Nickelodeon Brings Back Rocko’s Modern Life for Brand-New, Original One-Hour TV Special

Marking its 25th anniversary of original creator-driven animation to the day and date, Nickelodeon today announces another reinvention of its library content: the greenlight of an original one-hour TV special based on its classic ‘90s hit, Rocko’s Modern Life. With Rocko’s original creator Joe Murray on board as executive producer, the animated Rocko's Modern Life TV special will bring back all the show’s classic characters and offer some surprising new takes on life in O-Town. Additional news of Rocko’s airdate and casting will be announced in the coming months.

"I'm very happy to be rejoining Rocko and my friends from O-Town again,” said creator and executive producer Joe Murray. “What I have found by bringing these characters back is that it's not so much about nostalgia, but a sense that they still feel relevant and fresh to me, and after twenty years, they can't wait to comment on modern life in the 21st century. They still have a lot to say."

Originally airing from 1993-1996, the animated Rocko’s Modern Life follows the adventures of an Australian wallaby named Rocko and his two companions, Heffer Wolfe and Filburt, through their adventures in their home of O-Town.

“Following our news about Hey Arnold! and Legends of the Hidden Temple, greenlighting a Rocko’s Modern Life TV special is another strong example of how we are bringing our library content back for both new audiences and the generation that grew up on them in the ‘90s,” said Chris Viscardi, SVP, Content Development, Nickelodeon Franchise Properties. “It’s a testament to the strength and appeal of these characters that so many people have loved Nick animation for these last 25 years, and we are excited to bring them back for new stories and adventures.”

Today’s Rocko’s greenlight news--25 years to the day of the original launch of the iconic Rugrats, The Ren & Stimpy Show and Doug—follows recent announcements of Nickelodeon bringing back its library content for today’s audiences. Coming in 2017 is Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie, a new, original TV movie that will feature a storyline picking up from where the original series ended in 2004, resolving unanswered questions and plotlines, including Arnold finally getting answers about the whereabouts of his missing parents.

This fall, Nickelodeon will premiere its Legends of the Hidden Temple original TV movie, an action-adventure movie based on its ‘90s game show of the same name. Drawing from the original show’s premise of kids competing to retrieve artifacts from a mysterious Mayan temple, the new action-adventure TV movie version will follow three siblings who embark on a high-stakes, life-or-death mission. 

X JAPAN: Drafthouse Films Set Fall U.S. Release For Acclaimed Music Doc ''We Are X' '

Drafthouse Films announced today that they will releaseStephen Kijak's 'WE ARE X' in New York and Los Angeles on October 21, 2016, followed by nationwide expansion. Since its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival--where it was awarded theSpecial Jury Prize for editing--the film has continued to garner critical acclaim due to its remarkably candid portrayal of its enigmatic subject, YOSHIKI, leader of the Japanese band X JAPAN.

​Since then, 'WE ARE X' has played to sold-out audiences on the festival circuit, including at the2016 SXSW Film Festival and was the most tweeted about topic during the week of SXSWonly after the festival's keynote speaker, President Barack Obama. Audiences at both theSundance and SXSW screenings were treated to exclusive performances by YOSHIKI, and similar eventized concert presentations of the film are planned for its theatrical release.

From the production team behind the Oscar-winning Searching for Sugar Mancomes 'WE ARE X,' a transcendent rock & roll story about X JAPAN, the world's biggest and most successful band you've never heard of...yet.

Under the enigmatic direction ofdrummer, pianist, composer andproducerYoshiki, X JAPAN has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined--captivating such a wide range of admirers asSir George Martin, KISS, Stan Lee, and even the Japanese Emperor--and pioneered a spectacle-driven style of visual rock, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon.

Chronicling the band'sexhilarating, tumultuous and unimaginable history over the past three decades--persevering through personal, physical and spiritual heartache--the film culminates with preparations for their breathtaking reunion concert at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden. Directed by acclaimed documentarianStephen Kijak (Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), 'WE ARE X' is an astonishingly intimate portrait of a deeply haunted--but truly unstoppable--virtuoso and the music that has enthralled legions of the world's most devoted fans.

 'WE ARE X' was produced by John Battsek of Passion Pictures, producer of two Academy Award winning documentaries(Searching For Sugar Man, One Day in September). The film was directed by Stephen Kijak (Stones In Exile, Scott Walker: 30th Century Man).

BLEACH Anime Series Available On Blu-Ray

VIZ Media unleashes the tense anime action drama of BLEACH on Blu-ray for the first time with the home media release of Set 1.

Now available, BLEACH Set 1 presents the complete, uncut first 27 episodes of the popular series on 4 Blu-ray discs, and carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. Episodes are available with dialogue selections for dubbed English as well as subtitled, Japanese 2.0 audio, with episodes presented in their original 4:3 format.

In the BLEACH anime series, for as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling – to protect the world of the living and the dead as a Substitute Soul Reaper. When Rukia is taken away to face the ruthless justice of the Soul Society, Ichigo and his friends must cross over and do battle in the spirit world...

“Fans have eagerly anticipated the release of BLEACH on Blu-ray, and this summer we invite them to expand their personal anime collections with the release of the first set of this riveting series,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation.

The BLEACH animated films and TV series (distributed in North America by VIZ Media,rated ‘TV-14’) are based on a smash hit manga series created by Tite Kubo (also published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’ for Teens).

Netflix Brings Original Anime Film, Blame!, to a Global Audience

Netflix announced, together with Polygon Pictures, a groundbreaking deal for the anime original film Blame!, to premiere exclusively on Netflix globally.

Blame! is set in the distant future where what’s left of the human race resides within the Megastructure, a vast and dangerous labyrinth that has grown wild and out of control. Thrown into this world is the mysterious Killy, a strange individual who is on a quest to bring civilization back from the brink of oblivion.

First appearing as a manga from 1997 to 2003, the much-awaited animated film adaptation of Blame! will be available as a Netflix original twenty years since its initial run. The film sees yet another creative collaboration following the success of sci-fi anime series Knights of Sidonia, between the award-winning creator of the original manga, Tsutomu Nihei and director Hiroyuki Seshita, who also brought us the thrilling, fast-paced suspense of AJIN: Demi-Human,which is also available on Netflix globally. Blame!,Knights of Sidonia, and AJIN: Demi-Human manga are all available in print from Vertical Comics and digitally via Kodansha Comics.

“We’re incredibly delighted to work with Polygon Pictures in bringing the latest Netflix original anime, Blame!,to fans worldwide,” said David Lee, Vice President, International Originals at Netflix. “We look forward to bringing the best of original anime to our members and continuing to work with the top creators in the industry.”

“We are super excited to be able to deliver the long awaited anime adaptation of Blame! as a Netflix original anime,” said Shuzo John Shiota, President and CEO of Polygon Pictures. “I’ve seen some initial footage and it is truly groundbreaking, especially in HDR format. I can't wait for fans around the world to experience this!”

Blame!is set to be the latest addition to the exciting slate of Netflix originals exclusively available to a global audience. In addition, Netflix is planning to release both Blame! andKnights of Sidonia in the cutting-edge, high dynamic range (HDR) format. This marks another milestone for the anime industry as the service continues to deliver innovative programming to entertainment fans worldwide.

The Walking Dead Third season Revealed During SDCC

Fellow Survivors,

In celebration of SDCC this week, Telltale joined our friends at Skybound Entertainment live on stage to discuss a few more details on our upcoming season of The Walking Dead.

Eagle-eyed fans will recognize that the poster revealed today is an homage to the original poster for The Walking Dead when the concept was first shown at SDCC in 2011. In contrast to the original, Clem is no longer being protected, and stands shoulder to shoulder with mysterious newcomer Javier. We'll be sharing some details later this summer on how you may be able to get your hands on a special limited-edition run of this poster.

The Walking Dead's Creative Director Dennis Lenart from Telltale was joined by Melissa Hutchison (voice of Clementine) to share a few more details about the upcoming season, and tried their best not to spoil the story that's yet to come.

What they could share was your first new look at the season since it was revealed at E3 last month. In this first shot, you'll see Javier and Clementine making their way through a walker-infested slaughterhouse. Remember, you'll be playing as both characters, although you may not be playing each character within the same frame of time...

Another unique aspect of this third season is that while it absolutely continues the story of the previous two seasons, it also serves as a new entry point for fans who've yet to be caught up to speed. Players starting with this third season will be introduced to young survivor AJ, who fans will recognize as the son of Rebecca from Season Two - and we can confirm that he will be making an appearance in this season as well. So players who are new to the series will have a chance to learn more about Clementine's backstory, while at the same time, those who have played previous seasons will have a story that's uniquely tailored to the diverging paths they've taken in the past.

Lenart also discussed the importance of playing as Javier, and how the team was able to create a character without any prior relationship with Clementine. This will provide an interesting opportunity for players to meet a character they may have helped shape. They'll also have a chance to play as a survivor fresh to the series, who is currently struggling to keep his family together in the face of the undead apocalypse.

Stay tuned for more news as it happens on this upcoming third season, as we gear up towards the premiere coming later this fall!

"I Quit" Why are Marvels youngest Heroes ready to Quit?

image credit Marvel

Hey O&G fans, recently posters have been popping up with some of marvel's young heroes with the caption "I QUIT" July 5th under them. This has lead some readers to believe that there will be big changes after the Civil War 2 story arc, with some heroes leaving their respective teams. Just in case you haven't seen them here are a few of the posters:

So what has these heroes ready to quit? Yesterday it was revealed as part of the Marvel NOW! "Divided We Stand" initiative, a new Champions series is on its way in October with young heroes from the Avengers and X-Men featuring these characters from the posters as part of the team. Writer Mark Waid describes the series as a "generational shift."

"When we were growing up, the general perception was it takes adults to fix the world. Kids can do little things, but basically you have to wait till you grow up to make the big choices and the big decisions. Well, Mark Zuckerberg would disagree with you. Some of the other young trend-breaking scientists that are coming to light, online especially, would beg to differ with you," Waid told Entertainment Weekly  "Those are the inspirations, as much as anybody else, for the idea that we don’t have to wait until we grow up to be Tony Stark or Captain America to make a difference in this world. We’ll find our way, and we’ll find our own way." This team takes its name from the 1970s Marvel super-team the Champions - a name that has been mired in legal battles that have prevented its re-use until now

The original CHAMPIONS series was created by writer Tony Isabella and artist Don Heck, issue #1 debut in 1975. Writer Tony Isabella developed the concept of a new team of superheroes and originally wanted the roster to consist of former X-Men Angel and Iceman, and the newly created Black Goliath. Black Goliath became unavailable when the character debuted in his own title, forcing Isabella to rethink the concept. Editor Len Wein insisted on at least five members, and Isabella added three established heroes: Russian spy Black Widow (team leader), the Greek God Hercules, and the supernatural avenger Ghost Rider.

This New team will consist of Ms Marvel, Kid Nova, Spiderman (Miles Morales) Awesome Hulk, Viv Vision (Daughter of the Vision) and Young Cyclops. Which should be an interesting combination.

Mark Waid will be joined on Champions by artist Humberto Ramos, currently writes the Ms. Marvel/Spider-Man/Nova trio in All-New All-Different Avengers. We will keep you updated on more info as the series is closer to it's release.

 

source: Entertainment Weekly and Wikipedia

 

by Sean Tucker

New Avengers Morph into U.S. Avengers

credit: Marvel Comics

A new Avengers title dubed U.S.Avengers will debut this fall from Marvel Comics, according to The Washington Post. The team will be comprised of Sunspot, Red Hulk, Cannonball, a new Iron Patriot, Pod, Squirrel Girl, and a Captain America from the future - who happens to be Luke Cage and Jessica Jones' grown-up daughter, Danielle Cage.

“We wanted a couple of members that’d speak to the U.S. in the title — hence super-scientist and supporting player Dr. Toni Ho stepping up to the main team as the new Iron Patriot, and General Ross waiting in the wings as the Red Hulk,” said series writer Al Ewing, who will be joined by artist Paco Medina. “And, of course, Danielle Cage, the Captain America of about thirty years in the future, who’ll be joining us for at least the first arc, as an enemy from her time comes to ours to stir up trouble.”

The title seems to pick up the storyline from the current New Avengers series featuring a re-organized A.I.M. Avengers team led by Sunspot. Like New Avengers, it will be written by Al Ewing, however it's not known if that series will continue.

source: newsarama

Dreaming About The Many What To Do's While in Brooklyn

Hey O&G fans, today we are bringing you a wonderful book written bylocal NYC authors: Ephraim Benton and Amber Cherish Benton. Dreaming about the many what to do's while in Brooklyn is a children's book that shows the fun things to do in Brooklyn for kids. Here is a little info from the Authors about the book

When Kids Nap, Their Imagination Begins! 
 
Several kids fall asleep and dream about the many different things they could do while in Brooklyn. Their creative minds wander off on a journey to explore all the beautiful, educational, athletic and fun activities to do all over Brooklyn. Are they ready for the many cool discoveries and new experiences they learn on their wonderful adventure?

Dreaming About The Many What To Do's While In Brooklyn
Authored by Mr Ephraim Benton, Authored with Amber Benton, Illustrated by Aurora Pagano
List Price: $12.99
8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm) 
Full Color Bleed on White paper
34 pages
Daddy Daughter Publishing, LLC
ISBN-13: 978-0983510413
ISBN-10: 0983510415
BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Travel

Age 5 - 10

Funimation Simulcasts & Broadcast Dubs for Summer 2016 Season

Summer is here and Funimation® Entertainment has a stellar line-up of simulcasts and Broadcast Dubs planned for this season. To mark the first week of summer, the company revealed today fourteen simulcast titles from the new season. Together with the rest of the line-up, Funimation’s Summer 2016 Season offers each fan the opportunity to “find the ONE for you.” Whether it’s the one with the final boss, or the one with the cat vampire, or the one with the school idols or one of our many other new shows, Funimation has something for everyone.  The shows in this summer’s line-up will begin premiering on July 2.  Each and every week thereafter for the rest of the season, subscribers can look forward to new episodes in commercial-free 1080p.   

Summer 2016 Season Simulcast Synopses

D.Gray-man HALLOW

From the studio behind D.Gray-man comes the highly anticipated continuation to the popular series. Allen Walker is an exorcist working for the Black Order whose mission is to protect mankind from the evil Millennium Earl and his deadly Akuma. Allen and his comrades must recover lost Innocence while defending against the Earl’s terrifying army. But if they fail, Innocence will be lost forever.

SERVAMP

Mahiru Shirota dislikes difficult things, preferring to live a simple life. But after rescuing a cat he names Kuro, life takes a turn for the complex. Kuro turns out to be a “servamp”—

a servant vampire—named Sleepy Ash, and the two form a contract. Kissing his simple life goodbye, Mahiru is pulled into the world of vampires, the seven deadly Servamps, and war. Life couldn’t be more complicated!

 Tales of Zestiria the X

Legends speak of the Shepherd, a savior who will bring peace to the seraphim and human worlds. Sorey has spent his life studying ancient books and exploring ruins to learn more about the legendary savior. When he and his seraphim companion Mikleo encounter a mysterious girl in the ruins, the stories of the Shephard become Sorey’s reality. Is he strong enough to take on the evil Lord of Calamity?

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School – Future Arc

Makoto Naegi is under suspicion of treason after shielding a remnant of Despair. The Future Foundation, founded to save the world from chaos caused by Ultimate Despair, gathers to decide his punishment when they are captured by Monokuma. Thrusted into an ultimate death game, they must find the true traitor and kill him if they hope to survive. The tale of despair in which hope kills hope begins.

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School – Despair Arc

Hope’s Peak High School is a special school that nurtures those with exceptional talents and abilities. While only top students are a part of the main course, anyone can join the preparatory course, like Haijme Hinata has. Hinata wants nothing more than to be part of the talented elite, but his desires lead him to a fateful encounter that drives the future of the school into despair.

 Endride

Beneath the earth’s surface lies the unknown world, Endra. After touching a mysterious crystal, Shun Asanaga finds himself in this new land and his only way home lies with helping the vengeful Prince Emilio. Recently imprisoned, Emilio vows to take back his rightful throne from King Delzaine. Check out the latest adventure from the creator of Rurouni Kenshin and the studio behind Durarara!!

 Love Live! Sunshine!!

Nothing is more appealing than the bright, sparkling world of School Idols! The girls of Uranohoshi Girls’ High School are swept into idol fever, wanting nothing more than to become the next-best School Idol group. And they plan to do just that. Chika Takami brings together eight of her classmates to form Aqours, their own idol group. As long as they don’t give up, any dream can come true!

 FIRST LOVE MONSTER

High schooler Kaho Nikaido is having trouble adjusting to her new life in Tokyo. It doesn’t get any easier when she is nearly hit by a truck and saved by the handsome Kanade Takahashi! Infatuated with Kanade, she works up the courage to confess. But he warns that if Kaho learns who he is, she won’t want him. What could possibly keep her from this stud? Maybe the fact he’s a…fifth grader?!

 Handa-kun

Seishuu Hanada leads a very interesting life for a high school student. He is admired by his peers as a calligraphy genius and held in the highest respect. Unfortunately, Hanada is under the impression that they hate him! He just wants a quiet life, but instead he’ll face countless challenges for his school idol position. Can he handle all the pressure and “bullying”? It’s hard being so clueless!

 TSUKIUTA. The Animation

Six Gravity and Procellarum are two rival male idol groups who happen to live in the same dorm. Six Gravity is made up of young men who represent the months of December to May, while Procellarum’s members represent June to November. Follow the daily lives of these twelve young men as they deal with the stresses of idol-hood, school, and living together. With music by famous Vocaloid producers!

 Time Travel Girl

Mari Hayase is on a mission to go back in time and meet eight of the most prominent scientists and inventors in history. With the help of her two friends Waka Mizuki and Jun Mizuki she’ll find herself up close and personal with famous figures like Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and so many more! What’s her purpose and mission? Hopefully not getting stuck in the past!

 Sca-red Rider XechS

The Blue World, a world symbolizing reason, is under attack by fierce creatures known as the Nightfly O’Note sent from the Red World, a world symbolizing instinct. Elected to lead the Blue World, 17-year-old researcher Akira Asagi will take charge of the combat unit “IS”. These six riders, also called the Scared Rider Xechs, will fight at the Ryuukyuu LAG to protect their world and each other.

One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy is a boy with big dreams. This daring rubber-man refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his quest to become king of all pirates. Like his hero Gold Roger, this is one captain who’ll never drop anchor until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth – the Legendary One Piece!

Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! LOVE!

The Battle Lovers are back! With things a bit calmer since the whole Zundar fiasco, the boys can get back to what’s important in life—like hanging around the bathhouse and lazing around! But when the Loveracelets start calling, they’ll have to jump back into the action. Will the arrival of two new students mean more allies or more chaos? Love is not over yet!

 Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars

In the country of Rimguard a mysterious event shook the country and its people just twelve years prior. As time passed, memory of the incident began to fade while peace reigned over the land. Sisters Yui and Rena live a quiet life in the Enastria Empire until a large mecha suddenly attacks their peaceful home, changing everything. The girls become caught in a vortex of destiny and godly revival. 

Speed Dating Event for Otakus in NYC (Otaku Speed Dating)

Have you ever been on a date and wished your date didn't have to ask, "what's manga?" After going on multiple dates, it became easy for me to tell if we had chemistry or not within the first few minutes. Good chemistry dates were great, but rare. I had to find excuses to leave many dates after multiple bouts of awkward silences or being mocked when I mentioned my favorite romantic anime fanfiction. Otaku Speed Dating organizes speed dating events specifically curated to otaku, gamers, and geeks looking for love in New York City. Here's a quick run-down of how it works: The event will take place July 8th. 

1.      Register online for one of our otaku speed dating events.

2.      Come to our venue and prepare to meet other otaku.

3.      We'll rotate you between your dates every 3 minutes.

4.      You'll write down which dates you want to match with.

5.      Mingle while enjoying snacks and refreshments until closing.

6.      If you matched with anyone, you'll be emailed their contact info.

Nightwing Rebirth # Preview

He’s been Robin, Batman, a spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson returns to Gotham City to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those he loves most, Nightwing faces being torn away from home once again in order to destroy the dark force once and for all. Powerhouse artist Yanick Paquette (BATMAN, SWAMP THING) joins series writer Tim Seeley (GRAYSON, BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL) to return Nightwing to the DC superhero stage!
On sale JULY 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Batman Rebirth, New Six Flags Joker Coaster, Gotham, and Green Arrow

In this week's DC All Access episodes, DCAA talks to Tom King, the co-writer of today's Batman: Rebirth. Tiffany Smith rides the brand new Joker coaster now open at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and talks to its President, John Fitzgerald. DCAA also sits down with the cast of Fox's Gotham about bringing Season 2 to a triumphant close and what lies ahead in the show's eagerly awaited third season. Lastly, Tiffany goes one-on-one with Green Arrow himself, Stephen Amell, who gives us the goods on what we can expect next season.

Batman: Rebirth Leads to Greatest Battle in Batman History
A bold new era for the Dark Knight begins! In this DC All Access comics clip, we're talking to Tom King, the co-writer of today's Batman: Rebirth, a special one-shot that sets the stage for Batman's exciting adventures to come. What do Gotham's two new vigilantes mean for the Dark Knight? What role will Duke Thomas play in the unfolding events? And is all this really building up to the greatest battle in Batman's history? One thing's for sure, you're not going to want to miss it!

Ride the New Six Flags Joker Coaster with Tiffany Smith!
What's it like entering the mind of a madman? Tiffany Smith finds out in this exclusive new DC All Access clip, as she rides the brand new Joker coaster now open at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and talks to its President, John Fitzgerald. Buckle up, it's going to be one crazy ride...

Mad Hatter Coming to Gotham Season 3?
If you thought life in Gotham was wild before, wait till you get a load of it in Season 3! In this exclusive DCTV clip, we talk to the cast of Fox's Gotham about bringing Season 2 to a triumphant close and what lies ahead in the show's eagerly awaited third season. In short, more super-villains, possibly including one who's absolutely...mad.

Stephen Amell Teases New Arrow Villain + R-rated Batman v Superman
Is Oliver Queen's past coming back to haunt him? In today's new episode of DC All Access, Tiffany goes one-on-one with Green Arrow himself, Stephen Amell, who gives us the goods on what we can expect next season. Plus, we look at some of this week's must-read new comics, discuss the new R-rated Ultimate Edition of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and give you a chance to score some amazing DCTV action figures!

Norman Reedus wants to play Ghost Rider

Hey O&G Fans, Norman Reedus wants to take his comic book acting back the big screen. While promoting his upcoming biker-themed roadtrip show Ride With Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead actor expressed an interest in playing a very on-theme Marvel hero - Ghost Rider.

“Hell yeah,” Reedus told Uproxx when they floated the idea of him taking the role of Ghost Rider. “It would be a blast. Do I get a skull face that’s on fire and all that stuff? F--- yeah. I’m down.”

Reedus has experience in adapting comic books beyond his role on The Walking Dead, having played Scud in Blade II. Meanwhile, Ghost Rider is back in control of Marvel studios after a pair of ill-fated films from Columbia Pictures starring Nicolas Cage in the title role.

What do you think? Is Norman Reedus a fit for the role of Ghost Rider?