

2012-02-09T14:31:00.001-05:00

To combat computerised crime more effectively, the Cyber Police unit of the future Japanese city of Oedo has restarted the feudal practice of hōmen (放免), employing hardened criminals with a history of hi-tech offences and other crimes such as murder as officers themselves. Three such criminals are Sengoku, Gogol and Benten who are serving their 300-or-more year sentences in an orbital penitentiary. For duty served, each criminal will receive a reduction in their prison time. Desperate to get away from the boredom and monotony of jail life, they half-heartedly agree to the deal. They answer to police chief Hasegawa who keeps them in check thanks to an explosive collar that each criminal wears around his neck. Hasegawa can blow this collar from a distance and it will also explode if they fail to complete their missions within an allocated time period. Check out the review.

AM2 ANNOUNCES ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR PANELS AND WORKSHOPS NOW OPEN

2012-02-09T13:35:00.000-05:00

AM2 ANNOUNCES ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR PANELS AND WORKSHOPS NOW OPEN

Industry and Fan Panel/Workshop Application Available Online Now

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 9, 2012) Attention fans! Make this
convention truly yours! This summer¹s most anticipated FREE convention,
AM2, welcomes industry and fans to apply for panels and workshops online
now. More info, application and attendee registration can be found at
www.am2con.org <http://www.am2con.org>

³Workshops and panels are integral parts of the convention circuit², states
AM2 representative Chase Wang, ³We are looking for interesting fan topics,
cool gatherings and much more! Join us and have the time of your life this
Summer!²

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere
screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a
Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide
holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as
well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

AM2 ANNOUNCES THE FAN¹S OFFICIAL PASSPORT BENEFITS FOR 2012

2012-02-08T22:13:00.000-05:00

AM2 ANNOUNCES THE FAN¹S OFFICIAL PASSPORT BENEFITS FOR 2012

Official Hotel Room Blocks Open and Special Passport and Hotel Room Block
Only Benefits and Discounts for this Summer¹s Most Anticipated Fan Event

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 8, 2012) AM2 (pronounced: ³A², ³M² ³Squared²;
June 15-17, 2012; Anaheim, CA at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim
Hilton), is proud to announce the Official AM2 Passport benefits for 2012.
More info to come at www.am2con.org <http://www.am2con.org>

With prices starting at $20.00 (US), the AM2 Passport will have features
including an autograph section and an area in which Passport Holders can
obtain ³visiting² stamps (from participating exhibitors, events, activities,
panels, workshops, etc.) to win some amazing prizes. In addition, Passport
holders will be able to obtain some fantastic benefits and unbelievable
discounts onsite and offsite including advanced entry to the AM2 Exhibit
Hall for all three (3) days, Premiere entrance/seating in all main events
(first come first serve basis), 40% off of Disneyland admission and other
theme parks including Knott's Berry Farm® Theme Park
<http://microsite.anaheimoc.org/partners/1368/knotts-berry-farm-theme-park>
, discounts at local restaurants and retailers including Buca di Beppo
Anaheim, Downtown Disney® District, House of Blues
<http://microsite.anaheimoc.org/partners/4239/downtown-disney-district-house
-of-blues> , Tony Roma¹s, stores in Downtown Disney and much more. Also,
special events for Passport holders and AM2 Guests of Honors will be created
to bring the fans closer to our domestic and international attending guests.

AM2 representative Chase Wang states, ³We are so excited to be bringing the
AM2 Passport to our attendees and partnering up with so many Southern
California partners to bring more fun and value to our AM2 family! There is
definitely more fun and more value with AM2! Come join us and get your
Passport today!²

Onsite Benefits Include:
€ One hour advanced entry into the AM2 Exhibit Hall for all 3
days
€ Special discounts with participating Exhibit Hall exhibitors
€ 15 game tokens for the Summer Festival
€ Premiere entrance/seating in all main events (first come
first serve basis)
€ Premiere/fast-line for autograph lines, panels and workshops
€ Special entry to private parties with select GoH's
€ Discount admission to the Animaid Café

A FULL list of all discounts can be found at
http://www.am2con.org/registration/am2passport/benefits

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere
screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a
Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide
holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as
well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con